The historic Hotel Schweizerhof in Bern, Switzerland has officially re-opened following a two-year redesign and renovation programme by the UK-based interior design practice, MKV Design. Behind the heritage façade, all the guestroom floors and a large part of the ground floor public spaces are new and fit for the decades to come; however, their style and ambiance is very much within the spirit of the old hotel – noble, cosmopolitan and belonging to its location. The Lobby area was stripped out. This gave the designers an opportunity to re-imagine the spaces at the front of the hotel which overlook one of the busiest parts of Bern and create a welcoming, luxurious retreat from the moment of entering the building. The main entrance was relocated to leave the lounge intact and, within, zones of seating were defined – a pragmatic solution for quite a small lobby area where every inch had to be made to work, while also suiting to today’s more informal lifestyles. The seating along the front façade is now flanked by a double layer of sheers that by way of lighting allow guests inside to see out but which discretely filter views looking into the hotel. The low ceiling and cluster of columns behind the reception desk remained, so the designers absorbed this structure into a series of cosy alcoves with comfortable tub chairs and bookshelves giving the space a comfortable, residential scale.
All the new architectural elements in the Lobby are classical since they derive from the building envelope – the black and white marble floor, the classically coffered ceiling and the ornate metalwork – but these are confidently combined with a number of specially designed contemporary elements. There is the alabaster reception desk with its unconventional form and theatrical lighting above which a swirling digital art installation suggests a galactic explosion, an oblique homage to Albert Einstein who once lived in Bern. Throughout the hotel, traditional materials have been re-fashioned into something new. Echoing the sculptural shape of the reception desk, a striking modern bronze panel in the entrance lobby borrows on the traditional use of bronze in Jack’s brasserie.
Weisbrod-Zürrer launches new sound-absorbing curtains in Trevira CS
The qualities of the new collection Silent Space are genuinely new and should fill a gap in the market. Textile designer Annette Douglas and Swiss weavers Weisbrod-Zürrer AG set themselves the by no means simple task to develop curtain materials that are excellent at absorbing sound, but at the same time are light and translucent. They must in addition meet the high demands of interior designers. This is a combination that has been lacking until now in modern interior design. Since these fabrics are aimed in the first instance at the contract market, flame retardancy was a further important criteria, and for this reason the collection was created in Trevira CS.Annette Douglas has developed the collection in conjunction with the Swiss test institute Empa under the brand name “Annette Douglas Textiles Acoustics®“. Weisbrod-Zürrer AG is producing and selling it exclusively under the collection name Silent Space.
Textiles as important sound absorbers Noise is annoying. It interrupts communication, reduces productivity and tires people out – in extreme cases it can even make them ill. Sound-absorbing surfaces are therefore needed in rooms where people work, talk to each other or are trying to relax. These decrease reverberation (echo) and so make rooms quieter. However, so-called acoustically “hard” materials such as glass and concrete, which are commonly used in interior design, scarcely absorb sound at all. Heavy curtains made of material such as velvet are often used to absorb sound. On the other hand, lightweight and transparent curtains are acoustically almost useless. At least they were until now. Previously, the principle held that the more sound it was necessary to absorb, the heavier and thicker the fabric had to be. Now there are curtains with a drape weight that can absorb up to five times more noise than their conventional equivalents, and yet let daylight into the space.
Textile development on computer The first acoustically optimised lightweight textile resulted from the successful combination of computer modelling, acoustic measurement and textile expertise. Working with Empa, the project leader and textile designer Annette Douglas succeeded in converting the new findings into weaving techniques. On the basis of numerous acoustic measurements made on various samples specially woven by Weisbrod-Zürrer, they were able to gradually optimise the acoustic properties of the fabric. An the industry partner involved in the project, Weisbrod-Zürrer then adjusted the sophisticated manufacturing process so that the industrially-made curtains actually display the required acoustic characteristics.
Massive interest in contract sector Weisbrod-Zürrer aroused enormous interest following the market launch of the collection with the three qualities Streamer, Liquid and Whisper. Even the experts were enthusiastic, reports Empa. “Acousticians are pretty astonished when they see the readings we are achieving with the new curtains in the reverberation room. says Kurt Eggenschwiler, Head of Empa’s “Acoustics/Noise Control” Division. The new textiles can be used in a variety of places where there is a need for sound insulation, such as offices, living rooms, restaurants, hotel lobbies, seminar rooms and even multi-purpose auditoriums. They are often the deciding factor in satisfying the acoustic requirements and regulations that apply to these rooms. But one can well see their use in the private sector as well.
8Hotels has recently announced it has entered into a definitive long-term management agreement to operate a 96 room Pensione Hotel in Perth, WA. The property currently known as Aarons Hotel Perth will undergo a $3.5m refurbishment to all guest rooms and common areas and re – branded Pensione Hotel Perth.
Pensione Hotel Perth is superbly located in the heart of Perth’s CBD, a stones throw from Murray St Shopping centre, and a short walk to the Swan River.
8Hotels CEO Paul Fischmann commented “ We are thrilled to bring the Pensione brand and our boutique hotel management and marketing skills to Australia’s most exciting hotel market. We are also very proud to be awarded this opportunity over stiff competition from Australia’s largest and most established hotel operators. This is a testament to our people and their drive and passion to deliver results exceeding industry benchmarks”
Pensione Perth will fill a niche in the Perth market for a quality yet affordable boutique hotel experience, catering to both business and leisure travellers.
As well as specialising in exterior furniture solutions for commercial and urban environments, The Modern Garden Company is able to supply a wide range of accessories including large scale pots and planters. Domani pots have been used extensively worldwide and featured in many award winning Chelsea show gardens, most recently the Lava Pots in Thomas Hoblyn’s Cornish Memories showgarden for Homebase.
The Lava pot is an exquisite hand thrown clay planter, with a rough outer texture reminiscent of cooling volcanic lava flows. The interior can be left raw or glazed to create a unique water feature.
Having created a landmark of its JW Marriott brand at Juhu in Mumbai, the business capital of India, Marriott International Inc., a global lodging leader, today repeats this extraordinary achievement in the city of Chandigarh with the launch of its JW Marriott Chandigarh – the first JW Marriott hotel in North India and the second in the country. This luxury 5-star hotel is designed with an aesthetic reflective of the JW Marriott brand and the unique lifestyle of “The City Beautiful” and is conceptualized on the basis of the five elements of nature and is the epitome of magnificence. Designers Wilson Associates from Singapore and Karen Kim collaborated to create a masterpiece which is both contemporary and yet bears the signs of aesthetic North Indian architecture, giving it a wonderful cultural reference and significance and a true sense of place.
Speaking at the opening of the JW Marriott Chandigarh, Rajeev Menon, Marriott International’s Area Vice-President India, Australia, Malaysia and Maldives, said: “The opening of a JW Marriott Hotel in Chandigarh is a great milestone for us as Chandigarh is the best-planned city in India with architecture which is world renowned and a quality of life, which is unparalleled.
The JW Marriott Chandigarh offers an exciting array of fine dining options offering guests authentic cuisines from around the world. Saffron is a fine dining Indian restaurant, while The Café@JW will host a buffet featuring world cuisine, and Oregano will enchant guests with authentic Italian delicacies. Chandigarh Baking Co (Deli and Patisserie) is an adaptation of a classic pastry shop with an attractive array of food and beverages.
The lobby reinvented is an integration of the Lobby and Lobby Lounge known simply as The Lounge. It is divided into clearly defined zones where guests can work or relax. The hotel boasts a fine balance of wellness and indulgence with its offering of world-class fitness facilities – the renowned signature Quan Spa and JW Fitness Centre will be the destination for rejuvenation and relaxation.
Featuring the most spacious accommodation, the 165 guest rooms, 4 suites and 1 presidential are equipped with a host of luxurious features. The state-of-the-art banqueting facilities in the hotel offer a magnanimous 16,500 sq ft of indoor and outdoor space. The Grand Ballroom with a majestic ceiling height of more than 6 meters, stylish design and grandeur will be the venue for the royal and elegant weddings in Punjab.
Formule 1, the brand that revolutionized budget travel, has introduced its new “Cocoon” room concept into Australia, with F1 hotels in Canberra, Campbelltown and Wentworthville the first to showcase the new rooms. F1 Campbelltown was the very first Formule 1 in Australia, and its refurbishment is well timed as Accor celebrates its 20th anniversary this month.The Cocoon Room provides a more stylish, more restful room with soft colours, rounded edges and soothing lighting, as well as extra storage space. With wood-look floors, flat screen TVs with extra channels, internet connections and a strong focus on sustainability, the Cocoon Room won Best Interior Design at the European Hotels Design Awards and represents a real metamorphosis for the brand, which was first introduced in 1984.
The new rooms have strong environmental credentials, with water-efficient showers and toilets, recyclable materials used throughout and energy efficient lighting. “The Formule 1 brand really revolutionised budget travel by offering ensuite rooms that could comfortably sleep one, two or three people at an affordable price,” said Simon McGrath, Vice President Accor Australia. “The introduction of the Cocoon Room concept is another revolution for the brand and highlights how much the brand has upgraded to meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of today’s travellers.
“With these new rooms, we believe Formule 1 offers the best value for money sleep in the market.”
The Cocoon Rooms will be rolled out to all 20 Formule 1 hotels in Australia over the next few years.
Popular with families, sporting groups and couples on a budget, Formule 1 hotels cost less so you can spend more on the attractions, restaurants or events in your destination. They are typically located near airports or key transport hubs and increasingly in major cities, with more than 80 hotels across five continents including Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Japan and South Africa. In Europe, the Formule 1 brand concept comes under the ETAP brand which includes a network of 420 hotels.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that its iconic Sheraton brand has opened a new flagship hotel in Stamford, Connecticut. Owned by a joint venture between RockBridge Partners, an affiliate of RockBridge Capital, LLC, and affiliates of Davidson Hotels & Resorts, Sheraton Stamford Hotel underwent an extensive, multi-million dollar renovation in recent months, resulting in a full makeover to the lobby, restaurant and an upgrade to all guestrooms in order to meet the new Sheraton brand standards.
Sheraton Stamford Hotel’s 379 guestrooms all feature an oversized work desk, custom-designed ergonomic chair, high-speed Internet, 37 inch flat screen television, MP3 home docking station and the all-white Sheraton Sweet Sleeper(R) bed, designed to meet AAA’s Five Diamond Award(R) criteria.
Ideal for meetings and social functions of all sizes, Sheraton Stamford Hotel offers 13,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting facilities equipped with the latest in meetings technology. Guests will enjoy casual American fare at 700 On Main, the hotel’s full service restaurant and lounge. Additional facilities include an indoor pool and fully equipped gym featuring the brand’s revolutionary new health and fitness program, Sheraton Fitness, Programmed by Core Performance, designed exclusively for Sheraton guests through its partner Core Performance.
Sheraton Stamford Hotel boasts a prime downtown location at 700 Main Street, just a few blocks from Stamford’s revitalized Harbor Point area where Starwood Hotels will open its new global headquarters in early 2012. The hotel is walking distance from the shops and restaurants in the recently opened Plaza at Stamford Town Center, the University of Connecticut Stamford campus and the headquarters of numerous major corporations and fortune 500 businesses.
Following the exciting news that emap’s IP policy is now going to be ramped up after meetings with ACID’s Dids Macdonald on behalf of the Spring & Autumn Fair IP Steering Group, a new layer of Intellectual property (IP) focus is being included in a confirmation letter to all exhibitors when they sign up to either exhibition, that they have responsibility to adhere to ALL emap’s Terms and Conditions. The letter, as well as outlining what evidence will be required to prove IP ownership, will be reminding exhibitors to confirm:
• They own the intellectual property rights or have the right to market and sell the products on their stand • They do not infringe the intellectual property rights of a third party • Their products will not be inaccurate, obscene, defamatory or disreputable • ‘The Exhibition Organiser’ reserves the right to remove products from stands if it believes they are infringing those of a third party
We hope other exhibition organisers will follow the ACID IP Steering Group recommendations to ensure a safer trading environment for exhibitors and to create a stronger message, to those who do not adhere to stringent standards of IP probity, that they will run the risk of their products being removed.
Mike McLintock of 95Percent Ltd who was a prime contributor in one of the emap/ACID meetings said, “Most media has full IP protection so it is outrageous the same is not true of the design industry. Our frustration at being unable to remove a clear copy at the last Spring Fair convinced us to challenge emap to join us in ensuring those that insist on copying pay a high penalty.”
IP Steering Group member, Angus Gardner, on behalf of Caroline Gardner Publishing Ltd. said, “It is a great first step that emap has taken this decision to highlight to companies that they have these obligations with regard to IP integrity. It would be good to get a similar commitment from them that all the visitors to their shows have similar intent.”
ACID’s CEO Dids Macdonald added, “The exhibition industry is worth big bucks. In the UK it is worth £9.3 billion which is no great surprise because exhibitions and trade fairs are still the most important venues and launch pads for marketing and testing new products and ranges. If exhibition organisers like emap are encouraging innovation as a key market differentiator, there is an onus to communicate a zero tolerance of IP theft to both exhibitors and visitors. Following meetings held over the past 18 months and the submission of draft documents, I am delighted that emap are tangibly supporting the creative industries with a new, revised IP focus. Having worked positively with Spring & Autumn Fairs over the last decade, providing support with the ACID Exhibition Protocol for complaint handling, this is a real USP for all existing and potential exhibitors to their exhibitions.”
Leading UK shower manufacturer Roman limited, have added a new ‘L’ shaped panel kit to their range, for use with wetroom panels.The ‘L’ Panel can be bought as an add-on to an existing panel for where spray is going outside and beyond the wetroom panel. The kit is compatible for use with Roman’s Embrace and Collage range of wetroom panels, so there is something to suit every space and budget. The kit can be used for both panel to tray and straight to floor installation.
The ‘L’ shaped panel is designed so you can create your own walk-in enclosure space without the need to purchase a separate bespoke shower tray. The adjustable foot is compatible for use with a variety of tray styles including low and high level trays. The panel foot can simply be ‘adjusted’ at point of installation to the correct size to suit your tray.
The 200mm wide ‘L’ shaped panel guides water back into the showering area for greater water integrity to help keep the area around your shower drier. It features frameless 8mm thick toughened safety glass, a discrete fully capped-off aluminium section and a chromed brass foot.
The ‘L’ shaped panels can be purchased as a complete product or as a retro-fit kit for an existing installation.
Like all Roman enclosures and bath screens, the Panel Kit is service backed by Roman’s Truelife, Lifetime Guarantee for complete peace of mind.
David Osborne, Roman’s Managing Director, commented: “The popularity of Roman’s wetroom products is continually growing as we see the trend towards spa-like bathrooms become more prevalent. However there is still a wariness associated with tray-less showering, so the installation of the wetroom panel to a tray has become the popular choice. That is one of the key reasons our Design Team have created the ‘L’ shaped panel kit – it is compatible for us with many different tray styles and also offers better water integrity than a traditional wetroom panel.”
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has recently announced the opening of the Holiday Inn Express Fort Lauderdale Airport-West after extensive remodelling to transition the hotel from a Comfort Suites. The hotel is conveniently located in Davie, an area known for its universities and nearby beaches. With 77 upgraded suites featuring flat screen televisions, a newly built pool and 500 square feet of meeting space, the Holiday Inn Express Fort Lauderdale Airport-West is a valuable addition to the area’s hospitality offerings. The hotel is bringing an expected 25 jobs to the area, ranging from front desk to maintenance.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. Business travelers will find large desks with ergonomic chairs, free local and toll free phones with private voicemail and complimentary USA TODAY® newspapers. Recently upgraded Internet provides high-speed wireless access throughout the guest suites and lobby areas.
With easy access to all major highways, including I-595, I-95, I-75 and the Florida Turnpike, the Holiday Inn Express Fort Lauderdale Airport-West offers guests a comfortable, yet affordable, business or leisure stay with innovative preferred guest upgrades to ensure a pleasurable experience.
The Holiday Inn Express Fort Lauderdale Airport-West is owned and managed by Luckey’s Management, Inc. under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group and is located at 2540 Davie Road, Davie, FL 33317.
For almost six years, the re-opening of Hyatt Regency New Orleans has been eagerly anticipated by locals and visitors alike. The hotel proudly announces it is now accepting reservations to welcome its first guests on 19th October, 2011 following a $275 million redesign and revitalization. Upon completion, the hotel will boast 1,193 all-new, strikingly sophisticated guest rooms, 200,000 square feet of state-of-the-art, flexible event space, expansive food and beverage offerings, and unprecedented service.As one of the most significant hospitality developments in New Orleans in over a decade, the newly restored Hyatt Regency New Orleans will re-open as the city’s premier meeting and convention hotel. Having doubled its meeting and exhibition space, the 32-storey hotel will offer the most meeting space of any hotel in the city, as well as the unique ability to self-contain group events of all sizes. This includes two 25,000-square-foot ballrooms, 64 versatile meeting and banquet rooms, 21 executive level meeting rooms, seven permanent boardrooms, and more than 80,000 square feet of exhibition space, highlighted by a new 50,000-square-foot exhibit hall.
With dramatic design that complements the uniqueness of New Orleans, award-winning interior designers Looney & Associates in collaboration with the creative architectural design team at HC Architecture conceived the extraordinary redesign of the city’s iconic hotel. Looney & Associates revitalized all interiors, including the lobby, restaurants and meeting spaces, as well as 1,193 guest rooms, including 95 suites, five meeting planner suites and four presidential suites. HC Architecture conceptualized the transformation of the exterior structure paying special attention to the new entrance on Loyola Avenue and enhancing guests’ overall sense of arrival. The landmark hotel’s new, innovative design makes it the ideal urban destination for business and leisure travellers.
The impressive food and beverage offerings will include a 360-seat, full-service restaurant with private and semi-private dining rooms; 210-seat media/action bar with private and semi-private lounges; 70-seat atrium bar; 60-seat Starbucks; 24-hour fresh market; and 300-seat specialty restaurant by a nationally recognized chef, which will be announced soon.
Hyatt Regency New Orleans is owned by Poydras Properties Hotel Holdings, a hospitality venture that includes AREA Property Partners, Poydras Hotel Members LLC, and a subsidiary of Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
Villeroy & Boch is remodelling its project business with a completely new concept and an abundance of customized offers. To launch this concept Villeroy & Boch are proud to announce the opening of their first 360° Projects showroom in London. Cleverly segmented into four stages based on clearly defined pricing levels, each is colour coded to ensure easy navigation through the wide selection of products and innovations available.
360° Projects has been aligned specifically to professional practice and the needs of planners, architects, property developers and investors – and is now opening up new prospects for them in global business.
No matter whether a hotel, private residential construction or public building project: the criteria in the professional project business are different from those in the private end-consumer business. Villeroy & Boch has thus completely remodelled its range of products and services for architects and planners. The integrated concept 360° Projects is geared directly to the requirements, wishes and needs of these professionals. This starts from first communication through to the full portfolio and all stages of service during ongoing projects.
Andreas Pfeiffer, Head of the Bathroom & Wellness Division at Villeroy & Boch, ex-plains: “With 360° Projects planners and architects have a tool that offers them true added value. We will not only be able to communicate in a much improved way with our project customers, but also offer a convincing and coherent product portfolio while providing our expertise and up-to-date services in an optimum way. In this respect we are taking a decisive step forward as regards competitiveness.”
New product diversity, optimally structured
Illustrated by the 360° Projects building, services are considerably improved with the new concept and brought up to date in technological terms. The new range of offers includes a hotline manned by experts for professional target groups with optimized availability times. A QR code on the product labels enables access to technical draw-ings and other relevant product information via smartphone. In addition, the Villeroy & Boch website for professionals is being optimized for smartphones, so that a manual mobile product search at m.villeroy-boch.com is possible. With a 10-year buy-back guarantee for the core products specifiers can rest assured that Villeroy & Boch are 100% committed and confident of the collections and concept.
Andreas Pfeiffer is convinced: “The concept will be inspiring and convincing. Planners and architects will not be the only ones to benefit from 360° Projects. Hotel investors and developers, facility managers and wholesalers will also appreciate the new struc-tures. 360° Projects allows our customers to manage projects of any size in a highly professional manner, with a wide range of products and the best possible service and support: in Germany, Europe and the world – from a football stadium to a luxury ho-tel.”
360° Projects at a glance
360° Orange: the new and surprisingly different entry-level segment – with the customary V&B quality, modern design and numerous solution-oriented features. To mark the launch of the concept, the new ceramic and bath tub collection O.novo are being launched along with the accompanying furniture and shower-separator range, Frame to Frame, as well as a decorative highlight: O.novo Style, which allows customisation of individual pieces.
360° Blue: the segment for lasting and practical system solutions. In addition to successful and time-tested collections such as Omnia architectura there are product innovations such as the splash-reducing urinal, the extremely water-efficient Omnia Green Gain, Aquareduct, SmartFix and more.
360° Silver: if the diversity of a great brand is what counts, this segment pro-vides the solutions – with timeless design products like Subway and many other system collections for the top-quality bathroom.
360° Violet: pure luxury thanks to exclusive and first-class design collections such as Memento, Aveo or La Belle. 360° Violet comprises of prestige products from Villeroy & Boch for use in premium projects – collections that make for top quality and aesthetic variety thanks to the various styles ranging from purism to romantic.
Additional highlights include the new offering of branding, available on every product.
Cody from Ca’ Belli Luce, is a selection of wall lights that have been shaped and thinned by hand to create stunning stone wing effects. The stone closely follows the shape and form of the blown diffused glass hidden behind it creating a fluid yet strong image. Lecce stone from Salento, in the south east of Italy is a limestone, characterised by the presence of fossils (mostly plankton) from the Cretaceous-Tertiary era that began many millions of years ago.
The beauty of this malleable sun gold stone is that it can withstand the passing of centuries and is used extensively in sculptural art throughout the region.
Stone is the world of materials par excellence. Every architect or designer that appreciates the tactile and chromatic aspects of stone is passionate about Materials, and when using natural stone it makes us at Ca’belli think about territory, its evolution, its future, the fragility of its equilibrium, but for the population of that territory stone can becomes an identification, a reference for the area, such as is found with Bath and Bath stone.
The path traced by the many hands working stone, from its extraction to the final use, fulfils a gap in our society; an antique wisdom that is kept alive through the use of almost forgotten workmanship.
Stone Architecture enables us to recuperate a physical relationship with nature’s products, with their transformation and with the use that man makes of it. Mere utopia, maybe, but the aim underlying our Stone Architecture is to allow Mother Earth’s inhabitants to develop a renewed awareness of sustainable growth. Other learning experiences and opportunities arise naturally all along this stone route.
Our future is based on materials, innovation and design. This formula sums up Ca’ Belli’s work. Our team is made up of craftsmen, designers and experts in a creative workshop that is our essence and the core of Made in Italy.
If you would like to receive your own copy of the Ca’belli Luce 2011 catalogue then please send your request to info@fw-lighting.com
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), has recently announced the opening of the much anticipated InterContinental Nordelta Tigre – Buenos Aires Hotel, Residences & Spa, IHG’s ninth overall property in Argentina. The hotel is owned by Complejo Bahia, S.A. and will be managed under a long-term agreement by IHG’s Americas division. The InterContinental Nordelta Tigre – Buenos Aires is comprised of 149 guestrooms including 20 suites. The hotel is located on the Bahia Grande in Tigre and within Nordelta, in the northern part of Buenos Aires, approximately 20 miles (33 km) from the city center.
The InterContinental Nordelta Tigre – Buenos Aires includes a spa, fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, six meeting rooms with a capacity of up to 600 people, two restaurants and a bar.
Guests at the hotel will also enjoy a convenient location on the Lago Central which offers a marina, boat slips and a direct entranceway to the Rio Lujan, which provides access to a wide range of water sports and recreational activities.
The InterContinental Nordelta Tigre – Buenos Aires Hotel, Residences and Spa joins the InterContinental Buenos Aires, which is situated in the city’s financial district, and the 180-guest room InterContinental Mendoza, which opened at the end of last year.
Marriott International brought its signature Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand to India’s state of Rajasthan with the opening of the 365-room Jaipur Marriott Hotel. With seven separate food and beverage outlets and 43,000 square feet of meeting space, the contemporary, stylish Jaipur Marriott is now the state’s largest hotel in terms of rooms and event space and is well on its way to becoming a culinary landmark.
Popularly known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Founded in 1727, Jaipur is one of the finest planned cities of India and, with a population of more than 3.9 million, is a growing hub for business and leisure tourism.
The Jaipur Marriott combines a sense of place with the latest style and design of Marriott Hotels & Resorts. The plush, earthy tones and the light, airy interiors decorated with Rajasthani murals, latticework carvings and iconic stone carved elephants create an inimitable aura. The leather and wood combination on the ceilings and water cascading on glass throughout the hotel makes it a welcoming universe.
The heart and social hub of the hotel is the lobby which incorporates two of the hotel’s seven food and beverage outlets. The Jaipur Baking Company adapts the classic pastry shop, with an interactive open baking area serving freshly baked pastries and cakes, alongside wonderful pastas, salads and sandwiches. Lounge 18 is divided into clearly defined zones such as social, business and individual where guests enjoy the lounge depending on whether they are working, socializing or just relaxing with a drink.
For all-day dining, Okra features international cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting. Aqua, the pool bar and deli will provide a wonderful escape from the city and the Rajasthan summer.
The Jaipur Marriott is equipped to host meetings, wedding parties and conventions on a scale previously not seen in Rajasthan, with two ballrooms; nine break away venues; four meeting rooms; a lawn for outdoor functions; and a 43,000-square-foot meeting room for grand functions.
Coming soon will be Saffron, a fine dining Indian restaurant combining the rich tapestry of the sub-continent’s culinary influences from Maharajas’ palaces to quintessential Indian street food; Alto Vino, a modern and stylish Italian restaurant; and a multi-level nightclub with a stylish, sophisticated and contemporary atmosphere. The Quan Spa, will offer 10,000 square feet of space for complete rejuvenation and fitness, with a an adult and kids’ pool.
Even before the hotel opened, it was showcasing its unique food and beverage services in the exemplary Marriott manner at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium during the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament for VVIPs, VIPs and of course for the members of Rajasthan Royals, as the official hospitality partner for the home team.
One of Yorkshire’s finest luxury hotels now bears bespoke creations from Axminster Carpets Commercial.
Created especially for Rudding Park, a country hotel, spa and golf course that is situated in parkland on the outskirts of Harrogate, fine bespoke carpet now treats guests to sumptuous underfoot comfort in bedrooms and a quieter more pleasant atmosphere throughout the corridors of the 91 bedroom award-winning venue.Nigh on 1,800m2 of 4.57m wide eight-pitch six-row Axminster woven carpet is now fitted throughout guestrooms, matched to over 400m2 of durable Super 8 carpet throughout corridors which uses the same bespoke colour palette.
“We based the bespoke pattern for Rudding Park on traditional elements and played with their scale and colour to give a more contemporary look,” explains Interior Designer, Claire Horsley “the ultimate aim was to create a carpet that blended older parts of the house with new build elements.”
The carpet within the corridor uses a traditional damask pattern scaled to oversize proportions and with a modern colour palette, while the bedrooms feature a contrasting geometric grid laid over a tonal stripe that creates the look of a jute weave. Axminster Carpets were one of the few manufacturers to be able to weave the bedroom carpets in a 4.57m width for seamless installation.
“We had worked with Axminster before and had no hesitation in using them once againfor Rudding Park,” continues Claire, “The design team worked hard to meet our exacting brief and the carpets have met with approval from both the client and residents at the hotel, with some even asking where they could buy the carpet.”
The carpets made for Rudding Park used a high performance blend of 80% wool and 20% nylon and were manufactured in Axminster, Devon from yarn spun at Axminster Carpets Spinning Division, one of the last remaining manufacturer-owned spinning facilities in the UK. This enables Axminster Carpets to control every stage of the carpet supply process and provide a quality of carpet befitting of such venues as the prestigious hotel, spa and golf club.
The Rezidor Hotel Group announces two new key properties in the United Arab Emirates: The Radisson Royal Hotel, Dubai featuring 471 rooms and the Radisson Blu Resort, Fujairah Dibba with 257 rooms – both managed by JAL in the past – will be operated under the group’s successful core brand with immediate effect. The hotels are owned by ACICO Industries and its subsidiary, a Kuwait based publically listed company. “The Radisson Royal Hotel, Dubai will be one of our flagships in the Middle East. It enjoys a prime location with outstanding visibility, an award-winning design, and world class service standards. We are proud and thankful to be the operator of such a high-quality asset”, said Rezidor’s President & CEO Kurt Ritter during his personal visit to Dubai today. “The Radisson Blu Resort, Fujairah Dibba further strengthens our growing portfolio of young and stylish resorts across Europe, Middle East and Africa, and opens new leisure markets to us”, continued Ritter.
“We are delighted to have chosen Rezidor to manage our hotels. We believe that this relationship is an optimal one for both organizations given Radisson Blu’s experience and presence in the Middle East and Europe. This experience will undoubtedly contribute to the success of our properties”, said Nabil Al Khaled, COO at ACICO Industries.
The Radisson Royal Hotel, Dubai, is located on the prominent Sheikh Zayed Road which stretches from one end of the city to the other and is home to most of Dubai’s famous skyscrapers. Besides 375 rooms with a size of 41 square meters minimum, the property comprises 96 suites between 61 and 273 square meters. All rooms and suites offer breathtaking views over Sheikh Zayed Road or the Jumeirah beach side. The sleek, cosmopolitan and elegant interior has been designed by Draw Link Group (Dubai) and was awarded by the International Interior Design Association (Decade of Design Competition 2011, Honorable Mention in category “hotels”). The Radisson Royal Hotel, Dubai offers an all-day-dining restaurant and 3 specialty restaurants, a lobby lounge and pool bar, and a night club. A peaceful Zen Spa, fitness centre, and exclusive rooftop pool complement the excellent leisure services. For meetings and events, the hotel features 8 meeting rooms and a ballroom for up to 300 guests.
The Radisson Blu Resort, Fujairah Dibba is situated between the Hajjar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman – guests enjoy a 500 metre sandy beach, the longest in the Emirate. The 257 rooms range from standard rooms to suites and will all be equipped with Radisson signature services such as free high speed internet access. Services of the resort comprise 5 restaurants, 2 bars, a lobby lounge and a beach lounge. The beautiful spa area includes 4 terrace pools and a fitness centre, and the hotel has a dive centre and a dedicated pool and playground area for children. Business travellers find a multi-purpose hall and indoor conference space at the hotel as well as outdoor venues for up to 1,000 attendees.
IHG has announced the opening of the Candlewood Suites Avondale-New Orleans. The hotel is the first mid-scale extended stay in the Westbank area of New Orleans; the second Candlewood Suites in the New Orleans area, and the seventh in Louisiana. The new 83-room, three story Candlewood Suites Avondale-New Orleans features just-like-home amenities, including a business center, pet-walking trail and a gazebo with a barbecue grill. The new hotel is located near several area businesses including Northrup Grumman, Union Pacific, BNSF, Monsato Chemical Supply and the Waterford 3 Nuclear Plant. It is also a short ride from the Belle Chase Naval Base. Guests can take advantage of nearby attractions such as the TPC Golf Course – home to the Zurich Classic – local swamp tours, Bayou Segnette State Park and Boomtown Casino.
IHG currently has 10 hotels in the pipeline (6 new builds/4 conversions) and 16 existing hotels with more than 3,400 rooms in the New Orleans area. Industry-wide, New Orleans is a strong market with 3.8 percent RevPAR increase – YTD Feb. 2011. Out of the U.S.’s top 25 markets, New Orleans ranks 9th in terms of RevPAR performance. Occupancy in the market has increased by approximately 0.5 points, while rate has increased 2.9 percent.
The Float collection from Italian manufacturer Paola Lenti is a vibrant and fun solution for exterior seating that is ideal for lounging by the pool on a hot summer’s day. The woven Rope fabric in cool blues, spicy pinks or sophisticated greys is resistant to water, UV light and suntan lotion. The bead filling allows the seat to mould to your body for the ultimate in comfort whilst allowing water to freely drain away.
Ellenborough Park is a Grade ll listed building set in a magnificent position in the Cotswolds, overlooking the famous Cheltenham Racecourse, and Contra Curtains Ltd is delighted to announce its involvement on such a prestigious project.Working with internationally acclaimed designer Nina Campbell, Contra provided all soft furnishing items to the hotels 62 luxury bedrooms, including 4 suites. All bedrooms offer the utmost in comfort and luxury; some rooms have private patios with pool views, others fabulous roll top baths, or four poster beds.
Contra Curtains Managing Director, Keith Wicks worked closely with Nina and her team to achieve the clients’ high standards.
Keith Wicks says, “The variety of window treatments and finishes specified at Ellenborough Park were numerous and therefore required a high level of attention to detail. Through constant liaison with the project team I believe we delivered our client’s vision on time and within budget”.
Mark Fuller, Andy Taylor and Concept Venues are proud to announce the launch of Embassy Dubai situated within the new Grosvenor House Hotel. The exciting new venture is scheduled to open in September 2011 with a grand launch event in November 2011.Embassy Dubai will be spread across the top floors of Tower Two, Grosvenor House’s second tower of imperial accommodation and ensures stunning 360° panoramic views over Dubai Marina and the Arabian Gulf.
The new venue reflects the glamour of Embassy London and features a restaurant serving a superb Modern European menu. Key features include a 100% under lit LED dance floor and private rooms on all floors.
Five-star deluxe hotel, Grosvenor House, is situated in the centre of the exclusive West Marina section of Dubai and exhumes all things luxury with 422 rooms, suites and apartments, 12 signature restaurants and bars and a floor dedicated to spa and beauty facilities.
This year is an exciting time for Concept Venues as Mark Fuller and his team also celebrate the launch of Embassy Beach in Portugal in June 2011. It has also been announced that Embassy London is to undergo a huge refurbishment and will be returning to its original stance as a lavish members and supper club later in the year.
Mark Fuller said: “We are thrilled to announce not one, but two, international Embassy Club launches this year. Both projects have been in discussion for some time, so it is great to see the vision now come to life. Both Dubai and Portugal offer some of the best night life experiences. The extraordinary levels of service, quality and attention to detail that the Embassy name epitomises will now be brought to these destinations and will undoubtedly give a truly outstanding gastronomic experience.”
This finishes off a hugely successful year which saw the launch of Sanctum on the Green with Michelin star chef John Burton Race, plus plans to expand the Sanctum Hotel group with premises sought in New York, Miami and Barbados.
In addition, this summer sees the arrival of Sanctum Outside providing catering and backstage hospitality at high profile music events such as Hard Rock Calling, Sonsiphere, Download and many more. The Concept group will also see the launch of their external events division, Styled by Sanctum, which will bring the elegance and splendour of the Sanctum brand to external private and corporate parties, dinners and events.
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has recently announced the opening of the Holiday Inn Express San Diego Airport – Old Town after a $2 million conversion. Conveniently located just minutes from San Diego International Airport, the three-floor hotel has 123 guest rooms featuring seven suites with Jacuzzi tubs and sitting areas. The hotel is hiring 35 employees, ranging from front desk to room service and maintenance. Located just off of Interstate 5, downtown San Diego and the Convention Center are just a short distance from the hotel, making it an ideal location for business travelers. Northrop Gruman and Lockheed Martin are also located nearby. The hotel is within walking distance of Old Town, where guests can eat at local restaurants, attend an improv show at the National Comedy Theatre, enjoy yoga at a local bikram studio, or relax at Mission Hills Park. The beach, San Diego Zoo and Sea World are also a short drive from the hotel.
Guest rooms have been completely refreshed and are furnished with 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. Business travelers will find large desks with ergonomic chairs, free high-speed internet access and free local phone and toll free (U.S. and Canada only), phones with private voicemail and complimentary USA TODAY® newspapers.
The Holiday Inn Express San Diego Airport – Old Town is owned and managed by Best Rest Management under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group and is located at 1955 San Diego Avenue, San Diego, CA 92110.
The new Danilo, Erin and Echo make a stylish complement to Numirra Lighting’s ‘Edition One – Summer 2011’ lighting collection for hotel bedrooms and public areas.
Click the images to visit the products on Numirra’s website
Bespoke Production – from small to large quantities, all 3 lights can be fully customised to reflect project specific requirements.
For more information, please contact Numirra Lighting via their page in the Directory or directly on telephone number 0044 (0) 1264 336110 and email address sales@numirra.co.uk.
Numirra are specialists in decorative lighting for the world’s hospitality industry. We have a reputation for quality materials combined with attention to detail. Our beautiful products, designed around ‘functionality’, are part of a process by which great interiors are brought to life.
Glasgow based BDL Management has recently (May 20 2011) announced the signing of a management contract for 9 Ramada hotels – bringing its hotel portfolio of owned and managed hotels to 46 (up to nearly 5000 rooms) and a combined workforce of over 2500 across the UK.The hotels – all Ramada branded – will be managed by BDL Management who specialise in developing and operating hotels across the UK – in both the branded and independent sectors.
The 9 hotels are Ramada Farnham, Ramada Solihull, Ramada Hemel Hempstead, Ramada Guildford, Ramada London Hyde Park, Ramada London Ealing, Ramada London Gatwick, Ramada Hatfield and Ramada Sutton Coldfield.
BDL has been awarded the management contracts following the expiry of the landlords lease agreement with Ramada Jarvis.
The hotels will continue to trade under the Ramada brand name and all staff will be retained.
BDL works with some of the world’s largest hotel companies, including InterContinental Hotels Group, Wyndham Hotels Group and Best Western. Currently BDL operate hotels across all service tiers – from the Upscale Crowne Plaza, to midmarket Ramada Encore, Holiday Inn and the limited service Holiday Inn Express as well as independent hotels including The Point Edinburgh, Five Lakes Hotel, Golf Country Club & Spa and Princes Street Suites (serviced apartments) in Edinburgh.
Louis Woodcock, CEO of BDL Management said: “We are very pleased to announce the signing of the management contracts for these 9 hotels, bringing our portfolio to 46 and increasing our workforce to over 2500 personnel. The hotels are a strong addition to our portfolio and current brand mix and we look forward to bringing our extensive expertise and skills to the ongoing operation of these hotels”.
Marriott International recently announced the launch of a new global sales strategy to significantly improve the delivery of its sales and account management services in Russia. This new sales structure and focus on Russia reflects Marriott’s commitment to this growing customer base and the importance of the country as a key global source market.Marriott International is well on its way of meeting its goal of doubling its presence in Europe from 40,000 rooms to 80,000 rooms from 2010 to 2015. The company sees expansion in Russia as a key driver in continuing to facilitate that growth. With 12 properties in Russia including the recently opened Courtyard Kazan, Marriott has three additional hotels currently under development in Russia including the Courtyard Irkutsk City Center and the Courtyard Moscow Pavelestskya, both scheduled to open later this year. In addition, the Krasnodar Marriott Hotel is set to open in 2012.
As Marriott continues to expand its presence and focus on Russia as a key source market it is introducing a new sales structure and enlarging its Global Sales Organization (GSO). With a more robust GSO in Russia, the company is able to serve more accounts across the Marriott portfolio of brands and capture more business from key buyers who have significant local and international lodging requirements.
Neal Jones, vice president of Marriott’s Global Sales Europe said “Our new approach to global sales in Russia reaffirms our commitment to this important market and will serve to further strengthen our position as Russia’s preferred lodging supplier with true global reach. We see significant growth in both regional and outbound travel from Russia, and are now prepared to better serve our customers.”
The Rezidor Hotel Group announces two new Park Inn by Radisson hotels in Africa: The Park Inn Polokwane in the South African province Limpopo will feature 160 rooms and is scheduled to open in Q1 2013. The Park Inn Nairobi Westlands in Kenya will add 126 rooms to Rezidor’s pipeline and welcome the first guests in Q4 2013. The Park Inn Polokwane is Rezidor’s third Park Inn by Radisson hotel in South Africa; following Sandton and Cape Town. Polokwane (“place of peace”) is located in Limpopo, the country’s northernmost province, and is a major economic centre. Its proximity to the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland, as well as a convenient distance from Kruger National Park make it the ideal regional gateway to South Africa.
The brand new property will be located along the existing Polokwane Golf Course and across the road from the new Peter Mokaba Sports Stadium. The International Airport will be 7 km away. Besides 160 modern and comfortable guest rooms, the hotel will offer a signature RBG grill restaurant, 580 square meters of meeting facilities, a gym, an outdoor swimming pool, and ample parking.
The Park Inn Nairobi Westlands is Rezidor’s first Park Inn by Radisson on Kenya and also the first in East Africa. It will be located in Woodvale Grove in the popular commercial and economic Westlands area of Nairobi, 5 km northwest of the city centre. The local head quarters of the United Nations and several international businesses are nearby. Nairobi itself is Kenya’s capital – a thriving modern city with 3 million inhabitants and the commercial centre of East Africa. Nairobi is also nicknamed the “Safari Capital City of the World”.
The new hotel will offer 126 rooms, an RBG grill restaurant, a bar & lobby lounge, 2 meeting- and 2 board rooms, a business centre, a gym, and a rooftop swimming pool and terrace.
This summer, Thanos Hotels has unveiled two new one of a kind suites complete with unrivalled private pools, breathtaking views and expansive terraces.At Anassa, enjoy the new Aether Suite. Designed by Parisien designer Joelle Pleot, this deluxe 3 bedroom villa includes a spacious living room, fully equipped kitchen, dining room, and study. Panoramic views Chrysochou Bay can be enjoyed whilst you soak up the sun in the suite’s private infinity-edge pool.
Situated within the tropical gardens of the Annabelle is the new deluxe Greek-style one-bedroom Garden Suite. Consisting of an open-plan bedroom and living room plus a private terrace with a heated whirlpool and outdoor rain shower, this suite offers uninterrupted sea views across to Paphos harbour and castle.
All suite guests at Annabelle can enjoy additional privileges and can benefit from all facilities at the adjacent Almyra hotel, including the award-winning Almyra Spa, and a range of diverse restaurants.
DoubleTree by Hilton Lincoln Hotel, due to open in November 2011, has made the first appointments to its senior management team. Philip Walker, who has over 10 years’ senior management experience in the hotel and leisure industry, is the hotel’s General Manager and Niki Shepheard has been appointed to the role of Sales and Marketing Manager.
Philip (40) has previously worked for some of the biggest hotel companies in the world including Intercontinental Hotels Group and Guoman Hotel Management while Niki has previously worked in the travel, events and conference sectors both in the UK and abroad.
Prior to his appointment at DoubleTree by Hilton Lincoln Philip has worked as a General Manager at several hotels across the UK and a Hotel Operations Manager for the Crowne Plaza.
“I worked in my last job for six years during which time I helped to transform the hotel into an award-winning business. I felt as though my work there was done and I needed a new challenge,” Philip explained.
“Lincoln is a bit of a hidden gem so we need to raise the profile of the city as well as the hotel. DoubleTree by Hilton is a fantastic brand and our aim is to deliver the exceptionally high standard of customer service, which Hilton is famous for, and have some fun at the same time. We’re here to do a job but we want to enjoy ourselves doing it and it’s about recruiting people with the right personality as well as the right skills.”
Niki, who has previously worked as a Media Executive at Lincolnshire Tourism and International Sales Manager for Conference and Travel Publications in East Sussex, said she’s excited to be working for one of the world’s best-loved hotel brands.
“Hilton Worldwide has a growing portfolio of DoubleTree by Hilton hotels but this is the first purpose-built property in the UK which gives it a tremendous amount of kudos,” she said.
“I am absolutely thrilled to have been given the opportunity to be part of this exciting project! Lincoln has long needed a hotel like the DoubleTree by Hilton which promises to offer both visitors and residents a contemporary, chic yet welcoming place to sleep, meet, work, eat and play.”
Richard Farrar, one of the directors of Brayford Hotels, the company behind the new development on Lincoln’s Brayford Wharf North, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Philip and Niki to the team. Getting a GM and a Sales and Marketing Manager in place was crucial as, although the hotel won’t be welcoming guests for another six months, when it does open we want to hit the ground running.
“Our aim is to create a contemporary and aspirational hotel which will boost the city’s offering to tourists and provide a world-class hotel facility for both residents and businesses to enjoy.
“There’s a lot of work to do before November, however, both back and front of house, but with our key staff now in place we’ll be able to make real progress towards achieving that aim.”
The latest addition to the ever popular Subway collection offers innovative technology, smart design and sleek cabinetry finishes. The new range now not only includes over twenty different types of basins but a shower, bath, and a wall-mounted toilet. The redesigned Subway basins are the real hero products of the range, presenting iconic curved or angular choices that are unique to Villeroy & Boch.The collection has been designed with family in mind, boasting compact and efficient storage and versatile cabinetry options. The mix and match furniture is available in several colour ways, including a petrol blue, high gloss white and industrial grey; offering design flexibility and a multitude of interior options that will integrate perfectly into any design scheme. The Subway collection is one of Villeroy & Boch’s most popular ranges due to its versatility. Perfect for urban singletons who require less storage and large families alike who can add additional pieces as the family demands grow.
The sanitaryware is available in Ceramicplus; the revolutionary surface finish, which makes cleaning easy by taking only 10% of the time of standard ceramic sanitaryware, due to its dirt resistant surfacing – a winner with every mum. The compact wall hung toilet also offers new technology, with concealed fastenings, reduced flushing volume system and soft close design.
Subway 2.0’s smart design and technological advances work perfectly in any space, whether it’s a tiny cloakroom or a spacious family bathroom.
Block is a range of indoor and outdoor lighting with IP55 water ingress protection. In this line of products the “Lecce stone” obtained from Ashlar block is structural, thus the material acquires great impact and presence. Six versions are available including metal halide to address a wide range of illumination requirements. The union of materials offered by Nature and common to all mankind makes each and every object born of Ca’ Belli unique. Thus the creation of Nature combined with the creativity of our designers reach out to all our senses, and the primeval and cultural roots that are part of our DNA.
Made in Italy! Ca’ Belli has always used natural materials from various regions of Italy, processed by craftsmen who have passed down the trade from generation to generation, likewise, glass processing that has not changed over time and the blowpipe technique is still used by us today.
Ca’ Belli has also gained a unique understanding of stone based on design, materials and abilities, enabling us to start from an innovative concept and obtain objects that can be introduced in projects of varying dimensions. Our standard selection will meet most needs but there are projects that have characteristics that are so unique that they need specially designed luminaries. These “specials” often come from ideas of the client or architect, so together we define, design and utilise materials and light sources to create the object demand.
Our future is based on materials, innovation and design. This formula sums up Ca’ Belli’s work. Our team always involves craftsmen, designers and experts in a sort of creativity workshop that is our essence and the core of Made in Italy.
Please visit FW Lighting’s website to see many more unique designs and to order your copy of the 2011 Ca’ belli catalogue.
Maui’s first Courtyard by Marriott hotel broke ground in Kahului, filling a need for business and leisure travelers wanting to stay near Maui’s central hub. The new Courtyard by Marriott Maui hotel is being built near the intersection of Haleakala Highway and Keolani Place on a 3.35-acre parcel of land. Construction on the $16.5-million project will begin next week, with completion expected in early 2012. Upon opening, the four-story, 138-room hotel will be managed by Marriott International.
The hotel will appeal to both business and leisure travelers, being conveniently located within minutes of the Kahului Airport and offering amenities that include Courtyard by Marriott’s newest interior design, a business center, meeting rooms, pool, and fitness center.
The new Courtyard by Marriott Maui hotel will feature 49 studio kings, 79 studio double queens, six suites, and four extended stay suites. Guest rooms will feature large desks, couches, and complimentary WiFi and broadband Internet access.
In addition to its business center, pool, and fitness center, the hotel will feature a lounge and bar, gazebo, guest laundry, surfboard storage building, and convenience market. The hotel will also offer 1,663 square feet of meeting space, including a boardroom.
The hotel will provide jobs for more than 50 associates when it opens. Other Marriott brands on Maui include The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua; The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences at Kapalua Bay; Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club at Kaanapali (formerly the Maui Marriott Resort); and the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.
The Client brief was to create a relaxed and stylish environment, in keeping with London Bridge Hotel’s established reputation. The Quarter Bar & Lounge will provide tapas, shared platters and serve afternoon tea to hotel residents and the general public. Interiors Director, Tim Burford and Designer Lucy Robinson chose different textures and warm palettes to soften and add charm to the 2200 sq ft bar and lounge. The overall colour scheme consists of varying greys offset with deep reds and rich, olive greens. A dark stained original parquet floor completes this look. Lounge and booth seating has been used throughout. The main supplier was Morgan Furniture who upholstered everything in fabric to the designers specification and provided coffee tables. Michael Tyler supplied armchairs and the sofa. Plush velvet has coupled with geometric and striped fabrics have been used against neutral, leather tones – to avoid over dressing the area. A traditional English interior has been achieved by introducing grey wall paneling, cornicing and picture rails alongside statement wallpaper. Low-level lighting provides the feeling of intimacy and a new bar adds grandeur to the lounge with its pewter top and dark grey frontage.
designLSM Designer Lucy comments “We carefully sourced pieces of furniture, lighting and fabrics – which together brought life and character to the space. Everything ran extremely smoothly – a minor challenge was to position the ceiling feature so it did not conflict with pipework used by the hotel rooms above. The overall result is quintessentially British with a sophisticated twist”.
The Waldorf, Hilton – Reception Reveal
The Lounge and Lobby was minimalist in design with no sense of ‘arrival’ for guests, therefore large chandeliers, feature wallpaper and intricate mouldings were introduced. Heavy, theatrical drapes and grand, antique mirrors add to the sense of theatre. The same furniture was chosen to follow through from the bar in order to create a fluid space and offer guests a choice of seating.
The second phase saw the current, sparse looking reception redesigned to highlight the sophistication and glamour for which the Waldorf Hilton is internationally renowned. Traditional style paneling, plush drapes and antique mirrors have been accentuated by introducing softer lighting. Compact fluorescent fittings have been replaced with cornice lighting at high level. INTO lighting have also supplied standard lamps and occasional table lamps. A library snug, located at the end of the Piano Lounge will create a focal point. The main consideration throughout the project was to ensure that the design was sympathetic to the existing style and image of The Waldorf. Simon Spiteri, Director Architecture comments “Attention to detail was paramount when creating an authentic and grand reception area because first impressions count.” designLSM worked with specialist contractors Stroods.
The Rezidor Hotel Group has recently announced its 7th hotel in Nigeria: The Park Inn Lagos, Apapa featuring 125 rooms is already under construction and scheduled to open in Q1 2013. Lagos is one of the most dynamic hotel markets in Africa – but still lacking internationally branded hotel rooms as a result of a surging economy buoyed by high oil prices and high barriers to entry limiting hotel development. Apapa is the major port of the city of Lagos and has a high concentration of businesses related to shipping and petroleum.
Besides 125 guestrooms, the new Park Inn will comprise an all day dining restaurant, a sports bar, 330 m2 of meeting space, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. The surrounding area is heavily landscaped and park-like, which a major advantage in Lagos.
Rezidor has identified the emerging markets of Africa as a focus area for future business development; the group currently has the largest pipeline in Sub-Saharan Africa and develops its core brands Radisson Blu (upper upscale) and Park Inn by Radisson (mid market) across the continent. Future openings include hotels in Addis Ababa/Ethiopia, Lusaka/Zambia, Kigali/Rwanda and Tete/Mozambique.
The Generation Companies, LLC (Generation), a premier real estate developer, owner, asset manager and operator of extended-stay hotels, recently hit a key construction milestone when it topped out the Home2 Suites by Hilton in North Charleston, S. C. After breaking ground just 60 days ago, Generation now moves into up-fitting the interior of the new extended stay hotel, conveniently located near the Charleston International Airport and the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner Aircraft plant. Slated to open in late 2011, the North Charleston Home2 Suites is an upper mid-tier, 122-room extended stay hotel with a “hip and humble” approach to extended-stay travel. Designed to feel like a home away from home for budget-conscious business and leisure travelers, it is the first brand Hilton Worldwide has launched in 20 years. The North Charleston hotel will be one of the first ten Home2 hotels open in the nation and is Generation’s second Hilton Hotel development. Generation is an award-winning developer of Hilton hotels.
H. Mark Daley, III, President of Generation, stated, “Developing one of the first Home2 Suites hotels in the world is another great example of Generation being on the cutting edge of the extended stay hotel segment. Our team is helping to refine the Home2 prototype even while we execute with world class quality and precision. We expect to break ground on our second Home2 Suites by year’s end.”
The Generation Companies is a Research Triangle Park, North Carolina-based real estate developer, asset manager and operator of extended-stay hotels in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Texas and Tennessee. Generation has more than 3100 rooms and 300 team members at 27 properties, with more hotels coming soon. Generation is actively pursuing merchant development and management opportunities with multiple institutional owners in the extended stay segment.
Whilst football is often said to be a game of two halves, Chapmans Peak hotel, known popularly locally simply as ‘Chappies’, is a hotel of two halves. On the left is the original pub much changed since it was built in 1903, whilst on the right is the new four star bedroom extension complete with suites, balconied bedrooms and the most amazing views across Hout Bay. When in Cape Town I stay in Hout Bay and it was then I was taken to the Chapmans Peak hotel as the best place to eat in the area.
My companions were being guided to their table on the large and busy outdoor terrace dining area when I spied a bright red spot of colour inside the hotel. “Aha!” I thought, “someone with a sense of style” and wandered off to look (always curious you see).
A single flower on a table in the centre of a space reminded me in a way of the entrance to the Hempel in London where the same flower was used in serried ranks to create impact. Here simplicity won the eye, and sparked further my curiosity. It was a good half hour later that I rejoined my hosts at their table. Ooops!
From there I became involved, gave advice and tracked the development of the hotel over the following couple of years. Chapmans has been in the same family for years, along with a neighbouring wine distribution service. It is a popular bistro/pub with a menu focussed on local, especially seafood, products. In an elevated position it has a spectacular view across Hout Bay, and stands at the bottom of the road that clings to the cliffs as it winds away around the end of Africa towards the Simonstown naval base.
Originally built in 1903, some of the original building remains evident in fireplaces and lounges – fireplaces that are necessary in the South African winter months when rain clouds can hug the coast – apparently Cape Town only has 60 days a year without a sea mist or cloud cover for some of the time. Hout Bay is a corruption of Houtbaaii, meaning ‘bay of wood’ as in the 18th century this is where much shipbuilding took place using local timber. A new entrance and underground secure car parking were created as a part of the new construction, organised and overseen by the owner. The rock face against which the hotel sits was incorporated into the new entrance lobby with the front a simple glass screen cut into the rock wall. With two levels coming into the lobby from the garage and the street entrance along with the linking to the previously existing building this is a complex space well handled by the architects. Lit with locally manufactured chandeliers it is contemporary but not in conflict with the previous reception lobby.
The transition from modern to antique is accomplished smoothly, in part eased by the different dates of the various parts of the previously existing 10 bedrooms and meeting rooms. The addition of the two suites and 22 new luxurious and spacious new bedrooms, all with balconies, has transformed the pub into an hotel. The owners recognise this and will continue to refurbish the dining areas, which currently seat over a hundred comfortably, on a large covered terrace in the summer or in front of open fires in winter.
Like the Alma in Wandsworth this transition is based on a very healthy income from the food and beverage operation, making the economics of expansion relatively straightforward to calculate. In expanding the bedroom operation, again similar to the Alma, the standard of the whole operation has lifted. The friendliness and welcome, previously a recognised part of the operation, hasn’t changed though and the staff obviously enjoy the new range of facilities and guests but continue to work with personality and enthusiasm. Some have been at the hotel for many years and plainly feel they ‘belong’.
The style of the restaurant and bars is traditional with white linen and china providing a sparkling contrast to timber. For ten months of the year diners will prefer the outside terrace with its views over the bay, but in the winter mornings breakfast is served in front of open fires in the restaurant. In winter months dinner too is a candle lit convivial affair in front of open fires.
The old main entrance to the hotel has become a restaurant and bar entrance with the new reception having an off road pull-in. Parking was always a problem at Chappies, and the new provision is welcome. The old bedrooms have their own charm as does their balcony but the new rooms and suites are a huge step forward for the hotel. The two rooftop suites have deep private balconies with external showers, lounges with their own fireplaces etc.
The new bedrooms all have balconies, with those on the back of the hotel looking out onto the overgrown cliff face. Those at the front have the beach views but also the road, so the guest can balance quietness versus the view. Most rooms have luxury bathrooms with double wash hand basins, walk in showers as well as soaking tubs. The old rooms have a character and charm that comes with age, but all have en suite bath or shower rooms. The new rooms are larger. They have the classic arrangement with the bathroom helping to insulate the room aurally from the corridor. The lobby has the wardrobe in and in this sense the rooms are completely conventional. However they are longer than usual, giving room for the bathrooms to be large, with separate toilet, walk-in shower and bathtubs. In some rooms the tubs are enclose by shutters that can be opened so that it is possible to lounge in a bath whilst watching the sunset over the bay.
Lounge areas are generous and expanded by the practical balconies which also have their own table and chairs from which to enjoy a view that can encompass seals, a pod of porpoises and the boat traffic into the fishing harbour and marina on the other side of the bay.
Hard flooring and airconditioning make the rooms cool and the glazed end wall leaves the views can be enjoyed unobstructed. Furnishing is styllish and teh use of natural timber finishes chimes with the older parts of the hotel as well as the local styles
Whilst a 15 minute drive from central Cape Town, Chapmans Peak Hotel offers a unique blend of history, style and location that offer an informal alternative to the likes of the 12 Apostles or even the lovely Cellars Hohenort.
The solid glass links on this stylish wall light from Dernier & Hamlyn reflects light off its nickel backplate, making it an elegant addition to hotel bedrooms and public areas.The standard size for this light is height 600mm, width 250mm and depth 250mm, however it can be custom made to any size required.
For more information, please contact Dernier & Hamlyn through their page in the Directory.
Really I was too early. I had a map but turned the wrong way out of the tube, eventually arriving ahead of a lorry of building supplies reversing into the service alley – a service alley still full of hard hats and scaffold poles. This £30 million/$50 million rebuild (that’s what it is indeed, not just simple refurb) has not, unlike most of the old hotels in London, overrun its schedule (see Savoy for example) but it was the soft opening not the final completion. Around the front is still the temporary signage. Missing are the new gates and railings ordered at last to replace those taken in the 1940’s scrap metal drive to be turned into Spitfires or destroyers, not bothered with by previous owners of this gem hidden away behind New Scotland Yard. The new American owners, Amerimar Enterprises have been determined to restore the hotel to its past glories. Their £30 million investment will bring a good return I’m sure, as anyone who has read my Guide to a Return on Investment in Design will understand.
The frontage has been given back its grace with the replanting of the garden approach. Car parking has been removed from in front of the hotel, and car parking for guests is now shared with the Rolls Royce showrooms around the corner, so guests will be impressed with the cars they park next too as well.
Although the hotel has gone through its soft opening, and has its formal opening this June, the additional new suites won’t be finished until September. The soft opening featured the current 250 rooms and suites completed. Additional parts of the original building are being reincorporated to bring the room total up to 331 rooms, including 41 suites and 18 family rooms.
Joel Feist with Real Builders, Inc. in Minot, North Dakota announced today that the Souris Valley Suites Hotel is nearing completion. The Souris Valley Suites is a Brand New Extended Stay Hotel.With the cooperation of the City of Minot, the Minot Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), and the Ward County Sheriff’s department the Souris Valley Suites was able to open its doors earlier than scheduled to house emergency personnel to help fight the flood. “We were very excited to help the city of Minot in its time of need,” says owner Joel Feist. “The hotel is still a construction site, but we saw an opportunity to help the community and the City of Minot officials agreed with us, granting a temporary Certificate of Occupancy for the next 2 weeks,” Joel continued.
Amazingly, the owners and operators of the Souris Valley Suites Hotel have agreed not to charge for any of the rooms being used. “We can worry about the business later. Right now we would like to concentrate on helping the community in this time of need,” says Joel. “This is a great opportunity for the Souris Valley Suites to become an immediate fixture in the community,” says Vincent Dora, Vice President of Dora Hospitality, a partner and the management company of the new hotel. “We are working very hard with Mr. Feist to make sure that the volunteer’s that have come to help the City of Minot has every conceivable amenity and are as comfortable as possible while staying in the hotel, while it continues to be built.” “The Minot CVB would like to thank the people at the Souris Valley Suites for all they have done to help the city during this time. With high occupancy in Minot, locating hotel rooms can be a challenge and Souris Valley Suites stepped up to the plate in a big way,” says Minot CVB Executive Director Wendy Howe.
About the Souris Valley Suites Comfort and convenience are always important in a hotel, especially when you’re planning to stay a while. The all-suites extended stay Souris Valley Suites in Minot, North Dakota, was designed with the needs of extended stay guests in mind. The rustic lodge décor creates a warm and inviting environment and a residential atmosphere that is enhanced by the friendly North Dakota personalities of our helpful staff.
Each of our 89 studio and one-bedroom guest suites are equipped to ensure a comfortable and rewarding extended stay. Each suite includes a full kitchen, quality bath amenities, and wired and wireless high speed internet at our hotel in Minot, ND. Start your day on the right foot with a complimentary hot breakfast buffet. Utilize our 24 hour business center to put the final touches on any project. Other onsite amenities at our Minot hotel include our Grilling Pavillion, Evening Managers Reception, Bakkan Lounge, Fitness Center, and Valley Market where you can purchase an array of items that you may need during your stay.
The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide, adds a further Park Inn flagship to its UK-portfolio and announces the Park Inn London Wembley. The 235 rooms-property is scheduled to welcome the first guests in Q2 2012.Park Inn London Wembley will be a mid-market hotel located 6 km away from central London on Olympic Way, a pedestrian zone leading to the main entrance of Wembley Stadium (300m). The stadium has been a home to English football since 1923, was fully reconstructed in 2007 and is today the country’s leading venue for sports, music and entertainment. With a capacity of 90,000 it will host the soccer matches during the 2012 Olympics.
Also nearby is Wembley Arena, which has hosted musical greats including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, The Who and Madonna. Wembley is a rapidly-growing part of London, with the massive Wembley City development under construction. Wembley City will offer a mix of offices, restaurants, bars, a multiplex cinema, state-of-the-art leisure facilities, public squares, student accommodation and luxury apartments.
Besides 235 modern and comfortable guest rooms, Park Inn London Wembley will offer 1 restaurant, 1 bar, 300m2 of meeting facilities, and a gym. Construction has commenced with opening scheduled for mid 2012 before the Olympic Games.
Travelodge and PRUPIM are delighted to announce the acquisition of the former four star Mercure London Gatwick Airport hotel. The 257 room hotel will undergo a significant refurbishment and expansion programme to convert the hotel in line with the Travelodge brand. This investment will include refurbishing the rooms and updating the reception area alongside the conversion of the hotel’s 11 meeting rooms, three restaurants, swimming pool and gymnasium into an additional 146 rooms – increasing the room total to 400*. This new acquisition is Travelodge 85th going concern deal. Since the start of the recession, Travelodge has taken over 66 existing hotel businesses (3,245 rooms). This deal will boost the company’s portfolio to 470 hotels and 33,204 rooms.
Guy Parsons, Travelodge CEO said: “We are delighted to have acquired the Mercure hotel. It’s a great addition to the Travelodge estate. We have been looking for some time to increase the number of rooms we have at Gatwick, to match our offering at Heathrow airport. Finding the perfect site close to the airport with adequate rooms has been a tough challenge but I am delighted that we are able to add this fantastic hotel to our brand. With this deal we have tripled our room stock at the airport but there is still a huge potential to grow further at the UK’s second largest airport and we are looking for more new sites.
With competitive property prices, we expect to continue to grow by acquiring midmarket hotels, convert office blocks and invest in co-partnerships with pub companies.”
Travelodge currently has 18 hotels, located in all the major UK airports which includes: Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Luton, Stansted, Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Newcastle and East Midlands.
The new hotel will be called Gatwick Airport Central Travelodge and is just minutes away from the airport. It is located at: Povey Cross Road, Gatwick, RH6 0BE.
At a ‘Design for Growth’ Summit held at the Design Council over 150 representatives from the world of design, government and industry, and hundreds more online, heard Universities and Science Minister David Willetts confirm that, “Design forms an integral part of the Government’s plans for innovation and growth and it will be a prominent feature in our upcoming Research and Innovation strategy. Good design can help business to thrive and improve public services and with over 230,000 people employed in our design industry it makes a significant contribution to our economic wealth with £23 billion spent on UK design in 2009. It is great that Jonathan Ive of Apple and other world leaders in design are here to inspire the next generation of British designers. ‘Design for Growth’ brings together leaders in design, business, policy and education to discuss measures to stimulate growth in the economy.”Alongside Jonathan Ive, Senior Vice President of Industrial Design at Apple, at the Summit, other guest speakers included Ian Callum and Gerry McGovern, Design Directors at Jaguar and Land Rover and Kevin McCloud, author, broadcaster and designer.
David Willets continued, “The UK has a world class design sector and we need to maintain our role as a global leader, which is why we have continued to support the Design Council by investing £4 million. In line with the Government’s Plan for Growth, the Design Council will refocus its design mentoring product, Designing Demand, on manufacturing firms and particularly those with advanced manufacturing capability.”
Minister of State for Business and Enterprise Mark Prisk said, “It is great news that a number of small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses will be given the chance to have free design mentoring over the next year. Companies must innovate and stay ahead of their rivals to be successful on a global scale. That is why we are making these crucial investments in industrial innovation. Today’s announcement is just part of a range of business mentoring opportunities to help small firms grow and prosper. We will shortly be launching a new network of business mentors which will help SMEs get advice from those who know best.”
Attending the event, Dids Macdonald, ACID’s CEO said in response to Mark Prisk MP’s statement that there was a need to strengthen IP rights within design, “I welcome the fact that this is the first time I have heard design and intellectual property mentioned by a Government Minister as a significant objective within the design sector. Professor Hargreaves’ Report on Intellectual Property exposed a huge loophole and a lack of clear policy on IP within design. I would like to ask you and the group whether there is support for the creation of a UK Intellectual Property Tsar to match a similar initiative in the USA? President Obama has confirmed US intellectual property as its greatest single asset; shouldn’t we do the same in the UK?”
Lano Flooring Solutions has provided bespoke axminster carpets for the bedrooms and corridors of one of the flooring industry’s most well known venues, The Majestic Hotel, Harrogate. Under the operation of the Barcelo Hotel Group, The Majestic Hotel has undergone extensive refurbishment since a disastrous fire took hold on one side of the Victorian landmark in the centre of the Spa town.
Working with architectural interior design firm, Charles Leon Associates, Lano Flooring Solutions supplied 2000m2 of carpet that reflected the heritage of the building and the modern ambitions of the owner. Basing the carpet of the bedroom corridors on traditional Persian rugs and animal motifs, CLA in conjunction with the design team at Lano Flooring Solutions introduced a contemporary twist through colour and the interpretation of design elements. The design flows from modernised traditional through to contemporary as you move through the hotel, flowing softly into the guestrooms.
“We wanted to provide The Majestic Hotel with a carpet that provided a perfect blend of style and performance and thanks to Lano Carpets, we were able to deliver both. A contemporary take on traditional textile design, not only in colour but also pattern and scale now adorns the corridors and guest bedrooms,” comments Joumana Khodr, interior designer, Charles Leon Associates. “and thanks to the state-of-the art manufacturing techniques used by Lano, the durability criteria could also be met, vital in such a busy and popular hotel.”
With the carpet constructed from a mix of 80% wool 20% nylon for durability and appearance retention, the corridors of the hotel benefit from a nine-row woven axminster, while in the bedrooms an eight-row construction was utilised. Using the same nine-row construction as in the bedroom corridors, Lano Flooring Solutions also created a modern classic design for ground floor corridors.
For further information on all Lano carpet ranges, freephone 00800 5266 5266 or e-mail marketing@lano.com
The Rezidor Hotel Group has recently announced their first ski resort in Ukraine: The Radisson Blu Resort, Bukovel is scheduled to open in the winter season 2011/12 and adds 252 rooms to Rezidor’s solid pipeline.Bukovel is the Ukraine’s most modern ski resort. It is situated in the Carpathian Mountains and offers dramatic snow-capped peaks and untouched nature. Slopes are available for all categories of skiers, including Black Diamond-level. The ski season stretches from the beginning of December to mid-April. For non-skiers, Bukovel offers hot springs and mineral waters for both health and recreational purposes.
The Radisson Blu Resort, Bukovel will feature 252 rooms and a full complement of food and beverage, including several restaurants, a lobby bar, a cigar lounge, and a night club. To attract conferences and events, 1,400 m2 of meeting space is planned including a ballroom. Leisure facilities will include a kids club, a game room, and retail shops. Finally, for recuperation after a long-day of skiing, there will be a 2,000 m2 spa & wellness complex with an indoor pool, steam rooms, saunas, fitness and treatment rooms.
FW Lighting is proud to announce its appointment as sole distributor for the entire range of natural stone lighting from Ca’belli Luce, Italy.
Stone is the world of materials par excellence. Every architect or designer that appreciates the tactile and chromatic aspects of stone is passionate about materials, and when using natural stone it makes the staff at Ca’belli think about territory, its evolution, its future and the fragility of its equilibrium. But for the population of that territory, stone can become identification, a reference for the area, such as is found with Bath and Bath stone.The path traced by the many hands working stone, from its extraction to the final use, fulfils a gap in our society; an antique wisdom that is kept alive through the use of almost forgotten workmanship.
Stone Architecture enables us to recuperate a physical relationship with nature’s products, with their transformation and with the use that man makes of it. Mere utopia, maybe, but the aim underlying our Stone Architecture is to allow Mother Earth’s inhabitants to develop a renewed awareness of sustainable growth. Other learning experiences and opportunities arise naturally all along this stone route.
Our future is based on materials, innovation and design. This formula sums up Ca’ Belli’s work. Our team is made up of craftsmen, designers and experts in a creative workshop that is our essence and the core of Made in Italy.
If you would like to receive your own copy of the Ca’belli Luce 2011 catalogue then please send your request to info@fw-lighting.com.
The new aptly named My Nature collection from Villeroy & Boch combines organic shaped sanitaryware with chestnut wood finished furniture and floral detailing, offering a look that is reminiscent of the natural world. The collection boasts innovative technology, flexible accessories and multiple design options, allowing you to create a bathroom as individual as you are. The freestanding boat-like bath is the hero piece of the range, available with whirlpool spa technology this roomy bath rests on a plinth of wood, creating a real focal point. The basin echoes the same soft lines as the bath and is available with Castanea décor floral detailing, for a feminine and unusual touch. Team with a choice of vanity units, which offer practical storage and space saving designs such as built in towel holders and removable storage options.
A first for Villeroy & Boch, the furniture range is in fact interchangeable, offering homeowners a choice of different looks with removable furniture fronts, allowing you to swap the drawer and cabinet doors for other colours. Choose from sand, aqua, grey and white for an easy and affordable update when you fancy a change.
The My Nature mirror gives you everything you could want from a looking glass; optimal lighting, energy saving technology and a magnetic front that allows you to attach accessories such as a tissue box, cotton pad dispenser or toothbrush holder in a position that suits you whilst also optimizing the space available.
The WC and bidet also encompass gentle sweeping lines and organic design. The compact WC seat cover in chestnut veneer, creates a natural look bringing the outdoors in. Also combining the latest technology with concealed fixtures and fittings, quick release technology to easily lift off WC seat when cleaning and a 4.5 liters of water flush action, making it an ecologically sound and practical solution for bathrooms of all sizes.
The My Nature collection is ideal for those who want to get back to nature and seek refuge from a hectic lifestyle, by creating a haven with attractive bathroom design, savvy storage options and family friendly innovations.
Marriott International has announced it has reached a preliminary agreement to form a joint venture with SAMHI Hotels Pvt Ltd., a hotel and investment company based in New Delhi, to launch Fairfield by Marriott, a new hotel prototype designed specifically for the growing Indian business traveler segment. The venture is expected to bring 2,500 guest rooms and approximately 15 moderate-tier hotels to India by 2015 in markets such as Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad.Once completed, the venture will firmly establish Marriott’s leadership position in the moderate-tier category in India, and support the company’s goals of expanding in India from 12 to 100 hotels across seven brands by 2015. Since opening its first hotel in India in 1999, with the Goa Marriott, Marriott has expanded its portfolio there to include the Courtyard by Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott, Renaissance, and Marriott Executive Apartments brands.
The 155-room Fairfield by Marriott prototype is a highly customized version of the company’s successful Fairfield Inn & Suites brand, which was created in 1987 and has grown to more than 660 properties throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Unique features of the new Indian prototype include:
• A three-meal-a-day restaurant will serve authentic Indian cuisine and select Western menu options. The restaurant will feature a buffet, à la carte menu and private dining rooms. • An expansive lobby with a bar lounge and 24/7 Market for drinks and snacks. • Ample meeting room space to conduct business. • Two modern, fresh décor palettes inspired by the rich colors of the peacock and Indian embroidered textiles, and by spices of saffron and turmeric. Indigenous stone, wood and textiles will be used throughout the hotels. • Guests will also enjoy modern technology, an exercise room, and the attentive, respectful service for which Marriott-branded hotels worldwide are known.
Formation of the joint venture is subject to negotiation of definitive transaction documents and customary closing conditions for transactions of this type, including obtaining any necessary consent. The parties anticipate closing in the second quarter of 2011.
St Mary’s College of the University of Durham was founded in 1899. It is the only Durham college to be established in the 19th Century and has a long and distinguished history. Originally women only, it was the last of the university’s colleges to go totally mixed in 2005, ending over a hundred years of tradition. The neo-classical buildings, designed in the 1930s, are situated in beautiful landscaped grounds with stunning views of the cathedral. These extensive, mature grounds now feature spectacular statuary, supplied by Andy Thornton, which was carefully sourced to blend seamlessly within the historic surroundings.
The front entrance of the college’s Fergusson building is guarded by an impressive pair of wild boars reclining on plinths in Bath stone composition, while a second entrance features a pair of hunting hounds on plinths, again in stone composition. These figures are manufactured in the UK for Andy Thornton and are hand-antiqued to give a convincing aged appearance.
In the lawned gardens, Andy Thornton supplied a magnificent set of hand-sculpted solid marble Four Seasons statues and a pair of lead statues of Apollo and Artemis. There is also an impressive reclining lion on a plinth in aged Portland stone composition and an antique stone statue of the Virgin Mary. Inside the Fergusson Building Andy Thornton supplied a lion and unicorn pair on plinths and a reading lady figure, along the main corridor.
The statuary and sculpture has been so well received at St Mary’s that other Durham colleges, including St Cuthbert’s have commissioned pieces from the company.
Andy Thornton offers a comprehensive range of outdoor garden statuary and sculpture offering both antique pieces where available and quality reproductions, mainly of UK manufacture. They also accept special commissions to order. To complement this, the company also stock decorative gazebos, pergolas, fountains, urns, planters and garden seating.
To see the current stock, visit their impressive showrooms at Victoria Mills in Greetland, near Halifax; browse online at www.andythornton.com; or call their sales team on 01422 376000.
Market-leading contract lighting specialists Chelsom have opened in the Far East, trading as ‘Chelsom Hong Kong Ltd’. The exciting move has been prompted by sustained overseas sales growth with exports to 70 countries now representing 35% of the company’s turnover. The base will initially be an administrative one, but will expand to include a sales operation in the near future.
CEO Robert Chelsom comments: “Nowhere in the world can match our Chinese manufacturing partners’ standards of technology, finish and quality. Combine that with our in-house design capabilities based on years of close co-operation with the hospitality sector, and the result has been a long list of successful international projects. Opening in the Far East moves us closer to our manufacturing sources, ensuring constant QC inspections and technology reviews plus careful cost control.”
Director Will Chelsom, who is heavily involved in export sales, says: “The Hong Kong base means that customers in the Far East, Middle East, Asia, Russia and elsewhere can opt for direct shipment of consignments from China to the final project destination with complete confidence. They will enjoy substantial reductions in lead times and freight costs. Chelsom designs guarantee product suitability; Chelsom QC guarantees quality and now direct shipping via our Hong Kong base guarantees the most competitive export pricing.”
A large part of Chelsom’s more specific product range continues to be manufactured in-house with UK or European componentry. Such items will be shipped from the company’s Head Office in Blackpool.
ATADesigns would like to invite you to their pop-up shop and for one week only, they will be launching: Murals, Lampshades, Cushions, A3 prints, Handmade “Squiggle” Wall Tiles and their New Contemporary Mugs Range & Matching Side PlatesThese will also be ready to purchase on the new online store coming soon.
Location: The Corner Shop, 21 Clerkenwell Green, London EC1R 0DX
Mr Smith World Photography, London based fine art photographers feature a captivating collection of images developed over many years of world travel. This portfolio is themed “DESERT PANORAMAS”, from the WORLD PANORAMAS COLLECTION.Prints are available from the online gallery or as bespoke artwork from Mr Smith’s extensive catalogue. These prints can be produced to extremely large sizes and are just a sample from an outstanding portfolio of images. Click on any of the images below for more information.
Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group has announced that Amari Rincome Chiang Mai has closed its doors as of 30 April 2011 to facilitate an exciting new urban development project. The 42-year old Amari Rincome is set within an expansive 1.8 hectares of land and situated along Nimmanhaeminda Road, an area in central Chiang Mai which has, in recent years, seen an emergence of chic and trendy retail spaces.
The current hotel site will be integrated into a larger redevelopment project which will include a vibrant lifestyle community mall featuring a landscaped plaza, retail areas, cinemas and restaurants.
A new, smaller Amari hotel will also be introduced when the project is completed in approximately 18 months’ time. The 85-room property will feature a fresh, modern perspective to complement the lively contemporary retail surroundings, with facilities including an all-day dining restaurant, meeting room and gymnasium.
Morgan Furniture, the design-led British manufacturer of contract furniture, has received a Design Guild Mark by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers for the second year running. This time the coveted award is for the striking Lima dining chair.
Despite an extensive list of submissions, the twelve-strong judging panel only selected eleven products to receive the annual accolade. As explained by Jonathan Hindle from KI, Chairman of the Design Guild Mark Judges: ‘The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers introduced the Design Guild Mark to reward the work of the finest furniture designers working in volume production in Britain and the best of British furniture designers working abroad. The Mark is awarded for excellence in design, use of materials, manufacture and function.’
The Lima Collection, designed by Morgan Design Director Katerina Zachariades-McMahon, is light and playful. Dining as well as small lounge and large lounge chairs have a shaped seat cushion and timber back. The seat has a generous depth and over-sized dimensions which draw the eye and invite the user to be seated in upholstered comfort. Constructed in three elements, base, seat and back Lima offers the option of natural timber combined with a painted finish.
The Lima chair will be showcased on the “Director’s Cut” stand at 100% Design in September, alongside other winning designs.
Morgan design and develop all their products in a low energy consuming factory, using materials from sustainable sources. The company is accredited by FISP (Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme) and was among the first in the industry to be awarded ISO14001. Morgan also forms part of a lean and environmental improvement ‘think tank’ with other British manufacturers.
Following on from the success of Chaobaby Trafford Centre and Chaophraya Manchester, Dawnvale were delighted to be nominated as principal contractor for the refurbishment of Yee rah, located at the top of Liverpool One.The brief was to completely revamp the Yee rah restaurant and give it the Chaobaby treatment, all within just 8 days!
Out went the old wooden floors, furniture, bars, two kitchens, lighting, wall finishes and the infamous seven metre steel water fountain – and in went the Dawnvale team – with every possible trade covered, working split shifts day and night, to an almost impossible schedule.
The new bar, with granite goalposts and fibre optic lighting, comes complete with a full stainless steel structure. The real eye catcher is the 8 metre Theatre kitchen with a fabulous granite top and preparation kitchen followed.
John Berry, Project Manager said: “The key to the success of this fast track project was in the planning. We knew it would it was a big ask but we spent seven weeks planning every single detail to ensure we did not miss the handover date.”
The total cost of the refurbishment was £500,000 and the interior designer on this project was Jonathon Morgan from JMDA.
Numirra Lighting has begun the launch of its Summer2011 lighting collection. The Echo LED Reading Light
1w LED flexi arm reading light with concealed fixings, remote driver, metal on/off toggle switch and polished chrome finish. The Zain Table Lamp
Wooden table lamp with a chocolate stain, polished nickel detail, in-line switch and Opal silk rectangular shade.The Boon Desk Lamp
Polished chrome desk lamp complete with wenge wooden base, on/off rocker switch to base and twisted fabric flex.
FROM SMALL TO LARGE QUANTITIES, ALL OF THE ABOVE CAN BE CUSTOMISED TO REFLECT PROJECT SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS.
For more information, please contact Numirra on 0044 (0) 1264 336110 or sales@numirra.co.uk
Numirra are specialists in decorative lighting for the world’s hospitality industry. We have a reputation for quality materials combined with attention to detail. Our beautiful products, designed around ‘functionality’, are part of a process by which great interiors are brought to life.
You generally know what to expect when you stay at an hotel; the basics (bed, bathroom and breakfast) and the ‘perks’, depending on where you stay and what star rating the hotel is, which include things like free wi-fi. Staying at one of the four Roomzzz Aparthotels in the UK, (the Roomzzz Aparthotel Manchester) you can expect a fusion of the traditional hotel service and the freedom of having your own apartment for however long you require it. The concept would appeal to those on business travelling to Manchester as the Aparthotel is located just a short distance from Piccadilly train station and it offers a ‘home away from home’ living space.Established in 2006, the Roomzzz Aparthotel brand was tailor created to suit the needs and requests of guests. Guests increasingly expect spacious rooms, stylish interiors, comfortable beds and free wi-fi. In the Manchester property, guests will not be disappointed as it certainly ticks all the right boxes in terms of style and comfort, if sadly not all boxes for function and practicality.
The colour scheme is inoffensive and contemporary with all the gadgetry to suit modern man including an Apple Mac Mini Computer; Widescreen LCD TV with Freeview; Free wi-fi, local and national calls and a fully fitted kitchen with dishwasher, fridge-freezer, microwave and hob (in the Grande Studio).
Rising from an ancient north African capital, an oasis worlds away and yet easily accessed from major European gateways is now welcoming sun seekers, romantics, adventurers, spa aficionados, history buffs, gourmands, intrepid shoppers and fun-loving families. Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech is a 40-acre (16 hectare) walled resort within Morocco’s most exciting city, with 141 rooms and suites, three dining options (and two more to come), a lavish spa and a world of possibilities for relaxation, exploration and memories. Inspired by the nearby Medina, Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech offers a modern take on traditional Moorish architecture next to the Menara Gardens. Rose-hued pavilions with hand-carved details are surrounded by sunlit swimming and reflecting pools, gardens, pathways and fountains. Buildings are low-rise so as not to obstruct stunning views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and Menara Gardens beyond the Hotel’s swaying palms. Accommodations evoke a Moroccan medina, filled with riads connected by arcades, walkways and courtyards. Each of the spacious guest rooms and suites has its own furnished balcony or terrace with mountain, Menara Gardens or resort views.
A Playground for Families, or a Romantic Getaway for Couples Families and friends travelling together will love the flexibility available at Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech that will allow everyone to enjoy themselves.
To begin with, the Hotel has thoughtfully included two pools among its extensive gardens – one for families, and a separate pool for adults only. Four Seasons also offers the city’s only fully-supervised facility for children, Kids for All Seasons, along with dozens of conveniences for families from complimentary strollers, cribs, high chairs and other baby gear to kids menus. Connecting rooms with a private foyer mean everyone can be together, and a Young Adult Centre and babysitting services allows family members to do their own thing if they choose.
The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech Set amid gardens filled with birdsong, the Neroli Spa Pavilion beckons couples and those seeking more extensive spa experiences. Named for the orange blossom that perfumes the air and cuisine of Marrakech, this exclusive space is reached by its own discreet entrance and features two luxurious spa suites plus a contemporary hammam.
The Spa also offers a second pavilion with 15 treatment rooms. For active travellers, the Spa also offers the Sport and Fitness Recovery massage, and use of a soothing whirlpool.
A Personalised Moroccan Adventure Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech is ideally located in the central part of the city, right across from the Menara Gardens and an easy stroll to the Medina and the city’s legendary souks. Tennis courts are on the property, while four golf clubs are within a 15-minute drive.
Back at the Hotel, dining options include Solano – Brasserie du Sud, named for the southerly wind that caresses Morocco, Andalusia and Sicily; the poolside Azzera Grill with its namesake stone open counter; or the Inara (Arabic for “natural light”) Bar and Lounge.
More to Come: Marrakech’s Most Hotly Anticipated Dining Experience This October, Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech will unveil a restaurant and rooftop lounge unlike any other in the city.
French born and trained Executive Chef Christophe Gillino has conceived a Provençal menu for Bleu d’Orange that infuses seasonal local ingredients into fresh interpretations of classic French dishes.
Atop the restaurant and against a backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, Zest at Bleu d’Orange will be the city’s best place for open-air cocktails and live music as the sun sets over the Menara Gardens.
Drayton Manor Theme Park, near Tamworth, Staffordshire, is set to enhance its appeal as a venue for the event and exhibition industry with the opening of its new hotel on Monday 15th August.The Drayton Manor Hotel will be popular amongst organisers, exhibitors and event attendees with its improved offering, which includes a beautifully styled large hospitality suite, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. This suite can accommodate up to 300 delegates for the likes of conferences, exhibitions and product launches.
In addition, the hotel will have three smaller rooms, each accommodating up to 12 people, making them ideal for the likes of board meetings. Organisers and event attendees will also benefit from the hotel’s audio visual offering and wireless internet connection.
At the end of the working day, business professionals will be able to relax and network the hotel’s two restaurants, Parklands Restaurant and Parklands Brassiere, as well as in its two bars.
Then, rather than having to travel elsewhere for accommodation, people can choose from a range of rooms to sleep in, from contemporary standard or executive rooms, to the deluxe or presidential rooms.
Colin Bryan, Drayton Manor Theme Park’s managing director, said: “The Drayton Manor Hotel complements the park’s existing facilities, which include two large suites, each with its own free parking, dedicated reception area and bar.
“The hotel will help enhance Drayton Manor’s appeal as a venue for a wide variety of corporate events, not only because of the facilities on offer, but also its location, close to junction 9 of the M42, Exit T2 of the M6 Toll, 14 miles from Birmingham City Centre, 13 miles from Birmingham Airport, and 12 miles Birmingham NEC.”
For regular updates and news about Drayton Manor Hotel join us on Twitter www.twitter.com/draytonmanhotel.
Liverpool architects Falconer Chester Hall’s (FCH) design for a new hotel has created a genuine city centre visual landmark.The £15m Hotel Indigo’s striking façade overlooking Liverpool’s Chapel Street is a key component in the design of the building and one that is already attracting enormous attention.
The luxury four-star boutique hotel is part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, and will be managed by Sanguine Hospitality.
Newly-opened, the 151-bedroom hotel is situated in the business district, on one of the oldest streets in the city. It also features a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar and Grill.
The hotel follows the desire of the parent group that Indigo Hotels should be unique and reflective of the history of their surroundings.
FCH drew inspiration from the site’s heritage as a trading spot for cotton in the distinctive colour palette for the façade. Chapel Street was a prominent player in a city where 60% of all cotton imported from America once arrived.
“Using a blend of glass and stone cladding in the façade has helped the building emerge from its surroundings while remaining complementary to the local architecture,” said FCH Managing Director Adam Hall.
“The coloured glass panels contrast with the more subdued tones of the cladding.”
The design inspiration is not exclusive to the exterior of the hotel, as FCH ensured that the interior colour scheme, fabrics and decoration stayed true to the spirit of the hotel site’s antecedents through its new Interiors team.
Even the choice of photography highlights the local context of the hotel.
The hotel’s interior design – except the Marco Pierre White restaurant – was carried out by Falconer Chester Hall’s newly-created Interiors team.
Dernier & Hamlyn recently manufactured three solid brass Mazarin style chandeliers for the recently launched Lyttelton Restaurant at The Stafford London by Kempinski in the heart of St James’s, London. These individually designed chandeliers were created with leading interior designers RPW and are based on a Dernier & Hamlyn traditional heritage design.Leon Baum, General Manager at The Stafford London by Kempinski comments:
“The Lyttelton Restaurant has moved away from traditional fine dining to offer a casually elegant, welcoming atmosphere. Appropriate lighting is fundamental to achieving the right ambience for our guests and this has been achieved superbly with the Dernier & Hamlyn chandeliers.”
Marriott International plans to introduce its Residence Inn by Marriott lodging brand for extended stay travelers in Bahrain later this year, under a long term management agreement with International Trading And Investment Co. W.L.L. The 78-unit property will open in the Juffair district of Manama and will be the first Residence Inn-branded property in the Middle East. Late last year, Marriott announced it would also operate a Residence Inn-branded property in Jizan, Saudi Arabia in 2012; a third Residence Inn-branded hotel will open in Algiers in 2014.
The Residence Inn by Marriott Juffair will be located at adjacent to the Marriott Executive Apartments in an attractive suburban neighborhood of Manama that is popular with international visitors and upwardly mobile Bahrainis. Juffair is the site of Bahrain’s largest mosque, the huge domed Al Fateh Mosque, as well as the adjacent new National Library. The Residence Inn by Marriott Juffair will offer a mix of spacious and stylishly appointed studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. Designed for stays of five days or more, each suite will have a fully-equipped kitchen and separate living area, flat screen TV and state-of-the-art connectivity. Rates will vary depending on length of stay.
A special feature will be the Residence Inn lobby with its club-like atmosphere and a restaurant that serves breakfast and small snacks for lunch and dinner. A business center including a 20-square meter meeting room, a “Grab and Go” kiosk/market offering snacks and basic food items for those in a hurry, and retail space for sundry items will also be available as part of the lobby.
Among special amenities to be offered by the Residence Inn by Marriott Juffair will be a weekly complimentary social hour for its guests and weekly grocery shopping. Recreational amenities will include an outdoor swimming pool and a health and leisure club with men’s/women’s lockers with separate sauna and whirlpool.
After undergoing an intensive refurbishment of approximately €30 Million within a period of almost 2 years, the Hilton Hotel Mainz has been transformed into a modern superior hotel.In total 431 rooms and 5 conference rooms have been fitted out with the latest energy saving technologies, according to the concept of architects Kirstein & Rischmann and Dörflinger engineers.
For the implementation of the lighting concept the architects relied on the wide experience of Baulmann Leuchten GmbH in Sundern. Following the “green” concept of the architects all rooms and public areas have been illuminated by using the latest LED- and energy-saving lamps.
The pictures are copyright by Hilton Mainz – Quabbe + Tessmann.
When carpet with a real sense of luxury is demanded, Zen’s beautiful saxony pile provides the perfect answer. Available from Lano Flooring Solutions, Zen is beautifully soft to the touch, yet exceptionally hardwearing, making it ideal for commercial locations looking for an air of class. The perfect guest suite or boardroom carpet, Zen comprises 40 plain colourways along with six striking designs, each available in five exquisite shades.
From pastel-like blues and mauves to architectural greys and impact-laden reds, purples, yellow and a stunning black, Zen’s broad colour palette ensures the perfect opulent statement in any environment.
Manufactured from 100% polyamide, the four-metre wide carpet’s heightened level of underfoot comfort is matched by improved impact sound insulation – up to 28dB – to make for a more comfortable and quieter environment wherever it is installed.
Rated Heavy Commercial (Class 33) and with GUT certification, Zen also meets the latest stringent emissions and chemical standards for a carpet that helps to promote a healthier indoor environment.
For further information on all Lano carpet ranges, freephone 00800 5266 5266, e-mail marketing@lano.com or visit www.lano.com
The luxury accommodation brand Roomzzz Aparthotel, known for their dedication to innovative expansion techniques are riding high on the crest of the wave securing a flurry of new franchise partners. The timely accreditation comes with the announcement revealing the location of two new Roomzzz Aparthotel sites in Bristol and East London. The two new sites will operate as franchises of the original Yorkshire brand.
Two new sites will take the Roomzzz Aparthotel brand to 6 locations nationwide. 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. Their 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.
The goal to roll out a franchise model has now been progressed to become a reality with two new partners confirmed the sites will open in 2011 and 2012 respectively. Both sites occupy prime locations with one in East London near to the Olympic stadium and one in the centre of Bristol. The sites have been carefully chosen to relate to audiences looking for affordable yet luxury boutique accommodation solutions in City center locations.
Mark Walton, Head of Roomzzz Aparthotel UK comments ‘Our ability to adapt within the market place and economic climate has, and always will be our strength. Our investment into recognising our audience is substantial and we use this knowledge to stay progressively ahead in the industry. The Roomzzz Aparthotel franchise model has already been very well accepted and we are in discussions with several more franchisee partners to take the brand site total into double figures for 2012 and 2013 and could see us expanding into Europe’.
Walton continues, ‘Our model fits extremely well into developed schemes which are currently empty. The majority of our future partners moving forwards into 2012 and 2013 see Roomzzz Aparthotel as a viable solution to populate empty properties and turn them into profitable businesses. 2011 is an exciting time for us as this formula will come into its own’.
Roomzzz Aparthotel has full accreditation from the British Franchise Association, the single regulatory body for franchising in the UK.
Leading UK shower designer and manufacturer, Roman, has welcomed a new addition to their Export Team. Angela Arundel joins Roman’s Export team as Export Sales Executive.Angela brings three languages to the department including French, German and Spanish. Angela has previously worked in a similar role in the manufacturing sector, but more recently has been teaching languages in local schools. Angela will be a key addition to the Export team, following this year’s successful ISH exhibition for Roman.
Angela says of her new role; “I am delighted to be appointed as Export Sales Executive, and to be working with such a well recognised UK Brand. Export is a key focus for Roman, who have secured some fruitful contracts Worldwide, including most recently the Middle East and Europe. It is an exciting time to join the company. I was keen to get back into the private sector, so the move has come at the perfect time for me. I’m certainly looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Morgan Furniture, the design-led British manufacturer of contract furniture, has supplied an exciting product mix to the new day and stay spa, Lifehouse Spa, in Thorpe-le-Soken, Essex. Sitting calmly within its setting of 130 acres, 12 acres of which are historically important Grade II listed gardens, the Lifehouse building is designed around a series of courtyards to bring the outside in and create a haven of peace and quiet. Comfort and design were of paramount importance for the interior, so Morgan were commissioned to provide soft seating and tables for the 89 guest bedrooms and all public areas.Every guest room is furnished with an easy chair and desk chair from the City Collection from Morgan, offering a modern but welcoming soft-edged minimal design. Upholstered in warm, earthy colours, City can also be found in the Library as armchairs and sofas, accompanied by Chevy coffee tables. The cool and contemporary atmosphere of reception is softened by an eclectic mix of comfortable seating. Chevy armchairs with metal base add a touch of 50s retro appeal while the inviting Seville wing lounge chairs provide a modern twist on a more traditional feel, complemented by Chevy coffee tables. Morgan created bespoke solid wood tables with turned legs, measuring 2.5m by 1m, with matching bench seating for The Strawberry Tree juice bar. Here also Boston Terrace outdoor furniture, 2 and 3-seater sofas with matching Boston coffee tables, were the ideal choice to connect the interior of the bar with the outside pool space. A place to slouch back and relax, The Orchids Bar offers an inviting array of Verona sofas and Seville wing chairs, complemented by smaller lounge chairs and bar stools all from the same Seville collection. In the spa area itself, Morgan supplied sumptuous L-shape arrangements of Verona sofas for the pre- and post-treatment rooms.
Land is in short supply and costly in the South of England so new-build 5 star spa hotels are a rarity. This project was particularly rewarding to work on due to the wide range of product delivered by Morgan and the opportunity to develop a close working relationship with leading London-based architect and designers The Manser Practice, who were responsible for both the build and the interior.
An hour and twenty minutes by train from London and a ten minute drive from Frinton-on-Sea, one of the prettiest remaining Victorian seaside towns, the Lifehouse Spa offers a contemporary spa concept that aims to deliver a life-enriching experience for every guest. In addition to the 89 guest rooms, all with exceptional views of the gardens or courtyard, Lifehouse also offers 35 treatment rooms, gym, outdoor fitness circuit, yoga and Pilates studio, swimming pool, thermal spa area, 15 manicure and pedicure stations, make-up bays, hairdressing salon and spa boutique.
Mr Smith World Photography, London based fine art photographers feature a captivating collection of images developed over many years of world travel. This portfolio is themed “NEW YORK CITY”, from the WORLD PANORAMAS COLLECTION.Prints are available from the online gallery or as bespoke artwork from Mr Smith’s extensive catalogue. These prints can be produced to extremely large sizes and are just a sample from an outstanding portfolio of images. Click on any of the images below for more information.
Travelodge has recently celebrated the official opening of its first hotel in Ramsgate. The new 68-room hotel located on the Royal Parade was officially opened by the Mayor of Ramsgate, local MP Laura Sandys, Miss Ramsgate and Travelodge’s Managing Director Paul Harvey on the 17th June 2011. The new Ramsgate Travelodge used to be the former three star Kent International hotel and over the last 12 months, Travelodge has invested £2 million and transformed the former 54-room hotel into a 68-room contemporary budget hotel.
The new hotel opening has created 15 new jobs within the community. The positions have been filled via the Job Centre Plus scheme, which helps the long term unemployed back into the work.
Paul Harvey, Travelodge Managing Director said: “Today is a momentous day for Travelodge, as we have been looking to open a hotel in Ramsgate for quite some time. There is a real need for good quality, low cost accommodation in this beautiful coastal town. We are hoping today is the first of many new hotels that we will open in this area.”
Travelodge’s 2011 Holiday Index revealed that nearly half of people in the South East (41%) will have their main holiday in the UK this year to cut back on costs and a third (31%) will be going on a beach holiday. The Holiday Index also highlighted that the British staycation is going to be bigger than ever this year, adding a staggering £7.2 billion to the UK tourism economy.
In addition, the Holiday Index also revealed:
• One in ten Brits are going to be visiting Ramsgate and Margate this summer • Cornish tourists are the top visitors to the South East region • Tourists visiting the South East this year for their holiday will spend on average £450.66 during their stay. • The most popular UK holiday destinations for adults in the South East is the Isle of Wight.
The Mayor of Ramsgate, Councillor David Green said: “I would like to welcome Travelodge to Ramsgate, this new hotel is a key milestone in our town’s history. This investment from one of the UK’s biggest hotel chains will certainly act as a catalyst to help other big brands see the potential of Ramsgate. Our beautiful coastal town is dependent on its tourism industry and by attracting new businesses such as Travelodge we can put Ramsgate back on the UK tourist map, where it deserves to be. The £19 Travelodge rooms will certainly help attract new visitors to the town which is great news for everyone.”
Catherine Chantry, Ramsgate Seafront Travelodge’s Hotel Manager said: “It is such an honour to be given the opportunity to manage Travelodge’s first hotel in Ramsgate. There has been a desperate need for a branded budget hotel in this coastal town for quite some time. With room rates from £19, the hotel is off to a flying start, we are fully booked out in our first week of trading and our reservations data shows we are expecting a busy summer period. Rooms are already booked out for the Open Golf Championship in Sandwich and the Powerboat Grand Prix.”
Ramsgate Seafront Travelodge offers a range of rooms which include: family, double and accessible. All of the rooms have been styled in the company’s contemporary room design which includes a red, white and blue colour scheme and mood lighting.
A Travelodge family room caters for either two adults and two children or three adults. Each room has en-suite facilities with eco-friendly showers, a flat screen TV with 18 free digital channels, free tea and coffee making facilities and Wi-Fi.
The recently-opened Hotel Pulitzer Buenos Aires, an initiative of Spain’s Grupo Regina Hoteles, a member of Epoque Hotels, introduces an innovative concept to Argentina: the Large Boutique Hotel. Unlike traditional boutique establishments, which offer only up to around 30 rooms, the Hotel Pulitzer combines a personalized touch, matchless service and contemporary interior design in a large design hotel providing 104 rooms.The Pulitzer Buenos Aires, a hotel full of light that boasts a cool ambiance with a fresh, cosmopolitan air, is housed in a new-build, 13-floor building. It offers 104 fully-equipped rooms, including two suites and seven superior rooms. It also features two floors of private guest parking, three meeting rooms, a gym, outdoor swimming pool, cocktail bar and an original sky bar.
The hotel is situated a few meters from the Plaza San Martín, right in the Microcentro of Buenos Aires. Its location provides swift, easy access to important shopping and financial centres, as well as a broad range of tourist attractions and the best the city has to offer in terms of culture. It is strategically located for both business and leisure target. Its sitting at a key public transport node gives guests great freedom of movement.
What is more, the Pulitzer Buenos Aires is also noteworthy for its great customer service, provided by a young, highly-qualified team that have been especially trained to provide efficient, professional service fused with a warm, personal touch.
Far from the cookie-cutter standardized approach of most hotels, the Pulitzer Buenos Aires stands out with its details full of personality. The decoration was carried out by the famous designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, of Barcelona’s Contemporain Studio. Its interior is based around cutting-edge materials and the incorporation of the latest technology.
The Hotel Pulitzer Buenos Aires effortlessly mixes hints of the great hotels of the fifties and the porteña effervescence of the city with matchless service and facilities. Each room is a blend of a warm atmosphere, top-quality materials and a highly varied colour palette. The ideal setting for cosmopolitan travellers and globetrotters.
Phase two of the Majestic Harrogate project was completed on Friday 27th of May 2011 by Decor:Fusion.
The programme included a bespoke bar with emphasis on the design remaining sympathetic to its grand surroundings whilst incorporating a contemporary element. This was achieved using rich walnut and black Corrian finishes offset by silk wallpaper and purple spot lights. The finishing touch to the bar was large pendent feature lights suspended on a new bulkhead. Also as part of the works some new purple feature wallpaper was placed in decorative wall panels. This, coupled with the new pendent and wall lights, has made the large space achieve a more inviting feel.
Our client is delighted with the space and we are currently planning even more refurbishments with Barcelo in the future.
Leicester Square is being reconstructed. Trees are boxed in for protection as the whole square gets a makeover ready for the Olympics, which I hear rumoured are coming to London. Starwood’s timing is right, although they are slightly later than scheduled, with plenty of time to work out the gremlins and get themselves in fine working order for the Great Event. At last the square provides competition for the Hampshire Hotel. Soon Premier will also add its new hotel to the Square. The new building, by Jestico and Wiles, glows on the most high profile corner of the Square, the site previously of the Swiss Centre. Its glass finish is light and reflects the surrounding environment, changing colour at night with a sophisticated 300 LED lighting system under its skin that provides a two minute light performance across the facade after dark.
Easily standing proud in the crowd, it does seem as if it the building has actually given the Square itself the cold shoulder, with a retail unit fronting the square and the entrance banished to Wardour Street, presumably to allow car access to the front doors. Or did someone in White Plains look at the map and say ‘hey guys, look! Wardour – begins with W just like the hotel’ leaving the rest, as they say, to history?
Whatever the reason it seems odd that the restaurant occupies a discrete position on the rear of the building, an M&M store the high profile frontage on the Square. It will not bother cabbies but travellers coming from Leicester Square tube may well have problems spotting the way in. There will be no dining on the Square, no easy celebrity access for those red carpet nights either. Make no mistake though; this is a gorgeous new landmark building, standing like a lighthouse white and pure amongst the surrounding Victoriana.
A large mirrored ‘W’ is the only outside signage. Despite its size, the mirrored finish makes it float lightly in the entrance space, shared only with the black-clad greeters, the discreet ‘W’ in their lapels showing they are not bookies’ runners. The informality and stylishness of New York is brought to London, but the guys are good, not backward at coming forward. Inside the lobby is also black, lit by mirror balls – a design theme continued through the hotel. In each lift lobby the balls show which floor you are on, making the floor numbers and lighting dramatic at every level.
SME’s – Easier access to Courts to pursue infringement cases
Following much pressure from ACID and other industry organisations, yesterday’s announcement of a new law will give SME’s better access to justice to protect their rights by introducing a damages cap of £500,000 for claims made in the Patents County Court (PCC). Government believes that following the introduction of this simpler legal framework small companies claiming damages up to that amount are less likely to face a considerably more expensive trip to the High Court. ACID welcomes The Patents County Court (Financial Limit) Order 2011 which gives more clarity of what disputes can be heard in the PCC and which ones should go to the High Court. In practice this means that if a legal case is worth less than £500,000 there is more certainty about the levels of financial risk.
Dids Macdonald, ACID’s CEO said, “This has been one of our key lobbying objectives for some time and whilst we welcome, as a first step, a more accessible justice system for SME’s to enforce their IP rights. We also need a fast track IP small claims court for micro enterprises, who form the majority mass within the creative industries, and who will still find it prohibitively expensive to take legal action. We are cautiously optimistic towards this positive first step by a Government which appears to be serious about providing access to more cost and time effective justice in order for SMEs to enforce their intellectual property rights.”
As specialists providing comprehensive interior fit out services to Bars, Restaurants and Hotels across the UK, Dawnvale’s in-house manufacturing facilities provide bespoke bars and Joinery, through to contract furniture, commercial kitchens and ventilation. We have the skill sets and experience to provide you with a professional and cost effective solution even within restricted timescales.
Simply put, we offer as much or as little as you require for your project.
From the shell of the building, to the bespoke leather on the seating, we manufacture, fit out and deliver project solutions for Restaurants, Hotels and Bars throughout the UK and internationally. We work with Designers, Architects and Industry Professionals to create interior and exterior places and spaces, in individual or roll out developments.
Why not contact our team to discuss your project and arrange an appointment to see our extensive contract showrooms and production facilities in Manchester on 0161 684 7879 or sales@dawnvale.com
Premier Inn has announced that it is building the UK’s first hotel with floating bedrooms.The hotel, in London’s entertainment heart at number 1 Leicester Square, will feature 84 bedrooms which ‘float’ on thick engineered neoprene pads so that noise from the Square and a nightclub below does not disturb guests. The innovative bedroom design has been created by an expert team of acoustic engineers, architects and construction specialists.
Each room will be formed from an independent box with no contact with the neighbouring rooms or hallway. Acoustic linings to the walls and ceilings will provide sound insulation between bedrooms; building services are isolated; and windows will have quadruple glazing.
Premier Inn has spent six months perfecting the design to ensure it meets the standards set by the company’s ‘Good Night Guarantee’. Two trial bedrooms – one with a timber frame and a second with a metal frame – have been built at the site and studies have been undertaken to establish their performance.
As part of the tests, the Premier Inn team weighed the whole bedroom to ensure the optimum compression of the isolation pads – including everything used in the construction, from the 5,000 nails to the bathroom tile adhesive.
The results from the two trial bedrooms indicate that noise levels will be significantly better than the standards recommended by the World Health Organisation, which are generally adopted as the industry standard. Premier Inn has selected the metal frame design as this represents the most effective construction solution.
Patrick Dempsey, Whitbread Managing Director, said: “Our floating bedroom is a major innovation in hotel design and means we can now bring Premier Inn to fantastic locations such as Leicester Square and to other sites where outside noise could be an issue. The success of the floating bedroom design is great news for all of our guests. It means we can be confident about guaranteeing a good night’s sleep even in the heart of one of the world’s liveliest and most celebrated entertainment centres.”
Construction work is expected to start later this month and the hotel is scheduled to open in February 2012.
Premier Inn is the UK’s biggest budget hotel chain within the M25 with 6,066 rooms and 50 hotels.
Premier Inn offers all guests the unique ’Good Night Guarantee’ – which means if you are not 100% satisfied with your stay you will get a full refund.
Tanzania’s 12th Annual Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair in Arusha
The recently renovated five -star Mount Meru Hotel hosted the kick-off cocktail reception for Tanzania’s 12th annual Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair in Arusha. Karibu, which took place from June 3rd to the 5th, is the largest travel industry event in East Africa. The travel fair has become “the place to meet” for the region’s travel industry partners from around the world. It has been boosting Tanzania tourism for the last 12 years and this year was no exception. The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Honorable Lazaro Nyalandu was the guest of honor at the Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair official cocktail party. More than 450 people attended and enjoyed live food stations, delectable canapés and local music by Aqua Sounds. This was the first opportunity that the Mount Meru Hotel was able to showcase its new, lavish and luxurious look, including the sculptured gardens, to the travel industry. Karibu Fair organizers noted a record turn out this year. “Some 265 exhibitors took part in this year’s fair along with 7,500 regional and international visitors,” said Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair Coordinator, Sammy Diah.
“This year, the Karibu Fair focused attention firmly on marketing East Africa as a single tourist destination, an initiative that, along with others, puts the show in an enviable, and potentially enormously lucrative position,” Diah noted. The major objective of the fair is to raise the regional profile by promoting East African tourism to the global market and to bring all key industry players in East Africa together in one place, at one time.
The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Lazaro Nyalandu said: “We are proud as a government, for this industry, that we must do everything to support, we must do everything to help, we must do everything to uplift and I am told just like right here, as we stand in this fine and beautiful Hotel of Mount Meru, the Hotel that is definitely bringing the old glory of Arusha back home.”
Dr. Aloyce K. Nzuki, TTB’s Managing Director, noted “Tanzania is very proud that the Karibu Fair, which started as a modest initiative, has evolved into a major travel industry showcase for all the East African destinations.“
Sangeev Halooman, resident Manager of Mount Meru Hotel, accepted the “Best Luxury Hotel in Tanzania” Award from Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry. Halooman said, “The Mount Meru Hotel was honored to achieve such an award and continues to work hard provide unique hospitality experience for guests.”
The Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair continues to grow every year and exhibitors and visitors alike are excited about the prospect of the new permanent venue near Kisongo in Arusha for the East Africa’s leading travel and tourism industry show. The 2012 Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair is scheduled for June 1-3, 2012.
., the world leader in hotel room Internet, power and multimedia connectivity, is delighted to announce that the Rezidor Hotel Group has selected the MediaHub HD™ with Power/Data Extender product as a preferred partner for the connectivity panels in new Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts.Including MediaHub HD in their guestroom design means Radisson Blu will offer the most modern personalized in-room entertainment system, complete with a way for guests to fill the guestroom with their own iPod or MP3 music playlists without using a wire or cable.
As Europe’s largest upscale hotel brand, Radisson Blu is synonymous with creativity and innovation. David Dreschner, vice president, corporate purchasing services, says: “At Rezidor, we recognize the importance of providing our guests with advanced in-room technology. Guests are increasingly accessing their own entertainment and require in-room connectivity to compliment this. Alongside our interactive TV partner, OTRUM, the MediaHub HD panel will ensure that we provide a premium entertainment service at all Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts.”
MediaHub HD provides a complete multimedia connectivity solution allowing guests to play their personal media via the in-room TV. As part of the ongoing development of Radisson Blu’s guestroom entertainment offer, MediaHub HD acts as an easy-to-use conduit for guests to enjoy their own music playlists, movie rentals and downloads, video games, photo slideshows and more on the in-room flat panel TV.
Rezidor chose to add power and data extension, which adds the convenience of two additional power outlets and a wired Internet jack to their guestroom design, right where their guests will need it most. European customers can choose to add identical UK and EU sockets or choose a compatible combination of the two for added flexibility of multiple country power sockets per property.
Guests of the Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow in Russia and Radisson Blu Hotel, Kiev in Ukraine can already experience MediaHub HD personalized in-room entertainment centre.
Wilton Carpets Commercial is helping the Imperial hotel embrace the swinging 60s with a stunning bespoke woven carpet featuring throughout the bar of the Imperial Hotel in London’s Holborn district.The flagship of the Imperial Hotel Group, with 10 other hotels within central London, the Imperial has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment that plays homage to the 1960s building delivering an interior that captures the fun and frivolity of the period.
The company responsible for the design of the hotel refurbishment, Trevillion Interiors Ltd worked with Wilton Carpets’ design manager Julie Robertson to create a statement carpet throughout the bar that captures the spirit of the 60s. Taking inspiration from an image of a pattern from the era along with tuft colours reflecting the décor – both supplied by Trevillion Interiors – Julie created a large-scale design. The result is a carpet that blends with the ambience of the interior, harmonising with some of the colours in the plain fabrics within the soft furnishing scheme.
“The original Imperial hotel was demolished in the 1960s but some of the artefacts from this original building still remain lending the interior of the ‘new’ building an eclectic mix of styles,” explains Frances Blackham, design director, Trevillion Interiors. “Our client wanted an interior that neither dismissed this history nor the emotional attachment of its existing clientele.
“With that in mind, we decided to embrace the 60s period and the lively, sociable lifestyle of the period seemed so appropriate for the bar area. The carpet is reminiscent of the designs made famous by Mary Quant and is delivered with powerful and vibrant colours so typical of the era.”
Wilton Carpets also supplied a Neo Gothic influenced bespoke design for the restaurant of the Imperial, delivering a total of 1,000 square metres of woven carpet to the 488-room central London hotel.
The woven axminster carpet is made from a performance blend of 80% wool and 20% nylon to provide these busy areas of the Imperial hotel with a carpet that is durable and that will retain its appearance over time. Manufactured on electronic Jacquard looms in Wiltshire, the carpet was supplied with the help of The Carpet Centre, Enfield.
There’s a recurring complaint from guests at the newest five-star hotel in Cambodia: They wish they could stay longer!Only two months into its official opening, the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra collected its first accolade, a 2011 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award, for earning consistently high ratings from members of the popular travel website.
The 201-room hotel currently holds a 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site.
“Since the start, the whole team at the Sofitel has striven hard to fulfill each individual guest’s expectations, so we’re thrilled that our efforts have been acknowledged so soon,” said Didier Lamoot, general manager of the hotel. “Knowing that the prize is based on the opinions of guests who’ve stayed all over and who were impressed by what we offer, is the best part of winning.”
Testimonials on the TripAdvisor site are heavy with praise for the young hotel and its Cambodian staff. “I cannot fault this hotel for comfort, service and facilities. The staff, without exception, were friendly, helpful and made us feel so welcome,” writes one woman from the UK. “Sofitel did a hell of a job with this wonderful property,” enthuses a man from Brussels. A visitor from Spain notes, “There is real character about this place – something special.”
Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra held its soft opening in December 2010, and celebrated its full launch in late March 2011 with a ceremony attended by Cambodia’s deputy prime minister.
This month saw three generations of the Missoni family join a host of International guests and media for the launch of Hotel Missoni Kuwait. Rosita Missoni, Angela Missoni and Teresa Missoni were all in Kuwait to support the latest Hotel Missoni launch and to host a decadent Grand Opening event.Kuwait is the second hotel location for the Hotel Missoni brand which was founded by Rezidor Hotel Group and the Missoni family. This new luxury hotel boasts 169 sea facing rooms, a Missoni striped pool, a Six Senses Spa and a Grand Ballroom, all designed and directed by Rosita Missoni in the renowned Missoni aesthetic.
The Grand Opening event began with an official ribbon cutting ceremony, which was followed by a journey around the hotel so guests could experience all the elements of the building. The tour took in the 17th Floor Presidential Suite, 18th Floor Luna restaurant with jaw dropping views over the Arabian Gulf, the luxury Six Senses Spa and the Grand Ballroom which was the hub of the action, with internationally renowned chef Giorgio Locatelli showcasing his signature dishes.
Guests moved through the hotel sampling the variety of decadent foods on offer: at the heart of the hotel, Cucina the popular Italian restaurant, offered traditional Italian fare, with attendees then sampling the sumptuous chocolate fountains at the Choco Café.
On May 3, J.W. Marriott, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Marriott International, Inc. and General Gordon R. Sullivan, Ret., US ARMY, Association of the United States Army (AUSA) were joined by city representatives, to sign the first convention contract for the Washington Marriott Marquis which opens spring 2014. AUSA has been meeting in Washington, DC for more than 50 years and has been utilizing the Walter E. Convention Center since 2003. “Our newly opened Washington Marriott Marquis’ sales office is thrilled that the AUSA is our first group to book the hotel for such an important meeting,” said Bill Wallace, director of marketing, Washington Marriott Marquis. The Washington Marriott Marquis will bring an additional 1,175 guest rooms and 100,000 sq ft of superior meeting space to Washington, DC and will create approximately 1,600 construction jobs, and when the hotel opens will offer more than 1,000 jobs to District residents in the hospitality industry.
Seated left to right: General Gordon R. Sullivan, Ret., President and COO, AUSA; J.W. Marriott, Jr. Chairman and CEO, Marriott International, Inc. Second row left to right: Bill Wallace, Director of Marketing, Washington Marriott Marquis; Gregory A. O’Dell, President and CEO, Washington Convention and Sports Authority; Michael Scanlan, Director Industry Affairs, Association of the United States Army; Elliott Ferguson, President and CEO, Destination DC.
Group at the annual India Leadership Conclave 2011
Alila Diwa Goa, has been recognised as India’s Best Managed Hospitality group at the 2nd Annual India Leadership Conclave (ILC) 2011. This is the third year of the ILC awards, where leading corporate organisations are honoured for their contributions to the Indian Economy.Saji Joseph – General Manager, Alila Diwa Goa says, “It was a huge surprise and truly an honor for Alila to be recognised for the award after just one year of operation. It is a fitting tribute to our team.”
Alila Diwa Goa opened its doors in December 2010 as the first Alila lifestyle resort in India. In April the resort also won the Critic’s Award for Best New Hotel at the Hotel Investor Conference South Asia (HICSA). Alila’s second hotel in India will open in Bangalore this month.
RHA Furniture at Southernhay House Hotel in Exeter
RHA were delighted to work with Southerhay House Hotel to contribute in the furnishing of their beautiful Georgian Grade II* building. The elegant dining room features the eye catching Cafe chair in a modern Pantone colour finish & leather upholstered seats. The custom made dining tables display veneered oak tops with an open grain finish.
The bar features the Miami stools stained black & upholstered in marine leather. The Art 453 bar tables are stained in matt black lacquer and are complemented by a gold leaf trim.
For more information about the furniture featured please contact RHA Furniture or visit www.rhafurniture.com.
Mr Smith World Photography, London based fine art photographers feature a captivating collection of images developed over many years of world travel. This portfolio is themed “PEOPLE OF INDIA”, from the AMAZING PLACES COLLECTION.Prints are available from the online gallery or as bespoke artwork from Mr Smith’s extensive catalogue. These prints can be produced to extremely large sizes and are just a sample from an outstanding portfolio of images. Click on any of the images below for more information.
Building on the success of their lounges at Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal and Stansted airport, award-winning airport hospitality specialist No.1 Traveller has launched a ‘super-lounge’ at Gatwick Airport’s North Terminal. Opened during May 2011, ‘No.1 Gatwick’ is located airside and offers a broad and innovative range of facilities for departing and transferring passengers, including:• Lounge, with: a complimentary bistro-style menu, and fully-tended bar, mini-cinema, family room, games rooms and free Wi-Fi throughout the lounge. • Travel Spa, with shower suites and a range of salon and spa services, including: manicure, pedicure, massage, facials and hairdressing. • Business centre, with individual computer stations, email, printing and fax facilities, self-service refreshments and private meeting rooms, which can also be booked separately.
The new No.1 Traveller lounge also offers a wide range of entertainment options including a mini-cinema, a games room, indoor garden and children’s play area. Guests can take advantage of the new Travel Spa* – a first for Gatwick airport – or the stand-alone business centre. Additionally, guests can enjoy a range of complimentary services including foreign currency delivered to the lounge, travel insurance that can be booked online within the lounge or access to a personal shopping service from World Duty Free.
For a fee No.1 Gatwick can be accessed by any passenger departing from the North Terminal, giving travellers an opportunity to ‘upgrade’ their journey ahead of holidays or business meetings. The lounge will be the company’s fourth in the UK, with lounges already operating in Stansted and Gatwick South.
The travel spa has been designed and developed in conjunction with Debi Green, formerly Group Spa Director of The Sanctuary, and will include a range of products from some of the world’s leading beauty therapy brands.
Phil Cameron, Founder and CEO of No.1 Traveller, commented: “We’re delighted to be opening a new, world-class lounge at Gatwick, which will change the pre-flight offer for over seven million passengers. We’re bringing passengers more choice than ever before, so that spending time at the airport can become another memorable part of their journey.”
Robin Longden, Gatwick Airport’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “At Gatwick, we want our passengers to feel as if their holiday starts right here at the airport and not at the point at which they reach their chosen holiday destination. Our £1billion investment programme is geared towards making the passenger experience more pleasant and enjoyable – providing better, speedier check-in products, shorter queues at security and delivering more modern, spacious departure lounge areas. The new No.1 Traveller lounge in Gatwick’s North Terminal will complement the improvements being delivered across the entire airport.”
*The travel spa will offer services including hairdressing, massage, manicures and showering facilities
Roman, the leading UK shower designer and manufacturer, has added two new bathroom cabinet options to their stunning collection of high quality bathroom accessories.The first cabinet is a full length two door mirrored cabinet, which offers a large space to store all the bathroom toiletries and cleaning products to keep the bathroom clutter-free, whilst also doubling up as a full length mirror. The second cabinet is a lockable single door mirrored cabinet which is perfect for storing medicines away from children.
Both cabinets are manufactured from stainless steel for lasting durability and feature a mirrored front. The mirrored cabinets, like all Roman accessories, carry a ten year guarantee for added peace of mind.
The cabinets join Roman’s existing range of accessories which includes, two other cabinet styles, shower baskets, a shower stool and their exclusive bathroom champagne coolers.
David Osborne, Managing Director at Roman, commented: “Bathroom accessories are a key addition to every bathroom, they help keep the space clutter-free. Since we first launched our collection of accessories they have proved very popular. With the modern bathroom becoming much more Brand conscious, consumers are looking for more items to sit under one complete Brand name. Roman can offer everything from the enclosure, tray, valve, accessory and cabinet all under the Roman Brand. At Roman we carefully select the highest quality accessories, to perfectly complete any bathroom no matter what size, shape or style.”
A new boutique hotel has joined Epoque Hotels’s Collection in Barcelona: Hotel Denit.
Hotel Denit is located in a renovated old building in Barcelona’s historic quarters, just within a stone’s throw of Paseo de Gracia and the popular Ramblas: the ideal starting point for any sightseeing tour of Barcelona. Hotel Denit’s 36 rooms are functional and yet cozy, covering the needs of today’s travelers: they feature plasma TV, sound proof walls, WIFI connection, high speakers and charger for the iPod, etc., etc. One of the main characteristic of Hotel Denit is its avant-garde design, both in the rooms and public areas. It includes lamps by Louis Poulsen and Foscarini, seats by Vitra and Zanotta, sofas by De Padova and armchairs by Fritz Hansen, amongst other prestigious international firms. The hotel has a pleasant dining hall where breakfast is served every morning and that can also be used as a multi-functional room for small gatherings and professional meetings.
Chief Designer Paul Flowers and his team win most important red dot accolade
The “red dot: design team of the year” title is a unique accolade and one of the most coveted awards in the global design community. Designers and companies cannot submit entries for this award but have to attract the jurors’ attention through consistently excellent product design and far-sighted company policies. This is the only way to stand a chance of being singled out for this once-in-a-lifetime honour. This year, the GROHE design team headed by Paul Flowers has been named “red dot: design team of the year 2011”, thereby joining an elite circle of such renowned award winners as Bose, BMW, adidas, Apple, Sony and Audi. “In times of ongoing globalisation, companies find themselves in phases where they are challenged by external conditions to prove their worth,” explains Prof. Dr. Peter Zec, the initiator and CEO of the red dot design award. “Then there are phases when companies prove their worth by coming up with innovative solutions which nobody – not even industry insiders – expected. In its eventful company history, GROHE has experienced both types of phases, but the company’s design efforts in the past five years have put it in a completely new position of strength vis-à-vis its competitors. Design is a value driver and a top management issue at GROHE.”
Strength in design is conducive to brand strength
Apart from quality, technology and sustainability, design is a fundamental pillar of product philosophy at GROHE, Europe’s largest manufacturer of sanitary fittings and a global leader in this industry. Says CEO David J. Haines: “Recent years, in particular, have seen our company build on its design excellence, leading to a sustained increase in the value of the GROHE brand.” GROHE today offers a collection of highly aesthetic products and pioneering innovations which continue to point the way forward for the bathroom and sanitary industry.
The “red dot institute for advanced design studies” has closely followed the progress achieved by the company in its evolution from a mere technology leader to a design leader. This success is measured not least in the numerous international design awards garnered by GROHE. The most notable successes include a series of four “red dot: best of the best” awards, the latest of which has been bestowed on the company for its Digital Collection this year. Paul Flowers, Senior Vice President Design at Grohe AG, will receive the award on behalf of the Grohe design team along with the “Radius” trophy on the occasion of the red dot gala in Essen on July 4.
Says Paul Flowers: “My team and I believe that being named ‘red dot: design team of the year’ is the design industry’s equivalent of winning an Oscar. Winning this award means that we have successfully implemented our new company vision. We set out to create experiences which go beyond the product as such. Quality, technology and sustainability are fundamental pillars, which are genuinely acknowledged by consumers. However, our ambition was to take this relationship to a higher level by converting their acknowledgement into a feeling of love for our products. Through our designs we have been able to achieve this.”
From the Design Studio to the Boardroom
The in-house GROHE Design Studio is part of the company’s Corporate Center in Düsseldorf and reports directly to David J. Haines, the CEO of Grohe AG. This position in the corporate hierarchy affords the creative team considerable freedom to innovate and experiment with new ideas. Apart from designing products to be marketed globally, the 17 team members also draw on their diverse cultural backgrounds when creating designs targeting specific geographic markets. Wherever a product is marketed around the globe, it will always project the distinctive GROHE identity, given that all products are based on the elements of the GROHE Design DNA – the lozenge, the ring and the 7-degree angle. As a result, the products, the packaging and even the look and feel of the website unmistakeably say: GROHE.
With no need for attachment clips, Simple-Fit skirting from Forbes Group is a quick and effective way to dress your table, providing a professional finish in minutes. Made of gently gathered panels attached to a plain stretch topper it is easy to fit, always centered and levelled, saving you time and increasing your staff efficiency when setting up for important functions.
The classic Comfort brand family of hotels, the same that has provided American travelers with pleasant accommodations for 30 years, is about to get a whole new look and feel. Announced in May at Choice Hotels International’s annual convention in Boston, the company’s Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites brands have both unveiled an entirely new design aimed at making the modern guest’s experience even better. With personalized amenities, a warm color palette, and familiar yet refreshing design elements, the new look of Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites enables each guest to create the stay experience that they need in order to be refreshed for whatever tomorrow may hold, whether it’s another day out on the road or an important business meeting.
The Comfort brand family’s new aesthetic is much more luxurious than typically associated with mid-priced brands. It bucks the trend toward boutique in favor of traditional warmth delivered with a modern flair. The new Comfort brand experience will begin the minute a guest arrives on site with each hotel exterior featuring a signature entry with warm and inviting lighting. Lobbies will welcome guests with dark wood-style flooring and flexible seating, featuring plush sofas and lounge chairs in cozy groupings for working, meeting or socializing. The new Welcome Wall behind the reception desk will cast a warm glow, comprised of a reception desk and stone backdrop with soft integrated lighting, recalling the hearth, the traditional gathering place in the heart of the home, further illustrated by the inclusion of a lobby fireplace.
The Comfort Suites brand specifically will help to make technology even more accessible to its guests with an interactive touch screen as well as business center and free Wi-Fi in the lobby. Comfort Suites hotels will also feature added features like a breathtaking two-story lobby, convenient market place, and redesigned fitness center.
The residential ambiance continues in the guestrooms, cast in soothing neutral hues with jewel-tone accent colors and finishes. Guests will relax on sectional sofas and cushy lounge chairs with ottomans. There will be spa-like baths, flat-screen TVs, and plenty of soft and cozy fabrics, as well as custom-crafted artwork that reflects each brand’s logo.
Comfort Suites guestrooms will be large and especially plush, offering oversized showers, signature sectional sleeper sofas and ottomans as well as in-room refrigerators and microwaves. Beds will have crisp white triple sheeting and richly colored custom bed scarves, drawing guests in for a peaceful night’s sleep. Grand headboards will integrate wall sconces, outlets for recharging mobile devices, and individually controlled LED reading lights for ultra relaxation and control.
“The new design for the Comfort brand family is based on earthen colors which evoke peace and warmth with refreshing jewel-tone accent colors to provide inspiration,” added Brenda Wulff, director of product design and innovation for Choice Hotels. “What’s more, the design is great for business, as consumers indicated a significant increase in intent to stay based on the new look and feel for the brands.”
Starting with a wide array of design options provided by design firm Gensler, the selection of the future design theme for Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites was ultimately chosen through an intensive six-month research process involving multiple consumer focus groups, more than 1,500 online consumer surveys, one-on-one interviews with potential developers and current franchisee input and participation at each step in the process.
Consumers will begin to see elements of the new design at a number of hotels early next year with new bedding packages. Travelers will see the new design in its entirety in new hotels, starting in late 2012.
On the 2nd June 2011, the Hotel Schiller, an historic boutique hotel in Lucerne, Switzerland celebrates the completion of its restoration and rebranding as the Renaissance Lucerne Hotel under a franchise agreement with Hotel Schiller Betriebe AG. The Renaissance Lucerne Hotel, housed in a century-old City Palais and situated in the heart of Lucerne, is located only a stone’s throw from the shores of Lake Lucerne. Offering 86 stylish guestrooms, the hotel offers a true boutique experience, blending modern design with classic sophistication. The design of the Renaissance Lucerne Hotel includes nods to its locale, stunning landscapes and alpine mountain views. Guestrooms feature luxurious bedding, rainfall showers, iHome docking stations and flat screen televisions.
To make the most out of any visit to Lucerne, Renaissance “Navigators” are available to hand-pick the best of the city to explore, including the world-famous Chapel Bridge or the great hiking trail around Lake Lucerne.
Dining at the Renaissance Lucerne Hotel is an experience in itself, with the Mexican-inspired Pacifico restaurant offering home-smoked spare ribs, juicy steaks and hand-crafted margaritas. At the BLUE Bar, guests can enjoy cocktails in an elegant environment with neo-baroque elements and Asian influences.
“We are excited to welcome The Renaissance Lucerne Hotel to our growing collection of Renaissance Hotels in Europe,” said Amy McPherson, president and managing director of Marriott International in Europe. “Lucerne is a truly magical place to discover with its picturesque landscapes, rich culture and hidden gems around every corner. As Renaissance Hotels are all about creating authentic travel experiences for our guests, we are so excited to welcome this newest addition to our growing portfolio in Switzerland.” The third Renaissance Hotel in Switzerland, the Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel will open in August 2011 as Marriott International moves towards its goal of doubling its portfolio in Europe by 2015.
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has announced the opening of the new Holiday Inn Birmingham-Hoover to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers. The hotel has hired more than 30 employees to fill various positions throughout the hotel from front desk and sales to housekeeping and maintenance. The five-story hotel features 112 rooms, including two suites, and is located on a lake in a quiet area just outside of Birmingham, near the intersection of Interstate 65 and Interstate 459. It features fresh and stylish décor and an array of amenities, including an indoor heated pool open all year, a 24-hour fitness center and a full-service restaurant and lounge.
For business travelers, the new Holiday Inn features a 24-hour business center and 1,674-square-feet of meeting space that can be transformed into one ballroom or two meeting rooms. The hotel is near the offices of AT&T, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama and not far from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
The hotel is home to Kem’s Restaurant & Lounge, named after the brand’s founder, Kemmons Wilson, featuring a wide array of fresh, grilled menu items and traditional favorites. The restaurant’s design includes hardwood-style flooring, solid wood tables and unique circular booth seating, which are intended to elevate the overall experience for guests.
The hotel design creates a residential atmosphere that is warm, trend-forward and comfortable. It features a natural, fresh color palette punctuated by pops of energetic colors. Guest beds are made using crisp, white bedding with pillows that come in two comfort levels: “soft” and “firm.” The bathrooms include a specially designed showerhead that offers superior pressure, as well as a signature shower curtain with curved rod and new amenities.
The residential design includes business-focused necessities like an ergonomic work station, data ports, complimentary USA TODAY® newspapers, complimentary high speed Internet access in guest rooms, WiFi capabilities and AT&T VoIP phone systems, which will allow guests to conduct conference calls for up to six participants even while using their computer online. In addition, each room has the Holiday Inn guestroom accommodations – comfortable double, queen or king-sized beds, a sitting area with a lounge chair, cable television, hairdryer, coffee maker, iron and ironing board.
The hotel, located at 2901 John Hawkins Parkway in Hoover, is owned and managed by Galleria Properties, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.
Designed by award-winning Hong Kong architect Antony Chan, the 32-storey Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus, a member of Epoque Hotels, intends to create an all-new urban hotel experience. Efficient, practical and stylish, most of the 90 value-for-money rooms boast panoramic views of Hong Kong’s world-famous Victoria Harbour.“Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus offers visitors the best of both worlds”, says Calvin Mak, Founder and CEO of Rhombus International Hotels Group. “Ideally located between Sheung Wan and Central, the property also delivers breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour. With its stylish design and easy access to major attractions and transportation routes, we’re confident that Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus will be the hotel of choice for international business and leisure travellers alike”.
Ideally located in Connaught Road West, Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus offers personalized service catering to the needs of today’s discerning travellers.
The hotel’s designer Antony Chan explains, “Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus is uniquely designed to reflect its personality and attitude. We’ve given the hotel a timeless sensuality and sense of style. Guests will appreciate the attention to detail, the relaxing ambience and the use of space.” Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus offers five accommodation categories: Superior Room, Harbour View Room, Deluxe Room, Deluxe Harbour View Room and Executive Harbour View Room. Each room includes complimentary WiFi internet access and features high quality audiovisual equipment, a 42-inch LED TV, DVD Player and an iPod or iPhone docking station.
Glo restaurant + lounge, situated on the first floor of the hotel is headed by Canadian Chef Robert Lockwood. Serving a variety of exquisite traditional dishes as well as a few wildly innovative examples of molecular cooking, Glo restaurant + lounge has a cozy and & relaxing atmosphere for sipping classic cocktails or savoring modern cuisine.
Situated in Hong Kong’s vibrant historic district, Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus stands halfway between the culture of Sheung Wan and the commerce of Central. Within walking distance to Central, and the Macau Ferry Terminal, the hotel is just half an hour away from Hong Kong International Airport.
Accelerating its global portfolio growth, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced the opening of its first Westin hotel in South America – The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center in Peru. Ideally located in the heart of San Isidro, the financial and shopping hub of Lima, Peru, The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center features 301 rooms and the largest meeting and convention facilities in Peru.The debut of Westin in Peru comes on the heels of the brand’s recent entry in Costa Rica, with the opening of its first all-inclusive resort – The Westin Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal. Westin is also poised to make its debut in Panama with the upcoming openings of The Playa Bonita followed by The Westin Panama, and increase its presence in Mexico with the upcoming opening of The Westin Guadalajara this September.
The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center is opening under a franchise agreement between Grupo Libertador and Starwood. The two companies previously partnered to open two Luxury Collection properties: Hotel Paracas Resort in 2009 and Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa in 2010, located in Valle Sagrado, near Machu Picchu.
An ideal venue for weddings, social galas and business functions, The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center boasts more than 28,000 square feet of space, including 10 meeting rooms and a grand ballroom. Additional facilities include a three meal restaurant and a fine dining restaurant headed by chef Rafael Piqueras. The hotel also features an In Site Bar to enjoy international cocktails, lobby lounge, and an additional lounge on the 29th floor. Designed by Miami-based Arquitectonica and renowned New York designer Tony Chi, The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention is a notable addition to the Lima skyline.
In their rooms, hotel guests will awaken their senses with the Westin Heavenly Bath(R) experience and restore in the Heavenly Bed(R), a 10-layer ensemble of luxurious comfort featuring a pillow-top mattress set, a cozy down blanket, three crisp sheets, a comforter, duvet and five plush pillows. Rooms are also equipped with high-speed Internet access and an ergonomic work space to enhance guest productivity and creativity in a tranquil setting.
As part of the Westin brand’s commitment to preserving wellness on the road, The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center features a 24-hour WestinWORKOUT(R) gym, an indoor pool and the SuperfoodsRX menu designed by experts to keep guests on top of their game with incredible food combinations rich in nutrients, antioxidants and flavor. Located on the second floor of the hotel, the Heavenly Spa by Westin features 14 treatment rooms and a choice of signature Heavenly treatments created by Comfort Zone, the luxurious Italian spa brand.
The Spa at the Twelve Apostles Hotel in Cape Town will relaunch in August with a completely fresh identity and new management. The Spa’s neutral palette and natural look will be in keeping with the award-winning spas at sister properties The Oyster Box in Umhlanga and Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat in the Cederberg, which are all operated and managed by The Red Carnation Collection as a spa brand.
The new Spa will be dedicated to restoring beauty and balance through individual treatments and Spa journeys, personalised for each guest by skilled therapists using Elemis and Dermalogica products. “Our commitment to wellbeing focuses on holistic principles, combining ancient wisdom with modern expertise,” says Toni Tollman, designer and family member of the award-winning, family owned Red Carnation Hotel Collection of luxury boutique hotels.
The Spa’s new calming white and crystal interior will have seven superbly equipped treatment rooms for dual and single treatments, a hydrotherapy bath and rain showers, a Rasul Chamber for traditional cleansing rituals using steam and mud, a Perfect Finish Salon for manicures and pedicures, Wild Lanyana Aromatherm Room for hydrotherapy treatments or a Vichy Shower, plunge pools, a floatation pool and a Tranquillity Lounge.
The current spa will close on June 1 for eight weeks of renovation. Treatments will still be available in a temporary spa in an interleading two bedroom suite during this period.
the global leader in supplying connectivity products to the hospitality industry is pleased to announce Cairn Group has chosen to include its premier product MediaHub HD product as part of their guestroom entertainment centre for the Holiday Inn Newcastle Upon Tyne and Scotch Corner Holiday Inn properties.Owned and managed by the Cairn Hotel Group, the hotels have undergone major refurbishment and room enhancement. The properties aim to be in line with Holiday Inn’s new worldwide brand experience – “Wake Up Recharged. Get Refreshed. Stay Connected.”MediaHub HD connectivity panel was the clear choice for Cairn Hotel Group to facilitate the “home away from home” in-room entertainment experience in the brand’s “Stay Connected” theme.
“The Cairn Group continues to focus on offering value to our customers, we also aim to provide our guests a great experience. Providing TV connectivity and high-speed Internet is as important to leisure guests as it is for our many corporate clients. Adding the MediaHub to the guest room amenities uplifts the grade of the hotels and assists our sales and marketing team to drive new revenues” Says Aneil Handa, Cairn Group.
With MediaHub HD as part of the in-room entertainment centre, both business and leisure guests can enjoy their personal music playlists, films, video games, photo slideshows and more on the in-room flat panel TV. MediaHub HD is also the only connectivity panel to feature a Stereo Bluetooth pairing point. That means guests can pair their Apple iDevice or other other MP3 players with MediaHub HD to play music through the TV speakers without tying their player to the panel with a cable. They can relax and keep their MP3 players with them to control their playlists or browse other “apps” while their music plays.
Hilton Worldwide has recently announced the opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah, the first DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in the United Arab Emirates. Located in the heart of the Al Nakeel business district and just minutes away from the beach, this newly built, upscale, full-service hotel offers modern ambiance; extensive amenities; and warm, welcoming hospitality.Ras al Khaimah, the U.A.E.’s northernmost Emirate, offers incredible diversity in geography with its white sandy beaches, majestic mountains and breathtaking desert sand dunes as well as in cultural heritage and recreational activities. Just 45-minutes drive from Dubai International Airport, the hotel is centrally located adjacent to the Expo Centre and only minutes away from all major business establishments and tourist attractions.
DoubleTree by Hilton has a longstanding tradition of distinctively designed hotels that reflect their destination and create a rewarding experience for their guests in 17 countries across five continents. DoubleTree by Hilton characteristic qualities include the warm worldwide welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie to every guest at check-in, the rewards of the prestigious Hilton HHonors® loyalty programme and a unique caring commitment to the communities in which they operate. This second hotel opening followed the recent opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton Aqaba in Jordan late last week.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Ras al Khaimah features 98 guest rooms and 28 one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments tastefully appointed with 32-inch LCD TVs, generous work surfaces, luxurious baths, high-speed internet access, 24-hour, in-room dining and the ultra-comfortable Sweet Dreams® by DoubleTree Sleep Experience. Appreciating the demands of today’s business travellers, the hotel also features a 24-hour business centre and two boardrooms.
For on-site recreation and fitness, the hotel features a rooftop swimming pool with stunning views across the city; a whirlpool; a steam room; a fully-equipped fitness centre; and a spa with treatment rooms for massages and facials, beauty and wellness. Guests also may access the 1.5-kilometre private beach and enjoy additional restaurants at the nearby Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa with a complimentary shuttle bus service.
Dining options available at the DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah include Gusto, an all-day dining restaurant, where professional chefs prepare fresh food selections at a variety of live cooking stations. Freshly squeezed fruit juices, nutritious energy drinks and light healthy snacks await visitors to the Fresco Energy Bar. The Treetop Lounge and Restaurant located on the rooftop serves lunch, dinner, shisha and expertly mixed cocktails and beverages with stunning creek and city views. A lobby lounge and 24-hour, in-room dining also are available to guests.
Dixon Turner is pleased to announce the launch of their pioneering website www.dixon-turner.co.uk
Dixon Turner, a division on Newmor Group Limited has recently launched its newly transformed website as part of its new online campaign “Designs Unlimited”, linking the re-colouration system YouChoose and the conventional website www.dixon-turner.co.uk; Giving over 5 million option to designers.The new website has been designed to be user friendly and easy to navigate allowing customers to navigate through the full range of wallcoverings, fabrics within minutes. Added features to website include room set images of products,a unique reservation option along with the option to re-colour the design to their liking.
The new online campaign boasts over 5 million combinations of design, colour and texture for the customer to choose from with the ability to order bespoke samples within minutes and view their chosen wallcovering within different room sets.
Clive Tomlinson, the General Manager of Dixon Turner believes the additional functionality will be a great benefit to customers; going on to say “I am immensely pleased with the new look and feel of the website. I believe our customers will appreciate the changes we have made; making their online experience as pleasing as it can be”.
Dixon Turner is the UK’s leading independent wallcoverings manufacturer, distributing its unparalleled range of wallcoverings to over 40 countries worldwide. The world’s premier hotel chains, independent hotels, cruise ships, international companies and hospitals are fitted with wallcoverings designed and manufactured by Dixon Turner.
Striking large-scale contemporary interpretations of traditional and classical patterns mark Virtue by Wilton Carpets Commercial as a range of true integrity. From the lavish damask of Florentine and the floral flourishes of Pomegranate and Chrysanthemum to the tartan of Dunkeld and the intricate geometric of Woodland, the Virtue collection offers 18 designs that will add an air of sophistication to any environment.
Beautifully woven in a combination of 80% wool 20% nylon for durability and precision pattern reproduction, the Virtue collection is available through Wilton Carpets’ FastTrack service for delivery in 28 days. Any design in the Virtue collection can be fine tuned with any of the 12 colours from the Optimum palette, including shades such as lime zest, ocean, ruby and cashmere.
To ensure suitability in a wide range of environments, Virtue carpets are available in four qualities, ranging from seven-row for medium contract use up to 10-row for very heavy contract use, making the collection ideal for use anywhere from hotel reception through to public house function room. Woven in Wiltshire, the 80% wool 20% nylon axminster collection comes in a 3.66m width.
“The Virtue collection is truly stunning,” enthuses Alan Whittle, sales director for Wilton Carpets. “From lavish and intensely detailed carpets such as Marseilles through to the overlaid geometrics of Orbital, this exciting collection offers a true opportunity to specify a carpet with the ease that comes from a stock collectionand with the looks of a bespoke creation when in-situ.”
New ‘Get A Quote’ offers greater efficiency for clients
Hill Cross Furniture has recently launched a new range of features to their website which makes it even easier to locate your required products.The entire site has been rejuvenated, making it faster to navigate around the different areas so you can really see what Hill Cross Furniture have to offer.
There are over 1400 products listed on the website with distinctly labeled ‘NEW’ ranges on the thumbnail images to grab your attention.
Once you have found the products you would like for your restaurant, bar, hotel or other venue then you can ‘Add to Quote’.
In the ‘View your Quote’ area you can add, amend and remove items. You can also make notes to the Hill Cross sales team so they know exactly what you want. Once you are happy with everything, ‘Submit’ your Quote Request, sit back, relax and wait for a member of their helpful sales team to get in touch – safe in the knowledge you won’t need to go anywhere else once the Hill Cross experts receive your request.
YTL Hotels is proud to announce the full opening of the much anticipated Shook! Shanghai, following its soft-opening in May. Located in Shanghai’s The Swatch Art Peace Hotel, formerly the iconic Palace Hotel, the perpetual motion restaurant Shook!, along with Time Bar and The Swatch Art Peace Hotel Terrace, is now among contemporary Shanghai’s most unique and compelling dining and entertainment addresses.
This ultra chic Renaissance style 1906 colonial heritage hotel and landmark is located on Nanjing Road at the Bund intersection, overlooking the Huangpu River and the Pudong skyline.
Perched in a space of symmetry and proportion, Shook! Shanghai – the first outpost outside of the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, features the skills of 4 epicurean chefs with 4 distinct cuisines. A show kitchen – dubbed the ‘Ferrari’ of kitchens, is the ultimate culinary vernissage, where its signature dishes are created around the senses. The menu flirts with seasonal trends and boasts an adventurous journey of East and West, from Chinese, Japanese, South-East Asia and modern Western. The culinary team is helmed by YTL’s corporate chef Kevin Cape, from the UK. Chef Cape also played a pivotal role in the success of Shook! Kuala Lumpur. An open theatre to farmers’ market freshness, some notable nosh includes the snow white dancing prawns, confit of slow cooked salmon and Cajun style seabass.
Lining both walls of the entrance hallway leading to the restaurant are the beautifully designed wine cellars, showcasing some of the world’s finest wines and champagnes. The centrepiece of the wine cellar is made up of two rare vertical collections of Bordeaux’s elite estates – Chateau Cheval Blanc and Chateau d’Yquem. Each collection offers vintages from 1945 to 2010.
The play begins at Time Bar, accented with tints of dark wood and black stone dressed in cream- coloured leather. It is an endless noble balance between sphere and setting, where elongated glass windows illuminate the spectacular views along the Huangpu River. The partitioned dining frame is a mix of Chinese and colonial tradition. Rich textures and sumptuous fabrics provide an eternal contrast between the past and present that is distinctively Chinoiserie in style. Beverages are an eclectic mix of innovative and classic cocktails. The Time Bar uses molecular mixology technique to create its signature Caviar Royal – a show of Moët & Chandon Vintage 2003 and ‘pearls’ of Crème de Cassis.
Pre-dinner cocktail or after dinner drinks on The Swatch Art Peace Hotel Terrace – opening at the end of June 2011, with stunning views of the Bund and the endless skyscrapers from across in Pudong – makes for a perfect backdrop. Purest design, with white sofas and discreet touches of black and red, makes it a mesmerising experience shared with the movers and shakers in this celebrated city.
Adjacent to Shook! Shanghai on the fifth floor, the stylish multi-media banquet “The Gallery” is the perfect venue for concerts, private film screenings, press conferences and private receptions. The Hotel’s two defining domed towers on The Swatch Art Peace Hotel Terrace, Corner Tower and Blancpain Room, both with high-ceilinged elegant décor are ideal for intimate candlelight dinners. Just steps away, is one of the city’s most historic private meeting rooms, the Chiang-Soong Room, which has been restored to its original elegance. The Chiang-Soong Room is the very same venue where the First International Opium Conference was held in 1909. It is also where Chiang Kai-Shek and Soong Mei Ling of the storied Soong Sisters celebrated their engagement.
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Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
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