Hotel Designs

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.”

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.

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.

* subject to gaining normal planning approvals

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?”

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.

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.

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.

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.

Photographer: Richard Waite

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.”
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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.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

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.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has recently announced the opening of the Holiday Inn Express Nashville West I-40/Whitebridge Rd. in a comfortable and relaxed suburban setting not far from the Country Music Hall of Fame and the city’s famed downtown Honky Tonk District. Formerly the Baymont Inn, the hotel has recently undergone $1.5 million of enhancements to both the interior and exterior. Located near the intersection of Charlotte Avenue and Whitebridge Road, the recently renovated Holiday Inn Express Nashville West I-40/Whitebridge Rd. is just a short distance from the Nashville International Airport and provides easy access to I-40, I-65 and I-24.

The 65,000-square-foot hotel, which includes 105 rooms on three floors, is 100 percent smoke-free and includes a 750 square-foot meeting room. The hotel also offers complimentary high-speed, wireless Internet access. All rooms include a living area with a sofa bed and a large desk with an ergonomic chair.

Guest rooms include 35-inch, flat-screen televisions, comfortable queen or king-sized beds and the SimplySmartTM bedding collection where guests will find new, crisp and fresh bedding, an attractive decorative throw, a medium-weight duvet blanket and soft 200-thread-count sheets. The SimplySmartTM shower incorporates a proprietary Stay SmartTM Kohler showerhead and a signature shower curtain with curved rod. The sitting area includes a lounge chair and an in-room coffee machine featuring complimentary Smart Roast 100% Arabica coffee. Guests can enjoy free local and toll-free (U.S. only) calls, phones with private voicemail and complimentary USA TODAY® newspapers.

The Holiday Inn Express Nashville West I-40 is located at 5612 Lenox Ave., and is owned and managed by Pinnacle Hospitality Partners, which also includes the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Nashville – Opryland as part of their portfolio.

The city striving to become the world’s greenest metropolis by 2020 is getting a hotel to match.

Greater Vancouver will become the site of Canada’s first Element, the trailblazer in eco-conscious hospitality from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Set to welcome guests in 2014, Element Vancouver Metrotown is owned by Bosa Properties and will be managed by Atlific Hotels. Element hotels are green by design and inspiring by nature. Element hotels ‘ energizing, eco-chic environment offers bright public spaces, smart design, and modern touches. Every Element property is also a high-performance building where sustainable practices reduce waste and conserve resources. When it launched in 2008, Element made history by becoming the first major hotel brand to mandate that all its properties pursue LEED certification. There are now nine Element hotels across North America.

Element Vancouver Metrotown will situate guests in Burnaby, B.C. the center of metro Vancouver. Restaurants, schools, parks, a Skytrain Rapid Transit station, and shopping are all steps away – including Metropolis at Metrotown, British Columbia’s largest shopping centre. Guests will enjoy picturesque views of Whistler, the North Shore Mountains and downtown Vancouver from the hotel. This new-build construction will be the tallest tower in Burnaby.
With 169 guest rooms and suites, the property will also offer a wealth of amenities to keep guests active, healthy and balanced when on the road, including complimentary wellness programs and healthy food options. Rise, Element’s signature daily complimentary breakfast buffet, includes low-fat breakfast wraps and fruit smoothies. Guests will enjoy complimentary access to a 28,000 sq. ft. fitness facility right next door.

For business, Element Vancouver Metrotown will boast 5,500 square feet of flexible meeting areas — energizing, vibrant spaces that can be customized to meet any business or social needs. The space features modular furnishings, a flexible layout, and well-designed seating; state-of-the-art technology includes a 50″ flat-panel TV, easy-access power outlets, and free Wi-Fi to keep everyone connected.

Like all Element properties, Element Vancouver Metrotown will offer a ChargePoint electric-vehicle charging station for guests and travelers. The Coulomb Technologies’ ChargePoint network of open-platform charging stations makes it easy for drivers to locate stations nearby and track their vehicles’ progress.

Green from the Ground Up
Element offers calm and comfort, bringing balance to travel. Green features are cleverly designed to be as aesthetically appealing as they are eco-friendly, and enhance every aspect of the guest experience. Every Element property uses eco-friendly materials whenever possible, and hotel designs maximize natural light throughout the property.

Element Hotels is the first major hotel brand to mandate that all it properties pursue LEED certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Element recently became one of the first businesses in the US to earn approval for a LEED-approved prototype through the USGBC’s new “volume build” program. With pre-approval for its building prototype, Element will be able to save its partners and developers time, money, and resources as they join Starwood in creating more eco-conscious lodging.

Smart, Eco-Chic Design
Element’s unique design philosophy is evident the moment you arrive. After passing through the hotel’s signature portal, guests encounter an energizing environment of clean design brightened by streams of natural light from a multi-storied window wall. The vitality of the lobby is matched by the energy of the hotel’s outdoor fire pit, barbecue and soothing water features.

Cool, calming guest rooms offer customizable space, with multi-purpose, modular furniture, swivelling flat-screen televisions, large desks with open shelving, and custom-designed closets. Guest suites feature the signature Westin Heavenly(R) Bed, and guests can recharge in the spa-inspired Heavenly shower. All suites also offer a fully equipped kitchen featuring modern, ENERGY STAR-rated appliances along with utensils to prepare a gourmet meal.
To reduce waste, guest room bathrooms are equipped with amenity dispensers; kitchens are supplied with silverware and glassware instead of plastic utensils and paper cups; and filtered drinking water replaces plastic water bottles.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Situated on a private peninsula on Blue Lagoon, the Miami Airport Hilton is embarking on a new voyage – a complete makeover of the hotel’s 500 guest rooms and suites, guest elevators and a new fitness center; all expected to be completed by Fall 2011. To accent the natural beauty outside the hotels doorsteps, the rejuvenation project will blend tropical accents and sustainable products with a contemporary design of comfort and the feeling of home. Overlooking a natural lagoon teeming with a variety of local flora and fauna including manatees, iguanas and tropical birds, the Miami Airport Hilton’s reinvention will pay homage to its natural surroundings. The new guest room design features sustainable products to support energy efficiency while complimenting contemporary decor in a nature inspired, earth-tone color palette, alongside dark wood furnishings, and colorful and vibrant accents of reds and oranges like the burning Florida sunset.

All guest rooms, many offering city views of the sparkling downtown skyline are well-appointed, welcoming guests in a relaxed, contemporary setting. The rooms are outfitted with Hilton Serenity collection’s plush-top beds and down duvets, wireless Internet access, a 37” high-definition flat screen television, and a Hilton alarm clock with MP3 player connection, as well as a sitting area, spacious work desk, and laptop-size in-room safe. Guest bathrooms will also be fully renovated evoking a spa-like feeling with glass-enclosed showers and neutral ceramic tile throughout. The bathrooms will also feature all-new granite bath and counter, new fixtures and built-in shelving stocked with Hilton’s new signature Peter Thomas Roth bath amenities.

In 2010, the hotel completed renovations of all guest room and meeting room corridors, the Cove Ballroom, as well as a refurbishment of Coral Café and the Blue Lagoon Saloon Bar. In addition to its renovated accommodations, this AAA Three Diamond award winning property offers 30,000 sq ft of flexible function space, international cuisine in its restaurant, light menus in its coffee shop and Cove/ Blue Lagoon bars as well as amenities in guest suites and Executive Floor rooms.

Thistle Hotels has recently announced the appointment of Alistair Risk as General Manager of The Atlantic Tower hotel. In this role, he will oversee the day-to-day management of the hotel and its staff and will be responsible for raising its profile as one of Liverpool’s leading hotels. Risk brings a wealth of experience to the role, built up over the 25 years he has worked in the hospitality industry. He developed a passion for the industry having grown up watching his father run various hotels – with an 11 year stint working for Thistle – and helping him out after school and at the weekends. He knew that he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps, so after leaving college he went on to do a HND in Hospitality Management.

After completing his HND, Risk began his hotel career as Food & Beverage Manager with the Forte Hotel Group in Edinburgh before going on to take up a number of senior roles, including Personnel and Training Manager, and Operations Manager. Most recently, he spent five years in Northern Ireland as General Manager of the Holiday Inn in Belfast City Centre.

Commenting on his move, Alistair Risk said: “I’ve got the pleasure of working with a fantastic team at The Atlantic Tower and each member of staff has a passion for hospitality that is truly refreshing. Already in the top five hotels within the Thistle portfolio, I’m looking forward to continuing to raise its profile within the group and making it a star performer.”

Simon Farr, Thistle Operations Director, Thistle Hotels, comments: “It’s not been an easy time for hoteliers in Liverpool since becoming the European City of Culture in 2008, as a number of hotels have since opened across the city making it a fiercely competitive market. With The Atlantic Tower’s recent £4.5million refurbishment and the wealth of experience Alistair has to offer, we’re in a great position to further raise its profile as one of the best hotels in Liverpool.”

Risk lives in Liverpool and will be joined by his wife and two children this summer as they make the move over from Belfast.

Limes Hotel and Rooftop Bar is turning three in style by unveiling their new retractable roof, meaning Brisbane’s best and brightest can enjoy their soiree destination of choice in all weather.Owner and General Manager Damian Griffith has invited Brisbane’s sophisticated social set to join him for the party of the year which will also launch the bar’s new season bar and cocktail menus.

“It’s going to be our best bash yet, a really top end party and a chance to say thank you to our loyal customers who have gone on this journey with us over the last three years,” Mr Griffiths said.

Griffiths said the opportunity to show the changes to the venue and to the menu was doubly exciting. “The refit means we can take full advantage of our subtropical climate and not have to worry about storms, we’ll also have a new bar on the open air cinema side and open the kitchen up, so you can see what’s being created behind the scenes,” he said. Added to this is the new provincial menu from Chef Warwick Leese and cocktail menu from Bar Manager Blake Coote who’s just back from a stint in Dubai. “We know our customers look forward to the change of season as much as we do… and we’re truly excited to take things to the next level for them as we enter our third year.”

Limes is fresher than ever with the flexibility of an open-air or enclosed venue, more bar options than ever and world-class bar and cocktail menus. “We don’t want to live up to people’s expectations, we want to exceed them every time… watch this space because there’s more to come for Limes.”

Novotel Auckland Airport was officially opened on May 26th by, in a traditional dawn ceremony. The launch of the innovative hotel – just 50 metres from the international terminal – comes just over 100 days from the kick-off of the World Cup, and will provide a huge confidence boost to New Zealand tourism after the devastating Christchurch earthquake earlier this year. One of New Zealand’s most significant new hotels
The $65 million hotel project has been developed by one of New Zealand’s largest Maori entities, Tainui Group Holdings, in partnership with Auckland Airport and Accor, who operate the hotel.

Auckland Airport handles over 13 million passengers annually, projected to grow to 24 million by 2025, with 73% of all international visitors to New Zealand arriving or departing from Auckland. That figure is expected to grow substantially in the wake of the Christchurch earthquake, making the opening of the Novotel highly strategic for the country’s short-term and long-term tourism needs.

It will also significantly benefit most international visitors, as many flights to Auckland arrive late at night and connections to key regional airports are not till the following morning. International flights departing Auckland often leave early in the morning, making an overnight stay at the airport necessary, especially as it can take up to an hour’s drive to reach downtown Auckland.

A contemporary, stylish hotel that pays homage to New Zealand’s heritage and traditional culture
“For the majority of visitors to New Zealand, the Novotel is the first and last impression they have of the country, so the design of the Novotel has been infused with subtle references to New Zealand’s natural environment, culture, art and heritage,” says General Manager, Paul Columbus. “We believe it will be a showcase for the best New Zealand has to offer.

“Part of the New Zealand experience is the close encounter with nature, so the hotel has been surrounded with distinctive indigenous plants, including Pohutakawa (NZ Christmas) trees, while the triangular architectural features of the building are designed to reflect the bows of traditional Maori ‘waka’ canoes, which first arrived here at Manukau Harbour many hundreds of years ago.”

Continued on page two…

Just 6 weeks after opening The Lion at Settle has been awarded a much prized 4 star Inn grading by the AA.The Lion re-launched in late March after a £400k development programme including a complete refurbishment of all rooms.

It’s one of the founding members of the new Thwaites Inns of Character – and the second one in North Yorkshire, as it joins The Lister Arms at Malham.

Ian Pilcher, Manager of The Lion, comments “ I’m delighted that we have achieved such a good grading in our first 6 weeks, especially for the team as they have all worked so hard. We’re very proud of our new-look Lion and the customer feedback has been exceptional”.

The Lion is already becoming a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike, with regular events for all and a barter board where local gardeners can bring in their surplus home grown fruit and veg in exchange for tokens to spend at the inn.

The AA is one of the most widely recognised grading schemes for the hotel and pub industry and gives prospective guests a clear indication as to the level of hospitality and standards to expect on their visit.

Thwaites are planning to grow to 25 inns up and down the country by 2016. Thwaites Inns of Character will revive the traditional aspects of ‘inn-keeping’ with strong emphasis on exceptional hospitality, good quality en suite bedrooms, locally sourced food on all menus and a wide range of cask ales and fine wines. They will be managed by Shire Hotels, and initially located within an hour of one of the existing 4 star properties to enable the hotel team to support the new business. Recruitment is underway for talented Chef Patrons and Managers who want to run their own business without taking on all the risks of ownership.

During the Middle Ages in the wealthiest of homes, was the beginning of a textile revolution. Today we think of Upholstery as soft furnishings, comprising covering of chairs and sofas, fabric walling and padded cushions.However upholstery is an ancient art that dates back to antiquity specifically since ancient Egypt in 1450 BC. The archaeologists found fragments of tapestry in the tomb of Tutankhamen Pharaoh of the XV III dynasty. During antiquity, many texts referred to state the existence of tapestries in Greece and Rome. Images of the woven loom are to be seen on many Greek vases.

During the Middle Ages, from the 10th century the tapestry enjoyed a period of great popularity. Kings, Princes, Dukes, Earls, Bishops and other clergy in Europe sought out the services of artists and weavers.

And so the tradition of Western tapestry had begun with the hanging of the Apocalypse of St. John dating from 1373 (seen today at the Château d’Angers in the Maine-et-Loire).

The use of Wool and of Silk, sometimes with gold thread or silver thread allowed the tapestry to function as a protection against cold and drafty castles, religious buildings or convent as well as decorating the living environment.

Later on, the art of the tapestry extended to include fabric walling, furniture, hence the term and the mode of “tapestry room”. Highly prize luxuries, the tapestries were considered as works of art of high quality allowing the owner to show off his wealth and position to his rivals. The trade of the tapestry weavers in the Middle Ages was driven by the wealth of the patron.

European monarchies became major sponsors of the art of tapestry, a tradition continued by their descendants. The tapestries became in part religious icons representing episodes from Christ’s life and passages from the Bible. A particularly French style developed as seen in a famous series of tapestries depicting the Lady and the Unicorn. They were found in Chateau Boussac in Maine-et-Loire. Through the intervention of the writer George Sand in Paris they were subsequently moved to the Cluny Museum, where a round room was constructed to display them. They were a true representation of the art of medieval tapestry – a series of 6 pieces, one “To my only desire” and a further five representing the five senses.

With industrialisation and the invention in 1801 of the Jacquard loom by Jean Marie Jacquard, the production of complicated tapestry-like fabrics was much simplified and the resulting cloth became more affordable and accessible. Consequently such fabrics became more widely used for upholstery, a style which had begun as far back as Elizabethan times, but which until the early 19th century was a luxury only afforded by the very wealthy.

From the early 1800s onwards, the craft of upholstery increased and became a huge market in the UK, reaching its peak probably in the late Victorian and early Edwardian era. By this time the standard of workmanship and versatility in England had excelled until such time as it was even acknowledged to have surpassed the standards set by the French and Italian craftsmen who had been considered the masters.

Over the centuries, the styles of upholstery may have changed but we at Mille Couleurs keep to the premise that upholstery should be able to adapt to the modern world yet still retain its authenticity. We specialise in re-upholstery taking our inspiration from the purest traditions of France.

London’s historic Stafford Hotel, located in the heart of St. James, is part of the 5 star Kempinski Group. The hotel is inspired by a bygone era with an air of timelessness; where elegance and tradition create a haven of calm away from London’s busy streets.The project designers, RWP, chose Frank Hudson to design and create bespoke products to complement the traditional luxury interiors. Inspired by Victorian styles with delicate turnings, fine fluting, and cleaver carving details, the pieces were also designed to fulfil all of the modern day commercial requirements of housekeeping and practicality in a busy luxury hotel. For example, the traditional credenza style units were made in several sizes to not only fit each room individually, but to incorporate flat screen televisions, mini bars and storage.

From the initial briefing sketch, designs were produced which were developed into detail drawings and the bespoke pieces created in the workshop. From the point of order everything was ready to be installed in only nine weeks. 23 bespoke items including cabinets, desks, and console tables were used throughout the guest rooms.

To find out how Frank Hudson can help with your project Contact Keith Clarke TODAY:

ke***@fr*********.com

Accelerating growth in Latin America, W Hotels Worldwide has recently announced plans to open the second W Hotel in Mexico City, to be located within the bustling Santa Fe business district. Managed under an agreement between Starwood Hotels & Resorts, ALHEL and GIM Desarrollos, W Santa Fe will overlook one of the area’s most stunning evergreen valleys, with spectacular views of the Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes. Slated to open in 2014, W Santa Fe will be part of a new build, mixed-use development, called Liberty Plaza, designed by Richard Meier, Edmonds International and Krause Sawye.

Interiors of W Sante Fe are being designed jointly by Mexico-based Edmonds International and New York-based KrauseSawyer. A dramatic staircase will be a sculptural centerpiece of the hotel’s multi-story Living Room (W’s take on the traditional hotel lobby), and the hotel will feature 132 stylish guestrooms with spectacular city views; several destination bar and restaurant options, including W’s signature Living Room bar and café; WET pool deck with outdoor bar; 4,000 square foot Away Spa, with nine treatment rooms; SWEAT(R), state-of-the-art fitness facility, and 7,800 square feet of meeting and event space, including a 3,000 square feet Great Room.

Situated less than 20 minutes from Toluca airport, W Santa Fe will be within walking distance of the BBVA Bancomer Convention Center and conveniently located near Sante Fe’s numerous restaurants, stylish shopping and dynamic entertainment facilities.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

The independent five red star Royal Garden Hotel has completed the final stage of its £45 million pound refurbishment. Complementing its refreshed public areas, conference and meeting facilities, Min Jiang and Park Terrace restaurants, the hotel has unveiled a further 154 newly renovated bedrooms and suites situated on the first to fourth floors.Decorated in neutral calming shades and set off by rich fabrics, new in-room features included as standard are comfortable well-sprung beds, iPod docking stations, flat screen TV and media hub. Modern and contemporary throughout, the refurbishment covers all 394 bedrooms, 10 state of the art meeting and event spaces and the hotel’s two restaurants and three bars.

Throughout 2010 the Royal Garden Hotel unveiled several completed areas of the hotel’s conference and event facilities. The most dramatic transformation, the Palace Suite included a considerable upgrade to its AV facilities. Enjoying a pillar less layout makes the hotel the ideal venue for hosting anything from large-scale conferences, to a reception or dinner dance for up to 550 guests.

Enabling event organisers to deliver truly bespoke, engaging and memorable events, the Royal Garden Hotel provides a superior conference and banqueting product with access to a dedicated events team of experienced experts, including award-winning executive chef Steve Munkley and in-house AV specialists PSAV.

Commenting on the refurbishment Graham Bamford, general manager said: “We are delighted to complete the final phase by unveiling our new bedrooms. Our continued investment in and development of the hotel and its facilities has been a top priority and we are now better placed than ever before to offer our business and leisure guests a top quality and excellent value product. We’ve worked closely with our clients to ensure that the refurbishments addressed their needs and have succeeded in creating the optimum environment for holding successful business and private events.”

Vondel Hotels, a member of Epoque Hotels, expands its collection of boutique hotels opening its 3rd four star hotel on the 29th of April 2011: Hotel JL No76. Hotel JL №76 is situated in two 18th century mansions in the heart of Amsterdam, right in the middle of the museum & fashion district. Leidseplein, Vondelpark, Concert Hall and its two sister hotels, Hotel Vondel and Hotel Roemer are just around the corner. Hotel JL No76 boasts 39 luxurious rooms, a lounge, honesty bar, restaurant and a private inner garden. After returning to JL No76 from a long day of work, sightseeing or shopping, guests can feel at home and relax with a drink in the comfortable lounge or enjoy a cool beer in the garden.

The hotel is decorated in boutique style with the use of high quality materials and has a large collection of art on display. Barbara Broekman, a renowned Dutch artist, has designed a unique range of wallpaper for each of the 39 rooms. The wallpaper is based on detailed enlargement of originally embroided artworks. The rooms are decorated in 5 ambiances and are equipped with all the modern facilities. All executive rooms have a Jacuzzi with a built-in flat screen TV to keep you up to date on the latest news.

Hotel JL No76 a funky and stylish addition to the Vondel Hotels collection: Epoque Hotels warmly welcomes this beautiful new Amsterdam boutique hotel.

On the 3rd of May 2011, the winners of the 2nd Oxford Brookes “Bespoke Hotels Group – Entrepreneur of the Year” were announced.As the final assessment for their Hospitality & Tourism Entrepreneurship module, Oxford Brookes University students had to pitch in Dragon’s Den style an innovative hospitality or tourism product or service to a panel of successful hospitality and tourism entrepreneurs, gathered at the Bermondsey Square Hotel in London.

Whilst Dragons commented on the high quality of the almost 40 presentations, two student projects really stood out:

1st Prize: Alice Ogle with her brilliant Baby Hotel concept – A resort where women can give birth in a luxurious, comfortable and homely environment. Dragons on the panel where very impressed not only with the originality of Alice’s idea and professional presentation but also with the attention to detail and creativity of her support material. Alice’s prize will consist of a cheque for £500 + a £500 Bespoke Hotels voucher.

2nd Prize: Cornelia Grossman – An absolutely perfectly executed presentation on a hospitality social enterprise in Ethiopia (Harar Coffee Lodge). Dragons on the panel were extremely impressed with Cornelia’s destination and product knowledge and the social enterprise dimension of the proposal was also very well thought through and tightly linked to the business component. Cornelia’s prize will be a Magnum of Champagne.

Roberto Daniele, Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Marketing at Oxford Brookes commented on the event:

“As the industry requires more and more innovation to maintain the competitiveness of its products, it is important that we ensure that graduates entering the field become drivers of entrepreneurialism and innovation. The very generous sponsorship support of Bespoke Hotels Group together with the involvement in the module of so many successful hospitality entrepreneurs is a testament not only to the quality of our programmes and students but also to the willingness and enthusiasm of industry to provide input into the education and development of future industry leaders and entrepreneurs.”

Dragons involved in the Oxford Brookes Hospitality and Tourism Entrepreneurship module include:

Robin Sheppard – Chairman, Bespoke Hotels
Lee Cash & Hamish Stoddard – Founders and Directors, Peach Pubs
Gerard Greene – CEO, Yotel
Lou Willcock – Director, Indicater
Sam Wood – Director, Advantage42
Paul Bloomfield – Director, Zest Catering
Joe Levin – Director of Hospitality Services EMEA, Goldman Sachs
Annette Mathers – Director, The Creative Venue
Sam Harrison – Owner & Director Sam’s Brasserie
Rupert Power – Owner & Director Sophie’s SteakHouse
Marcelo de Oliveira – Owner Greens Café and Verde Restaurant

Guests of The Marylebone Hotel can experience the finest cutting edge fitness facilities the capital has to offer courtesy of the much-anticipated The Third Space Health Club and Spa. Located in the heart of Marylebone Village and only a stone’s throw from bustling Oxford Circus, being away from home doesn’t mean you have to be away from a good workout. A range of state-of-the-art facilities, including an 18 metre ozone-treated swimming pool and The Third Space’s very first full service spa cater for all aspects of health and wellbeing.

The Third Space’s design complements The Marylebone Hotel – luxurious, exciting and original with finishes sourced from around the world. Occupying three floors, the club allows guests to soak up the energy from each area of the venue, creating an inspirational environment.

spa@thethirdspace
After a busy day of browsing the chic boutiques of Marylebone, head back to the hotel to relax, restore and rejuvenate at The Third Space’s luxurious spa with exclusive treatments courtesy of French brand Payot.

The Marylebone Hotel
The launch of The Third Space is an outstanding addition to the magnificent array of amenities already available to guests of The Marylebone Hotel. Featuring a unique sense of boutique-style intimacy, the hotel is home to 257 beautiful and stylish guestrooms ranging from well-appointed superior rooms to the sumptuous seventh floor penthouse and presidential suites. Guests can also enjoy delicious contemporary cuisine at the hotel restaurant, 108 Marylebone Lane – featuring a menu of simple, classic dishes inspired by fine produce sourced from, where possible, local Marylebone suppliers.

Business travellers are also catered for with premier conference suites and first-class business facilities, including state-of-the-art presentation equipments and complimentary high-speed internet access, as well as a plethora of intimate spaces in the ground floor reception, ideal for private meetings or just a casual drink.

The Rezidor Hotel Group has opened the very first Radisson Blu Hotel in Nigeria: the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos VI with 170 guest rooms. The Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos VI is nestled along the Lagos Lagoon waterfront area of Victoria Island – ideally placed in the heart of the business district and close to the Mega Plaza shopping centre, consulates and the banking district. Bar Beach, the National Museum, the Eko Expo Centre and the Lekki Conservation Centre are also all within easy reach. Murtala Muhammed International Airport is less than 40 kilometres away.

The hotel has been designed by the Swedish hospitality designer Christian Lundwall; he has decorated the 170 guest rooms in two unique styles. All rooms offer views of Lagos Lagoon or the city, have both bathtub and walk-in shower, and guests benefit from Radisson Blu signature services such as free high speed internet access.

The all-day-dining Voyage Restaurant with own terrace serves an international buffet with a choice of Nigerian and continental dishes, in addition to an à la carte menu with dishes from the region and Europe. The Surface Bar & Grill on the terrace offers al fresco dining and views over the lagoon, with jetty access for dining cruises. And the View bar lounge promises a stunning lagoon panorama, light snacks and drinks.

With a top-floor Business Lounge, 4 spacious meeting rooms and 2 boardrooms, the hotel has some of the finest meeting facilities in Lagos. Three of the conference rooms are located on the ground floor and provide access to the veranda, which overlooks the lagoon and can be reserved for special events. For relaxation after a day of sightseeing or meetings, the new property includes a fitness and wellness area with gym, massage rooms, outdoor infinity swimming pool and children’s pool.

After re-designing all public spaces in 2006, creating a new bar and the Ariana salon, FG stijl was asked again in 2010 to re-design and decorate ten rooms in the old building of the hotel, which are just opened. With the new design more space and luxury were created.

Behind every bed a floor-to-ceiling headboard was placed. The middle part of the headboard is covered with metallic green leather on the bottom and rich shiny dark grey fabric at the top. This fabric is ‘kept together’ by a ring of jade. This part of the headboard is surrounded by a border of mother-of-pearl. On either side of the headboard are bronzed antique mirrors, giving a warm glow to the room but also depth and the feeling of space. This part of the headboard inspired The Dylan to name these new luxurious rooms ‘Loxura’, after the bronze-coloured butterfly. Natural and rich materials were used for the different furniture items: lamps with polished fossilized wooden bases and lamps with horn; tables of fossilized wood and desks with an inlay of broken coconut shell; curtains with different coloured fabric (green and gold / blue and silver / grey and bronze) held together by passementerie; seats covered with velvet (gold / pink / grey), leathers and hides; some rooms have wooden shutters creating an intimate atmosphere and some have hand-woven rugs. In every room a unique piece of art was installed that summarizes everything in the room. Every bathroom has beige perlato marble surfaces, a build-in make-up area and a ottoman with water proof golden fabric.

Rooms One and Two have a private entrance from the courtyard, high ceilings and shutters. In room One a painting of Gertrud D is to be found, in room Two a Japanese antique piece of art is decorating the wall. Inside a stairs lead to the floor below in which the bathroom is situated. In both bathrooms one wall is covered with cut river pebbles in various colours, creating a beautiful pattern, as a backdrop to the free standing bath.

Rooms Eleven and Twenty-Six were combined into a duplex room. From the central staircase the guest enters on the level of the bathroom, with a free standing bath and shutters. The original mantelpiece in the bathroom was renovated and the build-in-cupboards were re-designed into the washbasin and make-up table. The stairs lead to the bedroom one level higher with shining silver wallpaper and a beautiful artwork of Chris Berens.

Room Ten is renamed the Dylan Thomas Suite after the world famous 20th century poet and name giver of the hotel. This suite has a spacious living area and two antique closets on either side of the bed. In front of the window at the far end of the room a silver leafed make-up table is placed.

Marriott International announced the opening of its third hotel in Panama, the 120-room Courtyard Panama City MetroMall. This is the second Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Panama, being developed and operated by Real Hotels and Resorts of El Salvador. “The Courtyard Panama City MetroMall is be a wonderful addition to Marriott International’s continually expanding portfolio of 64 hotels in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Laurent de Kousemaeker, chief development officer, Caribbean & Latin American Region, Marriott International. “Panama is an important, gateway market in the region we’re thrilled our partners have chosen to develop yet another Courtyard hotel, to cater to the business traveler looking for high-quality mid-market accommodation.”

The Courtyard by Marriott Panama City MetroMall is adjacent to the newly opened, 130,000-square-meter MetroMall shopping mall in Panama’s capital city, halfway between Panama City’s financial district and the international airport.

“We are very excited to open our second Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Panama City,” said Fernando Poma, managing director of Real Hotels and Resorts. “We are very pleased with the results of our first Courtyard hotel in Panama, the Courtyard Panama City Real at Multiplaza Pacific Mall, and felt that it was a great idea to replicate this concept adjacent to the new MetroMall complex.”

Part 1: 29 June – 2 July 2011 (Awards Preview 29 June)
Part 2: 6 – 9 July 2011 (Awards Preview 6 July)

New Designers, the UK’s most important graduate design exhibition, returns this summer. Over 3,500 of the brightest and most creative talents from Britain’s leading design courses will come together for the 26th edition of New Designers. From architecture to animation, furniture to fashion, graphics to glass, New Designers is an event not to be missed. Readers of Hoteldesigns.net can purchase tickets in advance for just £8.50* instead of £14 on the door. To take advantage of this special offer please quote ‘ND93’ when booking before 24 June. Book online at www.newdesigners.com.

New Designers takes place at the Business Design Centre, London, N1 OQH. Nearest tube Angel.

For information on opening times and traveling to the venue please visit our website www.newdesigners.com

*£1.50 booking fee applies to tickets purchased in advance

1st August will see the opening of Leora Beach, a brand new luxury oceanfront private property in Tamarin for rent on the west coast of Mauritius. The property comprises of 12 x 3 bedroom apartments and 2 x 3 bedroom penthouses decorated in fresh contemporary style with all home comforts. Pool area beachside with large pool and eco-friendly pool decking, umbrellas and sun loungers as well as beach area with thatched beach umbrellas. The west coast of Mauritius enjoys an all year round hot climate and the apartments are within a short distance of the golf courses of Tamarina, Le Paradis and Domaine de Bel Ombre. Local activities include snorkelling and whale watching from the apartments as well as water-sports and diving.

Accommodation:
• 4 Beachfront (3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms) 151m2
• 8 Premium (3 Bedrooms and 2 bathrooms) 130 m2
• 2 Penthouses (3 bedrooms all en-suite) 203 m2

Highlights
• Generous sea facing bedrooms
• Luxurious bathrooms
• Free WIFI
• Close to shops, bars and restaurants
• Well positioned between 3x 18 hole golf courses
• Fully equipped and professionally managed

“We are very excited at the opening of Leora Beach Apartments as the Tamarin and Black River area offers an excellent all year round climate, marvellous sunsets and so much to explore along the coast.” says co-founder Julie Gauthier