Hotel Designs

The Barceló Buxton Palace Hotel has unveiled a fantastic new look for its spa and beauty rooms following a £15,000 makeover.Two double treatment rooms, two single treatment rooms, a waiting area, Decléor shop and a beautiful relaxation room have been created, doubling the capacity of the area and creating a luxurious new retreat for guests and visitors.

The chic new look has been achieved using stylish and contemporary décor including ceiling drapes, lamps and comfortable wicker loungers. The warm cream and deep chocolate palette creates a calming and soothing atmosphere – perfect for enjoying a spot of pampering.

General Manager of the Barceló Buxton Palace Hotel, Daniel Graham says: “I am delighted to announce that our new beauty rooms are now open. We have created an inviting and relaxing haven for guests and local residents to come and indulge in fabulous treatments from our professional beauty therapists. We use luxurious Decléor products and treatments start from just £5 which is a bargain!”

The historic Barceló Buxton Palace Hotel which dates back to 1868, is a landmark building situated on the edge of the Peak District. Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, and Bakewell (famous for its Bakewell Tart) are all nearby, making it a fantastic tourist destination.

Right beside the Tower Tube station is a growing little hotel quarter, already home to five hotels with more planned. Mint Hotel is the latest in Pepys Street, on the site of Samuel Pepys house, and I was fortunate to attend the opening party on the 2nd February, although the hotel had a soft opening the 10th January, a few weeks earlier.Opened by Alex Salmond, First Minister of our northern neighbours, this is the latest addition to the Mint Hotel group. You may wrinkle your brow in puzzlement at the name, but this is the new branding being implemented by the previously know City Inns (see our Miniview of City Inn Westminster).

With 583 rooms this large hotel is, as with all the other Mint Hotels, owned as well as operated by the group. Partner David Orr explained that this was because they like to be totally in control of the way their brand operates, a philosophy shared with the UK’s largest domestic hotel operator, Whitbread.

The move from owning to management only has always seemed to me to be a curious way forward for hotels, given the inextricable intertwining of the build, size of rooms, energy conservation and operational philosphy. With teh opening of this hotel and the imminent completion of the property in Amsterdam which will be that cirties largest hotel , Mint now has over 2,400 employees in its 8 properties and continues its growth path.

The Vienna-based Austrian hotel group Vienna International is entering the Belarusian market in a joint project with the international architectural office of Moser Architekten Ziviltechniker GmbH. The 280-room business hotel is to open in Minsk, with 1.83 million inhabitants Belarus’s largest city, by the year 2014. Contract partner and owner of the new hotel is Alexandrov-Passage GmbH, a Belarusian-US joint venture.The 4-star superior hotel will be integrated into a 43-storey residential and business tower – a planned landmark building in the Belarusian capital – designed by Moser Architekten Ziviltechniker GmbH. In addition to approximately 280 rooms and suites, the plans also foresee 2,900 m² of conferencing space on four floors as well as a 2,000 m² spa area with indoor pool. The hotel will reach to the 30th floor. A unique feature will be a sky bar on the 41st floor of what will be Minsk’s highest building with views over the city.

Rudolf Tucek, the CEO of Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG, on the latest contract signing: “Minsk has been gaining in importance economically for years, and the country shows stable economic development. These are promising indicators for a growing demand for hotel beds, which justifies our market entry in Belarus.” During the pre-opening phase before the actual hotel opening, Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG will be responsible for providing hotel-specific support in the areas of planning and recruiting and will help set the marketing and communications agenda.

The new business tower is situated along the access road from the airport to the city centre and in direct proximity to the famous National Library, the largest library in Belarus.

On the 3rd April VI announced that they had parted company with their CEO Rudolf Tucek. Mr Tucek said “According to the stock corporation law I am currently not allowed to make a statement regarding the incidents and the approach in relation to my resignation from the function of the CEO of Vienna International Hotel Management AG (VI)”. The press release from VI stated Mr Tucek was “immediately relieved of his duties” and went on to state “Our company’s management must always represent a positive example, particularly as a hotel operator, whose main priority is the well-being of our guests.”

Intriguing is it not?

The Rezidor Hotel Group announces the extension of the Radisson Blu Majestic Resort, Galzignano Terme in Italy and will rebrand an additional 201 rooms of the resort complex in 2011. Rezidor had taken over the management of the hotel earlier in 2010 and already rebranded 217 rooms.Combined, the resort will offer 418 rooms split into four separate buildings. It is located in the lush, green Colli Euganei geo-thermal area, just 15 km from the Northern Italian cultural hub of Padua – with its excellent high speed train links – and 40 km from the Adriatic. The famous cities of Venice, Padua, Vicenza and Verona are all within easy reach and the hotel is a mere hour away from four airports: Venice, Treviso, Bologna, and Verona. The Euganean Hills surrounding the resort are renowned throughout Italy for their Salus Per Aquam: Water For Health. Guests at The Radisson Blu Majestic Resort, Galzignano Terme can enjoy the benefits of the local thermal springs and mud in the hotel’s exclusive spa.

While the thermal spa is the highlight, the hotel also offers 700 square meters of meeting space, a 9-hole golf course with putting green, driving range and clubhouse, six tennis courts and boutique shops.

It was 41 years ago in January that Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts opened the Inn on the Park in London, its first European property and one that would help define the brand as it expanded around the world. Today (31st January), as the company celebrates its 50th birthday year, Four Seasons returns to Mayfair – and sets a course for the future – with the opening of the new Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane.“It’s a completely new building, with larger guest rooms and more suites than ever before, a dynamic new restaurant concept, and a full complement of naturally lit meetings spaces,” says John Stauss, regional vice president and general manager. “And there’s more to come – we’re turning the idea of the hotel spa on its head with the upcoming opening of a spa, fitness and lounge area on our top floor, with sweeping views across London.”

Introducing Amaranto

Amaranto is a series of three flow-through spaces united by one simple idea: that guests can choose when and where they want to dine, without restriction on seating times or particular menus. With its own entrance in Hamilton Place as well as direct lobby access, Amaranto offers an airy conservatory space and private garden for outdoor seating, a more clubby lounge area including an innovative peek-through wine wall that allows guests to follow sommeliers in action, and a soaring atrium highlighted by a hand-moulded sculpture wall with motifs inspired by nearby Hyde Park.

The striking wine wall is the first sign that there’s something exciting going on at Amaranto. The international wine list focuses predominantly on Italian wines – with all 250 available by the glass.

Executive Chef Adriano Cavagnini and Restaurant Chef Davide Degiovanni have fashioned Italian-inspired menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring the freshest British ingredients and selected fine imports. Typical of the creative fare offered is La Dolce Vita, London’s first Italian afternoon tea, featuring savouries such as bruschetta and focaccia, and sweets including cannolo, panettone and torta.

For the drinks connoisseur, a menu of more than 70 cocktails includes tasting notes and classic cocktail history, and features creative use of unique, original mixes. To try: the “Amarantini,” created especially for the Hotel’s opening using Chase vodka, Aperol, rhubarb liqueur, fresh lemon juice and fresh sage – which may be mixed tableside on the custom-designed martini trolley.

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All photography copyright Richard Waite

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced plans to debut its Four Points by Sheraton brand in the Nashville metropolitan area. Four Points by Sheraton Nashville-Brentwood is scheduled to open in August 2011 just ten minutes from the heart of downtown Nashville. Four Points by Sheraton Nashville-Brentwood will offer 208 comfortable and stylish guest rooms and all the amenities guests need to travel the way they like, for a great price.Owned by Eagle Hospitality, the former Holiday Inn will undergo extensive renovations to all guest rooms and public areas prior to opening as a Four Points by Sheraton. The hotel will be managed by Maximum Hospitality, which also manages Four Points by Sheraton Knoxville Cumberland House, the brand’s highest scoring hotel for guest satisfaction three years in a row and winner of Starwood’s Hotel of the Year award.

Located at 760 Old Hickory Boulevard, Four Points by Sheraton Nashville-Brentwood is convenient to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grande Ole Opry and Cool Springs Galleria Mall, as well as numerous performing arts and sports venues including the First Arts Center, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Greer Stadium and LP Field – home of the Tennessee Titans. The hotel is just 20 minutes from Nashville International Airport and close to the offices of BellSouth, General Electric and United Healthcare.

Four Points by Sheraton Nashville-Brentwood will offer all-day dining and feature great local craft beer at the hotel lounge, courtesy of the brand’s signature Best Brews(R) program. Additional amenities include more than 4,000 square feet of state-of-the-art conference space, an outdoor pool, 24-hour gym and business center.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its 4 and 5 star portfolio, managing the former city centre, Princess on Portland Hotel.As the group’s second Manchester property, the grade II listed building has undergone a significant transformation as part of its rebrand into Macdonald Townhouse Hotel. A new team has been put in place led by Jane Farrelly as General Manager who has successfully overseen the £3.5 million renovation to the property. Emphasis was placed in creating a more stylish and intimate boutique ambiance, in contrast to the Macdonald Manchester Hotel & Spa which is known for both its size and contemporary interiors.

“With two hotels in Manchester it was important to create two completely different product offerings whilst still adhering to the standards that Macdonald Hotels & Resorts epitomise,” explains Stephanie Hocking, Regional Managing Director, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts. “Particular attention has been placed on the hotel’s 85 bedrooms and versatile dining space, 101 Brassiere, which offers regionally inspired modern British dishes.”

Only a ten minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station, the hotel boasts 85 luxury bedrooms and 8 modern purpose-built meetings and events spaces. As an ideal business venue, the hotel can host conferences and events for up to 70 delegates in the Waterhouse Room, accompanied by the Portland Room for up to 36. Smaller board meetings can also be hosted in the executive boardrooms for 22 delegates and additional syndicate rooms for up to 10 are available for breakout sessions.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that its global powerhouse Sheraton Hotels & Resorts will open three more hotels in China before the end of January, including its third in Shanghai and first hotel in Wenzhou, one of the most developed economic centers of Zheijang Province on China’s southeastern coast.The first to open is Sheraton Wenzhou Hotel on December 28, followed by Sheraton Jiangyin Hotel on December 31 and Sheraton Shanghai Hongkou Hotel on January 15. With the addition of these three new hotels, Sheraton will boast a portfolio of 35 hotels in Greater China, with another 29 in the pipeline.

Starwood’s largest brand, Sheraton boasts a current portfolio of 400 hotels in 75 countries and 92% awareness among business travelers, higher than all other global hotel brands. Following the recent completion of its $6 billion revitalization campaign, Sheraton is now investing another $5 billion to add approximately 35 new hotels to its portfolio by the end of 2013. Half of the new Sheraton hotels will open in China.

Sheraton to Open First Hotel in Wenzhou

Sheraton Wenzhou Hotel will open on December 28 in Wenzhou and mark’s the Sheraton brands entry into the economic center of the Zheijang Province. Ideally located at the city center, Sheraton Wenzhou Hotel is walking distance to upscale boutiques and the central business district, and just 30 minutes from Wenzhou Yongqiang Airport. The hotel features 303 stylish and comfortable guest rooms and more than 15,000 square feet of meeting space.

Jiangyin Welcomes its First Sheraton Hotel

Scheduled to open on December 31, the 298-room Sheraton Jiangyin Hotel is surrounded by rivers and lakes, the ancient port city of Jiangyin, which means “River Shade,” The hotel is located adjacent to Huangshanhu Park and opposite Jiangyin City Hall – two of the areas main attractions. The hotel is also close to shopping, entertainment and the business district, making the hotel the perfect choice for both leisure and business travelers. The hotel offers more than 40,000 square feet of meeting space including a 22,600 square meters Huang Jia Grand Ballroom that accommodates 1,500 people for business or social events.

Shanghai Welcomes its Third Sheraton

Sheraton Shanghai Hongkou Hotel is slated to open January 15, 2011, close to People’s Square as well as Nanjing Road, Lujiazui and Huaihai Zhong Road central business districts. The third Sheraton to open in Shanghai, Sheraton Shanghai Hongkou Hotel will offer nearly 13,000 square feet of meeting space and 471 guest rooms with breathtaking views of the river, city and the Bund – Shanghai’s most famous tourist destination.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

The first Swissôtel Living, a new, exclusive residence concept by Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, was recently unveiled at Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul. Sixty-three elegant apartments in a range of sizes, from studios to 1 – 3 bedrooms, offer the ultimate in style and luxury, and allow guests to enjoy the full range of hotel services within the comfort of their own four walls. More Swissôtel Living residences will follow in the future in other Swissôtel destinations. Conceived by interior designer Khuan Chew, the apartments enjoy a panoramic view of the Bosphorus and boast state-of-the-art technology, from LCD TVs to home cinema, fully equipped kitchens and exquisite bathrooms. The trendy interior design is highly appealing, with tasteful colour schemes and well thought-out living spaces.

Guests can dine, meet friends or use the library in the communal lounge at any time of day, while the rooftop pool and spacious roof terrace – for the exclusive use of tenants – provide an ideal place to relax.

All services and facilities offered by the adjoining five-star Swissôtel The Bosphorus, such as the Amrita Spa & Wellness, a “Leading Spa of the World”, extending over 4000 m2, and including 14 treatment rooms, a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, hammam and gym, are freely available to guests of Swissôtel Living. The comprehensive range of facilities also includes the fashionable Gaja restaurant, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, room service, the Business Centre, and extensive gardens.

Hot on the heels of the launch of their futuristic Spa Tower, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz has now opened eight newly refurbished Suites at the Hotel Quellenhof. Designed by Claudio Carbone, the Suites have a sumptuous, grand feel with all furniture, linens and floorings having been replaced. Having closed in October 2010, the eight 80 m² Suites at Hotel Quellenhof have had the ultimate make-over over the winter at a cost of 600,000 Euros. The new Suites now have a refined, luxurious appearance, designed with guest rest and relaxation being the number one priority. Each Suite comprises a separate lounge and bedroom, a generously sized marble-granite bathroom and its own balcony with views of the dramatic mountain panorama or the green parks surrounding the property. Every imaginable 21st century creature comfort has been thought of – including the latest Bang & Olufsen 32 inch BeoVision10 televisions which have made their worldwide hotel debut at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. Guests have not one but two of these cutting edge screens in their Suite!

According to interior designer Claudio Carbone, who was also responsible for the design of the Resort’s Spa Tower in 2009, his hallmark is his “emotional approach”. Carbone commented “My goal was to create an atmosphere in which guests will instantly feel comfortable. The warmth and harmony of the new Quellenhof Suites was achieved by a careful choice of fine materials as well as a considered muted colour scheme.”

The Spanish hotel group AC Hotels and Marriott International, Inc. have formally announced their joint venture to manage and franchise a new lodging co-brand across Europe and Latin America – “AC Hotels by Marriott.”At launch, over 90 existing AC Hotels in Spain, Italy and Portugal will be re-branded as AC Hotels by Marriott and enter into long term management or franchise agreements with the joint venture.

Antonio Catalan, chairman and founder of AC Hotels said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Marriott. The new AC Hotels by Marriott co-brand combines the strengths of both AC Hotels and Marriott International–AC Hotels’ exceptional product and expertise and the power of Marriott’s engines, global footprint and the power of its development organization. We see tremendous growth potential for AC Hotels by Marriott and will be aggressively pursuing development opportunities throughout Europe and Latin America.”

Amy McPherson, president and managing director of Marriott International in Europe, said, “Marriott could not ask for a better partner than the AC Hotels team. Antonio Catalan is an experienced, dynamic partner who understands this market and delivers an exceptional product, perfectly suited for the European lifestyle. We are thrilled with this opportunity to dramatically grow our presence in Spain, the 4th largest source market in Europe, and deliver a great new lifestyle product to our global customer.”

The 9,100-room AC Hotels by Marriott venture is a significant driver of Marriott’s European growth strategy. At launch, it will represent almost a quarter of the progress toward the company’s goal of doubling its portfolio in Europe over five years to 80,000 rooms.

The partners anticipate that the venture will close in the first quarter of 2011, after receipt of necessary consents and other remaining conditions have been satisfied. Starting May 2011, they expect that all AC Hotels by Marriott hotels will be bookable on Marriott.com.

Much loved Hôtel de Toiras, a splendid 17th century former ship owner’s residence on Île de Ré (just off the West coast of France), will open a stunning sister property in May 2011. Situated in the heart of the charming port of Saint Martin de Ré, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just a short stroll from the Hôtel de Toiras (that acquired the historical “Gabaret’s Tower” in 2008 and opened three stunning new bedrooms) Villa Clarisse is housed in one of the town’s most beautiful houses. With Pierre Yves Rochon overseeing the refurbishment of this intimate 10-room property guests are assured a truly beautiful and very special experience. A privately owned, listed 17th century home, Villa Clarisse is undergoing a meticulous transformation into a truly charming hotel under the expert eye of Pierre Yves Rochon, who has helped to create some of the most fabulous and famous hotels around the world. Housing just 9 rooms and suites Villa Clarisse will exude a light and airy ambience. All of the guest rooms will be very spacious, offering a minimum of 30 square meters, and all will feature an original, working fireplace and dreamy views over Saint Martin.

With tranquil gardens at the rear of the property, guests at Villa Clarisse will be able to relax beside a heated open air 60 x 70 square metre swimming pool (open all year round) or enjoy a hammam. For more serious pampering there will be a boutique spa with two lovely treatment rooms set within the hotel’s gardens.

The lobby at Villa Clarisse will house a tea hall where guests can enjoy a refreshing pot of Earl Grey or a more exotic infusion and a range of delicious patisseries. Villa Clarisse will also serve breakfast and guests will be able to use La Table d’Olivia, the restaurant at Hôtel de Toiras which is just a short walk away.

Surrounded by fortifications built by Vauban in the 17th century and perfectly preserved to this day, Saint Martin de Ré is the historical capital of Île de Ré, a tiny sliver of land stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean for 30km from La Rochelle. Villa Clarisse is sure to become a favourite among the island’s regular visitors and, with its ample gardens, will be a lovely choice for families or those looking to spend a week or two discovering the island’s endless beaches, vineyards, pine forests and cycle paths.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. has announced that the owners of the Liberty Hotel in Boston have signed a license agreement for the award winning historic property making the Liberty the 100th property to join Starwood’s Luxury Brands: St. Regis & The Luxury Collection, and its first in Boston. The hotel is owned by a joint venture between HEI Hotels & Resorts (HEI), the nation’s fastest growing private owner/operator of hotel real estate, and Cambridge, Mass.-based Carpenter & Company, Inc., the original hotel developer and co-owner of the Liberty. HEI also operates the property.

Sitting at the foot of Boston’s Beacon Hill and overlooking the Charles River, The Liberty Hotel is a 300-room urban retreat infused with a distinctive personality that honors the building’s rich history while imparting contemporary vibrancy. The building preserves the original structure’s commanding 90-foot central rotunda, soaring ceilings, exposed-brick walls, and authentic portions of its historic jail cells. Three floors of balconies are restored prison catwalks, and the property includes a landscaped courtyard designed to be a hidden gem in the Beacon Hill neighborhood.

The Liberty Hotel is anchored by several restaurants, CLINK, Alibi, Scampo, and the Liberty Bar, which makes it the perfect spot for experiencing all that Boston offers. CLINK. boasts a unique modern American menu prepared by classically-trained Chef Joseph Margate, the room is designed with vestiges of original jails cells that create cozy nooks for an intimate dining experience. Scampo redefines Italian food with cuisine unrestrained by borders, drawing on flavors from the Mediterranean and Middle East and curated by award-winning chef Lydia Shire. And Alibi is a hot spot for cocktails and late night snacking with original bluestone floors and brick cell walls; and with an outdoor patio, it is a rare off-street locale for enjoying drinks and watching the sunset.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.

Vogue is a stunning contemporary mix of modern geometrics; dramatic classic damasks; elegant floral trails and subtle, understated textures, recreated in a collection of contract quality fabric-backed vinyl.Inspired by the excitement and energy of modern day living – still drawing on the grandeur and sophistication of our history, Vogue works perfectly in any classic or contemporary interior be it a boutique, city, or country hotel.

The wallcoverings in the Vogue collection are designed to be used individually or in complementary groups, giving countless combinations and creative possibilities, from the delicate and calm to the daring and dramatic.

The extensive colour palette reflects this theme and is designed and presented in easy to use colour groups, showing options of blending modern and classic design through colour always with the temptation that accent colours, from other groups, can be used where a real statement is required. With colours that include sophisticated metallics and that extend from soft neutral tones to rich atmospheric black, steel and indigo, and from soft warm gold, fresh hints of pistachio through to striking pink, Mediterranean terracotta and exquisite aubergine, the Vogue palette is an amazing resource of inspiration.

For more information on the VOGUE collection or any other Dixon Turner designs, please contact our sales team on: 0870 6060 1237.

The Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba has been certified with the “Green Key” certificate by the International and National Green Key Eco-Rating Programme, the Royal Marine Conservation Society of Jordan (JREDS) and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) with the presence of Mr. Jean-Gabriel Peres the President & CEO of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. Green Key is an eco-label for tourism facilities that aims to contribute to sustainable tourism by awarding positive and meaningful initiatives. The Green Key aims to further improve the practices and behaviours of tourism actors including enterprises, authorities, guest and local communities and to involve them in taking responsibility for their own environment.

“We are very proud having received this international and prestigious certification” says Hubert Klemenz, General Manager of the resort. “This certification will now also support our great efforts in meeting the criteria of Green Globe – The Premier Global Certification for Sustainability. Our resort is the first property among all the Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts around the world to register to the Green Globe” adds Klemenz.

As part of the resort’s commitment, ‘best’ practices in all areas of sustainable hotel operations has been applied such as water and energy conservation, and use, solid waste management and community outreach by:
• Implementing a recycling programme in cooperation with Entity Green Recycling and distributing additional waste bins for the separation and collection of waste.
• Installing energy saving bulbs and led lights as well as motion detectors and dimming system.
• Putting into operation a key card system to control electricity in the rooms by turning off the electricity supply once the guest leaves the room.
• Using the drip irrigation method and irrigating before sunrise or after sunset to avoid water loss due to evaporation.
• Using environmentally friendly and ISO 22000 certified cleaning chemicals.
• Biodegradable bathroom amenities are being used, and locally produced.
• Installation of water saving devices, for basin, mixers and showers throughout the resort.

Introducing the Green Key programme at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba is another positive step for the resort to support sustainable development and environmental efforts in the region.

Stephen Roberts Chair of the Liverpool Hoteliers Association and Manager of Crowne Plaza is urging the North West’s top hotels to get behind Alder Hey Imagine Appeal, the official charity of the John Smith’s Grand National this year. For the past few years Stephen and The Crowne Plaza along with other hotels have helped to raise over £10,000 for the Imagine Appeal by inviting their race going customers to add a voluntary £1 donation to their bill for Alder Hey Imagine Appeal over the famous horse racing festival period.

Stephen said,
“We’re more than happy to offer our support once again to such a worthwhile cause. I’m confident we will be able to count on hotels and restaurants from all over the North West to offer their support to Alder Hey Imagine Appeal. All of our customers have been happy to give; we’ve even had some wanting to give even more! Last year we had a certain jockey staying at The Crowne Plaza who insisted we bump up the donation to £50 instead of £1.”

Imagine Appeal spokesperson Chris Done added,
“We’re absolutely delighted with the support we’ve received over the years from the Liverpool Hoteliers Association. They’ve raised a fantastic amount of money for our hospital over the world famous John Smith’s Grand National period”.

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Newcastle (170 rooms, opening 2013) will be one of the best-located hotels in town: with frontage on the central thoroughfare (Westgate Road) and adjacent to the main train station. Besides 170 rooms and suites featuring signature services such as free high speed internet access, the property will offer a restaurant, a bar, 400 m2 of conference space and a fitness centre. Parking will also be available.

Newcastle, located in Northern England on the River Tyne, is part of the sixth largest urban area in the UK. It is also one of the best performing hotel markets: in addition to corporate travellers, the city attracts strong leisure demand thanks to its active nightlife, frequent events/conferences and popular soccer team. Moreover, the market has proved resilient through the economic crisis with stable occupancy and rate levels.

The Park Inn Bournemouth (172 rooms, opening 2013) will be located in the city centre, equidistant from the beach and the main train station (journey time to London by train is under two hours). Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is also within walking distance, making the Park Inn the perfect choice for leisure and business travellers. Besides 172 comfortable and contemporary rooms, the property will have a restaurant, a bar, a gym and meeting rooms. With a highly-visible, hilltop location, upper floor guest rooms will have sea views. The hotel is an integral part of a mixed-use development which will include residential towers, office space, retail areas and extensive parking.

Bournemouth is one of Southern England’s largest cities and has always enjoyed a reputation as a premier conference and leisure destination, attracting over one million visitors per year. Summer business is particularly strong, as its 12 km sandy beach attracts visitors from throughout the UK.

Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, one of Aruba’s most intimate beach resorts, has introduced newly refurbished Deluxe Ocean and Deluxe Garden View rooms, following a series of extensive renovations. Located on Eagle Beach, Aruba’s widest stretch of beach, the two-storey Manchebo is a luxury boutique style resort, featuring just 71 ocean and garden view rooms with contemporary décor and top-range amenities.

With the Deluxe Ocean View Room visitors can enjoy views of turquoise blue sea from a private balcony or patio. The newly renovated rooms boast luxury bedding and spa bathrooms with a waterfall shower.

The Deluxe Garden View rooms have been decorated with a fresh island palate of warm furnishings complimented with contemporary textiles and view of lush tropical gardens.

Spa del Sol, Manchebo’s Caribbean-Balinese style spa retreat, features outdoor massage cabanas overlooking the turquoise blue sea; a selection of individualised treatments, such as hot stone and shiatsu massage therapy and a variety of body scrubs and wraps, are available.

Many things can drive the genesis of a new hotel chain, but mostly it is driven by personal views of owners. Room Mate was a response by three friends in Madrid to their inability to find an hotel that satisfied their view of what an hotel should be. Setting out objectively to list what they were looking for they created the first Room Mate Hotel. Following a well-trodden path, they looked for city centre ‘location, location, location’. They wanted creative design and value for money, personal service without unnecessary extras, just a good breakfast.The formula worked and there are now a dozen hotels in Europe, the US and South America, each with its own personality and each with a person’s name to reinforce the sense of them as individuals. Oscar is the latest of the four Madrid Hotels, opening in a Bauhaus building in Chueca. Lead designer on Oscar was renowned Spanish Interior Designer Tomas Alia.

The designs for Oscar are youthful, bold and avant-garde, the overall image is sensual and sophisticated. The designer uses subtle variations of finish and texture to enrich the visitor experience.

One of the Australia’s most famous tourism landmarks, the Fairmont Resort in the Blue Mountains of NSW, is to be revived following the purchase of the iconic property by new owners and its new management under Accor’s prestigious MGallery Collection of hotels.Now the hotel will undertake a major renovation programme that will see upgraded facilities and services to meet the demands of today’s travellers. There will be a particular family focus with the launch of a new kids club, a new indoors merry-go-round, a full activities programme including film nights, and enhanced recreational facilities.

Renovation works have already started and will continue progressively throughout the year, without interruption to guests thanks to the resort’s vast layout and design, which means renovations can be isolated in each wing. As a sign of things to come, a new-look outdoor swimming pool has been unveiled, and work is underway on new decking in front of the restaurants to make the most of the panoramic views. The gorgeous gardens will also be returned to their best.

Access to the Blue Mountains is also being upgraded with the roadworks on the Great Western Highway scheduled to be completed by next year. Even now the Fairmont Resort is just 90 minutes from the Sydney CBD which makes the venue ideal for groups, conferences, functions, weddings and short breaks.

MGallery Fairmont Resort – a destination in itself

The MGallery Fairmont Resort is perched on the edge of Australia’s World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, just a 90 minute drive from Sydney.

Featuring 210 deluxe rooms, the Fairmont Resort is a destination in itself. Set in 10ha of grounds, the property has three lakes and walking tracks, and boasts views over the Jamison Valley and adjoining Leura Golf Course. It offers an extensive array of leisure facilities including two restaurants, a lounge bar, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and squash courts, table tennis, gymnasium, indoor theatre and spa treatment facilities. The resort’s famous paddle boats will be reintroduced and a carousel added to make it even more family-friendly and the gardens are being returned to their best.

With MGallery’s fundamental philosophy of “pleasure”, the Fairmont will focus even more on great food and wine and will upgrade its day spa to become the most luxurious in the area. The restaurants will showcase regional produce, celebrating locally grown fruit, vegetables and herbs, as well as Blue Mountains chocolates, jams and preserves in its signature breakfasts, high teas, lunches and dinners.

The 18-hole Leura Golf Course is located adjacent to the resort and offers some of the best golf in the Blue Mountains. The Fairmont Resort is also a great base to explore the local attractions including Leura Village, Wentworth Falls, the Three Sisters, Zig Zag railway and much more.

Guests have one of Australia’s most dramatic natural wonders at their doorstep, with rainforests, canyons, hidden caves and endless bushland to explore. From bushwalking and mountain biking to canyoning and abseiling the area is perfect for nature lovers.

The 5-star Hotel & Spa “Der Steirerhof” in Bad Walterdorf in Austria has recently finished the most intensive investment in quality since the opening of the hotel.Situtated in a famous region of thermal salt springs, the hotel is surrounded by 60.000 m² of natural herb gardens, which are an essential part of the Spa concept of the hotel. On request, the guests can have guided tours through the herb gartens to learn about the healing powers of the hundreds of different herbs.

In economically diffult times, the owners invested about 4 million Euros only in the quality of the hotel, without adding any additional room or beds. After the refurbishment the concept of the rooms is now based on cherrywood furniture and warm-coloured fabrics.

The elegant table- and floorlamps of Baulmann Leuchten do match this concept with its natural loom-surfaces and the cream-white shades. The use of energiesaving flourescent lamps and LED reading-lights do also consider the aspect of climate protection.

Pictures are copyright by Der Steirerhof – Bad Walterdorf, Austria

The Rezidor Hotel Group has opened their new flagship in Sweden: the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, Stockholm with direct connection to the Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre – one of Scandinavia’s largest facilities for meetings and events. The brand new hotel and congress centre have been designed by White, a leading Scandinavian architectural agency, and feature chic and contemporary interiors by RPW Design (London). The hotel and congress centre are owned by Vital Forsikring, a company in the DnB NOR Group, and have been developed in close cooperation with Rezidor.

A prime location
The Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel awaits guests in Stockholm’s city centre, within walking distance of the Arlanda Express rail link to the airport and the central railway station. The hotel’s position makes it the ideal choice for business travellers and also tourists, with its close proximity to Stockholm’s business district, shopping, Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace and the City Hall.

Rooms with a view
The hotel’s 414 modern, non-smoking rooms and suites styled by RPW Design offer views of the Riddarfjärden stretch of water and the City Hall. The 3 suites are situated on the top floor with panorama windows facing Lake Mälaren, Riddarfjärden and the City Hall. The largest suite has 74m² of floor space, consisting of a bedroom with a king size bed, a bathroom with a round bath tub, a living room with a sofa suite, a dining table and a television, and a separate guest toilet. All rooms and suites feature Radisson signature services such as free high speed internet access.

Swedish & international specialties
The Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel invites guests and locals to the concept restaurant RBG Bar & Grill; a casual venue with a relaxing ambience, offering views of the bustling city streets and waterways of Lake Mälaren from RBG Bar & Grill. The menu features both national and international dishes, and RBG can host up to 230 guests. A Lobby Bar with light snacks and refreshing beverages as well as 24h-roomservice complement the gastronomic program.

Fitness facilities
After a day of sightseeing or a business conference, guests can enjoy the hotel’s modern and fully equipped gym, the “Exercise Lounge” which is free of use.

Green meetings
The Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre with its spectacular glass facade has been designed by White and styled by RPW Design. Sustainability and flexibility were key aspects in the creation of the building: The facade for example acts as 1,040m2 of solar panelling and generates an average of 1MW of heating energy per day. The warm air that is generated warms water that is then sent to colder parts of the building. And during the night, cold water is taken from Lake Klara for the 250 ton ice storage. Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre will be certified in accordance with the new “Green Building” EU standard, and is actually twice as energy effective than this standard requires.

The congress centre has 14,000m2 of floor space, including an auditorium with a ceiling height of 17m and large enough for an audience of 3,000 people. The complex also includes a banqueting hall with space for up to 2,000 guests, and there is a business centre on the 2nd and 3rd floors that consists of a number of meeting rooms of varying sizes and with space for approximately 1,000 people. Many of the walls and ceilings can be moved around or lifted away in order to divide up the area or create larger spaces. Advanced solutions for lighting, sound and telecommunications are also integrated, and Rezidor’s internationally experienced service teams guarantee successful events – from smaller board meetings to big business conferences and sport highlights.

One of the world’s most luxurious five-star properties, Wynn Las Vegas, unveiled a brand new chic wine lounge called La Cave last month which was designed by Chicago-based design and fabrication firm, 555 International. The designers created the 4,000 square foot, 120 seat wine bar to allow guests to enjoy three distinct environments which are broken down by The Cave, Main Dining Room and Garden Room.Guests visiting La Cave will notice the beautiful wood marquetry inlay panels that meticulously feature its engraved logo, surrounding the “cave-like” revolving door entryway made up entirely of glass. Serving as the inspiration to its name, once visitors step inside, they will be greeted by the first room appropriately called The Cave which features cobblewood flooring in oak with a detailed ribbon inlay, low vaulted plaster ceilings, and a large sign which hangs over the center tables made up of red LED lights that reads, “In Vino Veritas” (Latin for “In Wine [There Is The] Truth).

The furniture inside The Cave features custom made chairs and tables with brass legs, along with four wood arch details placed over the bars, the opening to the kitchen, and decanting station that include festive Latin phrases celebrating food, wine and the arts engraved into the wood. The back bar inside The Cave is made up of reflective tiles with LED lights shining on it for a desired visual effect. A prominent eyebrow arched steel metal gate which also features Latin phrases offers guests the opportunity to feel like they’ve stepped inside an exclusive wine cellar in Tuscany, allowing one to peek into the next space which makes up the Main Dining Room.

In this open space, the eye is immediately drawn to the dark red wall on the left which is made up of burlap and also features a large rectangular mirror and flat screen television. Custom made lanterns adorn the ceilings with ivory candles that provide muted lighting. Two large, masculine wine rooms provide a bookmark on the left and right hand side of the center bar which features a herringbone walnut pattern offering an asymmetrical detail, against a back bar that features the La Cave logo engraved. The Main Dining Room floor features cement tile, along with custom made walnut tables and chairs. A clever decanting station is also available in this space which features a prominent rectangular walnut table perched on top two large wine barrels which is specifically set up for intimate wine tastings and special events.

The third space that provides another unique wine experience inside La Cave is the Garden Room which was designed to mimic an oversized living room, featuring mix and match custom made chairs and tables that allow guests to unwind and enjoy a glass of wine, charcuterie or cheese. The walls in this room are made entirely of burlap and open up to the other spaces, with the main wall lined with plants to create a “green” environment, over a long sofa that adds a dramatic effect. The carved teaked ceilings, which also hang custom made lanterns, contrast the neutral concrete floor which is softened by the addition of area rugs.

La Cave, which is located just off the casino floor adjacent to the Wynn pool, features a wide range of wines from around the world, as well as artisanal beers and hand crafted cocktails. In addition to its extensive drink menu, the wine lounge also features house-made charcuteries, international and domestic cheeses, grilled tapas and decadent desserts.

After much anticipation and years of preparation, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) officially opened its doors on the 12th January 2011. The 341-room hotel, with 124 executive residences, is the second Ritz-Carlton in Dubai and the sixth property in the region for the luxury hotel company.Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. said, “The company philosophy is to design hotels that are casually elegant, with the occasional classical influence as appropriate. This hotel is a stunning example of that strategic direction.” Humler added “Being able to expand our presence in Dubai and be part of a region of substantial growth is a tremendous opportunity. Of course, we were quick to welcome the chance to provide an outstanding meeting venue for the international companies that already have a presence in this complex.”

As the only hotel to be directly linked to the complex of buildings in Dubai International Financial Centre, the social hub will be at No. 5, the hotel bar located in the prime welcoming position at the end of this pathway. A dramatic 30 meter (100 feet) wine wall that is home to 3000 bottles of the finest varietals in the world is a focal point for gourmands and wine connoisseurs. Other dining selections include Blue Rain, the signature Thai fine-dining restaurant; Can Can, a French all-day dining brasserie and the Center Cut steakhouse, providing multiple settings for the enjoyment of the cuisine made famous by The Ritz-Carlton chefs. The Lobby Lounge & Terrace offers a casual elegance for the enjoyment of afternoon tea. Each restaurant boasts an expansive outdoor terrace.

A unique design facet of The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC showcases a 10-storey outdoor waterfall cascading down the building directly into the courtyard facing the lobby. A total of eight striking water features are situated throughout the hotel, which are not only aesthetically and aurally pleasing, but lend themselves to the feng shui belief that the constant flow of water signifies wealth and prosperity.

Recreational amenities include a fully equipped health club and luxurious Ritz-Carlton Spa, offering 13 treatment rooms.

Aloft Hotels has announced the opening of a second Jacksonville property with Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park. Aloft made its Jacksonville debut in 2009 with Aloft Jacksonville Airport.With 137 loft-inspired rooms, Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park will bring urban-influenced, modern, open, and vibrant design – at an affordable price point – to Tapestry Park’s European-inspired streetscapes. Aloft will also buzz with a social guest experience that includes the dynamic re:mixSM lounge, a playful place to work or relax, and the always-happening w xyzSM bar, with its signature cocktails and surprise sets by star local artists and DJs.

Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park will pursue a coveted Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. Starwood currently has 10 LEED certified properties throughout its portfolio, including two other Aloft properties – Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne and Aloft Tempe.

Guests can choose to check in via touchscreen through Aloft’s signature kiosk, which allows them to select a room and view floor maps. Inside guest rooms, urban-influenced design rules. The centerpiece: An ultra-comfortable plush platform bed. Loft-like nine-foot ceilings and oversized windows create a bright, airy environment. Large, stylish bathrooms complement the guest experience with walk-in showers featuring rainfall showerheads and signature bath amenities by Bliss(R) Spa. Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park is pet-friendly, with special arf amenities and treats for Fido or Rover.

Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park guests will find close to 30 restaurants and entertainment options within walking distance in Tapestry Park, an urban village boasting a unique combination of residential, retail, office space, and popular eateries.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Originally a neglected Franciscan priory, the Hotel Monopol site was purchased and works completed in 1892. Architect Karl Grosser was responsible for transforming the abandoned building into a very modern hotel with beautiful Neo-baroque façade.Recently taken over by new owners, the hotel has undergone a careful renovation resulting in a stylish yet modern hotel that retains the glamour, opulence and authentic period details. Great attention was taken to ensure the contemporary styling was in keeping with its historical settings.

The Walle range of wall and ceiling mounted lights are manufactured from Fibreglass, Orgilex and Dibond and are available many finishes with personalized colour options available on request.

Organic are pioneers in the use of new materials (such as Orgilex) in the construction of their light fixtures; in fact, Orgilex was first conceptualized and put into production by Organic. Orgilex is a chemically treated, hand finished material, creating a new and flexible light diffusing medium.

Light sources available in the Walle range include halogen, metal halide and Power LEDs, offering the architect and lighting designer countless application possibilities.

Organic lighting products are available in the UK through FW Lighting.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc has announced it will debut its new Aloft brand in Oklahoma City in early 2013. Aloft Oklahoma City Downtown-Bricktown will be located right at the heart of the revitalized Bricktown district – the city’s hotspot for arts and entertainment. Owned by New Century Investments, the newly constructed hotel will offer style at a steal with 140 spacious, loft-like rooms, intuitive and accessible technology and a vibrant, social atmosphere.”We are delighted to infuse even more energy into Oklahoma City’s dynamic Bricktown district with this stylish new hotel, designed to appeal to today’s savvy travelers,” said Paul Sacco, Senior Vice President of North American Development for Starwood. “Aloft has shaken up the hospitality industry with one of the fastest and most successful brand launches in industry history, opening more than 40 hotels in less than two years.”

Aloft Oklahoma City Downtown-Bricktown will offer an ideal location at NE 2nd Avenue and Walnut, surrounded by a variety of upscale urban residences. Just minutes from Will Rogers World Airport, the hotel will be walking distance to shops, restaurants, night clubs and bars, and convenient to Cox Convention Center, AT&T Bricktown Ballpark and Oklahoma City Arena, home of the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder. The new Aloft will offer 5,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, an outdoor pool, indoor spa and sauna, and wxyzsmbar. Aloft Oklahoma City Downtown- Bricktown will be the brand’s second hotel in Oklahoma, joining Aloft Tulsa.

“Aloft Oklahoma City Downtown-Bricktown will deliver a compelling blend of urban style and social interplay to downtown Oklahoma City,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “With its bold design and lively social atmosphere, Aloft caters to the next generation of travelers who expect their lodging to facilitate their constantly evolving lifestyle.”

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has announced the opening of the Crowne Plaza Charleston Airport Convention Center. After a $13 million conversion from a Quality Inn & Suites, the hotel features newly designed guestrooms and over 5,000 square feet of meeting space. The hotel features more than 5,000 square feet of meeting space, with an additional 5,500 square feet of outdoor function and event space. The space can be configured into as many as nine meeting rooms for smaller meetings.

The Crowne Plaza Charleston Airport boasts 166 guestrooms, including four suites with a king bedroom, deep soaking tubs, floating glass showers, dual vanities and refrigerator. The hotel also features 14 junior suites perfect for the extended stay traveler with a granite wet bar, refrigerator, microwave, etc. Guests can take advantage of a variety of amenities, including complimentary wireless available in both guest rooms and public areas of the hotel, a Precor Fitness Center with cardio equipment for on-the-road workouts, a 24-hour Business Center and an outdoor pool.

The hotel’s food and beverage offering includes the Sweetgrass Restaurant & Porch, a restaurant open seven days a week, serving regional cuisine, and the Sweetgrass lounge, which offers nightly beverages and a community table with multimedia connectivity to make catching up e-mail and work a breeze. Other amenities include onsite complimentary parking, complimentary airport shuttle service and a smoke-free facility.

The five-story, 166-room hotel is owned by Inland American Lodging Advisor, Inc., which also owns two additional IHG properties, including the Holiday Inn Harmon Meadow Secaucus, NJ and the Holiday Inn Express Clearwater Gateway, FL. The hotel is managed by Interstate Hotels & Resorts, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

The only Crowne Plaza in the Charleston, SC area, the hotel is located at 4831 Tanger Outlet Boulevard near Charleston International Airport, Tanger Outlet Mall, the Charleston Convention Center and in close proximity to Interstate 26 and Highway 526, making it an easy commute to historic downtown and the islands right off the coast. Nearby businesses include Boeing, Federal Express, Hagemeyer, Life Cycle Engineering, Mead Westvaco, SAIC, US Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), Verizon and Vought Aircraft Industries.

The Raphael Hotel, Kansas City’s landmark property, is thrilled to announce its official affiliation with the Autograph Collection beginning on February 1, 2011. The Autograph Collection is a portfolio of upscale, independent hotels and resorts, each with a distinctive personality. The Raphael is among the first to become a part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection in the iconic historic hotel category, taking its place alongside other legendary properties including The Algonquin Hotel of New York City. The Autograph Collection is a new collection of hotels within Marriott International, Inc.’s global portfolio. It takes an innovative approach to selecting hotels with distinct personalities that promise guests a unique experience. Hotels in the Autograph Collection can fall into boutique arts, iconic historic, boutique chic, luxury redefined or retreat categories.

The Raphael, as part of the Autograph Collection, will be featured on Marriott.com and affiliated with the award winning Marriott Rewards program, where guests can earn points at more than 3,300 hotels in 69 countries. As a member of the Autograph Collection, The Raphael taps into Marriott’s industry-leading global reservations system, and powerful consumer outreach through its leading technology, and sales and marketing platforms which have helped build Marriott into one of the world’s leading hotel operators.

About The Raphael Hotel: The Raphael is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel patterned after Europe’s small, elegant hotels. It combines the charm and intimacy of a locally significant landmark with highly individualized service. Constructed as Villa Serena Apartment in 1927, the Italian Renaissance Revival style structure was designed to complement the nascent Country Club Plaza. It was reborn The Raphael in 1975 following a renovation that preserved its landmark historical virtues.

The Raphael concluded a multi-year total renovation in December 2009 at a cost exceeding the property’s original development cost in today’s currency. The project’s scope encompassed all new construction in guest rooms, including plumbing, heating, ventilation and cooling as well as new bathroom features and fixtures; completely new guest room decor, including carpet, beds and bedding, furniture, art and amenities; refurbished corridors; the addition of dedicated meeting space, including an executive boardroom that seats 12 and a meeting room that accommodates up to 40 for banquets; a new fitness center and a 24-hour business center; restoration and enhancements to the lobby; refinements to the patio; and a completely remodeled, new concept restaurant, Chaz on the Plaza. Historically significant features, including original wood millwork and travertine marble flooring in the lobby were faithfully restored. A renovation to upgrade the kitchen of its signature restaurant was concluded January 3, 2011 and a makeover of the hotel’s historic lobby will be completed in February 2011.

The Gatwick Manor Royal Premier Inn has been rated the number one hotel in Gatwick on TripAdvisor beating the award-winning Alexander House Hotel and Spa who have retained the number one position for three years running.Just four months after opening, the newest Premier Inn hotel in Gatwick, situated just 2.5 miles away from Gatwick Airport has stormed to the top of the list beating 27 hotels in the area.

The site has been awarded this prestigious title as a result of the friendly customer service from the staff and the comfort and quality that the hotel offers to its guests.
The hotel’s mission this year was to become, ‘The best hotel and restaurant in the Gatwick area’ and this rating is testimony to the fact that the hotel is well on its way to achieving this.

Stephen Clayton, General Manager of Gatwick Manor Royal Premier Inn says: “We are delighted to have been rated number one hotel in Gatwick on TripAdvisor. We believe that our customers’ needs should come first and we always make sure that they are completely taken care of. This award is fantastic as it recognises the hard work the team put in everyday and they truly deserve the praise for this result.”

Marriott International, Inc. said on the 10th January 2011 that A. Bradford Bryan, Jr. will retire as Executive Vice President and head of the company’s Architecture and Construction division on March 31. He will be succeeded by Ronald T. Harrison as Global Officer, Architecture and Construction. Mr. Bryan’s career has spanned 31 years, and he has led Marriott’s pivotal Architecture and Construction area over the past 15 years during a period of major company growth and transition as the portfolio tripled from 1,200 to more than 3,500 hotels.

Joining the original Marriott Corporation in 1980, Mr. Bryan rose through a range of significant roles, including Executive Vice President and Group President for Courtyard, Fairfield Inn and Residence Inn hotels. He assumed his current position in 1996.

William J. Shaw, Marriott’s vice chairman of the company, said, “During Brad’s leadership of Architecture and Construction, Marriott became synonymous with consistent best-in-class hotels. He played a central role in such benchmark achievements as the dramatic increase in our limited-service hotel portfolio and overseeing our 31-year old headquarters building’s achievement of LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Existing Building Gold certification. I am grateful for Brad’s invaluable contribution. We are leaving his legacy in Ron Harrison’s capable and talented hands.”

Mr. Harrison, a 28-year veteran of the company, will oversee the company’s global architecture and interior design, construction management, estimating, finance, procurement services, and corporate facilities in his new role. Most recently, he has served as Senior Vice President of Full Service Domestic Design and Project Management for the Architecture and Construction division. In this position, he has been responsible for the design and construction of new hotel products and concepts, conversions of existing lodging products to Marriott, JW Marriott, Renaissance, Edition and Autograph Collection brands, and ongoing renovations of existing full-service properties throughout the United States and Canada.

Mr. Harrison brings broad experience and deep industry knowledge to his new role. He has served as President of Marriott’s lodging operations in Canada, Regional Vice President of Renaissance Hotels, and Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis. In addition, Mr. Harrison led Marriott’s industry-leading Worldwide Reservations System and was a hotel General Manager at several locations around the globe, including the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong.

London is looking forward to two of its best trading years ever in 2011 and 2012 as the world’s attention focuses on the capital at the end of April for the royal wedding, and next summer for the London Olympic Games.“These two opportunities represent a marketing dream,” said hotel consultant Russell Kett, managing director of HVS London. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for London and the rest of the UK, and one which will inevitably boost both room rates and occupancy in hotels, not just during the events themselves but with a longer term spin-off potential too.”

Many of London’s hotels are already fully booked in the days surrounding the Royal Wedding, particularly those properties that line the route to Westminster Abbey. Hotels are now able to charge full room rates and are insisting on minimum stays during this period.

Hotels in other major UK cities such as Edinburgh and Manchester as well as those in the London suburbs will also benefit from increased bookings as demand exceeds capacity in the capital.

This year London sees an unprecedented number of new openings and refurbishments in the luxury hotel market including the new 137-room Waldorf-Astoria London in Syon Park, the revamped Four Seasons Park Lane, the new Corinthia London and 45 Park Lane. Estimates suggest that over £1bn-worth of luxury hotel rooms will open in London over the next two years.

“Far from creating an over-supply, these openings are long overdue. London has been under-bedded in terms of hotels for many years,” added Kett.

“Bookings in London’s hotels have shown remarkable resilience over the past 18 months, there is real confidence for the future and the number of new hotels is merely correcting a long-term under-supply. As confidence continues to rise, so will hotel values although it could get to the point that London becomes too expensive for some investors who could instead be tempted to look at regional cities.

“Business travel is also picking up – the signs are that corporate travel budgets have increased for 2011. As business bookings improve, we would then expect the meetings and conferences sector to pick up as well.”

Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hotel company and member of Dubai Holding, has signed an agreement with Azinco Holding Company to manage VENU Bilgah Hotel, Baku, a new contemporary lifestyle hotel on the shores of the Caspian Sea, scheduled to open in 2011.The hotel has been constructed in a wave-like structure reflecting the style of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai. Designed by local architect Nazim Valiev, the hotel will consist of 176 sea-facing guestrooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant and bar and a further two rooftop restaurants and bars. Leisure facilities include a 300m2 spa with traditional Turkish and Finnish bath areas, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a 1500m2 conference centre. The hotel complex will also include 14 villas.

VENU Bilgah Hotel, Baku, is the second hotel to be announced in the rollout of VENU – Jumeirah’s contemporary lifestyle luxury hotel group. The hotel offers the promise of “Local Soul”, allowing guests to connect with the location by providing a platform for discovery and an enriching experience. The service philosophy of VENU is designed to be both intuitive and engaging.

VENU Bilgah Hotel, Baku is the first management agreement signed by Jumeirah Group in Azerbaijan. This agreement brings the total number of properties under development or in operation by Jumeirah globally to 49.

The birthplace of jazz is about to get even cooler. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and its “style at a steal” Aloft brand have announced the opening of Aloft Harlem, its first New York City hotel. Located in the heart of Harlem at the corner of Frederick Douglass Boulevard and 124th Street, Aloft will soon become the area’s hottest destination and the first hotel from a major brand to open in the neighbourhood in a century.Featuring 124 loft-like guest rooms, Aloft Harlem is part of a mixed-use project which also includes Apex, 44 contemporary condominium residences, and retail space. The hotel offers easy access to Columbia University as well as Harlem’s most buzzed about destinations, from the iconic Apollo Theater to the cutting-edge Studio Museum. Aloft Harlem is just steps away from the 125th Street subway station and a quick and convenient ride to anywhere in Manhattan.

“We’re delighted to celebrate the grand opening of the first Aloft hotel in New York City which will provide a modern and luxurious escape for leisure and business travelers alike,” notes Richard Gorsky, who leads the RCG Longview Development/Ownership team. “Harlem is a resurgent community which has retained its timeless charm while embracing new lifestyle attractions – particularly along the bustling Frederick Douglass Boulevard corridor.”

Engaged with the local community even before its doors were open, Aloft Harlem put its own spin on the traditional job fair and held “auditions” to recruit the very best local talent at the Apollo Theater.

“We could not be more excited to become a member of one of the richest and most historic New York City neighborhoods,” said Daniel Fevre, General Manager of Aloft Harlem. “Harlem has long been a highly visited destination in Manhattan and we look forward to providing a unique lodging alternative in the area.”

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

The Best Western Swan hotel has launched a new initiative to cut cigarette butt litter. Every smoker who stays at the hotel can now have their own environmentally friendly cigarette butt holder from ‘Butts Out’. The device acts as a re-useable personal ashtray and fits easily into a pocket or purse. In return, the hotel is asking for a small donation to The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, which goes towards their adopted Swan called Wooton.Commenting on the enterprise, Head of Sales and Marketing, Natasha Mingo-West said, “Over the past few years the hotel has worked hard to improve its green credentials and we were delighted that our latest efforts have recently been recognised with a Silver award by Green Tourism.”

A seminal test case for fire safety in hotels is due to heard on 26 January 2011 which could have huge implications for Hotel Managers, designers and fire safety consultants.

The case involves the Penhallow Hotel in Newquay which burnt down in August 2007. Peter Hughes, 43, his mother, Monica, 86, and Joan Harper, 80, all from Staffordshire, died. John McMillan, a director of O&C Holdsworth Ltd (the Hotel Owners), Nicola Burfitt, the company’s group administration manager, along with the company itself, all face four charges under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Charges include

• failing to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment,
• failing to take general fire precautions,
• failing to ensure the hotel was equipped with an adequate fire detection and alarm system,
• and failing to ensure a quick and safe means of escape.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between 1 October 2006 and 18 August 2007, the date of the fire, and are some of the first charges to be brought under the RRO, where a death has occurred as a result. The current highest fine is £400,000 awarded against high street retailer New Look, though the trial judge stated that the starting point for a fine was £600,000 and was only reduced to £400,000 in view of nobody being killed or injured, the company pleading guilty, co-operating with the investigation at the earliest opportunity, and demonstrating that it had taken significant steps to remedy fire safety shortcomings across its stores.

Many hoteliers still believe that if a fire certificate was previously issued for the hotel that this means that they are compliant with the RRO. However, this a mistaken belief and many of the early Fire Certificates of the 1970’s were issued before modern codes of practice came into being. Once a certificate was in place the Fire Authority could only insist that the certificate was maintained and could not require anything that could be described as betterment. However, this all changed on 1st October 2006 when the RRO came into force and the statute bar was removed – as a result Fire Authorities have been ramping up prosecutions ever since.

In this case the issue of the competency of the Risk Assessor will also be addressed as a fourth defendant ( Martin Tricker of Hawthorne Safety Consultants) also faces one charge of failing to make a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment between the same dates. Hoteliers are advised to ensure that their risk assessments are up to date – including any alterations they have made or propose, and that the risk assessor is suitably qualified to undertake the risk assessment.

Corinthia Hotels has received the ‘Award for International Achievement’ at the Arabian Business Achievement Awards ceremony in Burj Khalifa, Dubai. The prestigious award recognises the rapid growth of the collection of Corinthia Hotels, culminating in the launch of its flagship hotel in London, set for an official opening in spring 2011.Alfred Pisani, Founder and Chairman of Corinthia Hotels, collected the prize at a gala dinner attended by many of the region’s business leaders, with awards being granted across a wide spectrum of business sectors. The Arabian Business Awards are hosted by the ITP Publishing House and this year’s guest of honour was Princess Ameerah, vice-Chairman of the Al Waleed Bin Talal Foundation.

Corinthia Hotels is a collection of distinctive hotels, starting as a family business and since growing through the acquisition, development and management of landmark hotels in cities as diverse as St Petersburg, Budapest, Malta, Tripoli, Prague, Lisbon, Khartoum, and soon, London.

The Corinthia Hotel London is under development in a Victorian-era grand hotel, which has been entirely rebuilt to feature 295 luxury bedrooms and suites, signature bars and restaurants, 12 ambassadorial residences, and a stand-alone luxury spa operated as the global flagship of ESPA, world leaders in the spa industry. The hotel will open for guests in spring 2011.

The ITP hosted Arabian Business Awards have been presented for 11 years and are the most prestigious in the business calendar. They celebrate the best achievers in Arab business, both at corporate and at individual levels. This year’s awards spanned 17 categories, including technology, media and retail. The editorial team decides on three nominations per category, and the winners are then chosen by a special judging panel.

The Rezidor Hotel Group announces Hotel Missoni Belek, Antalya: The 138 rooms-property on the famous Turkish Riviera will welcome the first guests in 2013. Hotel Missoni, Rezidor’s bold and fashionable lifestyle brand, debuted in 2009 – each hotel is personally designed by Creative Director Rosita Missoni, founder of the iconic Italian fashion house Missoni.“We develop Hotel Missoni in carefully selected city centres and upcoming resort destinations. Antalya is a perfect location for this exciting, design-conscious and authentic brand”, said Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor. The very first Hotel Missoni opened its doors in Edinburgh, Scotland – further properties are under development in Kuwait, Oman and Brazil.

“In my many years of cooperation with Rezidor, I have been very proud of the fact that the collaboration has always been a great success. I am looking forward to having Hotel Missoni as the crowning icon of our new project in Belek,” added Haluk Kaya, CEO of Bekay Property Partners and owner of the property.

Hotel Missoni Belek, Antalya will be a golf- and wellness resort located 5 km east of the city of Belek on a hilltop overlooking olive groves, fruit orchards and the sea. It will form an integral part of a high-profile mixed-use development; featuring residential villas, a country club, a sports club, and boutique retail shops. The focal point will be an 18-hole golf course adjacent to the hotel; designed by the Swedish golf champion Annika Sörenstam.

The hotel will offer 110 stylish guest rooms and 28 luxurious villas ranging from 200 to 900 m2. All will feature Missoni’s dazzling design and colour scheme. Two restaurants, including the signature “Cucina Missoni”, will be available in addition to a ballroom and meeting space. For relaxation after a round of golf guests can enjoy the 1,100 m2 spa and leisure area, offering two swimming pools, a spa, Turkish baths, a fitness centre, and a kids club.

Antalya is Turkey’s most visited tourist area (even surpassing Istanbul!): Visitors are drawn to its miles of sandy beaches, year-round sunshine and a wealth of tourist and historical attractions. It is also an established golfing destination with over a dozen courses. In Turkey – a strong and high-potential market for Rezidor – the group has now 4 hotels in operation and 2 under development.

The 15th century Best Western Swan hotel has installed 21st century technology, which is relatively new to the hospitality industry.All 48 bedrooms and the luxurious Cathedral Suite now boast state of the art locking systems, installed by Yorkshire based TLJ security systems. Guests are issued with a card that allows them to gain access to their room without physically touching the lock. The locks also interface with the hotel’s electronic booking system.

The work caused the minimum of disruption to guests as it took 3 fitters only 5 days to complete.

Commenting on the project General Manager, Terri Chichester said, “Although these new locks are 600 years younger than parts of the hotel they do not look out of place. The sheer speed of the work meant that we had one instance of a guest returning to their room after breakfast only to find that the door lock had changed!”

Matthew Cronin, Business Development Manager at TLJ security systems said, “Key card locks are a recognised form of access control throughout the hotel and accommodation sectors. Our latest RFID hotel lock system takes this technology up a new level and we are delighted that such a unique and charming establishment has embraced the latest in hotel guest room security.”

EPR Architects have just gained Planning Permission for Bristol Airport’s first hotel. The 251 bed, sustainable hotel will be located close to the Terminal Building arranged in two wings that front onto a new landscaped area in front of the building. The hotel has been designed to have a strong horizontal emphasis with colour used to articulate the form, and the striking metal cladding system used to disguise the regimented window arrangement common in budget hotels.The social heart of the hotel is the ground floor reception area which can be entered either from the car park or from the pedestrian path from the terminal. The restaurant and bar seating will spill out into this space to create a busy, welcoming and lively space. 3 meeting rooms, staff accommodation and administration offices are located close to the reception area in the north wing.

The building is designed to be sustainable, minimising the consumption of energy, materials and water through the selection of construction materials and technologies that minimise site wastage and that are locally sourced wherever possible.

Client: Pedersen (Airport Hotels) Ltd

A recent recruit to the expanding Hillbrooke Hotel Group The Bull and Swan has reopened its doors after many months of careful restoration. The listed building originating from a medieval stone-built open hall house once used as a travellers’ inn is owned by the Burghley House Preservation Trust and situated in the St. Martin’s area of historic Stamford.Interior designer Christine Boswell was given an unusual brief when the Hillbrooke Hotel Group asked her to design the extensive refurbishment of historic coaching inn The Bull and Swan at Stamford.

Norfolk based Christine had to convert the seven bedrooms, large restaurant and three bar spaces into quirky, individual and eccentric rooms based on the gentleman’s drinking club called ‘The Honorable Order of Little Bedlam’ which allegedly frequented the original Bull and Swan in the 17th century.

The gentleman’s club was based at Burghley House and was founded by The 5th Earl of Exeter in 1684 and had an eclectic bunch of 27 members, each with their own animal identity. Hillbrooke chose to name the bedrooms after seven of these members and the designs for Ram, Greyhound, Lamb, Wild Horse, Badger, Stag and Lyon take inspiration from their namesakes.

Christine has designed each room synonymous with their names and in ‘Stag’ guests can enjoy a Scottish ambience with tartan wallpaper and a resin stag’s head; in ‘Lyon’ a four-poster bed with a lion’s head carved on the bedhead has a more colonial theme. Framed portraits of some of the drinking club members adorn the large restaurant giving guests a hint of the historic origins of the hotel.

Most of the furniture was made in Rajasthan, a theme that follows through all of the Hillbrooke Hotel Group, and many pieces were made to Christine’s designs from references sourced at Burghley House. Aside from their ‘quirky’ touches the rooms are decorated in a restrained style with ticking curtains or blinds, muted colours, close fitted carpets and loose rugs. All have ensuite bathrooms, many with claw foot baths and separate showers.

Christine said: “‘The Honorable Order of Little Bedlam’ was a superb basis to work from when creating the interior design for The Bull and Swan and a tour of Burghley House with owner Miranda Rock and the curator Jon Culverhouse was a valuable source for design references. We have married the history of the building with the group’s ‘quirky, luxury’ ethos to achieve an appealing environment with the emphasis placed on comfort and a sense of fun.”

The Rezidor Hotel Group has increased their portfolio in the Romanian capital Bucharest to 718 rooms: Besides the Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest (424 rooms) which opened in 2008 Rezidor has now signed an agreement to also manage 294 apartments adjacent to the hotel. Approximately 62 of the apartments will be re-branded in December 2010, with the remainder coming in early 2011. Both the hotel and the apartment block are under common ownership.The Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest is already one of the largest and best-quality hotels in town. Besides 424 modern guest rooms featuring signature services such as free high speed internet access, the property offers various Food & Beverage outlets: “Prime Steaks and Seafood”, the Northern Italian “Caffé Citta” and the all-day-dining restaurant “Dacia Felix”, a Lobby Bar and an Irish Pub. An additional Bistro restaurant will be available for guests of the apartments. Further services of the hotel complex comprise a fitness and spa including a swimming pool, a heath academy, a casino and 12 meeting rooms equipped with latest technology.

Bucharest fascinates with a wealth of historic treasures and tourist attractions, and the hotel is ideally located to enjoy all of them. It is close to the major shopping areas, the business district, museums, art galleries and theatres. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest is under the leadership of an award-winning General Manager: Yilmaz Yildirimlar was recently honoured with the prestigious “Hotelier of the Year 2010” award by Hospitality Trends.

Kuwait-based Action Hotels recently opened its second property in the city, the ibis Sharq in the presence of more than 50 senior executives representing Kuwait’s business sector.

The reception at the 160-room property was hosted by His Excellency, Sheikh Mubarak Al Abdullah Al Mubarak Al Sabah, Chairman, Action Hotels. It was also attended by Charlie Langlais, Chief Operating Officer Accor Hospitality Middle East, Africa, Indian Ocean and Caribbean Islands, and Christophe Landais, Managing Director, Accor Hospitality ME. Sheikh Mubarak thanked the parties involved in the successful completion of the project and advised that by 2012 a further nine, mid-scale properties will come on stream in the region to join Sharq, Salmiya (2008), Muscat, Oman (2009) and Amman, Jordan (2009).

“Kuwait represents an important step in our commitment to the burgeoning economy tier and we are confident that the ibis Sharq will do well following in the success of the ibis Salmiya,” he said.

Sheikh Mubarak also confirmed his vision to develop the mid-tier segment in the Middle East region and emphasised on the strong partnership that with Accor Hospitality.

“I believed that there was an opportunity to develop the economy hotel segment in the Middle East and the strategy is proving to be the right one.

“Our focus is on providing quality accommodation at exceptional value in central and convenient locations. ibis is about simplicity, consistency and great value. It is really about everything you want at a reasonable cost.”

Meanwhile, Mr Langlais said: “The opening our second ibis hotel in Kuwait further strengthens the long-standing partnership of Accor Hospitality Middle East and Action Hotels. Together, both companies are well-positioned to expand the ibis network in emerging destinations throughout the region.”

The ibis Sharq is located in the heart of this vibrant district, adjacent to Al Hamra. It features 160 en-suite rooms with large double beds – including 64 connecting rooms, plus two for guests with special needs, complimentary high-speed wireless internet connection, LCD flat-screen TVs and direct-dial phones. Other facilities include a 24-hour snack service and a buffet breakfast served daily from 4am to 12noon.

Meanwhile, the Open Restaurant offers an unlimited choice of recipes for tailor-made menus where guests can create pasta and grilled dishes. A designated web corner has been thoughtfully designed, and there is WIFI access in the public areas. Health enthusiasts can also use the gym which is equipped with up-to-the-minute equipment.

After the opening of the angelo Designhotel in 2008, the hotel group Vienna International has signed a further management contract for a second hotel project in Munich. The 207-room hotel, which will likewise operate under the angelo name, will be built in direct proximity to Munich’s Theresienwiese, the venue for the world-famous Oktoberfest. Construction on the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2012, will be managed by UMB Realitätenentwicklung AG, Vienna, via its Munich-based subsidiary Münchner Grund Immobilien Bauträger AG.

“The demand for hotel beds and the constant high occupancy rate of our first angelo Designhotel have encouraged us to enter into another agreement,” argues Rudolf Tucek, the CEO of Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG. Münchner Grund Immobilien Bauträger AG is already a partner of the Vienna-based hotel group through the first angelo Designhotel at Leuchtenbergring in Munich.

The construction project is located on the property at Albert-Roßhaupter-Straße 41 in Munich’s Sendling district south of the city centre. Points in favour of the hotel’s location include above all the excellent access by both car and public transport. Underground and metro railway stations are located nearby, such as the “Partnachplatz” underground station offering a direct link to the city centre. The Theresienwiese, where the world’s largest popular festival is held every year, is easily reached on foot.

The 4-four star hotel, which is expected to open by the end of 2012, will feature 207 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a jazz bar with bistro, eight conference rooms with a total area of 440 square metres, a spacious sun terrace, as well as a sauna and fitness area. “The new angelo Hotel in Munich will orient itself along the lines of the established and very tasteful design of the angelo brand of hotels,” says Rudolf Tucek optimistic about the future. The hotels stand out for their harmonious blend of materials, colours and form in combination with comfort and state-of-the-art equipment.

Editors Note: You can find additional images and information on the Angelo design hotel in Katowice in both the Review (link below) and in the DesignClub Gallery