Hotel Designs

From the annual analysis of the French hotel supply conducted by MKG Hospitality, on 1st January 2012, France counts less than 18,500 classified hotels for a total number of less than 648,000 rooms. This last figure sees a net loss of 6,400 hotel rooms.The constant shrinkage of the French hotel supply is mainly due to the decrease within the Economy independent-hotel category (1* and 2*). In this category alone, there are 634 fewer hotels and 12,300 fewer rooms than last year. The new supply coming mostly from hotel chains is not sufficient to compensate the losses. It is getting increasingly difficult to launch new construction projects and to compete with long-stay residences.

The overall shrinkage of France’s capacity to accommodate foreigners means that international clients might relocate to countries better equipped than France. The industry calls for a realistic and dynamic tourist strategy in favor of new constructions and new hotel concepts.

While restructuring the hotel supply appears to be necessary to meet the needs of a hotel supply that has been revived by improved quality, the void left behind as obsolete hotels (or hotels that are out of the market) disappear is no longer successfully being replaced by a new supply. The detailed analysis of the hotel supply carried out for the entire country by the database at MKG Hospitality shows a national supply that has shrunk by 1%, to drop below the 648,000 room mark. A net balance of another 6,385 rooms disappeared from the inventory. This loss may be added to the 8,500 rooms lost the previous year. With this new deterioration, France’s global supply is returning to its volume of a decade ago, in the midst of the 9-11 crisis.

This situation is explained by to the sharp decrease of the independent hotel supply that shrank by 2% (or 7,300 fewer rooms). This happened at a time when the usual dynamism of the chain-hotel supply is slowed by difficulty of bringing a new supply out of the ground and pursuing the cleaning of certain franchise brand chains. In the end, the chain supply grew by fewer than 1,000 rooms in all.

The economic crisis, the cost of marketing, and consumer expectations have undermined the profitability of a growing number of economy hotels that are paying the high price with a net drain of 634 hotels and 12,300 rooms – a record loss.

However, the slump in the independent hotel sector does not condemn all operations. The same inventory also shows that growth in the independent supply is very significant in the three, four, and, five-star categories, which together experienced net growth of more than 5,000 rooms. This movement is the continuation of the decade-long trend that marks the return of independent hoteliers to there are of expertise: full service hotels in city centers.

Moreover, hotel groups have decided to place franchising amongst their developmental priorities. Due to internal movements between chains, the growing power of franchisees in the supplies of corporate chains is not visible in the figures representing global growth. Growth, even marginal, for chain hotels on a shrinking global market allows them to cross another threshold of market share. Today, more than 43% of the global supply operates under a hotel brand, and certainly more than 50% if we add the main consortia, which require the flying of their banner.

The analysis of the global lodging supply in France is pertinent only to classified hotels. However is they are not the only ones to address a commercial clientele. Parallel types of accommodations are increasingly poaching on these markets. Tax incentives remain strong for stimulating investments in new tourism residences and especially urban residences which have the advantage of being less seasonal. Despite the succession of high profile failures of operators such as Mona Lisa, Maison de Biarritz and Residhotel, real estate promotion is doing well: Adagio by Pierre&Vacances/Accor, Citadines, Appart’City, Park&Suites, Odalys City, Cerise by Exhore and Hipark are all multiplying their openings. While the tension with hoteliers may have subsided, it is clear that the residence-hotel model is absorbing a significant share of developers’ resources as they focus less on the hotel industry.

Azura at Quilalea, which opened in November 2011, underwent a six month renovation project redeveloping the entire infrastructure, expanding facilities and upgrading the nine luxurious villas in keeping with its pristine environment in the very southern part of the Quirimbas Archipelago. The new lodge is a true eco boutique retreat. The accommodation has been revamped in Azura’s trademark subtle yet stunning way, with natural furnishings and pure African elegance. The villas are built from natural coral stone and makuti thatch, and are open-plan and spacious with stylish décors of wood, cotton and locally sourced materials such as rope, pebbles and rattan. Conscious of its stunning setting and the need to preserve it, Azura at Quilalea has embarked on a unique energy saving project. All of the villas have an energy control system whereby guests can choose their own energy consumption through a wall switch at their villa, opting for either ‘ECO’ or ‘LUXE’; Eco resulting in power for the bare minimum requirements for the room, such as basic lighting and fan, or Luxe providing all mod cons including Aircon.Further south along the Mozambique coastline, Quilalea’s sister property, Azura on Benguerra Island (opened 2007) was hand built by the local community, and blends designer modern chic with all that is traditional in Mozambique. This includes beautifully carved beams, polished wooden floors and artisan artwork faultlessly finished off with the creature comforts of a five star boutique hotel.

Azura is an ethical lodge, owned and operated in partnership with the local community, with a vision to harness the power of responsible tourism for the benefit of the local people, whilst conserving the unique cultural and biological diversity of Benguerra Island. Even before the building plans were finalised or the first brick laid, a dedicated team of environmental specialists were appointed to identify valuable and essential local projects that Azura could support.

The actual building of Azura was done by hand using a local workforce of some 350 people, many of whom were trained up from their previous lives as subsistence fishermen. Extensive use was made of natural materials, transported to the island by dhow to reduce the amount of fuel utilised in the process. A state of the art sewerage treatment plant was installed to recycle the water thereby preventing damage to the environment often seen in the area by the use of soakaways.

The accommodation at Azura includes 16 spacious beach villas all just a stones throw from the beach. Nestled amidst the indigenous trees and bushes, each villa offers a private sanctuary for the ultimate in relaxation, furnished with cool designer contemporary cottons and textures of Africa, designed in complete harmony with their surroundings.

Coral Lodge 15.41 (opened in June 2010), a contemporary beach lodge in Northern Mozambique, was created by renowned Dutch designer Edward Van Vliet. An interior designer by trade, Van Vliet has added luxury hotel design to his portfolio, which is where he has made his mark. When creating Coral Lodge 15.41 he set out to combine the latest in luxury and comfort with an authentic feel of Mozambican style and pureness. Thanks to his use of natural colours and mix of wood and textures the lodge blends effortlessly with its surroundings. Van Vliet’s ethos of creating a ‘beautiful world within worlds’ and of resisting ‘decorative overkill’ but rather of combining traditional design and natural materials with innovative techniques, is apparent in the eclectic nature of Coral Lodge 15.41. A huge part of the design philosophy was the desire to embrace and preserve the wild, rugged and untouched Varanda nature reserve which surrounds the lodge. Privately owned, La Varanda is full of pristine beaches, dunes and mangroves.

Workers from the local community joined builders from Maputo and South Africa in constructing Coral Lodge, bringing their expertise in thatched roofing and setting tiles in the traditional way. They continue to contribute to the maintenance of the lodge.

Coral Lodge 15.41 comprises 10 villas, each with a surface area of about 100m². To further enhance the area’s natural setting the villas have been built on top of the dunes to give incredible sea views and a continuous breeze. For complete privacy and relaxation the minimalist villas include various sitting areas, a spacious bedroom, separate bathroom with huge bath and shower and large veranda with comfy chairs and daybed for lazy afternoons.

Furniture is one of the most important areas within an interior as it is the area with the most interaction. From leaning on a desk to sitting on a sofa or lying on a divan, we all interact with materials and structure on a daily basis. When it comes to individual bespoke furniture designs, think of no one else than Mille Couleurs.

Our aim is to provide each and every one of our clients a tailor-suited design, each made using the best materials in Europe. Our collections are only made for a limited period.

With over 25 years of experience working in the industry, we’ve built our reputation on high standards, attention to detail and quality of service.

With a wide variety of talents, our team of craftsmen are dedicated and trained to offer the best.

Mille Couleurs has never wavered or compromised from its philosophy of using the best craftsmanship and quality materials to produce the finest products. This is why Mille Couleurs is the only choice for anyone who desires and demands the best.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced its Westin brand is on track to open its 200th hotel in the next 12 months, propelled by strong growth across Asia Pacific. Westin will open 11 new hotels this year, all but three outside the United States. More than half will open in China, the brand’s strongest growth market. Westin will also add new hotels in Indonesia, Panama City, New York and Snowmass, Colorado. Westin Extends Reach in Latin America

Westin is picking up the pace of development in Latin America where the brand has doubled its footprint over the last 18 months. Following this year’s opening of The Westin Panama, the brand will boast 11 hotels in Latin America, spanning five countries: Mexico, Panama, Peru, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

Key openings in 2011 included the first Westin in South America in Lima, Peru, the sixth Starwood hotel in Panama, which is emerging as a key financial hub in Latin America, and Starwood’s first all-inclusive resort – The Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa in Costa Rica.

Asia Pacific Demand Fuels the Westin Brand’s Global Growth

Westin will add six new hotels in China in 2012, resulting in a portfolio of 19 properties in this key market by year’s end, extending the brand’s reach in second and third tier cities. The new Westin hotels will open in fast-growing cities across China including Ningbo, Xiamen, Changbaishan, Taiyuan, Qingdao and Xian. These openings will be followed by four more Westin hotels in China by the end of 2013.

Indonesia will welcome its second Westin in 2012 – The Westin Ubud Resort & Spa, a highly anticipated addition to the brand’s growing resorts portfolio. Westin has also signed deals to debut in both Vietnam and Singapore by 2015.

Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Violet and anthracite, aquamarine and grass green, orange and cement are just three of the glorious new shade combinations now available for the classic Shell pouf, Wave lounger and Nido chairs to be found in the Paola Lenti Aqua Collection for outdoors.Available in 96 Rope chromatic possibilities the 10mm Rope Corda is also used to upholster the new Tide footstool and create the amazing Spin and Zoe rugs. Proving that the possibilities for creating beautiful exterior spaces and are endless.

Paola Lenti will be exhibiting this beautiful Collection in the stunning surroundings of the Chiostridell’Umanitaria in the heart of Milan during isaloni in April. This show should not to be missed.

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is about to add its first property in Phuket to its portfolio. The international hotel group has been appointed the manager of the existing Courtyard by Marriott at Kamala Beach, which will be re-branded as Swissôtel Resort Phuket on 1 April 2012. This will be the group’s third property in Thailand and its first resort property in Southeast Asia. Just 30 minutes south of the Phuket International Airport, Kamala Beach is located in western Phuket, overlooking the Andaman Sea and is one of the best-known resort destinations on the island. The resort boasts 180 well-appointed suites, with a choice of one to three bedrooms. Designed for the discerning modern traveller, each spacious suite is equipped with a separate living room and private balcony. The enclosed bay and forested hills surrounding the resort makes it the ultimate choice for both leisure and business travellers who are seeking a relaxing retreat.

The resort provides an extensive range of facilities, including a lagoon-style pool, spa and fitness centre, an adventure club for families with children and an array of recreational activities. Guests can choose to relax in the comfort of the resort, visit nearby attractions, enjoy water sports on Kamala Beach or simply indulge in the breathtaking views in the area. Featuring eight versatile function rooms and a pre-function area, Swissôtel Resort Phuket has a conference capacity of 450 square metres, making it ideal for corporate meetings or events for up to 150 persons.

“Phuket is one of the most visited regions in Thailand and after operating two hotels in Bangkok for years, we are set to finally open our first resort property in Asia. This project will strengthen our presence and complement our expansion strategies within the region,” says Meinhard Huck, President of Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts.

The highly respected Leonardo Hotels chain has signed a management contract with the exclusive 5-star Alden Luxury Suite Hotel. The hotel, which is a listed building, is seen by Leonardo Hotels as a standalone property and will be run as such. The 5-star Alden Luxury Suite Hotel was built in 1895 and fully renovated in 2004. A particular feature of the hotel is the way in which it cleverly combines the splendour of the fin de siècle with purist design and the high-tech comforts of the modern age. It has 22 exclusively furnished suites – including a presidential suite, a modern restaurant, a piano bar and even its own library.

Depending on type of room, the suites range in size between 60 and 100m². All offer modern comfort and luxurious interiors, in part with original stucco features and parquet flooring. They are equipped as standard with air conditioning, video on demand, flat-screen TV, high-speed Internet access and wireless LAN. The spacious bathrooms also have a whirlpool, a separate shower and, in some cases, a separate guest toilet.

On the culinary front, guests are spoiled in the Alden Restaurant and the piano bar. Just like the rest of the hotel, the rooms here delight with warm colours and modern designer furniture combined with historic elements. In addition to Swiss classics, guests dining in this elegant ambience can enjoy innovative main dishes or light snacks to stave off hunger between meals. Gault Millau has already awarded the hotel one toque for its excellent cuisine.

The Alden Luxury Suite Hotel is situated in the centre of Zurich, in the heart of the banking and financial quarter.

In 5 to 10 minutes guests can be at the world-famous Lake Zurich, the Tonhalle Zurich orchestral concert hall or the Opera House, as well as the well-known Bahnhofstrasse with its luxury boutiques or Zurich’s vibrant old town.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce that The Keraton at The Plaza, a Luxury Collection® Hotel, will open to the world in late April 2012. Located in the heart of Indonesia’s capital city of Jakarta, The Keraton at The Plaza is an iconic oasis of quiet luxury on the Jalan Thamrin, one of Jakarta’s most prestigious streets. With its unique modern ambiance reflective of Jakarta’s rich indigenous culture, a luxury spa and a full suite of distinctive amenities and epicurean experiences, The Keraton at the Plaza is an inimitable focal point for distinguished business and leisure travelers. Inspired by the Javanese word for “palace”, The Keraton at The Plaza is a distinct and intimate luxury hotel offering a unique, modern interpretation of the rich Indonesian culture. Rising from the 8th to the 22nd floors of the Keraton building, The Keraton is ideally located in the heart of Jakarta on Jalan Thamrin, a prestigious address that includes embassies, corporate headquarters, museums and Jakarta’s high-end shopping and entertainment complex, Plaza Indonesia. It is the perfect locale and setting for hosting corporate visitors and board meetings, intimate celebrations or a romantic getaway.

An Immersive Experience
The Keraton at The Plaza offers 140 spacious guest rooms and suites, including four sumptuous Keraton suites more than 135sqm each. Ranging in size from 61 – 140sqm, each guest room and suite is a haven of Javanese luxury, offering an open floor design with spectacular views of downtown Jakarta through floor-to-ceiling windows. With interior design by SCDA Singapore and the Burega Farnell, the sleek décor of The Keraton at The Plaza is inspired by the diversity of Indonesia’s geography and culture, with splashes of color, rich woods, and intricate Batik floral patterns. Artworks displayed throughout the hotel are commissioned to Hadiprana, a famous Indonesian interior designer. Each room offers state of the art in-room technology, including a 42-inch LCD Television with cable, as well as a 22-inch LCD television in the study with iPad, iPod and PC connectivity. Finally, each suite comes with personal, 24-hour butler service which includes a nightly turn-down.

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The Park Inn by Radisson, Thurrock announces the completion of extensive refurbishment works at the hotel. As part of the work, public areas, dining and meetings and events space have all been upgraded.The hotel’s stunning reception area, oak panelled library and lounge, have been overhauled with new decor and soft furnishings, creating a modern, eclectic feel, whilst retaining all of the original charm and features of the 18th century manor house.

The Terrace room, a flexible space ideal as a private dining venue, or boardroom has been fully refurbished. Offering floor to ceiling windows overlooking the hotel’s stunning lawns, The Terrace’s full overhaul includes: new furniture, carpets, lighting, decor and soft furnishings, creating a modern yet elegant space for parties and meetings for up to 30 people.

To further enhance the hotel’s wedding offering, both the Blenheim Suite and Garden Suite have also been fully refurbished. The Blenheim Suite has undergone a transformation with a mix of subtle tones and dark fabrics, creating an elegant space. Meanwhile, the Garden Suite, which opens out onto the garden patio, boasts lighter toned fabrics and a fresh look and feel.
Additionally, all 11 meeting rooms have been redecorated and state-of-the-art flat screen TVs have been added.

The Park Inn by Radisson, Thurrock is an elegant, converted Georgian manor house set in six acres of landscaped gardens. Centrally located with easy access to the M25, the hotel offers 97 guest rooms, a restaurant, bar, and a large event space, the largest room with a capacity of 120 banquet style.

Best Western Milford Hotel, located in Peckfield, Leeds, just off the A1(M) J42, has been awarded the highly acclaimed ‘PLUS’ status from the Best Western Group, one of the first hotels worldwide to be awarded the grade. The accolade coincides with the hotel’s completion of its final phase of refurbishment, investing £150,000 to upgrade 17 doubles and 19 twin rooms.The privately owned, modern 3 star hotel joins just 16 other hotels to have achieved this tribute in Great Britain and becomes the third Plus hotel in Yorkshire. The overall renovation programme included all 44 rooms being fitted with 4 star luxury bathroom suites and a complete facelift of 10 larger Superior rooms to deluxe status. Other improvements included air conditioning and sound-proofing in all rooms, a new hotel frontage, upgraded modern conference facilities and the fully refurbished Watermill restaurant, which serves award-winning, freshly prepared food for hotel guests and the local community.

The Best Western Plus status, launched in September 2011, categorises a selection of properties that now sit between the existing Best Western Premier and Best Western tiers. The tiers were created to give consumers more choice and clarity, easing their decision making process, which travel customers are increasingly searching for.

Best Western Plus hotels are everything you would expect from a hotel within the group with extra style, comfort and service. This includes bigger beds and top quality bedding, extended breakfast range and specialities, little treats on arrival 24 hours a day, bathrobes, additional complimentary toiletries and increased comfort and technology to make working and relaxing in the room even more enjoyable.

Best Western Milford Hotel’s managing director, Shaun Sleath, was one of the first hoteliers globally to apply after the launch and after passing rigorous standards and quality assessments, the hotel has been granted with the title and as such changes its name to Best Western Plus Milford Hotel.

Shaun Sleath said: “We are delighted to be one of the first hotels worldwide to be awarded the Plus status. It is a great testament to the ongoing investment, hard work, dedication and determination of the team here. We now have superior facilities and it is an honour to be rewarded with this prestigious Best Western title”

The three tiers have been developed after extensive guest feedback and build on the strict quality standards that all Best Western hotels have to adhere to. Six key areas define the tiers – welcome, food and drink, customer service, bathroom, sleep and work and entertainment. The Best Western tiers set the standard for these key areas of hotel experience and Best Western Plus and Best Western Premier build upon this with additional amenities and personality driven offerings.

Best Western has properties throughout the country ranging from country manors, castles and coaching inns to stylish town houses, super modern retreats and sumptuous secluded getaways, there is a hotel to suit every personality and type of British break.

The Rezidor Hotel Group has recently announced its debut in Qatar with the Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha in Qatar. The existing Ramada Plaza Doha featuring 583 guest rooms will be converted to a Radisson Blu in Q3 2012. Gordon MacKenzie, General Manager of the hotel, added: “Although we are slightly sad to be leaving the Ramada family, we feel that joining the Radisson Blu brand will continue to enhance our services and open new avenues for international business. This is an extremely exciting time for us.”

The future Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha is located on a prominent intersection in the city centre with excellent access to the international airport and West Bay business district. It is one of the largest hotels in Doha and offers 583 modern, spacious rooms & suites in different styles. Food & beverage outlets include 6 bars and 12 restaurants – three of them recently won awards from Time Out Doha (Best Chinese Cuisine, Best Japanese Cuisine, Best Family Atmosphere in The Italian Job). For meeting & events, the hotel comprises 2,000 square meter of conference space; leisure facilities include 2 gymnasiums, 3 pools, saunas, squash, tennis, basketball, badminton, and treatment rooms.

Two Seaside Hotels have received Travelife Awards for eco-friendliness and sustainability. Seaside Los Jameos Playa Hotel**** received a Gold Award for constantly providing new opportunities for improving its local community and environment. The Seaside Palm Beach Hotel***** received the Silver Award.Travelife states that both hotels have ‘displayed a high level of commitment to sustainability as well as demonstrating they are actively involved in minimising the use of chemicals that damage human health and the environment’.

Travelife is a travel industry-led scheme, endorsed by ABTA and internationally recognised by tour operators. It is dedicated to protecting the environment and the well-being of guests, staff and the local community. If hotels meet their criteria they are awarded with bronze, silver or gold status. This helps visitors to make more informed choices about holidays and rewards hotels which are committed to improve their environmental and social practices.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts brings eforea: spa at Hilton, its innovative global spa concept, to China today with an opening at Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe. The spa is situated in the Tianhe district of China’s third-largest city, and is the first of two eforea: spa at Hilton locations scheduled to open in China this year. “With more than 90 eforea: spa at Hilton locations in development, opening our first location in China is an important milestone for us,” said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “This location at Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe complements the hotel’s contemporary design and offers guests the signature treatments and hallmark elements that are being well received by our guests and local spa-goers around the world.”

eforea: spa at Hilton debuted in October 2010 as the first global spa concept by Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide. Today, more eforea: spa at Hilton locations are in development with spas currently open in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Azerbaijan.

eforea: spa at Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe will feature some of the world’s finest spa brands on both the treatment menu and in the retail area. Kerstin Florian offers a progressive range of results-oriented European facial, body and bath products and treatments sourced from natural resources that include algae, mud, herbal extracts, thermal mineral water and essential oils. LI’TYA draws on the revitalizing and restorative powers of Australia’s native resources to provide a holistic spa experience. VitaMan provides a comprehensive line of Australian-made natural spa and grooming products formulated specifically for men. Peter Thomas Roth products will complete the eforea offering with products and signature treatments that are an extension of the new in-room bath amenity collection available at Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties around the world.

The 9,000-square-foot spa at Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe offers eight treatment rooms, reflexology and massage pods, a Vichy shower room and an outdoor infinity-edge swimming pool. Signature design features include: an ice fountain, deluge head and Swiss shower jets, a full sauna, steam and hydro pool, and botanical elements unique to the destination.

Opening on 1st May, The Atholl is a glamorous new four suite hotel located on Atholl Crescent in the very heart of Edinburgh’s New Town.The ultimate inclassical contemporary chic, The Atholl comprises of four very generous sized suites:
• The Palmerston – one-bedroom 1065 square foot
• The Cluny – two-bedroom 1593 square foot
• The Abercromby – three-bedroom 2885 square foot with terrace and hot tub
• The Dundonald – three-bedroom 3145 square foot

Incorporating the original Georgian features, each comes with elegant dining and living rooms, state of the art kitchens, TVs, coffee machines and toiletries.

In-room dining is overseen by legendary Chef Albert Roux OBE, KFO head of the famous cooking dynasty behind such establishments as Le Gavroche which was the first ever restaurant in the UK to be awarded three Michelin Stars. Private chefs will prepare bespoke mouth-watering menus while some of the world’s finest wines will be on offer in the suites own Gaganau wine fridges.

Situated just minutes from the Castle, Parliament, Princes Street and George Street, close to both Waverley and Haymarket stations and 20 minutes from Edinburgh airport, The Atholl is the perfect location for leisure and business guests and is ideal for hosting drinks receptions, weddings, art shows and corporate events.

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IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) announces the opening of the new Holiday Inn Express San Diego South – National City, conveniently located just off Interstate 805 and minutes from San Diego International Airport and major tourist attractions, including the San Diego Zoo and Sea World. The former Comfort Inn, located at 1645 E. Plaza Boulevard, recently underwent a $2 million renovation of the entire 91-room hotel, including all guest rooms and the public spaces.

The newest Holiday Inn Express in the San Diego area, the hotel is conveniently located and caters to both business and leisure travellers. It is just a short distance from the San Diego Convention Center, cruise ship terminals and the downtown Gaslamp District.

Guests will enjoy a comfortable and smart environment with innovative, preferred-guest upgrades to ensure a productive stay while travelling for business or leisure. The hotel’s complimentary Express Start® breakfast bar features a full range of breakfast items including a rotation of egg and meat selections, biscuits, yogurt, fruit and the brand’s proprietary cinnamon roll and Smart Roast® coffee.

The SimplySmart™shower incorporates a proprietary Stay Smart™ Kohler showerhead, signature shower curtain with curved rod, upgraded 100 percent cotton terry towels and a custom line of cinnamon-scented bath products. Guests will enjoy the SimplySmart™ bedding collection, where they will find new crisp fresh bedding, which features an attractive decorative throw, a medium-weight duvet blanket and soft, 200-thread-count sheets.
Guest rooms have been completely refreshed and offer new furniture, including comfortable queen or king-sized beds, a sitting area with a lounge chair and an in-room coffee machine featuring complimentary Smart Roast® 100% Arabica coffee. All rooms include granite countertops and an urban design scheme with a mix of green and java-colored furnishings. Business travelers will find large desks with ergonomic chairs, free local and toll-free phone service with private voicemail and complimentary USA TODAY® newspapers.

The Holiday Inn Express San Diego South – National City is owned by SD Plaza One LP and managed by Excel Hotel Group under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

Louvre Hotels Group establishes itself in Russia
Louvre Hotels Group has opened its first hotel in Russia. Opened to the public in January 2012, this Tulip Inn hotel is located in the Rosa Khutor Alpine Ski Resort in the Caucasus. The resort will host downhill skiing events at the Sochi Winter Olympic Games in February 2014. A second hotel, under the Golden Tulip brand, is due to open at the beginning of the third quarter in the same resort. Both hotels will be managed by IFK Hotel Management.

The arrival of Louvre Hotels Group in Russia, bringing the total number of countries in which the Group is present to 41, reflects the Group’s desire to continue its development in Eastern Europe. The Group aims to establish solid foundations for its medium and high range Tulip Inn and Golden Tulip brands in Russia, and already has two other construction projects underway in St.Petersburg and Altay region.

Louvre Hotels Group extends its presence in Algeria
Louvre Hotels Group announces the opening of its first hotel in Algeria, which will become the 42nd country where the Group is present. The Golden Tulip Arc-en-Ciel hotel located at Skikda will open in 2013. Strengthened by its success in Tunisia (4 hotels, 874 bedrooms) and Morocco (7 hotels, 1410 bedrooms) Louvre Hotels Group intends to profit from the opportunities offered by the Algerian hotel market and aims to open at least five other Golden Tulip hotels there.

The Group is now strongly represented in the North Africa and Middle East region, where it is ranked 4th largest hotels group with 53 hotels in eight countries, representing a total of 8,300 rooms. North Africa and the Middle East are among the geographical areas that contribute the most to the Group’s development.

Hotel Missoni reaches one of the most fashionable islands in the world: Mauritius, the shooting star of the Indian Ocean, and the 66th country where Rezidor is present. Overlooking the village of Baie du Cap, Hotel Missoni Mauritius will boast 80 luxury suites with unobstructed views of the ocean and the islands unrivalled beaches. It is scheduled to welcome the first guests in 2014.

“Combining Missoni’s iconic design with the local culture influenced by Europe, Africa and Asia, the hotel will be truly unique in Mauritius”, said Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor.

“Having been passionate about Mauritius, an island of beauty and charm, its colourful culture and its wonderful population for over 30 years now, I am delighted to partner with Rezidor to bring a new kind of luxury hotel in Mauritius under the prestigious Missoni brand, which will surely be a great success and a new flagship premium quality hotel of the tourism industry in Mauritius”, added Gilles Bouigue, Executive Chairman of Bouigue Développement, owner of the property.

Food & beverage outlets will include Hotel Missoni’s signature restaurant “Cucina” with an authentic seasonal Italian menu; “Choco Café”, an intensely flavoured sip of classic Italian café society; a further all day dining restaurant, a lounge bar and a beach/pool bar. Leisure facilities will comprise direct access to a 650 meter sandy beach, outdoor pools, a fitness area including gym and tennis court, a kids club and a 900 square meter spa. Sunbathing, water sports, deep sea fishing, hiking, cycling and golf are just some of the leisure options available in the vicinity. Business travellers will benefit from 235 square metres of dividable meeting space with the latest AV technology.

Hotel Missoni Mauritius is located just 40 minutes from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport and 50 minutes from the islands capital Port Louis.

Dixon Turner announce the launch of Eliza, a striking new fabric backed vinyl wallcovering. The simple lines of this stylised leaf print are large scale without being too daunting, and the design lends itself to clean cut minimal decorating. The elegance of the beautifully drawn lines gives the design a classic appeal.The colour palette of Eliza reflects the contemporary style of the design. Ultra-modern lime green and plum sit next to the classic black and white and the touch of metallic ink in the printed line gives just a hint of luxury. The surface of Eliza is a subtly textured suede finish, which adds to this understated sophisticated design.

For more information on Eliza or any other Dixon Turner designs, please contact our sales team on: 0870 606 1237, alternatively you can email sales@dixon-turner.co.uk

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce the opening of Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv, the luxury brand’s first hotel in Eastern Europe. Located in the heart of the Ukraine capital’s historic Podil district, Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv joins a growing portfolio of Fairmont hotels in Europe, including the soon-to-open Fairmont Baku, Azerbaijan. The classically designed Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv features 258 elegant guestrooms, including 54 suites as well as Royal and Presidential suites, offering spectacular views of Podil Square and the Dnipro River. In addition, the hotel features Fairmont Gold, the brand’s exclusive hotel within a hotel, which offers the highest levels of service and additional privileges and amenities such as a private reception desk and a comfortable guest lounge. The hotel also offers a fully equipped business center with 24-hour access as well as secretarial services.

The property will welcome guests at a particularly exciting time, as the city prepares to host numerous high profile international events and continues to establish a reputation as one of Eastern Europe’s prime tourist destinations. Kyiv will be center stage during the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship, which runs from June 8 to July 1, drawing football enthusiasts from across the continent. The final match will take place in the city’s Olympic Stadium, guaranteeing all eyes will be on Kyiv. Also attracting attention this spring will be the inaugural Kyiv Biennale, ARSENALE 2012, an international gathering highlighting contemporary art. Under the direction of seasoned curator David Elliott, over 80 artists from 40 countries will showcase their works at the exhibition, running from May 24 to July 30.

Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv promises to be a top spot for dining and nightlife, drawing the city’s trendsetters to the Grand Cru Champagne Bar, where guests can sample an impressive selection of champagnes by the glass or bottle, while taking in the elegant lobby and views of the Dnipro River, and the Vintage Cocktail Bar, which offers classic cocktails, cigars and world-class shisha. Dining options also include The Strand Grill, a contemporary all-day restaurant featuring dry-aged beef and fresh seafood, and the spacious, art nouveau-influenced Atrium Lounge and Pâtisserie, which operates 24 hours a day and offers an international selection of beverages and afternoon tea. For special events, the hotel offers 1,210 m² (13,000 square feet) of meeting and function space, including a 480-m² (5,160-square-foot) ballroom and eight private meeting rooms.

Recreational facilities include a 641 m² (6,900 square foot) spa, offering six treatment rooms, including a relaxation room, separate women’s and men’s areas featuring sauna, steam and swiss, and a full beauty salon. The hotel also offers a fully equipped fitness center, group exercise classes, and access to an indoor/outdoor tennis club and the nearby Royal Kyiv Golf Club.

Under the name aQi Europe’s biggest holiday hotelier, TUI Hotels & Resorts, created the lifestyle hotel brand positioned in the budget leisure segment. The brand name aQi is derived from the Spanish aquí, which means here, hereabouts, hither. The name symbolises the characteristic relation and reference of the hotel to its location. In line with the brand slogan “Life, sheer & smart” the concept focuses on the essential with an eye on contemporary, functional facilities, distinct interior design and the clearly defined quality expectations of the target group. The core brand values are represented in the name: a(active), Q(uality), i(ndividual). The first hotel was opened in December 2008 in the Austrian holiday resort Schladming, Styria.The hotel brand’s business model is based on the idea of developing budget concepts for the holiday hotel segment that until now have almost exclusively been implemented in the business hotel segment. By focussing on the essential facilities crucial to the guests aQi is able to deliver highly attractive value for money. The concept is standardised yet modern and stylish.

The brand aQi stands for active holidays. The target group is therefore primarily keen sports and nature oriented guests who want to spend an active holiday in a congenial atmosphere.
Thanks to the broad range of sports on offer and the individualised active holiday programme promoted in the region the modernistic aQi Hotel Schladming draws above all active sports enthusiasts of all ages. Singles, couples or groups, all are at home in the aQi Hotel.

The hotel in Schladming is open summer and winter, has 107 rooms, a restaurant, a bar and ski/bike cellar. One of the highlights is the Sky Sauna, featuring different saunas and a relax roof terrace with a direct view of the ski runs of the coming 2013 FIS Ski Alpine World Cup. The main target groups are couples and singles who want to have an active holiday. Mountain bikers, hikers, golfers, skiers and snowboarders find the optimum options open to them at this hotel in Schladming.

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How can architects, designers and the building industry find out about new, sustainable construction materials? That’s the question that Jakki Dehn, a reader at London’s Kingston University, tried to address when she started work cataloguing more than 1,200 sustainable materials for use in the construction industry. The result is a materials library, Rematerialise, which is now available online at rematerialise.org. Ms Dehn has been developing Rematerialise at Kingston University’s Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture for 18 years but it’s only now that the bulk of the library can be viewed on the library’s website.

“Until now we’ve only had a small site with about 80 products on it,” she explained. “Now there are more than a thousand materials listed – so industry professionals, teachers, researchers, students and anyone with a need to know more about ecologically-responsible design can find out about materials that use fewer non-renewable resources or can be re-grown.”

Ms Dehn began her research into sustainable materials in 1994 and received Arts and Humanities Research Council funding in 2003. As word about the resource spread, new products started arriving on an almost daily basis. Rematerialise now houses materials from 15 different countries.

“We recently received a new type of flooring material called zelfo,” she said. “The main ingredients are hemp, straw, tropical grasses and sugar cane.” Another eye-catching material is resilica, which is used in kitchen worktops as an alternative to granite or formica. It’s made mainly of glass recycled from car windscreen and building sites.

Once planners have done initial research online they can make an appointment to view the materials themselves at Kingston University’s Knights Park campus.

Representatives from Marks and Spencer were so impressed by the library’s emphasis on sustainability they invited a group of second year product and furniture design students to help furnish their new headquarters. Kingston’s design students have also worked with IKEA, The Prison Enterprise Services and Transport for London.

A symbol of Dubai’s resurgence and its growing importance at the centre of the global business crossroads will emerge later this year when the 1,608-room JW Marriott Marquis Dubai opens its doors to guests in Q4 this year. The JW Marriott Marquis Dubai will open in two phases, with the first section featuring 807 rooms and numerous restaurants and lounges. At a height of 355 meters (1,164 feet), the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is the tallest dedicated hotel building in the world and is just 26 meters (85 feet) shorter than the Empire State Building in New York.In addition to serving the luxury business traveller, the hotel is targeting the lucrative and increasingly important MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) market, which currently does not have a hotel of sufficient scale to host such large groups. In addition to all the dining and entertainment options, the hotel will have two ballrooms, 24 meeting rooms and a total of 5,100 square meters (54,895 square feet) of event space.

Dining, Entertainment & Wellness Options

The JW Marriott Marquis Dubai will offer an enticing array of nine restaurants and five lounges and entertainment venues. The Vault lounge will sit on the 71st and 72nd floors with panoramic views of the city; a yet-t0-be named late-night music venue will offer live music daily. Restaurants will range from Prime 68, a boutique steakhouse, to Atul Kochhar’s Rang Mahal Indian restaurant, Positano for Italian coastal cuisine, an Arabic restaurant and La Farine, an attractive boulangerie and social meeting spot.

The 1,500 square-meter (16,000 square-foot) Saray Spa draws inspiration from the caravanserai silk route across Arabia, with treatments designed to ensure mind and body renewal. Treatments include the signature milk and honey treatment, an Arabic coffee awakener, a lemon and mint body polish and pomegranate renewal treatment. For sun worshippers, an enormous pool deck covers the seventh floor of the hotel with a 32 meter swimming pool and deck with elegant cabanas, lounges and umbrellas.

The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group – one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups – has appointed Ian Rydin as the General Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport.Ian, who is Swedish, has a solid background in the hospitality industry, spanning almost 30 years. Having started his managerial career in 1993 at Stoten Ski Resort in Sweden, Ian gained industry experience working in various F&B positions in Sweden, Malaysia and Cyprus.

In 2000, Ian joined Rezidor in Future Openings, responsible for managing all commercial and operational aspects in integrating new business units; including franchise conversions, managed and leased hotel take-overs, and new build projects.

Ian moved to Turkey in 2007 as General Manager of the Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul, before being appointed as opening General Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Downtown in 2010 – his most recent position.

Ian holds a BSc (Honours) in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Oxford Brookes University, and a Strategic General Management Certificate from the Cranfield University School of Management, in the UK. Additionally, Ian holds certificate diplomas from Cornell University, IMHI, Paris Essec Business School and Gothenberg International Hospitality College.

Marriott International has opened two new Courtyard by Marriott hotels in France, the Courtyard Montpellier and Courtyard Paris Boulogne.The 123-room Courtyard Montpellier is designed by star architect Jean Nouvel, and is located next to the City Hall and close range of shops and restaurants. Montpellier’s historical centre and local attractions such as the Fabre museum and Convention Centre are just a short tram-ride away. The hotel offers a Mediterranean experience at the Oleo Pazzo Restaurant with views over the Lez River, while the Design Bar in the heart of the lobby area offers a relaxed environment in which to enjoy drinks and snacks throughout the day. Guests can also take advantage of the heated outdoor pool, running track, and exercise room. Business needs are well catered for with an on-site business centre and five conference rooms accommodating up to 180 people.

The 113-room Courtyard Paris Boulogne is situated just a 15 minute Metro ride from Paris city centre and its many attractions. The hotel is at the centre of three of Paris’ most thriving business districts and features 200m² of multi-purpose meeting facilities for all manner of seminars and events as well as a roof-top terrace with a panoramic view over Paris. The Oleo Pazzo Restaurant boasts a sun-drenched summer terrace and the Cent Quatorze Bar is the perfect destination in which to wind down after a busy day in Paris.

Designed to provide options and flexibility for business travellers, both hotels boast spacious, stylish and comfortable guest rooms that offer large well-lit work desks, ergonomic chairs and coffee makers as well as a 24/7 market providing drinks and snacks around the clock. The hotels reflect the newly designed lobby spaces of the Courtyard by Marriott brand boasting large HD TVs, high speed internet, and Go Boards offering live news, weather, and sports information, enabling guests to stay connected in the comfort of the relaxing public spaces.

The Canal House Amsterdam is a 23 bedroom boutique hotel located on the Keizersgracht in the heart of Jordaan, the cultural centre of Amsterdam. It is a member of the Curious Group of Hotels.The interior design is glamorous, contemporary and comfortable, recalling the influences of Dutch art and history whilst designed to place it firmly in the 21st Century. Rich silks and velvets are mixed with antique furnishings and original features of the building such as timber beams and fireplaces.

In cooperation with the commissioned interior designer, all luminaries have been specially designed for the Canal House, manufactured by Baulmann Leuchten.

All pictures are copyright by “Curious Hotels”.

Between the 7 and 8 March 2012, Hospitality Sheffield, in partnership with Sheffield College, launched Spring Forward, an exciting initiative designed to attract school children to consider a career in the hospitality industry.Over 200 students aged 14 and 15 from 11 of Sheffield’s secondary schools took part, visiting a number of different hotels and venues in the city to learn about the key areas of the industry.

From food and beverage and housekeeping to leisure and kitchen services, the students enjoyed a behind the scenes insight into what makes a hotel tick by taking part in a few activities including bed-making competitions, laying tables and baking bread.

Jon Broadhurst, one of the organisers of Spring Forward and General Manager of Jurys Inn, said:
“We feel that this is a really important initiative where we can influence the hotel managers of the future into choosing hospitality as a serious career choice. The two-day hospitality orientation has enabled the students to get a good grasp of how a hotel or venue operates looking at housekeeping, catering, leisure services and event management.

“After the various activities the students were taken back to Sheffield College where they learnt about the courses and qualifications needed to get started on the hospitality ladder.”

John Janiszewski, Head of Business Development and Hospitality, Sheffield City College, said: “It’s important to give young people a taste of the careers and training opportunities, including apprenticeships, available now within the catering and hospitality sector – especially during the current economic climate. The college catering department has a strong reputation locally and nationally, and is a founding member of Hospitality Sheffield. We are delighted to be able to support this initiative.”

Ian Slater, Chair of Hospitality Sheffield and General Manager of the Park Inn, Sheffield, added:
“Hospitality Sheffield is fully behind Spring Forward which we hope will encourage students to sign up for hospitality courses at the College, with the benefit of producing a future generation that is well developed, highly trained and ready to take on the future roles within this exciting industry.

“This Hospitality initiative is key to the future of Sheffield’s tourism industry and by investing in the students of today we can ensure that this successful sector continues to grow and develop.”

Hotels and venues taking part in Spring Forward include the Leopold Hotel, Mercure Hotel & Spa, Park Inn, Hilton Hotel, Cutlers Hotel, Sheffield Hallam University, Premier Inn, Copthorne Hotel, Holiday Inn Express and the Holiday Inn Royal Victoria.

Since its opening last month, InterContinental Doha The City has welcomed both business and leisure travellers, as well as its first long-stay guests in the residence suites, while food and beverage options including The Square and Hive are seeing a steady stream of patrons. To oversee its latest property in the GCC, InterContinental Hotels Group has appointed Renzo Cavagliotti as General Manager of InterContinental Doha The City. The veteran hotelier brings a wealth of global experience to Doha, having worked within the hospitality industry for more than 30 years.

“There has a really positive response – locally, regionally and internationally – to this truly landmark hospitality offering in Qatar, and the hotel is poised to provide a new vantage point to experience Doha’s highlights in the coming weeks and months,” said Renzo Cavagliotti, new General Manager of InterContinental Doha The City.

Making its debut in February this year, InterContinental Doha The City is the latest offering from the leading global hotel group. Highlights of the architecturally stunning 58 storey property include six restaurants and two lounges. In the coming weeks, InterContinental Doha The City will feature the city’s highest dining experience along with an in-house chocolatier and a traditional Lebanese restaurant.

The recently-opened hotel and residence suites are set to be the destination of choice for both well-travelled visitors and Qatar residents, adding 302 rooms and 58 suites to Qatar’s booming hospitality sector. In addition, the 176 fully-furnished luxurious residence suites include a range of one-to-four bedroom layouts.

Presented in Milan in spring 2012, the ever-fabulous Paola Lenti has developed a charming exterior collection that truly fits the fickleness of the great British summer.The Teatime series from The Modern Garden Company is a contemporary twist on the lawn furniture of a more genteel era. Upholstered in Thuia, a raffia-like semi-transparent technical weave, the high back and sides the armchairs and sofas offer delightful intimate spaces. Combine with the mattress and soft scatter cushions available from the extensive colour ranges of Rope T or Luz fabrics and serve with a Heron table for a perfect afternoon ….…’sugar anyone?’

JOI-Design has recently completed the interior design of the first Starwood hotel in the Ukraine. The flagship Four Points by Sheraton Zaporozhye is a stylish new hotel located along the banks of the Dnieper River in one of the Ukraine’s largest cities. The designers’ aim was to honour and interpret the region’s rich heritage through a fresh, contemporary lens fit for the booming economic and cultural growth of this important industrial centre and transportation hub. As a result, natural materials such as warm timber and locally-sourced stone are prevalent, and traditional patterns have been implemented from a modern perspective.Upon entering the lobby, guests are greeted by the sunflower, a folklore symbol representing the Ukraine’s fertile lands. Overhead, an abstraction of this motif shines down in the form of a chandelier crafted from glass balls in both clear and golden hues, while underfoot; a magnified reflection of the flower’s petals appears in the pattern of the cream marble floor. Overall, the lobby sparkles with a sophisticated elegance.

Following the lines of the lobby’s curved shell are two sweeping staircases with lit marble steps that cast an ethereal glow to create drama and intrigue. And the traditional Ukrainian colour pairing of blue and yellow has been harmoniously translated in the design of a sleek reception desk graced with backlit frosted panels and a gilded woven screen reminiscent of the compact florets within a large sunflower blossom.

This colour duo also extends to the other public areas through accents such as the cushions on the plush, tawny leather sofas and lounge chairs in the library, wine bar and café.

“Flavors” restaurant has a natural feel, using contrasting tones of light and dark walnut timber to create a connection with the Ukraine’s moniker as the “Bread Basket of Europe”, earned due to the region’s rich soils and abundant agricultural harvests. The sunflower shape appears again, at both the frosted glass entry door as well as in the marble inlay in the oak planks which elegantly wind through the restaurant to form the circulation areas. Fresh celadon green cushions, flaxen wallcovering and glowing pendant lights all help create a warm and relaxing dining atmosphere. Modern paintings illustrate folkloric figures, tying together the design’s overall concept and demonstrating once again how tradition and modernity can be stylishly merged.

IHG yesterday (19th March) launched the first upscale, international hotel brand designed specifically for the Chinese traveller – HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts. HUALUXE translates from Hua, which means majestic China and luxe, representing luxury. The HUALUXE brand has been developed in response to three core growth opportunities that IHG is tapping into – consumer demand for an upscale international hotel brand that demonstrates pride in Chinese customs and reflects local tradition; the domestic China opportunity, whereby the number of domestic travellers is expected to reach 3.3 billion in 2015 and the China hotel market is projected to grow by 5-8% annually by 2030 and the international opportunity, where outbound trips from China are projected to grow from 10 million to more than 100 million in the next 10 to 15 years.

Richard Solomons, CEO IHG, said: “Building on our proven ability to build, develop and nurture brands, we are very proud to be launching HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts – a genuine first for the industry and a unique brand developed by our Chinese team that we know will resonate with the very important, fast-growing, Chinese consumer base. HUALUXE takes the best aspects of renowned Chinese hospitality and applies IHG’s international scale, powerful systems and unparalleled insights into the Chinese market to deliver a traditional high-end consistent experience.”

IHG is already the largest international hotel operator in China, with more than 160 hotels across 60 cities and sees the opportunity for this brand to be in over 100 cities in China in the next 15-20 years. IHG has already signed over 20 letters of intent which are now being converted into contracts and we expect the first hotel to be open in late 2013 or early 2014.

Keith Barr, CEO IHG Greater China, said: “IHG was the first international hotel group to enter China nearly 30 years ago, which gives us a deep understanding of the market and its consumers. We have had great success over the years with the five brands we already have in this market, and we will now leverage our experience, and the strong relationships and reputation we have with customers and owners to establish and grow HUALUXE.”

HUALUXE will offer guests a more traditional experience based on four priorities that Chinese travellers want from an upscale hotel:

Tradition – Long-celebrated traditions are reflected in every aspect of the physical hotel design and are brought to life through a refined welcome experience, deep-rooted tea culture and signature food & beverage throughout the hotel from our Fu Lin restaurant to late night noodle bar Rejuvenation- Natural surroundings from the green arrival, to the lobby garden and resort inspired bathroom helps our guests break away from the pressures of their busy lives and be reinvigorated for the challenges ahead.

Status– Recognition and respect are fundamental in Chinese society. A seamless VIP arrival, a unique Club Lounge experience and specialty food and beverage ‘hosts’ throughout the hotel serve to underpin the importance of our guests and ensure the hospitality they receive and in return give to their business partners is flawless.

Familiar Spaces – A range of public/private spaces are thoughtfully set out across the hotel. From multi-function suites, rejuvenation centre and tea house we’ve created a unique set of facilities for a wide range of social interactions and business meetings.

HUALUXE will launch initially in Tier 1, 2 and 3 cities and resort locations in China and in time, will open in major cities elsewhere in the world so that Chinese travellers can have the same experience abroad. With a multi-million dollar investment behind brand development, HUALUXE will follow IHG’s managed operating model, similar to its other IHG brands currently operating in China and will be supported with brand development and marketing funds in the first few years.

Marriott International, Inc. has announced that the 146-room Courtyard by Marriott located at 1815 Front St. near Duke University and Duke Medical Center in Durham, NC has completed a major renovation. The hotel now features the brand’s new Refreshing Business lobby concept, designed to give travellers the flexibility to work and socialise however they choose while on the road, plus a new Fitness Center and updated meeting space.The open, bright and contemporary new Courtyard hotel lobby welcomes guests with vivid contrasting colours, including blue, green, orange and red. The traditional front desk is replaced with separate welcome pedestals to create more personal and private interactions when guests check in. This will allow staff to move about to show guests the lobby features and provide assistance. Flexible seating options range from a communal table in the middle of the action, to more private media booths with high-definition televisions, to a more intimate, semi-enclosed lounge area.

A signature element of the new lobby is the exclusive GoBoard® technology, a 52-inch LCD touch screen packed with local information, maps, weather and news, business and sports headlines. Guests can navigate using the touch screen to find restaurants, local attractions and directions.

Guests can connect to free WiFi and there are ample electrical outlets throughout the lobby to power digital devices. The enlarged business library features several complimentary computer terminals along with a free printer and separate computer stations dedicated to printing airline boarding passes and checking flight status.

In addition, dining has been completely redesigned with The Bistro – Eat. Drink. Connect.; offering casual, flexible seating; easier access to food and higher quality, healthier menu options for breakfast; and light evening fare, including snacks, wine and beer so guests can unwind. The MarketTM, a 24/7 shop for snacks, beverages and sundries, is always open for late-night cravings or the toothpaste you forgot to pack.

The hotel also features updated meeting space with two spacious meeting rooms plus an outdoor sitting area. A new Fitness Center with high tech cardio equipment, outdoor pool and whirlpool are available. There is complimentary transportation to and from Duke University and Duke Medical Center hourly, Monday through Friday.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) announces the opening of the new Holiday Inn Express & Suites Houston North Intercontinental. The 109-room hotel, which includes 50 suites, is ideally located just off Interstate 45 close to major shopping, sports and entertainment venues. Formerly a Guesthouse Inn & Suites, the hotel underwent a major renovation, giving it a more modern and up-to-date look.With its North Houston location close to several major corporations, including Baker Hughes, Nabors Drilling, Smith International, Exterran, Exxon-Mobil and Continental Airlines, the new Holiday Inn Express & Suites Houston North Intercontinental is a perfect location for business travellers. The hotel offers free high-speed wireless Internet connections throughout the hotel, a 24-hour business centre and more than 1,000 square feet of flexible meeting space for up to 75 people. Other amenities at the property include a state-of-the-art fitness centre and an outdoor pool and whirlpool.

Guest rooms have been completely refreshed and offer new furniture, including comfortable queen or king-sized beds, a sitting area with a lounge chair and an in-room coffee machine. All rooms include granite countertops and an urban design scheme with a mix of green and java-coloured furnishings. Business travellers will find large desks with ergonomic chairs, free local and toll-free phone service with private voicemail and complimentary USA TODAY® newspapers.

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Houston North Intercontinental is owned by OPA Hospitality Inc. and managed by OPA Hospitality under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group and Edwardian Group Limited announced they will rebrand all Radisson Edwardian Hotels, a portfolio of 13 hotels in the United Kingdom and Manchester, to the Radisson Blu brand by the second half of the year.“This expansion in the U.K. is a major milestone for the growth of Radisson Blu,” said Hubert Joly, president and chief executive officer, Carlson. “With this strategic move, we will now have 13 additional Radisson Blu hotels in the London market, one of the world’s most important markets. We are grateful to the Edwardian Hotels Group for their long standing partnership and look forward to continuing to build our relationship.”

“Radisson Blu is one of the world’s fastest growing upscale hotel brands and we are delighted to align Edwardian Hotels with such an iconic brand. In doing so, we gain vastly greater visible presence and remove any source of potential confusion for our customers and create a stronger identity, especially in Europe,” said Jasminder Singh, chairman and chief executive officer, Edwardian Group Limited. Radisson Edwardian Hotels, one of the U.K.’s largest, privately owned, upscale hotel groups, is owned by Singh and family and was founded by Singh in 1977.

The Radisson Edwardian Hotels rebranding to Radisson Blu represents more than 2,500 rooms and suites and includes 13 four- and five-star hotels in London and a five-star hotel in Manchester, all focused on providing exceptional quality and service. Since 2000, the company has invested more than USD 300 million into a comprehensive and ongoing renovation program.

Together with Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s existing operations in the region, these changes will bring the total number of Radisson Blu hotels in the U.K. to 40 hotels in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The 13 Radisson Edwardian Hotels include:

• Radisson Edwardian Berkshire Hotel
• Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street
• Radisson Edwardian Grafton Hotel
• Radisson Edwardian Hampshire Hotel
• Radisson Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel
• Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square
• Radisson Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel
• Radisson Edwardian New Providence Wharf
• Radisson Edwardian Sussex Hotel
• Radisson Edwardian Vanderbilt Hotel
• Radisson Edwardian Hotel Manchester
• Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel, Middlesex
• Radisson Edwardian Guildford Hotel, Surrey

Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel and Spa opens in May 2012 suspended over the Bay of Salerno on Italy’s iconic Amalfi Coast. The hotel, formerly a 17th Century monastery, will consist of 20 guest rooms and suites – all with sea views – a restaurant, a heated infinity pool, stunning landscaped gardens spread over five tiers, a historic herb garden and a private 12th Century Chapel. There will also be a spectacular and unique spa that has been created within a labyrinth of historic monastic spaces and outdoor pavilions. The hotel stands along the famed Blue Highway near the quaint fishing village of Conca dei Marini and is located close to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. It is built directly into the side of the cliff with the floors connected by a glass front elevator allowing panoramic views of the hotel’s gardens and the sea.

The hotel is owned by American Bianca Sharma, who by chance caught sight of the property whilst travelling the area in 1999. She was immediately captivated, in part because the building offered one of the most dramatic locations in the world. After acquiring the building she set about working closely with a local team of architects, engineers and historical authorities for over ten years to transform the former monastery into a luxury hotel and spa whilst maintaining the integrity of the building.

Given its heritage, the building has been respectfully restored to honour its roots and traditions. Whilst the exterior and the interior maintain the asceticism of the property, the style within is offset by warm and inviting contemporary design.

Suites are decorated with historical photographs of the area and the monastery itself, adding to the sense of history. The vaulted ceilings and arched windows of the nun’s rooms and refectory have been carefully preserved and are cleverly linked together with en suite bathrooms to create truly contemporary spaces. The grounds feature a heated infinity pool, stunning landscaped gardens, and a private herb garden, all situated over five terraced levels.

All rooms and suites have flat screen TVs, complimentary high-speed internet access, mini-bar and room service. Each is named after one of the herbs grown in the hotel’s herb garden and feature antiques hand-picked by the owner herself, sourced locally from Santa Rosa and from her travels across Italy.

Attached to the hotel by tiered gardens is the hotel’s own private 12th century chapel, making the perfect wedding venue. For a completely unique venue the entire property is available for exclusive hire, turning into a palatial Italian villa for guests personal use.

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Autograph Collection has announced the addition of The Saint, Blue Moon and Winter Haven hotels to its growing lineup. Each of the hotels is the first to join Autograph Collection in their respective cities: The Saint Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana, and both the Blue Moon Hotel and Winter Haven hotels in Miami Beach, Fla. With these properties, the collection has accumulated an impressive 32 hotels in the portfolio since its launch in 2010, with plans to include up to 60 properties by the end of 2012 in various key markets worldwide.The Saint Hotel
After an extensive $45 million renovation, and just in time for Mardi Gras, The Saint recently reopened its doors on February 9th as the first Autograph Collection hotel in Louisiana. Selected to join the collection based on its notable architectural and historical significance, the hotel was previously known as the historic 103-year old Audubon Building in the world famous French Quarter, reminiscent of early 20th century New Orleans which gave way to the birth of jazz.

Ideally located two blocks away from the early jazz clubs frequented by legendary performers, such as Louis Armstrong, the 166-room hotel features interiors decorated with large black and white photographic murals of the early 1900s, and exposed brick and bright blue and white deco style décor. Its restaurant, Sweet Olive, provides a mélange of reinvented Southern culinary classics, including Rabbit Jambalaya and Wild Boar Rillette. True to its jazz roots, The Saint also includes a jazz club called the Burgundy Bar, with a rooftop bar slated to open in the spring.

Winter Haven Hotel & Blue Moon Hotel
As of early April, the iconic Winter Haven Hotel & legendary Blue Moon Hotel will be the first properties to join the Autograph Collection in Miami Beach, Fla. The Winter Haven Hotel, initially designed by acclaimed architect Albert Anis, the property was first unveiled on Ocean Drive in 1939. The oceanfront hotel’s exclusive location lends to guests’ unique experience of the most famous and energetic street on South Beach, immersing them in the elegance of the Art Deco movement of days gone by. The hotel’s interiors are nautical inspired, an ode to the majestic ocean liners of the era, with a blend of modern touches, including terrazzo flooring, glass blocks, chrome finished railings and a grand cruise ship-inspired staircase. Winter Haven’s bar also exudes a mid-century “martini joint” vibe, with black rounded marble top tables, original wood fascia and stainless steel foot rails. In early 2012, Winter Haven will also undergo restoration while ensuring that the historical integrity of the property is conserved.

Blue Moon Hotel is an intimate boutique sanctuary replete with 1930s charm. The hotel is tucked away on popular Collins Avenue and is a seamless combination of Art Deco and Mediterranean influences coupled with modern and sophisticated touches. Conveniently located just a few steps away from the beach, boutiques and bistros on Ocean Drive, the iconic hotel remains a key staple in South Beach.

The Blue Moon Hotel is a composite of two former hotels – the Lafayette and Les Suites – and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To ensure the historical attributes of the property are preserved, the hotel will undergo restoration efforts in early 2012.

Business and leisure travellers alike from all around the world can look forward to the soon-to-be-opened Swissôtel Dresden Am Schloss. On the 1st of April 2012, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts opens its fourth hotel in Germany, offering Swiss hospitality in a modern atmosphere as well as first class quality combined with personal service, in the very centre of Saxony’s capital. Situated opposite the Residence Castle and boasting 214 Swiss Advantage and 16 Grand rooms plus five elegant suites, the hotel is the perfect place for guests to relax. All room categories feature cutting-edge technology and free internet access, as well as a modern atmosphere at a top location: the late Baroque Semper Opera and Zwinger Palace, as well as the world-renowned Frauenkirche, are all only a few minutes’ walk away. “Our guests will be amazed by the architecture of our hotel”, says Yvette Thüring, General Manager at Swissôtel Dresden Am Schloss and originally from Switzerland. ”The individual design of the facades and building in line with the historic original make the 235 rooms and suites impressive in their variety of layouts and views.”

The restaurant “Wohnstube” offers guests contemporary Swiss cuisine based on regional and seasonal products. Clever and characteristic design provides a relaxed and private atmosphere. The Schlossbar, the hotel’s vibrant hub, serves a full range of cocktails, regional beer specialities, selected wines and spirits to cosmopolitan hotel guests and a local clientele. Looking out onto the castle, the spaciously modern, approx. 500m² conference rooms are the ideal place for meetings and events of all kinds. A roof garden with views across the gabled roofs of Neumarkt is literally the hotel’s crowning feature.

The 535m² wellness and fitness area, Pürovel Spa & Sport, incorporates an original vaulted cellar from the 15th century. Massages inspired by the Swiss mountains and fragranced with essential oils from Alpine herbs and meadow flowers will boost vitality. The range of services is rounded off with facial and cosmetic treatments. The nearby banks of the River Elbe are ideal for a morning run, relaxed stroll or bicycle ride.

The agreement with the developer Baywobau DD Schloßhotel GmbH & Co. KG was signed by the Zurich-based international hotel chain Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts in 2008. The hotel is run based on a lease contract and managed by Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts. Three building complexes at Neumarkt already bear the hallmark of the Dresden-based developer. In spring 2012, these will be complemented by the largest quarter in the city to date, the Neumarktquartier VIII, which will include the Swissôtel Dresden Am Schloss with its own underground car park.

The luxury Palais Namaskar Hotel and Spa in Marrakech opens as part of the Oetker Collection of ‘Masterpiece’ Hotels in April 2012. An idyllic resort of 41 suites, villas and palaces, Palais Namaskar has been beautifully constructed following Feng Shui principles and lies in a picturesque setting between the Atlas Mountains and the Djebilet Hills. Renowned French-Algerian designer, and former associate of Philippe Starck, Imaad Rahmouni is behind the exquisite architecture, which blends Oriental and contemporary developments enhanced by subtle Moorish and Andalusian touches.Palais Namaskar sits amidst 50,000 square metres of scented and manicured Balinese-inspired gardens complemented by cascading waterfalls and lakes; water flows through over 1.5 hectares of Palais Namaskar’s grounds. The philosophy behind the property is to provide guests with a magical and unique setting in which to disconnect from the world and experience their perfect moment.

Accommodation at Palais Namaskar ranges from the vibrant Residences, where spacious suites overlook private pools and Jacuzzis, the more secluded Pool Villas with minimalist but comfortable furnishings and entirely enclosed private gardens and heated pools, and the lavish three or four-bedroom Palaces, perfect for friends and family requiring an exclusive space.

Dining facilities at Palais Namaskar include Le Namaskar Restaurant, which overlooks the main pool and is set to be the place to be seen in Morocco. The Tea Lounge provides a more relaxed setting for light snacks and afternoon tea featuring Mariage Frère and a stylish rooftop bar affords stunning views across both the Atlas Mountains and the Djebilet Hills.

Palais Namaskar’s spa has two double treatment rooms with private hammam and four individual cabins with private outdoor terraces. Treatments are by ILA and focus on both spiritual and physical healing. The property’s stunning grounds also provide the perfect setting for anindulgent treatment or guests can request an in-room spa experience. A well-equipped gym with the latest equipment and a 1km jogging path surrounding the resort contribute to the exceptional wellbeing and fitness facilities and a personal trainer and yoga teacher are on hand for private or group classes.

The new private members‘ club for culture, business, sport and well-being targets members who would like to combine networking, engaging conversation and experiences, relaxation, healthy lifestyle and sporting challenge. With 48 high class Club Rooms for overnight accommodation, this will also be an attractive destination for business and leisure visitors from all over Europe.After a record build of just under 12 months, Aspria Uhlenhorst opened its doors on 1 March 2012. Aspria Uhlenhorst is the most ambitious project yet for the international Aspria Group, which has invested 26 million euros in this club project.

RHA Furniture supplied all the joinery, case goods and loose furniture for Aspria’s Club rooms, restaurants, lounge and spa areas. Most items were made in their UK factory based in Leamington Spa.

Statement from RHA Furniture’s Managing Director, Richard Hunt:
“RHA have successfully completed their largest export contract in Germany. Aspria Hamburg is a luxury sports club, hotel and spa newly built in a suburb of Hamburg. Working closely with Interior Architects and Designers SparcStudio, RHA won the contract against International bidders to supply and install. Case goods, spa and restaurant joinery and all furniture outdoor and indoor- over 1,300 pieces of furniture were installed.”

Highlights of the furniture used within the project included:
• Club rooms: custom made furniture and case goods
• Reception, lounge and gym: Chesterfield sofas
• Lounge areas: custom made tables and seating
• Dining room: custom made furniture
• Boardroom: custom made AV unit
• Spa, treatment rooms and salt room seating: Salt room lounger, spa seating and outdoor furniture

Aspria Uhlenhorst is a members‘ club with a modern twist, including a Club Lounge, Bar and Restaurant, sports and fitness areas, pools, gardens and spa. 48 Club Rooms for stylish overnight stays ensure that Aspria Uhlenhorst make this an attractive destination for business people as well as those looking for a relaxed city trip.

For more images of the club and to find out exactly what RHA supplied, please click here.

IHG has recently announced it will add Eagle Crest Resort and Running Y Ranch in Oregon to its growing portfolio of Holiday Inn Resorts. The resorts are expected to join the IHG system in February and will mark the 16th and 17th Holiday Inn Resort locations in the Americas and the only Holiday Inn Resort locations in the contiguous western U.S. The Lodge at Eagle Crest, a Holiday Inn Resort, is a full-service destination resort located on 1,700 acres along the Deschutes River, five miles from Redmond, Ore., and eighteen miles from Bend, Ore. The Lodge at Eagle Crest Resort received a $3m renovation in the summer of 2011 and features 100 guestrooms, 10,000 sq. ft. of conference space and the new Aerie Café. The resort also features three golf courses, The Spa at Eagle Crest, three sport centres, four pools, six tennis courts, a volleyball court, and 14 miles of hiking and biking trails. Outside Magazine has repeatedly ranked Central Oregon as one of the top outdoor recreation destinations in the U.S., and guests of The Lodge at Eagle Crest are in the middle of it all.

The Lodge at Running Y Ranch, a Holiday Inn Resort, is a full-service destination resort located on 3,600 acres along Klamath Lake in southern Oregon’s Cascade mountain range, just across the California border in Klamath Falls, Ore. The Lodge at Running Y Ranch received a $3m renovation in the summer of 2011 and features 82 guestrooms, 7,500 sq. ft. of conference space and a new restaurant, The Ruddy Duck. The resort also features the only Arnold Palmer designed golf course in Oregon, ranked by Golf Digest as a Top 100 U.S. Public Golf Course and Top 5 U.S. Golf Course for Women, The Sandhill Spa, a sports centre, pool, tennis and volleyball courts, ice skating arena, and 12 miles of hiking and biking trails. Running Y Ranch Resort guides are available to take guests on highly personalized, professional trips to explore what Sunset Magazine deems the best birding destination in the West. Seven wildlife refuges surround the resort, along with world-class fly fishing, rafting, cycling, hiking and more.

The Lodge at Eagle Crest, a Holiday Inn Resort and The Lodge at Running Y Ranch, a Holiday Inn Resort are owned by Northview Hotel Group (NVHG) and a subsidiary of a fund owned by Oaktree Capital Management, LP. The resorts are managed by NVHG under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

Meliá Hotels International has announced at FITUR the addition to its portfolio of the Villaitana resort, consisting of two 4 and 5 star hotels on the Costa Blanca (Alicante, Spain). Both hotels will be operated under a lease agreement and will open shortly under the company’s Meliá Hotels & Resorts brand.The spectacular resort occupies 1.6 million square metres and is located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra de Finestrat mountains, commanding stunning views over Benidorm Bay and set in 2 golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus. It consists of 25 separate buildings which recreate the atmosphere of an authentic Mediterranean village with its own church and main square, and a total of 455 rooms.

The new Meliá Villaitana also boasts an extensive range of facilities and services to capture the interest and imagination of its guests, including 5,000m2 of outdoor swimming pools, 12 restaurants and bars, tennis and paddle tennis courts, kids club, artificial beach and a fully equipped spa with treatment rooms, thermal pools, gym and relaxation area. Furthermore, it has a Convention Centre which offers approximately 6,000 m2 of flexible space for meetings which can be divided into 17 rooms, as well as a bright and spacious main function room which measures more than 1,200 m2.

The deal was announced at the Tourism Fair in Madrid by the CEO of Meliá Hotels International, Gabriel Escarrer, also joined by the consultancy firm, Horwath HTL, specialist in the hotel industry, which highlighted the management ability and leadership of Meliá in the launch of such a high potential product, which will undoubtedly enhance the tourism and travel industry on the Mediterranean cost.

100% Design, the biggest and most prestigious annual design event in the UK, is looking to the future with the introduction of 100% Future Living to the show. Focusing on design, technology and innovation, 100% Future Living will look at how the digital age is shaping the homes and work places of tomorrow.With the integration of iphones, ipads, and other electronic devices into our daily lives, our spaces need to develop and embrace these technologies. Interior services can now be centralized and controlled by a phone or tablet and 100% Future Living aims at highlighting the best of these products and services.

100% Design 2012 will have four industry sectors showcased within Earls Court – Interiors, Office, Kitchens & Bathrooms and Eco Design & Build and 100% Future Living will be the key theme running across each of the four hubs adding significant exposure for exhibitors.

100% Design Show Director, William Knight said: “By adopting Future Living as a key part of the thematic running throughout 100% Design, we are embracing the opportunity of discussing and reflecting the cutting edge issues and design solutions across the industry.

The spaces we live and work in are constantly evolving; reflecting changing trends, technologies and social patterns. As London’s leading design event, 100% Design needs to reflect the latest thinking and product ranges. 100% Future Living is a statement of intent for the show – a commitment to showcasing the best cutting edge design and technology.”

The organisers of 100% Design will be working with a range of key partners including trade associations, trend forecasters and designers to develop content for the hubs, seminars, and show features. As part of this, 100% Design is delighted to announce that the first organisation to back 100% Future Living will be The Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) – the international trade organisation for home electronic systems.

DoubleTree by Hilton has announced a fifth London property to join one of the UK’s fastest-growing, upscale, full-service hotel brands. The DoubleTree by Hilton London-Victoria is conveniently located opposite London Victoria Station – historically known as the starting point for the legendary Orient Express and a central hub of public transportation that provides travellers with convenient access to Gatwick Express, National Rail service to the Southwest and London Underground service to all of Greater London. Formerly known as the Hesperia London Victoria, the 225-room hotel celebrates its new branding with an extensive, multi-phase refurbishment project that now welcomes travellers with a refreshing, welcoming ground floor lobby space, newly redesigned dining options and a variety of new amenities and services that create a rewarding experience for business, conference and leisure travellers to this popular Central London location. The DoubleTree by Hilton London-Victoria is operated by London Victoria Hotel Ltd, under a franchise license agreement with a subsidiary of Hilton Worldwide and owned by Crimson Hotel Group.

The DoubleTree by Hilton London–Victoria has a variety of contemporary-style guestrooms and suites that meet the needs of every kind of traveller. Each accommodation offers guests a comfortable and contemporary retreat, complete with a sitting area; high-speed internet access; flat-screen, satellite TV; trouser press; mini fridge; refreshing Crabtree & Evelyn Citron® bath and body products; and in-room tea and coffee making service. Executive Floor guestrooms and suites received upgraded amenities and are greeted at an Executive Lounge with private check-in and check-out, along with complimentary breakfast in the morning and snacks and beverages throughout the day.

For meetings, conferences and events, DoubleTree by Hilton London–Victoria presents eight meeting rooms and boardrooms, accommodating between ten and 160 delegates.

The DoubleTree by Hilton London–Victoria dining options include 2 Bridge Place, a newly redesigned restaurant offering a modern, casual environment to enjoy a selection of the finest, freshly prepared European cuisine for lunch and dinner. The hotel’s Lounge and Bar is the ideal place for a light snack, a great coffee or glass of wine, and to experience a relaxed public atmosphere with free Wi-Fi and friendly service. Room service also is available to guests 24 hours a day.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the debut of the first Le Méridien hotel in Turkey with the opening of the highly anticipated Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler. Owned by Makyol Construction Industry Tourism and Trading Co. Inc, the hotel is situated in Istanbul’s most exclusive neighbourhood and overlooks the Bosphorus with panoramic views over two continents. Set to become a landmark in the city, the 34-storey hotel features iconic architecture and a dedicated curated art programme showcasing Turkish contemporary artists, reflecting Istanbul’s inspiring and culturally diverse atmosphere. Designed by Turkish architect Emre Arolat, the hotel features three distinct, vertically-stacked blocks inspired by the neighbouring buildings in Etiler. The building gradually becomes transparent as it rises towards the sky, providing guests with impressive views of the Bosphorus and a new perspective of Istanbul. The hotels interiors were designed by Turkish designer Sinan Kafadar of Istanbul-based Metex.

The hotel provides a comprehensive contemporary lifestyle experience, featuring 259 guest rooms, including 21 long-stay residence suites all with floor-to-ceiling windows providing inspiring views of the Bosphorus and the city. Featuring a timeless chic design, all guest rooms are outfitted with Le Méridien Bed® and amenities such as a docking station, rainforest shower and a separate bathtub. Le Méridien Istanbul Etilers signature spa offers visitors a new perspective inspired by European spa traditions and features eight treatment rooms, a Turkish Hammam, an indoor pool, an outdoor heated pool, and a state-of-the art fitness centre.

Le Méridiens UNLOCK ART” programme features an artist-designed key card collection that offers access to both the guestroom and affiliated contemporary cultural centres. In Istanbul, guests can enjoy access to Istanbul Modern, the hotels UNLOCK ART” partner, using keycards designed by :mentalKLINIK, a contemporary artist duo from Istanbul and recently appointed as the latest LM100″ members. Selected by Jérôme Sans, Le Méridiens’ Cultural Curator since 2006, LM100 is a group of international innovators chosen from the worlds of art, architecture and cuisine who use their creativity to develop original, interactive programs that transform the Le Méridien guest experience.

The hotel offers the newly developed Le Méridien Hub experience which re-interprets the traditional lobby into a social gathering place for creative people to converse, debate, and exchange. Dining facilities include an all-day restaurant, Latitude Bar and a rooftop bar with spectacular 360-degree views of the city. Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler also features over 2,000 square metres of meeting space, including a 766-square metre ballroom and nine individual rooms.

Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Singapore, 9 March 2012 — The International Furniture Fair Singapore 2012/29th ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS 2012), Deco Asia 2012 and The Hospitality Show 2012 opened today to much fanfare, with guest of honour, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade & Industry gracing the occasion. Through 12 March, the trilogy of shows will reinforce its status as Asia’s premier, design-led furniture sourcing platform for the industry. Of particular significance are two brand new programmes — the Hospitality.Design.Furniture CONVERGE Asia Conference and ‘SingaPlural’, the inaugural Singapore Furniture Design Week — that bring the latest in furniture and design to trade professionals and consumers alike.

Mr Tony Pang, Chairman of Show Advisory Panel for IFFS, commented, “For many years now, IFFS/AFS has carved for itself a niche as a global furniture hub with an edge, and it continues to do so today, with the launch of the two new and exciting segments. The show boasts of a steady stream of visitors from over 100 countries, and has developed into a unique platform within the Asian show circuit, one that is top-of-mind for furniture companies who offer creative design and innovative ideas to differentiate their products.”

This year, attendees have access to 512 companies from 26 countries at IFFS/AFS 2012, Deco Asia 2012 and The Hospitality Show 2012. A breakdown of the exhibitor composition figures is indicative of Asia as the main driver of the economy, with over 80% of exhibitors from the ASEAN region and Asian countries. Many exhibitors from the ASEAN/Asian contingent have also chosen to launch new collections at IFFS/AFS

Writing a review of an hotel that hasn’t officially opened is a tricky one as for some areas you have to fill in the missing pieces; stealing glances at site plans and looking at the snagging sheets pinned to guest room doors to get a sense of what it will look like when complete. (Note: the hotel was visited on the 21st February)Whilst the new development of the Legoland Windsor Resort is nearly finished, there are areas of the hotel which are still very much a construction site (the spa area scheduled to open later in the year and some of the guest rooms and bathrooms) but these are progressing quickly.

With occupancy of the hotel at capacity for its opening weekend (17th March) there is every confidence it will be ready and the excitement of its debut is already building with the training of new staff, groups huddled in quiet areas of the lobby and restaurant discussing operations and health and safety.

Merlin Entertainments Group, who operates other properties such as Alton Towers and Chessington World of Adventures, has added another string to its bow of themed hotels in the UK. With each hotel that opens under the Group’s name, the theming is stepped up a gear and the Legoland Windsor Resort does not fail to disappoint children and adults alike.

Undeniably created with children in mind, the specialist in-house design team at Merlin Entertainments Group have created mayhem – a wonderful, giddy experience for the children as they are encouraged to build, explore and enjoy so many of the hotel’s secrets from ‘whoopie cushion’ carpets to codes you have to crack in your room to unlock a toy.

There are some refuge areas for adults such as the Skyline bar and the separate conference area for the business market, providing some respite from the dominant primary colours of the hotel scheme but with subtle Lego influences still in its design.

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The Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel introduces a luxury first class service with its new and exclusive Seventh floor experience. Accessible only to those who possess a Seventh floor gold key card, the exclusive Seventh floor houses just 11 rooms – five opulent Studio Suites and six spacious King Deluxe rooms.With all the comforts of a luxury Radisson Edwardian stay, Seventh Floor guests can enjoy a range of added amenities, including their own espresso machine, docking station, clothes steamer, boutique bathroom gift set, complementary movies, music, WIFI – and even drinks in the bar (worth £15 a day). From international plug sockets and premium bathrobes, to complementary newspapers and daily fresh fruit – every last detail has been tended to, to ensure your stay is one of exclusive luxury and relaxation – you’ll be glad of the 2:00pm late checkout!

Indulge in one of the five lavish Studio Suites, each with its own individual colour palette and bespoke design element. Guests of the studio suites can enjoy even more added benefits, including a complimentary laundry service of one item per day, blooms of fresh Orchids to enjoy in-room – and an ever-essential umbrella so you’re never again caught out mid-downpour.

For ultimate privacy, the Seventh floor is also available to hire exclusively, with your guests alone having sole access to the entire floor – ideal for special occasions, private events and corporate functions. For a touch of solitude, your guests can to retreat to the Seventh floor for first class treatment like no other.

Located in the heart of Bloomsbury, the Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel is just moments away from Covent Garden, theatre-land, the British Museum and bustling Oxford Street. The luxury hotel boasts 174-bedrooms in total, housing some of London’s most stylish and spacious bedrooms and bathrooms – all featuring sleek flat-screen TVs and complimentary high-speed wireless internet.

Premier Inn is leading the hospitality industry to become more sustainable with the opening of another green hotel and restaurant at Camborne in Cornwall.The 65-bedroom hotel and 210-cover restaurant is the tenth sustainable purpose-built hotel developed by Whitbread and features an array of sustainable technologies including 10 kW solar photovoltaic panels mounted onto the hotel roof to offset four electric car charging ports at the site – a major innovation for a budget hotel chain.

Chris George, Head of Energy and Environment for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, said: “Camborne is a clear example of Whitbread using its expertise to lead the UK hospitality industry to become more sustainable. Our intention with the project was to learn from our existing sustainable hotels at Burgess Hill in West Sussex and Tamworth in Staffordshire and design an even more impressive and sustainable product. We have done that and demonstrated, once again, that green hotel design is possible within the mainstream market and does not have to mean ‘boutique’ or ‘expensive’.

The sustainable Premier Inn at Camborne incorporates the following energy and water saving features:

– Earth’s natural energy – ground source heat pumps use the earth’s natural energy to cool and heat rooms and provide hot water throughout the hotel. 70% of the hotels hot water, heating and cooling will be provided in this way
– Grey water –lowflow showerheads have been installed in the guest bathrooms and the toilets are flushed with recycled water from showers and baths to cut down on freshwater use
– Clever lighting – very low energy LED lighting is used in the hotel reception, bars and restaurant areas. Corridor and stairwell lighting is controlled by presence detectors and energy saving key card switches are provided in the guest bedrooms to prevent energy wastage
– Building that breathes – fresh air is delivered to each room, capturing the energy from the air it replaces
– High levels of insulation – manufactured from naturally occurring and recycled materials are used in the walls to create exceptionally efficient thermal and acoustic insulation
– Timber flooring – sustainable-sourced certified timber used as a replacement for concrete ground floors. This method saved over 100 tonnes of concrete compared to a similarly sized building constructed to current industry standards
– High efficiency kitchen equipment – has been installed to reduce energy wasted during cooking and refrigeration
– Turning natural light into energy – 10 kW photovoltaic cells located on the hotel roof that offset four electric car charging points located in the car park

The head of the Red Carnation Group, Mrs Bea Tollman, recently presented a cheque for Rand 102,000 to the Amy Biehl Foundation for use with 6 –18 years olds from the townships around Cape Town.This donation, raised by the three Red Carnation hotels in South Africa, the lovely Bushmans Kloof near Clan William, Cape Towns’ 12 Apostles and the newly refurbished Oyster Box in Durban continues a tradition of giving by Red Carnation. Hundreds of thousands of pounds have gone in the successful breeding programmes at Bushmans Kloof, as a result of which the Cape Zebra is no longer at risk. Currently efforts are made to support a breeding programme for the white tailed Wildebeest and in support of the Cape Leopard programme.

The Tollman family are also investors in the Wilderness Group, whose hotels are developed with local communities and provide education and training in the hospitality industry to their staff.

Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu’u recently completed construction of the final two Kalanipu’u buildings bringing an additional 52 luxuriously appointed villas to the resort for a combined offering of 70 villas spread across three buildings. The third Marriott Vacation Club resort on the Garden Isle, Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu’u located at 3325 Holokawelu Way in Lihue offers the ultimate tropical escape from views to villas and golf to more Owners and guests.The resort presents a rare offering, situated alongside a 36-acre fresh water lagoon and 100-feet above sea level. Spacious two-bedroom/two-bath and three-bedroom/three-bath villas offer plenty of living space with modern, Hawaiian-inspired furnishings. From fully-equipped kitchens boasting top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, to huge living and dining areas and large lanais with sweeping ocean views, guests will enjoy the best of island living.

Owners and guests at Kalanipu’u currently have access to a new fitness centre facility within the Kauai Lagoons resort, which features high-end Life Fitness equipment, large flat panel LG televisions and expansive windows offering ocean views to compliment your work-out. Owners and guests can enjoy public access to Kalapaki Beach, retail shopping, spa treatments and the five open-air restaurants at the neighbouring Kauai Marriott Resort and Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club.

From recreational to the avid golfer the adjacent Kauai Lagoons Golf Club is a premier 27-hole facility recognized in 2011 by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the top 125 Golf Resorts in the U.S. The newly renovated Kiele Moana Nine (former Kiele back 9), features the longest continuous stretch of ocean holes (half-mile) on any course in Hawaii. The original design and renovations were led by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. The new Kiele Moana Nine is paired with the Kiele Mauka Nine (the original Kiele front 9) to create an unforgettable Jack Nicklaus Signature golf experience.

Designed to complement its extraordinary beachfront proximity, The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay is an elegantly casual resort that will introduce South China to an elevated dimension of luxury and sophistication. The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort offers 401 guest rooms and suites along with 28 exquisite beachside villas. The contemporary architecture by Brennan Beer Gorman Architects, the St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort was inspired by the mythical concept of two intertwined dragons. From the soft concave arch of the arrival pavilion to the repeated form of the “dragon’s back” incorporated in the guestroom wings, the St. Regis presents a dramatic shape on the skyline, echoing the ridgeline of the surrounding mountains and the movement of the waves.

Inspired by its nautical surroundings, DiLeonardo’s approach to the hotel’s interiors celebrate the sea, sand and nearby marina. The impressive Porte Cochere and main lobby are expansive, clean-lined voluminous spaces that have been appointed with clean, rich wood finishes evoking the world’s most luxurious yachts. Additional nautical-inspired detailing elements include sand-colored exotic stones as well as upholstered furnishings that mimic those found on the elegant trans-ocean liners of the past. Finely finished woodwork and polished metalwork contrast with rough-cut stone creates an interesting juxtaposition that is both luxurious and relaxing.

The spacious guestrooms and villas feature sweeping views of the sea, marina and surrounding mangroves. Designed as relaxing island sanctuaries, the guest rooms evoke a sophisticated and relaxing “guest quarters by the sea” environment. The spaces are appointed with an eclectic collection of fine furnishings and artifacts collected from around the world. The creamy neutral color palette is accentuated by local raw silks and tonal damasks with vibrant, rich colors that add dimension to the room. The high-gloss wood and polished metal finishes contrast with the use of natural materials that reflect the region’s plush and unique local surroundings. Elements of nautical whimsy, such as yacht cleats for hanging clothing, add character and familiarity. The contemporary bathrooms are appointed with local materials, including indigenous “woven” stone tiles, onyx vanity tops and Macore wood. A generously proportioned shower and contemporary soaking tub provide stunning views outdoors.

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Bespoke hotel management company Inverlochy Castle Management International (ICMI) has announced Alladale Wilderness Reserve as the latest addition to its ever-growing portfolio of properties.Situated in Sutherland, the Alladale Reserve is owned by Paul Lister and offers guests the opportunity to stay in luxurious Highland lodges whilst enjoying the rustic experience of the wildlife reserve.

The property boasts three lodges within its 23,000 acres, two self-catering lodges as well as the exclusive Alladale Lodge.

The Alladale Lodge is a private house which accommodates 14 people in its seven lavish en suite bedrooms. It is let on an exclusive basis, providing guests with attentive staff, exquisite food and a wealth of country charm.

Managing Director of ICMI, Norbert Lieder, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alladale Wilderness Reserve to the ICMI family.

“This is a beautiful property surrounded by Scottish wildlife and the beautiful countryside. We are familiar with the hospitality industry in this area, already managing properties throughout the Highlands, including Inverlochy Castle and Rocpool Reserve.

“Our team of experts has experience in every aspect of the hospitality industry and I am confident the Alladale Reserve will benefit from our expertise.”

ICMI is renowned working with small, independent properties and transforming them into profitable luxurious destinations.

The group of industry experts include Albert Roux OBE, KFO, who owns Le Gavroche in London, which was the first restaurant in the UK to be awarded with three Michelin stars. The management company has grown to win national acclaim, being awarded Hotel Consultancy of the Year in both 2010 and 2011.

The Reserve gives guests the opportunity to take advantage of the stunning location and partake in outdoor activities including bird watching, fishing and country walks.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts has recently announced the opening of Hilton Dalian, its third property in China’s North-eastern region. Located in Dalian’s rapidly emerging and vibrant East Harbor district, the 370-room Hilton Dalian is 13 kilometres from Dalian International Airport, the largest and busiest airport in North-eastern China. The hotel is adjacent to the new 210-room Conrad Dalian, which also recently opened.Hilton Dalian will offer some of the city’s most luxurious guest rooms, starting at 34 square meters. There will be a total of 18 suites, with options ranging from 80-square meter Executive Suites to the 231-square meter Presidential Suite. All rooms are meticulously designed and generously appointed, allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Dalian’s shores, mountains, rivers, and cityscape in absolute comfort.

Hilton Dalian is also well-equipped to host corporate meetings, conferences, seminars and private events. Five flexible and interconnected meeting rooms will be supported by a full range of amenities and services. The Signature Ballroom, the largest ballroom in Dalian at 1,688 square meters, will have an open floor plan with no pillars, and can be divided into three equal sections. Additionally, a 24-hour business centre will be available to all guests at the Hilton and Conrad Dalian properties.

Five diverse on-site restaurant and bar venues will provide colourful culinary experiences. The Square, located on the ground level, will encompass a cluster of all-day dining venues, which will serve both á la carte and buffet selections around the clock, along with a selection of approximately 80 beers from around the world. Dong Bei Street will offer local culinary fare and a wide variety of North-eastern Chinese cuisine in an innovative food market atmosphere. Genji Restaurant will provide delicious Japanese specialties in an intimate setting.

On-site health and recreational facilities include a 250-meter heated indoor swimming pool and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. Guests will also be able to enjoy a feeling of total relaxation, via rejuvenating treatments at the private all-suite Chinese sauna-styled spa.
Hilton Dalian is the fourteenth Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in China. It is operated and managed by Hilton Worldwide and owned by Dalian Wanda Commercial Properties. The hotel is located at 5B Dalian Harbor East Zone Zhong Sh.

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has announced the winner of its 2011 Global Hotel of the Year Award, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam. The hotel was selected from the group’s global portfolio of more than 1,300 hotels and honoured at the company’s global hotel business conference earlier in February in Nassau, Bahamas. The hotel was recognized for its outstanding performance in terms of employee engagement, guest satisfaction, revenue generation and economic performance.“This hotel has truly raised the bar on achieving operations and service excellence and helped move us closer to fulfilling our strategy of having segment-leading global brands,” said Kurt Ritter, president and chief executive officer, The Rezidor Hotel Group.

The 248-room Radisson Blu Hotel Amsterdam stands out with its unique architectural touches in the heart of Amsterdam. The hotel’s atrium was carefully designed to encompass several 18th-century merchant houses, a former paper factory and a 19th-century vicarage. In 2011, the hotel was awarded the “Certificate of Excellence” by TripAdvisor and currently ranks as the 13th best hotel in Amsterdam. In 2010, the hotel made the “Insiders’ Select Award” list by Expedia.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts arrives at John F. Kennedy International Airport with the reflagging and extensive renovation of International JFK Airport Hotel as Hilton New York JFK Airport. The opening marks the return of Hilton Worldwide’s flagship brand to this leading metropolitan airport that serves travellers from around the world. Hilton New York JFK Airport joins Hilton Times Square, Hilton New York, Millenium Hilton, Hilton Manhattan East and Hilton New York Fashion District as the brand’s sixth property in the New York metropolitan area.Located a quarter mile from one of the busiest U.S. airports, Hilton New York JFK Airport recently underwent an extensive renovation and now features inviting and elegantly appointed accommodations along with contemporary signature dining, flexible meeting space and a spacious lobby with expanded seating where guests can work or relax.

The hotel features 356 contemporary guest rooms, ranging from 263 standard and 64 executive rooms to 11 suites and 18 handicap-accessible guest rooms. Guests can enjoy a heated indoor pool and Hilton Fitness by Precor workout facility as well as a coffee bistro in the lobby that serves a selection of drinks and grab-and-go snacks. Restaurant 144 is the hotel’s new dining concept that offers modern American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, complete with a private dining room that extends an intimate, elegant setting for small groups.

With five meeting rooms including a ballroom measuring 3,784 square feet, Hilton New York JFK Airport also caters to business guests with an executive lounge and flight status board in the lobby. The hotel also provides a complimentary airport shuttle 24 hours a day.

The Florida sun is shining its light on a smart new lodging option for travellers, with the opening of Element Miami International Airport. Element, the trailblazing eco-wise brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., brings a fresh update to the Miami hotel scene with 209 guest rooms and suites built green from the ground up. Element Miami International Airport typifies the balance that Starwood’s Element brand offers to business and leisure travellers. The hotels strategic location puts it at the doorstep of one of the world’s busiest air-travel hubs – Miami International Airport – and just two blocks from the long anticipated Miami Central Station, a world-class transportation hub that will transform options for travellers in several phases starting in spring 2012. The new facility includes Airport Link Metrorail service, providing a direct rail connection to Downtown Miami. For those needing a car during their travels, the transportation hub includes a brand new rental car facility that unites 16 rental car companies in a stunning new 6,500 vehicle facility.

The Element Miami International Airport features all the brands signatures, including:

• Motion, a state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness centre
• A 791-square-foot meeting room with modular furnishings, flexible layout and state-of-the-art technology that can be customized to meet and business or social needs
• Dynamic gathering spaces, from a lobby flooded with natural light to a multi-storied window wall and from an outdoor fire pit, to water features and a barbecue
• Light filled guest rooms with a fluid design of modular furniture, swivelling flat-screen televisions, large desks with open shelving, and custom-designed closets
• The signature Heavenly® Bed
• Spa-inspired bathrooms with an invigorating rain-shower and dual-flush toilet
• Fully equipped kitchens featuring filtered water, ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and utensils to prepare a gourmet meal

Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

It was never the intention of the Roomzzz Aparthotel brand to be content with smashing targets or satisfied with achieving record sales figures in 2011.

Expansion through a rigorous franchise programme has always been the driving force behind the brand with Head of Roomzzz Aparthotel UK – Mark Walton at the helm. And as Newcastle City comes on board – the latest announcement from Roomzzz Aparthotel UK is that the brand is on track to achieve their forecasted double figures by 2014. 2012 sees the brand surge forward to open their fifth site within 6 years. Newcastle City is located in Friar House in the City Centre – a large Georgian House originally built in the 1700’s. Roomzzz Aparthotel is currently undergoing a sympathetic restoration programme on the Grade II listed building which will house 44 lifestyle driven and luxurious apartments and suites including a duplex penthouse.

Originating in Leeds the brand established in 2006 and remains steadfast with their strategic positioning in the hospitality industry. The brand has made a documented impact within the industry from a design point of view, as well as being a serious innovator in the industry from an operations perspective.

Head of Roomzzz Aparthotel UK Mark Walton comments ‘Our franchise team’s methodology is focused on delivering prime locations which match our brand’s principles. We also have a proven track record of delivering not only ground breaking industry averages but of developing an operations system which allows us to work on bucking trends within the marketplace. We are incredibly proud of our ability to break moulds, drive innovation which ultimately are the springboard to our brand expansion.’

Roomzzz aim to change the way a brand, which falls into the ‘affordable’ bracket is perceived, has been achieved through Roomzzz ethos and high standards since launch.
Walton continues, ‘the brand is evolving, morphing into a force which is smashing historic growth patterns and sales figures. Our investment into researching the marketplace, current and future trends is considerable and this knowledge has enabled us to make bold directional changes to drive and keep up with demand’.

Roomzzz are known for their own take on deciphering their target audience and tailoring the appeal of the brand to match and manage expectation of customers across all Roomzzz Aparthotel sites. Smart marketing techniques champions customer interaction and weaves loyalty and measurability throughout the brand.

Head of Roomzzz Aparthotel, Mark Walton concludes, ‘The Roomzzz Aparthotel franchise model is accepted as an exciting investment. We are in discussions with several more franchisee partners including a site in Glasgow.’

Today, at the opening of its 500th hotel in Stratford London, the city’s biggest hotelier, Travelodge, has announced that it’s seeking to open a further 184 hotels across the capital by 2025. With a requirement for at least one hotel in each of the London boroughs, Travelodge is seeking to develop 7,820,400 sq ft – the largest requirement of any business in London. This equates to:

• Six Shards, which when open will be the largest building in Europe*
• Nine O2 Arenas**
• Nine Buckingham Palace’s***
• Forty Two Tesco Extra’s****

These 184 new hotel openings will create around 5,000 new jobs across London and ten per cent of these positions will be recruited via JuMP – Travelodge’s Junior Management Apprenticeship Programme.

This morning, Tourism Minister, John Penrose MP, officially opened London Stratford Travelodge, the budget chain’s 500th hotel. The 188-room modular build property which is located a few minutes walk away from the Olympic Stadium is a £15.5 million investment and has created 30 new jobs within the community.

Guy Parsons, Travelodge Chief Executive said: “To open our 500th Travelodge hotel yards from the entrance to the Olympic Stadium is a milestone that everyone in the company is extremely proud of. Travelodge has come a long way since it opened its first hotel back in 1985 on the A38 in Barton-Under-Needwood.”

“In 2010, at the opening of our 400th hotel, we said that we would be the biggest hotelier in London in time for the 2012 Olympics and true to our word we have achieved this target. When the Games start on the 27th July 2012, we will have 53 hotels in the capital but our London growth story is only just beginning.”

John Penrose MP, Minister for Tourism and Heritage said: “To reach the milestone of 500 hotels is a fantastic achievement and I congratulate Travelodge on reaching it.”

“Tourism is one of the largest industries in the UK and it is vital that we offer a broad spectrum of hotel provision. The budget sector is really growing in Britain and I look forward to opening Travelodge\’s 600th in a couple of year’s time!\”

London Stratford Travelodge was funded by Hotbed UK, the private investor syndicate. Peveril Securities and Active Estates were the JV developers.

* The Sq Ft of the Shard is 1,200,000 sq ft
** The Sq Ft of the 02 Arena in Greenwich is 865,687 sq ft
*** Buckingham Palace is 830,000 sq ft
**** The largest Tesco Extra in the country is in Walkden, totaling 185,000 sq ft

Joining the elite ranks of 100-year-old iconic hotels such as The Savoy in London, The Plaza in New York, and The Fairmont Banff Springs in Alberta, Canada is no small feat. But in 2012 Fairmont will be celebrating not one, but two centennial birthdays: Ottawa’s Fairmont Château Laurier on June 1 and Boston’s The Fairmont Copley Plaza on Aug. 19. Both grand dames will be offering special offers, events and activities to highlight the history and grandeur that have graced their halls over the past century. Witness to History
Ottawa’s famed castle, Fairmont Château Laurier, opened its doors June 1, 1912 with building costs totaling $2 million and guestrooms priced at $2 per night. Originally slated to open on April 26, 1912, the opening was delayed when Charles Melville Hays, the visionary behind the hotel, perished on the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic. The Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston is a landmark in Back Bay’s Copley Square. In 1912 Mayor of Boston John F. “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald, President Kennedy’s grandfather, presided over a reception of more than 1,000 guests to open the hotel. The total cost to open the hotel was an extravagant sum of $5.5 million. Since the ‘Gilded Age’ of their opening through modern times, both hotels have hosted heads of state, celebrities, dignitaries and guests from around the world.

Renovations & Restorations
Both Grande Dames are also getting facelifts for their celebrations. Scheduled for completion in spring 2012, The Fairmont Copley Plaza is undergoing a restoration that will include all guestrooms and suites, Fairmont Gold, and a new 3,000-square-foot rooftop health club. The project also includes the Lower Lobby meeting space and enhancements to hotel’s grand lobby and ballrooms.

A new restaurant, in the space that formerly housed the legendary Merry-Go-Round Bar and Oak Bar will also debut. At Fairmont Château Laurier, the 1929 art deco pool has just recently been restored, along with additional refurbishments to the health club including a new fountain, two massage therapy rooms, and refreshed women’s and men’s change areas.

Grace Hotels has announced the opening this spring of ‘The Villa’ at the Grace Santorini. The new 400 sq m two-bedroom private residence with its own spa, kitchen, terraces and swimming pool becomes the largest suite at any Grace hotel and is among the largest hotel suites in the Cyclades Islands. Perched dramatically above Santorini’s famed Caldera, it offers a perfect vantage point from which to enjoy Santorini’s breathtaking views. The Villa is ideal for families or couples travelling together and allows guests to experience all the luxury and service of the hotel while enjoying the exclusivity of a self-contained residence. It is also available as a one-bedroom suite making it the perfect honeymoon escape. The Villa’s interior comprises two bedrooms including the 60 sq m ‘Master’, with king size beds, beautifully appointed en-suite bathrooms, and a walk-in wardrobe. There is also a lounge area, an open plan kitchen and a wine and cigar bar. Entertainment includes indoor/outdoor remote control music system and a 3-D TV. The Villa has its own spa featuring Hammam, hydrotherapy bath with mood lighting, and a treatment room where Grace Santorini’s full range of treatments can be enjoyed in total privacy.

Numerous VIP added service touches have been created for guests at The Villa. These include luxury connections from Athens or Santorini airports, personal concierge, an unpacking service, iPad plus mobile smartphone pre-loaded with useful local numbers and personalized stationery, bathrobes and pillows. Guests have a personal attendant permanently on-hand and a private chef who will create perfect meals to order.

Outside, a series of interconnected terraces include sun decks, a sheltered dining area, an outdoor fireplace and a fitness zone. All overlook the vast private swimming pool – a perfect spot for soaking up the sun and unique ambience of the Caldera.

More images of Grace Santorini on page two…

Bright colours, cheerful service team members, handwritten welcome notes, a floor to ceiling TowneMap™ highlighting all the local hot spots and a signature single red gerber daisy in a sleek white vase – these are what greet guests as they walk into the new generation of TownePlace Suites hotels. The grand opening and designation event of the new 91-suite hotel in Monroe, Louisiana is a tribute to the recent evolution of this exciting extended stay Marriott brand. Partnering with InterMountain Management, LLC, the 200th milestone hotel delivers on the brand promise of making travel simple and fun. Located nearby numerous restaurants and retail stores, the TownePlace Suites Monroe offers guests convenient access to the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, Kiroli Park and the Masur Museum of Art. Rates vary depending on length of stay.

Ideal for travellers who need accommodations for a week or more, this property offers studio, one- and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living/working and sleeping areas.

The TownePlace Suites Monroe offers a 24-hour business centre, free local phone calls and two-line telephones/data ports/voicemail. Guest facilities include guest laundry, In a Pinch™ market, an outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool spa, fitness centre, meeting room, free high-speed and wireless Internet in all guest rooms and public spaces. Housekeeping services are based on your schedule and length of stay and a complimentary continental breakfast as well as 24-hour coffee service is also available.

The Sheraton Heathrow Hotel has put the finishing touches to a multi-million pound refurbishment of its public areas. The refurbished Sheraton Heathrow now boasts a completely new reception and lobby lounge, two new bars, a new restaurant and a new cafe complete with self-service technology. Designed by Nico Yiannikkou of premier interior design company Y2DC, the renovated spaces feature comfortable, open areas connected through a common theme of travel and exploration. Inspired by the Middlesex countryside around Heathrow Airport which is famed for its orchards, all of the new restaurants and bars at the hotel take their name from the traditional English apple.

The main restaurant, The Orchard, will offer all-day dining in a comfortable, modern setting. Beautiful timber partitions and interconnecting screens in the ceilings help to create more intimate seating areas, ensuring the large space works just as well whether one or one hundred guests are seated. Playing on the location of the hotel, a ‘globe’ chandelier is suspended between the screens, whilst the feature table at the venue entrance is inspired by aviation design. The restaurant serves traditional English dishes prepared in a contemporary style including prime English steaks and home-made breads from a traditional stone fired oven. A special accent is put on locally-sourced, quality English Beef, offered in three prime cuts.

With its travel-inspired decor, the hotel’s main bar has been named the Discovery Bar and will focus on beers, wines served by the glass and cocktails. The bar offers a range of light fare and snacks in the form of English tapas. Decoration in the Discovery Bar includes old trunks and suitcases as features, furniture fabrics imprinted with feint vintage postcard texts of by-gone travellers and a wall mural depicting an art deco map of the world. With its focus on local produce, the Discovery Bar menu features local ales from Windsor and Marlow.

The Orange Lounge is the hotel’s brand new cocktail bar offering a quieter place in which guests can relax. The dark colours and central fireplace invite guests to sit down and unwind regardless of their time zone. The partitioning of this space again uses timber screens with the design inspired by the idea of aircrafts taking off and landing. Artwork on the theme of aviation in the form of black and white prints serves to enhance the sense of space. Signature drinks include a selection of local ales, wines by the glass and cocktails.

The transformed Sheraton Heathrow will also offer the Link Café, which combines the Link@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft, a unique communications hub in the lobby which provides complimentary WiFi and PC workstations so guests can surf the internet while on the road, with a self-service food and beverage area.

The public area refurbishment at the Sheraton Heathrow is part of the Sheraton brand’s multi-year revitalisation effort which has seen Sheraton and our owners invest more than USD $6 billion in opening new hotels and renovating existing Sheraton properties across the globe.

Located within easy reach of all of the Heathrow Airport terminals, the Sheraton Heathrow features 426 guest rooms, a signature Sheraton Club Lounge, Sheraton Fitness programmed by Core Performance and a modern Conference Centre with 21 meeting rooms.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, which opened in the pristine and undisturbed Gaafu Alifu Atoll in April 2011, is delighted to achieve Silver EarthCheck Certification – making it one of the few resorts worldwide to gain such recognition.Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa was the first property in the Maldives to follow the EarthCheck Planning and Design Standards during construction, which resulted in the resort becoming bronze benchmarked in 2009 by EarthCheck – the world’s leading sustainable travel and tourism certification organisation. Following an extensive audit in 2011, the resort has now reached the programme’s coveted Silver certification.

As the Hyatt Group’s first sustainable tourism development, one of the primary objectives was to ensure that the resort was planned, designed and constructed in an environmentally sensitive manner. In addition, it also required that during operation, the resort should take great care to minimise its effect on the environment, enhance the Maldivian experience and to be as energy efficient as possible.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa was highly commended by EarthCheck for the resort’s strong environmental and social responsibility programme, in particular for having an established system for energy conservation, coral and endangered species protection, solid waste management, using natural materials, community initiatives, and the resort’s dedication to guiding and encouraging local agriculture. The audit also identified local employment at the resort exceeds the Government requirements – one of the few properties in the south of the Maldives, it has dramatically increased employment opportunities in this region of the country.

This achievement follows the recent launch of the Hadahaa Community Project, which enables employees to continue to contribute to their communities despite living away fromhome, demonstrating their commitment to Hyatt Thrive, the company’s global corporate responsibility platform.

Hilton Garden Inn has announced the opening of its latest UK hotel in Bristol’s Temple Quay development. The former Mint Hotel has been converted to Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Centre and is located in the heart of the city centre opposite Bristol’s business district, Temple Meads station and close to Cabot Circus shopping destination as well as the city’s historic harbourside. The transformation of the former Mint hotel is part of a wider Hilton Garden Inn portfolio expansion which also includes new openings in Glasgow and Birmingham. Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Centre features 167 spacious bedrooms with spectacular city views and excellent facilities for business and leisure guests. The hotel offers a fitness studio with full cardiovascular equipment and the award-winning City Café for both restaurant and alfresco dinning. Just 10 miles from Bristol Airport, the hotel has meeting space for up to 60 people with floor-to-ceiling windows, a unique Butler service button and an Apple iMac in each room as well as enhanced fresh air-conditioning that delivers 30% more oxygen.

Hilton Garden Inn Bristol Temple Quay General Manager, Craig Campbell, said, “The hotel is well-established in a superb city centre location and we are delighted to be part of the Hilton Garden Inn portfolio. With key improvements to facilities and services, we are significantly enhancing our offering and looking forward to welcoming business and leisure guests to the hotel.”

Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn, said, “We are delighted to expand the award-winning Hilton Garden Inn brand to Bristol and future locations across the UK and Europe. Business and leisure travellers alike will enjoy the amenities to help them stay successful while travelling.”