Hotel Designs

Sunderland City Council can confirm that the world-famous Hilton Hotels group is bringing forward plans for a hotel development on the city’s Stadium Park. Consultation will be carried out with the public in the coming weeks, followed by the submission of a planning application. The build is scheduled to begin from early 2014 and the hotel will open in summer 2015.

Councillor Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council, commented: “This is a very exciting development for Sunderland and a statement of confidence in our city and its future, by arguably the most famous hotel chain in the world.”

“Having such a quality hotel on Stadium Park will have a tangible economic impact on our city, and particularly its city centre. Stadium Park, through the Stadium of Light and the Aquatic Centre, welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, through football matches, concerts and other major events and this extra hotel provision will unlock further growth and development in the city through leisure and business tourism.”

In addition to the positive impact on the economy when the hotel opens, the construction will create up to 150 jobs, plus additional work within the supply chain and once completed, the hotel will create 100 full and part-time jobs.

The City Council has recently acquired the land for the development and a newly-formed company, Sunderland FC Developments, which is affiliated to Sunderland AFC, will bring the development forward.

I am blessed with a job that allows me to travel looking at hotels, photographing and writing about their design. Perhaps I should blog too about the experiences I enjoy, but there are only so many minutes in a day, aren’t there? To look at an hotel properly takes two nights. The first you enjoy the impressions, the second you look beyond them and at the functionality of the design as well as how it works with the operation.On my first autumn visit to Bushmans Kloof I fell in love with the mix of the local vernacular with very European concepts of luxury. Condé Nast shared my enthusiasm and the next year they made it their favourite hotel in the world. Since then I have been back in the winter to look at the new spa developments, and really enjoyed the visit. In the depths of the South African winter temperatures in the Cederberg get very low, and there is snow on the mountain tops, so the 19 rooms of Bushmans Kloof as they are in the heart of the Cederberg Wilderness are not exactly high on South Africans mid week break listing.

What a good decision it was to end weeks of work by looking again at BK. We had the choice of rooms and were treated like royalty! As the only people on the bush drives our guide Zenobia (Zettie from here on in) was ours to command. The winter is not a good time to see game because there is so much water available in the bush that they don’t all trek to the waterhole as they do in late summer. However the bush blooms with wild flowers and blossoms and there is plenty of bird life, and Zettie was expert at finding the elusive bucks. We were delighted to be getting the best of both worlds, then. A beautifully designed room, great service in a beautiful location.

Bushmans Kloof was set up to help save the Cape Zebra from extinction That now well on the way to being achieved, supported by funds from the Tollman family (owners of Red Carnation hotels), the reserve is now helping with the research into the sustainability of the Cape Leopard population. The reserves 16,000 hectares are surrounded by active farms, not noted for tolerance of predators, so it is an uphill task. Guests are encouraged to join the game drives at the times best suited to seeing (and photographing) game, which is early morning and early evening. That first evening we were promised something special.

But as page two will show, we had far more than we expected.

Michael Mina’s PUB 1842 at MGM Grand introduces a casual tavern-style eatery that playfully blends unexpected flavors and textures into classic American pub favorites. The restaurant, which opened on June 18, boasts an extensive selection of beers and cocktails for guests to enjoy while they play favorites such as darts and ping pang pong in the energetic bar area. A lively soundtrack complements the restaurant atmosphere, which encourages socializing and spirited fun. The restaurant is open daily for lunch, dinner and late night. Chef Mina said, “I enjoy working in the realm of fine dining, of course, but I wanted to explore a dining option that focuses on great memories in addition to high-quality food and service. I want PUB 1842 to be a place where guests want to linger long after they have finished their meal to enjoy a few beers, play some games and maybe make new friends.”

Named for the year modern Pilsner beer was invented, PUB 1842 offers a vast beer list featuring a wide range of American and international brews by the can, bottle or pulled from one of 24 taps. Guests interested in sampling a variety of the more than 60 ales, pilsners, stouts and lagers will enjoy the ability to order beer flights. The vibrant restaurant offers new takes on classic cocktails with a focus on “Fizzy Lifting Drinks” (individually bottled & carbonated cocktails), Housemade Infusions and Seasonal Punches. The Soda Popinski, a fizzy lifting drink, is the PUB’s twist on the standard Moscow Mule while the Chubacabra, a pineapple and Serrano chili-infused tequila based cocktail, is a signature sip. Guests also can expect a grown-up version of “Jungle Juice.”

Whimsical starters include culinary offerings such as “Crab Louis” Deviled Eggs; Lobster Corn Dogs; and Heritage Pork Green Chili with grilled tortilla and housemade crema. No pub would be complete without a lengthy burger list, and Chef Mina has it covered. The Peanut Butter Crunch Burger with bacon jam, potato chips and pimento cheese and the Vegetarian Falafel Burger, which highlights Mina’s mother’s exclusive falafel recipe, are must-have selections. Wood-fired steaks, farm to table salads, sandwiches and hearty entrees round out the extensive menu.

The inviting space features an expansive, high-energy bar and an open façade overlooking The District at MGM Grand. The pub theme, complete with elevated dining booths, wooden bar stools and a keg room, is maintained throughout. Stone mosaic floors, vintage print wallpapers, plaid upholstery and butcher block tables enhance the authentic space and exude a warm and welcoming environment.

Embassy Suites Hotels welcomes the arrival of the upscale hotel brand’s third property in the state of Maryland, the Embassy Suites Baltimore-Downtown. After undergoing extensive renovation, the newly converted property now includes an array of exciting new and re-concepted amenities for business and leisure travelers alike in the thriving downtown Baltimore area. Embassy Suites Baltimore-Downtown, formerly Tremont Suites Hotel, was developed as a joint venture between Garrison Investment Group and Chartres Lodging Group, and is managed by Kokua Hospitality, LLC. The 37-story hotel features 300 remodeled guestrooms with modernized bathrooms and wet bars, newly designed lobby and guest public areas, an outdoor pool, and a new food and beverage outlet, B’more Bistro and Lounge.

GUEST AMENITIES
On top of a more contemporary look and feel at the Embassy Suites Baltimore-Downtown, guests can indulge in the comfort and convenience of the signature amenities available at every Embassy Suites hotel. These include complimentary hot, cooked-to-order breakfast each morning, nightly Complimentary Evening Reception and spacious guestrooms with wet bar, microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker. Guestrooms will also be equipped with flat-screen high-definition televisions. The property offers a complimentary fitness center, business center, and seasonal outdoor pool.

For the always-connected traveler, the addition of an e-lounge to the property allows guests to relax, while still staying “wired” as needed. Within the lounge, complimentary Wi-Fi and computer work stations are available for guests’ use. Visitors may also enjoy a bite or cocktail in the cozy communal table setting.

MEETINGS AND EVENTS
The hotel property includes Baltimore’s most opulent event center, the Grand Historic Venue, featuring 45,000 square feet of meeting space and pre-function space with 19 banquet rooms across five floors. Situated adjacent to the Embassy Suites Baltimore-Downtown, the venue offers a distinct setting for meetings and conventions, weddings, and social functions. The Grand Historic Venue has been recognized as a top wedding venue in the Mid-Atlantic, receiving five stars from The Knot and Wedding Wire, as well as a Brides Maryland 2011 editor’s choice for Best Reception Site. The luxurious women’s bathroom and lounge—showcasing nine types of marble, large columns and light fixtures, and hand-carved woodwork—has even been recognized as one of America’s Best Bathrooms by Cintas.

Among the 19 classical meeting rooms, all fully wired and updated for meetings, three ballrooms offer particularly memorable backdrops for any event. The Marble Room on the first floor presents a distinguished ballroom space featuring original stained-glass windows; the Roman Strada on the second floor takes inspiration from the grandeur of an Egyptian tomb and is decorated with murals depicting common Masonic themes; and the grand Corinthian Room, also on the second floor, combines extravagant chandeliers and gilded columns.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE
With the conversion of Tremont Suites Hotel to the Embassy Suites Baltimore-Downtown, the property also unveils the hotel’s new food and beverage outlet, B’more Bistro and Lounge. Diners can expect flavors of the Chesapeake Bay at the 4,000-square-foot, 200-seat restaurant located on the second floor. Signature menu items include Old Bay Bloody Mary’s, Chesapeake Crab Sliders, and Rockfish Risotto. In August 2013, guests will also be able to enjoy coffee beverages at the new onsite Starbucks.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently announced the latest addition to the growing global Holiday Inn Resort® brand portfolio with the opening of the Holiday Inn Resort® Grand Cayman hotel. The property has 117-rooms and a variety of beachfront amenities. “We are thrilled to bring a Holiday Inn Resort hotel to one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean,” said Gerardo Murray, vice president, Marketing Strategic Services for Mexico, Latin America and Caribbean, IHG. “Adding this property to our Holiday Inn Resort brand portfolio is in alignment with our strategy to bring the brand to easily-accessed leisure destinations.”

The Holiday Inn Resort Grand Cayman hotel is located just 15 minutes from Owen Roberts International Airport, on the North Sound, and is in a convenient location near many of Grand Cayman’s most tourist attractions including Stingray City and Rum Point. Visitors can also access nearby Camana Bay and George Town via the resort’s shuttle service which provides guests complimentary transportation to anywhere within 5 minutes of the hotel.

Guests staying at the beautiful Holiday Inn Resort Grand Cayman beachfront property can choose between one of the resort’s well-appointed spacious guest rooms, or a suite that features a variety of breathtaking views of the shimmering waters of the North Sound. The suites also offer extra living space and amenities, such as a fully stocked gourmet kitchen, a living room, dining room and an en-suite laundry. The resort is also ideal for meetings or special events which can be hosted at the poolside covered patio, by the airy sandy beach with pavilion or in a traditional meeting room.

Additional amenities available for guests include a fitness center, tennis court, swimming pool, beach volleyball court, golf course, business center, wireless Internet, onsite dive shop, and complementary children’s activities. The resort also offers an array of aquatic activities including onsite jet ski, kayak and snorkeling rentals. Guests can indulge at the Blue Iguana Grill and Lounge featuring classic Caymanian cuisine and refreshing cocktails and beverages.

The Holiday Inn Resort Grand Cayman, owned by The Grand Caymanian Ltd., and managed by Crestline Hotels and Resorts is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

Whether guests feel welcome and comfortable in hotels depends largely upon the interior decoration. Hotel guests take in their surroundings from the moment they walk into the lobby. Everything must feel right, from the reception to the hotel room, from the breakfast room to the restaurant, from the conference and seminar rooms to the offices and day rooms.Seating is a key aspect of interior decoration, designed to add just the right touch to the hotel’s character and atmosphere. Should the interior exude a romantic, bucolic feeling or the charm of traditional elegance? Or should it feature a modern-style, urban décor or have a futuristic, design-oriented character – Kusch+Co, an internationally operating manufacturer of contract seating, can cater for all tastes with its extensive portfolio, comprising 27 seating and 18 table series, made of the heavy-duty materials plastic, wood, or metal. Their high quality seating is designed to meet the exacting demands of everyday use in hotel environments, and conceived to be extremely hard-wearing, ensuring a long-lasting life cycle.

On request, Kusch+Co happily provides a professional interior planning service, covering the entire spectrum from seating configurations to a comprehensive interior design concept, including colour and material schemes. The customer can rely on the expert know-how of Kusch+Co, founded on the long-time experience of having furnished numerous projects worldwide. Throughout Great-Britain, more and more hotels call in Kusch+Co as a competent partner to furnish their environments.

The reference list of noteworthy hotels furnished with Kusch+Co seating feature many other highlights. Also worth mentioning are the Business Hotel Copthorne Manor near the Gatwick Airport, or the impressive Hotel Bovey Castle with one of England’s best 18-hole golf courses, located near Dartmoor National Park.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced plans to debut Le Méridien in New Orleans amidst rising demand for the Paris-born brand in markets across North America. Le Méridien New Orleans, ideally situated within walking distance from the city’s world-famous French Quarter, is set to open in Fall 2014. The hotel, which currently operates under Starwood’s W brand, was recently sold by the company to Chesapeake Lodging Trust for $65 million this past April. Chesapeake will begin the comprehensive $29 million renovation and conversion in April 2014 and complete the project by the end of the fourth quarter. “We are proud to debut the Le Méridien brand in the culturally rich city of New Orleans,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien and Westin Hotels. “With a bullish pipeline and re-developed brand strategy, Le Méridien continues on a remarkable growth trajectory, connecting with guests through the arts, culture, and cuisine in key cities around the world.”

Le Méridien New Orleans will offer 410 fully renovated guestrooms and bathrooms as well as upgraded fitness center, rooftop pool and more than 10,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting facilities, ideal for weddings and business functions. The hotel’s restaurant and lounge, along with all other public areas, will also be transformed to implement Le Méridien brand elements and signature offerings.

“With strong brand appeal among cosmopolitan travelers worldwide, Le Méridien continues its aggressive deal signing momentum with Le Méridien New Orleans,” said Allison Reid, Senior Vice President of North America Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “We have a great partner in Chesapeake Lodging, and look forward to working together to bring Le Méridien to the Crescent City.”

Le Méridien New Orleans will also feature 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 curated arrival experience and coffee culture. Le Méridien arrival consists of four elements: large-scale artwork in high impact areas to reset the mind and stimulate dialogue and curiosity; the sensory experience, illustrated through Le Méridien signature scent, sound and use of light, creating a unique and distinctive atmosphere; UNLOCK ARTTM programme, featuring LM100TM artist designed key card collections that not only offer access to the guestroom but also to Le Méridien affiliated contemporary cultural centers in the city; and a 24-hour curated soundtrack.

Located at 333 Poydras Street, Le Méridien New Orleans will be conveniently located near the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and just a few blocks from the boutiques, art galleries and jazz clubs in the French Quarter as well as the Riverwalk Marketplace, Harrah’s Casino and the Warehouse District. The hotel is Chesapeake Lodging Trust’s fifth Starwood property, joining W New Orleans – French Quarter, W Chicago – City Center, W Chicago – Lakeshore and Le Méridien San Francisco.

Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel, one of Oxford’s most popular hotels, has added 22 new brilliantly designed bedrooms along with a multi-functional Conservatory following a comprehensive six month, £2 million refurbishment and expansion programme. The 22 new double bedrooms have increased the hotel’s capacity to 84 rooms and have been designed by award winning interior design practice DeSallesFlint with inspiration from the hotel’s close proximity to the River Thames and Oxford’s boating heritage. The concept and design incorporates traditional ‘College’ colours alongside very British influences such as sumptuous floral fabrics and traditional tweeds but with contemporary quirks and twists. There are two room designs –the blue-toned ‘River Rooms’ with river and boating related artistry and the green-toned ‘Garden Rooms’ with flower and garden related pictures adorning the walls. All feature air conditioning, iPod docking stations, complimentary drinks trays, 37” LCD digital televisions and complimentary Wi-Fi, while in the bathrooms guests can enjoy relaxing drench showers and toiletries from Clarins.

The new rooms are linked to the existing buildings and all have views over the hotel’s beautiful gardens. Ten of the rooms enjoy uninterrupted views over the hotel’s 30 acre grounds leading down to the River Thames, those on the ground floor having direct patio access on to the lawns and two first floor corner rooms featuring Juliette balconies. The remaining 12 rooms have uninterrupted tranquil views of Heyford Meadows and the hotel’s Walled Garden.

At the same time, the hotel has converted an existing courtyard area adjacent to its popular River Room Restaurant into a multi-functional Conservatory. Designed by architects John Hallam Associates with interiors by MatthewsMee, the Conservatory is bright and airy featuring muted decorative tones to create a relaxed environment. Accommodating up to 90 people, it is perfect for both hotel guests and local residents to enjoy Sunday lunch and afternoon tea as well as a full restaurant and bar/lounge menu. A comfortable sofa area provides the ideal place for a relaxed intimate coffee or informal business meeting – free Wi-Fi is available.

The Conservatory also complements the hotel’s public areas for private events both day and evening. When combined with the Little Barn, River Room Restaurant, Oxford Suite and Eights Bar it can support larger events and occasions of up to 350 people for private events. New car parking spaces have been added to support the new facilities.

Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel is a four star property housed partly within historic medieval buildings just three miles from the centre of historic Oxford. Set in 30 acres of parkland leading down to the River Thames, the hotel combines medieval charm and contemporary elegance. Its luxury facilities include The River Room Restaurant, Crusaders Medieval Bar and Lounge, Jerome’s Leisure Club with Roman-style swimming pool, gym, outdoor riverside tennis court, College Barge and nine conference and events rooms.

Accor, the largest international operator of hotels in Asia-Pacific and Indonesia, announces the opening of Amarterra Villas Bali Nusa Dua, the newest member of the MGallery Collection in Bali, Indonesia. This resort is a newly-built, all-villa property boasting one of the best locations in Bali – in the heart of the Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC) complex in Nusa Dua, on the southern coast of the island. This exclusive villa resort combines lavish facilities and amenities, with traditional Balinese elements set among lush, landscaped gardens. “We are delighted to add Amarterra Villas Bali Nusa Dua to the MGallery Collection of memorable hotels,” says Gerard Guillouet, Senior Vice President of Accor Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. “Amarterra Villas Bali Nusa Dua is the perfect resort for upscale customers who enjoy a hotel with a unique story and distinguish concept. This resort combines its exceptional location with the excellence of its services and individual attention, making every stay a memorable experience.”

MGallery is a collection of unique upscale hotels selected through their individual personality and characteristics. MGallery hotels are categorized according to three themes – Signature, Heritage and Serenity. Due to its superb ambience blending perfectly with the outstanding architectural designs, Amarterra Villas Bali Nusa Dua is categorised under MGallery’s “Serenity” category. This resort will be the third hotel in the MGallery Collection in Indonesia and the second in Bali.

Pascal Bellon, Amarterra Villas Bali Nusa Dua’s General Manager says, “The opening of this memorable sanctuary of villas in heavenly Bali offers upscale guests unprecedented level of privacy, five-star hospitality and a sense of ‘Serenity’. Combining contemporary comforts with respect to the environment, the resort is inspired by the daily life of a traditional Balinese village.” Staying true to the values of tranquillity, serenity and memorable hospitality, Amarterra Villas Bali Nusa Dua is an oasis of exotic beauty with lush gardens and private pools while providing easy access to Bali’s main convention centre and just a stone’s throw away from the sublime white sand beaches of Nusa Dua.

Amarterra, which comes from the words “Amarta” which means water and “Terra” meaning earth, reflects how these two elements combine to allow sophisticated guests – from honeymooners to business and leisure travellers – to rest and relax amongst Bali’s renowned natural surroundings. The traditional architecture and designs are influenced by the 13th century Majapahit Kingdom when Javanese culture had a strong influence in Bali. Guests will experience this enchanted concept from the moment they arrive at the splendid Chandra Suriya Gate, a symbol of harmonious life, before entering through to the inspirational villas.

With just 39 villas – from one, two and three bedroom villas – each is designed to become a tranquil haven for full relaxation. Artfully crafted with richly-textured materials, the villas’ décor is accentuated by intricate furnishings and colourful finishes. The villas are equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment systems, open lounges, a dining area, and private swimming pool and gazebo, plus luxurious bathroom for guests to enjoy a delightful soak.

Styled as a tropical garden retreat, the resort’s Terra Terrace restaurant and bar offer guests all-day dining with fusion cuisine blending authentic Indonesian gastronomy with modern influences. The Amarterra Spa provides a spa experience using Dharma Bali therapy that will rejuvenate and refresh both the body and mind. The treatment menu is inspired from Bali’s heritage and traditions using natural products, mostly made from different parts of a coconut tree. Amarterra Spa’s signature treatments include Virgin Coconut Oil Body Scrub, Sirodhara and Balinese “Urut” Massage.

The resort also provides a variety of facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, a beach club, a gymnasium, boutique shop and gallery, and a meeting room.

Louvre Hotels Group is reinforcing its top-player position in Poland with the opening of three new-built hotels in June and July, in top Polish cities Bydgoszcz, Gdansk and Krakow.The opening of a Campanile hotel in Bydgoszcz, the 7th largest city of the country, is a milestone for the company: the 117-rooms hotel will be the 10th hotel of the brand in Poland. As a 3-stars hotel, it boasts an excellent location on the city’s main artery, Jagiellonska Avenue and modern infrastructures and services such as a restaurant, a lounge bar and two fully equipped meeting rooms.

The Group will also open two Golden Tulip hotels in Gdansk and Krakow, less than two years after its launch in Poland:

The Golden Tulip Gdansk Residence will be situated
in a great location close to the sea. The
infrastructures and services will include a
restaurant, a bar, conference rooms, a swimming
pool, a Jacuzzi, a sauna and a wellness area. The
property is developed by Qualia, one of Louvre
Hotels Group’s key partners in Poland.

The Golden Tulip hotel in Krakow also enjoys a
central location, in the Old Town, a few meters
from the famous Market Square (a UNESCO World
Heritage listed site). It will offer 86 rooms, a
restaurant and a bar as well as a meeting room
dedicated to business customers.

These three new openings represent a growth of 30 % in Louvre Hotels Group’s portfolio in Poland. At the end of July, the Group will manage 16 hotels in Poland, representing 1,900 rooms.

These hotels will reinforce Louvre Hotels Group’s budget segment presence in the country and underline its ambition to become a top-tier Group in the midscale and upscale segments. By adding two new cities to its portfolio (Gdansk and Bydgoszcz), Louvre Hotels Group will be the first and unique international operator present in all top-10 Polish cities.

Matthieu Evrard, Chief Development Officer of Louvre Hotels Group said: “With these new openings, Louvre Hotels Group confirms its position as one of the most active and dynamic hotel chains in Poland. The Group is also developing in neighbouring countries and will open its first hotels in Donetsk, Ukraine, and in Vilnius, Lithuania, in the 4th quarter of 2013.”

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts has signed a new management contract with Shaanxi Puyu Industrial Co., Ltd for a 350 room hotel in Xi’an. Scheduled for completion in 2016, Swissôtel Xi’an will be nestled in the core business area in the Xi’an National Civil Aerospace Industrial Base within proximity to two Metro lines. Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, boasts of a rich and colorful past. With a history of over 3,000 years, it is regarded as one of the four greatest cities of ancient civilizations, along with Athens, Cairo and Rome. As a result of the large number of historical sites, including the most famous Terracotta Army, tourism is a key component of the city’s economy and an efficient transport system is in place. The Xi’an Xianyang International Airport is the largest airport in Northwest China and a six-line Metro system is under construction.

Swissôtel Xi’an will be located in the heart of phase one of China’s second national civil aerospace industrial base. The base is under construction and will be completed by 2016, expecting to attract over 300,000 residences and over 30 medium to large scale enterprises. 5 km away, the Qujiang New District is an important cultural and residential hub, also housing the Xi’an Qujiang International Conference & Exhibition Centre. Swissôtel Xi’an will offer , four restaurants, function and banqueting space and recreational facilities including a Pürovel Spa. to 50m350 guest rooms and suites, varying in size of approximately 40m

Xi’an has the potential to develop into a top business and leisure hub. “We are pleased with this successful start to our partnership with Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts which has an excellent track record internationally. Working together with our experienced expertise will place us in a position to successfully capture the development opportunities in the new era,” said Mr. Song Zhong Ming, deputy GM of Shaanxi Puyu Industrial Co., Ltd.

“This is a welcome addition to our current portfolio in China, and will complement our upcoming projects in Chengdu, Changsha and Sanya. Xi’an is a strategic step in our plans and put us on track with our goals to expand in emerging markets. This partnership with Shaanxi Puyu Industrial Co., Ltd is timely and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship,” said Meinhard Huck, President of Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts.

Recently, at the NYU International Hospitality Investment Conference in New York, Marriott International, Inc. announced it will import its popular design-focused AC Hotels by Marriott brand into the US and the rest of the Americas. The brand inspired by the runways and fashion houses of Milan, features simple, clean and crisp lines, marrying sophisticated European style with approachable design for a distinctly urban feel. Each hotel reflects the uniqueness and character of its location. AC Hotels by Marriott was launched in 2011 as a joint venture between Marriott International and Spanish group AC Hotels, which was founded in 1998 by Antonio Catalán. Today, AC Hotels by Marriott has a portfolio of 79 hotels in Spain, Italy, Portugal and France, encompassing nearly 9,000 rooms.

“By importing AC Hotels by Marriott into the US, we believe we can increase Marriott’s overall market share among younger business travelers who make three or more business trips a year, representing a total market size of $31 – $35 billion,” said Brian King, global brand officer, Marriott Endorsed Brands. “We have identified an industry void among consumers who are connected, communal and curious with an urban spirit and desire a design-focused hotel brand that is widely distributed.”

AC Hotels by Marriott has extremely high brand recognition in Spain and is among the 50 best valued brands within that market. There are currently five AC Hotels by Marriott in the company’s global development pipeline, and there is strong interest among owners in developing the brand in the North and South America.

“Marriott has a strong track record for developing and growing brands,” said Tony Capuano, executive vice president and chief development officer, Marriott Global Development. “Our experienced owners and franchisees are highly enthusiastic about the growth potential of this unique, design-focused brand for new construction, conversions and adaptive re-use opportunities.”

AC Hotels by Marriott, which will sit in the upper moderate lodging tier, will add to the company’s emerging supply of lifestyle brands that includes the recently announced moderately priced MOXY HOTELS in Europe. AC Hotels by Marriott feature lobbies containing a curated collection of inviting furnishings, modern patterns and textures that feel museum-like with a layered tone-on-tone color palette of warm greys and soft charcoal accents that carries through to the guest rooms. Within the lobby, guests can enjoy the AC Lounge, serving small plates, cocktails, and a wide selection of wines and craft beers. Guests can retreat to work or relax in the library with its wide tables that serves as the business center as well. The library also offers locally relevant reading and artifacts. WiFi throughout every AC Hotels by Marriott property will be free. Guests and non-guests will be able to book spaces to work in the lobbies using Marriott’s Workspace on Demand powered by Liquidspace. AC Hotels by Marriott will offer guests a full breakfast buffet.

Anglo Holt Construction has won a £5.5 million contract to build its first ibis budget hotel.The West Bromwich-based company was awarded the contract by Prime Property Edinburgh Ltd to build a 161-bedroom hotel at Edinburgh Business Park.

ibis budget, part of the Accor group, is a European leader in budget hotels with more than 500 hotels in 18 countries.

Minutes away from Edinburgh Airport, the business park has its own train station and is served by many buses. The hotel will be well appointed for the 9million people per year that use the airport. The greenfield site has undergone archaeological monitoring and will have a pre-cast concrete frame.

The 38-week project is due to start in August 2013 and be completed in May 2014.

A leading North East leisure firm is expanding its Scottish operations with the acquisition of a new hotel.

Newcastle-based Cairn Hotel Group, which owns 22 hotels across the UK, has purchased the freehold of the Queensferry Hotel, Fife, which was previously in administration. The firm, which already operates hotels in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, now plans to invest around £3m in refurbishing and re-branding the 77-bedroom property over the next 12 months.

Previous re-branding projects carried out by the Cairn Hotel Group have more than doubled the workforce at Hotel Indigo Kensington Earls Court, London, the Holiday Inn Newcastle Jesmond hotel, Newcastle, the Doubletree by Hilton Newcastle Airport hotel and the Holiday Inn Darlington A1 Scotch Corner hotel, County Durham.

The firm’s directors now hope that similar successes will be achieved at the three-star Queensferry hotel, as well as safeguarding 40 existing jobs.

The hotel was previously run by Delight Hotels, who were ousted by the former owners Mountain Capital earlier this year. The Cairn Hotel Group has now purchased the property outright and will operate it directly.

Aran Handa, Director at the Cairn Hotel Group, said: “The Cairn Hotel Group has a proven track record of rescuing and restoring struggling properties like the Queensferry hotel.

“We are now looking forward to not only returning the property to its former glory but introducing the high levels of customer service and staff satisfaction which operate in all our hotels across the UK.”

The Curious Pig in the Parlour, neatly tucked away in Copthorne, West Sussex has opened its doors, unveiling nine boutique-style bedrooms alongside a fully refurbished pub and dining area. The pub provides an ideal hideaway for locals and visitors to enjoy relaxed home-from-home surroundings, with eating, drinking and sleeping all nestled under one roof. LOCATION
Set in the quaint village of Copthorne, just seven miles from Gatwick Airport, The Curious Pig in the Parlour is the perfect place for a stop-over, adding a touch of luxury to a pre-flight hotel stay, and it’s a great base from which to explore the rolling countryside and historical attractions found in West Sussex.

THE BEDROOMS
The Curious Pig in the Parlour’s nine beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms offer understated style and sophistication. Each has retained its own sense of charm and character, with textured fabrics, heavy timber furniture and brightly coloured prints adding to the pub’s already lively personality and homely surroundings.

Delivering all the amenities expected of a boutique hotel, all the bedrooms boast luxury cotton bed linen, flat screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers, fluffy bathrobes, luxury toiletries and a homemade welcome hamper packed with coffee, tea, bottled water and chef’s treats.

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InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently announced the signing of a new Holiday Inn hotel in Quito, Ecuador. This property brings three IHG®-branded hotels to Ecuador including the current Holiday Inn Express® Quito hotel, and the upcoming Holiday Inn® Guayaquil Airport hotel slated to open next month. “Ecuador has strong potential for hotel growth and is the perfect market for Holiday Inn hotels,” said Joel Eisemann, chief development officer, the Americas, IHG. “As well as being the country’s capital, Quito is also an important business and tourism center for the country and we look forward to bringing accommodations to fit the region’s needs.”

The hotel will be located approximately 22 miles from Quito’s city center and one mile from the new Mariscal Sucre International Airport, built to expand the capacity of the city’s former airport and estimated to serve five million travelers annually with room for future expansion. Surrounded by the Andes Mountains, Quito is the second most populous city in Ecuador and a UNESCO World Heritage site, having one of the best-preserved historic city centers in the Americas.

The new hotel will be designed in line with the Holiday Inn brand family’s $1 billion global brand relaunch, the largest project of its kind in hospitality history. The relaunch continues to drive increased quality and consistency across the global portfolio. The hotel will feature a contemporary image with emphasis on arrival and welcome services, guestroom and guest bath comfort and a redesigned logo and signage.

“We are so pleased with the signing of the new Holiday Inn Quito Airport,” said Gerardo Murray, vice president, Marketing Strategic Services for Mexico, Latin America and Caribbean at IHG. “The location is exciting and a very strategic fit for this brand as this hotel will be located near one of the busiest international airports in South America and of tremendous value to both business and leisure travelers visiting the region.”

Scheduled to debut in 2016, the four-story Holiday Inn Quito Airport will boast a modern facade and design featuring 130 guestrooms. The location is intended to cater to both corporate and leisure travelers, looking for accommodations close to the airport. The hotel will be equipped with maximum sound insulation, built to minimize airport noise to ensure a pleasurable and convenient stay for guests, and will also feature an array of on-site amenities, including an indoor swimming pool, restaurant, fitness center and 6,000 sq.-ft. of meeting space. Room Service Right … On Time™, at all Holiday Inn hotels, ensures that guests’ room service orders are accurate and delivered on time, every time.

Holiday Inn hotels feature a residential atmosphere that is warm, trend forward and comfortable. Guest beds are made using crisp, white bedding with pillows that come in two comfort levels: “soft” and “firm.” The residential design will include business-focused necessities such as an ergonomic workstation and data ports with the bathrooms including a multifunctional showerhead, as well as a signature shower curtain with curved rod, and amenities. Additionally, each room will have 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 hotel is owned by BPO Asesores Empresariales S.A., which also owns the Holiday Inn Guayaquil Airport opening later this year and is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and PT Tiara Raya Bali International has recently announced the debut of Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran, the latest newly built Le Méridien resort to open during a year of substantial growth for the Paris-born brand. Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran, combines chic, modern design with a passion for the arts, culture and creative cuisine to offer travellers an enriching escape on Bali, Indonesia’s famed Island of the Gods. “Le Méridien is experiencing a year of significant growth,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien and Westin. “With a refined Le Méridien brand positioning focused on unlocking the destination and our best portfolio and performance levels ever, we are proud to return to Bali in such an ideal setting as the culturally-rich Jimbaran area.”

“We are excited about our partnership with Starwood Hotels & Resorts to officially launch Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran,” said Richard Wiriahardja, Owner of PT Tiara Raya Bali International. “We took Le Méridien brand’s vision of creativity to heart: arts in different mediums, designer furniture with stories to be told, and details in everyday objects that induce curiosity. We are pleased to welcome guests to explore our resort and the Jimbaran area.”

Complementing its idyllic location, Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran juxtaposes rich elements of traditional Jimbaran heritage with sleek contemporary elements, inspiring art, and a relaxed, understated style. The resort features the newly developed Le Méridien Hub experience, which re-interprets the traditional lobby into a social gathering place for creative people to converse, debate and exchange views.

Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran offers four distinct dining venues in a three-story complex, including the signature restaurant Bamboo Chic, featuring Pan-Asian flavours fused with an authentic Balinese palate and made with organic ingredients sourced from the local Bedugul Mountain area; Smoqee Lounge & Sky Bar with hand-crafted cocktails, unparalleled sunset views, and soothing tunes from resident DJs; Latitude 8, offering coffee by day and wines and tapas by night in the hotel’s Hub; and WALA, an casual spot for handcrafted gelato and perfect cups of coffee.

Surrounded by serene and refreshing water features, the hotel’s 118 guest rooms and suites feature modern batik motifs and striking liquid art imagery by German artist Markus Reugels. Ground floor guest rooms open directly onto a uniquely designed 1,300 square meter organic form saltwater lagoon pool.

A modern conference center provides 600 square meters of multi-purpose space, state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, a business center, and creative event staff.

Other amenities include Serenity, a rejuvenation spa with six ‘Experience’ treatment rooms and a lounge; a well-equipped fitness center with a variety of health programs; and J Kids Club that keeps young guests engaged with an array of activities, discovery programs, and a dedicated outdoor children’s pool.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced that it will increase its operating hotel footprint in Latin America by 50 percent during the next five years, opening an average of seven new hotels per year in the region. Emphasizing Latin American’s growth potential as one of the world’s fastest growing hotel and travel markets, Starwood’s CEO Frits van Paasschen and members of the company’s senior executive team visited Latin America last week, traveling to key growth markets, including Brazil and Colombia. “Macro-economic trends continue to reshape the Latin American travel and business landscape, creating strong growth in lodging demand and many opportunities for Starwood to expand in the region,” said Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “At the same time, Latin America’s middle class grew by 50 percent in the last decade and this increase in wealth means that there are more and more people with the means to travel and an increasing appetite for global, luxury brands like ours.”

As the first international hotel company in Latin America dating back to the opening of the Sheraton Maria Isabel in Mexico City in 1963, Starwood today is the largest high end hotel operator in the region with 72 hotels in 13 countries and a total of 15,600 rooms. Since 2007, the company has grown by 36% in Latin America.

In the last two years the company opened 13 hotels, including its debut in Costa Rica with Westin Playa Conchal, Starwood’s first all-inclusive hotel in the world, the recent opening of Sheraton da Bahia Hotel in Salvador, Brazil, and the opening of new flagships including W Santiago, The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center, St. Regis Mexico City and Sheraton Bijao in Panama- the first Sheraton branded all-inclusive hotel in the world. Additional recent openings include The Westin Playa Bonita Resort & Spa Panama, The Westin Panama, The Westin Guadalajara and The Westin Santa Fe in Mexico; Aloft Bogota Airport and Aloft San Jose Hotel; Villarrica Park Lake Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel; Le Méridien Mexico City; and Four Points by Sheraton Mexico City, Colonia Roma.

Starwood has a pipeline of 19 hotels with a total of 3,200 new rooms in development. In the remainder of 2013, Starwood expects to open six more hotels with a total of 1,100 rooms, covering four brands across four countries.

“Latin America is emblematic of the growth we are seeing in regions around the world and key to our development plans,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development & Acquisition, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “There is strong affinity for all of our brands in the region across the luxury, upper upscale and mid-market segments, and we’re looking to build on this interest with new world-class hotels in the right places, with the right partners.”

“We are optimistic about the future of our company in Latin America because we have various competitive advantages, including a long-established presence for more than 40 years, local know-how and strong relationships driven by our in-market teams,” said Osvaldo Librizzi, co-president of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Americas. “Combined with our world-renowned lifestyle brands, we are well-positioned to grow and maintain our lead in the market.”

Brazil
With more than 80% of the world’s economic growth coming from fast-growing markets over the next few years, Brazil is a key focus for the company. Underscoring the importance of the country, van Paasschen and members of Starwood’s senior executive team met with hotel owners, customers and investors in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Recife, and Salvador to evaluate new projects. They also visited the iconic Sheraton Rio Hotel & Resort in Rio de Janeiro, one of Starwood’s most valuable owned-assets in the region. In 2012, the hotel began a multi-million dollar renovation project that is part of Sheraton Hotels & Resorts’ ongoing commitment to enhance its global portfolio and reflects Starwood’s unwavering commitment to Brazil. Renovations are expected to be complete by the second quarter of next year.

“There is significant opportunity for hotel development in Brazil due to its sheer size, natural beauty, and relative under penetration, particularly at the high end. We want to bring our skills and expertise at operating high-quality branded hotels to this dynamic market, and believe rising rates and occupancies, and clear pent up demand for travel, make this a promising time to pursue growth opportunities,” added van Paasschen.

Starwood currently has eight hotels in some of the most important cities in the country, including Sheraton Rio Hotel & Resort and Sheraton Barra Hotel & Suites in Rio de Janeiro; Sheraton Vitoria Hotel; Sheraton São Paulo WTC, Sheraton Porto Alegre Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton Curitiba, Four Points by Sheraton Macaé and the Sheraton da Bahia Hotel in Salvador, which is celebrating its recent inauguration today. Sheraton Reserva do Paiva Hotel & Convention Center near Recife is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2014.

Colombia
Starwood executives also spent time in Colombia meeting with owners and partners and visiting the site of the future W Bogota, which will mark the brand’s entry into the country. In the past years, Colombia has made important steps in enhancing its economy and hotel infrastructure, becoming an attractive destination for foreign investment and international hotel brands. Starwood has been present in Colombia for almost 20 years, and today, the company has several exciting projects in the pipeline, including Four Points by Sheraton Bogota, Sheraton Cartagena Hotel, and W Bogota- all slated to open in 2014.

“We believe that Colombia is a country ripe with opportunities for growth and we plan to expand our brands in the major cities and secondary markets in the years to come with development partners who have a proven track record of success and are looking for a new and exciting growth vehicle,” van Paasschen concluded.

Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts has recently announced the opening of its latest resort property with the reflagging of Ravella at Lake Las Vegas as Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa. Located within the 3,600-acre Lake Las Vegas master-planned resort community, Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa is a Mediterranean-inspired resort just 20 miles from the Las Vegas strip.”The opening of this hotel provides an ideal retreat for guests who are looking for both the excitement and proximity to the Las Vegas strip and a tranquil place they can escape to and relax,” said Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

An oasis in the desert, Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa features upscale accommodations including 349 guest rooms and suites with views that capture the lake, mountains, Florentine Garden and pool. Guests can take advantage of the full range of leisure amenities including a 30,000 square foot full-service spa with 24 treatment rooms, a full-service salon, sauna, steam room and fitness centre. The resort experience continues outdoors with a resort-sized pool featuring fully stocked cabanas, poolside dining at Lagoon Bar & Grill and access to a Jack Nicklaus golf course. For dining, the Medici Café and Terrace offers casual elegance in a garden-side setting and the Firenze Bar & Lounge is located in the lobby for tapas and cocktails.

With its Mediterranean flare and lakeside location, Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa provides an array of indoor and outdoor event spaces for weddings, private events, executive meetings and corporate retreats. The resort features 92,459 square feet of combined meeting and function space including an 11,813-square-foot ballroom, state-of-the-art audio visual technology, lofted ceilings, soundproof air walls and high-speed internet access. The on-property wedding chapel, “Capella Di Amore” is Las Vegas’ only over-water wedding chapel.

Louvre Hotels Group, a major hotel industry player in France and abroad, is announcing the opening of the Golden Tulip Hotel in Aix-les-Bains, the brand’s 10th hotel in France and 230th worldwide. Previously operated under the Radisson Blu brand, the hotel was purchased by Mr Alfonsi, a new investor in the Group, and will now be franchised under the Golden Tulip brand.

The hotel is certified Green Key (the world’s leading certification in accommodation) and will be undergoing a vast renovation of all guest rooms and public areas over the coming year, all the while remaining open for business.

Located on Avenue Charles de Gaulle in the city centre, close to the TGV station and to the casino, the hotel has 102 rooms (each room featuring high-speed WiFi).

In order to provide its guests with authentic relaxation, the Golden Tulip Hotel in Aix-les-Bains features a 600-m² relaxation centre complete with solarium and a Spa offering an indoor pool, a sauna, a steam bath, a Jacuzzi and a fitness centre.

The hotel’s “Brasserie du Park” restaurant serves traditional regional cuisine. The hotel also has a 500-m² area for private functions, lit by natural light.

“Being established in over 40 countries with 230 hotels, the Golden Tulip brand enjoys an international profile, an upscale positioning and a solid reputation. In addition to that, Louvre Hotels Group provides us with a highly efficient distribution system and a powerful marketing and sales force,” says Mr Alfonsi.

“With this new hotel joining the Golden Tulip brand, Louvre Hotels Group is proving once again that there is room in France for a non-standardised 4-star brand. Golden Tulip offers its guests the best in international standards while retaining local characteristics at every one of its hotels,” explains Golden Tulip France Director Emmanuel Ollier.

The opening of the Golden Tulip Hotel in Aix-les-Bains will further strengthen the national development strategy announced by the Golden Tulip brand several months ago: the Group’s ambition is to be operating 50 hotels in France by 2015.

Construction of the first Travelodge hotel in the London Borough of Hackney – part of a £20 million mixed-use development – is now underway, Anglo Holt Construction has announced.The West Bromwich-based company was awarded the contract by developer LPC Living Ltd, owned by the Pervaiz Naviede Family Trust, to build new basement and ground floor retail units 80-bedroom Travelodge hotel and 50-apartment building above.

The former brownfield site, near Hackney Central Railway Station, has undergone archaeological monitoring. The building will have a reinforced concrete basement, structural steel on the ground and lower floors, a lightweight frame on the upper floors, and a green roof. It will also include a large vehicle turntable. The project is due to be completed in March 2014.

Andy Elwell, managing director at Anglo Holt Construction, said: “This mixed-use development, comprising retail, residential and leisure, will be a real boost for Hackney. We are proud to continue our successful 13-year partnership with Travelodge by building its first hotel in the area.”

Simon Ashdown, director at LPC Living, said: “We’re delighted that construction has now commenced on this strategically important site. We believe the mix of retail, leisure and residential accommodation will be welcomed by residents and visitors to Hackney.”

Based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands, Anglo Holt has an annual turnover in excess of £50 million and employs around 100 people. Its objective is to guarantee to deliver quality, reliability and added value throughout the total process of design, construction, project management and cost management.

On Wednesday 12th June, a new DoubleTree by Hilton joined the London scene with the opening of the London Ealing property. The hotel was officially opened by Councillor Kamaljit Dhindsa.£10m has been spent on this property to bring it in line with the brand’s identity and it looks like it means business. With the redesign and refurbishment, the group decided to move the main entrance towards the rear of the property and in doing so, have created exclusivity for its guests; it’s no longer a hotel, it’s a secret club.

From the entrance you can see reception ahead and the bar to your left. The W5 Grill & Bar’s design features earthy tones with dark wood furniture and features and there is a terrace for al fresco dining should London ever see sunshine again.

Opposite reception is the business area with three or four workdesks and computers for guests use. Beyond this is the lift lobby and bathrooms, a large breakout area which services the Ballroom and two smaller business rooms, and a small bar.

Continued on page two…

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., the leader in luxury hospitality, has announced the brand’s latest property in its growing North Africa portfolio. The Ritz-Carlton Marrakech is owned by Jnan Amar Company, a subsidiary of Al Amal Investment Company (SIAMA) part of Azmi Abdelhadi Group of Saudi Arabia.The resort will be developed around the Jenan Amar Polo Fields, which is part of an upscale community on the Takerkoust Road, 20 kilometres from the city centre of Marrakech and 12 kilometres from the Lalla Takerkoust lake and nature reserve. The stunning fortress style resort will feature 60 hotel suites and 20 hotel villas of two, three and five bedrooms, bars and restaurants, a luxury spa and related leisure facilities. Jnan Amar Polo Resort development is envisaged as a powerful growth driver for tourism in the Marrakech region of Morocco, and the varied luxury components of the project coupled with its world-class polo fields will create a new lifestyle dynamic to the region.

Godwin Austen Johnson is the lead architect and interior designer, with the project already at the detailed design stage. The master development of the community has been completed including the roads, and the main polo field. Construction of the property is due to commence in the fourth quarter of 2013, with completion of the hotel projected for the third quarter of 2016.

“We are honored to have been selected by Jenan Amar, SARL to manage this unique property,” said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operating Officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. “We believe that the unique location of the resort, with stunning views on the High Atlas Mountains, within such an upscale community of Marrakech, coupled with the diverse culture and rich heritage of the wonderful city itself, will offer our discerning guests an incredibly attractive and aspirational destination to explore.”

Miramar Abdelhadi, Chief Executive Officer of the Jenan Amar SARL, said“We are delighted to partner with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company to manage the resort. The long and storied legacy of The Ritz-Carlton is a natural fit with Morocco’s own historical heritage, and the prestige of the brand is akin to the exclusivity of the community in which the resort will be located.”

Asked about additional growth in the North African region for The Ritz-Carlton, Humler added, “The Ritz-Carlton, Marrakech will be our fourth property in North Africa, each one offering a different proposition, indigenous to the style and location of the hotel or resort. Expansion in this region is unquestionably an essential part of our future growth strategy.”

Further properties currently under construction in North Africa are The Ritz-Carlton, Rabat, a 120-room hotel situated within the prestigious Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, The Ritz-Carlton, Tunis, a resort featuring 129-suites, situated close to the world heritage site of Carthage and Tamouda Bay, and Morocco a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Morocco a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Tamuda Bay, an exclusive upscale resort nestled along the unspoiled waters of the Mediterranean, approximately 60 kilometers east of the city of Tangiers, featuring a 98-luxury room hotel with 35 pool villa suites, a beach club and an 18-hole Nicklaus design golf course.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has confirmed The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto will officially open its doors on February 7, 2014, and unveiled the first images of the luxury urban resort that pays homage to the region’s cultural heritage. It also officially announced the appointment of Mr. Yuji Tanaka as the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto.The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto enjoys an excellent strategic location as an urban resort on the Kamogawa River, Nijho Ohashi, close to Kyoto’s popular downtown areas including Gion and Kawaramachi-dori, the city’s retail and entertainment district. The hotel’s guestrooms will offer views of the river and the Higashiyama Mountains.

While in keeping with the traditions and cultural sensitivity of Kyoto, The Ritz-Carlton will be a subtle and inspired juxtaposition of modernity and respect for Japanese tradition, incorporating the work of internationally famous Japanese design houses such as Spin Studio. The architects and designers have gone to great lengths to preserve the traditional Meiji house and courtyard into the architectural structure of the building.

Featuring 136 guest rooms with an average size of 50 square meters for standard rooms, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto will have some of the largest in the city. It will also feature four dining options, banquet and meeting rooms, as well as a spa and other recreational facilities.

World-class luxury hotel brand, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, has announced during the Caribbean Hotel and Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) its plans to open a new 380-room JW Marriott Hotel and Casino which will include 16 residential condos located on the island of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. The property will be operated by Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) under a long-term agreement with DesarrollosHotelco Turks and Caicos Ltd., a group made up of prominent regional investors.The nine-story hotel, scheduled to open in early 2016, will be built on a11-acre site and is located on the world-famous Grace Bay beach along the north coast of Providenciales, 15 minutes from the Providenciales International Airport.

“We are thrilled to bring the JW Marriott brand of luxury to Turks and Caicos,” said Walter Stipa, majority investor of Desarrollos Hotelco Turks and Caicos Ltd. “And with its prime location on stunning Grace Bay Beach, we know that it will be very successful.”

Mr. Walter Stipa is also the majority shareholder of the 269-room JW Marriott Hotel Caracas, the 207-room Venezuela Marriott Hotel Playa Grande and the 212-room Renaissance La Castellana Caracas. Additionally, Mr. Stipa owns the 320-room Ritz-Carlton Aruba, which is currently under construction and expected to open at the end of 2013.

In addition to 380 guest rooms and suites, the hotel will feature a gourmet specialty restaurant, a three-meal-a-day restaurant, a lobby bar and lounge and a pool bar & grill. It will have 1,300 square meters of meeting space, including a ballroom; as well as a 962 square meter spa and fitness center, a kids/teen club, three swimming pools and a 901 square meter casino.

“We are proud to announce our second world class JW Marriott luxury brand hotel project in the Caribbean and our first in Turks and Caicos. This beautiful hotel will offer the highest levels of accommodations and service to our guests and will be a great addition to the brand’s growing global portfolio,” said Craig S. Smith, President of the Caribbean and Latin America.

“We are fortunate to have partners like Mr. Stipa and his team, who have an amazing eye for great sites and destinations with potential in the region” says Laurent de Kousemaeker, chief development officer for Marriott International, Inc. in the Caribbean & Latin America “Turks & Caicos is a fabulous luxury Caribbean destination that currently has no supply of internationally renowned luxury brand hotels that offer the range of resort amenities which leisure and incentive guests are looking for.”

The primary architect for the project is Robert M. Coleman & Partners, whose also designed the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, the Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club timeshare resort, the recently-opened Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino and the Ritz-Carlton Aruba, currently under construction.

JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts’ global portfolio consists of 60 properties in 24 countries, offering a new standard of luxury to travelers around the world. By 2015, the brand plans to operate 80 hotels in 28 countries. In addition to JW Marriott in Turks and Caicos, the brand expects rapid growth in the Caribbean and Latin America region in the coming years. Properties in the pipeline include the 300-room JW Marriott Cabo San Lucas Resort, Mexico (2015), the 131-room JW Marriott Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (2014), and the 225-room JW Marriott Hotel San Jose, Costa Rica (2015). Always reflecting their locale, JW Marriott hotels provide quietly luxurious, though purposeful and meaningful, services that help travelers achieve their personal goals and advance their ambitions without distraction or disruption, resulting in a rare harmony of beautifully delivered experiences where the primary purpose is the guests’ over-all well-being.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., the leader in luxury hospitality, has unveiled plans to open its first property in Rabat, the prestigious capital city of the Kingdom of Morocco, bringing the number of hotels currently under development in the brand’s growing North Africa portfolio to three.The owner of the urban resort is Sienna Investment Group, an investment vehicle established in Morocco. The architectural and design team of the luxury property consists of Scape Design Associates as the Landscape Designers, and Architects, WATG. Construction is underway, and The Ritz-Carlton expects the resort to open in December 2014.

The urban resort will be situated approximately 10 minutes’ drive from the city center, within the grounds of the most highly esteemed golf course in the Kingdom, The Royal Golf of Dar Es Salam, designed by Robert Trent Jones over 40 years ago. The golf estate which comprises three courses, frequented by Rabat and Morocco’s high society, is set within a stunning 440 hectare oak forest, surrounded by an array of flora and breathtaking lakes, and will provide the scenic backdrop to The Ritz-Carlton, Rabat, located near the 10th tee of the main course.

The resort will benefit from 120 guest rooms, 15 one-bedroom and five, two-bedroom villas, expected to appeal to dignitaries and government delegations from around the world.

Further properties currently under construction in North Africa include The Ritz-Carlton, Tunis, Carthage, a resort featuring 129-suites, situated close to the world heritage site of Carthage and Morocco a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Tamuda Bay, an exclusive upscale resort nestled along the unspoiled waters of the Mediterranean, approximately 60 kilometers east of the city of Tangiers, featuring a 98-luxury room hotel with 35 pool villa suites, a beach club and an 18-hole Nicklaus design golf course.

As if anyone needed another reason to visit the legendary Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc…

Champagne and the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc have been intimate friends throughout the hotel’s history. For years, the great and the good have plotted love lives and world politics as they have sipped a chilled glass of France’s finest sitting on the deck of the Eden-Roc overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the hotel’s iconic swimming pool.Following a €50 million restoration project completed in April 2011, the legendary Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc will now be introducing a glamorous new experience for it’s devoted clientele in 2013 – the ‘Eden-Roc Champagne Lounge’.

Set to become the iconic new place to take a drink on the Riviera, the ‘Eden-Roc Champagne Lounge’ will be located on the open-air upper panoramic terrace of the legendary Eden-Roc. With stunning views of the Mediterranean, the property’s pine forest and of course the hotel’s iconic swimming pool built into the rock, this will be the one of the most beautiful places to sit back and watch the world sail by. With a relaxed ambiance and design and lounge music, it will accommodate up to 40 guests.

The ‘Eden-Roc Champagne Lounge’ will exclusively offer Champagne cocktails from the finest champagne houses in France. It will be working exclusively with 13 different champagne houses selected for their different profiles by Head Sommelier Xavier Dinet. There will be six Cuvées de Champagne served by the glass including Blanc de Blancs, Blanc Millésimé, Rosé, Prestige Blanc and Prestige Rosé. There will also be exclusive vintages on offer such as Jéroboams of Louis Roederer “Cristal Or” 2002, of which only 200 were created worldwide. The unique bottle is covered with a gold coin hand-made by a goldsmith.

The ‘Eden-Roc Champagne Lounge’ is now open until the 1st September 2013 from 6pm to 12.30am.

April’s Highlights
• Abu Dhabi’s hotel market witness green shoots, while Dubai maintains continued growth over 2012
• Cairo hotels suffer as violence ensues, however performance surges in Sharm El Sheikh

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announces the opening of the Holiday Inn® Baltimore – BWI Airport Area, located just minutes from Baltimore Washington Thurgood International Airport (BWI). Close to major businesses and attractions, the 137-room hotel at 815 Elkridge Landing Road is completely renovated and offers a fresh and welcoming environment.“We are proud to welcome the Holiday Inn Baltimore – BWI Airport Area hotel to the Holiday Inn brand family,” said Heather Balsley, senior vice president, Americas Holiday Inn Brand Family IHG. “This hotel is among the over 1,200 properties worldwide which represent the new face of a brand that is redefining innovative guest comfort and convenience in cities across America. The Baltimore/Washington area is a key market where we believe this Holiday Inn hotel will thrive.”

“We are delighted to be joining the Holiday Inn brand family,” said Stacey Schuhardt, general manager, Holiday Inn Baltimore – BWI Airport. “We look forward to welcoming both business and leisure guests to all that the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas have to offer, and providing them with the best service in the area.“

Located just a short distance from Interstate 95, and the Baltimore Washington Parkway, the new Holiday Inn hotel is close to major business destinations, Fort Meade and the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Nearby leisure attractions include Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Maryland Zoo and baseball’s Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

The hotel also includes a new lobby and restaurant – serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant offers the Holiday Inn Best-4-Breakfastâ menu, with signature items such as Rainforest Alliance™ Certified coffee, Cinnamon Supreme French Toast™ and Skillet Inspirations™.

The Holiday Inn Baltimore – BWI Airport hotel is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

In addition to Swissôtel’s recently announced hotel projects in a growing number of dynamic markets such as China, India and Russia, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is expanding the portfolio with its first hotel in Bangladesh. The Swissôtel Dhaka is located in the new Business District of Gulshan and is scheduled to open in 2018.The Swissôtel Dhaka ballroom, as well as a Pürovel spa with a swimming pool and other recreational amenities. The future hotel is easily of event space including a 500m, six restaurants and bars, 950mwill feature 375 guest rooms and suites with a minimum room size of 38m accessible for business travelers, 12km from the airport and across from the new financial leisure district of Motijheel which is a fresh water lake recently converted into a leisure and recreation area. Numerous multinational companies, office complexes, embassies and high-end residences are located near the Swissôtel Dhaka in the adjacent Gulshan business district. The proposed underground train connection, as well as an 8km stretch of elevated highway, which is presently undergoing construction will provide easy access to the various manufacturing and economic centers of Dhaka.

With its population of 20 million, Dhaka is one of the largest cities in South Asia and is both the capital city and major industrial center of Bangladesh strategically located between India and Myanmar. The close proximity to China and Thailand enhances the strategic importance of Bangladesh as a country with a rapidly growing economy supported primarily by manufacturing and textile production.

According to Meinhard Huck, President Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, “Dhaka is experiencing sustainable growth, particularly in the financial and textile manufacturing sectors, but also in telecommunications and service industries which has resulted in strong demand for high quality hotel accommodation.”

The Swissôtel Dhaka is developed by the Bengal Group, founded in 1969 by the Chairman Morshed Alam. The Bengal Group has diversified interests in many business sectors including plastic products, textiles, renewable energy, food, media, financial sector and real estate. Bengal Plastic is the world’s largest manufacturer of coat hangers, producing more than two million hangers daily, whilst its clothing division supplies mainly denim to major clients such as Walmart, Sainsbury, The Children Place, VP Corp and others.

Are you looking for a change or new idea?

Fabric walling gives spaces a unique focal point. It is an important decorative element and gives character to a space and elegance to the room. It is the most artistic way that you can use to decorate your space.Fabric walling is a traditional art form, an exquisite example of craftsmanship which exudes grace and class since ancient times. Initially fabric walling was used to adorn castles and churches as it kept moisture at bay, as well as provide aesthetic appeal, but it soon became a symbol of aristocracy and prestige. Today, fabric walling is also appreciated for its beauty and exclusivity.

Another advantage of fabric walling is it helps to insulate the room from noise. It is therefore excellent for use in offices, conference rooms, cinema rooms, TV rooms, etc.

Mille Couleurs Showroom is certainly worth a visit if you are looking for a something different.

Regent Studios, 1 Thane Villas
Studio 101, Islington
N7 7PH; UK
www.mc-london.com

Marriott International, Inc. has signed a management agreement with CJSC Globus to open its first property in Novosibirsk, Russia, the 175-room Marriott Novosibirsk Hotel. The Marriott Novosibirsk will be a new addition to the Marriott Hotels & Resorts flagship brand and is expected to open in 2014. Joining Marriott executives and VIPs for the official signing ceremony was the Mayor of Novosibirsk, Mr. Vladimir Gorodetsky. The announcement follows the recent signing of the Courtyard by Marriott Ulyanovsk and grows the current pipeline in Russia to nine new properties over the next 3 years. Other upcoming openings include the 234-room Moscow Marriott Novy Arbat in 2014, and the Courtyard by Marriott Sochi Plaza Hotel and Krasnaya Polyana Marriott Hotel in Sochi, host city of the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

“Last October we announced plans to grow our portfolio in Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States by more than 50 percent by 2015 and signing the Marriott Novosibirsk Hotel is another important step in reaching that goal,” said Amy McPherson, president and managing director of Marriott International in Europe. “We are excited about the growth in travel throughout the region and the expanding demand for our hotels and brands.”

Novosibirsk is the capital of the Siberian Federal District and Russia’s third largest city after Moscow and St Petersburg. A vibrant hub of commerce and culture, the city is an important centre for governmental affairs and industry but also boasts an extraordinary host of cultural institutions. Known as the cultural capital of Siberia, Novosibirsk’s State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, Novosibirsk Philharmonic Hall and M.I. Glinka State Conservatory are internationally acclaimed. Visitors to the city can also explore its many cultural heritage sites and architectural and historical monuments as well as museums and theatres.

The Marriott Novosibirsk will be positioned in a prime location on Lenin Square opposite the city’s iconic Opera House. Featuring sophisticated guestrooms, a leisure club, indoor pool and 454 square feet of meeting space, the hotel is expected to be popular with both business and leisure travellers. Additional hotel facilities include a casual dining restaurant, a Lobby Lounge & Bar, and business centre.

April’s Highlights:
• Total Revenue and Profit Growth for everyone!
• The importance of looking beyond RevPAR: Frankfurt’s performance

Anglo Holt has announced the completion of a £7 million hotel and retail development in south London.

The new build development in Vauxhall, London, includes a 148-bedroom Travelodge hotel and Waitrose supermarket.Built on a reclaimed brownfield site, the seven-storey property comprises two storeys of steel frame construction topped with five storeys of timber frame and a brass effect mansard roof.
The turnkey scheme, which includes pre-finished bathroom pods, ceramic rainscreens and anti-terrorist glazing, is centrally located and provides easy access to the National Rail network, London Underground and Vauxhall’s main bus terminal.

The 52-week design and build project was awarded to Anglo Holt by developers Salmon Harvester Properties. Scottish Widows Investment Partnership provided forward funding for the project.

Andy Elwell, managing director at Anglo Holt Construction, said: “Once again we have demonstrated our expertise in the hotel sector by completing another fine Travelodge hotel. However, this project has also allowed us to extend our retail portfolio with a Waitrose supermarket.

“The development, which achieved a BREEAM Very Good rating, has good links to public transport and its central location will appeal to business personnel, tourists and the local community.”

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has recently celebrated the unveiling of its 200th hotel in Greater China with the opening of the InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin.This marks another milestone for IHG, which was the first international company to enter the Chinese hospitality industry almost 30 years ago, and reinforces our leadership in the world’s fastest growing market. The InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin, owned by Shanghai Donghu Group Corporation, has been a landmark in the city for almost 100 years. Such is the prestige of the hotel that IHG has labelled InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin the first of its heritage hotels in Asia, making it the sixth globally under the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand.

Richard Solomons, Chief Executive of IHG commented: “We were the first international company to enter the Chinese hotel market almost 30 years ago and it is now our second largest market in the world. The opening of our 200th hotel here is testament to how much our brands are loved by owners and guests alike. Our deep understanding of the underlying needs of local consumers is a strategy which is working and we are extremely positive of our future in China and excited about the opportunity ahead.”

Chen Geng Rong, President, Shanghai Donghu Group Corporation commented: “We are very proud of this historical property and pleased to put it in the hands of IHG, one of the earliest partners in China’s hospitality industry. With IHG’s international hotel management expertise and our local knowledge and resources, I have no doubt of the success of this partnership and that of InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin.”

According to the forecasts by the World Tourism Organization, the Chinese hotel room market will overtake that of the US, which is currently the largest in the world, by 2025. By 2039 China’s will be twice the size of the US’s. In light of the rapidly growing market, IHG will continue its commitment to China. Over the next 20 years, IHG plans to increase by almost eightfold the number of hotel rooms it has in Greater China, which equates to about 360,000 rooms and an additional 300,000 new jobs.

Renaissance Hotels has recently celebrated the opening of its newest gem in Malaysia with the inauguration of the Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel, officiated by the Tunku Temenggong Johor, Y.A.M Tunku Idris Iskandar Ibni Sultan Ibrahim.Renaissance Hotels help inspire authentic travel experiences through innovative guest programs including NAVIGATOR, the brand’s signature concierge service, and RLife LIVE, an industry-leading entertainment platform showcasing music, arts and more at Renaissance Hotels around the world. Last year, Renaissance Hotels launched its first ever global advertising campaign, Live Life to Discover, inspiring guests to discover something distinctly new whenever they travel for business or leisure.

Commenting on the opening of the hotel, Marc Cosyns, General Manager, said: “We are delighted to be officially opening the hotel today. As you can see this a great hotel and really helps to put Johor Bahru on the map. The 345-room hotel offers a variety of room categories, all equipped with the latest in modern amenities including 42-inch flat screen televisions with satellite channel access and much more, and my team and I are looking forward to welcoming our guests to the property.”

The hotel’s four restaurants and bars include Café BLD for all-day dining; Wan Li Restaurant for contemporary Cantonese cuisine; The Chocolate Cake Company featuring the hotel’s own freshly baked cakes, breads and pastries; and the R-Bar, a sophisticated lobby bar offering exclusive RLife LIVE entertainment.

For leisure and relaxation, the hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and fitness center, while for those visiting for meetings, the hotel boasts seven flexible rooms packed full of state-of-the-art technology and plentiful natural daylight.

The Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel is located in the township of Permas Jaya, close to the city centre of Johor Bahru and a short drive from the Eastern Dispersal Link leading directly to the CIQ to Singapore, and North South Highway, leading to the rest of Malaysia. The hotel is also perfectly situated close to the port and industrial area of Pasir Gudang.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has recently announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with an affiliate of Huayuan Property Co., Ltd for a Grand Hyatt hotel in Changsha, Hunan Province in central China.“Changsha has established itself as a major hub for global business and entertainment, and we are honoured to have the opportunity to bring the Grand Hyatt brand to such a great city,” said Mark Hoplamazian, president and chief executive officer of Hyatt Hotels Corporation at the agreement signing in Changsha earlier today. “Throughout our 40 years in China, we have showed thousands of guests how our associates can meet and exceed their needs, and we look forward to bringing Hyatt’s signature authentic hospitality to such a dynamic and historic city.”

Grand Hyatt Changsha will be centrally located in the most prestigious commercial and business areas along the Xiangjiang River in downtown Changsha. The hotel will be part of “The Central,” a mega mixed use complex that will incorporate high-end residential buildings, office spaces, and luxury shopping facilities. Situated on the upper floors of an iconic 268-meter-high skyscraper, Grand Hyatt Changsha will enjoy unobstructed views over the city and the river, and is expected to become the new landmark of Changsha. The 324-room hotel will feature an array of restaurants and bars, multi-purpose meeting and banquet facilities, a fitness centre, a pool and a spa, and is expected to create over 500 new jobs.

“We are very pleased to work with Hyatt on such an exciting and significant project. We look forward to our collaboration with Hyatt in further developing the high-end hotel market in Changsha,” said Ren Zhiqiang, Chairman of Huayuan Property Co., Ltd.

April’s Highlights

• London sees its first month of profit increase in 2013
• Spring fever in the provinces

Regency Management Company, LLC would like to announce that the hotel that was once the Harley Hotel has undergone the largest renovation in the hotel’s 36-year history. The $10 million transformation to the new Holiday Inn Airport West in Earth City by the new ownership group was necessary to meet the demands of business meetings and travelers in the St. Louis airport market. “We are excited that this renovation is now complete and we look forward to impressing our guests with an enhanced overall experience,” said Mark Stevens, General Manager of the Holiday Inn Airport West. “This transformation has created excellent meeting and convention space in St. Louis and a relaxing place for our loyal business travelers to rest and relax. In addition, our on-site dining meets the needs of our guests and is a center point for members of the Earth City business park to network.”

The completely new canopy provides a warm entrance with plenty of room for guests to drop luggage before parking vehicles in the expansive parking lot. The hotel features 155 newly renovated guestrooms. Each and every guestroom was redone with a new bathroom and new case goods, including new carpet, new top of the line Simmons mattresses, and new 37” Philips flat screen televisions. During the renovation, the hotel also added five one-bedroom Suites. The eighth floor is designated as an executive floor and has its own private club lounge. All the guestrooms on the eighth floor are executive king rooms. The lobby also underwent significant changes for an impressive new look. Changes include a new front desk and concierge desk. The feature artwork across the front desk is an 8 foot x 8 foot abstract rendering of the St. Louis skyline. Along with the front desk, the lobby features a new look to the elevator corridor, new furniture, and all new flooring. Plush seating in the lobby allows for guests to network or relax. Another key feature to the lobby renovation is a new business center adjacent to the lobby. The new fitness center features state of the art equipment and flat screen televisions. The large indoor swimming pool was completely renovated with new tile work, a new roof and a non-slip grip deck.

“Since we were closed throughout the renovation, we look forward to welcoming back former guests and inviting new customers to experience the brand new Holiday Inn Airport West,” said Morey Weiss, Director of Sales. “Our guests expect first class service and with these exciting renovations, we will strive to meet and exceed theirexpectations.”

On-Site Dining: Malone’s Grill & Pub

The lively restaurant allows guests to experience a wide array of food and beverage options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. “The Malone’s franchise is an institution in St. Louis and the Holiday Inn Airport West is proud to offer it as a
convenient choice for our guests and members of the Earth City business community,” said Bakir Avdagic, Food and Beverage Director of the Holiday Inn Airport West. The Holiday Inn Airport West also offers banquet and catering facilities.

The design of AMPHORA furniture has been created for the most demanding consumers. The sculptural shape of the furniture set emphasises the graceful lines, unique shape and seams. This range has emotional appeal and personality, an exceptional and unique look which reflects the true value of the products. The back of the furniture has a new design version of the typical flat back so that the furniture looks very elegant in an open space.

Company UAB Resmita, who manufactures the furniture, uses unique technology to design the shape of the convex, concave or wavy line furniture for the exquisite interiors of homes, restaurants, cafes, hotels, bars, etc.

The production of their furniture uses a lot of manual labour so each piece of furniture is unique and every piece becomes art. The furniture is manufactured in Lithuania by a team of skilled labourers over many hours so ordering ahead of schedule is recommended to fulfil your requirements.

When purchasing the AMPHORA range, we are sure you will enhance any interior.

Hilton Worldwide has announced that it will introduce its fastest growing full-service brand, DoubleTree by Hilton, to Australia when it rebrands four Northern Territory hotels on 1 May 2013. The country’s first three DoubleTree by Hilton hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs will open alongside Hilton Darwin in the Territory.“We are delighted to be able to introduce the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to the Australian market and to add another Hilton Hotel & Resort in the region’s most significant areas of growth,” said Ashley Spencer, vice president, operations, Australasia, Hilton Worldwide. “We have been looking to enter into the Northern Territory for some time and are committed to making these properties the leading full-service hotels in the market.”

The Northern Territory hotels are each located on the doorstep of some of the most incredible tourism experiences Australia has to offer, as well as being in prime locations for business travellers in the mining and resources sectors.

Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and the gateway to legendary outback destinations such as the Kakadu National Park and the Katharine Gorge. With a multicultural population of just 129,000, Darwin is famed for its laid-back lifestyle, markets and festivals, Asian cuisine and massive natural harbour, which is bigger than Sydney’s.

Alice Springs is located in the ‘red centre’ of the vast Australian continent and is the departure town for visiting Australia’s famous red rock Uluru, a five-hour drive from the city centre.

“The launch of DoubleTree by Hilton in Australia – our 30th country and sixth continent – marks the beginning of a very exciting expansion for our brand,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “We are thrilled to open not one, but three hotels in Australia’s extraordinary Northern Territory and look forward to introducing Australian travellers to the superior level of caring service synonymous with DoubleTree by Hilton – epitomised by our warm chocolate chip cookie welcome for every guest at check-in.”

DoubleTree by Hilton knows that little things can mean everything when it comes to a rewarding travel experience, and strives to bring each guest the special comforts and acts of kindness that are unique to the brand – starting with the warm chocolate chip cookie welcome and spreading through every stage of the hotel stay. The amenities that guests will enjoy include the invigorating array of CITRON body care products by Crabtree & Evelyn, 24-hour business and fitness centres, outdoor swimming pools, a range of food and drink offerings to meet every guest’s need, complimentary high-speed internet access in public areas, and an industry-recognised service culture which is built around the idea of CARE (Create a Rewarding Experience for guests, team members and the community).

As participants in the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty programme, all four hotels will offer guests the ability to earn and redeem Hilton HHonors points. Gold and Diamond HHonors members will also receive complimentary breakfast.

The 235-room Hilton Darwin, overlooking Darwin Harbour is just a few minutes’ walk from downtown in the vibrant Darwin Harbour area, and steps from fantastic shopping, dining and entertainment. Guests can choose to relax at the outdoor swimming pool and 24-hour fitness centre, sample some of the finest cuisines in central Darwin or sip a cocktail at the lounge. Six meeting rooms, including a Grand Ballroom with a 14-metre ceiling height are designed to accommodate a range of conferences and events.

Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Matt Conlan, said, “We’re delighted to have Hilton Worldwide, an industry leader, establish its brand in the Territory. The Hilton Darwin and three DoubleTree by Hilton hotels, will enhance the range of accommodation choices available to visitors in locations that are ideal for holiday and business travellers alike.”

Hilton Worlwide’s area general manager for the Northern Territory, Martin Kendall will have overall responsibility for all four hotels, supported by Carey Osborne, hotel manager for the two DoubleTree by Hilton hotels in Darwin, and Clinton Farley, general manager for DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs. Selected renovations are planned to begin in late 2013.

Hotel Indigo®, IHG’s (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] upscale boutique brand, is continuing its expansion in major U.S. cities with plans for its third hotel in the Chicago market. The hotel, which will be located in the historic downtown area’s Atlantic Bank Building, is expected to open in spring 2014.The Hotel Indigo Chicago-Millenium Park hotel, located at 168 N. Michigan Ave., will undergo an estimated $20 million renovation by the ownership and will occupy a 101-year-old building that first opened in 1912 as the Federal Life Building. The 156-room hotel will feature design elements that reflect its local neighbourhood just north of Millennium Park within Chicago’s central business district.

As part of the extensive renovations, the hotel will add four floors to the building — bringing the total to 16 stories – housing a rooftop bar, and a restaurant managed by celebrity chef David Burke. The hotel will maintain many of its historic features, including the original white enamel terracotta exterior, while including the benefits and amenities guests expect from staying with a brand from one of the world’s largest global hotel companies.

“The Hotel Indigo brand is uniquely designed to reflect the culture, character and history of the neighbourhoods where our hotels are located,” said Mary Winslow, director, Brand Management, Hotel Indigo, the Americas, IHG. “This hotel will occupy a local landmark on famed Michigan Avenue, one of the most storied neighbourhoods in Chicago. The growth of the Hotel Indigo brand in top-tier markets like Chicago, New York and New Orleans proves that guests value the boutique, local neighbourhood experience that our hotels provide.”

Set in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant business district, and within walking distance to many of Chicago’s best restaurants, shopping and theatre districts, the Hotel Indigo Chicago-Millenium Park hotel will be conveniently located just steps from the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Millenium Park. The hotel will also be in close proximity to the Magnificent Mile, Grant Park, the Art Institute of Chicago and numerous corporate offices. Within a mile of Interstates 90, 94 and 290, as well as U.S. Highway 41, the Hotel Indigo Chicago-Millenium Park hotel will be served by several bus and train stops and will be close to the Chicago Cultural Centre, one of the city’s most popular sites for fundraisers, concerts and other special events.

“We are excited to be involved with bringing the Hotel Indigo brand to downtown Chicago,” said Musa P. Tadros, president, Crown Series 168 North Michigan Avenue LLC, a Frankfort, Ill. based company. “Chicago is a thriving business and travel destination that offers unique local flavours not found anywhere else in the U.S. We look forward to welcoming both business and leisure guests and sharing our neighbourhood story with them.”

The Hotel Indigo brand, the world’s first global branded boutique hotel brand, has grown rapidly since launching in 2004. The Hotel Indigo brand continues to be a strong growth vehicle for IHG with its strategy focused on growing in top-tier priority markets and gateway cities. With a quality global pipeline of nearly 50 hotels, the Hotel Indigo estate is expected to double in size to 100 properties within the next three to five years.

The Hotel Indigo Chicago-Millenium Park hotel, owned by Crown Series 168 North Michigan LLC and managed by First Hospitality Group, is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announces the opening of the new Holiday Inn Express® Manhattan West Side, conveniently located near the Broadway Theater District, Times Square and a short walk from the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.The new 177-room hotel in the midtown west Manhattan area, at 538 West 48th St., is the closest hotel to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. It is also near the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Complex, featuring the space shuttle Enterprise, and the New York offices of several major corporations. The hotel offers guests a complimentary area shuttle service, and complimentary bottled water in each room.

The new opening comes on the heels of the opening of the Holiday Inn Express – NYC Herald Square 36th Street earlier this year. With over 340 of the pipeline hotels in the Americas region alone, the Holiday Inn Express brand continues to innovate and grow, remaining a key focus for IHG.

The new hotel offers guests a comfortable, yet affordable stay with innovative, preferred-guest upgrades to ensure a pleasurable experience with amenities that include a 24-hour fitness center, complimentary high-speed Internet access and a business center with both Macintosh and PC computers.

The Holiday Inn Express – New York Manhattan West Side, owned by GLSC 48 Special LLC, and managed by the Gemini Hospitality Group, is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

Travelodge officially opened its seventh hotel in Liverpool city centre on Friday 10th May. The 125-room property which is located at the junction of Tithebarn Street and Exchange Street, represents an £8 million investment and has created 30 new jobs within the community.Liverpool Exchange Street Travelodge has been built in the former offices of Sun Alliance insurance. It is the Company’s 16th grade II listed hotel within the estate and offers rooms from £21.

Travelodge’s 524th hotel was officially opened by Liverpool Assistant Mayor Councillor Roz Gladden and Travelodge’s Operations Director for the North, Tyrone Pope. To mark this special opening Travelodge commissioned world renowned Liverpool’ artist, Keith Smith to create a bespoke piece of art titled “Liverpool Rising’ to celebrate the city growth during one of the hardest recession’s the UK has experienced since the Second World War.

The 12ft long artwork is Keith Smith’s biggest commission to date and the city’s most up to date skyline portrait. It showcases the historic ‘Three Graces’ alongside the new architecture that has been erected in Liverpool’s skyline during the recession. The painting will be on permanent display in Liverpool Central Exchange Street Hotel for all guests to enjoy.

Keith Smith recently sold his painting of Liverpool Institute to Mike McCartney who purchased the artwork for his famous brother Paul McCartney. Today this painting hangs in Paul McCartney’s private art gallery alongside a Magritte.

Tyrone Pope, Travelodge Regional Director for the North said: “We are delighted to be opening our seventh hotel in the heart of Liverpool city centre. Today’s opening underpins our commitment to strengthen our presence in the UK’s top tourism city. During one of the hardest recession’s our country has faced, we have opened five hotels in Liverpool and tripled our room stock from 136 to 522 rooms. In total this represents an investment of £23 million and a creation of 100 new jobs.

“This investment supports the city’s great achievement of being the UK’s top destination for achieving the highest level of tourism growth during the recession. As key findings in our recent tourism study revealed Liverpool enjoyed a 23% rise in domestic visitors during the recession. In comparison, London only achieved a 4% growth increase. Therefore to celebrate this accolade alongside our seventh hotel opening in Liverpool, we thought it was quite fitting to commission Keith Smith, a world famous Liverpool artist to create a bespoke piece of artwork which highlights Liverpool’s rise during the recession.

“It looks like this growth is set to continue as our Liverpool Exchange Street Travelodge hotel has got off to a flying start, we are enjoying high occupancy levels and business on the books is looking great for the forth coming Bank Holiday and summer period.”

Liverpool Exchange Street Travelodge is being managed by Annie Macintyre who has been working with Travelodge for six years. Annie started her career as a receptionist at Chester Northrop Hall and was instantly recognised as rising star and was placed on the company’s Management Development Programme. Over the past six years, Annie has worked in a number of Travelodge hotels across Merseyside.

Annie had over 500 people apply for a position to join her new team at Liverpool Exchange Street Travelodge. The team of 30 staff members were all recruited via the Job Centre Plus Scheme – which helps the long term unemployed back into work. As part of their induction training staff members undertook a comprehensive four week training programme at a nearby Travelodge hotel. They also attended a sleep seminar to ensure they are fully equipped to ensure their customers get a good night’s sleep.

Louvre Hotels Group will rebrand on May 30th the Golden Tulip Yerevan to Royal Tulip Grand Hotel Yerevan after extensive renovations and product upgrades. This luxury hotel is in the centre of Yerevan (Armenia) located only a few steps from the Republic Square, the Opera and the National Art Gallery, all of them local attractions.Until now the Royal Tulip Grand Hotel Yerevan belonged to the Golden Tulip brand, one of the group’s brands, but with these update “intends to reach new customers and reposition the establishment within the market”, said Chiara Figini, the hotel manager. Figini explained that in order to make the brand change, the establishment has renewed its furniture and decoration, as well as updating some facilities, including the bathrooms.

Designed by renowned Armenian architect N. Bunatian in 1926 and renovated by Renco in 1999, the hotel offers 104 refined and elegant guestrooms. Guests can also enjoy a fitness room, an open air pool and the newly opened Yerevan SPA Centre. In addition, the hotel offers a cellar with more than 80 different types of wine.

The hotel also stands out for its award-winning restaurant that offers sophisticated Italian and Armenian dishes. In addition, the establishment has a café, a tearoom and a 600 m2 garden open 24 hours a day that offers an ideal location to hold banquets and business meetings. Created in 2006, Royal Tulip has ultramodern, elegant and luxury five-star positioning hotels located in the heart of major cities or in business areas. These hotels offer a very personal service and a high level of comfort.

Following this new opening, Louvre Hotels Group will have 12 Royal Tulip hotels around the world (2 in Brazil, 3 in China, 1 in India, 1 in Kazakhstan, 3 in Morocco and 1 in the Netherlands).

Ahn Luh expanded its presence in China today with the signing of hotel management contracts with the Qinsen Group. The agreements cover two upscale hotels: Ahn Luh Lanting, scheduled to open in fall 2014, and Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao, opening in spring 2015.

“Shaoxing and Zhujiajiao are both ancient river towns with arched stone bridges, a warren of canals… Ahn Luh Lanting in Shaoxing will feature historic Hui-style homes that date back as far as the 1600s while the Zhujiajiao project aims to reflect the rich cultural traditions of this ancient water town,” said Akira Moreno, Ahn Luh’s CEO. “In line with the company’s vision and brand philosophy, the environment and setting will strongly influence the design of each hotel.”

Ahn Luh Lanting will be a 99-key development incorporated into 35 heritage houses in Shaoxing, 30 minutes from Hangzhou in the province of Zhejiang. The hotel’s dining concepts will incorporate authentic Chinese elements, as will the library, meeting area, medical hall, spa and wellness centre and tai chi facility.

Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao, named after — and located in — a historic area in Shanghai’s suburbs, will consist of 35 villas built in traditional Chinese style. The property will also include a museum, restaurants, a library, meeting space, and spa and tai chi centre.

Qinsen’s chairman, Qin Tongqian, has been collecting artwork and purchasing heritage homes from the Qing and Ming dynasties over the last two decades. Parts of his extensive collection of antique furniture, ornate wooden beams, stone carvings and Chinese artwork will be showcased in both Ahn Luh developments.

“Through the plans and designs for Ahn Luh Lanting, we see the soul of what we had envisioned for the Ahn Luh brand,” said Adrian Zecha, a co-founder of hotel management group GHM, which, alongside Beijing Tourism Group and China-based Great Ocean Group, launched the Ahn Luh brand in May 2012. “This is definitely what everyone is eagerly awaiting to see as well.”

Celebrating its 300th milestone and entry into Manhattan, SpringHill Suites by Marriott opened has the doors of its stylish new 173-suite Midtown Manhattan hotel, located at 25 West 37th Street. Boasting impressive and unobstructed views of the Empire State Building and lower Manhattan, SpringHill Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Fifth Avenue is owned by Hidrock Realty and Robert Finvarb Companies and managed by Marriott International, Inc. Convenient access to Fifth Avenue, the Empire State Building, Herald Square and Bryant Park make this addition a prime hub for both business and leisure travellers.Featuring suites that are larger than typical hotel rooms, SpringHill Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Fifth Avenue is ideal for business and leisure travellers looking for style and inspiration in their stay. Every aspect, from furniture and lighting to colours and fabrics, has been carefully selected to offer calm and refreshing spaces. Separate living, working and sleeping spaces also provide guests with flexibility and functionality. The perfect place to sink into a good night’s sleep, the hotel offers luxurious linens and plush pillows, while a comfortable pull-out sofa bed and lounge chair offer additional space for relaxation or extra family members. The hotel’s tasteful bathroom includes modern touches, a marble-top vanity, iridescent tile walls and creative lighting features, which help travellers revive and refresh.

Business travellers can take advantage of a large, well-lit desk with ergonomic chair. Complimentary Wi-Fi in the hotel’s lobby and high-speed Internet access in every suite allow guests to remain connected at all times.

Featuring a brand new design that adds depth and sophistication to the décor, the lobby is a great venue for conducting casual meetings or simply to socialize. Using warm colours, accent fabrics and walnut-stained wood, the lobby’s earth tones inspire guests to sit, relax and enjoy their stay. The hotel also offers a complimentary hot breakfast, business services, same-day dry cleaning, guest laundry facilities and a fitness centre. In the lobby, the Market offers convenient 24/7 access to food and beverages.

Redefine Hotels and BDL Management have announced a merger between the two companies to create Redefine BDL Hotels. The merger will create the largest independent hotel management company in the UK with 60 hotels under management, representing 6,700 rooms. The merging of the two companies will reinforce the capabilities offered by both businesses, combining the financial strength and operational experience of Redefine Hotels with the hotel management and development expertise of BDL. Clients, which range from individual investors to banks, will be delivered with the very best in terms of financial and operational management of their assets, supporting their future value.

Redefine BDL Hotels will offer hotel owners stronger procurement capability and negotiating power, financial strength, continuity of service, and access to unparalleled international hotel brand relationships including IHG, Wyndham, Hilton, Starwood, and Best Western.

Retaining offices in both London and Glasgow, Redefine BDL Hotels will manage a combined portfolio of 60 hotels, delivering a turnover of over £200m. The current portfolio under management comprises:
• 60 hotels
• 6,700 rooms
• 3,000 employees
• Franchises from five of the largest international hotel brands (IHG, Wyndham, Hilton, Starwood, and Best Western)
• Hotel distribution across UK and in Africa (one hotel in Liberia and one hotel in Cape Town)

Speaking of the merger, Redefine BDL Hotels Chairman, Helder Pereira, says, “We view this merger as an extremely positive transaction for both companies; a strategic move which will enable us to be one step ahead of the trend for consolidation in Europe, mirroring what we are witnessing over in North America. We see significant opportunities to grow our business, both through acquiring new management contracts, and by partnering with owners and developers to deliver optimum performance from their assets, helping them to realise their full potential.”

Stewart Campbell, Managing Director of Redefine BDL Hotels, adds, “This merger provides a new and stronger financial and operational platform from which we can grow our business. We are firmly placed at the forefront of developments within the industry and are excited by the prospect of offering new and enhanced services to hotel owners and partners through our specialist knowledge and depth of resource to deliver best in class hotel management services.”

Stuart McCaffer, the current Chairman of BDL Management, and who has been instrumental in the success of BDL, will leave the board after 15 years’ service, to concentrate on his own hotel ownership interests. His hotel interests will continue to be managed by the merged company. Stuart McCaffer said, “It has been a real privilege to work with such a dedicated team at BDL and build a successful business. The merger is an ideal fit for both companies in so many ways, and will enable the business to accelerate its growth plans. This is a new and exciting chapter in the BDL story.”

Best of contemporary boutique British with an individual touch to each room – this is what Suna Interior Design has created at Flemings Mayfair, the four star, boutique hotel in Half Moon Street, London. Design on Flemings Mayfair started in the summer of 2012 with the ‘Books Room’ – an alluring and quirky design that centred around wallpaper by Young & Battaglia. The brief was to be strong with colour and to keep the feel very British, to maintain the essentially British personality of the hotel while creating a contemporary atmosphere.

The interior designers worked closely with the client in order to create the finished product that reflects the desires of the client. It is a collaborative process that ensures that the end result is both of a high standard and is exactly what the client wants. In the case of Flemings Mayfair, the client decided to let the creativity flow and dared to embrace design features such as the Dog Artwork and the Antler Chandelier in the Luggage Room – contemporising by using a modern take on British quirkiness.

The designers recognised that the Flemings Mayfair brand is subtle but strong and always of the highest quality, and has echoed this throughout the designs employing a consistent use of individual design. Flemings Mayfair is embracing their brand, with items designed specifically for the project, such as unique labelled cushions and bespoke wallpaper.

These intriguing and captivating cushions portray the frontage of the hotel using artwork commissioned by the designers from Adam Regester, bringing the colour palette in each room together. The wallpapers give each design and room its unique individuality, such as the full-wall photographic image of the tree in the Tree Room which seemingly expands the room, while punches of colour add opulence.

Continued on page two…

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announces the opening this week of the Holiday Inn Express® Hotel & Suites Indianapolis North – Carmel. Located at 9797 N. Michigan Rd., Carmel, just minutes from downtown Indianapolis, and close to four major interstate highways, the 66-room hotel features a variety of amenities and offers an enhanced guest experience at a great value.The hotel features the facilities and room layout, compliant with the Holiday Inn Express brand standard.

Close to I-65, I-69 and I-70, the hotel is 30 minutes from Indianapolis International Airport and 15 minutes from downtown Indianapolis. The property is also in close proximity to several corporations as well as Butler University. Nearby attractions include the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis Zoo.

The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Indianapolis North – Carmel, owned by HC Carmel LLC and managed by Hotel Capital Management LLC, is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

Planning and urban design consultancy Turley Associates, acting on behalf of the Dulwich Estate, has secured planning permission and listed building consent for a 20 bedroom boutique hotel as part of a refurbished and extended Crown and Greyhound public house in Dulwich Village.The 1,816 sqm scheme restores the famous pub interior creating an improved dining room, kitchen facilities and garden area whilst restoring the exterior and outbuildings.

Will Lingard, Director at Turley Associates, said: “At a time when many pubs are struggling the Dulwich Estate has recognised the importance of this community resource and focal point of Dulwich Village. The permission ensures its long term future.”

Members of Southwark Council’s planning committee voted unanimously to approve the scheme following the officers’ recommendation for approval.

The Dulwich Estate said: “The scheme, for which an operator has yet to be confirmed, protects and improves the core use of the building as a public house. The hotel will bring the remaining redundant and underused parts of the building back into a viable and complimentary use, thereby ensuring the long term protection and maintenance of this listed building and key local landmark within Dulwich Village. The scheme also retains the existing first floor function room, which will be restored and upgraded to a high standard.

“There are several local drivers behind hotel demand locally, particularly the Dulwich Picture Gallery, small businesses, the four local schools (including Dulwich College) and demand from families and friends of local residents.”

Turley Associates worked closely with EPR architects, project managers Daniel Watney and Southwark Council officers to develop a scheme that would be appropriate to the historic context of the site and addressed local concerns regarding parking and residential amenity. EPR architects design of the extension adopts a modern interpretation of the Arts and Crafts style blending traditional materials and architectural features with more contemporary cladding, glazing and render.

Alliance Hospitality, Inc.(AHI) based in Lewis Center, Ohio, announced that the Microtel Inn & Suites, Canton Ohio has completed an extensive $2.5 million dollar renovation following a fire last May, that closed the property for almost a year.AHI, the hotel’s ownership company, is proud to announce the following renovations and transformations to the 3-story property:

• A new larger open lobby with an enlarged breakfast area offering additional guest seating and space for increasing the complimentary breakfast selections.
• 24 hour Coffee-Bar with complimentary coffee for all guests
• All guest corridors feature new carpet, new wall vinyl, and updated lighting package
• Guest rooms offer all new décor, new carpet, lighting, furniture and DreamWell bedding package.
• Each guest room has a 37” flat screen TV and all suites feature a 42” flat screen TV. Additionally all guest rooms and suites feature a microwave oven and mini-refrigerator.
• The hotel has enlarged its fitness center, moved it to the first floor, adjacent to the lobby and features state-of-the-art cardio equipment
• Also featured is a new Business Center, renovated indoor swimming pool, and expanded guest laundry.

Ohm Patel, Managing Director for Alliance Hospitality, Inc. states, “The fire we experienced last year was devastating; however, we decided that instead of a quick fix and reopening, we would take our time and make the changes truly breathtaking. The scope of this renovation was immense. We have all new electrical, plumbing, windows, fixtures, everything. It’s a brand new property and we have far exceeded all Microtel brand standards in every aspect with this renovation. We have always enjoyed a strong partnership in the Canton community and we look forward to renewing that relationship with this beautiful new hotel.”

The Microtel Inn & Suites, North Canton is located at 7046 Sunset Strip Ave NW, Canton, OH 44720 and is just 4 miles from the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame. The hotel offers such business conveniences as Guest Business Center, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the entire building, complimentary deluxe breakfast, and includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor pool, and contemporary designs and furnishings.

The Microtel Inn & Suites, North Canton opened for business on May 10, 2013.

SEGRO is pleased to announce that it has agreed a 44,100 sq ft pre-let development with Premier Inn to construct a five storey, 96 bedroom hotel and restaurant at Advent Way, Enfield, North London. In addition, SEGRO will undertake the speculative development of 84,150 sq ft of space adjacent to the hotel to create a high quality business park suitable for businesses involved with urban distribution, trade counters, light industrial and storage facilities.Advent Way covers 5.2 acres and runs parallel to the North Circular Road. A disused factory used to stand at this site, which SEGRO demolished to make way for this modern development scheme.

This is the first development SEGRO has secured with Premier Inn, part of Whitbread PLC. The hotel will include a ground floor bar/restaurant, business meeting room facilities, a new access road and 96 customer car parking spaces. The hotel will provide important support services and amenities to the companies located at the business park, as well as contributing to a high quality environment that will be attractive to occupiers.

The speculative development comprises 15 units ranging in size from 2,300 sq ft to 13,000 sq ft. The buildings will be suitable for a range of purposes and are specifically targeted at businesses undertaking ‘last mile’ urban distribution activities. This development represents an important investment by SEGRO in the London Borough of Enfield. It is a good example of how SEGRO is making use of its well-located land bank to attract new customers, such as Premier Inn, and to take advantage of the shortage of availability of modern distribution buildings in major conurbations, such as London.

Construction is due to commence in July 2013, with the completion of the speculative development in March 2014. The hotel is scheduled to open in May 2014.

Alan Holland, SEGRO’s Business Unit Director for Greater London, comments: “We are delighted to have secured this pre-let with Premier Inn and we believe this development marks the start of an important relationship with Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants.

We are also pleased to be commencing speculative development in Enfield, which is a first for SEGRO in North London. Advent Way is an excellent location, situated adjacent to the North Circular Road, and it will appeal to businesses that serve this immediate area as well as those that require easy and direct access into Central London.”

Owen Ellender, Acquisition Manager for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, said: “Premier Inn is popular as we give our customers what they want – affordable, high quality hotels in great locations across the country. We currently have more than 7,000 Premier Inn bedrooms in London and within the M25 and we are on track to double that number by 2016 and hit our growth targets. This latest deal in Enfield delivers another quality site for our customers, creates new jobs, and supports the revitalisation of an important London trading estate. These are real benefits for the local area and I look forward to getting the hotel built and open and supporting the established businesses in and around Enfield.”

The hotel phase of the development is expected to create around 32 new full time jobs, part of the 10,000 new roles that Whitbread is creating over the next three years as it expands the Premier Inn and Costa brands. The business has the target of allocating 50 per cent of the jobs at new hotel and restaurant sites to local unemployed people. The total development could help to deliver over 200 jobs.

SEGRO is targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ for the two phases of the development.

Centara Sappaya Design Resort Rayong is to temporarily close from 6 May 2013 to allow full renovations and the construction of an eight-storey building that will add 30 rooms distinctively designed room to the resort along with a new Spa Cenvaree, a fitness centre, another restaurant outlet, and a remodelled lobby.The projected date for reopening is November 2014.

The resort is the smallest of the Centara Hotels & Resorts properties, having at present only 13 guestrooms, and built to a designer style for the independently minded traveller.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., and its destination sensation brand, Aloft Hotels, announces the signing of Aloft Liverpool. Created to shake up the staid and traditional mid-market hotel sector, Aloft is redefining the category by delivering urban-influenced, modern and vibrant design and a social guest experience at an affordable price point. Located on the famous North John Street in the city’s heritage centre, Aloft Liverpool will mark the entrance of Starwood into the city when it opens in 2014. “Together with North John Street Op Co. and Ashall Property we are delighted to debut our first Starwood hotel in Liverpool,” said Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “We see great opportunities to grow our Aloft portfolio in markets such as the UK where there is a strong demand for affordable yet stylish, cutting-edge hotel brands.”

“Ashall Property is both excited and proud to have the opportunity to regenerate and preserve the great heritage of this Grade II* listed building and provide Liverpool with a vibrant, design-led hotel complete with restaurant and meeting space,” said Mark Ashall, Director of Ashall Property. “This signing is the culmination of two years of dedication and we remain indebted to Liverpool City Council for assisting with this project from the outset and to English Heritage for their continuing support.”

“The signing of Aloft Liverpool emphasises Starwood’s commitment to expanding our European portfolio of mid-market brands through franchising and management contracts as well as adaptive re-use which represents an exciting new growth channel for the brand in Europe,” said Bart Carnahan, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Development, Europe, Africa and Middle East, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Following the signings of new Aloft hotels in St. Petersburg, Munich, Stuttgart and now Liverpool, Aloft continues to emerge as a popular choice for owners and developers in primary and secondary markets throughout Europe.”

The 116-room Aloft Liverpool will be in the renovated Royal Insurance Building, a historic Grade II* listed landmark with outstanding architectural value, which is located in the city’s central business district. Guests of the hotel will have easy access to nearby Liverpool ONE, one of UK’s largest shopping centres and a great number of offices, retail shops, bars and restaurants in the immediate vicinity.

Guestrooms will feature the brand’s signature high ceilings, oversized windows and an ultra-comfortable platform bed as well as large walk-in showers with complimentary Bliss Spa® products. The hotel will also boast the re:mixSM lounge and w xyzSM bar. The re:chargeSM fitness centre offers an opportunity to re-energise and the unique re:fuelSM by Aloft introduces a convenient deli option for guests on the go, with an array of food and drinks available 24 hours a day. For meetings and presentations, the hotel will offer five creative spaces equipped with the latest audio-visual hardware.

Aloft Liverpool will be operated by BDL Management.

Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hospitality company and a member of Dubai Holding, announces its performance in the first quarter of 2013 and its mid-term growth strategy.Operational Performance
During the first quarter of 2013, average occupancy in Jumeirah’s portfolio of hotels has increased by 9% globally, compared to the same period in 2012. In the same period the average daily rate rose by 9% and the revenue per available room, an industry standard for measuring performance, rose by 22%. The performance data is based on hotels that had more than 18 months of operations.

Speaking at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference in Dubai, Gerald Lawless, President and CEO of the Jumeirah Group, said: “The full year of 2012 and the first four months of 2013 have been a tremendous success for Jumeirah. The Dubai hotels have truly benefitted from the continuing attraction of Dubai as a prime holiday and business destination. Our hotel in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, has established itself as one of the top must-visit locations in the capital. Our two properties in the Maldives are building a strong reputation in that market; and our network of European properties, including London, Frankfurt, Mallorca, Rome and Istanbul are performing well. Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel in Shanghai has developed a loyal customer base and is going from strength to strength.”

The top five source markets for Jumeirah’s properties in the UAE continue to be Russia (19.0%), the United Kingdom (16.2%), the GCC (14.1%), Germany (7.4%) and the United States (3.5%). For Jumeirah’s six properties in Europe, including London, Frankfurt, Mallorca and Rome, the top five markets were the UK (15%), UAE (11%), USA (9.4%), Germany (8.5%) and Saudi Arabia (6.4%); while the Asian hotels in China and the Maldives enjoyed strong flows of business from China, Russia, the UAE, USA and UK.

The Dubai properties have benefited from a significant increase in business (115.2%) from Australia, and we look forward to welcoming more guests from that region as the new partnership between Emirates Airlines and Qantas develops. There has also been strong growth in business from the company’s traditional markets for Dubai, namely the UK and Russia, with room-nights up 28.4% and 8.6% respectively in the first four months of 2013 compared to the same period last year.

New Madinat Jumeirah Hotel Starts over the Summer
In November 2012, approval was given for the construction of a fourth hotel within the Madinat Jumeirah resort in Dubai, complementing the existing properties – Mina A’ Salam, Al Qasr and Dar Al Masyaf. It has now been confirmed that preparatory works on the site of the new 430-room hotel, which sits between Mina A’ Salam and the Wild Wadi Waterpark, will start during the summer of 2013 and that construction is expected to complete by the end of 2015. This development brings Jumeirah’s total number of hotels in the United Arab Emirates to 10, introducing further choice to its guests, employment opportunities to hospitality professionals and pride to the people of the UAE.

Opening in Kuwait on 07 May 2013
Jumeirah has also confirmed that its new hotel in Kuwait, Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, had its soft opening on 07 May 2013. The hotel is located 10 minutes from Kuwait International Airport and close to Kuwait City’s business centre and major shopping malls. The secluded beachfront resort features 316 rooms and suites, 80 residential suites and 12 villas, six restaurants along with cafés and lounges, a 3,500 m2 Talise Spa, a 200-metre private beach, two swimming pools and a children’s play area. Additionally, extensive conference and banqueting facilities are available, including a showpiece 1,950 m2 ballroom. Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa is the company’s first hotel in the Gulf region outside the UAE.

Recruitment
There are now over 14,000 people employed at Jumeirah managed properties around the world, 60% of whom work in hotels owned by Jumeirah and 40% in hotels operated under management agreement. Within the workforce there are 140 different nationalities and with 2013 designated as the Year of Emiratisation, Jumeirah is introducing additional programmes to attract, train and retain the best Emirati talent.

Gerald Lawless continued: “Travel and tourism is a major driver of economic development and we are proud to be contributing to it. The whole sector represents 9% of global GDP and employs over 255 million people globally or 8.7% of all people of working age and it one of the few sectors that is growing year on year. As a leading luxury hotel company, our focus for the immediate future will be on continuing to grow our brand presence in the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific – and on bringing social and material benefits to the countries in which we operate. We are also working towards the Vision 2020. Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum the emirate has successfully built a world class tourism infrastructure that will allow us to double the number of visitors by 2020. We also hope that Dubai will be selected as the host city of the World Expo 2020.”

Images taken from the hotel website at www.jumeirah.com/hotels-resorts/kuwait/jumeirah-messilah-beach-hotel-and-spa