Hotel Designs

Newly opened in February, Jamie’s Italian Nottingham is the latest opening in the hugely successful chain of Italian restaurants from the world famous celebrity chef. This award-winning concept features a vibrant blend of innovation, theatre, efficient service, atmosphere and great food.Andy Thornton Ltd was delighted to work on the project with internationally acclaimed design practice Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, following on from previous successful collaborations with the designers. For the newest Jamie’s Italian site, Martin Brudnizki Design Studio specified a mixture of furniture from Andy Thornton’s extensive contract range, including traditional style farmhouse side chairs and bespoke stick back side chairs in oak, another classic farmhouse-style design. The company also supplied bespoke high tables with metal studded edging detail, designed by MBDS.

Jamie’s Italian Nottingham also features pieces from Andy Thornton’s vast stock of architectural antiques, including an original 1.7m high copper Calvados distiller dating from the late 19th century and a reclaimed industrial-style metal cabinet. These unique touches from Andy Thornton reflect the decor and ethos of Jamie’s Italian – appealingly informal and unpretentious; a place where everyone feels comfortable.

Andy Thornton is a leading supplier of contract quality furniture for the hospitality industry, with an unparalleled range of interior and exterior furniture for restaurants, bars and hotels.

For more information visit www.andythornton.com

A brand new flag is waving on the California coast, at the newly-christened San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina. Formerly known as the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina, the Marquis becomes one of only four Marriott Marquis hotels in the country, and the premier destination for meetings, events and relaxing getaways. “We’re excited to bring this exclusive new brand of Marriott service to San Diego and extend it to meeting planners, business travelers and vacationers from across the globe,” said General Manager Ray Warren.Distinguished by their exceptional offerings and iconic locations, Marquis hotels boast over 1,000 guest rooms, expansive meeting facilities, multiple restaurants, and grand public spaces. And with 1,360 guest rooms, 75,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, and a 446-slip private marina, the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina is no exception. The centerpiece of an inspiring bay front, the hotel is adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center and steps from Petco Park, the historic Gaslamp Quarter and Seaport Village.

With key elements of an ambitious renovation complete, guests are treated to an entirely new arrival experience, updated lobby and concierge level, completely remodeled guest rooms, and a state-of-the art-fitness center overlooking a vibrant new pool area. Opening this April, the pool environment boasts private cabanas, cozy fire pits, a poolside restaurant and bar, and separate kids play area. By 2014 the Marquis plans to add two 40,000 square-foot high-tech ballrooms and a luxurious full-service spa.

While the changes were designed to meet the growing demand of corporate groups and associations on an international scale, considerable care was taken to maintain the relaxed, coastal feel of leisure resort. “Our focus has always been on providing an authentic San Diego experience for each and every guest” adds Warren. “By introducing a Marquis hotel in this exceptional bay front location, we’re sending a message to the world that San Diego is the destination planners and vacationers should consider first.”

Landmark hotel The Crest, located in the heart of Kings Cross and considered to have some of Sydney’s best views, has re-opened as the Mercure Sydney Potts Point and will return a much-needed 227 rooms to Sydney’s tight room supply. The owners, Australand, have appointed Accor to manage the property after it had been closed for almost two years. The hotel’s relaunch comes at a time when Potts Point and the surrounding Kings Cross and Darlinghurst areas are undergoing a real gentrification that has brought a touch of class to their urban edginess. A high level of development in the commercial, retail and residential sectors has seen Potts Point become one of Sydney’s most vibrant communities, with more than 250 restaurants, cafes and bars within walking distance of the hotel.

The former Crest has legendary status in Sydney’s hotel scene and was recently upgraded with a $30 million refurbishment, with new furniture and fittings and a funky, modern design by Marques Interiors.

Set high on Victoria Street above Kings Cross Station, the Mercure Sydney Potts Point offers spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Sydney’s east and boasts a huge outdoor terrace and four meeting rooms for up to 300 delegates so it’s perfect for both business and leisure travellers.

Sydney has suffered a massive rooms shortage since 2000, with Accor’s Sydney hotels consistently running between 80% and 90% occupancy throughout 2010, so the addition of these quality rooms will have an enormous impact on the city’s infrastructure. The Mercure will effectively provide the first “new” rooms in Sydney since the Ibis King St Wharf opened in 2008.

Within walking distance of the Mercure are a host of attractions including great boutique shopping on Macleay St, several theatres, Tusculum, Elizabeth Bay House and more. Embarkation Park, Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens are all easily accessible on foot.

In addition to being at the heart of Sydney’s premier dining and entertainment district, the Mercure is also just a short stroll from cosmopolitan Woolloomooloo and just one train stop from Martin Place in the city centre. Bondi Beach is about 10 minutes drive away.

“We see strong development opportunities in the Nordic countries and are excited to see our expansion continue in to Finland,” said Amy McPherson, president and managing director of Marriott International in Europe. “The region has always been known for warm hospitality and great design. We look forward to a continued partnership… and know this hotel will serve the market well.”Marriott International, Inc. has recently announced plans to open the 272-room Helsinki Marriott Hotel in early 2013 under a franchise agreement with Scandinavian Hospitality Management Espoo OY. The hotel will be owned by Kiinteisto OY Kuninkaansatama, a joint venture between Ultivista OY and BMZ-Invest OY.

The Helsinki Marriott Hotel, which will be Marriott’s first hotel in Finland, will be conveniently located in the Westend district of Espoo, one of the most affluent districts of the greater Helsinki area. The 18-story hotel will boast stunning views of Helsinki and a unique waterfront location, and will be located a ten minute drive from Helsinki’s city center and a short distance from Helsinki’s Vantaa Airport. In addition, the hotel will sit within one kilometer of the commercial districts of Tapiola and Keilaniemi, which accommodate the headquarter offices of many Finnish companies.

Harald Jacobsen, president of Scandinavian Hospitality Management said, “The Helsinki Marriott Hotel will be a fantastic extension for the iconic Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand. We look forward to working with Marriott and welcoming the many travelers that will now have a new deluxe hotel choice when visiting Helsinki.”

The Helsinki Marriott Hotel will boast over 10,500 square feet of meeting space, an executive lounge and business center. For recreation and relaxation, the hotel will feature a state-of-the art health club with indoor pool.

From the American Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) in San Diego, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that it expects to open another 70-80 high quality new-build and conversion hotels in 2011, coming off of the 72 opened and 96 new deals signed in 2010. Propelled by unprecedented demand for hotels in the world’s fastest growing markets, Starwood, the world’s most global hotel company, will open nearly 70% of its new hotels outside North America, with the majority in Asia Pacific.Asia Pacific is Starwood’s Leading Growth Market

Robust demand in Asia Pacific remains a key driver of Starwood’s growth, accounting for more than half of all Starwood hotel openings in 2011. Starwood will open 40 new hotels in Asia Pacific this year, resulting in a portfolio of over 220 hotels in the region by year end.

Over half of the new Starwood hotels opening in Asia Pacific are slated for Greater China, where Starwood expects to increase its current portfolio from 70 to over 115 hotels by 2012. Openings will include 19 Sheraton hotels, ten Westin hotels, and two St. Regis hotels.

Demand continues to accelerate in India where Starwood is the largest five-star hotel operator. Starwood plans to grow its existing portfolio of 30 hotels in India by 40% in the next two years. Starwood’s stylish, new Aloft brand will more than double its footprint in India by year end with the opening of three more hotels, and four additional hotels will open under the Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton and Le Méridien brands.

Growth for Starwood’s high-caliber brands is also picking up in Thailand, where it will add four Starwood hotels to its portfolio this year, including two Four Points by Sheraton hotels, an Aloft hotel and The St. Regis Bangkok. Starwood is also growing its footprint in Malaysia, with two Four Points by Sheraton hotels scheduled to open in 2011.

Starwood Accelerates Growth in Latin America

Starwood will open five new hotels in Latin America this year, joining the 62 currently open in 12 countries. Key openings include the first Westin in South America in Lima, Peru, the fifth Starwood hotel in Panama, which is emerging as a key financial hub in Latin America and Starwood’s first all-inclusive resort, The Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa in Costa Rica. Starwood will also debut its Aloft brand in Latin America with the opening of Aloft Panama, in addition to increasing its presence in Chile, Mexico and Colombia.

Select Service Brands and Conversions Drive Growth in North America and Europe

Half of Starwood’s current portfolio is in North America, where it will open more than 20 additional hotels this year. Fueling growth is an influx of conversion opportunities and strong demand for Starwood’s select service brands. This year, milestones will include the opening of the 60th Starwood hotel in Canada and the 50th Aloft hotel.

Starwood will increase its substantial portfolio of 247 hotels in Europe, Africa and the Middle East with almost a dozen new hotels opening in this division in 2011. Key openings in Europe include the first Aloft in London and three W hotels, including the long awaited debut of W in London and Paris.

Strengthening its position as one of the leading luxury hotel operators in the Middle East, Starwood will debut its ultra-luxury St. Regis brand this year with the opening of the St. Regis Doha and the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi. Starwood’s total portfolio in the Middle East will grow to 50 hotels in 2011, with another 25 in the development pipeline.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that Sheraton Hotels will expand its portfolio in Canada with plans to open a third Sheraton hotel in the Montreal area.Sheraton Montreal Airport Hotel is scheduled to open in April 2011 and features 476 spacious guest rooms, 19,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting facilities, and an inviting atmosphere designed to help travelers make connections into and out of the city. Sheraton Montreal Airport will join Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel and Sheraton Laval Hotel in welcoming domestic and international travelers to vibrant Montreal.

The soon-to-open Sheraton Montreal Airport Hotel is part of Sheraton brand’s strategic expansion plan that will add approximately 50 new hotels and more than 20,000 rooms to the Sheraton portfolio over the next two years. Acquired by Jesta Group in collaboration with Groupe Canvar in 2009, the hotel is currently undergoing a comprehensive multi-million dollar renovation to all guest rooms and public spaces prior to opening as a Sheraton property.

Located on Côte de Liesse, the Sheraton Montreal Airport Hotel sits at the entrance to Trudeau International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown Montreal. The hotel will offer convenient access to the West Island business district and numerous area attractions, including historic Old Montreal, Montreal Museum of Fine Art, Place des Arts, and Casino de Montreal.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Courtyard by Marriott has opened its fourth hotel in Russia, the Courtyard Kazan under a management agreement with Transstroibank. The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Kazan, near the Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and close to the offices of many international corporations. Located steps from the Kremlevskaya metro station, the hotel allows guests to move easily throughout the city.Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe said, “We are excited about the expansion of our Courtyard by Marriott brand in Eastern Europe and see strong opportunity to grow the brand here. Last year we announced our goal to double our presence in Europe by 2015, and in addition to the new Courtyard Kazan we will add our second Courtyard by Marriott in Moscow later this year.”

The Courtyard Kazan boasts 150 stylish and sophisticated guestrooms, featuring ergonomic work areas and flat screen televisions. The hotel’s lobby evokes a modern, contemporary feel and gives guests the space and functionality to both work and socialize with a variety of flexible seating options.

Offering guests a picturesque view of the Kremlin the hotel’s SKY BAR Café, a cozy, Italian-inspired café serves pizza and pasta, and the SKY BAR Terrace, an outdoor area on the hotel’s roof top, is the perfect spot to sip cocktails and enjoy a variety of delicious snacks and light fare. In addition, the Courtyard Kazan features Zilant Mediterranean Grill and a 24-hour market offering guests a choice of light meals, snacks and drinks.

Hotel Indigo has recently announced the opening of the Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge Downtown Riverfront, located in the heart of the city’s historic downtown. Hotel Indigo offers guests a unique hotel experience with the modern design and intimate service associated with boutique hotels along with the peace of mind and consistency from staying with the world’s largest hotel group. Once known as the historic Hotel King before being converted to a dormitory during the Depression and then a state office building, the seven-story building traces its roots back to the 1920s. In 2009, a $25 million renovation was begun to restore the building to an upscale boutique hotel reflective of the surrounding community.

Featuring 93-rooms and panoramic views of the Mississippi River or historic Baton Rouge, including the 34-story nearby state office building, the hotel maintains much of its original architecture. The simple and elegant interior design accentuates the building’s history using natural colors and lighting. The trademark design feature is the floor-to-ceiling curved reclaimed pinewood wall that surrounds the oval-shaped lobby reception desk. Visitors also enjoy 16 distinct murals throughout the property highlighting images of nearby Arsenal Park.

At Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge, neighbors and hotel guests will eat, drink and enjoy homemade, locally-inspired dishes and traditional favorites at King Bar & Bistro. Served with a twist in a stylish space, menu and bar items feature local and seasonal ingredients brought to the table in partnership with a network of vendors, from farmers and bakers to brew masters and coffee roasters.

Guestrooms feature plush bedding, high-definition flat screen TV, CD player and spa-inspired showers with Aveda products. Hard surface flooring with area rugs create a fresh residential feel. Additionally, the hotel offers executive suites and executive floors, 24-hour access to the hotel’s business center, an intimate boardroom that seats up to 12, and complimentary Wi-Fi in public spaces and high-speed Internet connections in each room.

Located at the corner of Convention and Lafayette streets – just 400 yards from the Mississippi River – the Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge Downtown Riverfront is easily accessible from Interstate 10 and Interstate 110, and is just minutes from the city’s central business district. It is within walking distance of the city’s Riverfront Convention Center as well as restaurants, shops and cultural attractions. It is also close to the Louisiana State Capital, Louisiana State University (LSU) and Southern University.

Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge Downtown Riverfront is owned by Project King LLC and managed by Nu Vieux LLC, a Baton Rouge-based hospitality company, in a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announces plans to debut the first St Regis hotel in Jordan, furthering St. Regis’ robust global expansion and mission to introduce properties in the world’s most dynamic and exciting markets. Owned by Al Maabar Abdoun Real Estate Development Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Al Maabar International Investments Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Amman and The Residences at St. Regis Amman will become a landmark in the city’s affluent Abdoun district. Scheduled to open in 2014, the new St. Regis Amman will provide guests flawless service delivered by the brand’s legendary butler service, elegant modern decor and an array of luxurious amenities which will set the standard for luxury in the region.

St. Regis Amman will be among five St. Regis openings in the Middle East in the coming years, including highly-anticipated properties in Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where two St. Regis hotels will be unveiled. These new openings mark another incredible year of growth for the brand as St. Regis continues to more than double its portfolio of spectacular hotels and resorts worldwide. This project will extend the Starwood portfolio in Jordan, where the company currently operates Sheraton and Le Méridien hotels and has three additional properties in the pipeline.

With design concepts by New York-based Perkins Eastman Architects, The St. Regis Amman will feature 270 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, including 91 suites, four restaurants, a café, destination bar, pool and pool bar, fitness center, signature spa, and St. Regis’ iconic Butler service. Trained in the English tradition, the butlers provide ever-present, yet unobtrusive round the clock service while anticipating guests needs and customizing each guest’s stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences. St. Regis is the only global luxury brand in the world that offers a bespoke Butler Service in every one of its 24 hotels and resorts, providing outstanding service and amenities. The hotel will also comprise more than 30,000 square feet of ultra-modern meeting and event space, as well as a business center.

The Residences at St. Regis Amman will include approximately 80 branded luxurious residences featuring two-, three-, four- and five-bedrooms as well as a dedicated lobby, pool, fitness center and lounge. Coupled with the grand residences, the St. Regis Amman is poised to become the premier destination for sophisticated, global travellers and furthers establishes the St. Regis’ dedication to providing unrivalled accommodations and exceptional service and amenities for the brand’s discerning guests.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, is pleased to unveil the long-anticipated W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak in March 2011. Marking the debut of W Hotels Worldwide in Indonesia, the new W Retreat & Spa Bali-Seminyak will be the fourth W Retreat to open across the globe. Located in Seminyak, the trendy enclave of Bali, W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak will emanate the destination’s exuberance, where designer boutiques, eclectic galleries, concept restaurants, and chic cocktail bars and clubs predominate. Owned by PT. Dua Cahaya Anugrah (“DCA”), W Bali will feature a total of 158 Wonderful and Spectacular Retreats. A selection of the retreats include;

• 4 Marvellous Suites
• 1 WOW Suite
• 1 Extreme WOW (E-WOW) Suite
• 79 Villa Retreats available as fantastic one-bedroom, Marvellous two-bedroom and WOW three bedroom Suites.

Guests can also be whisked away at the WET® pool, Sweat Fitness® centre, and AWAY® Spa, an urban escape for the senses. The AWAY® Spa, open 24/7/365, offers guests, including weary travellers arriving in the wee hours after a long flight, and in-the-know locals around-the-clock signature treatments in a cool and playful way. Guests will also have an every-day invitation to enjoy the WET® pool and SWEAT® fitness centre, in addition to taking in the celebrated Seminyak sunset from comfy sofas on the beach.

W will bring a complete contemporary lifestyle experience to Bali, featuring distinct concept restaurants such as Starfish Bloo and Fire, destination bars WooBar and Ice, W Lounge (W’s interpretation of the hotel lobby), WIRED business centre and W Hotels The Store, W’s take on the traditional hotel gift shop.

Showcasing innovative architecture by SCDA Architects and interior design by Poole Associates Private Limited and AB Concept, the W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak has been designed to exude an exhilarating look and feel that flirts with the counterpoints of conceal/reveal and inside/outside of Bali’s legendary night mysticism, allowing guests to be part of the scene or remain unseen as they escape to their own retreats.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts has recently announced the opening of Hilton Chennai, its first hotel in India’s fifth most populous city. Featuring 204 guest rooms and more than 7,000 square feet of event space, the upscale, full-service hotel is a 15-minute drive from Chennai’s domestic and international airports.Hilton Chennai is a new-build, 10-storey hotel which offers a range of accommodation options from deluxe rooms through to executive rooms and suites. Guests can enjoy a contemporary feel with a touch of old Madras, which is reflected in the décor of the rooms and public areas.

Each room of the hotel is designed for comfort and relaxation while it features state-of-the-art technology for the convenience of the guests. All guest rooms come with the signature Hilton Serenity Bed, a spacious work desk, flat-screen LCD television, a walk-in rain shower, a luxurious bathtub and high-speed Internet access.

The hotel is strategically located in Guindy, which is home to many important landmarks in the city. The hotel is close to major technology parks such as Olympia and Tamarai where the headquarters of prestigious multinational corporations are located. It is also near to famous tourist attractions such as the Guindy National Park, Marina Beach, the old town of Mylapore – housing the ancient temple of Kapaleeswarar, San Thome Basilica Church and the city’s most prestigious museum, the Government Museum.

Hilton Chennai offers guests an extensive array of food and beverage outlets with five restaurants and bars to choose from. Est is a casual contemporary café located at the lobby level of the hotel and features a glass enclosed live bakery. Vasco’s is a stylish all-day dining restaurant serving fresh, innovative global cuisine from four “live” kitchens. Vintage Bank is a chic wine and cheese bar, ideal for those seeking exceptional wines and a variety of the world’s best cheeses. Ayla, named after a popular local fish, will showcase Kadoloram or coastal cuisine. Q Bar, a poolside bar and grill on the roof of the hotel, features spectacular city views. Both Ayla and Q Bar will open in April.

Hilton Chennai offers the latest state-of-the-art technology in all the meeting rooms, fully integrated audio-visual equipment and high-end conference amenities. The Hilton Grand Ballroom, spread over 445 square meters with a ceiling height of 4.8 meters, is equipped with sky fold soundproof partitions and is destined to be the most sought-after venue in the city for corporate meetings, celebrations and informal parties.

For guests who want to keep their workout program on track while traveling, the hotel also features impressive leisure facilities including an infinity outdoor pool and a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center.

W Hotels Worldwide has opened the doors of its 39th hotel globally, W Taipei, which is located in the buzzing central business district of Xinyi. The 405-room hotel has been designed by renowned architects G.A. Design International Ltd of London and is encased in radiant glass. Rising 31 floors, W Taipei is the only hotel in the city with a panoramic vista of the iconic 101 Tower, one of the world’s tallest buildings. The opening of W Taipei today coincides with the opening of W London – Leicester Square, which will be the W brand’s 40th hotel globally. Taipei Hotel Design Redefined
Upon arriving at W Taipei, guests will marvel at “The Chain” – made of the strongest stainless steel and with a mirror finish – that symbolically anchors the energy of the W Taipei building into the ground and is juxtaposed with a gigantic green wall filled with plants organically grown throughout Taiwan. W Taipei showcases a cutting-edge collection of design installations that bring to life the hotel’s design concept of “nature electrified.” For instance, an interactive light installation – entitled “To Light You Fade” created by rAndom International, a “W Hotels Designer of the Future “ – interacts with guests as they enter the building, by changing shape, look and feel in sync with its surroundings.

Sip, Mix and Indulge at W Taipei’s Bars and Restaurants
Taiwan’s newest scene, W Taipei will feature an eclectic assortment of signature restaurants and lounges. The Kitchen Table tantalizes with a broad menu of spicy and aromatic tandoor dishes, wood-fired pizzas, stylish salads, succulent seafood and grill dishes. Outside on the WET pool sky deck, al fresco dining means an urban barbecue overlooking Taipei’s Technicolor city lights. On the 31st floor, the W brand’s Cantonese restaurant, Yen, features a sleek bar for sipping as well as delicate dim sum, fresh seafood, signature soups, delicious desserts — and five private dining rooms for more intimate affairs. As the consulting chef of Yen, creative Chef Jereme Leung brings his innovative style of cooking and unique approach to contemporary Chinese cuisine.

Sanctuary of Serenity High above the Energy of Taipei
Guests at W Taipei may choose from 405 guestrooms and suites, designed as private sanctuaries inspired by nature with spectacular urban views. Overlooking the Yangmingshan mountain range that surrounds Taipei, guestrooms feature an interior balcony/play pad, a great place to relax in the serenity of the room amidst cosmopolitan Taipei, as well as warm-colored stones, burnished wood and lush, electrified floral carpeting contrasted with modern, subtle lighting inspired by Chinese lantern boxes. Designed with the international jet-setter in mind, all guestrooms boast the signature ultra-comfortable W Bed with its 350-thread count linens; a sleek, modern white work station with a leather ergonomic chair; state-of-the-art in-room technology including high-speed wired and wireless Internet access; flat-screen, 42-inch LCD televisions; Bose 2.1 sound systems; charging MP3 player docks; IP phone with voicemail; and a W Taipei’s signature W Zodiac Animal – a whimsical touch to the room.

W Taipei – A Meeting Destination
W Taipei will offer more than 2,833 square meters (more than 30,000 square feet) of meeting and event space. The Mega Room at W Taipei will be the largest pillar-less ballroom in the city, with over 1,039 square meters (more than 11,000 square feet) of space for everything from annual meetings and state dinners to gala wedding banquets and high-wattage fashion shows.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that it has signed an agreement with the Deputy Ruler of the emirate of Sharjah, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Salem Al Qassimi, to manage its first hotel in Sharjah, a business and leisure travel destination designated as an Arab Capital of Culture. The new Sheraton Sharjah will open beginning of 2013, marking the debut of Starwood in the emirate.Starwood currently operates 20 hotels in the United Arab Emirates represented by six of its nine distinct and compelling brands. The company has plans to expand its portfolio with ten new hotels in the country scheduled to open over the next few years.

Located on Al Muntazah Beach in the north of the emirate, Sheraton Sharjah will offer 343 ocean front rooms including 48 suites. The hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a seafood restaurant, a Persian speciality restaurant, and a pool/beach grill on a private beach. The hotel’s business facilities include a suite of six meeting rooms, and two ballrooms, one of which at 850 square metres will be the largest hotel ballroom in the emirate. The hotel will also feature Link@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft, a unique communications hub delivering the technology modern guests expect and require while on the road.

The design of the hotel reflects traditional architecture with wind-tower features, landscaped courtyard and pool areas. Just 10 kilometres from Sharjah International Airport and 15 kilometres from Dubai International Airport, the resort will play a key role in increasing business travel in the emirate in addition to attracting regional and international tourists tempted by the beachfront location, spacious rooms with Sheraton’s renowned Sweet SleeperTM Bed and a 950 square metre spa and the brand’s signature fitness offering – Sheraton Fitness by Core Performance. The Sheraton Sweet Sleeper was designed to meet AAA’s Five Diamond Award(R) criteria.

Already a major travel destination for Middle Eastern and European families, Sharjah was the first emirate in the U.A.E. to focus on international tourism, developing as a beach destination some 40 years ago. While it has since expanded as an industrial and shipping hub, the emirate also boasts numerous museums and cultural centres in an ongoing celebration of Arab culture.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

“We are delighted to add two further properties to our common pipeline. Russia is one of our key markets for future development and offers excellent growth opportunities for our young and dynamic mid-market brand Park Inn by Radisson”, commented Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor. The Rezidor Hotel Group has announced two new Park Inn by Radisson properties in co-operation with Regional Hotel Chain (RHC), one of Rezidor’s most important development partners in Russia. The Park Inn Volgograd and the Park Inn Nizhny Novgorod will feature 150 rooms each and are scheduled to open in 2013.

In 2009, Rezidor and RHC signed a strategic development agreement with the commitment to roll out a chain of up to 20 Park Inn hotels across Russia. The first hotel was opened last year in Kazan, with the Park Inn Astrakhan to follow in Q2 2011. Further projects include the Park Inn Sochi City Centre, the Park Inn Voronezh and the Park Inn Yaroslavl.

Besides 150 modern and comfortable guest rooms, the Park Inn Nizhny Novgorod will offer an all-day restaurant, a lobby bar, and meeting rooms. The hotel will enjoy an excellent location in the centre of Nizhny Novgorod overlooking the Oka River. Nizhny Novgorod is Russia’s fourth largest city and is situated 400 km northeast of Moscow. While it has a strong industrial and commercial demand base, thanks to a picturesque city centre and numerous historical monuments it is also a major domestic tourism destination (but still lacking internationally branded hotel rooms).

Premier Inn has gone unconditional on deals for two new hotels at London’s leading airports, creating a total of 1,030 rooms.

Premier Inn will lease the hotels from companies owned by the Arora Family Trust, which has secured funding for both sites. The two will be built out as ‘developer turn-key’ deals. Development has already started on site at a location close to Heathrow, Terminal 5, to develop a 400-bedroom Premier Inn hotel, funded by Aviva. It is expected to open in the next 18 months.

At Gatwick’s North Terminal, Prupim is funding a 630-bedroom Premier Inn which will be the largest in the Premier Inn portfolio. Work is yet to start on site and the hotel is expected to open in the next two years.

The news reinforces Premier Inn’s position as the largest UK airport hotel operator. The new hotels form part of Whitbread’s plans to grow its Premier Inn portfolio across the UK to 55,000 rooms; initial plans for both sites were announced by Whitbread in September 2009.

Derek Griffin, Head of Acquisitions – Greater London, Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, said: “These are fantastic prime sites at the UK’s two largest airports and, with funding secured, show once again just how attractive an investment proposition Premier Inn is.

“The success of the budget airlines has shown that there is an increasing demand for low-cost travel. That includes accommodation and we are in a prime position to capitalise on this.

“We are excited to be working with the Arora Family Trust and are looking forward to exploring further opportunities together in the future.”

Surinder Arora of Arora Hotels, said: “I can confirm that the Arora Family Trust is delighted to have assisted in getting development funding to build these Premier Inns at such strategic locations. We look forward to working closely with Premier Inn on other opportunities that arise within the Trust’s property portfolio”.

A stylish Reception area makes a positive impact – and you never get a second chance to make a first impression.This range, available through Design Conscious, has developed from a single designer desk into a range of receptions desks and counters across two very distinctive ranges:

The retro Classic Line range with curved edges and ‘go-faster’ chrome stripes and the sleek modern Highline range – with a linear silhouette and angular counter tops.

Each piece is made by hand from steel which has been treated, coated and painted, much in the same way as a car body is made and finished.

Choose any colour or contrasting tones from the RAL classic colour chart and take advantage of this great opportunity to perfectly complement your interior decor scheme to your reception desk.

There is a wide choice of standard product models and sizes available, along with bespoke custom sizes so that your ideas can be easily accommodated in our made-to-order service. Other options include modesty panels, counter tops, drawers, monitor arms and cable slots.

Please contact us for further information.

One of the nation’s style capitals is getting a hotel to match. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced plans to open its first Aloft hotel in Miami in December 2011. Aloft Miami-Brickell will become a key element of a sleek new multi-use lifestyle center in the city’s vibrant downtown.Owned and managed by a joint venture between Sunview Companies and HES Group, the new hotel will offer 160 spacious, loft-like rooms, intuitive and accessible technology, and a vibrant, social atmosphere.

Ideally located within Mary Brickell Village on the southern end of downtown Miami, Aloft Miami-Brickell will offer spectacular views of Miami’s skyline and direct access to the financial district. The 14-floor hotel will be just steps from the village’s upscale shops and restaurants, and close to leading attractions including Miami Beach, South Beach, Coconut Grove, the Port of Miami and the new Miami Ballpark – future home of the Marlins. Guests will also be just 20 minutes from Miami International Airport in a location convenient to both the Metrorail and I-95. Amenities will include an indoor pool, w xyzsmbar, 24-hour gym,private parking, and nearly 3,000 square feet of flexible meeting space ideal for both business meetings and social gatherings.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

On 11th February, Travelodge celebrated the official opening of its seventh hotel in the Welsh capital with the opening of Cardiff Central Queen Street. The new 96 room hotel used to be the former Principality Building Society Headquarters. The £5million hotel, which has created 25 new jobs, offers visitors to the city a comfortable room from just £19. The new Cardiff Central Queen Street Travelodge is the budget chain’s 25th hotel in Wales and the new opening has boosted total jobs provided by Travelodge in Wales to 311.

Cardiff latest hotel was opened by the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Keith Hyde and Travelodge’s District Manager for Wales, Matthew Bridle.

Cardiff’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Keith Hyde said: “I’m delighted to see that despite the current economic difficulties we face, businesses are still willing to invest within this great city. At a time of economic uncertainty, the new Travelodge hotel will provide much needed investment and employment opportunities for the local area.”

Lewis Thomas, Cardiff Central Queen Street Travelodge’s Hotel Manager said:
“Business is booming in Cardiff and there is a real demand for good quality budget accommodation. Our six other hotels are performing really well and my hotel is off to a flying start with rugby and music fans staying over to watch the games at the Millennium Stadium and to see their favourite musicians at the Cardiff International Arena ”.

All of the 25 staff members at Cardiff Central Queen Street Travelodge were recruited via Travelodge’s national Job Centre Plus scheme which helps the long-term unemployed get back into the work place. All successful candidates completed a comprehensive four week training programme at a nearby Travelodge hotel and attended a sleep seminar to ensure they are fully equipped to ensure their customers get a good night’s sleep.

Cardiff Central Queen Street Travelodge offers a range of rooms which include: family, double and accessible. All of the rooms have been styled in the company’s contemporary room design which includes a red, white and blue colour scheme and mood lighting.

A Travelodge family room caters for either two adults and two children or three adults. Each room has en-suite facilities with eco-friendly showers, a flat screen TV with 18 free digital channels, free tea and coffee making facilities and Wi-Fi.

The hotel also has a Bar Café which offers a breakfast, dinner and bar service.

An architectural practice from Liverpool is increasing its profile in the Midlands after winning three major contracts that will help transform the face of Britain’s biggest provincial city.Two of the tasks involve facelifts for two vacant 1960s buildings that for some years have blighted the city centre. And the crowning glory is creating a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill on the 25th floor of the brand-new building, The Cube. The restaurant forms part of a £10m hotel and luxury health spa.

The biggest project of the three involves a £30m investment to transform Birmingham’s Cumberland House in city centre Broad Street into a 285-bed hotel.

Built as a speculative office tower in the 1960s it was for some time used as council offices before being vacated seven years ago.

The building is being given a new facia and a complete internal refit and will open in the summer of 2012 as a new Hampton by Hilton Hotel. The client is Birmingham-based developers, Office Villages Ltd, with contractors, Stockport-based Multibuild, already on site.

The development is taking advantage of a government scheme, known as BPRA, or Business Premises Renovation Allowance. It provides the incentive of tax breaks for the conversion of tired, vacant buildings. The incentive scheme makes the project viable, according to Adam Hall, Managing Director of Falconer Chester Hall(Architects).

BPRA is also being used in the planned conversion of another Birmingham city centre building, Snow Hill Plaza. Standing at the corner of Snow Hill and St Chads. The scheme will see the creation of a 224-bedroom Holiday Inn Express, with a new-build conference and banqueting suite added to the refurbished Snow Hill Plaza.

The practise is also creating a stunning Indigo Hotel on the top three floors of the iconic world-class Cube, a new building close to New Street Station and the Mailbox Building. This architectural practice is also working on a health spa in the basement of the The Cube, and the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill on the 25th floor.

The Snow Hill scheme is a development by Sanguine Hospitality and Bruntwood, whilst the hotel, restaurant and health spa at The Cube is a Sanguine Hospitality development. Sanguine will also be operating the Hampton by Hilton hotel at the Broad Street development.

Founded in 1533, Cartagena has emerged as world class tourism and resort destination, and an important convention city for the country. The hotel will be ideally located in the Bocagrande neighborhood of the city, overlooking the Caribbean Sea and approximately one and a half miles from the historic city center, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.Marriott International, Inc. continues to grow its portfolio in Colombia with the announcement of its plans to open the 278-room Cartagena Marriott Hotel in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. Currently scheduled to open in 2014, the project will be operated under a management agreement with Promotora El Faro S.A., controlled by Spazio Urbano. Marriott International is currently represented in Colombia by the JW Marriott Bogota Hotel and Bogota Marriott Hotel.

The 278-room Cartagena Marriott Hotel will be uniquely designed for the achiever who makes the most out of every opportunity – whether traveling for business or pleasure. The stylish hotel lobby will be the heart of the hotel, a versatile, multi-purpose space that becomes the social center for guests as well as local residents to meet friends and colleagues, grab a bite to eat, plug in their devices and work either in small groups or alone but still be close to the action – any time of the day or night. A selection of distinct amenities will include a fine dining restaurant, spa, fitness center and more 1,000 square meters of meeting space.

Spazio Urbano S.A., a locally-based Colombian development company specialized in residential real estate projects. In its 28 years of experience Spazio has managed, designed or constructed 80 projects totaling more than 10,000 residential units in Colombia, and currently has 7 projects under development in Cartagena.

The Rezidor Hotel Group and Winn Hotel Group announce the Radisson Blu Riverside Hotel Gothenburg in Sweden. The property featuring 266 rooms is scheduled to welcome the first guests in Q1 2013. Winn also operates Rezidor’s hotels Park Inn Solna, Park Inn Uppsala, the future Radisson Blu Uppsala (expected to open in 2012) and the recently signed Park Inn hotels in Lund and Helsingborg (expected to open in 2013) under franchise agreements. The new Radisson Blu Riverside Hotel Gothenburg will be developed and owned by Skanska, one of the world’s largest construction companies.

The Radisson Blu Riverside Hotel Gothenburg will be situated by the Lindholmen Science Park just outside the city centre and directly on the waterfront – on the North bank of the Gothia River. “Lindholmen Science Park located in the old wharf area of Gothenburg is today one of the fastest developing business areas in Sweden. More than 18,000 people work and study in this cluster of more than 275 companies growing by the day. There is a great need for a hotel, and the Radisson Blu Riverside Hotel Gothenburg, a fantastic asset, is much awaited”, said Anders Junger, President & CEO of Winn Hotel Group.

The new hotel will be located at a 10 minutes drive away from Rezidor’s existing hotel in town, the 349-room Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Gothenburg. Besides 266 elegant guest rooms and suites featuring Radisson Blu signature services such as free high speed internet access, the property will offer a contemporary restaurant and bar, 150 square metres of meeting space, a heavenly spa with indoor pool, sauna, gym and treatment rooms, and next door parking.

Gothenburg is Sweden’s second largest city. Its port is the largest in Scandinavia and an important regional hub for shipping and trade. Also known for its manufacturing and industry, Gothenburg is home to major plants for Volvo, Ericsson and SKF (industrial products). High tech companies are increasingly replacing more traditional manufacturing firms, and finance and tourism are also key employers.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. recently announced that two new development contracts for its Cambria Suites brand have been signed for New York City in Times Square and in Chelsea. The New York City development deals demonstrate the unprecedented commitment Choice Hotels has made to the Cambria Suites brand. This commitment includes mezzanine financing and capital to support the growth of the brand.These are the first Choice Hotels properties for each developer, the first Cambria Suites hotels to open in New York City, and the first time that multiple Cambria Suites properties are simultaneously under development in a single metropolitan city.

Both properties are scheduled to break ground in summer 2011 and open in early 2013.
With 194 suites, the Times Square property will be the largest Cambria Suites hotel to date. The property is being developed by Extell Development Company, a preeminent developer based in New York City. Extell’s growing real estate portfolio exceeds 20 million square feet of residential, hotel, commercial, and retail space, as well as land and golf course developments.

The Chelsea property will feature 140 suites and is the first hotel brand to be developed by Robert Chun of We Care Trading Co., Ltd.

In addition to Choice Hotels’ capital program for Cambria Suites, the company also has put in place resources and support that cover all of the significant areas needed to successfully develop, open and ramp up Cambria Suites properties for long-term success. These resources include capital investments in leading US markets, property level Choice Hotels funded Directors of Sales, dedicated development sales team, the most powerful reservations systems in the industry, one of the fastest growing hotel loyalty programs (Choice Privileges(R)), a dedicated revenue management strategy and robust marketing resources.

The first two Cambria Suites hotels planned for New York City will be located at 30 W. 46th Street (Times Square), and 123-125 West 28th Street (Chelsea).

SOURCE: Choice Hotels International, Inc.

The Rezidor Hotel Group has announced a new flagship for the young and dynamic mid market brand Park Inn by Radisson in France. It will be Rezidor’s 8th Park Inn Hotel in France.The Park Inn Lille Grand Stade featuring 127 rooms will open in 2012.

“The hotel will enjoy a true prime location – adjacent to one of the most technologically-advanced football stadiums in Europe, the Grand Stade Lille Métropole”, said Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor. This 50,000 seat stadium will host the LOSC Lille Metropole football club, major conferences and other events. Construction of the stadium is under way, and it will open along with the hotel in 2012. In 2016, France will host the UEFA European Football Championship, with matches scheduled to also take place at the Grand Stade Lille Métropole.

The Grand Stade Lille is financed, designed, built and managed by Elisa (Eiffage Lille Stadium Arena) through a public-private partnership contracted with Lille Métropole. The construction of the hotel which is part of the public-private partnership is managed by Eiffage Immobilier, the real-estate development subsidiary of Eiffage Group.

Besides 127 comfortable and colourful guest rooms, the Park Inn Lille Grand Stade will offer a restaurant and bar, a fitness room and modern meeting facilities. The hotel will benefit from the excellent transportation links: The train stations serving Thalys and Eurostar are easily accessible.

Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill will commence a multi-million-pound soft refurbishment of all guestrooms and the Regency and Regency Executive suites on the 7th, 8th and 9th floors from 2 February to mid-May 2011. The hotel will remain fully operational during this time. The Regency Club Lounge® on the 8th floor will also be refurbished and extended to either side of the 8th floor lobby, creating an additional area for guests to relax when staying on the club floor and in the hotel’s suites. Following the refurbishment, the 7th floor will also become a Regency Club floor (in addition to the 8th and 9th floors) and the hotel will become a 434 bedroom hotel.

Furthermore, six new suites, the Regency Studio Suites will be created. Each suite will offer an elegant space, ideal for relaxing in after a busy day in London. The new suites will have luxurious bedrooms with seating areas and guests will benefit from such useful touches as built-in work desks, dressing tables and designated bar refreshment areas. Each Regency Studio Suite will have an en-suite dressing room and spacious bathrooms with separate showers including de-mist, illuminated mirrors. The latest technology will also be housed in these new suites, including flat-screen televisions, DVD players and TVs in the bathroom.

Hunt Hamilton Zuch Ltd, the leading international interior designers specialising in the hotel and leisure industry, have created the redesign of the guestrooms and suites which will continue to be light and airy with a contemporary and elegant feel. All rooms will feature carefully chosen colours of taupe, chocolate and warm grey with mauve and purple accents. Each room will also offer luxurious accessories such as armchair throws in lavender and mauve, cut velvet cushions from Osborne & Little in lavender and warm grey, and black-and-white abstract artwork to add originality. Following feedback from the hotel’s guests, all rooms will also have sound insulation added to the walls, connecting doors and guestroom doors. This will bring the insulation to the modern standards, expected by guests in the 21st century. The bathrooms will be enhanced with improved shower screens and offer natural coloured materials to enhance the feeling of well-being.

Guest corridors on the 7th, 8th and 9th floors will also be refurbished. Guests will be welcomed from the lift lobbies to corridors lined in silvery taupe punctuated with black- and-white photography of London’s Royal parks. A taupe and chocolate cut-pile velvet carpet with an organic floral design will offer an urban garden feel. Each guestroom will also feature new entry doors with a contemporary take on a traditional panelled door, with a high gloss finish in taupe.

In order to minimise any disruption to the hotel’s guests, all three floors will be completed in phases and reopened as the work is completed. During the refurbishment the hotel’s Regency Club Lounge Services will be relocated temporarily to alternative areas of the hotel, to maintain this, most important aspect of the hotel’s service to the Regency Club guest. All banqueting and conference facilities will continue to be fully operational throughout this time and The Montagu and Locanda Locatelli will also remain open and unaffected.

The refurbishment programme will enhance Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, ensuring that it remains in line with the select Hyatt Regency brand worldwide. It is being carried out in time for 2012, when the eyes of the world will be focused on London during the Diamond Jubilee Year and the 2012 Olympics.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced plans to introduce its fast-growing Four Points brand to Indiana’s West Lafayette metro area. Four Points by Sheraton West Lafayette, adjacent to Purdue Research Park and just one mile from Purdue University, is scheduled to open in late spring 2011.With extensive renovations to guest rooms and public areas, and smart enhancements throughout the property, the former University Plaza Hotel has undergone a complete overhaul in preparation for its new start as a Four Points. Owned by an affiliate of White Plains, NY-based True North Management Group, and managed by Hostmark Hospitality Group, Four Points by Sheraton West Lafayette will offer 171 comfortable and stylish guest rooms and suites, market-leading meeting facilities, two restaurants, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and other amenities that have made Four Points a favorite with travelers worldwide.

Located at 3001 Northwestern Avenue, Four Points by Sheraton West Lafayette anchors an important growth area for West Lafayette and Purdue. The adjacent 725-acre Purdue Research Park employs over 3,000 people and includes 162 businesses that make up Indiana’s largest cluster of technology-based businesses. The hotel is just minutes from Purdue University and convenient to theaters, shops and restaurants in West Lafayette and Lafayette. Directly behind the property is the 185-acre Celery Bog and Lilly Nature Center, a popular jogging and recreation spot. Also nearby is Ross-Ade Stadium, home of the Big Ten Purdue Boilermakers football team, and several championship golf courses, including Coyote Crossing.

The new Four Points hotel in West Lafayette will offer all-day dining at its Tailgate Grille & Bar restaurant, featuring a menu of modern American fare. The hotel’s 13,000 square feet of state-of-the-art conference space is ideal for meetings, weddings, and social functions of all sizes. Amenities will also include indoor and outdoor pools, a 24-hour fitness center, and a business center.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Work has started on the conversion of an existing building into a 100 bed hotel in Coventry for Premier Inn.The £6 million contract involves the conversion by the Leadbitter Group of part of the former Coventry Technical College complex, close to the city centre into a 100-bed Premier Inn at Earlsdon Park, Coventry, constructed on behalf of MCD Developments.

The project started on-site late last year, with the demolition of the redundant 1970 annexe at the rear. This leaves the original 1935 building intact, including an impressive stone façade and Doric portico. Part of the complex includes an art deco style theatre, which is very popular with the local community.

Extensive refurbishment inside the building will be undertaken, whilst retaining key art deco features in the entrance foyer and restoring an existing lightwell. An extra storey will be built at roof level, which will incorporate 42 of the 100 hotel rooms.

When complete, the building will include a restaurant and retail units on the ground floor, commercial offices on the first floor and two floors of hotel rooms. There are also plans to include a gym.

Following the new ownership of Petit St Vincent, a small private island located in the island nation of St. Vincent in the Grenadines, upgrade plans have now been finalised and will shortly be under way. Having spent time on PSV with their families over the past month, new owners Robin Paterson and Phil Stephenson have used their experience on the island and feedback from staff and customers to devise a customised renovation plan for the resort.

At the heart of the renovation is the promise to keep the ‘fundamental nature’ of PSV. It’s natural beauty, peace and quiet, privacy and discretion and friendly, non-intrusive service will not change and PSV will continue to be a privately owned hide away.

The Renovation Programme:

● PSV will not close between May to November 2011 as originally planned. Instead the resort will only close as usual in September and October.

● Renovations to the resort will include:

– A casual, a la carte restaurant on the beach to be open from 11-5pm daily serving light lunches, snacks and cocktails.
– An air –conditioned fitness and yoga centre
– An open air spa
– An air conditioned library with TV, DVD and Internet for all guests to enjoy at leisure
– A children’s treehouse; a special place, away from the adults, for the kids to have some fun programmes of their own
– Landscaping that preserves the natural, wild beauty of the island whilst adding more colourful flowering plans and lights at night.
– New activities desk where guests are given the opportunity to take part in various sports and programmes, from hiking, water sports and tennis to sailing, art classes and wine tasting.

Overall, it is Robin and Phil’s aim to ‘create and enduring place of beauty and harmony away from the crowds and noise of modern civilization, and built on the mutual respect already apparent between those who inhabit the island for whatever period of time they choose to visit’.

International tourism enters a new age
China is on its way to becoming the travel industry’s dominant world power – ranging from groups to individual tours – big challenges lie ahead for job training in the tourism industry

Over the next two decades the makeup of tourism around the world will change significantly. Speaking at the 18th World Travel Monitor Forum in Pisa, Professor Haivan Song of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University said: “By 2030 China will be the world’s most popular tourism destination.” In addition, he added, during the next 20 years China would replace Germany as the world’s most travelled nation. Professor Haivan Song lectures at the world’s second largest university teaching travel and hospitality courses. “When visa regulations for citizens from the People’s Republic of China eventually change, tourists from China can be expected to vastly outnumber those from any other country.“ Launched by the consultancy IPK International and sponsored by ITB Berlin, every year at the World Travel Monitor Forum in Pisa 50 tourism experts and scientists from around the world present current statistics and the latest trends in international tourism.

According to Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s forecasts, in five years time arrivals in China will have already risen from 150 to 185 million. “At the current rate, China will be an economic power equal to Europe and the US combined. China’s role in international tourism will be similar“, said Haivan Song. Relaxing visa regulations will also significantly affect the makeup of tourism out of China. “When these barriers fall Chinese citizens will also undertake tours on their own“, he added. According to the German National Tourism Board, from January to August 2010 the number of overnights by Chinese citizens in Germany alone rose to 652,459, a year-on-year increase of 28 per cent.

According to Professor Haivan Song, the travel boom forecast for China over the next two decades means the country faces huge challenges. “A massive effort will be needed in China to train people for jobs in the travel and hotel industry“, he said.

“The forecasts for the future of tourism from Asia and in particular from China are very good news for Germany as a tourism destination“, said Dr. Martin Buck, Director, CompetenceCenter Travel and Logistics, Messe Berlin. “By launching ITB Asia, an annual event, in Singapore we have prepared the ground in order to meet the needs of the growing Asian market.“

TRAVELODGE’S GROWTH CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE

 Total sales up 13%
 7.2 million rooms sold
 70 new hotels opened in 2010
 96 property exchanges
 13 million customers stayed with Travelodge in 2010
 Positive outlook for 2011, Travelodge is currently building 36 hotels & has opened four hotels already
Guy Parsons, Travelodge CEO commented: “Despite the tough climate in 2010, we have delivered a robust performance whilst continuing our strategic UK growth programme and demonstrating Travelodge’s continued strong recovery.

We served record numbers of customers, grew total sales and opened 70 new hotels in excellent locations, targeting sites that would have been beyond our reach before the recession. The deal with Mitchells and Butlers, which saw us acquire 52 of their hotels, shows the innovative approach we have taken towards our aggressive growth plans.

With a continued focus on driving growth this year, we have already opened four hotels and are currently building a further 36 hotels. We are creating 725 new jobs, and ensuring we are well on track to reach over 1,100 hotels and 100,000 rooms by 2025.

We therefore remain confident on the longer term outlook for Travelodge, with stable current trading and our strong growth pipeline ensuring that we are well placed for 2011.”

2010 Trading Performance
 Total sales grew by 13%, with total sales up 16% in London and Provincial up 12%
 Like for like growth up 6%, led by 11% growth in London and 2% in Provincial
 Total rooms sold up 13% to 7.2 million
 13 million customers stayed with Travelodge – up 12% from previous year
 Occupancy up 3 points, with London at peak occupancy from the second quarter
 Total costs per room remained flat
2010 Expansion
 70 new hotels opened in the year
 96 exchanges, a record year
 Created 697new jobs
 65 staff members graduated from the Managers Development Programme to become hotel managers
2011 Outlook
 Currently building 36 hotels (3,982 rooms)
 Four hotels (272 rooms) already opened this year. Locations include: Cardiff city centre, Paignton Seafront, Horsham town centre and Southgate
 Creating 725 new jobs
 Trading continuing in line with market

Guy Parsons concluded: “The year has started in line with management’s expectations though clearly there has been an impact on the consumer from the recent VAT increase and the fuel and energy price increases. In terms of split, London’s performance is tracking against strong comparatives and the provinces continue to recover through a continuing seasonal weak demand period.”

Over the last five years Travelodge has heavily focused on city centre growth to rebalance its portfolio away from roadside locations. Today 18% of Travelodge rooms are in London, 62% of rooms are in major cities and towns with the remaining 20% of rooms located at major motorways and roadside locations.

New business initiatives include:

Travelodge is the UK’s first hotel brand to launch an electronic charity donation box with Pennies:
In February 2011, Travelodge was the UK’s first hotel brand to launch an electronic online charity donation box with the Pennies Foundation. This facility allows customers to round up the price of their room and food purchase to the nearest pound with just one click – when booking online. The revenue of the additional pennies generated via this channel will be equally split 75% to Travelodge’s nominated charities; Cancer Research UK and KidsOut – with the remaining 25% contribution going to the other UK charities nominated by The Pennies Foundation which includes: Shelter, Alzheimer’s Society, RNIB and Special Olympics GB.
Travelodge is expecting to raise over £200,000 for its nominated charities via Pennies and a calendar of
fundraising activities over the next 12 months.

Travelodge launches new Mr Sleep Ad
Following on from the success of the ‘retailer of sleep’ programme Travelodge introduced last year, which brought the characters of Mr Sleep and the Zzz squad to national attention. Travelodge has launched a new TV ad using Mr Sleep and Big Ted as brand ambassadors to communicate – the fact that Travelodge has a range of different styles of hotels in various locations across the UK. Enabling customers to go where they want to go and do what they want to do and sleep tight from £19.

In the ad the two teddy bears are seen travelling across the UK, paragliding in rural Redditch, having fun at the seaside in Eastbourne and going out in London – before settling in for a good night’s sleep in the London Covent Garden Travelodge hotel.

The ad is supported with the sound track of The Bees cover version of the Mamas and Papas track ‘Go Where You Wanna Go’. The voiceover artist for Mr Sleep and Big Ted is Simon Greenall, the famous British actor, writer and voice artist – who also provides the voice for of Aleksandr Orlov in the comparethemeerkat.com adverts.

Extending its reach in Latin America, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced the debut of its fast-growing Aloft brand in Panama City, Panama set to open in December 2012.Located in the capital city of Panama, the newly constructed hotel is being developed by Nuevos Hoteles de Panama S.A. which will also operate the hotel under a franchise agreement with Starwood. Nuevos Hoteles de Panama, S.A. also owns the Sheraton Panama Hotel & Convention Center.

Aloft Panama, featuring 312 rooms and over 4,000 square-feet of flexible meeting space, will offer business and leisure travelers easy access to downtown and local attractions. This new urban development boasts an ideal location across from the Atlapa Convention Center, 15 minutes from the Tocumen International Airport and 10 minutes away from the financial center.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts currently features six hotels in Central America including the Four Points by Sheraton Colon, Four Points by Sheraton Panama, Sheraton Panama Hotel & Convention Center, Le Méridien Panama, the Sheraton Presidente San Salvador, and The Westin Camino Real Guatemala City. Starwood’s portfolio in Latin America now includes 63 best-in-class hotels – and is the largest international hotel company in the upper-upscale and luxury segments in Latin America.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel groups worldwide, announces the Park Inn Sochi Riviera in Russia. The mid market property featuring 198 rooms will welcome the first guests in 2013 – just in time for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.The Park Inn Sochi Riviera will be located within Rivera Park, which is Sochi’s most popular park and features a lovely beach along the Black Sea. While known internationally for winter sports like skiing, Sochi is also Russia’s most popular summer vacation spot, thanks to its miles of Black Sea beaches, warm climate (summer temperatures averaging 25 degrees Celsius), excellent shopping and vibrant nightlife. In addition to the Olympics, Sochi will also host matches during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Besides 198 comfortable and colourful guest rooms, the new Park Inn Sochi Riviera will comprise a restaurant, a bar and extensive meeting facilities. For the leisure traveller, a wellness centre with indoor swimming pool, sauna, hammam and fitness room will be available.

Rezidor is one of the leading international hotel operators in Russia and has defined this emerging region as a key growth market, offering almost unlimited development opportunities for entrepreneurial companies. Rezidor has opened a fully fledged branch office in Moscow and currently has 36 hotels with nearly 10,000 rooms in operation and under development in Russia. The group’s portfolio ranges from landmark properties like the Radisson hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg to Park Inn hotels in a variety of secondary cities which previously had lacked internationally-branded hotels.

Rezidor have announced the opening date for the second Hotel Missoni. The second property is located close to the main shopping area of Kuwait City, overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
A part of the Symphony Centre, an adjacent luxury boutique shopping emporium, the hotel is ideally situated for many of Kuwait’s attractions. Hotel Missoni Kuwait property will also offer guests a Six Senses Spa.
Located adjacent to the hotel’s outdoor pool, tiled in the signature Missoni stripe and will enjoy views over the Arabian Gulf, the 1500 square metre spa will be open to hotel guests and non-residents and will offer a full range of beauty treatments including the signature Six Senses treatments.

Spearheaded by Hotel Missoni Creative Director, Rosita Missoni and Rezidor CEO Kurt Ritter, the partnership is creating a distinctive blend of fashion, function, form and service that adds up to a new genre of genuinely luxurious hotels.

Graven Images, the design practice that worked on the interiors of the first Missoni in Edinburgh (see below for our link to the Review) has worked directly with Missoni, The Rezidor Hotel Group and CRC during the last four years on the development and delivery of the interiors after outline concepts were developed by designer Matteo Thun with Rosita Missoni.

Hotel Missoni Kuwait features 169 rooms including 63 suites, all with views over the Gulf, as well as the fabulous Cucina and Luna restaurants, Choco Café with outdoor terrace, Six Senses Spa and fitness room, large outdoor pool and refresh bar, events and meeting spaces with a ballroom and an outdoor terrace.

Toronto’s newest and most anticipated hotel officially opens its doors today. Located in the heart of the downtown core and at the crossroads of the financial and performing arts districts, The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto brings a new level of luxury to the city.

As the only Canadian property of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C., the 53-story Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, features 267 guestrooms including 56 Corner suites, 2 Deluxe Suites and The Ritz-Carlton Suite at over 2,400 square feet.
“We are delighted to be able to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to Canada. Toronto is a key gateway city for our customers and this hotel complements the portfolio of Ritz-Carlton properties around the globe beautifully,” said Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. “Toronto is a cosmopolitan city with true international appeal, attracting visitors from all over the world, whether they are visiting for business or pleasure. The opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto helps to put this vibrant destination on the map for discerning luxury travellers.”

Architects have received the go ahead from Westminster Council on a planning and listed building application to transform two Grade II listed buildings into a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of London’s Pimlico.The project will transform the existing hotel at Eccleston Square into a 40 room, 5 star plus luxury destination with the most advanced in-room technology to be found in the capital.

Woods Bagot’s hotel design team, headed by Principal Rob Steul, will carry out both architectural and interior design for the Grade II listed building for the owner, Eccleston Square Hotel Holdings. The boutique product will incorporate a Media Lounge and two reception rooms serving food and beverages in a “stately” setting, 40 high quality bedrooms equipped with the latest in television, audio and internet technology, and facilities providing for meetings.

The hotel will open to guests in May 2011 well before the Olympics are hosted in the capital the following year.

“We are delighted to announce this new flagship in the key market of London. This property will further strengthen the presence and brand awareness of our young and dynamic mid market brand Park Inn in the UK”, commented Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor.The Rezidor Hotel Group announces the Park Inn London ExCeL. The brand new property at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre in London will feature 223 rooms and is scheduled to open in Q2 2013.

ExCeL is the largest event centre in London; it is spread over 100 acres and provides almost 100,000 square meters of space. Since the opening in 2000 at a cost of £300 million, it has hosted more than 3,500 events and welcomed five million visitors. ExCeL, owned by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), has recently completed a £160m extension and became the largest exhibition venue in the UK. In November 2010, ExCeL London was officially voted the World’s Best Meetings & Conference Centre, winning the coveted title at the World Travel Awards’ Grand Final Gala.

The hotel will be located a mere 200 metres west of the main entrance, and, soaring 20 storeys above the skyline, will soon emerge as a local landmark. Facilities will include 223 rooms (the majority offering uninterrupted views of the River Thames), a restaurant and bar, and a fitness room.

The Park Inn ExCeL will have four meeting rooms, with a total conference space of 450 square meters.

Besides ExCeL, the hotel is also strategically located in proximity to London City Airport (which has over 200 daily flights), the commercial centre of Canary Wharf, and the state-of-the-art O2 concert arena. Moreover, the nearby Royal Docks area is currently undergoing a £1.5 billion re-development, which will include new leisure and entertainment venues.

The Park Inn ExCeL will be constructed by Galliford Try. Rezidor’s contractual partner is Jade Investments Worldwide Ltd, which is 50% owned by ExCeL co-founder James Dawes and 50% by Steeltower.

Park Inn, Rezidor’s mid-market brand, is already well established in the UK with a portfolio of 25 hotels and 4,195 rooms. This includes the recently opened Park Inn Aberdeen and the Park Inn Palace, Southend, as well as recently renovated Park Inn hotels in Bedford and Thurrock.

FOURTH QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

• Fourth quarter adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) totaled $0.39, a 22 percent increase over prior year adjusted results,

• Total fee revenue increased 14 percent from the year-ago quarter to $389 million as a result of strong revenue per available room (REVPAR) and unit growth. Total incentive management fees climbed 27 percent. North American incentive fees increased 50 percent,

• Fourth quarter worldwide comparable systemwide REVPAR rose 8.1 percent using constant dollars. Average daily rate rose 2.3 percent using constant dollars,• At year-end, the company’s worldwide pipeline of hotels under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development totaled nearly 105,000 rooms, including nearly 45,000 rooms outside North America. The pipeline includes AC Hotels by Marriott, a new brand with over 9,000 rooms expected at launch in 2011,

• Over 8,500 rooms opened during the quarter, including over 1,800 rooms converted from competitor brands and 2,100 rooms in international markets.

BETHESDA, MD – February 14, 2011 – Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR), in addition to reporting its fourth quarter and full year 2010 results today, announced a plan to split the company’s businesses into two separate, publicly traded companies. Marriott International expects to spin off its timeshare operations and development business as a new independent company through a special tax-free dividend to Marriott International shareholders in late 2011.

DETAILS OF THE TRANSACTION
Under the plan, the new company will focus on the timeshare business as the exclusive developer and operator of timeshare, fractional and related products under the Marriott brand and the exclusive developer of fractional and related products under the Ritz-Carlton brand. After the split, Marriott International will concentrate on the lodging management and franchise business. Marriott will also receive franchise fees from the timeshare company’s use of the Marriott and Ritz-Carlton brands.

Marriott International chairman and chief executive officer, J.W. Marriott, Jr., said, “Marriott took a bold step when we introduced our Marriott brand to the timeshare industry in 1984. In this transaction, we take another innovative step forward as we combine the power of the Marriott and Ritz-Carlton brands with the flexibility and focus of a new independent timeshare company.

“The transaction will permit both companies to tailor their business strategies to best address market opportunities in their respective industries. The new timeshare company will be positioned to expand faster over time while Marriott International will further advance its longstanding strategy of separating real estate from management and franchise operations. With two public companies, shareholders will be able to pursue investment goals in either or both companies rather than one combined organization.

“Marriott Vacation Club owners and guests and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club members should see no change in the branding or quality of their properties, services, usage options, use of Marriott Rewards points, or access to Marriott International’s hotels. The companies will continue to work together to provide outstanding vacation experiences, similar to the relationship between Marriott International and the franchisees of its hotel properties. After the split, both companies will remain dedicated to the highest standards of quality and value and the brand promise for which Marriott and Ritz-Carlton are well known and widely respected.

“Day-to-day operations at both companies should not be affected by this transaction. During the past few years, our company has brought staffing levels and expenses in line with operating conditions across our businesses. While we will continue to improve efficiency where possible, we do not expect this transaction to result in work force reductions. Associates should continue to have attractive career opportunities due to the growth prospects of both companies,” added Mr. Marriott.

As two separate public companies, both Marriott International and the new company will have separate boards of directors. J.W. Marriott, Jr. will remain chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Marriott International. Stephen P. Weisz, president of Marriott’s timeshare business since 1997 and a 39-year Marriott veteran, will become chief executive officer of the new company. William J. Shaw, who recently announced his retirement as vice chairman of the company at Marriott International and also resigned from its board, will become chairman of the board of the new timeshare company and Deborah Marriott Harrison, senior vice president of government affairs for Marriott International, will serve as a board member.

Mr. Weisz said, “Our new company will be independent and the largest pure-play timeshare firm in the world. We will be publicly-held and financially sound with significant growth opportunities including meaningful upside as the economic recovery proceeds. We believe our outstanding brands, unparalleled operating skill, prime resort locations and world-class sales expertise will continue to provide us with a significant competitive advantage.

“With the launch of the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations timeshare program, our points-based product, in 2010, we are confident in our ability to fulfill the dreams and meet the growing expectations of our customers. We expect to continue to create value for shareholders through a diverse stream of income, including development, management and financing. We dramatically improved our cost structure and efficiency in the last two years and are well-positioned for the upturn. And with over $1.5 billion in timeshare segment inventory at year-end 2010, our near term investment needs are modest. All in all, we expect to generate meaningful cash from operations in the next few years. I am enormously excited by this new opportunity for our business and our associates.”

In 2010, Marriott International’s timeshare segment reported revenue of approximately $1.5 billion (unadjusted for specific terms of the transaction). At year-end 2010, Marriott International’s timeshare segment operated 71 timeshare and fractional resorts with more than 400,000 owners and approximately 10,000 employees.

After the special dividend, the Marriott family is expected to hold approximately 21 percent of the outstanding common stock of each company.

Marriott International will continue to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange and expects that the new timeshare company will also be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The new timeshare company does not expect to pay a quarterly cash dividend or be investment grade in the near term. Marriott International does not expect to change its quarterly cash dividend as a result of this transaction.

Marriott will disclose more details about the respective pro forma balance sheets and pro forma income statements of the two companies when the new timeshare company files a Form 10 registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which it expects to occur sometime in the second quarter of 2011. The transaction is subject to the receipt of normal and customary regulatory approvals, the execution of inter-company agreements, receipt of a favorable ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), arrangement of adequate financing facilities, final approval by Marriott International’s board of directors, and other related matters. The transaction will not require shareholder approval and will have no impact on Marriott’s contractual obligations to the existing securitizations. Subject to the completion of this ongoing work and the receipt of regulatory approvals, the spin-off should be completed before year-end 2011.

Sol Meliá continues to make progress with its growth strategy aided by emerging market opportunities and has just announced the signature of what will become its sixth hotel in Valencia: the ex ‘Hilton Valencia’, an ultra-modern hotel with 304 rooms located in the tallest building in the city and now to be rebranded as a Meliá Hotel and scheduled to open on February 21. The new owners of the hotel previously managed by the American company Hilton, the Continental Property Investment fund, has decided to lease the hotel for a minimum of 10 years to Sol Meliá, aiming to introduce greater management efficiency and service excellence in this magnificent hotel while also making the hotel more competitive and providing greater continuity. The hotel has been closed since June 2010 due to the problems suffered by the previous hotel owners.

The new Meliá Valencia Palacio de Congresos has 269 rooms in different categories, 2 presidential suites and 33 suites, and will be totally adapted to the Meliá brand standards and attributes. The hotel also provides a large congress centre which measures almost 2,000 square metres, with 18 event rooms, as well as two restaurants, a Spa, a swimming pool and gym, plus an “Executive Lounge” on the 26th floor which will be converted into the exclusive “The Level”. The hotel also has some of the finest terraces in the city, both on the 1st and 30th floors with panoramic views of the city.

The hotel received excellent reviews on major internet travel portals until its closure and has a privileged location in the fastest growing district in the city, right on the Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas, opposite the Congress Centre and the future Mestalla soccer stadium, just 10 minutes from the city centre. Under Sol Meliá management and the Meliá brand flag, the hotel is destined to become a flagship property for business and leisure travellers and a hub for social life and after work events in Valencia.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has announced the reopening of the recently renovated Holiday Inn Resort Daytona Beach Oceanfront, located in the heart of Daytona’s beach district, facing the Atlantic ocean. A choice location for a Florida beachfront vacation, the resort features newly reconditioned spacious accommodations, upgraded during a $5 million renovation of the resort.Formerly the Inn On The Beach, the Holiday Inn Resort Daytona Beach Oceanfront features beachfront rooms with private balconies overlooking Daytona’s famous beach, as well as an oceanfront pool and lounge.

The renovation of the resort is in keeping with the $1 billion Holiday Inn relaunch, first announced in 2007. The relaunch program creates a more contemporary brand image as part of the drive to increase quality and consistency across the global portfolio. The program focuses on arrival and welcome services, as well as guestroom and guest bath comfort.

Located at 1615 S. Atlantic Ave., the resort is within walking distance of a variety of restaurants, beachfront boutiques and stores on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk. It is also just a short drive from some of the area’s most popular attractions, including the Daytona International Speedway, the Ponce De Leon Lighthouse and the Daytona Lagoon Waterpark.

The seven-story resort has 185 guest rooms, including 19 suites, and features a newly remodeled fitness center as well as a business center. There is a Children’s Activity Center, a Kid’s Splash Park, game room and beach volleyball courts. Guests can also relax in the resort’s oceanfront hot tub and around the fire pits.

The Holiday Inn Resort Daytona Beach Oceanfront features 1,200 square feet of meeting space and a boardroom ideal for business meetings. The hotel also includes a restaurant, open seasonally for breakfast, lunch and dinner where kids 12 and younger eat free when accompanied by an adult and ordering from the kids’ menu. This includes up to four kids per reservation. All of the recently upgraded rooms feature modern coastal décor, wireless Internet, microwave, refrigerator and flat panel 32-inch televisions with HDTV and HBO. For convenience, the rooms also include an iron and ironing board, private safes and coffeemaker.

The Holiday Inn Resort Daytona Beach Oceanfront is owned by Humphrey Reality Corp and is managed by Humphrey Management and Hospitality under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

Courtyard by Marriott has opened its fifth hotel in France, the Courtyard Paris Arcueil. Located in Arcueil, a suburb just south of Paris, the hotel is conveniently located close to the headquarters of many French corporations and situated near numerous public transportation options allowing guests to reach the heart of downtown Paris in just 20 minutes.Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe said, “Courtyard is expanding globally at a rapid pace and we are thrilled with the growth of the brand here in Europe. Last year we announced our goal to double our presence in Europe by 2015. Just this year, we expect to open five more Courtyard hotels in Europe in cities including Moscow, Munich and another fabulous addition here in France in Boulogne.”

Janis Milham, vice president and global brand manager, Courtyard by Marriott added, “We are excited to introduce our exclusive GoBoard® technology in France. The GoBoard® is a highly interactive 55-inch LCD touch screen in our Courtyard by Marriott lobbies that is packed with a wealth of local information, weather, and news enabling our guests to find great restaurants, attractions and directions, all at their fingertips.”

The Courtyard Paris Arcueil boasts 170 stylish and sophisticated guestrooms, featuring ergonomic work areas and Wi-Fi. The hotel’s lobby evokes a modern, contemporary feel and gives guests the space and functionality to both work and socialize. For onsite dining, the hotel features Oleo Pazzo, a delightful Mediterranean bistro. In addition, the Courtyard Paris Arcueil boasts a 24-hour market featuring a choice of light meals, snacks and drinks. A 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center is also on-site so guests can maintain their fitness on the road.

The JW Marriott Indianapolis Downtown opened its doors on Friday 4th February, completing the Marriott Place development project occupying seven acres along the west side of downtown Indianapolis. Marriott Place Indianapolis is a collection of five Marriott properties that offer unprecedented options for business and leisure travelers, not to mention meeting planners. In addition to the new JW Marriott Indianapolis, the $450 million complex includes the Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown and the Marriott Indianapolis Downtown, with a total 2,248 rooms. All are connected to the newly renovated and expanded Indiana Convention Center.

In addition to 54 meeting rooms and 104,000 square feet of event space, the JW Marriott Indianapolis also houses a 40,500 square foot Grand Ballroom, the largest hotel ballroom in the Midwest. The completion of the JW Marriott Indianapolis marks the culmination of nearly $3 billion in urban investment in downtown Indianapolis. The new hotel, along with the newly expanded Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium and a new International Airport make Indianapolis a viable destination for a larger variety of meetings and prominent events.

Standing approximately 375 feet tall and 34 stories high, the JW Marriott Indianapolis is the tallest hotel in the state of Indiana and the largest JW Marriott in the world based on its 1,005 guest rooms. Each room offers elegant style with enhanced residential comforts of home. All guest rooms and suites will feature 40” LCD televisions and a plug-in panel integrating laptops, MP3 and video players. Guests will also be able to access a virtual, interactive concierge from their TV remote control.

The hotel features two restaurants including High Velocity and Osteria Pronto, which also encompasses Tavern on the Plaza, an outdoor patio set to open this spring with an outside bar and a fire pit. High Velocity is a high-adrenaline sports bar offering well-crafted food offerings, a diverse beer selection, and custom cocktails. Guests can watch their favorite sporting events on one of the 50 televisions that fill the restaurant.

Located on the north-end of the hotel is Osteria Pronto, the three-course Italian restaurant featuring authentic and thoughtfully prepared dishes in a casual atmosphere. Osteria Pronto will provide fresh dishes with the right balance of familiarity and innovation, complimented by the chef’s exceptional selection of Italian and American wines. The restaurant will also offer lounge and cocktail menus in the wine bar located right next to the lobby. Private dining options are also available for larger parties.

Morgan Furniture, the design-led British manufacturer of contract furniture, has produced a new corporate catalogue full of useful company, project and product information to inspire existing and potential new customers.Introductory pages present the people, processes and passion behind the business, followed by 22 diverse case studies from industry sectors spanning hospitality, public spaces, workplace, healthcare and cruise ships. Finally, 45 pages depict the ‘Inspired Collections’ – an alphabetical product guide of key collections comprising chairs, sofas, bar stools and tables. Attractively photographed and engagingly narrated the new catalogue is an essential contract furniture handbook offering solutions for a broad spectrum of projects.

For more information about Morgan, www.morganfurniture.co.uk

The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel begins 2011 with the announcement of a substantial redesign project, including a multi-million dollar refurbishment of the historic hotel. Beginning this month, the ‘Grand Dame’ of the nation’s capital will undergo physical upgrades to the lobby, restaurant, bar and retail spaces. The renovation, designed by acclaimed firm Wilson Associates, will begin later this month and is expected to conclude mid-summer 2011.The current Town & Country Lounge will become the new home of Thomas Pink — a layout that recalls an earlier configuration of the hotel in which the retail space faces DeSales Street. The new Thomas Pink store will resurface with a fresh look similar to its prototype in London.

The area presently occupied by Thomas Pink will offer a new dining option with a restaurant and bar for patrons to enjoy food and drink. In the past, the space near Connecticut Avenue was home to a coffee shop and several eateries frequented by FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and President Harry Truman, who bestowed upon the hotel its nickname, “Washington’s Second Best Address.”

The Mayflower’s Café Promenade will reopen as a new 3,000 square foot gala event space. The historic ballroom’s breathtaking skylight, chandeliers and murals will remain intact for guests to admire.

Turkey needs quality, branded mid-market and economy hotels in secondary cities delegates were told at CATHIC (Central Asia & Turkey Hotel Investment Conference) which concluded in Istanbul (on Wednesday February 9 2011).“Turkey is crying out for branded, consistent, quality mid-market hospitality products,” said Michael Collini of Hilton Worldwide. Poğda Demircan, Hilton’s Development Manager for Turkey agreed. He also pointed out that the room rate gap between upscale and mid-market hotels could be quite small in regional cities.

“At the end of the day, there is a maximum price customers will pay for a room in provincial city locations. This means that the greater operating profit will be for the mid-market operator who has lower development and operational costs, and not for the five-star properties.”

Potential investors and developers also heard the case for and against opting for Turkish and international brands.

The general consensus was that home-grown brands, such as the event’s supporters – Rixos, Dedemann and Marmara have excellent local knowledge and know what suits the market. On the flip side,the international brands have high global visibility and well-tuned operations.

“The conclusion is to avoid making choices based on ‘ego’ and choose the brand that will deliver the best return on investment for each project,” said conference delegate, Turkey-based Banu Ogawal.

Elif Egeli Nişanci of Jones Lang LeSalle Hotels summed up the issue by advising that development should not be for the sake of development: “Make sure that the supply matches the demands of market to ensure the project will maintain good rates.”

Delegates taste Turkey An evening at the stunning Marmara Esma Sultan provided an opportunity to digest the day’s events. This is a memorable venue, with views of the Bosphorous Bridge and Ortaköy Mosque, innovative design with a steel and glass structure within the walls of the historic palace, and delightful staff and service. All who attended agreed that this venue certainly has the ‘wow’ factor.

Spotlight on region-based award winners The CATHIC Hotel Investment Awards were presented to:
• Best new hotel in Turkey: Pera Palace Hotel Istanbul
• Best new hotel in Central Asia: Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel, Tbilisi
• Outstanding achievement award: Haluk Kaya, Chairman of Bekay Property Partners.

Hilton Worldwide has announced the signing of a management agreement with local property developer, Bach Dang Hotel Complex Trading Service Company, for a new Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Da Nang City in central Vietnam.Already under construction, the 226-room, new-build Hilton Da Nang will be located in Da Nang City, a major port city in central Vietnam and the third largest city in the country. Located on the East Coast of Vietnam on Bien Dong (the South China Sea), Da Nang serves as a vital trade hub in the region and is a thriving commercial centre. The six main industrial parks in greater Da Nang house over 4,200 industrial companies. Da Nang is considered a strategic gateway city to Central Vietnam and also to other important Asian cities as the city has direct international routes to such key cities as Bangkok; Singapore; Seoul, Korea; and Osaka, Japan.

The new hotel is the second Hilton hotel in Vietnam, joining the highly successful Hilton Hanoi Opera. The opening will further strengthen the Hilton Worldwide portfolio in Vietnam.

Hilton Da Nang will be close to popular tourist attractions such as the renowned Non Nuoc Beach and Marble Mountain. Da Nang is also handy to the neighbouring ancient cities of Hue and Hoi An, both popular tourist destinations due to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites found in both cities.

The hotel will form part of a large, mixed-use development. The first tower will comprise a 25-story Hilton hotel and there will be a second tower featuring office and retail space as well as serviced apartments.

Hilton Da Nang will have 226 guest rooms including an executive floor. The hotel will also feature an array of food and beverage outlets including a stylish all-day, dining restaurant, a lobby lounge featuring a café and a destination bar. Leisure facilities will include an outdoor swimming pool, a fully-equipped, state-of-the-art health club and a spa. The hotel’s meeting and banquet facilities include six meeting rooms and a 450-sqm ballroom, all featuring the very latest technology, making the hotel the perfect venue for meetings and events.

Snotels will innovate the lodging market by launching a niche hotel brand, network and experience, for existing hotel owners and developers, solely in ski resorts and alpine towns, across the world. Snotels is a mid-range hotel brand focused on creating experiences, freedom and altitude for hotel owners and alpine enthusiasts. Negotiations with hotel owners are underway. Independently run and resort owned hotels typically struggle with brand awareness, hotel technology, marketing and service innovation. The venture founder, Michael Metcalfe says: “Snotels will increase occupancy, guest satisfaction and revenue for Snoteliers with united brand power, reservations and systems, marketing, international reach and support services”. The team includes Paul Clark, former CEO of Virgin Hotels and Mike Jones, former VP with Hilton International, plus a strong network of advisers.

Michael Metcalfe, a former snowboard instructor and resort executive, created Snotels after experiencing great difficulty in finding quality mid-range hotels when travelling in winter and summer to mountain areas across Europe, North America and Australasia. He says: “Snotels is thrilled to bring crucial benefits to Snoteliers and mountain tourists by pioneering the launch of the world’s first alpine hotel brand”.

With simple and affordable conversions, hotels can implement core brand standards and flexible options, and then relaunch using the Snotels experience. Paul Clark explains: “Snotels is offering major incentives for launch sites which allow for cost-effective rebranding. This will positively impact their operation and financial future”. Mike Jones says: “Our reservation, hotel management and technology systems will maximise hotel revenues and give hotel owners major advantages over regional competition”.

The experience, service touches and marketing will target ‘alpine enthusiasts’ – cash sound, time poor, quality and value focused international and backyard explorers that want brand certainty, empowerment and simplicity. Snotels is introducing a high-tech high-touch guest journey, from booking to check-out and beyond. Guests control their booking experience and unique services, extras and notifications deliver major satisfaction, branding and sales power, that independent hotels cannot feasibly afford or maintain.

A network expansion of 50 hotels by 2016 will be aggressively pursued. Depending on location, sites will have 20 to 150 rooms. Guest rooms will feature hotel basics plus a flat screen television, quality bedding, complimentary wireless internet and many untold secrets to enhance the experience, whether winter or summer. Public areas will include engaging zones, hot tubs, services for skiers, hikers and bikers, with options for restaurant, bar, rental, retail and other spaces.

Courtyard by Marriott is thrilled to introduce its new lobby and room design with the opening of the 118-room Courtyard by Marriott Bridgetown. The opening marks the first Courtyard by Marriott hotel to open in Barbados and the second property to feature Courtyard by Marriott’s “Refreshing Business” makeover in the Caribbean. Located at The Garrison Historic Area, Hastings, Christ Church, the hotel owned by Caribe Hospitality of Barbados Limited, will be managed by Marriott International, Inc.The open, bright and contemporary new Courtyard hotel lobby welcomes guests with vivid contrasting colors, including blue, green, orange and red. The traditional front desk is replaced with separate welcome pedestals to create more personal and private interactions when guests check in. This will allow staff to move about to show guests the lobby features and provide assistance. Flexible seating options range from a communal table in the middle of the action, to more private media booths with high-definition televisions, to a more intimate, semi-enclosed lounge area.

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

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

Green has been Courtyard’s signature color since Marriott launched the brand more than 25 years ago. Now it is even greener with the introduction of a guest recycling program for the environment. Receptacles for paper, glass, plastic and metal will be conveniently located by side exits.

The 118 room hotel features The Centro restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, guest laundry and business center. The hotel also offers 2700 square feet of meeting space to accommodate small meetings and private functions.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has announced the relaunch of Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites Minneapolis Airport, following a conversion from the Holiday Inn flag, which is also an IHG brand. Associated Hotels LLC invested $2 million in upgrades to serve Bloomington’s growing business district. The hotel added a Caribou Coffee oasis to the lobby and will continue to cater to groups and meetings with 18,000 square feet of meeting space and the Crowne Plaza’s signature comprehensive meetings program. The Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites Minneapolis Airport boasts 430 contemporarily renovated guestrooms, including 120 junior suites, five bridal suites and one presidential suite. Guests can also enjoy Martels Restaurant and Lounge featuring savory, Americana fare and Caribou Coffee located in the lobby.

The hotel features an impressive 18,000 square feet of meeting space. The space can be configured into as many as 16 meeting rooms for smaller meetings and one ballroom for large events.

The hotel is located at 3 Appletree Square (at I-494 and 34th Ave.) near Minneapolis – St. Paul International Airport, 2.5 miles from the Best Buy campus, eight miles from downtown Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Convention Center and St. Paul’s Xcel Energy Center. Companies located nearby include Unisys, Health Partners, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Toro and Ford Motors. For those looking for entertainment, the hotel is eight blocks from the Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the U.S., and home to Nickelodeon Universe, and Target Field and Target Center are just nine miles away.

The 13-story hotel is owned by Associated Hotels LLC, which owns six IHG properties, including the Crowne Plaza Englewood, located five miles from downtown Manhattan, and five Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express hotels.

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