Hotel Designs

As part of a global reorganization aimed at accelerating worldwide growth, Marriott International, Inc. plans to double its portfolio in Europe by 2015. Amy McPherson, president and managing director of Marriott International Europe, made the announcement today at the International Hotel Investment Forum.Celebrating 35 years in Europe this year, Marriott International is represented with 174 hotels in Europe, and envisions increasing its portfolio from 40,000 rooms to 80,000 rooms by 2015. Seven of Marriott’s 18 brands are represented currently in Europe: Ritz-Carlton, Bvlgari, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments. In addition, the first European Residence Inn, an extended-stay brand, will open in Munich in 2012.

The development pipeline in Europe includes nearly 30 projects including the Renaissance Moscow Monarch Center Hotel (2010), the Courtyard by Marriott Budapest (2010) and the JW Marriott Hotel Ankara (2010).

“We see strong opportunity throughout Europe to grow our portfolio,” said Arne Sorenson, president and chief operating officer of Marriott International. “Our new operating structure, comprised of four continental divisions including Europe, will help facilitate global growth and bring our teams closer to markets and to our customers. We have tremendous opportunities to grow, with over a third of our current pipeline and about half of our full-service openings this year located in markets outside North America.”

Said McPherson, “Europe is the largest lodging market in the world and holds enormous potential for Marriott. Our talented new team here is aggressively accelerating our focus on growth.”

“With a footing in most of Europe’s gateway cities, we are thrilled to see our expansion continue into secondary cities and emerging markets. We are confident we are well- positioned to achieve this ambitious expansion goal,” she said.

Named the head of Marriott’s European operating division in July 2009, McPherson is responsible for almost $3 billion in revenue across 24 countries and 23 languages and the performance and growth of this new division that combines the former United Kingdom & Ireland and Continental Europe regions. McPherson joined Marriott in 1986 and most recently served as Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing.

Expansion plans for Europe also include two new brands: Edition, a boutique-lifestyle collaboration between Ian Schrager and Marriott; and the Autograph Collection, comprised of independent hotels and resorts from around the world representing upper-upscale and luxury properties with distinctive personalities.

Epoque Hotels and Genre Hotels have agreed on a strategic alliance in which member hotels of both collections will benefit from their mutual marketing efforts.Boutique, or “genre”, hotels are enjoying popularity among travellers because they often provide quirky details and smaller prices without sacrificing plush amenities and world-class service. Genre Hotels strive to meet these expectations with stellar design, green practices and affordability for both business and leisure travellers. The same drive fuels Epoque Hotels, thus the alliance emerged naturally.

“We are very happy to be collaborating with Kerry Flowers and the team of Genre Hotels,” says Juan Palmada Vice President of Epoque Hotels. “We love their work ethics and attitude and I am sure that both parties will benefit from this alliance.”

Marriott International, Inc. has recently hosted grand openings for its first two hotels in Sweden – the Courtyard Stockholm Kungsholmen and the Renaissance Malmo. “This is a very exciting time for Marriott in Europe – we recently announced our goal to double our portfolio in Europe by 2015 and are thrilled to now be expanding into Sweden with our partners on these beautiful new hotels Scandinavian Hospitality Group (SHG) and Scandinavian Hospitality Management (SHM),” said Arne Sorenson, president and chief operations officer of Marriott International. “We expect this to result in the opening of many more hotels in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland.”

Amy McPherson, president and managing director of Marriott International in Europe added, “We see strong opportunity throughout Scandinavia to grow our portfolio. These first hotels in Sweden are spectacular examples of our Renaissance and Courtyard by Marriott brands and we hope to bring more of our portfolio of brands to this incredible region. Scandinavia has always been known for warm hospitality and cutting-edge design, and we are excited to be able to welcome guests to our new hotels here in Sweden.”

Marriott opened its first hotel in Scandinavia, the Copenhagen Marriott Hotel in 2001. A market leader in Denmark’s capital city, the Copenhagen Marriott recently completed a renovation of its lobby space to introduce Marriott Hotels & Resorts innovative “great room” concept that creates multiple zones for work and relaxation. The Copenhagen Marriott recently welcomed a new restaurant, Mid Town Grill, a New York style steakhouse and will complete a total renovation of its 401 guest rooms next year.

Located in Sweden’s stylish capital city, the 278-room Courtyard Stockholm Kungsholmen is the largest Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Europe. Guestrooms offer large, panoramic windows with views over the lake Mälaren and the Rålambshovs Park. The public space at the Courtyard Stockholm Kungsholmen evokes a contemporary feel and gives guests the space and functionality to both work and socialize with flexible seating options. For meetings and events, the hotel offers 12 meeting rooms with a total of 1,000 square meters of meeting space.
The Courtyard Stockholm Kungsholmen features Bjork Bar & Grill, an urban, loft-style restaurant for dining and lounging. Taking its name for the Swedish word for “birch tree,” renowned designer Henry Chebaane designed the restaurant to represent a virtual forest filled with the colours and textures of the local trees, moss, lichen, granite and berries. Bjork Bar & Grill features both dishes and cocktails made with regional Swedish produce, including sparkling wine made of birch sap from the trees in the local forest.

The Renaissance Malmo Hotel brings together the best of the Renaissance brand experience as it blends history with ultra-modern design in the hotel’s three preserved historical buildings. The stunning hotel features the latest innovations in design and décor, technology and culinary art. The 128 contemporary guestrooms offer an expressive style with warm and vibrant colours. Amenities include luxurious bedding, 37-inch flat-screen televisions, and complimentary wireless high-speed internet.

The Renaissance Malmo’s Rosen Bar & Dining offers a new spin on local cuisine blending contemporary Swedish cuisine with Spanish flavours. The innovative restaurant design was created by renowned designer Henry Chebaane, mixing a sense of high style and relaxation within a chic colour palate.

All images © 1996-2010 Marriott International, Inc.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently confirmed plans to double its presence in Greater China to over 250 hotels over the next five years. This follows the recent opening of two InterContinental hotels in Nanjing and Shanghai and the signing of a deal with HNA Hotels and Resorts last month for five hotels. InterContinental Hotels Group CEO, Andy Cosslett, said: “This year we are opening over 30 hotels in Greater China. This includes seven InterContinental, seven Crowne Plaza and the debut of Hotel Indigo in an outstanding location on the Bund in the centre of Shanghai, following our strategy to develop an upscale presence in key locations. Our upscale hotels in Greater China have an average room count of 350, significantly larger than our other markets, with the vast majority being managed by IHG. This gives us a highly profitable and significant business in China with annual gross hotel revenues in excess of US$1 billion.”

Greater China has rebounded quickly from the industry downturn. At its first quarter trading update in May, IHG reported RevPAR growth for Greater China of 22.2% and 27.1% in April.

A recent guideline issued by China’s State Council confirmed the Chinese Government has established tourism as a key economic pillar, with a total of 25 national and regional development plans in place with tourism as a strategic focus. The Government is also investing US$120 billion in its railway network, laying over 85,000 kilometres of freeway and constructing 97 new airports to upgrade the transport infrastructure across the country.

The World Expo 2010 Shanghai China has generated interest and opportunity for the tourism and hotel industry. The international event is estimated to attract a total of 70 million visitors in six months. Since the opening on 1 May this year, 20 million domestic and international visitors have contributed to the demand for hotels in the city. The new InterContinental Shanghai Expo is the only hotel on the Expo Park site.

HNA hoptels include:
InterContinental Haikou: 200 rooms, opens 1st quarter, 2014

InterContinental Changchun: 300 rooms, opens 4th quarter, 2015

Crowne Plaza Changchun Noble: 290 rooms, opens 4th quarter, 2012

Crowne Plaza Kunming West: 300 rooms, opens 1st quarter, 2014

Marriott International, Inc. has officially opened the company’s first JW Marriott luxury hotel in Bogota, Colombia. On-hand for the celebration were President Alvaro Uribe of Colombia, Rob Steigerwald, chief operations officer for the Southern region of the Americas for Marriott International and Ricardo Poma, president of Real Hotels & Resorts and Grupo Poma. The 264-room JW Marriott Bogota is operated under a franchise agreement with Real Hotels & Resorts of El Salvador. The JW Marriott Bogota is perfectly located in the financial district of the city, approximately 30 minutes from Bogota International Airport. For dining and entertainment the hotel offers distinct options including Monet Brasserie, and La Mina Steak & Lobster, which presents guests with a wide selection of prime cuts of beef and fresh seafood. The lobby lounge offers handcrafted cocktails and provides ambience where guests can relax while overlooking the hotel lobby area. Recreational amenities include a swimming pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center. For conferences and social events, the hotel offers 550 square meters of flexible function space.

Marriott International and Real Hotels & Resorts celebrated the opening of the first Marriott International-flagged hotel in the country last fall, the 239-room Bogota Marriott Hotel. Both hotels, along with over 3,000 Marriott-affiliated hotels worldwide, participate in Marriott Rewards, the guest reward program that allows members to earn their choice of points or airline miles for each dollar spent during each stay.

Travelodge has today referred Premier Inn to the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) over its misleading claim that it is the ‘largest hotel operator in London”.

In recent adverts featured in both Property Week and Estates Gazette, Premier Inn claimed to have 5,500 rooms in London, making it the largest operator in London. The company also asked developers and landowners to help them “…extend our lead, up to the 2012 Olympics and beyond…”.Travelodge believes that the stated room number of 5,500 significantly overstates the true status of Premier Inn in the capital, miss-leading developers and landowners into believing the company is bigger than it is.

Consequently, Travelodge has made three specific complaints to the ASA concerning the advert:

1. “Premier Inn already has around 5,500 rooms in London…”

Travelodge strongly believes that this claim is inaccurate.

Its research indicates that Premier Inn has 4,853 rooms within London, some way short of the 5,500 claim in the advert[1].

2. “…we’re the largest hotel operator in London.”

Given that Travelodge believes Premier Inn to have 4,763 rooms in the capital, this statement is again deliberately misleading. Travelodge has 5,092 rooms open at present in London and it is the company’s understanding that the Thistle brand presently has 5,422.

3. “…we need your help to identify even more site to help us extend our lead, up to the 2012 Olympics and beyond…”

Travelodge has legally exchanged contracts on a further 22 hotels set to open by the 2012 Olympics, giving it a total of 7,302 rooms. Given this, there appears no way that Premier Inn can meet their claim of being the largest hotel operator in London at the time of the Olympics.

Paul Harvey, Managing Director for Development at Travelodge, said:

“I was rather surprised when I saw the Premier Inn advert claiming that they are the biggest hotel operator in London when, simply put, they are not.

“This advert has misled developers into believing that Premier Inn is bigger than it actually is and has growth prospects which again, are not based in reality.

“Travelodge has exchanged on a further 22 properties in London that are set to open by the time of the Olympics, giving us 7,302 rooms.

“Unless Premier Inn can publicly prove otherwise, we trust they will now stop both running adverts and claiming in interviews that they are the biggest hotel operator in London, both now and in 2012.”

Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with Jordan Maritime Complex for Real Estate Investments Co. for the Doubletree by Hilton, Aqaba, marking the brand’s entry into Jordan with a stylish, upscale, full-service hotel product in Q3 2010. The 181-room, new-build property will be located in the popular resort destination of Aqaba on Jordan’s southern coast. In the centre of the business district, and less than a kilometre from the beach and the city’s marina, the site for the new Doubletree by Hilton, Aqaba is ten kilometres from King Hussein International Airport.Doubletree by Hilton, Aqaba will feature five food and beverage outlets including an all-day dining outlet, poolside restaurant, coffee shop, wine bar and club. Leisure facilities include a health club and spa with sauna, steam room, gymnasium, two treatment rooms, as well as semi-outdoor swimming pools. The hotel will house one multi-purpose meeting room with pre-function area.

Tourism is a vital sector of Jordan’s economy, with tourism related revenues representing approximately 14% of the country’s GDP. International arrivals have been growing steadily, to over seven million tourists in 2008.

Doubletree by Hilton characteristic qualities include the warm worldwide welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; comfortable, stylish accommodations and full-service amenities; along with a unique and caring commitment to the communities in which they operate. Doubletree by Hilton believes in a set of business values that make their hotels a desirable place for employees to work and a satisfying place for travelers to stay.

Images © 2009 Hilton Worldwide

Optimism amongst leading Australian hoteliers is on the rise again after two years of declining demand, falling revenues and stagnant investor demand. Under a theme of “Back on Track” delegates at the annual Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Hotel Industry Conference (ANZPHIC) held in Sydney this week heard speakers from various parts of the industry deliver generally positive news about recent market trends and encouraging forecasts for the near and longer term future for the industry here. ANZPHIC conference chair and Horwath HTL Managing Director Mr. John Smith described the messages presented to delegates as a “rare triple play of positive news and market sentiment”.

“What we heard was improving occupancies in 2010 for leading markets such as Sydney and Brisbane, supported by improving demand from key inbound visitor markets such as the USA and improving hotel investment demand from overseas investment markets such Singapore” he said. “It’s a combination of trends that will help to finally rebuild confidence as the industry continues the climb back from the challenges and disruptions of the past two years” he added. Leading industry data providers STR Global reported a strong rise in hotel room demand across the Asia Pacific region with year to date revenue per available room rising 24%, after a 19% decline for the comparable period in 2009. Amongst the best performing markets in the region, Sydney during the year to date led the field in terms of occupancy, reaching a near historical high of 86%, although room rate growth remains modest. Reflecting its rapidly improving market performance, leading hotel CEO’s at ANZPHIC rated the prospects for the Sydney market highly, with an expected average revenue uplift of 8 to 10% over the year ahead.

Similar growth expectations were nominated for Brisbane, however a more cautious outlook exists for Melbourne as it continues to absorb the impact of recent new hotel room supply. The surprise market performance was the Gold Coast that after several years of falling demand, occupancy and room rates finally saw a sharp uplift in trading conditions in the year to date.

Tourism Australia Managing Director, Andrew McEvoy reported positive market reaction overseas to Tourism Australia’s latest “There’s Nothing Like Australia” advert and in a poll conducted of ANZPHIC audience delegates (comprising 400 senior hotel industry executives) the advert rated a score of 7.5 out of 10. Asked what the Tourism Australia’s budget should be for 2012, the audience nominated $218m – an 80% increase on the 2011 budget of $122m but a spend level per head of population that would still be less than New Zealand.
Reflecting the improving state of the hotel investment markets in Australia, Jones Lang LaSalle reported on five major sales achieved in recent months that amounted to over $600m of deals, all of which were made to overseas buyers. One of the buyers, Singapore magnate Mr. Michael Kum was awarded the “Hotel Deal of the Year” for his astute $185m acquisition of the Four Points Darling Harbour from GPT.

Meanwhile former head of both Accor in Australia and Hilton in Asia Pacific, Mr Koos Klein was named as the inaugural inductee in the “Hotel Legends Hall of Fame” and property developer Lend Lease gave an update on its landmark and controversial development, Barangaroo South.

The Romanos, a Luxury Collection hotel designed by MKV Design, has opened to widespread acclaim. The hotel, together with the adjacent village, conference centre, golf and spa is the first completion in an audacious 20-year long vision to create Costa Navarino, a series of four resorts on nearly 2,500 acres of virgin land that wraps around the Ionian Sea in the Messinia region of the Peloponnese. The development that includes The Romanos is Navarino Dunes, named after the untouched dunes that fringe the long sunset-facing beach in this part of Navarino Bay.Lobby Entrance
For the designers, the initial canvas was rich. Messinia is one of the oldest parts of Greece, the land where legend and history merge and the sacred art of hospitality is enshrined in the stories of the region. The location was also very beautiful and, from the beginning, the owner was determined to preserve, celebrate and, indeed, enhance the natural environment.

The result is an intertwining of the provenance of the region with timeless architectural design and contemporary furniture and fittings not just in The Romanos but across all the buildings in the resort, creating layers of interlocking experiences that enfold the guest. At the same time, each building has been meticulously planned to ensure maximum delight and comfort for guests and a harmonious relationship with the exterior environment.

Lobby Interior
The entrance lobby of The Romanos is monumental – a modern interpretation of an ancient Greek temple that plays with scale and materials to frame the view towards the Ionian Sea for guests as they arrive as well as to act as an orientation device as they go on to explore the site. Its direct references come from the nearby Palace of Nestor, the king who embodied the spirit of true hospitality in the Odyssey, but its role in the resort is that of a transitional space. Having driven through carefully reinstated olive groves, now juxtaposed with the manicured greens of Greece’s first signature golf course, guests arrive in the “private mansion” of The Romanos where they can stop and discover the experience about to begin. The lobby is furnished with luxurious high-backed chairs and chaise-longue, the exquisite flooring replicates the mosaics of Nestor’s Palace and the neutral envelope of stone and traditionally exposed timber roof achieves a classic and dramatic structure. On each side, double-height bronze fretwork gates give onto the two wings of the low-rise hotel that curves around the coastline below. The interior forms of the corridors are almost monastic, reflecting the architecture of local villages and allowing the view to do the work.

Glazed Colonnade, Lounge Bar
The lounge bar extends from one side of the Lobby. Here, sculptural, classical Greek lines are combined with chic furniture pieces and graceful free-standing lamps, and natural local materials, such as timber, leather, bronze and stone, reiterate the commitment to sustainability. The Interior Designers carefully planned this large space as a sequence of experiences, allowing guests variety as well as protection from and exposure to the weather and location. On the sea-facing side, the Lounge Bar begins outside with a sunken terrace surrounded by one of the many small canals that traverse the site. A glazed colonnade flows alongside where a remarkable collection of 18th Century engravings tells the story of the great sea battle in Navarino Bay.

Sunken Terrace, Lounge Bar
The main space is situated behind this – an area of striking volume where the stone structure soars up to an exposed timber roof with an intimate “library” area at one end around an open fire and a turquoise glass mosaic bar at the other. During the day, beams of sunlight from small windows at the top of this structure criss-cross the room; at night, the bar shimmers in the lighting. A raised area with a lowered ceiling creates the next set with tables for board games and billiards, and finally another terrace affords views over the cluster of stone and timber buildings that form the village centre.

China’s most iconic hotel will once again welcome guests at the Fairmont Peace Hotel. In one of this year’s most eagerly anticipated openings, Jin Jiang Hotels International and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts unveil the culmination of a comprehensive restoration program following the legendary property’s closure in 2007.The hotel, which officially opened on August 1, 1929, was widely known as the “Number One mansion in the Far East “, due to its prime location along the Bund and for its luxury, including the distinctive copper-sheathed roof 77 meters above ground, white Italian marble floors, and priceless Lalique glass artwork. The internationally acclaimed design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) worked closely with a team of leading designers, architects and historians to recreate the grandeur and majesty of the landmark property and embody the spirit of its glamorous art-deco heritage.

The newly revitalized Fairmont Peace Hotel offers 270 deluxe guestrooms and suites with a selection of six restaurants and lounges. Included among these is the much-loved Jazz Bar, a Shanghai institution since the 1930s, Signature Chinese restaurant Dragon Phoenix and The Cathay Room, offering stunning views of the Bund from its terrace on the 9th floor. The 8th floor will host the famed Peace Hall, where the property’s iconic sprung-wooden dance floor still evokes memories of old Shanghai cabarets and gala parties.

Guestrooms feature 1930s period flourishes along with contemporary comforts and cutting-edge technology. Starting at a spacious 45 square metres, the guestrooms feature a soft colour palette and tailored art deco motifs and furnishings. State-of-the-art in-room technology includes a 37-inch plasma stereo TV, a bath-side LCD screen, Blu-ray DVD player and wireless and broadband Internet with ‘plug-and-play’ connectivity. Additional room amenities include Illy espresso machines, 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton bed linens and exclusive Miller Harris Cologne Series 1888 bath products.

A new extension to the building will house a sky-lit swimming pool and a Willow Stream Spa. The famous ‘Nine Nations Suites’ will remain a feature while a new presidential suite will occupy the 10th floor penthouse where the hotel’s flamboyant creator and former owner, Sir Victor Sassoon, once lived.

An Anglo-Jewish business tycoon, Sir Victor Sassoon was a driving force in Shanghai’s development, pioneering construction on the marshy Bund by installing 1,600 redwood and concrete pilings as the foundation of the 11-storey hotel, the first high-rise in the city. The original hotel boasted a number of firsts in its day – a private plumbing system with water channeled in from a spring outside the city and Shanghai’s first electric elevator, an art deco cage. Guests and visitors will be able to learn about the unique historical and cultural heritage of Shanghai’s most famous building through the Peace Gallery.

The 303 luxury room, cabana and suite property in the absolute centre of the Thai capital is Kempinski’s 64th iconic property worldwide. Kempinski, headquartered in Geneva, was established in 1897 in Berlin and is today Europe’s oldest luxury hotel brand.“Kempinski is delighted to open such a magnificent property in the heart of what many people consider to be Asia’s most vibrant and colourful city,” said Kempinski President and CEO, Mr. Reto Wittwer, who is in Bangkok for the hotel’s soft opening reception.

“Kempinski’s commitment to excellence means that we choose our hotel developments very carefully,” he said. “I’m optimistic that the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok with its strategic location and beautifully appointed facilities will become one of Kempinski’s more sought after and acclaimed properties.”

The Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, which is adjacent to the Siam Paragon lifestyle mall, is unique due to the hundreds of Thai art works commissioned and visible throughout the property. All rooms look onto large tropical landscaped gardens with extensive water features and three saltwater swimming pools.

The hotel’s European heritage is evident in the signature Brasserie Europa fine dining restaurant, the T Lounge and the 1897 whisky bar and cigar court. The Sra Bua modern Thai dining restaurant and Kempinski The Spa will open in a few weeks’ time.

Modern Thai aesthetics dominate the dramatic 14-metre tall marble lobby which features two spiral stair cases and a lotus fountain.

“The Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok is proud to stand for individualistic luxury, affinity with Thailand, refinement and efficiency,” said Mr Philippe Caretti, the property’s Interim General Manager. “We believe business travellers, holiday makers, companies holding meetings, couples on honeymoon, Thai residents and expats committed to the finer things in life will all be delighted by what we have created here,” he said.

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center continues to make excellent progress on the restoration of the property – and remain on track to meet their November 15, 2010 re-opening date.More than a thousand people are at work inside the hotel every day — representing 38 separate contracting companies including architectural, interior design, procurement, engineering, and construction.

During the clean up and remediation phase, now complete, the hotel removed every porous surface that was touched by water, along with all furniture, flooring and other materials that were damaged by the flood. During this process they removed 1,200 dumpsters full of debris. They also replaced affected air ducts to ensure a clean, comfortable environment for future guests. Industrial hygienists have inspected the hotel from top to bottom and have given the hotel a clean bill of health!

The hotel has unveiled the first preliminary renderings of several of the Gaylord Opryland’s redesigned spaces, including the Cascades Lobby, Cascades Bar and Magnolia guest rooms. The Cascades Lobby will be entirely new, open and modern. The new front desk and ticketing station will be accompanied by the addition of a VIP area just off the lobby. The entire Cascades atrium is being redesigned – including a new bar, restaurant and enhanced water features. Guests will also find new Italian and Mexican restaurant concepts in the Garden Conservatory. Plus, the Magnolia lobby is undergoing a complete redesign, as are the Magnolia guest rooms and five Presidential suites.

EDITION Hotels marks the next chapter in the lifestyle hotel story. The new Brand was conceived by Ian Schrager in a partnership with Marriott International. It will combine the personal, intimate, individualized and unique lodging experience that Ian Schrager is known for, with the global reach, operational expertise and scale of Marriott. This delicate balancing act will encompass, for the very first time, not only great design and true innovation, but also great personal, friendly, modern service as well as outstanding, one-of-a-kind food, beverage and entertainment offerings…”all under one roof”. Each highly stylised hotel will function as a “home away from home” for leisure and business travellers. In addition, each hotel will cater to the modern day business traveller by offering functional, technologically sophisticated working environments that provide the comfort and ease of actually conducting business in an “office away from the office”.

The heightened experience, authenticity and originality that Ian Schrager brings to this new Brand coupled with the global reach of Marriott will result in a truly distinct product that sets itself apart from anything else currently in the marketplace. It is nothing less than an attempt to push the boundaries, break new ground and take the hotel industry to a whole new level. EDITION will be completely new, different and original offering an experience never before seen in the industry. It will be the first truly global branded lifestyle hotel on a large scale, setting the standard for decades to come.

EDITION will debut in Waikiki Beach October 2010 and will also open a property in Istanbul later this year. Planned openings are also scheduled in 24-hour international gateway cities such as Mexico City, Barcelona, Bangkok, and several other cities in various stages of development.

EDITION responds to new emerging cultural and social imperatives. The new Brand will reflect these changing lifestyles and cater to a vast underserved market of guests expecting and in turn demanding a unique experience, not merely a place to sleep. It is an evolutionary response to the desire for a sophisticated hotel experience. This reinvented and rethought experience will now, for the first time ever, be widely accessible and available in key lodging destinations across the globe and to everybody around the world who wants it.

EDITION is an unexpected, refreshing collection of individualised, customised, one-of-a-kind hotels that is the antithesis of an institutional “hotel chain” and a true paradigm shift in the industry. Each hotel with its rare individuality, authenticity, originality and unique ethos will reflect the best of the cultural and social milieu of its location and of the time. Although all of the hotels will look completely different from each other, the Brand’s unifying aesthetic will be in its approach and attitude to the modern lifestyle rather than its appearance. As a result, design and architecture is derived from the scale, location and feel of the individual properties rather than from contrived decorative cliches or unnecessary gestures. The Brand will be about an attitude and the way it makes you feel rather than the way it looks. Sophisticated public spaces, finishes, design and details will serve the experience, not drive it.

Hotel Duval has announced their official affiliation with the Autograph Collection, a portfolio of upper-upscale and luxury independent hotels and resorts, each with distinctive personalities. As only the 11th hotel worldwide invited to join the exclusive cluster of luxury boutique properties, Hotel Duval is owned and managed by Duval Partners, LLC. As one of Tallahassee’s richest landmarks, opened originally in 1951, the revitalized luxury boutique property re-opened in 2009 under the local ownership of Chad Kittrell, Frank Whitley and J.T. Burnette. Boasting 117 guestrooms with a color palate option on each floor tailored to customer mood preference, each of the sophisticatedly-designed accommodations provide views of downtown Tallahassee.

Image © Marriott International, Inc

The Langham brings back a touch of European elegance to Hong Kong with The Langham Club. Designed by the award winning interior team, Three Wise Monkeys, The Langham Club has re-opened as a stunning wonderland, to enchant even the most frequent travellers.The design journey of The Langham Club has been meticulously thought out. Every corner of this space has an air of fashionable elegance, from the hand-embroidered wall panels created by a lingerie designer, to the original rent table; a splendid mahogany table which was originally used by English landlords in the 18th century to file receipts of payment. The Langham Club has been smartly divided into a total of seven separate rooms, each with its own distinct character and design.

The Ante Room is the private check-in area and has been designed to welcome guests in a most stylish manner. Handmade chairs, sourced from a London based fashion designer, stand smartly in the entrance of this room. Upholstered in Chanel-inspired tweed, they boast exquisite pleating and button details. The sweeping floor length curtains, made from Savile Row suit fabric, are the final indulgent touch to this stylish room.

The Library has a wonderfully eccentric feel; from the entrance, a striking red leather door, to the wall-to-wall bookcases artfully displaying a selection of books on fashion, travel and historical Hong Kong. It is however the stylish positioning of eight uniquely designed chairs, each one covered in a different fabric and texture, which gives The Library its charming, whimsical feel.

The Lounge is the master room within The Langham Club and is the most opulent of all the rooms. From the hand painted leather wallpaper in hues of gold and deep purple, to the Tiffany blue sofas and vibrant turquoise pouffes. The Lounge is a truly enchanting wonderland for guests to escape to after a busy day in Hong Kong.

The four remaining rooms are The Bureau, Butlers Pantry, The Salon and The Dining Room. No corner of these rooms has been overlooked and guests can expect to find extravagant design touches in each of these; ranging from marble tables with mother of pearl inlay to bright purple handmade chairs with corset details.

Egypt, land of the Pharaohs and Pyramids, is now home to the new Kempinski boutique hotel; marking the start of more exciting times to visit Cairo. Set in the heart of the ancient capital, in the elite district of Garden City overlooking the banks of the river Nile, Kempinski Nile Hotel opens its doors to guests today amidst the presence of high profile visitors, country officials and various dignitaries. The boutique property boasts 137 rooms and 54 suites with private balconies and sparkling views over the mighty Nile.

Designed by French architect Pierre Yves Rochon, the hotel represents a masterpiece of contemporary design with attributes that specifically pay homage to Egypt’s ancient history.

Kempinski Nile Hotel offers state of the art technology within an engaging environment, combining high end spa facilities with exceptional culinary experiences at all of the four restaurants within the hotel. Great attention to detail is given to the service aspect and nothing is ever too much to ask especially in The Blue Restaurant and Grill, where there is no pre defined menu, instead, all dishes are made to order. The hotels’ signature restaurant Floor 10 shall inspire guests with its French cuisine allowing them to sample artistic creations, style and flavours from one of the world’s favourite food destinations.

Additionally, four beautiful bars broaden the offer from the Chocolate Lounge to the Rooftop and Shishawy, one of the finest shisha bars around.

Stay at the latest hotspot in Cairo during the opening phase, and try the Madina or the Nile room at 200 Euros per room per night including breakfast for single or double occupancy. While the exclusive Madina or Nile Suites are offered for 470 Euros per suite per night including breakfast for single or double occupancy. This opening offer is valid until the end of September 2010.

Marriott ExecuStay®, a leader in furnished apartments, temporary housing, and corporate apartments, announced that five exclusive apartment properties in San Francisco had joined the Marriott ExecuStay family of 700 apartment locations in the U.S. The Urban Suites Collection’s five properties, all located in San Francisco, include Clay Park Tower, Corinthian Suites, Nob Hill Chateau, Nob Hill Suites and View Tower. Built in the 1920s and 1930s, each of the Urban Suites Collection properties offers guests the grandeur of early 20th century architecture with the stylish comfort of contemporary features. Clay Park Towers is set atop the hills in the Pacific Heights neighbourhood and features studio, one and two-bedroom apartment homes with beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Clay Park offers guests an upscale urban suite with the convenience of suburban living.

Corinthian Suites features newly-remodelled studio and one-bedroom apartment homes in a magnificently-restored apartment building. Conveniently located in the heart of San Francisco’s Civic Centre, Corinthian Suites provides residents easy access to public transportation and many adjacent neighbourhoods such as the Financial District and nearby Fisherman’s Wharf.

Nob Hill Chateau, located in the famed Nob Hill neighbourhood, has beautifully-appointed studio and one-bedroom suites. A boutique market is located in the building for the convenience of Nob Hill Chateau guests. The property is within walking distance of the Financial District, Union Square, and is surrounded by critically-acclaimed restaurants, theatres and museums.

With its Spanish mosaic tile, individually-painted doors and golden-tiled ceiling, Nob Hill Suites offers the charm and style of the Beaux Arts period. This property has studio and one-bedroom suites, is adjacent to the famous Powell and California cable car lines, features a boutique market on-site and is only a short walk from Union Square, the Financial District and Chinatown.

Constructed in 1928, View Towers feature exquisite architectural detailing in one of San Francisco’s most elegant buildings. A San Francisco landmark, View Towers offers residents studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites along with some of the most dramatic views of the city. The property is surrounded by the charm of Russian Hill’s neighbourhood restaurants, shops and parks.

Managed by Laramar Properties, the Urban Suites Collection offers guests amenities like granite countertops, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, free high speed wireless internet and digital cable. They are situated in some of San Francisco’s most upscale neighbourhoods with proximity to popular destinations including Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

With its remote location, steep terrains, and copious amounts of boulders, the site for Four Seasons Resort Seychelles provides the ultimate challenge even for the most seasoned architects. But with a little dream and imagination, Cheong Yew Kuan, the principal architect of Singapore-based Area Design, transformed it into a world-class paradise.Kuan designed the Resort on-site after spending many hours surveying the land. A combination of steep, rocky terrain, building codes, sensitivity to the guest experience and concern for the environment led him to the tree-house concept. By lifting the villas off the ground, the habitat of the ground animals is left intact, and the rain water flows as it always has, allowing the foliage to grow.

Due to the demands of the terrain and the location of the trees that Kuan chose not to cut, every villa is different in its exact configuration and the way it is located on site. Each of the 67 tree-house villas and suites comes with a private plunge pool, outdoor rain shower and pavilion with a daybed, perfected by stunning views of the azure waters of Petite Anse bay and the Indian Ocean.

On this pristine site, the challenge was to insert many square meters of new construction into a fragile and sensitive eco-system. Destruction of the ecology was kept to a minimum and trees that were unfortunately cleared were recycled in the timber flooring of Kannel restaurant.

Boulders that were removed were reused as granite cladding for walls throughout the Resort. A cradle of biological diversity, the wetland located behind Kannel restaurant was left untouched so that numerous animals and plants can continue to thrive. It also prevents flooding by serving as a barrier for coastal erosion during high tides.

The design of the Resort is intended to blend with the island architecture. The villas are folksy but sophisticated, reflecting a Creole influence. Whitewashed timber walls contrast the surrounding natural palette, and French antiques are offset by rustic driftwood pieces.

Reflecting the life of the early settlers in Seychelles, the main buildings in the Resort – such as the lobby, library and restaurant – follow the colonial French and European styles. The Recreation Club area is inspired by old plantation buildings such as the smokehouses where coconuts were once cured. One such building is the Foumba (“old house” in Creole) that stands solidly behind Kannel restaurant. The rustic and natural charm of the ruins presents it as the perfect venue for events under the stars, accompanied by a soothing symphony of the ocean waves.

In the 2010 HD Awards, presented by Hospitality Design magazine, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles emerged the winner in two categories: Best Overall Resort Design and Best Luxury Guestroom/ Suite Design.

If Copenhagen is (more than probably) the best city in the world for its quality of life and status as a cutting-edge design centre, then Arne Jacobsen’s Radisson SAS Royal Hotel is one of its defining design statements. The ground and first floor public areas are currently benefitting from a comprehensive ‘refreshment’ under the direction of the interior team from designers Graven Images.The Danish capital was recently awarded top spot of the list of the world’s best cities in which to live by lifestyle magazine Monocle, and the SAS Royal which celebrates its 50th Anniversary this month, set the ball rolling when it opened as not only Europe’s but the world’s first design hotel. The pieces created by Jacobsen specifically for the hotel, such as the Swan and Egg chairs, are still specified worldwide to this day.

The building itself has an incredible history and pushed boundaries as soon as it was constructed; it was the largest hotel in Denmark when it was completed in 1960 as the SAS Royal Hotel and was the first skyscraper in Copenhagen, with interiors which epitomised the 60s – think Don and Betty Draper of TV’s Mad Men, or the young Britt Ekland.

Although it has remained a style icon during the ensuing decades, time has taken its toll on the SAS Royal with inevitable wear and tear resulting in the loss of some of its original elegance. In addition some of the public areas have been subjected to some unsympathetic interventions, such as the clumsy conversion of a smart and sexy concession boutique area into a restaurant.

Graven Images was commissioned in 2008 by Radisson as interior designers to restore the integrity of what is arguably the most important project undertaken by Arne Jacobsen, and certainly the best showcase for his trademark functionalist approach.

The interior designer’s mission was to bring the public areas of the SAS Royal up-to-date, restoring their design integrity and thereby making them accessible to a wider audience without compromising any of the unique features. The focus has been on streamlining and ‘cleaning up’ the original spaces, rationalising the layout and providing a more appropriate back-drop to showcase the original Jacobsen features.

Design Director Jim Hamilton said, “It’s been an honour to work on such an important and interesting project, which is close to the hearts not only of the design community but of hotel aficionados worldwide. The new hotel will share many qualities with the old – it will be glamorous, stylish, contemporary and with outstanding comfort to attract a wide variety of clientele from Copenhagen’s own design and style conscious population, as well as visitors to the Danish capital many of whom come because of its reputation as one of Europe’s most important design destinations.”

Design guidelines have been added to the Downloads area of the DesignClub.The first of these is the Ingress Protection (IP Ratings)standards governing bathrooms in hotels, kidly contributed by lighting designer Andy Taylor. These standards are designed to prevent the electrocution of your guest by ‘zoning’ the bathroom to show what kind of fitting it is safe to fit in what area.

Our second guide is from the US Association for Contract Textiles. It defines abrasion resistance, the various test formats and lays down some guidelines for specification.

My own experience involvement in designing over 400 hotel projects led my practice to settle on a standard of 18,000 rubs for a bedroom chair fabric: 40,000 rubs for a chair in an hotel public area; but higher maybe up to 80,000 rubs, for a fabric in a bar.

Coommon sense needs to be used as a tapestry type of fabric will fail after less than 8,000 rubs but will outlast a cotton sateen which will score high in a Martindale test because of its smoothness. We have all seen tapestries in country houses that have lasted hundereds of years yet sat in bars where the cotton sateen used on the stool has split almost immediately.

Rub tests are only a guideline and are not a substitute for intelligent specification by a designer who knows what they are doing!

The Datai Langkawi is pleased to announce the reopening of The Beach Club Bar after undergoing a one month renovation project. Situated by the resort’s private beachfront and adjacent to The Beach Club restaurant, the new Beach Club Bar offers guests larger seating capacity and a more contemporary décor, a perfect location for sundowners and pre-dinner drinks. With stunning views of the shimmering Andaman sea, The Beach Club Bar is one of the six food and beverage venues available at The Datai. With its sleek couple sun-loungers and built-in benches alongside the bar area, this is a peaceful haven for guests to relax and enjoy views of the sunset. “The new design of the Beach Club Bar now offers a more spacious facility with breathtaking views, especially at sunset. With this expanded space we will now be able to offer different options for lunchtime dining and evening snacks,” expressed Ms. Eleanor Hardy, General Manager of The Datai Langkawi.

Founded by Belgian architect Thierry HP Janssens in 2003, THPJ and Partners are behind the redesign of the new Beach Club Bar. In line with The Datai’s concept of blending with nature, The Beach Club Bar retains its original structure with traditional attap style roof and wooden structure amongst the matured greenery that surrounds it. The bar has been beautified with dark slate counter tops and state-of-the-art equipment, and fully equipped with elegant hand-woven rattan-like furniture. Those who wish to relax by the sea and pool with a book while having cocktails and snacks during the day can enjoy the comfortably padded benches that surround the bar area.

Images © GHM Hotels

The Rezidor Hotel Group has announced the re-branding of the Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Centre Salzburg, Austria. The former Renaissance Salzburg Congress Center featuring 257 rooms will be re-branded in Q3 2010 and complement Rezidor’s 62-room Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt, Salzburg. Salzburg is the fourth largest city in Austria, one of central Europe’s most enchanting tourist destinations and the birthplace of the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Today, his birthplace and family residence are must-see tourist attractions. The baroque old town is a wonderfully preserved UNESCO site and within walking distance from the hotel.

Besides 257 guest rooms (including 11 spacious suites) the Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Centre, Salzburg will offer 2 restaurants and 1 bar, and 1,750m2 of conference & meeting space – including a sub-dividable ballroom and a variety of meeting rooms to suit every need. For those wanting to relax after a hectic day of meetings or site seeing, the hotel will comprise an indoor pool, health club, sauna and hair salon.

Rezidor has nine properties in operation or under development in Austria, including four Radisson Blu hotels.

All images © The Rezidor Hotel Group

Following a nine month, $50 million renovation that touched all hotel areas, the new Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach was reintroduced on the 19th July 2010 with a special ceremony including a traditional Hawaiian blessing, hula dancers and musicians.The 356-room Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach is located on one of the island’s most picturesque beachfronts, conveniently situated within minutes from Lihue Airport. The resort hotel now features the following highlights:
• Completely transformed guest rooms and Presidential Suite with timeless island elegance, stylish and modern residential furnishings and lanai (balconies) to take advantage of sweeping ocean, mountain and garden views.
• Refurbished open-air Kukui’s on Kalapaki Beach restaurant for casual dining, featuring a permanent buffet and the new Toro-Tei sushi restaurant.
• Refreshed Aupaka Terrace lobby lounge, offering breakfast items and morning coffee in a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the stunning swimming pool.
• Newly built children’s pool featuring a slide and water spout features, a perfect complement to the hotel’s signature 26,000 square-foot outdoor swimming pool with five soothing whirlpools.
• Conference and social event space comprised of 19,702 square feet of indoor meeting space and nearly 60,000 square feet of outdoor event space in ocean, garden and pool settings. The enhanced Kauai Ballroom is the largest on Kauai, divisible into three sections and accommodates up to 1,750 guests for receptions and 1,000 for banquets. On-site, state-of-the-art AV support and Wi-Fi Internet connection are offered.
• New guest arrival experience with an expanded porte cochere and an improved main lobby and registration desk.

Photo credit: Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach

A new award was introduced this year at the industry Mixology Awards 2010 recognising the sustainable efforts in commercial Interior Design projects.

The Environmental Design Award was awarded to Max Bentheim for their achievements in design thinking, on-site implementation and impact on operations for their project The Scarlet Hotel, Cornwall.Stephan Oberwegner, Managing Director at Max Bentheim said ‘We are very proud of this accolade as we can now fully assist and support all our clients with their corporate social and environmental responsibilities.’

The brief was specific; to create a unique and sustainable building that blends with and enhances the local environment, utilising the spectacular cliff-top location and views to construct a feeling of space and light.

The Scarlet team had a very clear idea of the ‘wow’ factor they wanted to create with the new hotel and chose the architect team at the Harrison Sutton Partnership and the building team Bauwerk to help them realise this dream.

The design works around clever use of levels, revealing function and glimpses of views, with a central ‘wall’ to physically anchor the building to the cliff side.

Bedrooms are broken down into smaller clusters, giving the advantage of dissolving the traditional boring hotel plan of long corridors to form shorter connecting spaces, some curved in plan. All focused around the view, but with varying spaces such as intimate gardens, shell-like viewing pods and wrap around terraces.

The front of the building is the organic façade with sea thrift roof and reclaimed groynes. The front edge of the building relating to the cliffs was seen as providing a more organic façade, where the building envelope stops and the coastal landscape of scrub and cliff takes over. Here, the design team saw the character of the cliff top wrapping up against and over the lower bedrooms, using a green roof to link the natural fronting ground level to the roof beyond.
From the very outset sustainability of the new hotel was of paramount importance. With the focus on high levels of insulation, air tightness, utilisation of solar orientation and natural cooling, the hotel build provided a sound base for the managerial handling of green issues. The team considered all major options for sustainable energy creation before settling upon a combination of different energy sources.

From the very outset sustainability of the new hotel was of paramount importance. With the focus on high levels of insulation, air tightness, utilisation of solar orientation and natural cooling, the hotel build provided a sound base for the managerial handling of green issues. The team considered all major options for sustainable energy creation before settling upon a combination of different energy sources.

Seated in a prime waterfront location in Marina Bay (Singapore’s CBD and historical Arts and Cultural precinct), the Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore (opened 8th July 2010) offers impeccable service and hospitality. Comprising 100 rooms, five individually-themed suites and a luxurious Presidential Suite, with magnificent bay views, sundecks and balconies, the hotel appeals to discerning jetsetters and travellers from across the globe. With three signature dining destinations designed by Asia’s highly sought-after design wunderkind Andre Fu, the hotel is set to elevate the waterfront dining experience. LCL Architects, the group behind the hotel’s inspiring glass facade, is also responsible for the creation of the luxuriously-appointed hotel rooms. Guests will enter the hotel through a 17-metre wide lobby at the historic Clifford Pier, an important heritage site which saw the arrival of many of Singapore’s early settlers. The hotel’s interior designs are richly steeped in Singapore’s vibrant history with Fu using vintage nautical maps and contemporary art that reflect both the heritage and modernity of the Lion City.

Utilising materials and designs such as polished rosewood and latticed screens, as well as leather and chrome, LCL Architects has created an elegant and refined atmosphere in the bedrooms with a predominantly natural palette throughout. This classical look is combined with state-of-the-art in-room technology to ensure that the hotel’s modern travellers are always kept in touch.

Each of the hotel’s six suites, including the Presidential Suite, are individually themed to reflect the wealth of cultures in Singapore’s cosmopolitan population, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan and Colonial and are situated on the upper three storeys of the hotel, in prime-angled positions facing the Marina Bay waterfront. Named after the former Governors of the Straits Settlement (Sir Hugh Clifford, Sir Shenton Thomas, Sir William Cleaver Francis Robinson, Sir John Anderson and Major General Sir William Orfeur Cavenagh), each will be adorned with bespoke artwork and antiques alongside contemporary pieces that embody the spirit unique to the suite’s theme.

The hotel’s trio of culinary experiences include The Landing Point, Lantern and Clifford. Lantern is a stylish rooftop bar, surrounding the hotel’s 25-metre rooftop swimming pool, where guests can relish gourmet snacks and grilled meats, accompanied with fine champagnes and signature cocktails whilst watching the world go by across Singapore’s famous skyline. This urban oasis is the perfect spot for an afternoon’s respite or a cocktail with friends conjured up by the bar’s mixologist.

Set amidst the resplendent skyline of the Marina Bay waterfront, the modern brasserie Clifford, is illuminated by splendid 10-metre floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the waters of the bay. Guests are greeted by an opulent 800-bottle fine wine library meticulously handpicked from all over the world. The main dining section seats up to 76 and is cleverly designed with vintage furnishings in warm grey, burnt orange and dark aubergine set against the towering ivory French panelling and masculine herringbone oak floors. The restaurant also offers al fresco dining on the terrace as well as a private dining room.

Elegantly positioned alongside an impressive indoor promenade paved in bespoke marble mosaics, The Landing Point is the gourmand’s lounge du jour. With a majestic 13-metre long bar and spacious outdoor terrace, The Landing Point is designed to captivate the sophisticated audience of its guests.

The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has completed their highly anticipated evolution with the addition of 20 new Ocean Villas located on the eastern side of the idyllic island paradise.

The new 20 Ocean Villas, designed by P49 from Thailand, round off the resort’s inventory for a total of 176 rooms. Their private, contemporary design is highlighted by uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, spacious outdoor living space, including plunge pool, dining area, hammock, outdoor shower and a large garden seating area. Interiors include the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed, a large bathroom with stand alone tub, walk-in closet and more!In addition to the 20 new Ocean Villas, Sheraton Maldives has introduced the following new features to the island in the last 6 months:

156 Newly Renovated Rooms – Sheraton has completed a £8M renovation on all room categories. All upgrades, also designed by P49, include a total soft refurbishment, enhanced lighting and fixtures, re-worked floors and bathroom enhancements.

Feast – The new Sheraton branded interactive buffet with live cooking stations.

Sea Salt – Is Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa’s signature restaurant. Adjacent to the lagoon, guest enjoy al fresco dining while watching our chefs barbeque the finest meats and seafood to perfection in the modern open kitchen setting.

Sand Coast – The revitalized beachside setting features a casual atmosphere with a new a la carte menu and wide range of light meals influenced from neighbouring regions.

Sheraton Adventure Club – The all new complimentary kids club.

Anchorage Bar – It now boasts comfortable day beds and lounges overlooking the Sheraton Maldives’ lagoon.

Shine Spa for Sheraton – Located on its own private island, Sheraton Maldives was proud to debut the world’s first Shine Spa for Sheraton. Shine Spa houses 6 treatment rooms with views of the Indian Ocean, Relaxation Pools and a post-treatment Relaxation Room. Signature treatments are inspired from local influences surrounding the Sheraton Maldives (ocean, beach, flora) while also highlighting modalities from locations along the Silk Route; the Orient, Thailand, India, the Middle East and Mediterranean regions.

Images copyright: Starwood Hotels

Hampton® Hotels has announced the official opening of its newest property, the 79-room Hampton Inn Anderson – Alliance Business Park, located at 411 Alliance Parkway, Interstate 85 at exit 27 and Highway 81 North. The hotel is owned and operated by Paragon Hotel Company.Hampton Inn Anderson – Alliance Business Park® hotel is located just minutes from Lake Hartwell, Upstate Golf Trail, Anderson University, Alliance Business Park, Robert Bosch LLC, AFCO, Walgreens, New Spring Church and AnMed Health Campus. Hotel amenities include On-the-house Breakfast Buffet®, free wired and wireless internet access, on-site business center with state-of-the computer system, on-site fitness center and outdoor swimming pool. Guestrooms are equipped with microwave, refrigerator, speaker phone with digital voice messaging, 32″ HDTV with premium channels, Hampton Inn’s signature Cloud Nine® bedding, ergonomic chair, curved shower curtain and spa shower head.

“Hampton Hotels combine quality, service, comfort and plenty of value-added extras, making Hampton the brand of choice in the marketplace today,” said Ryan Tilden, General Manager for the Hampton Inn Anderson – Alliance Business Park. “Providing high quality accommodations and amenities combined with the friendly service of our team members, all backed by the 100% Hampton Satisfaction Guarantee, is why we will be highly competitive in our local market.”

The Sawrey Hotel, in Far Sawrey, Cumbria has been sold through Knight Frank’s hotels team from a guide price of £1.3 million.

The Sawrey Hotel, dating back to 1700, has 19 en suite bedrooms, a 45 cover dining room, and a 50 cover bar with many original features still in tact such as exposed beams and an open log fire. The property also has parking space for 24 cars. The Sawrey Hotel, located 36 miles from Lancaster, is situated within walking distance of many popular rambling and climbing routes and also close to Beatrix Potter’s former home, Hill Top, which attracts a high number of leisure visitors throughout the year.

Mark Bailey, associate, Knight Frank hotels – Leeds commented: “Having been in the same family for over 40 years the sale of The Sawrey Hotel, Far Sawrey, represents a rare opportunity to acquire a strategically located Lakeland Inn, being situated between the Hawkeshead Ferry, HillTop and Hawkeshead beyond.

“The hotel was purchased by local hotelier Jonathan Denby amidst interest from many other would be buyers. Mr Denby intends to implement a refurbishment programme to improve the letting accommodation and in the public areas to drive food & beverage sales, from the significant amount of passing trade the hotel enjoys.”

Launched in October 2009 as the first hotel to span a Formula 1 racetrack, the Yas Hotel has since stood as a landmark icon in Middle Eastern architectural design. An incredible lattice structure, comprising 219 metres of sweeping steel and 5,096 diamond shaped LED panels, provides a ‘veil’ that drapes over the hotel’s two towers, which are linked by a bridge that crosses the Grand Prix circuit. The optical effect is mesmerising: thousands of different shades and colours and shapes, including animations, shine from the hotel and illuminate the surrounding desert, sea and sky. The largest colour LED display in the world, this vast and vibrant shroud of lights mirrors the dynamic, ground-breaking qualities of the Grand Prix itself.Within the streamlined edifice, the space-age aesthetics continue. Designers Jestico + Whiles and Richardson Sadeki have worked closely with New York architects Asymptote Architecture, to create an interior in which spaces flow together, bespoke items of furniture give each room originality and the filtered lights from the Gridshell provide subtle illumination. The Deluxe and Executive Suites allow the Middle Eastern sunshine to pour in through floor to ceiling glass panels which change from scarlet to indigo to create definition between the entrance and the bedroom. The bathrooms sit encased in frameless glass boxes, mounted with fine silk sheer panels, whilst exclusive furnishings decorate the lofted, double height spaces of the Presidential suites.

A taste for the contemporary extends to the hotel’s excellent range of restaurants, whose designs also still incorporate discreet references to the culture from which their cuisines originate. Angar, the Tandoori restaurant takes the colours of traditional saris and incorporates the panels of fabric into the table tops, whilst Amici, the Italian restaurant is focussed around a heavy, family sized olive wood refectory table. Noodle Box, the noodle restaurant uses volcanic basalt tiles and Nautilus, the speciality seafood restaurant, benefits from a marine setting at water level, amplified by subtle aqua colours.

As the racers flash past, spectators can enjoy their cocktails at Rush bar, located in the bridge that stretches over the racetrack. Operated by George V Restauration, who also run the international Buddha Bars, the design includes a back-lit resin bar with a chrome orb back bar and a DJ booth. For sun-seekers, Skylite, a poolside bar on the roof of the hotel, offers a great relaxation space during the day, as well as becoming a vibrant shisha and cabana lounge bar in the evening, providing some of the best views across Abu Dhabi.

When designing Espa, the hotel’s luxurious spa, Richardson Sadeki drew inspiration from the traditional hamam, reinterpreting the restorative spaces of Islamic architecture. The warmth of the hamam is complemented by a cooler space at the northern tip of the spa houses, where stone furnishings, refrigerated floors and an illuminated nightscape ceiling serve to create the perfect respite from the Abu Dhabi heat.

For those in search of a dynamic setting for an event, the ballroom of the Yas Hotel provides an impressive and adaptable venue. With 509m2 of event space, the ballroom upholds the advanced contemporary style of the hotel. Crystal LED lights of changeable colour trace the path of the speed line design which runs through the flooring, whilst the luminescent walls, clad in floor-to-ceiling white panelling, can be left as a neutral backdrop or lit up dramatically by the matrix of glowing ceiling lights – creating an effect of one seamless chandelier.

Settled in the 3rd millennium BC as a nomadic herding and fishing village, Abu Dhabi now defines innovation and modernity. The Yas Hotel, through its breathtaking architectural design, raises this creative bar and reinvents originality.

Öschberghof in Donaueschingen is one of Germany’s top destinations for golfers, short breaks, conference and leisure guests. Not only have the rooms and meeting rooms, lobby and restaurant been modernized, but step by step the Wellness Centre has been reorganized and expanded by Cornelia Markus-Diedenhofen, whose office specializes in interior design for hotels. The designer has reshaped the Öschberghof with quality materials, soft natural tones and new lighting. In November 2008 the hotel inaugurated a further extension housing a third restaurant. The hotel has now not only the new restaurant with – depending on the seating – 100 to 150 seats, but also has a fireplace lounge, a private Spa in the basement, new modern fitness rooms and an expanded cafeteria space. All rooms of the new building have full length windows overlooking the terrace, garden and golf course.

The designers used colour and lighting to create visual excitement for the guests. This includes the new buffet, which serves both breakfast and lunch as well as having cooking classes available. A walk-in wine cabinet makes the selection of wine an experience. The fireplace-lounge with low chairs made from high quality leather and a three meter wide open gas fireplace gives guests a cosy space in bad weather and makes for long evenings of conversation. The walk-in humidor in walnut-burl and black glass is an exquisite piece of jewellery now redundant in many hotels, although in Germany there is as yet no universal ban on smoking in hotels.

51 Buckingham Gate is delighted to announce the launch of five newly-renovated suites at their luxury residences in London’s St James. The £1.2 million investment was overseen by London-based designer Sue Freeman and reflects the hotel’s continued dedication in extending a veritable ‘home away from home’ experience for guests.The inspiration behind the renovation was to extend a feeling of tranquillity, evoked by 51’s unique setting, positioned around a secluded courtyard garden – a rarity in Central London.

Two of the suites offer a generous 1,800 square feet of space and come fully-equipped with three spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, in addition to separate kitchen, living and dining room spaces, overlooking 51’s private courtyard. A further three suites consist of one, 2 bedroom and two, 1 bedroom accommodations, again with separate living and dining spaces. The pièce de résisdence is the ability to convert two full floors into a private space, offering nine bedrooms and extensive living areas, connected via an internal staircase – arguably one of the largest suites in the Capital.

Freeman states: “51 Buckingham Gate’s clientele is, by definition, international and both long and short stay. It felt important to create a relaxed and very comfortable interior with an eclectic mix of furniture and artwork to give a truly residential feeling.”

Tasteful remodelling has resulted in carefully-selected interior pieces along with modern conveniences of LCD flat screens and iPod docking stations. The original proportions of the interiors have been reinstated to promote warmth and light, including decorative fixtures alongside luxurious, tactile materials such as velvets, linens and hand-embroidered silks – a gesture to the hotel’s Indian roots. Lighting is provided by table, wall and standard lamps to help create a warm, intimate environment throughout.

Freeman has employed a balanced palate of neutral tones with strong, individual colour accents to each suite, adding individual flair. Dark wood and polished stainless steel furniture strike a harmony between classic and contemporary design, whilst bespoke, art deco-inspired pieces add individuality. Natural flooring has been employed throughout – a mix of dark chocolate marble, neutral wood and woolen carpet, depending upon room space requirements.

A leading microbiologist is calling on the hospitality and leisure industry to take more drastic action to minimise the risk of customers and staff being infected with potentially harmful microorganisms following a food poisoning outbreak at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow.Dr Richard Hastings, a microbiologist for BioCote, says that by adopting antimicrobial silver ion technology into areas where hygiene is critical, like a hotel’s kitchen and restaurant, or public areas where there is high footfall, it can help lower levels of contaminating bacteria by up to 99.99%. This dramatically reduces the possibility of cross contamination and the risk of people getting infected.

“Even with strictest hygiene practices in place, well trained staff and the most effective disinfectants on the market, it is impossible to clean surfaces every minute of the day. Once cleaning stops, bacteria can rapidly multiply to former levels, increasing the risk of cross contamination, infection and illness,” says Dr Hastings.

The Glasgow outbreak is suspected to have been caused by Norovirus but there is a host of harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria and Campylobacter that the hospitality industry needs to be aware of as they can spread quickly and cause serious disease. Contaminated food, hand-to-hand contact and bacteria living on surfaces like door handles, kitchen worktops, light switches and stairway rails present serious hazards where cross contamination can occur.

“Ultimately, the impact an outbreak has on a hotel’s reputation could be devastating. Norovirus, for example, can be particularly dangerous for the elderly or very young, especially if customers have underlying health problems. Then there’s Campylobacter – the most common form of food poisoning – which is estimated to cost the UK economy £500m a year.”

To combat this, Dr Hastings believes manufacturers of products for the hospitality industry should think seriously about adopting silver ion technology into their products at the manufacturing stage. He also believes that those with the purchasing power for hotels and restaurants should insist the products they buy feature this type of technology.

“It is proven through independent laboratory testing that silver ion technology is highly effective against a wide range of disease causing bacteria. At BioCote, we work with manufacturers to incorporate our technology at the production stage, providing built-in antimicrobial protection for the lifetime of the product.”

BioCote already work with a number of manufacturers that produce products for the hospitality industry. These include producers of paint, wallpaper, shelving systems, hand dyers, light switches, door handles and many more.

What are your views? Do you think it should be compulsory to involve silver ion technology? Post your comments below, or email lorraine.cunliffe@hoteldesigns.net

Mike Saul, Head of Hotel and Leisure at Barclays Corporate warns that operators in the UK hospitality sector must invest in their facilities if they are to retain their domestic customers.Mr Saul says”“Although still substantially down on the previous year, the number of Britons travelling abroad began to recover in May, moving beyond the effects of ash clouds and strike disruption in April towards a more typical early summer season.

“However, there are still many UK travellers that continue to shun flying, whether to simply keep perceived costs down in the face of an anaemic recovery or to ensure they retain control of their travel plans in the wake of these disruptions.

“This is good news for the UK travel and tourism industry, as holiday parks, coastal resort towns and hotels in the largest centres are reporting increased domestic demand. Hotel numbers in London and Edinburgh in particular have also benefited from ongoing sterling weakness, creating a slight improvement in international visitor numbers, although overall the market is still down.

“It is vital that if UK hotel and leisure operators want to turn recent domestic demand into something sustainable, real investment must not be put off for too long. Consumers today expect modern facilities as part of a unique offering, and will quickly vote with their feet if their holiday experience isn’t up to standard.”

In the three months to May 2010, overseas residents’ visits to the UK decreased by 4 per cent to 7.1 million. In the same period compared to the previous year there was a 5 per cent decrease.

In the three months to May 2010, UK residents’ visits abroad increased by 2 per cent to 13.5 million. In the same period compared to the previous year there was a 10 per cent decrease.

The Savoy, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, will reopen its doors on Sunday, October 10, 2010. One of this year’s most eagerly anticipated openings, The Savoy has been undergoing the most ambitious restoration in British history. The hotel closed in December 2007 for a restoration that encompasses the entire building from the iconic entrance and the American Bar to Savoy Grill and the 268 guestrooms and suites.”We are very excited to reopen The Savoy”, comments Kiaran MacDonald, General Manager. “It is fair to say that this project has not been without its challenges, but we are looking forward to unveiling the results of nearly three years of hard work and dedication. We are very aware of the place that The Savoy holds in many people’s affections and we firmly believe that the hotel will exceed people’s expectations and reclaim its position as one of the world’s great hotels.”

The new interiors have been designed by world-renowned designer, Pierre Yves Rochon who has won acclaim for his work on other landmark hotels. His plans have been realised by the general contractors, Chorus Group and architects, Reardon Smith. Chorus have overseen a team of over 1000 craftsmen and women, artists and artisans who have worked tirelessly to create interiors that are in the spirit of the hotel’s two main design aesthetics, Edwardian and Art Deco.

As part of an initiative by Cannes in the South of France, the Gray d’Albion Hotel set itself the target of winning certification to ISO 9001 and 14001 standards. ISO 14001 is the standard showing commitment to the Environment. It defines the environmental management system which enables an enterprise to limit its impact on the environment by pursuing an on-going improvement process. It involves carrying out an environmental diagnosis and developing an action and evaluation plan based on performance indicators.The plan adopted by the hotel was far-reaching, in fact very far-reaching. Over 250 different actions were implemented. Some of them formalise and perpetuate traditions that are deeply rooted in the hotel’s culture, such as annual cleaning of the marine depths off its private beach on the Croisette, entrusted to professional divers. However, the vast majority of these ecological initiatives led the Gray d’Albion Hotel to modify its working methods radically while maintaining top-quality service and close attention to client needs.

Among first steps was a strict sorting policy for recycling waste allied to reduced consumption of water, paper and electricity (especially thanks to LED lighting). The hotel manages most of its Iso system via an Intranet, a site which is richer and more effective than ever. Thanks to this computerized base, all members of the staff can follow the full array of improvement actions undertaken by the hotel, identify the person(s) responsible for their success, visualise their state of progress. It is a way of sharing information that combines performance, responsiveness and savings in the use of paper!

With a similar concern for economising, this time in the area of natural resources, this 4-star hotel in Cannes is planning to cover the hotel windows over the coming weeks with a filtering and reflecting film. This innovative insulation technique significantly reduces the heating effect of sunlight, lowering the temperature in the guest-rooms and hence the amount of energy consumed by air conditioning.
Guests will be able to choose a hybrid vehicle for travelling around during their stays, or ask for their sheets not to be changed every day. All guests opting to travel to Cannes by train, one of the most economical means of transport in terms of CO2, will benefit from a discount granted by the hotel.

The philosophy carries through to sourcing local and organic produce, and the chefs also have their own herb garden to grow fresh herbs on site

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced that it will introduce its wellness brand, Westin Hotels & Resorts, to Hamburg. The new Westin Hamburg Hotel will open in 2012 under an agreement between Starwood and its joint venture partner, Arabella Hospitality Group. The hotel is designed by world-renowned Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron as part of the highly anticipated Elbe Philharmonic complex, Europe’s most ambitious development projects. Expected to become a cultural and architectural landmark, this urban development will also include luxury residences and a multitude of culinary, cultural and nightlife options all set in the heart of upscale HafenCity.Tailored to business and leisure travellers, the ultra-modern 10-storey Westin Hamburg Hotel will feature 244 guest rooms including 39 suites, all with the iconic Westin Heavenly Bed, a restaurant, a cafe, destination bar, lounge and a spa including a Westin WorkOut fitness centre and an indoor swimming pool. The hotel will comprise close to 9,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and event space equipped with cutting-edge technology, including eight meeting rooms and a ballroom.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

David Clarke, CEO of Best Western, swapped his day job in York for that of a housekeeper for a new programme to be shown on Channel 4 this week called Undercover Boss.

On Thursday night (15th July) at 9pm the nation will see exactly what the boss of Britain’s largest group of independently owned and managed hotels got up to when he left the comfort of his office to find the hidden gems working inside Best Western hotels.Joined by a small camera crew David went undercover for ten straight days as ‘Andy Green’ an unemployed man looking for work in three different Best Western hotels. At each hotel he rolled up his sleeves in a variety of jobs including housekeeper, maintenance man, chef, waiter and green keeper to experience what life is really like working in their hotels.

David worked in the Best Western Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, Best Western Ullesthorpe Hotel in Lutterworth and the Best Western White House in Watford. Only the owners of the three properties knew the real reason why David was at the hotel.

After his ten days working in the hotels he chose four ‘hidden gems’ who were invited to the York office when David not only revealed his true identity but also rewarded them for their hard work and dedication.

Talking about his role David said: “I was nervous about going into the hotels under disguise as I did not know what to expect or whether someone would recognise me. I had no idea where the camera crew were taking me and what I would be doing whilst there. As a boss I am used to being in charge, so to let someone else take the reins was tough, but I soon got used to it.”

“Whilst filming I spent time with some amazing people whose hard work and dedication filled me with pride and admiration. These people are the real stars of not only the programme but the whole Best Western success story. One thing is for sure I certainly do not miss the 5am starts or the beard I had to grow for the programme so as to disguise my true identity!”

The programme also gave David the opportunity to see firsthand how the company’s recent TV campaign ‘hotels with personality’ was going down in the hotels and how independent hotels are faring in the current economic climate.
Tim Wade, Head of Marketing said; “The Undercover Boss programme was filmed at the same time as we launched ‘Hotels with personality’ and allowed us to see the personalities meeting our customers every day. We already knew that our hotels had the great customer service that only an independent hotel group can provide, but what David has found just proves that what we have launched is true to form.”

The ‘Hotels with personality’ launch activity included Best Westerns first ever TV advert debut in Coronation Street and a nationwide hunt for the best of British talent with a Britain’s got personality roadshow. For more information go to www.hotelswithpersonality.com

The new $750 million Solstice class cruise ship Celebrity Eclipse came into service at the port of Southampton with a colourful naming ceremony accompanied by a full Scottish pipe band on Saturday 24th April 2010. It wasn’t all play and celebration though as the ship had to make a mercy dash on the 22nd April to Bilbao, to rescue 2,000 stranded holidaymakers with flights grounded due to the ash cloud from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland. The new 122,000 ton Celebrity Eclipse is the sister ship of Celebrity Solstice (launched in summer 2008), Celebrity Equinox (July 2009), and Celebrity Silhouette, due to enter service in late 2011. She is the third Solstice-class cruise ship to enter the Celebrity fleet and is able to carry 2,852 passengers in double occupancy with a crew of 1,271. She will operate from the Southampton terminal during the summer of 2010 offering cruises to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. HotelDesigns was at the naming ceremony and was able to look around the public areas and a range of the state rooms.

The Eclipse and its sister the Equinox are almost identical in their basic layout, with marked similarities to each other structurally. There are a number of differences in the styling of the facilities and public areas – the new ship is a little less beige and has a bit more colour. The entrance to the ship was via the Entertainment Deck (deck five) and into the centre of the ship dominated by the atrium with its floating tree and golden ball centrepiece.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) signed a management agreement with Piyasombat Property Co. Ltd. for the first Hotel Indigo in Southeast Asia. This marks another strategic step to expand the presence of this upscale boutique brand in the Asia Pacific. The hotel is expected to be completed by end of 2012.Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road takes its name from one of Bangkok’s premier and prominent districts. A new development, the hotel is to be located along Wireless Road, home to the diplomatic district as well as high-end residences, retail and office spaces, restaurants and entertainment outlets.

The 188-room hotel will have a specialty restaurant and bar, a business centre, meeting facilities, swimming pool, a gym and health club, as well as a spa. HBA, a firm specialising in hospitality design, will lead the design work in collaboration with local architecture firm A49. The restaurant and bar will be designed by Diffusion, a joint-venture between HBA and Avroko, a design and concept firm.

The first Hotel Indigo to open in Asia Pacific is Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund, which is scheduled to welcome guests in September this year (2010). Six Hotel Indigo properties have already been signed in Asia providing a solid platform for the growth of the brand in the region.

Forty-five floors above the historic buildings of 14th Street is a new beacon of light that invites one to stay, dine and play – or even live – the new Four Seasons Hotel Denver. Opening this autumn, the 239-room Hotel is located where Denver’s theatre and business districts meet at the edge of the Lower Downtown “LoDo” neighbourhood. It offers the city’s most desirable location for meetings and events, its newest dining and social hotspot, sleek and contemporary accommodation, and a resort-style rooftop pool and spa oasis, all with sweeping views of the bright city and majestic mountains beyond.

Destination: Denver

Known as the Mile High city due to its elevation above sea level, Denver stands at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, positioning it as both a central destination and a gateway to the state’s mountain resorts. With 200 city parks and 300 days of sunshine each year, it’s a city that beckons one outdoors. With its lively performing arts scene, 10 professional sports teams, the famed Denver Zoo, trendy boutiques and shopping, a variety of al fresco dining, and the nearby Colorado Convention Center, Denver is a premier destination and Four Seasons Hotel Denver is the ideal choice for travellers and locals alike to experience the region.

Denver’s Newest Culinary Destination

With its prime location on Arapahoe Street, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor patio, the Restaurant and bar at Four Seasons Hotel Denver will be the city’s newest see-and-be-seen social destination. Executive Chef Simon Purvis and his team are spending the summer hunting down local sources of seasonal ingredients and preparing for the steakhouse restaurant’s opening. Menus will be complemented by selections of local microbrews and interesting bottles from Colorado’s local wineries, with many wines offered by the glass.

An Oasis of Wellness, Relaxation and Fitness

The Four Seasons Hotel Denver will help travellers stay in shape on the road at the 2,500-square-foot (232-square-metre) Fitness Centre, which showcases views of the outdoor pool terrace through floor-to-ceiling windows. A separate movement studio offering yoga and other fitness classes will also be available to guests.

Travellers and locals alike will also have access to a full-service, destination spa. The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Denver will offer more than 9,000 square feet (836 square metres) dedicated to healing and rejuvenation therapies in 10 gemstone-themed treatment rooms.

The third-floor Fitness Centre and Spa open up to an urban rooftop playground, with an inviting pool and whirlpool, plush deckchairs and Four Seasons attendants offering snacks and cocktails.

The Place Where Denver Will Come Together

Conveniently located on a single floor of the Hotel, meetings and event spaces are now available for booking at Four Seasons Hotel Denver, and can be used for business functions, parties and social events, such as weddings and charity galas.

For something completely different, Four Seasons invites event attendees to step outside onto the Hotel’s third-floor landscaped pool deck for an open-air reception. Those who desire a more private space may book the third-floor Executive Boardroom, discreetly removed from the main function spaces and public areas of the Hotel.

All images © Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury international hospitality company and member of Dubai Holding, has added a new dimension to the London scene. The brand new Royal Suite at luxury Knightsbridge hotel Jumeirah Carlton Tower offers an aspirational living space in one of London’s most prestigious addresses. The 155m² suite has views over Knightsbridge, Westminster and Cadogan Gardens and features private access and a private butler. Khuan Chew, the interior designer from KCA responsible for the Group’s flagship hotel Burj Al Arab in Dubai, has incorporated rich textures and opulent finishings, including a stunning fibre-optic ‘star-lit’ ceiling, Swarovski crystal feature piece and silk pile carpets.

The Royal Suite showcases innovations from around the world including a Japanese designed high-tech TOTO toilet, a COCO-MAT mattress filled with fibres from coconut shells, fossil marble and granite floors and French and Italian designed furniture. The bathroom – the suite’s pièce de résistance – features a Wet Room with deep Jacuzzi bath, walk-in rain shower and flooring inlaid with jasper and marble.

The expansive lounge and dining area feature a fully equipped galley kitchen, freestanding bar, a full length hand-carved walnut dining table that seats ten, and state-of-the-art Bang & Olufsen audio visual technology.

Royal Suite guests also have exclusive access to Cadogan Gardens, the hotel’s Peak Health Club & Spa and GILT Champagne Lounge.

IHG yesterday began checking guests into the 607-room InterContinental New York Times Square. Rising 36 stories above the iconic New York skyline, the property is the largest new-build hotel to open in Manhattan since 2002 and will be the largest hotel in New York to achieve LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, providing guests with a full-service, luxury hotel experience that is also environmentally responsible. The hotel’s Grand Opening Ceremonies will be held on July 29. Located on 44th Street just west of Times Square, the hotel is in the heart of the Broadway Theatre district, a short stroll from Fifth Avenue shopping and world-class museums, making it an ideal location from which to explore the city. Featuring panoramic views of Manhattan from virtually every guestroom, the new InterContinental New York Times Square delivers an insider’s view of the city by providing a contemporary and vibrant yet intimate experience.

Wrapped with floor-to-ceiling windows, the InterContinental New York Times Square’s guestrooms average 350 square feet in size and include an oversized, spa-inspired bathroom complete with walk-in rain showers. The hotel boasts 25 Panoramic Avenue Suites with stunning views of the city that allow guests to sightsee without moving their feet. Additionally, the hotel’s three-bedroom, 2,700-square foot bi-level Penthouse Suite showcases dramatic panoramic views of Times Square, Broadway, the New York City skyline and the Hudson River.

With architecture by the global design and planning firm of Gensler, the hotel’s contextual exterior draws from two distinctly New York neighborhoods, the Theater District and historic Clinton. The hotel’s interiors were designed by Jeffery Beers International (JBI) and combine classic New York Art Deco heritage with contemporary and natural inspiration, providing a refreshing sanctuary from the bustling streets of Manhattan.

As one of the closest hotels to Javits Convention Center, the property boasts 10 meeting rooms totaling 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, inclusive of a 4,000-square foot ballroom. Additionally, there are 25 flexible suites available that can be utilized as event space.
The InterContinental New York Times Square will showcase Celebrity Chef Todd English’s newest restaurant concept, Ça Va. The French bistro-inspired restaurant opening later this month will serve traditional brasserie fare as well as playful, contemporary interpretations of the classics. Additional hotel amenities include a Concierge Lounge; 24-hour business and fitness centers; wired and wireless internet in guestrooms and public areas; 42-inch HDTV flat panel televisions and touch-screen computers in all guestrooms; and a courtyard viewing garden in the lobby complete with a reflecting pool and sculptures.

The InterContinental New York Times Square was developed, and is owned by, a partnership led by affiliates of Tishman Hotel & Realty LP, and is managed by IHG Management (Maryland) LLC, a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group, on behalf of West 44th Street Hotel, LLC.

Images © InterContinental Hotels Group

IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, the joint venture between InterContinental Hotels Group and All Nippon Airways, yesterday announced the opening of ANA Holiday Inn Sendai. ANA Holiday Inn Sendai is the first co-branded hotel between Holiday Inn, one of the world’s most recognised hotel brands, and ANA Hotels, a strong brand within the Japanese hotel industry. This co-brand brings together the elements of the new Holiday Inn brand, which is currently undergoing the largest rebranding exercise in hospitality history, with the reputation for service excellence established by ANA Hotels.

The 165-room ANA Holiday Inn Sendai is situated close to the east entrance of the Sendai train station. It is both a convenient location for business travellers as well as an ideal starting point for leisure seekers looking to visit cultural and historical sites in the city of Sendai, the gateway to the Tohoku region.
Guests can expect the new look-and-feel, service standards and quality facilities reflective of the new Holiday Inn brand. The global relaunch of Holiday Inn focuses on the things research shows matter most to guests – a modern, contemporary hotel with efficient, friendly service and a great night’s sleep.

In conjunction with ANA Holiday Inn Sendai’s opening, the ANA Holiday Inn Sendai’s all-day dining restaurant, Chef Table, has been also been refreshed. Additionally, the hotel employees have all received training that combines the best of the new Holiday Inn service standards as well as the detail-oriented service ANA hotels are known for.

In a recent conversation Kurt Ritter, President and CEO admitted to our Editor, Patrick Goff that he was “unlikely” to reach his espoused target of 700 Rezidor hotels by the end of 2012. Shock horror- only adding 50 hotels a year, goodness me! How many hotel groups would be delighted to expand at this rate – from 20 hotels in 2002 to over 410 today. As Jamie Oliver might say – here is another one I prepared earlier, the new Radisson Blu Nantes”We are delighted to announce one of the most high-profile hotel projects in Western France and to further strengthen our young and stylish Radisson Blu portfolio in the country”, says Kurt Ritter, announcing the conversion of the Palais de Justice in Nantes, capital of the Pays de la Loire region in France.

Rezidor now features 26 hotels with a total of 4,300 rooms in operation and under development in France, and is present in major cities such a Paris, Bordeaux, Marseille, Nice and Lyon.

The 19th century Palais de Justice is a local landmark and its elegant, classical façade overlooks bustling Aristide Briand Square in the city centre of Nantes. The building served as a courthouse until 2000 and the local government recently authorised its transformation into an upscale hotel and cultural centre.
The interior by the French designer Jean-Philippe Nuel (Agence Nuel) will be sophisticated and contemporary, but reflective of the local culture and the historical aspects of the building. In addition to 142 guestrooms – including 20 spectacular suites – there will be an all-day-dining restaurant in the former courtroom, a bar, 320 m2 of meeting space, an exclusive spa, and a cultural centre which will also be used for events.

Rezidor continue their twin pronged approach to expansion in which they try to pair up Radisson Blu hotels with their Park Inn by Radisson brand to create a presence at two levels of the market in most major European cities.

Patrick Goff
Images courtesy Rezidor

Mock Beefeaters with wooden halberds. Boris on a Bike. Patriotic cakes. Red carpet – and all this in a part of town once described by the Evening Standard as ‘Indian Territory’, suggesting coming south of the river in a wagon train with protection. South Bank University on a rag? No – just another example of the demand for hotel beds aiding the rehabilitation of previously neglected areas of London. Boris Johnson, our esteemed mayor, must have been delighted that the company from his old constituency chose this hotel to celebrate as their 400th opening. From the original 1985 Travel Inns next to the A38 Burton-under-Needwood the chain has continued to grow quickly under Grant Hearns leadership (and don’t believe all that stuff about teamwork – teams only work well when given real leadership) to the 400 hotels and £45million profit of today.

The idea grew under the ownership the Forte family, came close to being broken by the gamblers of Granada and is now owned by Dubai Capital, major investors in the London hotel market.

Porto Montenegro, the glamorous new marina destination designed by ReardonSmith Architects, will be welcoming its first residents and visitors in July. Described as a “transformational” development for Montenegro, the phase completing this summer includes waterfront apartments and luxury residences, restaurants, cafés and first class berthing and associated marina facilities for superyachts and smaller craft.ReardonSmith was appointed in 2007 to masterplan, design and realise not only a premier destination for superyachts in Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, but a small town that would attract land-based holiday makers and local people. Equally, the town was to be a practical location for crews to make their home when not at sea. Since then, the Bay has been transformed from the site of a decommissioned naval base to the beginnings of a world-class destination on the Adriatic coast. “Porto Montenegro is undoubtedly one of the most ambitious and significant projects on which we have had the privilege to work,” says Patrick Reardon, executive chairman of ReardonSmith. “It has certainly provided a unique platform for us to demonstrate our abilities on a broad scale and it is hugely rewarding to see the early fruits of everyone’s hard work being hailed as ‘the new Monaco’.”

The masterplan concept for Porto Montenegro combines the massing elements typical of historic towns in the region with the principles identified by the 20th Century urban planner, Kevin Lynch of “imagability”. Consequently, the design is respectful of location and architectural inheritance but is also entirely new; it contains familiar spatial relationships that will help visitors to instinctively navigate their way through the town and it holds intentional surprises to intensify the experience of discovery.

Many of the apartments completing this month have already been sold off-plan. They range in size from studios to exclusive four-bedroom residences, most with large terraces facing the sea, some with their own pool and all with a large first-floor landscaped courtyard complete with a pool deck. These form private oases where residents can bask in the sunshine and enjoy stunning views towards the marina, yet remain connected to their immediate locale thanks to the sounds from the narrow streets below.

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For many years it was a myth amongst hoteliers. No hotel would work South of the Thames.Now? All change as new hotels keep opening.Strange that Waterloo should benefit from a French initiative – yes the French,because Accor’s Novotel brand was one of the first to fall for the delights of what the Londons Evening Standard once referred to as “Indian Territory” in the days of Western movies.

This year has seen a slew of openings and there are still more to come. Three Travelodges have opened in or around Waterloo,(County Hall,Union Street and the other, the 400th, behind the Old Vic), whilst the new Park Plaza Westminster has joined three other Park Plazas in the same part of the South Bank together offering some 2,000 rooms.

Latest spotted is Malaysian Group Tune Hotels, which has its first hotel under construction opposite Lambeth North Tube. This group offers budget hotel accomodation.Extras that can be added to the room price include air con, WiFi, a tea coffee tray,towel rental and an entertainment package (presumably a telly). The group plans 15 hotels in London by 2017.

It seems every group that has a hotel wants to operate in London. With the Shard offering 5 star to Shangri-La at London Bridge ( again South of the River) and bedrooms in the new Park Plaza offering the soaking tub and the walk-in shower in every room so noticeably missing from the grand dames of London Hotels such as the Grosvenor House, maybe South London’s time has come?

© Words and Images Patrick Goff

The first of YTL Hotel’s global expansion, the Muse Hôtel De Luxe is officially open in Saint-Tropez, France. Muse is the chic retreat minutes from Place de Lices by car, situated on the Ramatuelle ‘route de plages’ road and nestled within an ecological landscape of terraced gardens.Comprised of 15 suites, 10 with pools, most overlooking the terraced gardens created by Sophie Agata Ambroise, Muse is minutes from the most elegant epicentre in the world.

Each suite is named after one of the muses the hotel has been dedicated to such as ‘Edith’, after Edith Piaf, ‘Catherine’, after Catherine Deneuve and ‘Lauren’ after Lauren Bacall. Each suite is entirely individual, all however sharing cool stone floors and mamorino wall finishes. A large number has its own spa services room and walk in closet, oversized showers and beautiful, neutral décor along with the latest technology in every suite including a 42” Loewe plasma screen with over 100 channels, a Playstation and an iPad and iPhone.

The hotel includes a beautiful restaurant ‘M’, inspired by the Slow Food philosophy, where executive chef Nicolas Le Tourmelin – who comes hot from working with Pascal Proyart at One O One at the Sheraton, Knightsbridge, is at the helm along with consultant chef Clement Bruno of Chez Bruno presiding over an exclusive truffle menu.

The unique and stylish bar at Muse has views over the beautiful out-door sunken pool and gardens.

With a portfolio of 28 hotels in 25 exciting destinations around the world, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts welcomes the latest member to the Swissôtel family: the Swissôtel Kolkata. The new deluxe hotel is the internationally renowned Swiss hospitality chain’s first foray into India, adding yet another key destination to its ever expanding global network. Strategically located in New Town, just a few minutes from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, the deluxe 5-star Swissôtel Kolkata will offer unrivalled convenience to guests. Charming both business and leisure travellers with the finest in Swiss hospitality, Swissôtel Kolkata will house 147 modern and elegant guest rooms and suites, four restaurants and bars and advanced business solutions in 1,561 square metres of meeting and banquet space. A rejuvenating Spa and Fitness Centre, unique rooftop swimming pool with unobstructed views of the skyline as well as 11 exclusive Executive Club rooms and suites, each boasting a private outdoor whirlpool, will offer ideal recreational distractions to relax and unwind. All this and more perfectly packaged and fully integrated with the award winning City Centre New Town mall that adjoins Swissôtel Kolkata.