Hotel Designs

The iconic London hotel, the Savoy re-opened recently following a record breaking three year refurbishment with an investment of £220M. The interior design, by Pierre-Yves Rochon, is very much in the spirit of the hotel’s original Edwardian and Art Deco influences. Already, following extensive media coverage, the hotel has exceeded visitors’ expectations and reclaimed its position as one of the world’s great hotels.Amongst the many extravagant features in the public areas that have caught the eye, none has captured the imagination of visitors more so than the magnificent new winter garden gazebo. This stands below a stunning stained glass cupola in the Thames Foyer, a large informal dining space at the centre of the hotel, popular for afternoon teas. Both of these structures were supplied by specialist contractor Andy Thornton.

Andy Thornton was commissioned by main contractor Chorus Group to manufacture the elaborate 5.5 metre diameter, 4.0 metre high cast metal gazebo, replicating the original concept designs by Pierre-Yves Rochon. The gazebo features decorative columns and intricate arched filigree panels with an open roof, around a grand piano.

Before casting the ornate panels and egg and dart mouldings Andy Thornton’s skilled wood carver hand-carved the patterns from which the moulds were created. The complete structure was finished in a nickel metallic paint with antique over-wash, to contrast the surroundings. Andy Thornton assembled the gazebo in their West Yorkshire workshops before assembling on site.

Natural light floods into the Thames Foyer thanks to a magnificent new 7.5 metre glass concave dome again supplied by Andy Thornton, the design of which has been copied from a drawing of an original dome found in the hotel’s archives.

Andy Thornton was recognised for its special contribution when two employees from the Architectural Metalwork Department were amongst the few carefully selected representatives from the 1000 artisans, artists, craftsmen and women that had worked on the project, to be presented to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, during the official re-opening on 2nd November.

Great Hotels of the World are pleased to announce the opening of a brand new hotel – Dom Pedro Laguna Beach Villas, Golf & Spa Resort on December 17 2010 following two years of development at a cost of €20 million.The newly-built resort which is a member of Great Hotels of the World Luxury Collection is the first five star hotel of the “Aquiraz Riviera” and is 40km from Fortaleza International Airport in the state of Ceará, Brazil. Situated between a beach and a golf course, the resort boasts luxury accommodation integrated into a beautiful lagoon with transfers between villas by boat. The resort’s accommodation comprises 102 rooms including deluxe rooms, water villas, presidential water villas and royal villas, all impeccably decorated and some with private swimming pool.

The hotel currently has a 9-hole Ocean Golf Course which is shortly to be expanded to 18 holes, a luxury spa and fitness room with a wide variety of treatments on offer, various sports facilities including beach volleyball, kite surfing, surfing and beach football and a good selection of restaurants and bars.

Dom Pedro Laguna is also ideal for meetings and incentives with three meeting rooms with capacity for up to 130 delegates and a wide variety of group incentive activities.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Extell Development Corporation have announced that they will introduce the legendary Park Hyatt luxury brand to New York with a newly-constructed hotel designed by world-renowned, Pritzker Prize-winning architect Christian de Portzamparc.A Hyatt subsidiary and Extell have formed a joint venture that will acquire the hotel upon its completion, subject to the completion of certain contractual milestones.

Park Hyatt New York will be located at 157 West 57th Street between Avenue of the Americas and Seventh Avenue, across from Carnegie Hall. Slated for completion in 2012, the 210-room hotel will be part of a 90-story mixed-use tower that will also feature 135 Thomas Juul-Hansen-designed luxury condominiums with breathtaking views of Central Park and the New York skyline.

In addition to a distinctive bar and restaurant and 5,000 square feet of retail space, the property will include a premier meeting facility with a grand ballroom and distinctive event space, as well as a lavish spa, fitness centre, and indoor swimming pool in a three-story aerie at the top of the hotel. The world-class hotel will reflect Park Hyatt’s intimate and understated elegance with interiors designed by the design firm Yabu Pushelberg.

Currently, discerning global travellers look to Park Hyatt for luxurious, elegant accommodation and personalised, attentive service in 25 destinations, including many of the world’s premier locations, such as Beijing, Buenos Aires, Carlsbad, Chicago, Dubai, Goa, Hamburg, Istanbul, Jeddah, Melbourne, Mendoza, Milan, Moscow, Paris, Saigon, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Washington, D.C., and Zurich. Twelve previously announced Park Hyatt hotels are under development, which, when completed, will increase the number of Park Hyatt properties worldwide to 38 over the next five years.

The Rezidor Hotel Group announces two new Park Inn by Radisson properties in Sweden which are scheduled to open in 2013: Park Inn Lund (190 rooms) and Park Inn Helsingborg (215 rooms). Both hotels are owned by Midroc, and will be operated by the Winn Group under a franchise agreement with Rezidor.With a prime location, within walking distance of the city’s main railway station, the Park Inn Helsingborg will be highly visible and offer great access to the city centre. The Park Inn Lund will also benefit from good accessibility and visibility, located just outside the city centre, next to the ring-road.

Lund is situated in the South of Sweden, just under 20 km Northeast of Malmö. The city has a population of around 110,000. Lund is a regional centre for the high-tech industry with Sony Ericsson, Ericsson Mobile Platforms and other telecommunication companies present. The Ideon Science Park is also a well-known hub for high-tech business. Other companies with corporate headquarters present in Lund include Tetra Pak (paper packaging) and Astra Zeneca (pharmaceuticals). Two of Sweden’s most prominent universities can also be found in Lund: Lund University and the Lund Institute of Technology.

Helsingborg is situated approximately 50 km Northwest of Malmö, on the West coast of Sweden, opposite the Northeastern tip of Denmark. Its population of approximately 128,000 makes the city the 8th largest urban area in Sweden. In addition to the global headquarters of IKEA, other companies with either headquarters or large offices in Helsingborg include Nicorette chewing gum (manufacturing plant) and Ramlösa mineral water. As a coastal city, Helsingborg also boasts a large port area.

The 5-star 201-room Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra has now opened its doors as the city’s first new debut in a decade.

Located in an upscale residential quarter just downstream of Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, and close to both the Australian and Russian embassies, the hotel’s debut introduces eight new restaurants and bars to the city, Southeast Asia’s first, Sofitel-branded So SPA and So FIT, as well as the top floor executive lounge, Club Millésime, and an 1,800-squaremeter grand ballroom anchoring one of the most ambitious new meetings venues in the region.The December launch immediately redefines the city’s upscale appeal, positioning the Sofitel as the most sophisticated new hospitality opportunity not only in Phnom Penh but in the region at large. The hotel’s emergence here, in one of Asia’s most compelling new destinations, is evidence of rising enthusiasm for Phnom Penh.

More than 6,000 candidates applied for work at the new hotel, buoyed by the brand’s reputation and the bold strokes of a USD 50 million investment by a consortium of Cambodian, Thai and French investors.

“For many people, Phnom Penh is one of Asia’s great new destinations, generating an enthusiasm that we’ve seen in the past for places like Vietnam and the Maldives,” said Didier Lamoot, General Manager of the hotel. “The Sofitel is opening as a grand manifestation of all that enthusiasm.”

Despite the recent economic slump worldwide, visitors to Cambodia have continued to increase, albeit by a small margin. In 2008, the country’s tourist authorities reported 2.12 million in-bound arrivals. In 2009, that number inched up to 2.16 million. Last month, the country’s Ministry of Tourism reported that in-bound arrivals were up 14% over last year, a pace that’s likely to accelerate with the development of the nation’s infrastructure.

The 12-storey hotel occupies four hectares in a prime, riverside location, near the British International School and amidst a burgeoning neighborhood of upscale villas. The airport is 15 kilometers away. Within five years, the city’s evolving centre is expected to be fixed right around the Sofitel.

Its fitness complex, the Phokeethra Sports Club, features tennis courts and squash courts, as well an outdoor swimming pool, a kid’s club and fitness equipment. Sofitel So SPA enjoys expansive quarters on the hotel’s third floor, overlooking the pool and the river.

Its five state-of-the-art meeting rooms, the magnificent grand ballroom and a 1,200-squaremeter pre-function space are set to tap a growing interest in Phnom Penh as a land of entrepreneurial opportunity. The Sofitel will deploy its InspiredMeetings programme in the new facility, setting the stage for events that coordinate dedicated personnel and technology and that deliver one-of-a-kind affairs, from intimate parties to large scale conferences.

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and the Washington Convention and Sports Authority (WCSA) have broken ground on the much-anticipated Washington Marriott Marquis. Joining them for this momentous occasion were Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), city officials, representatives from WCSA’s Board of Directors, Quadrangle Development, Capstone Development, Marriott International, Inc. and Destination DC. The ceremony took place on the construction site at Ninth Street and Massachusetts Avenue, directly adjacent to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The hotel is scheduled to open in spring 2014.“This is a monumental day for the District,” said Mayor Adrian M. Fenty. “For some time, we have worked diligently to bring a world-class hotel to the Convention Center, and that will spur development and offer new jobs for District residents. Today’s groundbreaking for the new state-of-the-art Marriott Marquis brings approximately 1,600 construction jobs, and when the hotel opens, offers more than 1,000 jobs for District residents in the hospitality industry.”

The $520 million, four-star hotel, will be one of only four Marriott Marquis properties in the country. Plans for the hotel include incorporating the historic Samuel Gompers AFL-CIO headquarters, known as the “Plumbers Building,” into the property with its own boutique feel.

The 1,175-room, 46-suite Washington Marriott Marquis is designed to reflect its surroundings and compliment the Convention Center. With more than 100,000 square feet of meeting and assembly space, a grand lobby and five separate retail and restaurant outlets on the ground floor, the hotel is also set to be the next great social hub in the city.
Meeting space will include a 30,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, two 10,800-square-foot junior ballrooms, more than 53,000 square feet of Meeting Rooms, an 18,800-square-foot indoor Event Terrace and a 5,200-square-foot Rooftop Terrace.

The Washington Marriott Marquis was designed to earn LEED ® Silver (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, registered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The hotel will be one of the largest hotels in the country to earn Silver certification, verifying that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.

The hotel will be developed by Quadrangle Development Corporation and Capstone Development and will be operated by Marriott International. Of the $520 development cost, the District and the Authority are contributing $206 million. The Authority and the District will be paid for the use of their land through a 99-year ground lease.

Designed by Cooper Carry Architects, Atlanta, and TVS Architects, Atlanta, in a joint-venture collaboration, the building features an innovative top-down construction method, with 14 stories above ground and 94 feet below – nearly as deep as the hotel will be tall – with most meeting space below grade. To minimize traffic, bus arrival and taxi queuing is planned for the L Street entrance. The loading dock and the truck service are located below grade and off the street.

In September I reported on the building of the latest Premier Inn in Burgess Hill in Sussex, and indicated some of the savings being made that are enhancing the profitability of the growing hotels group. On the 24th November I attended the official ‘opening’ of the hotel and learned more both about the application of new technologies to the hotel but how changes were being made across all the Whitbread brands as they seek to minimise their environmental impact.

To a guest many of the actions being taken by the group will be invisible. Certainly the busy restaurant and high occupancy level at Burgess Hill speak volumes to the popularity of the group’s offering. Premier Inn is the UK’s largest hotel chain with over 42,000 rooms and a continuing expansion programme, now extending to properties in Dubai and India. With all the hotels having bar and restaurant offering a good three star standard at very competitive rates the popularity looks set to continue.
The embracing of efforts to reduce the carbon footprint should not be seen as a large corporate looking to gain a good public image, but should rather be seen as a hardnosed effort to increase corporate profitability. With profit up 6.6% in year ended March 2010 we are perhaps seeing early benefits of the new policies coming through. Certainly most of the diners in the restaurant on the opening day will not have been conscious of how much is being saved on energy use in the preparation of the food they enjoyed.

Some changes are simple to make, although the groups has had to do much arm twisting to influence the slow to innovate supply chain and much training to convert staff to make effective changes to working practices. A simple example will show this – kitchen refrigeration. Switching from doors to drawers on the refrigerators made great energy saving as cold air remains contained in a drawer whereas it spills out when a door is opened. Conceptually simple but encouraging manufacturers to change the way they make fridge’s to produce the equipment at competitive prices was a major task. The staff had then to be trained in turn to use then efficiently.

On top of the new kitchen block sits a new assemblage that blankets the kitchen extract system. Reducing noise and smells may be a side product but the main function is to extract the waste heat from the kitchen vents and use it to preheat water entering the hotel system. This water then enters the hot water system at a temperature that means the system only has to raise its temperature by 10 – 15 degrees, reducing energy consumption considerably.

Under the car park are 17 bore holes for the ground source heating that also raises water temperature entering the hotel systems from the extraction of natural heat. As a giant heat exchanger it can also be used in summer for cooling. This and a number of other innovations are being incorporated into the estate, as detailed in my previous article.

This visit however was a chance to see the finished rooms, and I have also had the opportunity to experience some of the measures being brought in by this and other groups. Premier have been very focussed on making sure that they embrace the necessary technologies to more to a carbon zero build within the standard coast envelope. The first of the hotels to embrace the new sustainability philosophy was the property in Tamworth which cost 30% more to build. This 60 bedroom property in Burgess hill has advanced the learning curve and has a build cost only 10% higher than previous hotels.

Going green (expressed by the slogan ‘Good Together’ in Whitbread’s programme) will only work if we adopt an approach that does not punish lifestyles in making the essential changes. The delight of Burgess Hill is that most of the changes are technical and are cosmetically invisible to most guests.

Growth Plans Span Seven Hotel Brands from Ritz-Carlton to Moderate-Tier Fairfield by Marriott

Marriott International has announced that it expects to exponentially expand its portfolio from the current 11 to 100 hotels in India within the next five years across seven leading brands. In addition to the introduction of its Ritz-Carlton brand, Marriott growth plans will include the debut of its moderate-tier Fairfield by Marriott brand.Announced today were recently signed management agreements for seven new hotels that will nearly quadruple Marriott’s presence in India in the next three years. When all signed hotels are opened and added to the company’s portfolio of 11 operating properties and 23 previously announced hotels now under construction, the Marriott portfolio in India will total 41 hotels by 2013. Through this expansion, the company also plans to create more than 8,000 new jobs in India over the next three years, ranging from entry-level to managerial.

The seven agreements announced today are for five moderate-priced Courtyard properties, an upscale Marriott hotel and a life-style Renaissance property:
• 107-room Courtyard by Marriott Kochi/Cochin International Airport. It is owned by Lulu Flight Kitchen Private Ltd. and is planned to open in 2012.
• 101-room Courtyard by Marriott Bhopal. It is owned by DB Malls Private Ltd. and is planned to open in second quarter 2011.
• 160-room Courtyard by Marriott Chembur. It is owned by Acron Hotels Private Ltd. The hotel’s first phase is scheduled to open in 2013 with an additional 76 rooms expected to be added later.
• 150-room Courtyard by Marriott Nashik. Owned by Wasan Hotels Private Ltd.; the hotel is expected to open in 2013.
• 200-room Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad Hitec City. It is owned by Future InfraIndia Private Ltd. and is scheduled to open in 2013.
• 365-room Jaipur Marriott Hotel. It is owned by Serveall Land Developers Private Ltd. and is expected to open in 2011.
• 150-room Renaissance Raipur Hotel, opening in 2013. It is owned by Krish Hotels Private Ltd.

Marriott International has operated in India since 1999 with the opening of the Goa Marriott. Today the company is represented in the country by its JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments brands. Another 23 of its hotels are currently under construction and expected to open now through 2013.

Just weeks after the grand opening of the first EDITION hotel in Hawaii, Marriott International has announced the acquisition of the historic Berners Hotel in London that will be renovated over the next 18 – 24 months to become The London EDITION. The new boutique EDITION brand was conceived by Ian Schrager in partnership with Marriott International. It combines the personal, intimate, individualized and unique lodging experience that Ian Schrager is known for, with the global reach, operational expertise and scale of Marriott.Marriott acquired the hotel from the previous owner (in administration). Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels marketed the hotel on instruction of the property’s administrators. The hotel has been closed since 2006 and was placed in administration in August 2010. In partnership with Mr. Schrager, Marriott plans to completely redesign and redevelop the property before its grand opening as a new EDITION hotel.

“We are delighted to acquire Berners. It is a perfect property for an EDITION hotel in London. With its great location, beautiful façade, the building is a perfect canvass for creating a true work of art,” said Arne Sorenson, president and chief operating officer, Marriott International.

Bringing his original vision, passion and commitment to create something truly special in collaboration with Marriott, Ian Schrager added “I am thrilled to be returning to London for an incredibly special and historical building like Berners Hotel. I am excited and passionate about creating an authentic and original experience for this special EDITION hotel in this gateway city”.

Earlier this year, Marriott also acquired the Seville Hotel in Miami Beach to redesign and redevelop into an EDITION hotel. As part of Marriott’s longstanding business strategy, the company expects to manage the hotels under long-term agreements after selling them over time to third-party owners. Marriott expects to open the brand’s second property, The Istanbul EDITION, in the first half of 2011.

The historic Berners Hotel dates back to 1835. The property originally was comprised of five residential houses and was ultimately converted into a hotel. The layout includes a basement, ground and seven upper floors, and incorporates original architectural features, such as ornate ceilings and a marble-clad reception area.

The new London EDITION Hotel will be located on Berners Street, in the city’s Fitzrovia neighborhood. This historically bohemian area was once home to writers, including Virginia Woolf, George Bernard Shaw and Arthur Rimbaud. Today, it is London’s media and advertising hub. The heart of Fitzrovia is Charlotte Street with its numerous excellent restaurants, boutiques and galleries that will be just minutes from the hotel. Also within walking distance will be the British Museum, Theatreland and Soho.

Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hospitality company and member of Dubai Holding, has revealed the new brand name of its first resort currently under way in the Maldives: Jumeirah Dhevanafushi (formerly Jumeirah Meradhoo).Jumeirah Dhevanafushi is an exclusive all suite resort scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2011. Situated in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, 400 km south of the capital city of Malé, the resort is located in an area of extraordinary beauty surrounded by unspoiled coral reefs.

The intimate resort comprises 22 island villas, offering a distinctively residential feel, as well as an exclusive water village – The Hermitage Collection, including 16 ocean villas, which are separated from the main island. The Hermitage Collection at Jumeirah Dhevanafushi is ideal for discerning travellers wanting to experience a truly unique level of remote luxury. The villas, named Revives and Sanctuaries, range from 200m² to 600m² in size and offer expansive sea views, direct access to the beach and 24 hour butler service. The design of the bedrooms is inspired by traditional Maldivian architecture.

The resort features three restaurants and a bar with a variety of culinary options, as well as a Talise Spa with imaginatively designed over water treatment rooms and extensive sports and leisure facilities.

The second property under way in the Maldives is Jumeirah Vittaveli. The five star deluxe family resort is located in the South Malé Atoll and is scheduled to open in March 2011.

The much anticipated W Retreat & Spa Bali-Seminyak marks its debut in Indonesia this early 2011, representing another milestone in W’s global expansion into the world’s most exciting and vibrant destinations. Located in Seminyak, the trendy enclave of Bali, W Retreat & Spa Bali-Seminyak is the latest playground on the island which will emanate the destination’s exuberance, where designer boutiques, eclectic galleries, concept restaurants, and chic cocktail bars and clubs predominate.Showcasing innovative architecture by SCDA Architects and interior design by Poole Associates Private Limited and ABConcept, W Retreat & Spa Bali-Seminyak reflects the rich natural beauty and historical and cultural heritage of the destination, with a playful twist of bold designs and textures that stimulate guests’ senses throughout the Retreat. With a contemporary take on traditional Balinese design, each space will be identifiable with playful touches and surprises.

Guests may choose from one of 158 Wonderful and Spectacular retreats and suites, offering a sensational swirl of high-energy interiors, vivid design, cutting-edge technology and uniquely modern amenities to fulfill every wish. The retreats are one of the largest on the island with the majority of them offering views of the Indian ocean. Villa retreats are available at W Retreat & Spa Bali-Seminyak, which includes 79 villa retreats with a private entrance. They comprise of Fantastic one-bedroom villa retreats, Marvelous two-bedroom villa retreats, and Wow three-bedroom villa retreats, with access to features and W Happenings in the Retreat. With 360° of sensory multiplex experience, W Retreat & Spa Bali-Seminyak will bring a new dimension of cutting-edge design, presenting the art of living that balances style and soul for travelers to Bali.

W Retreat & Spa Bali-Seminyak is more than just a holiday destination – it is poised to become a playground with definitive entertainment, fashion, culinary and nightlife destination on Seminyak for the guests and the community in Bali. Guests can sip cocktails at the ultra-cool W Lounge, party all night in WooBar and enjoy unforgettable dining experiences at W’s signature restaurants, Fire and Starfish Bloo – headed up by acclaimed Chef de Cuisine Jack Yoss.

Exclusive experiences and services at W Retreat & Spa Bali-Seminyak include 24-hour Whatever/Whenever® concierge service that pushes the limits in making the dreams of guests come true, whether it’s a rainforest birthday party, private Balinese percussion classes, chocolate in a bathtub or an imaginative wedding proposal to someone special. Guests can also be whisked away at the WET® pool, Sweat Fitness® center, and AWAY® Spa, an urban escape for the senses. A wellness escape open 24/7/365, AWAY® Spa offers guests, including weary travelers arriving in the wee hours after a long flight, and in-the-know locals around-the-clock signature treatments including massages, facial and body treatments, manicures and pedicures, as well as a range of treatments incorporating Asian influences – whether it be ingredients, massage techniques or design details – in a cool and playful way.

Digital Glass® is a patented new design product bringing manifestation graphics to life. Architects, designers and specifiers now have the opportunity to see glazed partitions, walls and windows converted into inspirational designs to enhance any setting. Using bespoke, digital manufacturing technology, our eye-catching designs will transform any type of leisure or retail environment and represents a cost-effective medium to promote products, services and branding. These high quality bespoke image and environmental solutions are both, flexible and sustainable.

All Digital Glass® products have the added benefit of rendering glass shatter resistant and blocking 99% of all UV rays. Printed onto an optically clear substrate any design can be readily installed in-situ.

For more information, please contact Signbox: www.signbox.co.uk

Hilton Newcastle Gateshead has launched an exclusive selection of newly refurbished bedrooms following an extensive £500k revamp, which demonstrates the hotel’s commitment to the region’s £4 billion tourism economy. According to recent figures from One North East, spend on accommodation has increased by seven percent over the past year, while the number of overnight visitors to the region has increased by nine percent since 2003. Furthermore, the number of nights actually spent in the North East increased by 15 percent.

In response to this rising demand, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead has created a more contemporary and comfortable environment for its guests; which range from families, celebrities, business travellers, culture vultures and those in search of Newcastle’s famous nightlife.

The refurbishment took place over eight months, with Hilton Newcastle Gateshead discreetly closing off sections of the hotel to ensure guests would not face any disruption. The 71 new look bedrooms were transformed by creating a luxurious feel with soothing vinyl wallpaper and cooling colours throughout the rooms. A further touch of style was added with amethyst feature walls.

The décor was complemented with a natural colour scheme, a full carpet refit, new curtains and lavish textiles. Each of the revamped rooms also comes complete with a new mattress and comfortable desk chair.

Alongside the refurbishment, all bedrooms in the hotel now feature 37 inch flat LCD screen televisions, with 42 inch flat screens in all of the remaining hotel’s Executive bedrooms. Each bedroom in the hotel now offers over 30 television channels as well as a high selection of pay per view movies and music channels, catering to the needs of the cross-section of guests.

Further to the bedrooms, the hotel’s Boardroom has been fully refurbished with new equipment, including a sizeable table, furniture and fittings. The Boardroom is also host to artwork by renowned local artist John Coatsworth, best known for his distinctive ‘wobbly’ view paintings of North East landmarks.

Further renovation of the remaining rooms at Hilton Newcastle Gateshead is planned over 2011-2012.

Based on the banks of the River Tyne and overlooking the Tyne Bridge, the stylish Hilton Newcastle Gat eshead is one of the region’s flagship hotels and as such, en-suite bedrooms, all elegantly furnished and many of which with enviable views over the River Tyne, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead is ideally situated for all guests.

On top of this, the hotel offers diners the opportunity to sample its modern and locally sourced cuisine in its Windows on the Tyne Restaurant as well as a state-of-the-art Health Club. The hotel also offers a range of banqueting rooms to suit any occasion.

Carlson has announced the signing of an iconic, upper-upscale resort in Hua Hin, Thailand. Owned by Retreat Hua Hin Company Limited, construction of the USD 23 million, 118-room Radisson Blu Resort Hua Hin will begin immediately. The resort is expected to open by the third quarter of 2012. Earlier, Carlson announced plans to increase the number of Radisson hotels in Asia Pacific to over 100 hotels by 2015. The Radisson portfolio in Asia Pacific includes eight resorts, in India (Alibaug, Goa and Mamallapuram), China (Huizhou and Sanya), Australia (Gold Coast), the South Pacific (Fiji and Tahiti), and the three new properties in Thailand. The resort development is also part of Carlson’s Asia Pacific launch of Radisson Blu, the upper-upscale tier of the Radisson brand.

All guest rooms will feature a sleek, superior and contemporary design. Twenty four rooms will have direct pool and beachfront access, while another 94 rooms will have private Jacuzzi or plunge pools. Embracing cutting-edge architecture, the resort will become an icon of style and sophistication in Thailand.

Guests will enjoy a variety of dining options including a specialty restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge, and a beachfront restaurant and bar. Additional resort facilities will include a gym, spa and wellness centre, meeting and function rooms, and up to three swimming pools.

Set on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand and surrounded by pearly white sand beaches, Hua Hin is also one of the world’s top golf destinations. The Radisson Blu Resort Hua Hin will be close to the domestic airport and the main highway connecting Hua Hin to Bangkok city.

This is an intended series guiding the layman through what a hotel designer is, the different sorts of designers, and how to manage the design process. It will include sections on the different areas of the hotel and suggest criteria for their design. Articles will appear every Monday and will be illustrated with the author’s photographs and video.Part 1: Are you Sitting Comfortably?

Part 2: What are Professional Fees, and how are they paid?

Part 3: The Rôle of the Designer

Pt 4: Choosing your Designer

Pt 5: The Bed

Pt 6: Creating the Darkness

Pt 7: Silence is Golden

Part 8: A Guide to Hotel Design: Pt 8 With Drawer

All chapters are availble to DesignClub members now. A new chapter will appear every Monday. To join the DesignClub, please register here.

Nowadays you don’t need an aristocratic title to get a royal treatment in Rome. Just enter the doors of the newly opened “Prince” SPA, more than 21,550 square feet, to be pampered and spoiled. It is located in Rome, about one mile from Via Veneto, on the premises of the exclusive Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa surrounded by the gardens of Villa Borghese. “Prince” can offer the most professional and up to date treatments in Rome.Chromotherapy and aromatherapy are only two of the numerous variations on the wellness theme. Twelve rooms are dedicated to individual multisensory treatments. The massage environment is a melting pot of techniques, with Thai, Shiatsu, Swedish, Ayurvedic and more besides. The wet zone offers a Turkish bath, bio sauna and Finnish sauna, as well as a cold area with emotional showers, ice cascade, tropical rainshowers and cold misting. Completely natural materials have been used for the interiors: bamboo for the parquet floors, rosewood for the walls, and stone and marble.

Couples can enjoy their treatments and relax in exceptional private suites which incorporate various different areas. Gold dominates in the “Prince Suite”, while in the Golden Suite, mother of pearl and gold melt together to offer an equally striking environment, with candles, champagne, music, scents and light-play, all making it an unforgettable experience.

During a pause in the relaxation room, you can sip a herbal tea followed by a dip in the 25-metre pool for a swim, an aquafit lesson or a Watsu treatment. Or you could opt for the two-person hydromassage tub and try out 35 different types of hydromassage. A beautiful virtual starry sky completes the picture. Then there is the gym of about 500 square metres, with the latest generation equipment, the “IFood” bar with special menus ranging from vegetarian to lactose-free, gluten-free, vitamin-based and so on, and the “Hairlosophy” hairstylist.

The products used are all top of the range in the cosmetic panorama. The main product line is MARIA GALLAND PARIS, the best there is in the luxury product range for professional cosmetology, used in top spas such as at the Burj al Arab (the famous sail-shaped hotel in Dubai) and the Paris Ritz. The HÖBE PERGH range of hay treatments on the other hand, come directly from the Asiago plateau. Then there are the FISIOSPHERE products based on marine seaweed, mud and sea salts and the GERMAINE DE CAPUCCINI range for the milk, chocolate and red grape treatments. Various latest generation technologies are available to beautify the body and face, with anti-ageing effects.

The “Rubino Prince” package offered by the Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa includes: one night accommodation in a double room, American buffet breakfast, free use of the Prince’s wet zone, a 30-minute exfoliating body treatment with oriental salts and 1-hour deluxe massage.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced the opening of Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel, the city’s largest airport hospitality property and the second Sheraton hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Managed by Prism Hotels & Resorts, the 15-story, 276-room property formerly known as Albuquerque Grand Airport Hotel recently completed a seven-month, $14 million renovation in preparation for its re-flagging as a Sheraton.Boasting dramatic views of the Sandia Mountains and the Albuquerque skyline, Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel is located adjacent to the Albuquerque International Sunport. Just five minutes from historic Old Town, the hotel offers convenient access to the University of New Mexico, Kirtland Air Force Base, several premium golf courses, and the offices of Northrup Grumman and Sandia National Labs – Lockheed Martin.

Decorated in a color palette of warm browns and oranges evocative of the desert southwest, the reconfigured lobby features intimate seating groups and shared work areas.

The hotel’s 276 upgraded guest rooms feature all-new furnishings, modern lighting, flat screen television, oversized work desk and the all-white Sheraton Sweet Sleeper(R) bed. Sheraton Club members will enjoy a complimentary breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres in the Club Lounge, as well as upgraded amenities. Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel offers a refreshing outdoor pool and fully equipped fitness facility.

The hotel’s full-service restaurant and lounge, Rojo Grill Restaurant features an eclectic menu with several southwestern specialties. A Chef’s Inspiration – the daily special inspired by regionally farmed and seasonally harvested products – joins the Sheraton brand’s healthy Core Performance dishes.

Perfect for meetings of all sizes, Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel offers 12,000 square feet of renovated meeting and banquet space designed to accommodate groups as small as eight and as large as 640. All meeting rooms offer state-of-the-art audiovisual technologies and high-speed Internet.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Hotel Indigo, IHG’s (InterContinental Hotels Group) upscale boutique brand, hosted a grand event in Shanghai, China on the 2nd December 2010 to celebrate its brand launch in Asia Pacific. To mark the brand launch, an innovative 3-D film about the hotel’s historic neighborhood was specially created for this occasion by one of China’s up and coming film directors. Against the enchanting night backdrop of the iconic Bund in Shanghai, China’s largest outdoor screening of a 3-D film on the 23 meter wide and 69.9 meter high façade of Hotel Indigo was visible from even across the Huangpu River. “I am thrilled that we are launching Hotel Indigo brand in Asia Pacific today,” said Keith Barr, managing director of IHG Greater China. “The decision to introduce Hotel Indigo into China as our first market entry in Asia Pacific demonstrates our commitment to China’s booming hotel industry. IHG is fully confident in the Chinese market, and aim to take our leadership position to the next level by expanding our brands and hotels in the market.”

Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund, the first Hotel Indigo in the region is expected to open by end of 2010. Centrally located at the southern end of the Bund, sitting directly on the Huangpu River front, Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund offers a unique space that manifests, participates and adds to the local neighborhood and culture in a creative, sustainable fashion. This 184-room property on waterfront features spectacular views of, and is near, the historic Bund, Yu Gardens and the ultra modern Pudong new area, all top-notch dining, entertainment and shopping destinations.

As the industry’s first global branded boutique hotel, Hotel Indigo offers guests an unique hotel experience by providing the design and intimate service associated with boutique hotels along with the reliability and peace of mind that comes from staying with the world’s largest hotel group.

Since the introduction of the brand to Asia Pacific in 2008, five hotels have been signed with cutting-edge owners in the region. Apart from the Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund, Hotel Indigo will be open in Xiamen, Taipei, Hong Kong and Bangkok in the next 3 years.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the signing of a management agreement with “Grupo Hotelera Aguas Verdes S.A.” to manage the Villarrica Park Lake Hotel & Spa under The Luxury Collection brand. The property will undergo renovations to its rooms and spacious suites and will become a part of The Luxury Collection’s exclusive portfolio in December of 2010.Villarrica Park Lake Hotel & Spa is ideally situated in the Araucanía region 435 miles south of Santiago, surrounded by lakes, volcanoes and mountains. Guests can easily arrive by car, or by plane at the Temuco Airport. The Villarrica and nearby Pucón areas are renowned for their unique natural environment, characterized by snow capped volcanoes, crystal clear lakes and rivers, thermal baths, ski centers and vast national parks. Additionally, the area features the archeological remains of the Spanish colonial period blended with the influence of the “Mapuche” Indigenous culture, Chile’s first inhabitants.

Built in 2002, Villarrica Park Lake Hotel & Spa is surrounded by stunning landscapes and vegetation and has spectacular panoramic views from every one of its 70 rooms and suites. The hotel offers spacious meeting rooms for events, conventions or incentive groups, with state of the art technology and access to its 24-hour business center. The hotel was recently named “Best South America Resort–2010” by World Travel Awards.

Dining at any of the 3 restaurants featured at the Villarrica Park Lake Hotel & Spa indulges the senses with diverse menus ranging from modern interpretations of authentic Chilean cuisine to exceptional international dishes. The gourmet restaurant, “Aguas Verdes”, which offers it’s up to 120 guests a spectacular view of Lake Villarrica, serves both local and international cuisine delights.

The hotel’s bar lounge, and both swimming pools also directly look out onto the lake, inviting guests to further relax amidst breathtaking sunsets. Guests are invited to unwind at the hotel’s luxurious spa, featuring a variety of indigenous treatments, fully equipped sauna and steam room, as well as a fitness center and indoor/outdoor pools.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

A hundred and fifty of the new jobs will be created with the opening of six new Travelodge hotels in Maidenhead, Chichester, London Whetstone, Horsham, Paignton and Lancaster. Positions that need to be fulfilled immediately include: Hotel Manager, Assistant Hotel Manager, Receptionist, Housekeeper, Guest Room Cleaner and Bar Café Staff roles.The six new Travelodge openings will boost the company’s portfolio to 460 hotels and 31,171 rooms.

The remaining 50 jobs are for management positions for Travelodge hotels across the UK and for the company’s head office in Thame, Oxfordshire.

Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge Spokeswomen said; “These 200 new jobs are not just for Christmas, we are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and committed individuals who want a long term career in hospitality. Travelodge is the UK’s fastest growing hotel chain and we offer a comprehensive in-house training and career advancement programme so that individuals can develop in line with the growth of the company.”

Travelodge recruits its entry level staff for new hotels in partnership with the Job Centre Plus scheme – a programme that focuses on getting the local long-term unemployed back in to work. All successful candidates undertake a comprehensive four-week training programme which includes a sleep seminar – so that they are fully equipped to ensure Travelodge customers get a good night’s sleep.

For ambitious individuals who are keen to climb the careers ladder, Travelodge offers a 12-week fast track management programme (MDP) – where individuals are taught the skills of becoming a good hotel manager. (To date over 300 members of Travelodge staff has completed the MDP programme).

In addition to the MDP programme, Travelodge has created the UK’s first foundation degree in Hospitality, Budget Hotel and Retail Management in partnership with Westminster Kingsway College. The two year course focuses on teaching the theory and practice behind low cost and retail business models which aim to deliver profit through operating effectively and efficiently.

Interested applicants can apply for a Travelodge position via contacting their local Jobcentre or sending their CV to recruitment@travelodge.co.uk. Further information on careers at Travelodge visit: www.travelodge.co.uk/careers

A report on “Intellectual Property Enforcement in Smaller Firms” (originally commissioned by the now disbanded Strategic Advisory Board for Intellectual Property) has been published by the UK Intellectual Property Office. The report, executed by the Intellectual Property Institute (IPI), considered enforcement issues for SME’s and cost implications within the current IP framework and made certain recommendations. Although just under 2000 SME’s were targeted, only 170 responded. Despite the fact that only a quarter of those questioned had IP insurance, IP rights are considered to be important by smaller firms and 25% of those involved in the research had been involved in IP disputes – and not necessarily against big business. Mediated settlements accounted for 40% of the dispute resolution with approximately 50% decided in a Court hearing. It comes as no surprise to those at the ‘coal face’ that a significant stumbling block for SME’s, whose IP rights are infringed, are the cost and time constraints to legally pursue. The impact on R & D costs were considered a significant factor by those whose rights had been infringed. Pursuing IP infringement overseas is out of reach for most SME’s because it is cost prohibitive. Those who do take legal action, either in the UK or overseas, have to ensure the availability of funds to sustain the battle.

Those who took part in the case studies confirmed that there is no level playing field for IP enforcement. Enforcement of IP rights rarely reaches criminal courts and the majority seek redress before civil courts. Generally, specialist IP advice comes at an enormous cost to SME’s but, in the case of patents, the UKIPO can be approached for opinion. Alternative dispute resolution means are to be encouraged and this has been reinforced in the recent Jackson Review of Civil Litigation. In terms of the economic and business implications of IP enforcement it would appear that the report’s recommendations are to find cheaper enforcement procedures that would be attractive to smaller firms. “Advice and information to smaller firms on how to view their IP strategically, so that it becomes a better means of extracting value from their inventions, rather than just a means of protecting them from infringement” is a key recommendation.

Dids Macdonald, CEO of ACID (Anti Copying in Design), an IP organisation representing over 1,000 SME’s, said of the report, “It’s high time the ‘consultation culture’ was streamlined and action taken to get on with providing real solutions to the IP issues that SME’s face. I am delighted that the UKIPO has published these recommendations. However, this costly report (£65,000) only confirms ACID’s (and other similar organisations) dialogue with the UKIPO over many years. The report states the obvious. Access to a cost and time effective framework for dispute resolution should be a priority for Government to its grass roots work force. This, together with providing the right tax incentives for creating and exploiting IP in the UK as a real champion for innovation would be a sound basis for IP policy for SME’s! The creative industries contribute significantly to the UK’s GDP (120 billion) and are a quantifiable provider of employment.”

Marriott International has announced it has signed franchise agreements that will add three more hotels to its lodging portfolio in Europe. The hotels include:
• 87-room Renaissance Lucerne Hotel, Switzerland (2011)
• 139-room Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel, France (2012)
• 113-room Renaissance Paris Saint-Cloud Hotel, France (2013)

Earlier this year, Marriott announced its plans to double its presence in Europe by 2015. These three additions to the development pipeline in Europe bring the total number of hotels currently in development throughout Europe to 27.

Renaissance Lucerne Hotel

The 87-room Renaissance Lucerne Hotel will open in 2011 under a franchise agreement with Hotel Schiller Betriebe AG. The hotel, formerly the Hotel Schiller, dates back to 1909 and is located along the Pilatusstrasse in one of the most desirable shopping areas of Lucerne. Boasting high style and contemporary design, the hotel will be Marriott’s first in the picturesque city of Lucerne. Lucerne, located less than one hour from Zurich Airport, sits on the shore of Lake Lucerne with stunning views of Mount Pilatus and Rigi in the Swiss Alps.

Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel

Opening in 2012, the 139-room Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel will be located in this small classically provencal city in southern France known for its wrought iron bell towers, beautiful paved plazas and average 300 annual days of sunshine. The new hotel will operate under a franchise agreement with ARTHOTEL Aix-en-Provence SAS. Located 30 km north of Marseille, Aix-en-Provence is often referred to as the city of a thousand fountains, among the most notable the 17th century Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins (Fountain of the Four Dolphins.) The newly built property will be located in the heart of the city center, a stone’s throw from the Grand Theatre de Provence. The hotel will boast two restaurants, a destination bar, and outdoor pool.

Renaissance Paris Saint-Cloud Hotel

When opened, the boutique 113-room Renaissance Paris Saint-Cloud Hotel will be the fifth Renaissance property in Paris. Opening in 2013 under a franchise agreement with Paris Country Club SA in Saint-Cloud, France, the hotel will be located adjacent to the elegant Paris Country Club, offering guests a unique opportunity to experience the many amenities of the club, including its golf course and tennis courts.

Located just 15 minutes from Paris Porte Maillot (Congress Center), the newly built hotel will boast the same design as the Paris Country Club with its country manor style and half-timbered façade. The hotel will offer two restaurants, a bar, 743 square meters of meeting space, and a luxurious outdoor pool and spa.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has recently announced the opening of the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, which features an award-winning conference center at a convenient location just 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and 20 minutes from the Mall of the Americas. The property is a conversion from a Radisson Hotel that includes $3.5 million renovations throughout the 243-room property. Truly “The Place to Meet” in the Twin Cities area, the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West is located at 3131 Campus Drive in Plymouth, at the intersection of Interstate 494 and Minnesota State Highway 55. The six-story hotel sits on 25 acres of natural woods that provide a resort environment, and is close to offices of several major international corporations, including General Mills, Cargill, Honeywell and Verizon. Also nearby are offices of major insurance providers such as United Healthcare, Allianz Life, Prudential and Hartford Life.

The Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West features 40 flexible meeting rooms in 38,000 square feet of space and can accommodate meetings of up to 300 people. The hotel also features a 24-hour business center and complimentary wireless Internet service throughout the facility.

Currently in the midst of a $3.5 million two-year renovation, the hotel features a broad range of amenities such as an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center that includes weights and aerobic equipment, spa facilities with a sauna, whirlpool and massage treatments, racquet ball and basketball courts and a game room. The hotel also offers concierge services, a complimentary area shuttle service and free parking. All guest rooms feature 42-inch LCD and plasma televisions and refrigerators.

As part of the renovation, the hotel now has a new courtyard entrance and recently completed Life Safety improvements and upgrades in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Within the next two years all of the hotel’s guest rooms – including five-two room suites and one 1,029-square-foot presidential suite – will undergo renovations. The hotel’s Europa Dining Room, known for its Sunday Brunch, will also be renovated as will the Scandinavian Ballroom and the adjoining Plymouth Creek Athletic Club. The Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West also includes the Creekside Café & Lounge, which offers casual dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Room service is also available.

It is all about South Africa for The Rezidor Hotel Group this week: Following yesterday’s announcement of a new Park Inn hotel for Cape Town, Rezidor today announces the upper upscale Radisson Blu Safari Resort Kruger Park: The new built property featuring 120 rooms is scheduled to welcome the first guests in Q2 2013. The Radisson Blu Safari Resort Kruger Park will be located within the southern border of the Kruger National Park – along the famous Crocodile River 10 kilometres from the Malelane Gate. Besides 104 rooms and 16 suites with private terraces, the resort will offer an all day dining restaurant, a typical “Boma” (an outdoor dining and entertainment area), a cigar bar and a pool bar and terrace. For guests combining business and leisure, the Radisson Blu will have 5 conference rooms – leisure facilities will include 2 swimming pools, a spa- and wellness centre on 350 square meters, a gym, game viewing Crocodile River decks, a kids club and an environmental awareness centre.

Guests of the Radisson Blu Kruger Park Safari Resort will also be able to enjoy game viewing: Safaris will depart daily from the hotel to the main game viewing areas of the park. Kruger National Park is one of the 19 South African National Parks. It covers an area of almost 20,000 square kilometres and includes three different eco-zones (savannah, thornveld and woodland). It has more than 1,900 species of plants and 147 animal species – among them all the Big Five game animals: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.

At the International Spa Association annual conference and expo, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced it plans to expand its portfolio of hotel spas by more than 50 percent in the coming year. More than 150 new spas are planned or are in development at Starwood, which currently features more than 300 hotel spas across iconic hospitality brands, including W, St. Regis, Le Meridien, Westin, and Sheraton.As the largest operator of upper-upscale and luxury brands in the world, Starwood continues to be committed to bringing branded, lifestyle experiences – including spas – to market.

“We’re answering the demand for spa with a portfolio of five in-house spa brands and strategic partnerships that continue to enhance the guest experience at our hotels,” said Mia Kyricos, Director of Global Spa Brands and Programming for Starwood. “Our growing spa pipeline is good for guests, as they increasingly expect us to help them stay well while traveling. And it’s good for Starwood and our development partners, since we know spa gives us the opportunity to positively impact rate, occupancy and average spend per guest.”

Starwood will ramp up its branded spa concepts dramatically this year with Sheraton, St. Regis, and Le Meridien to debut their own exclusive in-house spa brands, each inspired by the individual hotel brands to provide an integrated lifestyle experience.

“Approximately 75 percent of the properties in Starwood’s growth pipeline include spas in their plans,” said Jeremy McCarthy, Starwood’s Director of Global Spa Development and Operations. “And about 45 percent of our existing portfolio of more than 1,000 hotels offers spas and related services.”

Moving forward, Starwood’s spa brands will include:

• Shine Spa for Sheraton, Starwood’s fastest growing spa brand, designed to help guests “find their glow,” made its debut at the Sheraton Full Moon Resort & Spa in the Maldives in 2009, followed by The Sheraton Bratislava in Slovakia and The Sheraton Nha Trang in Vietnam earlier this year. More than 15 Shine Spas for Sheraton are expected to be open by the end of 2011.

• Iridium Spa, Starwood’s newest spa brand designed exclusively for St. Regis, will debut at The St. Regis Lhasa Resort in Tibet in December as “the world’s highest luxury resort spa” with others to follow in 2011. The Iridium name has a history originating in the 1930s at The St. Regis New York, and today represents one of the world’s rarest and most precious elements.

• Explore Spa by Le Meridien, which intends to introduce a new perspective on spa at Le Meridien hotels, will debut early next year at Le Meridien Oran in Algeria and Le Meridien Pyramids in Egypt, with other conversions and new builds in development.

• Heavenly Spa by Westin, where guests can enjoy an uplifting, sensory experience inspired by the success of the Heavenly Bed and Bath brands, plans to double its 20 existing locations around the world to 40 in the next two years.

• Away Spa by W Hotels, where W guests can detox from a long, playful night out and refuel for whatever comes next, will grow from five to 15 spas in the next few years.

Additionally, Starwood continues its strategic partnership with Steiner Leisure which now owns the famed Bliss and Remede Spa brands and amenity lines that remain exclusive to Starwood’s W and St. Regis hotel brands respectively. The relationship also continues to grow with 17 Bliss Spas and 10 Remede spas already operating at Starwood hotels, and several more in development.

“Like pools in the 1980s and fitness centers in the 1990s, the increased presence of spas at hotels has been fueled by both demand and the perceived quality of hotels with spa facilities,” Kyricos said. “Spas are no longer considered an amenity; guests expect them. And they’re no longer viewed as an indulgence, but an essential part of the balance and wellness guests seek while on the road.”

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Horwath HTL hosted a plenary session on the 2014 Winter Olympics being held at Sochi in Russia. The Panel, called “2014 Winter Olympics – Profiting long term from large scale events” was part of the fourth Russia and CIS Hotel Investment Conference last week, held at the Renaissance Moscow Monarch Centre Hotel. Marius Gomola, Managing Director of Horwath HTL Hungary and Russia and a leading industry expert in the region, led the session and was joined by Evgeny Makarov Head of Real Estate of Rosa Khutor, Evgeny Kaplun Deputy General Manager of NBB Development, Dmitry Kanunov, Director of the Olympic Accommodation Directorate of SC Olympstroy, and Alexander Kldiashvili, Deputy of the Investor Involvement Department of SC Olympstroy.The session focused on two primary issues, whether the current plans to improve the infrastructure were on schedule and how the organizers of games could guarantee that the Sochi resort would be a viable resort destination after the games had finished. Marius asked the panel what the long term plans were for the region after the games had finished to make sure that oversupply did not contribute to a depressed hotel market and that there was a strategy to build long term demand to the resort destination, considered unique internationally because of its close proximity to both the mountains and the coast. The panel was bullish about the project, pointing out that the implementation of the 30 Billion US Dollar investment in the regional infrastructure is ahead of schedule, which combined with practically free of charge land for development in the coastal zone of the multiple Olympic sites created a very attractive proposition to investors and International Hotel Brands.

Marius Gomola said, “We know from many years experience that the effect of a large number of rooms can have positive and negative implications on the long term viability of any market, so it was encouraging to hear the panel addressing those issues and outlining the long term strategy to create a sustainable destination. The crucial question is the return on investment and the use of the capacities during the post games years, the key focus of the attention of the two largest private-sector developers voicing their conviction on success based on simple statistics and the lack of similar destination for the Russian-speaking market of 250 million. Sochi, a widely recognized tourist destination brand has a huge advantage for a resort area, due to the close proximity to the coast, which essentially means that Sochi has two peak seasons. The summer and the winter months both create peak demands reducing off season periods significantly due to the coastal Mediterranean climate, and the Alpine climate in the mountains, a mere 30 minutes from the seaside. If the government can come up with additional post games initiatives beyond the infrastructure investment, it will give investors comfort about the long term viability of their projects.”

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15. The 268-room hotel’s opening marks the debut of the Four Points by Sheraton brand in Thailand and will delight business and leisure travelers alike with excellent service, comfortable and stylish guest rooms and everything guests need to travel the way they like for a great price. Located in the prime entertainment and commercial district of Sukhumvit in Bangkok, Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15 welcomes guests to experience the best in relaxation, convenience and stylish comfort while surrounding themselves with some of Bangkok’s most exciting shopping, dining, and nightlife. The hotel offers one of the largest guestrooms among midscale hotels in Bangkok, a unique BeerVault featuring its in-house BeerKeeper and a great range of international and local beers; as well as one of the coolest rooftop wine bars in Bangkok.

The hotel features 249 guest rooms, eight junior suites and 11 executive suites, all designed with clean architectural lines and warm contemporary furnishings. Each room includes the Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort™ bed with feather-down pillows and a cozy duvet. Additionally, high-speed wireless Internet and complimentary bottled water will be provided.

Dining options for guests at Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15 are easy, casual and approachable. The Eatery, an all-day dining restaurant, offers an enjoyable buffet as well as a menu that includes an array of home-style favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wrapped, a café-deli, serves fresh coffee, daily handmade gourmet Paninis and desserts that include exclusive Feel Good Treats from Four Points by Sheraton. Additionally, The BeerVault – headed by the recently announced Beerkeeper, Chris Foo – provides guests with local and international hand-crafted brews from Four Points by Sheraton’s Best Brews® program. Guests may also choose to sip specialty cocktails while enjoying the sunset from the hotel’s rooftop bar, Ambar.

Productivity is easy for guests at Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15, allowing them to mix a bit of pleasure into their meeting agendas through interesting and creative elements that will be introduced to all meetings. The 350 square meters of event space serves as an ideal venue for business gatherings, creative meetings and private events. The space can be divided into two rooms, each accommodating up to 130 people, and is fully equipped with the latest in meeting technology. Other facilities include an outdoor rooftop swimming pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok is located at Sukhumvit Soi 15, 10110, Bangkok, Thailand in the trendy Sukhumvit area, a popular destination for some of Bangkok’s greatest shopping, nightlife and dining. Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15 is also just a five-minute walk from the Asok sky train station and near the business districts of Silom and Sathorn roads.

Carlson has announced plans for a new 120-room Radisson hotel to be built two miles from Calgary International Airport. Construction on the USD 19 million Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Calgary Airport East will begin in March 2011 with an expected opening date of March 2012. “This hotel development illustrates the continued momentum in our Ambition 2015 growth strategy,” said Thorsten Kirschke, president of Carlson Hotels, Americas. “Adding another airport location to our growing portfolio is aligned with plans to expand Radisson as a vibrant, contemporary and engaging brand in key city, resort and airport locations globally.”

Carlson announced its Ambition 2015 growth strategy earlier this year. The strategy is fueled by an investment program of up to USD 1.5 billion focused on positioning Radisson as a powerful, globally consistent first-class brand.

“We are thrilled to be joining Radisson during this exciting turning point in the brand’s history,” said Raj Uppal, partner of the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Calgary Airport East.

The Radisson Calgary Airport East will feature a day spa, indoor pool and fitness center. The bar and restaurant will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Meeting facilities will include five banquet rooms totaling 13,500 square feet that can accommodate up to 600 people.

Abu Dhabi Airports Company, the company managing and operating all 5 airports in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, and Premier Inn, the pioneering value for money hotel operator, has announced the signing of an agreement to build a Premier Inn at Abu Dhabi International Airport.The Abu Dhabi International Airport Premier Inn project will lead to the development of a 300 room hotel, which will represent an investment of over AED 120 million, set to open in 2012, particularly servicing travellers using Abu Dhabi as a travel hub.

The hotel will be located opposite Terminal 3, and conveniently linked to Terminals 1 and 3 by a retail corridor, containing several stores and lounges to ensure that passengers have easy access to any of their shopping needs. The hotel will feature an all-day restaurant and bar, a coffee outlet and several meeting rooms.

Huraiz Al Mur Bin Huraiz, Chief Commercial Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports Company said, “The comfort of the passengers travelling through Abu Dhabi International Airport is one of ADAC’s top priorities. We are excited about our partnership with Premier Inn, as this project will enhance the facilities available to all our travellers around the airport. The hotel is designed to offer comfortable rooms, unrivalled customer service and reasonable pricing, even during periods of high demand.”

Marking Premier Inn’s fifth hotel in the region, Darroch Crawford, Managing Director of Premier Inn in the Middle East said, “We are delighted to be opening the first major hotel at Abu Dhabi International Airport and drive further growth for and in collaboration with, ADAC. Premier Inn’s successful formula, offering a hotel service in prominent locations at value for money prices, will ensure that our customer base, which includes both business and leisure travellers, will continue to increase dramatically in the region”.

The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide, announces the Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel & Thalasso, Cannes in France. The 134-rooms property, formerly known as 1835 White Palm Hotel, will be re-branded in December 2010 and join Radisson Blu’s design conscious and contemporary portfolio.“We are delighted to open a further high quality hotel in the South of France which will clearly strengthen our presence along the Côte d’Azur”, said Kurt Ritter, Rezidor’s President & CEO. Rezidor already operates city hotels in Nice and Marseille – and brings its total portfolio of hotels in operation and under development in France to now 28 properties.

The Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel & Thalasso, Cannes enjoys a prominent prime location on the edge of the picturesque old quarter Le Suquet, overlooking the harbour and just across the street from the beach. It is within walking distance of La Croisette, Cannes’ famous main avenue renowned for its luxurious boutiques, trendy bars and restaurants, and palm-fringed sidewalks with sea views. The legendary Palais des Festivals et Congres is 800 meters from the hotel and hosts all major events of Cannes including the annual Film Festival on 35,000 square metres of congress space. And for those born under the lucky stars, Cannes’ three casinos are easily accessible from the hotel.

The hotel, a masterpiece by the French interior designers Marc Hertrich & Nicolas Adnet, was renovated in 2009. Besides 134 stylish and bright guest rooms it features 6 meeting rooms and 3 restaurants: “Le 360” is situated on a roof terrace offering, as the name implies, 360 degree views of Cannes, the sea and the harbour. The adjacent roof top bar is well-known in the city and a preferred venue for exclusive parties and events. “Le Bio” is located within the spa, specializes in healthy dishes and offers a unique “Bento Box” concept. “30° Celsius” serves light meals on the ground floor.

A further highlight of the hotel is the Thalasso spa, Les Thermes Marins de Cannes, which pampers body and soul with the power of sea salt and alga has already set new standards as one of the finest spas in the region. The 2,700 square meters facility with an outstanding ultra-modern design offers 46 treatment rooms, a fitness centre, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hammam (Turkish bath), sauna, caldarium (Roman bath), and whirlpools.

The Rezidor Hotel Group continues its dominant roll-out on the African continent with the announcement that the 120-room Park Inn Cape Town Foreshore is scheduled to open in the last quarter of 2011. Park Inn by Radisson is Rezidor’s young and dynamic mid market brand – “and we are excited to bring it to Cape Town now on the back of the Sandton property which opened in Johannesburg earlier this year,” said Andrew McLachlan, Rezidor’s South African based vice-president for Business Development for Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.

The new hotel – the conversion of an existing office building – will be situated on Heerengracht Street in the Foreshore precinct of Cape Town’s central business district, with excellent accessibility to key locations such as South Africa’s number one tourist drawcard, the Victoria & Albert Waterfront, and the Cape Town International Convention Centre which is less 250 meters from the hotel. Cape Town’s international airport can be reached conveniently in 20 minutes.

With 120 modern and colourful rooms, the Park Inn Cape Town Foreshore will feature the signature grill restaurant “RBG Restaurant & Bar”, a gym, a business centre, two rooftop conference rooms, four small breakaway rooms, an impressive rooftop terrace, bar and swimming pool providing spectacular views from Table Mountain across the Helderberg Mountain Range to Cape Town Harbour.

The hotel will carry the fresh and energetic branding of Park Inn by Radisson, which prides itself on mastering the essentials better than the competition and on offering a comfortable, hassle free stay with excellent value for money. McLachlan sees continued growth in the South African market for Park Inn by Radisson. “We create an affordable hotel experience that’s warm and casual, easy to use, safe and fun.”

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has announced the Dec. 1 opening of the Crowne Plaza Fort Worth South, following a conversion from a Radisson Hotel that included an initial $1 million renovation with upgrades throughout the six-story conference hotel. The Crowne Plaza Fort Worth South has 247 guest rooms including six suites with king bedrooms, separate parlor areas and Jacuzzi bathtubs. Guests can take advantage of a variety of amenities including a heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi and fitness center. They can also enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Aryana Restaurant or head to The Lobby Bar for weekday drink specials, food or snacks. Room service is also available. Other amenities include onsite complimentary parking, daily newspapers, front-desk safety deposit boxes and valet laundry services.

The hotel features more than 14,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, which can accommodate more than 1,000 guests. The space can be configured into as many as 14 conference rooms to accommodate smaller meetings. Business travelers can take advantage of complimentary wireless Internet service throughout the hotel as well as a business center accessible 24 hours a day.

The only Crowne Plaza in the Fort Worth area, the hotel is located at the intersection of Interstate 35W and Altamesa East Boulevard and is 30 minutes from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. It is also conveniently located within six miles of downtown Fort Worth and from Texas Christian University. Nearby businesses include Alcon Laboratories one block away, the Miller/Coors brewery just three blocks away, and a Halliburton training facility just a mile away.

In addition, the Crowne Plaza Fort Worth South – the only full-service high-rise hotel South and West of Fort Worth – is just 10 miles from a Lockheed Martin Corporation facility, 10 miles from the Fort Worth Naval Air Station and just three miles from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

The design-driven Hilton Frankfurt Airport hotel that is slated to open in March 2011 in Frankfurt, Germany, is the newest example of how Hilton Hotels & Resorts is upping the ante on the airport hotel model it invented in 1959.Hilton Frankfurt Airport will be a centerpiece of the futuristic THE SQUAIRE mixed-use complex that extends like a horizontal skyscraper above the ICE high-speed railway station at Germany’s Frankfurt International Airport. It will serve as the airport’s very own city “square.”

Hilton Frankfurt Airport represents – along with two other high-end Hilton airport hotels that opened in Chicago and Beijing in July 2010 – the brand’s bold new wave of sleeker, more relevant and leisure-oriented airport hotels.

As the lines between business and leisure travel continue to become increasingly blurred due to travelers seeking more “bang for their business travel buck,” below are ways Hilton Frankfurt Airport is throwing more leisure add-ons, chic style and inviting spaces into the mix without compromising its business offerings.

Hilton Frankfurt Airport Highlights:

• Dramatic, Light-Flooded Atrium Lobby
• Stylish Hotel in the Airrail Center Frankfurt — this glass-enclosed, modern complex measures 660 meters in length and features landscaped atriums, impressive art installations, a lively array of boutiques, restaurants and a medical center
• 248 Contemporary Guest Rooms and Suites — feature rich, warm color palettes; furnishings and artwork with modern flair; stylish desk space with U.S. and UK power sockets; flat-screen TVs with international channels; Wi-Fi Internet access; mini bar; spacious bathroom with separate bathtub and shower; and sound-proof windows
• Two Executive Floors– come with access to the exclusive Executive Lounge
• Exclusive Executive Lounge — pairs elegant, contemporary design with lounge services including private check-in and check-out, international newspapers & magazines, continental breakfast and delicious refreshments throughout the day
• Rise Restaurant
• 24-Hour Room Service
• The Fifth, Lounge & Bar
• Wellness Offerings Galore
• Pool With a View
• 24-Hour Fitness Center
• State-of-the-Art Business Center
• 8 Modern Function Rooms
• Ballroom
• Ideal Connectivity

Announced earlier this month, industry leading, equity based, luxury destination clubs, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club, have forged a new exchange opportunity for the benefit of their Members. This strategic alliance presents Members of both Clubs an expanding universe of extraordinary destinations only these two renowned companies can provide. This affiliation marks a first for the destination club industry through The Lion & Crown Travel Co., LLC, the exclusive external exchange company for The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.The collaboration allows Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Members access to 17 Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club residences in North America’s finest beach, mountain and golf destinations including Scottsdale, Ariz.; Lake Tahoe, Calif.; Snowmass-Aspen, Colo.; Kiawah Island, S.C.; Punta Cana; Sun Valley, Idaho; Jackson Hole, Wyo.; Hawaii’s Big Island; Turks & Caicos; and Los Cabos, Punta Mita and Puerto Aventuras, Mexico. In return, Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club Members are able to convert their nights for use at 10 Ritz-Carlton Destination Club locations in Aspen Highlands, Bachelor Gulch and Vail*, Colo.; St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.; Jupiter, Fla.; San Francisco and North Lake Tahoe, Calif.; Kapalua Bay in Maui and Kauai Lagoons, Hawaii; and Abaco, The Bahamas.

Both Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club Members benefit from coordination of everything from airport pick-up and pre-arrival provisioning of the residence, to arranging a seamless vacation experience. Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Members may also escape with Abercrombie & Kent on a variety of luxury and adventure travel experiences, discovering inspiring destinations that include Antarctica, China, India and the Galápagos Islands, at their most intimate and authentic. The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Members can participate in this program in a variety of ways, including preferred access to Abercrombie & Kent tours on all seven continents; opportunities to participate in three exclusive trips created especially for The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Members in 2011; and the option to utilize Abercrombie & Kent Private Travel to personalize itineraries through their Member Experience Advisor.

*Denotes future location

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. have announced the opening of Element New York Times Square West. The first Element hotel to open in New York City, Element New York Times Square West will be one of the city’s greenest properties and an eco haven located in the center of fast-paced Times Square. The opening of Element New York Times Square West further illustrates the brand’s steady strategic growth across the nation, as well as Starwood’s strong growth in the New York City market.Element, Starwood’s green trailblazer, continues to make history as the first major hotel brand to mandate that all its properties pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Element’s energizing, eco-chic environment offers bright public spaces, smart design, and modern touches. Every Element property is also a high-performance building where sustainable practices reduce waste and conserve resources. Since the first Element hotel opened in 2008 in Lexington, Massachusetts, the brand has continued to trek across the country. Additional properties have opened in Las Vegas, Baltimore, Denver, Dallas, Houston, Omaha and Ewing, NJ.

“We are thrilled to bring the Element brand to Times Square, our first New York City property,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “Our guests will be able to recharge and be at their best during their stay in New York City, while enjoying easy access to the businesses and attractions in the heart of Manhattan.”

Element New York Times Square West will feature 411 guest rooms and seven suites, two meeting rooms, a lobby atrium and rooftop terrace with stunning views of The Empire State Building, Hudson River and Midtown Manhattan. The property will have a wealth of amenities to keep guests active, healthy and balanced when on the road including complimentary wellness programs and healthy food options. Rise, Element’s daily complimentary breakfast buffet, includes low-fat breakfast wraps and fruit smoothies, while Motion, the fully-equipped, state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness center, allows guests to practice fitness on-the-go. And, from now through March 31, 2011, guests who book Element New York Times Square West will earn 50 Starwood Preferred Guest points for every plastic bottle brought in for recycling and a $20 credit to Element’s Restore gourmet food pantry.

Element hotels not only comply with the mandates of high-performance buildings, but ensure that even the smallest details are earth-friendly. Guest rooms and public spaces feature carpets, furniture and floors made from recycled content. Wall art is mounted on bases made from recycled tires. Low-VOC paints improve indoor air quality. Energy Star-rated appliances, and recycling bins in each room, make it easy for guests to incorporate green living into their daily routines. Even the ubiquitous “Do Not Disturb” sign has been replaced with Element’s now-famous environmentally-friendly magnet.

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts continues to underscore its reputation as the world’s leader in luxury hospitality as it debuts its twenty-first hotel with The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico. Coupled with the highly anticipated 2010 openings of The St. Regis Osaka and The St. Regis Lhasa Resort, the renowned brand will have doubled its global footprint in the past two years with this unveiling of its latest resort. St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, lauded for its dedication to refined elegance at the world’s best addresses, will celebrate the opening of its twenty-first hotel in November with a glittering evening at the flagship St. Regis New York, a glamorous Midnight Supper hosted by St. Regis Global Brand Leader, Paul James, a global Krug champagne sobering, and the launch of the Suite Luxury, Legacy Rates package. While this celebrated brand enjoys over 100 years of history, 2010 is a landmark year which will further St. Regis Hotels & Resorts reputation for timeless elegance and modern sophistication.

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico will be the first St. Regis resort in the Caribbean and will introduce unmatched luxury and bespoke service to one of the world’s most beautiful destinations while preserving the areas pristine landscape.

The 21st celebration will also feature the unveiling of the St. Regis Collection by Alexis Bittar inspired by Caroline Astor. Caroline Astor, or The Mrs. Astor as she was known, was one of the most important social doyennes of her time and the creator of the Astor 400, the exclusive elite group which defined New York society during the Gilded Age, as well as the mother of St. Regis founder John Jacob Astor IV.

To finish off a spectacular evening on November 10th, Paul James will host a glamorous Midnight Supper at The St. Regis New York, harkening back to the early days of the legendary brand. Midnight Suppers served as one of Caroline Astors many social rituals at The St. Regis New York in the late nineteenth century, and the affair in November will surely rival these gatherings of New York society.

The brands celebration of their 21st hotel kicked off last month with Jazz at Lincoln Centers opening night concert performance for their 2010/ 2011 season, where St. Regis offered guests exclusive access to the event. Paying special tribute to unforgettable jazz performances that have been a foundation at The St. Regis New York since its opening, St. Regis also partnered with Jazz at Lincoln Center to produce Timeless is Modern, a limited edition jazz CD produced exclusively for St. Regis.

The County Club, a long established Private Member’s Club in Bridgwater, Somerset reopened its doors on Wednesday 3rd November 2010, following the first phase of a staged interior refurbishment.

The Club, originally known in the 1800’s as “The Bridgwater Club”, occupies the rooms of a former private house whose origins date from the 17th century. The building is in an area reputed to have been the grounds of the 11th century Bridgwater Castle. Today King Square is bordered on two sides by fine Regency terraces constructed from 1810 onwards.
The Club has undergone a programme of building works and refurbishment in order to construct a new entrance porch and cloakroom. Entrance to the Club is now by way of a raised and fielded six panel door, finished in a sharp black gloss and framed by the reclaimed brickwork of the new porch.

Interior refurbishment has been carried out under the direction of interior designer Deborah Shelton. Following extensive research and consultation with the membership to formulate a brief, the lounge bar and dining areas were relocated and new contemporary accents combined with a simple yet enduring finish were introduced.

The designer advised the committee to ensure that only commercial grade furniture and upholstery fabrics should be introduced, in order to meet the statutory flammability requirements.

Now completed, the new lobby area leads into the dining room, where tables are set against a backdrop of cream wainscoting and walls accented with an appetite whetting Regency red, combined with the timeless elegance of Kentia Palms.

Pale cream walls provide a warm and sophisticated backdrop throughout. In the lounge bar the colour is partnered with a swathe of grey above the wainscot panelling.

Pleated black wall lamps emit a subtle wash of subdued lighting and complement the black armchairs and red Axminster carpet.

Contrasting red tones and charcoal grey elements have been introduced into the drapes, whose horizontal bands engage with the dado rails and small window panes, leading the eye from one area to the next.

The seat cushions of a small number of armchairs have been covered in a barcode of scarlet and grey stripe and the generous window seat in the bar area has been upholstered to match.

Previously, fluorescent strip lighting had been used within the bar both for task lighting and to illuminate the various spirits and wines. The lighting scheme has now been updated with red pendant shades whose white enamel undersides provide bright bar lighting. The upturned chrome domes of the lamp fittings mirror the adjacent glass domes of the existing ceiling lights. Additional spotlights have been fitted adding clever accents to the bar.

Members may now take time to meet and relax in the lounge enjoying the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, accompanied by the faint rustling of broadsheet newspapers or the background commentary of a cricket match.

Editors Note: From the grand £multi-million interiors of the Marriots, Kempinski’s and Intercontinentals of this world to a small incremental tight budget refurbishment in an English provincial town, interior designers work transforms not just interiors but peoples concepts of comfort and luxury. We like to show the whole gamut so please, send us your photographs and articles

Fashion legend Rosita Missoni has now officially opened the very first Hotel Missoni Spa in Edinburgh. Rosita, who is responsible for the design of the hotel, was first to sample some of the treatments offered by the expert team.
Designed to give guests a true reflection of the Missoni lifestyle, Spa Missoni welcomes visitors with the same style and sophistication as the rest of the hotel, infusing bold colours with the iconic Missoni design. A luxurious experience from the outset, clients are welcomed into two vibrant treatment rooms adorned with the signature Missoni spectrum of colour. Yellow floors, teal walls and purple doors combine together to create a unique relaxing and tranquil setting. Guests to the spa are greeted with signature Missoni bathrobes and slippers on arrival, ready to be pampered in style. The indulgence of Spa Missoni also extends to a ‘Chill Zone’ where guests can enjoy healthy snacks and refreshments before and after treatments.Bringing the latest in cosmetic innovation to the Scottish capital, Spa Missoni has introduced Eve Lom and Natura Bissé treatments to the city. Firm favourites of beauty editors, make-up artists and A-List stars, these specialist brands are used across a range of face and body treatments, many of which have been unavailable in Edinburgh until now. With treatments starting from £40 for a 30-minute treatment, the spa offers a selection of luxurious body and beauty treatments, including the Diamond Lifting facial. This highly effective regenerative treatment restores elasticity to the eyes, face, neck, and décolleté leaving skin looking visibly firmer, brighter and revitalised.

Carina Svensen, General Manager at Hotel Missoni Edinburgh, said: “A spa is meant to be the ultimate in relaxation so we want to make sure guests are looked after from the moment they book an appointment. We offer bespoke, flexible packages, and our opening hours mean Spa Missoni is accessible all week – mornings, afternoons and evenings. Our spa fits perfectly with the rest of the hotel and offers an oasis of calm in the bustling city.”

Since opening in June 2009, Hotel Missoni has established itself as a favourite on the social scene in Edinburgh, and has also quickly become a destination of choice for the modern traveller. Spa Missoni reflects the 5-star standard experienced throughout the hotel as it creates a truly sophisticated environment to relax and unwind. The hotel was also just this week awarded Europe’s Leading New Hotel of the Year 2010 at the World Travel Awards.

Accelerating growth in Latin America, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced its return to Costa Rica with the opening of The Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa in May 2011. Marking a milestone in Starwood’s history, The Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa will also be the first all-inclusive resort in Starwood’s global portfolio. Starwood and Desarrollos Hoteleros Guanagaste, a fully owned subsidiary of Reserva Conchal signed a management agreement to re-flag the Paradisus Playa Conchal Resort in Guanacaste as a Westin. The property will undergo extensive renovations to its 406 spacious suites and all public areas.The Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa is set on one of Costa Rica’s most breathtaking beaches, Playa Conchal in Cabo Velas, just 45 minutes from Guanacaste International Airport. Centered around an expansive lagoon-style pool, the resort features beautiful gardens, luxurious suites, thatch-roofed bungalows and breathtaking ocean and forest vistas. Inspiring wellness with its signature Westin Spa, the resort will also offer a variety of outdoor recreation and nightly entertainment. The resort is located adjacent to the championship Robert Trent Jones II golf facility, and features several restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.

The Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa will be the first Starwood property in Costa Rica in 20 years and the newest member of the Westin brand’s resorts portfolio, which offers 40 resorts in the world’s most sought-after vacation destinations. Westin currently has five hotels in Mexico and one in Guatemala, and will be opening five more in Latin America in the next four years including The Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa, Costa Rica; The Westin Libertador, Lima, Peru; The Westin Guadalajara, Mexico; and two in Panama: The Westin Panama and The Westin Playa Bonita.

The soothing Westin Sensory Welcome will create an oasis of calm as guests enter the resort with its subtle White Tea by Westin fragrance, gentle music, botanicals and mood lighting. The brand’s world-renowned Heavenly BedTM is an oasis of lush sheets, down cushioning, and a patented pillow-top mattress. With ten layers of comfort, this custom bed is designed for a deep, undisturbed sleep that energizes body and brain. The Westin Heavenly Bath experience will transform guests shower or bath time into an intensely rejuvenating spa-like experience. In-room, high-speed Internet access and an ergonomic work space will offer travelers convenience and productivity in a tranquil setting.

An ideal venue for weddings, social galas and business functions, The Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa will feature 6,500 square feet of meeting and banquet facilities, as well as a WestinWORKOUT gym, enabling guests to maintain their exercise program and stay in the best possible shape, physically and mentally.

Premier Inn, the UK’s biggest budget hotel chain, has completed a deal with Soho Estates to bring a new 84-bedroom hotel to Leicester Square.

The acquisition will see the former Queen’s Hotel restored to its original use with an investment in the region of £6m. The Premier Inn is expected to create approximately 40 jobs and is scheduled to open in Spring 2012.The historic property, which was built in 1897, is of Portland stone and has an elaborately ornamented French Renaissance exterior. It is located on the north side of Leicester Square, on the corner of Leicester Place next to the Empire Cinema. The property is currently home to a number of operators, including a casino, restaurant and a nightclub, ‘Ruby Blue’, all of which will remain.

Derek Griffin, Head of Acquisitions for Whitbread – Greater London, said: “This is a truly outstanding location and to secure it for Premier Inn guests is fantastic news. This hotel will give budget-conscious visitors to the capital a chance to stay in London’s entertainment heart.”

Stephen Cropper, from Premier Inn’s retained agents Cropper & Co commented; “We are delighted to bring the Queen’s House project to Premier Inn. This represents the 15th hotel site we have recently secured for Premier Inn and I am absolutely delighted that it should be such a prestigious one”.

Paul Whalan, Head of Estates at Soho Estates said: “A great deal of effort has been put in by all parties to agree a conversion scheme for this historic building – in fact Steve Cropper and I have been working on the project for over three years so it’s wonderful to see it all finally come together. It will give me great pleasure to see
Queen’s House restored to its original use as a hotel.”

The refurbishment will transform the interior of the property; each of the 84 bedrooms will be fitted-out to Premier Inn’s high-quality standard and will include air conditioning and WiFi. 24-hour automated check-in kiosks will offer guests a speedy check-in option. Guests will also be reassured by Premier Inn’s ‘good night guarantee’ of a good quality room, comfortable surroundings and friendly service.

Cropper & Co represented Premier Inn; Soho Estates used its internal property team led by Paul Whalan and directed by Managing Director, John James.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently signed four hotel contracts today in Hong Kong at the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP).

This signing covers contracts for its expansion in Taipei, Hong Kong and Xiamen, adding more than 700 rooms to its pipeline with four hotels which will open under Hotel Indigo, the industry’s first branded boutique hotel brand, and Holiday Inn Express, the newly refreshed mid-scale brand respectively. Already one of the largest international hotel groups in Taiwan, IHG’s new Hotel Indigo Taipei Xinyi and Holiday Inn Express Taipei Xinyi will tap into Taiwan’s most well-defined and growing market – Taipei city centre. While Hotel Indigo will address the growing consumer needs for more distinctive and unique lodging experiences, Holiday Inn Express will uniquely satisfy both business and leisure travelers with its competitive rates in Taipei.

Having five open hotels under InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express brand, and another five in the pipeline including Hotel Indigo in Hong Kong, IHG has the largest pipeline in Hong Kong among international hotels operators. The new Holiday Inn Express Hong Kong Mongkok will add 300 rooms into the current pipeline, totaling 1,400 rooms.

Hotel Indigo is the very first lifestyle branded boutique hotel brand in Xiamen. The newly-signed Hotel Indigo Xiamen Harbour View sits on the “Gold Coast” and also the Central Business District (CBD) of Xiamen. The project also contains a retail street aiming to set a new trend of fashion and lifestyle in Xiamen, the nearest city to Taiwan.

Having great confidence in IHG’s strong brands and track-record of management experience and expertise, many owners have multiple properties under different brands. The four newly signed hotels are partnered with three owners, which include:

• Hotel Indigo Xiamen Harbour View:
Owned by Xiamen SK Development Ltd., a well established Hong Kong company, the hotel has 127 rooms and will be open in 2011.

• Hotel Indigo Taipei Xinyi:
Owned by Elements Innovation Co., Ltd., a Taiwan listed real estate company majoring in projects including residential and office development, the hotel offers 173 rooms and expected to open in 2011.

• Holiday Inn Express Taipei Xinyi:
Also owned by Elements Innovation Co., Ltd., the 125-room hotel is expected to open in 2011.

• Holiday Inn Express Hong Kong Mongkok:
Owned by Tai Hung Fai Enterprise Co. Ltd, a Hong Kong based real estate developer that owns over 100 properties across Hong Kong and Macau including Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island, the hotel offers 300 rooms and expected to open in 2014.

Having been established in the China market since 1984, IHG has become a trusted partner for local owners through its successful operations, strategic expansion and high return for owners. Growing its footprint in Chinese cities, IHG currently has 132 hotels open under four brands –InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels Resorts and Holiday Inn Express Hotels – with more than 140 hotels in the development pipeline. The soon-to-launch Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund marks the entry of IHG’s fifth brand in Asia Pacific.

Step back in time on Square 4 for a taste of the 50s as the brand new classic American-style ‘Happy Days Diner’ is in full swing at Colchester University. With vintage decor and a menu full of modern favourites and nostalgic flavours, you’ll have to go a long way to find a finer diner! The diner offers seating for 112 plus additional outdoor seating, SKY Television on two large screens and a classic Wurlitzer Juke Box with free play to guarantee a taste of the rock ‘n’ roll experience.

Wrights Fine Furniture supplied the Happy Days Diner with fixed booth seating, tables, chairs and bar stools, all upholstered in the same striking red faux leather to create a classic American diner setting.

The dramatic collapse of a crane on a key Manchester city centre development site brought work on a multi-million pound hotel development crashing to a halt. Despite delays caused by the collapse, the city centre’s newest hotel has won the race against time to open on schedule.

Thursday October 28 sees the official launch of the Holiday Inn Express in Oxford Road.The venture has created the north of England’s first new-look Holiday Inn Express following a decision by the parent company to re-brand and upgrade the entire chain. Work was held up last year when an 80 tonne crane collapsed on the building site, partly plunging into the nearby River Medlock. Luckily nobody – including the crane operator – was injured.

The Holiday Inn franchise is owned by Intercontinental Group who decided in 2007 to undertake a radical re-branding process, creating a ‘New Generation’ chain of hotels. Hotels under the Holiday Inn flag will boast all modern and technologic facilities. It features hot breakfasts, super- fast internet access, LCD televisions, air conditioning and en-suite power showers, and a pillow choice in every room.

The striking building has already changed the streetscape in Oxford Road with most rooms enjoying floor to ceiling windows to maximise natural daylight.
General Manager Jonathan Smith: “We are delighted with our location in the heart of the city. Oxford Road is one of Manchester’s most central streets, a stone’s throw from the city’s main attractions and close to Piccadilly and Oxford Street train stations. It means our hotel is ideal for the business community as well as visitors and tourists.

“The hotel is surrounded by thriving bars, cafes and restaurants, with Manchester’s Museum, St Peter’s Square, Manchester Library, and the University of Manchester buildings all a few minutes’ walk.

“The architecture of the hotel is also unique. The chosen contemporary and sober design of the building perfectly mingles with the varied architecture styles of Oxford Road, which hosts a variety of listed buildings and modern structures of the University of Manchester.

“It’s not often you can find a hotel that is in the nerve of cultural pulse of city like Manchester, surrounded by some of its landmark buildings which offers all the comforts expected by both business and leisure visitors.

“This has been a special project for Intercontinental Group for the attention we put into choosing a landmark design. We wanted our hotel to fully embrace the architecture of Oxford Street, stand out as an example of the best modern design and continue to provide the best modern facilities possible.”

Horwath HTL, the world’s largest hotel consulting network, hosted a plenary session on pipeline and development at the fourth Russia and CIS Hotel Investment Conference today, held at the Renaissance Moscow Monarch Centre Hotel. Michael O’Hare, Managing Director of Horwath HTL Russia and a leading industry expert in the region, led the session and was joined by senior developers from Hilton, Hyatt, IHG and Starwood Hotels and Resorts.The session addressed whether Russian hotel development had begun to move again after a difficult 2009, where financing was scarce and opportunities were limited. Michael O’Hare talked about the huge disparity in supply of International Hotel Brands compared to demand and how this would be the driving force for opportunities as the financial markets loosened and bank lending began again. The general feeling among the brands was that projects were beginning to move again, and that those hotels whose construction had been delayed due to a freeze on financing were now finding new sources of capital to enable completion.

Michael O’Hare said, “It was positive to hear that projects and demand for opportunities are beginning to grow again. Russia, in particular Moscow and St Petersburg, had a period of very strong growth in the middle of the decade until the financial crisis. Those brands will now need to take the opportunity of an upturn to gain critical mass and look outside of the two major centers to the vast majority of Russian cities that have no International presence at all. There are over 50 cities in the Region with over half a million inhabitants that could support new hotel supply and that is where we expect the focus to be in the coming years.”

Opened just weeks ago, Les Deux Salons is the third restaurant from the critically acclaimed team of Will Smith and Anthony Demetre, who are also behind the Michelin-starred Arbutus and Wild Honey. Situated on William IV Street in the heart of cosmopolitan Covent Garden, Les Deux Salons offers visitors “delicious, simple food in comfortable surroundings.”Internationally acclaimed interior design practice Martin Brudnizki Design Studio created the elegant interior of Les Deux Salons, evoking the relaxed, informal style of a traditional French brasserie. The restaurant features furniture, interior lighting and bespoke metalwork specified from commercial interior specialist Andy Thornton.

Les Deux Salons features Andy Thornton’s slat back bentwood chairs, customized specifically for Les Deux Salons, together with custom-made tables throughout the dining area. Upholstered in leather, the classic chairs sit perfectly at home in the appealingly classic and cosmopolitan surroundings. The company also supplied leather upholstered bentwood bar stools, for customers to enjoy informal drinks at the bar.

Classical bentwood furniture was the perfect choice for this relaxed French brasserie, where exacting attention to detail achieved the perfect look. The bentwood chairs and oak topped tables were lightly distressed and waxed instead of lacquered, to continue the authentic French brasserie feel. With the timeless appeal of bentwood furniture, which is widely regarded as a design classic, Les Deux Salons is traditional, but also completely on trend.

Andy Thornton also supplied brass post lights with opal glass globes between the seating booths, together with brass hand and foot rails and period style door furniture.

Both clients and designers are delighted with the finished result at Les Deux Salons and feel they have created something different, which stands out from the restaurant chains that cater for the tourist trade in Covent Garden.

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has announced plans for three new properties in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui during the next three years, signalling a solid period of strategic Asian expansion for the Swiss-based operator.Building on the success of the Mövenpick Resort and Spa Karon Beach Phuket, its first Thai hotel which opened in 2006, the company has signed a management agreement to operate the Mövenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Mai, the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Mae Nam Beach Koh Samui and the Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Bangkok.

Kicking off the expansion will be the renovation of an existing hotel in downtown Chiang Mai, which will be rebranded the Mövenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Mai. The 286-room hotel is perfectly located on the corner of Loikoh and Changklan Road, right at the heart of Chiang Mai’s landmark the “Night Bazaar”. The hotel is a short distance from Chiang Mai International Airport, the railway and bus station. It is due to open by mid of 2011.

The hotel will feature innovative dining experiences, such as a Thai-Italian Restaurant, an all-day dining venue and wine bar. Shops and a wide range of wellness options, including a spa, pool and fitness centre will be available.

The Mövenpick Resort & Spa Mae Nam Beach Koh Samui coming up on the beautiful northern shore of the island will feature 81 exclusive villas with private pools offering stunning views across the Gulf of Thailand and to Koh Pha-Ngan. The resort will appeal to high-end leisure travellers.

Contemporary dining outlets, an extensive organic garden with a Thai restaurant and a signature spa will entice guests from around the world. The resort is slated to be operational by the end of 2011.

The Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Bangkok located in Phayathai near the Victory Monument area, will feature 266 modern, spaciously appointed rooms and suites, in addition to 100 residences. A convenient feature includes an unparalleled collection of loft-style guest rooms. Due to open by 2014, it will offer a privileged location for business and leisure travellers alike with easy access to the nearby sky train and the Airport Express link. The hotel will be located close to the major downtown shopping areas.

Existing projects in the country include the upcoming Mövenpick White Sand Beach Resort, located in Jomtien, close to Pattaya, an hour and a half drive from Bangkok.

Scheduled to open by 2013, the resort will offer a convenient get-away to enjoy the outdoors with a magnificent lagoon pool, entertainment for the family and a variety of tempting dining choices. The hotel will attract domestic, intra-regional and international leisure travellers. Extensive banqueting facilities and meeting rooms will be available to host incentive groups and world-class conferences.

Furthermore, the Mövenpick Residence Karon Beach Phuket has recently introduced a new resort style residential development. The project comprises of five low-rise buildings, each housing six contemporary 130-square metre two bedroom apartments. The butler-serviced apartments offer a rich lifestyle and hassle-free beach home ownership with attractive investment potential and management rent-out programmes.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., has announced that it is applying its industry leading, design-driven approach to its two largest brands with the debut of new guestroom designs for Westin and Sheraton hotels. The new room schemes, from furniture to textiles, were custom-created by Starwood’s in-house Brand Design team led by Erin Hoover, Vice President of Design. With a background in fashion, fine art and industrial design, the team applied key learning’s from extensive in-room behavior research which indicated a desire for a greater level of stylish functionality – resulting in design specifically targeted to address some of traveler’s biggest pet peeves. The new room designs will be featured in new hotels and renovation projects globally across both brands.The new Westin and Sheraton guestrooms are highly functional, globally relevant and designed to reflect each brand’s distinct personality. Inspired by natural elements and featuring neutral color palettes, natural woods and stone the new Westin rooms bring to life the brand’s philosophy of preserving wellness on the road in three dimensions and evoke a sense of balance. The design team used Sheraton’s storied history as a global industry icon to serve as inspiration for the brand’s new guestrooms, which portray a sense of occasion and heritage by utilizing rich color palettes with pops of accent colors and modern interpretations of classic herringbone, basket-weave and geometric patterns.

Finally! Somewhere to Put the Room Service Tray…

Both new room schemes blend great design with intuitive functionality to provide a welcome solution for many of traveler’s top pet peeves. No more crawling on hands and knees to find a free outlet, gone are the luggage racks of yesteryear and finally, somewhere to put the room service tray. Key highlights include:

• Custom Westin-designed accent table that folds out to fit a room-service tray or laptop, and folds closed to occupy a smaller space. With a quick flip the multi-use table can serve as a working area for an impromptu laptop session or transform into an intimate table for in-room dining.

• Custom Sheraton-designed bedside tables with built-in outlets that face beds, facilitating easy computer and electronics charging use.

• Expanded Westin closet includes shelves and the mini bar, freeing valuable room space and reducing clutter.

• Westin upholstered bench that can double as a luggage rack and is easily stored under the television console and oversized signature Sheraton armchairs with ottomans stored beneath seats, creating additional living area space.

• Sheraton rooms feature an LED nightlight, allowing guests to find their way in an unfamiliar space without turning on the lights and the new Westin rooms incorporate strategically-placed, adjustable LED reading lights in the headboard.

Continued on page 2…

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), continued its growth in Latin America’s largest nation with the opening of its first hotel in the city of Cuiabá, the Holiday Inn Express Cuiabá. The hotel is the13th IHG property in Brazil and the 39th Holiday Inn-branded hotel in Latin America, with nine additional Holiday Inns currently under construction.The 128-room Holiday Inn Express Cuiabá is developed and owned by Diamante Azul Hotelaria and is located in the Jardim Leblon neighborhood within 20 minutes of the Marechal Rondon Airport in Cuiabá. The new hotel features a fitness and business center as well as 12 meetings rooms of premium event space with capacity for 500 people.

Cuiabá is the capital of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, which is located in the center of Brazil. Cuiabá itself is renowned for its location in the exact geographic center of Latin America.

“Cuiabá is an ideal example of the type of location in which we look to further the Holiday Inn brand throughout Brazil,” said Jim Anhut, Chief Development Officer, Americas. “It is a city of a half-million people, with a well-balanced economy that focuses on tourism, agro-business and trade. There are literally dozens of cities in Brazil that we have targeted as potential sites to further the growth of the Holiday Inn brand.”

IHG’s 12 existing properties in Brazil are located in: Belem, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Manaus, Natal, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Luis do Maranhao and Sao Paulo.

“Brazil continues to position itself as a global economic powerhouse, and we welcome the property and its owner Diamante Azul Hotelaria to the IHG family,” said Alvaro Diago, COO, IHG, Latin America and Caribbean. “With the World Cup in 2014 and Olympics in 2016, all eyes are on this country, and one of the key areas is hotel expansion. With 64 years of continuous experience in Latin America, and Brazil the location of our birth, we believe that IHG’s value proposition to owners is unlike any other international hotel companies.”

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that it will open the first Le Méridien hotel in the sophisticated and vibrant European “Capital of Culture.” Scheduled to open in the autumn of 2011, the new 260-room Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler marks the brand’s debut in Turkey. Owned by Makyol Construction Industry Tourism and Trading Co. Inc., the hotel overlooks the crystal blue waters of the Bosphorus offering panoramic views over two continents and is anticipated to become a landmark in Turkey’s rapidly developing cultural, economic and financial centre.Ideally located in the prestigious area of Etiler, just one kilometre from the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge connecting Europe and Asia, Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler will be tailored to both business and leisure travellers. The 32-story hotel will provide a fully integrated contemporary lifestyle experience featuring 206 guest rooms, 26 suites and 28 serviced apartments, a Creative Hub (Le Méridien’s new lobby concept), destination bar, signature restaurant and rooftop lounge with stunning views of the city. Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler will also offer 1,700 square metres of hi-tech meeting and event space, a spacious wellness area including a gym, spa and both indoor and outdoor pools.

Designed by Turkish architect Emre Arolat, the unique, modern structure rises high above the buildings in the local area. Arolat placed great importance on finding the right source of inspiration for the structure. In his design, he refers to the pre-existing neighbourhood buildings as building blocks arranged on top of one another to create a skyscraper that blends in harmoniously with its environment. Between these three blocks, patches of natural greenery were added to further enhance this balance between structure and surroundings. Each single block gradually becomes transparent as we move up the levels of the buildings so as to allow the guests to fully immerse themselves in the sky and atmosphere of the Bosphorus.

Interiors have been designed by Istanbul-based Metex in conjunction with Le Méridien brand design management. The hotel design will create a unique experience for international creative minds and locals alike.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts currently operates six hotels throughout Turkey, including three in Istanbul – W Istanbul, Sheraton Istanbul Maslak Hotel and Sheraton Istanbul Atakoy Hotel, Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Centre, Sheraton Voyager Antalya Hotel and Sheraton Cesme Hotel Resort and Spa. In addition to Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler, Starwood will also open a Luxury Collection Hotel in Ankara next year.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

The World Travel Market never ceases to fascinate me. National costumes in abundance, people dressed as penguins, kangaroos and of course ‘the suits’, male and female, throng the busy aisles. With Excel bursting to capacity and some exhibitors bemoaning the lack of space they have, their inability to expand their presence, this is obviously a very popular annual show. Over 50,000 trade visitors predominantly come from the travel industry. Although hotel groups populate it in part, for a designer it has limited value except by way of increasing the understanding to be gained of the competitive environment for hotels, and of what is popular now.Some of the prognostications that emerge should be taken with a large pinch of salt – such as the prediction that Iraq will be the next growth area for tourism (want a holiday that goes with a bang?).

Occasionally one does stumble across indicators as to changes in the market. For me it was the arrival of Suites in A380 and Boeing 747 aircraft from operators like Etihad. Making an interesting companion with nite nite or Yotel, the luxury flat bed accommodation being put in first class cabins shows how compact the design of a bedroom can be.

The Etihad seat is manufactured in a burr walnut veneer and has a large flat screen TV at one end, a good size work area with task lamp and the ability for close it off totally for privacy. There is even a wardrobe and a minibar to complement the fine leather and veneers. Whilst the layout does not vary enormously from airline to airline, the luxury notes struck here make an interesting comparison with BA’s more austere business class cabin, and put Virgin’s upper class in the shade.

© Patrick Goff/HotelDesign 2010

The Kessler Collection, a portfolio of boutique four and five-diamond quality properties located in Florida, Georgia, Colorado and New Mexico, and IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) announced the transition of The Castle Hotel to a Holiday Inn Resort as of Nov. 1, 2010. Located in the heart of Orlando, on the famed International Drive, the rebranded Holiday Inn Resort Orlando – The Castle provides guests with a magical experience, full of enchantment, starting with the hotel’s storied history. Built as the first Kessler Collection property in 1995, The Castle Hotel fulfilled the childhood wish of Mr. Kessler’s daughter, Laura, to have her very own princess castle.

Holiday Inn Resort Orlando – The Castle also offers business travelers brand new “Smart Rooms” a concept developed by IHG. Smart Rooms are available for a $20 upgrade and feature Brother Five-In-One machines with printer, scanner, copier and fax plus use of Roomlinx, featuring business tools that allow sophisticated travelers the chance to leave their personal laptops at home.

“The Kessler Collection’s commitment to providing guests with the highest level of service and attention to detail blends well with our relaunch of Holiday Inn hotels across the country,” said Gina LaBarre, vice president, Brand Delivery, The Americas, IHG. “This is a wonderful property that has become a favorite of both leisure and business travelers since it opened in 1995.”

The agreement between IHG and The Kessler Collection is a testament to the strength of 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. The global estate of more than 3,400 Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express properties are expected to relaunch by the end of 2010, and nearly 2,800 hotels have already been relaunched to date.

Featuring 216 guest rooms and suites just steps from world-class dining, shopping and entertainment Holiday Inn Resort Orlando – The Castle combines artistic flare and playful luxury within its medieval-inspired walls. From the rare doll collection and castle creatures to the medieval architecture and authentic Austrian castle detailing, the hotel creates an atmosphere guests of all ages are sure to love. The hotel also features newly renovated guest suites of regal décor, a heated outdoor pool with a fountain and stunning rooftop terraces fit for a princess to await her prince. Guests enjoy a menu fit for a king at Castle Café, serving fantastic cuisine from the daily continental breakfast with made-to-order omelets to in-room dining options for those who wish to stay within their chamber. Additionally, Jester’s Poolside Lounge offers plenty of food and beverage choices for guests to enjoy under the sun.

In 2008, Paola Lenti developed the proto-type Afra chair. It was 100% Italian and, as with most Italian design, was a superb piece which realised the product as aesthetically pleasing, functional and very comfortable. It ticked just about all the boxes; it fulfilled the company’s clear intent of using the highest technology fabrics combined with traditional crafts to produce exquisite yet functional items for the home. But it lacked a vital intangible contribution to the product’s success. With Paola’s commitment to tradition and vernacular, her journey has led her to rediscover ancient techniques for high-quality textiles. Key words that she uses when describing what she aims for in her designs are “authenticity” and “soul”. If an African weave is used for a chair, such as that in the Afra Chair, it cannot be woven in Italy and given the description of “African” or even “African-style”, because it would be neither authentic nor credible. With the assistance of South African branch of The Modern Garden Company in Cape Town, they set out to find an ethical and empowered rural crafts facility that was sufficiently skilled and business focused to be able to produce to a staggeringly high international standard plus being deal with all the ancillary issues of secure clean storage, international freighting and timings. They found it in a Craft Art Village in the province of Limpopo, operated by a Foundation created with the sole aim of promoting and redeveloping the traditional craft art and skills of people living in the rural villages of the area.

The encounter between Paola Lenti and the Limpopo weavers represents a confluence of two cultures: Paola Lenti, well known in the international market for a unique style based on textile innovation and use of traditional working techniques, combined with an entrepreneurial know-how in marketing and distribution on one hand; and on the other, Limpopo women with centuries of traditional skills in crafts such as weaving, embroidery and bead work passed down from generation to generation.

The meeting of such different skills and styles have given rise to production of a limited series of objects, the most significant of which is still the Afra Chair. This item has provided a sustainable source of income for a number of the Village women over the past twelve months and other items such as baskets, embroidered linen and special edition beaded animals are introduced as special editions for exhibitions and displays around the world for Paola Lenti.

Click here for The Modern Garden Company in the Directory

Emerging Asian hotel investment company – Red Planet Hotels – continues to chronicle an impressive array of achievements as it forges ahead in its mission to place multiple limited service hotels in key Asian cities.

The company is developing a portfolio of Tune hotels in China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Bangladesh. It is currently constructing 1,023 hotel rooms through six hotels in Indonesia – Jakarta, Thailand – Bangkok and Pattaya, the Philippines – Angeles City and two in Manila. More announcements expected soon.All Red Planet-owned hotels operate under a franchise agreement with Tune Hotels.

Announcing the latest development at the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) in Hong Kong recently, Red Planet Hotels Chief Executive Officer, Tim Hansing said: “Tune Hotels’ business model is solid and complements our investment methodology. Even though many investment companies have been looking to contain expenses and put expansion on the back burner, we were able to go out at the end of global financial crisis in 2009 and raise significant capital.”

“To be able to raise funds and then to quickly secure sites and contracts to have over 1,000 keys under construction is a significant achievement and testament to the strength of our experienced management team and the Tune Hotels business model. We are looking for more opportunities to expand in Asia’s emerging markets with multiple sites in key cities, particularly those that Tune Hotels have interest in,” Hansing said.

Mr Hansing added the limited service hotel synergy presented Red Planet Hotels with some fantastic opportunities for expansion across the region and sites are continually being scoped and investigated.

Tune Hotels is part of the Tune Group, the private investment group of Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes, founder and Group CEO of low cost carrier AirAsia and Team Principal of the Lotus Racing F1 team.

Tune Hotels is a rapidly growing chain of hotels that have embraced the limited service model used by low cost airlines and employ a self-service online booking system encouraging guests to book early to enjoy exceptionally low prices. Using the demand-based pricing booking system, guests can book rooms at prices starting from USD3.00 (or even lower during promotion periods) through the web.

It currently operates ten hotels – seven in Malaysia, two in Bali, Indonesia and one in London, England; and has entered into strategic partnerships to open 20 hotels in India and a further 14 hotels in the United Kingdom.

Crimson Hotel Group has opened the first phase of the Holiday Inn Express London – Heathrow T5 which will be the largest Holiday Inn Express in Europe when it is completed in spring 2011.With an investment of over £16 million, the Holiday Inn Express London – Heathrow T5 will have a total of 300 rooms. The first stage of the development is now complete with 125 contemporary bedrooms and the Great Room (a stylish public lobby with a restaurant and bar) open for use.

The second stage of the project will be completed by Spring 2011 and will see the opening of a further 175 bedrooms, another restaurant and four inspiring meeting rooms, accommodating up to 80 guests.

Aly Kassam, Director at Crimson Hotel Group says: “We have identified a gap in the market for the budget conscious traveller at Holiday Inn Express London – Heathrow T5 which is one of the first completely new hotels to open under the latest IHG brand standards. We can offer business and leisure guests a great choice and fantastic value for money, which is just what people want in today’s market place.”

Holiday Inn Express London – Heathrow T5 provides a stylish and contemporary setting and is decorated in the signature style of the new Holiday Inn Express brand.

Guests can enjoy a complimentary ‘Express Start Hot Breakfast’ including a delicious continental breakfast, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon or sausages as part of the new IHG brand standards. All bedrooms are en-suite and amenities include tea and coffee making facilities, flat screen LCD TV as standard, wireless internet access, telephone, hairdryer and ample workspace. For a perfect night’s sleep, guests can choose from soft or firm pillows and wake up to an invigorating power shower to start off the day.

Holiday Inn Express London – Heathrow T5 is situated in the heart of the UK’s most important transport hub for air, road and rail networks. Terminal 5 is just two miles away and a shuttle bus runs to and from the hotel for airport transfers.

Nearby attractions include Windsor Castle, Ascot Racecourse, Thorpe Park, Legoland and Chessington World of Adventures, which makes it a perfect destination for families. It is also ideally situated close to Dorney Lake which will be the home of Olympic rowing in 2012.

Luxury hotel operator, Langham Hotels International, is set to plant its unique blend of stimulating modern hospitality in the Middle East with the introduction of the first Langham Place in Doha, Qatar, which will become the city’s new entertainment hub when completed.Set to open in late 2012, Langham Place, Doha, Qatar, will anchor the group’s fast developing expansion plans in the Middle East.

Located in the heart of Doha, just blocks away from the Hamad Medical City and along the C-Ring Road, the uniquely-shaped Al Shemoukh Towers, which means Standing Proud in Arabic, projects as a modern architectural marvel complete with one of the city’s most interesting collections of curated modern Middle Eastern art.

Each of the 250 spacious modern guestrooms (from 40sq m) and 40 serviced residences will be luxuriously-appointed including signature Dream Big Beds and expansive bathrooms. As an icon of user-friendly modern technology, Langham Place will also feature enhanced entertainment systems and the latest in internet connectivity.

Langham Place, Doha is designed to be a lifestyle destination in its own right with exciting features such as DJs spinning in the lobby and by the pool, a stylish urban Beach Club in the City concept, extensive dining including Portal – Work & Play – a proprietary brand concept which recognises that today’s guests work and play in the same space while staying totally connected to the outside world, a chocolate bar and a Chuan Spa.

For pure fun, the poolside club with a Miami Beach-style atmosphere will be the perfect urban getaway. The resort-style club features an expansive pool deck and children’s pool and a DJ pod. Guests can also relax in the shady cabanas while enjoying cuisine from the open grill restaurant.

Just one level away will be the Middle East’s first Chuan Spa featuring its range of award-winning treatments based upon the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The guest’s journey to wellness in this unique spa concept is designed to create an ambience of tranquillity for both contemplation and inspiration.

The modern glass tower bridge connecting the two towers across multiple floors stands out as a modern icon of innovative entertainment. These include a private guest lounge – Club L – to relax, refuel, replay, as well as quiet areas for meditation.

Langham Place, Doha will feature a number of exciting outlets including Western, Middle Eastern and Asian concepts. These include a specialist Japanese robatayaki restaurant and Moroccan French café, a cigar bar and a themed multi-level entertainment concept offering stimulating food and beverage experiences.

The property will also be home to inspiring and exciting meetings and functions
with a fresh approach to events. In addition to the ballroom, these include the Meeting Studios with its open kitchen break out areas and specially designed drawing rooms serviced by the Meeting Concierges.

Marriott International, Inc. continues to grow its world-class luxury JW Marriott hotel brand with the opening of the JW Marriott Marquis Miami in downtown Miami. The much anticipated hotel is a crowning achievement in the rebirth of downtown Miami, and a centerpiece of the Metropolitan Miami residential, entertainment, retail, hotel and office complex. It is also the latest addition to a growing portfolio of 47 JW Marriott properties in key cities and destinations throughout the world.Within the brand, the “Marquis” designation is reserved for select downtown properties that offer the highest levels of comfort, technology, personal service, meeting facilities, privacy and world class amenities. The JW Marriott Marquis Miami is the company’s first JW property to be classified a “Marquis”. A second 1,612-room JW Marriott Marquis is scheduled to open in Dubai in 2011.

JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts growth plans call for another 20 properties expected to open over the next five years, bringing the total portfolio to more than 65 hotels in 27 countries. In December, the company will open the JW Marriott Chicago. Featuring exquisite architecture and elegant décor, this historical landmark’s $396 million restoration blends Burnham’s distinctive style with 21st century sensibility, providing downtown Chicago with a hotel of distinctive luxury. Earlier this year, the brand celebrated the opening of two landmark hotels, the JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles at L.A. Live and the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Future locations include the JW Marriott Indianapolis Downtown (USA), the JW Marriott Hotel Bangalore (India) and the JW Marriott Gaakoshibee Resort & Spa (Maldives).

For dining and recreation at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, the hotel will feature three restaurants, including db Bistro Moderne. For relaxation and fitness, the hotel offers two full floors of recreation and lifestyle amenities totaling 50,000 square feet. These include an outdoor swimming pool; a 10,000-square-foot NBA approved basketball court, Jim McLean Golf School with virtual golf and golf lessons, a bowling alley, media room, billiard room and a state of the art fitness center. The hotel will also be home to South Florida’s leader in trendsetting beauty, a 4,000 square foot Rik-Rak Salon & Spa.

The JW Marriott Marquis Miami offers more than 80,000 square feet of flexible space, including the largest ballroom space in downtown Miami, at 20,000 square feet. The proximity to the Miami financial district combined with the variety of meeting space makes the JW Marriott Marquis Miami an excellent option for a larger or more intimate group.

The hotel also offers Virtual Meetings by JW Marriott, in partnership with AT&T and Cisco. The public telepresence facility at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami is the first to open in Florida and enables people to hold virtual meetings with customers and colleagues around the world.

Hotel Beaux Arts Miami

In addition to the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, the Hotel Beaux Arts Miami will open in mid-November as part of the Metropolitan Miami development. Hotel Beaux Arts provides a private, urban retreat environment catering to the most sophisticated and influential business and leisure traveler. Situated on the 39th floor, with city and bay views, this architectural masterpiece offers distinguished guests total exclusivity. The hotel provides guests with their own private check-in and personal escort to 44 lavishly decorated guestrooms and suites that feature a modern elegance with plush bedding, exclusive state-of-the-art video and sound systems throughout, hardwood floors and Italian marble bathrooms.

Located at 345 Avenue of the Americas, the JW Marriott Marquis Miami and the Hotel Beaux Arts are at the center of the new Met Miami entertainment and lifestyle complex, which is close to the financial district and American Airlines Arena – home of the Miami Heat, and a short drive from South Beach.

Fifteen London, the flagship restaurant founded by Jamie Oliver in 2002, has re-opened following a major interior overhaul. Fifteen is a restaurant that uses the magic of food to give unemployed young people a chance to have a better future. All its profits go to their registered charity, the Jamie Oliver Foundation, which funds its pioneering Apprentice Programme. Commercial interiors specialist Andy Thornton Ltd was delighted to be able to donate decorative metal tiles to the recent refurbishment of the restaurant, when approached by the interior designer consultants Blacksheep. Used to stunning effect above the restaurant’s booth seating, the embossed tiles reflect the ambient interior lighting to create a warm, appealing glow.

Explained Blacksheep’s Creative Director Jo Sampson, “We wanted to bring a bit of soul and heritage back into the interior, the restaurant has a great location in a wonderful old building and we sought to reconnect the space to the building’s fabric and context in our materials palette. The interior is contemporary and urban as well as rich, warm and welcoming.”

These metal tiles have been manufactured for well over 100 years but have recently become popular for a variety of applications. They are usually used as ceiling tiles, but can also be used as wall panelling or to clad bars and shop display counters. They are particularly popular in hospitality and retail applications where, as well as being attractive, they have unique acoustic and fire resistance properties.

Andy Thornton are the exclusive distributors for the American manufacturer who still make the tiles on a 100-year-old ‘Mammoth’ press, using 800 tons of force to ensure crisp and accurate detail on every tile. They can be used in their natural metal finish or painted in any BS or RAL colour.