Hotel Designs

Recently opened in October, Hotel Mancino 12 is the brand new jewel by Roberto Naldi Collection. It is located in the very centre of Rome a few steps from Piazza Venezia, walking distance from the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum but also from the shopping district of the Spanish Steps and the most famous Italian boutiques of the city.Hotel Mancino 12 is a five storey palace with arcades built with the typical in peperino volcanic stone. At the ground floor guests are welcomed in an elegant ambience which recreates a sense of comfort and familiarity with a cosy living room, the breakfast room and the “Mancino Office” with internet connection which can also be set up for small board meetings.

Only three guestrooms per floor, Hotel Mancino 12, bestows, on the top floor, a very exclusive suite with a private terrace and a view on the characteristic rooftops of Rome. Various shades of grey are the leitmotif of rooms and suite where one can feel a sense of equilibrium, serenity and elegance. All of them are perfectly equipped with plasma screen TV, mini-bar, air conditioning, free WI-FI internet connection.

Before stepping out in the morning, take the chance to order a perfect in-room breakfast or, if relaxing, swimming, exercising and wellness better suit your fancy, 2,000 square metres at the Prince SPA, are at disposal: Mancino 12 hotel guests are entitled to get a free admission to the biggest SPA of Rome’s city centre at the five star Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & SPA which is part of the Roberto Naldi Collection, just apply to the reception and a private transfer will be arranged on purpose for you.

Not to miss: a perfect dining at the exclusive award-winning Mirabelle Restaurant. Located in the heart of Rome, close to the Spanish Steps it boasts one of the best city views of Rome at the 7th floor of the deluxe Hotel Splendide Royal. During winter or summer, at lunch or dinner the view over Villa Borghese Park and St. Peter’s dome in a distance really heightens the finest food and wine experience, not to mention the inspiring astounding sunset colours! Mirabelle Restaurant is rated as one of the best in town. It possible to order à-la carte or make a choice among delightful tasting menus, Italian and international delicacies with ingredients of staggering quality are offered with an impeccable service.

The visit of the president of Indonesia to The Stones Hotel Legian, Bali, marks the official opening of this landmark property on the 12th December. The opening of the hotel also marks the official launch of Autograph Collection into Asia. Located on the southern tip of Legian Beach on the resort island of Bali, The Stones opens as a brand new hotel, blending beach simplicity with urban chic. Where iconic architectural design meets eclectic sophistication, The Stones offers 308 stylishly appointed guest rooms and 22 suites, including a palatial Presidential Suite. Spread across three floors with a total size of 1,950 square meters, the Presidential Suite features the latest in-room entertainment systems, four guest rooms, luxurious rain forest shower, stylish artwork, and many other extraordinary touches.

The focal point of the property is the 3,000 square meter pool surrounded by private cabanas. The hotel features a wide selection of culinary offerings at three innovative restaurants: Stones Kitchen – a contemporary-designed restaurant serving European café food and beverages; Long Rice Table featuring authentic Indonesian dishes served in a casual and vibrant atmosphere with modern, Indonesian-inspired design; and Big Fish Bar & Grill, a casual poolside grill serving cocktails and snacks which transitions into an alfresco restaurant specializing in local seafood in the evening.

Guest can explore the indigenous elegance of the hotel’s dazzling vertical gardens as well as find tranquillity and relaxation in the hotel’s Celestine Spa, offering five treatment rooms and three massage lounges. Finding inspiration in traditional Balinese massage and body treatments, the spa features natural spa products by Ritual Alami. Located adjacent to one of the island’s most popular beaches, The Stones is situated 20 minutes from NgurahRai International Airport and within walking distance to shopping, restaurants and leisure activities located in Kuta, Legian and Seminyak.

RPW Design has completed interior design, decorative lighting, furniture and finishes of all public areas and guest rooms of the newly opened InterContinental London Westminster. In just eleven months from appointment to opening, the interior designers have transformed Queen Anne’s Chambers, a former government building which is now home to 256 beautifully designed rooms including 44 luxury suites and an imposing penthouse. Welcoming and very English public areas at ground floor level have been designed to capture the traditions of the hotel’s illustrious neighbours in Westminster. Jan Wilson, owner and managing director of RPW, explains how local references were incorporated within the InterContinental Hotel Group’s brand guidelines, focussing on the very specific requirements of a property located in the heart of the government district and serving that market. The reception marble and mosaic floor has detail references to the floor at Westminster Abbey, and motifs from St James’s Park are also used to reference the design. The theme of the hotel’s signature artwork relates to various aspects of British political life in subtle and satirical ways.

The dominant feature of the principal guest lounge is a sculpture inspired by Jan Wilson and created by the studio “Evil Robot Designs”, who use re-cycled model toys to create very individual art. The concept here is a re-creation of the House of Commons, leaving visitors and guests to decide for themselves who is represented by the various characters that are present in this surreal version of the parliamentary chamber.

The hotel’s public rooms are set to become the new destination for members of the ‘Westminster Village’. In the Blue Boar Bar and Restaurant, which has its street entrance in adjacent Tothill Street, the designers created a series of public areas that feel intimate and private including secluded corners for private conversations, and a private drinking room. The Restaurant with its dark wood panelling and warm tones continues that tradition, and both areas operate as standalone elements in the development.

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The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., is pleased to debut the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in the Americas with Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Puerto Rico. Situated on 1,400 acres of the former Laurance Rockefeller estate, the long awaited second Reserve, part of an exclusive collection of bespoke properties, will usher in a new level of luxury travel experiences for guests in the Western Hemisphere. A cherished destination, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is an intimate retreat offering a true sense of barefoot elegance, blending Laurance Rockefeller’s novel environmental design philosophies and modern yet minimal décor. Created as an open-air enclave infused with references to the surrounding natural landscape and diverse culture, Dorado Beach is a true luxury sanctuary designed to allure the world’s most discerning travellers through a bevy of one-of-a-kind lifestyle experiences, including:

Accommodations
With 100 spacious guestrooms and 14 one-bedroom suites that sit directly onto the beach, guests can select from an exquisite collection of accommodations that allow the backdrop to take precedence through a complete indoor and outdoor experience. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors entirely disappear onto seamless ocean views, while outdoor shower gardens, indoor showers with deep soaking tubs, individual infinity-edge pools, rooftop pools and cabanas create an incomparable luxury experience.

Su Casa
Originally erected in the 1920s for the plantation land’s first owner, Clara Livingston, Su Casa’s storied grandeur now serves as a four-bedroom VIP villa overlooking the ocean. Paired with towering palm trees, expansive gardens, a private infinity edge pool and a spacious cigar veranda, the hacienda has been fully restored and modernized following a multimillion dollar restoration while preserving its legendary heritage and serene beauty.

Spa Botánico
Tucked away amid lush flora is Spa Botánico, a five-acre botanical sanctuary of pampering offering a holistic yet modern approach to beauty and wellness incorporating Manos Santos practices, ancient local healers often referred to as ‘Holy Hands’. Reflective of Dorado Beach’s lush surroundings, Spa Botánico blends a soothing natural environment inspired by these ancient Puerto Rican healing traditions, modern therapies and the finest quality of local botanicals to indulge the body, mind and spirit. Distinctive treatment facilities, warm and cool pools, waterfall showers, glass-walled treatment pavilions and open air Treehouse platforms create a relaxing state of well being among nature.

Mi Casa by José Andrés
For a world-class culinary experience, internationally acclaimed Chef José Andrés introduces his first restaurant outside the United States with Mi Casa. Inspired by Puerto Rico’s diverse culinary landscape, guests are treated to an artfully crafted menu of locally-caught seafood and avant-garde dishes. Chef Andrés will fuse his knowledge of sophisticated cooking and regional flavours to offer guests a truly exceptional culinary experience and a unique blend of Spanish and Puerto Rican flavours. The restaurant’s beverage selection mirrors its distinct cuisine showcasing an array of traditional and handcrafted cocktails, a portfolio of artisanal offerings and a robust international wine list complementing complex yet delicate flavours.

Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment
Designed for adults, families, and children, participants of Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment can discover Puerto Rico’s natural wonders both on land and sea, including coral reefs, a diversity of birds, wetlands, and traditional Taino culture through exciting and memorable adventures and activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, hiking and exploring an archaeological site directly on property. Integrating the program’s environmentally-conscious philosophy into the building’s infrastructure, the Ambassador House is designed to adhere to the highest standards of the U.S. Green Building Council, with a variety of sustainable efforts including regionally-sourced materials, renewable energy, organic and sustainable finishes and furniture, and monitoring systems to reduce the buildings overall energy usage.

The guest journey begins at the arrival pavilion, incorporating stylistic influences of contemporary soft structures and lush, indigenous landscape. Framed by striking ocean views, guests ascend the luxury hotel’s entryway to the arrival pavilion consisting of multiple small buildings separated to preserve the land’s original trees. Connected walkways raised above sunken gardens create a tropical forest floor punctuated by restful hanging beds, so every view is of both the land and sea and a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor environment.

To complement an unparalleled luxury experience, guests are invited to revel in a magical social event at the iconic Surf Room, a newly designed reconstruction from the original Rockefeller era. Beautifully appointed floor-to-ceiling glass windows enhance sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea which open out to an outside terrace set directly upon sand, creating an enchanting background perfect for any special occasion.

In addition to Mi Casa, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers three dining venues, including Positivo Sand Bar, situated parallel to the ocean offering magnificent vantage points with al fresco cuisine and refreshing cocktails; Encanto Beach Club Bar & Grill, an open-air bistro with freshly grilled cuisine for lunch and Asian-style selections for dinner; and La Cocina Gourmet, an outpost providing Puerto Rican coffees, homemade gelatos and local delights.

On a cold November day in Liverpool, beautiful American socialite and actress Olivia Palermo cut the ribbon to open a ground-breaking new pampering destination Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols. Based within the heart of shopping destination Liverpool ONE, Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols is 22,000 square feet over three floors entirely devoted to preening, luxury make-up and beauty treatments including teeth whitening, tanning and waxing.The incredible cutting-edge interior of the new concept store, including the exclusive first floor WOW Champagne Bar, was designed by leading London-based interior and graphic design agency FOUR IV. Bar stools and side chairs for the first floor WOW Champagne Bar were supplied by contract furniture specialist Andy Thornton.

Startlingly, brilliantly, dazzlingly white, our side chairs are dotted throughout the champagne bar, where customers can relax after their pampering treatments and enjoy a bite to eat, with cocktails and endless glasses of champagne. With a practical vinyl finish, the chairs feature contrasting electric blue piping and dark stained timber sleek legs, to complement the ultra-glamorous interior.

Matching Andy Thornton bar stools are also in bright white, with angular bases in sleek stainless steel and neat footrests for extra comfort. Positioned around the bar, the bar stools are perfectly situated for customers enjoying post-treatment light bites and drinks. We also supplied gold consultation stools to the Nails Inc Champagne Bar, pedicure and lash stools in electric blue and silver, reception stools in cream to the spa arrivals area and a treatment room pouffe in cream with gold rope detail.

The finished result is stunning; a luxurious and timeless mix of shades of gold, white and cream, with flashes of a rich, electric blue provided by cushions and detail on the chairs, making the WOW Champagne Bar a beautiful place to be, and be beautiful.

Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols in Liverpool touts itself as an all-day experience, the ultimate in high-end indulgence taking pampering to a whole new level.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has announced the opening of the Crowne Plaza Costa Mesa Orange County, following a conversion from an independent brand, The Hotel Hanford. A 224-room property in the heart of Orange County, the Crowne Plaza Costa Mesa is located adjacent to famed shopping destination South Coast Plaza, and in close proximity to John Wayne Airport, Disneyland®, iconic beaches, golf courses, museums and sports arenas. The Crowne Plaza Costa Mesa Orange County features contemporary design touches by CRDS, Inc., that reflect a stylish and relaxed Southern California vibe. For meetings and events, the hotel has 9,000 square feet of meeting space and nearly 20 different venue options, including both indoor and outdoor spaces, and can cater to almost any event style or size. The hotel offers a signature comprehensive meetings program that ensures a seamless planning process and an exceptional meeting experience consisting of three key components: a Two-Hour Response Guarantee, a Crowne Meetings Director and a Daily Meetings Debrief.

The Crowne Plaza Costa Mesa Orange County boasts 224 guestrooms, including six suites. Guests can take advantage of a variety of amenities, including complimentary high-speed Internet access, in-room dining, rainwater showers and ample parking.

Additionally, the hotel has hired a new Executive Chef, Ruben Gonzalez, and will be undergoing a restaurant concept and menu change in the upcoming months.

The Crowne Plaza Costa Mesa Orange County is independently owned by Westport Capital Partners and Urban Common LLC and operated by Brighton Management under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., has recently announced the opening of the Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort on Kuta Beach, one of world’s renowned surfer’s paradise in Bali. The hotel is located directly at the heart of Kuta beach with pristine Indian Ocean scenery. Owned by PT. Indonesian Paradise Island, the Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort is part of a luxurious shopping destination, presenting over 200 retail outlets in an open-air style and designed architecture inspired by the design of Bali’s rice paddy field. Centrally located at the heart of Pantai Kuta and just 5 kilometres away from Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), the resort’s elevated position on the island provides amazing ocean and beach views.

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort offers an exclusive retreat, amidst spacious open-air terrace, outdoor rooftop pool and unrivalled panoramic views of the ocean. The resort introduces 203 guest rooms and suites ranging from 46 to 265 square meters, each fitted with the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper® Bed and features a spacious private balcony with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean or the resort’s signature social courtyard. Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort also features a signature two-story Oceanic view Presidential Suite with contemporary approach of Balinese interior and private sundeck lounge.

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort houses three dining venues where travellers can enjoy Sheraton’s signature restaurants – the all-day dining Feast® with its vibrant open-kitchen, located alongside beachwalk patio overlooking the Kuta Beach, or indulge at Bene – a light-hearted Italian trattoria with oceanic setting, where guests can also relish mesmerizing views of the beautiful Bali Strait on the rooftop deck level. The Lounge offers a locally inspired cocktail menu, with open-air setting and Indian Ocean scenery.

To keep travellers fit and energized, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort introduces Sheraton Fitness by Core PerformanceTM with lifestyle designed training programs and encompassing a fully equipped fitness centre, Shine Spa for Sheraton that will pamper and rejuvenate guests with signature treatments blending from the East to the West with local Balinese touches and Color Your PlateTM a simple three colours approach to a healthy food program.

With a total of over 1,600 square meters all located on one level, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort offers 9 flexible event spaces – including a 700 square meters ballroom that is divisible and supported with an underground secure parking facility capable of hosting over 2,000 vehicles. In addition the meeting spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including broadband or wireless high-speed Internet Access. Travellers can stay connected with the exclusive Link@Sheraton® experienced with Microsoft® that provides a connectivity hub, with complimentary Wi-Fi and Personal Computer stations.

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., has recently announced the highly anticipated debut of The St. Regis Mauritius Resort, marking the brand’s first hotel in Africa and the 30th St. Regis hotel in the world. Designed by Stauch Vorster Architects with interiors by Trevor Julius of design firm dsgn, The St. Regis Mauritius Resort is modelled on a Victorian sugar-baron’s manor house set in a historical estate. With vast terraces, sumptuous rooms and colonnades, the resort provides guests with an idyllic island sanctuary reminiscent of the destination’s unique colonial past.

The resort features 172 elegant guestrooms and suites, ranging from 700 to 2300 square feet, all with expansive terraces and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The lavish beachfront St. Regis Villa features a private entrance, four luxurious bedrooms with private pools and gardens, stylish entertainment and dining areas, an infinity pool, a bar and private spa treatment room.

Exquisite Culinary Experiences

The resort’s signature restaurant, Simply India, promises an unforgettable fine dining experience created by Michelin-starred celebrity chef Atul Kochhar and offers a modern interpretation of authentic Indian cuisine. Led by Executive Chef Olivier Belliard, The St. Regis Mauritius Resort offers six other distinct gastronomic experiences ranging from Le Manoir Dining Room with a menu inspired by a blend of French and traditional Mauritian cuisine, to the modern Asian menu at Floating Market, and a relaxing beachside spot for casual oceanfront dining at The Boathouse Bar & Grill. Inspired by the legendary St. Regis New York hotel which opened in 1904, The 1904 Bar offers elegant rum cocktails and vintage whiskeys alongside the St. Regis ritual of champagne sabering.

Luxury Leisure and the First Iridium Spa in Africa

The St. Regis Mauritius Resort is home to the region’s first Iridium Spa, offering 22,730 square feet of blissful surroundings including a full-service salon, relaxation lounge, jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, as well as a dedicated men’s grooming salon and a 24-hour fitness club. Featuring 12 treatment rooms with ocean views, the Iridium Spa works with renowned beauty and skincare brands Valmont and Bella Luccè to indulge guests with bespoke spa treatments.

The Kite Flyers Club offers complimentary childcare services for children from four to 12 years old, including recreational highlights such as beach bonfires and kite-making, as well as facilities like indoor and outdoor play areas, the children’s kitchen corner and a swimming pool. Optional activities include guided excursions to the zoo and sugarcane museum, cooking classes and horseback riding.

Situated in the heart of the resort, the manor house comprises seven luxurious suites with in-room spa facilities, a private 24-seat cinema, a Drawing Room for indoor entertainment and games, a swimming pool, as well as a library and conservatory. Other leisure facilities at the resort include a beachside swimming pool, a tennis court and a resort boutique. For private celebrations, the Astor Room can be booked for events hosting up to 100 people.

Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

JOI-Design has recently completed a redesign of the guestrooms of the Sheraton Pelikan in Hanover, Germany, with a style that underlines the unique heritage of its location in the former production factory of Pelikan, a brand known to this day for its ink and artists’ paint.

The elegant red brick building built in 1906 was revolutionary in its time because of the reinforced concrete building structure which provided large bright spaces and ideal working conditions for employees. White pelican motifs running below the gable and plastered window surrounds provide a striking contrast to the simple red stone façade. The building was converted into a hotel by Sheraton in 1993 and has 147 guestrooms; those which are located in the former production areas have up to 4.25m high ceilings with large windows. In referencing the heritage of this fine German brand, the designers achieved a harmonious balance that blends industrial authenticity with contemporary style and comfort. The concept for the guestrooms draws upon the art of writing through individual elements that refer to the building’s previous life. The carpet design is suggestive of stylised ink splashes floating on a background of hand-sketched lines and the curtains have a subtle pattern of cascading ink spots. Above the desk, three glass pendant lights from a are reminiscent of the shape of a glass ink bottle, while the bedroom side tables have softly serrated edges inspired by the bottle’s lid.

Each room has its own unique piece of art, an illuminated glass panel set into the headboard and back painted with a handwritten quote. Famous quips have been penned in the script of team members from both the hotel and the designers, providing a delightful commentary on the individuality of the handwritten script in an age of impersonal emails and text messages.

Overall the design language brings an individual touch to the rooms, imparting guests with the feeling of being in their own loft apartment. High vaulted ceilings add to the loft-like character of the rooms and large windows allow natural sunlight to flood the space, creating an airy feel. The colour palette of natural tones is themed around the traditional writing set of parchment paper and inks. Contrasting accents, such as the saffron yellow leather desk chair with stitching detail, add a vibrant splash to the deep espresso base colours of the guestroom furniture.

In keeping with the building’s architecture, the interior detailing is unfussy and minimal. Careful space planning was required to create a luxury hotel room within a relatively small space, down to the angle of the bed and exact positioning of the TV.

Hand-drawn lines also feature in the guestroom corridor carpet design, running out asymmetrically from one side of the corridor as in a left or right justified paragraph. The pattern of lines is punctuated with large stylized elliptical “ink blobs” demarking the guestroom entrances.

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The highlights of October’s performance include:

• Dubai hotels hit a high again this Eid while Kuwait see hotel revenues and profits surge;
• Egypt hotels achieve peak performance while Jeddah makes the best of the Eid and Hajj seasons.

The Rezidor Hotel Group, member of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, confirms the Azure Property Group as the new owners of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow. The purchase by the Azure Property group further cements the 5-star hotel’s position as one of the city’s leading and most established hotels.“We are delighted to be extending a long-standing working relationship between Rezidor and Azure and I’m confident that under this new ownership, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow will go from strength to strength” says Philip Mahoney, Area Vice President Radisson Blu and Hotel Missoni, UK & Ireland

The recipient of numerous architectural awards, the stunning Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow sits close to world-class shopping and the city’s financial and business district. Under the new ownership, Azure will build on the investment that went into a full room refurbishment undertaken at the hotel in 2011, including the transformation of all 250 guest rooms, complete with new decor, furniture and furnishings.

“We are very pleased and excited to be the new owners of the landmark Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow, our second hotel in the last 12 months under the flagship of Radisson Blu in the UK, following the opening of the Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport in October 2011. We continue to look at further expanding our relationship with Rezidor in the UK” says John Nielsen, Director of Hotel Operations of the Azure Group.

The stylish hotel offers luxury guest rooms and suites with upscale amenities, and Free high-speed Internet access. The hotel also features fine dining at Collage Restaurant, two relaxing bars and a ground-floor conference area that includes the Megalithic event venue able to seat 800 guests. Services at the hotel include 24 hour room service and access to the LA Fitness swimming pool and fully equipped gym.

Located just across the road from Glasgow’s Central Station, with direct links from the M8 motorway and 12km from Glasgow International Airport, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow is ideally located for any business or leisure traveller.

In a UK first, Travelodge has launched a hotel room which will allow customers to sleep under the stars in the comfort of their bed.

A secret technique has been used to create the stunning ‘Night Sky’ at a dozen Travelodge hotels across the country. Each bespoke cosmic panorama has been created by artist Carl Marshall.

Carl and a colleague have artistically transformed a standard white ceiling into a cosmic sky by hand painting individual shooting stars, milky ways and constellations of twinkling stars. On average it took them three hours to complete one ceiling.

During the day, the ceilings look plain white but in darkness the stars appear to twinkle and the dust clouds seem to move mysteriously. Whilst the three dimensional effect of the ceiling also appears to fall towards the bed by around three feet, creating a sense of immersion.

Carl Marshall created the ceiling by working in the dark wearing a UV headlight. He covered the ceiling with a base layer of special light-activated paint then used glow-in-the-dark paint that glows blue, green and aqua to add dust clouds, stars and their tails. The paintworks soaks up light during the daylight hours and glows in darkness.

Carl Marshall from Euxton, Lancashire said: “The exact technique I use is a closely guarded trade secret because it is so effective. It is a painstaking process as you have to position the colours perfectly to achieve a three-dimensional effect but the results are definitely worth it.

“The stars twinkle and the dust clouds appear to move as you lie in bed looking at it.

“Everybody is blown away by it when they see it and my children think it is amazing.”

Travelodge has created the UK’s first night sky panorama hotel rooms in response to findings from its latest sleep study. The hotel chain surveyed 2,000 adults in order to investigate the nation’s most desirable sleeping locations.

Key findings from the study revealed the most desired kipping location for Britons is under a blanket of twinkling stars. Forty two per cent of adults choose a starry night sky backdrop as their most desired sleeping location in contrast to a tropical beach, rainforest and jungle.

Sleeping by the sea was the second most popular desired kipping spot for Britons followed by a sandy beach in third place. .

Delving a little deeper into the nation’s fascination with stars the study also found that that over a half of Britons (52%) think there is something very magical about a starry night.

A third of Britons reported they regularly enjoy looking up to a night sky at bedtime and find counting stars very tranquil and a good sleep aid.

Whilst four out of ten adults reported gazing up at a starry sky puts them in a romantic mood.

Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge spokesperson said: “As part of our commitment in helping to ensure our customers attain a good night’s sleep, we are constantly looking at innovative sleep aids. Therefore in response to our latest sleep study, which highlighted Britons most desirable place to nod off is under a blanket of stars, we took the challenge and created the ultimate outdoor sleeping experience indoors. Now our customers can gaze into a cosmic night sky of shooting stars, milky ways and constellations of twinkling stars from the comfort of their warm cosy bed.”

Neil Shah, Founder of The Stress Management Society said: “The Travelodge night sky room is a great concept to help you de-stress after a long day. Focusing on something, such as a sky full of stars, which the brain is unable to consciously analyse or tune into, encourages our minds to switch off and drift into a stress free deep sleep.”

Chris Idzikowski, Director of Edinburgh Sleep Centre, said: “This new innovation can help towards attaining a good night’s sleep. The way it works supports our natural sleep / wake cycle. In darkness our brain’s (pineal gland) releases melatonin, the hormone of darkness which supports sleep. Whilst dawn light is very important for keeping the biological clock ticking to the right time.

“The Travelodge night sky room replicates the natural environment which our ancestors would have experienced in the savannah grasslands during the evolution of human sleep patterns.”

Further findings from the sleep study revealed that 28% of British adults would love to sleep under the stars every night because it would help them to nod off easily.

One in ten Britons would love to transform their bedroom ceiling to a starry night sky so that they can achieve a good night’s sleep.

W has unveiled a full scale property renovation that melds the enigmatic charms and sultry soul of New Orleans into one vibrant destination. Located in the heart of the Big Easy’s most renowned neighbourhood, W New Orleans – French Quarter has transformed all 97 guestrooms, its Living Room (the W brand’s take on the traditional hotel lobby), Studio meeting spaces, all corridors and the outdoor Courtyard. W New Orleans – French Quarter has also expanded its offerings, adding SWEAT, state-of-the-art fitness centre, as well as SoBou, a contemporary Creole cuisine restaurant, recently named one of Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in America.W New Orleans – French Quarter Unveils New Rhythm

New York City based interior design and architecture firm Nemaworkshop redesigned the guest rooms of W to reflect the artistic energy and the intrigue of jazz and tarot in the Crescent City. Each room boasts a palate of clean lines and modern blacks and whites mixed with vibrant gold tones and rich primary colours relevant to the room design motif. Inspired by the liveliness of Big Easy music, the jazz design features vibrant golden yellow walls and an oversized floor-to-ceiling brass image modelled after the bell of a horn. The property’s tarot designed rooms channel the mystic spirit of the city with décor inspired by New Orleans’ voodoo queen Marie Laveau. The walls feature a deep blue colour as well as an oversized mural representing a woman reading tarot cards.

“The new design definitely has a little fun with the city’s spiritual side,” states Anurag Nema, principal at nemaworkshop. “You may see Marie’s eyes following you on the guest room number placard, or you may recognize her headdress on a directional sign. If you look up while you’re standing in the lift landing, you’ll notice tiny, pin-like lights, playing off voodoo pins.”

In addition to the décor, in-room technology has also been enhanced with new 40″ Plasma TVs and the addition of a “jackpack,” offering the ability to stream movies, photos, presentations, etc. from portable devices directly onto the TVs. The brand new, state-of-the-art SWEAT fitness facility offers cardiovascular fitness and personal training programs using free and machine weights from Technogym.

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The Alpina Gstaad has recently opened its doors to guests for the first time. A 300 million Swiss Francs luxury development, this new addition to the picturesque region of Saanenland in the Bernese Alps has been four years in the making, and is the first newly built luxury hotel in Gstaad in 100 years. Set in a prestigious hilltop location in Oberbort, just five minutes from the centre of the exclusive village of Gstaad, the hotel includes a Six Senses Spa and the first Western European outpost of celebrated Japanese restaurant MEGU. The Alpina Gstaad features 56 spacious rooms and suites, impeccably decorated with a combination of modern design and traditional Swiss elements, designed by the London office of “Hirsch Bedner Associates”. The exterior takes its inspiration from typical Swiss architecture, with its four towers, dormers and wooden balconies.

In addition to the Six Senses Spa and MEGU restaurant, the hotel also features a wine tasting room, cigar room, private cinema and two further restaurants offering traditional Swiss or modern European menus. The Six Senses Spa boasts both indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness centre, various treatment rooms for both individuals and couples, and a range of holistic treatments and rejuvenation programmes.

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Paragon Hotels, owners of 10 hotels throughout the UK, eight of which are operated under the Classic Lodges brand, is taking back the direct management of the iconic Edinburgh hotel, The Roxburghe. It will rebrand as Crowne Plaza Edinburgh – The Roxburghe following a new franchise agreement with IHG.Set in the heart of the city in Charlotte Square, the hotel has undergone significant investment since 2008, with £7 million being invested in updating all 199 bedrooms, the reception and lounge. The hotel, currently managed by Macdonalds, has been owned by Paragon for 15 years.

The franchise agreement will see further investment in the bar and restaurant’s food and beverage offering, and the refurbishment of both the meeting areas and club bedrooms. A new lounge will be created, and the website completely revamped and rebranded.

Marcello Ventisei, General Manager at the Roxburghe, believes the Crowne Plaza brand will give the hotel a new standing in the market: “The Roxburghe is perfectly placed in the centre of the city for visiting businessman and international leisure guests,” he says. “With the added stature of now being a four-star Crowne Plaza property, I believe this will elevate the hotel further.”

Richard Grime, Managing Director of Paragon Hotels, agrees and is pleased to see the historic hotel continue its evolution: “As part of the hotel’s future development we are particularly pleased to have agreed with IHG that the Roxburghe will become a Crowne Plaza which allows it greater access to an international client base travelling to the capital of Scotland.”

IHG’s Chief Development Officer for Europe, Robert Shepherd, said: “We are pleased to bring the Crowne Plaza brand to the heart ofEdinburgh. Crowne Plaza is one of the fastest growing upscale brands in the world and has the most hotels in the development pipeline of any upscale brand globally – we are opening 120 hotels over the next few years. Business and leisure travellers alike know that they can expect simplified elegance, comfort and a 24-hour business service from a Crowne Plaza hotel. Significant investment is being made to ensure that Crowne Plaza Edinburgh can help guests be at their best.”

De Vere Venues, the UK’s number one for meetings, training and conference space has celebrated the official launch of the £20million Orchard Hotel, adjacent to the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham. This 202 bedroom hotel underpins De Vere Venues’ growth strategy, while the combined options of the EMCC and Orchard Hotel will now provide a totally integrated solution for both UK and international meetings and events including training, team building activities, product launches and conferences. The Orchard Hotel opened its doors on 16th November 2012 and is a state-of-the-art eco-hotel designed by RHWL Architects and Interior Designers, Graven Images. Stylish and contemporary, the Orchard Hotel is sited within the University of Nottingham’s 300 acres of stunning landscaped parkland and is ideal for business and leisure travel alike.

Tony Dangerfield, CEO of De Vere Venues comments, “The Orchard Hotel is fantastic new addition to our portfolio representing a significant investment by the University in the city of Nottingham. At De Vere Venues we are committed to extensively increasing our already impressive venue portfolio, and this new beautiful hotel will make the East Midlands Conference Centre a complete, one stop venue to fulfil and exceed all our guests’ expectations.”

Built to the highest environmental standards, the Orchard Hotel features state-of-the-art technology to reduce carbon emissions. The project’s commitment to the surrounding environment is further reflected in its high level of sustainability. The hotel will aim to achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating under the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), which recognises low-impact buildings that incorporate the best environmental practice. The hotel will incorporate sustainable features including a green roof system, photovoltaic panels, smart building management systems and energy efficient lighting, glazing and ventilation systems.

Pro-Vice Chancellor for Environment and Infrastructure, Professor Karen Cox, comments, “The University is proud to open The Orchard as a unique and environmentally-driven addition to our conferencing facilities. It is a beautifully designed complex, funded entirely by the University, and will be available for use by conference delegates, university visitors, local businesses and the general public.”

Features and benefits

• The Orchard Hotel offers 202 bedrooms, including 55 are executive suites and 5 accessible bedrooms
• The Orchard Hotel features Bramley’s, a 160 seat brasserie-style restaurant as well as a bar area
• Four meeting and training rooms offer space for up to 20 delegates
• The venue features accessible roof-top gardens, a glass atrium reception and lobby which is flooded with natural daylight, floor-to-ceiling windows, bespoke furniture and unique decor throughout
• An executive lounge, leading to an exclusive roof-top garden is reserved for those staying in executive accommodation
• Mezzanine level provides a stunning area for private hire in the evening for up to 100
• On site gym facilities
• The East Midlands Conference Centre offers flexible meeting space accommodating between 10 and 850 delegates, with 21 flexible meeting rooms, state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, free WiFi throughout

Interiors are by Graven Images, Architects were RHWL.

The Rezidor Hotel Group has opened the 127-room Park Inn by Radisson Lille Grand Stade in France. The chic and colourful mid-market property is located in the city of Villeneuve D’Ascq (nicknamed “green technopole” thanks to the implantation of many researchers) and adjacent to one of Europe’s most high tech football venues, the Grand Stade Lille Métropole that will host the LOSC Lille Metropole football club, major events & conferences, and the 2016 UEFA European Football Championship. The Park Inn by Radisson hotel offers guests unrivalled access to football & rugby matches, concerts and events in the Grand Stade. Nearby companies include Auchan, Bayer, Decathlon, France Telecom, Leroy Merlin, and Petrovox – so the area also hosts major business meetings & conferences. As part of the Grand Stade Lille Métropole complex, the hotel scores with excellent transportation links and great connectivity. Train stations serving Thalys and eurostar are easily accessible, and the airport is less than 10 kilometres away.

The hotel comprises 127 guest rooms with contemporary design featuring bold colours, and with unrivalled views over the 50,000-seat Grand Stade Lille Métropole. The Standard and Business Class rooms offer modern amenities including free high-speed internet access, room service, walk-in shower, air-conditioning, hair dryer, satellite TV, tea and coffee provisions and a writing desk.

The hotel restaurant has a fresh and versatile menu, offering both snacks and full meals. International favourites like wraps, salads and pastas sit alongside regional specialities, while the lounge-bar offers an extensive choice of drinks. A special children’s menu makes life easy for travelling families.

For business groups, the stadium offers conference rooms ranging from 150 to 700 sqm in size, along with a 230-seat auditorium. The Park Inn by Radisson adds two smaller, flexible meeting rooms (25 sqm) with individual climate control and business services.

Hilton Worldwide has announced the opening of a DoubleTree by Hilton in Merida – the largest city and capital of Mexico’s state of Yucatan. Built around an early 20th century mansion, the four-story DoubleTree by Hilton Merida welcomes guests to an experience inspired by the area’s history.Located in the city’s business district, DoubleTree by Hilton Merida is just 10 minutes from the international airport and five minutes from Merida’s most well-known avenue “Paseo de Montejo”. The 100-room hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel’s surrounding area is home to many businesses and institutions, while the convention centre is just 15 minutes away. Guests can visit Paseo de Montejo, a 19th century boulevard inspired by the Champs Elyseés lined with lush trees and elegant mansions. Ideal for a stroll back in time, the area offers dining, museums and colonial period architecture.

DoubleTree by Hilton Merida is the perfect starting point to experience the city’s culture and history. Constructed within an elegant mansion built over 50 years ago, the hotel’s eclectic design, highlighted by a façade carved in marble and granite, reflects the thriving economy of the Yucatan peninsula’s late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The new DoubleTree by Hilton Merida’s well-appointed guest rooms and suites feature the Sweet Dreams® by DoubleTree Sleep Experience, refreshing Crabtree & Evelyn Citron® bath and body products, 42-inch HDTV flat screen television, in-room tea and coffee making service by Wolfgang Puck, spacious work desks with data ports, MP3-compatible clock radios, and wireless high-speed internet access. Visitors will also have access to 3,000 square feet of function space, business centre, fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool.

Dining options feature the signature restaurant La Casona Colón, open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and boasting a blend of local specialties and Caribbean cuisine prepared using French culinary techniques. La Raspa bar provides exclusive cocktails and beverages in a hip and eclectic atmosphere.

Guests will also benefit from the characteristic qualities found at more than 310 DoubleTree by Hilton locations in 23 countries, including the signature welcome with the legendary warm chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in, an array of upscale amenities and guest services, the rewards of the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty programme, and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community.

It was all systems go for Accor last week with an opening party for their newly built 4 star Novotel Blackfriars going on next door to the one for the updated Ibis. This 182 room hotel with sleek modern public spaces including an open theatre kitchen and beautiful guest rooms is amongst the most technologically advanced hotels in London.

Guests will find self check in desks in the lobby area where there is a video wall featuring digital art and once again Monscierge provides a virtual interactive system to help you plan your day.

The latest Microsoft Surface table and I Macs are also there for guest use with I-Pads and TV Dining tables in the restaurant . Floor to ceiling windows flood the hotel with natural light and a bold monochrome bar divides the lobby lounge from the 84 seat Element restaurant serving British and European cuisine.

Access to guest rooms is with an electronic touch key system. Of particular interest is the touch screen privacy screen in the bathroom where the transparent glass partition becomes opaque at the touch of a switch. Bedrooms come in two colour ways and feel relaxing and light. Executive rooms have balconies with great views of the city especially at night.

I pod docking stations, Free wifi access and a media hub mean the hotel will appeal to business and leisure guests alike. After a day in town they can relax in the pool, sauna and steam room or de-stress in the state of the art ‘ In Balance’ fitness centre. This is spacious enough not to make guests feel crowded so the work out is more enjoyable.

Seven meeting rooms are available for up to 90 delegates and they include Interactive whiteboard technology. There is a large breakout area to enjoy coffee and snacks.

From a first impression I can only agree with Accor’s Thomas Dubaere ” This is our finest Novotel to date and represents the next generation …in the UK. The quality style and class of this hotel is evident from top to bottom and is a hotel to be seen and enjoyed.”

For a French group however it is somewhat suprising that there are only UK sockets in the bedrooms, no continental or US variations to be seen…

©Words and Pictures Christine Brett for HotelDesigns

GHM moved into new territory this month after signing on to develop the Chedi Tomakomai, a 60-room luxury hotel and expansive wellness complex set within 1,057 hectares of lush forest on the island of Hokkaido in northern Japan.Following the agreement between GHM Holdings and Nordenwald Company Ltd., construction on the project will begin in November 2012 with a projected opening date in 2015.

Designed by iconic Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the Chedi Tomakomai will stand as an environment-friendly design on 47 hectares of land, preserving 96% of the surrounding forest.

“The prospect of working with Tadao Ando on this, our first property in Japan, is as compelling as the natural splendor of the site itself,” said GHM President Hans R. Jenni. “With Tadao Ando, we’re after the utmost in elegance from the utmost in simplicity.”

Known as one of Japan’s major breadbaskets and home to six undisturbed national parks, Hokkaido’s natural assets will be reflected in The Chedi’s open-air hot springs, 30-table gourmet restaurant, and health facilities.

Each 60-70 square-metre room in the hotel will have built-in fireplaces and cliff-facing views. A six-room spa, health club, indoor and outdoor pools, library, lounge and wine cellar are all in the blueprints. GHM will also develop 40 private villas for long-term lease.

“Urban dwellers will be enchanted by the serenity and bountiful natural beauty of this property,” said Clement Koh, GHM’s vice president of sales and marketing. “Our vision is a comfortable and exclusive retreat where the recharging takes place in a truly stunning wilderness.”

Designers for The Chedi Tomakomai plan to map three excursion courses for eco-tours and forest therapy. The property will be only minutes from the new Chitose International Airport, Tomakomai Port, and 16 premier golf courses.

Renowned for his minimalist modern aesthetic, active natural elements and expressive use of space and light, Tadao Ando’s involvement with The Chedi Tomakomai is part of GHM’s commitment to partnerships with front-running designers. The group has most recently called on designers such as Kerry Hill, Jaya Ibrahim, Jean-Michel Gathy and Reda Amalou to conceptualise its resorts.

Ando’s Church of the Light, Water Temple and Benesse House Museum / Naoshima (Contemporary Art Museum) in Japan have established him as one of the country’s most renowned architects. Ando is also at work on a GHM property in Kona, Hawaii.

The Chedi Tomakomai is one of several Chedi properties that GHM plans to launch in the next three years. The Chedi Club Suzhou (China) and The Chedi Andermatt (Switzerland) are expected to open in 2013. The other properties scheduled to open by 2015 include The Chedi Nusa Penida (Bali), The Chedi Tamouda Bay (Morocco), and The Chedi Khorfakkan in Sharjah (UAE).

One of Newcastle’s most prestigious hotels has been added to the hotel panel of corporate travel services specialist, The Co-operative Travel Management (CTM), strengthening its relationship with several Co-operative businesses. Sandman Signature Hotel is enjoying the benefits of trading across The Co-operative’s family of businesses. Having been a client of The Co-operative Bank, it also recently took out a commercial insurance package with The Co-operative Insurance.

The hotel will now be considered for the more than 2,000 rooms which are booked by CTM in Newcastle every year.

The comprehensive insurance package it has taken with The Co-operative covers the hotel premises as well as employers and public liability.

Dave Matkin, Head of Business Development, at The Co-operative said: “Sandman Hotels illustrates how cross trading with The Co-operative brings additional benefits for businesses.

“Through an existing strong relationship with the company which spans insurance and banking, we are now helping to get more visitors to the hotel through our corporate travel management business.

“We are uniquely positioned to offer businesses a wide range of expertise spanning many sectors, and a diverse range of products and services covering legal and financial services to travel management and uniforms.”

Mitch Gaglardi, Director at Sandman Signature Hotels, added: “Dealing with one company for several services is certainly easier but when it’s an organisation with a trusted brand such as The Co-operative, that’s even better.

“The relationship has enabled us to ensure we can fill more rooms more of the time whilst also providing us with competitive banking and insurance packages.”

The 170-room Sandman Signature Hotel sits in the city centre of Newcastle, opposite the iconic Newcastle United Football Club Stadium. It employs around 200 people and includes the famous Shark Club Gastro Bar.

Innovative Asian hotelier Alila Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of its first Indian heritage property. Alila Fort Bishangarh will launch in late 2013 following the restoration of the beautiful 230 year-old Rajasthan Fort into a luxury 59-suite boutique resort.Positioned on a granite hill in the Aravalli Mountain range, with spectacular 360-degree views, the site is owned by the ruling Maharaja, Rao Rajendra Singh, and has been in his family since the 14th century. The fort is thought to be the only one of its kind to be converted into a heritage resort and is a unique example of the Jaipur Gharana architecture influenced by both the Mughals and the British.

The ecological restoration project will focus on lovingly preserving the grandeur of the original fort with its two metre thick walls and original battlements and turrets, whilst sensitively developing new residential areas to recreate the courtly flavour of Shahpura’s royalty.

A completely new structure is being created above and outside the old fort to house five different styles of royal suites and lavish public areas. As befitting its royal heritage, Alila Fort Bishangarh has its own landholdings, which include the charming Bishangarh village and its havelis (mansions).

The all-suite resort will feature 59 stately suites with stunning views. Each spacious suite will be elegantly furnished with large bay windows, day beds and expansive bathrooms with footed bathtubs, with each suite comfortably accommodating a family of four.

Leisure facilities within the fort will include an outpost of the acclaimed Spa Alila, two speciality restaurants, an all-day coffee lounge, a bar and cigar room, wine cellar and Library. Down the hill, the public areas will include a pool, pool terrace and juice bar, Fitness Centre and a ‘play soldiers club’ for children.

Alila Fort Bishangarh will also provide a majestic setting for grand weddings and celebratory events including MICE facilities, with a royal banquet hall, banquet dining room, conference and meeting rooms, an open-air terrace and large banquet lawns.

The Alila experience will offer guests the chance to explore the charm and beauty of Jaipur, Bishangarh and rural Rajasthan with a host of tailor-made rural activities and adventure.
Located at Bishangarh Village in the Jaipur District, Alila Fort Bishangarh is easily accessible from both Delhi and Jaipur, just 180 km (3 hours) from Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi and only 55 km (1 hour) from Jaipur Airport. Amber Fort at Jaipur is only 45 minutes away and Bishangarh is a good base to explore Jaipur’s innumerable tourist attractions.

Alila Fort Bishangarh will become the third Alila property in India, joining the contemporary Alila Diwa Goa and Alila Bangalore to further strengthen the group’s Indian portfolio.

The Surface Design Awards recognise examples of progressive design and the use of innovative surfaces in projects both in the UK and internationally. The Awards mirror the goals of the show by shining a spotlight upon the wealth of creativity and innovation in the industry.The Awards, organised by Montgomery Exhibitions, were launched this year to mark the 10th anniversary of Surface Design Show, the only event in the UK focused exclusively on interior and exterior surface solutions.

The show’s director, Christopher Newton, said, “We were delighted with the response we received to the Awards. The first Surface Design Awards are truly international and reflect the creativity and innovation in our industry.” Judge Scott Lawrie, Director, All Design said “The array of submissions was staggering in its depth of interesting surfaces and applications.”

The finalists were chosen by an impressive judging panel comprising; Scott Lawrie, Director at All Design, Heinz Richardson, Director at Jestico + Whiles, Sam Stacey, Head of Innovation at Skanska and David Steeples of Philip Watts Design. The panel was co-chaired by Vanessa Brady, President of the Society of British Interior Design and Felix Mara, Technical Editor of the Architect’s Journal.

The Judges were looking for innovation and design quality and after spending a day deliberating on the wide range of projects entered for the Awards. Co-chair Vanessa Brady, President, SBID said “The inaugural Surface Design Show Awards have set an impressive benchmark and will, I hope, stimulate ever more creativity, boundary-pushing, WOW-generating surface design.”

“Some great examples of creativity in the use of materials, light and surface; we saw strong submissions in many categories in terms of quality, style, and originality” – Sam Stacey, Head of Innovation, Skanska.

The winners will be announced on Thursday 7 February 2013, the last day of Surface Design Show at the Business Design Centre, London.

The shortlisted projects are:

Commercial Category sponsored by Burlington Stone
Exterior Surface Finalists:
• 50 Great Sutton Street, London by Archer Architects
• Siemens Renewable Energy Engineering Centre, Manchester by Pringle Brandon Perkins + Will
Interior Surface Finalists:
• Clerkenwell Archway, London by Giles Miller Studio
• Tusk Bar, Manchester by Sharon Jane Design Studio
• Velvet Underground Nightclub, Singapore by Phillips Connor

Housing Category sponsored by Trend GB
Exterior Surface Finalists:
• Feering Bury Farm Barn, Essex by Hudson Architects
• In-fill House, London by Patel Taylor
• Northampton Park Extension by Alison Brook Architects
• Tortoise Enclosure, Northern Ireland by Paul McAneary Architects
Interior Surface Finalists:
• Mill House by Matthew Chamberlain and Oliver Wood
• Reflective of Nature by Hannah Gage
• White House Cinema, East Sussex by Louise Lambert

Public Building Category sponsored by James Latham
Exterior Surface Finalists:
• Deptford Lounge & Tidemill Academy, London by Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects
• Maidstone Museum East Wing by Hugh Broughton Architects
• Southend Pier Culture Centre by White Arkitekter & Sprunt
Interior Surface Finalists:
• Alan Gilbert Learning Commons – Engraved Oak Walls, University of Manchester by Steve McCabe and Sheppard Robson
• Korean Film Archive, London by Jai Hyuk Lee and Jee Yeon Ha
• National Maritime Museum, London by Softroom
• UCD Student Centre, Dublin by Andrew Howley and Aidan Kavanagh

Retail Category sponsored by Porcelanosa
Exterior Surface Finalists:
• Princes Square, Glasgow by Alistair McAuley
• Stratford City, London by Simon Cochrane
Interior Surface:
• Salvaged Victorian Oak, London by Daniel Heath
• Selfridges Designer Gallery Floor, London by Jamie Fobert
• Stratford City, London by Simon Cochrane

Temporary Structure Category sponsored by de magazine:
• KREOD Pavilion, London by Chun Qing Li
• Techno Naturology: The Velcro Chain, Toronto by Elaine Ng Yan Ling
• The Giraffe Pavilion by John Harding & Harri Lewis

The winner of the supreme award sponsored by Interface will be selected from the impressive list of finalists and will be announced on the 7th February.

Reserve @Opus One is the latest drinking den to hit Manchester. Located in the historic Colonnade of the iconic FreeTrade Hall, Reserve @Opus One is the new stand-alone Champagne bar at the multi-award winning Radisson Blu Edwardian, Free Trade Hall Manchester hotel. This haute hangout, which is set to become a favourite destination of the Manchester social set, offers an extensive selection of impressive Champagnes. The menu will comprise a selection of small taster plates, which have each been designed to complement the collection of Champagnes available.

Reminiscent of the grand entrance that once welcomed legendary figures, the Reserve @Opus One Colonnade features dramatic vaulted ceilings, exposed brickwork and luxurious furnishings.

Reserve @Opus One is the latest of inspiring initiatives to launch at the hotel. General Manager Stephen Miles, commented, “The Free Trade Hall is a heritage spot in the city; it’s only fitting that we created a space, where guests can experience this history and simply indulge and enjoy our collection of premium and vintage Champagnes.”

Powering ahead in key international markets, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced it has returned to the Dominican Republic with the landmark debut of its Four Points by Sheraton brand in Punta Cana. Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village opens in a prime location, just steps from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). It is the first of two hotels Starwood will open this year in the Dominican Republic with its partner Grupo PUNTACANA, and will be followed by The Westin Puntacana Resort in late 2013.

The newly constructed hotel features 124 stylish and comfortable guest rooms, an outdoor pool and access to five miles of private beach. Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village also provides 1,614 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting facilities, a 24-hour business centre, a fully equipped fitness facility and full-service dining. Guests can stroll to the shops, restaurants and salons of Galerias PUNTACANA within the Village, and hop on the hotel’s complimentary shuttle to visit Six Senses Spa, the PUNTACANA Ecological Reserve and a choice of world-class golf courses located at PUNTACANA Resort & Club.

Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced that its largest brand, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, and its owners invested more than $230 million to refurbish its four iconic Hawaiian properties. The large-scale, multi-year project was completed with the recent unveiling of the Sheraton Kona Resort and meets the increased demand for high-quality accommodations as business and leisure travel to the Hawaiian Islands continues to grow. The revitalization projects include the $188 million renewal of the Sheraton Waikiki, the $6.5 million renovation of the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, a $16 million upgrade to the Sheraton Kauai Resort, and a $20 million refresh of the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay.Leading Hotel in Oahu Celebrates Comprehensive Renovation

The Sheraton has reaffirmed its place as the leader in its class among Hawaii hotels with the completion of its nearly $188 million renovation of 1,636 rooms with a theme of “contemporary Hawaiian sophistication.” The renewal starts at beach level and reaches to the top of the 31-floor structure, offering new guest rooms and suites, redesigned public areas with new landscaping and pools, renewed convention facilities, new and exhilarating restaurants and bars, and new back-of-house equipment to increase service efficiency.

The resort introduced to Waikiki the first infinity-edge pool and the only oceanfront adult-only pool complete with a swim-up bar. Guests can enjoy family fun at the Helumoa Playground, which offers a 70-foot-long waterslide, two large whirlpools, and chaise water sunning benches spread around a 12,500-square-foot area. With the recent grand opening of the million-dollar Leahi Club, Sheraton Waikiki is home to Hawaii’s only Sheraton Club Lounge. It offers guests breathtaking panoramic views of Diamond Head and the Pacific, first-class service, and culinary creations with matchless local flair.

Multi-Million Dollars Renews Maui Resort

In December 2011, the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, anchored by the legendary Pu’u Keka’a (Black Rock), introduced a new sense of Hawaiian luxury to the Ka’anapali Resort with the redesign and renovation of its guest rooms. The $6.5 million renewal introduced warm Hawaiian colours, textiles and prints to the legendary location of the 508-room resort. Incorporating traditional Hawaiian artwork, light hues, plush carpeting and drapery, and new tropical furnishings the resort has created a comfortable setting for guests. With wireless Internet now in every guest room, the resort now offers an elevated in-room experience that enables guests to remain connected with what matters most. The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa has also taken several steps toward sustainability with the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in the parking structure.

Sheraton Upgrades Resort Located on Hawaii’s Famous Poipu Beach

Sheraton Kauai Resort, nestled into 20 acres along Kauai’s world-renowned Poipu Beach, completed a $16 million revitalization in April. Upon arriving at the 394-room resort – Poipu’s newest playground – guests are greeted by a refurbished and modern porte-cochere and the beautifully upgraded Ocean Lobby. The lobby opens into a new, open-air Ocean Courtyard that is elegantly landscaped and adorned with tiki torches. It features six intimate seating areas, three of which have fire pits. An added breezeway provides direct access to the resort’s newly expanded and tiered Ocean Pool, lined with eight private, vibrant bungalows sitting just above the pristine shore. The hotel’s Rum Fire restaurant is the island’s newest hotspot and offers 180-degree ocean views from its 240-seat restaurant and lounge. For those seeking the consummate venue for meetings, banquets or special celebrations, the new Luana Kai room overlooks Poipu Beach and is the only oceanfront indoor function space on Kauai.

The Big Island’s Landmark Hotel Completes Extensive Floor-to-Ceiling Renovation

The newly renamed Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa (formerly Sheraton Keauhou Bay
Resort & Spa) completed a $20 million resort renewal in September 2012. The Kona Coast’s most iconic resort is well on its way to re-establishing itself as the crown jewel of the community. Considerable resources have been invested not only in physical revitalization but also into efforts to better connect guests with Keauhou’s rich history by offering more meaningful, culturally authentic experiences.

Significant enhancements to guestrooms, public areas and meeting spaces include culturally inspired designs by Hawaii designer Sig Zane. A new lobby arrival experience and Flying Fish activity outfitters complement and add to the fun, excitement and ultimate experience that many already enjoy. New oceanfront dining concepts include Rays on the Bay, touted as the only restaurant in the world with manta ray viewing. With panoramic oceanfront sunset dinners, Rays on the Bay highlights dishes embodying the best farm-and-ocean-to-table tradition.

Rezidor has opened their latest flagship in Russia – the 508-room Radisson Blu Resort & Congress Centre, Sochi. Enjoying a prime waterfront location in Sochi, the stunning property is all set to become a major landmark.The First Class hotel is conveniently located in the Adler district, directly bordering on Sochi’s 2014 Winter Games facilities and the Black Sea coast, adjacent to the promenade. Guests enjoy easy access to a variety of nearby transport options including the airport, train station and bus station. Besides 508 comfortable rooms with Radisson Blu signature services like free high speed internet access and Anne Sémonin bath products, the hotel features great dining and drinking experiences. Choices include the Grenadine Restaurant, which offers the Super Breakfast Buffet, plus a variety of international and local dishes served throughout the day – enhanced by breathtaking views of the Black Sea. The Mikado Sushi Bar serves fresh sushi and sashimi in a designer setting with lounge music creating an on-trend ambience. The Anatolian Kebab and Grill offers Mediterranean and Middle East delights, while the destination Lobby Bar & Lounge is an ideal spot to meet friends or colleagues for a beer or cocktail.

Special features of the resort include an on-site fitness centre, tennis court, billiards room and children’s recreational facilities. Guests can keep up their training while travelling at Pace – a premier health and wellness centre that comprises state-of-the-art equipment, an indoor pool and two outdoor pools. The spa centre offers beauty treatments, massages, manicures and a hairdressing studio. Finnish and Russian saunas, a hammam with relaxation area and a Jacuzzi are also available.

The resort’s Congress Centre certainly wins gold for meeting facilities, setting a whole new standard for the region. The 11 function- and meeting rooms including a Premier Hall of 1500 sqm are totally versatile and equipped with modern multimedia equipment and free high-speed internet access.

The historic building, situated on Vladimirskaya Street, one of Kiev’s main thoroughfares, has lain vacant for a number of years and the refurbishment, along with the new design scheme will create a new destination within central Kiev. When complete the hotel will comprise 173 guestrooms, restaurant, destination bar, function room and meeting rooms and will operate under the Marriott brand, RenaissanceRichard Morton of interior designers Alexander James International, says: “This is a very exciting project with many interesting opportunities; we’ve been able to create a bespoke scheme that delivers an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional styling which complements the existing fabric of this fabulous building. It really is a great privilege to bring such a beautiful, historic building back to life.”

The proposed design scheme delivers a sense of history; the lobby and lounge will feature stone floors and dark timber panelling to provide a dramatic backdrop, while bronze detailing will give a contemporary edge. The lobby reflects the tree-lined Vladimirskaya Street, with styled references including feature walls behind reception pods and a striking feature light which reflects leafy shadows onto the floor.

Guest bedrooms will benefit from high ceilings with plasterwork detailing will echo the era of the building. Loose furniture pieces and material selections reflect the Renaissance brand, whilst relating to the colours and textures of the historic city. The simplistic design will be populated with artwork, including a television panel with an illuminated niche incorporating locally inspired artwork.

Grant Hearn, Travelodge Chief Executive commented on yesterday’s announcement to improve the visa system for Chinese visitors.This is great news. We have been working very hard alongside the BHA for a change to the visa process, especially for the Chinese market. We have a real opportunity within our grasp which can play a significant part in helping our economy to recover, but we need to act now otherwise Britain will lose out.

Since 2007 the number of outbound visitors from China has nearly doubled from 34.5million to 60million, but of these new tourists only 30,500 a year came to Britain. Meanwhile, France received eight times more Chinese visitors than the UK and Germany six times our amount. Every wealthy Chinese tourist lost to our European neighbours is a missed opportunity to create jobs and boost the UK economy.

We need the Government to act with a sense of urgency. Any lack of immediate action will cost jobs, growth and investment. This initiative means new employment opportunities in the UK, which is too good a thing to be missed.”

Centara Opens Early To Rave Reviews!

Centara Poste Lafayette Resort & Spa Mauritius will open on 10 December 2012, five days ahead of its original 15 December scheduled date.Centara Hotels & Resorts, to confirm the opening date of its first venture on the island of Mauritius, held a presentation to the Mauritius travel industry on Friday 16 November.

“We are ready to welcome our first guests on 10 December, slightly ahead of the scheduled date, and in good time for the high season,” says the resort’s General Manager, Mr John Bendtsen.

“The response we have had from the travel industry professionals here has been a very positive one.”

Taskonaklar Rocky Palace in Cappadocia, member of Great Hotels of the World, has just opened its first Royal Suite. The suite boasts exceptional features, including a private terrace with outdoor jacuzzi, where guests can take in the magnificent landscape over the Pigeon Valley. The Royal Suite is extremely spacious, spanning 80m² with its own living room and fireplace, ideal for cosying up in the winter months. Guests will be able to use the jacuzzi in the snow, providing an experience unique to the property. Special services are also available for those guests residing in the Royal Suite, including private dinners prepared within the suite, extra beds and exclusive bathroom amenities.

Taskonaklar is located right on top of the picturesque Pigeon Valley of Cappadocia with its world famous canyon, hills and unusual rock formations, eroded by the rain and wind over thousands of years. The property is family-run and handcrafted, built in respect with the nature, history and local traditions of Cappadocia. It has used local raw materials to transform the property into an immersive experience since every stone, every arch, every old chimney was preserved as it came to life. That is why not one room is similar to another and each of the 20 bedrooms has its own unique character. Guests can choose to stay in special cave rooms or specially carved stone rooms combining subterranean spaces with its rough-hewn walls and stone archways with terraces and balconies. The property is also eco-friendly, using solar panels and water purification to minimise the impact on the environment.

Premier Inn has recently celebrated a double milestone with the announcement of their 50,000th room at the opening of their largest ever Premier Inn at Gatwick Airport.The new 630 bedroom hotel, which has created 77 new jobs for people in the local area, was officially opened on the 29th November by Whitbread Managing Director Patrick Dempsey, and Employment Minister, Mark Hoban MP.

Premier Inn London Gatwick Airport, which sees over £60 million investment into the local economy, follows the recent opening of the high profile Premier Inn site on Leicester Square, and is one of nine hotels to be opened in Greater London by the end of 2013 as part of a major expansion drive for the chain.

Patrick Dempsey, Managing Director at Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants said: “Reaching 50,000 rooms across the portfolio is a great achievement that we are very pleased with. Our growth across Greater London is particularly exciting as it means we can offer even more people a great night’s sleep in the best locations and we look forward to opening many more over the next few years.”

Mark Hoban, Minister for Employment, said: “Tackling youth unemployment is a priority for the Government, and that’s why we launched the Youth Contract offering nearly 500,000 opportunities for young people to pick up the skills and experience they need to find work.
“It is great to see companies like Premier Inn continuing to expand and being passionate about getting young people and the long-term unemployment back into jobs.”

Jon Walters, General Manager at Premier Inn London Gatwick Airport, said: ‘”We are delighted to be opening our biggest Premier Inn hotel allowing people who are travelling to and from Gatwick Airport to have a great night’s sleep.”

Classic Lodges, the nationwide group of carefully selected high-end properties, has added another associate hotel to its growing portfolio of hotels, bringing the group’s number up to 15.The Georgian Abbey Hotel is just a stroll away from the famous Pump Rooms, Roman Baths and Thermae Spa, and the historic Abbey. The hotel has 60 bedrooms and suites to suit all manner of guests and occasions, each with contemporary décor, as well as a beautifully-designed contemporary lounge and bar.

The new Allium Brasserie is developing a reputation in the city for its dinner menu under acclaimed chef Chris Staines, andalso boasts a carefully selected wine list, with the paved Terrace a great place to enjoy the cuisine al fresco. Open all day serving light lunches and snacks,it is regarded as one of the best places to eat in Bath. The Terrace Cafe is a fantastic place to simply watch the world go by while enjoying a tea or coffee.

The Classic Lodges Associate Hotels programme offers independent hotels of a similar size the opportunity to share the Classic Lodges brand and to benefit from sales and marketing support provided by the Classic Lodges headquarters in Chorley, as Richard Smith, Director of Marketing and Associates at Classic Lodges, explains:

“The Abbey Hotel dovetails perfectly into the Classic Lodges group; with its brilliant location at the centre of this beautiful World Heritage Site City, its architecture and general feel are the ideal accompaniment to our expanding portfolio of hotels.

“The growing reputation of the restaurant is also a major draw for us, as all of our properties have a focus on great food and drink offerings and this is certainly the case with the Allium Brasserie.”

Great Hotels of the World member, Hotel Brunelleschi in Florence has now opened its unique Tower Suite which occupies the top floor of the stunning Medieval Pagliazza Tower. The tower is one of the special ancient features of the property which has been beautifully preserved despite the restoration works. The tower is one the oldest buildings in Florence, built by the Byzantines between 541 and 544AD to defend the city from the Goths. Guests will now have the unique opportunity to sleep within the Byzantine brick walls in this wonderful suite, with its antique oak parquet flooring, 18th century mirrors and gilded iron and crystal chandeliers. From the suite, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Florence with Giotto’s clock tower, the Duomo of Florence and Palazzo Vecchio all within view. Hotel Brunelleschi has used contemporary and innovative design to blend in within this ancient setting to create an exceptional experience for its guests.

The stunning 66sqm two-storey suite is fitted with luxury furnishings by Italian architect and designer Benelli. On the ground floor, guests will find a spacious living room with comfortable sofa, 42” LED TV and a grand bathroom with jacuzzi bathtub and original features. On the first floor, the bedroom boasts an elegant 94” diameter round bed with a set of feather and anti allergy pillows, a 3D 55” LED TV and bathroom with shower. Both bathrooms display original lacquered and decorated glass designed by a specialised glass craftsman.

Upon arrival to their Tower Suite, guests will receive one bottle of Tuscan red wine, fresh fruit basket and a selection of sweets. The guest services include private airport or railway transfers, early check-in (9am) and late check-out (5pm), luggage unpacking and packing services, garment pressing upon arrival and Ambassador Service, where the hotel manager on duty provides a range of services for the duration of the stay. The Tower Suite has been purpose-built to provide the most exclusive experience for guests and is the perfect addition to this beautiful property.

Hotel Brunelleschi is located in the historic centre of Florence in a charming little square, just a few steps from the Duomo, Palazzo della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery. The property boasts outstanding architectural features such as the 6th century semicircular Byzantine tower, where the Tower Suite is located. Recent restoration works have preserved the original appearance and a precious collection of the tower findings are on display in the hotel’s private museum. The property also features an exclusive gourmet restaurant ‘Sant’Elisabetta’, providing an intimate fine dining experience for guests as it is located on the first floor of the hotel Byzantine tower with just seven tables. The hotel also features ‘Osteria della Pagliazza’ restaurant, offering a casual yet stylish dining approach with local Tuscan dishes.

HotelDesigns was delighted to be invited to the Opening of Accor’s flagship hotel for the rebranding of Ibis and the double opening with the Novotel London Blackfriars.

The hotels are well situated just yards from Southwark station and the Jubilee Line is fast and frequent. The Tate Modern and London Eye are close by and just across the river is St Pauls. The Shard is visible from the Novotel Executive room balconies.Commenting on progress in the UK , Thomas Dubaere MD of Accor UK and Ireland says
“We are delighted with the progress we have made in our ambitious brand revitalisation project in the UK…we are creating a new standard in the economy sector, designed to not only exceed our clients’ expectations ,but to deliver the best emotional and practical experience in the UK market. …this is evident in the new flagship Ibis Blackfriars”.

Lobbies, reception areas and bars at 50 Ibis Hotels worldwide have been revamped into contemporary living areas ‘brimming with designer class’. In the UK the first of these designs will be visible at the London hotels next year.

If this hotel is anything to go by they will achieve their intention. The public areas were extremely welcoming with the warm red on the chairs and subtle lighting creates an intimate atmosphere in this cosy corner.

The bar is in the centre of the foyer and provides a central meeting area and place to have a coffee should you not want a complete breakfast. Good as well for that drink after a long day on business or exploring London.

Fogg’s restaurant offers food from around the world and will double as the breakfast area with choice of seating for an all you can eat Buffet breakfast and light meals available around the clock.

The new ‘Sweetbed’ was proudly on display in the foyer although this will become a seating area in a relaxed library style space.

Bedrooms are functional and bright and I especially like the seating area by the telephone and shelf to put the kit you are charging with no danger of knocking it off the bedside table in the night. They are sound proof, air-conditioned and free WIFI is available.

I look forward to trying this out when we come do a full review next year.

©Words and Pictures Christine Brett for HotelDesigns

The InterContinental Westminster opens its doors this month in the heart of London’s political Village, hoping to attract politicians, business people and influencers to restored former government buildings, Queen Anne’s Chambers. In the often febrile world within earshot of Big Ben, appearances count for a great deal. In the run-up to the hotel’s opening, Forbes Group was called in to supply key equipment for the 575 sqm of conference and meeting rooms of the new hotel. Easels with covers, wood lecterns, and sueded drop covers for tables, all bearing the InterContinental logo were required.

Tables will also be presented in stylish and contemporary black Silcra stretch covers, besides the pleated skirting for which Forbes is perhaps best known.

But it won’t be all work and no play in the lower ground floor meeting rooms of Westminster. Reputations beware – a stylish black and white acrylic dance floor was also ordered from Forbes Group.

Forbes’ London representative Damian White described the Westminster hotel as “an extraordinarily elegant project. It was a pleasure to advise the InterContinental on possible combinations to suit their new interiors. I wish them every success.”

To contact Forbes, visit their website at www.forbesgroup.eu.

Twelve at Hengshan, A Luxury Collection Hotel

Twelve at Hengshan, A Luxury Collection Hotel, opening on 29 November 2012, collaborated with some of the world’s leading architects and designers to create this landmark property at the heart of Shanghai’s most romantic neighbourhood.The whimsical design draws inspiration from the area’s rich history and traditional Chinese hospitality, updated with romantic flourishes and contemporary amenities. The goal was to create an exclusive garden oasis of urban chic in the heart of China’s most cosmopolitan city.

Twelve at Hengshan is the only five-star luxury hotel within Shanghai’s history-filled Hengshan Road neighbourhood of chic avenues lined with plane trees imported from France in the early 1900s.

Iconic Architecture
Italian architect Mario Botta created the residential-style retreat designed in modern-Chinoiserie style. Botta’s impressive portfolio of iconic structures includes the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Samsung Museum of Art in Seoul, South Korea.

The hotel’s striking contemporary architecture provides a contrast with the atmospheric neighbourhood lanes, preserved art deco buildings, and charming restaurants, boutiques and galleries in the surrounding area.

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