Hotel Designs

Meliá Hotels International signed an agreement to manage three new hotels under the Meliá Hotels & Resorts brand, to be developed in the tourist destination of Saidia Med, including a beach hotel, club hotel and luxury serviced apartments.Meliá Hotels International has joined forces with SDS, a partnership between the major Moroccan group CDG and the Moroccan Tourism Development Fund.

Anasshouir Alami, Chairman of SDS explained that “Meliá has been chosen to operate the new luxury hotels due to its leadership and international experience in leisure travel, which will be key to the development and success of Saidia Med, and also its ability to diversify products to improve the segmentation and attractiveness of the destination.”

Meliá joins other international hotel brands signed up to the scheme, ( GDC already owns over 8,000 existing beds and has more than 5,300 under development) and will add 736 new rooms to the destination portfolio

The project consists of three very distinct hotels, all sharing the same “Meliá” brand attributes and standards of excellence, and all in the five-star category:

1) A Meliá “Beach Hotel” next to the beach in an exceptional location beside the golf course and with sea frontage, with 396 rooms, a Spa ,Convention Centre, 4 restaurants and 3 bars, a kid’s club and a superb beach club. It’s estimated that the hotel will require an investment of 440 million dirhams (€39 million) and will open in 2016.

2) A “Club Hotel” for families overlooking the golf course with 150 spacious rooms for family leisure for both Moroccan and international guests, especially focused on golf for adults and with play areas and pools for kids. It will open in 2016 after an investment estimated at 200 million dirhams (€18 million).

3) Thirdly, Meliá luxury holiday apartments alongside the beach hotel – sharing its exceptional sea views, with 190 fully-equipped rooms to complete the range of Saidia Med accommodation options, requiring an investment of 300 million dirhams (€27 million) and opening in 2017.

The Vice Chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, Gabriel Escarrer, said: “Along with growing leisure travel, we are also seeing a growing demand for superior quality, and travellers seeking the exclusive and unique experience that our Meliá brand offers guests, thanks to its unique attributes and service culture. Almost 60 years of experience and the leadership of Meliá in the leisure hotel business offer the firmest guarantees for the development of this spectacular destination.”

The three Meliá hotels are the company’s first in Morocco, underscoring the confidence of the leading Spanish hotel company with a presence and market-leading position in key global vacation destinations, in the potential and values of this beautiful destination on the northeast coast of Morocco.

A pretty rural inn and restaurant, The Mermaid Inn in Ellington, Cambridgeshire, has been put on the market, with selling agents Colliers International Hotel’s specialists inviting offers in the region of £300,000.The inn, located just a few minutes’ drive from Grafham Water – a well-known mecca for reservoir trout anglers, walkers, cyclists and sailors alike – boasts tremendous character with exposed beams and open fireplaces; two lodge-style en suite bedrooms; a sizeable owners’ flat; traditional bar and restaurant; and trade gardens.

Ashley Clark, Director in the Hotels team at Colliers International, said: “The Mermaid Inn is a charming property with a huge amount to offer.

“The combination of its quaint village location and being within walking distance of the striking landscape of Grafham Water, give it a unique selling point which really bolsters its overall attraction and obvious trading potential.

“Given some thoughtful marketing and careful positioning, I think this property could be a budding business – it really is a hidden gem and a wonderful opportunity for the right owners.”

Selling agent Colliers International is inviting offers in the region of £300,000 for The Mermaid Inn, Ellington, Huntingdon, PE28 0AB.

Premier Inn has announced plans to open a 157 bedroom ‘hub by Premier Inn’ hotel on Rose Street, in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town in late 2015. This will be the second planned hub hotel for Edinburgh, following the announcement in December to open a 131 bedroom hotel in the city’s historic Old Town in the former Caltongate area.‘hub by Premier Inn’ is a new generation of compact, city centre hotels where style and comfort are twinned with innovative digital connectivity. Modern, contemporary rooms are meticulously designed to utilise every space, whilst creating a calm haven at the heart of the bustling city. Guests can book, check-in online and personalise their room before arrival via the ‘hub app’, leaving them free to relax and unwind. ‘hub by Premier Inn’ is the smart choice for travellers looking for great value, stylish design and a central location.

Patrick Dempsey, Managing Director, Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants commented: “As a city, Edinburgh ticks all the boxes as a perfect location for our ‘hub’ brand. It’s a popular tourist and business destination with strong demand for good value, quality hotels. We believe ‘hub’ will prove to be a tremendous success, appealing to more price sensitive customers seeking quality accommodation in the centre of the city.”

The latest Edinburgh ‘hub by Premier Inn’ is a leasehold site and is being developed by Old Mutual Property Fund, managed by CBRE Global Investors. The smaller room format gives access to a broader range of buildings in city centres and will have 25% lower build and operating costs compared to a Central Edinburgh Premier Inn.

Alistair Fisher, Portfolio Manager, CBRE Global Investors said: “This is an exciting project for us and we are delighted to be working in partnership with Whitbread as they continue to roll out their innovative ‘hub’ concept. With this partnership, we are able to modernise an existing building and change the use to fit in with the surrounding area, as it has evolved into a more leisure orientated destination.

“The transaction is in line with our approach of targeted investment in strong locations and adding value through active management. It will drive significant performance for the Old Mutual Property Fund and will build upon the strong returns the Fund generated in 2013.”

Hotel group Thistle has made a £6.9 million investment in its Aberdeen portfolio with a major refurbishment programme at two of its properties. The improvements at Thistle Aberdeen Airport and Thistle Aberdeen Altens are part of a planned programme of works taking place across the chain and will provide enhanced facilities for both leisure and business travellers.A £4 million five-year refurbishment of bedrooms and public areas at the Altens venue is in its final phase. The last stage will cost £336,000 and involves a revamp of 36 rooms, including six which will be converted into studio apartments. The apartments will be fitted out with kitchen facilities to respond to the needs of a growing number of long-stay guests.

Hotel manager Kris Manship says the new-style rooms will appeal to business travellers working with energy-focused companies in the south of the city.

He adds, “We had one guest last year who stayed for a total of 265 nights, and there are many, many others who also spend a significant number of nights at the hotel. Altens is home to a large number of oil and gas operators and oil service companies, and in recent years we have seen a trend for personnel to stay at the hotel during the week and return home elsewhere in the country at weekends.

“When guests are staying in a property for that length of time, they want it to be a home from home and by offering additional facilities such as mini-kitchens we will be better placed than ever before to respond to that need.”

The refurbishment at the four-star Thistle Aberdeen Altens is on schedule to be completed by the end of March.

Meanwhile, a five-year £2.9 million refurbishment programme focused on bedrooms and public areas at of the airport hotel, which is also rated as four-star, was completed in January. The final phase of the programme resulted in 37 bedrooms being redecorated.

General manager Alison Christie explains, “It’s essential that we continue to offer a very high standard of accommodation in an increasingly competitive market in Aberdeen. The investment that has been made represents a firm commitment from Thistle towards the city and towards the collective drive across the hotel industry in the north east to raise the bar on the customer experience.”

Both venues, along with the Thistle Caledonian in the city centre, are performing strongly. Ms Christie adds, “There have been major hotel developments in Aberdeen city centre and at the airport in the past two years, but that has not resulted in any kind of displacement issues. Demand continues to be exceptional and even with additional hotels due to open in 2015, we believe that occupancy levels will be sustained at current levels.

“The buoyant economy in the north east has enabled companies to undergo significant expansion and as a result their workforces are also growing. The knock-on impact is that office space is at a premium, so hotels such as those in the Thistle group that provide facilities for conferencing and training are also seeing an increase from that business stream.”

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® has announced that its sizzling Aloft brand is ramping up portfolio growth in California with a new hotel planned for Rancho Bernardo, an upscale community in San Diego North. Owned by HP Investors, LLC and managed by Azul Hospitality Group, Aloft Rancho Bernardo will be the sixth property in California when it opens in mid-2016. The new-build Aloft will feature over 140 spacious, loft-like rooms, state-of-the-art meeting space and a buzzing, social atmosphere. It will also open the Aloft Sarasota in Florida in August 2015.A short ride from downtown San Diego and the San Diego International Airport (SAN), the new Aloft will be situated at the entrance of the Rancho Bernardo corporate park, home to the regional offices for Sony, Hewlett-Packard, BAE Systems, Northrup Grumman, Teradata, Cymer, Millennium Laboratories, and many other companies. Guests will be close to several golf courses, the Bernardo Winery, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, shopping areas and outdoor recreation. Aloft Rancho Bernardo will offer more than 3,000 square feet of market-leading meeting space, a rooftop “Splash” pool, fitness center and underground parking.

Located at One Palm Avenue, Aloft Sarasota will be walking distance to the Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota Opera House, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the Florida State College of Medicine – Sarasota campus, and numerous shops and restaurants. Guests will enjoy easy access to the city’s beaches and leading attractions such as the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and Mote Marine Aquarium. Hotel amenities will include an outdoor Splash pool, W XYZ®bar, 24-hour fitness center and 610 square feet of flexible meeting space, ideal for both business meetings and social gatherings.

Jupiter Hotels has completed the renovation of signature event spaces at three of its hotels in Brighton, Maidstone and Manchester.The iconic Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel has unveiled the £60,000 refurbishment of its ‘Ballroom’ event space ahead of the property’s 150-year anniversary in 2014. The new room, which will be able to host 180-seated guests, embraces original Victorian features, with contemporary additions such as chandeliers bringing a genuinely glamorous feel to the space.

The new Heart of Kent Suite at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel becomes the largest hotel event space in the county, able to host 650-seated guests. Striking local artwork inspired by the “Garden of England’s” beautiful landscape has been added to the room – which also benefits from an abundance of natural light and a high ceiling.

In October, renovation work on the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel’s International Suite was completed, following a £500,000 investment. The space, which is able to accommodate 800 guests theatre-style and 650 guests for a banquet, becomes one of the North-West’s largest event facilities.

Jupiter Hotels CEO, Shane Harris commented: “Across our 26 hotels, we’re committed to providing truly exceptional meeting and conference spaces which leave a lasting impression with those who attend events at our properties. We ensure that cutting-edge technology and eye-catching interior design are incorporated into renovation projects that we complete – which our new event spaces in Brighton, Manchester and Maidstone are testament to.”

East Sussex-based interior designer Helen Hooper, of HH Interiors who worked on all three projects commented: “The new meeting and event spaces are different in their own right, but there’s continuity in the design, which is an important part of maintaining Jupiter Hotels’ identity. The spaces are bright and glamorous – but versatile also, ideal for all kinds of gatherings from weddings to award ceremonies.”

The four-star Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel boasts an enviable location, situated on the city’s seafront with fantastic views of the English Channel and close proximity to Brighton’s famous Lanes. The hotel, built in 1864 celebrates its 150-year anniversary in 2014.

The Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel is set in 26 acres of beautiful Kent countryside and offers 126 bedrooms, as well as a health club and spa. Close to junction eight of the M20 and adjacent to Leeds Castle – the four-star rated hotel benefits from 500 car parking spaces and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout.

Recently awarded four-star status by the AA, the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel features 280 bedrooms and is a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly railway station. The hotel features 10 meeting rooms and boasts complimentary Wi-Fi throughout.

Going up to town from Seaford is relatively easy, letting the train take the strain. There are only three direct trains a day though, and the last of these gets in to town at 10.00. As my meeting wasn’t until mid afternoon I thought I would pop into the Tate. Not the modern bit , which seems to me to be mainly froth, but the Tate Britain, the original Tate that I first visited in 1967.

The Tate has followed various foibles of various Keepers through deep green walls etc., but the latest incarnation for the first time respects the original building, and the architect and interior designer have allowed it to speak, holding their egos in check with quite splendid results. The is a lovely building and the subtle paint colours used allow its form to sing, whilst the modern alterations don’t hide but are done with great sensitivity yet power. The results are a delight.

It is not just the Friends that gain a new room, although it is not really a room, more seats along the sides of a corridor, and in that respect not quite as functional as previously although roomier, but the whole circulation area that gains a feeling of space and grace. Maybe it was because I was early on a weekday morning and there weren’t many people around but the ground floor around the side entrance seemed a calm oasis, with corridors to the library and the restaurant looking the part as the areas serving the premier gallery of 20th Century art in Europe.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced it will debut its W Hotels brand in the Netherlands with the new W Amsterdam, scheduled to open in Autumn 2015. Owned by STAG Europe (Grafenau) BV, the hotel will be located on the prestigious Dam Square in the heart of Amsterdam, behind the Royal Palace and just steps from the city’s iconic canal district with its vibrant restaurants, bars and nightlife scene. An ideal venue, W Amsterdam will also offer 480 square metres of ultra-modern meeting and event space, including two Great Rooms and two smaller meeting rooms. In addition, W Amsterdam will boast FIT® state-of-the-art fitness centre and WIRED 24-hour business centre.

W Amsterdam will occupy a former Telephone Exchange building, a historic property in Dam Square constructed in the Amsterdam School style of architecture. The building will be re-imagined by award-winning practices OFFICE WINHOV of Amsterdam and Tel Aviv-based BK Architecture, including full restoration of historical elements combined with a new, contemporary design.

A stone’s throw away from the famed South Bank and landmark attractions such as the London Eye, Tate Modern and St Paul’s Cathedral, the beautifully designed contemporary Novotel London Blackfriars became one of the most recent additions to the ever expanding Accor portfolio of hotels in the capital.Challenged with creating a sleek ‘urban’ inspired interior scheme, the team at Proof Consultancy Ltd specified bespoke Chelsom lighting throughout the public areas designed to accentuate the hotel’s styling, demonstrating how Chelsom’s expertise complements interior designers’ skills to turn their concepts in to reality.

Chelsom produced a myriad of striking custom- designed fixtures for the bar, restaurant and reception areas featuring varying designs of matt black shades with contemporary lines and shapes at the forefront. A duo of 5 armed pendants provide dramatic centrepieces above the bar, black powder coated frames support a contemporary styled cluster of cotton shades positioned at varying heights to create visual impact whilst maximising the light output in the bar area.

A succession of industrial style wall lights run down the main wall of the restaurant featuring shallow tapered drum shades suspended from long reach arm brackets designed to throw pockets of ambient lighting on to the tables below while both the bar and breakout areas are lit by slim curved arm pendants supporting over- sized statement shades lined in a sumptuous sunflower yellow pongee silk.

Reflecting the city locations favoured by the Novotel brand, the contemporary lighting scheme blends efficiency with superior design resulting in greatly enhanced aesthetics of the ‘urban chic’ aura Proof have created throughout.

Pullman, Accor’s upscale international brand, announces the opening of the Pullman Saigon Centre, its 3rd hotel in Vietnam. Pullman’s expansion in Vietnam, with its resort on Bac My An’s idyllic beaches and its two addresses in the country’s business hubs of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, reflects the brand’s “Work & Play” spirit that reconciles business and pleasure.The Pullman Saigon Centre boasts a strategic location in the heart of District 1, close to Ben Thanh Market and the major tourist attractions with stunning views of the city. Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is located east of the Mekong Delta in southern part of Vietnam. It is Vietnam’s largest city and economic hub, known for its vibrant cultural scene and business activity.

The 306-room Pullman Saigon Centre features a contemporary design, a wide range of technological facilities, four bars and restaurants and five meeting venues. Like the brand’s two other properties in the country, it redefines the standards of international upscale hotels in Vietnam.

Pullman Saigon Centre offers the brand’s best signature services: Welcomer, optimal connectivity with the Connectivity by Pullman concept (free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, Quadriga’s Personal Media NetworkTM mobile application), the Co-Meeting offer for business event and functions, the Pullman bed, a walk-in rain shower, Vinoteca by Pullman, and Fit and Spa Lounge by Pullman.

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The Autograph Collection is thrilled to announce its debut in three of the world’s most exciting destinations. This season, Autograph Collection proudly welcomes Pier One Sydney Harbour in Sydney, Australia, the ocean front Pier South Resort in San Diego, California, and the Hotel Chicago (formerly the Hotel Sax) in Chicago, Illinois. Nearing 60 hotels worldwide, these three new extraordinary hotel experiences represent Autograph Collection’s entrée into each locale.Pier One Sydney Harbor – Sydney, Australia

Representing Autograph Collection’s debut in Australia, Pier One Sydney Harbour offers an exclusive waterfront experience in the heart of one of the world’s most glamorous destinations.

Located alongside the harbor, the hotel’s Front Restaurant & Bar offers alfresco dining on the Pier complemented by a modern Australian menu and extensive wine list. As an added element, with the hotel’s prime waterside location, guests can arrive in style by water taxi or by yacht via the hotel’s private pontoon which provides direct water access to nearby attractions including the Opera House, Manly and Darling Harbour.

Pier South Resort – San Diego, California

Autograph Collection is thrilled to announce the opening of its first resort in Southern California, the beachfront boutique Pier South Resort in San Diego. With 78 suite-style accommodations, a new coastal tavern and quintessential California ambience, this intimate boutique hotel provides the ultimate four-star coastal escape, just steps from the sand and 20 minutes from downtown San Diego’s vibrant Gaslamp District.

The resort is also home to San Diego’s most highly-anticipated destination, SEA180º. This contemporary coastal tavern is led by Cohn Restaurant Group, one of the most in-demand names in the San Diego culinary scene and operators of some of the city’s hottest restaurants. The boldly-hued indoor space features Philippe Beltran-designed décor, sky-high glass windows, a large restaurant patio and a rooftop space with 360-degree views that is poised to be the most sought-after event venue in San Diego.

In addition to exceptional dining, amenities and spacious accommodations, Pier South Resort will also feature a full service spa by Dames Day Spa.

The hotel’s design swirls modern style with classic elements of the Southern California beach lifestyle, for a sophisticated laid back experience free from dated nautical themes. Each of its 620-square-foot suites showcases clean design, refined textures and seamless technology, plus custom appointments and textiles, floor-to-ceiling windows, separate living areas, private balconies and dramatic ocean views.

As a LEED Silver-Certified property, Pier South Resort will utilize water conservation technologies and harness the California sun for solar cooling and heating. The property is also a major advocate for beach conservation and nearby wildlife sanctuaries, and also offers guided hikes for guests.

Hotel Chicago – Chicago, Illinois

Formerly the Hotel Sax and representing Autograph Collection’s debut in Chicago, Hotel Chicago pays homage to the very best of the “Windy City.” The hotel’s artistic décor and eclectic surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for its setting in the city’s downtown River North area.

Visiting London on Wednesday 12 February 2014, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism, Mr Hisham Zaazou, spoke frankly of the challenges Egypt has faced during the last three years and continues to tackle moving forward.Mr Zaazou commented that on-going unrest in Cairo focused around the third anniversary of the 2011 revolution, had resulted in widespread international misperception of the rest of Egypt as an open and safe destination for tourists.

“The issues we continue to face on the path to democracy are ‘Egyptian-on-Egyptian’ in their nature and are focused solely in our capital Cairo. International visitors have not been targeted,” stated Mr Zaazou.

“However, events in Cairo are being perceived as happening across Egypt which is simply not the case. For the time being, we will adopt a pragmatic approach of not promoting Cairo and focus on the rest of Egypt – Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea. There’s one million square kilometres of country beyond Cairo that is unrivalled in its appeal to UK visitors.”

In September 2013, only 300,000 tourists visited Egypt, a drop of 90 percent compared to September 2012. With four million Egyptians directly dependent on tourism, and a further 16 million indirectly dependent, Mr Zaazou spoke passionately of his uncompromising mission to reverse international perception of Egypt.

“We are adopting a three pronged approach to reinvigorating tourism. Firstly, we are working to develop and reinstate international flights such as EgyptAir’s London – Luxor route which recommences on 17 February. Secondly, we will be aggressively communicating with Egypt’s target audiences through PR and communications campaigns including social media and bloggers. And thirdly, we’re working closely with our valued tour operators partners globally to encourage their clients to return or experience Egypt’s wonders for the first time. Never has a holiday to Egypt been better value!”

“Furthermore, shorter term ‘tactical’ plans are in place, including incentives for airlines and tour operators, and an expansion of our successful live streaming in-destination webcams from five sites to 25. If potential visitors really want to see what’s happening across Egypt, all they need do is speak to their travel professional or log on,” commented Mr Zaazou.

Concluding a packed day of media and tour operator briefings, Mr Zaazou concluded, “I am confident that our pragmatic approach of distancing Cairo from the rest of Egypt coupled with ambitious short and medium term promotional plans will see 2014 being the year that Egypt tourism bounces back.”

Sleeperz Hotels is to open its fourth UK hotel in partnership with Dundee City Council, as part of a £1bn regeneration of Dundee’s waterfront and railway station.Sleeperz Hotel Dundee will be a 120 bedroom property in a stylish curved concourse above a new £22m redeveloped rail station, with panoramic views over the River Tay and onto the new waterfront plaza.

David Myers, chief executive of Sleeperz Hotels, said: “Sleeperz Hotels is an innovative fast growing company with ambitious plans to expand our portfolio of UK lifestyle hotels and is delighted to secure such an exciting development.

Dundee’s waterfront regeneration is one of the biggest of its kind ever to take place in Western Europe and will transform the city as a leisure, tourism and retail destination.

Dundee needs to increase its bed stock and visitors to the city will benefit from our distinctive brand of stylish contemporary rooms and ultra-convenient location at affordable prices.’’

Sleeperz Hotels offer free and fast wi-fi, laptop safes, innovative space saving furniture, wet rooms and tea and coffee making facilities as standard in every room. Sleeperz offers its guests a cooked and continental breakfast and an all-day brasserie menu is available in its lounge and bar.

Sleeperz Hotel Dundee will sit at the centre of the 8km waterfront development next to its marquee attraction, a new £45m V&A at Dundee – a regional branch of the world famous Victoria and Albert Museum of arts and design – expected to open in 2016.

The waterfront development is a 30 year project to regenerate a 240 hectare stretch of the North bank of the River Tay.

The addition of restaurants, bars, hotels and the flagship V&A Dundee is predicted to create over 700 new tourism jobs, attract three million extra visitors and generate a further £1bn of spend in the city’s visitor economy.

The opening of Sleeperz Hotel Dundee will create up to 30 local jobs and generate further opportunities for local hospitality industry and catering suppliers to benefit from working with the company.

Mike Galloway, director of city development at Dundee City Council, said: “We are delighted to have attracted Sleeperz to our waterfront redevelopment in Dundee. This new hotel will provide further high quality accommodation for the many hundreds of thousands of additional visitors to the V&A Museum and it will create a powerful new landmark entrance into our city.”

A designer needs to recognise that an hotel guest does not necessarily treat an hotel with any respect, nor behave in a restrained manner when away from home. Managers have told me how shocked they have been by behaviour of many at conferences when alcohol and colleagues come together often in orgies of all kinds of excess resulting in couples being pulled off one another in lifts etc.. As the saying goes, “what happens at conference stays at conference, apart from the STI’s “…

This throws a different light on the need for robust design in hotels. Corridors benefit from tall skirtings and pronounced dado rails to protect from trolley damage, but it may be that between dado and skirting a fabric backed vinyl should be used too. It is tough enough to keep broken plaster in place after being hit by a steel cornered business briefcase.
Many hotels use a paint finish rather than wall paper. Many paints are now formulated to be quick drying, odour free and solvent free. The downside is that many paints mark more easily and when washed they can actually wash off. Maybe a washable vinyl paper is a better solution, but it can peel easily when scratched. So think about where the finish is. In a bathroom or toilet it must be washable. Make sure you think about door swings and look at door handles. I have seen many holes knocked in walls by room door handles, so think about door stops.

Door locks need to be robust – I once had a drunk burst into my hotel room at 3 in the morning when the door lock operated with his key… Spy holes need to have internal covers – they work both ways otherwise. On disabled or family rooms have a low level spy hole for the wheelchair user or child alone in the room to use.

Are your wall coverings robust or easily repaired? Paint too often fades in colour so retouching can lead to a piebald appearance and the whole wall need painting so is it a false economy , would papering be better? Before specifying check with manufacturers. Do wallpaper rolls have white edges (one manufacturer supplied a colour matching pencil to go over the edges before hanging); do rolls have to alternately be reversed to avoid any issues with pigment shading across the roll?

Making sure that the decorator knows the delivery time for a wallpaper can make the difference between finishing on time or late, but only if you are sure the decorator will order and pay before it is too late. Do you get the decorator to tell you the quantity and you order on the clients behalf? I once drove through snow to Gatwick to collect wallpaper coming in from the US that was held up in Customs. I have paid for 24 hour delivery on a Thursday only to be told when it was delivered late Monday “well we don’t work weekends” so always check the time to be allowed between an order being placed and delivery taking place.

Does the supplier want paying in advance? Talk to the company you are specifying from on what terms they will supply to your contractor/hotel/client. If specifying for an area outside the EU what is the VAT status? If your Client or the contractor using the goods doesn’t pay VAT you could be stuck with a bill – a shipping agent or the manufacturer can advise you.

So to Rule 3: Know the timetable for every detail, look for likely problem areas. Anticipation is better than reaction, take nothing on trust.

Hilton Worldwide has recently announced the official opening of the 265-room Hilton Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort, formerly known as Al Hamra Fort & Beach Resort, following an extensive two-year refurbishment. With direct access to an 18-hole championship golf course and with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and nearby Hajar Mountains, Hilton Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort features an inspired mix of 181 villas and suites, 75 deluxe guest rooms and nine luxurious suites. Regarded as a landmark hotel in the prestigious Al Hamra district of Ras Al Khaimah, the comprehensive conversion of the property has thoughtfully preserved the unique identity of the buildings, originally designed to reflect the ancient Arabic forts which still speckle the local landscape.

Hilton Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort features a wealth of quality amenities including two temperature controlled pools, a children’s club, spa treatment rooms and a 500-metre private beach. In addition to golf, active guests can enjoy a game of tennis, select from a wide range of water sports or opt for a work out in the hotel’s on-site fitness centre. A comprehensive menu of eight dining and entertainment options will feature a wide range of international delicacies and regional specialities as well as specialist favourites, such as the upcoming Mai Tai bar, with its Polynesian inspired cuisines and Club Malibu, offering an exclusive club vibe with live DJ.

With an adjoining newly revamped 800-capacity convention centre boasting state-of-the-art amenities and a one-stop professional advice shop, Hilton Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort is destined to become a leading choice for planners seeking the very best in facilities and service for conferences, meetings and events.

JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts has expanded its luxury portfolio in South Korea with the unveiling of the new 170-room JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul. The new hotel is the second JW Marriott to open in Seoul and the first hotel in the city to receive LEED Gold certification. Marriott International manages the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul under a long-term agreement with the owner, Dong Sung Co., Ltd.Featuring a stylish urban facade and interior that exude elegance, warm luxury and minimalist sophistication, the property is the first international luxury business hotel in Dongdaemun. Ideally located in the heart of Seoul’s fashion district and adjacent to the subway station and key tourist attractions, the new JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul boasts unobstructed views of Korea’s number one national treasure – the historical Dongdaemun or “East Gate.”

The new hotel has 170 guestrooms, including 19 Executive Sky View Rooms and 15 Suites. A dedicated Executive Lounge with an open balcony serves the Executive Floor rooms. Among the hotel’s extensive health and fitness facilities are an indoor 25-meter lap pool, the exclusive Club 501 Fitness Centre and the indulgent The JW Spa.

The hotel’s innovative food and beverage program is curated by a stellar team of award-winning professionals from France, Germany, the US and Korea. Among the highlights is BLT Steak, of the internationally renowned New York steakhouse; Tavolo 24, a casual all-day dining restaurant featuring live cooking stations; The Lounge which specializes in artisan chocolates, martinis and afternoon tea and Seoul Baking Company, which servesfresh cakes and pastries from its open kitchen. For visitors and locals alike, the roof-top Griffin Bar overlooking the East Gate, is set to become one of the most sought after social scenes in the city where guests can sit outside and enjoy stunning views.

With a total of 10,570 square feet of meeting space and a Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 750 guests, the hotel is the perfect choice for the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) market. Among its state-of-the-art meetings facilities is Seoul’s first LFD (Large Format Display) 98-screen media wall.

The recent refurbishment at the Hotel Die Halde Oberried had to be carried out with extreme caution as this real estate has a history of more than 700 years. Behind the facade of the historic building the guests find all amenities of a modern hotel, including a brand new Spa area. The guestrooms offer a modest design with luminaires from the range of Baulmann Leuchten Sundern.

The hotel design focuses on nature, drawing inspiration from the nearby Black Forest through the use of domestic woods and fresh colours to create a relaxing and warming atmosphere for its guests. For more information on the hotel, click here.

All pictures are copyright by “Hotel Die Halde Oberried”.

Hotels are special places with special demands on designers, contractors and manufacturers serving the refurbishment and new build markets. Subject to much abuse by guests, hotels have to withstand a level of use rarely seen in domestic environments, and with potentially ruinous consequences for designers, suppliers and the hotel itself if mistakes are made.

Hotels rely on letting their rooms. Seems obvious to state this but it must be ever present in designers minds, and in the thinking of contractors and contract suppliers too. For the designer it brings an understanding of the need to programme the work so that a completion date is met. This would involve not only the actual build time but knowing the delivery periods for all the FF&E items, and what order they need to be installed in the rooms, who installs them etc..
In setting a date for handover to the hotel the designer has to be conscious that as soon as an hotel manager is given a date for handover they will be letting rooms. Rooms are often let months in advance so mangers will be looking for handover dates from the beginning of projects on refurbishment. This demands that the designer coordinates work from tender stage on, in close harmony with their contractor, to ensure that named dates are achieved, as if not the penalty may be that the hotel has to be compensated for its loss of profit.

Nothing angers hotel management more than having guest booked in and the rooms not available. Not only does it create relationship problems with guests, but the hotel may have to find rooms for them with a competitor hotel with the attendant risk that the guest transfers their loyalty to the other hotel. As designer relationships with hotels have the potential for being long term ( my own practice had continuing working relationships with some hoteliers for over 30 years) then it is wise for the designer to anticipate and remove problems before the hotel becomes aware they exist. Make no mistake, investors may make decisions and choose a design practice, but if a designer offends the GM the working relationship with the hotel WILL break down.

In creating a work programme the designer needs honest responses and a good straight forward relationship with the producers of the FF&E items and the contractor. No-one can live with exaggerated promises on delivery dates or site performance if they cannot be realised. Whilst the size of orders and potential for repeat orders may be attractive for a manufacturer, no designers will go back to a company that lets them down in this market – their professional reputations are too valuable, and the penalties for non-delivery too high.

So Rule 1: Never promise what you can’t deliver, always deliver on what you promise.

The Malaysian hotel group is continuing to expand its portfolio of hotels in London with the opening of Tune Hotel Canary Wharf in November 2014.

The hotel will boast 130 bedrooms, including twin, double and accessible rooms and will be perfectly positioned within a five minute walk of Canary Wharf tube station and a two minute walk from West India Quay DLR, ideal for city workers, business travellers and holidaymakers alike. The latest property from the hotel chain will stay true to the brand by offering exceptionally low prices to customers, without compromising on standards. It will also showcase a new style of innovative room space designed especially for the needs of business travellers.

Mark Lankester, Group CEO of Tune Hotels, commented: “Introducing the fifth hotel to the capital is a significant business move for us. The demand for a low cost hotel in Canary wharf that offers good quality basics and importantly a great night’s sleep is becoming ever more important as tourists and business travellers are swayed by price but unwilling to trade down on standards.”

Tune Hotels is a growing chain of properties that have embraced the limited service model used by low cost airlines. All Tune Hotels feature space‐efficient, streamlined rooms focusing on high‐quality basics: five-star Hypnos beds and powerful hot showers.

The strategically located hotels provide housekeeping services, electronic keycard access into rooms, 24 hour reception, CCTV systems, and no access into the main lobby without a keycard past midnight.

Tanja Haug has designed a ski chalet for property developers Realitalia in Limone Piemonte, one of Italy’s oldest ski areas about 100km south of Turin near the border of France.The chalet’s idyllic Alpine setting inspired the interior design, using natural materials throughout. The result is any skier’s idea of bliss: stone and wood walls, heavily beamed ceilings, and furniture and lighting made from antique salvaged wood.

The chalet’s environmental credentials are noteworthy. The stone used to build the chalet, for example, was salvaged from a nearby baita – or mountain hut – that was demolished.

Special lighting was commissioned and an impressive chandelier was made from the roots of a tree. This now hangs over the dining table in the chalet. Corten steel was used for the stairs and balustrades, which now have the most beautiful patina.

The chalet’s furniture was made to measure, much of it constructed from antique wood. A Bodema sofa in the living room was covered in specially treated leather to give it an antique look but also a soft and warm touch. Chairs were covered in Alcantara.

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Fort Capital, the Miami-based private real estate investment company, announced yesterday it has entered into an agreement with Four Seasons, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, to brand and manage The Surf Club, a 9-acre property on the Atlantic Ocean in Surfside, Florida which Fort Capital acquired in 2012. Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club will have approximately 80 rooms, and incorporate a historic Russell Pancoast-designed building. The Surf Club Four Seasons Private Residences will comprise 150 homes and penthouses in two 12-story towers. Both will offer the intuitive, customized service that is the hallmark of Four Seasons. Richard Meier & Partners, in association with KKAID, is the design architect for the project.

The legendary Surf Club, was founded in 1930 by Harvey Firestone as a private membership club. It will soon join a growing portfolio of historic and architecturally important Four Seasons hotels, including the landmark Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris; the lavishly restored Palazzo and Giardino della Gherardesca at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze; and the majestic Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg, housed in a meticulously restored 19th century palace.

The Surf Club boasts 965 feet of Atlantic oceanfront on a 9-acre site which will incorporate the hotel; two residential towers; a private membership club; two restaurants; four swimming pools; a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center; more than 40 beach cabanas; and an expansive park and oceanside gardens. The Richard Meier Signature Homes and Penthouses, ranging in size from 1400 to almost 8000 square feet, will offer residents extraordinary views stretching from the Atlantic to downtown Miami, with interiors and finishes personally selected by Mr. Meier. The design for the buildings utilize his decisive and iconic visual vocabulary — glass walls, capacious volumes of space, a sensitivity to the movement of natural light throughout the day, and sumptuous yet elemental materials. This is Mr. Meier’s first project in the Miami area.

“When we acquired The Surf Club in 2012, our goal was to augment the property’s natural beauty and storied past with the intelligent, purposeful design of Richard Meier to create an elegant, amenity-rich residential and hospitality experience,” noted Nadim Ashi, CEO of Fort Capital. “By partnering with Four Seasons, we are going to ensure that Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club and The Surf Club Four Seasons Private Residences will consistently deliver the highest caliber of service. Their expertise, track-record and fully-integrated bespoke service will provide owners and guests with an unmatched lifestyle of luxury and ease. Richard Meier & Partners in association with KKAID, have created buildings which will become iconic additions to the Surfside landscape.”

“We move forward with opportunities only if we are confident we have the right location and the right partner – a partner who shares our vision for success,” said Scott Woroch, Executive Vice President Worldwide Development, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “We are excited to partner with Fort Capital and Richard Meier – visionaries who have embraced the Surf Club’s rich history and provenance while boldly reimagining its future.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity to grow our portfolio in Florida, a key growth market for Four Seasons,” continued Woroch. “Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club will be a dynamic complement to our existing properties in Florida – Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach and Four Seasons Hotel Miami, as well as the highly anticipated Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort opening this summer.”
Richard Meier commented, “The Surf Club offers a unique opportunity to create an important addition to the built environment, one which affects a balance between the natural beauty of the expansive oceanfront site, and the desire for a new definition of luxury. Incorporating the historic structure; remaining sensitive to the gracious, low-rise context of Surfside, Florida; and further exploring the relationship between structure and sea has been a wonderful project for the firm. With the addition of Four Seasons, I feel confident that the homes and penthouses we have created will be enjoyed to their fullest”.

Coastal Construction is serving as general contractor on the project. Construction commenced in late 2013 and is on schedule to be completed in early 2016.

Kimpton’s iconic Washington D.C. hotel, The George, has announced the completion of a multi-million pound renovation and redesign. The renovation of The George covers all 139 guest rooms and suites, hallway corridors and lifts, which will now flow seamlessly with the artful, contemporary design of the hotel’s recently refreshed living room, gallery, and meeting spaces.“We’re thrilled with the results of the renovation and so are our guests. The new rooms are modern, upscale, and will keep us on the map as the premier hotel for business and leisure on Capitol Hill,” said Ben Timashenka, Director of Operations for Kimpton’s Washington, D.C. hotels.

CBT, an interior, architecture and urban-design firm specialising in luxury hospitality design, was hired to re-imagine The George’s design and capture the presidential spirit of the hotel. Starting with the guest rooms, the redesign features a sophisticated, crisp colour palette with rich accents of warm blues, browns, and beige, as well as contemporary references to American history, reflected in the parchment and ink graphic wallpaper depicting George Washington’s handwritten inaugural address.

The hotel’s premier guest room, The Presidential Suite, received stylish updates including new furniture and an accent rug illustrating Washington’s inaugural address in the separate sitting area, custom impressionist-style portraits of George and Martha Washington, and a luxurious new free-standing soaking tub and marble shower.

From the 2014 American Lodging Investment Summit in Los Angeles, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced that it expects another year of robust growth in North America with approximately 30 new hotels slated to open by year’s end, driven by the rapid proliferation of its Four Points by Sheraton and Aloft brands and a surge in conversions across several of its brands, including Le Méridien, which is experiencing strong development momentum. In 2013, Starwood opened 33 new hotels and signed 52 new hotel deals in North America, up 27% over signings the previous year and the most signed since before the global economic crisis. “Starwood remains extremely bullish about its growth prospects in North America, which is still our largest market, comprising over 50% of our existing global portfolio,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “We now have a total of 577 hotels in North America and expect record low supply and growing demand to continue driving growth.”

“Starwood will open about one-third of its new hotels in North America in 2014, reflecting the continued strength of our brands in this important market,” said Allison Reid, Senior Vice President of North America Development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “Owners and developers are showing increased interest in conversions and new builds under one of Starwood’s brands in order to tap into Starwood’s powerful network, global booking platforms and loyal customer base.”

Starwood’s Specialty Select Brands are Driving Starwood’s Growth in North America
Starwood’s “Specialty Select” brands – Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft and Element – are leading Starwood’s growth in North America and account for approximately 75% of new hotel openings in the region in 2014. As a group, these brands have grown 80% globally since 2008 and are on track to surpass 200 hotels in North America this year.

Four Points by Sheraton signed nearly twice as many deals over the past five years in North America than any other Starwood brand. Fueled by its successful positioning emphasizing uncomplicated comfort and timeless style, Four Points will open 12 new hotels in North America in 2014, nearly all conversions. Key 2014 openings include the first Four Points in Charleston, West Virginia; Phoenix, Arizona; and Surrey, British Columbia; as well as its second in Nashville, Tennessee and the fourth in Manhattan. Boasting the second largest global pipeline among all of Starwood brands, Four Points by Sheraton will open its 200th hotel worldwide this year as it nears its 125th milestone in North America.

Starwood’s stylish Aloft brand will surpass 60 hotels in North America this year. Aloft signed 16 new hotel deals in North America in 2013 – the most of any Starwood brand in the region and the highest number since 2008. While the majority of Aloft hotels coming online are new builds, the brand is also attracting a growing number of adaptive re-use projects and conversions. This year, Aloft will enter numerous new markets with eight new hotel openings in North America including two more adaptive re-use projects, Aloft Tampa Downtown and Aloft Detroit, and two conversions, Aloft Atlanta Downtown and Aloft Calgary University. Other key openings will include Aloft Oklahoma City Downtown – Bricktown, Aloft Buffalo Airport, Aloft Denver Downtown, and Aloft Manhattan Downtown – Financial District.

Element, Starwood’s trailblazing, eco-wise brand, is picking up momentum with three openings planned for North America this year in Harrison, New Jersey; Hanover, New Hampshire; and Fargo, North Dakota, plus its first in Europe in Frankfurt, Germany. Element will open its 15th hotel in North America in 2015 including its first in Orlando, second in the Miami metropolitan area, and second in Canada – Element Vancouver Metrotown. In 2016, the brand will add two more hotels in Canada.

Upper Upscale and Luxury Brands Enjoy Strong Position and Sustained Growth
Starwood’s robust portfolio of upper-upscale hotels under its Le Méridien, Westin and Sheraton flags are poised for another year of robust growth. In 2013, Le Méridien signed more hotels worldwide in one year since Starwood acquired the brand in 2005, driven by accelerating demand in North America. In 2014, the brand expects to open more hotels worldwide in one year since the brand was acquired, including five openings in the United States with two adaptive re-use projects, Le Méridien Tampa and Le Méridien Chicago-Oakbrook Center. Le Méridien will also launch a brand-new lifestyle development in Columbus, Ohio and open two conversions this year: Le Méridien Indianapolis, which has transformed a historic downtown hotel, and Le Méridien Charlotte, part of a dual-hotel development along with the already opened Sheraton Charlotte Hotel.

Starwood’s Westin brand, known for the resounding success of its wellness positioning, will reach its 200th milestone worldwide in 2014. Westin will open two new hotels this year in the United States: The Westin Wilmington on the city’s revitalized waterfront, and The Westin Cleveland Downtown. In 2015, the brand will reach the 125th hotel milestone in North America with openings planned for Denver, CO; Bethesda, MD; Austin, TX; San Jose, CA; Jackson, MS; and Jekyll Island, GA.

Sheraton, Starwood’s largest brand, will return to the Dominican Republic this year with the opening of Sheraton Santo Domingo. The global hotel icon opened five conversion properties and signed seven deals in North America in 2013. Of those deals, four were conversion properties that opened within the year.
Starwood continues to lead the luxury segment globally and boasts one of the strongest North American luxury portfolios in the industry under its St. Regis, W Hotels and Luxury Collection brands. This year, Starwood will open The St. Anthony, A Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio, an external conversion and the company’s fourth luxury property and first Luxury Collection property in Texas. In 2013, St. Regis Hotels unveiled its newly refurbished brand flagship, The St. Regis New York, while W Hotels completed renovations at W New York – Union Square and W Dallas.

Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

The Caltongate development for the Edinburgh’s Historic Old Town has been approved by councillors following an 18-month consultation period. Global property advisers, Colliers International, advised Artisan Real Estate Investors, the international development consortium behind the development. Work could start as soon as mid-2014.Centred around a new £6.5 million civic square, Artisan’s new development will create around 16,500 sq. metres of high quality grade A office space and 28 new retail businesses, as well as the hotel and leisure space. There are also plans for a new community facility, together with 145 residential units and 40 affordable homes. The scheme links the capital’s New Street/East Market Street area and Waverley Station with the historic Royal Mile.

A deal was agreed in December to bring two Whitbread hotels to the five-acre site, including a 128-room Premier Inn and a 130-room Hub by Premier Inn, Whitbread’s innovative new ‘compact’ hotel format which will be the first of its kind outside of London.

The economic benefit of this new development is estimated to bring in £43m to the local economy each year, as well as creating almost 2,000 jobs.

Marc Finney, Head of Hotels International at Colliers International, who advised Artisan on the project and secured the hotel deal with Whitbread PLC, said, “The levels of interest in this scheme from across the spectrum of hotel and apart-hotel operators, both nationally and internationally, highlighted the tremendous value this development will bring to Edinburgh and the high-profile transformation for the Caltongate area.”

Lukas Nakos, Artisan’s managing director said: “This has been an exceptional planning approval for an exceptional development. Today marks a significant milestone in the evolution of one of the most challenging city centre developments anywhere in the UK, and we now have the opportunity to deliver on our promises made when we first started this process, more than two years ago.

“Our proposals are the result of an 18-month consultation process bringing together local people, businesses, civic partners and heritage bodies. This has led to many facets of the area’s unique Old Town setting being retained to preserve the character of the development, including the retention of the Canongate Venture building and the façade of the Old Sailor’s Ark.”

He added: “Artisan will now bring international capital investment of £150 million to the table, coupled with the vision and commitment needed to complete what has already been started. We now have the opportunity to create, in the very heart of Edinburgh, one of Europe’s most exciting and vibrant mixed-use communities which will set an international benchmark for sensitive and innovative development.”

The Gleneagles® Hotel is pleased to announce the official re-launch of The Club, the culmination of 12 months’ work and a £5million investment. The refurbishment sees the hotel’s leisure complex upgraded and enhanced to create an even more luxurious space to escape, relax and unwind. The refurbishment was led by the Gleneagles team and renowned London interior designers Sedley Place, and coincides with the hotel’s 90th anniversary in 2014. The new-look Club features a refreshed reception with a viewing gallery overlooking the pool hall, and waiting area with comfortable seating for visitors. The ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ stairs connecting the various levels allow swimmers and gym users to remain separated. The changing facilities have been enlarged with more lockers, vanity tables and added space for adult and toddler changing cubicles.

With the clever use of mood lighting and quiet deck-level loungers, the former lap pool has now been transformed into an adult zone with a more calming atmosphere. This area comes with the latest heat experiences including a jacuzzi-style tub, sauna and steam room, and heated loungers arranged around a water font. The existing leisure pool has been completely remodelled, with a waterfall feature, fun bubble jet crossing and bubble pool for all the family to enjoy. The introduction of a glazed screen wall constructed from insulated, thermally efficient glass, provides better acoustics and improved insulation in the pool hall.

Undergoing a complete transformation, the old outdoor pool is now an ‘Alpine Onsen’. This combines the look and feel of a hot mountain pool with the tranquillity of a highland landscape. A prominent theme, the ‘rushes’ and reeds pattern motif has been incorporated throughout The Club design.

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Jones Lang LaSalle’s Global Hotel Investor Outlook 2013 shows that the UK remains the leading market for hotel investment, attracting 37 per cent share of EMEA hotel investment volume in 2013. Trading and sentiment has improved and market confidence has been boosted by a number of key global investors underwriting the U.K. market through portfolio acquisitions and refinancings, notably the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Starwood Capital, KSL Capital Partners and Mount Kellett. The report forecasts that a continued sell-down of over leveraged assets in control of the lenders and disposals by private equity funds reaching the end of their life-cycle, will bolster hotel investment volumes by 20 per cent in 2014. This will also be aided by the increasing appetite of UK domestic banks such as RBS, Lloyds and Barclays, as well as overseas banks such as the Bank of China and a number of Middle Eastern banks, to lend to the hotel sector.

Revenue per available room (RevPar) in London is expected to rise by c.4 per cent in 2014, a more positive result than 2013 when London trading was impacted by additional supply and by comparison to the Olympic year. An additional 45 properties, with approximately 6,000 rooms, are set to enter the London market in 2014. 60 per cent of these are within the budget sector and will continue to challenge trading performance. Regional U.K. hotels are also expected to see some top line growth although the challenge here remains at the profit level, with costs often increasing faster than revenue. However, the speed of GDP growth should underpin business confidence and drive rate growth through a shift in room segmentation.

Jonathan Hubbard, CEO Northern Europe for Jones Lang LaSalle’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, said: “The familiarity and maturity of the UK will provide good opportunities for investors in 2014 and will drive more value. As a result of this, we will see competition heating up and investors that miss out on the prime core market opportunities will start to focus on the secondary markets in those countries where they will tap broader opportunities and better returns. It’s a very positive picture for the EMEA region and particularly for London and the UK.”

The MainStay Suites Charlotte North, located off Arrowood Road near the airport at 7926 Forest Pine Drive, is undergoing a large renovation. The 77-room extended stay hotel, owned and managed by The Generation Companies, a real estate developer, owner, asset manager and operator of extended stay hotels, is updating its décor and adding new furniture. The extensive renovation includes installing new flat screen TVs, carpet and bedding; freshening bathrooms with new paint; refreshing kitchen and bathroom cabinets; upgrading the continental breakfast area with new, colourful dishware and containers; and improving the quality of its high-speed Internet. The hotel will finish the renovation with new artwork and sleeper sofas. Most of the renovation will be complete by March. “We want to provide our customers, mostly extended stay business and transient corporate guests, with an enhanced experience,” said Rick Stroud, Regional Operations Manager of The Generation Companies. “Our large, spacious guest rooms are a big selling point. We wanted to update them and our hallways with a fresh, contemporary look and more modern selections.”

The MainStay Suites extended stay guest rooms feature a fully-equipped kitchen, a large work area with bright task lighting and free high-speed Internet access. The pet-friendly hotel provides a business centre, fitness centre, complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, on-site guest laundry and outdoor heated swimming pool. The hotel is conveniently located near Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte Convention Centre, Carowinds amusement park and Carolina Place Mall.

Modern Luxury, White Star History One of the most iconic historical buildings in Liverpool, which has remained unused for the past 10 years, is set to get a new lease of life as a luxury hotel which has a stylish nod to its famous history. The former headquarters of the White Star Line – one of the world’s biggest shipping lines most well-known as owners of the ill-fated Titanic liner – on James Street in Liverpool will become a 11 storey luxury hotel accommodating up to 310 guests to be called 30 James Street – Home of the Titanic, in 2014 after being bought by Signature Living.

Signature Living, Liverpool’s premium provider of leisure and corporate accommodation with a series of luxury themed serviced accommodations in the centre of Liverpool will invest £7m to renovate the building which was constructed between 1896 and 1898 by the architect Norman Shaw.

Notably the building is an exact copy (It is based upon through colour and stone work, yet the footprint is quite different) of Scotland Yard – which was considered to be one of the most exciting pieces of architecture of its time.

With the help of historian Paul Louden-Brown and after months of research Lawrence and Katie Kenwright, the duo behind Signature Living, have combined the history of the building with elements of construction and design to ensure that every area of 30 James Street takes guests on a journey through the history of the building, making it more than just a hotel.

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