Hotel Designs

The Tobaco Hotel is located in the centre of Łódź among historic tenement houses and old factory buildings. Karol Kretschmer had operated a wool textile factory there since 1895 and in 1932, the National Cigarette Factory opened on the former textile factory premises. Nowadays, the whole building complex has been modernised and adapted to housing and hotel purposes.The hotel’s interior has been designed by the “EC-5” studio and reflects the spirit of the 50s and 60s. The dominant colours, both in hotel rooms and communal areas, are steel grey and vivid blue, violet and green. The yellow colour constitutes the leitmotiv of the whole complex, appearing in the corporate identity and in the decoration. Many interior furnishings, as well as most furniture, have been made of walnut veneer, the finishing of which is high gloss and matt. Dark and vivid colours have been confronted with white walls, floor and window decoration. Thanks to this technique, the effect of bright and spacious interiors has been achieved.

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art’otel amsterdam, the city’s newest luxury hotel fusing contemporary style with innovative art and design, has opened to guests. Housed within the former iconic headquarters of Dutch shipping line the Koninkijke Hollandsche Lloyd, art’otel amsterdam demonstrate a bold meeting of charming, historical architecture with a dramatic, daringly modern interior offering minimalist style with modern-day twists and a sense of open space. Art in all its forms is central to the art’otel concept with each art’otel paying homage to a selected signature artist infusing their vision and style into every inch of the hotel. art’otel amsterdam bears the signature of contemporary Dutch artist Atelier Van Lieshout, one of the country’s top 5 most recognised creatives, and showcases a unique collection of the artist’s pieces, all inspired by the theme of the Course of Life.

Neighbouring the hotel is 5&33; an exciting new dining and cultural venue incorporating an all-day and late-night kitchen, cocktail bar, library, lounge and multi-functional, public gallery. Pitching itself as a new playground for culture vultures in Amsterdam, 5&33 will host a vibrant social and cultural calendar of happenings throughout the year, from exhibitions to pop-up artist residencies and live music performances. Dominating 5&33 is Europe’s largest, permanent, interactive art installations.

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glh., the London-based global hotel subsidiary of the Singapore-listed GuocoLeisure Group, has recently announced the launch of a new contemporary 4-star hotel brand, Amba.• Amba will be Europe’s largest four-star hotel brand launch with 2088 rooms by 2015 Amba is launching with four hotels, situated just a few paces from world famous landmarks, in London’s most prestigious locations: Marble Arch, Tower Bridge, Charing Cross and Buckingham Palace Road.
• glh will be investing a further £70 million into the chosen four-star hotels
• The launch is driven by our extensive and industry shaping market research which shows there is a significant opportunity to develop the four star market
• The design of Amba’s new hotel rooms has been driven by the voice of the global customer
• At Amba everything works – from intuitive service to the fastest, free, reliable Wi-Fi available
• Amba provides the best environment to refresh and recharge
• glh.is targeting 30 key cities in the UK for the Amba brand and will expand the brand internationally in China, the USA and Europe across the best locations

Amba, a global owner and operator of contemporary hotels, will be Europe’s largest four- star brand launch with 2088 rooms in London by 2015. glh. will invest a further £70 million into the chosen four-star hotels to provide the best environment for the discerning business and leisure traveller*.

Amba is launching with four hotels, situated just a few paces from world famous landmarks, in London’s most prestigious locations: Marble Arch, Tower Bridge, Charing Cross and Buckingham Palace Road. The four hotels will re-open following major refurbishments, with Buckingham Palace Road the first Amba hotel to launch in June 2014.

The launch of Amba is driven by extensive market research which shows there is a significant opportunity to address unmet client needs in the four-star sector; better and more personalised service, seamless technology that actually works and authentic experiences in the best locations around the world.

At Amba, every room has been designed by the voice of the global customer and the highly knowledgeable staff – empowered by glh’s new entrepreneurial management model – will unearth hidden gems like a local and deliver the best guest-centred experience in the industry.

Amba sees technology as an enabler and every hotel in the brand is underpinned by seamless technology, from a Smart TV in every room to the behind-the-scenes operations that ensure staying in an Amba is an effortless experience. Wi-Fi isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. That’s why Amba has invested in the fastest, free, reliable Wi-Fi for all guests.

Amba will attract the global conference market using its fantastic locations across London combined with seamless technology to deliver the best conference experience available in the world.

The ambition is to grow the Amba brand in the UK to around 30 properties with further growth internationally in China, Malaysia, and the USA.

September’s Highlights
• London back on track thanks to rate increase
• Provinces hotels continue to shine

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® has recently announced it will introduce its fast growing Aloft brand to Durham, North Carolina. Aloft Durham Downtown will break ground later this year with an opening scheduled for May 2015 in the revitalized American Tobacco Historic District, which celebrates its 10th anniversary next year. Owned by Davidson & Jones, the newly constructed Aloft hotel will cater to the next generation of travelers with 134 spacious, loft-like rooms, techforward innovation and a buzzing, social atmosphere in a prime downtown location between the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Aloft Durham Downtown will be ideally located at the intersection of Blackwell and Vivian Streets, offering direct access to Durham Bulls’ baseball games and top theater performances at DPAC.

The new Aloft will be a key component of the American Tobacco Historic District, which launched a massive redevelopment and restoration project in 2004 to transform the iconic American Tobacco Company’s campus into a unique mixed-use development complex with local and national corporations, restaurants and event venues.

The hotel will also be convenient to the Durham Convention Center, Duke University and Medical Center and Research Triangle Park – one of the nation’s most prestigious high-tech and biotech hubs.

Just five miles from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), Aloft Durham Downtown will offer amenities including an outdoor Splash pool, W XYZsm bar, Re:charge 24-hour gym, private parking and approximately 2,230 square feet of flexible meeting space for both business meetings and social gatherings.

After much anticipation, The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin, the newest luxury hotel in North East China opened its doors officially today to bring unparalleled luxury service and accommodation to Tianjin – ‘The Port of the Emperor’. The art deco style property is a landmark 10th property in China for the luxury hotel operator.The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin sits at the historical heart of the former British concession and modern downtown business district by the Haihe River. The property takes its architectural inspiration from the neo-classical style of the early 20th century with stately hotel rooms arranged around an expansive courtyard in the European tradition.

Featuring 277 luxurious art deco guestrooms and 53 suites created by luxury hospitality designer, Pierre-Yves Rochon, leisure and business travelers alike will enjoy the refined elegance of the comfortable chandeliered rooms, many complete with buttressed stone outdoor balconies and charming views of downtown Tianjin.

The stunning interiors with high ceilings and expanses of marble mirror many of the palaces of Europe. The walls feature hand painted murals of traditional European scenes and Chinese imperial paintings with elegant soft furnishings that create a sense of history and place.

The city center property also introduces a new Ritz-Carlton Club designed as a residential concept which features an open kitchen serving five food and beverage offerings throughout the day, including a traditional English Afternoon Tea, a private dining room, a lounge boasting intimate spaces and a dedicated bar. The Ritz-Carlton Club Level service includes a dedicated concierge and private check-ins.

Four indulgent restaurants have been designed to create destination experiences in their own right. In addition to classically-styled Lobby Lounge serving cocktails and a traditional Afternoon Tea, Zest all day dining celebrates world cuisine with its lively open kitchens while Tian Tai Xuan, serves authentic, contemporary Cantonese creations. Meanwhile, the stylish Flair lifestyle bar and lounge with live DJs features private wine and cigar rooms, serving fine wines, cocktails, sushi and South Asian-inspired snacks.

Tianjin’s newest luxury sanctuary, The Ritz-Carlton Spa pampers with a collection of therapeutic treatments including specially-created signatures based around Tianjin’s famous China rose.

With a 1,050 square meter versatile Grand Ballroom and a unique courtyard in the tradition of Europe’s palaces, corporate meetings, events and weddings can be crafted into unique experiences that guests will benchmark with.

Marking a major milestone for Washington, D.C., J.W. Marriott, Jr., executive chairman of Marriott International, Mayor Vincent C. Gray, District of Columbia, and dignitaries celebrated the topping off of the Marriott Marquis Washington DC on September 25th, signifying that the 15-story property has reached its final construction height. Located across the street from Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the 1,175-room property will help the city attract additional convention business by giving the facility an anchor hotel. The company will operate the hotel under its flagship Marriott Hotels brand with 500 properties in 60 countries.

Unveiling its new name and logo for the first time officially, the Marriott Marquis Washington DC will be one of only five Marriott Marquis properties in the country. After the ceremony, Mr. Marriott hosted invited guests for a sneak peek of the hotel’s lobby atrium area where the soon-to-be iconic centerpiece of the hotel – a 56-foot sculpture named “The Birth of the America Flag” created by Baltimore-based artist Rodney Carroll is located. When completed, the sculpture will reach the fifth floor of the 15-floor building, viewable from the ground-floor lobby, mezzanine, and the interior-facing guestrooms. Carroll’s sculpture will be the largest piece of art in any Marriott hotel.

All interiors to the hotel are being overseen by US architecture and interiors practice BBG-BBGM

When it opens on May 1, 2014 the $520-million, four-star hotel will have 1,175 rooms including 49 suites, and over 105,000 square feet of function space, as well as five separate restaurant spaces. Connected directly via underground concourse to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy, the convention center hotel is poised to become the dynamic epicenter and social hub of DC’s downtown neighborhood introducing new venues for meetings, conventions, social gatherings and business travelers.

Meeting space will include a 30,000-square-foot Marquis Ballroom, two 10,800-square-foot ballrooms, more than 53,000 square feet of superior meeting rooms, an 18,800-square-foot indoor event terrace and a 5,200-square-foot rooftop terrace. Unique to this hotel, the below-grade meeting space has been thoughtfully designed to incorporate natural light that will filter into the meeting space from the open spaces above.

The Marriott Marquis Washington DC was also designed to earn LEED ® Silver (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, registered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The hotel will be one of the largest hotels in the country to earn Silver certification, verifying that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.

The hotel is being developed by Quadrangle Development Corporation and Capstone Development and will be operated by Marriott International. Designed by Cooper Carry Architects, Atlanta, and TVS Architects, Atlanta, in a joint-venture collaboration, the building features an innovative top-down construction method, with 15 stories above ground and 94 feet below – nearly as deep as the hotel will be tall.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced its world-renowned Sheraton brand has expanded its footprint in Thailand with the opening of Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas in Prachuap Khirikhan, a province famed for its sandy coastline and popular resort towns of Hua Hin and Pranburi. The converted and rebranded 55-villa property is owned by Honor Business Company Limited, a Bangkok-based property development firm that also owns the 240-room Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. Guests can choose between one-bedroom Pool Villas, Pool Villa Suites with an additional living room, and Duplex Pool Villa Suites with a ground-floor living room and bedroom on the first floor. For larger groups, the hotel also offers the Pranburi two-bedroom Pool Villa Suite. All Villas boast a private swimming pool, sun lounge, wall garden and the service of professional villa butlers. Rooms are equipped with the king-sized Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed with a plush mattress and cozy duvet; sunken outdoor bathtub surrounded by serene lotus ponds and a rain shower in the garden; LCD flat panel television; DVD player, including a I-Home docking station; spacious work area; and High Speed Internet Access.

Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas features all the Sheraton brand’s popular amenities and services including the signature Link@Sheraton® experienced with Microsoft® and a Link Café. Guests can enjoy spa services by the private pool and a range of personalized regimens based on an “East meets West” technique, a soothing philosophy that harnesses elements of the natural environment to augment massage treatments.

Dalah Restaurant and Bar, the hotel’s signature all-day eatery, offers Thai, Asian and western dishes in a rustic and airy pavilion with garden and pond views The seasonal menu includes premium organic produce and healthy options from Color your PlateTM. For relaxing evenings amid good company, the Dalah Bar presents the Sheraton Social HourSM wine tasting event three times a week. In late 2014, the property will open an additional food and beverage venue, the main swimming pool, a Kids’ Club, and a well-equipped gym with the brand’s revolutionary health and fitness program, Sheraton® Fitness by Core Performance™.

Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas also offers a shuttle service to Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa should guests wish to utilize the Resort’s existing facilities, including the Shine Spa for SheratonTM and several restaurants. Guests will enjoy the convenience of signing privileges at such venues, charging their account at the Villas. Other Resort amenities, including the fitness center, swimming pool and Kids’ Club, are also available to the Villas’ guests without any additional charge.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) is delighted to announce three new additions to the Holiday Inn® brand family in the UK: Holiday Inn Express® Edinburgh Airport, Holiday Inn Darlington – North A1M, Jct.59 and Holiday Inn Express London – Ealing, reflecting the company’s strong position in the midscale market in Europe. A franchise agreement with one of IHG’s longest standing partners, Chardon Trading, will see Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Airport open in the spring of 2014. During the same period, Holiday Inn Darlington – North A1M, Jct. 59 will open under a franchise agreement with Dominvs Living Ltd. Holiday Inn Express London – Ealing is due to open in spring 2015 under a franchise agreement with Chart Forte Court (West Ealing) Limited.

The 80 room Holiday Inn Darlington – North A1M, Jct. 59 features the Holiday Inn brand open lobby concept, numerous meeting rooms, a gym, bar and restaurant. The 95 room Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Airport and the 75 room Holiday Inn Express London – Ealing both have a ‘Great Room’ combining the hotel reception and bar, breakfast room and comfortable seating for guests.

All three hotels are conveniently located with excellent transport links. Situated in a prime location on Ealing Broadway close to tube and overground train services, Holiday Inn Express London – Ealing is the first Holiday Inn Express in the area. Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Airport is perfectly located to take advantage of the 23% increase in terminal passengers over the past 10 years*. Meanwhile Holiday Inn Darlington – North A1M, Jct.59 is very close to the A1 Motorway and located in the Tees Valley economic area; home to companies such as EE and Cummins.

*www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/12/17120002/112

Accor, the world’s leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, is delighted to report on the progress made across the business in the UK and Ireland in 2013, including network development, HR initiatives and sustainability strategy. Network development

The Group’s strong portfolio of brands has continued to gain traction across the UK. Most recently ibis was ranked as one of Britain’s top three budget hotel brands, while Mercure saw the largest increase in prompted brand awareness according to the BDRC guest survey.

In 2013 Accor has so far opened:
• Ibis Styles, London Excel (07.01.2013)
• Mercure, Milton Keynes (22.01.2013)
• Ibis Styles, Blackpool (26.03.2013)
• Adagio, Liverpool Central Village (26.03.2013)
• Ibis, Brighton (15.07.2013)
• Ibis Styles, Birmingham (16.09.2013)

In September, Accor was pleased to announce the signing of the Novotel London Brentford. The hotel will be operated under an agreement with Brentford Hotels Limited, a subsidiary of the Pedersen Group, and is due to open in 2015, the same year as the new-build Novotel in Canary Wharf.

The Group continues to have a healthy UK development pipeline, and there are a number of new hotel openings on the horizon, including Belfast; Ibis Styles, Enfield; Ibis Styles, Liverpool; Ibis Styles Edinburgh, two Ibis hotels also in the city and ibis Cambridge.

HR initiatives

Accor is committed to investing in new talent and developing careers across the business, and in June, the group was recognised by The Great Place To Work® Institute as one of the UK’s best workplaces.

The Accor Academie in London is a first-of-its-kind professional training centre offering exceptional teaching facilities to ensure staff development and career progression. So far this year, the facility has trained more than 2000 delegates through 161 courses.

In March, Accor was pleased to announce the expansion of its popular UK Apprenticeship scheme, which provides young people aged 18 to 24 with on-the-job training and a national qualification. The group has also recently re-launched its successful Hospitality Futures programme in conjunction with Springboard. This programme helps those who are unemployed find placements in the hospitality industry with the long-term view of securing them a permanent job.

Sustainability

Accor is dedicated to operating a responsible and environmentally conscious business. We are delighted to have been named the Eco Hotel Group of the Year at the AA Hospitality Awards 2013. This accolade reflects the success of Planet 21, Accor’s sustainable development strategy which defines 21 commitments and ambitious goals, including a program to inform guests and employees and encourage them to contribute to reinventing hotels, sustainably. In May 2013, Accor launched its agro-forestry partnership with Pur Project to mark the first anniversary of Planet 21. This Plant for the Planet program will fund 200,000 trees in the United Kingdom in a pioneering project designed to promote sustainable food production and nurture links between hotels, guests and farms.

Thomas Dubaere, Managing Director, Accor UK & Ireland said: “The progress we have made this year has been very encouraging, and the recognition we have received from the AA and BDRC, amongst others, reflects the on-going success of a number of initiatives across the business. We continue to open hotels in key locations, strengthening our network across the UK and Ireland, and we are committed to investing in our employees and their development. Through our sustainability programme, we are proud to focus our efforts on protecting the planet, its people and the environment. I am confident that this success will continue into 2014 and beyond.”

DoubleTree by Hilton has recently announced the rebranding of one of Dublin’s most renowned hotels, formerly The Burlington, to become DoubleTree by Hilton Dublin – Burlington Road. A phased programme of investment is underway to renovate the hotel, expected to complete by spring 2014, rejuvenating it with all the hallmarks of the upscale DoubleTree by Hilton brand. DoubleTree by Hilton Dublin – Burlington Road is the largest hotel in the M50 belt, with 2,100 square metres of banqueting, ballroom space and conference facilities for up to 1,400 delegates. The introduction of a dedicated floor comprising of 18 state-of-the-art conference suites and meeting rooms, each facilitating up to 100 delegates, underlines its credentials as the city’s best in class provider of meetings and events.

All 501 guestrooms are being upgraded with the addition of 42” flat screen TVs, with DoubleTree by Hilton amenities including an assortment of in-room coffee and tea, collection of CITRON Honey & Coriander Crabtree & Evelyn Bath Products and the Sweet Dreams by DoubleTree sleep experience.

The hotel’s restaurant options have undergone a complete overhaul with the new Sussex restaurant forming an open, spacious dining area created for the service of the brand’s Wake up DoubleTree Breakfast. Executive chef, Tony O’Donnell, is devising a new culinary vision that will be modern, with a strong emphasis on the use of local produce. Future conversion plans for the Mespil Bar will see it transformed into an executive lounge and the famous Bellini’s Bar will be renamed the B Bar, in homage to the hotel’s history.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently announced that the Holiday Inn Express® brand is expanding in Brazil with the openings of the Holiday Inn Express® Belem-Ananindeua hotel, the Holiday Inn Express® Porto Velho hotel and the Holiday Inn Express® Marilia hotel expected to open later this year. IHG also has plans for a new-build Holiday Inn Express® Manaus hotel, scheduled to open in 2014. The 156-room new build Holiday Inn Express Belem-Ananindeua hotel is located in the industrial district of Ananindeua and within close proximity to the Hangar Convention and Fair Centre, one of the region’s most well-equipped meetings and convention spaces. The hotel is seven miles from Belem’s international airport, and will also serve the region’s thriving port industry, one of the largest and busiest in Brazil. Belem has long been renowned as the gateway to the Amazon River basin, in the country’s northeastern corridor. Guests staying at the hotel can choose between well-appointed spacious guest rooms and suites, all boasting a fresh contemporary design throughout. Additional amenities include a 24-hour business center and fitness center. The modern property offers flat screen TVs, mini bar access and complimentary high-speed Internet.

The 174-room Holiday Inn Express Porto Velho hotel is located less than two miles from the city’s airport, and just minutes from the city center, accessible to numerous shopping and entertainment options. The hotel will feature complementary high-speed Internet, a business center, a fitness center and three meeting rooms. The city of Porto Velho is located in the western part of Brazil, and is an important mining town, as well as a strategic transportation and communications center.

Scheduled to open toward the end of this year, the 102-room Holiday Inn Express Marilia hotel will be among the first global hotel brands in the city of Marilia. The hotel will be located in the state of São Paulo, and its location offers easy access to major thoroughfares, industrial district and airport. The new build hotel will boast a modern design, with a strong focus on sustainability, including energy-efficient systems, effluent wastewater treatment plans, solar panels and LED lighting.

Opening in early 2014, the 110-room Holiday Inn Express Rio Branco will be located downtown, in the city’s business center. Rio Branco has seen incredible growth in recent years due to its strategic location – it is in close and proximity to the Peru and Bolivia borders, accessible to the Transoceanica Highway and two key Peruvian ports, thus providing Brazil with its connection to the Pacific Ocean.

Slated to open in 2015, the 180-room Holiday Inn Express Manaus hotel will be located adjacent to the city’s expansive convention center. With more than two million residents, Manaus is Brazil’s second largest metropolitan area in northern Brazil and is recognized for its duty-free zone as well as a thriving eco-tourism industry. The Holiday Inn Express Manaus hotel will include a business center, fitness center and meeting rooms.

Ancient Sands, a brand new luxury resort and residential project based in the Red Sea town of El Gouna, will begin welcoming guests to its first five-star apartment hotel in April 2014. Offering an oasis of luxury, Ancient Sands Golf Resort will combine the best of Egyptian tradition with western style comfort.Located in the Hilltop Village, Ancient Sands Golf Resort will consist of five individual buildings, each with its own garden and swimming pool and will comprise a range of one, two and three bedroom apartments. The hotel complex, which will open in two phases, will initially offer 114 apartments in April 2014, 91 of which will be reserved for holidaymakers visiting El Gouna. The second phase is set for operation in 2016 and will bring the total number of units to 261.

Each apartment will feature a living room, a fully-equipped kitchen and modern bathroom facilities and provide either lagoon, Red Sea or mountain views. Guests will also enjoy full concierge, house-keeping and room service amenities in addition to communal areas including a large main pool, a children’s pool, a piazza of bars, restaurants, cafes, boutique and convenience shops and a souk market nestled among the buildings.

Jens Freise, Senior Director Marketing & Sales for Destinations & Hotels in Orascom Development, says “Ancient Sands is an exciting prospect for us. With El Gouna an already well-established year-round destination on Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera offering a range of hotels to suit all budgets, the new five-star apartment hotel is the first of its kind here and will add an air of opulence to this private town. Unique additions such as these as are intrinsic to maintaining the rich variety of the El Gouna community.”

The completed Ancient Sands Golf Resort will incorporate a Golf Club Estate House, an 18-hole Karl Litten designed championship golf course, three tennis courts, water sports facilities, an outdoor playground and a tranquil spa offering a wide variety of treatments as well as access to a steam bath, sauna and gymnasium.

Berlin’s elegant business hotel in the centre of West-Berlin just had a facelift in the public areas. The new style seamlessly blends Swiss tradition and a contemporary lush colour palette, high-quality materials and a cunning light-concept. The combination both complements the cutting-edge design of Gerkan Marg & Partner architects, yet lends the space a harmonious, cosy feeling. It’s been nipped, tucked and stylishly reshaped into one of the city’s most smart and spacious stays.The light flooded room deftly balances currents and Swiss sustainability. Authentic materials like leather, solid walnut- and cedar wood, as well as wool fabrics, styled to pay tribute Swiss felt, effortlessly blends the artefacts displayed throughout the hotel. „Our new lobby is more of a contemporary living room, than a merely functional public area. The space is intended for locals and design-savvy travellers, who embrace the new luxuries of time and ease. The key to relaxing here is feeling at home“, explains Bettina Schütt, General Manager of Swissôtel Berlin. The diverse mix of furniture cultivates a luxury-apartment feel with an artful vibe, while it yet enjoys a laid-back ambience. Mixed seating-accommodations and differing table heights are tailored to individual needs. Three high tables by Riva 1920 made of solid walnut are providing the perfect platform for unconventional gatherings. Sassy modern aluminium high chairs by Gervasoni contrast strikingly with the matt wooden tables.

The raw wood communal table, also by Riva 1920, is 95 cm high and works a cool vibe as the lobby’s centrepiece with a massive walnut top and natural brink. Various high chairs by Cassina, Arper and Cappellini are smartly added as a colourful juxtaposition. A place destined for team dialogues or joint coffee breaks. The adjacent five-piece suites of furniture with celestially sleek tables by Studio Cappellini, offer the perfect place for coffee, snacks and delicious dining. The sophisticated and timeless pieces come courtesy of Piero Lissoni and are counted among modern design classics.

Design devotees will adore the lounge area with sofas by Emaf Progetti for Zanotta, granting the space an intimate vibe throughout. This is reinforced by a rich combination of contemporary design and a relaxing, informal space decorated with an eclectic mix of warm colours, rich upholstery and, above all, comfort.Three „Tulip Chairs” by design genius Marcel Wanders are cleverly put in front of the futuristic glass elevators, adding modernist precision. The upholstered swivel armchairs with high backs and sides are mimicking a tulip blossom which creates a cocoon-like atmosphere, perfect for undisturbed telephone conversations and privacy.

The intimate library, where quiet moments and private conversations find the perfect surroundings, is a welcoming new space that surprises and delights. The custom-made walnut bookshelves by architect David Chipperfield are filled with books on art and history for studious visitors looking to explore nearby sites. A homely approach set in the context of a sophisticated and modern pied-à-terre. The sultry bar shines in red where comfortable chairs by Moroso and jaw-dropping views from the floor-to-ceiling windows beckon guests to linger over a drink. The new public spaces promise to make for an experience that is – like the city itself – a vibrant mix of cultures, traditions and modern elements.

Kempinski Hotels, Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, has announced plans to expand its portfolio of luxury hotels in Africa. With two new properties opened in Kenya in 2013, Kempinski looks to add five more hotels to its African portfolio in the next year. Upcoming openings in Africa in 2014 include the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, Ghana and the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski in Cairo, Egypt set to open early in the year, as well as a newly signed hotel and golf resort in the future capital of Equatorial Guinea, Oyala. Additional plans are moving forward to open hotels in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo by the end of the year.

At a press conference at the new Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi this week, President and CEO of Kempinski Hotels, Mr. Reto Wittwer told reporters that following the company’s success expanding into the Middle East and China over the past twenty years, Kempinski expects its growing portfolio in key destinations across the African continent to become a major source of revenue for the company, as well as provide new sources for talent and talent development across the company.

Recent and upcoming openings in Africa:
The five-star Villa Rosa Kempinski is located on Chiromo road, within the Westlands area in the heart of Nairobi. It is only a half-hour drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and five minute drive to the Nairobi Central Business District. The new luxury hotel will consist of 200 spacious rooms and suites distributed over ten floors, including two Presidential Suites on the top floor. The hotel will feature three concept restaurants in addition to an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, and a cigar lounge.

Olare Mara Kempinski luxury camp is located in the beautiful Olare Orok Conservancy, which is home to some of the Mara’s largest lion prides. The property features twelve spacious luxury tents, which are built on elevated decks with private balconies that offer unhindered views of the Mara Plains and the Ntiakitiak River.

Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra set to open in early 2014 will offer 269 rooms, including 22 suites and two Presidential Suites and will feature include two restaurants, a lobby café with outdoor seating, a cocktail bar and lounge and 6,000 square metres of retail space. The 3,000 square metre Resense Spa (the first branded Resense spa in Africa) will offer 10 treatment rooms, a beauty parlour, a fitness centre, a yoga studio, an organic food bar, a 25-metre outdoor pool, two table tennis courts and two tennis courts. It will set new standards for luxury, quality and service across all of West Africa.

Set atop the budding desert hills of New Cairo and just minutes away from Cairo International Airport, the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski will be beacon of grandeur and luxurious hospitality. Guests will enjoy cool breezes of desert evenings in lush open spaces, the aromatic flavors of signature restaurants, as well as the serenity of 244 spacious, stylish rooms and suites. Housing the largest ballroom in the Middle East the hotel is set to become the most sought after venue in the city for conventions and celebrations.

Making its debut this month in China’s third largest city is Langham Place, Guangzhou, strategically located in the new central business district on Pazhou Island at the southeastern part of the city. The hotel is a mere two-minute stroll from the China Import and Export Fair Complex, home to the renowned annual Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in the world. The 500-room Langham Place, Guangzhou stakes its place as the eighth hotel for the group in mainland China and the 20th in its global portfolio. To underscore its ideal location for corporate travellers, conference attendees, and holiday makers, Langham Place, Guangzhou is situated next to the Xingangdong metro station, and the shopping and commercial hub of Tian He is just10 minutes away; the hotel is a half-hour drive from Guangzhou South High Speed Railway station, and only 40 minutes from Guangzhou International Airport.

Designed by global award-winning architects Aedas, Langham Place, Guangzhou is an urban architectural icon; the exterior of the 22-storey hotel conjures the vivid imagery of the unfolding of wings, evoking a sense of freedom and space. Exclusively curated contemporary art by local and international artists feature in all the guest rooms and public spaces throughout the hotel.

As befitting its events-centric location, Langham Place, Guangzhou boasts the largest ballroom in the city with a combined meeting and event space of nearly 5,000 square metres. Perfect for conferences, exhibitions and social galas, The Great Hall is a 2,800 square-metre, pillar-free ballroom with an eight metre high ceiling and a dedicated 560 square-metre reception area, ideal for pre-conference cocktails or wedding assemblies. Adding to this impressive space is another 20,000 square metres spanning three floors of the Nanfung International Conference and Exhibition Centre directly below the hotel. Meeting and social planners will also appreciate the hotel’s outdoor promenade that is surrounded by lush greenery and flowers, lined with marbled paths and water features, with the Pearl River and vibrant city view as a backdrop, making it a perfect venue for outdoor events.

A gourmet destination, locals and guests of the hotel can look forward to a wide variety of innovative dining and entertainment options at Langham Place, Guangzhou. The Open Kitchen, an all-day dining restaurant will offer buffet and a la carte specialties; Ming Court, the fine dining Cantonese restaurant is inspired by its two Michelin-starred namesake at Langham Place, Hong Kong; a flamed grilled seafood and steak restaurant at Alfresco will satisfy Western palates; the open-air Sky Bar will be where guests may enjoy the panoramic views of the city and sample handcrafted cocktails and exclusive seasonal drinks; Portal is a clever hybrid of the lounge and business centre which serves refreshments and also offer secretarial services to multi-tasking guests.

Ranging in size starting from 42 square metres, all guest rooms and suites at Langham Place are tastefully furnished in a contemporary style with clean lines and muted hues. Spanning a generous 260 square metres on the top floor of the hotel, The Penthouse showcases an elegantly appointed bedroom, a spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchenette, and dining room that seats six guests comfortably. All guests staying on the executive floors will have access to Club L, a private lounge where they will have attentive round the clock services which include complimentary breakfast, snacks, canapés, afternoon tea and use of the boardroom. A standout unique feature of this lounge is the alfresco terrace which features panoramic views of the city.

In keeping with the group’s award winning spa concepts, the Chuan Spa at Langham Place, Guangzhou will feature six treatment rooms including two dedicated for couples, as well as the signature Contemplation Lounge and Dream Room as additional relaxation spaces. Treatments will incorporate the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in a tranquil setting. Other recreational facilities include a fully-equipped fitness centre with steam and sauna rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and two mini golf courses.

Great Hotels of the World, the London-based hotel sales and marketing alliance, is pleased to announce that its member, Barcelona Princess redecorated their rooms and created a themed Loft with the creative brand Desigual living. Located on Barcelona’s world-famous Avinguda Diagonal, Barcelona Princess is a stylish and contemporary hotel that is constantly looking for new ideas.

18 rooms and two junior suites on the 23th and 24th floor have been redecorated and every room is unique, colourful and displays concepts and messages to make guests feel special. Bedspreads, large pillows, plaids, die-cut blankets with oriental motifs and patchworks jacquard cushions can be found in every room. The bathroom is surrounded by optimistic and motivational phrases and special details such as dental kits, tissues and shower caps have added a touch of fun to the room.

Found between floors 23 and 24, the Loft has been totally transformed and is now known as the “Life is Cool” Desigual Loft. It features a bar with amazing views of Barcelona’s Skyline, a mural with colourful floral background, pouffes, low round tables and countless traditional patchwork rugs. This meeting point is the ideal place to relax, have a cocktail or hold an informal meeting in a calm and cosy atmosphere.

In the pool area, the 4×5 metre wall has been hand painted and can be seen from the sea or the air. Beach towels are provided to guests so they can relax and take a sun bath.

Watch the video to see the whole transformation:

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) one of the world’s largest hotel companies has announced the signing of Crowne Plaza® London – Albert Embankment, a first for the brand in London’s Embankment. The hotel is due to open in the spring of 2015. Operating under a franchise agreement with Cannon Corporate UK Ltd, the upscale hotel is a new build property featuring in excess of 130 guest rooms and a restaurant overlooking the River Thames.

Albert Embankment is undergoing significant regeneration and due to its close proximity to Lambeth Palace, the Houses of Parliament and the corporate centres of Waterloo and Westminster, the Crowne Plaza London – Albert Embankment is set to become a hub for meetings, conferences and events in London.

Mudhar Shawkat, Owner and Director of Cannon Corporate UK Ltd said: “Crowne Plaza London –Albert Embankment will be an asset to London. The need for fully equipped business minded hotels is ever increasing and we’re looking forward to providing a wonderful hotel experience to our guests.”

With over 50 IHG branded hotels in London including the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts®, Holiday Inn® and Holiday Inn Express® brands, IHG’s broad family of brands meets the needs of guests, whatever the occasion – whether an overnight getaway, a business trip, a family celebration or a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Centra Central Station Hotel Bangkok, which soft-opened in July this year, is fully operational as of 24 October 2013.The newly-built hotel, the star of the Centra value brand of Centara Hotels & Resorts, is located within a few minutes’ walking distance of the Hua Lamphong mainline railway terminus, and is at the beginning of Chinatown’s main thoroughfare of Yaowaraj.

“Our Centra value brand, which we launched in 2010, is proving to be very successful and we are proud to be opening the star property in this brand at such a prominent location in Bangkok,” says Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts.

“The hotel is ideally located for anyone travelling by rail to anywhere in Thailand, or who is using the MRT Metro, or who is exploring and shopping in the historic Chinatown district.

“Initial response during the soft-opening phase has been extremely favourable, and we are very happy indeed now to be announcing the date at which the hotel will become fully operational.”

Centra brand properties are design to provide Centara’s distinctive service and standards but not to over-deliver on facilities that may not be required by guests.

Other Centra brand hotels open to date are at Government Complex in Bangkok’s Chaeng Watthana district, Patong in Phuket, Thong Tanote Beach on the southwestern tip of Samui, and Seminyak in Bali.

Centra Central Station Bangkok has 150 rooms and suites, all designed in a light and modern décor, and is designed for individual travellers, small families, and groups of friends.

The Superior and Premium category rooms are equipped with twin beds for the convenience of families or those sharing, while the Suites provide both a king bed and two twin beds.

The hotel’s all-day restaurant is Station Café, serving Thai and international dishes from an open kitchen and with views directly across to Hua Lamphong railway terminus.

Chyna, which will serve authentic Cantonese cuisine in a contemporary fashion, with an extensive list of creative desserts and a Tea Bar with a large array of Chinese teas, will become operational with the full opening of the hotel.

Gler serves light refreshments to guests in the hotel’s tranquil relaxation area.

Guests can relax at Cense by Spa Cevaree, which has a menu of traditional massage and therapeutic treatments, and workout at Cenfit, the hotel’s fitness centre, which has a sauna and steam rooms.

Centra Central Station Bangkok is also well located for business meetings, seminars, receptions and other events, and the hotel has five meeting rooms fully supported by conference and presentation equipment such as LCD projectors and screens, together with wireless internet access.

Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world’s largest hotel companies, and O’Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC, a prominent hotel and restaurant developer and management company based in Springfield, Mo., has recently announced the expansion of the upscale hotel brand, Cambria Suites, into the Phoenix market. The four-story, 121-room Cambria Suites Phoenix-Desert Ridge is the first of the brand in Arizona, and is the second of two Cambria Suites to be developed and managed by O’Reilly Hospitality Management. The announcement also revealed that Cambria Suites Phoenix-Desert Ridge will be home to the brand’s national training kitchen and provided a first look at newly crafted banquet and events menus, both overseen by acclaimed celebrity Chef Michael DeMaria.Noted for an award-winning design, all Cambria Suites are new-construction properties featuring a variety of public spaces for guests to refresh, refill and reflect. From a state-of-the-art fitness center and a relaxing pool to a 24-7 sundry shop and a welcoming dining area, Cambria Suites blends style, form and function.

Conveniently located in one of the largest master-planned communities in Arizona, Cambria Suites Phoenix-Desert Ridge is just minutes from the popular shopping and entertainment destination of Desert Ridge Marketplace, major employers, the Mayo Clinic and Choice Hotels International Western Corporate Headquarters.

Choice Hotels International selected award-winning chef, and 2002 inductee to the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame, Chef Michael DeMaria to develop and manage the culinary program for the Cambria Suites brand. In this role, Chef DeMaria will create appealing cuisine for all Cambria Suites core and urban core a la carte menus, approve all local and regional additions to individual property menus, lead the instruction of future Cambria Suites’ culinary teams in the national training kitchen and manage the revitalized banquet and events culinary program.

Spurred on by faster than expected economic growth in the Philippines, international hotel brand Tune Hotels has continued its investment in the country by opening its sixth hotel there this month. The 140-bedroom Tune Hotel Quezon City opened its doors for business on the 8th October 2013. The property is located at Timog Avenue and is the hotel group’s third hotel in Metro Manila.

Mark Lankester, Group CEO, Tune Hotels, said “This is a great market for us to do business in. In less than two years we already have six hotels in operation in the Philippines, including the newly opened Tune Hotel Quezon City in Manila. Not to mention four more to come in Ortigas, Davao, Aseana City and Ayala Avenue in Metro Manila within the next nine months.”

The first Tune Hotel in the Philippines opened at Angeles City in Pampanga in February 2012, followed by Ermita and Makati in Metro Manila, Cebu City and Cagayan De Oro.

Tune Hotels’ decision to continue investing in the Philippines is due to its strengthening economy. Tourism to the Philippines is expanding massively, backed by a successful government marketing campaigns. The recent lifting of European flights is likely to contribute further to the tourism economy.

The Philippines has set a target of 10 million international tourist arrivals by 2016, more than double the 4.3 million tourists it received in 2012.

Lankester commented on this saying “We are very pleased with the commitment shown by the department of tourism and the government. They have not only set strong targets but have also undertaken firm initiatives to facilitate further growth of the tourism and travel industry in the Philippines. The country has a lot to offer and will become a favourite destination in the region.”

By offering international standard accommodation at highly affordable rates, Tune Hotels hopes to positively contribute towards this effort, ensuring ‘more fun in the Philippines’ with Tune Hotels.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Auteles Kalionchiz S.A. de C.V announced the opening of the Holiday Inn® Monclova hotel. This is the first Holiday Inn hotel in Coahuila and is the fifth IHG®-branded hotel for the state. Other IHG®-branded hotels in Coahuila include a Crowne Plaza® hotel and three Holiday Inn Express® hotels. The scale and diversity of the IHG family of brands means that our hotels can meet our guests’ needs whatever the occasion. Auteles Kalionchiz S.A. de C.V. has invested $10 million in the Holiday Inn Monclova hotel.

All 128 rooms have views to the pool, gardens or the city. Additionally, the Presidential Suite has a living room, hot tub and a meeting room for eight people. Other amenities in the hotel include a fully equipped fitness center, business center, pool, laundry and dry cleaning services as well as two meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 500 people. Guests can also enjoy dining on-site – the Kalionchiz Restaurant featuring Mexican and international cuisine and the Bar Emporio – both feature a contemporary style and décor.

The hotel owned and managed by Inmobiliaria Auteles Kalionchiz SA de CV., is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

August Highlights
• UAE hotels reverse the summer slump with strong performance during August
• Cairo hotels continue to suffer as civil unrest pushes occupancy to the lowest level since 2011

Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya, set in the exclusive residential district of Phratamnak Hill, the “Beverly Hills” of Pattaya, soft-opened on 15 October and welcomed its first guests, Admiral Taweewuth Pongsapipatt, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Navy and his wife, Captain Doctor Woranart Pongsapipatt.The couple were welcomed by the resort’s General Manager Dominique Ronge and members of his management team.

“We are delighted to announce that the hotel is now in its soft opening phase, and to be welcoming our first guests,” said Mr Ronge.

The resort is designed to the most luxurious and elegant standards and is situated just a few steps away from the beach at Phratamnak Hill, Pattaya’s most exclusive residential district.

The dramatic interior design features two large aquariums in the lobby that are stocked with exotic marine species, a lighting system that extends the marine concept throughout the ground floor, jellyfish chandeliers, and luxury furniture from Italian designer Fendi.

The famous group of artists “Der blaue Reiter” has been the eponym for this Designhotel which opened its doors in Karlsruhe in 2001. Throughout the hotel the guests come across the artworks of the different artists and no two paintings are the same.In addition to the main building, the new building CUBE was inaugurated in 2011 with 81 designer rooms as well as 750sqm meeting and event space. According to the concept of the main building, every single room follows a different design-concept. Baulmann Leuchten supplied the matching luminaires to carry out this individual concept.

All pictures are copyright by Hotel Der Blaue Reiter GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe.

With just under three months until the holiday season begins, excitement is building in the capital with more than one in five of London’s hotel rooms already booked (20.7 per cent on average between 24 December 2013 – 2 January 2014).Forward-looking data from TravelClick, the leading hotel market intelligence provider, shows an increase in bookings at this point in the booking window of 7.7 per cent on the same dates last year. Hoteliers are seeing the benefits of the festive season with average daily rates up 7.2 per cent year on year.

The annual New Year’s Eve festivities of the capital, watching the fireworks over the iconic skyline, continues to prove a draw, with one third of hotels rooms booked for the night of 31 December (33.9 per cent). Group bookings to London for celebrating seeing in 2014 are also looking healthy with committed occupancy for New Year’s Eve in particular up 21.4 per cent on last year (increase of 2.1 per cent year over year).

Info is based on data pulled by TravelClick on 14 September 2013 88 London hotels with a combined capacity of 18,656.

Choice Hotels Europe, part of Choice Hotels International, Inc. has recently announced five more properties, located in The Midlands and Hampshire in England and in Dublin, Ireland, have been added to its portfolio.The Midlands now benefits from two more Choice Hotels brand properties with the addition of Quality Hotel Wolverhampton, formerly The Connaught Hotel, and Quality Hotel Birmingham Airport/NEC, re-opening its doors for business under new management. This brings the number of Choice Hotels properties in the region to seven.

The 60-room Quality Hotel Wolverhampton is a short walk from Wolverhampton City Centre and offers easy access to major roads and highways. Quality Hotel Birmingham Airport/NEC is now owned and operated by Hospitality First, under a franchise agreement with Choice Hotels Europe. The hotel is a short distance from Birmingham International Airport, Birmingham National Exhibition Centre and the City Centre.

The Makeney Hall Hotel is now Clarion Collection Hotel Makeney Hall. The magnificent, 46-room Victorian country mansion is situated in the heart of Derbyshire and set in six acres of landscaped gardens. Close to East Midlands Airport, the property is ideally situated for local business destinations and the nearby Peak District National Park.

Clarion Collection Hotel Winchester Royal dates back to the 16th century. This distinctive property is located near the center of the historic town and close to major roadways, the Hampshire business destinations and the scenic South Hampshire Coast.

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InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently announced plans for two new properties, one located in Nashville, and the other in Deadwood, S.D., adding to the growing global Holiday Inn Resort® brand portfolio, currently at 36 properties worldwide.Currently the Fontanel Mansion is a 27,000 sq. ft. log home previously owned by Country Music Hall of Fame member Barbara Mandrell. This will be the future site of the 140-room hotel set to open as Fontanel, a Holiday Inn Resort® by mid-2015. Located at 4225 Whites Creek Pike, the property is currently Nashville’s only country music mansion tour. Guest amenities will include events and activities at the Woods Amphitheater, the Pepsi Studio Gallery, American-Italian cuisine and wine bar at Café Fontanella, on-site zip lines and nearby golf course access. Additionally, the hotel is equipped with total meeting space of over 20,000 sq. ft. as well as a pool, spa and hiking and biking trails. Nearby attractions include The Ryman Theatre, the Country Music Hall of Fame, downtown Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry.

Located at 1906 Deadwood Mountain Drive, The Deadwood Mountain Grand, will become a Holiday Inn Resort® in October. Formerly a historical mining building, the over 245,000 sq. feet property includes six floors comprising 98 guest rooms including five beautifully appointed suites. The town of Deadwood is a Registered National Historic Landmark with the Mount Rushmore National Monument within a 45 minute drive and the Devil’s Tower National Monument just an hour away. The hotel also has a well-equipped fitness center, a business center, and meeting facilities as well as an indoor pool, spa, casino and event center and an activities center.

The Holiday Inn Resort brand transitioned from the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resorts® brand in 2007 as part of the $1 billion Holiday Inn® 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 new hotels will feature a contemporary image with emphasis on arrival and welcome services, guestroom and guest bath comfort and a redesigned logo and signage. The Holiday Inn Resort brand is part of IHG, which is celebrating its 10 year anniversary as a global standalone hotel company this year. IHG’s broad family of nine brands in nearly 100 countries and territories, meets the needs of guests, whatever the occasion – whether an overnight getaway, a business trip, a family celebration or a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Fontanel, a Holiday Inn Resort, owned and operated by M.O.R.E Enterprises, and Deadwood Mountain Grand, a Holiday Inn Resort, owned and operated by Tentexkota, LLC, will be franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

Accor, the world’s leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, is pleased to announce the signing of the Novotel London Brentford hotel, which will be operated under a lease agreement with Brentford Hotels Limited, a subsidiary of the Pedersen Group. The 202-room hotel is under construction and is due to open early 2015. The hotel joins the midscale brand’s growing network which boasts 31 Novotels in key city destinations. The brand’s flagship Novotel London Blackfriars hotel opened in Southwark in October 2012 with high tech specification throughout, and Accor has also announced a new build Novotel at 40 Marsh Street, Canary Wharf which is due to open in mid-2015.

Thomas Dubaere, Managing Director, Accor UK & Ireland said: “The Novotel London Brentford hotel is an ideal location for both business and leisure travellers. It further strengthens our presence in the Greater London area and is another important step towards growing the UK network. Novotel is a key midscale brand for Accor and this hotel demonstrates our commitment to this segment.”

With 395 hotels in more than 60 countries, Novotel hotels are located in the heart of major cities, business districts and tourist destinations. The brand offers efficiency and comfort to its business customers while satisfying the needs of leisure travellers through contemporary design, flexibility and technology.

Marriott International and Prince Hotels, Inc, of Japan announced that The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo will become Japan’s first Autograph Collection hotel – a portfolio of independent hotels, with the re-opening of the newly renovated hotel on September 14, 2013. Exactly like nothing else, the Autograph Collection is an upscale portfolio of hand-selected independent hotels each offering its own unique travel experience. Experiences fall within diverse categories including Urban Excitement, Indulgent Escape, Culinary Delight, Artistic Getaway, Historic Exploration and more. Each hotel is thoughtfully chosen based on quality, character and individuality.

Originally opened in 1998, the 288-room Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo has gone through an extensive refurbishment and renovation under the direction of interior designer Ryu Kosaka of Aoyama Nomura Design, whose work is highly acclaimed both in Japan and overseas. All of the hotel’s rooms, lobby area, restaurants, and other areas were designed to convey a modern sense of harmony, blending the spaces with the seasonal landscapes of hotel’s Japanese garden.

The hotel has at its heart the concept of ‘Japanese style hospitality at the center of the city’ and is centrally located just a 3-minute walk from Tokyo’s Shinagawa station. The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo also boasts a spacious Japanese garden of approximately 2 hectares (5 acres) where guests can enjoy the ever-changing natural beauty of the garden from season to season – and especially during the cherry blossom season as the hotel’s grounds are blessed with more than 200 cherry blossom trees which showcase the amazing sakura blossoms – reflected in the hotel’s name.

The Prince Sakura Tower Autograph Collection with its newly enhanced facilities is expected to host an increased number of international travelers, and this will further be supported by in the future with government tourism promotion, the economic growth of countries in the region, and the implementation of a robust MICE strategy by Prince Hotels.

Carlson Rezidor, one of the largest and most dynamic hotel groups worldwide, announces their very first project in Algeria: The Radisson Blu Hotel, Algiers Hydra featuring 138 guest rooms is scheduled to open in Q1 2015. “We are delighted to arrive in Algeria – a country with considerable growth potential where we aim to further strengthen the presence of our core brands Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson”, said Wolfgang M. Neumann, President & CEO of Rezidor.

The signing also underlines the importance Africa has for Carlson Rezidor as a key development market: All across the continent the group operates and develops 51 hotels with more than 11,300 rooms; in Northern Africa alone 14 hotels with more than 4,500 rooms (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya).

The upper upscale Radisson Blu Hotel, Algiers Hydra will be prominently located in the Hydra Commune, part of the “Heights of Algiers”, which is considered as the wealthiest part of the Algerian capital and shelters the majority of the foreign embassies, ministries and universities. Furthermore, the hotel is located less than 20 km from Algiers’ international airport. The foundations of the hotel are ready and the prestigious project has been inaugurated by the Algerian Ministry of Tourism.

Besides 138 rooms with Radisson Blu signature services such a free high speed internet access, the hotel will offer a 315m² all-day dining restaurant, a 200m² lobby bar, as well as 380m² of meeting and conference facilities and a wellness and fitness centre.

Just minutes from Hong Kong and within hopping distance from Guangzhou and Macau is a completely different destination: Shenzhen. Already well known to the electronics industries and the banking and financial world, this modern powerhouse city is to become more accessible than ever before with the opening of the new Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen.Located in the heart of the vibrant new downtown within just ten minutes’ drive of the Huanggang and Futian borders to Hong Kong, Shenzhen offers a welcome addition to any Chinese tour, especially for those who are travelling to or through other major gateways in the Pearl River Delta. The Hotel is within walking distance of major shopping malls, the Civic Centre including the Shenzhen Museum and adjacent Concert Hall, and an MTR station for easy access to the rest of the city.

The Look of Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen
With its modern design and forward thinking features and amenities, Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen is right at home in this UNESCO City of Design. Architects Urabanus and interior designers Hirsch Bedner & Associates (HBA) have created a contemporary, light-filled tower with a 6th level reception that overlooks green spaces and water courtyards with panoramic views of the city.

Inside, the ambiance is that of a chic private home. Each of 266 light-filled rooms and suites are large – most are 50 square metres (540 square feet) or more – and packed with technological conveniences and thoughtful comforts such as a pillow menu and mini iPads.

Wining, Dining and Entertaining
Envisioned by renowned SPIN Design and meaning “fragrant,” FOO is Shenzhen’s newest destination for foodies. Creative pan-Asian menus include a selection of shared main courses, and foodies will love the peek-a-boo windows into the series of kitchen studios where Chef Brian Chan and his team perform their culinary magic.

Celebrating the great cuisine of the region, Zhuo Yue Xuan literally means “excellent food,” which is exactly what Chef Tse Man – a Hong Kong native with more than 30 years’ experience in Cantonese kitchens – and his team will present to guests of this high-style restaurant. In addition to the main space, ten private dining rooms-with-views are available for more intimate social gatherings and business entertaining.

For Chinese and traditional afternoon tea and after work drinks, Yi Bar & Lounge offers an oasis for busy shoppers, or a casual environment to entertain colleagues. In the evening, Yi pops the Champagne corks and turns up the music in Shenzhen’s newest destination for international jetsetters and the city’s urban chic with a lively and exuberant atmosphere amid sophisticated décor, innovative lighting and city-view outdoor space.

Doing Business at Four Seasons – and Celebrating Special Occasions
Unique to Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen is Terraces, a 7th level rooftop area of 150 square metres (1,615 square feet) for up to 80 guests in an open air reception freshened by the city’s year-round pleasant breezes – complete with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and wired or wireless high speed internet.

Two large spaces include the 6th floor Four Seasons Ballroom seating up to 360 guests plus two private pre-function spaces, and the more intimate Peony Ballroom on the 29th floor, where up to 180 seated guests will enjoy sweeping views from floor to ceiling windows.

Staying Fit and Relaxed
The 24-hour fitness centre at Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen allows time zone hopping travellers to keep up their cardio and weight training, or relax in the sauna, steam room and whirlpool.

The indoor pool is an excellent choice for aquatic workouts, while the larger outdoor pool invites relaxation and splashing about with the kids for families on holiday.

For working travellers, Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen offers the exclusive Executive Club Lounge. Tucked away on the 29th floor, guests will find extra conveniences and perks, including all day refreshments and cocktails, workstations, a fully equipped business centre, dedicated check in-check out and concierge services, wired and wireless internet, and more.

GHM dropped anchor in the Indian Ocean last month when the luxury hotel group inked a deal to operate its first resort in the Maldives, scheduled to open in 2016.The agreement with the developers was signed six weeks after GHM announced it would launch three hotels in Taiwan, and less than five months after the company expanded its hospitality interests in the U.A.E.

Located on a 55-hectare, crescent-shaped atoll — the largest habitable island in the Maldives — and 20 minutes by speedboat from Hanimadhoo International Airport, The Chedi Dhapparu will include 90 hotel-managed residential villas and 40 hotel suites, half of which will hover over crystal-clear waters the republic is known for.

Every unit will offer unrestricted views of either a coral-reef lagoon or the open ocean and will feature lush, tropical landscaping.

“The setting is absolutely spectacular, and lends itself perfectly to our brand philosophy – that each GHM hotel should, in its own way, be a style to remember,” said GHM President Hans R. Jenni. “We couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity.”

To ensure the area’s ecosystem remains in proper balance, GHM plans to institute a program for maintaining the ideal levels of coral in the lagoon, which is popular among dolphins and other marine species.

And to ensure the resort possesses characteristics consistent with all GHM properties, the group will work with Reda Amalou of AW2, the Paris-based architecture firm responsible for the design of the award-winning Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Twenty of the hotel suites – the 90-square-metre Chedi Club Suites – will have private pools. All 130 units will offer direct access to the beach.

“The concept will be contemporary living with an Asian touch,” said Jenni. “Instead of thatched, Maldivian roofs, we’ll have flat roofs, and interiors with clean lines and high ceilings.”

The Chedi Dhapparu is the first project in the Maldives with a license to sell real estate titles to villa buyers. The villas will have from one to four bedrooms, with the largest covering 565 square metres. Sales will begin early next year.

Other features of the master plan include a sea-facing, new-age spa with 10 double treatment rooms; a health club with a tai chi terrace; a club lounge catering to guests lodged in the over-water suites; and a beach club with a dive centre and chic bar.

Blueprints also call for a library, cigar lounge and four food-and-beverage outlets, including a dinner-only venue serving specialties from the Maldives, India and Sri Lanka, and a Japanese restaurant that takes advantage of the resort’s access to fresh seafood.

There are not many hotels where the furniture and lighting features in the national design museum. The Kunstindustriemuseet (Museum of Decorative Arts) in Copenhagen acknowledges the startling effect the building and its contents had on all aspects of Danish design in the late 1950’s. Many interior designers dream of designing everything in an hotel, few are successful in carrying it off. Arne Jacobsen, already at the time teaching in the Danish School of Design, carried the project through controversy to meet the brief of Scandinavian Airlines System (known everywhere SAS Airlines, and birthplace of hotel operators Radisson SAS eventually becoming Rezidor) to provide it with an hotel in Copenhagen symbolic of the emergence of the jet age.The hotel was the first true high-rise building amongst the otherwise homogenous predominantly pre-war architecture of the Danish capital, reaching 22 stories high. It was for a while the tallest building in Scandinavia – remarkable considering the first steel frame skyscraper buildings in Chicago date from the 19th Century (see Kimpton’s Hotel Burnham , built in 1894 as the first glass walled skyscraper). The Royal hotel building is amongst the first attempts to create a transport interchange, providing check-in services for passengers using SAS flights from the capital’s airport, and became known as a ‘landmark for the jet age’. Apparently the local newspaper ‘Politiken’ commented: “Each day thousands of people stop up in Vesterbrogade, look up and think: ‘I hope that it won’t fall down in a storm’”

The sense of this cultural and stylistic inheritance is strong in the hotel. The sense of local and corporate pride in the achievements of Arne Jacobsen is apparent by the preservation of Room 606 with the original colour scheme, including fabrics, furniture and lighting, all designed by Jacobsen. The room is also part of the lettings so if you want to stay and experience a room style and functionality of the 1950’s, the room can be requested when booking. In truth some of the design features Jacobsen built in work better than some of the features in the contemporary rooms, particularly his tracked lighting system and concealed dressing table units.

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Hilton Worldwide has recently announced the signing of two management agreements which mark its entry into Georgia. Flagship brand Hilton Hotels & Resorts will debut in the coastal city of Batumi in summer 2014, whilst Georgian capital Tbilisi will be the location for a mid-market Hilton Garden Inn property in 2016. The two projects are entirely separate with different partners but jointly represent Hilton’s arrival into Georgia.Hilton Batumi – Hilton Hotels & Resorts will open its debut hotel in the coastal city of Batumi, following a management agreement with Tourinvest Ltd. Batumi has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, establishing the city as a thriving leisure destination. Tourism is central to the city’s economy thanks largely to its popular casinos, beaches and vibrant nightlife.

With 247 guestrooms, a destination restaurant and showpiece rooftop bar overlooking the Black Sea, the upscale Hilton Batumi will appeal to leisure guests seeking to explore the city. It will be located on the doorstep of attractions such as Batumi beach and the Seaside Park, whilst being in close proximity to the city centre and commercial port. The multi-purpose site will be shared with a retail unit, casino and health club, all directly linked to the hotel via a walkway and benefitting from underground parking.

Hilton Garden Inn Tbilisi Chavchavadze – The award winning mid-market brand will announce its presence with an eye-catching 14 storey, 165 guestroom property in the heart of Tbilisi’s financial district, following a management agreement with LTD Chavchavadze 64a that sees Redix act as developer and asset manager. The hotel will boast a prime location on Chavchavadze Avenue, which houses many of the city’s banks and commercial headquarters, while also being a thriving retail destination.

Guests at Hilton Garden Inn Tbilisi Chavchavadze will be able to enjoy the brand’s signature features, designed for convenience and comfort. This will include the Garden Sleep System; ergonomic Orange Box chair; and high-speed internet access. Its restaurant will offer traditional all-day dining while light bites are available on the go from the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry. The hotel will also be equipped with a round the clock business centre and a fitness complex featuring an indoor swimming pool.

Financing of up to $18.7 million for the Hilton Garden Inn property has been provided by the EBRD*. The project has also benefited from a technical and energy performance assessment sponsored by the government of Japan through the EBRD’s Sustainable Energy Initiative.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently announced the conversion of the Hotel Indigo® Anaheim hotel, the Hotel Indigo brand’s fourth property in California. Close to Disneyland Park and the Anaheim Convention Center, this addition to IHG’s Anaheim hotels is conveniently located near Universal Studios and both John Wayne and Los Angeles International airports.The four-story, 104-room retro-style hotel has been renovated with an investment of around $5 million by New Century Enterprises LLC, and uniquely tells the story of Anaheim’s agricultural history. The hotel is located near what was once a well-traveled wagon trail that connected several thriving ranches responsible for producing nearly half of the nation’s walnuts in the early 1900’s. This history is reflected in the hotel’s design, including mosaic murals featuring blooming walnut trees.

The Hotel Indigo Anaheim hotel, located at 435 W. Katella Ave., is convenient for both leisure and business travelers. The hotel has a meeting room that can be converted to suit a variety of needs, as well as a pool and a well-equipped fitness center. Complimentary Internet access is available throughout the property. The Chambers Bar & Bistro serves seasonal and locally-sourced food in a stylish environment. The restaurant name pays homage to the area’s history as the Chambers Ranch, the home of several hard-working families who made their living growing walnuts.

The Hotel Indigo Anaheim hotel, owned and operated by New Century Enterprises LLC, is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

August Highlights
• Hamburg’s hotels were full and profitable
• … while the Romans struggled to convert revenues to profits

Chengdu’s newest and most anticipated hotel officially opens its doors today. Located in the heart of the city that was once the site of an imperial palace, the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu marks the official arrival of luxury hospitality in South Western China. Towering above Tianfu Square in the city’s cosmopolitan heart, the 353 room property will be the ninth in China for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. and the 19th in Asia Pacific. With interior design inspired by traditional Chinese courtyard homes, oriental motifs have been skillfully blended into a contemporary luxury hotel. The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu pays homage to the past, while also catering to the modern needs of its guests with unmatched hotel accommodations.

The 41-storey luxury hotel has unrivalled views over downtown Chengdu with the highest guestrooms in the city. Those who have reserved one of 113 Ritz-Carlton Club level rooms or 55 suites will experience China’s only dedicated Club level personal butler services during their stay. The Ritz-Carlton Club Level provides an exclusive concierge, private check-in, and five delicious food and beverage services throughout the day within a stunning lounge boasting panoramic views of Chengdu.

Designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates, The Ritz-Carlton Spa draws inspiration from Chengdu’s position along the Ancient Silk Road with a contemporary twist. Utilizing historically-appropriate materials that include indigenous woods, metals, marble and the trade route’s namesake silk, the designers have created spaces which combine modern Chinese luxury with local culture. The spa has ten treatment rooms including two couples’ suites and luxurious heated jade stone beds.

The striking sanctuary also includes a beauty salon and a Technogym-outfitted Fitness Center built around a 25-meter indoor swimming pool equipped with an underwater music system.

The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu offers unrivalled dining and memorable experiences with the dedicated craftsmanship of Ritz-Carlton chefs, mixologists and sommeliers at its four restaurants and bars. Li Xuan Chinese Restaurant brings together the finest Cantonese dishes with local Sichuanese creations; SPICES, an all-day dining restaurant orchestrates the theatre and excitement of five open kitchens with cuisine from Italy, Japan, China and South East Asia.

The Lobby Lounge hosts a traditional English Afternoon Tea. The FLAIR lounge, designed by KCA International, has sweeping views of Chengdu from its outdoor terraces. Private rooms offer a sophisticated menu of classic cocktails, Asian tapas and fresh sushi. Complete with live DJs and a 360 degree fireplace, FLAIR will create a distinctive ambience that will make it the new beating heart of trendy upscale night life in the city.

With 1,700 square meters of event space, The Ritz-Carlton can cater to a broad range of upscale meetings and events for up to 900 guests with its two versatile luxury ballrooms and seven meeting rooms.

Yesterday (7th October), the UK’s first budget hotel chain, Travelodge wrote to 124 local councils in Great Britain following its successful co-partnership deals with local authorities for its Aylesbury and Eastleigh Central Travelodge hotels. Through this innovative partnership, local authorities borrow money from central Government via the Public Works Loan board at a fixed low interest rate and regenerate surplus land that they own by building a Travelodge hotel as either a stand-alone project or as part of a mixed-use development. Not only does this create jobs and boost the local economy but it also provides a substantial return of profit for the council.

For example, Aylesbury Travelodge which officially opened last week, is the first branded budget hotel to open in the town centre. The 81-room property has been funded by Aylesbury Vale District Council as part of a £18 million regeneration project which includes a Waitrose supermarket, a 270-space multi storey car park and the Travelodge hotel.

Enterprising Aylesbury Vale District Council borrowed funds from the Public Works Loan Board, a division of HM Treasury at a fixed low rate of 4.5% to fund this project.

The rental deal agreed between Travelodge and the District Council, plus the income from the other site occupiers means – Aylesbury Vale District Council is set to generate a double digit return on its investment.

Councillor Neil Blake, Leader of Aylesbury Vale Council, said:

“The redevelopment of Aylesbury town centre has been something we have been working hard to achieve for a long time and it is great that we have secured our first branded budget hotel, a Travelodge property in the heart of the town centre.

“At a time when so many other town centre redevelopment projects across the country were being delayed, scrapped, or put on hold, we are delighted to have been able to push forward with our regeneration plans and secure an impressive yield on the site. Many people have been involved in getting us to this point, in particular Cllr John Cartwright, who has recently stepped down as Leader of the Council after 11 years in the hot seat.

“The new development, including the addition of the Travelodge has not only significantly enhanced the attraction and vitality of Aylesbury, but has meant that we can now confidently move forward with the rest of our plans to improve the town.”

Commenting on the deal, Neil Parlett, Director of Public Sector Advisory Services at Lambert Smith Hampton, said:

“Travelodge and Aylesbury Vale District Council worked hard to secure an effective development partnership. This model for delivering economic development on robust commercial terms should be an attractive template for many other Local Authorities”

Earlier this year, Travelodge opened a new hotel in the centre of Eastleigh, a deal which also came about through a partnership with the local authority and was funded via Prudential Code borrowing via the Public Works Loan Board.

Alongside the successful examples of Aylesbury and Eastleigh, Travelodge is also in advanced negotiations with five other local authorities across the UK for developments utilising land and assets owned by the councils.

Given the success of the two schemes developed so far and the apparent willingness of other local authorities to look at ways of maximising the potential of their land and assets, Travelodge has now written to 124 local authorities in Great Britain – who all have locations identified within the Company’s hotels target location list. The letter explains how Aylesbury Vale and Eastleigh Councils were both willing to be creative in securing funds to finance vital regeneration schemes which included the construction of a Travelodge hotel on land or assets owned by themselves.

Paul Harvey, Travelodge Managing Director for Property said:

“We are the first UK budget hotel brand to work with local councils on co-partnership developments. The deals we have done so far have provided a great investment opportunity for both parties and as a result of this innovative calibration, we have today written to 124 other local authorities across England & Wales to see if we can work with them on a similar scheme.”

“Both Eastleigh and Aylesbury Vale are forward-thinking, innovative and enterprising local authorities. Both councils have recognised the opportunity to add new facilities into their towns whilst making a good return on their investment.”

Patrick Goff, Editor of www.hoteldesigns.net, has watched fascinated for over 30 years as new hotels and new rooms are added to, in particular, London hotel stock. However he has remained puzzled that over the years the shortage of room nights available in London has hardly change. It has been known for some time that as new rooms are brought on stream so older hotels go out of use, converted into more profitable apartments or gently declining to become hostels or nursing homes. Now research conducted by Melvin Gold Consulting has revealed that almost 40,000 UK hotel rooms have closed during the past decade – the majority being small unbranded independent properties in coastal areas such as Cornwall, Blackpool and Torbay. The report also revealed a significant number of rooms closed in the key London boroughs of Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea – typically branded and larger properties – the largest being the Regent Palace which included the closure of more than 1,000 rooms at the end of 2006. However closures in resort areas are the most significant category overall, with Cornwall, Blackpool, Torbay, Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight, as well as The Channel Islands, all featuring high levels of closures (see table at foot of the release for a list of all boroughs/districts with more than 400 rooms closed). Whereas new hotel openings outnumbered the closures in the London boroughs and larger cities, this was not the case in the coastal areas. The study indicates that at least 39,174 rooms have closed in 2,139 hotels – an average size of 18.3 rooms per property.

Today, the UK serviced accommodation sector comprises some 730,000 rooms of which 43.5% are part of hotel chains with consortia membership comprising 4.7%. Although Independent unbranded properties are still the majority of supply – 51.8% – this is fast changing. In particular the branded budget hotel sector has grown 10% per annum in the past decade and exceeded 20% in the prior decade and now has over 130,000 rooms, some 17.8% of total service accommodation.

Hotel Industry Consultant Melvin Gold reported on the research by saying: “The hotel industry in the British Isles is rapidly changing and it is very exciting to be part of such a dynamic sector that is adapting to its future.

“The transition of the UK hotel industry that is in progress is further evidenced by our research. We have found hotels changing use to residential accommodation, care homes, and student accommodation or being demolished to facilitate new development. It is important to note that it does not herald the end of the independent hotel, provided they are well-invested and market focused. I still expect them to comprise up to 40% of the future UK hotel market, but the majority of UK hotels will be branded within the next decade. This process of change reflects the requirements of the 21st Century consumer and also creates increased employment opportunities as the supply-base moves towards larger, branded hotels. From 2003 to the end of 2013, 103,612 new hotel rooms have opened in the UK. Even taking account of closures I expect continued growth and the UK hotel industry to have more than 850,000 rooms by 2030.”

The latest ‘Quantification of Serviced Accommodation Supply in the United Kingdom and Consideration of Related Issues’ report by Melvin Gold Consulting was issued in March 2011 and can be downloaded free here.

The article referred to concerning hotel openings in the UK during the past decade, and supporting information, is accessible here and here.

Local Authority areas in the UK with more than 400 rooms closed in the past decade are listed below: Local Authority areas with more than 400 rooms closed:

Rooms Hotels / Average / Size
Westminster 2,067 / 25 / 82.7
Cornwall 1,968 / 117 / 16.8
Blackpool 1,526 / 68 / 22.4
Channel Isles 1,230 / 52 / 23.7
Kensington
and Chelsea 1,210 / 22 / 55.0
Torbay 1,157 / 73 / 15.8
Bournemouth 940 / 39 / 24.1
Isle of Wight 933 / 46 / 20.3
Conwy 693 / 35 / 19.8
North Devon 660 / 34 / 19.4
Highland 581 / 36 / 16.1
Isle of Man 573 / 19 / 30.2
Scarborough 556 / 36 / 15.4
Thanet 494 / 23 / 21.5
Argyll & Bute 417 / 30 / 13.9
Birmingham 416 / 18 / 23.1
South Lakeland 405 / 39 / 10.4

Source: Melvin Gold Consulting research. Melvin Gold Consulting is an independent hotel consultancy specialising in strategic and financial work in the hotel sector in the UK and Europe.

The Metamorphosis of the Hilton London Metropole took 10 months to complete and showcases the Hilton lobby DNA design concept for the first time in the UK.

A 5ft cake was unveiled as a visual representation of the newly refurbished lobby at Hilton London Metropole, with each layer showcasing the six zones within the new-look space. One of the largest conference hotels in the UK and Europe, welcomes two new senior members to its sales team. The appointments of Jackie Boughton, director of sales, and Paul Weild, MICE sales manager, strengthen further the hotel’s highly regarded conference, meeting and events team with both bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to their new positions.

Prior to being appointed as director of sales at Hilton London Metropole, Jackie Boughton was head of sales at Wembley Stadium, overseeing the launch and growth of the arena over the last five years. Boughton’s knowledge and skills acquired, over 35 years, enabled her to achieve great successes during her time at Wembley Stadium.

During her career Boughton has been shortlisted for Conference and Incentive Travel’s top “Power 50” list. She also has an active role within the West London Business Chamber of Commerce as a board member, as well as a number of other industry consortiums.

Paul Weild brings over eight years of corporate sales practice to his new MICE sales manager role, having previously worked for Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Hotel du Vin, Sodexo Prestige and Holiday Inn Hotels.

Marriott International, Inc. expands its brand offering in Asia with the opening of its first Fairfield by Marriott hotel in Bengaluru, India. Considered a growth engine for the company’s expansion in Asia with 12 hotels signed in India and additional properties signed in Nepal and Indonesia, Fairfield represents an excellent opportunity for Marriott International to move into new locations and markets.

The Fairfield Bengaluru Rajajinager in South India opened on October 9th offering 148-rooms and Kava, a three-meal-a-day restaurant which will serve authentic Indian cuisine along with Western menu options, featuring both buffet and à la carte options. In addition the hotel has a functional lobby with a bar lounge and 24/7 Market for drinks and snacks; ample banquet and meeting room space with modern technology, a well-equipped business centre as well as a fitness center and a rooftop pool.

Louvre Hotels Group, a major player in hotel services in Europe, announces the signing of a strategic partnership with ARCUS Bauerrichtung GmbH, a German real estate construction group and Redserve, an Austrian consulting firm specialised in the development of international real estate projects.The partnership aims to build a portfolio of 26 hotels in Germany, Austria and Switzerland by 2020 for a total investment of about €160 million. The first development phase will place priority on locations in major regional cities such as Munich, Vienna, Salzburg, Basle and Zurich.

Louvre Hotels Group and ARCUS plan to pursue a dynamic development strategy over the next seven years with the opening of three to five new hotels each year. The first hotel developed under the partnership will be inaugurated in the north of Munich, Germany, in the fourth quarter of 2014.
As part of this partnership, ARCUS and Redserve will develop a sub brand of Tulip Inn hotels operating under the “Tulip Inn Alp Style” label.

Using the “Tulip Inn Alp Style” label, the partners intend to develop modern and functional hotels built around the warm ambiance typical of Alpine chalets. The concept, developed by Redserve, is based on the idea of transmitting ideas of traditional alpine hospitality, holiday associations to the guests of the “Tulip Inn Alp Style”. Next to an outstanding quality of architectural design the hotels will be constructed in a highly sustainable manner, using natural materials, focussing on local resources and which are based on energy efficiency principles. The concept will furthermore offer authentic, family-style services at competitive prices, highlighting the excellent quality-price trade-off of the “Tulip Inn Alp Style” label.

Main Characteristics of “Tulip Inn Alp Style” hotels:

 Functional, 16.5 m² rooms, all equipped with state-of-the-art technology
 A spacious lobby with lounge and a boutique area
 A free of charge cardio fitness centre
 Fully air-conditioned conference rooms with full audio- and videoconferencing facilities
 A bar and alpine bistro serving regional specialties, 24/7 snack and drink vending machines
 Free WiFi and online movie services for all guests

After expanding rapidly in Eastern Europe in recent years, this partnership will enable Louvre Hotels Group to strengthen its presence in Central Europe, where the Group now has 14 hotels.

Affinia 50, located in the heart of New York City’s sophisticated Midtown neighborhood (on 50th Street at Lexington Avenue), is currently undergoing a top-to-bottom renovation that is scheduled for completion in November 2013. The renovation encompasses the entire Midtown Manhattan boutique hotel: all guest rooms and suites, as well as all public spaces, including the lobby, popular second floor Club Room and corridors. The hotel has remained fully operational during the renovation process. Affinia 50’s $18 – $20 million transformation pays homage to its surroundings, capturing the energy and evolution of the neighborhood and incorporating all the comforts of home. The boutique hotel’s overall design will offer more of an open layout, created to reflect a chic, city-smart space where guests can balance business with leisure. This will be the first renovation for the property in ten years.

As part of the new overall direction for the NYC hotel, Affinia 50 will look to forge outside partnerships to enhance the guest experience. Recently, Affinia 50 launched a collaboration with FreshDirect, offering guests ready-to-make meals delivered to the hotel, and NakedWines.com, an online community that supports independent winemakers, to host the hotel’s nightly wine hour.
Re-imagined by celebrated architect Nobutaka Ashihara and international interior design firm Dawson Design Associates, the property’s approachable yet modern environment will be achieved through textures, rich woods and classic lines – all of which underlies the Affinia 50 boutique hotel experience.

“The new Affinia 50 will be a space where guests can enjoy facilities and hotel amenities designed for the well-seasoned traveler – whether in town for business or pleasure,” said Brian Gehlich, Affinia 50’s general manager. “The completely renovated property includes curated elements that evoke a sense of familiarity, chic, modern and locally inspired in its design. We want the hotel to be a welcome haven for guests to feel right at home.”

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The New York City borough of Queens will soon be home to a dual-hotel development featuring two popular Starwood brands. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced plans to open Four Points by Sheraton Flushing and Element Flushing in September 2015. Owned by Century Construction Group, the hotels will boast a convenient location, just ten minutes from LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Four Points by Sheraton Flushing will feature 178 stylish and comfortable guest rooms, 1,585 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space and dining service. Element Flushing will offer 118 rooms, a select-service restaurant and 1,015 square feet of flexible meeting space with modular furnishings and a flexible layout. The two hotels will share a 24-hour fitness center and heated indoor pool.

Boasting the second largest pipeline among all Starwood brands, Four Points by Sheraton has more than 175 hotels worldwide in 2013, fueled by the success of its “best for business” proposition for travelers seeking great hotels at great rates. Four Points by Sheraton Flushing will be the brand’s fourth hotel in New York City.

Located just minutes from LaGuardia Airport and eight miles from midtown Manhattan, Four Points by Sheraton Flushing and Element Flushing will be close to the New York Hall of Science, the American Museum of Moving Image and Flushing Botanical Gardens. The hotels will also offer proximity to Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Bronx Zoo, Midtown Manhattan, Times Square and the Broadway Theater District.

Swissôtel Krasnye Holmy is pleased to announce the opening of a new restaurant. Located on the 2nd floor of the hotel, the Acapella Restaurant & Lounge has rediscovered genuine taste, specialising in fresh, healthy and delicious food. It also offers a variety of local wines, as well as drinks made using organic fruits and vegetables. The restaurant’s main emphasis is on locally sourced, organic ingredients, while maintaining affordable dining. “A capella” is a musical term for polyphonic choral singing without instrumental accompaniment. Vocalists need to have a great deal of experience and knowledge of music to be part of an a capella choir. The kitchen team works together in a similar way, harmonising to offer guests natural and exquisite tastes that aren’t suppressed by heavy spices and sauces. The menu for the Acapella Restaurant & Lounge was created by Ivan Tishkin, Chef de Cuisine, who was previously the chef of the panoramic City Space Bar. The beverage menu was fashioned by Elena Chernoguzova, Swissôtel Krasnye Holmy’s beverage manager.

Acapella’s dishes contain only natural products and ingredients selected for their high level of quality. The restaurant’s team offers a modern interpretation of European and Russian cuisine, focusing on products with Russian origin, as well as eco-friendly, organic ingredients combined using modern cooking techniques. About 70% of all products used are local. “We use a lot of Russian products and recipes, and we offer them in a novel way. For example, some dishes are prepared sous vide, at low temperatures in a vacuum. This technique helps to keep the maximum of minerals and nutrients in food. Meat becomes softer and juicier, and fish has denser texture and richer taste,” says Ivan Tishkin.

This concept is also reflected in the Acapella Restaurant & Lounge’s interior design. In the same way a choir has different voices, the design of the restaurant is a delightful combination of tones and sections.Acapella opens onto a lounge overlooking the lobby, with an elegant à-la carte restaurant in the back. Acapella offers a relaxed, stylish atmosphere that combines Russian sophistication with a modern, urban tone. With seating for 150, the Acapella Restaurant & Lounge is open daily from 7 am to 11pm for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is also an ideal place for business or social events.

DoubleTree by Hilton is offering travellers the opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of Lisbon, with the opening of the upscale brand’s first hotel in Portugal. Formerly the Fontana Park Hotel and located in Saldanha Square, DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon – Fontana Park, with its design-led interior, is ideal for experiencing the historic Portuguese capital in style.Offering 139 guestrooms, the hotel retains much original character including various elements in homage to the building’s previous function as a small iron factory, and the beautiful interior open-air courtyard, complete with waterfall. Guests will be able to enjoy the DoubleTree brand’s signature warm welcome with a chocolate chip cookie presented on check-in.

Lisbon is rich in culture and history, and boasts a number of world-class attractions, including Ponte Vasco da Gama, the longest bridge in Europe, and the Cristo-Rei monument that stands at 260 ft., overlooking the entire city. Situated at the mouth of the Tagus River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon enjoys a mild climate all year round, and is the perfect destination for travellers looking for beautiful sandy beaches, renowned golf courses, or interesting heritage sites. The city has also become a popular destination for major international meetings and events.

DoubleTree By Hilton Lisbon – Fontana Park is situated just 5.3 km from the airport, and less than 10 km from the Gare do Oriente, which connects the capital with Spain and France via the high-speed train network. Whilst staying at the hotel, guests can enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine in the Saldanha Mar Restaurant, or sample the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle in the Fontana Bar Lounge.

Contra has recently launched their new website which showcases the companies range of soft furnishings and accessories.Established in 1985 Contra provide soft furnishings to many of the leading hotel groups in the UK and Europe.

Contra Curtains Project Director, Chris Wicks, oversaw the development and design of the new website.

“Working closely with our website team, we agreed at an early stage that the site should focus on the broad range of properties we have completed. Through the use of wonderful images built up over many years, our site showcases a number of completed properties. We feel these images clearly portray the quality of our drapery installations “

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. has announced a major expansion and development initiative that will bring the total number of properties in its portfolio to 100 hotels and resorts around the world by 2016. Ranging from Morocco to Japan and Israel to India, this plan will expand the brand to urban capitals and emerging tourist destinations, some of which are a first for the JD Powers luxury hospitality leader.“The robust pipeline of hotel projects indicates a continued strong demand for Ritz-Carlton products and services. We are delighted at the company’s continued positive growth,” said Herve Humler, president and chief operations officer. “Across the globe, and especially in Asia and the Middle East, we will be the undisputed top-tier luxury hospitality brand by 2016,” Humler predicted.

In the last 12 months, The Ritz-Carlton has opened three iconic properties, including Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Puerto Rico, The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi a beach-front resort in the capital city of The United Arab Emirates, and the brand’s first hotel in the stunning European city of Vienna in Austria.

No less than six new Ritz-Carlton hotels are scheduled to open in the last quarter of this year, including two properties in China; The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu and The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin; The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba will add to the stunning Caribbean portfolio; and the luxury brand is slated to open in three new countries with The Ritz-Carlton, Herzliya, Israel; The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty in Kazakhstan and The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore in India.

The 2014 schedule follows with a record number of new openings including Kyoto, Japan; Nanjing, China; Rabat, Morocco; Cairo, Egypt; Manesar, India and Bali, Indonesia. By 2015, The Ritz-Carlton anticipates that it will open world-class luxury hotels and resorts in Cabo San Lucas; Oman, Muscat; Bali, Indonesia; Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam; Tunis, Tunisia and Haikou, China.

Residences are also slated to open in Montreal, Canada; Herzliya, Israel and Almaty, Kazakhstan. “The growth of Residences by The Ritz-Carlton has been impressive. Affluent customers are choosing these lifestyle options because of they know that their condominiums and estate homes will be managed in the same exceptional way as our hotels.” said Humler. “Whether as a second or third home, or a primary residence, it is a great testimony to the affinity our customers have for The Ritz-Carlton.”

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., has signed an agreement with Nisantasi Konaklama ve Otel Hizmetleri A.S. (Demsa Group) to open a St. Regis hotel in Istanbul. Set to open in the first half of 2014, The St. Regis Istanbul will mark the debut of the luxury brand in Turkey and extend Starwood’s presence in the country. Located in the sophisticated Nisantasi neighborhood in the Sisli district on the European side of the city, The St. Regis Istanbul will offer easy access to chic boutiques, restaurants and cafes, and important landmarks including the Istanbul Congress Center and Taksim Square. Designed by award-winning Turkish architect Emre Arolat, the new-build hotel will overlook Maçka Park and the Bosphorus. The St. Regis Istanbul will have 118 rooms, of which four suites will feature custom interiors by world-renowned designers, as well as an exceptional presidential suite spanning approximately 2,000 square feet.
Renowned hallmarks of the St. Regis brand that will be available at the hotel include signature St. Regis Butler Service, providing anticipatory service and customizing each stay according to specific tastes and preferences. Culinary offerings will provide a sophisticated ambiance, including a brasserie-style restaurant which is set to become the new social and meeting address in Nisantasi. The rooftop restaurant will provide an unforgettable experience, while the lobby bar will be ideal for an intimate cocktail. The hotel will feature a spa, fitness center, as well as a business center, meeting rooms and a ballroom.

Later in 2013, Starwood will open its 10th hotel in Turkey with the Sheraton Adana Hotel, making Turkey one of the largest markets in Europe for the Sheraton brand. Scheduled openings in 2014 include The St. Regis Istanbul and the Sheraton Samsun Hotel. Starwood’s expanding footprint in Turkey is in tandem with the country’s continued growth as a tourist magnet and also as an event, business and financial center.

On October 10th, leading Japanese hospitality company Fujita Kanko Inc. will open its 30th Washington Hotel in Hiroshima, Japan. An excellent addition to the reasonably-priced modern hotels offered by the company’s Washington Hotels group, the new Hiroshima Washington Hotel will deliver convenience, comfort and efficiency to business and leisure travelers.Ideally located in the center of Hiroshima City, capital of Hiroshima Prefecture, the hotel’s 266 guest rooms, all with free wi-fi, and a restaurant will occupy ten floors (4th-14th) of the new construction. Restaurants and shops occupy the first three floors.

To promote Hiroshima designers, Fujita Kanko held a contest to design rooms featuring Hiroshima. Three were selected to design their one-of-a-kind rooms for the hotel.
The hotel also boasts a female-guests-only floor accessed by a special key for extra security. The rooms feature amenities and decor to meet the specific needs of female guests.

Hiroshima Prefecture, in Japan’s Chugoku region, offers diverse scenic beauty throughout its 100+ islands in the Seto Inland Sea and the Chugoku Mountains. Its famous cuisine includes oysters and “okonomiyaki,” a traditional savory Japanese pancake. Hiroshima’s two World Heritage sites attract visitors from around the world: the A-Bomb Dome, a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and the historic Miyajima Itsukushima shrine. The city itself embodies the liveliness of a major Japanese metropolis mixed with a rich history.

“The hotel is a three-minute walk from the Hatchobori train station, with four streetcar lines spreading in all directions,” said Shinichi Tamai, the hotel’s general manger. “Hiroshima City has the biggest streetcar network in Japan that provides an excellent way to see the city, including spots such as Hiroshima Castle.”

Pullman, assisted by eight renowned architects*, continues the brand’s architectural revolution with the renovation of its five Parisian properties (La Défense, Bercy, Charles de Gaulle Airport, Montparnasse and Tour Eiffel). After introducing the Pullman Paris La Defense’s new look in March 2013, the brand has now unveiled the revamped Pullman Paris Bercy. This hotel, located in the heart of a Paris neighborhood that features both a business district and a village atmosphere, offers the best of the Pullman experience. Its restaurant, “L’Esprit du 12ème”, which has been entirely redesigned, and its bar, are among East Paris’ favorite hot spots for business gatherings and relaxing get-togethers.The Pullman Paris Bercy has just undergone six months of refurbishment. Architecture and design firm JOI Design oversaw the renovation of its rooms and suites, while its public areas and restaurant were redesigned by interior designers Designsquared.

The hotel is strategically located in the center of the pedestrian Bercy Village neighborhood, close to La Bastille and the capital’s large stations, Gare de Lyon and Gare d’Austerlitz. It is a stone’s throw from La Grande Bibliothèque and just a few minutes from central Paris by metro. The hotel provides easy and fast access to the capital’s key sites for both business and leisure guests.

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The Falkensteiner Michaeler Tourism Group (FMTG) officially launched its latest glittering city hotel today, with architect Matteo Thun in attendance. The Falkensteiner Hotel Wien Margareten has been designed to four-star superior standards. The opening ceremony also marks the start of a new initiative for Falkensteiner’s premium city hotels.The FMTG has combined modern elements with a laid-back Viennese style in the new Falkensteiner Hotel Wien Margareten. CEO Dr Otmar Michaeler is particularly excited about the latest addition to Falkensteiner Hotel family: “Our new hotel in Vienna, which has been built to four-star superior standards, is our second city hotel project, in which we consciously focus on creating unique and flamboyant design and architecture. We recruited two creative visionaries in internationally acclaimed architects David Chipperfield, who designed the façade, and Matteo Thun, who was responsible for the interior, as we want this hotel to set an example for future city hotel projects. Alongside the design, the service concept has also been revised and streamlined. Combined with the company’s values and success factors, we have created a solid basis for further expansion in the city hotels sector.”

Manager Carl-Peter Echtermeijer is keen for his hotel to make an impression in his Grätzl (neighbourhood). He highlights the accessible central location: “We want to be accessible to the residents of the trendy fifth district. We hope that the hotel’s events will become an established part of the Viennese scene.”

Star architect Matteo Thun conceived the interior design as an exciting architectural fusion of Biedermeier and modernism: “The hotel’s relaxed interior is in keeping with the requirements of the location and reflects the charm of the traditional Margaretengürtel district. The primary idea was to transpose the glamour and classicism of old Vienna to the modern day.”

The 195 rooms and suites take guests on an architectural journey through time from the Biedermeier period to the modern day. The hotel provides a high level of functionality and a perfect environment for business travellers, along with a convenient city-centre location for tourists. The hotel’s City SPA with rooftop terrace is a relaxing oasis of calm. The lobby bar “Nepomuk” and the restaurant “Danhauser” serve typical Falkensteiner cuisine with a Viennese twist. The Falkensteiner Hotel Wien Margareten is in a central location not far from the Vienna State Opera, Ringstraße, and Kärntnerstraße. The Naschmarkt is a short walk away. Also located nearby are Margaretengürtel U4 metro station (approx. 3 min. walk) and Margaretengürtel tram station for lines 6 and 18 (approx. 5 min. walk).

August Highlights
• That Olympic Effect Reviewed in Full
• 2013 – The Year of the Provincial Profit?