Hotel Designs

NEWS AND ANALYSIS FOR HOTELIERS, DESIGNERS AND INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS

New electrofusion box connects performance and efficiency

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Constantly striving to ensure its piping systems and equipment meet the demands of modern working environments, Geberit has approved a new electrofusion box for improved connection of its Geberit HDPE and Geberit Silent-db20 systems.Geberit has worked with UK-based company Advance Welding to produce the AW315G, which offers superior performance and greater overall efficiency during the welding process compared to its predecessors.

The AW315G, 110v electrofusion box is a highly efficient way of connecting pipes and fittings using extreme heat and pressure produced during welding to make simple, reliable, rigid joints between the pipes. The heat is produced from flowing a constant electrical current flow through the embedded heater wires within the sleeve fitting, which is placed around the two pipes, to produce the heat required, while the required pressure to make the joint is obtained via the shrinking of the fitting under welding conditions.

The new improved AW315G electrofusion box is capable of automatically welding couplings of up to 315mm at 110v and is far less susceptible to voltage fluctuation and handling damage for greater reliability on site. Competitively priced at a similar point as the outgoing Geberit 110V box, the new AW315G can also be serviced and repaired in the UK, making maintenance a far simpler task.

The new AW315G, available from Advance Welding, is now fully approved by Geberit for use with Geberit HDPE and Geberit Silent-db20. The 240V ESG 40/200 and starter switch remain in the Geberit range

Geberit – 0800 077 8365 www.geberit.co.uk

Svelte – The Next Slim Thing

150 150 Daniel Fountain

A ground-breaking range of lever-operation brassware joins the market-leading line-up specially created for British bathrooms by Crosswater.Svelte, is Crosswater’s latest comprehensive range of solid brass basin, bath and showering products. The sleek design of the tap spout delivers a thin blade of water, which is easily controlled by the single, equally slim control lever.

Svelte comprises all basin variations; a low-pressure standard mono mixer, an extended height version for vessel basins, a wall-mounted option and a “mini” basin tap which is perfectly proportioned for smaller cloakroom or en suite basins. For bath filling a wall-mounted bath spout and matching deck mounted panel valves are offered.

Showering options from Crosswater are strong and varied. Svelte’s lever set will suit each of Crosswater’s extensive range of recessed shower valves from single to three outlet options. As always delivery is available ‘next day’ throughout most of the UK via Crosswater’s own delivery fleet.

Crosswater’s product manager Lisa Soffesays, “Svelte has an instantly memorable visual style that offers a compelling design advantage that is different from all existing Crosswater and market offers. Svelte provides the retailer with an exclusive ‘wow’ product. We worked tirelessly on this project to ensure that the radical Svelte design was suited to most types of UK installation. The unusual shape of the water delivery will certainly attract showroom attention.”

Hotel Opening: Swissôtel Goa, India

150 150 Daniel Fountain

The 1st of March marks the official opening of the Swissôtel Goa. Located in the town of Calangute, one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Goa, it’s only 16 kms from the capital city Panaji and within an hour’s drive from Goa’s international airport. The 135 guestrooms and suites are designed and distributed between nine three-level buildings, set within a tropical garden featuring idyllic lily ponds and a courtyard pool area. Rooms vary in size between 31m on category, and feature modern design elements. An all-day dining restaurant, pool bar, cafe, fitness centre, adult and children’s pools, kid’s club, as well as conference and banquet facilities will delight even the most discerning guests.

The hotel will also have an exclusive beach club for its guests on Calangute beach. Designed by Malaysian Architects Chong Chee Ching and Greg Dall, the elements in the lobby and throughout the resort are accented by numerous works by the Indian artist Krsna Mehta are distributed throughout the resort which present modern and colourful design highlights. The most important night-life happenings and restaurants of North Goa are only a few minutes’ walk from Swissôtel Goa.

Goa is a former Portuguese administrated region and is India’s smallest state with a population of approximately 1.5 million. This year-round vacation destination with its famous cuisine and Portuguese influence provides inspiration with its endless beaches which have delighted tourists from around the world for many years.

£20 million retail and leisure development in Manchester Piccadilly Gardens

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Construction started on Friday 25th January 2013 for an Associated Property Investors (API) led £20 million retail and leisure development at 19–31 Manchester Piccadilly. With construction work expected to finish by December 2013, upwards of 100 jobs will be created in the run up to Christmas.The building is well known in the city as the site of the Woolworths fire in 1979, and was more recently an amusement arcade.

Funding for the development has just been secured through HSBC bank and it can now be announced that the occupiers of the scheme will be:

• Budget hotel chain Travelodge, operating 157 rooms and a 102 seat Bar Cafe. When opened, the hotel will create 32 jobs within the local community. All entry-level roles will be filled via Job Centre Plus. This will be Travelodge’s twelfth hotel in Manchester and the fifth in the city centre. This development will boost the Company’s rooms to 763 in the heart of the city.

• Morrisons M Local convenience store covering 12,000 sq ft and creating around 20 jobs. Morrisons’ convenience stores put more emphasis on fresh food than other convenience retailers with a focus on value and fresh product ranges – including produce, meat, fish and bakery products. The store may also include a hot food to go counters, takeaway coffee and a salad bar.

• Zizzi will be occupying 6,750 sq ft whilst Nandos is going to take 5,000 sq ft with over 50 jobs being created at the restaurant.

GMI Construction Group of Leeds is the appointed contractors, with Garnett Netherwood the scheme architects.

Jones Lang LaSalle’s Leeds and Manchester offices acted on behalf of API. Jenics represented Travelodge.

Chris Dalzell, Managing Director of API, said:

‘As owners of the building we are very pleased that after a long period of under use, we have been able to bring forward the refurbishment of this important and well known building in Piccadilly Gardens. The impressive tenant line up is testament to both the quality of the location and the strength of the Manchester economy’

Paul Harvey, Managing Director for Development at Travelodge Hotels, said:

“We are delighted to have secured this prime site in the heart of Manchester city centre. This development will be our fifth hotel in the centre of the City.

“Manchester has traded very well over the past five years, with a thriving leisure offering thanks to its strong retail offer, vibrant social scene, the Manchester Arena and the continued success of the city’s famous football clubs, City and United. When you also account for a strong business sector, boosted by the MediaCity UK development and arrival of the BBC at Salford Quays, the demand for good quality, value accommodation in Manchester city centre is growing.

“Our new Travelodge fronting Piccadilly Gardens is perfectly located for Manchester’s great shops, bars and restaurants and is only a couple of minutes’ walk from Manchester Piccadilly train station. With two great restaurants and the Morrisons’ supermarket on site, it will be a fantastic place for our customers to stay.“

Gordon Mowat, Group Strategy Director at Morrisons, said:

“We’re excited to be bringing another Morrisons M Local to Manchester. Our convenience stores make it easier for busy professionals to cook a meal from scratch or pick up fresh ingredients on the way home.”

Hansgrohe bathrooms within earshot of the chimes of Big Ben

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Opened in November 2012, the InterContinental London Westminster Hotel is the first InterContinental to open in London for over 36 years. Just a stone’s throw from the corridors of power and within earshot of the chimes of Big Ben, this new 4 star property exudes period appeal set within Queen Anne’s Chambers, a former government building built in the 1800s.Following a £150m investment by Shiraz Boghani and family of Supreme Hotels, the elegant interior of the hotel sits behind a 19th century townhouse exterior to provide sanctuary for business and leisure guests alike in the heart of Westminster. 256 guest rooms are spread across six floors and include 45 individually decorated suites with separate lounge and bedroom.

All rooms feature well-appointed marble bathrooms with walk-in shower and separate bath. Showers and bathroom fittings are from internationally-renowned, German specialist Hansgrohe.

New Flexible Trevira Velvet – Beau by Skopos

150 150 Daniel Fountain

March sees the launch of a versatile, decadent new velvet collection from the Accents range by Skopos. Previewed recently alongside the new Erddig & Elle luxury print collection at Sleep in November, Beau works perfectly as a confident plain for upholstery, drapery and bed throws and equally as a base cloth for wet printed and unique digital designs.

100% Trevira CS, the Beau collection is available in 21 hand-picked contemporary colours with a chic vintage twist. Created specifically for the contract market, inherently flame retardant, this quality presents fantastic opportunities for both the contract hotel, cruise and leisure sectors and demonstrates versatility for use across Europe, Middle East and America, complying with all contract standards.

As an upholstery plain, Beau performs to 45,000 martindale rubs and as a product for drapery, a washable durable solution with a luxurious thick drape and soft velvet pile. As a printed product (showcased in Erddig & Elle) Beau achieves 40,000 martindale rubs.

Skopos is an ISO9001 accredited company and has over 30 year’s specialist experience in the design and manufacture of high performance FR contract fabrics for the hospitality sector.

Fabrics and Papers: Textured Fabrics Trends

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Fashion weeks around the world have highlighted fabric trends will be largely texture driven, and once again the worlds of fashion and decor are colliding with runway looks quickly translated into exciting interior ranges by the leading design houses and vice versa.Leading the way with the latest décor trends, Fabrics and Papers has added several new ranges of textured fabrics to its site at fabricsandpapers.com, the home to one of the largest collections of designer wallpapers, curtain and upholstery fabrics to view and buy online. The new fabrics will add depth, subtle pattern and colour to a room and create a truly individual look.

Designer’s Guild’s Padua is a textured collection to delight in, encompassing fabulous stunning lustrous velvets in a range of designs from damask to snakeskin, together with stunning weaves in chunky dogstooth, delicious boucle and rugged linen.

Portello is a robust linen cotton basket weave in an elegant wide banded stripe.Zeno is a chunky and durable large scale dogtooth design, with a richly textured surface in an array of beautiful crisp colours. Calistaornate cut velvet with miniature circular damask pattern is at once contemporary and classical; the slub textured ground contrasts and brings depth to the smooth finish of the velvet pile.Oriago a cross dyed snakeskin velvet has an abstracted natural feel, it’s gorgeous organic lace like patterns have a broad appeal and function; this statement jacquard is a joy to behold.

Osborne & Little’s Amerindia collection by Lorca is inspired by the designs of the American Indian Tribes and features rich earthy colours and thick soft weaves. The colours included in the palette are terracotta, stone, saffron, burnt orange, black, cassis, air force blue, ivory and sage.

Mohawk is a thick weave textured fabric with interlocking pyramid design. Hopi is a natural linen cloth with an embroidered lozenge design. Zuni is a vertical stripe of broad bands in jute and cotton. Kiowa is a thick, heavy horizontal stripe woven fabric.

Zoffanys Quartz Weaves offer twelve lustrous qualities including silks, sheers, stripes and semi-plains woven with beautiful yarns and subtle patterns in soft mineral colour palettes of rose quartz, chalk and silver and richer dramatic palettes of lapis, gold and amethyst.

Cordonnet embroidery fabric features a floral trail embroidered with metallic yarns on silk taffeta. The effect is rich and decorative, combining traditional motifs with theatrical grandeur and is ideal for drapes and curtains. Diamond sheer woven voile is a large-scale contemporary design embroidered on an ultra-sheer silk ground. The pattern of wide zigzag stripes is both dramatic and minimalist. Cinnebar is a fabulous heavy linen interwoven with metallic yarns to give a shimmering richness to the weave. This fabric is suitable for upholstery or could be used for feature cushions.

The Dining Equivalent of the well-padded sofa

150 150 Daniel Fountain

In competitive times, making your customers feel pampered can keep you ahead. Forbes table protectors slip between your tables and linen and cushion the table top to give your guests a superior dining experience.While your customer relaxes into the dining equivalent of a well-padded sofa, you can enjoy the fact that the table protector reduces noise, protects the table from the rigours of daily use, wipes clean and is easy to fit.

A generous layer of leatherette bonded to soft felt, the table protector is cut to size, so can be tailored to any table shape. It can also be supplied with an elasticated band to anchor the protector to the table, or used in conjunction with Simple-fit table skirting for a luxury dining experience.

Forbes table protector is also available for use on room service tables or rectangular buffets, with an optional Velcro lip edge.

To find out more or to discuss the options, please speak to one of our customer advisors. We shall be delighted to help.

Call us on 01568 616638 or email at info@forbesgroup.eu

Knightsbridge Gets Aid on the Road

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Bradford-based Knightsbridge Furniture has donated two trucks to the Yorkshire Aid Convoy to help in the charity’s annual delivery of clothing, medical equipment and other essential supplies to Eastern Europe. The pair of 12-tonne Mercedes Benz trucks have just been collected from Knightsbridge headquarters on Thornton Road and will be put to work immediately, forming part of an aid convoy which leaves for Romania in early March.

‘With our own strong local roots, we were delighted to be able to support this Yorkshire-based charity in such a practical way,’ said Knightsbridge MD Alan Towns as he handed over the keys.

Driving one of the trucks away was Yorkshire Aid Convoy trustee and volunteer Gary Dooley. ‘Millions of families in Romania and the Ukraine face a lack of food, clothing, education and employment every day,’ he reflected. ‘With help from companies like Knightsbridge, we can make a real change to their lives.’

Knightsbridge Furniture designs and manufactures seating, tables and bedroom furniture for the international healthcare and hospitality market. The company has been based in Bradford since its formation some 70 years ago.

The progress of the Knightsbridge trucks as they travel across Europe can be followed at www.yorkshireaidconvoy.co.uk

Hilton Hotels & Resorts Continues Growth in UAE with Opening of First Hotel in Sharjah

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Hilton Worldwide has recently announced the opening of Hilton Sharjah, the company’s 11th branded hotel in the UAE and its first in the Emirate of Sharjah.The 259-room Hilton Sharjah, a conversion property previously known as Corniche Al Buhaira Hotel, is a visually striking property, ideally positioned on the picturesque Corniche Road and overlooking Sharjah’s biggest lagoon. The hotel is also a convenient 10 kilometers from Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world with over 50 million passengers annually.

Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts said: “We’re delighted to open our first Sharjah hotel in such a prime location and at a time when increasing numbers of business and leisure travelers are staying in the Emirate of Sharjah. As a leading worldwide hospitality brand, we are pleased to bring our globally recognized attributes of style, high standards and quality service to this exciting and promising new market.”

Continued on page two…

Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel Unveils $30 Million Guest Room Redesign

150 150 Daniel Fountain

The Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel, situated at 999 9th Street at K Street, NW, announced the completion of the redesign of its 807 guest rooms and suites, a 30 million dollar investment by its owners, Sunstone Hotels. Renaissance Hotels is a lifestyle brand within the Marriott International, Inc. global portfolio. “We are thrilled with our fresh new room product. When our guests discover our new rooms, they will appreciate the essence of modern lifestyle elegance without sacrificing warmth and functionality,” says Sharon Lockwood, general manager, Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel. “The new guestrooms and our recent lobby re-concept are part of the hotel’s evolution into more of a lifestyle space beyond being termed a convention hotel.”

Created by Dash Design of New York, the guestrooms and guest corridor interiors along with its customs furnishings reflect an interpretation of quintessential casual American fashion and tailored design.

Guests will find a soothing neutral color palate of khaki and coco-browns with splashes of reinterpreted denim blues and reds. Each room is accented with clean and modern furniture. The leather lounge and desk chairs are inspired by twentieth century modernism. LED reading pin lights are mounted on headboards with easy to reach plugs for guests to plug in their own mobile devices. The luxurious spa-like bathrooms have rain forest shower heads, backlit mirrors and accent wall coverings featuring a custom collage of historic events in Washington from 1940 to 1970. Artwork capturing glimpses of Washington, DC’s history pop in the guest rooms in the form of presidential profiles, signatures, and the city’s original design plans of Pierre Charles L’Enfant.

Business and leisure travellers both will appreciate the maximization of space and functionality with a six foot work surface, upgraded wireless internet and 18-inch laptop safes; and will enjoy amenities like a built-in mini-refrigerator, i-pod docking station, Aveda® spa products, and 40-inch HDTV.

Premier League furniture at the Hilton Wembley

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Completed in May 2012, the Hilton London Wembley was an instant headline-grabber with its prestigious setting just a stone’s throw from the hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium. Part of a wider Wembley development, the newly built hotel by architect and interior designer The Manser Practice features a flush black granite exterior which is highly polished to reflect the surrounding buildings including the stadium’s iconic arch. Inside, a spacious glazed foyer creates a feeling of openness and visually connects to the activity outside in the Arena Square. Four original collections from Morgan appear throughout the building, grouped in certain areas with well-recognisable furniture design classics. Vintage inspired, the Seville collection is an interpretation of the traditional wing chair and club armchair. Stylish and comfortable, a Seville lounge chair features as a statement piece in all 361 hotel bedrooms.

Also from the Seville collection, bar stools, low back chairs and high back chairs upholstered in bright red fabric add a splash of colour to the stylish Icons Bar.

Seville high back two-seater sofas also feature in the Executive Lounge area along with dining chairs from the Seville and Verona ranges.

The ninth floor Sky Bar is the crowning glory of the hotel with its spacious outdoor terrace and stunning views over Wembley Stadium and Wembley. With a striking contemporary take on vintage style, Miami was the collection of choice for here with sofas and chairs providing generous dimensions and distinctive style in equal measure. Close to the bar itself, Seville bar stools in sunshine yellow are grouped around high bar tables and provide a relaxing sit with their curved upholstered back.

The Atlantic dining chair was specified for the all-day Association Restaurant. Characterised by a sculptured curved back, Atlantic is elegant and also very comfortable, making it one of the most popular dining ranges from Morgan. Available with or without arms.

Further facilities that can be enjoyed by the Hilton London Wembley guests include a health club with indoor swimming pool, steam room and sauna, complimentary business centre, flexible function and conference rooms, and a ballroom which accommodates 700 people.

Morgan worked closely throughout the project with Jane Johnson from The Manser Practice and Jonathan Pool, Project Design Director, from John Sisk and Son who were the main contractor.

Villeroy & Boch’s first rimless 3 litre flush WC

150 150 Daniel Fountain

The brand new Villeroy & Boch Omnia Architectura DirectFlush WC is its first wall-mounted WC with a flushing volume of just 3/4.5 litres. The pan has no rim whatsoever, making it easy to clean and very family friendly. The WC features timeless and dynamic design, with its compact form making it perfect for bathrooms of all shapes and sizes.

Making cleaning even easier, the WC is available in Villeroy & Boch’s revolutionary dirt resistant ceramic – CeramicPlus. Taking only 10% of the time to clean compared to standard ceramic sanitaryware, CeramicPlus not only looks fantastic but offers a permanent high quality finish.

The WC is available with a quick release seat and cover, as well as soft closing hinges. Priced from £382 and measures 37 x 53 cm.

Generator to open new boutique hostel in Barcelona

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Generator, Europe’s fastest growing hostel brand, is excited to announce the launch of its newest design-inspired boutique property in one of Europe’s most architecturally astounding cities; Barcelona. With boutique hostels already in Berlin East, Copenhagen, Dublin, Hamburg, London and Venice and more on the way this summer in Berlin Mitte, Generator is offering a new level of style and comfort for those who want big city centre adventure without breaking the bank. For the ultimate way to take in the city, rooms on the upper floors include private terraces offering astounding views of the city skyline (including the Sagrada Familia) and across to the Mediterranean. Generator is bringing contemporary yet affordable design for those keen to explore this city so synonymous with Gaudi.

Generator Barcelona – Opening March 2013
Built in 1963, this renovated building is both a hostel and hotel and is conveniently located just a five minute walk from two main metro stations, Diagonal and Verdaguer in the heart of the trendy Gràcia neighbourhood. Under the guidance of Generator’s chief designer Anwar Mekhayech (from Toronto-based The Design Agency, and part of the design team working with Soho House and Shangri-La) the first Generator property in Spain has been carefully styled to reflect the surrounding city and to inspire visitors exploring the crown of Catalonia.

Facilities include:
• Free Wi-Fi
• Stylish lounge and communal area open 24hrs a day
• Bar open from 8am-2am
• Café serving delicious local and international food (along with tasty tapas)
• A range of rooms including privates, twins, doubles and dorms (female only and mixed) – all with en-suite bathrooms
• Laundry facilities
• 24hr reception

Stylematters introduce the Seville Collection

150 150 Daniel Fountain

The Seville design from Stylematters is a contemporary twist on a vintage wing chair design. Equally in vogue whether you select a combination of the latest designer ranges of fabric, or opt for subtle, understated classics, and let the form do the talking. Our in-house designers introduced this new range in response to demand from customers in the restaurant and hotel sector. We listened to our customers, interpreted their needs and ideas, and the result is stylish, up to the minute products.The Seville collection is an ideal solution for any hotel, restaurant or gastro pub looking to accommodate their customers in harmony and comfort.

The range comprises high and low back lounge chairs, sofas and even footstools in both plain and deep buttoned backs. The modern design creates both comfort and looks for a truly custom solution. And it doesn’t stop there – the same attention to detail goes into the construction; from kiln-dried hardwood frames, to the specialist high-resilient upholstery, and reflex seat cushions, meaning that your customers enjoy the ergonomic design, whilst your seating always looks great.

All our furniture is available in any contract fabric or leather and can be customised to match your venue and tastes.

Stylematters manufacture all of our bespoke furniture here in our UK factory, so we have the ability to offer a truly bespoke in-house solution. If you would like more details on our products or have a product you would like to develop give us a call now on 0844 880 6620.

Roman Reports 252 Social Success

150 150 Daniel Fountain

UK Shower Manufacturer and Designer, Roman Limited have reported that their yearlong social media campaign, which saw them documenting a year in their life through photos, was a fantastic success.The company published a photo every working day throughout 2012 – there was a total of 252 working days for the company during 2012, so they titled the campaign Project 252. The photos were uploaded daily to the company’s Flickr page; from here they were also shared across the company’s Twitter and Facebook pages, with them then being added on a weekly basis to the Roman website.

The stats from the Flickr page highlight that the photos have so far received 38,779 views (as of 4th February), and averaged around 3,000 views per month during 2012, when the campaign was running.

The photos showcased all different aspects of the business, from pictures of the products being manufactured on the shop floor, to customer service operatives receiving chocolates from grateful customers, from new showroom displays being installed, to the company Directors and Area Managers out on the road travelling the country. Our suppliers and customers also got involved by sending in their Roman related pictures.

The most viewed photo was Roman’s April Fools prank, which showed the company announcing a ground-breaking new ‘cordless’ shower, which was of course a spoof. This picture alone received 401 views. Locations for the photos came from far and wide, with pictures being taken in Malaysia, Dubai, Qatar, Hong Kong, Malta, Amsterdam and France, as well as all over the UK, from Stornoway down to Maidstone.

David Osborne, Roman’s Managing Director, commented: “We were thrilled with the impact Project 252 had. Not only were we getting high numbers of views for each photo, but many of our followers also shared the pictures across their own social networking pages. We managed to cover every aspect of the business, as well as photographing the majority of the staff at one time or another throughout the campaign. It became a real talking point amongst our customers, who soon began submitting photos for inclusion themselves. We will keep the library of photos as a permanent section on the Roman website and we have also created a printed booklet featuring every photo, which makes a fabulous keepsake.”

The Merchants Manor – 100 years – A Cornish Original

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Valentine’s Day (14th February) was chosen as a suitably romantic date for the opening of Merchants Manor, Cornwall’s newest luxury country house hotel, after a “six figure budget” transformation. With a spectacular location in award winning, sub-tropical gardens overlooking Falmouth Bay, Merchants Manor combines relaxed luxury with traditional Cornish warmth and hospitality.

The name change from the previous Green Lawns – branding for the project has been undertaken by local firm A-Side Studio – pays respect to the family that built the original hotel and celebrates Falmouth’s mercantile past. The emphasis will be on attentiveness, comfort, relaxation and “hospitality” in its original meaning.

“We have no time for the “package holiday” style,” commented Sioned Parry-Rudlin, who with husband Nick Rudlin, owns and manages the new hotel. “Every one of our guests is individual to us and we will prepare them a unique and individual experience.”

Originally the Manor House residence of a prominent 19th Century merchant family, the House on the Hill, was built 100 years ago. There has been an hotel here for over 50 years. Merchants Manor has 39 rooms, a function space for 350 and a 13 metre heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and hot tub.

The original Manor House was created with a no-expense spared philosophy and the restoration takes advantage of the lavish open spaces and meticulous details of the building.
As Sioned and Nick have worked in senior positions in the US and in some of London’s most famous hotels and restaurants their standards are high – and they have insisted on a strong Cornish influence on the hotel’s restoration. The first stage, now completed saw local craftsmen involved in every detail.

Continued on page two…

Living Pictures by Scotscape Ltd

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Scotscape Ltd is proud to announce the launch of a new product line at this year’s Ecobuild Exhibtion. Available in the UK for the first time, the SlimgreenWall system offers the perfect solution to cost effective interior vertical greening, in an aesthetically pleasing and easy to use unit.Exclusively available via Scotscape Ltd, the SlimgreenWall is perfect for use in offices, hotels, spas, hospitals, shopping centres, restaurants, bars or private properties. The system operates independently making it easy to install and maintain. It offers a fresh alternative to traditional pot/plant combinations, clean, vibrant and easy to maintain, a great space saver and eye catching.

Each living picture can be planted to incorporate clients’ preferences – imagine a herb wall in a restaurant or even in a domestic kitchen!

SlimgreenWall is available in three ready-made sizes but can also be made to bespoke specifications with a variety of frame finishes available including brushed stainless steel, steel and wood.

The benefits of plants in interior settings are far reaching – plants purify the air and generate oxygen, thus leading to a healthy work environment. SlimgreenWalls assist with noise reduction and create relaxing and rejuvenating environments.

Visit the Scotscape at Ecobuild 2013 – 5-7th March to see these fantastic systems in action.
Stand S1940.

Decade of tourism development underway in Qatar

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Qatar is one of the fastest growing markets in the Gulf, with business and leisure tourism on the ascendant as the country develops its infrastructure as part of a US$65 billion investment plan ahead of its hosting of the 2022 football World Cup.According to Qatar Tourism, the official government body, the country is entering a sustained decade-long period of development and growth, with over 85,000 new hotel rooms set to bolster current inventory by 2022. Alpen Capital’s October 2012 GCC Hospitality Industry Report highlighted the ‘slow but steady’ growth in tourism receipts, which saw a CAGR of 15.9% in the period 2002 to 2011.

“Tourist arrivals in Qatar are expected to rise at a CAGR of 1.9% between now and 2022, and the government’s US$65 billion commitment to infrastructure development has proved to be a major incentive for long term investment by leading hospitality providers,” said Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

In 2012, the capital added to its upscale inventory, with the opening of the St Regis Doha and new InterContinental Doha The City, as well as the country’s first Hilton hotel. A second Four Seasons hotel is currently under development and budget brands are making an appearance with the popular Premier Inn chain debuting on the city outskirts later this year. Currently the luxury segment accounts for between 66 and 78% of supply while, mid-scale and economy supply is between 22 and 34%.

“Tourist arrivals in Qatar are expected to rise at a CAGR of 1.9% between now and 2022, and the government’s US$65 billion commitment to infrastructure development has proved to be a major incentive for long term investment by leading hospitality providers,” said Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

Qatar has an exceptionally strong presence at this year’s ATM show with major organisations such as Qatar Tourism Authority, Katara Hospitality and Qatar Airways all participating.
“Katara Hospitality alone has more than 4,000 hotel rooms already operational or under construction and with the introduction of more and more budget properties, Qatar is committed to the development of a well-rounded tourism product in line with the 2030 national vision for a sustainable economy,” he added.

Hotel room capacity in Qatar is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% over the next five years, hitting US$1.1 billion by 2016 (up from US$0.6 billion in 2011). The country’s national carrier, Qatar Airways will launch six new routes in H1 2013, growing its current network to 123 key destinations. Ground has also been broken on the new US$14 million Doha metro network.
“As world-class infrastructure projects gives rise to new economic opportunity, with tourist arrivals expected to reach as a many as 3.7 million by 2022, Qatar will see a transition from a predominantly business-led visitor profile to a stronger business-leisure mix with the football World Cup a milestone marker for the hospitality and tourism industry,” commented Walsh.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, 2013 will see the show celebrate two decades of success.

Covering the entire week, the popular Seminar Theatre programme will address industry hot topics from developments in the aviation sector, inbound and outbound trends as well as the development of tourism over the last 20 years of Arabian Travel Market.

The line-up for this year’s Arabian Travel Market will once again bring together the UNWTO regional tourism ministers’ conference and the WTM Vision forum, which will focus on Middle East travel trends and the online travel market.

National Bed Month: Hypnos’ Top Tips for Buying a Bed

150 150 Daniel Fountain

An average person spends over 20,000 hours (up to a third of their lives) in bed, and every year up to 40% of the population (over 16 million of us) will suffer a bout of back pain.

March will see the return of National Bed Month, an annual awareness campaign from the Sleep Council highlighting the importance of a better night’s sleep to health and wellbeing.

To achieve a quality sleep, you need a quality bed that is right for you, providing you with a good level of support and comfort. When choosing a bed, it’s important to take some time and effort to choose the best option available to you.James Keen, Retail Sales Director, Hypnos offers his top tips on choosing the right bed for optimum sleep quality and comfort.

CHOOSING A MATTRESS

“We always recommend that people should go and try it before they buy; it’s surprising how many people don’t actually do this. While spending a lot of money on a new bed may seem daunting at first, a well made and well-maintained bed will last for years.

“Always remember to test out a range of beds to discover if you like your mattress firm or super soft. Finding out what works for you is the first step towards a great night’s sleep. If you’re sharing the bed, try them out together – what suits one person won’t necessarily suit another.

“Size matters. You should be able to lie side by side with your arms behind your head and your elbows out without touching. Ideally your bed should be about 15cm longer than the taller user.

“When trying a bed, you should lie down in your normal sleeping position and make some turns for at least 10 minutes. Don’t forget to remove your coat and shoes and make yourself feel relaxed and comfortable.

“There is a simple check you can carry out to discover whether your current mattress is too hard or soft – simply slide your hand under the small of your back. If your hand fits easily between your back and the mattress, it may be too firm. However if your hand cannot fit under your back at all, it may be too soft.

“In the current market, there are various types of mattress to choose from. Hypnos specialises in handmade pocket sprung mattresses and we believe that a pocket sprung mattress will give the most comfortable night’s sleep.

“A pocket sprung mattress is designed to actively minimise pressure points on the body, helping to increase blood circulation and alleviate tension, which in turn allows muscles to relax. The independent movement of each individual pocket spring means that the mattress will mould itself to your body, leading to a natural alignment of your spine.

‘A single pocket spring, rather than multiple layers of pocket springs, also creates a “bellow-like” affect that drives cool air around the mattress, making it a more hygienic option. The extra breathability ensures better ventilation, helping to reduce body moisture and maintain a comfortable body temperature.

“In terms of the fillings used, Hypnos mattresses contain different combinations of natural materials such as wool, cashmere, silk, Alpaca, Mohair, latex, horse hair and silver, which ensure that each mattress is not only supremely comfortable and supportive but also breathable – promoting healthy air flow, regulating body temperature and reducing body moisture, while repelling allergens.

DIVANS

“For the best foundation to any bed, we recommend choosing a divan along with your mattress in order to get the maximum level of comfort.

“There is a choice between a traditional deep divan base and a more modern shallow base. Hypnos advises a sprung divan, as it offers additional deep comfort and extra support.

“Choosing a divan also means that customers can make a personal design statement by specially selecting their preferred headboard design, upholstery fabric and choosing which feet they would like, perfectly matching any interior.

“A further bonus is the prospect of adding hidden storage drawers within the divan, saving valuable space in the bedroom.

AND FINALLY…

“Don’t forget to turn your mattress – many people forget to do this, but modern sprung mattresses employ thicker layers of natural upholstery materials to provide comfort and the feeling of plushness which gives you support and a really good nights’ sleep. Over time, sleeping on them every night, these layers will naturally compress to form to your body, which is why we recommend turning your mattress with the seasons, to restore the comfort get the best quality sleep.

“The health benefits of a good night’s rest are well documented, such as better posture, looking younger and being more efficient and productive at work, so a good bed is always worth the investment. To further reinforce the confidence we have in our own beds, Hypnos offers its customers a 10-year guarantee.”

Rezidor’s Q4 2012 Report

150 150 Daniel Fountain

RevPAR, cash flow from operations and EBITDA margin improved in 2012. Structural changes were undertaken during the year to build a strong platform for continued profitability improvement.Comments from the CEO
“Despite a continued fragile global macroeconomic climate, Rezidor’s Like-for-Like RevPAR continued to show a positive development with a healthy growth of 4% in the fourth quarter of 2012. For the full year, RevPAR grew by 5%, fuelled by a strong growth in Eastern Europe and the Middle East and Africa.

The RevPAR improvement together with the continued weakening of the Euro, resulted in a revenue increase of 7% in Q4 2012 including a strong growth of 18% in fee revenue from our managed and franchised business. Our EBIT margin and the net result were negatively impacted primarily by termination costs for lease agreements which we exited in the quarter and write-downs of assets resulting in a MEUR 13 loss after tax. Cash flow from operations, adjusted for the termination costs, improved by MEUR 12.

Our commitment to profitable asset-light growth continues. All of the 4,000 room openings and 7,100 room signings in 2012 were either managed or franchised contracts.

Rezidor achieved another important milestone by converting two lease agreements to franchise agreements in Sweden. Together with the earlier announced exit from seven leases in France, these transactions represent a positive effect of ca 0.5% on the EBITDA margin going forward.

Our continued global commercial focus in partnership with Carlson, the effective execution of Route 2015, and the cost cutting programme combined with significant organisational changes have strengthened our platform; paving the way for continued profitability improvement in the years ahead.”

Wolfgang M. Neumann
President & CEO

Fourth Quarter, 2012
• Like-for like (“L/L”) RevPAR was up by 4.2%.
• Revenue increased by 6.6% to MEUR 240.6 (225.6).
• On a L/L basis Revenue increased by 2.8%.
• EBITDA amounted to MEUR 15.6 (14.1), and the EBITDA margin to 6.5% (6.3).
• Loss after tax amounted to MEUR -13.3 (-13.5), negatively impacted by termination costs due to exit of contracts of MEUR -9.4 (0.0), write-downs of assets of MEUR -6.7 (-9.9) and a write-down of deferred tax assets of MEUR -3.3 (-8.5).
• Basic and diluted Earnings Per Share amounted to EUR -0.09 (-0.09).
• Ca 1,100 new rooms opened and ca 1,300 new rooms were contracted.

Twelve Months ending December 31, 2012
• L/L RevPAR was up by 4.6%.
• Revenue increased by 6.9% to MEUR 923.7 (864.2).
• On a L/L basis Revenue increased by 4.0%.
• EBITDA amounted to MEUR 50.9 (35.1), and the EBITDA margin to 5.5% (4.1).
• Loss after tax amounted to MEUR -16.8 (-11.9), negatively impacted by termination costs due to exit of contracts of MEUR -9.4 (0.0), write-downs of assets of MEUR -12.3 (-11.6) and a write-down of deferred tax assets of MEUR -3.3 (+3.2).
• Basic and diluted Earnings Per Share amounted to EUR -0.12 (-0.08).
• Cash flow from operating activities improved to MEUR 16.5 (14.1), negatively impacted by termination costs of MEUR 9.4
• Ca 4,000 new rooms opened and ca 7,100 new rooms were contracted.

Full report can be downloaded from www.investor.rezidor.com

Westin Hotels Makes Debut in Birmingham, Alabama

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that it has introduced its Westin brand to the heart of Birmingham, Alabama. The Westin Birmingham boasts an ideal location as the anchor of Uptown, the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex’s all-new entertainment district. The Westin Birmingham joins Sheraton Birmingham Hotel as Starwood’s second property at the BJCC. The opening of The Westin Birmingham is part of the continued expansion of the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, the city’s leading sports, entertainment and convention center. The Westin Birmingham is adjacent to the new restaurants and nightlife venues in Uptown, as well as the sports arena and two performing arts theaters within the complex. The hotel is also close to numerous corporate offices, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, the University of Alabama-Birmingham and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM).

The Westin Birmingham features 294 luxurious rooms, state-of-the-art meeting facilities and the full suite of Westin signature amenities and services. The newly constructed hotel is an ideal venue for weddings, social galas and business functions, providing 7,000 square feet of meeting and banquet facilities equipped with the latest in meeting technology, plus an additional 2,500 square feet of pre-function space. Additional facilities include a full-service restaurant, a WestinWORKOUT® Gym and an outdoor pool.

The sensory-rich environment at Westin offers a respite from the rigors of travel and sets a welcoming tone. The Westin brand’s innovative programs and instinctive service transform every aspect of a guest’s stay into a revitalizing experience. All guestrooms and suites at The Westin Birmingham feature the world-renowned Westin Heavenly® Bed – an oasis of lush sheets, down and a patented pillow-top mattress, which cradles and contours to the body for truly restorative sleep. Guests will revive in the Heavenly® Bath enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly® Shower, Heavenly® Robe and White Tea Aloe bath amenities, in-room and high-speed Internet access. The hotel also offers the Westin brand’s signature SuperFoodsRX® menu, which includes nutrient-rich and delicious options to tempt every palate.

Messilah Beach Hotel Revived to Become Kuwait’s Idyllic Resort

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Almost 40 years ago, the Messilah Beach Hotel opened in Kuwait and quickly became the favourite destination for both locals and visitors alike. The hotel served its clients for decades and created many unforgettable memories.Situated in the same idyllic location, the spirit of the old Messilah Beach Hotel is about to be revived and memories awakened with the opening of the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa this Spring.

Jumeirah Group’s first property in the Gulf Region outside the United Arab Emirates features many aspects of Arabic architecture in a contemporary setting. Traditional oriel windows of Mashrabiya designs are a characteristic throughout the resort and respect Kuwait’s rich heritage. Messilah is inspired by its location and its name derived from the old Kuwaiti word, Massiyalah, where rain water gathers and flows into the sea. Water is a recurring feature throughout this beachfront resort with streams, channels, fountains, pools and many other water features. This theme is also reflected in the prestigious Talise spa which means ‘beautiful waters’ in a Native American language.

Mark Griffiths, General Manager of the hotel said: “Kuwait’s new landmark will bring with it an exciting set of new experiences interlaced with heritage and history. Jumeirah Group’s extensive international experience coupled with the highest standards of service will reward the guests of Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa with exhilarating experiences unrivalled in Kuwait when it opens later this Spring.”

The Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa is part of Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hospitality company. Regarded as one of the most luxurious and innovative hotel chains in the world, with numerous international awards, Jumeirah Group will offer Kuwait a one-of-a-kind experience that combines its professionalism with Messilah’s existing extensive history to help create memories.

“Living up to the Jumeirah promise of Stay Different TM, we are keen on delivering the best of everything from dining to leisure and relaxation. We look forward to opening our doors soon and welcoming our first guests,” added Mr. Griffiths.

PPHE Hotel Group Extends Park Plaza Histria Pula, Croatia by 127 Rooms

150 150 Daniel Fountain

PPHE Hotel Group Limited, owner and operator of primarily full service upscale and lifestyle hotels including Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts in Europe, has announced that it will extend its Park Plaza Histria Pula property bringing the room-count total to 368. The development is a close collaboration between PPHE Hotel Group and Arenaturist, which PPHE Hotel Group operates and part owns, and will be completed for the 2013 summer season.The additional 127 newly renovated rooms and suites will bring the total of rooms in the award-winning Park Plaza Histria Pula, which opened summer 2012, to 368 making it the ideal location for large events, conferences and incentives. WiFi, LCD TVs and air conditioning are all included as standard and in celebration of the new rooms opening; PPHE Hotel Group is promoting an exclusive Croatia offer this summer of up to 10% off for early bookings.

Reli Slonim, PPHE Hotel Group’s Vice President Croatia and Executive Director of Arenaturist commented: “After months of planning, we are delighted to have started the construction work with the extension scheduled to open ahead of the summer season. Park Plaza Histria Pula was recently awarded the Gold medal standard from TUI UK & Ireland which demonstrates a high level of customer feedback and with an increasing number of airlines flying directly into Pula, we are looking forward to welcoming existing and new guests this summer.”

Park Plaza Histria Pula was recognised as a top-rated hotel, receiving the Gold standard, along with sister property Park Plaza Medulin, by TUI UK & Ireland which is awarded directly by customers travelling with holiday brands Thomson and First Choice, part of TUI UK & Ireland. An average of one million Thomson and First Choice customers complete satisfaction surveys each year focusing on overall holiday experience, including hotel-stay. The results are then analysed by an independent market research company.

Park Plaza Histria Pula is a contemporary resort in an unrivalled location, providing panoramic views of the Adriatic. The hotel boasts a brand new reception, lobby, restaurant, bar; cinema and conference centre holding 700 delegates, along with a a spa and fitness area known as the comfort zone.

Park Plaza Medulin is situated in the fishing town of Medulin, alongside the Medulin Riviera. The hotel received a refurbishment of 190 rooms and public areas including the introduction of a new fitness centre.

In addition to these two award-winning hotels, neighbouring Park Plaza Verudela Pula also underwent a complete re-development of its 385 apartments, restaurant, swimming pool areas and kids play zone and boasts a newly developed shopping zone.

Citigate Sydney rebrands to Novotel Sydney Central as Haymarket transforms

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Citigate Central Sydney has rebranded to Novotel Sydney Central, marking an exciting time for the hotel as it undertakes a major refurbishment, while the suburb of Haymarket is in the midst of one of the most progressive urban renewal plans the city has ever seen. With Frank Gehry’s landmark University of Technology, Sydney business building taking shape across from the hotel’s Thomas Street address, and Sydney’s answer to New York’s Highline starting development shortly, Novotel Sydney Central is in the heart of all the action and is set to thrive under its new internationally revered banner.

Coined the Goods Line and operated by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, a 500-metre stretch of disused railway track will link Ultimo and Haymarket to Darling Harbour and the public space will be replete with greenery, bicycle tracks and seating areas. Guests of Novotel Sydney Central will be in a prime position to soak up the atmosphere and access to Sydney CBD will be simplified.

General Manager for Novotel Sydney Central, Danesh Bamji, said “The rebrand from Citigate to Novotel comes at a great time for the hotel and the regeneration of Haymarket will help to bring with it even greater opportunities.

“For a long time Haymarket has been seen as a transient suburb and often overshadowed by Darling Harbour and Chinatown, however with the public works that are currently underway, Haymarket is going to become one of the city’s most exciting precincts, surrounded by cutting edge architecture, exciting new restaurant and retail areas. While the precinct is very much focused on the future there is still plenty of history to discover, with Paddy’s Market and Chinatown on the Novotel’s doorstep.

“The Novotel boasts its own heritage listed building, the Field House, which we use as our restaurant, and it gives the hotel genuine character that we will respect during the refurbishment of the hotel’s rooms and public areas.”

The hotel’s Field House Restaurant, named after Thomas and Herbert Field, two brothers who emigrated to Australia in 1885 and set up an Outdoor Relief and Stores Department which gave assistance to needy citizens of Sydney during the Great Depression, has been beautifully restored and with its heritage listed status provides old world charm and traditional style amongst a bustling inner-city high rise hotel.

After being awarded ‘One Glass Rating’ for its wine list in the Australian Wine List of the Year Awards in 2012, Field House has never been busier. The hotel is one of only a handful of hotels to achieve a Glass rating and the only 4-star property to be recognised in Australia.

Boasting 255 spacious guestrooms, the cosmopolitan hotel will renovate all of the guest bathrooms and upgrade room furnishings, while the lobby and part of the historic Field House Restaurant will receive a makeover. In-keeping with Novotel’s family-friendly mantra, a dedicated children’s play area will be set up to the right of the lobby, and three Apple Mac computer stations will be installed.

With 14-purpose built function rooms which can host up to 400 people and an outdoor heated pool and spa which overlooks Sydney’s skyline, the newly rebranded Novotel Sydney Central is set to benefit considerably from the change in landscape and upgrade of its facilities, while guests will be at the forefront of all the action.

Contra Curtains & The Ampersand Hotel, London

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Contra Curtains Ltd has recently completed the manufacture and installation of soft furnishings to 111 bedrooms and suites at The Ampersand Hotel, London.The luxury hotel rooms in Kensington are inspired by the local London neighbourhood, with the design of the rooms referencing five central concepts – botany, music, geometry, ornithology and astronomy. Contra supplied all of the soft furnishing items to the bedrooms and various public spaces.

Working together with the design team at Dexter Moren Associates the bedrooms were completed on time and within budget.

By Royal Appointment

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Dernier & Hamlyn’s Royal Warrant for bespoke lighting manufacture and restoration was recently renewed following a comprehensive review by the Lord Chamberlain’s Committee that included the need for the London-based lighting specialists to provide evidence of the goods and services supplied to the Royal Household over the past five years. Dernier & Hamlyn is one of only 800 companies that have been granted a Royal Warrant and puts them beside an eclectic mix of companies representing all manner of trades which play an important part in the running of the Royal Households and whose aim is to continue to offer the quality and reliability which initially gained them their Royal Warrant of Appointment.

Apple Tree Group Set to Debut Luxury Lodge in Bagan

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Apple Tree Group is targeting April 15 for the soft opening of the highly anticipated tented luxury lodge located in the heart of historic Bagan. Located near the eastern shore of the legendary Irrawaddy River, the property offers 85 air-conditioned rooms in three classes of accommodation, ranging from 261 square meters for the Courtyard Suite, to 72 square meters for the Deluxe Tented Rooms. The hotel’s design aesthetic melds classic Burmese brick design with contemporary flourishes and tented roofs.

Its principal restaurant, the Tiffin Box, delivers a range of culinary fare from authentic Burmese to western cuisine. Afternoon tea is served in the Lobby Lounge, and the Pool Bar offers up snacks and cocktails.

Beyond the restaurant, the Lodge features a spa, a 20-meter pool and travel desk for guests to book local excursions and onward flights.

“Bagan is the hottest travel destination in Southeast Asia,” said Kurt Walter, Group General Manager at the Apple Tree Group. “Myanmar culture is on every traveler’s radar screen, and Bagan is going to emerge as the hottest attraction in the country.”

New Moon Voyage Bedrooms to Discover at Alton Towers Hotel

150 150 Daniel Fountain

14 rooms on the third floor of the Alton Towers Hotel are currently being refurbished with a new design. The rooms are expected to be finished in time for the opening of the theme park season in March.In keeping with the ‘Sir Algernon adventures’, the main theme that runs throughout the hotel, the new ‘adventure’ is his voyage into space. It is unclear whether these new rooms are the start of a wide-scale refurbishment of all the rooms and will be part of the ‘standard’ room offerings, or they will be grouped into the ‘themed room’ prices. As we receive more information, we will update readers.

Each Moon Voyage room sleeps up to four or five people and includes magnificent furnishings and a children’s chill-out area with Xbox console and games. Merlin Attractions Operations Limited, which owns Alton Towers as well as LegoLand Windsor, offers a similar set up in its rooms. Read the review of the LegoLand Windsor here.

All rooms have a 26″ television, tea and coffee making facilities and are home to a four foot bear for cuddles.

Fameed Khalique reinterprets key fashion trends in a new geometric leather wallcoverings collection

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Fameed Khalique is delighted to introduce a new collection of leather wallcoverings from Studioart to the UK following its latest launch at Maison et Objet. As both sumptuous leather and 1960s tessellated patterns graced the catwalks of the fashion capitals in 2012, Fameed Khalique aims to translate and re-interpret these key trends into interiors for 2013.Fameed’s background in the leather industry led to a natural affinity with pioneering Italian leather interiors brand Studioart, compelling him to bring the collections to a new audience in the UK and beyond. Just as leather served as a guiding light for Fameed when building his company, leather is also at the core of Studioart’s creative journey, enhancing its use in interior design for both private residences and commercial spaces.

Studioart is committed to relentless research in its quest for unique patterns, structures and textures that will complement a wide range of environments. From subtle, calm designs to high-octane, colour-blocked geometrics, its collections open up many possibilities in classic and contemporary schemes.

Among the new collections, Watersuede: a velvet suede effect reinterpreted with unusual shapes. Seen here with the flat and padded finish of Pattern 8. The layout of various shapes in opposite directions creates an interesting optical effect.

The mosaics and tiles in the City line are made with full grain leather which is smooth to the touch and available in a rich palette of colours. City is highly resistant to wear and fading, making it ideal for residential and contract use.

The Pearl collection, made from pure aniline leather, is dyed without covering the surface so that the leather retains the hide’s natural ‘grain’. This beautiful leather is extremely delicate to the touch. Pearl is available in several colours and each piece bears a unique vein structure. Matt metallic dust, wax and oils are used to give a final luminescent layer.

The Luxury collection offers one geometric pattern of leathers in different shapes, and finishes. Full grain leather and suede in solid colours are mixed and matched with the iridescent, leathers which are embossed or embellished with decorations inspired by sumptuous brocades.

Geo is an Earth inspired collection. The 4 Geo finishes (Old Boy Reshape, Dryland, Serpentola and Schizo Chic) interpret the earthy look: Cracks, craquelé and vintage effects are obtained through specific treatments and are the main distinctive characters of the Geo tiles.

Lano Flooring Solutions decks out the Empress cruise ship

150 150 Daniel Fountain

With a reputation for delivering high quality IMO certified carpets, it is no wonder that Lano Flooring Solutions has partnered with Pullmantur, the largest Spain-based cruise line company in the world, and supplied over 135,000m2of woven axminster carpets for its fleet over the past six years.One of the most recent collaborations with Pullmantur has resulted in 15,000m2 of striking bespoke carpets gracing the floors of the Empress ship. Covering areas including the main atrium, alleyways, restaurants, casino, children’s area, spa, gym and staterooms, the carpets showcase the best of Lano Flooring Solution’s design ability and offer superior levels of durability and underfoot comfort with a wool-rich blend.

As Ronnie Wilkie, design executive for Lano Flooring Solutions explains, “Pullmantur approached our experienced design team, asking for custom-made carpets that would create a stylish and eye-catching look for passengers on the Empress. A particular highlight of this project is the carpet in the Schooner Piano Bar; designed with a nautical appeal, its swirling pattern in rich gold and midnight blue also has a musical theme that reflects the area’s use for evening entertainment.”

Lano Flooring Solutions also provided the artificial grass on the outer decks of the Empress Ship, and recently worked closely with Pullmantur’s marine operations director, Benjamin de Haas, to create 12,500m2 of carpet designs for its sister ship the Sovereign.

One of the first ever carpet manufacturers to invest in the latest high-tech Van de Wiele axminster looms, Lano Flooring Solutions has forged a long and successful track record of supplying high-performance IMO certified carpet to the growing cruise market.

For further information on Lano Flooring Solutions, freephone 00800 5266 5266 or e-mail marketing@lano.com

Pullman Wuxi New Lake: Pullman’s new flagship hotel

150 150 Daniel Fountain

This magnificent modern building is designed for leisure, business, receptions and events for both local and international customers. Patrick Chmielewski, the hotel’s General Manager, gave us a guided tour.Soon guests will be able to reach their hotel by boat! Before long, the marina being built at the foot of the Pullman Wuxi New Lake hotel, will welcome guests’ boats. “It’s one of the Pullman network’s most fabulous hotels,” confirms General Manager Patrick Chmielewski. The hotel, which opened in October 2012, is very impressive. It is located in one of Wuxi’s twin towers – the city’s highest – right in the heart of the New District’s future city-center, which is currently being built 120km from Shanghai. It is ideally situated, close to the shopping centers, the business district and a garden that will soon feature an artificial river that is currently being created. The hotel also offers an exceptional view of Lake Taihu from the 10th floor up. Two metro lines due to open in 2013 will service the complex which is also just 5kms from the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed train station.

Stylish and vibrant
The hotel’s striking lobby features a vast 9m glittering glass chandelier of typical Chinese inspiration, and a lavish wall painting behind the reception desk. “The lobby meets Feng Shui requirements. There are no right angles in the room,” explains Patrick Chmielewski. The 20m-long wall painting represents a view of nearby Lake Taihu and is inlaid with precious stones. “This is an international hotel with a truly urban atmosphere that is both elegant and relaxed”.

A new emblem
As such, the Pullman Wuxi New Lake hotel exemplifies Pullman’s new identity: that of a brand that has renewed the approach to upscale hospitality and offers its urban clientele a stimulating and cosmopolitan experience. “We are part of a development and activity zone that includes large international companies such as Sony, Osram, Ricoh, Bosch and Rhodia”. This strategic location reflects the brand’s “new upscale style”. The hotel also offers Pullman’s hallmark services with Vinoteca by Pullman, the Chill-out Space, the Co-Meeting offer and the Connectivity Lounge. The establishment’s greatest reward is to have been chosen as the first location for a photo report showcasing Pullman’s new identity in China. At the moment, Pullman has 16 hotels in China and the network continues to expand with an additional 29 hotels due to open by 2015.

The reference for events
Since its inauguration in October 2012, the Pullman Wuxi New Lake hotel has positioned itself as the large events specialist. “Our 1,200m2 ballroom is one of the brand’s biggest in China.” The hotel also has eight other reception rooms bathed in natural light and equipped with the best audio and video facilities. “This wedding reception room is booked very often because that type of ceremony is very popular in China. It’s a sign of social recognition: the more lavish the wedding, the higher the family’s status.” This large 55m-long room serves either as a banquet hall or as a meeting room and can cater for 800 to 1,000 people. The Pullman Wuxi New Lake is the first French international five-star hotel in Wuxi. It hosts corporate events such as seminars and more recently welcomed a celebration marking the New District’s 20th anniversary.

One floor exclusively for female guests
Chinese business customers are particularly fond of hotel chains and often travel in large groups. The establishment has been specially designed to cater for these groups and has 198 twin rooms. “We are one of the only establishments in the region with so many twin rooms. Right from the onset, we established ourselves in the market for large gatherings,” confirms Patrick Chmielewski. The hotel boasts a total of 404 rooms, including 40 suites ranging from 42m2 to 430m2. One of the hotel’s other competitive advantages is its 16th floor which is exclusively reserved from women. Decorated in shades of pink, featuring women’s magazines, an abundance of Roger & Gallet products, bathrobes and reinforced security, the 26 rooms are used mostly by businesswomen traveling alone who want to stay in a feel-good bubble of comfort.

The Pullman hotel: a must-stay establishment
“Our customers meet, sign a contract, but they also relax and play sport,” says the General Manager. The hotel, which has four restaurants and a bar, offers international, Japanese, French and traditional Chinese cuisine, for example at “Le Chinois”, which can seat 280 and has 18 private rooms that are much appreciated by business men. The hotel also has a wide range of leisure facilities including a fully-equipped fitness room, a yoga room, a 27m indoor swimming pool, a spa, a massage room, Ping-Pong tables and a billiard table. Soon, it will also boast 17 karaoke rooms! “A lot of negotiations are rounded off with a business dinner, followed by a karaoke session. It’s part of Chinese culture,” explains Patrick Chmielewski.
In addition to its high-quality finishes and impeccable service, the elegant and modern Pullman New Lake hotel is also noticeable for its efforts in favor of sustainable development. It reached the PLANET 21 Bronze level in January 2013.

Carpet combinations at Wood Norton Hall

150 150 Daniel Fountain

The boutique Grade II* listed four-star Wood Norton Hotel, Evesham, is now graced with just under 2,400 square metres of fine woven axminster and tufted carpets from Wilton Carpets Commercial. As part of a £4million refurbishment aimed at restoring the hotel’s grandeur and injecting contemporary style, Vassen Design Ltd turned to the experienced hands of the Wilton Carpets Commercial design team for a combination of bespoke and stock designs throughout the public areas and bedrooms.

Within the principal bedrooms of the hotel, a bespoke carpet featuring delicate inlaid scroll designs and elegant stripe borders adds calm to the space and gives the bedrooms a more contemporary feel. A bespoke turquoise colour was added to the soft neutral shades taken from the Optimum colour palette to coordinate with the sumptuous fabrics, creating a contemporary harmony with the traditional panelled walls and ceilings. The carpets are woven in 7-row axminster with an 80/20 construction.

Using Wilton’s Flexiweave service, the Optimum colour palette is carried through into the public areas with the increased durability of a nine-row construction and a contemporary textured design, once again providing a balanced contrast with traditional fixtures and fittings. This design continues with a contemporary colour block bordered runner on the grand wooden staircase providing colour and design continuity throughout.

Turning to Wilton’s popular Ready to Go range, the bedrooms within the Pear Tree stable block and second floor of the main building benefit from the tufted Chenille design in Cardamom and Hemp colourways. The dark beige of Cardamom was used to create a cossetting atmosphere within the Pear Tree stable block, while the second floor bedrooms use the lighter Hemp colourway, again complementing traditional wood features.

“Wood Norton Hotel has an exceptional historic interior, reflecting the lifestyle of the exiled French royals wholived there before World War One,” explains Sean Vassen of Vassen Design. “Crucially, many of the interior’s original features have stayed intact, the most notable of which is the finely crafted oak panelling. My aim was to enhance the interior spaces of the hotel by using a carefully modulated palette of textures and colours that work with the existing wood panelling, and I found I could achieve this with the Optimum palette as it allowed design flexibility in a coordinating bank of shades.”

With a combination of woven carpets taking advantage of the flexible and cost-effective Flexiweave service where possible and tufted carpets from the Ready to Go collection, adapting qualities to suit each area, Vassen Design was able to achieve a high quality floor finish that was in keeping with the hotel’s ambience and that also kept to budget. All carpets were manufactured in the UK at Wilton Carpets Commercial’s Wiltshire production facility in a performance blend of 80% wool 20% nylon.

For further information contact Wilton Carpets Commercial on 01722 746000 or sales@wiltoncarpets.com

Magnificent Meetings at The Mere

150 150 Daniel Fountain

The Mere’s George Duncan Suite and its two boardrooms have been refurbished to the highest degree of specification, marking the final stage of the resort’s £15 million redevelopment. The Mere is now able to provide a greater choice of options for customers looking for smaller scale events within a luxurious and highly equipped environment. The George Duncan suite holds up to 200 guests in theatre style and is popular for a host of events, from small weddings, corporate banquets and theatre style meetings. The Suite has its own bar, lounge and connecting syndicate room allowing up to 120 guests to make use of a secluded area. The boardrooms are used regularly for private meetings.The newly designed conferencing suites were designed and refurbished by Mather & Co, based in Wilmslow, also responsible for the rest of the resort’s redevelopment.

Janice Crosby, Events Manager at The Mere, comments: “The George Duncan Suite is hugely popular for a range of corporate hospitality events and we’re delighted with the results of the refurbishment. Our boardrooms are regularly booked up too and we wanted to ensure we were delivering a consistently high quality experience at the resort. It’s exciting too to mark the final stage of our significant development plans.”

The Mere Golf Resort & Spa is an independent luxury resort co-owned by Mark Boler and Gary Corbett. The resort offers an 81 bedroom hotel and two new restaurants including ‘Browns at The Mere’ and the ‘Club Lounge and Bar’ alongside its existing championship golf course, refurbished conference and event facilities for up to 550 people and a state-of the-art health club and spa. Situated in the heart of Cheshire, the resort is close to Manchester, Liverpool and Chester.

Pullman makes its own revolution

150 150 Daniel Fountain

The figures are impressive, with 2,500 rooms and 26,000 m2 of public areas refurbished and renovations that will last 30 months, and reflect the sheer scale of the project. Pullman has launched this unprecedented transformation known as “Pullman Paris Live” in the heart of France’s capital. This architectural revolution will allow it to unveil its new look as well as a reinvented approach to upscale hospitality in the first quarter of 2014.

Five hotels: the Pullman Paris Montparnasse, Bercy, Tour Eiffel, La Défense, Charles de Gaulle Airport… will showcase the brand’s new mind-set and daring approach promoting an experience that blends efficiency with pleasure.

“This project represents an unprecedented challenge in the Paris hotel sector with the virtually simultaneous refurbishment of five ‘heavy weight’ establishments. No hotel brand has ever undertaken renovations on this scale in as many hotels in the same city in such a short period of time. It represents a sizeable investment which is entirely funded by the hotel owners. We are giving ourselves the means with which to fulfill our ambitions in the world’s top tourist destination” declares Denys Sappey – Director of Pullman France.

A dedicated website to follow the progress of refurbishment

Several key features in all five establishments will be reinvented over the next few months, for example, services, interior design, contemporary art, connectivity and decompartmentalised spaces. The aim is to create five unique addresses where customers will recognize Pullman’s identity through a series of brand hallmarks and strong characteristics.

Of course design is one of the project’s essential elements. Eight renowned architects and interior designers are responsible for Pullman’s new identity in Paris: Christophe Pillet, Didier Gomez, Marc Hertrich & Nicolas Adnet, JOI Design, Laurent Moreau, Naço and Didier Rey.

“Our brand project offers a new approach to upscale hospitality in which design plays a key role. Whether they are staying for business, leisure, or both, our objective is to offer our guests a cosmopolitan, stimulating and decidedly stylish experience. The designer element in our hotels will be reinforced by the brand’s commitments in the field of contemporary art” explains Xavier Louyot – Senior Vice President, Global Marketing for Pullman.

This unprecedented transformation of the brand’s Parisian hotels also involved a lengthy process to prepare employees and includes a vast internal communication campaign as well as a campaign targeting customers through a dedicated website. The aim is to involve customers as much as possible by revealing what the Pullman hotels of the future will be like and to strengthen customer bonds with a brand that is determined to shake things up in 2013 and the years to come.

The “Pullman Paris Live” project in figures…

– 5 hotels
– 8 designers
– 30 months of refurbishment
– 2,510 rooms renovated
– 26,000 m2 of living areas reinvented
– 1,500 employees concerned
– January 2013: work starts at the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
– March 2013: Unveiling of the Pullman Paris La Défense and Pullman Paris Montparnasse
– September 2013: Unveiling of the Pullman Paris Bercy
– December 2013: Unveiling of the Pullman Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
– April 2014: Unveiling of the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

ME London: official launch 1st March 2013

150 150 Daniel Fountain

ME by Meliá will officially launch its flagship hotel, ME London, on 1st March 2013 – a design-led, lifestyle hotel located at the centre of the capital’s diverse art and culture district.Foster + Partners’ first UK hotel project and the first for which they have designed all of the interiors and exteriors, ME London is situated in Marconi House, the original London home of BBC radio.

The property has 157 guest rooms, including 16 suites and ultra-luxurious Suite ME, a two-storey penthouse located in the turret of the building. All have sumptuous bedding, bathrooms with spa-like rain showers and premium amenities, as well as access to the hotel’s integrated digital media hub.

The interiors fuse contemporary detailing and classic traditions, with a dramatic monochrome palette, as guests move from dark to light spaces.

Exceptional dining is located within the hotel including Radio roof top bar, offering a stunning panoramic view of London; STK steakhouse and grill who are celebrated for their lively vibe; Cucina Asellina for a contemporary take on rustic Italian food and the Marconi Lounge, an ideal meeting place, open all day.

The hotel also has an on-site fitness centre and offers in room relaxation and spa treatments.

ME by Meliá is for cultured, fashionable guests who are driven by new experiences and opportunities. The brand has been built on first-rate service, and ME London will be no exception. Each guest’s stay will be orchestrated by the dedicated Aura Manager, whose job it is to know the city back-to-front and use this knowledge to make the hotel’s service truly bespoke.

Burgess Furniture Celebrates 40 years of ScotHot

150 150 Daniel Fountain

UK based furniture designer and manufacturer Burgess Furniture is pleased to announce that we are again attending ScotHot at the SECC Glasgow from the 4th – 6th March 2013.Burgess has been at the forefront of banqueting and conference furniture design for over 50 years and is winner of a Queens Award for International Trade, an accolade we are very proud of.

2013 is a special year as ScotHot are celebrating 40 years of hosting the show and Burgess are also launching our new banqueting and conference chair at ScotHot called MENDOLA.

Other products that will be on our stand; our original Slimfold banqueting table, cleverly designed BuffetCube table and our stylish Configure-8 and Configure-8 Flip-Top tables which are perfect for any meeting, conference or boardroom. From our Classic chair range we will be exhibiting our Turini, Fiora, Cello and Comfort-Flex and from our Design chair range we will be showing off our Flexe, Flair, Vio, Sentrum and Orvia.

The Orvia Chair, which was designed in collaboration with FIRA and their leading Ergonomics Consultant Levent Caglar, was awarded the FIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award last year.

Burgess has an extensive range of chairs, tables and accessories to meet all of your hospitality requirements.

Visit our stand 4610 so we can discuss your requirements and demonstrate our products to you.

Wandsworth Announce £7 Million Investment Plan

150 150 Daniel Fountain

The Wandsworth Group has announced a significant strategic investment programme to enable further expansion following a £7 million cash injection into the business.The 108-year-old company is the longest established independent manufacturer of wiring accessories in the UK and has already announced a move to custom-fitted new premises in its home town of Woking, Surrey. The investment funds will enable The Wandsworth Group to maximise the benefits of its new headquarters and production plant with investment in new product development across its wiring accessories and healthcare technology business. The funds will also help the company to drive international expansion and acquisition opportunities where there is a synergy with the existing business.

Explains Chairman of The Wandsworth Group, Charlie Salter: “The move to our new premises reiterates Wandsworth’s commitment to product development, UK manufacturing and quality control and our new site next to McLaren Engineering is a state-of-the art facility with room for growth. Our focus on playing to the strengths of our century-long heritage while investing in next generation innovation for wiring accessories and healthcare technology will enable us to accelerate growth and market share here and internationally.’

Wandsworth has mapped out an investment programme involving product development of its premium Penthouse range of wiring accessories and expansion of its wireless accessories range.

Charlie Salter adds: “Whilst we remain a family-owned company with traditional values and a commitment to British manufacturing, The Wandsworth Group is also a very dynamic business with an exceptional technical skills base and a clear marketing vision. The investment will help us leverage those strengths and build on our success.”

Kesterport present the Eco Chair

150 150 Daniel Fountain

A new range of dining and lounge chairs from Kesterport is characterised by a complex skeletal structure that shows the personality of the chair and defines it as an almost sculptural object.Solid natural materials devoid of edges radiate warmth, strength and stability, and invite you to sit down and enjoy…

For enquiries please contact the contract sales office on 01932 573600 or visit our website site at www.kesterport.com.

Marriott to Double in Size in Thailand: Signs Landmark Deal with TCC Hotels Group for Seven Hotels

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Marriott International has recently announced the signing of seven management agreements with TCC Hotels Group which will see the US hospitality company operating seven TCC hotels across Thailand. These agreements make the TCC Hotels Group the largest owner of Marriott International hotels in Asia Pacific. The seven hotels are:
• The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, Bangkok to be rebranded as Bangkok Marriott Hotel Queen’s Park
• Imperial Adamas Phuket Beach Resort to be rebranded as Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Nai Yang Beach
• HuaHin Marriott Resort & Spa
• Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa, Jomtien Beach
• JW Marriott Pattaya Resort & Spa
• Marriott Hotel and Executive Apartments, Bangkok Surawong
• The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok

This landmark agreement will add 3,000 rooms to Marriott International’s existing 12 hotels of 3,110 rooms across Thailand.

The TCC Hotels Group will represent a variety of Marriott International’s brands including The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott and the company’s signature Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand. It will see Marriott International take on the management of two existing hotels and five new build properties across the country in the strategic tourist destinations of Bangkok, Phuket, HuaHin and Pattaya.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Bangkok, Simon Cooper, Marriott International’s president and managing director Asia Pacific, said: “We are delighted to announce this landmark deal for Thailand. TCC Hotels Group is very well established as a hotel owner and operator around the world and these seven hotels will add to our already strong portfolio of hotels in the country.”

“I believe this partnership shows our commitment to and faith in Thailand as a strategically important business and leisure destination in South East Asia. Managing this portfolio of TCC hotels in the country will allow us to extend our product offering and brands in Thailand, and enable domestic and international travellers to experience our hotels and world-class service.”

TCC Hotels Group expects to invest approximately US$500 million for the seven hotels including an extensive refurbishment of the existing Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, Bangkok and the Imperial Adamas Phuket Beach Resort before being rebranded and opened under the Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand in 2016.

“TCC Hotels Group believes that Thailand and the group could benefit from the global network and standards of Marriott International. We are very excited to be working together with Marriott International, an experienced global operator to support our growth strategy and our confidence in both Tourism and MICE business sectors of Thailand,” said Wallapa Traisorat, President of TCC Hotels Group.

Britain’s best result served up on Heritage Silverware

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Birmingham-based Heritage Silverware was on show at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or in Lyon, France last week following a special collaboration with Simpson’s head chef, Adam Bennett.Adam represented the UK in the world final of Bocuse d’Or – finishing fourth overall, the UK’s highest-ever ranking in the competition – and won the title of best meat dish for his oak-smoked beef fillet and boiled beef and carrots, which was presented on bespoke silverware created by Heritage.

Heritage Silverware spent over 500 hours manufacturing 115 pieces for Adam’s menu including miniature hand-blown glass cloches, specially selected pieces of British oak and silver-plated oak leaves.

Designer Nathalie McDonagh worked with Adam Bennett over the past year to create a completely new concept to complement his menu and fulfil the criteria of the competition. Speaking about the range, Nathalie said:

“Heritage has been privileged and honoured to work with Adam on his entry to the Bocuse d’Or, which is widely acknowledged as the biggest and most prestigious chefs’ competition in the world. We have nothing but huge admiration for the amount of time and dedication that he has put in, and Birmingham can feel immensely proud of his achievements.”

Based in Small Heath, Birmingham, Heritage Silverware was founded in 1976 and manufactures for clients across the world including The Ritz, The Dorchester and the Orient Express.

Feat of Clay: Palomba and Laufen

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Ludovica and Roberto Palomba

Picasso once said that the artist represented the élite of the servant classes. A hundred years on and my belief is that the artist has been usurped from this rôle by the designer. In the days of Picasso at the beginning of the Twentieth century the world was relatively simple visually. Photography had been around for maybe 60 years, but remained an arcane art form needing a special camera and alchemical darkroom procedures, television hadn’t been invented and the lithograph was the latest in print production.

Now our would is a visual and aural cacophony. We are bombarded with projected imagery, art is a cheap commodity, music reduced to muzak. Most people cannot distinguish between what has eternal values and what is merely a passing style fad. Designers act as translators of the chaos, standing between the juggernauts of mass production and the individual bespoke producer to enable people to select well designed products to fill their world. The designer has now become the élite of the servant classes in turn. It was with delight I heard Roberto Palomba speak of the work of himself and his partner, and wife of 25 years, Ludovica. Interviewed by Vanessa Brady in the Roca Gallery as part of the launch of new items in the Laufen collection, Roberto referred to himself as a servant of the people. Asked a particularly convoluted question he retreated, saying “I’m not intelligent – I am a designer”, and then went on to prove what an intelligent designer he is.

Designers share with artists their ability to tap into their intuition, to trust intuitive leaps, to think sideways rather than in straight logical lines. Roberto talked about his design process and what sounds like a symbiotic relationship with his client, Laufen. Asked about how technical details of what makes a tap work he said he didn’t need to know that, just how big the mechanism was. The latest collection created by his practice moves away from the seemingly all pervading rectilinear shapes to draw from nature, symbolised by the adoption of Celtic names such as ‘menhir’ (a standing stone) echoing forms in a landscape, fittingly for items associated with water.

Holiday Inn® Opens in the Heart of Historic Charleston, South Carolina

150 150 Daniel Fountain

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) announces the opening of the Holiday Inn Charleston Historic Downtown, the area’s first new hotel development in over 10 years. Located two blocks away from the Charleston Visitor’s Center at 425 Meeting Street, and within a short walk of famous Market and King Streets, the brand new, five-story hotel blends contemporary luxury with traditional southern hospitality.The Holiday Inn Charleston Historic Downtown has 120 rooms, including three full suites and 23 specialty rooms, all of which offer a private patio. The hotel, owned by Tara of Charleston LLC and managed by Tara Investments, is franchised by an affiliate of IHG. “We are delighted to be joining the Holiday Inn brand family in this great city”, said Jewel Oxner, vice-president of Sales and Marketing for Tara Investments. “Charleston is where history lives and memories are made. We look forward to welcoming both business and leisure guests, and providing them with the best service in Charleston. “

The hotel design creates a familiar atmosphere that is warm, trend forward and comfortable. It features a natural, fresh colour palette punctuated by pops of energetic colours. Guest beds are made using crisp, white bedding with pillows that come in two comfort levels: “soft” and “firm.” And the bathrooms include a multifunctional showerhead, as well as a signature shower curtain with curved rod, and Bath & Body Works® amenities. In addition, each room has the standard Holiday Inn guestroom accommodations – comfortable double, queen or king-sized beds, a sitting area with a lounge chair, hairdryer, micro fridge, coffee maker, iron and ironing board.

The design includes business-focused necessities such as an ergonomic workstation, data ports and complimentary USA TODAY® newspapers. Other amenities include free wireless Internet service throughout the hotel and in the area surrounding the heated outdoor pool. The hotel includes 2,109 square feet of meeting space, which can accommodate up to 150 people. In addition, the hotel includes a library and business centre featuring living-room style seating and a fitness centre with floor to ceiling windows.

Guests of the Holiday Inn Charleston Historic Downtown can enjoy The Meeting Room Restaurant and Tapas Bar, which features farm-to-table cuisine, signature cocktails and specially selected wines, all in a relaxing and elegant setting. Executive Chef Ramon Taimanglo offers a twist on tradition with American-inspired tapas prepared with local ingredients, offering something to suit every palette. In addition to serving dinner, The Meeting Room also offers the standard Holiday Inn Best-4-Breakfastâ menu.

Starwood Hotels and White Lodging To Expand Westin Brand in Austin

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and White Lodging Services Corporation have announced plans to open a second Westin hotel in Austin, Texas. The Westin Austin Downtown is scheduled to break ground in 2013 and open in Spring 2015 on the northeast corner of East Fifth Street and San Jacinto Boulevard. The 17-story, 326-room Westin hotel will be a joint venture between White Lodging Services Corporation, the Harry Whittington family and REI Real Estate Services, LLC.Located at the centre of Austin’s lively downtown, The Westin Austin Downtown will be just one and a half blocks from the city’s convention centre and a short walk to many of the city’s restaurants and music venues. The famous Sixth Street entertainment district is just around the corner. Hotel facilities will include a White Lodging-managed, full-service restaurant, fitness centre, and 13,500 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and banquet space.

In addition to helping meet an ever-growing demand for hotel rooms, the Westin will generate significant economic benefits, including more than 130 permanent jobs and approximately $4.5 million in taxes annually.

The sensory-rich environment at Westin offers a respite from the rigors of travel and sets a welcoming tone. The Westin brand’s innovative programs and instinctive service transform every aspect of a guest’s stay into a revitalizing experience. All guestrooms and suites at The Westin Austin Downtown will offer the world-renowned Westin Heavenly® Bed – an oasis of lush sheets, down and a patented pillow-top mattress, which cradles and contours to the body for truly restorative sleep. Guests will revive in the Heavenly® Bath enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly® Shower, Heavenly® Robe and White Tea Aloe bath amenities, in-room and high-speed Internet access. The hotel also will also offer the Westin brand’s signature SuperFoodsRX® menu, which includes nutrient-rich and delicious options to tempt every palate.

SOURCE White Lodging Services Corporation

Great Hotels of the World welcomes five new members

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Great Hotels of the World, the London-based hotel sales and marketing alliance, has acquired five new member properties to its collection.Great Hotels of the World Luxury Collection – for the most luxurious hotels in the world

Royal Garden Villas & Spa, Tenerife, Spain
Situated in the beautiful region of Costa Adeje in Southern Tenerife, Royal Garden Villas & Spa is a luxurious and elegant five-star resort, offering guests privacy and the finest services in gorgeous surroundings. Overlooking the golf course and boasting spectacular views, the hotel comprises 28 one-, two- and three-bedroomed villas, each with their own large terrace and solar heated pool, designed for relaxation and privacy.

Each villa has been decorated in its own unique style, equipped with sumptuous furnishings and beautiful antiques from around the world. Guests can also have their meals in the privacy of their own villa. The property’s Golden Pond Spa is a Thai temple of wellbeing, offering guests a unique environment to unwind. Wood, stone and sculptures adorn the spa to recreate an exotic Asian atmosphere. The spa contains an indoor thermal circuit with jacuzzi, waterfall, waterbeds and Turkish bath, hydromassage showers, ice fountain and a separate lounge for treatments. Guests can also enjoy the property’s gym, Tucán Tucán Pub and Jardín Restaurant, serving traditional Canarian and international cuisine. The restaurant has been recommended by the Michelin Guide.

Great Hotels of the World Premium Collection – for upscale superior hotels offering guests a unique experience

Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, Thailand
Located on the banks of the majestic Chao Phraya River, with the cultural and historical attractions of Bangkok on its doorstep, Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok offers premium accommodation. Its 396 spacious rooms and suites all boast large balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning views of the river and cityscape, along with the renowned friendly Thai hospitality. The property offers a complimentary shuttle boat to and from Sathorn Pier for its guests.

The hotel boasts three restaurants: River Barge, which serves international and regional specialities, Silver Waves, serving dim sum and creative Cantonese cuisine, and Pier 28, offering alfresco dining at its finest. Guests can also enjoy the 35m infinity pool with accompanying jacuzzi, two children’s pools, hair salon, fitness centre with sauna and the hotel’s Nemita Spa, with an array of treatments to choose from. A large ballroom, business centre services and seven private meeting rooms are also onsite as well as a club lounge, lobby lounge, pool bar and convenience store.

Continued on page two…

Downtown Toronto Metropolitan Hotel Converted to DoubleTree by Hilton Brand

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Hilton Worldwide and Bayview Hospitality Group (BHG) have announced that the landmark Metropolitan Hotel Toronto, which BHG recently acquired along with the hotel’s two restaurants, will become downtown Toronto’s first DoubleTree by Hilton. BHG will continue to operate the hotel when it converts to a DoubleTree by Hilton later this year.“Entering the downtown of a gateway city such as Toronto with a well-known destination hotel and proven operators such as BHG is a great way for DoubleTree by Hilton to start the year,” said John Greenleaf global head DoubleTree by Hilton. “We’ve recently signed franchise agreements for hotel conversions in Kamloops, British Columbia; West Edmonton, Alberta; and downtown Regina, Saskatchewan. With all three planned to open this year, we will more than double our portfolio in the country.”

Located amidst the vibrant retail centre at Dundas Square, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Nathan Phillips Square and Osgoode Hall, the hotel is surrounded by Canada’s leading teaching hospitals, three major universities and the provincial legislature. BHG plans to reposition the well-known hotel to become the first DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Toronto. The repositioning strategy includes an extensive refurbishment to the hotel. The new design direction and upgrades will bring a heightened level of comfort and a sophisticated, urban look and feel to the full service hotel.

“We are truly excited to introduce the first DoubleTree by Hilton to the world class city of Toronto,” said Alnoor Gulamani, president of BHG. “BHG has a relationship with Hilton Worldwide that goes back many years over multiple hotel projects in the Greater Toronto Area. The Doubletree by Hilton brand is the perfect fit for this central, cosmopolitan location.”

Kempinski Ambience Hotel Delhi Is Now Open

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Europe’s oldest luxury hotel brand, Kempinski, has reinforced its commitment to India by launching its first independently managed hotel in the commercial district of Shadara in East Delhi – Kempinski Ambience Delhi. The Buddhist spiritual leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, His Holiness the Dalai Lama blessed and inaugurated Kempinski Ambience Delhi by lighting the ceremonial lamp on December 25, 2012. The hotel is set to be an upscale landmark destination for business, entertainment and weddings in the region.

The hotel is contemporarily designed and features 480 rooms and suites in two towers, connected by a sky bridge. Each tower has a dedicated entrance, a lobby and a check-in desk. Kempinski Ambience Delhi features banqueting facilities of over 70,000 sq ft, including India’s largest pillar-less ballroom in a luxury hotel that can accommodate up to 6000 guests. Amongst the dining options are four specialty restaurants including Café Knosh (all-day dining restaurant), Dilli 32 (an Indian specialty restaurant), Mei Kun (an Asian restaurant) and Casaluna (an Italian restaurant).

Continued on page two…

Travelodge exchanges contracts for its first hotel in Hackney

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Travelodge has exchanged contracts with LPC Living for the construction of its first hotel in the London Borough of Hackney. Located at the former Gibbons furniture store site on Amhurst Road and adjacent to Hackney Central Train Station, the 80-bed hotel is expected to open in the summer of 2014. It will be the first branded hotel accommodation in the heart of the Borough and will create 15 jobs when open.

The Travelodge hotel forms part of a broader £20m redevelopment by LPC Living which also includes 50 serviced apartments and two ground floor retail units. Construction is scheduled to start this spring with Anglo Holt appointed as contractors.

Strettons acted on behalf of Travelodge, with Kingsbury acting on behalf of LPC Living. This will be LPC Living’s second Travelodge development, with the company having previously built Travelodge’s Salford Quays hotel in Greater Manchester.

Neil Short, Development Manager for Travelodge in North London, said: “The new hotel is in a fantastic location on Amhurst Road, next to Hackney Central station and part of an exciting, £20 million mixed-use development by LPC. We will be delighted to open what will be the first branded hotel in the heart of Hackney.

“Whilst the Olympic Games have brought a lot of attention to East London, the long-term business fundamentals for a hotel in Hackney are clear. Considerable recent investment in public transport, a burgeoning business and cultural environment and a lack of good quality, affordable hotel rooms mean Hackney is a great location for a Travelodge.”

Simon Ashdown, Development Director at LPC Living, said: “Our experience in transforming redundant pieces of land into thriving mixed-use developments and creating new employment opportunities for the local community lends itself perfectly to this prime site in Hackney.

“Travelodge are the perfect partner in this equation and I am delighted to be extending our relationship with them following the success of our Radclyffe Park development in Salford.”

Travelodge now has 56 hotels open in the London Boroughs, with 13 further sites under construction or legally secure, making Travelodge the largest hotel brand in the capital. The hotel company now has a site in 27 London boroughs.

The Travelodge development team is actively looking for a further 48 sites across London which, when realised, will ensure the company has a hotel in located in each of the capital’s boroughs.

Tony O’Brien, UK Development Director for Travelodge Hotels, said: “London has an undersupply of good quality, affordable hotel rooms in Zones 1 and 2, and a shortage of any type of hotel in the suburbs.

“Trading has been superb for us in London throughout the recession, with hotels reaching mature occupancy levels within weeks of opening.

“Our London target list has a further 48 locations in the capital and we will be making further announcements soon about some exciting exchanges.”

Sale of Aloft and Element Lexington Completed

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that it has completed the sale of Aloft and Element Lexington to Rockwood Capital for $36 million. As part of the agreement, the dual-hotel development in Lexington, Massachusetts will be managed under long-term license agreements by Paramount Hotel Group and continue to fly the Aloft and Element flags. “This sale is consistent with Starwood’s asset-light strategy as we continue to seek opportunities to sell owned real estate at the right time to the right owners,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood. “Starwood completed over $500 million of hotel asset sales in 2012, and investor interest in the company’s other owned assets has increased markedly as hotel industry fundamentals and capital markets have continued to improve.”

“We are thrilled to be expanding our relationship with Starwood. We view these properties as an excellent fit with our strategy to acquire strong income-producing properties in one of our key target markets on the east coast,” said Tony Larino, Managing Director and Head of Lodging at Rockwood Capital.

Built by Starwood and opened in 2008, Aloft Lexington and Element Lexington share the same parcel of land at 727 Marrett Road, close to the 128 Mass Turnpike. Home to numerous technology businesses, Lexington offers a charming combination of historical sites, farm stands and greenhouses, as well as convenient access to Boston’s thriving business community and leisure attractions.

Aloft Lexington offers 136 guest rooms, indoor pool, w xyz sm bar, fitness center and meeting space. Element Lexington features 123 guestrooms, fitness facility and meeting space. The two hotels share 297 parking spaces.

Hamilton Expands Eurofix range

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Decorative electrical wiring accessories, audio and lighting controls manufacturer Hamilton Litestat has extended its Eurofix range, which offers complete flexibility for British and European overseas projects where a range of international appliances may be used, such as hotels. Eurofix plates contain European style apertures into which the various inserts can be clipped, yet are fitted in the usual way into British Standard wall boxes.

New inserts for 2013 include universal, USA (NEMA) and European (schuko) sockets, and a USB charging point, which join the existing range of AV, data, TV, satellite and hotel card switch inserts.

The Eurofix range is available across most of Hamilton’s stylish plate designs, making it suitable for all types of interior from contemporary to traditional.

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Poland with the Iconic Hotel Bristol in Warsaw

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Following a meticulous and extensive multi-million dollar renovation, Hotel Bristol, one of Warsaw’s most iconic establishments, joins The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts’ ensemble of the world’s finest hotels. Owned by Starman Poland, Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Warsaw marks the luxury brand’s first hotel in Poland, combining its authentic, artistic spirit and its cultural heritage with contemporary glamour and elegance. Situated in one of the most prestigious locations in Warsaw, next to the Presidential Palace and on the historic and fashionable Royal Route, Hotel Bristol has been at the centre of Varsovian society since it was founded in 1901 by Ignacy Paderewski – a renowned composer, piano virtuoso and former Polish Prime Minister. The hotel continues to provide unrivalled hospitality for discerning global travellers, with 168 guestrooms and 38 suites clothed in understated shades of ivory and blue, creating a soothing backdrop for the contrasting charcoal and ebony furnishings. Subtle Art Deco accents are used alongside classic elements, a gentle reminder of the hotel’s historic roots. Softly polished nickel, rich timbers, generously proportioned bevelled mirrors and high-gloss lacquer combine with indulgent satin, mohair and fine wool to encapsulate the glamour and decadence of the 1920s.

A Renewed Masterpiece
Offering a mesmerising experience reminiscent of Warsaw’s Belle Époque era from the early 20th century, Hotel Bristol is a unique masterpiece with an enduring artistic spirit coupled with contemporary amenities. Behind the hotel’s majestic neo-renaissance façade, the interiors were created by acclaimed London-based hotel designer, Anita Rosato, to recapture its illustrious history and romantic aura with subtle references to the aesthetics of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. Rosato worked closely with the city’s Architectural Conservator during the renovation of the 110-year-old hotel to ensure that Hotel Bristol’s historical charm is preserved.

The restoration and re-branding of Hotel Bristol as a Luxury Collection hotel reinforces its position at the heart of Warsaw’s cultural and social scenes, as well as one of the city’s beloved landmarks. The place to meet, relax and absorb the grandeur of the historic building, the reception has been returned to its original location next to the main entrance with an enlarged lobby lounge. The decor features deep-buttoned armchairs and marbled walls with antiqued mirrors in brass frames. With the restored chandelier illuminating the grand floral display of palm trees and freshly cut blooms, the lobby is a contemporary re-interpretation of the original winter garden by Otto Wagner the Younger, the hotel’s first interior designer.

Influences from the Art Nouveau and Jugendstil movements can be seen in bespoke design accents throughout the hotel: from the intricate installation of over 600 handmade brass leaves – inspired by the organic forms of a Secessionist brooch, in the reception and an elaborate handcrafted rug that was developed from a remnant fabric with Art Nouveau design, to nickel-glass wall fittings, embellished wool drapes and embossed white leather panels influenced by Wagner’s contemporaries.

Exquisite Culinary Experiences
Hotel Bristol introduces Advinture, a new wine bar offering wines from renowned vineyards and pairing them with delicacies created by Chef de Cuisine Michal Tkaczyk to provide an unforgettable oenological discovery. Intimate yet vibrant, Advinture features cast bronze light fittings that are a modern take on the organic forms of Art Nouveau, alongside black lacquer, bevelled mirror and cracked gesso panels within its monochromatic palette.

Featuring an original plaster frieze by Wagner and elegant columns adorned with restored Art Nouveau light fittings, the majestic Column Bar captures the essence of Hotel Bristol, which is renowned for its annual New Year’s Eve grand ball. Curved leather banquette seating and tall-back wingchairs have been added to evoke the glamour and elegance in the intimate setting complemented by the handcrafted rug running the length of the grand hall and whose design was inspired by the historical frieze. Guests are invited to enjoy signature cocktails like The Nocturne Fizz, a vodka-based concoction inspired by the Mazovia region.

Marconi Restaurant reflects Tkaczyk’s culinary passion with its delectable Polish and Mediterranean cuisine, including the signature roasted duck with caramelised apples, abundant with flavours of rosemary, garlic and clove. The restaurant’s elegant classical interiors with rich dark parquet contrasted against soft white panelled walls, together with a delicate colour palette and exquisite details like crystal chandeliers and fine porcelain, provide a sophisticated and romantic ambiance.

Tradition meets metropolitan lifestyle at the legendary Café Bristol, which has enchanted its guests since 1901 with original Viennese-style interiors, aromas of freshly brewed coffee, delicious traditional dishes and sophisticated patisserie.

Leisure Facilities and The Luxury Collection Concierge
A gold and white light installation hangs above the exquisite reception desk at the wellness area, exuding a calming, ethereal atmosphere when one enters. In this intimate and serene retreat, guests can make use of the indoor pool and gym, enjoy a pampering massage, as well as relax in the wet and dry saunas.

Hotel Bristol also introduces the brand’s signature Luxury Collection Concierge service to all guests, offering the most discerning global travellers an extraordinary experience and impeccable service. The concierge provides guests recommendations to discover and experience the city in an authentic and indigenous way, reinforcing Hotel Bristol’s position as the Varsovian destination authority.

Go ahead for new Park Royal hotel development

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Keypoint Guernsey Limited, advised by Indigo Planning, has been given the go ahead to redevelop the former Park Royal Hotel site in west London to create a 152-bedroom hotel. The London Borough of Ealing unanimously voted to grant planning consent for the hotel, which will also have a ground floor restaurant/bar and valet parking in the basement providing 51 spaces.

The hotel is aimed at both the business and leisure market and the owner is in discussion with a high profile hotel operator but is welcoming enquiries. The development will restore the locally listed building’s façade, the surrounding advertisement hoardings will be removed and its overall appearance greatly improved.

The 0.23 ha (0.6 acre) conservation area site was formerly home to the locally listed Park Royal Hotel public house, more recently known as Magnat, and is located on the A40 Western Avenue between Park Royal and Hanger Lane underground stations.

Mathew Mainwaring, Director at Indigo Planning said: “As well as providing a high quality hotel and around 65 new jobs, these plans will bring a locally listed building back into viable use and enhance the surrounding conservation area. We have undertaken a significant amount of consultation with the local community and this paved the way for the committee’s overwhelming support for the application. Following Ealing Council’s decision, work is set to start later this year.”

Architects for the project are CareyJones ChapmanTolcher.

ISH 2013: Laufen lifts the veil

150 150 Daniel Fountain

The Swiss bathroom specialist Laufen will present itself from 12 to 16 March at the ISH in Frankfurt/Main (hall 3.1/stand B 51) with a fireworks display of new products and innovations. One of the highlights will be the products made from the new material SaphirKeramik (Sapphire Ceramics), by means of which the company has set out to initiate a fundamental change in the design vocabulary of ceramics. But new fittings and further developments of existing product lines, such as the latest additions to the Palomba collection, will also be on display at the Swiss bathroom specialist’s stand.At the ISH 2013, Laufen is lifting the veil from its new SaphirKeramik just slightly by showing two very delicate washbasin bowls made of the innovative material as pilot examples. Thanks to its extreme hardness and bending strength, SaphirKeramik permits extremely thin-walled designs and narrow radii without compromising on stability and break resistance. Wall thicknesses of no more than about 4 mm and defined edges with radii of 1 to 2 mm are possible. “The ISH is the ideal platform for starting a revolution in the design of bathroom ceramics”, says Alberto Magrans, Senior Managing Director of Laufen, “and I am certain that we will surprise the industry with our novelties made of SaphirKeramik.” The outstanding level of innovation of the new ceramic material also impressed the expert jury, which granted this material the Designplus Award offered by Messe Frankfurt in cooperation with the German Design Council.

The washbasin bowls made of SaphirKeramik were created by the designer Andreas Dimitriadis based in Stuttgart (platinumdesign). “The new ceramic material from Laufen offers me unprecedented creative scope in design and requires a whole new way of thinking”, Dimitriadis comments enthusiastically. “We now think in terms of precise edges and slender wall thicknesses instead of surfaces and tolerances”. Of course the effect of the new “sapphire” basins on viewers also had to be considered anew, since they were to retain the natural, man-made character of ceramics in spite of all their preciseness, and feature well-balanced, harmonious proportions.

Laufen will also present two new series of fittings at the ISH, Cityplus and Twinplus, designed by Andreas Dimitriadis as well. Cityplus is a genuine icon of urban lifestyle, which stands out by its generous surface design and clean, horizontal lines. The Twinplus stands out by its slender, puristic geometries, which please the eye in bathroom interiors by their architectural unpretentiousness. Both series of fittings include the complete range and, thanks to their excellent functionality, offer users great convenience and top quality in the bathroom.

The latest additions to the Palomba Collection, which have already won several awards, will also be shown at the ISH in their entirety for the first time in Germany. The models taking the centre stage among the novelties will be the floorstanding Menhir washbasin, which recalls a rock formed and polished by the tides, and a unique bathtub with dynamic, asymmetrical geometries and a high back. Four new countertop washbasins, two washbasin bowls and a range of new bathroom furniture are grouped around these main protagonists. “The new products of the Palomba Collection are only the tip of the iceberg”, says Magrans, “since our portfolio includes many more new solutions, designs and innovations – our visitors will be in for a few surprises!”

New-Concept Hotel with On-Site Garages Opens in Eagle Ford Shale

150 150 Daniel Fountain

A new hotel concept which combines quality oversized guestrooms with secure, full-sized, on-property garages for vehicles and tools, has opened in Crystal City, Texas in the heart of the Eagle Ford Shale.The Derrick Lodge houses 50 oversized interior corridor guest rooms, each with ample living space including a bedroom and living room, two workstations, a 129-channel Direct TV package with DVR, refrigerator and microwave oven. Guests also enjoy a complimentary full breakfast daily, an on-site Pantry Store, free high-speed Internet throughout the hotel, housekeeping service and exclusive key entry access to the property.

Besides being one of the few hotels in the Eagle Ford Shale to offer these amenities, The Derrick Lodge is the first hotel in the area to open with full-sized, 437-square-foot garages with key pad access for workers to store their trucks, tools and equipment. Forty enclosed garages are available along with ample surface parking for oversized vehicles.

The property also houses a 24-hour Business Center and a conference room.

The Derrick Lodge is located at 4964 North U.S. Highway 83, just a short drive from Carrizo Springs, Uvalde, Eagle Pass, Big Wells and Cotulla.

The property is owned by a Houston-based group led by David Boothe of Landmark Interests. Boothe is a Lifetime Vice President of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Houston-based American Liberty Hospitality, which operates a collection of full-service and limited service hotels including several Hilton properties throughout southeast Texas, manages The Derrick Lodge.

Le Meridien to Debut in Chicago Metropolitan Area

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced the signing of Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center. Located in Greater Chicago directly adjacent to Oakbrook Center, one of the most prestigious shopping destinations in the United States, the 10-story building is set to undergo a $20 million transformation prior to its 2014 debut. Owned by RockBridge and managed by Wischermann Partners Inc., Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center will combine timeless, chic design with sophisticated offerings. Located 18 miles west of the Chicago loop, along the Interstate 88 corridor, Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center will serve as a hub for both business and leisure. The hotel is just steps away from large corporate offices, luxury boutiques and highly sought after restaurants, making it a destination of choice for visitors to Oak Brook and other western Chicago suburbs.

Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center will boast a spectacular new outer façade, a new arrival experience and completely reimagined public spaces. The ninth floor will feature a proprietary new bar and restaurant concept with a variety of meeting spaces. In addition, Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center will offer a spacious fitness centre outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and a roof-top terrace. The hotel’s 172 rooms and suites, including a presidential suite and two spa suites, will be refurbished and feature the signature Le Méridien Bed.

Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center will showcase the newly developed Le Méridien HubTM experience, which re-interprets the traditional lobby into a social gathering place. Le Méridien Hub offers both guests and locals a creative atmosphere where contemporary, curated artwork sets the environment. Le Méridien Hub further builds on the brand’s award-winning arrival experience and coffee culture, curated by Le Méridien brand’s Cultural Curator Jérôme Sans. Le Méridien arrival consists of four elements: large-scale artwork in high impact areas to reset the mind and stimulate dialogue and curiosity; the sensory experience, illustrated through Le Méridien signature scent, sound and use of light, creating a unique and distinctive atmosphere; UNLOCK ARTTM programme, featuring LM100 TM artist designed key card collections that not only offer access to the guestroom but also to Le Méridien affiliated contemporary cultural centers in the city; and a 24-hour soundtrack curated by Sans.

New face joins the Geberit sales team in the South West

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Geberit, the leading supplier of piping systems and sanitary systems, has introduced a new recruit to its sales team, with the appointment of Sarah Young who takes up the role of Technical Sales Manager for the South West.Prior to joining Geberit, Sarah worked in a similar sales based role for the Plumb Center, a major supplier of plumbing and heating products to the trade, where she gained a huge amount of experience looking after the accounts of merchant customers.

In her new position as Technical Sales Manager for Geberit, Sarah will be responsible for looking after the company’s key accounts in the South West of the country, including contractor and merchant customers. She is also looking forward to capturing new business in this area, making new contacts and further developing the Geberit brand.

Commenting at the end of her first week in the role, Sarah said: “The South West is a really strong area for Geberit and the response I have got from existing clients and prospective customers so far has been extremely positive.

“Geberit has an exciting range of products and is a brand that people trust and it’s exciting to be a part of their growing success.”

For further information on Geberit products and services call 0800 077 8365 or go online at www.geberit.co.uk

Roman Re-launches Website

150 150 Daniel Fountain

UK Shower Manufacturer and Designer, Roman Limited, have re-launched their website with a new look and feel, along with incorporating a number of new features and sections.The homepage has received most of the attention and has been designed to allow visitors to quickly link through to the most popular sections on the website. These include the Showroom Locator, so visitors can easily find their nearest displaying retailer; the Guarantee Database, so visitors can quickly register their Truelife, Lifetime Guarantee; the Brochure Request forms; and the Product Pages.

The homepage also features a useful drop down navigation bar at the side to allow visitors to quickly search by product type or range type. This is particularly valuable for general consumers, who are often unfamiliar with specific enclosure styles, as it includes line drawings to illustrate what the different enclosure styles are, helping them beat the jargon.

As a keen user of social media, Roman has also included a ‘social bar’ at the footer of the website, which quickly links through to their social media pages, as well as publishing the company’s latest tweets and blogposts. Roman is active across all of the key social media sites, including; Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, You Tube and Flickr.

The website, which was launched back in November 2011, has experience a surge in visitors in comparison to the company’s previous website, so the manufacturer is keen to maintain this trend, by giving it an annual review and revamp, as well as by adding new sections and refreshing it on a more regular basis, in between revamps, to make sure the website is always completely up to date.

The website’s new look features a softer, on trend colour pallet which perfectly complements their stylish range of showers. The new look makes the website even more inviting for all users, from general consumers, through to the company’s retailers, and from architects, through to plumbers.

David Osborne, Managing Director of Roman, comments: “We are delighted with the overall new look of our website and are sure our visitors will find this even simpler to navigate. The website still contains all the same information, but is laid out so that it is all easier to find. We have also included some new pages and sections, including a FAQs page. This has been driven with the help of our in house Customer Relations team, who have supplied us with some of the most common queries they hear on a day to day basis – we expect this to be particularly useful for those installing the products. We have also added some language specific landing pages to our Export section, these include; French, Spanish, Italian and German, to cater for our rapidly increasing Export market. Our website is totally flexible so will continue to grow and change in response to our customers’ needs.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Welcomes its First Guests in Ireland

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Ireland’s first DoubleTree by Hilton hotel has recently opened its doors, bringing one of Europe’s fastest growing upscale hotel brands to the Emerald Isle. A thoughtful and contemporary renovation of the Morrison hotel, in partnership with operators Martinez Hotels & Resorts, has seen the property’s 138 rooms and suites completely re-designed with a brand new concept centred on music and sound.Overseen by Dublin-based Nikki O’Donnell, the hotel’s new look incorporates lyrics from nearly 30 Irish songwriters and the work of a dozen Irish artists. The stylish, trend setting décor pays homage to the hotel’s traditional status as a destination of choice for the great and the good of Irish music. Each individual guestroom is adorned with a line from songs made famous by local acts such as The Script and Paul Brady, straddling genres from customary Irish folk ballads to instantly recognisable modern hits.

Stephen Mulligan, UK & Ireland director, Martinez Hotels & Resorts, said, “We set out with a very ambitious timeline for this project so we’re delighted to be opening the hotel on schedule and with the support of our new partners, Hilton Worldwide. The refurbishment coincides with a busier than normal event calendar for Ireland this year, and we believe the reopening will not only benefit the long term patrons of the Morrison, but will also contribute to the vibrancy of this up-and-coming part of Dublin.”

An exciting revamp of the drinking and dining options sees Bar Quay 14 and the adjoining Morrison Grill opening to the public on 11 February.

Simon Vincent, president, EMEA, Hilton Worldwide, said, “We are delighted to be introducing one of Europe’s fastest growing hotel brands to Ireland. Building on the hotel’s excellent reputation, we believe the renovation, combined with DoubleTree by Hilton’s famous warm welcome, will make the hotel a popular destination in its own right.”

The Morrison Dublin, a DoubleTree by Hilton’s central location is ideal for guests seeking to access Dublin’s International Financial Services Centre, top tourist attractions plus iconic sporting and concert venues such as the Aviva Stadium and O2 Arena along with the Bord Gais Energy Theatre and enduringly popular Guinness Storehouse. The trendy Temple Bar area, whose atmospheric cobbled streets are home to the entertainment heartbeat of the city, is a short walk across the river from the hotel. With a wealth of attractions at the fingertips of its guests, coupled with its allure as a destination for the city’s glitterati, the hotel is ideal for any visitor seeking to soak up Dublin’s diverse culture and fabled nightlife.

John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “This hotel is a fabulous representation of what our brand is all about. I’m thrilled with the work Nikki O’Donnell has done in bringing to life the essence of Ireland’s rich culture through such a stylish, sophisticated design. Guests will experience a taste of the city’s Celtic heritage and modern vibrancy while enjoying the signature DoubleTree by Hilton touches that we know appeal to travelers across Europe – all starting of course with the trademark warm chocolate chip cookie served upon check in.”

As part of the refurbishment, all rooms have been refitted with flat screen televisions and integrated music systems. Guests of the hotel will gain access to a 24-hour business zone and split level fitness centre. Up-lighting has also been installed to the façade along Ormond Quay. Wedding, conference and event space totalling 410 square metres is available, accommodating from eight to 240 guests.

Patrick Joyce, General Manager, added, “It’s been a hectic but exciting period and we’re very grateful to all our staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure the hotel was ready for opening. We hope our customers will be impressed by the work we’ve undertaken to bring a fresh new look to the Irish hotel scene. We believe the refurbishment strikes the right balance in staying true to the history of the Morrison hotel, while at the same time giving it a fresh new look.”

The Morrison, A DoubleTree by Hilton hotel has re-opened under a franchise agreement between Hilton Worldwide and Martinez Hotels & Resorts.

Directory company Crosswater supplied brassware for the refurbishment of the bathrooms

Preferred Hotel Group Announces 2012 Results

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Preferred Hotel Group™, a global provider of sales, marketing, and distribution services to independent luxury hotels, has reported its 2012 year-end results, which include a 19 percent increase in revenue produced for its member’s hotels, up to a total of $730 million. In the past 12 months, the company also generated a 14 percent increase in reservations via its diverse distribution channels and booked nearly three million room nights, an increase of 17 percent compared to the same time period in 2011. “Despite the ongoing challenges of the global economy, we successfully fulfilled our goals of increasing revenue opportunities for member hotels and growing our portfolio in strategic destinations,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, President of Preferred Hotel Group. “In 2013, we will continue our growth campaign and establish a footprint in destinations that are desired by our guests and beneficial to our brands. Moreover, we will be focused on rolling out new and innovative consumer marketing initiatives for our member hotels.”

Other year-end highlights include:
Successful Revenue Management Initiatives. To support the revenue goals of its member hotels, Preferred Hotel Group diversified its online distribution channels by launching new partnerships with RoomKey.com and Trivago.com. In addition, the company introduced a new revenue account manager certification program that ensures that member hotels are benefiting from the most sophisticated rate strategies and channel management practices in the industry. While these innovations proved successful worldwide, properties in Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America were the strongest revenue producers, with country-specific growth as high as 31 percent in the United States.

Strategic Brand Portfolio Growth. Preferred Hotel Group increased its global footprint in 2012 by launching its fifth brand, Summit Serviced Residences, and establishing a presence in previously unrepresented countries such as Georgia, Costa Rica, Iraq, and the Maldives. New hotels to join the company’s portfolio included such marquis properties as The Alpina Gstaad, Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, and The Mark.

Enhanced Sales Presence. To support its growth in new markets and to strengthen its reach in key regions, the company opened its first sales office in Canada and a group desk in Europe. It also launched VIP desks in Brazil and Russia, enhanced the services of its Chicago VIP desk, and added resources in Beijing to complement the sales efforts of its Shanghai office.

Increased Loyalty Program Membership. More than 100,000 travelers enrolled in the
company’s I Prefer guest benefit program in 2012. To-date, nearly 1.3 million loyal guests receive rewards and special offers from more than 500 member hotels worldwide.

New Family Website. In June 2012, Preferred Hotel Group showcased its commitment to family travel with the introduction of www.PreferredFamily.com. This comprehensive planning tool features innovative search functionality, discussions on current news and travel trends, and exciting city itineraries to match travelers with the Preferred Family certified hotel or resort that best suits their family’s specific needs.

Tirolo from The Contract Chair Company

150 150 Daniel Fountain

The Contract Chair Company are forever improving their relationships with their suppliers so that they can offer the best price structures and products to their clients.We have recently teamed up with Tirolo from Italy to offer their complete range to the Hotel and Restaurant sectors, with one of the largest product ranges of restaurant chairs, lounge and bar chairs, hotel bedroom chairs and tables, both dining and occasional. This enhances our overall offerings to the market place.

We have many pieces in our showroom in Hammersmith to view and have supplied the Chicago, Ginevra and Boston to various hotel sites recently. Site photos to follow.

Please contact sales@thecontractchair.co.uk to discuss your requirements or to receive a catalogue showing the full range.

www.contractchair.co.uk

Crosswater Launch New Suite of Digitial Marketing Tools

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Crosswater, Bauhaus and Simpsons have launched a comprehensive range of Apple Brochure Apps available free of charge from iTunes Newsstand as well as a new line-up of page-turning interactive brochures on the Company’s group website. This significant investment in new marketing media will be a real asset for both the trade and the consumer and is the result of a year-long research and commissioning programme. Marten Baker, commercial manager for Crosswater explains: “The interactive brochures and brochures apps will be heavily marketed in consumer magazines and in store, we at Crosswater are extremely keen on modern marketing techniques and see both these initiatives as crucial in providing retailers with the very best sales tools, and the consumer with market-leading, 24/7 easy-to-understand product information.”

Interactive Brochures offer the following features.

• Product search
• Book mark single or multiple pages.
• Add, save and share notes on any page
• Download complete brochure as a pdf file
• Zoom in and out
• Single or double page view
• View thumb nail images
• Choice of three styles of page transition
• View full screen at the click of a button
• The interactive brochures can be used on desktop, lap top, tablet and Smart phones

Brochure Apps
Crosswater, Bauhaus and Simpson’s brochures are now available for iPads from the Apple Newsstand within iTunes. Click here to visit the store.

Each Crosswater brand catalogue App is conveniently broken down into manageable and logical product family sections.

Crosswater offers individual brochures for taps, showering, bathroom accessories and kitchen mixers. Bauhaus includes furniture, sanitary ware, basins, mirrors/cabinets and towel rails. Simpsons features enclosures, bath screens and wet rooms.

Within the App users will find a tap-to-view link to the relevant website product page for immediate access to technical information as required. There are intuitive tools for simple navigation and a slider-bar to scroll through the catalogues.

Group Chairman David Hance enthused, “The high quality on-screen image resolution gives outstanding definition to all our products, even better than our high-quality printed brochures. I can see a time, very shortly, when digital media and printed brochures will be used in equal measure, which will have a clear benefit for the environment and cost savings in print buying. We have already had great feedback from customers who are already using the Crosswater Apps for home presentations to end users and no longer need to lug around a boot full or brochures.

Our own sales force is finding the Apps great for slick sales presentations and product training and we are receiving a huge number of subscriptions from the Apple store”

Rezidor opens the Radisson Blu Hotel, Maputo / Mozambique

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Rezidor has opened the very first Radisson Blu property in Mozambique – the First Class Radisson Blu Hotel, Maputo. The 154-rooms hotel is a great addition to the contemporary cityscape, enjoying a prominent location overlooking the Indian Ocean, within easy reach of Maputo International Airport and the vibrant downtown. Maputo is the capital city of Mozambique, a flourishing south east African country bordered by the Indian Ocean, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and South Africa. It was discovered by Vasco da Gama in 1498 and colonized by Portugal in 1505. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Maputo is located near famous sights like the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima, the Coconuts Entertainment Centre, the Polana Casino, the Natural History Museum and the Associação Núcleo de Arte, home to the studios of more than 100 artists, sculptors and ceramicists.

Elegant and spacious, the hotel’s 154 beautifully designed rooms and suites set a new level of contemporary style and comfort in Maputo. Guests enjoy a range of first-class amenities and Radisson Blu signature services such as free high speed internet access. The sophisticated Filini Bar & Restaurant serves delicious Italian cuisine and wines. With its nice terrace, the airy restaurant is the perfect setting for a business lunch or a romantic dinner. The chic Oceano Bar is a lively place to catch up with friends; and the trendy Palmeira Lounge is an oasis of calm and the ideal spot for taking time out. And, to top it all off, the glamorous Pool Bar is Maputo’s latest hot-spot destination.

Guests can relax in the hotel’s sun tanning area or take a dip in the large outdoor swimming pool. They can also step up their work out routine in the hotel’s fitness room, kitted out with the latest equipment. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Maputo is also ideal for events ranging from large conferences to board meetings: Facilities include three meeting rooms, a conference room spanning 252 square meters that can be divided into three, and a flexible pre-function area of 153 square meters.

The third Adagio in Germany

150 150 Daniel Fountain

And there were three! Adagio Aparthotels are pushing ahead with their European expansion. After Berlin and Munich, an Adagio is opening in Cologne, Germany, this month.The Aparthotels General Manager came up with an original idea to celebrate this event – and put the Adagio Köln City in the spotlight on 16 November last when it welcomed the 60 contenders for the Miss Intercontinental World title. The building work notwithstanding, the radiant pageant Misses attracted a variety of media, including respected national newspaper Bild-Zeitung. And it lit up the city.

A guided tour of an Aparthotel inspired by Cologne culture
The Adagio Köln City’s 115 apartments harness this brand’s main strengths, and include studio flats and apartments for up to four people. They have all the amenities (kitchens, TVs, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi), and are perfect for families as much as business travelers.

The Adagio Köln City’s decoration, however, is all-new and draws on the city’s culture and its iconic Eau de Cologne.

The tour starts in the lobby, where large papier-mâché statues depict the vestiges from the Cologne Carnival, one of the city’s emblematic highlights. The reception then features a variety of noble materials arranged into a patchwork that resembles the typical costumes you see at that Carnival.

The corridors and the apartments they lead to are brimming with bright colors (yellow, violet and blue), and reminiscent of the variety of scents that intertwine in Eau de Cologne (bergamot, lemon, etc). Several of the geometric shapes on the floor, walls and furniture mirror the Eau’s molecular structure and add up to an original, fun tribute!

In downtown Cologne
Cologne is Germany’s fourth-largest city, and its historical and cultural heritage is enviable: it counts 12 Roman basilicas, a world-class 14th-century university and an opera house, and is providing venues for an increasing number of European and worldwide events.

That is why the Adagio Köln City is where it is all happening, between Kölner Dom Cathedral and the main museums, and near the central station.

And why this destination is such a great advantage for the brand!

Introducing the NEW Capri Range from Hill Cross Furniture

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Created under the direction of Italian interior designer, Marco Viola, the new Capri Range from Hill Cross Furniture offers ease of use within design schemes as well as boasting many variations to help suit any venue or existing style.A comfortable clean look chair with solid beech wood frame and four round tapered legs. Fully upholstered back pad with exposed seat rail and an upholstered ‘wrap over’ seat pad. The Capri side chair can be upholstered in customer’s choice of fabric.

Ideal airport lounge or hotel lobby furniture. There are various matching products available so please contact Hill Cross Furniture for more details.

Hotel Hessischer Hof Joins Preferred Hotels® & Resorts

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Hotel Hessischer Hof has been accepted into membership of Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, the ultimate luxury collection featuring more than 250 of the world’s most desirable destinations. The brand conveys the highest standards of hospitality and service as it celebrates the individuality of its members.The Grandhotel Hessischer Hof is a true icon in Frankfurt. Open since 1952, with its 119 luxury rooms and suites as well as its nine unique event rooms, the luxurious 5-star property is the only privately run luxury hotel still owned by the family foundation of the landgraves and princes von Hessen. Located within walking distance of the city center, the property is also situated opposite the trade fair and congress halls of ‘Frankfurt Messe’, appealing to both business and leisure travellers alike. Guests also have the option of indulging in the fine dining and haute cuisine of ‘Restaurant Sèvres’, rated as one of the best restaurants in the city. “As a new member with the Preferred Hotel Group, the only hotel of this brand in Frankfurt, we have more power to promote this unique and award winning hotel on new international markets. We are very much delighted to cooperate with this new quality label for our premium hotel,” comments General Manager Eduard M. Singer.

Susan Devine, Executive Vice President Europe, commented on the new partnership: ‘We are delighted and proud to welcome Hotel Hessischer Hof into our luxury portfolio, further cementing our position as leaders in the key cities throughout Europe’.

All Preferred Hotels & Resorts embrace the brand’s award-winning Standards of Excellence™, an extensive quality assurance program that has been honored with the “Best Practices Champion Award” by Cornell University. For more than 40 years, the brand’s legendary commitment to quality has ensured an unparalleled guest experience, from the very best amenities to superb service.

DoubleTree by Hilton Continues Rapid Global Expansion with 49 Hotels Added in 2012

150 150 Daniel Fountain

DoubleTree by Hilton has announced that through Q4 2012, it had added 49 hotels to its portfolio in one year, and that it expects to meet or exceed that pace in 2013 with both new-build and conversion hotels in the development pipeline. Leading the brand’s growth are conversion projects, located predominantly in the Americas and Europe.“2012 was another in what we’re confident will be a number of consecutive milestone years for DoubleTree by Hilton,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “Since 2007, we have grown the brand by more than 70 percent to become the fastest-growing, full service brand in the Hilton Worldwide portfolio and one of the fastest-growing within the upscale, full-service segment. We credit this success to a number of factors, including our brand restructuring with the addition of the ’by Hilton‘ endorsement to our name and the positive performance of Hilton Worldwide around the globe.”

Greenleaf added, “Ultimately, what drives our growth is the confidence our owners have in DoubleTree by Hilton, as that confidence leads them to successfully convert more hotels and sign more franchise deals.”

The brand has achieved the following milestones in 2012:
• Opened 49 new hotels, including:
o 31 hotels in the Americas, 11 in Europe and seven in Asia Pacific;
o 85 percent of these projects were conversions from another brand or independent hotel;
• Opened its first hotels in Japan, Croatia, Thailand and Spain:
• Includes opening of its 300th hotel in Naha, Okinawa, Japan;
• Brought its total portfolio of U.K. hotels to 18 (from zero in 2008):
o Doubled capacity in London;
• Signed more than 75 deals for hotels to open through 2020, at least 25 of which are planned in the Americas;
• Received top honours from Business Travel News in their 2012 Hotel Chain Survey in 6 out of 12 categories including: “Arrange Group Travel/Meeting,” “Meetings Facilities,” “Corporate Rate Programmes,” “Helpful Staff,” “Physical Appearance of Hotels,” “In-room amenities” and tied for “In-room Business Amenities;”
• The brand’s Cookie CAREavan Campaign was named one of the top four consumer campaigns of the year and one of the top 15 overall creative campaigns of 2012 by Holmes Report Creativity Index;
• Won Hotels Magazine’s inaugural Social Hotel Awards “Best Integrated Digital Campaign by Brand” Category for its 2011 Cookie CAREavan project.
“While growing the brand is important, developing the product is even more important to our existing and future owners,” Greenleaf said. “Our repositioning and marketing efforts have yielded impressive returns. For example, our converted hotels have proven they can quickly outpace competitors with respect to share growth.”
With an eye towards the future, Greenleaf said he anticipates achieving the following global growth goals in 2013:
• Expand the brand’s presence in secondary and tertiary markets within the United States;
• Double Canadian supply with three hotels opening, including the brand’s first hotel in downtown Toronto;
• Enter at least two additional countries in Europe, with two hotels each in Ireland and Poland;
• Grow the UK collection to 25 hotels with key openings in London and Edinburgh;
• Continue growth in Asia Pacific:
o Launch of the brand in Indonesia;
o Double supply in India in terms of hotels (from three to six);
• Nearly double the brand’s portfolio size in the Middle East and Africa region with launches in South Africa (Cape Town) and Seychelles, plus the addition of a third hotel in Tanzania (Stone Town, Zanzibar).

“As we look ahead, I foresee that our new Made Market restaurant concept in the United States (now open in Tulsa with more in the pipeline) will enhance DoubleTree by Hilton’s reputation for genuine warmth and local relevance in the face of increasingly uniform hotel offerings,” Greenleaf added. “We’ve spent the past two years on the road, first with our Cookie CAREavan and then with last year’s Little Things project, interacting with our guests to learn what we can do at our hotels to make their stay that much better. The Made Market concept, with three design options to make adoption easier for our owners, is an example of an insight gained, and we’ll be introducing additional changes, both subtle and substantial, that will continue to help us differentiate ourselves from the pack in cost-effective ways.”

Vienna International to open 5-star Leading Hotel of the World near Moscow

150 150 Daniel Fountain

The Astrum luxury hotel will open in Shelkovo near Moscow at the end of 2013. Owner of the property is Shelkowskij Holding, while management of the hotel will be in the hands of Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG (VI). Already one year before its grand opening, the 5-star luxury hotel has been accepted for membership in The Leading Hotels of the World as one of the world’s best hotels on the Russian luxury hotel market. With a 3,400 m² spa and a 1,900 m² conference area, the hotel’s focus is clearly on Vienna International’s two greatest strengths: wellness holidays and conference tourism.The newest high-end hotel in the greater Moscow region is currently being builton 27 floors in Shelkovo, around 20 km from the Russian capital, in an urban agglomeration with a population of 1 million. Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG has been involved from the beginning, assisting the 5-star hotel inproduct development, the conception process and the pre-opening phase, and will assume management of the new Leading Hotel of the World after it opens. “I am pleased that we are making good progress with our expansion on the Russian market. For the greater Moscow area, the Astrum Hotel represents something new in the sense of a city resort,” says Dr. Andreas Karsten, CEO of Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG. “We expect that the hotel will become a new landmark with corresponding appeal in the greater Moscow region.”

Already one year before its opening, the Astrum luxury hotel has been accepted for membership in the hotel alliance of The Leading Hotels of the World. “This is an indication that we have done our job well and that the hotel amenities and the planned services are of a high enough quality to merit this renowned seal of approval,”says Martin Lachout, the Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG board member in charge of project development. “With our many years of experience in the luxury hotel segment, we know what our 5-star guests want. For 10 years, we have worked very well together with The Leading Hotels of the World, for example, in our 5-star Le Palais Hotel in Prague. We are now continuing this successful cooperationin Russia in order to offer more of our guests a seal of approval for the quality that we offer.”

For Shelkowskij Holding, the company behind this lavish project, the exceptional theme hotelis a way to actively promote the Shelkovo region: “In addition to our other activities within the holding company, we see ourselves with this hotel project as a developer who assumes responsibility for the region,” says Dmitry Barchenkov, CEO of Shelkowo Holding: “The hotel is an important prestige object for the region around Moscow, helping to boost the internationalprofile as well as improving the infrastructure and employment situation in the Shelkovo region.” The hotel is clearly positioned in line with the demands on Russia’s luxury market, where special services are required if one wants to stand out. This includes a rooftop heliport as well as a private butler service.

Luxury wellness and medical spa
The Astrum Hotel, the first and only internationallymanaged luxury hotel outside of Moscow, will be run as a conference and relaxation oasis far from the stress of the big city. No expenses are being spared in this regard. The necessary privacy will be guaranteed by private spa suites and saunas, the repertoire of beauty treatments will be constantly complemented by products from big-name cosmetics producers, and the medical spa will offer a whole series of minor medical treatments such as minimal-invasive aestheticmedicine, alternative treatment methods andnutritional science as well as burnout prevention and treatment. The offer will also include post-operative care of cosmetic treatments performed at national beauty clinics plus comprehensive two-and-three-day preventive check-ups.An Ayurveda centre is also planned, with a team of physicians and specialists from India to offer guests a range of Ayurveda treatments.

Realising individual event concepts
As an operator of highly successful conference and eventhotels, Vienna International Hotels & Resorts understands what guests need, and the unusually large conference area of the new Russian hotel will be designed accordingly. The 1,900 m² event area of the Astrum Hotels Shelkovo will occupy seven separate event rooms on three floors. A 335 m² conference hall with amphitheatre seating, a 600 m² event room, and five large meeting rooms will make it possible to hold events for up to 1,000 attendees. The result is an open platform for the realisation of a variety of creative concepts. A separate entrance to the conference area will minimise the impact of external events on hotel operations.

Culinary and internationaldiversity
In addition to the main hotel restaurant, the Astrum Hotel Shelkovo will also feature a Japanese restaurant with a show kitchen as well as an intimate French à-la-carte restaurant on the 23rd floor offeringpanorama views and a seating capacity for 44 guests. A sky bar will also be housed on the same floor. Further facilities will include a fitness lounge, a lobby bar and an exclusive VIP club.

The composition of the hand-selected team has already begun: General Manager Frank Bauer will start choosing his international team in January, focusing especially on Japanese culinary masters as well as a French chef de cuisine.

Luxury design at every turn
Vienna International Hotels & Resorts has made a name for itself as a design-oriented company, and the Astrum Hotel Shelkovo will also feature a conceptual style.

Not far from Star City, Russia’s Cosmonaut training centre, the theme of“space and time” will define the entire hotel in the form of design solutions and works of art in expressions ranging from antiquity all the way to the age of relativity.

The interiors were created by internationally renowned Italian arts craftsman and designer Francesco Molon. A modern skyscraper from the outside, the interiors will be more like those of a Venetian palazzo. Decorated in tasteful colours, the rooms will seem like a 19th century salon withheavy curtains, lavish carved ornaments, upholstered footstools and framed paintings unobtrusively adorning the scene.

HotStats MENA Chain Hotels Market Review – December 2012

150 150 Daniel Fountain

December’s Highlights:

• Growing from Strength to Strength – Dubai Hotels put their mark on 2012;
• Egypt Hotel Performance continues to improve, but rates remain under pressure.

Westin Hotels to Reach Growth Milestone in 2013 with Opening of 200TH Hotel

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced that its Westin brand expects to open its 200th hotel in 2013, driven by robust international demand and the phenomenal success of the brand’s distinct well-being positioning. Westin will open 11 new hotels this year, the vast majority outside the United States in fast-growing markets including China, India, Singapore and Panama. Westin Continues Strong Growth Trajectory Across Asia Pacific
In line with global growth trends, The Westin brand is experiencing a surge in new hotel openings across Asia Pacific. Seven new Westin hotels will open in Asia Pacific in 2013, increasing the brand’s portfolio to nearly 50 hotels in the region by year’s end. Fueling the brand’s growth in the region is the rapid economic growth in China’s second and third-tier cities. New Westin hotel openings in China this year include The Westin Haikou, The Westin Sanya Haitang Bay Resort, The Westin Chongqing Liberation Square and The Westin Qingdao.

Westin will also make its return to Singapore with the opening of The Westin Singapore Marina Bay in late 2013. In India, The Westin brand will add one hotel to its portfolio this year – The Westin Chennai Velachery.

Westin Nearly Doubles Portfolio in Latin America
Demand for new Westin hotels in Latin America is also heating up. In just the past 18 months, Westin has grown its footprint in Latin America by nearly 50% as part of the brand’s strategic expansion in the region’s fastest growing markets. This year’s opening of The Westin Panama will increase the Westin portfolio in Latin America to 11 hotels, spanning five countries including Panama, Mexico, Peru, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

“A long-time developer favorite in the U.S., Westin has emerged as a global market leader as witnessed by our surge of new hotel development in Asia Pacific, as well as continued momentum in Latin America,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood. “We see continued opportunities for global growth through both world-class new build projects and conversions where developers benefit from the strength of the brand and Starwood’s powerful systems.”

Steady Growth in North America
In North America, The Westin brand will add four new hotels to its portfolio this year, including The Westin Birmingham – a new-build property located within the city’s sleek, new mixed-use development. Westin is also attracting a growing share of conversion opportunities in cities across the United States with The Westin Houston Downtown, The Westin Sacramento and The Westin San Jose all opening in 2013, following renovations.

The Brand New Eastwood Collection from Stylematters

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Our customers’ demands mean that our in-house design department is constantly introducing new and innovative furniture solutions for the restaurant and hotel market, from single attention-grabbing feature pieces to beautifully upholstered sofas and even full seating collections.The Eastwood collection was specially designed by Stylematters for an exciting boutique hotel conversion in a Highland Castle, an amazing transformation that needed contemporary styling, but in keeping with the heritage of its surroundings. The solution was the sleek lines of the Eastwood collection; complemented with exciting modern tweeds, offset against antiqued real leather detailing – the perfect concept for this setting.

The range comprises both a high and low back lounge chair and two and three seater sofas. The design combines comfort and style with intricate detailing for a truly custom chair. All our furniture is available in any contract fabric or leather and can be customised to match your venue.

You don’t need to compromise with a staid, standard product – share your ideas with Stylematters, and we’ll bring a bespoke solution at far less cost than you imagine.

Stylematters manufacture all of our bespoke furniture here in our UK factory, so we have the ability to offer a truly bespoke in-house solution. If you would like more details on our products or have a product you would like to develop give us a call on 0844 880 6620.

European Chain Hotels Market Review – December 2012

150 150 Daniel Fountain

December’s Highlights:

• Hotels in Dublin and Warsaw register greatest profit growth in 2012;
• Spotlight on Athens: Profit plummets as hotels suffer declines in price and volume in 2012.

Hillswood Furniture Completes Major London Refurbishment

150 150 Daniel Fountain

The restaurant at Kensington Close, an elegant four star hotel and spa in one of London’s most sought after areas, has recently undergone a refurbishment by interior design practice RSD Interiors. The designers chose reputable contract furnishers Hillswood to undertake the refurbishment who supplied over 300 dining chairs, banquet seating and tables.

Real wood laminate table tops complement the polished chrome bases and the striking red upholstery on the back-to-back banquet seating creates focal pieces in the area against the zesty green dining chairs and carpet detail.

Hillswood’s seating is made in house using solid beech frames and sprung seats. The size and shape of all bespoke seating units were made to designs by RSD.

MGallery Nemzeti

150 150 Daniel Fountain

The Nemzeti Hotel in Budapest is the latest addition to the MGallery Collection’s 60 classy addresses. This handsome 19th century building is one of the mainstays in local cultural life and stands in an enviable downtown spot near the business district and tourist attractions. Period architecture
The 80 up-to-the-minute rooms in this hotel refurbished in 2012 counterbalance the bold interior design. The stately wrought-iron balustrade and magnificent staircase welcome guests as soon as they arrive.

The walls intertwine Art Nouveau, that eclectic movement that was also called Rococo Baroque, and outright modern décor.

The Nemzeti Hotel was already one of Budapest’s cultural hotspots in the early 20th century, as it was only a short walk from the National Theatre.

Eventful history
The Nemzeti was originally the Hotel Rémi, once owned by the Rémi family. It opened in 1896 which was the year that Hungary celebrated the 1,000th anniversary of the year the Magyars took over the country.

The Rémi was an up market hotel that Hungary’s high society enjoyed. It was sold and renamed Nemzeti in 1929, and its roots in Budapest’s cultural life deepened further.

Budapest in a nutshell
Budapest is Hungary’s historical capital. This cosmopolitan city is home to some 13 nationalities, ethnic groups and religious groups.

The Nemzeti, like Budapest, is brimming with cultural wealth. This city is packed with museums, art galleries, opera houses, movie theatres and concert halls. Széchényi National Library is nestled in Buda Castle, and its 7 million works, including 700 medieval manuscripts, encapsulate this country’s literary history.

Hungarians love the outdoors, explaining the countless brasseries, bars and open-air markets there.

Thermal baths – a vestige from Roman days – are also part of daily life in that country. Széchényi Spa is one of Europe’s largest bathing complexes in Europe. This city is overflowing with surprises, and culture and history weave together every step of the way.

Art Deco Furniture by RHA

150 150 Daniel Fountain

RHA Furniture introduces a new range of Art Deco furniture for residential and hotel projects.

The Gallery collection features decorative cabinets, tables and consoles which would be perfectly suited to a hotel lounge, lobby/reception or bar area.The characteristics of these pieces are their decorative shapes, colours and fine carved detail. Pieces from the collections are made from high quality material, fine veneers, painted bronzes, hand painted porcelains and gold leaf.

Each item is a work of art as well as a piece of furniture.

Items featured in this article are from the Gallery, Brooklyn, Nicea and Atria collections. Together they offer a diverse choice of beautifully crafted tables, seating and cabinets.

In addition to these established collections, bespoke pieces can be made to meet your exact specification.

All these items are available for purchase from RHA Furniture. Further details and a PDF catalogue are available on the transitional furniture section of RHA Furniture’s website.

Scotscape Investigates Thermal Benefits and Water Useage of Living Walls

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Scotscape have designed, supplied, installed and are maintaining a variety of Living Wall systems at Sheffield University for research and development purposes.Working in partnership with the University of Sheffield, this unique 12 month programme will assess the relative performance of each Living Wall type – including hydroponic, compost, stainless steel wire and Ivysystems. Control panels have already been installed and are now being monitored to assess the products’ performance over a range of environmental conditions.

The benefits of living walls in terms of providing habitats for essential invertebrate life, birds and bees is also being assessed across Scotscape’s living wall portfolio, by the proactive charity Buglife. Quarterly analytical assessments are undertaken to monitor the rich variety of ‘birds, bugs and bees’ which gravitate to areas of biodiversity in urban areas.www.buglife.org.uk

In line with our commitment to sustainability and biodiversity, Scotscape are maintaining the living wall at Edgeware Road station. Transport for London commissioned this green wall to counter air pollution on the corner of Edgeware and Marylebone Roads. Funded by the government’s Clean Air Fund, this wall is being monitored by Imperial College to assess the chosen plants for their ability to remove particulate matter from the air.

Commenting on the programme, Scotscape’s Managing Director, Angus Cunningham said: “Sheffield University has an enviable reputation for the quality of its research into sustainable building materials and we’re absolutely delighted to be sponsoring and working with the research team on this particular programme, which will enable future clients to select the system most appropriate for their budget and sustainable infrastructure goals. This is the most comprehensive piece of research ever undertaken into the thermal benefits of Living Walls and we’re looking forward to seeing the results in the autumn of 2013’’.

For further enquiries please do not hesitate to contact Anna Roochove on +44 (0) 7500 708 687 annar@scotscape.net.

Fit for a Queen at the InterContinental London Park Lane

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Design studio the Gallery has transformed the Royal Suite at the InterContinental London Park Lane to have a timeless and elegant style inspired by Queen Elizabeth II. Given the suite’s debut in 2012, Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee year, the designers were captivated by the location’s noble pedigree. For the first decade of her childhood, The Queen lived in a building once located on this site, after which the Royal Family moved to Buckingham Palace when her father King George VI succeeded to the throne. The Gallery has created a suite modelled in part after Her Majesty’s acclaimed fashion sense – as seen especially in Cecil Beaton’s photographs of her as a young woman. The new design also honours The Queen as both a tender family person and an archetypical figurehead respected around the world. Her ability to balance compassion with strength and power has been expressed in the décor through the juxtaposition of opposites: the soft with the hard; the flowing with the structured; and the feminine with the masculine. In the living room, for example, silk-effect wallcovering is bordered by round brass nailheads, and a chandelier in a sinuous floral shape is formed from rigid glass rods.

VIPs from around the globe will be residing in the 135 sqm Royal Suite and The Gallery’s intention has been to create a temporary home which will be comfortable for them all. So while the designer’s inspiration has been specific, the suite’s references to royalty are subtle and are woven into a classic design that encapsulate the styles of the decades from The Queen’s birth in 1926 to the present moment.

The result blends Art Deco touches with a contemporary interpretation of the opulent finishes found in royal palaces. Reflective surfaces creatively woven into the interiors increase its sense of spaciousness and luminosity. In the living room, antiqued mirrors border the coved ceiling to create an illusion of height, the coffee and side tables have glazed finishes, and a tufted leather bench is supported by a mirrored base.

Continued on page two…

Is Thai Culture Good or Bad for the Development of Thailand’s Tourism Industry?

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Thailand is a like a cunning cheer leader, a good looker, an easy date who cheats at her exams and gossips about her friends, but is perpetually popular despite her shortcomings. Thai tourism authorities are “marketing geniuses but management dunces.”

These were just a few of the claims made by outspoken but respected journalists, both Thai. They were the keynote speakers in the PATA Thailand Chapter debate January 30 in Bangkok entitled, “Is Thai Culture Good or Bad for the Development of Thailand’s Tourism Industry?”

Voranai Vanijaka, a political columnist at the Bangkok Post and lecturer in journalism and mass media at Thammasat University, and Imtiaz Muqbil, the Executive Editor of Travel Impact Newswire, debated the delicate subject in front of 50 travel industry professionals at the Chapter’s annual general meeting at a leading Bangkok hotel.

Voranai warned listeners at the start that he would be saying things that some people would find offensive.

Bangkok is run by short-sighted leaders and is the victim poor planning, said Voranai. The streets are festooned with vendors, prostitutes, robbers (often the police), stray dogs and their faeces. “But still the tourists come,” he said.

Tourists are mugged, robbed, raped, scammed and charged double pricing, “but still they come,” he smiled wistfully.

He likened tourists to abused wives. They are beaten, but still they come back. Why? For the most part, he said, because Thailand makes tourists feel safe, at ease, at home. Thais are generous. They will always smile and help you. They take your money and gossip about you afterwards, but at least they are friendly and helpful when you meet.

“There are few places that even give you that,” said Voranai, citing his own experiences in France and Germany.

“Thai culture is good for tourism,” he said. “Thais are a beautiful people, with a lot of skeletons in the closet — we can be had at an affordable price.”

Imtiaz Muqbil, a native of India and now a Thai national, said: “You could shut down all the travel associations, and still tourists would come because the travel industry in Thailand is very good at sweeping things under the carpet.”

Noting that Thai tourism authorities were “marketing geniuses, but management dunces,” he called for truth in tourism and for everyone to ponder five questions: Are Thais as happy as they used to be? What happened to the Songkran water festival? Is Thai cuisine losing its quality as it goes global? What is an ‘authentic’ experience? [And in a majority Buddhist country] Do visitors get confused by Thailand’s nightlife and alcohol?

Imtiaz lamented the “clonal-isation” of Thailand typified by massive new retail outlets in the city centre. However, there is still real and residual politeness, respect for guests and elders in Thailand that is unmatched, “with the possible sole exception of Bhutan,” he said.

The veteran travel journalist said that Thais should be prouder of their own brands. For example they produce great coffee, but instead imported coffee brands and coffee outlets are everywhere.

In the conflicted cultural space where tourism meets Thai culture, Voranai told the audience that there were two types of tourists that Thais don’t like: big groups of Chinese (“They are loud and annoying, but they are still welcome because we can take their money.”) and sex tourists — “but we’ll still take their money”. For good measure he noted that while the sex tourism taints the country’s image it is “still a small industry compared to the domestic sex business [industry].”

He said the Thailand’s position was: “We want to take your money, but we don’t want a negative image.”

At the vote, the majority of the audience raised their hands to signify that yes, Thai culture is good for Thai tourism. But perhaps it was a moot point.

More pointedly, both speakers identified paths ahead that they preferred.

Imtiaz said that there should be more attention paid to the idea of the “Sufficiency Economy” as advocated by the His Majesty the King. “It should be the driver of everything that we do.”

As comments and questions from the floor were aired, a Thai female travel industry professional, a mother to two daughters, stood and complained: “I hate to be a cheap date! Tell me, what is the way forward for Thailand to stop being a cheap date?” She meant it. She was both vexed and proud.

Voranai told her: “Thailand needs more people like you, people who will say ‘no’. But to say it takes national effort — and for the government to step in.”

He said he was only a journalist, but PATA and others should “harangue and pressurize” the authorities.

“We should be priceless — nothing can buy us. But it’s up to us make it a reality.”

He added: “What we can become, is more important.”

Report by Ken Scott

Starwood Expands Presence in Brazil with Upcoming Sheraton da Bahia Hotel in Salvador

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has partnered with GJP Hotéis & Resorts to expand the presence of its global powerhouse brand Sheraton Hotels & Resorts in Brazil. Sheraton da Bahia Hotel will be located in Salvador, one of the most important tourist destinations in the country. The 284-room historic Hotel da Bahia is currently undergoing an extensive renovation and will re-open to its full splendour by Q1 2013. It will be operated by local hotelier GJP Hotéis & Resorts under a franchise agreement. Starwood currently operates seven properties in Brazil under the Sheraton and Four Points by Sheraton brands. Sheraton da Bahia Hotel will be the 6th Sheraton in Brazil marking another important step in the brand’s global expansion plan to reach a milestone of 500 Sheraton properties by 2015. A 7th Sheraton, Starwood’s 9th property in the country, is scheduled to open by Q1 2014, the Sheraton Reserva do Paiva Hotel and Conference Center in Recife.

When it reopens as Sheraton da Bahia Hotel in Q1 2013, it will feature 284 guest rooms, including 16 suites, all featuring the brand’s signature all-white Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed and an exclusive Sheraton Club Lounge. The heart of the lobby will feature the brand’s Link@Sheraton experienced with Microsoft® – Sheraton’s signature social hub where connections, whether face-to-face or via webcam, can take place. The hotel will also offer two restaurants, the brand’s signature Sheraton Fitness programmed by Core Performance® with a spacious work out space, a 1,938 square feet spa with a salon and sauna, swimming pool, business center, and a large meetings and event facility comprising more than 27,000 square feet of flexible space with capacity for over 400 people.

The hotel is strategically located in the city centre and has direct access to Sete de Setembro Avenue, a major roadway that connects the city.

The hotel is currently undergoing a meticulous renovation that will preserve the charms and jewels of the historic building, such as the façade with its beautiful tiles and prominent works of art, including the grand murals by Genaro de Carvalho picturing local festivities from Bahia, protected by the IPAC – Institute of Arts and Cultural Heritage of Bahia State since 1981, as well as three other large murals by renowned Argentine artist Carybé, especially commissioned for the hotel picturing scenes from the Brazilian lifestyle located in the hotel’s lobby area.

Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

A revolution in the design language of ceramic

150 150 Daniel Fountain

First seen two years ago as a prototype, Swiss bathroom specialist Laufen has launched two new washbasin bowls manufactured from its revolutionary new ceramic SaphirKeramik.With a name that alludes to the addition of the mineral corundum, a component of sapphire also used in the watch industry as sapphire glass dials, SaphirKeramik is considerably harder and has a greater flexural strength.

SaphirKeramik is a new generation ceramic material that can generate completely new shapes. Closely defined radii and edges are now possible akin to those seen in pieces constructed from solid surfaces, along with much thinner walls making each ceramic piece up to 40% lighter than if it were made with traditional ceramic materials. The superior hardness of the material opens up new design possibilities, particularly with regard to the radii of the products: 1-2-mm radii for edges and 2 mm radii for corners are technically feasible with the new SaphirKeramik. The norm for classic ceramics is radii from 7mm to 8 mm.

Previously manufacturers had the choice of vitreous china and fine fireclay. Vitreous china excels due to the waterproof qualities of the surface – water absorption is virtually zero – and it therefore meets the highest hygiene requirements for WCs and urinals. Soft, round and flowing shapes can be readily achieved with this material when combined with the appropriate know-how of the manufacturer. However, the arbitrary shrinkage of the material during the drying and firing stage means the manufacturing process is difficult to control.

Fireclay has until now been the ceramic of choice for manufacturing very large ceramic pieces. Here, the classic ceramic mass (slurry) is stabilised with the addition of pre-fired clay (chamotte) which enables large ceramic pieces such as double washbasins or floorstanding washbasin pedestals to be produced.

With SaphirKeramik from Laufen shapes that were previously not possible with ceramic can be created, due to the hardness of the material. A more delicate design language, more defined in shape and line, becomes possible – exactly matching the ideas behind contemporary architectural design. Designs that were deemed to be only suitable for solid surface pieces can now be achieved in ceramic, meaning that all the benefits which ceramic has in the bathroom can be exploited: not only can absolute hygiene be achieved, the material is also not harmed by abrasive or chemical cleaning agents.

Ceramic is also an environmentally friendly and sustainable product, largely consisting of the natural and widespread raw materials kaolin, clay, feldspar and quartz sand. It can therefore be produced economically in large quantities, can be safely used in the bathroom in contact with drinking water for many years and is completely recyclable at the end of a long product life.

The first products to be manufactured from this revolutionary material are two washbasins, a square version measuring 360mm x 360mm and a rectangular version measuring 600mm x 340mm.

Dr. Werner Fischer, Research Director at Laufen, developed the SaphirKeramik together with his team and various university research institutes. The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing in Berlin (BAM) examined the flexural strength of the material and measured an average of over 120 kp/mm² – which is comparable with steel and twice as high as that of vitreous china.

The exact recipe, according to Dr. Werner Fischer, was developed through half a decade of research and development – and is Laufen’s best kept secret.

Chocolate, Satin or Antique Bronze? Choices from Focus SB

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Bronze is a composition of copper, tin and sometimes zinc and was adored by the elite of antiquity who made sculptures and pendants out of it. The colour of the alloy is a work of art that changes over time as a light turquoise blue residue forms on the surface, which is caused by the copper element oxidising.

Focus SB recreates the bronze colour captured in time, the chocolate and satin bronze coatings over solid brass or stainless steel ensure the finish does not deteriorate.

View our extensive range of stunning finishes.

Concorde Luxury Hotels Portfolio Sold

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Sale represents largest transaction in the European market since 2011

On behalf of Groupe du Louvre, an affiliate of Starwood Capital Group, Jones Lang LaSalle’s Hotels & Hospitality Group is delighted to announce the successful sale of the Concorde luxury hotels portfolio to Constellation Hotels France, a Middle East based investor with global hotel holdings. This portfolio consists of 1,724 rooms in France and includes the Hôtel du Louvre and the Concorde Lafayette in Paris, the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, and the Palais de la Méditerranée in Nice. Going forward, Hyatt is expected to operate the hotels under management agreements.

According to Mark Wynne Smith, Global CEO Hotels & Hospitality, Jones Lang LaSalle: “This sale is great news for the market and bodes well for continued portfolio transaction activity in 2013. It represents the largest transaction in the European hotel market since 2011 and reinforces the international appeal of European gateway cities for real estate investors.”

Commenting on the sale, Sue-Lin Heng, Senior Vice President Hotels & Hospitality, Jones Lang LaSalle said “This transaction brings to fruition the long term relationship Jones Lang LaSalle has with Groupe du Louvre and this iconic portfolio, having advised Starwood Capital in their original acquisition of Societe Du Louvre in 2005 and subsequently advising them in the gradual disposition of the hotels in the portfolio. We are privileged to have had the opportunity to work on this portfolio and delighted to have helped create additional value to the assets.”

Jones Lang LaSalle and UBS advised on the sale.

Hotel at Sea: Miniview of DFDS’s Dana Sirena

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Short sea crossings can be tough. A number of routes can be taken where a few hours in a lounge, reading the paper or drinking coffee can be a respite from driving, but some routes are long enough to demand a cabin. One of these is the route from Esbjerg in Denmark to Harwich in Essex, across a North Sea with some of the worst weather in the world, a route lit by the flares from oil rigs and characterised as across one of the busiest sea lanes anywhere. An alternative route to Scandinavia, Newcastle to Bergen, was closed by the company in 2008 due to rising fuel costs and lack of demand, although it is much missed by many.For many Brits driving to northern Europe (Scandinavia or North Germany and beyond) the route to Denmark avoids the need to be unwelcomed by the French as well as saving many hours on motorways. The route to Esbjerg from Harwich runs on complementary demand for freight and passengers, but drops in winter from 3 sailings a week to two. The ship was full on my voyage as the trip coincided with Danish school holidays

The Sirena entered service on this route in 2003, with passenger numbers upgraded from 200 or so to 605. Passenger accommodation was added to additional decks, at some expense to accommodation for freight drivers, although a large chunk of the ships space is still freight oriented.

Cabins were redesigned on a slightly smaller footprint and three standards introduced , Standard, Sirena and Commodore

Luxury Property National Hotel Miami Beach Unveils Newly Renovated Guest Rooms in Historic Tower

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Debuting in 1939, the National Hotel resonates an Art Deco form and style with an illustrious history that has made a lasting impression in Miami Beach. This December, the luxury hotel unveiled new guest rooms in the historic tower.Accommodations incorporate a contemporary glamour that pays respect and admiration to the era, with an eye to accentuating original Art Deco details that distinguish the lobby and public spaces. Making an indelible mark in the South Beach skyline with the 14-story historic tower and signature cupola, the hotel’s footprint includes a signature infinity pool that spans 205-ft, the longest in Miami Beach. In addition, Signature Pool Terrace rooms and suites are surrounded with lush tropical vegetation while the courtyard extends to a second lounging pool and steps onto beachside bliss.

National Hotel Miami Beach has been known throughout history to draw in the sun-seeking crowd, celebrities, and brightest stars from the 50’s through the South Beach revival of 70’s. Today, Miami Beach is a mecca for fun and entertainment with restaurants, cafes and nightlife steps away from the hotel’s front door.

The hotel remains a refuge for everyone who wishes to enjoy the excitement of South Beach in one of the city’s most iconic Art Deco properties.

Located on Collins Avenue at 16th Street, the National Hotel is ideally located, providing immediate access to the most noted sites on Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road, while sitting in close proximity to the arts and culture centers that include the Bass Museum, Miami City Ballet, the Wolfsonian Museum and the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Hill Cross Furniture: Introducing the NEW Montreal Range

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Created under the direction of Italian interior designer, Marco Viola, the new Montreal Range from Hill Cross Furniture offers ease of use within design schemes as well as boasting many variations to help suit any venue or existing style.The Montreal Range comprises of a side chair, arm chair, bar stool and arm chair, all with a fully upholstered back with a rectangular decorative shape cut out at the bottom. They have an upholstered seat pad with show wood seat rail and top rail and rounded tapered legs.

The solid beech frame is available in various stain finishes and can be upholstered in any fabric of customers choice.

Click here to view the full range.

Vienna International Hotels opens second angelo Hotel in Munich

150 150 Daniel Fountain

After 18 months of construction, the 4-star angelo Munich Westpark opened under management by Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG. The festive grand opening gave some 500 invited guests a chance to take a look at the harmonious concept for themselves. The angelo Westpark is the second angelo brand hotel in Munich. Like the angelo Hotel at Leuchtenbergring, which opened in 2008, the angelo Munich Westpark was developed by Austrian company UBM Realitätenentwicklung AG and its subsidiary Münchner Grund Immobilien Bauträger AG. Just three weeks after the first guest was checked in, some 500 invited guests, including investors, friends and acquaintances of the angelo hotels in Munich, celebrated the grand opening of the new 4-star accommodation. The festive grand opening reflected the infectious joie de vivre of the angelo Munich Westpark, with a fashion show by renowned Munich designer Kay Rainer and an automotive presentation by Wiesmann, the leading manufacturer of puristic sports cars. The chef de cuisine wowed the guests with exquisite finger food and a cryo-cooking station, offering amazing sorbets prepared with liquid nitrogen and plenty of know-how. The evening’s musical entertainment was provided courtesy of the musicians from Austrian jazz band “Die Frequenz”.

The angelo Hotel Munich Westpark
The new 207-room 4-star angelo Hotel Munich Westpark opened in the district of Sendling on 9 January 2013. The colourful, linear design concept is a remarkable blend of light-flooded architecture and bright yellow, luminous coral red and intense anthracite tones that never fails to hit the mark with business guests, conference attendees and city tourist. The spacious conference area, with a capacity for up to 350 people, offers a convincing, pillar-free design on the ground floor, with natural daylight in all rooms and a directly adjoining terrace. An integral part of all angelo hotels is the restaurant Sunlight and the popular lobby bar Jazz with its black-and-white photographs of big-name jazz greats. A private dining area is available for special occasions with up to 35 guests.

The new angelo Hotel Munich Westpark is conveniently located, with excellent access to the ring road Mittlerer Ring and the A95 and A96 motorways, and has 70 underground parking spaces. Marienplatz square, Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest) and the central railway station are reached quickly and easily with the S7 train and U6 underground line from Harras station, just a 5-minute walk from the hotel.

The angelo Hotel concept: Seven times in Europe
The angelo hotels stand out for their sophisticated, colourful design and are already attracting a steady stream of fans of modern architecture in Prague, Pilsen, Katowice, Bucharest, Ekaterinburg and Munich. The seventh angelo in Munich at Westpark will continue the success of the predecessor projects.

LIVE-WORK-STAY
The hotel was developed as part of the LIVE-WORK-STAY complex that also comprises apartments, offices and commercial space. The investment costs of the entire complex amount to around € 50 million. “This mixture of hotel, office and residential space highlights the long-term use of the approx. 9,500 m² property as well as its ideal relationship to the location,” says UBM board member Martin Löcker, explaining the investment strategy. “Although LIVE-WORK-STAY won’t be completed until this summer, the business success of the project can already be seen.” Tenants have already been found for more than half of the office space on Albert-Roßhaupter-Straße; the interior of the remaining vacancies can be designed according to individual wishes and needs. The 26 owner-occupied flats in the quiet and secluded inner courtyard have already all been sold and the first residents will move into their new flats in March. The multifunctional use even helps to improve the recreational quality: hotel guests, as well as office tenants and residents, will benefit from the 2,700 m² city garden adjoining the angelo Hotel in the back and the flats in the south.

El Lodge boosts guest experience with new virtual concierge

150 150 Daniel Fountain

With forecasters predicting another record year of snowfall for the 2013 skiing season, guests at the luxurious El Lodge Resort in Sierra Nevada, Spain, can also enjoy the benefits of its newly installed virtual concierge solution from Cardola.The ski and spa resort, part of the MC hotels group, has installed Cardola’s VirtualHotel solution on its in-room iPads. An iPad, including the VirtualHotel app will be available for guests to access and use in each of its 20 bedrooms. Cardola’s application allows guests at the Spanish ski resort to easily access information about hotel services and the local area, helping them plan their days and spend more time enjoying the slopes.

From the comfort of their luxury suite guests can access the app to view menus and reserve a table at the resort’s bars and restaurants; MC Grill, Suite Nevada, The Bar and The Lounge. They can also book treatments at the hotel’s spa, reserve their skiing gear or even book skiing lessons for themselves or their children.

Tim Butterworth, managing director at Cardola comments, “Our VirtualHotel solution opens El Lodge’s doors to clientele from all over the globe, breaking down any language barriers by offering multi-lingual services, 24 hours a day. Skiing holidays can be very hectic and our VirtualHotel solution gives guests an easy way to interact with the hotel, allowing them to make the most of their time away.”

The application is available to download direct to all guests’ own devices via the app store – providing guests with additional access to services before, during and after their stay.

New Holiday Inn Express® Philadelphia NE – Bensalem Opens Following Extensive Renovation

150 150 Daniel Fountain

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) recently announced the opening of the Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia NE – Bensalem following extensive renovations.”Holiday Inn Express hotels are designed to be the smart choice for value-conscious business and leisure travellers,” said Jim Anhut, senior vice president, Brand Management, The Americas, IHG. “With more than 2,100 properties worldwide and 440 more in the pipeline, the Holiday Inn Express brand continues to provide our guests with an enhanced-stay experience at a great value. We are proud to welcome the Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia NE – Bensalem into the Holiday Inn family with its brand-new sign and everything it represents.”

“We’re pleased to be joining the Holiday Inn brand family and to be able to offer visitors to the “City of Brotherly Love” outstanding service and a great value in a convenient location,” said General Manager Joanne Johnston. “Holiday Inn Express is a fresh brand that we believe fits well with the needs of visitors to the Philadelphia area.”

The hotel is situated near the office of Kraft Foods, Holy Family University and the Franklin Mills® Mall. Those visiting the Philadelphia area for leisure will discover that many of the area’s historic attractions such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, are just a short drive away. Nearby Bucks County features historic buildings and sites, museums and outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania’s beautiful countryside.

The 141-room, three-story hotel provides a variety of amenities – including an outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness centre, a meeting room and a 24-hour business centre as well as the usual Holiday Inn Express offering.

Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia NE – Bensalem is owned by 1329 Bristol Pike Associates and managed by Growth Properties under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

A quality range of fire safety signs

150 150 Daniel Fountain

In 2003, ISO 7010 was introduced – a new international standard for safety signs using pictograms that could be easily understood by everyone, regardless of their language, culture or ability. The rationale being that every country had a growing proportion of non-native speaking workers and text-based safety instructions were therefore considered inappropriate and potentially dangerous. Until now ISO 7010 has been regarded as a ‘best practice recommendation’ with the UK continuing to adhere to its own BS 5499 standard. From January 2013 this looks set to change as ISO 7010 is very likely to become a European Normative – EN 7010; in other words it will be written into European Law that the UK and other member states will have to adopt. This will have major implications for public buildings and UK businesses.Commenting on the imminent arrival of EN 7101, Mark Bartlett, Managing Director of Signbox, said, “The new European Normative 7010 standard, which is likely to be introduced shortly, will make the current ISO 7010 standard part of health and safety law in every EU member state. It means any premises required to display fire signs to convey safety information will be affected.”

“Best practice Health and Safety guidance recommends that the two different types of signage, BS 5499 and EN 7010, should not be mixed in the workplace, so clients may need to change all their current safety signage to comply, and certainly when looking to purchase new signage they should ensure it complies with the new EN 7010 standards.

“For some time now Signbox has been manufacturing signage that meets the ISO 7010 standard, in readiness for the European Normative 7010 standard. We recognise that for our clients keeping pace with changes in legislation of this nature can be onerous, but they can be confident that we’ll take away any such regulatory headaches and ensure that all the safety signs we install in their premises conform to current and forthcoming regulations, including the impending new EN 7010”.

In addition to its ‘corporate’ website, Signbox has now re-launched its e-commerce shop for workplace signs. The new-look online store at www.signboxshop.co.uk features a comprehensive range of readymade workplace signs including fire escape signs that comply with EN 7010.

Travelodge Is Benefiting From a £223 Million Brand Investment This Year

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Travelodge has announced it is benefitting from a £223 million investment this year to help further grow its business. This cash investment will help fuel growth, strengthen the Company’s brand offering and ensure consumers obtain the best value in the marketplace. In 2013, Travelodge will open 14 hotels (1,742 rooms) at an investment of £141.5m. Twelve of these openings will be in the UK and two in Spain.

The UK locations include four properties in London (Bethnal Green, Hounslow, Vauxhall and Walthamstow), Liverpool, Cambridge, Aylesbury, Southport, Kings Lynn, Sittingbourne, Manchester and Chertsey.

The two Spanish hotel openings will double Travelodge’s room stock to 700 and boost the number of hotels to six which includes three properties in Madrid, two in Barcelona and one in Valencia. The first hotel is scheduled to open in spring and is located in the fashionable beach area Poblenoul in Barcelona. The new Madrid hotel is scheduled to open in the summer and is located in the famous Julian Camarilo commercial district.

Grant Hearn, Travelodge CEO said: “In today’s world, Britons are looking for great value when making a hotel booking. The UK at less than 20% remains a growing market for branded budget accommodation, as it is still well behind matured markets such as the USA and France. In response to this growing opportunity, our growth strategy remains in the forefront of our new business plan.”

During 2013, Travelodge will also create 420 new jobs with 371 of the new positions being generated via the 14 new hotel openings. The remaining new opportunities will be created via the Company’s successful management apprenticeship programme (JuMP) which will create 30 new apprenticeship placements and the remaining 19 roles are head office based.
As part of today’s announcement, the hotel chain is also unveiling its new room design which has been created by Travelodge customers. The new room concept has taken 12 months to complete from initial research to implementation and has been overseen by Travelodge’s dedicated in-house Interior Designer – Frances Whitley.

Feedback from Travelodge customers stated they wanted an inviting, functional, warm, relaxing environment, with the main focus of the room being an extremely comfortable bed. To ensure Travelodge met this brief, they worked in cooperation with their customers so that they were involved in every decision and that the new room design met with their expectation and delivered on quality and service.

The new Travelodge room includes the following new features:
An upgraded new luxury king size bed which is deemed in the industry as the ‘Rolls Royce’ of beds and used predominately by luxury hotels worldwide. The bed is produced by royal warrant holders Sleepeeze Ltd who are renowned internationally for their experience and craftsmanship in producing the most luxurious beds that money can buy. The company established 80 years ago uses cutting edge technology to create state-of-the-art pocket spring mattresses that help attain a good quality night’s sleep.

The new Travelodge bed boasts an 800 pocket sprung mattress and each individual spring is designed to follow the natural contour of an individual’s body in order to provide the correct amount of support and comfort to ensure they receive a good quality night’s sleep. The pocket sprung mattress is also very beneficial for couples sharing a bed as it ensures that each individual is much less affected by the movement of their partner.

For further comfort, the bed is dressed with a quilted mattress topper and bounce back duvet & pillows. A new addition to the bedding is a stylish swoosh stripes runner to help create a gift wrap feel to the bed.

The bed also features a unique benefit of housing two space saving comfy truckle beds within its base. When the beds are in use the base can be used for storing luggage, providing extra space in the room. The truckle beds have been designed to replace the traditional sofa bed and provide an enhanced service for families staying in the room.
To help create a warm and cosy ambiance in the new room so that its customers obtain a good quality night’s sleep, Travelodge worked with a chromotherapy expert and has introduced a sleep inducing colour palette to the room’s décor.

The new Travelodge room feature wall has been painted a tranquil blue, as research shows our body clock is programmed to relate the colour blue to the hours of darkness. So when we look at the colour blue, our metabolism slows down, making us feel relaxed and sleepy.
The colour also has the effect of making a room look larger and more light and airy. The remaining walls have been painted a calming cream colour as this shade embodies the quality of gentle morning sunlight that helps you to wake up feeling refreshed and alert.

To complement the colour scheme swoosh stripes in the colours of red, grey and blue have been incorporated into the room décor via the curtains and bed runner. Vertical stripes have been chosen due to their illusion of making a room look taller and to create a more restful and contemporary atmosphere.

Other additions to the new room include a stylish white contemporary en-suite bathroom with a power shower, stain & water resistant carpet in a dark shade of blue, a larger desk area, new reading lights and a phone charging socket built into the bed frame. The room also includes artwork above the bed. This is an abstract design featuring relaxing sparkles and shades of blue, which customers found very pleasing to the eye and restful.

All new hotels being opened this year will incorporate this new room design. In addition phase one of the £57 million refurbishment programme which starts in spring this year will include a refit project to transform Travelodge’s flagship and most popular city centre hotel rooms with the new design. By autumn 2014, over eighty per cent of Travelodge’s estate will incorporate the new room design.

To help attract new customers, Travelodge is also investing over £12 million in digital and online marketing this year. As well as over a million pounds in a website refresh later this year.

Frances Whitley, Travelodge In-house Interior Designer said: “It has been great working with our customers to design a purpose built room for them. Interestingly key learning we learnt were customers now want a high level of coordination between colours, shades, patterns and features. They are no longer happy with everything being the same colour. Tastes are also moving away from dark shades, today hotel users want a clean, fresh and bright colour scheme which they find uplifting and energising upon walking up from a good night’s sleep. The number one requirement from our customers was a good quality luxurious bed. Interestingly customer fed back that the addition of a coordinated runner on the bed lent a sense of freshness and suggested that the bed had been carefully prepared and wrapped for them.”

Travelodge is also currently working with its customers to redesign its restaurants and public areas.

Stokke HandySitt now available at Ultimate Contract

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Ultimate Contract is pleased to announce they are now a UK distributor of Stokke’s HandySitt Highchair. This product offers both the stylish features of our existing products and a practical, unique functionality restaurants need.Stokke is a Norwegian furniture company focussed purely on making the younger generations more comfortable. They have many products but it is the sheer genius and practicality of their HandySitt product that has us excited to be a part of their mission.
This product is already popular throughout the world but Stokke has invited Ultimate to promote and sell into the UK market.

Features
The Handysitt highchair boosts many exciting features including its efficiency. The seat is sturdy, safe to assemble and it complies with all relevant safety standards set out worldwide.

The seat is also very flexible. The base will fit into an existing chair up to 41cms wide and is easy to remove if not in use. Its flexibility also shines through its range; no longer will you have to keep multiple products for children of different ages as the HandySitt caters for children from 6 months to 5 years old.

Arguably the most defining part of this product has to be the space saving feature. The HandySitt can replace those tall, clumsy looking high chairs that sit in the corner of the restaurant blocking serving isles and taking up valuable table space. Each seat comes equipped with clips to attach them to a simple wooden bar on a wall or partition; enabling handy, out of the way storage.

Available in three colours Red, White and Black this stylish product is sure to be a hit with restaurateurs and club owners across the country. So order yours now and give those little ones a safe, comfortable and enjoyable seating experience when they come to visit your establishment.

Rezidor opens the Park Inn by Radisson, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

150 150 Daniel Fountain

The Rezidor Hotel Group has opened the Park Inn by Radisson, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The 150-rooms flagship brings the dynamic mid-market brand Park Inn by Radisson to the Netherlands; and strengthens Rezidor’s position as one of Europe’s leading airport hotel operators. The group is present is at some of the busiest airports in Europe: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, Istanbul, Copenhagen, Moscow, Nice, Oslo, Stockholm and Amsterdam – a dense network generating significant brand awareness and profitable growth.The brand new Park Inn by Radisson, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is located in a converted office building in the Schiphol-Rijk office park – home to many local and international headquarters and just 5 kilometers away from the terminals. A dedicated airport shuttle brings travelers to and from the airport in 10 minutes; and the hotel has 150 parking spaces for attractive “park & fly” packages. Amsterdam city centre is only 15 kilometers away, and also cities like Utrecht and The Hague are within easy reach.

The 150 contemporary standard or superior rooms in fresh, colourful design offer all desirable modern amenities including free high-speed, wireless internet access, individual climate control, flat-screen TV with a wide selection of international channels, a large window and a spacious work desk.

The Livingroom is the hotel’s core area for socializing: The Livingroom Restaurant serves delicious international dishes with a Dutch flair – plus a hot and cold breakfast buffet, featuring over 100 international start-the-day-well items. A special kiosk provides a selection of sandwiches, salads, snacks and drinks around the clock. Throughout the day, guests can relax and enjoy a freshly brewed coffee or snack in The Livingroom Lounge featuring comfortable armchairs. In the evening, a range of drinks, wines and beers are available in the chic surroundings of The Livingroom Bar. The Livingroom also offers free high-speed, wireless internet access.

With its excellent location and private Meeting Wing, the Park Inn by Radisson is the ideal choice for business gatherings and events. The state-of-the-art wing comprises 4 versatile meeting rooms, a special pre-function lobby and a small outdoor area.

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort Unveils Spectacular Design Details

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort, a new beachfront resort that recently opened end of last year, is pleased to unveil the details of its contemporary and Balinese inspired design. The new resort, which has already transformed the Kuta experience, sits on a total area of 5.2 hectares of development and is located directly in the heart of Kuta beach, one of world’s most renowned surfing destinations. The resort offers an exclusive retreat, featuring spacious open-air terraces, lush gardens of local flowers, and an outdoor rooftop pool with unrivalled panoramic views of the ocean. Showcasing architecture by the distinguished firm of Enviro Tec, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort is destined to become an architectural landmark while setting new standards for approachable luxury and extraordinary service in Bali.Constructed by the renowned architecture firm Enviro Tec, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort is inspired by the design of Bali’s beautiful rice paddy fields. The resort’s open-air concept and elevated position on the island provide amazing ocean and beach views, presenting guests with breathtaking sights of Kuta. Enviro Tec has designed many signature projects over the past two decades, which have brought forth fresh and evocative ideas that test the canons of architectural representation. Additionally, the firm explores responsible design and construction for the creation of an optimal built environment, which is showcased at Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort with the use of recycled wood and water.

The resort’s breathtaking interiors were primarily designed by FBEye, an interior design firm based in Singapore. Interior Design firm A2j also contributed to Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort’s design.

When guests step into the hotel’s drop-off lobby, they are surrounded with the opulence of Balinese touches amidst the premium quality materials used to create a welcoming and warm environment. This beautiful space was designed by Hadiprana, a renowned firm out of Jakarta specializing in hospitality design. In the lobby, two sandstone columns and monochromatic bronze colors are elegantly featured and provide a relaxed ambiance among the timber decorative beam at the lobby’s drop-off ceiling. An exquisite bronze waterfall, which was designed by a local artist, provides an extraordinary backdrop with illuminated silver pieces.

The inviting furniture in the resort’s lobby is custom designed by A2j and features warm tones and high-quality materials. Balinese artwork and detailed rustic timber panels are found throughout the lobby area, providing a picturesque backdrop of the island’s unique culture. The decorative wall-sconces are made from laser cut stainless steel with the traditional Balinese Geringsing pattern. Mounted on the ceiling is a beautifully decorated replica of a Jukung boat, a customary fishing boat used in Bali, highlighting the resort’s ideal proximity to the ocean. Decorative lattice timber with a unique Balinese pattern and dramatic low lighting is showcased along the wall partition in the lobby, while a large sphere lamp creates an inviting ambiance. The décor of the rooms reflects a modern yet classic design aesthetic.

Continued on page two…

Roman has 20-20 Vision

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Leading UK shower manufacturer and designer, Roman Limited has joined 20-20 Technologies, which will see their entire range of Shower Enclosures, Bath Screens and related products being listed on the design service’s software, Fusion.20-20 Fusion is becoming one of the leading names in bathroom planning and many of Roman’s key retail partners already use it to create virtual bathroom designs for their customers. Roman has responded to a number of requests from customers to join the service – having already listed products through another leading design service for many years now.

All of Roman’s ranges are now available on the software, from their indulgent Sculptures range, through to their high quality and affordable Haven range. Roman’s wide range of Shower Valve options and high quality Accessories are also available through the software.

With the Fusion design package, retailers can create photo-like bathroom designs as well as generate and play movies, allowing their customers to take a virtual tour of the bathroom design.

David Osborne, Managing Director at Roman, commented: “One of the services which can really set highstreet retailers apart is offering a bathroom design service. As a UK manufacturer we understand the importance of this added value service, so making our portfolio available for use on planning tools is something which we support as a supplier.

“At Roman, many of our enclosures feature totally unique footprints and designs, so having our products available for retailers to access when designing bathrooms, is essential. Further to this many of our designs are ‘solution’ products, for interior design problems. Sometimes it can be difficult to communicate this via traditional display settings. Products such as our Colossus or Trapezium work off minimal wall space with footprints that ensure they avoid windows and door frames, whilst delivering a huge active showering space. The 20-20 bathroom planning software can really demonstrate to customers how these products can work in their space.”

Simon Purves, Independent Sales Director of 20-20 Technologies, said: “The whole 20-20 team is dedicated to working closely with the widest range of manufacturers possible within the bathroom sector, are we are delighted to now include Roman as part of our portfolio. This ensures our software offers the biggest choice of manufacturers’ ranges and options to deliver accurate catalogues, designs and pricing to our customers.”

Using Traditional Skills to Create Beautiful Bespoke Upholstery

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Penwith Upholstery are a small close–knit team and they live, work and are based in Cornwall, but operate nationally. As one of their London projects, they are very proud to have been chosen to supply bespoke seating to a new Mexican-themed nightclub in London.Public founder and close personal friend of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Guy Pelly has opened this new project in Sloane Square with partner Marc Burton. This fabulous new cocktail bar and nightclub has a very exciting concept generating a very classy atmosphere, and with a train that drops drinks off at your table!

The beautiful leather seating booths designed for the comfort of London’s elite were manufactured and installed by Penwith Upholstery, who worked closely with Guy and the highly innovative team from Dtwo Design, to ensure perfection in every detail.

‘Thank you so much for all Penwith’s hard work with this project and you can really see that it has paid off as the booths and seating areas look absolutely stunning’
Guy Pelly

We also have many exciting new projects currently happening in Cornwall, and would like to hear from you if you have any plans for refurbishment or any new upholstery projects.

Please call me on +44 (0) 7714 678900 if you wish to discuss any of your requirements.

Peter Bawden
Penwith Upholstery

From Austria to Oman – 45 new Kempinski Grand Hotels worldwide

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Kempinski is a worldwide synonym for “grand hotels”: a European company with German roots, predominantly owned by the Thai Crown Property Bureau, currently develops 42 new large hotels with approximately 10,000 rooms around the world. These findings have been derived by TOPHOTELPROJECTS. In Vienna the Palais Hansen is scheduled to welcome its first guests in March. A new luxury resort with 309 rooms arises in Oman. And the announcement for a 150 room luxury hotel in North Korean’s capital Pyongyang causes a sensation.The Kempinski Hotel Palais Hansen is located in a heritage-protected ancient building, which is currently being transformed. All three open space patios will be roofed by glass-sky-windows. The lobby lounge, which is located in the middle of one the patios, will be the hotel’s centre point. The rooms will be sized between 40 and 45 square meters, suites will measure up to 300 square meters (presidential suite). This hotel will be Kempinski’s first property in Vienna.

Kempinski will also build a high-class resort In Oman’s capital Muscat. The hotel with 309 rooms, located at the beach, is part of the large construction project “The Wave” and could be finish during the second half of 2015. This hotel project further includes 77 serviced private luxury apartments, 10 F&B outlets, swimming pools, a spa, a beach club and all the comforts and amenities that can be expected in a premium high-end hotel. Construction, executed by the project developer Omani Hospitality, could already start this spring. But first of all, according to the press, the construction still needs to be bought. It is planned that “The Wave” will offer four top hotels, among them a Fairmont Resort.

The intention to build a Kempinski hotel in Pyongyang created lots of excitement. North Korean, not really known for its prosperous economy, favours an internationally known hotel operator such as Kempinski for the 337 meter high hotel pyramid. The construction started 20 years ago and will be North Korea’s highest hotel. Negotiations with the Egyptian tourism project developer Orascom (developer also of the hotel project “Andermatt Swiss Alps”) are currently on-going. As per today it is not possible mention any expected opening date for this 150 rooms hotel project.

A golden break with Wilton Carpets Commercial

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Visitors to the Golden Coast Holiday Park in Woolacombe, Devon, are now greeted by striking and vibrant axminster carpet by Wilton Carpets Commercial upon stepping into the venue’s lively entertainment area.Covering a total of just over 400 square metres, the bespoke axminster carpet displays a lively space-themed design, featuring bright orange and yellow five-point shooting stars on a contrasting background of dark and light blue. A range of eight different colours combine to offer exceptional clarity and to ensure that the carpet design reflects the excitement of the games room.

Woven in a nine-row 80/20 construction in 3.66m width, the carpet is hardwearing enough to withstand the heavy footfall from the daily throng of holiday guests, and the busy nature of the design works to conceal any trodden-in dirt or spillages between cleaning.

Ben Braddick of Braddick Furnishers, who worked closely with Wilton Carpets Commercial to recolour an archive design, bringing added vibrancy to the design, explains, “Golden Coast Holiday Park promises its guests an unforgettable stay defined by good old-fashioned fun and wonderful family memories, and they wanted a carpet for the entertainment room that reflected this bright and cheerful attitude.

“The resulting design is colourful and instantly lifts the mood, as well as being resilient, practical and delivering high levels of underfoot comfort. It also works to seamlessly connect the different game stations within the large room, such as the more adult-focused bowling alley and the conjoining kids’ area. The Wilton Carpets Commercial design team understood our brief and made our vision a reality, providing energetic-looking carpet that mirrors the personality of the holiday park.”

The carpet for Golden Coast Holiday Park was manufactured in the UK at Wilton Carpets Commercial’s Wiltshire production facility on time and within budget.

For further information contact Wilton Carpets Commercial on 01722 746000 or sales@wiltoncarpets.com

Hillswood Furniture Adds Sofia Lounge Collection

150 150 Daniel Fountain

Hillswood are very pleased to add the Sofia design to their collection. The moulded tub chairs are available in two sizes, low back and high back, both with sculptured shaped arms. To complement these chairs there is also a bar stool with gas lift rise and fall, all on a polished chrome or stainless steel base and column with foot rest. The sculptured shape to the seat and back give an extremely comfortable “wrap around feeling”. Great attention has been given to the feature stitching on these pieces and as our images show, we can use contrast or self colour stitching.

These designs would be equally suitable in executive bedroom suites, hotel lobbies, lounges and bars.

Construction of #23 ICEHOTEL in Swedish Lapland Miniview

150 150 Daniel Fountain

After two months of construction, this season’s #23 ICEHOTEL in Swedish Lapland is now complete. Since November 2012, selected artists from around the world have gathered in the picturesque village of Jukkasjärvi to create this exclusive ice art exhibition. The artists this year came from fifteen countries including Greece, Lithuania, Argentina, Mongolia and Japan, with one designer from the UK. The 65 rooms include one Art Suite Deluxe, 16 Art Suites, 28 Ice Rooms, nine Snow Rooms and two group rooms. And, to celebrate the Aurora Borealis reaching its peak in the eleven-year cycle, ICEHOTEL has created ten Northern Lights Suites, themed to capture the magic of the aurora borealis. The rooms feature a ‘swipe’ of ice with spectacular LED lighting, so guests can enjoy a northern lights show from the comfort of their illuminated ice bed.

What’s more, for the first time in ICEHOTEL history, there is now a northern lights balcony above the ICEBAR so guests can enjoy these atmospheric displays whilst sipping on a specially created northern lights cocktail. Served in a chunky ice glass, this showcase cocktail is made with sparkling wine, Absolut Mango, cucumber syrup and Blue Curacao.

Blue Marine, designed by UK yacht designers from Andrew Winch Designs. Expect a suite in the form of a Whale, inspired by the Blue Marine Foundation, an organisation dedicated to raising awareness to create marine protected reserves.

Beam Me Up, designed by Swedish artists Karl-Johan Ekeroth and Christian Strömqvist. Ever since the 1940s, visitors around the Torne River have reported mystical lights across the Arctic night sky. In Beam Me Up, stand face-to-face with three UFOS hovering above the treetops with the Northern Lights as a backdrop.

The Flower, designed by Japanese designers Natsuki Saito and Shingo Saito. As the name suggests this suite illustrates the intricate design of flora.

Andy Thornton provides the vintage look at River Island

150 150 Daniel Fountain

UK fashion retailer River Island’s new flagship store, which won Shop Fit / Design of the Year at the BCSC Gold Awards, is based in the heart of Westfield Stratford City – the largest shopping centre in Europe. For the shop interior, River Island turned to contract furniture and lighting specialists Andy Thornton to help create a stand-out, cutting-edge look befitting their ever-innovative collections. Inside the flagship store, the women’s footwear and accessories area features an assortment of dazzling crystal chandeliers and pendants from Andy Thornton’s Empire lighting range, in a mix of nickel and antique brass finishes. The crystal lights are suspended from ornate plaster ceiling roses, completing the feminine, boutique feel. Vintage mirrors dotted around the walls reflect the sea of lights, creating a lovely, glittering effect.

Soft pink walls continue the boudoir theme and contrast nicely with the industrial display furniture, including the adjustable iron pub table from Andy Thornton’s hugely popular Urban Vintage furniture range. Based on an original factory table, it features a hand-antiqued wooden top and a hand-cranked cog mechanism, allowing the table top to be set at any height.

Move further on in the store and the look is urban and industrial, with men’s shoes perched atop Andy Thornton industrial shelving unit in antiqued steel with wooden slats, based on an original discovered in a tailor’s shop in Wales. A re-design of the piece means it can be used either as a vertical or angled shelving unit, or converted into a table. Nearby, vintage chairs in a mix of colours and finishes provide a spot for busy shoppers to try on new shoes.

Navigate through the vast array of men’s jeans and discover an Andy Thornton heavy duty factory trolley displaying numerous pairs. Manufactured in steel with rivet detailing, the trolley features spoked wheels, a pull handle, two large shelves and four pull-out wire baskets. Functional and durable, it epitomises the cool, industrial look.

Elsewhere in the menswear department, an Andy Thornton Factory cart coffee table is bang in the middle of the winter knits, with jumpers, boots and warm hats arranged lovingly on top. And near the store entrance on the lower floor, industrial tables tempt shoppers into the store with a display of bags and purses featuring the gold studding and vintage-style ball clasps which are so firmly back in vogue.

With close to 300 stores across the UK & internationally and rumours of numerous new store openings, including a first store in New York, River Island’s star is firmly in the ascendant.