Hotel Designs

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.”

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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: keith@frankhudson.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

The publication of the UK’S Intellectual Property Hargreaves Review has finally recognised designs’ significant contribution to the UK’s GDP. Professor Ian Hargreaves has made it known that he cannot understand why design has been neglected as a big chunk of the UK’s economic success. He will be urging Ministers to ensure that the UKIPO is held accountable to create constructive IP policy to help the UK’s designers, many of whom are SME’s. This will be music to the ears of small firms and, more specifically, to UK’s designers who often find themselves out on a limb. At a time when design companies need all the help they can get in fighting IP theft, ACID hopes that the Government will act positively on these recommendations. Despite 6 IP reviews over 4 years, very little has been done to help small firms within the creative industries. It is now time to address the costs and complexity of enforcing intellectual property rights within the UK by the setting up of a fast track small claims IP court. SME’s will also be helped by improving access to specialised services to protect, exploit and commercialise their IP. All of these issues were raised in ACID’s submission to the review.Dids Macdonald, CEO of ACID representing over 1000 UK designers and manufacturers said, “Creative design pioneers are among the champions of the UK economy and they deserve to be protected and supported. There is a need for IP policy now that walks the walk, not talks the talk, with a real cost and time- effective enforcement framework. Dissuasive damages are needed to act as a real deterrent. This report goes some way in acknowledging the issues faced by designers but I seriously question the necessity for further research into assessing the relationship between design rights and innovation. The consultation culture has to stop – the real work must begin with tangible implementation and a change of deliberate policy by those who take the fast track to market through design theft.”

Announcing the publishing of the Hargreaves Review at the Alliance Against IP Theft Conference, Business Secretary Rt. Hon. Dr. Vince Cable MP said, “This is not the end of our thinking about IP and growth. It is the beginning of turning thinking into doing.”

The Hargreaves Review highlights research which states that SME’s felt there were too many services available and it was difficult to choose the right one. Some said they could not tell which services were reliable or trustworthy but the majority indicated that they would be interested in having access to an intermediary who could provide basic advice on IP in place of a legal advisor – something that ACID has been doing for the past 15 years effectively! With a UKIPO budget of 69.4 million in 2010, Hargreaves said, “The IPO undoubtedly has the potential to improve the availability of IP services to SME’s though it will need to consider the balance of benefits between direct provision from its own staff and working with a well organised network of intermediaries. To accomplish either of these things effectively and on a sustained basis will require greater clarity in the IPO’s mandate and an evolution in its culture.”

The report did not recognise ACID’s arguable case for Design right to be on a par with other property rights – such as copyright and unregistered trademarks. Copying should be considered a crime, as copyright infringement is; they are the same ‘species of rights’ but the sanctions are different. This leads to widespread poor practice. Ideas are stolen from pitches, or from trade fairs, the point of entry to the market for most businesses. Unlike their EU counterparts, exhibition organizers in the UK, at present, do not take a tough enough stance on IP infringement.

Per AQUUM announces the opening of NIYAMA, Maldives, its newest addition to its award winning portfolio. Due to open October 2011, NIYAMA has been designed as an edgy, modern resort that will offer guests more than a romantic Maldivian escape, balancing tranquillity with a sense of discovery, stimulation and fun. Located in the South Western Atoll of Dhaalu, NIYAMA is a 40 minute seaplane flight from Male and is situated over two idyllic islands, Embudhufushi and Olhuveli.

SLUMBER
As Per AQUUM’s first resort concept, NIYAMA will feature 86 Studios and Pavilions introducing for the first time, an elevated array of slumber options. Beach Studios with their stunning outdoor bathrooms, large deck areas and secluded beach views; Deluxe Beach Studios with their own fibre optic lit pool; Beach Pavilions with 24 hours butler service, private pools and exclusive beach access and The Beach Residence with private dining alcoves and large living areas.

Water babies can choose from the expansive Water Studios or Deluxe Water Studios, both offering private pools, stunning views of the vast Indian Ocean, spacious living areas and the latest in entertainment technology. For the ultimate treat, the Water Pavilions with Private Pool are available with one or two bedrooms complete with private Thakuru.

DINE & IMBIBE
NIYAMA will challenge the conventional with its culinary exhibitionism, leading guests on a gastronomic adventure starting at Epicure for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with take-away options from the international gourmet deli. Unwind at Fahrenheit, watching the Maldivian sunset from the rooftop with a glass of your favourite drink in hand. TRIBAL, designed as a modern day campsite with culinary offerings influenced by the cuisines of South and East Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America. Live cooking for guests to observe and close interaction with the Tribal Chefs. Cooking preparations include hot rock grills, Asado grills, woks and open fires.

Built 500 metres offshore, NIYAMA’s signature restaurant and lounge will appear to float on the surface of the Indian Ocean and will only be accessible by boat. Eight metres below, will be the world’s first underwater club, the ultimate experience in music and dance where NIYAMA LIVE will feature emerging and established artistes from around the world.

Another first for Per AQUUM is Deli In. Each Studio and Pavilion will be stocked with a fridge brimming with gourmet deli items; cheeses, olives, cold cuts, wines to name a few. Merging the timelines between meals and offering greater freedom to relax throughout the day.

LIME SPA
A first in the Maldives, LIME Spa at NIYAMA will be open 24 hours. Treatments will utilise and infuse indigenous holistic components from around the globe to create unique experiences. LIME will include his and her beauty salons, a contemplation garden and Quench, the juice bar. Each of these areas will be designed to heighten guests’ relaxation, allowing them to enjoy the tranquillity and space around them. PUMP the 24 hour gym will be equipped with state of the art gym equipment for those looking to maintain their routine or try something new.

Nestled in a serene valley near Macclesfield on the edge of the Peak District National Park, the Hollin Hall Country House Hotel & Restaurant offers a tranquil retreat in one of Britain’s most beautiful locations. Standing elegantly in landscaped grounds, the hotel’s classic Victorian features and sumptuous interiors bring a sense of occasion to any visit.Hotel owner Kris Clayton, of Clayton Hotel Group, approached architectural salvage specialist Andy Thornton when he wanted to source a unique outdoor feature piece, to enable wedding ceremonies to be held in Hollin Hall’s stunning grounds. A long-standing customer of Andy Thornton, Kris knew the company would be able to find something spectacular to add the finishing touch he wanted.

We were delighted to supply a stunning bespoke wrought iron orangery to Hollin Hall, in black with beautiful gold highlights. Based on an original Victorian birdcage gazebo design, the impressive structure perfectly complements the hotel’s Victorian heritage; orangeries were highly popular in the Victorian garden, as a symbol of wealth and prestige.

To complete the idyllic outdoor wedding location, we were also commissioned to supply the Four Seasons statues, striking female figures hand-sculpted in solid sandstone, representing spring, summer, autumn and winter. Faithfully copied from originals found in the classic gardens of Italy, the statues add a timeless elegance to the hotel grounds and create a pleasing backdrop for the orangery.

The complete range of spectacular fountains, statuary and sculpture, gazebos and orangeries can be viewed online at andythornton.com, or by visiting our showrooms at Victoria Mills. Our standard product range can be purchased online but if you have special requirements please contact our sales team by calling 01422 376000.

Boutique hotel brand Hotel Indigo opened its third UK hotel in Glasgow on 18 April 2011.

On Waterloo Street, in the heart of the financial district, the hotel is in a converted Victorian building. It was originally Glasgow’s first power station and once illuminated the Glasgow School of Art. With 95 bedrooms and the Limelight Bar and Grill, Hotel Indigo Glasgow offers guests easy access to the main shopping area, Central Station and numerous bars, restaurants and cafes.All Hotel Indigo properties have a unique character and feature contemporary design and bold colors, reflecting the location. From the moment guests enter Hotel Indigo Glasgow they will be aware that this is a hotel firmly rooted in the city, with the artwork reflecting the history and architecture of the local area. Artwork includes everything from a mural of famous Glaswegians to paintings of 25 of Glasgow’s greatest heroes created by 25 up-and-coming local artists. Every bedroom and suite is decorated with architectural scenes, with views of the local area, and individual floors feature corridor art showing more of the community story, including the history of the pub scene.

Kirk Kinsell, president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, InterContinental Hotels Group, said: “Hotel Indigo Glasgow offers guests the best of both worlds – the individuality and unique design of a boutique hotel with the reassurance and benefits of a big hotel group. Hotel Indigo Glasgow is right in the heart of Glasgow which means it’s perfectly placed for people who want to explore the sights and sounds of the city.”

Maurice Taylor, La Bonne Auberge restaurateur and founder and chief executive of the Chardon Group which will run the hotel added: “Hotel Indigo Glasgow is a unique, distinctive hotel. The building has retained its original character while the design and artwork inside adds a contemporary twist and reflects the heritage of the city.”

Universally known as a symbol of RENAISSANCE, spring 2011 brings with it the reopening of a unique hotel. Situated between the Eiffel Tower and the Champs‐Elysées, this new jewel amidst Parisian five‐star hotels cultivates the soul of its exceptional outdoor courtyard through the newly renovated, luxurious interior.The new contemporary decor designed by architect‐designer Jean‐Philippe Nuel is perfectly balanced with the hotel’s original architecture featured across four remarkable historical buildings.

THE RENAISSANCE PARIS LE PARC TROCADERO HOTEL stands as a haven of peace and timeless elegance, a world of refinement and serenity to explore… it is simply a privileged and authentic Parisian experience.

Around a fabulous secret garden with timeless charm…
At the heart of the RENAISSANCE PARIS LE PARC TROCADERO HOTEL, an exceptional 1200‐square‐meter green courtyard stands out in the centre of Paris. Totally redesigned in 2011, the garden is surrounded by the four historical buildings which were part of the construction from the beginning, nearly one century ago.

Built in 1912, the first building, situated at 55‐57 avenue Raymond Poincaré quickly became a unique and privileged residence for the elite Parisian society of that time. Once you have passed the entrance porch, you will discover three amazing 19th century Anglo‐Norman style buildings, one of these with a charming turret.

In the 1850s, the building at the back of the garden now called “Residence” was first a convent and then a stable whose owner lived in the turret. The pulley which was then used to lift the bundles of straw is still visible on the façade of the building. Nowadays this building offers guest rooms and function rooms.

These Anglo‐Norman style buildings once housed the bronze and glass‐making workshop of the famous wrought iron craftsman, Baguès. Alfred Nobel, who owned a near‐by mansion, also enjoyed this garden where he had a small laboratory and an orchid greenhouse.

Continued on page two…

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has announced the soft opening of Mövenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa, its first property in Singapore, with the grand launch earmarked towards the end of the year.Located in the heart of Sentosa, overlooking the South China Sea and Merlion Park, the five-star hotel depicts the colonial history and contemporary flair of the country in its striking interiors, designed by world famous Japanese firm, Super Potato.

The hotel’s facilities are spread out over two distinct wings, the traditional Heritage wing -with colonial heritage dating back to the 1940s, and the new Contemporary wing with modern architecture providing an upscale experience to discerning travellers.

The initial phase sees the opening of the contemporary wing, which offers distinctively designed rooms and suites, dining and entertainment options and meetings and conference facilities.

This modern section features 105 well-appointed Deluxe rooms while 19 Onsen Suites, three Executive Suites and two Penthouse Suites – will open throughout 2011. The signature Onsen suites will each feature a Japanese-style hot tub set in a tranquil outdoor sanctuary while the Penthouse Suites will offer private rooftop pools.

All rooms are equipped with high-speed internet access with wireless connectivity, and feature LCD flat screen TVs with an integrated media system.

The hotel’s current dining options include Library, a lounge area where guests can relax and enjoy snacks and refreshments in comfortable surroundings. The glass covered link-bridge spanning across the two wings of the hotel is home to the Tea Lounge, serving breakfast and an international menu.

Singapore’s premier standing as a year-round conference venue means MICE business will also be courted. The column-free Grand Ballroom allows innovative use of space, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing plenty of natural light.

The upcoming fully renovated Heritage building, set to open towards the end of 2011, will complement the existing facilities with a further 61 spacious rooms and suites and dining options.

The Heritage wing will include an all-day dining restaurant, a Whisky Bar and Cigar Lounge. In addition, the hotel’s unique private dining concept will allow guests to enjoy tailor-made menus.

The hotel is ideally situated to allow easy access to a wide number of leisure attractions. Guests can walk to the Resorts World Sentosa, an integrated resort featuring Universal Studios and the casino, while those looking to get out and about can jump on the Sentosa Express, with Imbiah station located directly opposite the hotel. In addition, the property is located five minutes from Vivo City, the largest shopping mall in the country.

On completion, both old and new wings will complement each other to create an alluring five-star upscale lifestyle hotel.

The most exciting new hotel opening at the heart of the City of London, The Montcalm London City at The Brewery opens its doors with a soft launch on the 23rd May, with the official grand opening being held at the end of September 2011. Formerly the site of the Whitbread & Co brewery, this exceptional Grade II listed building has been stunningly transformed into a contemporary 5* hotel whilst preserving its heritage values. With the soft launch opening on the 23rd May, 100 rooms will be available with all the luxurious amenities expected of a 5* hotel including; a butler service for the suites and studios, an executive Club Lounge, room service, meetings and banqueting rooms catering from 10-100 guests and a contemporary British restaurant and cocktail bar called The Chiswell Street Dining Rooms, run by ETM, the team behind The Botanist and The Cadogan Arms. A further 135 rooms making the complete hotel offering up to 235 rooms and suites, a luxurious wellness centre, and a gastro pub, will be fully opened by the end of September 2011.

Formerly the site of the Whitbread & Co, Britain’s first purpose-built mass production brewery, the original building dates back from as early at 1750 when Samuel Whitbread moved his brewing operations to Chiswell Street on the ‘eastern rim of Georgian London’. The last beer brewed there was in 1976, when the site was then turned into Whitbread PLC’s Head Office and the City of London’s leading Conference & Banqueting Centre, The Brewery.

With a 25 luxury suites, 11 deluxe studios and 199 City and Club rooms at the hotel there is also an additional luxury annexe opposite which holds 25 of the luxury rooms and suites called The London City Suites by Montcalm originally known as The Brewer’s House. High speed wireless internet access will be complimentary and each room will house an iPod docking station and over 40 satellite TV Channels. The beautiful design led suites with accompanying stylish en-suite bathrooms will have rain showers and offer Elemis or Acqua da Palma amenities. For families there are beautifully appointed interconnecting rooms and long stays will benefit from complete kitchenettes. The suites and studio will offer a private butler service.

For meetings and banqueting there are six meetings rooms with natural daylight offering up state of the art audio visual and technological facilities.

W Hotels Worldwide continues its successful collaboration with Design Miami/ Basel with the announcement of the 2011 Designers of the Future Award. This event marks the second occasion that the two organisations have collaborated on the award, having announced the coveted award along with their partnership at Salone del Mobile in Milan one year ago.The Designers of the Future Award, originally launched by Design Miami/ Basel in 2006, recognises young, emerging designers whose work reflects exceptional innovation and beauty in limited-edition design. The winners will go on to present their special commissions at Basel in June. W Hotels, a leader in design and innovation, further backs the award by allowing for the award winners to carry out their legacy in various W Hotels around the world.

“We are very excited to take the partnership with Design Miami/ Basel and the W Hotels Designer of the Future Award into its second year,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader of W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien. “Recognising the W Hotels Designers of the Future in Milan during the Salone del Mobile and presenting their projects at Design Miami/ Basel in June is a great introduction to the next stage of their careers.”

The 2011 “W Hotels Designers of the Future Award” looks beyond traditional product and furniture design, seeking work that is truly groundbreaking and innovative. This year, the recognised designers draw inspiration from “Conversation Pieces,” a theme provided to the design candidates by Design Miami/ Basel. The 2011 Award winners include: UK-based designer Asif Khan, Austrian design team Mischer’Traxler, and Studio Juju in Singapore.

The 2011 Designers of the Future international jury was comprised of Wava Carpenter, Associate Director, Design Miami/; Aric Chen, Beijing Design Week; Li Edelkoort, Edelkoort Inc.; Marcus Fairs, Editor-in-Chief, Dezeen.com; Alexis Georgacopoulos, Director of the Ecole cantonale d’art de Lausanne; Constance Rubini, School of Decorative Arts, Paris; Kenya Hara, Creative Director, Muji; Konstantin Grcic, KGID; Zoe Ryan, Art Institute of Chicago; and Mike Tiedy, SVP, Global Brand Design & Innovation, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc, W’s parent company.

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Following on from the recent addition of Chandra Luxury Villas in Bali, Australian owned 8Hotels continues to rapidly expand and reshape the boutique hotel scene with the announcement that Hepburn at Hepburn Luxury Villas has joined the collection.The 14 architecturally designed villas nestled in the picturesque bush-land of Hepburn Springs Victoria and directly opposite the world famous Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa is the Victorian spa country’s long awaited high end accommodation.

Designed by renowned architect and owner David Edelman, each Villa has its own north facing secluded deck overlooking the forest. Interiors are by award winning David Hicks with landscaping by leading landscape designer, Jack Merlo.

The villas are fitted with gas fireplaces, marble-clad spa bath, two 42-inch flat-screen TV’s, and designer kitchens. Guest indulgences include espresso machine, L’Occitane bath products, sumptuous bedding, complimentary WiFi and mini bars with locally sourced gourmet produce 8Hotels CEO Paul Fischmann commented, “We are thrilled to be awarded the management of Hepburn at Hepburn Luxury Villas. The 12th hotel in our collection, this unique offer strengthens our network and offers our guests a luxurious accommodation option in an iconic Australian retreat location”.

The goverment commissioned report on copyright protection and reform is now available. See Chapter 7 for Design

As Cairo emerges from recent history making events, it remains a key travel destination within the region, and the world, due to its vibrant culture and iconic heritage and attractions.Fairmont Hotels & Resorts operates two luxury properties in Cairo – Fairmont Heliopolis and Towers is five minutes from Cairo International Airport and features 835 lavish guest rooms and suites, 15 dining options, and facilities that include a fully-equipped health club, three swimming pools and more. Opened in late 2009, Fairmont Nile City overlooks Egypt’s Nile River and houses multiple bars and restaurants, including a rooftop area featuring a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool and hot tub boasting views of the Pyramids and beyond.

New Spa Offers Luxury Oasis

This May, Fairmont Nile City debuts a luxurious Willow Stream Spa, the newest location of the signature spa brand from Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. Currently the only Willow Stream Spa in the Middle East, Willow Stream at Nile City offers a sophisticated sanctuary designed to escape the daily clamor of the city. Occupying the 24th floor of the hotel, the retreat offers sweeping panoramic views of the Nile River and expansive desert. The 20,000 square foot spa features private Hammam experiences for both women and men with Energized Rain and Ice Mist Showers, Desert Star Steam Rooms and refreshing ice fountains, as well as a spa retail shop and a full beauty salon featuring Mohamed Al Saghir. To further recharge one’s inner energy, the spa offers an integrated fitness center, a yoga studio, a tranquil reflexology lounge, nine single suites and two couples’ suites, each with its own private hydrotherapy, bathing and lounging areas.

Renovations Add Modern Flair to Luxury Resort

Fairmont Heliopolis and Towers has recently debuted renovated guest rooms following a USD $15 million room restoration program in the hotel’s Heliopolis wing. Designed by London based interior designers Hirsch Bedner and Partners (HBA), the rooms provide luxurious accommodation for business and leisure travelers. New features include pillow top beds, flexible bedside reading lights, blackout curtains and sound reduction measures to make for a peaceful experience. Additionally, the facilities include state-of the-art business and entertainment connectivity through the installation of a Media Panel, linking the working environment at the business desk to the new flat screen 42″ television, thus allowing guests to connect iPods, MP3 players and their own laptops to the TV.

On Tuesday (10th May) business leaders, chamber executives, local dignitaries, hotel guests and citizens of Jackson joined Park Place Associates, LLC to celebrate the Grand Opening of the brand new Holiday Inn Express & Suites at Parkstone Place on Exit 85 in Jackson, Tenn.”We are excited about this opportunity to showcase our hotel to the public,” said General Manager Samuel Ward. “The hotel is doing really well in the area and we want to thank the community for its support.”

County Mayor Jimmy Harris and City Mayor Jerry Gist were among the distinguished guests at the event, both speaking during the ribbon cutting ceremony about the economic impact the hotel has had on the area.

“Development in Jackson is booming and the Holiday Inn is in a prime location for both business and leisure travelers visiting our city,” said Gist. “It is conveniently located right by the West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex and by the minor league baseball team, Jackson Generals.”

Kemmons Wilson, Inc. Vice President McLean T. Wilson and Gary Taylor, President of Gary Taylor Investments, welcomed more than 200 guests to the grand opening and invited attendees to participate in VIP tours of the 92-room facility. Guests enjoyed refreshments and hors d’oeuvres while listening to Jazz music on the patio. Guests also received luggage tags and other favors for attending.

Park Place Associates, LLC owns and Wilson Hotel Management proudly manages the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Gary A. Taylor (GAT) Investment Company, which is the developer of the site, has worked closely with the Wilson Hotel Management to get this project underway.

Leading intellectual property (IP) lawyer, Tony Catterall believes that the home furnishing sector could benefit dramatically from a radical reform in intellectual property law.The economic recession has heightened the issue of plagiarism in the industry and it is an increasing problem which Tony and his team at Taylors Solicitors has been battling for the past 20 years.

Tony, Partner at Taylors said: “IP is a major asset to any organisation but particularly to SME’s and owner managed businesses. In the past it had been difficult and costly for smaller design houses to enforce or defend their designs.

“The potentially huge cost implications involved in protecting designs was significant enough to prevent the smaller home furnishing firms fight anyone unlawfully copying them.”

The reform of the Patents County Court makes it easier for anyone to protect their IP, through new costs and procedural rules aimed at helping SME’s. Trials under this new regime are expected to last no more than two days and costs are capped.

Tony explains: “This streamlining comes as there will be no formal witness statements and cross examination will be limited. The whole process will be driven by the Court to ensure speedy and economical dispute resolution.”

Taylors have recently acted on behalf of Hertfordshire-based Ashley Wilde and successfully forced Primark into a settlement over a copyright infringement of Ashley Wilde’s well known and highly successful ‘Boulevard’ design. Tony has also secured a favourable settlement for Derbyshire-based Belfield Furnishings in a copyright dispute with Global Textiles (UK) Limited.

“It is pleasing that those claims were brought to an early and successful conclusion for our regular clients Ashley Wilde and Belfield. Reputable design houses and converters need to follow their example and stand up to infringers rather than turning a blind eye.

Taylors Solicitors regularly acts for over 200 companies in the home furnishings industry including Ashley Wilde Group, Graham and Brown, Rectella and Turner Bianca. The firm’s main specialism is intellectual property law.

Tony Catterall created legal precedent over ten years ago in the House of Lords when acting for international company Designers Guild, setting the factors for determining the degree of similarity required for copyright infringement of furnishing designs. This case has assisted many clients of Taylors who invest heavily in their design studios to obtain protection from being copied.

Size may not always matter, but for Phnom Penh’s newest luxury hotel bigger is bolder when it comes to luring MICE clients.

With its 1,800-square-metre Grand Ballroom – the largest in Cambodia — providing a show-stopping centrepiece for events, the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra aims to establish itself as the country’s premier venue for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) events.Situated in the heart of Indochina with major hubs such as Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City within easy striking distance, Phnom Penh is positioned to host important corporate events and exhibitions.

Until now, however, the city has lacked truly top grade facilities to match its potential as a major MICE player in the region. The advent of the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, however, has changed all that.

In addition to the ballroom, the hotel has a range of other facilities for MICE clients, including five boardrooms, mobile communications systems and flexible accommodation for small- to medium-scale functions. The hotel also has a fully equipped business centre. Wireless Internet is available throughout the property.

The ballroom and the boardrooms are all fitted with state of the art audio-visual equipment – the fruit of a USD1.5 million investment on the part of the hotel. Meanwhile, clients who require multi-lingual capabilities can utilise the equipment for simultaneous translation in three languages.

The ballroom has earned its ‘Grand’ moniker. Towering ceilings are bedecked with crystal chandeliers, the floor is luxuriantly carpeted and there’s even an oversized elevator from the hotel’s drive to the ballroom to allow vehicular access for car exhibitions.

At the head of the room, a giant screen backs a spacious stage while two further screens are hung from the room’s right wall.

These additional screens can be used for smaller scale events, for which the ballroom can be partitioned into three separate rooms to create a more intimate atmosphere.

At full size, the ballroom can host up to 2,000 guests theatre-style while, for banquets and buffets, as many as 1,200 guests can be catered for.

A dedicated kitchen serves ballroom functions, and a complement of hotel chefs and wait staff alike have been extensively drilled to cope with myriad challenges presented by large-scale events.

Beyond built-for-business amenities, leisure facilities at the hotel include a spa, a fully-equipped fitness centre and two outdoor swimming pools. The hotel’s eight restaurants and bars cater amply for gastronomes.

With immediate effect, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is undertaking management of the Palm Beach Club hotel and rebranding it Mövenpick Residences Laguna Beach Phuket.

The resort will ideally complement the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket, the first property the hotel company opened in Thailand in 2006. Both Phuket properties harmoniously blend Thailand’s gentle way of life with the Swiss tradition of hospitality and attention to detail to create two striking holiday getaways for discerning travellers.Mövenpick Residences Laguna Beach Phuket is located on Bang Tao Beach, one of Phuket Island’s most pristine beaches and famous among golfers. The Phuket International Airport and several world-class golf courses, including Blue Canyon Country Club and the Laguna Phuket Golf Club are within a 20-minute drive.

The new portfolio addition features 39 residences including luxurious penthouses and two and three-bedroom suites, all blending the best of Thai and contemporary design. Modern interiors evoke an easy living design complete with large balconies and some come with a private pool or Jacuzzi. All are designed to provide a perfect tropical haven for families, friends and long-term guests, creating a delightful ambience for a memorable holiday.

Spa enthusiasts will enjoy Blossom Spa, a world-class facility offering traditional Thai treatments as well as therapies derived from Asian and European influences.

EPR Architects have been granted Planning Permission to convert Longbridge House at Gatwick airport’s North Terminal from office to hotel use and extend it to accommodate a 192 bedroom Hampton by Hilton economy hotel with associated parking and access. It will include reception lounge, bar, restaurant, meeting rooms and fitness room plus coffee shop with a direct link to the North Terminal’s concourse level. The existing structure will be retained and this has prescribed the building form as rectangular in plan. The building will be increased by two storeys in height giving it a cuboid shape. The facades will be made up of composite metal cladding panels in a pale grey colour on all four sides. Window reveals will be lined in metal, picked out in an accent colour to strongly contrast with the grey of the façade and prevailing colour of the airport buildings.

This proposed hotel provides a sustainable solution to the re-use of the building on this site and provides a positive contribution to the economic future of Gatwick Airport.

Operator : Shiva Hotels

In a recent announcement by the French Government, Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome has been awarded a five-star classification of the highest distinction. It has been named one of eight official palace hotels in France.The moniker of ‘palace hotel’ is one that many Paris hotels have adopted over the years as a self-appointed and unofficial title. Last year the government of France decided to make it an official category and laid out specific criteria for five-star properties to compete for the prized rating of Distinction Palace, stating that this new “tourism version of the ‘Pulitzer Prize’ … will be awarded by a most unusual and prestigious jury.” That special jury was made up of 10 respected personalities from the worlds of hospitality, architecture and design, literature, film and television, science and business.

Since the hotel opened in 2002, Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome, located in the heart of Paris and at the epicenter of history on the prestigious Rue de la Paix, has sought to refresh and recalibrate the concept of the palace hotel. As that other French icon, the ‘father of Modern culture,’ Rene Descartes, challenged the world to observe and interpret old tradition with fresh eyes, so has the contemporary yet timeless Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome challenged long-standing perceptions of what makes a five-star property truly stellar.

In addition to checking all the customary boxes – with its exceptional location, historical pedigree (the façade is not only beautiful but was the former couture house of Paquin), world-class spa, Michelin starred restaurant and 40 stunning Ed Tuttle-designed suites – Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome brings to this city a refined and contemporary interpretation of American-style warmth and openness that is quintessential of the Park Hyatt brand worldwide.

Great respect has been paid to the rich, centuries-old history of the property and great pains have been taken to maintain the authentic sense of place one feels at Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome. However, equal care and consideration has been devoted to developing a new standard of superlative hospitality through elegant and enduring design, and effortlessly efficient service from staff that are amiable and welcoming yet sincere and consummately professional.

W Hotels Worldwide has announced plans to open a W Retreat & Spa located within an exclusive beachfront community, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Mayan Rivera’s lush lagoons and pristine mangroves. Nestled on the eastern coast of Mexico’s magnificent Yucatan Peninsula, the 180-room Retreat is being designed by acclaimed architect Richard Meier. Owned by ALHEL and GIM Desarrollos, W Kanai will be the centerpiece of the Kanai Resort, which will include four hotels and a Beach Club.

Designed by renowned architecture firm Richard Meier & Partners Architects, W Kanai will appear to float on a carpet of mangroves set against the infinite horizon of sea and sky. Buildings and landscape will flow into one another, as meandering gardens and courtyards, sinuous pools and waterworks intersect with brilliant terraces and foot paths, seamlessly connecting the Retreat’s indoor and outdoor spaces. Guestrooms, designed by the New York-based firm Meyer Davis Studio, will have unobstructed views of the sea. Designed as continuous living areas, interior spaces will merge with an exterior deck furnished with lounge seating, cocktail bar, exterior tub and shower. The decks will be enclosed by retractable privacy screens and sun shading louvers.

Only six miles from Playa del Carmen and 24 miles from Cancun International Airport, guests will be able to choose from the Retreat’s extraordinary line up of lifestyle programming, water sports, and wellness activities, including W’s signature Away Spa, offering a detox from a long, playful night out or a refuel for whatever comes next. Boasting more than 10,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor treatment space, Away Spa will feature a range of treatments incorporating local Mexican influences in an unexpected cool and playful way. W Kanai will feature W’s signature Whatever/Whenever(R) service philosophy, providing guests and residences with whatever they want whenever they want it (as long as it’s legal!).

W Retreat & Spa Kanai – Riviera Maya will serve as an ideal island venue for weddings, special events, and innovative meetings. Featuring 7,500 square feet of event space overall, the Retreat’s Great Room (W’s take on the traditional Ballroom) will be 3,000 square feet and wired with the latest in meetings technology.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

The Waldorf Hilton, Good Godfrey’s bar and lounge has re-launched having been redeveloped and now features a striking, destination bar.The client’s brief was for designLSM to create a ‘statement’ bar, which would attract residents and passers by. This was achieved by cleverly illuminating the marble, chrome and granite bar with up-scaled lighting to create a bold, visual statement. Existing listed paneled features were retained whilst decorative wallpaper was added to the ceiling recesses and large antiqued mirrors hung from the walls to reflect a sumptuous interior. The lounge furniture has been chosen to encourage guests to relax and a palette of warm grey, gold and burgundy creates a sense of warmth and opulence.

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 will see 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 will be accentuated by elegant lighting. A library snug will be created and tucked away in the lobby area for those wanting to people watch.

The main consideration undertaken by Simon Spiteri, Architecture Director and Karen Mitton, Senior Designer was to ensure that the design was sympathetic to the existing style and image of The Waldorf. Attention to detail will be paramount when creating an authentic and grand reception area because first impressions count.

Since the 18 century, fabric has been used not only for fashion (clothing) but started to entry the interior industry such as people use fabric on wall, as headboard, and so. In interiors, this translates into embroidery and increasingly distinctive weave patterns.The next couple of year’s textures will be becoming ever more important. Fabric walling is ideal for creating a cosy atmosphere with unique flair.

Not only does the fabric walling add life to your room but it also offers soundproofing qualities.

Whether is in our home, office, or entertainment room, fabric will be perfectively used as antique or contemporary way.

The finish gives a sense of the design. People think that walling is old fashion or don’t suit the modern designs, our popular invisible finish called blind finish gives a modern twist to your decoration. It is mistaken for wallpaper.

Your meeting rooms can be sumptuously decorated with fabric covered walls, for soundproofing, while the state of-art private cinema walls would be stunningly padded again to mitigate the noise.

Not only does it offer luxury, it also serves as thermal insulation which is an exceptional addition.

Quotes for Fabric Walling are available upon request and the showroom is open Monday-Friday 09.30am – 5.30pm.

Click here for Mille Couleurs in the Directory

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced plans to open W Mumbai, marking the debut of W Hotels Worldwide in India.Located in bustling South Central Mumbai where modern architecture intertwines with colonial cultural monuments, W Mumbai will introduce its world renowned lifestyle hotel concept to one of India’s hippest cities, where the country’s music, fashion, media and entertainment industries converge. Under a management contract with Jaguar Buildcon Private Limited, W Mumbai will be developed on approximately three acres of land and is expected to open by 2015. Overlooking the Mahalaxmi racecourse, the hotel will form a part of the Namaste Tower, an iconic 55-story mixed-use building designed by WS Atkins to look like clasped hands. Expected to be a landmark in the city of Mumbai with its iconic design, W Mumbai will be a highly anticipated and spectacular addition to India’s financial and fashion capital.

W Mumbai will house more than 350 stylishly appointed guestrooms, including two WOW Suites and one Extreme WOW Suite (W’s take on the Presidential Suite); two contemporary restaurants and one destination bar; the signature W lounge (W’s interpretation of the traditional hotel lobby); WET pool deck; SWEAT, state-of-the-art fitness center; and a signature spa for guests to detox and refuel for what’s to come. W Mumbai will also house stylish spaces for luxury designer retail stores and boast a full calendar of exclusive and exciting W Happenings events that showcase what’s new and next in design, fashion and music for both guests and locals alike.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

The NEW BELGRAVIA is a fresh look at a traditional sleigh bed. The slatted headboard and footboard give a nautical feel to the design. Created in ash and finished to a caramel colour which enhances the grain detail of the timber.All of the new collections have both five and six foot wide beds are complemented with a full range of cabinets, dressing table and wardrobe.

Curved lines and attention to detail are the hallmarks of the ANNABEL collection.

Designed in the French Renaissance style, the skillfully hand carved details and hand woven double caned bedstead with a softly antiqued ivory painted finish will add a touch of romance to any bedroom.

The VINTAGE PROVENCAL collection is a robust and rustic design that will suit many types of bedrooms. Created from solid straight grained slow grown Baltic pine it also available in a white painted finish.

All of the new collections are on display at the High Wycombe showroom. Pop in, have a coffee and see how Frank Husdon can help you with your current or next project.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced plans to introduce its fast-growing Four Points brand to Peoria, Illinois. Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Peoria opens in July of 2011 near leading businesses and Peoria’s recently revitalized RiverFront. Owned by SPE LO Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Textron Financial Corporation, the hotel will feature 319 comfortable and stylish guest rooms, market-leading meeting facilities, a full-service restaurant, indoor pool, and other amenities that have made Four Points a favorite with travelers worldwide.Extensive renovations to all guest rooms and public areas, and smart enhancements throughout the property will completely overhaul the former Holiday Inn in preparation for its new start as a Four Points. Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Peoria will be the brand’s fifth hotel in Illinois.

Located at 500 Hamilton Boulevard, Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Peoria is just minutes from Peoria Regional Airport, Peoria Civic Center, Bradley University and the shops, restaurants and entertainment at Peoria RiverFront. The hotel also offers easy access to Caterpillar Inc. world headquarters, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and Methodist Medical Center.

Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Peoria will offer all-day dining at Bennigan’s Grill, and more than 19,000 square feet of state-of-the-art conference space for meetings, weddings, and social functions of all sizes. Other amenities include an indoor pool and sauna, 24-hour fitness center and business center.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Today, Birmingham’s largest hotel brand Travelodge has announced the creation of 100 new jobs as a result of opening a further three new hotels in the city.

The first of the three new openings, Birmingham Central Bull Ring Travelodge is the company’s 18th hotel in the city and today was officially opened by Birmingham’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Michael Wilkes and Travelodge CEO Guy Parsons. The 210-room hotel which is located at the famous shopping mecca the Bull Ring, represents a £10 million investment into the city and has created 30 new jobs within the community. Rooms are available from £19 per night.

The other two new Birmingham hotel openings will create a further 70 new jobs and are located at Birmingham Airport and Carrs Lane. They are scheduled to open in September and December 2011 respectively.

By the end of the year Travelodge will have 20 hotels and 1,600 rooms in Birmingham.

Birmingham Central Bull Ring Travelodge is being managed by one of the company’s local rising stars Astra Goode who started her career with Travelodge ten years ago as a receptionist. Over the years Astra has climbed the career ladder and successfully managed six hotels across the city. In addition, she was a project co-ordinator helping to assist in Travelodge’s largest acquisition deal to date – when the hotel chain took over 52 Inn Keeper Lodges from Mitchells and Butler in 2010. (Astra assisted in converting the lodges into Travelodge hotels).

Astra has recruited her team of 30 via the Job Centre Plus scheme which helps the long term unemployed back into work.

Astra Goode, Birmingham Central Bull Ring Travelodge’s Hotel Manager said: “Not in my wildest dreams did I think ten years ago when I joined the company as a receptionist, that one day I would be running my own brand new hotel in the heart of Birmingham city centre. It’s such an honour to be given the opportunity to manage Travelodge’s 18th hotel in Birmingham”.

To celebrate the opening of Travelodge’s 18th hotel at the fashion Mecca, the Bull Ring, the hotel chain ran a promotion to find the city’s next top designer. Budding stylists were commissioned to design an outfit using a bed sheet. Twelve outfits were showcased at the opening event this morning and the overall winner was Emily Wakerley.

The judging panel consisted of: the Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Emily Ford-Halliday, Lecturer from Birmingham Metropolitan College’s Fashion Diploma and Guy Parsons, Travelodge CEO.

Emily Wakerley received a free weekend break at any one of the company’s 469 Travelodge hotels with £100 spending money to splash out on a new outfit.

Emily Wakerley, fashion student from Birmingham Metropolitan College said: “I am thrilled to have won Travelodge’s next top fashion designer competition. It was a tough competition as the calibre of designs was extremely high and I can’t believe I won. It just shows you a simple bedsheet, with a little creativity can be designed into an award winning outfit.

I have decided to use my prize money on new materials for my next project. Having being inspired by Brummie designer Osman Yousefzada, I hope I will one day be Birmingham’s next top designer and have my outfits shown on an international runway.”

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has signed a joint venture partnership with Duet India Hotels Group (DIHL), the hotel investment arm of global asset manager Duet Group, to develop 19 new Holiday Inn Express hotels across India.

IHG will invest through a 24% equity stake, making a multi-year investment of US$30 million into the partnership. This investment will go into a fund to support the building of the 19 hotels over the next five years. These 19 Holiday Inn Express hotels will add approximately 3,300 rooms to IHG’s current India development pipeline of over 10,000 rooms (46 hotels) and are expected to be operational by 2016. Richard Solomons, IHG’s Chief Financial Officer and Head of Commercial Development, said, “This deal is a great example of our strategy in action. By investing a small amount of our own capital we have established a strategic relationship with a fantastic partner who knows the market, securing a future fee stream and opening up a huge opportunity for us to develop the Holiday Inn Express brand across India. With strong economic growth and an expanding middle class in India, we forecast strong future demand for mid-market and select service hotels, cementing Holiday Inn Express’ position as one of the fastest growing brands in the hotel industry.”

Upcoming Holiday Inn Express hotels will be primarily located in India’s major metros and key secondary cities, which are well positioned to drive growth and continued investment opportunities including New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

“This venture marks a significant milestone for IHG. With these 19 new signings, we continue to add momentum to our current India development pipeline. IHG is strongly positioned to build a significant India footprint with a growing presence in India’s key business and leisure hubs. Overall, we are on track to have a 150-hotel presence by 2020. The Holiday Inn Express brand will address the need for internationally branded and high-quality hotels for domestic travellers,” said Jan Smits, Chief Executive Officer of IHG Asia Australasia. “Across the region, over the course of 2010 we signed new Holiday Inn Express deals in key locations including India, Singapore and Thailand. The growing presence of Holiday Inn Express in this region strengthens the brand’s portfolio and introduces the brand to new guests.”

Holiday Inn Express is one of the fastest growing hotel brands in the industry, opening on average two hotels a week globally. There are now 2,075 Holiday Inn Express hotels open and 494 hotels under development around the world. In India, over 75 percent of IHG’s India pipeline is with the Holiday Inn family of brands.

Henry Gabay, Co-founder and Chairman, Duet Group, said, “We are extremely excited to partner with IHG and bring the fast-growing Holiday Inn Express brand to India. Mid-market hotels are the core focus of our hotel business in India and this deal will support the expansion of our growing hospitality development portfolio to its targeted 5,000-6000 rooms from 1,250 rooms today. IHG’s 48-year track record in and continued commitment to India as well as Holiday Inn Express’ strong brand presence and proven product globally make it an ideal partner for a fully integrated hotel development company like DIHL.”

“The mid-market hotel space in India offers a compelling investment proposition given favourable demand-supply dynamics and an attractive build cost to operating returns equation. The strategic partnership with IHG provides DIHL with a strong platform to tap the full potential of this opportunity,” said Anuj Gupta, Managing Partner and CEO India, Duet Group.

In 1978, I was teaching in Art College in Lancashire, and brought a group of art students to London on the traditional provincial art college weeklong jaunt to look at galleries. I gave it twist by timing the visit for the then top interior’s show, IDI. We also visited a leading interior practice, so we were not just looking at great art but at great design too (and they got to stand in Downing Street and chat to Jim Callaghan, then the Prime Minister, who they roundly booed but also shook hands with when he came unescorted across the road to talk to us all).

Among the designs they enthused about was a modern range of furniture from a company called Morgan Furniture, then leading the way with adventurous modern design. As a designer I specified much from the Morgan’s ranges, but in the late 1980’s they, along with many other companies in our industry, struggled to cope with a Lamont created financial recession. Interest rates rose to unsustainable levels (5% above base meant 19% at one time!) and much of the UK manufacturing economy disintegrated under the pressures.
Seizing the opportunity Rodney McMahon and Katerina Zacharides bought Morgan Furniture and have over the last twenty years rebuilt it into a company whose products students would be delighted to see in a similar show today. Rodney is the financial and organisational genius whilst Katerina, initially an architect but then RCA trained furniture designer brought her design ability and passion to the business. Today this remarkable team continue to drive forward a company where some employees can still boast of forty years service to a company, which can boast of twenty years of growth, including during the recent recession.

Company focus remains on production of Katerina’s designs, but focus has sharpened as Rodney seeks to drive the company to almost complete self-sufficiency. Whilst they don’t grow their own trees, they are increasingly encouraging UK growers and sourcing timber within the UK. This is difficult says Rodney as the supply is not large, waving his arm at a stack of newly delivered UK grown beech as he shows me around the production floor. Production methods have changed since my last visit some six or seven years ago, and have become both more efficient and also more involving of a workforce both proud of and loyal to the company.

Rodney explained that they have for a number of years worked with local schools and provided apprenticeships to train and grow their own workforce. Gradually the factory has expanded and Katerina has an established design team that produce their own annual collections as Morgan Studio (award winning in fact with a 2010 Design Guild Mark for the City Collection). They were scurrying around in the background photographing new products as we talked. All photography is done in house in their own studio/showroom at the factory in Emsworth, in the Hampshire countryside.

The Rezidor Hotel Group has announced that its 7th property in the UAE, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Downtown, is now open. Located on the upper floors of a mixed used building, the new first class- and full service hotel is walking distance from the Dubai Mall and just 10 kilometres from the international airport. Besides 220 contemporary rooms and 22 suites the hotel also features ample meeting facilities including 6 conference rooms, 2 board rooms, and a business centre. For leisure seekers the property has a swimming pool and a gym.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Downtown offers a range of excellent food and beverage outlets. Lemon Pepper restaurant specializes in international cuisine and local delicacies, serving up a mouth-watering, varied menu throughout the day. Infiniti Bar & Terrace provide a cosy spot for relaxing, while the outdoor terrace bar is great for catching some sun and enjoying stunning views of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

Dubai Downtown is the new hub of Dubai hosting top attractions including the tallest tower in the world, the world’s largest mall, Dubai Mall, the waterfall promenade and Souk Al Bahar. The hotel also borders Business Bay, a mega project covering an area of 6 million square meters, which is designed to be the new centre of Dubai commerce. Key destinations close by include Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai International and Exhibition Centre, and Dubai International Financial Centre (the world’s fastest growing international financial centre), just a few minutes’ drive from the hotel’s site.

Rooms at the hotel start from 570 AED per night including airport pick-up, free wireless internet access and Grab and Run breakfast.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) announces the opening of the Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City South – Midvale, the newest and most modern hotel in the Salt Lake Valley area. Located in a suburb close to Interstate 15 and Interstate 215, the former Comfort Suites recently underwent a $400,000 renovation that included upgrades to the 66 guest rooms, all of which feature living areas separated from sleeping areas by a partial divider. Leisure travelers can enjoy nearby attractions, including the Hogle Zoo, Temple Square, the Lagoon Amusement Park, as well as Jungle Jim’s Playland, all just a short distance away. The hotel is also close to major sports venues, including Energy Solutions Arena, home of the Utah Jazz, Rice Eccles Stadium and Rio Tinto Stadium. It is also within walking distance to several restaurants and shopping outlets.

For business travelers, the new Holiday Inn Express is just a short distance from the Intermountain Medical Center, South Towne Exposition Center and the LDS Conference Center.

The 42,000 square-foot hotel is 100 percent smoke-free and features a variety of amenities, including an indoor heated pool, whirlpool, fitness center and 24-hour business center.

The Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City South – Midvale is owned and managed by Pearl Hospitality Inc. The hotel is located at 7134 South 700 East, Midvale, Utah.

Worldhotels has announced the opening of its first office in Delhi, India – a move designed to support the significant growth of the Worldhotels brand in this market. Naresh Chandnani, hospitality industry veteran, has been appointed as the Regional Director of Hotel Development for India Sub-continent and Maldives to establish this dedicated division. Worldhotels’ growing presence in India has seen its portfolio increase from five to nine properties in recent months and it is expected to further strengthen its position with an anticipated addition of another dozen hotels to reach 20 hotels by 2012, in this fast expanding market.

New to the Worldhotels portfolio in India are:

The hill resort Aamby Valley City joined Worldhotels’ Indian collection in January 2011. This five-star ‘city’ is a man-made paradise of 324 designer villas and unique chalets all set in 10,000 acres of gardens and lakes. The unique property offers outstanding facilities, making it an attractive choice for leisure travellers, corporate meetings and incentive groups.

Matthan Bangalore is a five-star property with 145 elegant rooms and is located in India’s commercial, business and IT hub. Boasting several innovative restaurants, bars and a state-of-the-art business centre, the hotel has a traditional Indo-Asian meets modern Zen ambience offering a truly exclusive experience.

The Svenska Mumbai is located in the heart of Mumbai’s media district, close to the Bollywood Studios. With just 29 immaculately designed rooms, this five-star property has a contemporary and personal feel. Featuring leading-edge technology in each room this property is perfect for the business traveller. It’s sister property, the Svenska Banaglore is a luxury boutique hotel with just 56 rooms, and is the newest addition to the Worldhotels collection in India. Located in the technology hub of Electronic City, the hotel is a luxurious oasis, with 24-hour butler service and superb swimming and fitness facilities.

Robert Hornman, Managing Director of Worldhotels, commented: ‘‘India is one of our fastest growing emerging markets and so opening a dedicated office is a significant step for Worldhotels in expanding its presence on the sub-continent.”

“With our growing portfolio and the added impetus of our newly opened office in Delhi, Worldhotels is well-placed to capitalise on this dynamic market. Our priority is not only to build upon our existing network, but also to focus on destinations not yet covered, such as Pune, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Udaipur, Goa and Kerala.”

Worldhotels has also teamed up with hospitality consultants HVS in India to support both existing and future hotels in the portfolio.

Choice Hotels International has announced the opening of the Comfort Inn Hyde Park, bringing the number of Choice-branded hotels in London to eighteen. Previously independently run as the Park Lodge Hotel, the re-branded Comfort Inn Hyde Park has 29 newly re-furbished guest bedrooms, all with modern en-suites and featuring flat screen LCD televisions, free WIFI, and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests also benefit from the free full English breakfast served everyday in the breakfast room. Located 200 metres from Queensway and Bayswater tube stations with easy access to both Central London and London Heathrow, the hotel is an excellent base for both business and leisure travellers.

Duncan Berry, UK CEO, Choice Hotels Europe commented: “We are delighted to open this new London Hotel which will serve both leisure and business travellers looking for a value-added competitively priced hotel. With the forthcoming 2012 Olympics we believe all our 18 London-based Choice-branded hotels are well-positioned to benefit from the inbound tourism expected next year.”

Sayeed Esmail, Director of Operations for SME Group Plc who operates the Comfort Inn Hyde Park hotel under a franchise agreement, commented: “We wanted to work with a strong global franchise brand and Choice Hotels Europe fitted the bill perfectly.”

Choice Hotels Europe’s portfolio of franchised hotels offers business and leisure travellers a full spectrum from premium economy to luxury hotels. Choice Hotels Europe franchises nearly 500 hotels across Europe alone. Brands operated by Choice in Europe include Clarion which could be described as four-star, Quality, which sits in the three-star bracket and provides a mid-scale full service offering and Comfort, Choice’s largest brand worldwide and known for value and reliability.

SOURCE: Choice Hotels

Hotelier brings Global Cookie CARE Campaign to London as part of worldwide mission to share chocolate chip delights in major cities around the world.

DoubleTree by Hilton today shared 2,500 of its legendary chocolate chip cookies in just 25 minutes with lucky Londoners on their lunch break, to mark the 25th anniversary of the upscale, global hotel brand’s welcoming sweet treat. This special London event is part of a Global Cookie CARE Campaign launched this week to share thousands of the brand’s beloved chocolate chip cookies with the public at special events in major cities around the world this year. Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said: “The DoubleTree by Hilton tradition of a warm, chocolate chip cookie welcome at check-in has set a unique hospitality standard since 1986 and is symbolic of our longstanding CARE service culture, which inspires us to create a rewarding guest experience for our guests, our communities and each other. We also understand that in today’s dehumanising travel environment small acts of kindness, like providing our warm chocolate chip cookie welcome, can have a positive impact on people all over the world,”

The London event took place on Oxford and Regent Streets, around the four entrances to Oxford Circus underground station, at midday on 5 May 2011. The DoubleTree by Hilton Global Cookie CARE Committee, dressed in chef’s hats, handed out 2,500 fresh-baked cookies in 25 minutes to delighted passersby.

“We’re thrilled to be in London this week to share our delicious cookies with the lunchtime crowd,” added Palleschi, “particularly as our presence in the UK is growing with eight DoubleTree by Hilton hotels now open across England and Scotland, including two in the capital itself.”

Following are a few “tid-bites” about the hospitality icon that is the DoubleTree by Hilton chocolate chip cookie:

• DoubleTree by Hilton gives out approximately 60,000 chocolate chip cookies each day. That’s more than 21,000,000 warm welcomes annually!

• DoubleTree by Hilton began giving out chocolate chip cookies in the 1980s, when many hotels across the country used them as treats for VIPs.

• In 1986, the same secret recipe for today’s chocolate chip cookie welcome at all DoubleTree by Hilton hotels around the world was created

• Nashville-based Christie Cookie Company currently holds the brand’s secret recipe, which ensures that the same, delicious cookie is delivered consistently at every Doubletree by Hilton hotel and resort.

• Every DoubleTree by Hilton chocolate chip cookie is baked fresh daily at each hotel.

• Each cookie weighs more than 2 ounces and has an average of 20 chocolate chips.

• The Christie Cookie Company uses more than 750,000 pounds of chocolate chips each year for DoubleTree by Hilton’s cookies

• In June 2002, DoubleTree by Hilton presented its 100,000,000th cookie!

• To date, more than 230,000,000cookies have been served to delighted guests and customers

• More than 1,000,000 chocolate chip cookieshave been donated by DoubleTree by Hilton hotels to celebrate and thank deserving members of the community from doctors and nurses to police and fire-fighters as well as non-profit groups such as food banks and homeless shelters.

• From the United Kingdom to Canada and Tanzania to China, the signature chocolate chip cookie welcome is presented to travellers at more than 250 DoubleTree by Hilton locations around the world.

While the heaving masses pushed their way through the overheated halls of the Milan Fiera, a kaleidoscope of life and colour was to be found downtown in the Spring sunshine of the ancient courtyards and colonnades of Chiostri dell’Umanitaria.Once again Paola Lenti offered a uniquely uplifting exhibition of sumptuous seating, rugs and accessories for both outside and in. Bold new colours including lemon, peony, silver, aquamarine and ice white were woven together with existing tones in almost endless combinations to extraordinary effects.

Fibres as fine and strong as a spider’s web stretched over sofa frames of the new Teatime lounge seating collection. Designed by Francesco Rota, this delicate framed sofa and armchairs for interior and exterior environments characterises the sophisticated elegance of afternoon tea in the garden.

The translucent screens on the walls and ceilings of the amazing Cabanne structures offset the finely hammered ‘leather’ finish marble and limestone tops of the Heron and Sunset side tables.

2011 truly is the coming of age of this creative young company. The only question now is what can they possibly do in 2012?

Ranges available through UK distributor, The Modern Garden Company

The Rezidor Hotel Group expands the network to 64 countries across Europe, Middle East and Africa and announces the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel, Freetown in Sierra Leone. Formerly known as “Mammy Yoko Hotel”, the property featuring 171 rooms will be re-branded in Q4 2011. Sierra Leone continues to emerge from the aftermath of the civil war, democracy has been re-established in the country, and the IMF has completed a poverty reduction and growth facility program which has improved economic growth and reduced inflation levels. Stability has also led to a revival of key economic activities, such as mining.

The original Mammy Yoko Hotel was an operating hotel for around 30 years. Business was interrupted in 1997 as a result of the civil conflict and the building was heavily damaged. The property is undergoing a complete overhaul and it will re-emerge in late 2011 as the premier hotel for aid agencies, diplomats and business travellers. Besides 171 rooms, the hotel will comprise a restaurant with outdoor terrace, several bars, and meeting rooms. An outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, duty free shopping and a gym will also be available.

The hotel’s name derivates from Mammy Yoko, the “Queen of Senehun” who brought the whole Kpaa Mende region (now comprising 14 separate chiefdoms) under her control through coalitions, warfare and her alliance with the British. She established a famous Sande bush in Senehun where she trained girls from throughout the area. Queen Victoria of England presented Mammy Yoko with a medal for her loyalty.

Edinburgh Airport Premier Inn was opened last month. Designed by Lawrence McPherson Associates, the 119 bed hotel is situated at Newbridge near Edinburgh Airport in a prime location on the newly developed Axis Business Park directly adjacent to the A90. The opening of the Airport Premier Inn follows close on the heels of the completion of the 60 bed Premier Inn and Brewers Fayre at Dumbarton.Edinburgh Airport Premier Inn is part of the ‘Solus’ range of Whitbread hotels whereby bespoke designs are developed for each individual site in key locations such as city centres and those adjacent to airports. It is a departure from the traditional aesthetic of the standard Premier Inn brand.

The building has a modern aesthetic and features an asymmetric bedroom window configuration, large full height windows to the restaurant and communal areas and an inverted ‘gull wing’ roof.

The introduction of natural light into the building was a particular aim of the designers. The restaurant features two large roof lights which allow light to penetrate deep to the bar area giving this a light and airy feel. Allowing natural daylight to penetrate deep into the building plan reduces the need to use artificial lighting during the day thus reducing the energy consumption.

The materials used in the construction continue the contemporary feel. The gull wing roof is finished with a Trocal single ply roof membrane, the high level frieze is finished in Kingspan microrib panels and the external leaf is finished in a facing brick and Sto acrylic render finish. The hotel is constructed with timber frame built off a precast concrete and steel plinth and finished with a masonry outer leaf.

The building sits directly under the flight path of Edinburgh airport and dealing with the resulting sound issues was a major challenge. To achieve the required sound insulation each window is a fixed double glazed sound reducing unit with the larger windows having secondary glazing to achieve the required sound reduction.

In order to achieve Whitbread’s commitment to carbon reduction, the Edinburgh Airport Premier Inn has individually controlled air conditioning units fitted in every room replacing the standard electrical panel heaters. The fresh air supply to each bedroom air conditioning unit is via a vertical passive vent system.

The Premier Inn, constructed by Ogilvie Construction, features the first ‘Thyme’ restaurant in Scotland.