Lüdenscheid is a city with a history as a centre of metalworking. Growing out of the mining of iron ore in the surrounding hills, the town grew its industries, becoming part of the Hanseatic League of trading states. The industries grew together and provide a centre of excellence in electrical and lighting manufacture, aluminium profile manufacture and toys.
Built around the crest of a hill, around which fortified walls ran, the small old town is a part of a modern bustling city, symbolic of the renaissance of Germany over the last half century. The structures and ownership model of German industry have been much admired in the UK, but the service given to industry both through the education system and the banking and investment community are what is really missing from the British search for quick, short term fixes. The communal attitudes and determination to rebuilding are what characterises both the community of Lüdenscheid and the individual companies that make the strength of German manufacturing.Schulte grew out of the inventiveness and creativity of Siegfried Schulte. An independent engineer Schulte patented a number of products, some of which, like the first stalk switch for automobiles, which combined everything from the blinkers to steering wheel lights he licensed to other manufacturers in Lüdenscheid. Many of the factory owners know each other and much of the materials, such as aluminium extrusions, needed in Schulte production processes come from local companies. This cooperative working reinforces the inventiveness and engineering skills across the community. The environment it fosters is supported through the company social engagement with the town too, unlike some British manufacturers who find themselves obstructed by their local communities antipathy to manufacturing.
Siegfried Schulte was awarded the Rudolf Diesel gold medal by Federal Council of Germany President Johannes Rau for the invention of the first self-regulating residual-current circuit breaker for decentralized use. Some of his over 300 patents form the basis of the production line in Schulte Elektrotechnik, including ‘dead man’ switches which leading manufacturers still build into millions of appliances today.
Enjoying views over the Adriatic Sea and just a stone’s throw from the medieval town of Rovinj, architects working on Croatia’s new Lone Hotel were intent on specifying the most luxurious, high quality fixtures and fittings throughout the five-star complex, which is why they turned to Geberit when it came to sourcing the most suitable piping and sanitary systems.With its sweeping rows of terraces, the Hotel Lone looks like a pleasure ship surrounded by the forest and offers 236 rooms and 12 suites, as well as three restaurants and large conference facilities with four conference rooms, meeting rooms and a VIP lounge.
Architects for this prestigious project, 3LHD, relied on Geberit Know-How for a great many elements of the hotel’s design. Geberit piping systems feature throughout the six-storey Design Hotel, with Geberit Mepla and Geberit HDPE piping providing the ideal solution in terms of sustainability, durability and ease of installation, whilst Geberit Silent-db20 piping was also specified to solve acoustic issues that are so common in hotel design. In terms of roof drainage, Geberit also provided the solution here too, with its innovation siphon-action Pluvia roof drainage system, which provides a reliable service over large areas.
The washrooms in the communal areas of the hotel, along with the bathrooms in each of the guest bedrooms also feature Geberit innovations. It goes without saying that the high-end, luxurious finish that wall-hung sanitaryware creates was the natural choice for the interior designers, and Geberit’s Duofix framing system made installation of this a simple task, while the company’s concealed cisterns, hidden discreetly behind the wall for a minimal finish, offer water-saving benefits to the hotel too. In the public areas where hygiene is paramount, Geberit’s electronic urinal flush controls and taps are fitted as standard.
Commenting on this latest high profile specification project for Geberit, Andy Lever, Commercial Sales Director, said: “It was important to the developers that reliable, high-quality products be used in the Design Hotel. That is why a wide range of Geberit products was used to satisfy the demand for high quality.”
Elevating the guest experience at one of the world’s most iconic resorts, Bellagio recently completed the remodel of all 928 rooms and suites in its Spa Tower.Additionally, the resort introduced three new Executive Parlor Suites designed with entertainment and technology in mind. The 2,500-square-foot suites each feature a billiards lounge and separate high-tech home theater living area inviting guests to host intimate, yet interactive events in a vibrant setting.
“The completion of the Spa Tower remodel marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Bellagio guest experience,” said Randy Morton, president and chief operating officer of Bellagio. “We continue to seek ways not only to create new experiences and fresh spaces, but also to maintain the superior Five Diamond service synonymous with Bellagio.”
Created by the talented MGM Resorts International Design Group, the new Spa Tower Resort Rooms are consistent with the three designs represented in Bellagio’s main tower. The Resort King Rooms feature an indigo and silver combination or a green tea and plum palette while the Resort Queen Rooms welcome guests with an amber and butterscotch motif.
In keeping with Bellagio’s commitment to sustainability, the newly remodeled Resort Rooms incorporate environmentally responsible elements, including energy-efficient lighting in corridors and guest rooms providing 60 percent greater efficiency; organic carpeting primarily made from wool and furniture made from eucalyptus, both renewable resources; a new double towel bar in the bathroom for increased ability to dry and reuse towels; and a 180 percent improvement in air circulation from the previous room.
In addition to 819 Resort King and Resort Queen guest rooms, the Spa Tower features a selection of more than 100 newly redesigned suites including a new class of 2,500-square-foot Executive Parlor Suites.
The Executive Parlor Suites provide a versatile space ideal for entertaining and socializing, while maintaining a sense of privacy and luxury. This suite features an open plan spotlighted by a billiards table with a dedicated media lounge adjacent to the main room. Certain to keep guests entertained, these suites offer a range of entertainment options including an Xbox® and Blu-ray Disc™ player and a one-touch Creston® remote system to seamlessly control all technology.
The $40 million Spa Tower remodel began in August 2012. This marks the conclusion of the hotel’s redesign of all 3,387 Resort Rooms which also included the recent $70 million Bellagio Tower remodel.
Kesterport are delighted to present the Oasis range which has recently been used extensively throughout the new Hilton Conrad Quinta de Lago. Oasis is one of 11 exclusive contemporary outdoor collections showcasing innovative weave designs and covering any requirements you may have for dining chairs, tables and bar stools through to loungers, sun shelters, partitions or planters.
Fabricated with an internal aluminium frame which is then powder coated to match the weave colour for added durability, the hand woven synthetic polyurethane rattan is available in 30 different colours with loose cushions available in either Sunproof (16 colours) or Sunbrella (10 colours).
Please refer to the ‘Luxury Woven’ segment of our ‘Outdoors’ section for downloadable technical details and dimensions or contact the sales office for more information.
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Jamuna Builders Limited to operate the 700-room JW Marriott Hotel Dhaka. Jamuna Builders Limited is a real estate sister concern of the Jamuna Group – Bangladesh’s largest diversified conglomerate. JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts is Marriott International’s luxury brand that consists of 59 exceptional properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW Marriott Hotel Dhaka will be part of a mixed-use development that will also include retail and office components, and construction of the hotel is already under way. Speaking at the signing in Dhaka Simon Cooper, Marriott International’s president and managing director Asia Pacific, said: “We are delighted to be working with Jamuna Builders Limited to open this wonderful JW Marriott hotel in Dhaka. Bangladesh has a thriving economy and the country’s GDP has been growing at approximately 6 percent a year for the past five years. We absolutely believe that now is the right time to bring our luxury JW Marriott brand to Bangladesh and in Jamuna Builders Limited we have an owner with a great vision and drive to make this a truly stunning hotel in a great location.”
The JW Marriott Dhaka will be located in an emerging location in the middle of the city and will feature three restaurants, two bars, a spa with eight treatment rooms, and 2,280 square meters of meeting space. The hotel is expected to be a prime destination for luxury dining and will become the social centre in Dhaka, offering unforgettable travel experiences with the intuitive service, thoughtful amenities and refined design that have become synonymous with the JW Marriott brand worldwide.
Mr. Md. Nurul Islam, Jamuna Group’s Chairman, said: “Considering the huge growth of international business transactions in Bangladesh, especially in Dhaka Mega City and the present economic growth, the number of existing international hotels is not enough to meet the demand.
“The existing service facilities and amenities in hotel and tourism industry cannot completely meet the total demand of business travellers and tourists. We feel that to meet the growing demand of this service industry, we should contribute and we have started developing the largest five-star hotel in Bangladesh – the JW Marriott hotel, in conjunction with Marriott International.”
Mr. Md. Nurul Islam expressed his thanks to Mr. Simon Cooper, the president and managing director of Marriott International, Asia Pacific to approve his project as the JW Marriott Dhaka. He continued: “With its proposed 700 rooms, this hotel will be one of the largest JW Marriott hotels in Asia and will be a landmark of architectural beauty. The site is very close to the international airport and other important areas and institutions in Dhaka.”
A large number of international retail, garment, energy and telecommunications companies, including WalMart, JC Penney, Marks & Spencer, Halliburton, CK, BP, Shell, Exxon Mobil, Motorola, Ericsson and Siemens have offices in Dhaka and are contributing to Bangladesh’s fast growing and diverse economy. Dhaka is well connected to India, the Middle East and South East Asia and more than 30 international airlines fly into Dhaka which has seen passenger traffic grow from approximately 3.2 million in 2005 to 6 million passengers in 2012.
Simon Cooper continued: “With the existing hotel market currently underserved in Dhaka and with the future growth in the infrastructure sector, the demand for quality hotel accommodation in the city is growing strongly. This will be Marriott International’s second hotel in the city as we already have a Courtyard hotel under construction which we expect will open next year.”
Blackburn-based designers, Bibi Interior Architecture, have recently completed a commission for the Whitehall Hotel in Darwen, which required a design specialist to plan and oversee the redevelopment of its principal function room. Built as a manor house in the late 19th Century, the sandstone-fronted Whitehall Hotel is a popular venue for weddings, business meetings and conferences. The function room itself is a relatively recent extension so, whilst the owners Neil and Tracy Bullows wanted it to remain broadly sympathetic to the hotel’s elegant and traditional aesthetics, they were also keen to introduce a strong new element of modernity.
Following a detailed study of the hall and further discussions about the client’s requirements, the team of designers proposed improving the use of space by removing a number of columns and transforming the layout and décor through a combination of both traditional and contemporary materials.
Having explored its 3D visualisations with the hotel owners and duly received instructions to proceed, the team then began managing the refit. This entailed installing a bespoke new bar, replacing the ceiling and floor, and fitting custom manufactured doors throughout. The designers had the doors made to its own specification and also designed the bar, which featured a Corian worktop and textured side panels.
Creative, remotely controllable coloured lighting was also a key element of the scheme. The controls enable different zones to be emphasised and differentiated, whilst strip lights wash the voiles with accents of colour, lending interest and variety to the wall surfaces.
The newly refurbished function room re-opened in February 2013.
“We had a very tight schedule for creating the function room’s design,” said Junaid Khan, managing director of Bibi Interiors. “We had a short space of time to get it approved before our contractors went to work, so we designed and modelled the whole space using 3D software. This enabled the client to approve the materials, design and colours with the minimum of delay. Doing the 3D work in-house gave us the ability to change and develop things very quickly, which is important in the commercial environment.”
Speaking on behalf of the Whitehall Hotel, owner Neil Bullows said: “We were conscious that it was a demanding brief because we wanted to inject some strong, modern themes but they had to be compatible with our established values of quality, taste and tradition. In the event, I think Bibi Interiors did a first rate job, blending our various requirements to perfection and coming up with some design solutions that we’d genuinely never even considered.”
Mori Trust Group and Marriott International Inc. has recently announced an agreement for the US hospitality company to convert the Gotenyama Garden Hotel Laforet Tokyo (Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo) to its flagship Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand. Currently managed by Mori Trust and operated by Mori Trust Hotels & Resorts, the Gotenyama Garden Hotel Laforet Tokyo will be rebranded as the Tokyo Marriott Hotel and is expected to reopen in December 2013.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Tokyo, John Marriott, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Marriott International, Inc., said, “We are delighted to be working with Mori Trust here in Japan to open this wonderful hotel as a Marriott Hotels & Resorts property later this year. At its heart, Marriott International is very much a family company with strong cultural values. We believe that these values for people and business are shared with Mori Trust, and we look forward to a very long relationship with them in Japan. I would like to thank the executives of Mori Trust for choosing Marriott International, and I am delighted to be here today to announce this landmark deal between our two organisations.”
Marriott Hotels & Resorts is one of Marriott International’s 18 brands of hotels – as well as being its flagship brand — comprises more than 500 properties in 60 countries and territories around the world. With this alliance, the Marriott Tokyo Hotel will be the fourth Marriott-brand hotel in Japan in addition to its properties in Okinawa, Nagoya and, in 2014, Osaka.
Marriott has been ‘re-imagining’ the guest experience, transforming lobbies and public spaces by designing them for a new generation of business travellers who blend work and play, demand style and substance and desire high-tech and high-touch. Marriott is introducing new concepts designed for the way younger travellers work today.
Miwako Date, Mori Trust Hotels & Resorts President, said, “We are delighted to build a strong relationship with Marriott International with its leading global network. Through this agreement, we aim to further internationalise Tokyo in the Shinagawa area. Taking advantage of its strategic location of Gotenyama, Trust Hotels & Resorts will work toward creating the new Tokyo Marriott Hotel that will be loved by people around the world.”
The rebranding of Gotenyama Garden Hotel Laforet Tokyo will utilise Marriott’s globally recognised brand. The hotel will be converted into a sophisticated space featuring an atmosphere of the upscale and historical Shinagawa-Gotenyama area, with a focus on key elements including tailoring, sophistication and comfort. With the concept of sophisticated customised design, almost all facilities will be renovated to reopen as a modern and elegant hotel in December 2013.
The open atrium (approximately 20m high and 600㎡) contains a restaurant and lounge, as well as a bar and terrace overlooking the beautiful Gotenyama Garden.
Rooms with an average size of 38㎡ are large enough to meet international standards. The main colour of the interior uses a palette of pale rose in memory of the time when Gotenyama was known for its magnificent cherry blossoms. Tokyo Marriott Hotel will also offer unique wedding opportunities, adding a newly-built waterfront chapel that faces the lush greenery of the Gotenyama garden, making it ideal as a romantic sanctuary.
Hilton Worldwide has recently announced the signing of three franchise agreements for its rapidly expanding DoubleTree by Hilton brand in three more UK cities. Having opened 11 hotels in the UK in the last two years, the brand has reached agreement on additional sites in Bristol, Edinburgh and Nottingham.This announcement begins a landmark year for DoubleTree by Hilton, which will see it open five new hotels in 2013, reaching a total of 25 hotels in operation across the UK. This marks a spectacular rise to prominence for the brand, having made its UK debut as recently as 2008 with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Cambridge.
Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said, “Since launching DoubleTree by Hilton in the UK, the brand has built overwhelming momentum, particularly as a conversion proposition for existing properties. Beginning the year with the signing of these three outstanding hotels is testament to our aspirations to continue in the same vein throughout 2013.”
DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre will become the brand’s first hotel in the Scottish capital, which saw the luxury Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria hotel complete its £24m restoration last year. In a franchise agreement with West Register Hotels, the former Point Hotel will convert to the DoubleTree by Hilton brand this summer following a period of significant investment and refurbishment, operated by BDL Management.
The 139 guestroom property is located in the city’s historic old town, within easy walking distance of the famous tourist attractions and shopping hotspots of the Royal Mile and Princes Street. With a brasserie style restaurant, stylish bar and top floor penthouse offering spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle, the upcoming renovation is set to establish the hotel as a sought after destination venue within one of Europe’s strongest performing markets for hotels.[1]
DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre is expected to open this spring under a franchise agreement with Focus Hotels Management Limited. Positioned just a quarter of a mile from Bristol Temple Meads rail station and a short drive from the M32, M4 and M5, its central location provides outstanding ease of access for visitors to the city.
After a multi-million pound renovation the former Jarvis hotel will join the DoubleTree by Hilton brand complete with 201 guestrooms over six storeys. Its range of facilities includes a health club complete with sauna, the Arts bar and Kiln restaurant, housed in an 18th century glass kiln style building. The conversion will see these features benefit from an upgrade prior to reopening its doors this spring.
DoubleTree by Hilton Nottingham Gateway, located on the A610 which links Nottingham to the M1, is ideally positioned to appeal to both business and leisure guests en route to the East Midlands city. Under its former guise of The Nottingham Gateway Hotel the site is already an established meetings and events venue. Guests can enjoy its accessible location and facilities which include 582 sqm of events space and parking capacity of 250.
The franchise agreement signed with Exceptional Hotels & Resorts Ltd will see a comprehensive upgrade of the hotel’s 106 guestrooms, meeting rooms, public areas and leisure facilities – including the addition of a new swimming pool. The refurbishment will fully position the hotel within the upscale segment ahead of its expected relaunch in late 2013.
John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “This announcement is a great start to what is set to be a landmark year for DoubleTree by Hilton in the UK. Following an outstanding year for British tourism in 2012, we are delighted to be at the forefront of expanding our brand in this market with new properties in three key cities, including our debuts in Nottingham and Edinburgh.”
Big spaces are sometimes hard to light and probably harder still to fill with decorative lighting in the correct proportions. Often large atriums are filled with nothing more than a decorative sculpture, poorly lit, or a swarm of smaller lights to fill the space rather than something more befitting of the actual space. Florinda light shades from design-conscious are available as Pendant and Ceiling fit models, the range starts with a single shade and a triple shade, and then getting larger with 2 sizes that have a central light source surrounded by a halo of shades reminiscent of a daisy with the petals of the flower around the central disc, hence the name.
The Florinda 6 measures almost 1 metre diameter and the largest Florinda 12 measures a whopping 1.5 metres diameter yet still manages to look elegant and sophisticated with her hand finished Plisse fabric shade which is available in a choice of colours that encompass classic and fashionable tones from a simple white and cream to, rich red & bold purple through to more tradition heritage colours of tobacco brown.
Florinda is part of our extensive collection of light shades, which offers a wide choice of styles, sizes and colours that will be sure to have something to fit almost any space and requirement.
Offering continuity of the materials across the range, from big feature lights to small table lights and wall lights, all models can be mix and matched, meaning you can complete a full scheme harmoniously by mixing shapes, sizes and fabrics of the shades making perfect finishing decorative elements to your interior design schemes whilst also choosing appropriate light sources.
So, if you have a big space that needs our big lights, take a look at our PDF Brochure or drop us a little line to find out more.
Toscana Resort Castelfalfi is delighted to announce the opening of its inaugural hotel, La Tabaccaia. Marking a significant step forward in the renovation of the 800 year-old estate in the heart of Tuscany, the boutique, 3-star property is the first of a trio of hotels planned for the development and will officially welcome guests from March 18th. In celebration of this launch, La Tabaccaia is also offering guests a tempting travel package to coincide with the prestigious Mille Miglia classic car race, which winds through Tuscany this May. The architecture and design of the hotel encompasses the ethos of the development as a whole as it is located in one of the village’s existing buildings, the historic features of which have been preserved and rejuvenated. Each of the 31 charming rooms is traditionally Tuscan in style, boasting restored beams and tiled ceilings dating back to the building’s time as a tobacco factory. The chic furnishings meanwhile, are a modern reflection of the building’s rich past and promise comfort as well as an attractive décor.
The developers behind Castelfalfi are thrilled to see La Tabaccaia open its doors to the public on March 18th, as CEO Stefan Neuhaus emphasises: ‘our first guests signify life returning to this precious destination.’
Hotel guests will already have on their doorstep a variety of leisure pursuits to enjoy. The two impressive nine and 18-hole courses at the Castelfalfi Golf Club are counted as some of the best facilities in the region, whilst sumptuous Tuscan dining is on offer at the estate’s first trattoria, Il Rosmarino. Further progress is being made on the expansive outdoor swimming area and adjoining sauna and gym, scheduled for completion in late summer 2013.
Complementing the existing lifestyle offering at the picturesque estate, La Tabaccaia will be joined in 2014 by a luxury Spa and Wellness Hotel, the plans for which are well underway. The 41 apartments in the central borgo meanwhile, will be ready for residents to move into this summer alongside a Residents Delicatessen, offering a slice of the quintessential Italian lifestyle.
This International Women’s Day, Women 1st has announced that is has now supported over 1,000 women through training and mentoring, helping them to achieve their career aspirations in the UK’s hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism industries. This remarkable landmark was achieved thanks to Thistle Hotels’decision to train a new batch of female managers through Women 1st’s Step Up programme. The Step Up programme is designed to transform women’s management and leadership skills by giving aspiring leaders the expertise, confidence and skills needed to become the chief executives and board members of tomorrow. Women 1st also offers a mentoring programme which matches candidates to senior industry figures so that junior female staff can benefit from expert advice and guidance to progress their careers.
Women 1st is the thought leadership, training and mentoring programme for the UK’s hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism industries. It was established by sector skills council People 1st in 2009, after its research revealed that whilst nearly 60 percent of the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism workforce is female, only six percent of director level positions are held by women. Thistle Hotels is amongst a growing number of employers championing diversity and working with Women 1st and taking proactive steps to address gender imbalance across the industry.
Joanna Morgan, service and leadership development manager, Guoman & Thistle Hotels said: “Women 1st is a trailblazer in our industry. We have been developing our female managers through the Step Up programme for some time and are delighted with the results. Women 1st has played a pivotal role in helping our business support people development and it’s great that so many women are on the way to achieving their career aspirations with Thistle.”
Sharon Glancy, founder of Women 1st said: “We have noticed an increase in the number of organisations taking heed of the fact that having more women in board level positions positively impacts financial performance. With women making the majority of purchasing decisions,having more female input on leadership teams can help businesses develop a unique understanding of their largest customer base. It is vital that businesses provide their female staff with effective training, mentoring and networking opportunities to build a talent pipeline of future women leaders.”
Natalie Bickford, HR director Europe for Sodexo and chair of Women 1st, added: “This is a fantastic landmark for Women 1st. Research shows time and time again that gender-balanced teams deliver better results, and the hospitality and tourism industry has a tremendous amount to gain from increasing the number of women working at senior level. Women 1st has a critical role to play in making this happen, and the fact that it has now helped over 1,000 women on their journey to the top is a huge step in the right direction.”
Menzies Hotels, one of the UK’s premier independent hotel groups has unveiled the latest projects from its extensive £7 million redevelopment programme at Menzies Birmingham City Strathallan and the Menzies Woburn Flitwick Manor in Bedfordshire.Conveniently located just a short distance from Birmingham city centre on Hagley Road, the four star Menzies Hotel Birmingham City Strathallan has benefitted from an extensive refurbishment of its ground floor. This has created a spacious lounge and bar area and light and airy brasserie restaurant.
The two main meeting and conference rooms have also undergone a revamp, with both now including dedicated break-out rooms and each meeting room is equipped with state of the art AV equipment, ceiling mounted projectors, large LCD screens and free Wi-Fi. The hotel offers free onsite parking to all guests and delegates.
The impressive Georgian Flitwick Manor which is set in four acres of wooded parkland has been sympathetically restored, with each of its 18 individually designed bedrooms having undergone a revamp along with its three function room. The hotel offers an award winning AA rosette restaurant and is located just 10 minutes from Junction 12 of the M1 and five minutes from Flitwick railway station, offering a direct 35 minute journey into the heart of London.
Speaking on the latest refurbishments, Niall Geoghegan, Chairman Menzies Hotels commented; “Menzies Hotels is dedicated to continued improvements across all of its properties as part of this intensive redevelopment strategy and we’re very much looking forward to guests experiencing the new look.”
All 379 guestrooms of the Marriott Hotel in Berlin have been undergoing a complete refurbishment at the beginning of 2013. According to the concept of the interior designer, Claudio Carbone from Switzerland, only high quality materials and fabrics have been used to provide a classic design of timeless elegance.
All rooms have been equipped with LED luminaires produced by Baulmann Leuchten.
Planning Permission has just been granted by the London Borough of Hillingdon for the redevelopment of the Summit Centre, a 1980’s warehouse complex in the Bath Road to the north of Heathrow Airport.The proposed development comprises of a 3/4 Star, 301 bed hotel and 8,500m2 of BREEAM Excellent rated industrial space. The quality of the proposals was key throughout the planning process, particularly in allowing part of the site to be used for hotel use and to re-assure the local residents about the scale of the proposal next to Green Belt land.
Client: PRUPIM Masterplanner & Hotel Architect: EPR Architects Industrial Architect: RPS Landscape Architect: View Point Associates Planning Consultant: CBRE
Eye-catching bespoke carpet tiles created by Wilton Carpets Commercial now grace the floors of the Hollywood Bowl in Finchley, North London. Inspired by the famous Walk of Fame star-embedded sidewalk in the Los Angeles district the bowling alley takes its name from, these stunning tiles include an eye-catching fluorescent yarn for a unique look.Featuring five-point stars in dappled pink with the alley’s name woven in each one, upon a midnight black mottled background, the carpet tile design replicates the terrazzo and brass materials that the real-life Hollywood Walk of Fame is crafted from. With luminescent yarn highlights that give a soft glow under light, the carpet tiles deliver a striking look for the bowling venue and complement the fifties American-style furniture and retro juke boxes in the entertainment area.
Created in a durable 80% wool, 20% nylon woven axminster construction, the carpet tiles provide the necessary resilience to cope with heavy footfall in public areas as well as offering great levels of underfoot comfort. Easy to clean and maintain too, the tiles will retain their colourful appearance even after rigorous cleaning, and make a sensible decision for busy entertainment locations that may require spot replacement, while still upholding a broadloom aesthetic.
“We are very happy with the finished carpet tiles from Wilton Carpets Commercial, and are especially impressed with the luminous yarn as its shimmering effect creates a real ambience in our venue, day or night,” comments Tom Bardell, assistant manager, Hollywood Bowl. “The tiles have proved to be hardwearing so far, which is important as we experience a high turnover of visitors on a daily basis. The dark colouring is also ideal for camouflaging any spills or stains waiting to be cleaned.”
As Alan Whittle, UK sales director, Wilton Carpets Commercial, explains, this project was completed quickly to the highest possible specification:
“We worked closely with the design team at Hollywood Bowl to produce the carpet tiles quickly for a tight turn-around. Our capability to createaxminster carpet tiles to a high quality finish within the client’s time-frame made us the ideal partner for this project, and the range of yarn colours used in the final tiles, including the fluorescent option, showcases the depth of our design flexibility.”
For further information contact Wilton Carpets Commercial on 01722 746000 or sales@wiltoncarpets.com
UK manufacturers of electrical accessories, Focus SB, are moving into new waters by bringing out a Home Automated Lighting system that, colloquially, has become known as HAL. Intelligent lighting, creative lighting solutions, smart home technology are all current terms being thrown around the market place to describe an integrated lighting, audio and visual control system and now, there is HAL by Focus SB.
Ross Thornhill, a Focus SB HAL product manager said: ‘Clients have come to us looking for a sophisticated means of controlling a lighting system that has pre-set scenes but they do not necessarily want to see complex control options.’
The Home Automated Lighting enables for lighting scenes to be set in a room to create a particular atmosphere. The lighting can also be programmed alongside the music and any visual capabilities a room has also.
One of the properties of this system is that it can also be wired to any electronic blinds or curtains and controlled from a remote control or mobile phone with GPS so, when someone returns homes the gates and curtains will open up in welcome.
Time For the Tech
On installations so far, the HAL 4 600 DS control panel has typically been mounted adjacent to the buildings electrical distribution board.
It has been suitable for controlling low and mains voltage filament lamps and compatible, dimmable, mains voltage led lamps. The HAL panel is networked to the wall mounted control plates with a CAT5/6 data cable.
Focus SB HAL wall mounted control plates can contain OLED display units that have an internal library of icons that can relate to the selected/ programmed scene. The scenes can be programmed for a room use, for example, ambience for entertaining.
At the Berlin International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF), Marriott International announced the debut of MOXY HOTELS, its first entry into the economy tier, three-star hospitality segment in Europe. Designed to capture the rapidly emerging millennial traveller, the new brand combines contemporary stylish design, approachable service and, most importantly, an affordable price. The brand will debut in Italy, with the first MOXY HOTEL expected to open in Milan in early 2014.
To grow the brand rapidly, Marriott is working closely with Inter Hospitality, the real-estate affiliate of Inter IKEA, who will be the initial developer and owner of the first MOXY HOTELS properties. Marriott has selected Nordic Hospitality to be its first franchisee to operate the brand. Nordic Hospitality is an experienced hotel operator that currently manages several Marriott brand hotels in Scandinavia.
“MOXY HOTELS is the essence of the next generation traveller, not only Gen X and Y but people with a younger sensibility, for whom contemporary style is paramount,” said Arne Sorenson, President and CEO of Marriott International. “Every aspect of the hotel was thoughtfully researched and crafted to reflect and deliver on the changing lifestyles and expectations of this fast-growing customer segment. We believe Marriott will lead the way in redefining the traditional economy hotel experience throughout Europe. We are thrilled to be able to launch the brand with Inter Hospitality as an owner and Nordic as our franchisee. With a dedicated real estate partner and an experienced operator, we expect a fast start and the exceptional customer service that is associated with all of Marriott’s brands.”
Marriott plans to add 150 franchised MOXY HOTELS in Europe over the next 10 years, aiming for locations in Germany, Austria, United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, Italy, The Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The new brand will fuel Marriott’s companywide growth in the region, which is expected to reach 80,000 rooms by 2015. Amy McPherson, president and managing director of Marriott International in Europe, added, “We see a huge opportunity to expand our market share in Europe with MOXY HOTELS. The economy tier in Europe represents nearly half of total room supply, yet only 20 percent of these hotels are branded. MOXYHOTELS will be a great addition to our portfolio of brands in Europe.”
Peter Andrews, managing director of Inter Hospitality, commented, “The agreement with Marriott and Nordic Hospitality gives us a great opportunity to use our development expertise to build a high-quality hotel property investment portfolio. Our initial focus is on acquiring sites for the new brand in Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium and Austria. Over the next 5 years we aim to secure at least 50 sites for development.”
MOXY HOTELS has been in development for nearly two years. Marriott, together with Nordic Hospitality, has conducted extensive consumer research across Europe including construction of sample rooms for focus group studies.
According to Ramesh Jackson, brand vice president of MOXYHOTELS, “No design element was too small to test with these tech-savvy consumers. We learned that these confident explorers are wildly self-sufficient, but still want a chance to connect with each other in inviting social spaces in person or digitally. Based on the concept test results we believe MOXYHOTELS will revolutionize the industry.”
Harald Jacobsen, President and CEO of Nordic Hospitality, stated: “We are proud to be part of the development of this brand and to be the preferred operating partner for MOXYHOTELS. We believe strongly in the competitiveness of the concept and we are convinced that our partnership with both Marriott and Inter Hospitality will result in a rapid development for MOXY HOTELS.”
The contemporary and stylish 150- to 300-room MOXYHOTELS, which are being designed with the goal of attaining LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, will cater to today’s budget-minded, savvy travellers who thrive on self-service and embrace new technology. Guestrooms will be functional and well-designed, with upscale bath amenities, large flat screen televisions and built-in USB ports located within each wall socket. The colour palette features calming neutral tones reminiscent of rich brown leather, combined with natural materials to evoke an organic, comfortable and restorative feel. Each room will also feature a floor to ceiling signature “art wall” that is hand selected to reflect the local city or surroundings.
MOXY HOTELS will feature adaptable public spaces for guests to relax and socialize offering healthy continental breakfast and an evening bar featuring wines by the glass and local brews. In addition, hotels will have two “Plug and Meet” meeting spaces on the lobby level designed with modern ergonomic seating, large writing walls and 56-inch televisions for presentation projection. The lobby will boast state-of-the art computers and 24/7 market featuring snacks and drinks.
Guests will enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and may opt to check in using their mobile devices.
A few years ago I was in Washington to Review a couple of hotels. Staying in a Staybridge Suites I was collared by the manager for advice on how to give some personality to the building. Frustrated by a build system where the hotel was built from plans onto a plot similar to previous buildings, no designer involved just the developer, they were concerned at how the interiors lacked style. In the US where brands are 80% of the market and generally land is available, cloning previous designs is straightforward – but each time a clone is created it becomes less individual, drifts further away from the original vision, which becomes diluted. In the UK, as Ampersand shows, the situation is quite different.
Over here new builds are the exception rather than the rule and the skill of the hotel interior designer is a sine qua non in developing hotels that work in buildings that may be hundreds of years old. Here the brands represent a minority of the operators. Individual owner/operators drive the market competitively, creating hotels that become benchmarks in styling, forcing brands to compete.
This is especially true in the boutique market, where Starwood spawns ‘W’ out of Westin, Accor gives birth to the M Gallery and IHG tries to create its own boutique brands through Indigo to take a share of the market for more individual hotel experiences.It may be argued that the brand giants are, in themselves, inimical to innovative design. Corporate decision making can be defensive whilst owners of hotels such as Ampersand or My Hotel, Magdalen Chapter or Cliff House Hotel are driven to compete with design as they otherwise lack the marketing muscle of a Hilton or other large brand.
With over 80% of bookings now being made via the web this may be changing, but certainly creating an attractive hotel in an old building such as the Victorian structure that houses Ampersand poses particular problems for architects and designers, whilst filling them remains a problem for the owners.
Mr Hilton argues the key to success was ‘location, location, location’ and for Ampersand its position within view of London’s national museums in South Kensington is key to unlocking this particular door. The spires of the Natural History Museum are clearly visible from the hotel and the V&A, Science Museum and other attractions in the aptly named Museum Road are a gentle five minute stroll away.
Next door to the heavily oversubscribed French lycée it is not surprising that the hotel also makes every effort to capture lunchtime trade and afternoon teas with well designed and carefully defined food offerings too. If the brief for each area was clear then the styling created by the designers has made the definition the owner desired. However to this observer it leads to some disconnect between styles in different part of the hotel, although that may just be my taste kicking in. Certainly the design works in each area, and if the intention was to create a slight shock of surprise on moving from space to space then the designers have achieved their aim. The contrast between the cool international sophistication of the lobby and the very English decorative quality of the lounge is marked.
The decorative wallpapers are echoed in the paintings although the result might have a more ironic twist if the paintings had just been of wallpaper, without the surrealist pastiche of glasses full of giraffe. The result is visually busy, and fits with the array of cakes available , their icing decorations matching the decorative treatments of the walls and carpets. The surreal bent is continued through a birdcage (echoing Magritte) perched on a waiter station, all slightly at odds with the Peter Philips influenced bird painting that is a glorious feature of reception. Whilst I may balk slightly at the art it is well chosen and the imagery works as a tongue in cheek supplement to the decor. So often the art in an hotel fails to add to the interiors, but here, as in the ‘M’ Gallery with which the tea room seems to share a common aesthetic, the art adds to the overall decorative effect.
The space at the foot of the stairs is utilised for public internet access computers, with a stylish seating area in the centre and an endstop of a large 3D mural maintaining a visually interesting area as a set piece. As well as acting as the lift lobby and internet space the area also leads into the bar restaurant, which itself has a separate entrance from the street. The decoration is carried through the staircase with a similar chandelier concept to that we showed in our review of the Kempinski Dukes Palace in Bruges. Here the lamps appear to fly off the central pillar like frightened birds, or bugs of some kind. It is a visually delightful device that successfully links the floors. Fire doors are not apparent but secure the bedroom corridors off this space, whilst at the lower ground floor the staircase leads into the further public areas of the restaurant, private dining and meeting rooms.
Bar and restaurant are successful in capturing bistro atmosphere as well as styling and the separate street entrance is enabling that difficult trick that fails to be achieve by most hotel restaurants, that of attracting a clientele in addition to the hotel guest. However with over a hundred bedrooms the space is too small to cater for all guests, but as it is in the heart of an area well served by restaurants that is not a problem and the tea room above is used to cope with the breakfast rush.
Styling here again contrasts with the lobby and tea room, the white painted exposed brick creating a Parisian feel. Large upholstered bar stool caters to the ‘Friday night millionaires’, just as likely in South Ken to be the genuine article of course. Tables are well spaced and the cellar (which this no doubt originally was) lends itself to small private dining areas, and the sense of privacy is enhanced by the brick vaulting. The areas of the cellars are split, each receiving its own unique design treatment. The timber lined private dining area or boardroom is finished in floor to ceiling joinery, including refrigerated wine cabinets and glasses showcase. The joinery is of a high standard and as throughout the hotel the quality of the detailing speaks volumes for a design and build team that has really known what it is doing. This is one of the most beautifully finished interiors I have seen in a long time.
Beyond the ‘boardroom’ is a library and beyond that a larger space set up as a meeting area.The beautifully detailed joinery is painted, with the colour being picked up in the carpet. The carpet also mimics the colouring of the timber edge to the flooring , itself a device the designer has used to link these dissimilar areas successfully. All the spaces are bright and well lit not just with inventive lighting installation but with the benefit of plenty of natural light from the front despite them being basement areas.
The overall result is harmonious and despite my reservations about the variation of design between the different areas, the result overall hangs together well, with the differentiation providing a series of enjoyable and different interiors as the guest moves through the hotel. Whilst the design of the public areas manages to create the feel of modern contemporary open spaces, it is in the corridors that the Victorian hotel origins of the building become most apparent. However the design treatment of them carries the same felicitous touches as the public areas.
Pattern and images are used powerfully with subtlety throughout the interiors, from the etched glass screens in the entrance lobby, the ‘birds’ of the chandelier to the digitally imaged pigeons on the wallpapers. Colour, carried through from the basement, is used to break up the corridor visually preventing the tunnel effect that is so apparent in many hotels. Lighting is almost traditional in the corridors but the large motifs, taking advantage of modern printing techniques, are also used with some subtlety to create interest. In using similar motifs to the bedrooms the designers have carried a design unity through the bedrooms from the corridors.
Corridors are carpeted and retain the skirtings and dado of the original styling. Carpet pattern again harmonises with the wallpaper design, simplicity and sophistication going together. With the end of minimalism I worried that many designers would shout with colour, but here the designer shows a cool sophisticated handling of colour and pattern that marks them out from the herd, whilst at the same time there is a sense of place, almost a sense of drama, about the treatment of the interiors.
The sense of drama continues through the bedrooms and bathrooms, along with an indulgent comfort. The usual use of high quality linens contributes but it is the thoughtfulness of the design, the attention to detail that stand out here. Small details like the buttoning on the upholsteries have been thought through as a part of the scheme with button colours picking up colours in the cushion fabrics. It may seem a small insignificant detail but it is one that contributes to the overall feeling of quality that has been created. Similarly the placing of sockets above the bedside table enables phone or tablets to be plugged in by the bedhead for use whilst in bed.
Similarly in the bathrooms small details add to the overall effect of luxury, and in the suites the addition of the water proof televisions enhances the sybaritic bath experience. We all know the devil is always in the detail but here the interior designers is a shining example to others in the profession of how things should be done.
In Ampersand London gains another excellent new hotel, continuing openings which, like that of the Arch continues the London tradition of bespoke boutiques that are stylish, well designed and offer a very attractive alternative to the brands. With good food and good service complimenting good design this will become a stalwart (and no doubt profitable) part of the London scene.
continues its mission to keeping hotel guests connected with the launch of their new MediaHub SL Desktop connectivity panel. This new option makes installing in-room device-friendly TV connectivity effortless and budget concerns non-existent. It is plug & play right out of the box. And, with a price tag starting at just under £56GBP ($87USD), hoteliers now have an affordable option for improved guestroom connectivity with little or no renovation requirements. (Prices correct as of 20/02/13)Hotel guests can use MediaHub SL to experience their music, videos, photos and other multi-media content from their personal multimedia device through the hotel room’s flat screen HDTV. Neil Betterton, vice president of product development for says, “what is great about MediaHub SL is the fact that it has all the audio/video connections a guest would need for watching their Netflix movies, listening to their iTunes playlists or enjoying other content from their mobile device on the in-room TV, including high definition video from their iPad® or other tablet. The MediaHub SL also provides a high-current USB power for charging.”
As digital content continues to move into the cloud, that familiar content is now on-demand wherever you go. According to Betterton, “more and more people of all ages are accessing content in completely new ways – from Netflix, Hulu, and Pandora on their gaming consoles and Bluray players and from their mobile devices when away from home. Watching on a mobile makes sense on an airplane, but when they get to the hotel they want connect into the TV and get back to that at-home type of experience.”
The hotel guest is getting savvier as technology advances every day. Smart hoteliers are responding with simple device-friendly connectivity that protects against guests tampering with the back of the TV or other technology installed in the room. Betterton explains, “Hospitality will see usage of this connectivity continue to grow as more and more hoteliers recognize the need for this type of amenity in their guestrooms. Right now their guests are sticking their arms behind in-room TVs to connect their multimedia devices. Connectivity panels are a necessary amenity, and we have made it affordable and painless for hoteliers to add it to their guestrooms.”
MediaHub SL Desktop is packaged complete with cabling attached and encased for improved back-end aesthetics with uncomplicated cable running to the TV. A shorter one-meter, or three-foot, cable length option leaves the perfect amount of slack for placing the panel just beside the TV in a clean, clutter-free installation – this means no renovation, no cutouts, no assembly, and no conduit cable running is required. Simply connect the cables, set it down and guests are ready to use it. Additional mounting plates are available for added security.
“We also managed to engineer MediaHub SL to be compatible with literally any hospitality TV on the market, new or old,” says Betterton. MediaHub SL Desktop features range from passive mode to integrated auto-switching with the TV or set top box. MediaHub SL can be turned on by using the guest remote control, through prompts in the VOD channel roster or by using an auto-switching feature that utilizes the TV’s serial port and automatically switches the input when the guest plugs in.
We have thought of everything with this panel range,” says Betterton. “Better compatibility, universal device connectivity, slim and attractive design, ease of installation… all at an affordable price. I’m exciting to see the opportunities is now offering hoteliers and their guests at all star-level properties for advanced device-friendly TV connectivity.”
For more information on MediaHub SL range and their other connectivity devices for the hospitality industry, please visit
The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) road show arrived in Amman on Sunday 10 February to conduct an educational seminar at a time when Royal impetus is driving Jordan’s ambitious tourism development plans.The Hashemite Kingdom is ploughing ahead with its 25-year master plan for sector development and government figures report a 15.3% increase in 2012 tourism receipts on 2011 figures, adding US$3.47 billion to the economy.
According to Jordan’s Central Bank, the increase in tourist revenues was due to the pick-up of inbound tourism numbers, with an increase in visitors noted from Iraq, Libya and the US in particular.
Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels’ EMEA Q3 2012 Quarterly Newsletter reported that hotels in Jordan achieved the best trading results in the Middle East, primarily due to an 18.1% increase in occupancy. Amman was the best performing city in the Middle East & Africa region for the same period, with 30.4% RevPAR growth.
The Jordan Tourism Board will lead a host of high-profile participants to Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2013 which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 6-9 May, such as Amlak Hotels & Tourism Investment and first time exhibitor Belle Vue Hotels. Commenting on the on the renewed optimism and confidence in Jordan, Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, said:
“Jordan currently has a pipeline of around 3,858 hotel rooms, with 2014 set to be a banner year for openings, with a number of high profile hospitality names making their market debut, and the country is definitely on the cusp of a tourism revival,”
Leisure demand, thanks to the country’s rich cultural heritage, remains the key tourism driver and one of the key elements of the Kingdom’s tourism master plan is development in and around the Dead Sea and Aqaba with a number of hotels set to open in 2014/15, including the Westin Aqaba Harbour Resort & Spa, Starwood’s Luxury Collection Al Manara Hotel and the JW Marriott Aqaba Hotel & Spa, along with the headline grabbing US$1.5 billion Red Sea Astrarium – a Star Trek-themed amusement park.
“The current annual capacity of 3.5 million passengers at Queen Alia International airport, will be superceded by expansion plans to accommodate up to nine million passengers per year with the imminent launch of the new US$750 million terminal, and a second phase taking that to 12 million in the coming years,” added Walsh.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the total number of visitors to the country fell by 7.3% in 2012, to 6,314,250, compared to 6,812,426 in 2011, however 4,162,367 overnight tourists were recorded in 2012, up a healthy 5.1% from 3,959,643 in 2011. The number of visitors heading to Jordan’s key archaeological sites also dropped, although Petra Archaeological Park reported a 15% increase in December 2012 visitors against the previous year.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and set to celebrate its 20th anniversary, the show has grown to become the largest showcase of its kind in the region and one of the biggest in the world.
New to the 2013 event, ATM is launching the digital and technology day focusing on online travel developments and showcasing headline speakers from across the industry.
Taking place again this year is the New Frontiers Award, which was created to recognise outstanding contributions to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The perennially popular industry Careers Day will wrap up the week providing the opportunity for visitors looking to make a career move to meet with the exhibitors’ HR contacts looking for their next recruit.
The Viaduct design is now available from the Contract Chair Company and is a well priced and versatile range of furniture suitable for restaurant and bar areas.The range comprises stacking side and armchairs with upholstered seat and back panel with the reverse also being upholstered giving that elegant look from all angles, along with a slatted back design both in armchair and side chair versions. Both ranges also come with matching barstools.
Please contact sales@thecontractchair.co.uk or call 0800 8494 135 with your enquiries and we will be pleased to offer you our best prices.
Previewed at this years’ KBB in Birmingham, the Simpsons new range of Elite shower enclosures received unprecedented interest. The bright chromed enclosures are now available throughout the UK. The Elite range comprises hinged and sliding doors, side panels, single and double door quadrant options. Doors are fully reversible with a noteworthy 40mm adjustment for easy installation in any bathroom. The brightly chromed aluminium profiles create a coordinated design statement by complementing the chrome finish on shower valves, bath and basin taps and accessories.
The 8/6mm toughened glass used throughout the Elite range is supplied with Simpsons Clear Glass protection completely free. The invisible coating provides a barrier against the damaging and ageing effects caused by everyday toiletries like shower gel, shampoo as well as lime scale and mildew. To make cleaning even easier the sliding doors and Quadrants are supplied with quick-release rollers.
Simpsons Product Manager Lee Talon commented, “We received great feedback on the design features of the Elite range. We listened to our customers and incorporated many of their suggestions, and in so doing, we feel the range is in a class of its own and a potential market leader.”
Simpsons Elite Benefits and Features:
• Lifetime guarantee • Power shower proof • Reversible design • Quick release easy clean rollers (sliders and quadrants) • 40mm adjustment for uneven walls • A comprehensive range of widths and designs to suit all installations • A portfolio comprising showers, trays and accessories
Dawnvale Hospitality Interiors are pleased to announce the launch of this new stylish range which includes a large and high back lounge chair with quilt style outer back, sofa with a quadrant stitching detail and stackable low stools to suit a variety of venues.All items are available in any specified upholstery, include CHRM foam for the UK contract market and are as attractive as they are well made.
For further information please contact our Furniture Division on 0161 684 7879 or view our new dedicated furniture website www.dawnvalefurniture.com
The JW Marriott brand has officially celebrated its newly opened landmark luxury hotel in the Middle East – the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai (February 26th). Acquiring the coveted title of World’s Tallest hotel from the Guinness Book of World Records, the 72-story property is the first JW Marriott Marquis outside of North America and the 59th addition to the brand’s global luxury portfolio. A host of international VIPs, including Marriott International’s President & CEO Arne Sorenson are in Dubai this week for the official unveiling.
Soaring at 355 meters (1,164 feet), the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is just 26 metres shorter than New York City’s famed Empire State Building. In Dubai, known throughout the world for its awe-inspiring architecture, the hotel’s towers have already become an icon on the city’s skyline.
In addition to serving luxury business travellers, the hotel, which is owned by Emirates Group, targets the lucrative and increasingly important MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) market by filling a long-identified gap in the region. Groups, meetings and conventions of up to 1,000 people can now meet, stay and dine, under one roof. The hotel is the first in Dubai that is able to accommodate large groups and will play a key role in attracting major conventions and events to the destination. Along with cutting-edge business facilities, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai features more than 7,500 square meters of indoor and outdoor event space, including two ballrooms, and a large selection of world-class dining and entertainment options.
The JW Marriott Marquis Dubai offers an enticing array of nine restaurants, and five bars and lounges, including the sky-high steakhouse Prime 68; the experiential sushi restaurant, Izakaya; and stunning cocktail bar Vault, which is situated on the 71st and 72nd floors and features panoramic views of the city. The hotel is also home to Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar, the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin Star.
The 4,000 square-meter Saray Spa and Health Club draws inspiration from the caravanserai silk route across Arabia, with treatments designed to ensure mind and body renewal. Treatments include the Signature Milk and Honey treatment, an Arabic Coffee Awakener, and Lemon Mint Body Polish. A sprawling pool deck covers the 7th floor of the hotel with a 30-meter swimming pool. Aqua Poolside Bar and Grill draws inspiration from Miami’s renowned South Beach, offering light snacks and beverages throughout the day.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced the opening of Le Méridien Atlanta Perimeter, the first Le Méridien hotel to open in the Atlanta metropolitan area and one of nine new Le Méridien hotels slated to open within the next 12 months. Located in the bustling Perimeter Center business district, just minutes from downtown Atlanta, the hotel is owned by RockBridge Capital and managed by Wischermann Partners. Following a comprehensive, 12-month, $20 million renovation, Le Méridien Atlanta Perimeter boasts 275 spacious guest rooms and suites along with an outdoor pool, fitness centre, spacious 12th floor club lounge, and 10,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and event space. Guests can also enjoy a selection of coffees, cocktails and fine wines at Longitude 84, the hotel’s sleek new lounge, and Portico, the hotel’s ground-floor restaurant slated to open this spring, will feature an eclectic menu of globally inspired cuisine and a spacious terrace ideal for private gatherings and special events.
“The inspiring design featured throughout the spacious guest rooms and public areas, the newly created club lounge and the addition of a new restaurant with an expansive patio complete the transformation of this property,” said Jim Merkel, President and CEO of RockBridge. “The rebranding coupled with the strength of the Starwood system, will position Le Méridien Atlanta Perimeter as the premier hotel in the market. We are excited about adding this showcase property to our portfolio.”
Le Méridien Atlanta Perimeter features the Le Méridien HubTM experience, which re-interprets the traditional lobby into a social gathering place for creative people to converse, debate, and exchange. Le Méridien Hub offers both guests and locals a creative atmosphere where contemporary, curated artwork sets the environment. Le Méridien Hub further builds on the brand’s award-winning arrival experience and coffee culture, curated by Le Méridien brand’s Cultural Curator Jérôme Sans. 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 ARTTM programme, featuring LM100 TM artist designed key card collections that not only offer access to the guestroom but also to Le Méridien affiliated contemporary cultural centres in the city; and a 24-hour soundtrack curated by Sans.
Alexandre Glauser, Area General Manager of Centara Hotels & Resorts Sri Lanka together with Teddy Roland, Hotel Manager, Janaka Priyashantha, Chief Engineer and Priyantha Kannangara, Assistant Chief Engineer of Centara Passikudah Resort & Spa Sri Lanka inspect progress on the construction of Centara Passikudah Resort & Spa Sri Lanka, which is scheduled for soft opening in April 2013. Centara Passikudah Resort & Spa Sri Lankais set on the beautiful Passikudah Bay, on Sri Lanka’s North-Eastern Coast, and offers a fine choice of facilities appealing to couples, families and those longing for active holidays. The shallow waters of the bay are ideal for windsurfing and kayaking.
Resort accommodation comprises 126 spacious rooms and suites with each featuring a private balcony or terrace.
There is an all-day dining restaurant, lounge bar, Spa Cenvaree, fitness centre, and the Bay Ballroom which has a maximum capacity of 150 persons.
The recently opened Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, situated on the rugged northwest coast of Mallorca, and already regarded as the island’s most luxurious resort, is to offer a wide range of incentives and attractions to commercial clients in the coming year. With many facilities designed specifically for the meetings and conference market, the hotel is targeting the months of April, October and November with a range of many all-inclusive amenities and services for parties occupying ten rooms or more.
Room rates start at €185 per night, inclusive of breakfast and taxes, and as part of arrangements for conference organisers and agents, the hotel is offering a selection of complimentary benefits. These include transfers to and from Palma Airport, welcome drinks on arrival, VIP room amenities, up to two upgrades to the next room category when securing groups of 20 attendees or more, one complimentary room for every 40 secured rooms and access to the hotel’s luxurious Talise Spa. In addition, the hotel can organise a wide selection of outdoor activities. Sporting options include golf, mountain biking, kayaking and sailing while cultural attractions embrace visits to local museums and art galleries, food markets and a historic train journey from Soller to the island’s capital of Palma.
The Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa occupies a cliff top overlooking the Port of Soller, and enjoys extensive, uninterrupted sea views on one side, with a backdrop of the Tramuntana mountains – recently declared a UNESCO Heritage Site – on the other. The hotel’s intimate ambience ensures that guests feel part of their surroundings while enjoying the level of service and traditional hospitality associated with Jumeirah.
The hotel includes 120 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a fine wine cellar, four bars and two swimming pools. Its sumptuous Talise Spa offers many relaxing and locally inspired treatments and includes a gym with the latest equipment, an al fresco heated hydropool overlooking the mountains and a wide choice of thermal facilities.
Michel Horn, Vice President for Operations at Centara Hotels & Resorts, Wim Fagel, General Manager of Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok together with Pattana Prompat and Nakarin Prompat, representing the ownersof Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok unveil the signage of the hotel as the team prepares to welcome the first guests on 1 April. Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok, a four-star property located at Rachaprarop and above the Watergate Pavillion shopping complex, is the fourth hotel to be opened in Bangkok by Centara Hotels & Resorts.
Centara’s two longest-established hotels in Bangkok, Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, and Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, are both integral to prime shopping malls, a factor in acquiring the new management contract.
The new hotel and shopping complex are located inside a newly constructed 20-storey building, with the hotel taking up a total of 10 floors and featuring a total of 281 guestrooms. Of these, 147 will be superior rooms, 102 will be deluxe rooms, and 32 will offer a family-friendly concept.
Facilities will include an all-day restaurant with a total of 160 seats indoors and outdoors, a rooftop restaurant with 64 seats, and a rooftop bar with 76 seats. There will be a Cense by Spa Cenvaree with five treatment rooms and a 56sqm fitness centre.
Two meeting rooms, each of 90 sqm, will cater for the meetings and events sector.
The Watergate Pavillion shopping complex is being built in two phases. Phase 1 consists of 5 floors and two basements, totaling 60,000sqm, with more than 800 shops and food outlets.
Constantly striving to ensure its piping systems and equipment meet the demands of modern working environments, Geberit has approved a new electrofusion box for improved connection of its Geberit HDPE and Geberit Silent-db20 systems.Geberit has worked with UK-based company Advance Welding to produce the AW315G, which offers superior performance and greater overall efficiency during the welding process compared to its predecessors.
The AW315G, 110v electrofusion box is a highly efficient way of connecting pipes and fittings using extreme heat and pressure produced during welding to make simple, reliable, rigid joints between the pipes. The heat is produced from flowing a constant electrical current flow through the embedded heater wires within the sleeve fitting, which is placed around the two pipes, to produce the heat required, while the required pressure to make the joint is obtained via the shrinking of the fitting under welding conditions.
The new improved AW315G electrofusion box is capable of automatically welding couplings of up to 315mm at 110v and is far less susceptible to voltage fluctuation and handling damage for greater reliability on site. Competitively priced at a similar point as the outgoing Geberit 110V box, the new AW315G can also be serviced and repaired in the UK, making maintenance a far simpler task.
The new AW315G, available from Advance Welding, is now fully approved by Geberit for use with Geberit HDPE and Geberit Silent-db20. The 240V ESG 40/200 and starter switch remain in the Geberit range
A ground-breaking range of lever-operation brassware joins the market-leading line-up specially created for British bathrooms by Crosswater.Svelte, is Crosswater’s latest comprehensive range of solid brass basin, bath and showering products. The sleek design of the tap spout delivers a thin blade of water, which is easily controlled by the single, equally slim control lever.
Svelte comprises all basin variations; a low-pressure standard mono mixer, an extended height version for vessel basins, a wall-mounted option and a “mini” basin tap which is perfectly proportioned for smaller cloakroom or en suite basins. For bath filling a wall-mounted bath spout and matching deck mounted panel valves are offered.
Showering options from Crosswater are strong and varied. Svelte’s lever set will suit each of Crosswater’s extensive range of recessed shower valves from single to three outlet options. As always delivery is available ‘next day’ throughout most of the UK via Crosswater’s own delivery fleet.
Crosswater’s product manager Lisa Soffesays, “Svelte has an instantly memorable visual style that offers a compelling design advantage that is different from all existing Crosswater and market offers. Svelte provides the retailer with an exclusive ‘wow’ product. We worked tirelessly on this project to ensure that the radical Svelte design was suited to most types of UK installation. The unusual shape of the water delivery will certainly attract showroom attention.”
The 1st of March marks the official opening of the Swissôtel Goa. Located in the town of Calangute, one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Goa, it’s only 16 kms from the capital city Panaji and within an hour’s drive from Goa’s international airport. The 135 guestrooms and suites are designed and distributed between nine three-level buildings, set within a tropical garden featuring idyllic lily ponds and a courtyard pool area. Rooms vary in size between 31m on category, and feature modern design elements. An all-day dining restaurant, pool bar, cafe, fitness centre, adult and children’s pools, kid’s club, as well as conference and banquet facilities will delight even the most discerning guests.
The hotel will also have an exclusive beach club for its guests on Calangute beach. Designed by Malaysian Architects Chong Chee Ching and Greg Dall, the elements in the lobby and throughout the resort are accented by numerous works by the Indian artist Krsna Mehta are distributed throughout the resort which present modern and colourful design highlights. The most important night-life happenings and restaurants of North Goa are only a few minutes’ walk from Swissôtel Goa.
Goa is a former Portuguese administrated region and is India’s smallest state with a population of approximately 1.5 million. This year-round vacation destination with its famous cuisine and Portuguese influence provides inspiration with its endless beaches which have delighted tourists from around the world for many years.
Construction started on Friday 25th January 2013 for an Associated Property Investors (API) led £20 million retail and leisure development at 19–31 Manchester Piccadilly. With construction work expected to finish by December 2013, upwards of 100 jobs will be created in the run up to Christmas.The building is well known in the city as the site of the Woolworths fire in 1979, and was more recently an amusement arcade.
Funding for the development has just been secured through HSBC bank and it can now be announced that the occupiers of the scheme will be:
• Budget hotel chain Travelodge, operating 157 rooms and a 102 seat Bar Cafe. When opened, the hotel will create 32 jobs within the local community. All entry-level roles will be filled via Job Centre Plus. This will be Travelodge’s twelfth hotel in Manchester and the fifth in the city centre. This development will boost the Company’s rooms to 763 in the heart of the city.
• Morrisons M Local convenience store covering 12,000 sq ft and creating around 20 jobs. Morrisons’ convenience stores put more emphasis on fresh food than other convenience retailers with a focus on value and fresh product ranges – including produce, meat, fish and bakery products. The store may also include a hot food to go counters, takeaway coffee and a salad bar.
• Zizzi will be occupying 6,750 sq ft whilst Nandos is going to take 5,000 sq ft with over 50 jobs being created at the restaurant.
GMI Construction Group of Leeds is the appointed contractors, with Garnett Netherwood the scheme architects.
Jones Lang LaSalle’s Leeds and Manchester offices acted on behalf of API. Jenics represented Travelodge.
Chris Dalzell, Managing Director of API, said:
‘As owners of the building we are very pleased that after a long period of under use, we have been able to bring forward the refurbishment of this important and well known building in Piccadilly Gardens. The impressive tenant line up is testament to both the quality of the location and the strength of the Manchester economy’
Paul Harvey, Managing Director for Development at Travelodge Hotels, said:
“We are delighted to have secured this prime site in the heart of Manchester city centre. This development will be our fifth hotel in the centre of the City.
“Manchester has traded very well over the past five years, with a thriving leisure offering thanks to its strong retail offer, vibrant social scene, the Manchester Arena and the continued success of the city’s famous football clubs, City and United. When you also account for a strong business sector, boosted by the MediaCity UK development and arrival of the BBC at Salford Quays, the demand for good quality, value accommodation in Manchester city centre is growing.
“Our new Travelodge fronting Piccadilly Gardens is perfectly located for Manchester’s great shops, bars and restaurants and is only a couple of minutes’ walk from Manchester Piccadilly train station. With two great restaurants and the Morrisons’ supermarket on site, it will be a fantastic place for our customers to stay.“
Gordon Mowat, Group Strategy Director at Morrisons, said:
“We’re excited to be bringing another Morrisons M Local to Manchester. Our convenience stores make it easier for busy professionals to cook a meal from scratch or pick up fresh ingredients on the way home.”
Opened in November 2012, the InterContinental London Westminster Hotel is the first InterContinental to open in London for over 36 years. Just a stone’s throw from the corridors of power and within earshot of the chimes of Big Ben, this new 4 star property exudes period appeal set within Queen Anne’s Chambers, a former government building built in the 1800s.Following a £150m investment by Shiraz Boghani and family of Supreme Hotels, the elegant interior of the hotel sits behind a 19th century townhouse exterior to provide sanctuary for business and leisure guests alike in the heart of Westminster. 256 guest rooms are spread across six floors and include 45 individually decorated suites with separate lounge and bedroom.
All rooms feature well-appointed marble bathrooms with walk-in shower and separate bath. Showers and bathroom fittings are from internationally-renowned, German specialist Hansgrohe.
March sees the launch of a versatile, decadent new velvet collection from the Accents range by Skopos. Previewed recently alongside the new Erddig & Elle luxury print collection at Sleep in November, Beau works perfectly as a confident plain for upholstery, drapery and bed throws and equally as a base cloth for wet printed and unique digital designs.
100% Trevira CS, the Beau collection is available in 21 hand-picked contemporary colours with a chic vintage twist. Created specifically for the contract market, inherently flame retardant, this quality presents fantastic opportunities for both the contract hotel, cruise and leisure sectors and demonstrates versatility for use across Europe, Middle East and America, complying with all contract standards.
As an upholstery plain, Beau performs to 45,000 martindale rubs and as a product for drapery, a washable durable solution with a luxurious thick drape and soft velvet pile. As a printed product (showcased in Erddig & Elle) Beau achieves 40,000 martindale rubs.
Skopos is an ISO9001 accredited company and has over 30 year’s specialist experience in the design and manufacture of high performance FR contract fabrics for the hospitality sector.
Fashion weeks around the world have highlighted fabric trends will be largely texture driven, and once again the worlds of fashion and decor are colliding with runway looks quickly translated into exciting interior ranges by the leading design houses and vice versa.Leading the way with the latest décor trends, Fabrics and Papers has added several new ranges of textured fabrics to its site at fabricsandpapers.com, the home to one of the largest collections of designer wallpapers, curtain and upholstery fabrics to view and buy online. The new fabrics will add depth, subtle pattern and colour to a room and create a truly individual look.
Designer’s Guild’s Padua is a textured collection to delight in, encompassing fabulous stunning lustrous velvets in a range of designs from damask to snakeskin, together with stunning weaves in chunky dogstooth, delicious boucle and rugged linen.
Portello is a robust linen cotton basket weave in an elegant wide banded stripe.Zeno is a chunky and durable large scale dogtooth design, with a richly textured surface in an array of beautiful crisp colours. Calistaornate cut velvet with miniature circular damask pattern is at once contemporary and classical; the slub textured ground contrasts and brings depth to the smooth finish of the velvet pile.Oriago a cross dyed snakeskin velvet has an abstracted natural feel, it’s gorgeous organic lace like patterns have a broad appeal and function; this statement jacquard is a joy to behold.
Osborne & Little’s Amerindia collection by Lorca is inspired by the designs of the American Indian Tribes and features rich earthy colours and thick soft weaves. The colours included in the palette are terracotta, stone, saffron, burnt orange, black, cassis, air force blue, ivory and sage.
Mohawk is a thick weave textured fabric with interlocking pyramid design. Hopi is a natural linen cloth with an embroidered lozenge design. Zuni is a vertical stripe of broad bands in jute and cotton. Kiowa is a thick, heavy horizontal stripe woven fabric.
Zoffanys Quartz Weaves offer twelve lustrous qualities including silks, sheers, stripes and semi-plains woven with beautiful yarns and subtle patterns in soft mineral colour palettes of rose quartz, chalk and silver and richer dramatic palettes of lapis, gold and amethyst.
Cordonnet embroidery fabric features a floral trail embroidered with metallic yarns on silk taffeta. The effect is rich and decorative, combining traditional motifs with theatrical grandeur and is ideal for drapes and curtains. Diamond sheer woven voile is a large-scale contemporary design embroidered on an ultra-sheer silk ground. The pattern of wide zigzag stripes is both dramatic and minimalist. Cinnebar is a fabulous heavy linen interwoven with metallic yarns to give a shimmering richness to the weave. This fabric is suitable for upholstery or could be used for feature cushions.
In competitive times, making your customers feel pampered can keep you ahead. Forbes table protectors slip between your tables and linen and cushion the table top to give your guests a superior dining experience.While your customer relaxes into the dining equivalent of a well-padded sofa, you can enjoy the fact that the table protector reduces noise, protects the table from the rigours of daily use, wipes clean and is easy to fit.
A generous layer of leatherette bonded to soft felt, the table protector is cut to size, so can be tailored to any table shape. It can also be supplied with an elasticated band to anchor the protector to the table, or used in conjunction with Simple-fit table skirting for a luxury dining experience.
Forbes table protector is also available for use on room service tables or rectangular buffets, with an optional Velcro lip edge.
To find out more or to discuss the options, please speak to one of our customer advisors. We shall be delighted to help.
Bradford-based Knightsbridge Furniture has donated two trucks to the Yorkshire Aid Convoy to help in the charity’s annual delivery of clothing, medical equipment and other essential supplies to Eastern Europe. The pair of 12-tonne Mercedes Benz trucks have just been collected from Knightsbridge headquarters on Thornton Road and will be put to work immediately, forming part of an aid convoy which leaves for Romania in early March.
‘With our own strong local roots, we were delighted to be able to support this Yorkshire-based charity in such a practical way,’ said Knightsbridge MD Alan Towns as he handed over the keys.
Driving one of the trucks away was Yorkshire Aid Convoy trustee and volunteer Gary Dooley. ‘Millions of families in Romania and the Ukraine face a lack of food, clothing, education and employment every day,’ he reflected. ‘With help from companies like Knightsbridge, we can make a real change to their lives.’
Knightsbridge Furniture designs and manufactures seating, tables and bedroom furniture for the international healthcare and hospitality market. The company has been based in Bradford since its formation some 70 years ago.
The progress of the Knightsbridge trucks as they travel across Europe can be followed at www.yorkshireaidconvoy.co.uk
Hilton Worldwide has recently announced the opening of Hilton Sharjah, the company’s 11th branded hotel in the UAE and its first in the Emirate of Sharjah.The 259-room Hilton Sharjah, a conversion property previously known as Corniche Al Buhaira Hotel, is a visually striking property, ideally positioned on the picturesque Corniche Road and overlooking Sharjah’s biggest lagoon. The hotel is also a convenient 10 kilometers from Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world with over 50 million passengers annually.
Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts said: “We’re delighted to open our first Sharjah hotel in such a prime location and at a time when increasing numbers of business and leisure travelers are staying in the Emirate of Sharjah. As a leading worldwide hospitality brand, we are pleased to bring our globally recognized attributes of style, high standards and quality service to this exciting and promising new market.”
The Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel, situated at 999 9th Street at K Street, NW, announced the completion of the redesign of its 807 guest rooms and suites, a 30 million dollar investment by its owners, Sunstone Hotels. Renaissance Hotels is a lifestyle brand within the Marriott International, Inc. global portfolio. “We are thrilled with our fresh new room product. When our guests discover our new rooms, they will appreciate the essence of modern lifestyle elegance without sacrificing warmth and functionality,” says Sharon Lockwood, general manager, Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel. “The new guestrooms and our recent lobby re-concept are part of the hotel’s evolution into more of a lifestyle space beyond being termed a convention hotel.”
Created by Dash Design of New York, the guestrooms and guest corridor interiors along with its customs furnishings reflect an interpretation of quintessential casual American fashion and tailored design.
Guests will find a soothing neutral color palate of khaki and coco-browns with splashes of reinterpreted denim blues and reds. Each room is accented with clean and modern furniture. The leather lounge and desk chairs are inspired by twentieth century modernism. LED reading pin lights are mounted on headboards with easy to reach plugs for guests to plug in their own mobile devices. The luxurious spa-like bathrooms have rain forest shower heads, backlit mirrors and accent wall coverings featuring a custom collage of historic events in Washington from 1940 to 1970. Artwork capturing glimpses of Washington, DC’s history pop in the guest rooms in the form of presidential profiles, signatures, and the city’s original design plans of Pierre Charles L’Enfant.
Business and leisure travellers both will appreciate the maximization of space and functionality with a six foot work surface, upgraded wireless internet and 18-inch laptop safes; and will enjoy amenities like a built-in mini-refrigerator, i-pod docking station, Aveda® spa products, and 40-inch HDTV.
Completed in May 2012, the Hilton London Wembley was an instant headline-grabber with its prestigious setting just a stone’s throw from the hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium. Part of a wider Wembley development, the newly built hotel by architect and interior designer The Manser Practice features a flush black granite exterior which is highly polished to reflect the surrounding buildings including the stadium’s iconic arch. Inside, a spacious glazed foyer creates a feeling of openness and visually connects to the activity outside in the Arena Square. Four original collections from Morgan appear throughout the building, grouped in certain areas with well-recognisable furniture design classics. Vintage inspired, the Seville collection is an interpretation of the traditional wing chair and club armchair. Stylish and comfortable, a Seville lounge chair features as a statement piece in all 361 hotel bedrooms.
Also from the Seville collection, bar stools, low back chairs and high back chairs upholstered in bright red fabric add a splash of colour to the stylish Icons Bar.
Seville high back two-seater sofas also feature in the Executive Lounge area along with dining chairs from the Seville and Verona ranges.
The ninth floor Sky Bar is the crowning glory of the hotel with its spacious outdoor terrace and stunning views over Wembley Stadium and Wembley. With a striking contemporary take on vintage style, Miami was the collection of choice for here with sofas and chairs providing generous dimensions and distinctive style in equal measure. Close to the bar itself, Seville bar stools in sunshine yellow are grouped around high bar tables and provide a relaxing sit with their curved upholstered back.
The Atlantic dining chair was specified for the all-day Association Restaurant. Characterised by a sculptured curved back, Atlantic is elegant and also very comfortable, making it one of the most popular dining ranges from Morgan. Available with or without arms.
Further facilities that can be enjoyed by the Hilton London Wembley guests include a health club with indoor swimming pool, steam room and sauna, complimentary business centre, flexible function and conference rooms, and a ballroom which accommodates 700 people.
Morgan worked closely throughout the project with Jane Johnson from The Manser Practice and Jonathan Pool, Project Design Director, from John Sisk and Son who were the main contractor.
The brand new Villeroy & Boch Omnia Architectura DirectFlush WC is its first wall-mounted WC with a flushing volume of just 3/4.5 litres. The pan has no rim whatsoever, making it easy to clean and very family friendly. The WC features timeless and dynamic design, with its compact form making it perfect for bathrooms of all shapes and sizes.
Making cleaning even easier, the WC is available in Villeroy & Boch’s revolutionary dirt resistant ceramic – CeramicPlus. Taking only 10% of the time to clean compared to standard ceramic sanitaryware, CeramicPlus not only looks fantastic but offers a permanent high quality finish.
The WC is available with a quick release seat and cover, as well as soft closing hinges. Priced from £382 and measures 37 x 53 cm.
Generator, Europe’s fastest growing hostel brand, is excited to announce the launch of its newest design-inspired boutique property in one of Europe’s most architecturally astounding cities; Barcelona. With boutique hostels already in Berlin East, Copenhagen, Dublin, Hamburg, London and Venice and more on the way this summer in Berlin Mitte, Generator is offering a new level of style and comfort for those who want big city centre adventure without breaking the bank. For the ultimate way to take in the city, rooms on the upper floors include private terraces offering astounding views of the city skyline (including the Sagrada Familia) and across to the Mediterranean. Generator is bringing contemporary yet affordable design for those keen to explore this city so synonymous with Gaudi.
Generator Barcelona – Opening March 2013 Built in 1963, this renovated building is both a hostel and hotel and is conveniently located just a five minute walk from two main metro stations, Diagonal and Verdaguer in the heart of the trendy Gràcia neighbourhood. Under the guidance of Generator’s chief designer Anwar Mekhayech (from Toronto-based The Design Agency, and part of the design team working with Soho House and Shangri-La) the first Generator property in Spain has been carefully styled to reflect the surrounding city and to inspire visitors exploring the crown of Catalonia.
Facilities include: • Free Wi-Fi • Stylish lounge and communal area open 24hrs a day • Bar open from 8am-2am • Café serving delicious local and international food (along with tasty tapas) • A range of rooms including privates, twins, doubles and dorms (female only and mixed) – all with en-suite bathrooms • Laundry facilities • 24hr reception
The Seville design from Stylematters is a contemporary twist on a vintage wing chair design. Equally in vogue whether you select a combination of the latest designer ranges of fabric, or opt for subtle, understated classics, and let the form do the talking. Our in-house designers introduced this new range in response to demand from customers in the restaurant and hotel sector. We listened to our customers, interpreted their needs and ideas, and the result is stylish, up to the minute products.The Seville collection is an ideal solution for any hotel, restaurant or gastro pub looking to accommodate their customers in harmony and comfort.
The range comprises high and low back lounge chairs, sofas and even footstools in both plain and deep buttoned backs. The modern design creates both comfort and looks for a truly custom solution. And it doesn’t stop there – the same attention to detail goes into the construction; from kiln-dried hardwood frames, to the specialist high-resilient upholstery, and reflex seat cushions, meaning that your customers enjoy the ergonomic design, whilst your seating always looks great.
All our furniture is available in any contract fabric or leather and can be customised to match your venue and tastes.
Stylematters manufacture all of our bespoke furniture here in our UK factory, so we have the ability to offer a truly bespoke in-house solution. If you would like more details on our products or have a product you would like to develop give us a call now on 0844 880 6620.
UK Shower Manufacturer and Designer, Roman Limited have reported that their yearlong social media campaign, which saw them documenting a year in their life through photos, was a fantastic success.The company published a photo every working day throughout 2012 – there was a total of 252 working days for the company during 2012, so they titled the campaign Project 252. The photos were uploaded daily to the company’s Flickr page; from here they were also shared across the company’s Twitter and Facebook pages, with them then being added on a weekly basis to the Roman website.
The stats from the Flickr page highlight that the photos have so far received 38,779 views (as of 4th February), and averaged around 3,000 views per month during 2012, when the campaign was running.
The photos showcased all different aspects of the business, from pictures of the products being manufactured on the shop floor, to customer service operatives receiving chocolates from grateful customers, from new showroom displays being installed, to the company Directors and Area Managers out on the road travelling the country. Our suppliers and customers also got involved by sending in their Roman related pictures.
The most viewed photo was Roman’s April Fools prank, which showed the company announcing a ground-breaking new ‘cordless’ shower, which was of course a spoof. This picture alone received 401 views. Locations for the photos came from far and wide, with pictures being taken in Malaysia, Dubai, Qatar, Hong Kong, Malta, Amsterdam and France, as well as all over the UK, from Stornoway down to Maidstone.
David Osborne, Roman’s Managing Director, commented: “We were thrilled with the impact Project 252 had. Not only were we getting high numbers of views for each photo, but many of our followers also shared the pictures across their own social networking pages. We managed to cover every aspect of the business, as well as photographing the majority of the staff at one time or another throughout the campaign. It became a real talking point amongst our customers, who soon began submitting photos for inclusion themselves. We will keep the library of photos as a permanent section on the Roman website and we have also created a printed booklet featuring every photo, which makes a fabulous keepsake.”
Valentine’s Day (14th February) was chosen as a suitably romantic date for the opening of Merchants Manor, Cornwall’s newest luxury country house hotel, after a “six figure budget” transformation. With a spectacular location in award winning, sub-tropical gardens overlooking Falmouth Bay, Merchants Manor combines relaxed luxury with traditional Cornish warmth and hospitality.
The name change from the previous Green Lawns – branding for the project has been undertaken by local firm A-Side Studio – pays respect to the family that built the original hotel and celebrates Falmouth’s mercantile past. The emphasis will be on attentiveness, comfort, relaxation and “hospitality” in its original meaning.
“We have no time for the “package holiday” style,” commented Sioned Parry-Rudlin, who with husband Nick Rudlin, owns and manages the new hotel. “Every one of our guests is individual to us and we will prepare them a unique and individual experience.”
Originally the Manor House residence of a prominent 19th Century merchant family, the House on the Hill, was built 100 years ago. There has been an hotel here for over 50 years. Merchants Manor has 39 rooms, a function space for 350 and a 13 metre heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and hot tub.
The original Manor House was created with a no-expense spared philosophy and the restoration takes advantage of the lavish open spaces and meticulous details of the building. As Sioned and Nick have worked in senior positions in the US and in some of London’s most famous hotels and restaurants their standards are high – and they have insisted on a strong Cornish influence on the hotel’s restoration. The first stage, now completed saw local craftsmen involved in every detail.
Scotscape Ltd is proud to announce the launch of a new product line at this year’s Ecobuild Exhibtion. Available in the UK for the first time, the SlimgreenWall system offers the perfect solution to cost effective interior vertical greening, in an aesthetically pleasing and easy to use unit.Exclusively available via Scotscape Ltd, the SlimgreenWall is perfect for use in offices, hotels, spas, hospitals, shopping centres, restaurants, bars or private properties. The system operates independently making it easy to install and maintain. It offers a fresh alternative to traditional pot/plant combinations, clean, vibrant and easy to maintain, a great space saver and eye catching.
Each living picture can be planted to incorporate clients’ preferences – imagine a herb wall in a restaurant or even in a domestic kitchen!
SlimgreenWall is available in three ready-made sizes but can also be made to bespoke specifications with a variety of frame finishes available including brushed stainless steel, steel and wood.
The benefits of plants in interior settings are far reaching – plants purify the air and generate oxygen, thus leading to a healthy work environment. SlimgreenWalls assist with noise reduction and create relaxing and rejuvenating environments.
Visit the Scotscape at Ecobuild 2013 – 5-7th March to see these fantastic systems in action. Stand S1940.
Qatar is one of the fastest growing markets in the Gulf, with business and leisure tourism on the ascendant as the country develops its infrastructure as part of a US$65 billion investment plan ahead of its hosting of the 2022 football World Cup.According to Qatar Tourism, the official government body, the country is entering a sustained decade-long period of development and growth, with over 85,000 new hotel rooms set to bolster current inventory by 2022. Alpen Capital’s October 2012 GCC Hospitality Industry Report highlighted the ‘slow but steady’ growth in tourism receipts, which saw a CAGR of 15.9% in the period 2002 to 2011.
“Tourist arrivals in Qatar are expected to rise at a CAGR of 1.9% between now and 2022, and the government’s US$65 billion commitment to infrastructure development has proved to be a major incentive for long term investment by leading hospitality providers,” said Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.
In 2012, the capital added to its upscale inventory, with the opening of the St Regis Doha and new InterContinental Doha The City, as well as the country’s first Hilton hotel. A second Four Seasons hotel is currently under development and budget brands are making an appearance with the popular Premier Inn chain debuting on the city outskirts later this year. Currently the luxury segment accounts for between 66 and 78% of supply while, mid-scale and economy supply is between 22 and 34%.
“Tourist arrivals in Qatar are expected to rise at a CAGR of 1.9% between now and 2022, and the government’s US$65 billion commitment to infrastructure development has proved to be a major incentive for long term investment by leading hospitality providers,” said Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.
Qatar has an exceptionally strong presence at this year’s ATM show with major organisations such as Qatar Tourism Authority, Katara Hospitality and Qatar Airways all participating. “Katara Hospitality alone has more than 4,000 hotel rooms already operational or under construction and with the introduction of more and more budget properties, Qatar is committed to the development of a well-rounded tourism product in line with the 2030 national vision for a sustainable economy,” he added.
Hotel room capacity in Qatar is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% over the next five years, hitting US$1.1 billion by 2016 (up from US$0.6 billion in 2011). The country’s national carrier, Qatar Airways will launch six new routes in H1 2013, growing its current network to 123 key destinations. Ground has also been broken on the new US$14 million Doha metro network. “As world-class infrastructure projects gives rise to new economic opportunity, with tourist arrivals expected to reach as a many as 3.7 million by 2022, Qatar will see a transition from a predominantly business-led visitor profile to a stronger business-leisure mix with the football World Cup a milestone marker for the hospitality and tourism industry,” commented Walsh. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, 2013 will see the show celebrate two decades of success.
Covering the entire week, the popular Seminar Theatre programme will address industry hot topics from developments in the aviation sector, inbound and outbound trends as well as the development of tourism over the last 20 years of Arabian Travel Market.
The line-up for this year’s Arabian Travel Market will once again bring together the UNWTO regional tourism ministers’ conference and the WTM Vision forum, which will focus on Middle East travel trends and the online travel market.
An average person spends over 20,000 hours (up to a third of their lives) in bed, and every year up to 40% of the population (over 16 million of us) will suffer a bout of back pain.
March will see the return of National Bed Month, an annual awareness campaign from the Sleep Council highlighting the importance of a better night’s sleep to health and wellbeing.
To achieve a quality sleep, you need a quality bed that is right for you, providing you with a good level of support and comfort. When choosing a bed, it’s important to take some time and effort to choose the best option available to you.James Keen, Retail Sales Director, Hypnos offers his top tips on choosing the right bed for optimum sleep quality and comfort.
CHOOSING A MATTRESS
“We always recommend that people should go and try it before they buy; it’s surprising how many people don’t actually do this. While spending a lot of money on a new bed may seem daunting at first, a well made and well-maintained bed will last for years.
“Always remember to test out a range of beds to discover if you like your mattress firm or super soft. Finding out what works for you is the first step towards a great night’s sleep. If you’re sharing the bed, try them out together – what suits one person won’t necessarily suit another.
“Size matters. You should be able to lie side by side with your arms behind your head and your elbows out without touching. Ideally your bed should be about 15cm longer than the taller user.
“When trying a bed, you should lie down in your normal sleeping position and make some turns for at least 10 minutes. Don’t forget to remove your coat and shoes and make yourself feel relaxed and comfortable.
“There is a simple check you can carry out to discover whether your current mattress is too hard or soft – simply slide your hand under the small of your back. If your hand fits easily between your back and the mattress, it may be too firm. However if your hand cannot fit under your back at all, it may be too soft.
“In the current market, there are various types of mattress to choose from. Hypnos specialises in handmade pocket sprung mattresses and we believe that a pocket sprung mattress will give the most comfortable night’s sleep.
“A pocket sprung mattress is designed to actively minimise pressure points on the body, helping to increase blood circulation and alleviate tension, which in turn allows muscles to relax. The independent movement of each individual pocket spring means that the mattress will mould itself to your body, leading to a natural alignment of your spine.
‘A single pocket spring, rather than multiple layers of pocket springs, also creates a “bellow-like” affect that drives cool air around the mattress, making it a more hygienic option. The extra breathability ensures better ventilation, helping to reduce body moisture and maintain a comfortable body temperature.
“In terms of the fillings used, Hypnos mattresses contain different combinations of natural materials such as wool, cashmere, silk, Alpaca, Mohair, latex, horse hair and silver, which ensure that each mattress is not only supremely comfortable and supportive but also breathable – promoting healthy air flow, regulating body temperature and reducing body moisture, while repelling allergens.
DIVANS
“For the best foundation to any bed, we recommend choosing a divan along with your mattress in order to get the maximum level of comfort.
“There is a choice between a traditional deep divan base and a more modern shallow base. Hypnos advises a sprung divan, as it offers additional deep comfort and extra support.
“Choosing a divan also means that customers can make a personal design statement by specially selecting their preferred headboard design, upholstery fabric and choosing which feet they would like, perfectly matching any interior.
“A further bonus is the prospect of adding hidden storage drawers within the divan, saving valuable space in the bedroom.
AND FINALLY…
“Don’t forget to turn your mattress – many people forget to do this, but modern sprung mattresses employ thicker layers of natural upholstery materials to provide comfort and the feeling of plushness which gives you support and a really good nights’ sleep. Over time, sleeping on them every night, these layers will naturally compress to form to your body, which is why we recommend turning your mattress with the seasons, to restore the comfort get the best quality sleep.
“The health benefits of a good night’s rest are well documented, such as better posture, looking younger and being more efficient and productive at work, so a good bed is always worth the investment. To further reinforce the confidence we have in our own beds, Hypnos offers its customers a 10-year guarantee.”
RevPAR, cash flow from operations and EBITDA margin improved in 2012. Structural changes were undertaken during the year to build a strong platform for continued profitability improvement.Comments from the CEO “Despite a continued fragile global macroeconomic climate, Rezidor’s Like-for-Like RevPAR continued to show a positive development with a healthy growth of 4% in the fourth quarter of 2012. For the full year, RevPAR grew by 5%, fuelled by a strong growth in Eastern Europe and the Middle East and Africa.
The RevPAR improvement together with the continued weakening of the Euro, resulted in a revenue increase of 7% in Q4 2012 including a strong growth of 18% in fee revenue from our managed and franchised business. Our EBIT margin and the net result were negatively impacted primarily by termination costs for lease agreements which we exited in the quarter and write-downs of assets resulting in a MEUR 13 loss after tax. Cash flow from operations, adjusted for the termination costs, improved by MEUR 12.
Our commitment to profitable asset-light growth continues. All of the 4,000 room openings and 7,100 room signings in 2012 were either managed or franchised contracts.
Rezidor achieved another important milestone by converting two lease agreements to franchise agreements in Sweden. Together with the earlier announced exit from seven leases in France, these transactions represent a positive effect of ca 0.5% on the EBITDA margin going forward.
Our continued global commercial focus in partnership with Carlson, the effective execution of Route 2015, and the cost cutting programme combined with significant organisational changes have strengthened our platform; paving the way for continued profitability improvement in the years ahead.”
Wolfgang M. Neumann President & CEO
Fourth Quarter, 2012 • Like-for like (“L/L”) RevPAR was up by 4.2%. • Revenue increased by 6.6% to MEUR 240.6 (225.6). • On a L/L basis Revenue increased by 2.8%. • EBITDA amounted to MEUR 15.6 (14.1), and the EBITDA margin to 6.5% (6.3). • Loss after tax amounted to MEUR -13.3 (-13.5), negatively impacted by termination costs due to exit of contracts of MEUR -9.4 (0.0), write-downs of assets of MEUR -6.7 (-9.9) and a write-down of deferred tax assets of MEUR -3.3 (-8.5). • Basic and diluted Earnings Per Share amounted to EUR -0.09 (-0.09). • Ca 1,100 new rooms opened and ca 1,300 new rooms were contracted.
Twelve Months ending December 31, 2012 • L/L RevPAR was up by 4.6%. • Revenue increased by 6.9% to MEUR 923.7 (864.2). • On a L/L basis Revenue increased by 4.0%. • EBITDA amounted to MEUR 50.9 (35.1), and the EBITDA margin to 5.5% (4.1). • Loss after tax amounted to MEUR -16.8 (-11.9), negatively impacted by termination costs due to exit of contracts of MEUR -9.4 (0.0), write-downs of assets of MEUR -12.3 (-11.6) and a write-down of deferred tax assets of MEUR -3.3 (+3.2). • Basic and diluted Earnings Per Share amounted to EUR -0.12 (-0.08). • Cash flow from operating activities improved to MEUR 16.5 (14.1), negatively impacted by termination costs of MEUR 9.4 • Ca 4,000 new rooms opened and ca 7,100 new rooms were contracted.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that it has introduced its Westin brand to the heart of Birmingham, Alabama. The Westin Birmingham boasts an ideal location as the anchor of Uptown, the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex’s all-new entertainment district. The Westin Birmingham joins Sheraton Birmingham Hotel as Starwood’s second property at the BJCC. The opening of The Westin Birmingham is part of the continued expansion of the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, the city’s leading sports, entertainment and convention center. The Westin Birmingham is adjacent to the new restaurants and nightlife venues in Uptown, as well as the sports arena and two performing arts theaters within the complex. The hotel is also close to numerous corporate offices, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, the University of Alabama-Birmingham and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM).
The Westin Birmingham features 294 luxurious rooms, state-of-the-art meeting facilities and the full suite of Westin signature amenities and services. The newly constructed hotel is an ideal venue for weddings, social galas and business functions, providing 7,000 square feet of meeting and banquet facilities equipped with the latest in meeting technology, plus an additional 2,500 square feet of pre-function space. Additional facilities include a full-service restaurant, a WestinWORKOUT® Gym and an outdoor pool.
The sensory-rich environment at Westin offers a respite from the rigors of travel and sets a welcoming tone. The Westin brand’s innovative programs and instinctive service transform every aspect of a guest’s stay into a revitalizing experience. All guestrooms and suites at The Westin Birmingham feature the world-renowned Westin Heavenly® Bed – an oasis of lush sheets, down and a patented pillow-top mattress, which cradles and contours to the body for truly restorative sleep. Guests will revive in the Heavenly® Bath enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly® Shower, Heavenly® Robe and White Tea Aloe bath amenities, in-room and high-speed Internet access. The hotel also offers the Westin brand’s signature SuperFoodsRX® menu, which includes nutrient-rich and delicious options to tempt every palate.
Almost 40 years ago, the Messilah Beach Hotel opened in Kuwait and quickly became the favourite destination for both locals and visitors alike. The hotel served its clients for decades and created many unforgettable memories.Situated in the same idyllic location, the spirit of the old Messilah Beach Hotel is about to be revived and memories awakened with the opening of the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa this Spring.
Jumeirah Group’s first property in the Gulf Region outside the United Arab Emirates features many aspects of Arabic architecture in a contemporary setting. Traditional oriel windows of Mashrabiya designs are a characteristic throughout the resort and respect Kuwait’s rich heritage. Messilah is inspired by its location and its name derived from the old Kuwaiti word, Massiyalah, where rain water gathers and flows into the sea. Water is a recurring feature throughout this beachfront resort with streams, channels, fountains, pools and many other water features. This theme is also reflected in the prestigious Talise spa which means ‘beautiful waters’ in a Native American language.
Mark Griffiths, General Manager of the hotel said: “Kuwait’s new landmark will bring with it an exciting set of new experiences interlaced with heritage and history. Jumeirah Group’s extensive international experience coupled with the highest standards of service will reward the guests of Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa with exhilarating experiences unrivalled in Kuwait when it opens later this Spring.”
The Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa is part of Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hospitality company. Regarded as one of the most luxurious and innovative hotel chains in the world, with numerous international awards, Jumeirah Group will offer Kuwait a one-of-a-kind experience that combines its professionalism with Messilah’s existing extensive history to help create memories.
“Living up to the Jumeirah promise of Stay Different TM, we are keen on delivering the best of everything from dining to leisure and relaxation. We look forward to opening our doors soon and welcoming our first guests,” added Mr. Griffiths.
PPHE Hotel Group Limited, owner and operator of primarily full service upscale and lifestyle hotels including Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts in Europe, has announced that it will extend its Park Plaza Histria Pula property bringing the room-count total to 368. The development is a close collaboration between PPHE Hotel Group and Arenaturist, which PPHE Hotel Group operates and part owns, and will be completed for the 2013 summer season.The additional 127 newly renovated rooms and suites will bring the total of rooms in the award-winning Park Plaza Histria Pula, which opened summer 2012, to 368 making it the ideal location for large events, conferences and incentives. WiFi, LCD TVs and air conditioning are all included as standard and in celebration of the new rooms opening; PPHE Hotel Group is promoting an exclusive Croatia offer this summer of up to 10% off for early bookings.
Reli Slonim, PPHE Hotel Group’s Vice President Croatia and Executive Director of Arenaturist commented: “After months of planning, we are delighted to have started the construction work with the extension scheduled to open ahead of the summer season. Park Plaza Histria Pula was recently awarded the Gold medal standard from TUI UK & Ireland which demonstrates a high level of customer feedback and with an increasing number of airlines flying directly into Pula, we are looking forward to welcoming existing and new guests this summer.”
Park Plaza Histria Pula was recognised as a top-rated hotel, receiving the Gold standard, along with sister property Park Plaza Medulin, by TUI UK & Ireland which is awarded directly by customers travelling with holiday brands Thomson and First Choice, part of TUI UK & Ireland. An average of one million Thomson and First Choice customers complete satisfaction surveys each year focusing on overall holiday experience, including hotel-stay. The results are then analysed by an independent market research company.
Park Plaza Histria Pula is a contemporary resort in an unrivalled location, providing panoramic views of the Adriatic. The hotel boasts a brand new reception, lobby, restaurant, bar; cinema and conference centre holding 700 delegates, along with a a spa and fitness area known as the comfort zone.
Park Plaza Medulin is situated in the fishing town of Medulin, alongside the Medulin Riviera. The hotel received a refurbishment of 190 rooms and public areas including the introduction of a new fitness centre.
In addition to these two award-winning hotels, neighbouring Park Plaza Verudela Pula also underwent a complete re-development of its 385 apartments, restaurant, swimming pool areas and kids play zone and boasts a newly developed shopping zone.
Citigate Central Sydney has rebranded to Novotel Sydney Central, marking an exciting time for the hotel as it undertakes a major refurbishment, while the suburb of Haymarket is in the midst of one of the most progressive urban renewal plans the city has ever seen. With Frank Gehry’s landmark University of Technology, Sydney business building taking shape across from the hotel’s Thomas Street address, and Sydney’s answer to New York’s Highline starting development shortly, Novotel Sydney Central is in the heart of all the action and is set to thrive under its new internationally revered banner.
Coined the Goods Line and operated by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, a 500-metre stretch of disused railway track will link Ultimo and Haymarket to Darling Harbour and the public space will be replete with greenery, bicycle tracks and seating areas. Guests of Novotel Sydney Central will be in a prime position to soak up the atmosphere and access to Sydney CBD will be simplified.
General Manager for Novotel Sydney Central, Danesh Bamji, said “The rebrand from Citigate to Novotel comes at a great time for the hotel and the regeneration of Haymarket will help to bring with it even greater opportunities.
“For a long time Haymarket has been seen as a transient suburb and often overshadowed by Darling Harbour and Chinatown, however with the public works that are currently underway, Haymarket is going to become one of the city’s most exciting precincts, surrounded by cutting edge architecture, exciting new restaurant and retail areas. While the precinct is very much focused on the future there is still plenty of history to discover, with Paddy’s Market and Chinatown on the Novotel’s doorstep.
“The Novotel boasts its own heritage listed building, the Field House, which we use as our restaurant, and it gives the hotel genuine character that we will respect during the refurbishment of the hotel’s rooms and public areas.”
The hotel’s Field House Restaurant, named after Thomas and Herbert Field, two brothers who emigrated to Australia in 1885 and set up an Outdoor Relief and Stores Department which gave assistance to needy citizens of Sydney during the Great Depression, has been beautifully restored and with its heritage listed status provides old world charm and traditional style amongst a bustling inner-city high rise hotel.
After being awarded ‘One Glass Rating’ for its wine list in the Australian Wine List of the Year Awards in 2012, Field House has never been busier. The hotel is one of only a handful of hotels to achieve a Glass rating and the only 4-star property to be recognised in Australia.
Boasting 255 spacious guestrooms, the cosmopolitan hotel will renovate all of the guest bathrooms and upgrade room furnishings, while the lobby and part of the historic Field House Restaurant will receive a makeover. In-keeping with Novotel’s family-friendly mantra, a dedicated children’s play area will be set up to the right of the lobby, and three Apple Mac computer stations will be installed.
With 14-purpose built function rooms which can host up to 400 people and an outdoor heated pool and spa which overlooks Sydney’s skyline, the newly rebranded Novotel Sydney Central is set to benefit considerably from the change in landscape and upgrade of its facilities, while guests will be at the forefront of all the action.
Contra Curtains Ltd has recently completed the manufacture and installation of soft furnishings to 111 bedrooms and suites at The Ampersand Hotel, London.The luxury hotel rooms in Kensington are inspired by the local London neighbourhood, with the design of the rooms referencing five central concepts – botany, music, geometry, ornithology and astronomy. Contra supplied all of the soft furnishing items to the bedrooms and various public spaces.
Working together with the design team at Dexter Moren Associates the bedrooms were completed on time and within budget.
Dernier & Hamlyn’s Royal Warrant for bespoke lighting manufacture and restoration was recently renewed following a comprehensive review by the Lord Chamberlain’s Committee that included the need for the London-based lighting specialists to provide evidence of the goods and services supplied to the Royal Household over the past five years. Dernier & Hamlyn is one of only 800 companies that have been granted a Royal Warrant and puts them beside an eclectic mix of companies representing all manner of trades which play an important part in the running of the Royal Households and whose aim is to continue to offer the quality and reliability which initially gained them their Royal Warrant of Appointment.
Apple Tree Group is targeting April 15 for the soft opening of the highly anticipated tented luxury lodge located in the heart of historic Bagan. Located near the eastern shore of the legendary Irrawaddy River, the property offers 85 air-conditioned rooms in three classes of accommodation, ranging from 261 square meters for the Courtyard Suite, to 72 square meters for the Deluxe Tented Rooms. The hotel’s design aesthetic melds classic Burmese brick design with contemporary flourishes and tented roofs.
Its principal restaurant, the Tiffin Box, delivers a range of culinary fare from authentic Burmese to western cuisine. Afternoon tea is served in the Lobby Lounge, and the Pool Bar offers up snacks and cocktails.
Beyond the restaurant, the Lodge features a spa, a 20-meter pool and travel desk for guests to book local excursions and onward flights.
“Bagan is the hottest travel destination in Southeast Asia,” said Kurt Walter, Group General Manager at the Apple Tree Group. “Myanmar culture is on every traveler’s radar screen, and Bagan is going to emerge as the hottest attraction in the country.”
14 rooms on the third floor of the Alton Towers Hotel are currently being refurbished with a new design. The rooms are expected to be finished in time for the opening of the theme park season in March.In keeping with the ‘Sir Algernon adventures’, the main theme that runs throughout the hotel, the new ‘adventure’ is his voyage into space. It is unclear whether these new rooms are the start of a wide-scale refurbishment of all the rooms and will be part of the ‘standard’ room offerings, or they will be grouped into the ‘themed room’ prices. As we receive more information, we will update readers.
Each Moon Voyage room sleeps up to four or five people and includes magnificent furnishings and a children’s chill-out area with Xbox console and games. Merlin Attractions Operations Limited, which owns Alton Towers as well as LegoLand Windsor, offers a similar set up in its rooms. Read the review of the LegoLand Windsor here.
All rooms have a 26″ television, tea and coffee making facilities and are home to a four foot bear for cuddles.
Fameed Khalique is delighted to introduce a new collection of leather wallcoverings from Studioart to the UK following its latest launch at Maison et Objet. As both sumptuous leather and 1960s tessellated patterns graced the catwalks of the fashion capitals in 2012, Fameed Khalique aims to translate and re-interpret these key trends into interiors for 2013.Fameed’s background in the leather industry led to a natural affinity with pioneering Italian leather interiors brand Studioart, compelling him to bring the collections to a new audience in the UK and beyond. Just as leather served as a guiding light for Fameed when building his company, leather is also at the core of Studioart’s creative journey, enhancing its use in interior design for both private residences and commercial spaces.
Studioart is committed to relentless research in its quest for unique patterns, structures and textures that will complement a wide range of environments. From subtle, calm designs to high-octane, colour-blocked geometrics, its collections open up many possibilities in classic and contemporary schemes.
Among the new collections, Watersuede: a velvet suede effect reinterpreted with unusual shapes. Seen here with the flat and padded finish of Pattern 8. The layout of various shapes in opposite directions creates an interesting optical effect.
The mosaics and tiles in the City line are made with full grain leather which is smooth to the touch and available in a rich palette of colours. City is highly resistant to wear and fading, making it ideal for residential and contract use.
The Pearl collection, made from pure aniline leather, is dyed without covering the surface so that the leather retains the hide’s natural ‘grain’. This beautiful leather is extremely delicate to the touch. Pearl is available in several colours and each piece bears a unique vein structure. Matt metallic dust, wax and oils are used to give a final luminescent layer.
The Luxury collection offers one geometric pattern of leathers in different shapes, and finishes. Full grain leather and suede in solid colours are mixed and matched with the iridescent, leathers which are embossed or embellished with decorations inspired by sumptuous brocades.
Geo is an Earth inspired collection. The 4 Geo finishes (Old Boy Reshape, Dryland, Serpentola and Schizo Chic) interpret the earthy look: Cracks, craquelé and vintage effects are obtained through specific treatments and are the main distinctive characters of the Geo tiles.
With a reputation for delivering high quality IMO certified carpets, it is no wonder that Lano Flooring Solutions has partnered with Pullmantur, the largest Spain-based cruise line company in the world, and supplied over 135,000m2of woven axminster carpets for its fleet over the past six years.One of the most recent collaborations with Pullmantur has resulted in 15,000m2 of striking bespoke carpets gracing the floors of the Empress ship. Covering areas including the main atrium, alleyways, restaurants, casino, children’s area, spa, gym and staterooms, the carpets showcase the best of Lano Flooring Solution’s design ability and offer superior levels of durability and underfoot comfort with a wool-rich blend.
As Ronnie Wilkie, design executive for Lano Flooring Solutions explains, “Pullmantur approached our experienced design team, asking for custom-made carpets that would create a stylish and eye-catching look for passengers on the Empress. A particular highlight of this project is the carpet in the Schooner Piano Bar; designed with a nautical appeal, its swirling pattern in rich gold and midnight blue also has a musical theme that reflects the area’s use for evening entertainment.”
Lano Flooring Solutions also provided the artificial grass on the outer decks of the Empress Ship, and recently worked closely with Pullmantur’s marine operations director, Benjamin de Haas, to create 12,500m2 of carpet designs for its sister ship the Sovereign.
One of the first ever carpet manufacturers to invest in the latest high-tech Van de Wiele axminster looms, Lano Flooring Solutions has forged a long and successful track record of supplying high-performance IMO certified carpet to the growing cruise market.
For further information on Lano Flooring Solutions, freephone 00800 5266 5266 or e-mail marketing@lano.com
This magnificent modern building is designed for leisure, business, receptions and events for both local and international customers. Patrick Chmielewski, the hotel’s General Manager, gave us a guided tour.Soon guests will be able to reach their hotel by boat! Before long, the marina being built at the foot of the Pullman Wuxi New Lake hotel, will welcome guests’ boats. “It’s one of the Pullman network’s most fabulous hotels,” confirms General Manager Patrick Chmielewski. The hotel, which opened in October 2012, is very impressive. It is located in one of Wuxi’s twin towers – the city’s highest – right in the heart of the New District’s future city-center, which is currently being built 120km from Shanghai. It is ideally situated, close to the shopping centers, the business district and a garden that will soon feature an artificial river that is currently being created. The hotel also offers an exceptional view of Lake Taihu from the 10th floor up. Two metro lines due to open in 2013 will service the complex which is also just 5kms from the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed train station.
Stylish and vibrant The hotel’s striking lobby features a vast 9m glittering glass chandelier of typical Chinese inspiration, and a lavish wall painting behind the reception desk. “The lobby meets Feng Shui requirements. There are no right angles in the room,” explains Patrick Chmielewski. The 20m-long wall painting represents a view of nearby Lake Taihu and is inlaid with precious stones. “This is an international hotel with a truly urban atmosphere that is both elegant and relaxed”.
A new emblem As such, the Pullman Wuxi New Lake hotel exemplifies Pullman’s new identity: that of a brand that has renewed the approach to upscale hospitality and offers its urban clientele a stimulating and cosmopolitan experience. “We are part of a development and activity zone that includes large international companies such as Sony, Osram, Ricoh, Bosch and Rhodia”. This strategic location reflects the brand’s “new upscale style”. The hotel also offers Pullman’s hallmark services with Vinoteca by Pullman, the Chill-out Space, the Co-Meeting offer and the Connectivity Lounge. The establishment’s greatest reward is to have been chosen as the first location for a photo report showcasing Pullman’s new identity in China. At the moment, Pullman has 16 hotels in China and the network continues to expand with an additional 29 hotels due to open by 2015.
The reference for events Since its inauguration in October 2012, the Pullman Wuxi New Lake hotel has positioned itself as the large events specialist. “Our 1,200m2 ballroom is one of the brand’s biggest in China.” The hotel also has eight other reception rooms bathed in natural light and equipped with the best audio and video facilities. “This wedding reception room is booked very often because that type of ceremony is very popular in China. It’s a sign of social recognition: the more lavish the wedding, the higher the family’s status.” This large 55m-long room serves either as a banquet hall or as a meeting room and can cater for 800 to 1,000 people. The Pullman Wuxi New Lake is the first French international five-star hotel in Wuxi. It hosts corporate events such as seminars and more recently welcomed a celebration marking the New District’s 20th anniversary.
One floor exclusively for female guests Chinese business customers are particularly fond of hotel chains and often travel in large groups. The establishment has been specially designed to cater for these groups and has 198 twin rooms. “We are one of the only establishments in the region with so many twin rooms. Right from the onset, we established ourselves in the market for large gatherings,” confirms Patrick Chmielewski. The hotel boasts a total of 404 rooms, including 40 suites ranging from 42m2 to 430m2. One of the hotel’s other competitive advantages is its 16th floor which is exclusively reserved from women. Decorated in shades of pink, featuring women’s magazines, an abundance of Roger & Gallet products, bathrobes and reinforced security, the 26 rooms are used mostly by businesswomen traveling alone who want to stay in a feel-good bubble of comfort.
The Pullman hotel: a must-stay establishment “Our customers meet, sign a contract, but they also relax and play sport,” says the General Manager. The hotel, which has four restaurants and a bar, offers international, Japanese, French and traditional Chinese cuisine, for example at “Le Chinois”, which can seat 280 and has 18 private rooms that are much appreciated by business men. The hotel also has a wide range of leisure facilities including a fully-equipped fitness room, a yoga room, a 27m indoor swimming pool, a spa, a massage room, Ping-Pong tables and a billiard table. Soon, it will also boast 17 karaoke rooms! “A lot of negotiations are rounded off with a business dinner, followed by a karaoke session. It’s part of Chinese culture,” explains Patrick Chmielewski. In addition to its high-quality finishes and impeccable service, the elegant and modern Pullman New Lake hotel is also noticeable for its efforts in favor of sustainable development. It reached the PLANET 21 Bronze level in January 2013.
The boutique Grade II* listed four-star Wood Norton Hotel, Evesham, is now graced with just under 2,400 square metres of fine woven axminster and tufted carpets from Wilton Carpets Commercial. As part of a £4million refurbishment aimed at restoring the hotel’s grandeur and injecting contemporary style, Vassen Design Ltd turned to the experienced hands of the Wilton Carpets Commercial design team for a combination of bespoke and stock designs throughout the public areas and bedrooms.
Within the principal bedrooms of the hotel, a bespoke carpet featuring delicate inlaid scroll designs and elegant stripe borders adds calm to the space and gives the bedrooms a more contemporary feel. A bespoke turquoise colour was added to the soft neutral shades taken from the Optimum colour palette to coordinate with the sumptuous fabrics, creating a contemporary harmony with the traditional panelled walls and ceilings. The carpets are woven in 7-row axminster with an 80/20 construction.
Using Wilton’s Flexiweave service, the Optimum colour palette is carried through into the public areas with the increased durability of a nine-row construction and a contemporary textured design, once again providing a balanced contrast with traditional fixtures and fittings. This design continues with a contemporary colour block bordered runner on the grand wooden staircase providing colour and design continuity throughout.
Turning to Wilton’s popular Ready to Go range, the bedrooms within the Pear Tree stable block and second floor of the main building benefit from the tufted Chenille design in Cardamom and Hemp colourways. The dark beige of Cardamom was used to create a cossetting atmosphere within the Pear Tree stable block, while the second floor bedrooms use the lighter Hemp colourway, again complementing traditional wood features.
“Wood Norton Hotel has an exceptional historic interior, reflecting the lifestyle of the exiled French royals wholived there before World War One,” explains Sean Vassen of Vassen Design. “Crucially, many of the interior’s original features have stayed intact, the most notable of which is the finely crafted oak panelling. My aim was to enhance the interior spaces of the hotel by using a carefully modulated palette of textures and colours that work with the existing wood panelling, and I found I could achieve this with the Optimum palette as it allowed design flexibility in a coordinating bank of shades.”
With a combination of woven carpets taking advantage of the flexible and cost-effective Flexiweave service where possible and tufted carpets from the Ready to Go collection, adapting qualities to suit each area, Vassen Design was able to achieve a high quality floor finish that was in keeping with the hotel’s ambience and that also kept to budget. All carpets were manufactured in the UK at Wilton Carpets Commercial’s Wiltshire production facility in a performance blend of 80% wool 20% nylon.
For further information contact Wilton Carpets Commercial on 01722 746000 or sales@wiltoncarpets.com
The Mere’s George Duncan Suite and its two boardrooms have been refurbished to the highest degree of specification, marking the final stage of the resort’s £15 million redevelopment. The Mere is now able to provide a greater choice of options for customers looking for smaller scale events within a luxurious and highly equipped environment. The George Duncan suite holds up to 200 guests in theatre style and is popular for a host of events, from small weddings, corporate banquets and theatre style meetings. The Suite has its own bar, lounge and connecting syndicate room allowing up to 120 guests to make use of a secluded area. The boardrooms are used regularly for private meetings.The newly designed conferencing suites were designed and refurbished by Mather & Co, based in Wilmslow, also responsible for the rest of the resort’s redevelopment.
Janice Crosby, Events Manager at The Mere, comments: “The George Duncan Suite is hugely popular for a range of corporate hospitality events and we’re delighted with the results of the refurbishment. Our boardrooms are regularly booked up too and we wanted to ensure we were delivering a consistently high quality experience at the resort. It’s exciting too to mark the final stage of our significant development plans.”
The Mere Golf Resort & Spa is an independent luxury resort co-owned by Mark Boler and Gary Corbett. The resort offers an 81 bedroom hotel and two new restaurants including ‘Browns at The Mere’ and the ‘Club Lounge and Bar’ alongside its existing championship golf course, refurbished conference and event facilities for up to 550 people and a state-of the-art health club and spa. Situated in the heart of Cheshire, the resort is close to Manchester, Liverpool and Chester.
The figures are impressive, with 2,500 rooms and 26,000 m2 of public areas refurbished and renovations that will last 30 months, and reflect the sheer scale of the project. Pullman has launched this unprecedented transformation known as “Pullman Paris Live” in the heart of France’s capital. This architectural revolution will allow it to unveil its new look as well as a reinvented approach to upscale hospitality in the first quarter of 2014.
Five hotels: the Pullman Paris Montparnasse, Bercy, Tour Eiffel, La Défense, Charles de Gaulle Airport… will showcase the brand’s new mind-set and daring approach promoting an experience that blends efficiency with pleasure.
“This project represents an unprecedented challenge in the Paris hotel sector with the virtually simultaneous refurbishment of five ‘heavy weight’ establishments. No hotel brand has ever undertaken renovations on this scale in as many hotels in the same city in such a short period of time. It represents a sizeable investment which is entirely funded by the hotel owners. We are giving ourselves the means with which to fulfill our ambitions in the world’s top tourist destination” declares Denys Sappey – Director of Pullman France.
A dedicated website to follow the progress of refurbishment
Several key features in all five establishments will be reinvented over the next few months, for example, services, interior design, contemporary art, connectivity and decompartmentalised spaces. The aim is to create five unique addresses where customers will recognize Pullman’s identity through a series of brand hallmarks and strong characteristics.
Of course design is one of the project’s essential elements. Eight renowned architects and interior designers are responsible for Pullman’s new identity in Paris: Christophe Pillet, Didier Gomez, Marc Hertrich & Nicolas Adnet, JOI Design, Laurent Moreau, Naço and Didier Rey.
“Our brand project offers a new approach to upscale hospitality in which design plays a key role. Whether they are staying for business, leisure, or both, our objective is to offer our guests a cosmopolitan, stimulating and decidedly stylish experience. The designer element in our hotels will be reinforced by the brand’s commitments in the field of contemporary art” explains Xavier Louyot – Senior Vice President, Global Marketing for Pullman.
This unprecedented transformation of the brand’s Parisian hotels also involved a lengthy process to prepare employees and includes a vast internal communication campaign as well as a campaign targeting customers through a dedicated website. The aim is to involve customers as much as possible by revealing what the Pullman hotels of the future will be like and to strengthen customer bonds with a brand that is determined to shake things up in 2013 and the years to come.
The “Pullman Paris Live” project in figures…
– 5 hotels – 8 designers – 30 months of refurbishment – 2,510 rooms renovated – 26,000 m2 of living areas reinvented – 1,500 employees concerned – January 2013: work starts at the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel – March 2013: Unveiling of the Pullman Paris La Défense and Pullman Paris Montparnasse – September 2013: Unveiling of the Pullman Paris Bercy – December 2013: Unveiling of the Pullman Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport – April 2014: Unveiling of the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
ME by Meliá will officially launch its flagship hotel, ME London, on 1st March 2013 – a design-led, lifestyle hotel located at the centre of the capital’s diverse art and culture district.Foster + Partners’ first UK hotel project and the first for which they have designed all of the interiors and exteriors, ME London is situated in Marconi House, the original London home of BBC radio.
The property has 157 guest rooms, including 16 suites and ultra-luxurious Suite ME, a two-storey penthouse located in the turret of the building. All have sumptuous bedding, bathrooms with spa-like rain showers and premium amenities, as well as access to the hotel’s integrated digital media hub.
The interiors fuse contemporary detailing and classic traditions, with a dramatic monochrome palette, as guests move from dark to light spaces.
Exceptional dining is located within the hotel including Radio roof top bar, offering a stunning panoramic view of London; STK steakhouse and grill who are celebrated for their lively vibe; Cucina Asellina for a contemporary take on rustic Italian food and the Marconi Lounge, an ideal meeting place, open all day.
The hotel also has an on-site fitness centre and offers in room relaxation and spa treatments.
ME by Meliá is for cultured, fashionable guests who are driven by new experiences and opportunities. The brand has been built on first-rate service, and ME London will be no exception. Each guest’s stay will be orchestrated by the dedicated Aura Manager, whose job it is to know the city back-to-front and use this knowledge to make the hotel’s service truly bespoke.
UK based furniture designer and manufacturer Burgess Furniture is pleased to announce that we are again attending ScotHot at the SECC Glasgow from the 4th – 6th March 2013.Burgess has been at the forefront of banqueting and conference furniture design for over 50 years and is winner of a Queens Award for International Trade, an accolade we are very proud of.
2013 is a special year as ScotHot are celebrating 40 years of hosting the show and Burgess are also launching our new banqueting and conference chair at ScotHot called MENDOLA.
Other products that will be on our stand; our original Slimfold banqueting table, cleverly designed BuffetCube table and our stylish Configure-8 and Configure-8 Flip-Top tables which are perfect for any meeting, conference or boardroom. From our Classic chair range we will be exhibiting our Turini, Fiora, Cello and Comfort-Flex and from our Design chair range we will be showing off our Flexe, Flair, Vio, Sentrum and Orvia.
The Orvia Chair, which was designed in collaboration with FIRA and their leading Ergonomics Consultant Levent Caglar, was awarded the FIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award last year.
Burgess has an extensive range of chairs, tables and accessories to meet all of your hospitality requirements.
Visit our stand 4610 so we can discuss your requirements and demonstrate our products to you.
The Wandsworth Group has announced a significant strategic investment programme to enable further expansion following a £7 million cash injection into the business.The 108-year-old company is the longest established independent manufacturer of wiring accessories in the UK and has already announced a move to custom-fitted new premises in its home town of Woking, Surrey. The investment funds will enable The Wandsworth Group to maximise the benefits of its new headquarters and production plant with investment in new product development across its wiring accessories and healthcare technology business. The funds will also help the company to drive international expansion and acquisition opportunities where there is a synergy with the existing business.
Explains Chairman of The Wandsworth Group, Charlie Salter: “The move to our new premises reiterates Wandsworth’s commitment to product development, UK manufacturing and quality control and our new site next to McLaren Engineering is a state-of-the art facility with room for growth. Our focus on playing to the strengths of our century-long heritage while investing in next generation innovation for wiring accessories and healthcare technology will enable us to accelerate growth and market share here and internationally.’
Wandsworth has mapped out an investment programme involving product development of its premium Penthouse range of wiring accessories and expansion of its wireless accessories range.
Charlie Salter adds: “Whilst we remain a family-owned company with traditional values and a commitment to British manufacturing, The Wandsworth Group is also a very dynamic business with an exceptional technical skills base and a clear marketing vision. The investment will help us leverage those strengths and build on our success.”
A new range of dining and lounge chairs from Kesterport is characterised by a complex skeletal structure that shows the personality of the chair and defines it as an almost sculptural object.Solid natural materials devoid of edges radiate warmth, strength and stability, and invite you to sit down and enjoy…
For enquiries please contact the contract sales office on 01932 573600 or visit our website site at www.kesterport.com.
Marriott International has recently announced the signing of seven management agreements with TCC Hotels Group which will see the US hospitality company operating seven TCC hotels across Thailand. These agreements make the TCC Hotels Group the largest owner of Marriott International hotels in Asia Pacific. The seven hotels are: • The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, Bangkok to be rebranded as Bangkok Marriott Hotel Queen’s Park • Imperial Adamas Phuket Beach Resort to be rebranded as Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Nai Yang Beach • HuaHin Marriott Resort & Spa • Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa, Jomtien Beach • JW Marriott Pattaya Resort & Spa • Marriott Hotel and Executive Apartments, Bangkok Surawong • The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok
This landmark agreement will add 3,000 rooms to Marriott International’s existing 12 hotels of 3,110 rooms across Thailand.
The TCC Hotels Group will represent a variety of Marriott International’s brands including The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott and the company’s signature Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand. It will see Marriott International take on the management of two existing hotels and five new build properties across the country in the strategic tourist destinations of Bangkok, Phuket, HuaHin and Pattaya.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Bangkok, Simon Cooper, Marriott International’s president and managing director Asia Pacific, said: “We are delighted to announce this landmark deal for Thailand. TCC Hotels Group is very well established as a hotel owner and operator around the world and these seven hotels will add to our already strong portfolio of hotels in the country.”
“I believe this partnership shows our commitment to and faith in Thailand as a strategically important business and leisure destination in South East Asia. Managing this portfolio of TCC hotels in the country will allow us to extend our product offering and brands in Thailand, and enable domestic and international travellers to experience our hotels and world-class service.”
TCC Hotels Group expects to invest approximately US$500 million for the seven hotels including an extensive refurbishment of the existing Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, Bangkok and the Imperial Adamas Phuket Beach Resort before being rebranded and opened under the Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand in 2016.
“TCC Hotels Group believes that Thailand and the group could benefit from the global network and standards of Marriott International. We are very excited to be working together with Marriott International, an experienced global operator to support our growth strategy and our confidence in both Tourism and MICE business sectors of Thailand,” said Wallapa Traisorat, President of TCC Hotels Group.
Birmingham-based Heritage Silverware was on show at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or in Lyon, France last week following a special collaboration with Simpson’s head chef, Adam Bennett.Adam represented the UK in the world final of Bocuse d’Or – finishing fourth overall, the UK’s highest-ever ranking in the competition – and won the title of best meat dish for his oak-smoked beef fillet and boiled beef and carrots, which was presented on bespoke silverware created by Heritage.
Heritage Silverware spent over 500 hours manufacturing 115 pieces for Adam’s menu including miniature hand-blown glass cloches, specially selected pieces of British oak and silver-plated oak leaves.
Designer Nathalie McDonagh worked with Adam Bennett over the past year to create a completely new concept to complement his menu and fulfil the criteria of the competition. Speaking about the range, Nathalie said:
“Heritage has been privileged and honoured to work with Adam on his entry to the Bocuse d’Or, which is widely acknowledged as the biggest and most prestigious chefs’ competition in the world. We have nothing but huge admiration for the amount of time and dedication that he has put in, and Birmingham can feel immensely proud of his achievements.”
Based in Small Heath, Birmingham, Heritage Silverware was founded in 1976 and manufactures for clients across the world including The Ritz, The Dorchester and the Orient Express.
Picasso once said that the artist represented the élite of the servant classes. A hundred years on and my belief is that the artist has been usurped from this rôle by the designer. In the days of Picasso at the beginning of the Twentieth century the world was relatively simple visually. Photography had been around for maybe 60 years, but remained an arcane art form needing a special camera and alchemical darkroom procedures, television hadn’t been invented and the lithograph was the latest in print production.
Now our would is a visual and aural cacophony. We are bombarded with projected imagery, art is a cheap commodity, music reduced to muzak. Most people cannot distinguish between what has eternal values and what is merely a passing style fad. Designers act as translators of the chaos, standing between the juggernauts of mass production and the individual bespoke producer to enable people to select well designed products to fill their world. The designer has now become the élite of the servant classes in turn. It was with delight I heard Roberto Palomba speak of the work of himself and his partner, and wife of 25 years, Ludovica. Interviewed by Vanessa Brady in the Roca Gallery as part of the launch of new items in the Laufen collection, Roberto referred to himself as a servant of the people. Asked a particularly convoluted question he retreated, saying “I’m not intelligent – I am a designer”, and then went on to prove what an intelligent designer he is.
Designers share with artists their ability to tap into their intuition, to trust intuitive leaps, to think sideways rather than in straight logical lines. Roberto talked about his design process and what sounds like a symbiotic relationship with his client, Laufen. Asked about how technical details of what makes a tap work he said he didn’t need to know that, just how big the mechanism was. The latest collection created by his practice moves away from the seemingly all pervading rectilinear shapes to draw from nature, symbolised by the adoption of Celtic names such as ‘menhir’ (a standing stone) echoing forms in a landscape, fittingly for items associated with water.
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) announces the opening of the Holiday Inn Charleston Historic Downtown, the area’s first new hotel development in over 10 years. Located two blocks away from the Charleston Visitor’s Center at 425 Meeting Street, and within a short walk of famous Market and King Streets, the brand new, five-story hotel blends contemporary luxury with traditional southern hospitality.The Holiday Inn Charleston Historic Downtown has 120 rooms, including three full suites and 23 specialty rooms, all of which offer a private patio. The hotel, owned by Tara of Charleston LLC and managed by Tara Investments, is franchised by an affiliate of IHG. “We are delighted to be joining the Holiday Inn brand family in this great city”, said Jewel Oxner, vice-president of Sales and Marketing for Tara Investments. “Charleston is where history lives and memories are made. We look forward to welcoming both business and leisure guests, and providing them with the best service in Charleston. “
The hotel design creates a familiar atmosphere that is warm, trend forward and comfortable. It features a natural, fresh colour palette punctuated by pops of energetic colours. Guest beds are made using crisp, white bedding with pillows that come in two comfort levels: “soft” and “firm.” And the bathrooms include a multifunctional showerhead, as well as a signature shower curtain with curved rod, and Bath & Body Works® amenities. In addition, each room has the standard Holiday Inn guestroom accommodations – comfortable double, queen or king-sized beds, a sitting area with a lounge chair, hairdryer, micro fridge, coffee maker, iron and ironing board.
The design includes business-focused necessities such as an ergonomic workstation, data ports and complimentary USA TODAY® newspapers. Other amenities include free wireless Internet service throughout the hotel and in the area surrounding the heated outdoor pool. The hotel includes 2,109 square feet of meeting space, which can accommodate up to 150 people. In addition, the hotel includes a library and business centre featuring living-room style seating and a fitness centre with floor to ceiling windows.
Guests of the Holiday Inn Charleston Historic Downtown can enjoy The Meeting Room Restaurant and Tapas Bar, which features farm-to-table cuisine, signature cocktails and specially selected wines, all in a relaxing and elegant setting. Executive Chef Ramon Taimanglo offers a twist on tradition with American-inspired tapas prepared with local ingredients, offering something to suit every palette. In addition to serving dinner, The Meeting Room also offers the standard Holiday Inn Best-4-Breakfastâ menu.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and White Lodging Services Corporation have announced plans to open a second Westin hotel in Austin, Texas. The Westin Austin Downtown is scheduled to break ground in 2013 and open in Spring 2015 on the northeast corner of East Fifth Street and San Jacinto Boulevard. The 17-story, 326-room Westin hotel will be a joint venture between White Lodging Services Corporation, the Harry Whittington family and REI Real Estate Services, LLC.Located at the centre of Austin’s lively downtown, The Westin Austin Downtown will be just one and a half blocks from the city’s convention centre and a short walk to many of the city’s restaurants and music venues. The famous Sixth Street entertainment district is just around the corner. Hotel facilities will include a White Lodging-managed, full-service restaurant, fitness centre, and 13,500 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and banquet space.
In addition to helping meet an ever-growing demand for hotel rooms, the Westin will generate significant economic benefits, including more than 130 permanent jobs and approximately $4.5 million in taxes annually.
The sensory-rich environment at Westin offers a respite from the rigors of travel and sets a welcoming tone. The Westin brand’s innovative programs and instinctive service transform every aspect of a guest’s stay into a revitalizing experience. All guestrooms and suites at The Westin Austin Downtown will offer the world-renowned Westin Heavenly® Bed – an oasis of lush sheets, down and a patented pillow-top mattress, which cradles and contours to the body for truly restorative sleep. Guests will revive in the Heavenly® Bath enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly® Shower, Heavenly® Robe and White Tea Aloe bath amenities, in-room and high-speed Internet access. The hotel also will also offer the Westin brand’s signature SuperFoodsRX® menu, which includes nutrient-rich and delicious options to tempt every palate.
Great Hotels of the World, the London-based hotel sales and marketing alliance, has acquired five new member properties to its collection.Great Hotels of the World Luxury Collection – for the most luxurious hotels in the world
Royal Garden Villas & Spa, Tenerife, Spain Situated in the beautiful region of Costa Adeje in Southern Tenerife, Royal Garden Villas & Spa is a luxurious and elegant five-star resort, offering guests privacy and the finest services in gorgeous surroundings. Overlooking the golf course and boasting spectacular views, the hotel comprises 28 one-, two- and three-bedroomed villas, each with their own large terrace and solar heated pool, designed for relaxation and privacy.
Each villa has been decorated in its own unique style, equipped with sumptuous furnishings and beautiful antiques from around the world. Guests can also have their meals in the privacy of their own villa. The property’s Golden Pond Spa is a Thai temple of wellbeing, offering guests a unique environment to unwind. Wood, stone and sculptures adorn the spa to recreate an exotic Asian atmosphere. The spa contains an indoor thermal circuit with jacuzzi, waterfall, waterbeds and Turkish bath, hydromassage showers, ice fountain and a separate lounge for treatments. Guests can also enjoy the property’s gym, Tucán Tucán Pub and Jardín Restaurant, serving traditional Canarian and international cuisine. The restaurant has been recommended by the Michelin Guide.
Great Hotels of the World Premium Collection – for upscale superior hotels offering guests a unique experience
Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, Thailand Located on the banks of the majestic Chao Phraya River, with the cultural and historical attractions of Bangkok on its doorstep, Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok offers premium accommodation. Its 396 spacious rooms and suites all boast large balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning views of the river and cityscape, along with the renowned friendly Thai hospitality. The property offers a complimentary shuttle boat to and from Sathorn Pier for its guests.
The hotel boasts three restaurants: River Barge, which serves international and regional specialities, Silver Waves, serving dim sum and creative Cantonese cuisine, and Pier 28, offering alfresco dining at its finest. Guests can also enjoy the 35m infinity pool with accompanying jacuzzi, two children’s pools, hair salon, fitness centre with sauna and the hotel’s Nemita Spa, with an array of treatments to choose from. A large ballroom, business centre services and seven private meeting rooms are also onsite as well as a club lounge, lobby lounge, pool bar and convenience store.
Hilton Worldwide and Bayview Hospitality Group (BHG) have announced that the landmark Metropolitan Hotel Toronto, which BHG recently acquired along with the hotel’s two restaurants, will become downtown Toronto’s first DoubleTree by Hilton. BHG will continue to operate the hotel when it converts to a DoubleTree by Hilton later this year.“Entering the downtown of a gateway city such as Toronto with a well-known destination hotel and proven operators such as BHG is a great way for DoubleTree by Hilton to start the year,” said John Greenleaf global head DoubleTree by Hilton. “We’ve recently signed franchise agreements for hotel conversions in Kamloops, British Columbia; West Edmonton, Alberta; and downtown Regina, Saskatchewan. With all three planned to open this year, we will more than double our portfolio in the country.”
Located amidst the vibrant retail centre at Dundas Square, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Nathan Phillips Square and Osgoode Hall, the hotel is surrounded by Canada’s leading teaching hospitals, three major universities and the provincial legislature. BHG plans to reposition the well-known hotel to become the first DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Toronto. The repositioning strategy includes an extensive refurbishment to the hotel. The new design direction and upgrades will bring a heightened level of comfort and a sophisticated, urban look and feel to the full service hotel.
“We are truly excited to introduce the first DoubleTree by Hilton to the world class city of Toronto,” said Alnoor Gulamani, president of BHG. “BHG has a relationship with Hilton Worldwide that goes back many years over multiple hotel projects in the Greater Toronto Area. The Doubletree by Hilton brand is the perfect fit for this central, cosmopolitan location.”
Europe’s oldest luxury hotel brand, Kempinski, has reinforced its commitment to India by launching its first independently managed hotel in the commercial district of Shadara in East Delhi – Kempinski Ambience Delhi. The Buddhist spiritual leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, His Holiness the Dalai Lama blessed and inaugurated Kempinski Ambience Delhi by lighting the ceremonial lamp on December 25, 2012. The hotel is set to be an upscale landmark destination for business, entertainment and weddings in the region.
The hotel is contemporarily designed and features 480 rooms and suites in two towers, connected by a sky bridge. Each tower has a dedicated entrance, a lobby and a check-in desk. Kempinski Ambience Delhi features banqueting facilities of over 70,000 sq ft, including India’s largest pillar-less ballroom in a luxury hotel that can accommodate up to 6000 guests. Amongst the dining options are four specialty restaurants including Café Knosh (all-day dining restaurant), Dilli 32 (an Indian specialty restaurant), Mei Kun (an Asian restaurant) and Casaluna (an Italian restaurant).
Travelodge has exchanged contracts with LPC Living for the construction of its first hotel in the London Borough of Hackney. Located at the former Gibbons furniture store site on Amhurst Road and adjacent to Hackney Central Train Station, the 80-bed hotel is expected to open in the summer of 2014. It will be the first branded hotel accommodation in the heart of the Borough and will create 15 jobs when open.
The Travelodge hotel forms part of a broader £20m redevelopment by LPC Living which also includes 50 serviced apartments and two ground floor retail units. Construction is scheduled to start this spring with Anglo Holt appointed as contractors.
Strettons acted on behalf of Travelodge, with Kingsbury acting on behalf of LPC Living. This will be LPC Living’s second Travelodge development, with the company having previously built Travelodge’s Salford Quays hotel in Greater Manchester.
Neil Short, Development Manager for Travelodge in North London, said: “The new hotel is in a fantastic location on Amhurst Road, next to Hackney Central station and part of an exciting, £20 million mixed-use development by LPC. We will be delighted to open what will be the first branded hotel in the heart of Hackney.
“Whilst the Olympic Games have brought a lot of attention to East London, the long-term business fundamentals for a hotel in Hackney are clear. Considerable recent investment in public transport, a burgeoning business and cultural environment and a lack of good quality, affordable hotel rooms mean Hackney is a great location for a Travelodge.”
Simon Ashdown, Development Director at LPC Living, said: “Our experience in transforming redundant pieces of land into thriving mixed-use developments and creating new employment opportunities for the local community lends itself perfectly to this prime site in Hackney.
“Travelodge are the perfect partner in this equation and I am delighted to be extending our relationship with them following the success of our Radclyffe Park development in Salford.”
Travelodge now has 56 hotels open in the London Boroughs, with 13 further sites under construction or legally secure, making Travelodge the largest hotel brand in the capital. The hotel company now has a site in 27 London boroughs.
The Travelodge development team is actively looking for a further 48 sites across London which, when realised, will ensure the company has a hotel in located in each of the capital’s boroughs.
Tony O’Brien, UK Development Director for Travelodge Hotels, said: “London has an undersupply of good quality, affordable hotel rooms in Zones 1 and 2, and a shortage of any type of hotel in the suburbs.
“Trading has been superb for us in London throughout the recession, with hotels reaching mature occupancy levels within weeks of opening.
“Our London target list has a further 48 locations in the capital and we will be making further announcements soon about some exciting exchanges.”
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that it has completed the sale of Aloft and Element Lexington to Rockwood Capital for $36 million. As part of the agreement, the dual-hotel development in Lexington, Massachusetts will be managed under long-term license agreements by Paramount Hotel Group and continue to fly the Aloft and Element flags. “This sale is consistent with Starwood’s asset-light strategy as we continue to seek opportunities to sell owned real estate at the right time to the right owners,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood. “Starwood completed over $500 million of hotel asset sales in 2012, and investor interest in the company’s other owned assets has increased markedly as hotel industry fundamentals and capital markets have continued to improve.”
“We are thrilled to be expanding our relationship with Starwood. We view these properties as an excellent fit with our strategy to acquire strong income-producing properties in one of our key target markets on the east coast,” said Tony Larino, Managing Director and Head of Lodging at Rockwood Capital.
Built by Starwood and opened in 2008, Aloft Lexington and Element Lexington share the same parcel of land at 727 Marrett Road, close to the 128 Mass Turnpike. Home to numerous technology businesses, Lexington offers a charming combination of historical sites, farm stands and greenhouses, as well as convenient access to Boston’s thriving business community and leisure attractions.
Aloft Lexington offers 136 guest rooms, indoor pool, w xyz sm bar, fitness center and meeting space. Element Lexington features 123 guestrooms, fitness facility and meeting space. The two hotels share 297 parking spaces.
Decorative electrical wiring accessories, audio and lighting controls manufacturer Hamilton Litestat has extended its Eurofix range, which offers complete flexibility for British and European overseas projects where a range of international appliances may be used, such as hotels. Eurofix plates contain European style apertures into which the various inserts can be clipped, yet are fitted in the usual way into British Standard wall boxes.
New inserts for 2013 include universal, USA (NEMA) and European (schuko) sockets, and a USB charging point, which join the existing range of AV, data, TV, satellite and hotel card switch inserts.
The Eurofix range is available across most of Hamilton’s stylish plate designs, making it suitable for all types of interior from contemporary to traditional.
Following a meticulous and extensive multi-million dollar renovation, Hotel Bristol, one of Warsaw’s most iconic establishments, joins The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts’ ensemble of the world’s finest hotels. Owned by Starman Poland, Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Warsaw marks the luxury brand’s first hotel in Poland, combining its authentic, artistic spirit and its cultural heritage with contemporary glamour and elegance. Situated in one of the most prestigious locations in Warsaw, next to the Presidential Palace and on the historic and fashionable Royal Route, Hotel Bristol has been at the centre of Varsovian society since it was founded in 1901 by Ignacy Paderewski – a renowned composer, piano virtuoso and former Polish Prime Minister. The hotel continues to provide unrivalled hospitality for discerning global travellers, with 168 guestrooms and 38 suites clothed in understated shades of ivory and blue, creating a soothing backdrop for the contrasting charcoal and ebony furnishings. Subtle Art Deco accents are used alongside classic elements, a gentle reminder of the hotel’s historic roots. Softly polished nickel, rich timbers, generously proportioned bevelled mirrors and high-gloss lacquer combine with indulgent satin, mohair and fine wool to encapsulate the glamour and decadence of the 1920s.
A Renewed Masterpiece Offering a mesmerising experience reminiscent of Warsaw’s Belle Époque era from the early 20th century, Hotel Bristol is a unique masterpiece with an enduring artistic spirit coupled with contemporary amenities. Behind the hotel’s majestic neo-renaissance façade, the interiors were created by acclaimed London-based hotel designer, Anita Rosato, to recapture its illustrious history and romantic aura with subtle references to the aesthetics of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. Rosato worked closely with the city’s Architectural Conservator during the renovation of the 110-year-old hotel to ensure that Hotel Bristol’s historical charm is preserved.
The restoration and re-branding of Hotel Bristol as a Luxury Collection hotel reinforces its position at the heart of Warsaw’s cultural and social scenes, as well as one of the city’s beloved landmarks. The place to meet, relax and absorb the grandeur of the historic building, the reception has been returned to its original location next to the main entrance with an enlarged lobby lounge. The decor features deep-buttoned armchairs and marbled walls with antiqued mirrors in brass frames. With the restored chandelier illuminating the grand floral display of palm trees and freshly cut blooms, the lobby is a contemporary re-interpretation of the original winter garden by Otto Wagner the Younger, the hotel’s first interior designer.
Influences from the Art Nouveau and Jugendstil movements can be seen in bespoke design accents throughout the hotel: from the intricate installation of over 600 handmade brass leaves – inspired by the organic forms of a Secessionist brooch, in the reception and an elaborate handcrafted rug that was developed from a remnant fabric with Art Nouveau design, to nickel-glass wall fittings, embellished wool drapes and embossed white leather panels influenced by Wagner’s contemporaries.
Exquisite Culinary Experiences Hotel Bristol introduces Advinture, a new wine bar offering wines from renowned vineyards and pairing them with delicacies created by Chef de Cuisine Michal Tkaczyk to provide an unforgettable oenological discovery. Intimate yet vibrant, Advinture features cast bronze light fittings that are a modern take on the organic forms of Art Nouveau, alongside black lacquer, bevelled mirror and cracked gesso panels within its monochromatic palette.
Featuring an original plaster frieze by Wagner and elegant columns adorned with restored Art Nouveau light fittings, the majestic Column Bar captures the essence of Hotel Bristol, which is renowned for its annual New Year’s Eve grand ball. Curved leather banquette seating and tall-back wingchairs have been added to evoke the glamour and elegance in the intimate setting complemented by the handcrafted rug running the length of the grand hall and whose design was inspired by the historical frieze. Guests are invited to enjoy signature cocktails like The Nocturne Fizz, a vodka-based concoction inspired by the Mazovia region.
Marconi Restaurant reflects Tkaczyk’s culinary passion with its delectable Polish and Mediterranean cuisine, including the signature roasted duck with caramelised apples, abundant with flavours of rosemary, garlic and clove. The restaurant’s elegant classical interiors with rich dark parquet contrasted against soft white panelled walls, together with a delicate colour palette and exquisite details like crystal chandeliers and fine porcelain, provide a sophisticated and romantic ambiance.
Tradition meets metropolitan lifestyle at the legendary Café Bristol, which has enchanted its guests since 1901 with original Viennese-style interiors, aromas of freshly brewed coffee, delicious traditional dishes and sophisticated patisserie.
Leisure Facilities and The Luxury Collection Concierge A gold and white light installation hangs above the exquisite reception desk at the wellness area, exuding a calming, ethereal atmosphere when one enters. In this intimate and serene retreat, guests can make use of the indoor pool and gym, enjoy a pampering massage, as well as relax in the wet and dry saunas.
Hotel Bristol also introduces the brand’s signature Luxury Collection Concierge service to all guests, offering the most discerning global travellers an extraordinary experience and impeccable service. The concierge provides guests recommendations to discover and experience the city in an authentic and indigenous way, reinforcing Hotel Bristol’s position as the Varsovian destination authority.
Keypoint Guernsey Limited, advised by Indigo Planning, has been given the go ahead to redevelop the former Park Royal Hotel site in west London to create a 152-bedroom hotel. The London Borough of Ealing unanimously voted to grant planning consent for the hotel, which will also have a ground floor restaurant/bar and valet parking in the basement providing 51 spaces.
The hotel is aimed at both the business and leisure market and the owner is in discussion with a high profile hotel operator but is welcoming enquiries. The development will restore the locally listed building’s façade, the surrounding advertisement hoardings will be removed and its overall appearance greatly improved.
The 0.23 ha (0.6 acre) conservation area site was formerly home to the locally listed Park Royal Hotel public house, more recently known as Magnat, and is located on the A40 Western Avenue between Park Royal and Hanger Lane underground stations.
Mathew Mainwaring, Director at Indigo Planning said: “As well as providing a high quality hotel and around 65 new jobs, these plans will bring a locally listed building back into viable use and enhance the surrounding conservation area. We have undertaken a significant amount of consultation with the local community and this paved the way for the committee’s overwhelming support for the application. Following Ealing Council’s decision, work is set to start later this year.”
Architects for the project are CareyJones ChapmanTolcher.
The Swiss bathroom specialist Laufen will present itself from 12 to 16 March at the ISH in Frankfurt/Main (hall 3.1/stand B 51) with a fireworks display of new products and innovations. One of the highlights will be the products made from the new material SaphirKeramik (Sapphire Ceramics), by means of which the company has set out to initiate a fundamental change in the design vocabulary of ceramics. But new fittings and further developments of existing product lines, such as the latest additions to the Palomba collection, will also be on display at the Swiss bathroom specialist’s stand.At the ISH 2013, Laufen is lifting the veil from its new SaphirKeramik just slightly by showing two very delicate washbasin bowls made of the innovative material as pilot examples. Thanks to its extreme hardness and bending strength, SaphirKeramik permits extremely thin-walled designs and narrow radii without compromising on stability and break resistance. Wall thicknesses of no more than about 4 mm and defined edges with radii of 1 to 2 mm are possible. “The ISH is the ideal platform for starting a revolution in the design of bathroom ceramics”, says Alberto Magrans, Senior Managing Director of Laufen, “and I am certain that we will surprise the industry with our novelties made of SaphirKeramik.” The outstanding level of innovation of the new ceramic material also impressed the expert jury, which granted this material the Designplus Award offered by Messe Frankfurt in cooperation with the German Design Council.
The washbasin bowls made of SaphirKeramik were created by the designer Andreas Dimitriadis based in Stuttgart (platinumdesign). “The new ceramic material from Laufen offers me unprecedented creative scope in design and requires a whole new way of thinking”, Dimitriadis comments enthusiastically. “We now think in terms of precise edges and slender wall thicknesses instead of surfaces and tolerances”. Of course the effect of the new “sapphire” basins on viewers also had to be considered anew, since they were to retain the natural, man-made character of ceramics in spite of all their preciseness, and feature well-balanced, harmonious proportions.
Laufen will also present two new series of fittings at the ISH, Cityplus and Twinplus, designed by Andreas Dimitriadis as well. Cityplus is a genuine icon of urban lifestyle, which stands out by its generous surface design and clean, horizontal lines. The Twinplus stands out by its slender, puristic geometries, which please the eye in bathroom interiors by their architectural unpretentiousness. Both series of fittings include the complete range and, thanks to their excellent functionality, offer users great convenience and top quality in the bathroom.
The latest additions to the Palomba Collection, which have already won several awards, will also be shown at the ISH in their entirety for the first time in Germany. The models taking the centre stage among the novelties will be the floorstanding Menhir washbasin, which recalls a rock formed and polished by the tides, and a unique bathtub with dynamic, asymmetrical geometries and a high back. Four new countertop washbasins, two washbasin bowls and a range of new bathroom furniture are grouped around these main protagonists. “The new products of the Palomba Collection are only the tip of the iceberg”, says Magrans, “since our portfolio includes many more new solutions, designs and innovations – our visitors will be in for a few surprises!”
A new hotel concept which combines quality oversized guestrooms with secure, full-sized, on-property garages for vehicles and tools, has opened in Crystal City, Texas in the heart of the Eagle Ford Shale.The Derrick Lodge houses 50 oversized interior corridor guest rooms, each with ample living space including a bedroom and living room, two workstations, a 129-channel Direct TV package with DVR, refrigerator and microwave oven. Guests also enjoy a complimentary full breakfast daily, an on-site Pantry Store, free high-speed Internet throughout the hotel, housekeeping service and exclusive key entry access to the property.
Besides being one of the few hotels in the Eagle Ford Shale to offer these amenities, The Derrick Lodge is the first hotel in the area to open with full-sized, 437-square-foot garages with key pad access for workers to store their trucks, tools and equipment. Forty enclosed garages are available along with ample surface parking for oversized vehicles.
The property also houses a 24-hour Business Center and a conference room.
The Derrick Lodge is located at 4964 North U.S. Highway 83, just a short drive from Carrizo Springs, Uvalde, Eagle Pass, Big Wells and Cotulla.
The property is owned by a Houston-based group led by David Boothe of Landmark Interests. Boothe is a Lifetime Vice President of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Houston-based American Liberty Hospitality, which operates a collection of full-service and limited service hotels including several Hilton properties throughout southeast Texas, manages The Derrick Lodge.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced the signing of Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center. Located in Greater Chicago directly adjacent to Oakbrook Center, one of the most prestigious shopping destinations in the United States, the 10-story building is set to undergo a $20 million transformation prior to its 2014 debut. Owned by RockBridge and managed by Wischermann Partners Inc., Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center will combine timeless, chic design with sophisticated offerings. Located 18 miles west of the Chicago loop, along the Interstate 88 corridor, Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center will serve as a hub for both business and leisure. The hotel is just steps away from large corporate offices, luxury boutiques and highly sought after restaurants, making it a destination of choice for visitors to Oak Brook and other western Chicago suburbs.
Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center will boast a spectacular new outer façade, a new arrival experience and completely reimagined public spaces. The ninth floor will feature a proprietary new bar and restaurant concept with a variety of meeting spaces. In addition, Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center will offer a spacious fitness centre outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and a roof-top terrace. The hotel’s 172 rooms and suites, including a presidential suite and two spa suites, will be refurbished and feature the signature Le Méridien Bed.
Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center will showcase the newly developed Le Méridien HubTM experience, which re-interprets the traditional lobby into a social gathering place. Le Méridien Hub offers both guests and locals a creative atmosphere where contemporary, curated artwork sets the environment. Le Méridien Hub further builds on the brand’s award-winning arrival experience and coffee culture, curated by Le Méridien brand’s Cultural Curator Jérôme Sans. 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 ARTTM programme, featuring LM100 TM 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 soundtrack curated by Sans.
Geberit, the leading supplier of piping systems and sanitary systems, has introduced a new recruit to its sales team, with the appointment of Sarah Young who takes up the role of Technical Sales Manager for the South West.Prior to joining Geberit, Sarah worked in a similar sales based role for the Plumb Center, a major supplier of plumbing and heating products to the trade, where she gained a huge amount of experience looking after the accounts of merchant customers.
In her new position as Technical Sales Manager for Geberit, Sarah will be responsible for looking after the company’s key accounts in the South West of the country, including contractor and merchant customers. She is also looking forward to capturing new business in this area, making new contacts and further developing the Geberit brand.
Commenting at the end of her first week in the role, Sarah said: “The South West is a really strong area for Geberit and the response I have got from existing clients and prospective customers so far has been extremely positive.
“Geberit has an exciting range of products and is a brand that people trust and it’s exciting to be a part of their growing success.”
For further information on Geberit products and services call 0800 077 8365 or go online at www.geberit.co.uk
UK Shower Manufacturer and Designer, Roman Limited, have re-launched their website with a new look and feel, along with incorporating a number of new features and sections.The homepage has received most of the attention and has been designed to allow visitors to quickly link through to the most popular sections on the website. These include the Showroom Locator, so visitors can easily find their nearest displaying retailer; the Guarantee Database, so visitors can quickly register their Truelife, Lifetime Guarantee; the Brochure Request forms; and the Product Pages.
The homepage also features a useful drop down navigation bar at the side to allow visitors to quickly search by product type or range type. This is particularly valuable for general consumers, who are often unfamiliar with specific enclosure styles, as it includes line drawings to illustrate what the different enclosure styles are, helping them beat the jargon.
As a keen user of social media, Roman has also included a ‘social bar’ at the footer of the website, which quickly links through to their social media pages, as well as publishing the company’s latest tweets and blogposts. Roman is active across all of the key social media sites, including; Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, You Tube and Flickr.
The website, which was launched back in November 2011, has experience a surge in visitors in comparison to the company’s previous website, so the manufacturer is keen to maintain this trend, by giving it an annual review and revamp, as well as by adding new sections and refreshing it on a more regular basis, in between revamps, to make sure the website is always completely up to date.
The website’s new look features a softer, on trend colour pallet which perfectly complements their stylish range of showers. The new look makes the website even more inviting for all users, from general consumers, through to the company’s retailers, and from architects, through to plumbers.
David Osborne, Managing Director of Roman, comments: “We are delighted with the overall new look of our website and are sure our visitors will find this even simpler to navigate. The website still contains all the same information, but is laid out so that it is all easier to find. We have also included some new pages and sections, including a FAQs page. This has been driven with the help of our in house Customer Relations team, who have supplied us with some of the most common queries they hear on a day to day basis – we expect this to be particularly useful for those installing the products. We have also added some language specific landing pages to our Export section, these include; French, Spanish, Italian and German, to cater for our rapidly increasing Export market. Our website is totally flexible so will continue to grow and change in response to our customers’ needs.”
Ireland’s first DoubleTree by Hilton hotel has recently opened its doors, bringing one of Europe’s fastest growing upscale hotel brands to the Emerald Isle. A thoughtful and contemporary renovation of the Morrison hotel, in partnership with operators Martinez Hotels & Resorts, has seen the property’s 138 rooms and suites completely re-designed with a brand new concept centred on music and sound.Overseen by Dublin-based Nikki O’Donnell, the hotel’s new look incorporates lyrics from nearly 30 Irish songwriters and the work of a dozen Irish artists. The stylish, trend setting décor pays homage to the hotel’s traditional status as a destination of choice for the great and the good of Irish music. Each individual guestroom is adorned with a line from songs made famous by local acts such as The Script and Paul Brady, straddling genres from customary Irish folk ballads to instantly recognisable modern hits.
Stephen Mulligan, UK & Ireland director, Martinez Hotels & Resorts, said, “We set out with a very ambitious timeline for this project so we’re delighted to be opening the hotel on schedule and with the support of our new partners, Hilton Worldwide. The refurbishment coincides with a busier than normal event calendar for Ireland this year, and we believe the reopening will not only benefit the long term patrons of the Morrison, but will also contribute to the vibrancy of this up-and-coming part of Dublin.”
An exciting revamp of the drinking and dining options sees Bar Quay 14 and the adjoining Morrison Grill opening to the public on 11 February.
Simon Vincent, president, EMEA, Hilton Worldwide, said, “We are delighted to be introducing one of Europe’s fastest growing hotel brands to Ireland. Building on the hotel’s excellent reputation, we believe the renovation, combined with DoubleTree by Hilton’s famous warm welcome, will make the hotel a popular destination in its own right.”
The Morrison Dublin, a DoubleTree by Hilton’s central location is ideal for guests seeking to access Dublin’s International Financial Services Centre, top tourist attractions plus iconic sporting and concert venues such as the Aviva Stadium and O2 Arena along with the Bord Gais Energy Theatre and enduringly popular Guinness Storehouse. The trendy Temple Bar area, whose atmospheric cobbled streets are home to the entertainment heartbeat of the city, is a short walk across the river from the hotel. With a wealth of attractions at the fingertips of its guests, coupled with its allure as a destination for the city’s glitterati, the hotel is ideal for any visitor seeking to soak up Dublin’s diverse culture and fabled nightlife.
John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “This hotel is a fabulous representation of what our brand is all about. I’m thrilled with the work Nikki O’Donnell has done in bringing to life the essence of Ireland’s rich culture through such a stylish, sophisticated design. Guests will experience a taste of the city’s Celtic heritage and modern vibrancy while enjoying the signature DoubleTree by Hilton touches that we know appeal to travelers across Europe – all starting of course with the trademark warm chocolate chip cookie served upon check in.”
As part of the refurbishment, all rooms have been refitted with flat screen televisions and integrated music systems. Guests of the hotel will gain access to a 24-hour business zone and split level fitness centre. Up-lighting has also been installed to the façade along Ormond Quay. Wedding, conference and event space totalling 410 square metres is available, accommodating from eight to 240 guests.
Patrick Joyce, General Manager, added, “It’s been a hectic but exciting period and we’re very grateful to all our staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure the hotel was ready for opening. We hope our customers will be impressed by the work we’ve undertaken to bring a fresh new look to the Irish hotel scene. We believe the refurbishment strikes the right balance in staying true to the history of the Morrison hotel, while at the same time giving it a fresh new look.”
The Morrison, A DoubleTree by Hilton hotel has re-opened under a franchise agreement between Hilton Worldwide and Martinez Hotels & Resorts.
Directory company Crosswater supplied brassware for the refurbishment of the bathrooms
Preferred Hotel Group™, a global provider of sales, marketing, and distribution services to independent luxury hotels, has reported its 2012 year-end results, which include a 19 percent increase in revenue produced for its member’s hotels, up to a total of $730 million. In the past 12 months, the company also generated a 14 percent increase in reservations via its diverse distribution channels and booked nearly three million room nights, an increase of 17 percent compared to the same time period in 2011. “Despite the ongoing challenges of the global economy, we successfully fulfilled our goals of increasing revenue opportunities for member hotels and growing our portfolio in strategic destinations,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, President of Preferred Hotel Group. “In 2013, we will continue our growth campaign and establish a footprint in destinations that are desired by our guests and beneficial to our brands. Moreover, we will be focused on rolling out new and innovative consumer marketing initiatives for our member hotels.”
Other year-end highlights include: • Successful Revenue Management Initiatives. To support the revenue goals of its member hotels, Preferred Hotel Group diversified its online distribution channels by launching new partnerships with RoomKey.com and Trivago.com. In addition, the company introduced a new revenue account manager certification program that ensures that member hotels are benefiting from the most sophisticated rate strategies and channel management practices in the industry. While these innovations proved successful worldwide, properties in Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America were the strongest revenue producers, with country-specific growth as high as 31 percent in the United States.
• Strategic Brand Portfolio Growth. Preferred Hotel Group increased its global footprint in 2012 by launching its fifth brand, Summit Serviced Residences, and establishing a presence in previously unrepresented countries such as Georgia, Costa Rica, Iraq, and the Maldives. New hotels to join the company’s portfolio included such marquis properties as The Alpina Gstaad, Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, and The Mark.
• Enhanced Sales Presence. To support its growth in new markets and to strengthen its reach in key regions, the company opened its first sales office in Canada and a group desk in Europe. It also launched VIP desks in Brazil and Russia, enhanced the services of its Chicago VIP desk, and added resources in Beijing to complement the sales efforts of its Shanghai office.
• Increased Loyalty Program Membership. More than 100,000 travelers enrolled in the company’s I Prefer guest benefit program in 2012. To-date, nearly 1.3 million loyal guests receive rewards and special offers from more than 500 member hotels worldwide.
• New Family Website. In June 2012, Preferred Hotel Group showcased its commitment to family travel with the introduction of www.PreferredFamily.com. This comprehensive planning tool features innovative search functionality, discussions on current news and travel trends, and exciting city itineraries to match travelers with the Preferred Family certified hotel or resort that best suits their family’s specific needs.
The Contract Chair Company are forever improving their relationships with their suppliers so that they can offer the best price structures and products to their clients.We have recently teamed up with Tirolo from Italy to offer their complete range to the Hotel and Restaurant sectors, with one of the largest product ranges of restaurant chairs, lounge and bar chairs, hotel bedroom chairs and tables, both dining and occasional. This enhances our overall offerings to the market place.
We have many pieces in our showroom in Hammersmith to view and have supplied the Chicago, Ginevra and Boston to various hotel sites recently. Site photos to follow.
Please contact sales@thecontractchair.co.uk to discuss your requirements or to receive a catalogue showing the full range.
Crosswater, Bauhaus and Simpsons have launched a comprehensive range of Apple Brochure Apps available free of charge from iTunes Newsstand as well as a new line-up of page-turning interactive brochures on the Company’s group website. This significant investment in new marketing media will be a real asset for both the trade and the consumer and is the result of a year-long research and commissioning programme. Marten Baker, commercial manager for Crosswater explains: “The interactive brochures and brochures apps will be heavily marketed in consumer magazines and in store, we at Crosswater are extremely keen on modern marketing techniques and see both these initiatives as crucial in providing retailers with the very best sales tools, and the consumer with market-leading, 24/7 easy-to-understand product information.”
• Product search • Book mark single or multiple pages. • Add, save and share notes on any page • Download complete brochure as a pdf file • Zoom in and out • Single or double page view • View thumb nail images • Choice of three styles of page transition • View full screen at the click of a button • The interactive brochures can be used on desktop, lap top, tablet and Smart phones
Brochure Apps Crosswater, Bauhaus and Simpson’s brochures are now available for iPads from the Apple Newsstand within iTunes. Click here to visit the store.
Each Crosswater brand catalogue App is conveniently broken down into manageable and logical product family sections.
Crosswater offers individual brochures for taps, showering, bathroom accessories and kitchen mixers. Bauhaus includes furniture, sanitary ware, basins, mirrors/cabinets and towel rails. Simpsons features enclosures, bath screens and wet rooms.
Within the App users will find a tap-to-view link to the relevant website product page for immediate access to technical information as required. There are intuitive tools for simple navigation and a slider-bar to scroll through the catalogues.
Group Chairman David Hance enthused, “The high quality on-screen image resolution gives outstanding definition to all our products, even better than our high-quality printed brochures. I can see a time, very shortly, when digital media and printed brochures will be used in equal measure, which will have a clear benefit for the environment and cost savings in print buying. We have already had great feedback from customers who are already using the Crosswater Apps for home presentations to end users and no longer need to lug around a boot full or brochures.
Our own sales force is finding the Apps great for slick sales presentations and product training and we are receiving a huge number of subscriptions from the Apple store”
Rezidor has opened the very first Radisson Blu property in Mozambique – the First Class Radisson Blu Hotel, Maputo. The 154-rooms hotel is a great addition to the contemporary cityscape, enjoying a prominent location overlooking the Indian Ocean, within easy reach of Maputo International Airport and the vibrant downtown. Maputo is the capital city of Mozambique, a flourishing south east African country bordered by the Indian Ocean, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and South Africa. It was discovered by Vasco da Gama in 1498 and colonized by Portugal in 1505. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Maputo is located near famous sights like the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima, the Coconuts Entertainment Centre, the Polana Casino, the Natural History Museum and the Associação Núcleo de Arte, home to the studios of more than 100 artists, sculptors and ceramicists.
Elegant and spacious, the hotel’s 154 beautifully designed rooms and suites set a new level of contemporary style and comfort in Maputo. Guests enjoy a range of first-class amenities and Radisson Blu signature services such as free high speed internet access. The sophisticated Filini Bar & Restaurant serves delicious Italian cuisine and wines. With its nice terrace, the airy restaurant is the perfect setting for a business lunch or a romantic dinner. The chic Oceano Bar is a lively place to catch up with friends; and the trendy Palmeira Lounge is an oasis of calm and the ideal spot for taking time out. And, to top it all off, the glamorous Pool Bar is Maputo’s latest hot-spot destination.
Guests can relax in the hotel’s sun tanning area or take a dip in the large outdoor swimming pool. They can also step up their work out routine in the hotel’s fitness room, kitted out with the latest equipment. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Maputo is also ideal for events ranging from large conferences to board meetings: Facilities include three meeting rooms, a conference room spanning 252 square meters that can be divided into three, and a flexible pre-function area of 153 square meters.
And there were three! Adagio Aparthotels are pushing ahead with their European expansion. After Berlin and Munich, an Adagio is opening in Cologne, Germany, this month.The Aparthotels General Manager came up with an original idea to celebrate this event – and put the Adagio Köln City in the spotlight on 16 November last when it welcomed the 60 contenders for the Miss Intercontinental World title. The building work notwithstanding, the radiant pageant Misses attracted a variety of media, including respected national newspaper Bild-Zeitung. And it lit up the city.
A guided tour of an Aparthotel inspired by Cologne culture The Adagio Köln City’s 115 apartments harness this brand’s main strengths, and include studio flats and apartments for up to four people. They have all the amenities (kitchens, TVs, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi), and are perfect for families as much as business travelers.
The Adagio Köln City’s decoration, however, is all-new and draws on the city’s culture and its iconic Eau de Cologne.
The tour starts in the lobby, where large papier-mâché statues depict the vestiges from the Cologne Carnival, one of the city’s emblematic highlights. The reception then features a variety of noble materials arranged into a patchwork that resembles the typical costumes you see at that Carnival.
The corridors and the apartments they lead to are brimming with bright colors (yellow, violet and blue), and reminiscent of the variety of scents that intertwine in Eau de Cologne (bergamot, lemon, etc). Several of the geometric shapes on the floor, walls and furniture mirror the Eau’s molecular structure and add up to an original, fun tribute!
In downtown Cologne Cologne is Germany’s fourth-largest city, and its historical and cultural heritage is enviable: it counts 12 Roman basilicas, a world-class 14th-century university and an opera house, and is providing venues for an increasing number of European and worldwide events.
That is why the Adagio Köln City is where it is all happening, between Kölner Dom Cathedral and the main museums, and near the central station.
And why this destination is such a great advantage for the brand!
Created under the direction of Italian interior designer, Marco Viola, the new Capri Range from Hill Cross Furniture offers ease of use within design schemes as well as boasting many variations to help suit any venue or existing style.A comfortable clean look chair with solid beech wood frame and four round tapered legs. Fully upholstered back pad with exposed seat rail and an upholstered ‘wrap over’ seat pad. The Capri side chair can be upholstered in customer’s choice of fabric.
Ideal airport lounge or hotel lobby furniture. There are various matching products available so please contact Hill Cross Furniture for more details.
Hotel Hessischer Hof has been accepted into membership of Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, the ultimate luxury collection featuring more than 250 of the world’s most desirable destinations. The brand conveys the highest standards of hospitality and service as it celebrates the individuality of its members.The Grandhotel Hessischer Hof is a true icon in Frankfurt. Open since 1952, with its 119 luxury rooms and suites as well as its nine unique event rooms, the luxurious 5-star property is the only privately run luxury hotel still owned by the family foundation of the landgraves and princes von Hessen. Located within walking distance of the city center, the property is also situated opposite the trade fair and congress halls of ‘Frankfurt Messe’, appealing to both business and leisure travellers alike. Guests also have the option of indulging in the fine dining and haute cuisine of ‘Restaurant Sèvres’, rated as one of the best restaurants in the city. “As a new member with the Preferred Hotel Group, the only hotel of this brand in Frankfurt, we have more power to promote this unique and award winning hotel on new international markets. We are very much delighted to cooperate with this new quality label for our premium hotel,” comments General Manager Eduard M. Singer.
Susan Devine, Executive Vice President Europe, commented on the new partnership: ‘We are delighted and proud to welcome Hotel Hessischer Hof into our luxury portfolio, further cementing our position as leaders in the key cities throughout Europe’.
All Preferred Hotels & Resorts embrace the brand’s award-winning Standards of Excellence™, an extensive quality assurance program that has been honored with the “Best Practices Champion Award” by Cornell University. For more than 40 years, the brand’s legendary commitment to quality has ensured an unparalleled guest experience, from the very best amenities to superb service.
DoubleTree by Hilton has announced that through Q4 2012, it had added 49 hotels to its portfolio in one year, and that it expects to meet or exceed that pace in 2013 with both new-build and conversion hotels in the development pipeline. Leading the brand’s growth are conversion projects, located predominantly in the Americas and Europe.“2012 was another in what we’re confident will be a number of consecutive milestone years for DoubleTree by Hilton,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “Since 2007, we have grown the brand by more than 70 percent to become the fastest-growing, full service brand in the Hilton Worldwide portfolio and one of the fastest-growing within the upscale, full-service segment. We credit this success to a number of factors, including our brand restructuring with the addition of the ’by Hilton‘ endorsement to our name and the positive performance of Hilton Worldwide around the globe.”
Greenleaf added, “Ultimately, what drives our growth is the confidence our owners have in DoubleTree by Hilton, as that confidence leads them to successfully convert more hotels and sign more franchise deals.”
The brand has achieved the following milestones in 2012: • Opened 49 new hotels, including: o 31 hotels in the Americas, 11 in Europe and seven in Asia Pacific; o 85 percent of these projects were conversions from another brand or independent hotel; • Opened its first hotels in Japan, Croatia, Thailand and Spain: • Includes opening of its 300th hotel in Naha, Okinawa, Japan; • Brought its total portfolio of U.K. hotels to 18 (from zero in 2008): o Doubled capacity in London; • Signed more than 75 deals for hotels to open through 2020, at least 25 of which are planned in the Americas; • Received top honours from Business Travel News in their 2012 Hotel Chain Survey in 6 out of 12 categories including: “Arrange Group Travel/Meeting,” “Meetings Facilities,” “Corporate Rate Programmes,” “Helpful Staff,” “Physical Appearance of Hotels,” “In-room amenities” and tied for “In-room Business Amenities;” • The brand’s Cookie CAREavan Campaign was named one of the top four consumer campaigns of the year and one of the top 15 overall creative campaigns of 2012 by Holmes Report Creativity Index; • Won Hotels Magazine’s inaugural Social Hotel Awards “Best Integrated Digital Campaign by Brand” Category for its 2011 Cookie CAREavan project. “While growing the brand is important, developing the product is even more important to our existing and future owners,” Greenleaf said. “Our repositioning and marketing efforts have yielded impressive returns. For example, our converted hotels have proven they can quickly outpace competitors with respect to share growth.” With an eye towards the future, Greenleaf said he anticipates achieving the following global growth goals in 2013: • Expand the brand’s presence in secondary and tertiary markets within the United States; • Double Canadian supply with three hotels opening, including the brand’s first hotel in downtown Toronto; • Enter at least two additional countries in Europe, with two hotels each in Ireland and Poland; • Grow the UK collection to 25 hotels with key openings in London and Edinburgh; • Continue growth in Asia Pacific: o Launch of the brand in Indonesia; o Double supply in India in terms of hotels (from three to six); • Nearly double the brand’s portfolio size in the Middle East and Africa region with launches in South Africa (Cape Town) and Seychelles, plus the addition of a third hotel in Tanzania (Stone Town, Zanzibar).
“As we look ahead, I foresee that our new Made Market restaurant concept in the United States (now open in Tulsa with more in the pipeline) will enhance DoubleTree by Hilton’s reputation for genuine warmth and local relevance in the face of increasingly uniform hotel offerings,” Greenleaf added. “We’ve spent the past two years on the road, first with our Cookie CAREavan and then with last year’s Little Things project, interacting with our guests to learn what we can do at our hotels to make their stay that much better. The Made Market concept, with three design options to make adoption easier for our owners, is an example of an insight gained, and we’ll be introducing additional changes, both subtle and substantial, that will continue to help us differentiate ourselves from the pack in cost-effective ways.”
The Astrum luxury hotel will open in Shelkovo near Moscow at the end of 2013. Owner of the property is Shelkowskij Holding, while management of the hotel will be in the hands of Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG (VI). Already one year before its grand opening, the 5-star luxury hotel has been accepted for membership in The Leading Hotels of the World as one of the world’s best hotels on the Russian luxury hotel market. With a 3,400 m² spa and a 1,900 m² conference area, the hotel’s focus is clearly on Vienna International’s two greatest strengths: wellness holidays and conference tourism.The newest high-end hotel in the greater Moscow region is currently being builton 27 floors in Shelkovo, around 20 km from the Russian capital, in an urban agglomeration with a population of 1 million. Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG has been involved from the beginning, assisting the 5-star hotel inproduct development, the conception process and the pre-opening phase, and will assume management of the new Leading Hotel of the World after it opens. “I am pleased that we are making good progress with our expansion on the Russian market. For the greater Moscow area, the Astrum Hotel represents something new in the sense of a city resort,” says Dr. Andreas Karsten, CEO of Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG. “We expect that the hotel will become a new landmark with corresponding appeal in the greater Moscow region.”
Already one year before its opening, the Astrum luxury hotel has been accepted for membership in the hotel alliance of The Leading Hotels of the World. “This is an indication that we have done our job well and that the hotel amenities and the planned services are of a high enough quality to merit this renowned seal of approval,”says Martin Lachout, the Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG board member in charge of project development. “With our many years of experience in the luxury hotel segment, we know what our 5-star guests want. For 10 years, we have worked very well together with The Leading Hotels of the World, for example, in our 5-star Le Palais Hotel in Prague. We are now continuing this successful cooperationin Russia in order to offer more of our guests a seal of approval for the quality that we offer.”
For Shelkowskij Holding, the company behind this lavish project, the exceptional theme hotelis a way to actively promote the Shelkovo region: “In addition to our other activities within the holding company, we see ourselves with this hotel project as a developer who assumes responsibility for the region,” says Dmitry Barchenkov, CEO of Shelkowo Holding: “The hotel is an important prestige object for the region around Moscow, helping to boost the internationalprofile as well as improving the infrastructure and employment situation in the Shelkovo region.” The hotel is clearly positioned in line with the demands on Russia’s luxury market, where special services are required if one wants to stand out. This includes a rooftop heliport as well as a private butler service.
Luxury wellness and medical spa The Astrum Hotel, the first and only internationallymanaged luxury hotel outside of Moscow, will be run as a conference and relaxation oasis far from the stress of the big city. No expenses are being spared in this regard. The necessary privacy will be guaranteed by private spa suites and saunas, the repertoire of beauty treatments will be constantly complemented by products from big-name cosmetics producers, and the medical spa will offer a whole series of minor medical treatments such as minimal-invasive aestheticmedicine, alternative treatment methods andnutritional science as well as burnout prevention and treatment. The offer will also include post-operative care of cosmetic treatments performed at national beauty clinics plus comprehensive two-and-three-day preventive check-ups.An Ayurveda centre is also planned, with a team of physicians and specialists from India to offer guests a range of Ayurveda treatments.
Realising individual event concepts As an operator of highly successful conference and eventhotels, Vienna International Hotels & Resorts understands what guests need, and the unusually large conference area of the new Russian hotel will be designed accordingly. The 1,900 m² event area of the Astrum Hotels Shelkovo will occupy seven separate event rooms on three floors. A 335 m² conference hall with amphitheatre seating, a 600 m² event room, and five large meeting rooms will make it possible to hold events for up to 1,000 attendees. The result is an open platform for the realisation of a variety of creative concepts. A separate entrance to the conference area will minimise the impact of external events on hotel operations.
Culinary and internationaldiversity In addition to the main hotel restaurant, the Astrum Hotel Shelkovo will also feature a Japanese restaurant with a show kitchen as well as an intimate French à-la-carte restaurant on the 23rd floor offeringpanorama views and a seating capacity for 44 guests. A sky bar will also be housed on the same floor. Further facilities will include a fitness lounge, a lobby bar and an exclusive VIP club.
The composition of the hand-selected team has already begun: General Manager Frank Bauer will start choosing his international team in January, focusing especially on Japanese culinary masters as well as a French chef de cuisine.
Luxury design at every turn Vienna International Hotels & Resorts has made a name for itself as a design-oriented company, and the Astrum Hotel Shelkovo will also feature a conceptual style.
Not far from Star City, Russia’s Cosmonaut training centre, the theme of“space and time” will define the entire hotel in the form of design solutions and works of art in expressions ranging from antiquity all the way to the age of relativity.
The interiors were created by internationally renowned Italian arts craftsman and designer Francesco Molon. A modern skyscraper from the outside, the interiors will be more like those of a Venetian palazzo. Decorated in tasteful colours, the rooms will seem like a 19th century salon withheavy curtains, lavish carved ornaments, upholstered footstools and framed paintings unobtrusively adorning the scene.
• Growing from Strength to Strength – Dubai Hotels put their mark on 2012; • Egypt Hotel Performance continues to improve, but rates remain under pressure.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced that its Westin brand expects to open its 200th hotel in 2013, driven by robust international demand and the phenomenal success of the brand’s distinct well-being positioning. Westin will open 11 new hotels this year, the vast majority outside the United States in fast-growing markets including China, India, Singapore and Panama. Westin Continues Strong Growth Trajectory Across Asia Pacific In line with global growth trends, The Westin brand is experiencing a surge in new hotel openings across Asia Pacific. Seven new Westin hotels will open in Asia Pacific in 2013, increasing the brand’s portfolio to nearly 50 hotels in the region by year’s end. Fueling the brand’s growth in the region is the rapid economic growth in China’s second and third-tier cities. New Westin hotel openings in China this year include The Westin Haikou, The Westin Sanya Haitang Bay Resort, The Westin Chongqing Liberation Square and The Westin Qingdao.
Westin will also make its return to Singapore with the opening of The Westin Singapore Marina Bay in late 2013. In India, The Westin brand will add one hotel to its portfolio this year – The Westin Chennai Velachery.
Westin Nearly Doubles Portfolio in Latin America Demand for new Westin hotels in Latin America is also heating up. In just the past 18 months, Westin has grown its footprint in Latin America by nearly 50% as part of the brand’s strategic expansion in the region’s fastest growing markets. This year’s opening of The Westin Panama will increase the Westin portfolio in Latin America to 11 hotels, spanning five countries including Panama, Mexico, Peru, Costa Rica and Guatemala.
“A long-time developer favorite in the U.S., Westin has emerged as a global market leader as witnessed by our surge of new hotel development in Asia Pacific, as well as continued momentum in Latin America,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood. “We see continued opportunities for global growth through both world-class new build projects and conversions where developers benefit from the strength of the brand and Starwood’s powerful systems.”
Steady Growth in North America In North America, The Westin brand will add four new hotels to its portfolio this year, including The Westin Birmingham – a new-build property located within the city’s sleek, new mixed-use development. Westin is also attracting a growing share of conversion opportunities in cities across the United States with The Westin Houston Downtown, The Westin Sacramento and The Westin San Jose all opening in 2013, following renovations.
Our customers’ demands mean that our in-house design department is constantly introducing new and innovative furniture solutions for the restaurant and hotel market, from single attention-grabbing feature pieces to beautifully upholstered sofas and even full seating collections.The Eastwood collection was specially designed by Stylematters for an exciting boutique hotel conversion in a Highland Castle, an amazing transformation that needed contemporary styling, but in keeping with the heritage of its surroundings. The solution was the sleek lines of the Eastwood collection; complemented with exciting modern tweeds, offset against antiqued real leather detailing – the perfect concept for this setting.
The range comprises both a high and low back lounge chair and two and three seater sofas. The design combines comfort and style with intricate detailing for a truly custom chair. All our furniture is available in any contract fabric or leather and can be customised to match your venue.
You don’t need to compromise with a staid, standard product – share your ideas with Stylematters, and we’ll bring a bespoke solution at far less cost than you imagine.
Stylematters manufacture all of our bespoke furniture here in our UK factory, so we have the ability to offer a truly bespoke in-house solution. If you would like more details on our products or have a product you would like to develop give us a call on 0844 880 6620.
• Hotels in Dublin and Warsaw register greatest profit growth in 2012; • Spotlight on Athens: Profit plummets as hotels suffer declines in price and volume in 2012.
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