Omaha’s dynamic Midtown Crossing district is now the site of a new Element hotel, the much-talked-about “green trailblazer” from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Element Omaha Midtown Crossing, which opened on the 4th November 2010, is the first hotel in Midtown, and marks Element Hotels’ debut in the U.S. Midwest. The hotel is owned by East Campus Realty and managed by Aimbridge Hospitality.Part of the thriving Midtown Crossing development, and just minutes from downtown Omaha and Eppley Airfield, Element Omaha Midtown Crossing is ideally situated beside the natural beauty of Turner Park. Omaha is home to five Fortune 500 companies and cultural attractions such as The Orpheum Theater, Rosenblatt Stadium and Joslyn Art Museum. The hotel will be Element’s 8th property in the U.S., with the highly anticipated opening of Element Times Square West in New York City later this year.
Element continues to make history as the first major hotel brand to mandate that all its properties pursue the US Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for high-performance buildings. Designed to be “green from the ground up,” Element hotels blend nature-inspired smart design, inspiring public spaces, and comfortable modern touches.
With 132 spacious guest rooms, Element Omaha Midtown Crossing delivers a no-compromise, eco-chic experience where guests can stay active, healthy and balanced while on the road, including complimentary wellness programs and healthy food options. Rise, Element’s daily complimentary breakfast, includes well-balanced breakfast wraps and fruit smoothies, while Motion, the state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness center, allows guests to maintain their fitness routines on the go. The hotel also features a Bikes-to-Borrow program, which encourages guests to stay energized every day during their stay.
Element:Green from the Ground Up
From spacious guest rooms featuring fully-equipped kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms, and the Heavenly(R) Bed to sustainable design and eco-friendly practices, Element Hotels is a smarter, better place to stay, perfect for the traveler visiting for a few days or a few weeks.
Element hotels’ green features are cleverly designed to be as aesthetically appealing as they are eco-friendly, so guests never compromise on style and comfort. Eco-friendly materials are used whenever possible and natural light is maximized throughout the hotels. Element conserves water and energy with low-flow faucets and fixtures, compact florescent light bulbs and energy-efficient appliances. To further reduce waste, guest room bathrooms are equipped with amenity dispensers, kitchens are supplied with silverware and glassware instead of plastic utensils and paper cups, and filtered drinking water is available rather than plastic water bottles among other initiatives. Recycling bins are available in guest rooms and public areas. Even the ubiquitous “Do Not Disturb” sign has been replaced with an environmentally-friendly magnet.
SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Editors Note: Concepts of what is ‘green’ in the US are strangely divorced from any real ecologically sound measures. Contrast the description of ‘green’ here with the ‘green’ credentials of Premier Inn in our article of Sept. 20th Burgess Hill to realise how much of this article is just PR spin from Starwood rather than any real attempt to to use current state of the art approaches to building a carbon neutral hotel.
ACID Ambassador Dr Frederick Mostert ACID’s Chief legal counsel Nick Kounoupias and ACID’s CEO Dids Macdonald recently held further constructive talks with UK IPO’s John Alty to present the rationale behind ACID’s claim for design rights to be brought in line with copyright and trade marks.ACID’s argument is based on the fact that copyright is a property right subsisting inter alia in “artistic works” – see Section 1(1) (a) CDPA and Design right is a property right subsisting in original designs (S.213 (1) CDPA). ACID believes that copyright and design rights are exactly the same type of legal right and should be treated similarly. ACID further argues the fact that copyright infringement is in certain circumstances a criminal offence (see S.198 CDPA).
These crimes are punishable by up to ten years imprisonment. Infringement of design right is not a criminal offence and can be dealt with by way of civil proceedings only and we believe that this gives rise to anomalies and inequality of treatment
The Alliance Against IP Theft has placed ACID’s lobbying issues in its main strategy for 2011+
• Design right to have parity with copyright • Increase in exemplary damages for IP infringement
Dids Macdonald said, “We have provided a compelling rationale and now that we have full backing from the influential Alliance Against IP Theft, I feel that this will be a positive step forward in ensuring that Andrew Gower’s recommendations to the UKIPO for parity in IP rights will be nearer reality. It is long overdue for the design industry. Our next step is to present our case to IP Minister Baroness Wilcox.”
A full rationale from Nick Kounoupias can be viewed here.
W Hotels Worldwide has recently opened the doors of W Retreat Koh Samui, the first W in Southeast Asia. An all-villa beachfront resort uniquely located at the peak of the north shore of Thailands famed Samui Island, W Koh Samui brings an alluring new dimension to Thailand through its location, forward-looking design, and vibrant contemporary lifestyle. The opening of W Koh Samui is also an important milestone as W Hotels continues to grow internationally, on track to more than double its global portfolio by 2012, reaching more than 50 hotels worldwide. Sa-Wow-de ka to W Retreat Koh Samui
A modern paradise of vibrant foliage, unspoiled golden sand and warm island breezes, W Koh Samui offers panoramic sunrise and sunset views of the Gulf of Thailand from its exceptional beachfront location. The Retreat features 75 private villas equipped with modern lifestyle innovations, including a private pool, daybeds, an outdoor shower, Yamaha sound system, 46-inch plasma screen TV, wine refrigerator, and the signature W bed.
Koh Samuis Spirit of Celebration Meets Modern, Cutting-Edge Design
Showcasing innovative architecture by MAPS Design Studio and interior design by Thailand-based design firm P49 Deesign, W Retreat Koh Samui, like Koh Samui itself, is an island within an island, a place that will light up the night. With a hill separating its own peninsula of land from the rest of Koh Samui, W Retreat Koh Samui offers an escape within an escape for guests and travelers who seek something extraordinary, a far cry from the everyday resorts nearby.
Ws signature W Lounge (Ws take on the traditional hotel lobby), a magnificent design, rich with stunning ocean vistas welcomes stylish island guests as they arrive at the retreat. Upon entry, guests will experience interactive digital floor projections that give way to an environment accented with off-white terrazzo floors, high ceilings clad in angular bleached wood veneer panels, large bookshelves and oversized lamps. A key element of the W Lounge is a water feature and relaxing area, inspired by the shape of a lotus flower.
Mr Smith World Photography, London based fine art photographers feature a captivating collection of images developed over many years of world travel. This portfolio is themed “Trees and Forests”, from the Natural World Collection. Prints are available from the online gallery or as bespoke artwork from Mr Smith’s extensive catalogue.
Preston based soft furnishings designer and manufacturer Cliq Designs has launched a new midi quilted throw that will allow hotel guestroom designers and specifiers to make a dramatic visual impact, as well as offering customers a practical and comfortable addition to their sleep experience.Focusing on aesthetic innovation, Cliq’s new midi quilted throw is 200 cm deep – in contrast to narrower 65 cm scarf width and 130 cm full width throws. As well as making an impressive visual statement, the midi quilted throw provides additional warmth at night, and can be doubled over to suit guests’ needs.
The new midi quilted throw can be produced in the designer’s supplied choice of fabric, lining, edging and finish/quilting options. Alternatively, it can be ordered fully made up from Cliq Designs’ Off The Peg boucle fabric range and from the Bene range of 100% organic cotton fabrics that incorporate an eco-friendly fire retardant.
The new midi quilted throw has already been specified at the recently completed Scarlet Hotel at Mawgan Porth in Cornwall, and Cliq Designs’ managing director Adam Bolton says that the range has emerged through careful analysis of what hotels and, just as importantly, their customers want from a guest bedroom. “We worked in collaboration with the developers of the Scarlet Hotel and designer Stephan Oberwegner of Max Bentheim to create a new form of throw. The midi quilted throw makes an innovative statement in guestroom design, and offers a hotel’s customers a new way to enjoy their sleep experience.”
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai will join Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. as the latest addition to its Luxury Collection portfolio, effective today. The resort will be renamed ‘Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai’, with Emirates retaining ownership of the resort and Starwood Hotels & Resorts overseeing the management of the property.Designed and built following the principles of environmentally sustainable development, Al Maha has been at the forefront of conservation-based hospitality in the Middle East, for over 10 years. The resort was designed to recreate a Bedouin encampment spread across the vast dunes, featuring 42 secluded suites with tented roofs, floor-to-ceiling windows, marbled bathrooms, private deck and pool.
Al Maha rests within the 225-square kilometre Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) one of the largest formally protected conservation reserves in the Gulf and is internationally recognised. The DDCR will continue to be sponsored and managed by Emirates. Al Maha was lauded for its efforts by the World Travel & Tourism Council earlier this year and was identified as the region’s leading sustainable eco-tourism development by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Surrounded by some of the region’s most spectacular landscape, rich with protected wildlife and filled with experiences of traditional Bedouin pastimes, Al Maha offers a sophisticated, yet simple and serene experience to its guests. Sunset camel rides, desert safaris, wildlife drives, horse-riding and falconry are all part of the unique indigenous experience at the resort as well as soothing massage treatments at its spa with an infinity pool overlooking the sands, scrub and mountains.
A discrete suite of meeting rooms is available for small boardroom and executive conferences and the resort has been acclaimed as the ultimate incentive destination.
In addition, the Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa has taken on the mantle of a cultural treasure trove. Its initial collection of Arab antiques, artefacts and artworks acquired to fuel the Arabic experience in suites and public areas now expanded to more than 2,000 pieces covering carpets, tents, jewellery, brass coffee pots, camel bags and saddles as well as specially commissioned wildlife paintings.
New Mystique collection by Agua enables designers to create striking high-end interiors.Offered in sophisticated metallic finishes, this modern faux leather range is contemporary, stylish and luxurious. Shimmering bronzes, dazzling golds with sparkling silvers and of course, the timeless black and white, make up five coordinating designs: Pegasus, Titan, Troll, Bamboo and Fleur.
Used individually or in tandem, the elements of the Mystique collection will create beautiful headboards as easily as they can be used to upholster chairs or even tables and bar fronts!
Full details of these and other Agua collections can be found on our website. Visit our page in the Directory here for contact details.
Interior fit out specialists Dawnvale have just completed an impressive new Bar Lounge for Celebrity Chef Andrew Nutter’s, Nutters Restaurant.
Run with his family, Andrew and his father had a clear idea what would complement their award winning venue. Coupled with Dawnvale’s knowledge, experience and creativity, the Restaurant now has a bar lounge to rival any restaurant. Gone are the aged tables, chairs and interior; now in their place is a contemporary lounge area for pre-dinner drinks and Champagne cocktails.The entire lounge and bar areas were all part of a fast track refurbishment program, all of which were carried out and managed by Dawnvale. A bespoke interior scheme was designed, manufactured and installed to complete the classic modern interior within the10 day program.
The entire wing of the Manor was stripped back to the shell with the refurbishment program incorporating structural works, M&E, building and joinery along with all interior finishes, furniture and fittings to walls and floors.
With teams working round the clock and the odd hidden gem uncovered along the way in the old property, the skills and experience of our contracting team coped with all obstacles, and finished on time and within budget.
With an eye for attention to detail, Nutters have further contracted Dawnvale to refurbish the Bar and Commercial kitchen to same high standards as the Lounge, providing the Manor House with the perfect interior for the extravagance of Andrew Nutters cuisine.
Andrew commented: “after using Dawnvale on other projects, we had no hesitation in using them on this of which is our largest to date. Dawnvale provided a professional approach to everything that was expected to deliver the perfect finish, from the initial design to the final product. There was a complete trust factor and an open book policy – “Just close the door and i’ll leave you to it – see you in 10 days!”
Andrew Nutter is an award winning Chef, hosts numerous TV programmes, has his own books, judges many cookery events and of course demonstrates at major food events around the country, the list is endless!
Nutters Restaurant is housed in the lavish setting of an 18th century manor house, set in 6 ½ acres of groomed parkland with spectacular views across Ashworth moors, all this makes perfect settings for the extravagance of Andrew Nutters cuisine.
The Eaton Hotel Hong Kong has announced a rebranding to Eaton Smart, Hong Kong effective 11 October 2010. As part of this exciting rebranding the hotel has spent over HK$10 million on refurbishing its lobby which includes a new reception, retail shop, internet portal and indoor and outdoor bar areas. Comfort, Convenience and Connectivity are key elements of the Eaton experience and the new lobby reflects this. The lobby provides easy accessibility to the reception area, restaurants, bars other guest service facilities. The Eaton design philosophy is to create an environment that is Simple, Smart and Soothing using an abundance of light along with the use of natural tones and materials with uncomplicated clean lines.
Wherever possible, organic elements have been introduced as part of the look and feel of the lobby, supporting Eaton’s commitment to sustainability. The introduction of a 6 metre high by 8 metre wide internal vertical green wall is an example with this new feature being Hong Kong’s largest indoor vertical wall within a hotel. The green wall features 3600 Sansevieria trifasciata – Mother in law’s tongue or Snake plants. These large leaf plants were specifically chosen to assist with improving indoor air quality through photosynthesis which reduces the velocity of mechanical air handling and the subsequent energy required to drive the air handling units.
The lobby also features another sustainable material which is Bamboo walling and flooring. Bamboo can easily and quickly be re-grown in a reasonably short time and is typically harvested every four to five years without actually destroying the plant. In addition, because of its resilience, bamboo doesn’t have to be refinished as often as hardwood. This cuts down on the chemicals necessary to maintain the floor.
Guests and visitors can enjoy viewing the new green wall while they relax in the newly refurbished T Garden which is Eaton’s new outdoor bar and dining area. Both areas are located on level L of the hotel.
MFUK-Furniture presents the Audrey furniture collection, a new selection of contract furniture for the hotel and leisure industry. The collection comes with a flexible combination of chair, sofas and chaise longue that had been especially design for hotel lobby and public areas.
The elegant soft curves, combined with the subtle use of the colours, provide a sense of calm and relaxation without compromising the defined shapes of the furniture pieces.
A collection with unique character which could enhance any space.
Fairmont Hotel & Resorts announces the opening of Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel, located only a few steps away from the Masjid Al Haraam and the Holy Ka’aba Islam’s most sacred site. Its unique and distinctive features will ensure a landmark presence offering warm and welcoming hospitality to its guests. The hotel is the focal point of the iconic Abraj Al Bait Complex, which is part of the King Abdul Aziz Endowment Project whose mandate is to upgrade the precincts of the Two Holy Mosques. Makkah Clock Royal Tower is the tallest concrete building in the world, with 76 stories reaching 577 meters and housing 858 rooms and suites. It is an integral feature of the development – the 40-meter clock, whose four facades are visible from 17 kilometers away and more than five times larger than Big Ben in London, will announce daily prayers to the Muslim world through amplifiers, thus reaching a radius of 7 kilometers.
The Tower houses a lunar observatory center, in addition to a museum for Islamic icons and objects of arts, serving to preserve and promote the region’s culture and heritage. The hotel demonstrates smart technology design, featuring 10 thousand kilometers of fiber optic cable for speedy communications and Internet connection for the guests. The property’s 76 elevators will provide comfortable transfers during Azan (calls to prayer) and high-occupancy Umrah and Hajj seasons and the hotel also features easy access to the Haram, as well as two large prayer rooms for male and female guests.
Guests at Makkah Clock Royal Tower will enjoy a variety of international cuisines including the innovative “Al-Dira”, which offers local flavors from the various districts of the Kingdom and will introduce guests to the culture of oriental Saudi cuisine.
For those planning functions in the city, Makkah Clock Royal Tower offers a selection of meeting rooms and event spaces while a 24-hour business center, high speed and wi-fi Internet access and translation services ensure business transactions are conducted effortlessly.
It is important for the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel, located in the heart of prestigious Knightsbridge, that their Ballroom and adjacent Meeting Rooms not only look beautiful– but stay looking beautiful. Wilton Carpets Commercial, with whom the Hotel has a long standing relationship, was asked to design the carpets using contemporary designs that reflected the ambience and architecture of the rooms.Working with Countrywide Carpets of Walton-on-Thames, the requirement for Wilton Carpets was to create a contemporary feel that echoed the existing design, and which could be adapted to suit a number of environments including the Banqueting Suite, Meeting Rooms, Business Centre and adjacent staircases.
It was also important that the carpet has exceptional durability to withstand the most diligent regular cleaning processes.
Taking direction from Gerard Denneny, Jumeirah Carlton Tower’s Hotel Manager, Wilton Carpets created a concept floor plan which took inspiration from the beautiful ceiling which is inset with Viennese Crystal chandeliers. The ceiling was mirrored by the design elements of the carpet. The neutral palette of the previous carpet, designed by Wilton Carpets some years ago, was given added contrast and detail with the addition of a paler shade, with black being introduced to add shadow, creating a 3-dimensional effect.
The Banqueting Suite is now resplendent with a contemporary design that reflects the spectacular ceiling coffers – a magnificent golden chrysanthemum motif creating focal points and emulating the luminous chandeliers. The outfills are decorated with a complementary leaf design which uses the shadow effect for extra drama. The design elements are carried across the other rooms – including the chrysanthemum motif creating an impressive feature in the stairwell area.
To ensure the carpets retain their stunning look for years to come, a very heavy weave was specified at 10-row (42 yards to the oz) and a shrink-resistant backing to withstand the most thorough of cleaning – providing the hotel with extreme durability and longer lifespan.
The Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel celebrated its grand reopening on 28th October 2010 after a three-year, multi-million dollar renovation, announced Ms. Kris Horacek, general manager. Prior to becoming a Renaissance in 2007, the property at 5501 Carnegie Boulevard was the Hyatt SouthPark, which was in need of a top-to-bottom renovation. The hotel’s new owners, Thomas Point Ventures, which is managed by the Marriott family, hired LS3P Associates, Ltd., to oversee the transformation.
According to Janet Garland Caponi, interior designer and associate principal for LS3P, “There were definite opportunities within the existing architectural space such as the four-story atrium space flooded with natural light, the fountains, and the intimate courtyard. The goal was to invigorate the space by enhancing these existing elements which easily blend the inside and out, while at the same time provide a unique local experience that stays true to the Renaissance brand.”
Ms. Caponi adds that they derived the local aspect through research on Queen Charlotte, who was a notable patron of the arts. Her love of classical music and botany inspired the designers to use art to weave her passions throughout the interior space.
The hotel’s fitness center was the first part of the building to be renovated and it became the prototype of the new green package design for all Renaissance hotels. The floors are made from recycled rubber, there is recycled content in the wall covering, the ceiling tiles were reused and painted, while the ribbon-patterned artwork – which hangs from floor to ceiling – are made from recycled water bottles and are GREENGUARD® certified.
The guest room renovation incorporated a bold color scheme and local photography as well as custom furnishings to facilitate technological connectivity. The guest room corridors and elevator lobbies were refurbished as well.
The hotel’s professional meeting spaces were redesigned to feel and function like upscale boardrooms and the ballrooms provide an elegant backdrop for formal events (the hotel is an in-demand wedding venue in Charlotte).
The lobby, atrium, Flagstones restaurant and The Bar at Flagstones were the final pieces of the renovation. The chandelier in the lobby cascades like rain drops and translucent panels behind the front desk are imbedded with ferns that tie back into the nature theme favored by Queen Charlotte. The bar now has dramatic lighting and opens up to the atrium with its modernized fountain. The new atrium trees provide a tall canopy and draw the eye up so the height of the space is realized.
Holiday Inn Mayfair has invested £85,000 on refreshing its restaurant and lounge. From lavish carpets, fixtures and fittings, the hotel is revealing its brand new look whilst retaining some of its original charm. The hotel’s Nightingales restaurant is the essence of modern retro design where guests can enjoy dinner under magnificent chandeliers. It provides an elegant backdrop for an after-work drink or informal business meeting, and guests can opt for a classic cocktail or choose from an extensive wine list.
Following the refresh, the restaurant boasts dark wood tables and chairs, luxurious carpets and contemporary colour photography of iconic landmarks and scenery in London.
Jon Beecroft, General Manager of Holiday Inn Mayfair, said: “The refresh was designed to create a fresh and contemporary feel, while still maintaining the restaurant’s traditional appeal. We’ve achieved exactly this and it is already receiving excellent guest feedback, proving popular with both overnight guests and passing visitors booking for a meal or drinks in the restaurant.”
The new and improved Holiday Inn Mayfair also boasts the new logo and forms part of a global refresh programme, which has seen an investment of USD$1 billion globally.
The Holiday Inn Mayfair is perfectly located in the fashionable West-End of London, close to Hyde Park, Oxford Street, Piccadilly, Bond Street and Leicester Square metres from Green Park tube station. The hotel can be found at: 3 Berkeley Street, London, W1J 8NE.
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has recently announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Pune, the city’s first upper upscale deluxe hotel and residences complex. Catering to leisure and business travellers who visit the information technology, automotive and manufacturing hubs in one of India’s fastest growing cities, Hyatt Regency Pune is the first Hyatt property in Pune and will deliver authentic hospitality to its guests. This premier, gateway hotel is situated within the Weikfield IT Park in Pune’s upcoming IT corridor, a short drive from Lohegaon International Airport and 10 minutes from the upmarket entertainment areas of Koregaon Park and Kalyani Nagar. Accommodation and Design Clad in warm golden Rajasthani stone, Hyatt Regency Pune is a contemporary hotel with extensive banquet, wedding and conference facilities, two innovative restaurants, a bar, a lounge, a gourmet store, a full service business centre, and a Hyatt Pure™ spa and fitness centre. With 222 guestrooms and suites now available, and 84 serviced apartments scheduled to open in 2011, the sprawling structure has beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces and dramatically lit water features which allow guests to feel a distinct ‘sense of arrival’ as they approach the hotel. Floor-to-ceiling swathes of glass separate the glistening marble lobby from the outdoor water fountains and tree-filled driveway.
The large, open-plan public spaces of the hotel’s interior have been artfully divided into smaller, more intimate areas by the hotel’s interior designers – Robert Bilkey and Oscar Llinas of BLD, USA. The clean, modern lines of Hyatt Regency Pune’s décor have been reiterated in the impressive chandelier which catches guests’ eyes at the hotel entrance. Made of thousands of icicle-like shards of glimmering crystal, the massive chandelier lights the way to the hotel’s two restaurants, the bar and the lounge area. A coloured glass bridge runs through the upper lobby and connects the hotel to the banquet and convention areas.
Hyatt Regency Pune’s comfortable and stylish guestrooms are filled with natural sunlight and decorated in soft neutral tones, highlighted by warm, golden sycamore wood accents and translucent glass. An outstanding feature in each room is the ‘sanctuary bathroom’ with a sparkling white Italian marble floor, free-standing bath tub and separate walk-in rain shower. All rooms are equipped to suit the needs of today’s business traveller — with wired and wireless Internet access, 40-inch LCD TVs and iPod docking stations. Spacious suites ranging from 905 to 1,775 sq ft (84 to 165 sq m) offer city views with luxurious living and dining areas.
The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel groups worldwide and the leading international hotel operator in Russia/CIS, has opened the Park Inn Kazan. The brand new mid market hotel features 151 guest rooms and is very conveniently located in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. Famous sights such as the 16th century Kremlin (a World Heritage Site), the Qolsharif Mosque (Russia’s largest mosque) and the Soyembika Tower are nearby; Kazan International Airport is 22 km away, and the city’s main railway station 2.5 km. The Park Inn Kazan is a common project between Rezidor and Regional Hotel Chain LLC (RHC) – in 2009, both companies signed a strategic development agreement for at least 20 Park Inn hotels across the Russian Federation.
Besides 151 modern and comfortable rooms (including 3 suites and 2 rooms for disabled guests) with extras like internet access, flat screen television, individual climate control, mini-bar and safe, the Park Inn Kazan offers an all-day-dining restaurant: at RBG (Red Bar & Grill) guests enjoy signature burgers and steaks fresh from the grill, soups, salads and local dishes in a relaxed and contemporary ambiance. RBG covers 200 square meters and is complemented by a bar of almost 160 square meters – serving classic New York Style cocktails, beers and drinks.
The Park Inn Kazan is also an ideal venue for meetings and events, featuring an attractive pre-function area and 3 well-equipped, flexible meeting rooms between 21 and 32 square meters. All offer daylight, individual climate control, Internet access and latest audiovisual equipment. After a day at work, guests can enjoy the fitness centre of the hotel.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced plans to open its first Westin hotel in Phoenix, Arizona in February 2011. The Westin Phoenix Downtown will offer a prime location just one block from the Phoenix Convention Center, the city’s largest convention and entertainment facility. The 242-room hotel will feature sophisticated oversized guest rooms, averaging 550 square feet, as well as a full suite of the Westin brand’s signature amenities and services. The Westin Phoenix Downtown will occupy nine floors of a sleek, new 26-story building known as Freeport McMoRan Center, a significant new landmark on the downtown Phoenix skyline. Located at 333 North Central Avenue, the mixed-use complex will also feature 2,100 square feet of ground floor retail, premium office space and indoor parking. Surrounded by a choice of restaurants, shops and nightlife, the new hotel will be across the street from a METRO light rail station, where guests can hop on a train to Sky Harbor International Airport. Also nearby are the US Airways Center, Chase Field and Copper Square, and the regional headquarters for JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Bank of America. The Westin Phoenix Downtown will also be located adjacent to the Arizona State University Downtown campus, home to several of the university’s programs including the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
“Westin continues to be a market leader in the upper-upscale segment fueled by the success of its distinctive wellness positioning,” said Paul Sacco, Senior Vice President of North America Development. “Looking ahead, we have identified tremendous opportunities to grow the Westin brand in key markets across the Unites States through new builds, conversions and adaptive re-use development projects like the new Westin Phoenix Downtown.”
An ideal venue for weddings, social galas and business functions, The Westin Phoenix Downtown will feature nearly 9,000 square feet of meeting and banquet facilities, including pre-function space and the latest in meeting technology. The hotel will also feature a 24-hour WestinWORKOUT gym, enabling guests to maintain their exercise program and stay in the best possible shape, physically and mentally.
Thistle Hotels is due to celebrate the completion of its £3 million refurbishment of The Portland by Thistle, formerly Thistle Manchester – the restoration is scheduled to be finished in November. From this significant investment, the hotel has been transformed into a contemporary, relaxing and stylish base – ideal for business and leisure guests wanting a comfortable, quality experience in the heart of the city. The enhancement project, that sees the hotel revert to its original name of The Portland as a mark to its heritage, which dates back to its warehouse beginnings in 1851, has taken eight months to complete across seven floors and includes: 204 new look bedrooms with air conditioning units, two new lifts, and a refurbished front hall – as well as a refreshed Portland St Restaurant and Bar.
First established as a hotel in 1973, The Portland is a popular hub for local businesses as well as attracting both domestic and international guests, thanks to its central location nestled within the city centre – with easy access to the Airport and just minutes from Manchester Piccadilly station.
The hotel’s management will continue to invest in growing its meetings and events offering, following the refurbishment of The Portland’s Riley Suites, named collectively in honour of popular local artist Harold Riley, but separately known as the: Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Matt Busby, Dennis Law and Mercer; honouring the local football legends.
The recent refurbishment of The Portland by Thistle is further evidence of Thistle’s ongoing and significant investment in its properties. Since 2008, Thistle has invested £100 million, transforming its entire portfolio into modernised, individual properties with a contemporary look and feel.
Ian Corner, General Manager of The Portland, by Thistle comments: “The hotel lies at the very heart of the city and its heritage within Manchester, from its former years as a working warehouse, makes it a unique part of the city’s history. We’re proud that we can reveal the latest chapter in the property’s existence following our investment and are confident the refurbishment will re-establish The Portland, as it will now be known, as one of the city’s most fondly-regarded hotels.
The transformation of The Portland will place Thistle as a major force in Manchester’s business and leisure sector – a welcome stay for business and leisure guests travelling into the city.”
The Hilton Cardiff has scooped the prestigious title of Team of the Year at this year’s National Tourism Awards for Wales.
The hotel team beat out competition from across the Welsh tourism industry and was shortlisted among the Wales Millennium Centre and the Call of the Wild Ltd.Marie Fagan, general manager of the five star Hilton Cardiff, said, “We are absolutely delighted to win the award for Team of the Year and it is an honour to be recognised in this way. The team has worked very hard over the last year to continue to grow the property’s reputation in the heart of the capital city of Wales which has included launching the new Metropole Lounge in the hotel this month.
“Tourism is an important part of the Welsh economy so it is vital that we all play our part in improving the industry for quality and service to ensure that Wales can compete on a national and international platform.”
The National Tourism Awards for Wales are designed to recognise the value of the tourism industry to Wales and to reward those who offer a high quality, warm Welsh welcome to visitors. The awards were relaunched this year after last being held in 2007 and the winners were announced at a ceremony in Cardiff hosted by television presenter Sarra Elgan.
Chris Osborne, chair of the Wales Tourism Alliance, said, “We have a great deal to be proud of and the awards give us an opportunity to showcase the very best that Wales has to offer. With visitors becoming ever more discerning and more people choosing to stay closer to home for their holidays, the quality of our product becomes an increasingly important selling point and one that will bring visitors to us time and time again.”
Whittlebury Hall Management Training Centre and Hotel is delighted to be among the final short list for the Condé Nast Johansens Most Excellent MICE Award 2011 in association with Corinthia Hotels. The Management Training Centre and Hotel entered the Category ‘Venues and Hotels that accommodate groups of over 100’ and is delighted to be among the few finalists. Winners will be announced at The May Fair, on Monday 8th November 2010.
This new award recognises hotels and venues that demonstrate excellence throughout the customer’s experience as well as a passion for ensuring that every event achieves the maximum possible success.
General Manager, Bernhard Zechner says, “We are very excited to be part of these new awards which recognises a significant part of our business which sometimes goes unaccredited by other award bodies. We work very hard as a team and are passionate about our work, and this recognition goes a long way towards rewarding the efforts of our staff.”
Set in rural Northamptonshire, Whittlebury Hall Management Training Centre and Hotel is a unique venue offering extensive training, event and teambuilding facilities, and outstanding conference and banqueting suitable for up to 500 guests.
In addition, the award-winning Whittlebury Hall has 211 bedrooms, 4 restaurants, one of which holds 2AA Rosettes for fine dining excellence and The Day Spa, one of the largest Spa’s in the country with 23 treatments rooms and some of the latest in Heat and Ice facilities, and a leisure club in the hotel, which includes a 19-metre pool, whirlpool spa and 42-station Cybex gymnasium.
Children’s furniture – do you cater for the requirements of your young guests, or particularly want to appeal as a family friendly establishment? Then the Magis ‘Me Too’ range from Design-Conscious has some wonderful items especially designed for children by some of Europe’s top Designers.Troli rocking chair for example was awarded the coveted Compasso d’Oro design prize for its brilliant multifunctional design. It is suitable for use indoors and outside, and with three seating options in one unit, high seat, low chair and rocking toy – it will appeal for children of all ages, but was particularly designed with ages 2-6 in mind.
One of our most popular products is the iconic Puppy sit on dogs, designed by Eero Aarnio. Used a seat or just a fun decoration inside or outdoors, puppy is available in 3 colours and 4 sizes from Small Terrier size to XL Giant Great Dane size!
For play areas both indoor and outdoor there is the cute Julian cat chair designed by Javier Mariscal & the new Dodo rocker will keep children entertained in style, as will the Nido Cave which is a big piece of kit, but a fun alternative to a twee play house!
Wyndham Hotel Group has recently announced the opening of the new Ramada Hotel & Suites Bangkok, the company’s first managed Ramada® hotel in the Asia Pacific region.Owned by Sookjai Condominium Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of the Kokar group of companies, the 11-storey hotel features spacious studio and suite accommodations. The larger suite accommodations are particularly well-suited for extended-stay business travelers looking for apartment-size accommodations.
Located just five minutes from the bustling Sukhumvit Road, the Ramada Hotel & Suites Bangkok provides guests with the convenience of a central location while still offering peace and tranquility.
The Ramada Hotel & Suites Bangkok (Soi 12) is one of the four managed Ramada hotels set to open in Thailand by 2012. Agreements have already been signed on the 8-storey Ramada Encore Bangkok (Soi 10), a new-build property located in the Sukhumvit area; the 37-storey Ramada Hotel Bangkok (Soi 23), located close to the Asok BTS sky train station; as well as the 7-storey Ramada Plaza Bangkok (Soi 15), also owned by Sookjai Condominium Co. Ltd. in the Sukhumvit area.
The Rezidor Hotel Group announces the Radisson Blu Sortland in Norway – the new built resort- & conference hotel featuring 168 guest rooms is scheduled to open in 2013. Sortland, a small city in Northern Norway between Tromsø and Bodø, is a beautiful destination for activities such as hiking, cycling, boating, whale watching and fishing in the summer and dog sledding and views of the Northern Lights during winter. It is also a stop on the popular Hurtigruten cruises.
The Radisson Blu Sortland will be located at a waterfront site in the city centre. Besides 168 rooms the property will offer an all-day-dining restaurant with outdoor seating, a lobby bar, 300 square meters of meeting space, and a 1,500 square meters leisure area including 2 pools, 2 jacuzzis, 5 treatment rooms, saunas, and a climbing wall. In the adjacent Cultural Centre guests will find additional facilities for meetings and events on 900 square meters.
The Rezidor Hotel Group is one of the most important international hotel operators in Norway – the company’s portfolio in the country currently comprises 30 hotels in operation and under development with a total of 6,800 rooms. Rezidor is specialized in city hotels such as their flagship Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Oslo, but also grows the airport hotel- and resort portfolio: In Norway, the group recently opened the Park Inn Oslo Airport and already offers resorts in Beitostølen and Trysil.
Hotel Indigo, IHG’s (InterContinental Hotels Group) upscale boutique brand, continues to aggressively increase global distribution. In the last year, the brand has signed franchise agreements to open 13 new hotels in key global markets around the world, including London, Madrid, Shanghai, Hong Kong and New York.As the first global branded boutique, Hotel Indigo has shown rapid growth since its inception in 2004 with 36 hotels currently open and 57 hotels in the pipeline. Hotel Indigo has immediate development plans for properties in the following cities:
• Europe: Glasgow, Scotland (spring 2011); Liverpool, England (spring 2011); Madrid, Spain (spring 2012); Newcastle, England (summer 2012); Lisbon, Portugal (spring 2014)
• Asia Pacific: Shanghai, China (winter 2010); Taipei, China (fall 2011); Bangkok, Thailand (summer 2013); Hong Kong, China (2016)
• Americas: Vancouver, Canada (summer 2011); New Orleans (summer 2011); Mexico City (fall 2012); New York City Bryant Park (winter 2012)
Hotel Indigo offers guests a unique hotel experience with the modern design and intimate service associated with boutique hotels along with the peace of mind and consistency from staying with the world’s largest hotel group. The brand began its global roll out with the opening of Hotel Indigo London Paddington in December 2008 and will open its first hotel in Asia Pacific in Shanghai, China later this year.
Committed to creating and delivering a refreshing and inviting guest experience, each Hotel Indigo property is uniquely designed to reflect the culture, character and history of the surrounding neighbourhood.
Brand standards don’t dictate the number or size or rooms, making it ideally suited for conversion properties including independent boutique hotels. In the current economy, conversions are attractive to developers because they require less financing than new builds and can be up and running in a shorter period of time. Hotel Indigo properties have been successfully developed in adaptive reuse, conversion and new build projects.
Viceroy Anguilla has announced that Starwood Capital Group has completed the purchase of the loan originally made to the developer of the property, Barnes Bay Development. Viceroy Hotel Group will continue to manage and operate the property as Viceroy Anguilla. The acquisition of the property’s loan represents an important step in the current and future development of Viceroy Anguilla, whose first phase debuted in late 2009 and has this month reached full completion. “We have chosen to add Viceroy Anguilla to our portfolio because we believe in the vitality of the brand and their commitment to a luxury driven travel experience” commented Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Starwood Capital Group.
Situated on 35 lush acres, with 3,200 feet of beachfront along Barnes and Meads Bays, Viceroy Anguilla redefines the very notion of a Caribbean luxury resort, with 166 contemporary beachfront and blufftop villas, sophisticated townhomes and opulent resort residences — the work of designer Kelly Wearstler. This summer, Viceroy Anguilla announced the completion of its two-story state-of-the-art Spa, which boasts 8,000 square feet of oceanfront treatment rooms and fitness facilities.
Also completed are two additional first-class dining venues, Aleta (June) and The Bamboo Bar & Grill (October). Aleta overlooks the resort’s sunrise pool and serves a menu of fresh seasonal selections in an aquatically inspired atmosphere. The relaxed Bamboo Bar & Grill offers the perfect time-out from the beach with an array of light snacks and casual meals. Guests can order from a lounge chair or stroll in for a shaded rush-woven seat at the Caribbean grill. In the evening, the space transforms into a sophisticated beachside steak house and barbecue destination, complete with tiki torches, steel drum tones and local crayfish and lobster for a modern twist on traditional Caribbean dining.
Those seeking a breathtaking event setting will also delight in Viceroy Anguilla’s new meeting spaces, the Joannis Areca Salons. The 960-square-foot room can accommodate 30 people and is ideal for board meetings, executive summits and professional groups seeking fully wired and full-service meeting space. Additionally, the new beachfront setting at Bamboo Grill is the perfect venue for welcome receptions and farewell events.
The eagerly anticipated St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London will officially open in London’s Kings Cross in May 2011 following a £150 million renovation by Manhattan Loft Corporation in conjunction with London & Continental Railways. The original hotel – The Midland Grand Hotel- was designed and built by renowned Victorian architect Sir George Gilbert Scott and opened on 5th of May 1873. The historic building has now been lovingly and masterfully restored to re-open exactly 138 years after the original and once again become one of London’s most iconic hotels. The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London exemplifies High Victorian Gothic architecture in its most dramatic sense, the stunning red-brick building having being saved from demolition in the sixties by a protest led by former Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman. The magnificent interior has been restored to its former glory with painstaking attention to detail using an expert team of craftsmen and painters. Many of the original areas of the hotel considered of particular historical importance have been carefully restored including the famous staircase, widely revered as the most majestic in England, with windows measuring over 50 feet and crowned by an elaborate vaulted ceiling that has been featured in many films including Batman. The hotel’s infamous sweeping forecourt will provide a fitting entrance to the new hotel that will showcase gold-leaf ceilings, ornate wall murals and the spectacular grand staircase.
The 245-room St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London will consist of two parts, the historic St Pancras Chambers which will house 38 elegant and spacious Victorian bedroom suites, and Barlow House, the newly created 120,000 square foot extension featuring guestrooms boasting original artwork and contemporary design. Guests can re-live the glamour of the Victorian era at either The Booking Office Bar & Restaurant- re-created in the original ticket office- or the celebrity chef restaurant and bar occupying the original entrance hall. The hotel will also house a 350 capacity ballroom, private club, barber’s shop and luxury spa.
Preserving the glamour of the old station and the romance of rail travel during the 1800’s, the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London will maintain its elegance and charm by offering global travellers a gateway to London in the form of one of the city’s greatest landmarks. The opening of the hotel will mark the completion of the regeneration of St Pancras International Station, now the home of the Eurostar.
Tina Edmundson, senior vice president lifestyle brands for Marriott International’s Renaissance Hotels said, “After many years, we are excited to be able to announce the official launch date and are looking forward to showcasing the re-development of this great masterpiece in the coming year. Renaissance Hotels are all about discovery, and unique experiences–with its fascinating history and dramatic architecture, I can not imagine a property that captivates the imagination more than St Pancras and we are thrilled to welcome it in to the Renaissance family. The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London will no doubt become a flagship for the Renaissance brand not only in Europe but around the world.”
Harry Handelsman, owner and CEO of Manhattan Loft Corporation added, “I am delighted that after more than 10 years of meticulous hard work, we have now restored this most historic building to its former glory, giving it a new lease on life. Since the unveiling of St Pancras International in 2007, the station has given a much deserved regeneration to the Kings Cross and the opening of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London marks the completion of this massive achievement for London.”
Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, has announced it has signed an agreement to develop a USD 130 million Radisson Blu hotel with Mortenson Development, Inc. in their Twin Cities home town. The 501-room upper-upscale hotel will be a cornerstone of Mall of America’s Phase II upscale expansion. Construction of the hotel is expected to begin in December 2010 and its opening is planned for late 2012.The Radisson Blu Hotel at Mall of America in Minneapolis will be the second Radisson Blu to open in the United States, with Chicago’s distinctive Aqua skyscraper being home to the first Radisson Blu, expected to open in fall 2011.
The Radisson Blu Hotel at Mall of America will be the first hotel connected by sky bridge to Mall of America® and will be situated on the south side between Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s department stores. The hotel will feature three of the new Radisson Room Styles including Urban, Naturally Cool and NY Mansion House. It will also feature a restaurant and lounge, spa and fitness facilities, and more than 23,000 square feet of meeting space, encompassing two ballrooms; and an indoor pool. The hotel will be off of Interstate 494, three miles from Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport and only 20 minutes from downtown via the city’s light rail system.
Kurt Hagen, senior vice president, Mall of America said, “We have been working with Mortenson Development for nearly three years to develop an upper-end hotel that would be an integral part of the mall and we are excited that we found the ideal fit with Carlson. The addition of the Radisson Blu Hotel will be a strong new anchor for the mall and coincides perfectly with our upscale expansion that features many new and existing luxury tenants and all of the world-class additions that will be included in our Phase II expansion.” He added, “Carlson, along with its Radisson hotel brand, and Mall of America, are all great Minnesota brands that are recognized 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 in North America as a powerful, globally consistent first-class brand. Recognized around the world for its contemporary design, Radisson Blu delivers upper-upscale hospitality.
Enchanting European hospitality is set to arrive in the dynamic city of Shenzhen in southern China following the signing of a management agreement between Langham Hotels International and Shenzhen East Pacific Group. The Langham, Shenzhen will open in Futian, the city’s new business and commercial district in 2012.Shenzhen, in the Pearl River Delta Special Economic Zone, is home to one of China’s key ports and is a gateway city into the region.
The Langham, Shenzhen will form part of the Shenzhen East Pacific International Centre, a complex that includes serviced apartments, luxury retail and commercial space just minutes from the Hong Kong border and 30 minutes from the international airport, making it ideal for business and leisure travellers. Adjacent is the prominent landmark China Merchant Bank building, a key focal point on the Futian landscape.
The Langham, Shenzhen, will feature 352 luxuriously elegant guestrooms and suites, many of which will enjoy stunning views of Shenzhen Bay. Among the services The Langham guests can expect will be a grand two-storey Langham Club lounge offering classic butler service.
Dining and entertainment options will include Palm Court, a sister to the original London home of afternoon tea, T’ang Court, a signature Cantonese restaurant with six private rooms and sibling of its two-Michelin star sister in Hong Kong and a cosy bar featuring an extensive wine cellar and open fireplaces.
The Langham, Shenzhen’s meeting spaces will be home to some of the city’s most luxuriously-styled events. From the rooftop Star Ballroom with its own VIP elevators and exceptional views of the bay to the luxurious surroundings of its five versatile meeting spaces, making a grand entrance will never be easier.
Meanwhile, the property features a fitness centre as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools for relaxation and recreation. It will also host Chuan Spa, the only international spa based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The spa will also showcase landscaped outdoor gardens adjacent to the contemplation rooms.
Mr. Albert Li, Managing Director, of Shenzhen East Pacific Group said: “Our new development in the core business district of Shenzhen requires a partner who truly understands luxury hospitality and would bring a new perspective to the city’s landscape. The Langham brand echoes our vision with its heritage of timeless elegance and innovative indulgence.”
Brett Butcher, Chief Executive Officer of Langham Hotels International said: “Shenzhen is a remarkable city which is showing increased demand for luxury hotels. We’re delighted to be introducing our enchanting European-style hospitality that will position The Langham at the very top of the luxury hospitality sector in one of China’s fastest growing cities. We look forward to great success on this groundbreaking development with our forward-looking partners, Shenzhen East Pacific Group.”
Just completed and newly built on the site of the Old School House and Youth Hostel at Legburthwaite near Keswick, is the stunning 40-bed hotel Lodge in the Vale. Located only five minutes away from Keswick, the hotel is the latest addition to the Lake District Inns & Cottages portfolio of high quality accommodation. Andy Thornton won the contract to provide the reception desk, bar servery counter, furniture and flooring for the Lodge in the Vale, having successfully completed four previous projects for long-time client Derek Sweeney.
With a flexible brief, Andy Thornton Senior Designer Stephen Shaw took inspiration from the beautiful surrounding landscape and incorporated natural and locally sourced materials throughout the project. The bespoke oak curved desk in the hotel’s reception was hand-crafted by Andy Thornton’s skilled joinery department, and features intricate finger joint detail in the top. And in an eye-catching focal point, Lumicor panels in the desk front feature real fern leaves between two layers of resin, internally illuminated to stunning effect.
The use of natural and locally sourced materials continues with the use of end grain oak flooring and end grain larch in the bar counter, showcasing the natural beauty of wood grain. Unique slate flooring from the local Kirkstone quarry provides a pleasing contrast to the timber floor.
Andy Thornton also supplied furniture from their extensive contract furniture range throughout the reception and bar/lounge area, using an eclectic mix and match of chairs, as well as bar stools and sofas in wood and leather. The company’s Madrid wall lights were also used extensively.
The resulting interior has a natural, light and airy contemporary feel. To add that finishing touch, dramatic Lake District landscapes from local fine art photographer Jon Allison adorn the reception and bar area walls, mirroring the breathtaking views from the Lodge itself.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that The St. Regis will open in November 2010, which will be the first St. Regis resort in China. Located on the “Roof of the World”, 3,680 meters above sea level, this stunning resort offers an unrivaled dimension of luxury, bespoke service and refined elegance at one of the most mystical and exotic addresses in the world.Located on Jiangsu Road and situated in the famous ancient Barkhor area, The St. Regis Lhasa Resort is just minutes away from the holy Potala Palace and 75km away from Gongga Airport. It features 150 beautifully adorned oversized rooms and villas and 12 suites including the Presidential Suite, as well as world-class restaurants, bars, an exclusive Iridium Spa, ballroom and state-of-the-art meeting space. The St. Regis Lhasa Resort will be the first international luxury hotel in Tibet.
All the hotel guest rooms are accented by local artifacts and distinctive décor reflecting rich Tibetan culture and heritage. Plasma TVs, multi-channel cable, high speed internet access, spacious marble bathroom, exquisite furnishings and exclusive amenities create a soothing yet luxurious setting for discerning global travelers.
The St. Regis Lhasa Resort will also offer an array of epicurean tastes and experiences including; Social – an all-day dining restaurant offering a wide selection of international cuisine; Si Zi Kang is the first gastronomic Tibetan restaurant where guests are invited to savor authentic Tibetan and Nepalese cuisine in a sophisticated and relaxed setting; Yan Ting Chinese Restaurant has six private dining rooms specializing in Cantonese and Sichuanese cuisine; The unique Tea Room, the first of its kind, offering different blends of local and imported teas, and serving vintage teas aged from 10-25 years; Decanter by Haut-Brisson, the first wine bar serves over 140 labels of wine, liquors and aged cigars, aim to entice the adventurous’ palate.
The exclusively designed Iridium Spa combines a 5-star spa experience with traditional Tibetan herbal treatments and ensures absolute soothing relief from altitude stress. Guests can choose to immerse themselves the gold-leaf immersion pool, or partake in Yoga or Pilates in the Meditation Garden.
For guests seeking an exclusive and memorable wedding destination, The St. Regis Lhasa Resort offers an exceptional venue, unparalleled in setting and service.
With the most luxurious meeting and function rooms in Tibet for social and corporate gatherings, the hotel is also a perfect choice for meeting groups which are looking for a new and exceptional destination.
The St. Regis Lhasa Resort will be a green hotel. Committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, the hotel has put forth great effort to reduce its’ carbon footprint and save energy. By utilizing solar energy and underground water, the St. Regis Lhasa Resort can save on diesel energy consumption every year by 93,000 kg and 75,000 kg respectively. The hotel also operates a fleet of high-efficiency hybrid and turbo-diesel vehicles, which helps to reduce emission by 30%. Through these sustainability actions, the St. Regis Lhasa Resort will effect positive environmental change and enhance the local community.
I have just featured two hotels (Cube and Ongava) where the guests’ needs, in terms of why they are at those locations, has driven the form of the hotel. In the case of Cube the operator has intelligently analysed a European market and completely reworked the form of the hotel to meet the function demanded of the building by the resultant guest profile.
Operator and designer have worked together to provide solutions that result in the hotel running all year round at very high occupancy rates. In effect, the architecture has been driven by the guest profile and the building has been designed from the inside out.
Award winning architecture, an iconic building, does not necessarily make for a good hotel. At Frankfurt the Radisson Blu is a classic example of where the function is dictated by the building form. The operator, Rezidor, has gained an iconic building with the added advantage of it being a highly visible position at the end of a motorway into the city, where it sits like an architectural full stop to the highway. The building is like a full stop in the sense that its form is circular, a form that then generates myriad problems for the interior designers and the operator.
As an ex-designer of hotels I like to try to get my head inside the head of the designer and understand what was trying to be achieved. Here the designer definitely lost out in a confused and difficult interior space riven with slabs and columns by what I see as the usual architect’s indifference to operational criteria or internal functioning. The architect created a powerful external statement that gave presence to the hotel without enabling the interior to work. For example the services to the rooms in the arcs of the circular building probably drop straight down as a chord through the various floors, the rooms becoming longer and longer as they near the circumference, then shrinking again and losing height as they get towards the top of the arc.
Why are the hotel groups so seduced by architecture that they forget that the guest experience owes little or nothing to this aspect of the building? I was recently asked by Marriott whether I would choose a modern hotel or a historic conversion/refurbishment. I replied I would choose the most comfortable with the best bathroom. What is it about these operators that they cannot see that architectural ‘genius’ does not necessarily equal guest appreciation? After all that has been written and said over the years about the need for hotels to be designed from the inside out, it saddens me to see an operation like Rezidor, led by Kurt Ritter – perhaps the greatest of our contemporary hoteliers, succumbing to the same old tired architectural blandishments. Yes, they have a landmark building, but internally and operationally it is failing.
Maybe location is imperfect — falling between three stools. Close to but not a part of the business and banking district. Within sight of, but not close to, the exhibition halls. Close enough to the airport to have aircrew staying but not close enough to be an airport hotel. But such imperfections are commonplace and can be overcome by operational excellence. Given a malfunctioning poorly designed interior dominated by a visually intrusive staircase and a wine ‘tower’ that is not a tower, nor close enough to serve the restaurant, achieving operational excellence is made much more difficult to achieve.
The wine tower is a device Rezidor have used in other Radisson Blu hotels (see Stansted for example) but as a spectacle this one is near useless as it is positioned half way up the staircase and is little more than a glass walled cellar. As such it would have made more sense both visually and operationally to be next to the restaurant, possibly in place of the glass screen that sets the food operation apart from the rest of the ground floor areas. As it is, it makes staff walk half way up the staircase to fetch wine, and is virtually invisible from anywhere except the conference breakout zone on the mezzanine.
There are three restaurant areas. One with rose lighting, attractively set under seats and tables which leads from an adjoining bistro area that in turn runs off the lobby. Here the team are running a popular business lunch operation which makes me wonder why the third area, set at the front of the hotel, isn’t made similarly successful.
My suggestion would be to turn this closed space into a typical Gästehaus bar/bistro operation. The food offering in this part of Frankfurt seems to be re-interpretations of Italian, Turkish or other nationalities. Given many guests are tourists to Germany it would seem something local would be profitable. It might also attract a beer and wurst local audience, making the space popular instead of it being dark – especially given its visible presence on the street side of the hotel. If this were a W it would be seen as the ‘Friday night millionaire’ corner of the hotel, the place to be seen, but original design has failed to attract a local trade and the hotel guests prefer the bar.
The bar is successful and neatly designed although the delivery route for stock is actually through the bar itself which is obviously less than ideal. With a clear view of the terrace, staff are able to effectively service the tables and the area is quite stylish. In between the bar and restaurant is an area broken by grey concrete columns and the lift shafts. Here is the lobby seating and reception desks, but the space is dominated by a long staircase that cuts intrusively across the double height windows. The area attempts openness, seeks grandeur, but feels claustrophobic. The interior designer has created a clever seating ‘box’ the sides of which lift to reveal power points and shelf space for laptops. On top of the sides are blue LED light fittings linked to the ceiling area by fibre cables which create a beam of blue light from each fitting.
Unfortunately the failure rate appears high, and the result is like a pretty girl’s grin when teeth are missing or blackened: disappointing and slightly shocking. It is also commented on negatively by guests. I know that Rezidor cut back on spending in the recession, but with the exterior signage missing lamps rendering it unreadable, this seems a somewhat dubious area of saving to make!
The bathrooms in the hotel are amongst the best I have seen in terms of interior design, including things such as retractable washing lines, and should be the standard for any four star hotel to mimic. The bathrooms also use digitally printed wallpaper to great visual effect and the use of colour in the different bedroom types is also striking and strong. Again, the structure imposes itself, giving bedroom floor to ceiling windows and creating odd sizes in the curves of the ends of the circular building.
Here are placed the business rooms and suites so the varying size can be used to great effect in changing the kinds of rooms created. Whilst the designer shows considerable expertise in the handling of the standard room this assured flair isn’t as much in evidence in the suites where the length creates a number of problems. The windows are all on the ends of these rooms so the lighting becomes important, especially during daylight hours. Stopping one end of the room being shrouded in gloom by comparison with the window end requires an assured handling of the lighting balance.
The standard bedrooms reflect the brand standards, now also being rolled out in the US by the Carlson owners of the Radisson brand, They too have adopted the Radisson Blu naming, the Blu of course a reference to the original European brand owners SAS airlines whose logo was also a blue square. Indeed the previous design director for Rezidor, Gordon McKinnon, is now working in a similar role in Carlson US. For the first time we potentially have a mass market brand with standard room type across all continents.
Bedroom schemes range from funky to somewhat masculine conservative in the business rooms.All are well laid out and thought through. Sockets are in the right places and lighting the lighting is good. At four star Rezidor get it right and this is probably as good as it gets – although as standards continue to rise it will be interesting to see where the upgrade comes – a separate shower perhaps as well as bath?
All the more surprising then that the suites don’t carry the same conviction. Whilst bedrooms match the quality of the standard rooms and bathrooms too are well designed the lounge area seem a little at a loss as to how they should be to set out. Whilst everything is there they lack seem to me to lack some physical and emotional comfort, with large spaces with large pieces of furniture, but very masculine and corporate in feel.Even top businessmen need an environment in which they can relax.
At the top of the circular building is the spa and pool area, taking advantage of the curve to place a glass roof over the pool and giving the area some of the best views of Frankfurt. There is a gym and some spacious well planned and detailed massage rooms. The wellness area is guarded by access via key card only, and I am continually surprised that this simple implementation of electronic key control isn’t a standard in all hotels to give added security to guests.The lift doesn’t move without key input providing some measure of security to all floors, and it also is needed to open doors in the spa.
This is a high visibility building with its garden pool and terrace. The restaurants and spa ought to have been buzzing. During my visit in August 2010 Europe was emerging from recession and Germany had shown growth of 2% in one quarter. Although quite busy the hotel was by no means full. I know August is a holiday month and Germany is putting towels on loungers by pools the world over, but it does not seem to be attracting any local business. For reasons one has to look to the location and the design.
Imposing from the outside the closure of one cafe shows that the interior is not targeted profitably on a suitable guest profile. Watching Korean, Nigerian, English and French guests struggling to master an international menu in a restaurant that was totally international in styling, I couldn’t help wondering if making it a little more German wouldn’t help with both the simplification of the menu and attracting the local community.
But then I’m just a designer who dislikes grey concrete columns scattered carelessly through an interior. Criticising the food is just a reflection of the irritation I felt at the architecture.
Step aside, notoriously utilitarian airport hotels. The bar has just been raised. The Inn at Oyster Point near San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers waterfront accommodation in a resort-like setting with a beach, and, if you arrive by bay, a slip in the marina out front to park your boat. As if that weren’t enough to stand out from the run-of-the-mill airport hotels in the area, the Inn just completed a stunning renovation, transforming itself into a uniquely stylish accommodation complete with designer interiors and original art that seems like it should be anywhere but near a major airport.“We want to attract a younger, frequent business traveler who enjoys staying in a hotel with a sense of style and personality, as well as a complete array of business services,” said Kristen Phillips, Director of Operations for Waterford Hotels and Inns, the management company for the Inn. “We wanted this hotel to be tasteful yet modern, elegant but with many surprises, like the unusual art collection.”
As South San Francisco’s most recent hotel remodel, the 20-year-old Inn at Oyster Point began its bold facelift in early 2010. The 30-room hotel was made over by the Andrew Alford Design Studio, and inspired by the most famous interior designer of the 1940-‘50s, Dorothy Draper. “I wanted to turn the hotel into a jewel box work of art,” said Alford. “At Oyster Point, I muted the provocative design in the guestrooms and expanded it in the public spaces,” he said. From the quirky, conversation-starting art to the leopard print chairs, the hotel carries out Dorothy Draper’s philosophy to “always put in one controversial item – it makes people talk.”
All 30 oversized guest rooms (22 queens, 6 kings, 2 double-queens) at The Inn at Oyster Point feature unexpected extras few airport hotels offer: • Charming view of the bay and marina from a bay window • Fireplace • Two prints plus additional art • Oversized work desk and separate, comfortable seating area • Fresh, expanded, complimentary continental room-service breakfast • Large bathroom with spa robes and eco-friendly amenities • iHome unit with iPod docking station • Free Wi-Fi • MiniBar
The Inn at Oyster Point also attracts small meetings to its elegant Boardroom that seats 12, chic living-room lounge known as The Hamilton Room, which is perfect for informal get-togethers and receptions, and the hotel’s SouthHarbor Restaurant, where guests may enjoy outdoor deck dining.
The Inn at Oyster Point, owned by Oyster Point Lodging, LLC, is located at 425 Marina Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080.
The famous Barceló Harrogate Majestic Hotel has fully reopened its fantastic health and beauty facilities.
The stylish Orchid Rooms are open for business once again to offer guests a range of fabulous Decléor treatments using the all very best products, for everything from facials to aromatherapy massages. The spa’s expert team of professional therapists will once again work their magic to leave guests feeling relaxed and revitalized. Lynn Roach, Salon Manager at the Barceló Harrogate Majestic Hotel, says: “It is such a shame that we have not been able to look after our regular clients because the hotel was closed but I am sure they will be delighted with new look Decléor spa. We have a whole new range of exciting treatments available and we are looking forward to welcoming back our loyal customers as well as seeing some new faces.”
Meanwhile the hotel’s separate Health Club has also reopened following an extensive makeover which sees the pool area fully modernised and new hardwood loungers and seating introduced making the area perfect for relaxation. The gym and reception area have been redecorated and there are new flat screen TVs to keep gym users entertained. The club also now benefits from a fully refurbished outdoor tennis court. Emma Lowery, the newly appointed Health Club Manager says, “It’s an exciting time welcoming back our members and showing them the improvements that have been made and as well as signing up new members.”
The Barceló Harrogate Majestic Hotel is a landmark Victorian hotel in the bustling spa town of Harrogate. Set in 8 acres of stunning grounds, surrounded by boutiques and antique shops, the hotel is renowned for its true Yorkshire hospitality.
Macdonald Hotels Management Services has obtained the sales and marketing contract for Eastwell Manor in Ashford, Kent further strengthening Macdonald Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio of 4 and 5 star properties across the UK.The leading hotel group will assist the 4 red star, 62 bed property for the next five years, a welcome addition to its existing collection of associate and managed hotels. These include; Royal Garden Hotel, Gisborough Hall Hotel, The Roxburghe Hotel, Savill Court Hotel & Spa, Pendley Manor and The Rose & Crown Hotel.
“The addition of Eastwell Manor represents our commitment to continuously enrich our existing product offering in line with the needs of the market. It also represents an expansion for us for the first time into Kent, well-renowned as the Garden of England.” explains Ruaridh Macdonald, Sales & Marketing Director, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts.
Mark Parrett, Director of Eastwell Manor, added; “We look forward to working in partnership with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts. With such an established reputation within the sector, we are confident that this will be a fruitful relationship for both parties.”
Eastwell Manor makes for an ideal business destination, offering conference and events facilities for up to 120 delegates, complimentary wi-fi and extensive grounds for teambuilding. In addition, the hotel boasts a golf course, luxury spa and leisure facilities and is set in a 3,000 acre estate made up of magnificent formal gardens, pétanque pitches and croquet lawns.
IHG has expanded its presence in Argentina with the opening of the InterContinental Mendoza. Owned by KLP Emprendimientos S.A., the 15-story InterContinental Mendoza totals 180 guestrooms, inclusive of 24 suites. A completed second tower with an additional 72 rooms will be available shortly, bringing the total number of rooms to 252, inclusive of 36 suites. The InterContinental Mendoza boasts 11 meeting rooms totaling 22,500 square feet, including a 12,000 square foot ballroom, and also has 18,000 square feet of pre-function space. Its amenities include a full-service spa named Deyabu, swimming pool, gym and restaurant.
It is the 18th InterContinental Hotels & Resorts property in Latin America and the Caribbean, with three additional currently under construction.
The property is IHG’s second InterContinental in Argentina, joining with the venerable InterContinental Buenos Aires. A third InterContinental is currently under construction in Argentina – the InterContinental Nordelta Buenos Aires, Residence & Spa, in the Nordelta area of Buenos Aires.
The impressive Rotherham Town Hall now welcomes visitors with a striking Ready to Weave carpet from Axminster Commercial. Featuring the Metropolitan Borough Council’s coat of arms as a focal point surrounded by a custom design, the bespoke Axminster was specified by Jan Armitage, Architectural Assistant, Environment and Development Services:
“We had recently used Axminster Carpets within the closely located Members Suite and when it came to refurbishing the Town Hall, I knew that Axminster could deliver upon my expectations. Of course, we not only had to consider the design of the carpet throughout all areas, but also the enduring quality demanded by the footfall expected within the building.”
Covering 1,300m2 of floor space, the two final designs were the result of extensive development work between Jan Armitage and the Axminster Commercial in-house design team. The patterns reflect the heritage of the council and compliment the interior décor of the magnificent building, while also keeping maintenance to a minimum – an important aspect in public areas. Drawing from the 32 standard colours available through the Ready to Weave concept meant that the carpet could be produced within just four weeks of order.
Installed by Pyramid Carpets of Sheffield and using a high performance 80% pure new wool 20% nylon construction for durability and appearance retention, the bespoke Axminster adorns everywhere from the impressive reception area to corridors, stairways, chambers and private rooms:
“For public areas we developed a striking black colourway with gold swirls overlaid for a modern feel, and in the reception area and chambers the crest of the council acts as a central motif,” continues Jan Armitage. “Within the Committee Rooms and the corridor leading to them, we have added a black border to provide added definition, while in the John Smith Room the same pattern is employed, but with a flash of red for an added dimension.”
The same gold swirls and black base surround the central coat of arms motif in the reception, with arcs of red, gold and black adding a strong contemporary influence. In fact, one of the red arcs also works to link the corridors and stairs leading to the Mayoral suite, which adopts a rich red colour and a more traditional gold swirl pattern that flows elegantly from the access areas through to the office itself.
“We are absolutely delighted with the finished result and it was a pleasure to work with the Axminster team in the development of our designs. The manufacturing lead times of the Ready to Weave concept also helped us to achieve the refurbishment within our allotted timescale, of great importance given the public and civic duties that take place within the town hall,” Concludes Jan Armitage.
With a new motivated and skilled workforce, the ‘ABBOTSFORD’ brand is re-launching from our new premises, set in the heart of the historic wool region of West Yorkshire.A vast array of dobby and jacquard looms are available to manufacture an extensive range of woven fabrics to the standards of severe contract use. Exceptional quality is assured with nearly all our fabrics comprising above 90% pure new wool.
Abbotsford’s latest collection will be available in November 2010. Inspired by contemporary fashion, these new textiles, using both layered textures and exciting colours, will evoke a variety of moods to completely transform any dull surroundings. Designs will incorporate modern edge retro floras, animal prints and suit stripes.
Abbotsford’s extremely popular finest 100% pure new Melton Wools are also being updated with trend-driven colours including acidic kiwi, citrus and mango, along with soft ocean blue, denim and coral.
Create bespoke innovative environments! Re-think your interiors!
Abbotsford offer a tailored service to match any pantone shade reference in quantities of over sixty metres in piece dyed fabrics.
For a quick overview of the latest collection or sampling, visit our website via our page in the Directory.
exterior-interior are pleased to announce the launch of the new Hopper product from Extremis. Extremis, known worldwide for setting the trend in outdoor living, is presenting its latest ‘Hopper’ design at Interieur 2010. This involves a notably innovative combined table and seats, designed for congenial social gatherings. Its designer, Dirk Wynants, immediately thought of adding a suitable awning. To really enter into the spirit of things, visitors who slide into a seat at the ‘Hopper’ can try out the home-brew beer ‘Tremist’. So, it’s a 10-day ‘Hoppy’ hour at the Extremis stand! Extremis – Snuggling up together
Extremis is much more than just a line in furniture – it’s a way of life, aimed at bringing people together to enjoy life to the full. For the past 15 years, Extremis, based in West Flanders, has been making Tools for Togetherness, or – to put it in the fruity local dialect, ‘Snuggling up together’.
Designer Dirk Wynants draws his inspiration from history, other cultures, even from art…. above all, he’s concerned with those moments when people want to be together. For the new ‘Hopper’, he was thinking about large groups of people who want to sit together at a long table for pleasure and enjoyment. Just think of ‘Rustic Wedding’ by Pieter Breughel or the well-known beer-festivals, and you’ll get the idea.
Those antique long tables have been turned by Extremis into the interlinked ‘Hopper’ model, into which light, water or a fire can be incorporated. If you so wish, the table can feature an oil lamp, ice-bucket or grill hob. A new shade has also been provided for the new combined table and seats, making you feel immediately as if you’re in Provence.
‘Hoppy hour’ with home-brew beer
Close by Extremis’s home base at Westhoek, Dirk Wynants planted a hop orchard three years ago. He used the first harvest to start brewing his own beer, christened ‘Tremist’. Extremis is paying homage to his Tools for Togetherness philosophy by having visitors drop in at the stand at Interieur and take a seat at the ‘Hopper’ to enjoy a nice ‘Tremist’. Belgian, flamboyant and above all friendly!
Tremist has become an authentic and distinctive beer. The matching beer-glass was designed especially for Extremis in 2007 by the Belgian designer Nedda El-Asmar.
Useful info Kortrijk Xpo Hall 6 / Stand 610 / 15-24 October 2010
Hilton Worldwide has entered into a Franchise Agreement with J.G.J. Proyectistas S.A.C., a Real Estate Developer based in Lima, Peru, to introduce the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand to the Peruvian market with the 230-room new build Hilton Lima Miraflores. The hotel is scheduled to open in Q1 2012.”Now is a period of tremendous global growth for the Hilton brand and this partnership will create an exceptional property in Peru’s capital city,” said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand. “With a population exceeding nine million people, Lima is a major market for international travel and key to our strong presence in South America.”
Already under construction, Hilton Lima Miraflores is located in Miraflores, an upscale area of Lima known for its shopping areas, gardens, flower-filled parks, beaches and fine dining. The hotel’s close proximity to the MiraCorp Business Corporate Center and a thriving culinary scene makes it ideal for business and leisure travelers. As both the capital and largest city in Peru, rich in history and culture, Lima is an attractive destination.
“We are delighted to work in partnership with Hilton Worldwide to bring the first Hilton hotel to Peru. With the city of Lima’s ever-increasing demand for upscale accommodations, we are positioned to be the number-one choice for travelers,” said Ursula Vargas, commercial chief, J.G.J. Proyectistas S.A.C. The hotel will reflect a sophisticated, modern Peruvian esthetic. Guests will have a choice of accommodations with 173 king or double queen rooms, 39 executive rooms, 17 suites, one Presidential suite, and executive floors with concierge service. The hotel will provide a great base for events and business travelers, with ten meeting rooms, a business center and a grand ballroom that accommodates 450 people. On premises there will also be a restaurant, lobby bar and Pisco bar, as well as a sky terrace with a pool, spa and fitness center
Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts has changed the face of the London hotel scene with its £350 million Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London hotel, which opened earlier this year.CD Curtain Contracts Ltd were appointed to manufacture and install all curtains to 1,021 rooms and suites at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, the single largest new-build hotel in London. Working closely with Park Plaza (Europe), CD Curtain Contracts Ltd, ensured the installation was completed smoothly and on time.
Both business and leisure guests will appreciate the contemporary guest rooms in addition to a choice of 54 suites and penthouses. Spacious Superior Rooms measure an average of 27 square metres while Studio Rooms, which provide a separate sitting room ideal for families, average approximately 36 square metres. Guest room features include 37-inch LCD flat-screen televisions, bedside lighting controls with dimmers, a workstation with international electrical outlets and a mini-bar with separate refrigerator. Sleek bathrooms provide separate bathtubs and glass-enclosed showers, vessel sinks, under-counter night lights and makeup mirrors.
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London is located at the foot of Westminster Bridge, only steps from the city’s most iconic attractions. Four minutes away, along the South Bank of the River Thames, guests will find unique attractions and a thriving arts community. The most visited attraction in London, the London Eye, is at the heart of the action. Also minutes away are the London Sea Life Aquarium, South Bank Centre and the National Theatre. A stroll across Westminster Bridge is Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Walk a few minutes further and find Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and Covent Garden. Nearby transportation links include both London Overground and Underground lines at Waterloo and Westminster stations.
Image credit: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London
MFUK-Furniture has launched a new collection of haute couture contract furniture specially produced for the hotel and leisure sector.The subtle design of the new products is achieving an aesthetic that is at the same time modern and classic, elegant and functional.
The new collection includes high quality sofas, lounge and dinning chairs and they have competitive prices.
Thistle Hotels has recently announced the appointment of Tim Howes as General Manager of The Grand, Bristol. In this role, Howes will oversee the day-to-day management of the hotel, responsible for establishing The Grand as one of Bristol’s leading leisure and business destinations and raising its profile as one the best hotels in the heart of Bristol’s city centre.Situated in the heart of the city, the four star The Grand hotel has recently benefited from a £9 million refurbishment, bringing the Victorian building’s interiors up-to-date yet still retaining the original charm and character it’s most famous for. The renovation included a refresh of the hotel’s 182 bedrooms, 10 meeting rooms and in particular, its spectacular Grand Ballroom.
Commenting on his move, Tim Howes said: “The Grand is perfectly situated in the heart of the city and its refurbishment has put us in a great position for further establishing our position as being one of the best hotels Bristol has to offer, for both business and leisure guests. Dating back to the Victorian era, the hotel has an unrivalled heritage in the city and I’m looking forward to building on the history of the property as well as the fondness of the hotel from the local Bristol community.”
Darren Patt, Regional Operations Director, Thistle Hotels, comments: “We’ve invested significantly in the refurbishment of The Grand, transforming it into one of the most desirable business and leisure hotels in the city. The next step for us is to continue to raise its profile and increase awareness of its fantastic features – we believe Tim’s experience makes him well placed to take on this role.”
Mr Smith World Photography, London based fine art photographers are previewing a series of images created in the South Western United States during October. Photographs featuring the Natural World, Americana and ghost towns are available for bespoke portfolios from which a series of prints will also be released. Highlights of the collection are images created in Death Valley, Monument Valley and the Sierra Navada mountain range; the wrecks and relics of Route 66 in Arizona, and the astonishing ghost towns of Bodie and Goldfield.
To download a pdf brochure previewing the collection, click here. (Please note, this file is 3.4MB)
Dawson Design Associates, Inc. unveiled recently the intended design for the Hotel Rouge, owned by LaSalle Hotel Properties and managed by Kimpton Hotels. Minutes away from major city attractions such as the Smithsonian, the National Mall, the Washington Monument, and Union Station, the hotel is centrally located in the heart of Washington DC. Having long been a favorite hotel by the locals, both for its flamboyantly-styled guestrooms and public spaces, it quickly became “the cool hangout scene” when it was opened in the winter of 2002. The owner’s, LaSalle Hotels, desire was to maintain the core identity and attitude of the hotel, but to update the Hotel Rouge to renew its shine and luster as well as capture today’s new guests.
The Hotel Rouge is billed as the “living embodiment of ‘glam’” and was designed originally by Michael Moore as an escape from the ordinary in a town that is filled with tradition and blue suits and power ties. The new Bar Rouge will “up” its chic and glamour factor by a few levels, showcasing a really high-fashion look. “We wanted to create a really dynamic focal point by adding a strong ceiling graphic that plays with the hotels identity,” said Crystal Mazzali, lead concept designer on the project. The original ceiling mural was designed to capture a modern-day ‘noir-graphic novel’. The Bar Rouge and the appropriately named Darkroom will lure new patrons along with the hotel’s familiar clientele.
Andrea Dawson Sheehan, President of Dawson Design Associates, Inc. says that she finds that DDA’s clients are now strategically following through on renovations that were put on hold due to the recession. “Although we’ve worked very closely with LaSalle, Kimpton, and the Hotel Rouge over the past few years maintaining the hotel’s integrity of quality, we did so with the plan that as soon as it was feasible we would be able to follow-through and implement the ultimate goal of the renovation that the Hotel Rouge needed and deserved. We feel that we’ve achieved this quality in design not just creatively, but in a very smart and economical kind of way,” remarks Sheehan.
Hilton Worldwide has recently announced the signing of a franchise agreement with AD UTIP Crna Gora to open a new Hilton hotel in Podgorica, Montenegro. Scheduled to open by the end of 2012, Hilton Podgorica Montenegro is Hilton Worldwide’s first hotel signing in the country and will see the multi-million euro redevelopment of a historic building in the city.The 200 guest room Hilton Podgorica Montenegro will enjoy a prominent location in the centre of Podgorica, the capital city of Montenegro. The historical site has operated as a hotel since 1952 and before opening as a Hilton hotel will undergo significant renovations and re-design, resulting in an enhanced guest offering.
The signing marks the continued expansion of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand in Europe. The hotel is joining a fast growing portfolio of stylish and forward thinking hotels in the region, including the recently opened Hilton The Hague and Hilton Gdansk, with many more iconic properties being opened in the next few years.
Podgorica is the largest city in Montenegro and is home to the main seat of government administration as well as the country’s economic, cultural and educational centres. Tourism in Montenegro has been a growing part of the country’s economy since the 1980s; with visitors enjoying the beautiful architecture, picturesque lakes and mountain scenery and the premium visitor attractions of the Adriatic coast. The city also acts as a transport hub in soueastern Europe, with links to Serbia, Bosnia and to the coastal ports.
When open, guests will be able to enjoy newly designed bedrooms, a spa and wellness centre, restaurant, bar and bistro. The hotel will offer 900 square metres of event space with a ballroom and an original grand staircase as a focal point. Hilton Podgorica Montenegro forms part of a wider mixed use development that will also include a new luxury retail centre and casino.
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) have announced the recent opening of the Holiday Inn Express Staten Island, conveniently located near the three major metropolitan area airports and Interstate 95. The new hotel, with a meeting room and business center as well as a Nordic Track Fitness Center, is designed to meet the needs of those visiting the area on vacation or on business.The Holiday Inn Express Staten Island features the brand’s new logo, which is the seal of approval that it exemplifies the standards of the $1 billion Holiday Inn brand relaunch program.
The Holiday Inn Express Staten Island is also close to the Teleport and Business Park of Staten Island, Wagner College, the University of Staten Island and Staten Island University Hospital. Featuring high-speed wireless and wired Internet connections in each room in addition to a business center, the hotel offers meeting space that can be used as a classroom, boardroom or auditorium for up to 70 people.
Guests at the five-story 95-room Holiday Inn Express will experience a comfortable and smart environment with innovative preferred guest upgrades to ensure a pleasant stay while traveling for business or leisure. The new hotel features a state-of-the art fitness center, 24-hour business center and breakfast facilities where a complimentary hot breakfast buffet is served. The hotel also offers free parking and complimentary USA Today newspapers.
All guest rooms include 35” flat-screen televisions and the SimplySmart™ shower, which incorporates a proprietary Stay Smart™ Kohler showerhead, signature shower curtain with curved rod, upgraded 100 percent cotton terry towels and a custom line of cinnamon-scented bath products. Guests will also enjoy the SimplySmartTM bedding collection where they will find new, crisp fresh bedding, which features an attractive decorative throw, a medium-weight duvet blanket and soft 200 thread-count sheets.
“The Holiday Inn Express Staten Island is in a good position to accommodate the growing market of 1.5 million tourists who take the Staten Island Ferry annually with fantastic service and new amenities throughout the hotel”, said Amit Gandhi, president M&R Hospitality Management. “Staten Island has an abundance of parks, cultural attractions and fine dining and by increasing quality accommodations for our visitors, the notion that Staten Island is a tourist friendly borough is reinforced,” said Gandhi.
The Holiday Inn Express Staten Island is owned by HIE Staten Island Holdings and managed by M&R Hotel Group under a licensing agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group. M&R Hotel Group also owns and manages the Holiday Inn Express LaGuardia Airport and the Holiday Inn Express JFK Airport.
Dolce Hotels and Resorts has been selected by Village Hospitality LLC to rebrand and manage the former Ritz-Carlton® Lake Las Vegas that closed in May 2010. Dolce plans to open the new property in the first quarter of 2011.Dolce specialises in delivering meetings, weddings and other social event experiences through personalised service, premier cuisine and state-of-the-art facilities. The Lake Las Vegas resort is a natural fit for Dolce’s portfolio, which focuses on properties situated just outside major metropolitan areas on sprawling grounds where guests can recharge and reconnect.
The 349-room-and-suite resort sits on 15 acres of the master-planned Lake Las Vegas development, which features stunning vistas, miles of green, two resort-hotels, two marinas, residences and a European-style village. Its Mediterranean architecture featuring clay tile roofs and arched doorways is reminiscent of Europe’s colourful waterside villages. The property showcases 32,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space and a 30,000-square-foot spa and fitness centre, with multiple dining and lounge experiences. Located next to the resort’s spa, a heated pool provides guests a sophisticated retreat to relax year-round. The property adjoins MonteLago Village, offering scenic walking streets of boutiques and restaurants.
The resort can accommodate gatherings ranging in size from 10 to 1,000 attendees. Its advanced meeting space features an 11,841-square-foot ballroom with 7,423 square feet of pre-function area, a smaller 4,700-square-foot junior ballroom and 10 function rooms that include two elegantly appointed boardrooms. Technological amenities include state-of-the art electrical, lighting and sound systems, soundproof air walls and high-speed internet access in key gathering locations. Direct ballroom access is available for large vehicles and other oversized display items.
Lake Las Vegas is a pristine, master-planned 3,600-acre residential and recreational community surrounding a fresh water lake. Its old-world Mediterranean theme is reflected in the overall design and ambiance of this charming destination, unique to the desert southwest.
Four Points by Sheraton is proving that timeless, stylish comfort and great value translate around the world. The sizzling brand will open ten new hotels across the globe before the end of the year, with new properties slated for cities in six countries on three continents. With the openings, Four Points will command a presence in 28 countries, up from 24 just this year.The news comes on the heels of Four Points’ announcement of its milestone 150th hotel. Four Points’ momentum will continue into 2011 as the fast-growing brand continues to debut in business and travel hubs around the world.
Just this month, new Four Points hotels will open their doors in Lagos, Nigeria (222 rooms) and Galveston, TX (118 rooms), and in October will open in Tucson, AZ. In November, Four Points will inaugurate properties in Tripoli, Libya (205 rooms), Bangkok, Thailand (268 rooms), and Tai’an, China (311 rooms).
Global growth will propel Four Points through the end of the year, with December debuts in Pune, India (215 rooms), Visakhapatnam, India (122 rooms), Houston, TX (79 rooms), and Memphis, TN (125 rooms).
Four Points’ billion-dollar revitalization, combined with its great value proposition, helped elevate it to become one of the fastest growing brands in Starwood’s portfolio.
The new resort development Fairmont Mina Al Fajer will debut in the latter part of 2011, offering both leisure and corporate guests a distinctive experience along the breathtaking coastline of the Gulf of Oman. The project is being developed by the UAE-based Mina Al Fajer Real Estate, LLC.Located on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates with sweeping views of the Gulf and lauded for its natural beauty set against the backdrop of the historic Hajar Mountains, the project will consist of an 88-room hotel and the Fairmont Estates – 13 four-bedroom solarium villas slated for completion spring 2011. Guests will enjoy dedicated meeting facilities, a selection of dining venues, Fairmont’s signature Willow Stream Spa, a marina and a private beach. The mixed-use development will also contain mountain villas and marina apartments, for additional residential offerings.
“We are extremely pleased to add such a popular option for travelers in the region to our collection,” said Chris Cahill, President, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and COO, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International. “Fairmont Mina Al Fajer will complement our properties in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Cairo and will further strengthen our brand recognition in this very important market along with future key locations in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Muscat, Oman.”
With natural beauty unmatched in the region, Fujairah features breathtaking mountains and valleys that sweep down into a beautiful palm-fringed coastal plain, and the destination experiences warm temperatures with seasonal differences. The pristine golden beaches are just 90 minutes from Dubai and the area also offers distinctive attractions including ancient fjords, palm groves, hot springs, historical landmarks and is perfect for diving and water sports.
Radisson Edwardian Manchester has been awarded best Large Hotel at England’s Northwest Tourism Awards.Organised by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), the 2010 England’s Northwest Tourism Awards has once again celebrated the best of the region’s tourism, providing a showcase for industry best-practice and top-quality tourism businesses in Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire.
The hotel beat off stiff competition from Best Western Premier Leyland Hotel, Best Western Premier Queen Hotel, Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa and Hope Street Hotel who all went head to head in the hope to be crowned best Large Hotel.
Commented General Manager Stephen Miles: “I am absolutely thrilled that we have been awarded the Large Hotel award again and I am very proud of the whole team for all their efforts. Our focus helps us to deliver consistently high standards, we will continue to maintain our quality visitor experience and do the region proud.”
A total of 16 accolades were presented to winners from across the region. The evening was hosted by Felicity Goodey, Chair of Tourism in England’s Northwest, who was also honored with a special recognition prize.
Hallmark Hotels has acquired its sixth hotel; Hallmark Gloucester, retaining staff and set to begin a £3 million refurbishment.Situated in the Cotswolds, the former Ramada hotel is located just two miles from Gloucester city centre. The hotel includes a pool, health club and beauty salon as well as exceptional corporate and events facilities. The new owners, Hallmark Hotels, will be looking to upgrade the hotel from its current three stars to bring the property in line with the rest of the four-star Hallmark collection.
Managing Director, Arnold Schnegg comments: “Hallmark Gloucester is a fantastic property in a great location and will make an excellent addition to the Hallmark portfolio. The refurbishment will begin in January 2011 and in the mean time we will be bringing the service and standards up to the level our customers expect from our hotels.”
All 75 current staff will be retained by Hallmark and it is hoped that further jobs will be created as the hotel is re-launched and begins to flourish.
Hallmark Hotel Gloucester marks the sixth hotel to join the Hallmark group along with Hallmark Hotels Bournemouth, Manchester, Derby, Carlisle and most recently Hull, all of which have undergone similar work to restore them to their former glory with décor befitting the boutique style of the Hallmark brand.
Amendment to the refurbishment start date: work will commence in October 2010 with a completion date of April 2011.
Sol Meliá, the leading hotel company in Spain and Latin America, has announced the start of operations in the USA with the opening of the Meliá Atlanta, under a management agreement, allowing the company to develop its growth strategy in the biggest market in the world and positioning its most international brand in one of the most important business destinations in the country.The hotel has been run to date by the Marriott chain under the name Renaissance Atlanta Hotel Downtown, and will be taken over by Sol Meliá from 15 October. The new Meliá Atlanta will be fully adapted to the brand standards thanks to the owner’s investment of 35 million dollar in a renovation process through to 2013.
Located in the financial district of Atlanta (capital of the State of Georgia, home to some of the biggest corporations in the USA), very near the city Technology Park, the hotel is a modern 502 room property which is perfect for both business and leisure travellers and has easy access to the Hartsfield-Jackson international airport, the busiest airport in the world. The Meliá Atlanta also provides 2,700 square meters of meeting space for events, excellent leisure facilities and a great choice of dining options.
The hotel is owned by Fundus America and the takeover is a landmark for the Sol Meliá growth and diversification strategy, allowing the company to gain a foothold in the biggest market in the world and earn brand recognition which will enhance the opening of hotels in new destinations in the USA. In the words of Gabriel Escarrer, Vice Chairman and CEO of Sol Meliá, “the company is very excited about the addition of the new Meliá Atlanta and I’m sure it will help us give a boost to many projects we would like to develop in the USA over the coming years”. Henk Habers, Chairman of the WingField Group, the real estate company involved in the operation, emphasised that the quality of the hotel after it adapts to the Meliá brand standards, and its privileged location in downtown Atlanta, will make the Meliá Atlanta the “preferred destination for both business and leisure travellers”.
Sol Meliá is currently immersed in an intense period of growth and has managed to extend its brand presence to the most dynamic markets in the world: Asia, major European capitals, the Mediterranean coast and the Caribbean, amongst others. In the Americas the hotel company operates hotels in Brazil, Argentina, México, Venezuela and Costa Rica, amongst others and also achieved a major deal in the USA in June with the sale of its TRYP brand to the giant Wyndham Hotel Group, creating a strategic alliance to develop the new “Tryp by Wyndham” brand in major markets, including the USA.
Dawnvale have been involved with the Chaophraya family from its early beginnings 5 yrs ago, so it’s no surprise that the experienced Bar and Fit Out team at their Head Office in Manchester were given a brief to test their true skills.‘The kitchen has to look like your own; expectations are high and it has to be superbly finished – like a Porsche. The kitchen is on full view, even the behind counter so it needs to look sexy, oh… and please confirm this will be perfect!’
This was no surprise given the precise detail achieved on the previous parent Restaurant Chaophraya. Having successfully worked on the first Chaophraya in Manchester 5 yrs ago, then onto Chaophraya Liverpool to create a unique Royal Thai Fine Dining Cuisine restaurant, and currently a further refurbishment program in Manchester underway, the benchmark had been set. In conjunction with Chaophraya, Liverpool also featured Palm Sugar Lounge Bar which equally set high standards for a complementary theme and interior bar finish.
The new Chaobaby at the Trafford Centre appear to be raising the standards again, but the bespoke design and brief was an exciting challenge. As specialists in the leisure industry for over 25yrs Dawnvale take a bespoke approach on any project. It’s essential the expected day to day operations are taken on board along with the aesthetics, as is the budget and timescales; this is where Dawnvale come into their own, saving crucial time, value engineering and providing commercial experience to the scheme. The results speak for themselves.
What did we do?
Dawnvale took the theatre kitchen to a new level: Royal Thai cuisine cooked in bespoke woks and served from invisible induction technology. We manufactured and installed a bespoke ‘U’ shape Granite Servery counter with a hidden induction system, including Teppanyaki hot plates, Noodle Cookers and copper chafing dishes.
We installed a fully fitted commercial kitchen including a gas cook line incorporating Woks, Fryers, Grills and large bespoke canopy; designed and installed a Walk-in freezer room, wash up area and preparation section with comprehensive ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration throughout.
TechVision’s Infiniti Waterproof LCD TVs have been successfully installed in a number of Indian Hotels this year.Recently, Techvision supplied 17” Infiniti units to the Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai, for their most expensive suites; The Tata Suite, Dolphin Suite, Coral Suite and Neptune Suite.
Earlier this year the compaby also supplied a quantity of 17” Infiniti TVs to The Royal Gardenia, Bangalore (7 Star Luxury Collection Hotel – Starwood Group).
Techvison have the capability to make bespoke sizes, and made a bespoke (larger) Infiniti TV for the Presidential Suite bathroom, of the Leela Kempinski, Gurgaon.
Working in partnership with a local bathroom design company in India, the company is able to supply our Waterproof units to other hotels in the region.
If you require more information, please contact through the Directory
Hypnos has launched the highly anticipated next generation of the Heritage Collection.The unsurpassed quality of these royally approved beds is reinforced by the timeless beauty of the bamboo-rich Belgian Damask and the flawless upholstery and tailoring from the finest master craftsmen. The Heritage Collection uses only ecologically sound and completely sustainable materials. Indeed as the only active bed supplier to the British Royal Family, Hypnos continues to support the Royal’s across a range of projects, and immediately responded to HRH The Prince of Wales and The Campaign for Wool, by including British wool in every mattress within the Heritage Collection, thereby directly supporting British sheep farmers, and promoting the natural benefits of wool. Naturally, at the end of their life, all these beds are 100% recyclable and will never need to go to landfill.
From large international hotel groups, spa and vacation properties to small boutique hotels, super yachts and serviced apartments Hypnos has helped to create some of the most comfortable bedrooms and most memorable sleep experiences. The Hypnos full service project management approach extends from bespoke design service, manufacturing and dedicated installation teams to bed disposal and recycling.
Tune Hotels opened their first European hotel in Waterloo at the end of August. Tune Westminster is a conversion by Directory design practice Occa of the old Lambeth Building Society headquarters. Creating a stylish hotel where the room size is less than 9sq.metres has been quite a challenge but the practice has risen to it, creating space to a walk around the bed and a podded shower room to provide the en-suite.Tune use the advanced computer control card technology to break down the cost of the room. With advanced proximity locking and the now familiar indicator panel outside the door the key card now controls the sockets in the room. This has enabled the operator to break down the offer and use the flexibility to reduce the base cost. Not for nothing have they been called the easyjet of hotels.
A basic room cost may be £35 for a basement windowless room, or £45 for a room with a triple glazed sound proofing window, but there is then a scale of charges for what is called by the hotel ‘non-essential’ services. So if you want the power tuned on to the room TV you will pay £3 for 24 hours. 24hr internet is £3 more, use of the safe £2 and so on. If during your stay you want fresh towels then this will cost £1.50 -a useful reversal of the ‘drop them on the floor’ supposedly green approach of other hotels. The room rate of course leads to the guest making ‘value driven’ decisions With London average rooms rates topping £170 this represents extraordinarily good value.
London hotel group Radisson Edwardian has been awarded three gold and 11 silver accreditations across the board for their 12 luxury London hotels by the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS). The GTBS is the national sustainable tourism certification scheme for the UK, providing environmental advice and auditing to the hospitality industry.
Each of Radisson Edwardian’s 4 and 5 star London hotels were assessed by the GTBS against a rigorous set of criteria, covering a range of areas from energy and water efficiency, to waste management and local community support. It was announced this week that Radisson Edwardian hotels meet the GTBS’s Best Practice standard in several areas and of note the Radisson Edwardian Heathrow, Radisson Edwardian New Providence Wharf & The May Fair hotels were found to excel each achieving a gold accreditation.
“Radisson Edwardian dispels the myth that a top quality hotel cannot also be green.” said Stuart Park, Senior Grading Assessor for GTBS. “As London embraces more sustainable answers to tourism, Radisson Edwardian Hotels stand out from their competitors by offering the same high levels of comfort they always have, but now with a much greener approach.
“Successful resource efficiency initiatives are constantly being introduced to reduce the carbon footprint of each hotel.
Groupwide initiatives include a new fleet of hybrid vehicles to reduce emissions from necessary travel, while low carbon journeys by guests are actively encouraged. Ecofriendly soaps have been sourced for the 2000+ guest bathrooms, new energy efficient lighting is being installed and all of the restaurants showcase the ‘best of British’ produce. The hotel’s enthusiastic ‘Green Teams’ maintain staff momentum and future green projects are already underway, ensuring the group is at the forefront of a greener London.”
Being green is high on the agenda for Radisson Edwardian hotels with the implementation of a radical ten-year programme launched in 2009, which aims to create the greenest hotels in the capital.
“The desire to be a greener hotel company runs throughout the company at every level.” said Paul Mansi, Chief Operating Officer. “We have a Green Team at each hotel tasked with effecting the company’s carbon footprint. Everyone is doing their best to think greener and be greener. We have made huge strides in fuel savings and the management of energy, with new and better ways of working being recorded every day. We think it’s a wonderful achievement that in our first ever grading visit for the GTBS our green works have been deemed best practice and that we have managed to take it one step further with gold accreditations! Next year the aim is Gold across the board!”
Radisson Edwardian’s GTBS accreditations join a recent Platinum Award won at the 2010 Green 500.
RHA presents a new range of stylish seating designed with simplicity & harmony in mind. Specially designed for contract use – the shape, quality & comfort make them an ideal choice for hotel rooms, lounges & spa receptions. For more details please contact RHA Furniture.
CD Curtain Contracts, Derby based soft furnishings manufacturer, supplied and installed curtains and throws to all guestrooms and public areas, working closely with Aedus and J2 Design at Liverpool One, Hilton’s latest flagship which opened earlier this year.Designed to represent the curvature and ebb and flow of the Mersey River, the hotel is located on the edge of the award-winning Liverpool ONE shopping complex and overlooks Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock.
The sleek internal décor of the building, by Aedus and J2 Design, has been created to enhance the hotel’s maritime design and heritage. In the lobby, timber has been used to illustrate the meanders of the River, and a piece of artwork mounted in the reception was specifically commissioned and created in resin to support the theme.
The hotel bar, Pima, celebrates the city’s heritage as a cotton trading port as Pima is a type of high-quality cotton from America. The bar’s interior design includes cotton-related artworks and exclusive lighting that appears as cotton balls.
The Exchange restaurant acknowledges the site which previously housed the city’s Custom House, regarded as the epicentre of the docks and where the exchange of goods was recorded. In keeping with the Customs House theme, signage for the restaurant has been created using typography and colours typical of an authentic Victorian Dock sign.
In addition to the 215 rooms, which include one presidential suite, six executive suites and five junior suites, the hotel offers excellent conference and banqueting facilities. The impressive Grace Suite ballroom with its own bar area and floor to ceiling windows, provides access for up to 400 theatre-style guests, while a further eight meeting rooms all benefit from natural light.
Additional hotel features include a dedicated business centre, wireless internet, state of the art audiovisual equipment, a concierge service and a gym. On the seventh floor, an exclusive executive lounge offers magnificent views over the city.
With excellent transport links, the Hilton Liverpool is 20 minutes from John Lennon Airport, 45 minutes from Manchester International Airport and less than one mile from Liverpool Lime Street train station which has services to all major cities in the UK. The hotel is also within walking distance from the Arena and the Convention Centre.
Appointment marks the imminent opening of design-led lifestyle hotel
Conservatorium Hotel, a highly-anticipated new property in Amsterdam celebrates the appointment of industry specialist Madelon Boom as General Manager. Anchoring the destination shopping district, P.C. Hooftstraat, the 130-room boutique hotel will breathe a new life to this iconic late 19th century building complemented by exceptional hospitality. With world-class amenities, state-of-the-art facilities including an exquisite location, brasserie, destination bar, contemporary design by world renowned designer Piero Lissoni, and a wellbeing retreat, the luxury lifestyle property will be opening in Spring 2011.
Marking a return to her country, Madelon will direct and oversee all operational and strategic aspects of the new hotel. A graduate from the Hotel School The Hague in the Netherlands with a degree in Sales and Marketing, Madelon brings over 25 years of experience in the hospitality and leisure industry to the Conservatorium Hotel, Amsterdam.
“I am very honored and delighted to have been chosen for this position,” says Madelon. “I share in the hotel management’s passion for historic buildings, unrivalled design, and warm approach to impeccable hospitality. I look forward to establishing the Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam as a unique destination hotel and welcoming both the local community, national and international visitors to this grand city one which is steeped in a legacy of music and history.”
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced that they have sold the 179-room St. Regis Aspen for $70 million to 315 East Dean Associates Inc., a Delaware Corporation represented by Bangkok-based OptAsia Capital Co. The sales price is immediately accretive to earnings and represents a multiple of 17 times anticipated 2010 EBITDA. Starwood will maintain a 50 year management agreement and continue to operate the resort under its ultra-luxury St. Regis flag. Guest service and hotel operations will continue uninterrupted, providing seamless signature St. Regis service and exceptional guest experience which distinguishes the brand’s properties around the world. In addition to the purchase price, the buyer has committed to a major renovation of the resort, including the refurbishment of all hotel guest rooms and public areas and incorporating the extensive courtyard space into dining outlets for year-round offerings, including enhanced après-ski use.
According to Simon Turner, President of Global Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, “Asset sales such as this are illustrative of Starwood’s strategic disposition of owned real estate. We are committed to our strategy of systematically moving toward a more asset light operating model over time, taking advantage of when opportunities to sell our owned real estate are in the best interests of our shareholders.”
Denise Coll, President North American Hotel Operations, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, added, “We are delighted that Starwood will continue to manage this one of a kind resort in one of the world’s premiere luxury destinations on behalf of an owner who shares our passion for the St. Regis brand and for Aspen.”
Ideally located at the base of Aspen Mountain, the St. Regis Aspen Resort is situated between the mountain’s two primary base ski lifts and within walking distance to all of Aspen’s shops, restaurants and entertainment. The hotel is just ten minutes from Aspen’s airport and offers convenient access to all four ski areas as well as area golf courses.
Launched at Focus was an array of new products from Vaughan, including glass lamp bases as shown below.The Klosters Candlestick Lamp is a modern and fresh take on the classic candlestick, with textured glass and nickel base.
The Aspen Rope Lamp is a pretty twisted glass that looks like its melting into a pool which forms the base.
The Courcheval Twisted Lamp is a slightly shorter, but just as pretty glass twisted base.
The upscale hotel management company, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, has opened the iconic Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai, its third hotel in the United Arab Emirates, raising its portfolio to 67 properties globally.The five-star Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel offers guests a privileged location in which to enjoy Dubai’s world-class entertainment and shopping. The property is situated next to the landmark Ibn Battuta Mall, in the heart of New Dubai, close to the Metro and not far from Palm Jumeirah and Jebel Ali Free Zone, while the city’s main financial hubs and Dubai International Airport are easily accessible via the adjacent Sheikh Zayed Road highway.
The hotel is cleverly inspired by the journeys of the 14th century celebrated Arabian explorer, Ibn Battuta and his travelog is elegantly reflected in every aspect of the property including its eclectic architecture, decor and cuisine.
All 396 guestrooms and suites enjoy contemporary furnishings, together with touches that hark back to the hotel’s Arabian heritage and culture. The landmark hotel features 29 individually decorated suites, which have been themed to reflect the travels of Ibn Battuta, and guests booking into these rooms have complimentary access to the executive lounge.
Three floors are dedicated to business travellers, with a separate reception and lounge areas, but the hotel is just as ideal for families, with convenient three-way interconnecting rooms available.
“The hotel has many iconic elements,” said the hotel’s general manager, Jan Kaiser. “It is adjacent to the statuesque Ibn Battuta Gate, which at 60 metres high, is larger than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.”
The hotel lobby spans 90×30 metres in length and height, providing a sense of grandeur for departing and arriving guests. “We call the hotel lobby the Grand Hall,” added Kaiser. “It is majestic yet inviting and has numerous signature features, including 88 mammoth, eastern-style lanterns dangling elegantly into the wonderful space that is best described as ‘the hub on the house’.”
The Grand Hall is also the gateway to seven of eight equally iconic restaurants and lounges. Guests are taken on a culinary journey with cuisines representing the lands Ibn Battuta visited on his travels.
Centred around an open kitchen, Mistral is a Mediterranean restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets; Chor Bazaar features exotic flavours of northern India; Sicilia, the Italian speciality outlet, offers a rustic and unpretentious menu; and Shanghai Chic is a stylish restaurant offering authentic Shanghai and Szechuan cuisines.
Guests can unwind in a range of relaxed settings, which include Olive Tree, the rooftop pool bar, Majlis – the Middle Eastern Shisha Lounge – and Moroc Lounge, Bar, and Terrace. The gourmet shop, Pastane @ Ibn Battuta is the place to go for freshly baked pastries and breads.
The hotel’s Spa offers an extensive range of ancient cures and modern treatments in six treatment rooms and additional leisure facilities include a fitness centre and 30-metre rooftop pool. For children, the Camel Club offers a wide range of fun-filled activities, complemented by state-of-the-art technology.
Guests can also enjoy exclusive access to the private beach and pool at Oceana Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah, which is less than 20 minutes away by hotel shuttle.
For meetings and conferences, the hotel has 11 thoughtfully-designed meeting rooms for up to 250 people, plus numerous interesting terraces for ‘al fresco’ functions. The Grand Hall can host 1,000 people.
Where else can you find a more stunning location for the most important day of your life, than The Inn on the Lake Hotel, Ullswater. It enjoys one of the most spectacular settings in the Lake District, in 15 acres of grounds with lawns sweeping down to the shores of the lake.The Inn on the Lake, which has 47 en-suite guest rooms and an AA rosette restaurant, is part of The Lake District Hotels Group and specializes in providing the ultimate wedding experience. It is licensed for Civil Wedding ceremonies and has three approved suites.
The hotel now offers a new and unique feature, with the recent addition of an attractive 6m diameter Lakeside gazebo, supplied by Andy Thornton Ltd. It provides an idyllic sheltered location for the ceremony and offers the perfect photographic opportunity to capture the moment, with Lake Ullswater or the magnificent Helvellyn Mountain Range providing a perfect backdrop from every angle.
The architectural metalwork department at Andy Thornton designed, manufactured and installed the gazebo, which at 6m diameter, is large enough to accommodate the bride and groom, registrar and close family and friends. Additional seating can also be provided around the gazebo, for up to 120 guests.
The impressive structure comprises six elaborate cast aluminium columns with interconnecting spandrels, decorative balustrade panels and hardwood handrail. The eye-catching two-tier curved roof structure features a convex cupola with central weather vane. Internally there is a recessed flat ceiling which incorporates illumination. The finish is a resilient powder coat in white with verdigris roof.
The Lakeside Gazebo is proving a very popular attraction at the hotel, since being introduced this summer. Hotel proprietors Charles & Kit Graves are delighted with the additional business it has generated and commented, “We now have a totally unique and memorable location for holding weddings.” They have already asked Andy Thornton to design and cost another decorative enclosed structure for one of the other hotels in the group.
It is the last call for all young Interior Designers looking to enter the prestigious IDA Young Commercial Designer of the Year Competition!ScotHot 2011 is reminding that entries for the UK’s newest interior design challenge closes at the end of October and those looking to prove their talent to the world respected judges and lucrative Scottish hospitality industry should submit their entries by 22 October.
Hosted by ScotHot 2011, the first ever IDA Young Commercial Designer of the Year Competition in association with the British Contract Furnishing Association (BCFA) and the Interior Design Association (IDA), is the only competition aimed solely at designers under 30.
The winner will not only be awarded the prestigious title, but will have their design built in the BCFA Interiors and Design Pavilion @ ScotHot 2011 giving them the opportunity to showcase their work in front of more than 8,000 hospitality professionals and buyers, as well as the panel of judges, comprising a team of industry experts. Also up for grabs is a £1,000 cash prize.
The challenge for entrants is to design a 6m x 4m bedroom, including en-suite bathroom, for a four or five star refurbished boutique hotel. Maximum budget for the design is £25,000 and with sustainability a key focus for ScotHot 2011, designers must take in to account origin and air miles of their materials, but keep full product lifecycle sustainability the most important factor. Points will be awarded to those who use UK suppliers and no products are to be sourced from outside Europe.
Entrants must be under 30 years old and detail all aspects of the room design including technology, surfaces, fabrics, and furniture, with specific emphasis on how the room design enhances the guest’s overall enjoyment of their stay and how they meet the sustainability criteria.
The panel of judges features some of the countries top designers including Colin Watson of the Interior Design Association, Kate Mooney of Occa Design, Stephan Oberwegner of Max Bentheim, Jim Hamilton of Graven Images and Ronnie Burns of Burns Interior Design along with industry experts such as Kiki Max of Wyndham Hotels. Two highly commended candidates will also have the opportunity to mount their designs in the BCFA Interiors and Design Pavilion @ ScotHot 2011.
ScotHot is Scotland’s only hospitality interiors, tourism and catering event and attracts over 8,000 trade only professionals at the SECC in Glasgow ranging from hotels, restaurants, clubs, bars, schools, colleges and universities. With over 175,000 people employed in hotels and restaurants and 16m tourists a year, hospitality is one of Scotland’s key industries. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of leading professionals representing this very vibrant and dynamic sector.
For further information on how to enter please see: www.scothot.co.uk
Terms and Conditions: • The maximum age of the applicant is 30 years old. • All applicants must have a BA (Hons) Degree in interior design or similar. • All entries should be submitted no later than the 22nd October 2010 • The successful applicant as well as two highly commended applicants will be informed by 12th November 2010.
Choice Hotels International, Inc. has recently announced that the Cambria Suites hotel on Racetrack Road in Washington, Penn. has opened. The 105-suite hotel is the first of two Cambria Suites properties opening in Pennsylvania and is owned by Adios Associates, L.P., an affiliate of Horizon Properties Group and Madison Realty Group. Conveniently located near the Tanger Outlet Mall as well as The Meadows Racetrack and Casino, the Washington Cambria Suites brings a fresh, new and upscale all-suites option for the greater Pittsburgh area. Each suite features separate work and living areas with ergonomic chairs, movable desks, luxury linens, and Bath & Body Works(R) products. The all-suites hotels offer the latest in technology, including a media wall with two 52-inch televisions in the open, airy two-story lobby, and each suite includes two flat-screen LCD televisions and MP3 jacks. Every suite offers MediaHub(TM) plug-and-play technology, allowing guests to connect their laptop, MP3 player, game console, digital camera or CD/DVD player hassle-free. Free high-speed wired and wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel, in addition to complimentary remote printing, so that guests can stay connected when on the road.
Like all Cambria Suites, the Washington property features Reflect, a dining and gathering area serving a dinner menu, liquor, wine, beer, and a barista bar featuring Wolfgang Puck(R) coffee, Cheesecake Factory(R) desserts and a hot breakfast buffet; Refresh, a state-of-the-art fitness center with an elegant pool and hot tub/spa area; and Refill, a 24-7 convenience store that offers energy drinks, snacks and sundries, as well as freshly prepared grab-and-go gourmet salads and sandwiches.
A message from Tony Attard OBE, FRSA; Group Chief Executive of Panaz Limited
One of the most exciting global challenges for a yachtsman to dream about is to sail the Atlantic. For many years sailors have been inspired by the around the world expeditions of Joshua Slocum, Chay Blyth, Sir Robin Knox Johnston, Sir Francis Chichester, Dame Ellen Macarthur and Dee Cathry. The personal achievements by such determined characters live on in history long after the voyage is over.Although crossing the Atlantic seems a small step by comparison to the achievements of these great adventurers, for me it will be an enormous challenge as my previous experience has been limited to crossing the Channel!
I will be sailing in November, and although none of us have sailed the Atlantic previously and this will be our longest trip at sea, the team are experienced sailors. However I am the novice and so a great deal of training and study will be required by me within the next few weeks to ensure I reach the levels of knowledge and sailing skill required.
I am taking the opportunity while crossing the Atlantic to raise money and indeed awareness for our UK industry specific Charity the Furnishing Industry Trust, known as FIT.
Our Charity FIT was established over 100 years ago to support people in the UK who have been employed in our Furnishings Industry with practical help. We give weekly grants to help with ongoing financial hardship, and one off payments for respite breaks and holidays, mobility aids, (for example wheelchairs) for people suffering critical illness. FIT is also developing grants to provide students with University bursaries to cover some of the costs of furnishing industry related courses. My Ambitions are to cross the Atlantic and raise £10,000 for FIT, and I hope that you can help. Every donation, large or small will enable FIT to give grants and payments to some of the most deserving and needy people in the UK.
Turkish Tourism Investment Association Secretary General Koray Yetik has given a ringing endorsement to the Central Asia and Turkey Hotel Investment Conference (CATHIC), to be held in Istanbul from 7-9 February 2011.Mr Yetik said: “The CATHIC conference will focus the attention of Turkish and global hotel investors and developers on our targets for tourism development in Turkey. Our goal is that the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic in 2023 will see 70 million tourist arrivals to Turkey and tourism revenues reaching US$80 billion by that date”.
According to Mr Yetik, investment in Turkey’s tourism over the next 13 years will see an additional 500,000 hotel beds, 35 new golf courses, 40 new marinas and an additional 55,000 airline seats.
“In order to achieve these goals, private investment of US$24 billion in Turkey’s tourism infrastructure will be required, and the hotels sector alone will require $US14 billion of that total in order to deliver 500,000 additional beds. Government funding of major infrastructure projects of a further US$15 billion is also called for,” Mr Yetik added.
The CATHIC conference will bring global hotel investors, operators and developers together to discuss opportunities, challenges and to make deals. The conference programme includes speakers with knowledge and expertise in regional and international hotel development, finance, hotel branding and operations. Further sessions will give perspectives from government, non-governmental organisations and industry analysts.
In addition to the formal conference programme, the CATHIC event offers various networking opportunities and an exhibition. Delegates will have ample opportunity to meet other participants, discuss opportunities and to do business.
“Having the endorsement of the TYD – whose members comprise the most influential hotel owners and investors in Turkey – is testament to the level of interest and real development opportunity that Turkey and the Central Asia region has to offer,” said Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of Bench Events, co-organisers of the CATHIC conference.
To register to attend this event, and for details of the conference programme, please visit www.cathic.com
Swissôtel Tallinn is proud to announce the receipt of the prestigious award of the World Travel Association (WTA) as it was singled out this year as “Estonia’s Leading Hotel”. The award ceremony was held in the city of Antalya in Turkey beginning of October. The World Travel Awards European regional ceremony united senior management and decision makers of Europe’s travel and tourism industry to celebrate their achievements. Also referred to as the “Oscars of the travel and tourism industry” by the Wall Street Journal, the World Travel Awards was founded in 1993 and is recognized globally as the foremost recognition of excellence in product and service worldwide. This year results are based on an independent vote by 185’000 travel agents and tourism professionals in over 200 countries.
Swissôtel Tallinn is a luxury hotel with 238 guestrooms and suites set admidst the business district of Tallinn, boasting unrivalled postcard panoramic views across the UNESCO listed Old Town and the Baltic Sea. Only 10 minutes away from the Airport and in walking distance to all hotspots of the city, Swissôtel Tallinn offers excellent accommodation, a wealth of facilities including three restaurants, the largest ballroom in Estonia as well as the Amrita Spa & Wellness Centre for relaxation and a wide range of treatments.
“Being recognised by the World Travel Awards in this way confirms our company slogan, a passion for perfection, which is based on our warm Swiss hospitality combined with quality, efficiency and reliability”, says Bart Westerhout, General Manager of the outstanding property. “It is pleasing that the Swissôtel Tallinn, which is representing Swissôtel in this extraordinary destination, has within a few years established a reputation to earn this prestigious award.”
The Rezidor Hotel Group has recently announced the Radisson Hotel Zavidovo. The 230-rooms property is scheduled to open in 2014. “Radisson is Europe’s largest upscale hotel brand. I am delighted that this hotel allows us to further grow our contemporary and exciting portfolio on the emerging Russian market”, comments Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor. The Radisson Hotel Zavidovo will be located in a picturesque resort area which is considered one of the most environmentally pristine areas of Russia. It stretches along the scenic Ivankovo Lake and borders a 1,250 km² nature reserve. The hotel is only 90 km northwest of Moscow and is easily accessible from the M10 highway, which is the main road linking Moscow and St. Petersburg. Planned as a popular retreat for the elite of Moscow, Zavidovo is also home to one of the official vacation residences of the President of Russia. The residence has also been utilized since Soviet times as a military hunting ground and as a venue to host foreign leaders. The surrounding area is rich in wildlife including bears, lynxes and foxes. Guests also enjoy an active sports and entertainment calendar which includes boating regattas, equestrian competitions, a rock festival, an aqua-bike world cup, extreme sports festival, etc. The hotel will also take advantage of the nearby 18-hole PGA Europe golf course to be opened in 2012.
Besides 230 guest rooms featuring Radisson signature services such as free high speed internet access, the property will offer 2 restaurants, a bar, a destination spa, conference facilities, and a yacht club. The hotel will be developed by ProfEstate, a Russian company developing a master-planned community in the area. “Zavidovo is an established resort and conference destination nearby Moscow with a lot of tourists, activities, special events, and yet a shortage of quality accommodation and services. Being the first 4-star hotel in the area, the Radisson Hotel Zavidovo will fill this gap and add a new momentum to the local development. We firmly believe in its success”, says Sergey Bachin, President of ProfEstate.
The Rezidor Hotel Group currently has over 60 hotels with a total of more than 14,500 rooms in operation and under development across Russia/CIS. The region belongs to the company’s focus areas for future business development, and is managed out of a full service branch office in Moscow.
Easy access to both business hubs and shopping, Courtyard by Marriott Suzhou provides guests with the best of both worlds, allowing them to work and have fun. Nestled in the heart of Suzhou Industrial Park the newly opened hotel delivers on the Courtyard brand promise, offering travelers spacious rooms and excellent value. Owned by Suzhou Industrial Park Hengyu Real Estate Co., Ltd., the hotel operates under a long-term management agreement with Marriott International and is headed by Tony Sum as general manager and Neon Li as director of sales.The new hotel is centrally located, offering easy access to the Suzhou International Expo Center, Times Square shopping center, Jinji Lake and scenic downtown that is known for its stone bridges, pagodas and gardens. Other nearby attractions include: Lingering Garden, Lion Grove Garden, the Canglang Pavilion and Suzhou silk museum.
The calming colors and contemporary design of the large guestrooms make them feel warm and stylish. Featuring amenities that provide both comfort and efficiency the room layouts allow the space to be multi-functional. Deluxe bedding, 42-inch LCD panel TVs, iHome docking stations and satellite channels ensure that guests are able to enjoy down time and unwind while well-lit work areas, high speed internet, laptop size safes and the latest in-room technology tools help to increase productivity.
Guests looking for a treat should visit the hotel’s 27th floor where they’ll discover the highest indoor pool and gym in the city. The fully equipped health club provides inspiration while working out to the exceptional view of the surrounding city.
Located on the 25th floor, the executive lounge offers personalized check-in and check-out services as well as complimentary breakfast, international newspapers, laundry service, complimentary use of meeting rooms, evening cocktails and snacks.
High ceilings, experienced staff and state-of-the-art conference facilities make events at the Courtyard by Marriott Suzhou stylish and stress-free. Offering a total of 717 square meters of function space including seven individual meeting rooms, the 450 square meter grand ballroom can accommodate up to 350 people in theater style. A 45 square meter board room filled with natural light makes the venue ideal for local businesses gatherings.
Langham Hotels International has signed a management agreement for Langham Place, Ningbo Culture Plaza, Ningbo with Ningbo Culture Plaza Investment & Development Company Limited. The move marks the luxury hotel operator’s first flag in one of China’s strategic second tier cities.The deepwater port city of Ningbo in Zhejiang Province on China’s Eastern seaboard is home to one of the world’s top five container ports. Located just two hours from Shanghai and linked by a 33km cross-sea bridge, the ancient Silk Road city of Ningbo is a crucial modern economic as well as a regional artistic hub.
The Ningbo Culture Plaza has been earmarked as one of the city’s key developments for the arts, fashion and retail industries. The multi-use complex will include commercial, educational, recreational, retail, gallery, exhibition and theatre space. The 140-room property, including seven suites, is located in two distinctive low-rise towers linked by a modern art deco corridor. Set to open in late 2011, Langham Place will form the centrepiece of the local arts and cultural hub.
With Langham Place’s strong emphasis on the arts, the hotel will masquerade as an art gallery, stimulating with a carefully-curated collection of exciting local art pieces. The modern property will also host the city’s key art functions and other events in its dynamic spaces including a state-of-the-art 830 sq m ballroom and five versatile meeting rooms.
Langham Place, Ningbo Culture Plaza will introduce three dining concepts. Ming Court, a sibling of its two-Michelin Star counterpart in Hong Kong, serving Cantonese and local specialities; an all-day dining restaurant and a speciality restaurant and bar.
Recognising that today’s guests often work and then relax in the same space, the group’s signature Portal – Work & Play will have the latest state-of-the-art technology for complete connectivity and DJs will gently spin lounge tunes during the evening.
The vibrant and entertaining art hotel is balanced with the introduction of a modern health club and swimming pool as well as the group’s signature Chuan Spa, offering treatments based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
One of the latest developments of Baulmann Leuchten, a new family of LED table-lamps and floor-lamps, has now been completed with the matching pendant luminaires.Like the table- and floor-lamps the pendant are available in two different designs with a “horizontal version” and a “vertical version”.
All these LED luminaires are equipped with the latest LED technology, using a special “flood-light LED” with an excellent colour rendering and a warmwhite colour temperature.
The “horizontal” pendant luminaire is using 5 x 3W LED while the “vertical version” is equipped with 12V DC LEDs.
The Ready to Weave concept from Axminster Commercial has led to a significant rise in the popularity of semi-bespoke carpet, fulfilling the needs of contractors, hoteliers, restaurateurs and publicans, and it is now set to offer even more scope with the introduction of another 16 colours.Now with a total of 32 colours, Ready to Weave is one of the most flexible semi-bespoke services on offer today. Not only can specifiers choose from an extensive library of traditional and contemporary patterns and 32 colours, but also from two widths – 0.91 and 3.66m – and seven different weight qualities, tailoring the carpet to their exact requirements.
Manufactured from a performance blend of 80% wool and 20% nylon, Ready to Weave carpets can meet the wear needs for front of house applications such as dining areas, bars, receptions and lounges, but are also equally adept at providing less frequented areas such as guest rooms with a carpet that delivers value.
From the spinning of yarn at Axminster Spinning Division, to the dyeing and final manufacturing, Ready to Weave is produced entirely in the UK, helping to minimise environmental impact through the use of renewable resources and minimal transportation.
“The Ready to Weave concept has been embraced by many projects already, but with a total of 32 colours now available, it is likely to tick even more boxes for a wide range of locations and provide the perfect addition to refurbishments or fit-outs,” explains Steve Upperton, Sales Director.
By combining the latest technology with traditional axminster weaving, Ready to Weave offers fast-track custom carpets at costs previously only achieved with large production runs in a fraction of the time normally associated with a custom commissioned service.
Specialist hotel and leisure refurbishment contractor Ramparts Interior Contracts Ltd has been purchased from Liquidators BDO for an undisclosed sum, by a team led by former Sales and Marketing Director, Gary Crosbie.Founded in 1972, Ramparts was recognised as the leading interior fit-out contractor in its sector and preferred partner to the most respected operators in the market place, in its prime turning over £20 million. However, the sale of the business for £4m in 2006 by its founders was not the platform to build the business further, but the beginning of a turbulent storm of legal wrangling and boardroom instability adversely affected performance from which it was unable to weather.
Gary Crosbie commented, “Having been heavily involved in the growth of the business up to its 2006 sale I was shocked to see what was once a well run operation falter so quickly. It was particularly upsetting to see the efforts of almost 40 years reduced to a jumble of packing cases in a warehouse and hear of pointless and expensive litigation which took the focus off what paid the rent.”
“I have been fortunate and amazed to be able to put together a team of people who know the top end and contract refurbishment market inside out, with diverse skills from construction, soft furnishings and building services. We have the team ready and waiting to tackle any shape and size of project, but strategy is very much a walk before we run situation as we aim to take Ramparts to reclaim its former industry leading position.”
The purchase and restructure of the business will see Ramparts move from its traditional home of Macclesfield to South Manchester.
“From a personal point I’m sad to see the move from Macclesfield, as the old office is only 100 yards from my house, but from a business point of view, we have to strip out every unnecessary cost and overhead. Business is tough, price is king and not having a huge overhead can only be good for our competitiveness.”
Whilst business has not been trading for several weeks, Ramparts hopes to be re-engaging former staff sub-contractors and suppliers as soon as possible.
“The first stages of redundancies started over a year ago and the company shed staff along the way to its eventual demise in May. Ramparts built up its reputation on the backs of these people, clearly some have found new jobs. However, it is my firm intention to get as much of this talent back on board as soon as possible and get this once great market leading contractor back to its rightful place in the industry. I intend to expand its repertoire and build a solid future based on its past strategy of understanding its clients needs and making sure they are fulfilled.”
FW Lighting and Elektra Ag, has been chosen to provide lighting and wardrobe door sensors for the new Crowne Plaza Heythrop Park-Oxford, part of a 50 million investment in Heythrop Park, resort which includes a stunning new 18 hole golf course, leisure club and spa. Designed by architect Thomas Archer and completed in the early 18th century, the main house of the original Heythrop Park was originally commissioned for Charles Talbot, the then 12th Earl of Shrewsbury. Set in 400 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, the hotel is an early example of English Baroque manner.
Elektra’s LD1.9-1 range of halogen capsule lights (with Osram 4000hr lamps) has been used due to their long life operation, high light output and low energy consumption. Transformers used were from Elektra’s ETf range, which incorporate the latest in low heat producing circuitry. These new breed of transformer requires little or no air gap and so can be mounted into tight areas without fear of early life failure or shutdown. Also, its slim-line design and ease of connectivity ensure quick and simple installation on site.
Both hinged and sliding wardrobe doors were used in the design, and we needed to use two styles of door light operating switches. The first was the spring loaded, push button type for hinged doors, and for the sliding doors we proposed Elektra’s PIR furniture sensor. Discrete in design, the adjustable head and photocell design allows the body to be hidden behind cabinetry, providing almost invisible light switching control.
To link everything together, Elektra’s patented 2.5Amp Mini Plug system was used to interconnect every component in the lighting design. Manufactured by Elektra, Mini Plug uses round male and female connectors that need only an 8mm hole cut-out to pass through cabinetry and walls.
In the Mini Plug range, Elektra produces 230v 2.5Amp, 6Amp and 16Amp versions as well as, 12v and 24v colour coded connectors for their extensive range of high powered, chip on board, LED lights.
If you would like to find out more about Elektra please visit the FW Lighting page in the Directory.
Hilton Hotels announced the opening of the upscale Hilton The Hague in June 2010. Set within the restored 1950’s shell of the former Royal Dutch Telecom headquarters, Hilton The Hague is the fifth Hilton hotel to open in the Netherlands, where the brand has had a presence since 1962.“As the global leader in hospitality, we are pleased to open this new upscale hotel that brings our signature style and service to this great international city,” Dave Horton, Global Head, Hilton Hotels brand said. “Visitors to Hilton The Hague will enjoy an interior designed by noteworthy Dutch talent, contemporary meeting facilities and exceptional food and beverage offerings.”
The new Hilton The Hague, prominently located in the embassy quarter of the city centre, offers 195 bedrooms, many of which have views over the grand cityscape.
The Hague is home to one of the world’s most esteemed hotel management schools such as the Hotel School The Hague, where many of the new hotel’s team members, including its general manager, Jan van der Putten, trained for their career in the hotel industry.
“I am delighted that our new Hilton hotel is now open in this wonderful city. For many years the former Telecom headquarters has been a building of significant interest in The Hague and it has been a dream to help restore this structure so it can become one of the finest hotels in the region. We will be offering guests our world-class service, with our new take on hospitality, in the beautiful surroundings of The Hague,” Jan Van der Putten, General Manager, Hilton The Hague, said.
The traditional hotel concierge is being shaken up by Premier Inn as the hotel chain announces it will be introducing an innovative Twitter based ‘virtual’ concierge service for its guests.Not only is this revolutionary take on the concierge concept a UK first, but Premier Inn is also becoming the first budget hotel chain to offer a concierge style service to its guests.
To access Premier Inn’s weekend Twitter concierge service, guests must tweet @PremierInn #concierge and simply ask for recommendations on anything from local activities for the kids, karaoke bars in the area, directions to the local theatre or even where to find an emergency dentist.
The weekend Twitter concierge service will initially run as a trial for one month on Friday evenings in October with a view to extending it if it’s proved of value to guests.
Steve Conway, who is leading innovation at Premier Inn, says: ‘We aim to offer our guests great service and outstanding value. We’re very proud to be the first budget hotel brand in the UK to offer guests this unique Twitter concierge service to help them make the most out of their weekend away.’
Ex-air hostess Danielle Lineker has a background in providing quality customer service and will therefore be acting as Premier Inn’s first virtual concierge on launch day. Danielle will offer personal recommendations to guests ranging from family activities, to romantic tips for couples or suggestions for making the most of a girly weekend away.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of Shine for Sheraton, a global spa concept designed exclusively for Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. On the heels of the brand’s recent $6 billion brand revitalization effort, Shine for Sheraton will debut in new properties across the globe and as a new spa solution for existing hotels and resorts. Sheraton has selected Germaine de Capuccini, a leading global spa and skincare brand, as the preferred product partner for Shine spas.Shine for Sheraton was developed exclusively for Sheraton by Starwood Hotels’ in-house spa team to offer both business and leisure guests an upscale, approachable spa experience. In collaboration with Shine’s preferred product partner, Germaine De Capuccini, the spa offers five signature treatments – including a massage, facial, body treatment, manicure/pedicure and a treatment for two – to help guests find their glow. Sheraton also utilized guest feedback when designing the spa concept. Research reveals that the Sheraton guest values the quality of luxury, but not the pretense often accompanying it. Eight out of 10 Sheraton guests are likely to consider using spa services when traveling, including male guests – 54% only visit spas while traveling.
The brand’s signature new spa offering is currently available at select hotels in China, Vietnam, the Maldives and the Slovak Republic. The global roll out of Shine for Sheraton will continue with l2 openings scheduled over the next 15 months including the Sheraton Shanghai Hong Kou, the Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng and the Sheraton Yantai Golden Beach Resort followed by further expansion in North and Latin America.
Designed to evoke a welcoming and relaxing arrival, Shine for Sheraton spas will utilize colors and materials that convey a playful yet upscale environment. Rich, lustrous materials in warm creams, browns and burnished gold will be highlighted with vivid cobalt blue, tourmaline and coral accents. Throughout the spa, materials with innate shine such as, marble and onyx, high gloss mahogany, polished metal and glass will be incorporated in homage to the spa name. At Shine spas, conversation will be welcome as Sheraton believes that life is better when shared.
Morgan Furniture, the design-led British manufacturer of contract furniture, has re launched their Arena and Siena Collections for 2010 with refreshed designs and new shapes that bring both ranges bang up to date.Arena tub chairs are cleverly designed with an identical footprint so can be grouped together to provide a varied visual arrangement. This concept has been expanded further with a new contemporary slim seat chair with a clean linear profile and a newly introduced brushed steel swivel base. The same design is available with a deeper comfortable sit for lounges and as a small two seater sofa that complements the range and is ideal for reception areas.
Siena is a relaxed but elegant collection of tub chairs, swivel base chairs, daybeds and benches featuring a flowing curved profile and choice of simple turned legs or a more substantial polished timber base. The Siena 650T swivel armchair is a new addition to the Siena collection and has a hidden swivel mechanism above the show wood base making it ideal as a generous lounge chair that combines a timber base with the added comfort of the swivel action.
The range is comprehensive with models to suit every application including meeting and dining rooms, reception and lounge areas, plus more relaxed areas such as hotel bedrooms and spas. The rectangular and square benches bring added versatility for creating varied seating design schemes.
Both the Arena and Siena Collections are designed by Morgan Design Director, Katerina Zachariades.
All designs are exclusive to Morgan and are made with care in their own factory in Hampshire by a team of craftsmen.
Decor:Fusion, the Manchester based interior solutions company, has announced their involvement with the recently refurbished bar area at the Cheltenham Park Hotel (Gloucestershire, UK) for Barceló Hotels.The 152 room elegant country house hotel is located just two miles from Cheltenham and sits at the edge of The Cotswolds in beautiful landscaped gardens. The revitalisation of the Lilly Brook Bar and Lounge offers a sophisticated setting for post-meeting drinks, or to finish your day after visiting the Cheltenham Racecourse!
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that its global powerhouse Sheraton Hotels & Resorts plans to open eight more hotels in China before the end of 2010, and another 18 by 2015. The Sheraton brand also marked a major milestone this month with the opening of its 30th hotel in Greater China- Sheraton Zhongshan Hotel, which is Starwood’s 60th property in Greater China.Later this year, Sheraton will open Sheraton Guangzhou Hotel, signifying the brand’s debut in the city of Guangzhou, southern China’s largest metropolis and a key transportation hub. Other key 2010 openings include the brand’s third hotel in Shanghai – Sheraton Shanghai Hong Kou Hotel; and in 2011 its second in Beijing – Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng Hotel.
In 2011, Starwood will open Sheraton Hangzhou Wetland Park Resort, the first Sheraton hotel to open in China’s most promising new resort destination.
Sheraton Hotels Opening Before the End of 2010:
Sheraton Zhongshan Hotel, Zhongshan, China Located in the city’s central business district, the 30th Sheraton Hotel in Greater China will offer 362 spacious guest rooms, 3 restaurants and bar as well as 2,250 square meters of meeting space.
Sheraton Wuxi Binhu Hotel, Wuxi, China Opening Located in the heart of the Binhu district, the hotel complex is adjacent to a retail mall, dining and entertainment district
Sheraton Tianjin Binhai Hotel, Tianjin, China Situated in the heart of the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA), one of the fastest growing economic zones in mainland China, the hotel is within easy reach of the Tianjin TEDA Administration Commission, the future Modern Service District (MSD), International Convention and Exhibition Centre, shopping and office areas.
Sheraton Wenzhou Hotel, Wenzhou, China In close proximity to the Government Administration Center and the central business district, the hotel will offer 303 guest rooms including 76 suites, each created for a relaxing stay, with a well-appointed bathroom, wireless High Speed Internet Access in addition to Sheraton brand’s signature programs.
Sheraton Guangzhou Hotel, Guangzhou, China Located in the heart of Guangzhou’s Tianhe central business district, the Sheraton Guangzhou Hotel is part of Teem Mall, the leading commercial and shopping complex in the city.
Sheraton Shanghai Hong Kou Hotel, Shanghai, China Opening Only one mile from the Bund – one of the city’s landmarks, the hotel will provide 490 spacious and inviting guest rooms and suites offering the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed, five restaurants and bar, health club, indoor heated pool and spa.
Sheraton Jiangyin Hotel, Jiangyin, China Opening With a city center location, Sheraton Jiangyin Hotel boasts its own attached convention centre with almost 3,700 square meters of flexible conference and event space, and state of the art meetings technology including a 2,100 square meter Grand Ballroom.
Sheraton Shenzhou Peninsula Resort, Wanning, China It’s the perfect home base for exploring all that Hainan Island has to offer with a beachfront location to the southeast of Wanning City on the beautiful Shenzhou Peninsula, a tropical paradise boasting 8 km of white sandy beaches and beautiful coves, with many recreational options–including golfing, fishing and water sports.
Dawson Design Associates, Inc. has recently unveiled the intended design for the popular Topaz Hotel in Washington, D.C., owned by LaSalle Hotel Properties and managed by Kimpton Hotels. Located just off Dupont Circle in Washington DC, the Topaz Hotel was the first Kimpton Hotel property on the east coast and is a popular boutique-style hotel catering to locals, dignitaries, and tourists since its open in 2001. Dawson Design Associates, Inc., a long-standing strategic design partner with LaSalle Hotels, and the original designer of the hotel, was contacted in February to help evolve the Topaz by updating its identity and attitude. For firm President, Andrea Dawson Sheehan, it was nice to revisit the old design and enhance its look for today’s fashion-savvy guest. “When it opened, the design was so extreme for the market at that time and was highly published on an international level. Quickly, it became the place to be seen in Washington,” remarks Sheehan, going on to say that, “it also opened 3 weeks after 9/11 and people still felt under siege. It was a great diversion as well as an opportunity for guests to escape all the fear in the news. It was a huge success.”
The goal for this new renovation is to respect the original design intent and character. “The hotel’s current personality and appeal still works,” says Sheehan, “and the new design is a representation of a very familiar friend who has matured over the years, gaining another layer of sophistication. It’s still the same body with the same quirky personality, just a bit more refined and worldly.” The new look is a subtle representation of motifs inspired from Maghreb bazaars and le cirque, drawing on French influences of the exotic, playfully executed.
Sheehan notes that many of DDA’s clients are now strategically following through on multiple renovations that were put on hold due to the recession. “Their goal is to evolve their current hotels’ personalities, rather than completely repositioning. They want to capture another seven to eight years of life, economically, while still achieving a fresh new look. The designs have to be both smart and strategic to meet these goals.”
Anti Copying in Design (ACID) members Aspinal of London have secured a settlement after a long battle against copycat predators who marched off with their products, mimicked their website and shamelessly created a look-alike business, free riding on the back of Aspinal’s hard- fought- for brand identity and reputation. Despite denying liability, the defendants, in a confidential settlement, agreed not to trade in any capacity in the leather goods business for 10 years and to pass over all the assets including all the stock and their entire business to Aspinal. The case was described as being one of the most complex cases to come before the London Patents Court in fifty years. An outraged Iain Burton the Chairman and Founder of Aspinal said, “This was an extraordinary example of unscrupulous business persons believing that they could, with impunity, walk off with an entire business and create a copycat trading company using every aspect of Aspinal’s brand identity, including its look and feel, text, brand voice and communication platform. The case boiled down to infringement of intellectual copyrights and also breach of numerous common law torts. The case was, of course, difficult to pursue and the costs were quite extraordinary, but in building a brand for generations to come it is an important principle that a company’s intellectual property and its brand identity and its confidential information must be fiercely protected.”
Aspinal of London, one of the UK’s fastest growing British luxury brands, had been forced to take action against individuals with whom they trustingly shared an office and warehouse premises. Without warning, they vacated the shared premises and promptly set about to manufacture a wide range of more than 100 designs, copying or mimicking Aspinal’s entire range of products and designs, the Aspinal “ look and feel” and the entire Aspinal business model. The case against the defendants was pursued in two parts. The first was breach of copyright, Community rights, registered designs and unregistered designs. The second was a case of common law tort, including the misuse of confidential information and inducement of Aspinal’s manufacturers to breach their agreements and exclusivity.
Dids Macdonald, ACID’s Chief Executive said of the case, “The fact that we are not allowed to mention the other party’s names is a great shame but the message to Aspinal’s competitors (and others who may think about following the same business strategy), must be crystal clear, brand protection and the intellectual property that underpins the success of Aspinal of London is its lifeblood and any infringement whatsoever by third parties will be taken very seriously indeed in the future.”
A master plan for a 129-hectare resort along Tamuda Bay on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast has just gained planning consent by royal approval. The development is set to become a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.The site is adjacent to significant wetlands that are home to many species of migrating birds, including flamingos, and is naturally punctuated with numerous water channels. These features were the starting point for the designer’s scheme. “It was key that we worked carefully to conserve and preserve the existing ecological qualities of the site in order to develop a sensitive master plan,” says Phil Jaffa, director of Scape Design Associates. “The challenge for us was to fit quite a lot of elements onto the site in way that they all harnessed the wet areas and the sloping gradient as well as the views in one direction of the Mediterranean and in the other of the Rif mountains.”
The result is an evolution of a tranquil wetland environment into a resort that flows around water and which provides a logical series of experiences for guests and ease of operations for staff. The 100- bedroom hotel is located at one of the higher points of the site on a bi-polar axis providing views of both the wetlands and the 18-hole golf course that meanders around much of the site. Water channels are used to create space between small clusters of villas and all 200 villas and apartments have views of either the mountains, the bird sanctuary or the water. A small dam is to be introduced, achieving a fresh water lake, and there will be a waterfront village with retail, restaurants, bars and cafés. In addition, there will be a large conference facility, spa, health club, kids club, young adults club and tennis courts.
Scape developed the master plan in collaboration with architects WATG and Jack Nicklaus who are responsible for the building and golf course design respectively.
The interior designers have now commenced work on the technical master plan. Site preparation works are scheduled to begin towards the end of this year with completion slated for 2012.
The biggest budget hotel chain in Northern Ireland, Premier Inn, is working closely with the Department for Employment & Learning (DEL) and the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) as part of its latest recruitment drive in Northern Ireland, demonstrating its commitment to offering equal opportunities for employees and guests alike.The new Premier Inn Titanic Quarter / City Airport launched a recruitment drive for its new hotel opening on 8th November with a focus on providing opportunities for deaf candidates, those hard of hearing, and the long term unemployed. The three day recruitment fair saw over 200 candidates being interviewed on day one alone, including a number of deaf and hard of hearing candidates.
The RNID have been a key partner in supporting Premier Inn in its bid to not only offer equal opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing candidates, but also in training all existing team members in basic sign language so that any deaf or hard of hearing guests have a world class experience when they visit.
Employment Minister, Sir Reg Empey said: “This is an exciting recruitment opportunity at a time when the local economy is under significant pressure. I welcome Premier Inn’s decision to offer job opportunities for the long term unemployed and people with disabilities.
“My Department’s Bridge to Employment Programme will assist the long term unemployed to gain the necessary skills to secure employment with Premier Inn. The Programme has been designed with full co-operation of the employer to ensure it meets Premier Inn’s needs. All candidates who successfully complete the Programme will be guaranteed an interview for employment within the hotel.”
Premier Inn Titanic Quarter / City Airport is opening on 8th November – the first hotel opening in Titanic Quarter which helps to cement Premier Inn’s position as the biggest budget hotel provider. The hotel will include 120 bedrooms and feature an on-site restaurant offering an excellent choice of hot or cold food and an ‘All You Can Eat’ Premier breakfast.
Each bedroom caters for up to two adults and two children (aged 15 and under) and includes an en-suite bathroom with shower and bath; a king-size bed with duvet; remote control TV/ radio alarm; tea/ coffee making facilities, and a spacious desk area with internet access.
Palmerston Hotels & Resorts will be the driving force behind a spectacular beachfront resort on Boracay Island in the Philippines it was announced recently. The company, which specialises in turn-key development and the management of luxury boutique hotels and integrated resorts, will bring to fruition one of the most prestigious luxury resort and residential developments in South East Asia.Known as the Palmerston Boracay Resort, the first phase of the five star development will be the Palmerston Beach Club which benefits from its own private beach and access to Fairways and Bluewater, a world class 18 hole golf course designed by Graham Marsh, will comprise a luxury hotel together with outstanding leisure facilities.
Palmerston Place – the second phase of the development and the heart of the resort – will afford an additional 187 standard bedrooms and suites as well as conference, dining and spa facilities. Thereafter, the jewel in the crown – the Royal Palmerston Hotel – will be developed as a deluxe boutique hotel with 59 luxurious suites and 18 villas affording both owners and guests the most enviable lifestyle experience.
Construction on the Palmerston Boracay Resort will commence in early 2011 with an anticipated three year building programme managed by Palmerston Hotels & Resorts´ skilled team who will also operate the development and manage the community upon completion. The Palmerston Boracay Resort is one of many development projects that the company is undertaking either solely or with joint venture partners.
Centara Hotels & Resorts has won seven awards in four different categories from SmartTravelAsia.com, an online travel magazine. Winners of the Best of Travel Poll 2010 were voted for by worldwide readers and users of the website.Three properties were voted into the Top 25 Leisure Hotels & Resorts category, with Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas Hua Hin appearing in the 10th position, Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui at number 18, and Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya at number 23.
Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas Hua Hin was also voted into 11th position in the Top 25 Spa Hotels & Resorts category, while Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui was voted 13th.
Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld was voted 18th in the Top 25 Conference Hotels category, and number 22 in the Top 25 Business Hotels. The awards were presented to Centara Hotels & Resorts by Vijay Verghese, Editor&Director of SmartTravelAsia.com.
Centara had previously won four awards in SmartTravel’s poll for 2009.
“We are delighted to have received these seven awards,” said Suthikiati Chirathivat, Chairman of the Executive Board of Central Plaza Hotel Public Company Limited (CENTEL). “This does we feel reflect the fact that Centara is expanding fast as a company and achieving strong brand recognition in the prime marketing categories.”
Chris Bailey, senior vice president for sales and marketing at Centara Hotels & Resorts, said that the awards are enormously encouraging for the group’s marketing division. “More and more of our business is done via the internet, and the awards raise and strengthen our profile,” he said. “This is vital for us as we expand the number of hotels and resorts within the group, both in Thailand and overseas.”
Centara Hotels & Resorts has currently a total of 41 properties, 35 of them in Thailand and 6 overseas. Of this total, 28 are open for business and 13 are under development. Three will open during this year, three in 2011, six in 2012 and one in 2014.
September saw the completion of Glasgow’s first long awaited luxury spa at the five-star Blythswood Square hotel, designed by Graven Images as a soothing refuge from the bright lights and busy streets (but often inclement weather) of one of the UKs most vibrant cities.The Spa at the Blythswood Square hotel is located over two floors, covers an area of 10,000 square feet, and incorporates nine luxury treatment rooms, a thermal suite with a range of experiences, two relaxation pools, a relaxing lounge and cafe area plus several additional relaxation areas.
With reception and changing rooms on the lower level and treatment rooms on the upper level, the guest’s journey through the spa is designed to be a soft sensorial experience, with a muted, largely monochromatic colour palette of natural stone, Calacatta marble, dark oiled oak veneers and subtle lighting creating a calm, serene mood.. This reaches its fullest expression in the Spa’s dark vitality pool, situated at the furthermost point from the Spa’s entrance, where lighting, dark natural stone and a cool, dark body of water combine to create a moody, dream-like environment which guests may find difficult to leave.
The calm, luxurious yet understated atmosphere of Blythswood Square Spa is the ideal location for a range of especially designed treatments including the Blythswood Thermal Experience – a seven stage journey of alternating temperature experiences to sooth, relax and detoxify the body prior to spa treatments or as a restorative therapy. The Spa’s menu also features the UK’s first indigenous Scottish treatments designed in conjunction with luxury organic skincare house, ila, and special Seaweed Bath complete with organic hand-harvested seaweed sourced direct from the Hebrides.
The emphasis on distinctly Scottish products continues the theme set by the designer’s client The Townhouse Collection in the Blythswood Square hotel, in which Scotland’s textile heritage is celebrated with the creative use of Harris Tweed on a range of luxurious floor-length curtains to bespoke lampshades, chairs and event waiters’ uniforms. Jim Hamilton, Graven Images’ design director, explains:
“Our intention was to continue the guest experience of staying at Blythswood Square hotel into the spa –it is designed to feel essentially ‘Scottish’ but in a sense, celebrating all that is good about contemporary Scotland and not tartanalia. As vibrant and sociable a city as Glasgow is, it often does not enjoy the best of weather. After pounding the streets of Glasgow, both day visitors and guests of Blythswood Square hotel can seek the refuge of Blythswood Spa and know from the instant they enter that they will be cosseted and relaxed for the duration of their stay.”
RJD Interiors Ltd are predominantly experienced in hotel interior fit outs both in the UK and abroad. We also offer full service shopfitting and bespoke furniture services as well as manufacture and install bespoke bars and reception desks.Our newly launched website reflects our professional service and displays our diverse portfolio of projects. To view the new website, please visit this link: www.rjdinteriorsonline.co.uk.
Alternatively, please visit RJD Interiors in the HotelDesigns Directory.
Hersha Hospitality Management is proud to unveil its new “refreshing business” lobby makeover in Brookline Massachusetts at Courtyard by Marriott Brookline. This is the first Courtyard in the Boston area to showcase Marriott’s latest lobby design and positioning for the Courtyard brand. Replacing the former more traditional style is a fashionable, modern design, mindful of the hotel’s unique locale and capturing the essence of Boston. Offering convenient access to downtown Boston, Faneuil Hall, Symphony Hall and just a short drive away from Boston College and Boston University, the Courtyard Marriott Brookline remains the finest choice for business or leisure travel.
The energetic yet relaxed feel of the newly launched lobby is vibrant in color and allows guests a wide range of options from attending a virtual business meeting to grabbing a bite to eat at the Grab and Go Bistro. There are a variety of seating options that range from inviting communal tables in the middle of the action, to more private media booths featuring high‐definition televisions, to an even more intimate, semi‐enclosed lounge area.
“The Boston market continues to outpace competing cities in year over year growth and we are proud to have launched the new lobby at the Courtyard Brookline – a revolutionary approach to serve business and leisure travelers alike with better food, connectivity and gathering spaces,” said Naveen P. Kakarla, President and CEO of Hersha Hospitality Management. “This is the first of a half dozen such investments our Courtyard owners are making to stay ahead of our competition.”
Also featured in the new lobby is the Courtyard’s exclusive GoBoard™, a 52‐inch LCD touch screen displaying local information, weather, maps and news headlines. Guests can use the GoBoard™ to find a variety of restaurants, attractions and directions in the Brookline/Boston area.
The new lobby is equipped with free WiFi access as well as an ample amount of electrical outlets for digital devices. Guests can take advantage of the extensive business library, which features several complimentary computer terminals, free printing and a dedicated computer/printer for airline and other transportation related activity.
Dining has been completely redesigned with The Bistro – Eat. Drink. Connect. The Bistro offers a casual atmosphere, flexible seating and deliciously convenient fare with healthy menu options for breakfast and lunch and serves Starbucks coffee.
Contra Curtains Ltd are delighted to announce the completion of soft furnishings to the latest citizenM property in Glasgow, Scotland.citizenM hotels aims to provide a new type of hotel experience for a new type of traveller. The group’s founding philosophy is held central: to offer “affordable luxury for the people.”
On September 9, 2010, the award-winning citizenM hotel group officially opened the doors to its first property outside Amsterdam in the very heart of Glasgow’s city centre, an area bustling with theatre, music, shopping, art and vibrant street life.
Contra supplied each of the 198 bedrooms with a Silent Gliss Wave Sheer System. Wave Systems were also used throughout the Public Areas in the hotel.
Contra worked successfully with the project team and delivered all items on time and within budget.
Joining blue chip organisations such as M&S, Hilton, Dyson and 3M – Skopos Design Limited, manufacturers of contract fabrics, based in Yorkshire, have been awarded the Carbon Trust Standard. Skopos are one of few textile manufacturers to achieve this standard – driven by a consistent carbon footprint reduction involving initiatives throughout the business.Sue Spurgeon, Managing Director stated “The Carbon Trust Standard is a mark of excellence awarded in recognition of measuring, managing and reducing carbon emissions – it has involved everyone in the business – manufacturing and our sales/marketing and administrative functions. We are proud to achieve the Standard and remain committed to invest in driving down our carbon footprint every year”.
Not complacent with such an achievement, the business is now stepping up a gear, with significant capital investment to further drive energy efficiencies both in print and fabric prep/finish.
The desire to minimise environmental impact is fundamental to Skopos’ manufacturing and product development plans – clear environmental details for all products are shown on the Skopos website – making it easier for clients to make informed environmental decisions.
Skopos is an ISO9001 accredited company and has over 30 year’s specialist experience in the design and manufacture of high performance FR contract fabrics.
From the Lodging Conference 2010, Choice Hotels International, Inc. recently announced that it will reach 1,000 domestic units online for its Quality Inn brand with the upcoming opening of the fully renovated 86-room Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center of Mattoon, Illinois. The Quality brand, franchised by Choice Hotels International, was the nation’s first hotel chain when formally founded as Quality Courts United in 1941. The brand has a rich history of industry firsts, including the first to guarantee reservations and to offer 24-hour desk service, in-room telephones and 24-hour-a-day, toll-free reservations.
Quality hotels are known worldwide for superior hospitality, having served travelers for nearly 70 years. Quality is a mid-priced hotel that offers all the accommodations and essentials to make each guest’s stay satisfying.
In the face of a continuing challenging economic environment – and with access to credit a significant barrier to hotel ownership – Choice has launched a limited-time offer for hotel developers interested in converting an existing hotel to the company’s Quality, Clarion or Econo Lodge brand. These brands represent strong conversion opportunities in the mid-scale and economy segments — with one of the world’s largest, most well-respected lodging franchisors.
Help keep your energy costs down this winter with Hafele and individually controlled radiators throughout your property, each with 0% CO2 emissions and no combustion as does not require a boiler, gas or liquid fuels. Each radiator works independently of each other and can be programmed to specific requirements for that room.• Energy Saving – 12 hours running only draws 5 hours of energy consumption • Natural air Convection – Keeping moisture within the room • 10 Year Guarantee – 2 years on the electrics on registration • Easy to use & install – Simple on/off and temperature control on each radiator • Fully Programmable – Full programming function can be accessed via the front panel of the radiator using a sequence of buttons detailed within the instruction manual or using the infra-red remote control (optional extra). • Different sizes – 7 sizes of radiator available and 4 sizes of chrome towel radiator.
For information on the full range of Häfele products please contact the sales department through our page in the Directory.
Estimated example of a technical heating study for 80 sqm dwelling or commercial premises, located within a cold area of the UK. Comparing four different heating systems providing 12 hours/day-night heating maintaining the ambient temperature selected of 21°C.
TechVision are pleased to be offering 20% off their stylish 17” Infiniti Waterproof LCD TVs (in Mirror finish) until 1st December 2010, as follows:
Special Price – £480+vat (per unit) – normally £600+vat! (This price includes: 17” Waterproof TV, 2 x waterproof ceiling speakers, waterproof remote control, cabling and shipping, within the UK)Infiniti TVs are waterproof rated IP67, making them perfect for use in wet and humid areas, i.e., bathrooms and washrooms, adding ultimate luxury!
The units come with free view and digital radio built-in.
There are two simple installation methods:
1) The TVs can be recessed into the wall, 2) They can be wall mounted, using a standard vesa-bracket.
All units come with 24 months UK warranty.
*Please note this promotion only applies to Mirror finish units and does not include the clear glass version.
Using promotional code TVIF1700m480, please fax your orders to: +44 (0) 1484 653993, or e-mail de****@te********.uk
If you require more information, please get in touch via our page in the Directory.
The Algonquin Hotel, New York city’s famed literary landmark hotel located at 59 W 44th Street, announced their official affiliation with the Autograph Collection, a portfolio of upper-upscale, independent hotels and resorts, each with distinctive personalities. The Algonquin Hotel is the first New York City property to become a part of the collection. The Autograph Collection is a new group of hotels within Marriott International, Inc’s global brand family, taking an innovative approach to selecting iconic hotels with distinctive personalities that promise guests a unique experience. Hotels in the Autograph Collection can fall into the resort, historic, boutique or urban hotel categories.
The Algonquin Hotel, as part of the Autograph Collection, will be featured on Marriott.com and affiliated with Marriott Rewards, Marriott International’s award-winning guest loyalty program, where guests can earn points at more than 3,300 hotels in 69 countries. As a member of the Autograph Collection, The Algonquin Hotel taps into Marriott’s industry-leading global reservations system, and powerful consumer outreach through its leading technology, and sales and marketing platforms which have helped build Marriott into one of the world’s leading hotel operators.
The Algonquin Hotel recently underwent a complete renovation – modernizing many elements of the hotel experience, while maintaining its famed historic charm through the inspiration of famed designer Alexandra Champalimaud. All guestrooms feature signature Algonquin beds and bedding, and unique amenities including New Yorker magazines and available eReaders for the enjoyment of our guests looking to “wind down with a download”.
A New York City landmark recently named to the National Trust Historic Hotels of America, the Algonquin Hotel is located in the heart of midtown Manhattan at 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, just steps from Broadway’s Theatres and world-class shopping. The recent $4.5 million renovation effort focused on refreshing the hotel lobby, upgrading all guest rooms, laying new guestroom carpet and introducing new bedding to the 174-guestroom hotel – creating a new era of elegance at the historically significant hotel.
Three years after launching GECKO in the market place, Création Baumann is again expanding its innovative collection of self adhering textiles. With even more motifs and colours the Swiss manufacturer from Langenthal is responding to the demand from residential and contract sector furnishing. New to the range is GECKO CRYPTA II, a variant of GECKO which incorporates eight intensive additional colours on the popular semi sheer Crypta quality. Four new designs are also causing a stir – amongst them the first photorealistic motif.That the adhesive GECKO textile would establish itself in interior design as a versatile protection against glare and intrusive stares within such a short time could, at the outset only have been a dream by the Swiss textile virtuosos in Langenthal. Following an extended period of development, Création Baumann brought the silicon coated self adhering textile first to the market in 2007. It caused a small sensation as it could be applied directly to glass and other pore free surfaces from which it could be removed without any residue. Moreover it can subsequently be reapplied several times over without any loss of adhesive properties.An ingenious principle that offered undreamt of functional solutions, both for the residential and the public sector.
That GECKO can do more became apparent with Création Baumann’s launch of the GECKO Think Forward competition in 2008. “GECKO IN THE BOX“ – a box with pre cut components for decorative window styling offers an equally beguiling demonstration of how GECKO can be used as a creative style element in interior design.
The decorative added value of the adhesive textile is underlined by the Création Baumann’s design team’s four new designs. GECKO VECTOR consists of overlapping, geometric hexagones. The burnout process, an ingenious technique from the décor fabric sector, generates exciting effects at the window. Sections of the textile are marked and etched out thus creating a pattern. The 3D-effect brings the hexagonal shapes to the fore; the fabric looks dense and sheer at the same time. GECKO DISCO invokes an urbane ambiance in the home. The mix of sharp and blurred colourful circles evokes reminiscences of the bright lights of a metropolis which, with the right angle of incoming light, look amazingly real. GECKO LISTRA beguiles with an array of gaily coloured ribbons that look as if they were fluttering in a breeze. The elegant, haphazard arrangement of overlapping strips in differing widths can be displayed vertically or horizontally. Multi colouring makes combination with other colours easy. GECKO ILLUSION has the wow factor. The coulisse like motifs from everyday objects such as bowls, vases and books look amazingly realistic. This is the first time that the textile experts from Langenthal have used photorealistic images. Proving once again that they are progressively broadening the limits of this adhesive textile, by exploring ever new and delightful variations. This applies not only to designs but also to colours. Because GECKO CRYPTA is so popular, Création Baumann is expanding the range of the flame retardant textured fleece by eight colours. The colour palette of GECKO CRYPTA II now encompasses 17 colours; leaving the customer with a choice between the bright and youthful tones or more muted classic beige and grey shades.
The new GECKO collection is available from specialist outlets from the autumn of 2010.
The Swiss furniture manufacturer Girsberger will present PEPE, a new multi-purpose chair, at Orgatec in Cologne. The chair was designed by Dieter Stierli. The chair’s design is clear-cut and simple. A shell of shaped wood, bent upwards in a tight radius on three sides, forms the seat, backrest and armrests. The slimly upholstered shell is covered with fabric or leather from the extensive Girsberger collection.
The seat shell is supported by a delicate skid frame which follows the same lines as the contours of the armrests. The frame is made of steel wire with a diameter of 12 mm. It is available in nickel chromium steel or in chromed steel.
As a multi-purpose chair, PEPE has a wide range of uses: as a visitor chair in offices, as a conference chair in meeting rooms, in waiting areas, in cafeterias and for many other purposes.
Orgatec, the leading trade fair for office furnishings, takes place from October 26 to 30 at Cologne’s exhibition center. You will find Girsberger in Hall 10.2 at Stand No L002/P002. PEPE will become available for orders immediately after the trade fair.
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