Hotel Designs

Cliq Designs, the Preston based soft furnishings manufacturer, has played a significant role in helping to create the finished look and feel for the recently completed Scarlet Hotel at Mawgan Porth in Cornwall, UK.The 37 bedroom Scarlet Hotel is a sister hotel to the award winning Bedruthan Steps Hotel, and has been conceived and developed within a vision of becoming Cornwall’s leading luxury eco hotel.

Working in conjunction with Stephan Oberwegner at Max Bentheim Associates, Cliq directors Adam and Paul Bolton carried out a site survey at the pre-completion stage to assess requirements for the development of a sample room.

Cliq Designs produced a complete solution for the test guest room, including curtains, voiles, throws, bed valances, headboards and cushions.

The sample curtains and voiles were made with Ripplefold headings, with the header tape sewn within the face fabric and lining to ensure an equally attractive appearance from both sides – an important factor when guests will spend a lot of time on their balcony.

With the sample exercise completed, Cliq produced all soft furnishings and curtains for the guest rooms and public areas, with each room specification a unique order to accommodate the hotel’s curved layout.

The Cliq fitting team then went back to site to carry out track, curtain and voile fitting over a period of three weeks prior to the opening of the hotel.

Cliq managing director Adam Bolton says that the Scarlet Hotel project underlines the company’s ability to provide a complete package to clients – even where the specification is complex.

Like an architecture that is in keeping with its surroundings, the Kettal Maia collection designed by Patricia Urquiola has a natural lightness and elegance.The design of the artisan braiding, the sturdiness of the aluminium frame and the new Porotex and chenille fabric collection create a combination that oozes energy.

The collection was hailed as one of the most representative designs of our century by Javier Mariscal at Bombay Sapphire.

Available in two plain colours, Chestnut and White, the Kettal Maia collection presents two new colour combinations: bicolour Vieques and tricolour Vieques.

The Swiss furniture manufacturer Girsberger complements its HOME sector with a range of sideboards. ENNA, designed by Stefan Westmeyer.Its appeal lies in first-class workmanship and a distinctive appearance. Different versions of ENNA, which harmonises with a varied assortment of tables, are available.

Clear-cut contours and surfaces characterize ENNA’s appearance. The sideboard owes its quietly regular look to an evenly structured front. U-shaped steel profiles characterize the structure which is similar to that found in architectural designs.

One model of the sideboard is especially attractive and elegant: the version in which Stefan Westmeyer lets the U-shaped profiles emerge into high runner-shaped supports on which the sideboard stands.

Depending on the customer’s requirements, doors, drawers and double drawers are found hidden behind the even structure of the visible front. There are no protrusions or handles, the partitions can be opened with the help of recessed side-grips.

ENNA is made of solid wood, with a choice of oak, ash heartwood, American walnut, beech heartwood or elm, and with a lacquered interior. If required, the sideboard’s front and runners can also be coated in the same colour. Five different versions are available: two different heights (52 cm or 75 cm), two different widths (180 cm or 240 cm), and the model on runner supports (65 cm high and 240 cm wide).

Access Hotels & Resorts has added The Wilshire in Los Angeles to its management portfolio of upscale properties.The company, led by industry experts Tom Baker, Barry Caplan and Mark Lahood, aim to increase the hotel’s profitability and raise the level of service.

Baker said: “We’ve worked to created this partnership between The Wilshire – Los Angeles and Access Hotels & Resorts because we feel this is one of the pre-eminent hotels in central LA.”

The property features 385 deluxe guest rooms and suites, a 2nd floor pool deck which overlooks the Wilshire Boulevard and 12,000sq ft of meeting and event space. It is also located near to attractions such as Hollywood, Universal Studios, Beverly Hills and the Staples Centre.

InterContinental Hotels Group is to open 13 Candlewood Suites hotels in Texas by this summer, growing the Texas portfolio to 50 properties. Candlewood Suites recently opened two properties in San Antonio, US, one in Austin and three in the Houston metro area.

There will be one additional property in San Antonio and two in Houston in the coming months. Demand for these extended-stay properties has led to other hotels soon opening their doors in Abilene, Fort Stockton, Worth and Temple, Texas.

Candlewood Suites hotels feature a combination of studio or one-bedroom suite floor plans with a full kitchen, comfortable recliner, large workspace with desk chair and overhead lighting.

Guest rooms feature amenities, including complimentary high-speed Internet access, free local phone calls, free on-site guest laundry and a 24-hour fitness center. Additionally, guests can visit the free Lending Library, where movies and music will be available for use in guestrooms, which all feature a DVD and CD player.

Like all models from the popular and inspirational Hotech line, ‘Chagall’ was created to bring life and high-design to any home or venue. Be it a bathroom, kitchen or hallway, ‘Chagall’ fulfils more than the practical requirement of heating. True, its generous heat output of 1280 watts ensures radiant warmth but the real selling point is its art-like aesthetics.Unlike anything seen before, ‘Chagall’ aims to amaze. Its bold and graphic design entices from across the room in earthy golden and charcoal black tones. Drawing ever closer, its delicate engraved art nouveau inspired etching entwines the strict geometric and perfectly circular shapes together.

Equally, this new addition would also look right at home in an exclusive trendy bar or boutique hotel.

Crafted from 8mm thick Aluminium, ‘Chagall’ is available in an array of RAL colours as well as five luxury finishes including brushed, satin or feathered Aluminium as well as Copper and Silver Leaf.

‘Chagall’ from Aestus measures 2000mm x 840mm and costs from £3,906 including VAT. This Hotech addition is suitable for connection to both electric and central heating systems.

Encompass has released the QT chair, part of the Royal Botania range – an outdoor chair that can be stored away easily by stacking them on top of one another.It is very difficult not to appreciate the unique refined shape of these chairs. Even though it comprises very slim stainless steel profiles, the concept has been carefully studied to not only offer maximal stability, looks and comfort, but also to ensure that both the chairs and the loungers are easily stackable.

The chairs are part of the ‘light’ collection within Royal Botania, not necessarily referring to their weight, even though when developing the range the focus was on an economical use of material without compromising the overall quality and refinement, a feature that has given the Royal Botania brand its worldwide appreciation.

QT comes in a variety of colours and can be combined with other families of the Royal Botania collection. The chair is an economical use of materials with trademark high quality and industry leading design from Royal Botania.

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham will be expanding into Africa with the opening of its newest extended-stay hotel – the 108-room Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Abuja in Abuja, Nigeria, the country’s capital city.Owned and operated by Abuja Shelter Suites and Hotels Limited, the hotel is also the first Wyndham Hotel Group property to open in Nigeria.

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, brand senior vice president, Bill Hall said: “The extended-stay offerings of the Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham brand continue to see interest outside of North America, which is evidenced by the brand’s small but growing international footprint. This newest hotel is a fine addition to our portfolio and will provide international travelers with both spacious accommodations and a host of modern amenities.”

The newly renovated Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Abuja is located at 1 Uke Street, less than a kilometer from the Abuja International Conference Center and the National Arts and Culture Center.

Property highlights include free high-speed wireless Internet access, complimentary hot breakfast buffet, business and fitness centers, shuttle service and swimming pool. A full-service, on-site restaurant is also available, specializing in a variety of international cuisines.

In addition to this newest hotel, Wyndham Hotel Group currently has a portfolio of more than 10 hotels throughout Africa under its Days Inn, Ramada and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brands.

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, a member of the Wyndham Hotel Group family of lodging brands, is a global chain of 89 extended-stay hotels featuring studio and one-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and wet bars.

Standard amenities at Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham hotels include complimentary high-speed wired and wireless Internet access, expanded cable television, complimentary hot breakfast buffet, daily newspaper and Wednesday evening social hour. Select properties allow pets and offer meeting and fitness facilities, swimming pools, guest laundry, convenience store items, valet and grocery services.

I started the decade in practice working on new four and five star hotels, an involvement I’d had for over twenty years. Strangely I think as an observer I have understood the development and branding issues that have dogged hotels and hotel designers rather better from a distance than I might have done had I still been at the ‘coalface’.

I have seen design and hospitality standards continuing to rise over the ten years, and with the benefit of hindsight I hope to show where the battlefields have been and perhaps point to where they will be in the future.
My start and finishing point will both be significant new resort hotels that set standards in their market place. In 2000, Celtic Manor Resort won two European Design Awards and became Hotel of the Year in its home country. The following year it was commended for the design of its spa by the International Spa Association. Fitting then, as a starting point for my journey. I will use the connectivity of the web to link to an album of 15 images I have elsewhere rather than add pictures here – so click on Celtic Manor to see ten or so images of the interiors as they were in 2000.

Interior design is all about the treatment of interior space, and some of the most magnificent interior spaces are contained in our religious buildings. Interior designers are also concerned with the reuse and re-functioning of spaces, and through history religious spaces have been modified to reflect the religious philosophies of their times.St. Giles has been the cathedral kirk in Edinburgh since the 12th century. The space now features a central altar area, but the building has housed a coal store, police station, jail and home for the Scottish version of the guillotine in its history. Currently the building has a pared back simplicity that belies the good design that has gone into creating the current glorious space, good design not of any one individual but of generations of craftsmen, designers and men of religion who have crafted what is today a space that expands the soul with its light and beauty.

In 1911 the Thistle Chapel (architect: Sir Robert Lorimer) was completed, to be used by the Knights of the Thistle, Scotland’s order of chivalry. Though small, it is in 15th century high Gothic style and full of elaborate carvings in wood and stone and of colourful heraldry.

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Abuja is owned and operated by Abuja Shelter Suites and Hotels Limited features 108 rooms in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja.Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham brand senior vice president, Bill Hall said: “The extended-stay offerings of the Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham brand continue to see interest outside of North America, which is evidenced by the brand’s small but growing international footprint.”

Facilities include high-speed wireless Internet access, business and fitness centres, shuttle service, swimming pool and restaurant.

A First Hotel, which will be used mainly for meetings and conferences, is to open in Bergen in Norway, at Airport Flesland. Building work is planned to commence around the beginning of 2011. The First Hotel Flesland will offer large and modern conference facilities with a capacity of up to 700 people, together with 248 rooms spread over approximately 12,000sqm.

In addition, the hotel will have its own restaurant and fitness centre, as well as a parking facility. The hotel is scheduled for completion during the course of 2012, in good time for the opening of the new airport terminal at Flesland in 2013.

Simen Haare, the VP business development manager at First Hotels said he believed the business and travel sectors in Bergen and Western Norway were currently experiencing growth. He said that they think that the development will provide further impetus when the new terminal building is in place in 2013.

First Hotels has used the First Hotel G in Gothenburg as a reference for First Hotel Flesland. The architecture of the new hotel at Flesland will be inspired by the ambient nature.

The hotel and surrounding area will be characterised by large, glass surfaces, together with wood and stone features. The consultant architects are Halvorsen & Reine AS. BGO Bygg AS are the owners of the new development at Flesland and Stephane Bergfald Trotta.

Betonmast Bygg will be the project’s main contractor. First Hotels is previously represented in Bergen town centre by the First Hotel Marin at Bryggen.

A North East bathroom pod manufacturer is transferring operations from its parent company in Denmark to Northumberland, creating over 80 new jobs.EJ Badekabiner Ltd (EJB), a UK subsidiary of Danish group E J Badekabiner Holding, specialises in the manufacture of concrete and steel bathroom pods – a fully fitted unit which includes tiling, electrics and plumbing – to a large portfolio of clients such as the Ministry of Defence, hotels and student accommodation providers.

The Danish board decided to close its production facilities in Denmark and consolidate at its premises at Bassington Industrial Estate in Cramlington because of the market potential, skilled workforce and package of support available in the region. This support includes a grant of £200,000 from One North East.

A total of 82 jobs, including blacksmiths, concrete casters, tilers and electricians will be created adding to the already 126-strong workforce.

EJ-Badekabiner UK LTD, managing director, Niels Sandahl said: “The closure of the Danish production facility was an important decision and a major milestone within the 47 years history of EJ Badekabiner. This major decision is a testament to the confidence that the EJB Board and management teams have in the UK workforce, through their skill and commitment to achieve the business plan set out for the next two years and beyond.

“The support we have received from One North East and Northumberland County Council recently, and within the past seven years since the UK establishment, has been very much appreciated and will enable EJB to move forward with our expansion plans in Cramlington much faster, whilst boosting employment prospects for local people.

“The skills and commitment of EJB staff in recent months has enabled us to gain recent success in securing prominent orders within all sectors of the industry, whilst strengthening EJB’s position within the UK/European pod manufacturing market.”

Indigo Art have launch 29 exclusive new images this month.The collection includes new photographer Natalie Williamson along with diverse new work from artists David Lunt and Rosemary Abrahams.

Natalie Williamson’s photos of delicate cobweb-like textures contrast with the vivid colour and geometry of David Lunt’s paintings and Rosemary Abrahams’ new direction in abstract work.

Select any of these works and they can be supplied as bespoke framed pictures, stretched canvases or digital wallpaper.

In conjunction with its distributor in the USA and a few key suppliers to the Cruise sector, Agua Fabrics is hosting an exclusive reception at Casa Casuarina, Miami Beach, the former home of Gianni Versace on Tuesday March 16th 2010.Agua will be showcasing the Aura outdoor upholstery and stunning Derrytex faux leather collections at his event.

Attendance is strictly via invitation only for cruise/ferry designers and operators. If you have not already received an invitation and would like to attend this prestigious event, please contact Agua Fabrics.

The South African government is to conduct a survey to find out whether hotels are ripping off guests in the lead up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup event to be held in June and July this year.

It is alleged that hotel groups have been inflating accommodation prices in the lead up to the event and the South African Department of Tourism said it wanted to find out whether these allegations were true.

The government believes high hotel fees could damage the reputation of the South African tour industry.

South African tourism minister, Marthinus Van Schalkwyk said: “South Africa is a value-for-money destination, and this reputation should be safeguarded. Price-hiking could damage the reputation of our tourism industry. However, at the same time it must be kept in mind that June and July 2010 will be high season in South Africa, and tourists should not expect the normal low-season prices for that time of the year.”

Van Schalkwyk said that the government had only recently become away of the alleged price-hiking problems. He said that the survey would compare accommodation prices of hotels to those of other nations that have previously hosted the FIFA World Cup.

He said: “In recent weeks we have noted allegations that accommodation establishments in the tourism industry are not responsible, and are inflating prices excessively. Until now our impression has been that this is not the case, but we believe it should be investigated and the results of the investigation made public.”

The Department of Tourism said guests should be careful not to confuse hotel price with those of private apartments and houses that are being rented out, often in some of the most high-end neighbourhoods. These private leases are normally much more expensive and does not represent the average tourism industry.

At a recent United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) conference, UNWTO, secretary-general, Taleb Rifai said Africa was the only tourism region in the world to grow last year and that the trend was expected to continue with the upcoming World Cup.

However, Rifai also said the poverty gap within developing countries such as Africa is still large and that the world is still far away from fair globalisation. He said that nations needed to focus on global equity and share the benefits throughout their country.

Van Schalkwyk said that he would be focussing on providing a range of services throughout the country for tourists visiting during the World Cup. He believed South Africa has enough accommodation for guests during this time.

The survey results are expected to be announced in three weeks’ time.

Carmen Allan

As part of its 2010 Création Baumann has launched four new curtain fabrics.
As ‘four highly unusual and poetic works of art’, the design features a white paper like fleece texture.

They are dedicated to three dimensionality and laser cutting, and play with light and shade.

The elaborately finished crystalline texture of ‘Elements’ is reminiscent of a honeycomb grid, whilst ‘Energy’ brings associations with Origami. ‘Expanda’, the extravagant star of the series, with its hold riddled expanse awakens images of shopping nets from former times.

Signbox has created a new ecommerce site to provide customers with round the clock access to an innovative range of sign solutions: www.signboxshop.co.ukThe award-winning and innovative architectural sign specialists, have just launched the new online shop to provide a collection of the most popular sign solutions and products at the touch of a button.

One of the newest products available online is pasamano, a Braille and tactile wayfinding device, for installation on stairs and walkways.

Signbox has been appointed as sole UK distributor for the Marcal product which is designed to help the visually impaired find their way easily and safely around unfamiliar environments.

For more information please visit our eshop.

A Holiday Inn hotel opened at the Disney amusement park in Orlando, Florida, US, last week after a refurbishment.The hotel features 323 rooms, as well as a fitness complex, a jogging and exercise path, a heated swimming pool and connected lap pool, an outdoor hot tub and sun deck, and a game room.

The hotel also has a dining facility, Palm Breezes Restaurant, which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.

All rooms feature a 32 inch LCD HD television, complimentary wireless, a coffeemaker and an electronic safe designed to accommodate laptops. The bathrooms have bespoke showerheads and every double room features a queen-sized bed rather than a double. Each king room has a sleeper sofa bed and a walk-in shower. Many rooms also have balconies.

Holiday Inn Walt Disney, regional vice president, Tony Johnson said: “There is no more exhilarating feeling than opening a family-friendly Holiday Inn resort, on Disney property and hiring more than 100 employees to welcome our community and guests. Our opening could not come at a better time, with a brand that customers know and trust. Being on Disney property and maintaining high standards will assure we achieve the highest marks possible from our customers and our industry.”

Axminster Carpets has launched another major development in its impressive range of commercial carpet services with Graphics Concepts.
Ideal for specifiers looking for bespoke tufted carpet that can meet explicit design and performance demands, Graphics Concepts allows the creation of not only custom colours, but also patterns and texture. With the ability to select from different carpet weights and qualities, Graphics Concepts is suitable for many commercial interiors, whether hotel, office or leisure locations.

Thanks to developments in yarn technology at Axminster Carpets’ in-house spinning and dyeing division, Graphics Concepts pushes forward the boundaries of bespoke tufted carpet with specifiers also being able to select from velvet, twist and stippled yarns in any combination.

Axminster Carpets, sales director, Steve Upperton said: “Axminster Carpets is renowned for its bespoke woven carpets that have provided prestigious locations around the world with beautiful and durable carpeting. However, we fully appreciate that woven carpets are not always the preferred choice and so we wanted to make sure that our bespoke expertise could also benefit specifiers looking for a unique tufted carpet for their project.”

Utilising the flexibility of Graphics tufting machines, the introduction of this collection is testament to Axminster Carpets’ dedication to the contract carpet sector, broadening product choice and enhancing service. Alongside the Ready to Weave concept, the interactive design portal on their website, and other bespoke services, the Graphics Collection re-affirms the Devon-based manufacturer’s position as a leading carpet supplier in the hospitality and leisure sectors.

A wide variety of inspirational designs are featured in the Graphics Concept folder, which is now available from your Axminster Carpets sales representative or through the Axminster Carpets Commercial Division.

Kettal has furnished the outdoor areas of the Westin Excelsior Hotel in Florence, Italy.Neighbouring the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace, the Westin Excelsior stands in the Piazza Ognissanti, on the bank of the River Arno in the heart of one of Florence’s most prestigious districts.

It combines modernity, luxury accommodation and
a state-of-the-art business centre with seven centuries of Florentine history, and boasts many famous characters among its guests. It is considered a point of reference in Florence’s cultural and business world.

Soak up the sophisticated atmosphere of the hotel
while you take in the magnificent views from the
original armchairs that Patricia Urquiola has designed for Kettal.

Kettal has recently won the Interiorismo Plus Award (IPlus) 2009 for Excellence in Outdoor Furniture.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts is to open 50 Sheraton Hotels & Resorts over the next three years around the world, increasing room numbers by 20,000. Starwood and its partners are investing more than US$4b in new hotel openings across four continents – a development effort that follows the recent three-year, multi-billion dollar revitalization of its brand.

As Starwood’s largest and most global brand, Sheraton currently boasts more than 400 hotels in 70 countries.

Beginning this year, the brand will open roughly 50 new hotels over three years in 15 countries, including the United States, Colombia, India, Russia, Slovakia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Sheraton – the largest international upper-upscale hotel brand in China – will nearly double its footprint in the country with the addition of 28 stunning new properties, including the Sheraton Shanghai Hong Kou Hotel, Sheraton Qingdao and Sheraton Huadu Resort, bringing its total number of hotels there to 50.

The brand will also add 10 new resorts to its renowned portfolio, expand its footprint in New York City with new properties in Brooklyn and Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood and open several new convention hotels.

Starwood, president of global development, Simon Turner said: “Looking ahead, we continue to grow the Sheraton brand’s already robust presence globally by working with our proven development partners to ensure we have best-in-class properties wherever our guests want to travel. Increasingly, we are seeing demand and growth opportunities for new hotels in fast-growing international markets like China and India. In addition, as transaction activity increases in more mature markets throughout North America and Europe we expect to see a number of high quality conversion opportunities to be realized, especially in light of the successful completion of the brand’s global revitalization.”

By 2015, 400 million Chinese and Indians will have sufficient incomes to travel abroad – for perspective that is seven times the number of international travelers who visited the United States last year.

Professionals in the soft furnishings industry can now track the latest news from Cliq Designs on Twitter.The Preston based soft furnishings designer and manufacturer has created a page on the social networking site at http://twitter.com/cliqdesigns that will enable the company to issue news and information on a targeted basis.

Cliq’s Twitter feed will include news about new products and new contracts. It will also feature images of exemplar work manufactured by the company for clients.

Cliq Designs, managing director, Adam Bolton says that using Twitter is a natural extension to the company’s communications programme.

“There’s an increasing level of diversity in how it’s possible to gather information on what’s happening in the industry”, says Bolton. “At the same time, it’s also more important to provide an ongoing news stream for those people who are particularly interested in what we’re doing. We think that the Twitter feed will play a part in helping us achieve these goals.”

Megaman’s GU10 and Spiral energy saving lamps are being used for a variety of applications in the four-star Park Inn Hotel Hotel at London’s Heathrow, part of The Rezidor Hotel Group. The use of Megaman lamps has enabled the Park Inn to maintain its energy saving ethos whilst retaining the aesthetics of the interior decor.

After initial comparison trials of the Megaman lamps with other brands within specific areas of the hotel, it was agreed to change bedrooms over to Megaman lamps.

Megaman’s 11W GU10 lamps have been incorporated in existing fittings in guest bedrooms to provide a longer lamp life and reduce maintenance time and conversion costs.

The GU10 lamps incorporate Megaman’s exclusive Ingenium technology, which delivers breakthrough lighting performance and a superior operating life expectancy of 15,000 hours, combined with improved life cycle switching and a shorter preheating time.

In addition, the integral cooling tube keeps operating temperatures to a minimum for enhanced safety. With an operating life some seven and a half times longer than halogen and potential energy savings of up to 80 per cent, lamps in the GU10 range produce an even light distribution and can be used in areas where heat and glare discomfort can be a problem.

Other products used in the Park Inn Heathrow Hotel include Megaman’s 11W Spiral and the IP64 Fozz Lighting Opera luminaire incorporating the company’s GU10 lamps, which have been used in the leisure areas and meeting rooms respectively.

Megaman has recently filmed a few short videos that try to tackle the negative misconceptions that the public can sometimes pick up when looking at the subject of low energy lighting. You can view them on their website at http://www.megamanuk.com/voices/the-switch-over-from-incandescent-to-low-energy-light-bulbs/

Developers Todd Palmer and Danny Butler have revealed plans to build a Hampton Inn and Suites hotel along the Northport riverfront in Alabama, US.The hotel will feature 112 rooms and will be built on the existing old gin site property which is at the end of Main Avenue.

Hilton Worldwide has approved the project, allowing for the hotel to be converted into the Hampton Inn brand. Construction is expected to begin this year.

However, the City Council must still approve the design of the hotel so that it fits in to the surrounding area. The council is also to discuss street plans and traffic flow with the developers.

However, the council said that overall it was positive about the proposal and said that it was happy development will finally begin at the riverfront.

The hotel is expected to bring new jobs to the area.

The hotel will feature a mixture of hotel rooms and suites, as well as nearly 280sqm of meeting space which will be attached to the hotel but will feature a separate entrance.

The developers said that the project is expected to cost US$70m to complete.

Chesterfield’s only 4 star hotel aims to bring contemporary Spanish flair to Derbyshire in 2010.A new £20million hotel will open in Chesterfield later this year. It will be the town’s only 4-star hotel, where visitors will be able to enjoy unrivalled luxury accommodation and state-of-the-art facilities.

The new development offers 100 bedrooms complete with modern technology, facilities for weddings, 176 free car parking spaces and a number of bars. The Spanish theme runs throughout the decor and interiors, to help create a vibrant, warm ambience.

The 96 deluxe bedrooms come complete with rain-showers, 32″ flatscreen televisions, Wi Fi, Super King size Hypnos beds and floor to ceiling windows.

The suites feature Jacuzzi baths, a lounge and dressing area, separate shower cubicle, double basins, super king or four poster beds and balconies.

Best Western International has announced the opening of Best Western Allamanda Laguna Phuket.The property, which joins Best Western’s four other hotels is situated on Bang Tao Beach and features 129 guest rooms and suites.

The suites feature a kitchenette area which is separated from the living and dining areas. The property also benefits from a beach club and marine centre for water sport activities.

Best Western, vice president for international operations in Asia, Glenn de Souza said: “We are proud to open this fine Best Western property as part of Laguna Phuket, Asia’s finest destination resort complex, renowned for its outstanding facilities and services in a serene setting.”

Andaz San Diego has officially opened at the property formerly known as Ivy Hotel, in the US. Following the debuts of three other Andaz locations in London, West Hollywood and New York City, the Andaz San Diego is the second on the West Coast and fourth for the global brand.Located at 600 F Street in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego, Andaz San Diego embodies the brand’s hallmark, ‘personal style,’ with a new check-in process. An Andaz ‘host’ combines the roles of front office, concierge and bell attendant, and uses handheld technology to check guests into the hotel.

The 159-room property featuring 13 deluxe suites and four specialty suites has new complimentary amenities including a shot of espresso or glass of wine upon check-in, a mini-bar stocked with non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, wireless internet and unlimited local phone calls.

A centre of dining and nightlife, Andaz San Diego also offers the Ivy Entertainment experience including the Ivy Nightclub, a multi-leveled nightclub and lounge complete with signature LipStik, Inc. dancers, world-class DJs, cocktails and bottle service, the Ivy Rooftop, a sultry lounge, pool and sundeck overlooking San Diego’s skyline, and the Ivy Wine Bar, featuring 88 wines-by-the-glass from the high-tech and innovative WineStations by Napa Technology.

The hotel’s Quarter Kitchen continues to feature lively American cuisine using locally harvested ingredients.

Additional amenities also include free laptop use in the lounge, 24-hour in-room dining, a 24-hour fitness center, a boutique, Escalade service, upon availability, and nearly 930sqm of meeting space.

Andaz San Diego, general manager, Rusty Middleton said: “The concept behind Andaz was born out of the belief that today’s travellers are in search of hotels that offer warm and friendly service and have a unique design aesthetic. We are excited to offer them that experience here in San Diego, one of the most appealing destinations in Southern California. Our hosts are unconventional, unpretentious and extremely knowledgeable about the hotel and local happenings. Our goal is to make our guests feel like they are being welcomed into a friend’s home.”

Craster will be exhibiting at Hotelympia (Stand no: S1825), the leading trade event for the hospitality industry. Craster is a preferred product development and manufacturing partner for many of the world’s leading hotel and restaurant groups.

Craster is pleased to announce a new addition to their designs with their development of a new type of technology, in the form of the steadygrip range – a fully bonded, injection moulded thermoplastic tray range.

The wave tray range, part of the new steadygrip range, has a high grade ABS base and a fully bonded anti-slip rubber over-mould surface which ensures that items placed on it stay put.

The wave tray also has rubberized feet provide a quiet surface grip. Due to its unique shape, this tray is fully stackable making it functional as well as stylish.

Available in a variety of colours and sizes, the wave tray can also be branded to client specifications.

Craster, managing director, Alex Craster said: “These trays really signal a departure from the generic shapes and finishes that we have come to expect in the industry. Our use of innovative materials and flexible manufacturing provides clients with a truly durable, customizable, modern product. What is more this unique non-slip tray is a long-lasting investment.”

The new wave tray is a stylish and durable product that is easy to use, anti-scratch and dishwasher safe. It comes with a 12 month warranty.

Following last year’s success, Wrights Fine Furniture has many projects planned for 2010. A lot of the company’s existing customers, mainly schools, colleges, are looking to refurbish their canteens and refectories.

The fast food industry seems to have picked up and many have placed orders for new furniture in either existing restaurants or part of an expansion program.

Retro 1950s style American diners seem to be the new fashion and trend, which is an indication of the new optimism and is also apparent in the corporate dining section.

Many companies are choosing to refurbish their existing canteen or employee restaurants, or get rid of the tables and chairs and creating a complete new dining room.

Having a pleasant and relaxing place to take a break increases moral and productivity in the work place.

Wrights Fine Furniture, managing director, Margo Wright is certainly looking forward to a better year.

The JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles has officially opened and welcomed its first guests.The hotel, which is part of the $2.5bn L.A LIVE sports, residential and entertainment district, is a 878-room property.

It shares space with the 123-room Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles and The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE in a unique 54-storey tower which is designed by Gensler.

Plans for the JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles include an LEED certification.

General manager, Javier Cano said: “This hotel epitomises the best of the JW Marriott brand and matched with the energy of L.A LIVE it stands to become a landmark hotel in this city.”

David Fox Design has recently collaborated with Boss Design to produce the Kruze lounge chair. At the office furniture exhibition in Dubai, the product won the prestigious Gold award in the category of guest seating at this years furniture exhibition in Dubai.

The award builds on the recent success of the Kruze family of products, in 2009 & 2008 winning
Best of Neocon, and the IIdex bronze award Neocon in Chigaco, US.

Kruze Lounge not only builds on the classic design of the original Kruze but the chairs high contoured back, generous proportions and visible attention to detail makes it the ultimate statement piece for any front of house or corporate executive area.

The Kruze Lounge offers the choice of either a classic fully upholstered chair or a contemporary slim-line option. An accompanying footstool is also available to complement the chair.

One of the most significant new product launches for some time is taking place in PF Collection’Long Eaton showroom over the three-week period of February 21st until March 7th 2010.The launch deliberately includes three Sunday openings to give interior design and retail customers a chance to see the new collection without taking a day off from their busy work schedule. However, all visits will be by appointment to make sure that each interested customer has the time to view and discuss this exciting new collection in detail with sales staff.

PF has one of the most skilled workforces in the industry and this new collection brings all those skills together. PF has been working with customer’s own supplied materials for over 20 years, therefore pattern matching and the use of different fabrics on various areas of the furniture holds no fears for the company.

In 2009 the use of patchwork and mix and match fabrics increased enormously and several craft based companies have been very successful in creating a design trend for this funky, vivid, chic and different style trend. The furniture has appeared on national television, the Sunday Times Style magazine and has received rave reviews at Decorex and in Elle Decoration. However, because it is artisan based it is very expensive and a common comment is that a commercially produced product is required. That commercially priced product is now available from PF.

Several style led companies such as Roche Bobois and a manufacturer of the design classic Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen have introduced patchwork fabrics to its collection. Just search “patchwork furniture” on search engine, and you will see the level of interest being generated.

Several of its customers have sent in several different fabrics to use in creating their own version already and so it has decided to extend this design style to all customers.

The collection will initially consist of ten models and will be fully supported with a directory containing laminated photographs and a unique designer’s sketchbook. There is also an exclusive PF range of co-ordinated fabrics for you to create your own unique patchwork designs. Naturally, you can also supply your own fabrics but PF Collections will also be offering a stock service of unique one off pieces that will be designed by its design department and available to trade customers only via our secure website.

Owner Waldeck Capital LLC, project developer Raiffeisen Evolution and the hotel’s operating company The Rocco Forte Collection have announced that The Augustine in Prague has been nominated for a prestigious MIPIM award, in the Hotels & Tourism Resorts category. The nomination celebrates the challenge of restoring more than 800 years of art and architecture in creating The Augustine, in line with rigorous guidelines set out by the Czech conservation authorities. Seven buildings, all dating to different eras (and including the 13th century Augustinian monastery of St Thomas), having distinct structures and built from diverse materials on various levels, had to be integrated into a seamless blend of old and new, while remaining true to their heritage.
Before construction work could even begin, a complete historical survey of all the structures, materials and finishes in the buildings took place, followed by concept studies. After almost two years and 27 concept studies, and with 84 financing models and 63 legal agreements in place, the building work finally started.

Underground, over 4,000 cubic metres of archaeological excavation took place, resulting in a number of remarkable features, such as the preservation of the 17th century stalactites and stalagmites found in The Brewery Bar housed in the cellar of the former St Thomas’s brewery. Flora in situ was also protected, resulting in three mature trees now forming focal points in The Monastery Restaurant, which was created from the glassed-in courtyard in which they stand.

Wherever possible, original construction materials have been re-used. For example, on the top, attic floor, the roof was raised and the original timbers restored by Czech craftsmen using traditional methods; in Tom’s Bar, a barrel-vaulted, double-height hall comes complete with re-conditioned original ceiling frescoes of cherubs.

To provide an idea of the complexity of the buildings and the innovative approach required to construct a hotel around the monastery’s historic highlights, no two guest rooms out of the 101 inventory are the same and no less than four differently placed passenger lifts were required to allow simple, short access for every guest.

When the construction work was finally complete, an award-winning team of interior designers from RDD, led by Olga Polizzi, The Rocco Forte Collection’s director of design, moved on site. A picturesque mix of established courtyards, elegant gardens and modern ecclesiastical interiors reflecting The Augustine’s location, its rich monastic history and the cultural assets of Prague.

The world’s largest property forum, MIPIM (Marché International des Professionels d’Immobilier) takes place annually in Cannes, bringing together industry decision makers from around the globe and providing them with an opportunity to meet, network and showcase their latest developments – in one place, to one hugely influential audience.

The MIPIM awards being presented at an Awards Ceremony on the evening of Thursday 18th March.

“Dimmer” is the flame retardant is a black out fabric which has been supplemented with a new design.The graphic pattern of “Spot” conjures a tromp l’oeil effect with light reflexes on the fabric.

The Freetime series was also strengthened with two new check prints. Owing to their water repellent surface, it is suitable for exterior as well as interior furnishing applications.

“Solid” is another addition and it is an extremely hard wearing and flame retardant textile.

Louvre Hotels is to expand in south-east Asia, beginning with the recent signing of two hotels in Thailand’s resort destination of Pattaya. The hotel group, which is owned by Starwood Capital and run by Barry Sternlicht, is aiming for a different strategy in Asia compared to other countries.Currently Louvre Hotels is opening three different offices in Asia, in India, Shanghai in China and Bangkok in south-east Asia. This year the group will be opening hotels in Thailand including the Golden Tulip Resort Pattaya, Golden Tulip Erawan Hotel (Pattaya), Tulip Inn Lumpini Park (Bangkok) and Golden Tulip Madison Suites Bangkok.

Two weeks ago Louvre Hotels also took over the marketing and management of Golden Tulip Mangosteen Resort & Spa in Pattaya. The plan is for the group to open and manage even more Golden Tulip brands in capital cities and secondary cities that are in business centre locations, while Golden Tulip Hotels will be use for prime resort destinations in South East Asia.

Golden Tulip Group has four international brands – Tulip Inn offers comfortable three-star accommodation in convenient locations, Golden Tulip Hotels are four-star hotels with international standard of comfort, Tulip Residence offer service apartments and Royal Tulip Hotels are five-star hotels offering elegant and luxurious facilities.

Golden Tulip already boasts more than 213 hotels in 37 countries with 25,600 rooms. Golden Tulip South East Asia, managing director, Mark van Ogtrop said the signing of the Phuket and Pattaya hotels displayed the strong intentions of the company to the travel industry that it was putting serious resources into finding partners in the region as it seeks more hotels to manage.

“We have a mandate to expand the brand in South-east Asia and these three properties in Phuket and Pattaya signal a significant start to this strategic process and we have some exciting announcements about more hotels to be made in the very near future. Obviously Thailand, with its robust travel industry is a key target for us, but we are also looking at properties in Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia and Indonesia and are already talking to a number of property owners and developers.”

Carmen Allan

Digital Glass London is using the Surface Design Show 2010 to showcase its groundbreaking decorative and energy efficient innovation that can dramatically enhance glass in any location.Architects, designers, specifiers and contractors will have the opportunity to see firsthand how ordinary flat glass can be transformed into inspirational designs to improve any internal or external setting.

Using patented manufacturing technology, Digital Glass London’s eye-catching designs represent a cost-effective medium to promote brands, products and services. The bespoke designs can also be used to reflect sunlight or provide complete privacy whilst still allowing (natural) light transfer.

All Digital Glass products have the added benefit of rendering glass shatter resistant and blocking 99 per cent of all UV rays. Digital Glass® also eliminates the need for double handling of the glass substrate, providing enhanced safety in the workplace.

In development for more than four years, Digital Glass products have been rigorously tested within fully operational environments and meet all relevant building regulations and British and European standards.

Digital Glass London was formed by award-winning architectural signage designers and manufacturers, Signbox Ltd, and Digital Glass, world leaders in the development of specialist surface treatments for direct applications toglassand other clear sustrates.

The two companies are combining their skills, creativity and experience to bring innovative glass design to fruition.

For more information, or to see this product first hand, visit the Digital Glass London stand (stand number 81) at the 2010 Surface Design Show (16th – 18th February 2010, Business Design Centre, London).

The new Starwood hotel, now open, is located at the historic intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine and cost $350m.The opening of W Hollywood Hotel and Residences kicks off another year of international growth for W Hotels, which is on track to more than double its global portfolio by 2011.

The multi-million dollar complex was developed by Gatehouse Capital and owned in a joint venture by HEI Hotels & Resorts and Gatehouse Capital, in affiliation with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro).

Gatehouse Capital, chief executive officer and president, Marty Collins said: “The opening of W Hollywood marks the completion of a ten year journey for Gatehouse Capital and our partners, and we are proud to introduce this stunning, modern, and truly sustainable property.”

Dedicated to contributing to a green-conscious community and a cleaner environment, W Hollywood is registered for LEED-Silver certification.

In the eleventh edition of Candela, Baulmann has once again put together a range of different projects that are as rich in contrast as they are impressive. The projects range from the wine salesroom to the hotel and its ambience. There are also different decor themes such as ‘far eastern’ and ‘British’.

The projects include the Crowne Plaza Towers – the flagship hotel used for the climate summit in Copenhagen, The George – the four-star superior hotel of Hamburg hotelier Kai Hollmann.

Not to mention other projects such as the new SAP conference centre in Walldorf or the Baulmann representation in the gastronomic realm of the ‘cha chà – positive eating’ restaurant chain.

These are just a few illuminating examples of lighting design from Baulmann that can more than hold their own in the creative sphere in the national and international arena.

Your personal copy of the magazine can be ordered by contacting Baulmann via email, or by downloading it from their website.

Renowned for its comprehensive range of decorative electrical wiring accessories and lighting controls, Hamilton Litestat has a design and finish to suit every style of interior from ultra contemporary to heritage restoration.Hamilton’s in-house team of product developers and designers also regularly work on bespoke commissions for interiors that have specialist requirements.

This plate [pictured] was specially engraved to the hospitality client’s specifications due to the location of several switches on a single plate.

Plates such as this could also include the halo neon, which allows switches to be located in dark conditions, and may include several different functions such as touch switches, two-way on/off and intermediate on/off switches so that everything is contained within one stylish plate.

James Park Associates (JPA), the London and Singapore-based design practice is unveiling its latest work for Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces.The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai is reopening following a multi-million pound refurbishment that was required after large parts of the hotel were damaged in 2008’s terrorist attacks.

JPA was engaged to carry out refurbishment and renovation in many areas of the hotel, including the Heritage Wing public areas, Heritage Wing standard rooms and executive suites, and four unique Heritage theme suites. JPA has also undertaken the soft refurbishment of the main lobby of the hotel’s Tower Wing.

Managing director of JPA’s Singapore office, David Edwards said: “It was an honour to be asked to help with the hotel’s renovation and to work with Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces’ senior management, who have taken a close interest inour design concepts and their development.

“The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai is a magnificent hotel and after the tragic events of 2008, it was vital that our design was sensitive and appropriate to this landmark’s history, as well as offering guests the utmost in luxury and comfort.

“The results are interiors of refinement and elegance. They are unmistakably classical in origin, whilst offering all the leading edge technology that the affluent, modern guest could wish for.”

The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai is the latest of a number of luxury interior designs completed by JPA for Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces. Previous projects include the Lake Palace Hotel at Udaipur, India; the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa in The Maldives and the Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, India. In addition, JPA has designed a number of luxury interiors for Orient-Express Hotels, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Hotels as well as other operators.

JPA’s work at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower has included guestrooms and executive suites, the Heritage Wing lobby and reception, the Grand Staircase and Central Dome, the Aquarius Lounge and Poolside, the Palace Lounge and the main lobby. In addition, JPA’s designs for four themed suites, the Ravi Shankar Suite, the Rajput Suite, the Gateway Suite and the Seagull Penthouse, will be unveiled early this year.

David Edwards continued: “The design schemes of the Taj Mahal Palace are quite timeless; neither overly historic nor high fashion. The public areas reflect the formality and grandeur of the original building’s design, providing comfort within a formal framework of layout and detail. The guestrooms have a more relaxed, residential ambience, yet through their architectural details they never lose their formal background.

“Furthermore, a strong sense of place is conveyed through the antiques and artefacts of the public spaces and, more subtly, through the artwork, accent fabrics and pattern language of the guestrooms and suites.”

He concluded: “Even though there have been many cosmetic changes over the years, the formality and grandeur of the original building’s design is unmistakable. We have drawn on those qualities, together with the hotel’s illustrious history and the rich culture of India, to give new life to the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower’s interiors and to help it reassert itself as one of the world’s greatest and most magnificent hotels.”

The Kettal Maia collection presents two new colour combinations – bicolour Vieques and tricolour Vieques.Like an architecture that is in keeping with its surroundings, the Kettal Maia collection designed by Patricia Urquiola has a natural lightness and elegance.

The design of the artisan braiding, the sturdiness of the aluminium frame and the new Porotex and chenille fabric collection create a combination that oozes energy.

The collection was hailed as one of the most representative designs of our century by Javier Mariscal at Bombay Sapphire.

PS Interiors is the supplier of Kettal furniture in the UK.

Holiday Inn Barrie Hotel & Conference Centre in ONtario, Canada announced today the culmination of a multi-million hotel renovation project. The investment is part of a US$1b brand-wide global revitalization effort to showcase a more contemporary look and feel that will eventually feature new corporate branding and signage.

The full renovation which began in October 2009 included remodeling the lobby and front entrance, guestrooms, and a fresh new look and feel to the restaurant and lounge area.

A full renovation to the lobby includes new giant-size floor tiles, upgraded wall vinyl, custom artwork and stylish new furniture in warm earthy tones that compliment an intricate stone wall leading up to the hotel’s main staircase.

The Holiday Inn Barrie Hotel & Conference Centre’s new guest rooms feature 32” flat screen TV’s, new sofa beds and chairs.

All guest washrooms received a face-lift of their own with a fresh coat of paint, designer wallpaper and distinctive ceramic tiles. In addition, new curved curtain rods with brand new cloth shower curtains, new sinks and vanities and bath towels were installed.

Tattinger’s, the hotel’s restaurant and lounge received a complete floor-to-ceiling make-over during renovations with new carpet, wall vinyl, modern light fixtures and new furniture to create a more inviting dining experience.

The bar area has been repositioned along with the buffet and private dining area for improved functionality and design appeal. A new menu has been introduced for luncheons, private dinners, casual social gatherings and family dinners.

Holiday Inn Barrie Hotel & Conference Centre, general manager, Donald Buckle said: “This renovation was focused on adding more contemporary furniture, revamping the lobby space to be more welcoming, a new inviting dining room/lounge and upgrading 108 of our guest rooms. Custom lighting fixtures and redesigned accent lighting help create a distinct ambience that reinforces our commitment to a perfect and welcoming guest experience.”

Burton Upon Trent’s Three Queens Hotel (UK) is involved in a £1m expansion after submitting planning permission for the development of the two adjoining buildings, Trent House and Trent Terrace. This will result in a 24 ‘Lodge Style’ bedroom addition to the original 38 bedroom hotel and a total investment of £3m to date.Every room will be triple-glazed and fully air-conditioned, and will be focused on energy efficiency designs with LED lighting and a sophisticated energy management system.

Guests in the Lodge will use the facilities of the Three Queens Hotel, checking in at the hotel reception before taking the short walk along a covered walkway to the new complex.

As the artist external plans show, the buildings form part of the Bridge Street Conservation area and the hotel will be paying attention to the historic nature of the buildings as we turn this area into a key gateway to the town.

RTR Design have been charged with the design of the Lodge.

It is expected that building work will commence on April 1, 2010 and the rooms will be available for occupation by the Autumn.

Miami’s highly anticipated Hotel Urbano at Brickell, the city’s newest “art hotel”, has officially opened.The 65-room boutique hotel, which opened earlier this week, will provide Miami visitors with an art-inspired destination. It is located in the eclectic downtown Brickell neighbourhood.

Hotel Urbano’s guestrooms have been designed by Marcie DeLaRosa and they feature king or double beds, with spacious walk-in showers and balconies or walk-out lanais.

The hotel features a tropical, free form swimming pool and waterfall with a spacious deck with private cabanas, fire pits and poolside lounge which caters for alfresco dining.

Hotel Urbano will play host to Miami’s Art Fusion Galleries’ original artwork from emerging and well-known artists throughout the hotel’s public areas. The artwork will change seasonally and will be available for guests to purchase.

Worldwide lodging franchisor Choice Hotels International is undergoing a global expansion and has reached a new milestone with the company’s first ever entrance into Poland. With six newly added properties, this move reinforces and further demonstrates Choice Hotels commitment to grow its portfolio throughout the European market.

These newly added hotels are owned and managed by Poland’s leading real estate developer Hotel System, a subsidiary of the Salwator Capital Group. The company’s focus is to develop product that is comfortable, modern and offers travellers good value.

The flagship property, The Clarion Hotel Grand Baltic Resort & Spa, is located in the town of Dzwirzyno, on the Baltic Sea. This resort hotel boasts 133 luxurious guest-suites that offer sea-views from their balconies. In addition, guests staying at this Clarion property will have direct access to the beach and can enjoy pool and spa facilities, and two gourmet restaurants specializing in international food and wine.

The other five properties are Quality brand hotels located in the key cities of Cracow, Posen, Kattowitz and Breslau. These well-appointed hotels are tailor-made to meet the requirements of business travellers and deliver the attributes of the Quality brand.

Choice Hotels International, president and chief executive officer, Stephen P. Joyce said: “Our strong international expansion continues to be a key driver of Choice Hotels future growth and the addition of the Polish market strengthens our network of hotels throughout Europe. Choice continues to execute its strategic efforts on worldwide development and has identified Europe as a key market needed to achieve success.”

The Rezidor Hotel Group will open the Radisson Blu Hotel, Uppsala in Sweden. The property featuring 176 rooms is scheduled to open in 2012.Rezidor, president and CEO, Kurt Ritter said: “We are delighted to introduce this project in cooperation with our long-term partner Winn Hotel Group. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Uppsala will further strengthen our first class core brand Radisson Blu in our home market Sweden.”

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Uppsala will benefit from a prime location next to the city’s main train station – offering easy access to the city centre, Uppsala Concert Hall and Congress Centre.
All 176 guestrooms will show the modern and contemporary design Radisson Blu and will be equipped with services such as free high speed internet access. The hotel will also offer a restaurant, a lounge, five meeting rooms and a fitness room.

Uppsala, where Winn Hotel Group already operates a Park Inn hotel, has a population of 190,000 and a strong commercial base.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has opened its first hotel in Denmark with the Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers. The 366-room Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers stands 85m tall with views over the Copenhagen skyline and the whole Oeresund region.

The hotel has a bar and a Scandinavian restaurant as well as 3,500sqm of meeting room space made up of 12 flexible meeting rooms and a large ballroom that can accommodate up to 800 guests.

The Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers is one of the world’s greenest hotels with EU Green Building and Green Key certification. The hotel is a member of the UN Global Compact. The hotel building is on a journey to becoming carbon neutral. Environmentally responsible technology is used throughout the hotel, including the first groundwater-based cooling and heating system in Denmark, which is expected to reduce the energy used in the hotel for heating and cooling by almost 90 per cent. The hotel has also installed low energy lighting and hand dryers. It also features the largest solar panel park in Northern Europe to be integrated into a building.

All bedrooms are equipped with designer furniture, a flat screen TV, adjustable air conditioning, a mini bar and a safety deposit box.

The hotel is operated by Copenhagen Hotel Management under a 20 year franchise agreement with IHG.

Redditch based AMS Group, specialists in bespoke interiors for the retail and hotel and leisure sectors is pleased to announce that as a result of a recent evaluation by the SmartWood Program of the Rainforest Alliance, they have been certified to FSC Chain-of-Custody standards.Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an internationally recognized standard setting body that accredits and monitors forestry certifiers worldwide.

The Rainforest Alliance’s SmartWood program was founded in 1989 to certify responsible forestry practices, in particular chain-of-custody refers to the complete systems and procedures that allow for the tracking of a forest product from the logs traded to the retailers who bring the final product to the marketplace.

AMS, managing director, Jim Clark said: “We are very proud to receive official recognition of our efforts in this area. As a company we are very conscious of our responsibilities and achieving certification has been important for us and is a further guarantee to existing and potential customers that we operate in the most environmentally conscious way possible.”

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that it will be looking into a redevelopment plan for the 665-room Sheraton Manhattan at Times Square in New York City.The company is exploring a variety of options to maximize the long-term value of this significant asset which occupies 395,000 sq ft of real estate, covering a full city block, bounded by Broadway, Seventh Avenue and 51st and 52nd Street near Times Square.

The redevelopment plans will include a hotel flying one of Starwood’s brand flags, in possible combination with retail and office uses. Given the hotel’s incomparable footprint, Starwood has received considerable interest from investors and developers to partner on the project and the company has assembled a project team to assist in evaluating a full range of options and partners over the coming months.

As the hotel is redeveloped, Starwood will remove the Sheraton flag and operate the hotel as a non-branded Starwood property beginning in April. The hotel will remain open as the company finalises redevelopment plans, and will continue to be a member of the Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty program. Starwood made the decision to operate the hotel as an independent because the hotel does not currently meet the upgraded standards of the Sheraton brand, which is culminating a three-year, $6bn global overhaul. As part of the revitalisation of Sheraton, Starwood’s largest and most global hotel brand, the brand has removed 32 “off brand” hotels in order to improve its quality and consistency, and reflect a significantly enhanced guest experience.

The redevelopment of the Sheraton Manhattan is illustrative of Starwood’s bullish growth plans in New York City. Starwood has more hotels in New York City than anywhere in the world and currently operates 13 hotels here with plans to open six more in 2010, including two new high-profile Sheraton properties in Brooklyn and Tribeca, the W New York Downtown and the Four Points by Sheraton Long Island City. In addition, the global hotel giant will debut its two newest brands in the Big Apple with the openings of Aloft New York Brooklyn and Element New York Times Square West, bringing its total number of New York City properties to 19. In addition, the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, the Sheraton brand’s flagship New York property, will launch a $90 million renovation later this year.

The Création Baumann design team has taken inspiration from contemporary men’s fashion for its new range of curtain and upholstery fabric.Classic suit patterns, such as herringbone and houndstooth and cord fabrics are entering the world of furnishing in a fresh interpretation.

The collection is available in natural hues and tones of sand as well as in the colours of contemporary trends.

The designs, “Sir”, “Earl”, “Prince” and “Queen” are flame retardant and are recommended for furnishings in hotels.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. will remain on track to open two properties in Jacmel, Haiti, the company has announced.The company, which is scheduled to open a 32-room Comfort Inn Hotel and a 120-room Ascend Collection member hotel, will be expanding its support of relief efforts, and sending supplies to the property slated to open as a Comfort Inn hotel later this year.

Choice Hotels, vice president of emerging markets and new business developments, Brian Parker said: “Although the earthquake caused massive destruction and set back timetables, Choice Hotels together with the hotel owner and developer, SIMACT, will continue to collaborate to see these projects to completion and open two great properties in this coastal Caribbean town.”

Choice Hotels has sent aid in response to the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12. The company has sent relief supplies, including food, water, fuel, soap and laundry detergent, directly to its Comfort Inn conversion property in Jacmel. Among the supplies were more than 1,500lbs of food and drinking water, which was scheduled to arrive 30th January from the Dominican Republic.

Parker said: “The hotel did not experience structural damage and is now providing shelter to guests and local families who lost their homes in the earthquake.”

The two properties, owned by SIMACT, will be the first Choice-brand hotels for Haiti and the first global hotel brand for the island in more than a decade and will be located on Haiti’s southern coast in Jacmel.

Choice Hotels International, president and CEO, Stephen P. Joyce said: “During times like this, we must use our substantial resources to get supplies to areas where help is so greatly needed and to do whatever we can to directly support our hotels.”

Leading Hotels of the World member ‘Hotel de l’Europe’ became the first 5 star certified hotel of the Green Key Program in Amsterdam, The Netherlands a few years ago. Baulmann Leuchten has recently become involved with the chain.The Deluxe hotel in the city center of Amsterdam was awarded for its outstanding commitment to environmental performance.

They even got the highest level of performance which can be achieved, the ‘Golden’ status. It perfectly fits to the recently lounched ‘Leading Green Link Program’, of which Baulmann Leuchten is involved.

Continuing this outstanding commitment to environmental performance Hotel de l’Europe has now refurbished all bathrooms with energy saving luminaires from Baulmann Leuchten in Germany.

The wall-mounted luminaires are made from polished stainless steel and are equipped with electronic ballast for energy saving flourescent lamps.

Together with the famous dutch architects Dam & Partners Architecten from Amsterdam, the lighting designer Industrielicht BV made sure that the luminaires are placed on both sides of the mirror to garanty a glare-free and even illumination.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that the Minneapolis-based Chambers has joined Le Méridien. The addition will increase the brand’s footprint by 10 hotels in North America.Chambers was opened in 2006 by art collector Ralph Burnet and is considered one of the world’s top art hotels, which features more than 250 original artworks by noted artists such as Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Gavin Turk. The hotel has now been renamed Le Méridien Chambers Minneapolis.

Le Méridien and W Hotels Worldwide, global brand leader, Eva Zieglar said: “Le Méridien shares with its guests a passion for style, art, architecture, design, and cuisine, all focal points of Chambers and owner Ralph Burnet. Chambers will serve as a flagship for Le Méridien’s North American portfolio, and a perfect example of its new direction as a creative hub in vibrant cities around the world.”

Le Méridien Chambers was designed for those individuals who recognize and are inspired by contemporary art and cuisine combined with great service. Behind the hotel’s distinctive mahogany double doors, guests are greeted with an eclectic mix of original, contemporary art by internationally renowned artists. Video monitors line the guestroom corridors with a constant display of award-winning video art, and during their stays, in-the-know guests take the stairs whenever possible to enjoy, Elemental, the five-story mural that runs the entire height of the hotel’s main stairwell. In the hotel’s Burnet Gallery, guests may purchase works by international, national and local artists.

Designed by Rockwell Group, Le Méridien
Chambers’ design provides an ideal backdrop to its contemporary art collection. The hotel wraps around Eden, an open-air, grotto-style lounge courtyard that is open year round and features a 10ft square gas fire pit. During the winter months a portion of Eden transforms into, Ice Chamber, a 256-foot bar created from 12,000lbs of crystal clear ice.

Le Méridien Chambers features 60 guestrooms, including six suites and nine junior suites. All the guestrooms feature original artwork and are furnished with contemporary furniture and platform beds. Rooms are equipped with 42″ plasma TVs, WI-FI Internet access, and iPod docking stations and alarm clocks.

The Rezidor Hotel Group is to open a new hotel in a new country – The Radisson Blu Hotel, Ulaanbaatar with 175 guest rooms is scheduled to open in Q1 2011. The Radisson Blu hotel, already under construction, is located in the middle of Mongolia’s capital city Ulaanbaatar, 200m from Sukhbaatar Square and Peace Avenue.

Adjacent to the building (the rooms look down on it) is the 100 year old Choijin Lama Temple which features the 18th-century gold-covered statue of Buddha Shayaryamuni; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Opera House; and the Museum of Natural History. Besides 175 rooms, the hotel will feature three restaurants (including a Paulaner micro brewery), a wellness centre and 1,500sqm of conference and meeting space.

Mongolia is known as the home of Genghis Khan and its grasslands extend into China and Russia. Virtually unknown to the outside world prior to the 1990s, the country is emerging as a travel destination. Considered remote and exotic with a rich history, Mongolia has a unique combination of attractions for visitors – annual tourist arrivals have been growing at a compound annual rate of 15 per cent.

Corporate travel also offers considerable opportunities as Mongolia’s economy will experience impressive growth. With its extensive mineral deposits it is a key exporter of commodities helping fuel the rapid economic advancement of neighbouring China. The country has made a successful transformation from a state-controlled to market-driven economy.

Rezidor, CEO and president, Kurt Ritter said: “We are delighted to enter Mongolia which is a fascinating destination and the 61st country where Rezidor is present. Our co-operation will strengthen the business of both our companies, and bring a new clientele to Mongolia.”

Philip Cowan Interiors has proudly announced the completion of the manufacture, supply and installation of curtains and soft furnishings throughout London’s newest Eco Hotel.Rafayel on the Left Bank is a luxury green hotel located in Battersea’s award-winning Falcon Wharf Development.

Rafayel was created to set a new standard for London, proving that top hotels can reduce their environmental impact without compromising on 5-star luxury, quality or comfort.

Philip Cowan Interiors supplied over 300 screen roller blinds, blackout lined curtains, cushion and bed throws.

Kettal has included two new fabrics designed by Patricia Urquiola in their 2010 catalogue: Kernel Brown and Paddock Brown.The new fabrics are part of the Kernel and Paddock ranges, and are made from an exclusive PVC-acrylic mix. They combine the advantages of Porotex with the soft feel of chenille.

With the addition of these two new models, the range now consists of six different designs.

The new Kernel Brown and Paddock Brown fabrics, designed by Patricia Urquiola, are completely resistant to the outdoors.

Kettal products can be purchased from PS Interiors in the UK via the Kettal page in the Directory.

RGCA are officially launching its new table range, The Dorchester & Alvis this monthThey have been designed to offer subtle design features as well as an alternative to the standard square, rectangular or circular tables.

The legs and rails are all solid Beech, the tops veneered and the polish has a twin pack catalyst finish suitable for contract use, available in a wide variety of finishes to suit your scheme.

The Dorchester range has the option of a black stringing detail to give a subtle design feature and the standard version has a rebate on the side of the top to give a break and reduce the visual impact.

Alvis gives a wonderful perspective alternative to the normal square or round tables. The tops and legs are all triangular and the legs taper as well. The console table is a trapezium shape.

IHG has begun the countdown to the opening of the newest InterContinental Hotels & Resorts property in Times Square.Slated to open in July, the InterContinental New York Times Square will be situated on 44th Street just west of Times Square.

Wrapped with floor-to-ceiling windows, the 36-story InterContinental New York Times Square will total 607 guestrooms each averaging 350 sq ft, including an oversized bathroom complete with walk-in rain showers. The hotel boasts 29 corner suites with expansive views of the city that allowing guests to sightsee without moving their feet. Additionally, the hotel’s 2,700 sq ft duplex Presidential Suite will showcase dramatic panoramic views of Times Square, Broadway, the New York City skyline and the Hudson River.

IHG, president, The Americas, Jim Abrahamson said: “Opening the largest new-build hotel in the New York City market since 2002 – especially in this economy – is a tremendous milestone and the result of working with the right owner to put the right hotel brand in the right location.”

Upon completion, the InterContinental New York Times Square will be one of the most environmentally responsible hotels in New York City and the largest new-build hotel to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Counsel (USGBC).

Designed by the global architecture firm Gensler, LEED certification was based on a number of green design and construction features, including the use of sustainable materials such as roofing with low solar heat gain; green roofs with drought-tolerant, low maintenance plants (i.e. moss and sedum plantings); large windows to maximize natural day lighting; and an energy-generating elevator system.

With interior design by Jeffrey Beers International (JBI), the InterContinental New York Times Square combines classic New York Art Deco heritage with contemporary and natural inspiration, providing a refreshing sanctuary from the bustling streets of Manhattan.

Cambodian-based company, the Grand Lion Group, has entered into a management agreement and related agreements with US-based hotel operator Marriott International to operate the 218 room Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap.The agreement is the first of its kind for the Grand Lion Group whose primary business is real estate and agriculture.

The Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap will be located on a 1.2 hectare site, approximately 15 minutes away from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Archaeological Park.

Scheduled for completion in 2011, the Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap will feature 218 guestrooms with four fixture bathrooms. In room amenities will include Marriott’s plush bed and bath linen and amenities, high-definition flat-screen television, high-speed internet access, mini-bar and safe.

For dining and entertainment, there will be a casual, all-day dining restaurant, a Pool Bar & Grill and a lobby lounge. Recreational facilities will include an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a full-service spa including a relaxation lounge and a foot reflexology area. The property will also feature approximately 600sqm of function space.

Plans are also underway to open a resort hotel in the coastal holiday town of Sihanoukville and a business hotel in the capital city of Phnom Penh. Expecting to break ground in the third quarter of 2010, the Grand Palm Resort will comprise three branded International Hotels, a marina, 18- hole golf course and luxury villas and condominiums situated on a 200 hectare beachfront in the premier coastal holiday town of Sihanoukville.

The Grand Palms Beach Resort is nestled between a tropical rain forest and the Gulf of Thailand providing a retreat for those seeking seclusion. Sited four hours by road from Phnom Penh, the Resort is on target to be ready by 2013.

The planned 200-room hotel in the capital city of Phnom Penh is expected to appeal to business and leisure travellers when it opens in 2013.

Grand Lion Group, president and CEO, Mr Lundy Nath said: “After careful research and a thorough review of well-known hotel brands for two years, we selected Marriott International to be our key hotel partner in our hospitality division. The brand is world famous and internationally recognised fitting in with our marketing strategy, while meeting expectations for customers who are used to the level of comfort and standards associated with Marriott hotels around the world.”

The Grand Lion Group will invest a total of US$300m in its ongoing hotel ventures around Cambodia. The Grand Lion Group hospitality division is expected to create over 500 job opportunities in the country, and the group expects future development plans in Laos, Mongolia and Vietnam.

Just eight months after its grand opening, the 4-star hotel andel’s in Łódź has already received its fourth award.The Polish property has been recognised at Interior Awards from US-based Contract Magazine in New York for its outstanding design.

The andel’s Łódź won the award in the category of “Adaptive Re-Use” for the transformation of an existing historical building into an exclusive conference hotel.

Warimpex, CEO, Dr Franz Jurkowitsch said: “I am especially thrilled by this distinction – not only because the Contract Magazine Interiors Award is such a prestigious prize among top hotels, but also because we could show how much potential a building can have.”

Look out for a HotelDesigns’ review coming soon.

The Rezidor Hotel Group has announced another year of record openings. In 2009, the hotel group brought 36 hotels, with 7,100 rooms into operation across Europe, Middle East and Africa and created a total of 4,000 new jobs in these properties.With these numbers Rezidor was even able to surpass 2008 – with 33 openings with 6,500 rooms the group’s record year so far. And looking at 2007–2009, Rezidor notes an impressive 41 per cent cumulative growth in rooms in operation.

Rezidor, president and CEO, Kurt Ritter said: “We are proud to have achieved these results together with our owners and developers. 2009 has been a challenging year, but even in tough times Rezidor believes in growth.”

The Brussels-based group focuses on fee-based contracts (87 per cent of all opened hotels in 2009), and on a business development in emerging markets like Africa and Russia/CIS where Rezidor is the leading international player on the hospitality market.

A diversification of the portfolio is a further part of Rezidor’s success – already being Europe’s leading Airport Hotel Operator, the group grew the number of airport hotel rooms in operation by 8 per cent in 2009 and opened flagships like the Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg Airport (Germany) which is located directly opposite the terminals. The growth of resort rooms in operation even reached 30 per cent in 2009 – Rezidor welcomed the first guests in new and leading spa resorts like the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Dubrovnik (Croatia), the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Cesme (Turkey) and the Radisson Blu Resort & Thalasso Monastir (Tunisia).

Rezidor also brought a completely new brand to the hospitality market: In June 2009, the company celebrated the opening of the first Hotel Missoni – a new luxury lifestyle brand developed in cooperation with the iconic Italian fashion house of the same name. Hotel Missoni successfully debuted in Edinburgh (Scotland); the brand’s future locations feature Kuwait, South Africa, Oman and Brazil.

The ibis hotel chain recently opened its 50th hotel in Brazil – ibis São José, located in Florianópolis-SC, Brazil.The hotel features nearly 200 rooms and is located in the city center with easy access to the airport and highway.

It is next to the Ponte Hercílio Luz bridge and close to the municipal market, Av Beira Mar and a range of bars and restaurants.

The hotel’s facilities include a 24-hour bar, paying indoor car park and Wi-Fi access (free in the lobby).

The chain’s first hotel in Brazil was the Fortaleza, in the state of Ceará, North of Brazil. Since then, another 34 Brazilian cities received one or more ibis enterprises, showing an excellent acceptance of the economy hotel concept – which ibis pioneered in Brazil.

This successful step in Brazil is one part of the ibis global network which reached 850 hotels and opened the 100 000th bedroom at the end of 2009 in Munich, Germany.

ibis and Formule 1, operations director for Latin America, Steven Daines said: “This 50th ibis opening proves the brand’s strength in Brazil and that the chain is adopting the right strategies. Since in the middle of crises time, ibis Brasil could prove the brand resistance and reactivity keeping with good occupancy rate and strong positioning. It’s always good to see our efforts rewarded.”

Le 16 Haussmann offers glamour and elegance in the heart of the Paris Opera district and RHA Furniture has been working to make all the more beautiful.Designed by the team at Bevis Design in London, RHA were selected by the owners to supply furniture to this landmark hotel restaurant.

Using luxury fabrics by Lelievre and Casamance the comfortable traditional dining tubs and side chairs provide comfort throughout your meal.

The rosewood and chrome tables can be used with or without cloths and were designed for practical use with luxury appearance.

My partner wanted to look at the Eco-Home exhibition, a show in the temporary exhibition space of the Geffrye Museum in Kingsland Road, east London, so we took a trip back in time to Hackney. I was shocked how long it had been since my last visit to this lovely museum, and delighted to see how Lottery money had enabled a terrific extension, well designed and integrated, to the 18th Century Almshouses that make up the main part of the Museum.The Geffrye Museum opened in 1914. The London County Council had been persuaded by leading members of the Arts and Crafts movement to convert the 18th century buildings into a museum related to the local furniture industry. Its purpose was to provide a reference collection of furniture of a ‘fine standard of technical and artistic excellence’ to educate and inspire the local workforce. Of course much of the surrounding industry has gone replaced by the ephemera of 21st century life, service industries, markets that are tourist attractions and restaurants.

The Geffrye Museum shows the changing style of English domestic interiors from 1600 to the present day. Its focus is on the urban middle classes, a relatively prosperous sector of society, not as rich as the landed gentry and aristocracy, but wealthy enough to have a comfortable town house with good quality furniture and possessions. In the 17th and 18th centuries, they would typically have been merchants, financiers, doctors and lawyers. By the 19th century, as the middle classes expanded, they would have included people engaged in business and manufacturing, and now of course it’s everyone, as those who are working class become richer and the wealthy move to Monaco.

Worldhotels has added 54 new affiliates to its global portfolio, which is an increase of 12 per cent on the number of hotels admitted in the previous year.In line with its ambitious expansion plans, Worldhotels plans to add a further 100 properties worldwide in 2010.

The hotel group particularly expanded its portfolio in the UK with the addition of the renowned brand City Inn, which has properties in the UK business hubs London, Leeds, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and Bristol. London’s Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington also joined the group.

New properties in Europe include additional hotels in several key destinations, such as Budapest, Rotterdam, Berlin and Helsinki.

Further hotels of particular note include the brand new Grand Majestic Plaza in Prague, the historic Park Hotel in Amsterdam, the Manhattan Hotel Rotterdam, and the recently opened Atlantic Congress Hotel in Essen, the ‘European Capital of Culture 2010’.

In the US, Worldhotels added 12 new businesses and has a new presence in a variety of destinations, including Dallas, Atlanta and Chicago. The group also added its first hotels in Vermont and the Virgin Islands. One of the most recent new hotels in the US is the Dana Hotel & Spa in Chicago.

New hotels complement the Asia-Pacific portfolio of the group, with 15 being added. Among the recent additions are six new hotels in China, among which is the landmark hotel Grand Central Hotel Shanghai, four in Australia, three in India, and one each in Japan and Korea.

Worldhotels, vice president of hotel development, Ingo Gürges said: “Unlike with any other provider, WORLDHOTELS affiliate hotels commit to a full-service, one-stop solution, which is more convenient and cost-efficient than contracting such a wide range of required services from various suppliers.”

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), has announced that the Crowne Plaza Hamilton has opened after a conversion from an independent hotel. The 214-room hotel, which includes eight luxury suites, will feature the Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage programme, which is available at all Crowne Plaza hotels in the Americas. The programme components include signature bedding, guaranteed wake-up calls, designated quiet zones, night lights, drape clips, and amenities such as eye masks, ear plugs and lavender spray.

The hotel will also offer intimate rooms for small meetings, as well as a 372-seat theatre which will cater for large scale presentations. The property also features 19,000sq ft of banquet space.

An environmentally-friendly hotel has opened in Battersea on the Left Bank in London. The Rafayel was built with the goal to reduce each guest’s carbon footprint.The hotel hopes to incorporate ‘affordable luxury’ and the ethos of ‘living at peace with nature’ for all those staying in its rooms. There are 65 bedrooms from guests to choose from, all which feature bespoke furniture and fittings.

The bedrooms at the hotel were designed to be large, with the biggest measuring over 210sqm. All rooms have full-length mirrors to let in the daylight, as well as views over the city.

The bathrooms feature body-spray showers and the larger rooms have hydrotherapy baths. Water is harvested from the rain and the hotel is able to produce 6,000 litres of rain water each day. The water is also used to grow thousands of plants on the grounds of the hotel and it is also fed into the fountain that recycles the water. Eventually the hotel hopes to increase its rain harvesting capacity to 10,000 litres a day.

Although the hotel uses the latest technology, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions through a ‘no plastic’ policy and LED lighting. This alone is set to reduce The Rafayel’s CO2 emissions by 500,000kg per year. The average London guest currently has a carbon footprint of 70kg a night and at the Rafayel it will be reduced to 17kg. The lighting program will also reduce overall electrical costs by 80 per cent a year.

The hotel has views over the Thames and features a spa. The Rafayel also has a range of bars and restaurants including a brasserie, bakery and afternoon tea lounge. The Banyan on the Thames restaurant offers a healthy all day menu and the Left Bank Brasserie is a place for casual dining. Mychelle’s Baketique sells pastries and sweets and the Crystal Bar serves cocktails, drinks and snacks.

Forbes Group Ltd will be exhibiting for the first time under its new name in the middle east at the Gulfood Exhibition in Dubai from 21-24th February 2010.Forbes has in the past supplied hotels, conference centres and prestigious sporting venues in the UAE, Qatar, Oman and India.

Besides Forbes’ products including table skirting, conference cloth, restaurant skirting and hospitality furniture (such as robust but lightweight Alu-Lite tables and aluminium stacking chairs), Anna Smarzak from the UK office will be spreading the word of Forbes’ new textiles ranges including updated conference cloth designs, additional skirting styles and an entirely new range of soft furnishings and fabrics by the roll.

Forbes Group is keen to maintain customer contacts made at past exhibitions, to raise awareness of its change of name, and to show off the latest additions to its product range. Anna will be joining Forbes Group’s distributor in the region, Everstyle Trading LLC, on Stand E1-8 in Hall No. 1. She said: “This exhibition offers us an unparalleled opportunity to meet new and existing contacts, to form a better understanding of the market and the particular requirements of customers and designers in the region.”

If you are heading for Dubai, take a sneak preview of what Forbes Group has to offer at its brand new website at www.forbesgroup.eu , then head for Everstyle’s stand, E1-8 in Hall no. 1. Nearer to home, look out for Forbes at Hotelympia from 28 Feb- 4 March (Stand S1110).

Indigo Art is delighted to present new artists Rob Hart and Anand Channar plus new photographer Alan Price. These artists are already well collected privately and Indigo is launching selected works to the corporate market.

Rob Hart’s speciality is semi-abstract evocations of hill landscapes. Dubai-based Anand Channar’s work is well known across the Middle East and Alan Price’s photography concentrates on the detail in nature.

As always with work from the Indigo Collection they can be supplied to any size as framed pictures, stretched canvases or as digital wallpaper.

The new fabrics, “Maxi”, “Mini” and “Multi” are colourful, and use dots and stripes.Intended to look as if drawn by the hand of a child, they are designed to be bright.

The fabrics can be combined with each other and are flame retardant. The collection also includes, “Fred”, “Frida” and “Farm” which feature artistic illustrations that tell stories.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced the opening of The Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport, a new-build hotel in Richmond, B.C. owned and managed by Wall Financial Corporation.The hotel incorporates green elements into the design and function. A focus of the design is a “Living Wall” that incorporates 360 living panels consisting of more than 9,000 native plants, which assist in irrigation. The hotel also has a Green Roof system with a large landscaped area consisting of drought tolerant sedum and ornamental grass with long curved arches to emulate the flight paths and movements of planes from the nearby airport.

The Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport offers more than 9,900 square feet of functional meeting space. The 4,700 sq ft ballroom is equipped with all the latest technology and offers access to an outdoor terrace and garden area.

The hotel’s 176 guest rooms and eight unique suites all feature the Westin Heavenly Bed, a 32-inch HD flat screen TV, in-room and high-speed Internet access.

Additional amenities include an indoor heated pool, 24-hour business centre, a gym, valet parking and a dining room or intimate lounge.

Freed Veneers will be exhibiting its products at the Surface Design Show which will take place later this month.The company, which is new to our Directory, will be at Stand 71 from 16-18 February and are looking forward to meeting the HotelDesigns’ readers.

Freed have been sourcing veneers from around the world for more than 27 years.

With warehouses in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire and Valencia in Spain, the company carefully prepare various qualities of veneer to meet the needs of end-users. It finds the logs, sorts the veneers and supplies customers with the order.

Freed supplies from high volume commercial veneers through to specialised highly figured veneers for bespoke projects.

Wyndham Vacation Ownership, a member of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies has announced it has welcomed its first Club Wyndham Plus owners to its highly anticipated urban property – Wyndham Vacation Resorts at National Harbour.In development for more than three years, this 250-unit resort is the company’s second resort in the popular Washington D.C. market, joining Wyndham Old Town Alexandria.

Situated within National Harbour, this purpose-built resort property features 250 condominium-style, fully furnished units, including 42 presidential suites.

Built in an 11-storey tower, the resort also boasts a health and fitness club, indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, an outdoor terrace with a spa and wading pool as well as a recreation room.

Kettal Landscape, designed by the Kettal Studio, features modern architectural shapes that highlight nature in outdoor settings.Kettal Landscape is a very complete system comprised of totally configurable daybeds and pergolas and personalised aluminium furniture that will look great in any natural setting.

The quality of the new Natte structured fabric, the volume and comfort of the upholstery and the modernity of the proportions give it an elegant look.

The light cassis of the Kettal Landscape dining armchair and the handcrafted appearance of the braided cord lend it a natural elegance.

The dining table with a ceramic or secure glass matt tabletop is also available with a new integrated extension system.

The Kettal range is available through PS Interiors in the UK.

Carlson Hotels and The Mayapada Group have revealed their partnership to bring luxury brand Regent to Indonesia. Scheduled to open in 2011, The Regent Bali opening comes after Carlson Hotels announced that it will open a Regent property in Gurgaon, India.

The Regent Bali will be located on Sanur Beach and each of the 110 rooms will feature Balinese-inspired décor.

Guests will be able to enjoy an array of dining venues at the hotel, including both authentic Balinese dining to classic fine dining. Another key feature of this luxury property will be the bar overlooking the pool, offering guests views of the garden and ocean.

Developed by Indonesian conglomerate The Mayapada Group, The Regent Bali will be operated by Carlson Hotels. The accompanying Regent Residences Bali will be wholly owned, developed and operated by The Mayapada Group.

Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific, managing director, Jean-Marc Busato said: “Regent is renowned for superior luxury and service. The brand has an iconic historical legacy in Asia, and a strong affinity to the region. Our goal is to establish a Regent presence in every key gateway city and premier resort location in Asia Pacific.”

Encompass furniture has released a new range of modern lounges.FOLD is the name of the new range and it is designed by Kris Van Puyvelde for Royal Botania.

The voluptuous range of modern design lounge and modular lounge furniture is made in shaped acrylic and stainless steel.

FOLD is available with an exciting range of new fabrics for 2010.

The Swissôtel Métropole in Geneva just completed a new phase of its renovation program including its large suites and conference rooms.Following the successful renovation of its Grand Quai restaurant last year, the hotel chose local designer Fiona Pont to renovate the accommodations and conference space.

The style is contemporary: an ‘urban chic’ design with different color schemes from black and grey to emerald green and shades of brown.

The Royal suite, located on the 4th floor, offers the most beautiful views over the lake and has been completely redesigned to include a bar, a dining area and a walk-in closet: the bedroom is nestled under the roof and the bathroom includes a Jacuzzi and tropical shower.

The conference rooms on the main floor also include a new decor but also some true technical improvements such as the sound system and the soundproofing in between rooms.

Half of the Premier city side rooms are also renovated following the same design and the Business and Junior suites should be refurbished by the end of the year.

Carlson Hotels has revealed its year-end 2009 results, which include the addition of a total of 92 properties under its five brands worldwide and systemwide sales of US$5.8b.Carlson Hotels also signed 66 new properties adding to its contracted pipeline of 249 properties.

Carlson Hotels added 37 Radisson properties to its portfolio in 2009, including 10 in the Americas, five in Asia Pacific and 22 in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Key additions have included major resorts, as well as properties in key city centers and airports around the world.

In addition, Carlson signed 13 new Country Inn and Suites properties, bringing the contracted pipeline of the brand’s properties to 80.

Carlson opened 16 Park Inn properties in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Carlson also opened 14 new Park Plazas, with a mammoth 1,019 bedroomed property to open near Westminster Bridge in London next month. The hotel cost £350m to build.

The trend for all things miniature is set to hit The West End as plans for a new hotel at the Trocadero with bijous ‘pod style’ rooms have been given the go aheadWestminster Council has granted permission for a 495 bedroom hotel whose small hotel rooms take their inspiration from Japanese capsule hotels and whose designs are based upon first class air cabins.

The hotel’s ensuite rooms will measure just 12sqm to 17sqm, and will occupy part of the second to seventh floors in the Grade II-listed building in Piccadilly Circus

Being described as London’s answer to the fashionable Pod Hotel in New York, the hotel is set to join a series of major hotel developments occurring in Westminster in the run up to the London Olympics which will transform the district with its world famous attractions and ensure it can cope with the millions of extra people who will flock to it in 2012.

Westminster Council’s Planning and City Development, chairman, Alastair MossCommittee said: “We welcome this exciting new development for the West End.

“The designs for this hotel are a good example that bigger does not equal better, and take into account that when people come to central London with its vast array of attractions and things to do they do not always need or want a large room.

“With some of the best shopping streets in the world, world renowned museums and galleries, a booming Theatreland and some of the best bars and restaurants in the UK on their doorstep most of the 200 million people who visit the West End every year would rather go out than stay in.”

The redevelopment will see the upper floors of the Trocadero brought back into use for the first time since they housed the UK’s biggest indoor theme park Segaworld.

Alongside its 495 hotel rooms, the hotel will also boast a breakfast bar and a guest lounge with a terraced area on the eighth floor.

Cllr Moss added: “The design world at present is obsessed with all things miniature from iPod nanos to tiny mobile phones and with this development Westminster, as ever, is staying in vogue.”

When the Olympics comes to London in 2012 The International Olympic Committee will stay in Westminster, and with Westminster being at the hub of the Olympic Route Network, which starts in Park Lane and runs to the Olympic Park in Newham, many of the events’ visitors will want to stay here, as at the moment 98 per cent of the 30 million annual visitors to the capital come to Westminster.

To prepare for this and despite the credit crunch thousands of rooms are set to be added to the West End’s hotel portfolio.

Some of the hotels set to be added to the area look likely to include a 194 bedroom hotel at the Swiss Centre, the transformation of the former Playboy club at 45 Park Lane into a 48 room hotel and the Manchester Square Fire Station building in Chiltern Street looks set to be converted into a 33 room boutique hotel.

Baulmann Leuchten had the pleasure of fitting out a five star hotel in Germany recently.Constructed in 1897, Hotel Fairmont Vier Jahreszeiten is located in heart of Hamburg, on the Inner Alster lake and just steps away from elegant shopping arcades, cultural attractions and the exhibition and congress centre.

The Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is a Grand Hotel in the European tradition and impresses with its charm and great luxury.

All 156 rooms and suites have been renovated and now feature a fresh, creative and detail oriented design.

The rooms are equipped with latest technological comfort. The Vier Jahreszeiten Hotel is built upon the state of the art technical expertise of Baulmann Leuchten.

Each rooms was equipped with LED reading lights to generate a cosy atmosphere for the guest.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) recently opened a new 134-room Staybridge Suites in the Seattle suburb of Mukilteo, Washington. The five-floor property features three suite options (deluxe studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom/two-bath). All suites include in-room DVD/CD players, work stations with ergonomic seating, speaker phones with direct-dial number, personal voice mail and complimentary local phone calls and fully equipped kitchens.

Guests can enjoy the hotel’s indoor pool, complimentary parking, and the brands new Outdoor Living Room, featuring a place where guests can sit on outdoor all-weather furniture beside a stacked-stone fireplace providing year-round heating.

Golfers can use the 5 hole putting green on-site. The hotel offers 580sqm of meeting space with seating capacity for 100 and a boardroom that can seat 10.

The property is a short drive from businesses and attractions including the Boeing Company’s, wide body aircraft final assembly plant in Everett, The Future of Flight Aviation Center/Boeing Tour, the Flying Heritage Collection, Fluke Corporation and Intermec Technologies.

Located adjacent to the Big Gulch Park, the Staybridge Suites provides access to a two-mile nature trail leading guests to views of the Puget Sound shore, and ending up at the Mukilteo Library.

The Staybridge Suites Seattle North-Everett is owned and managed by Mukilteo Hotel, LLC, and is located at 9600 Harbour Place.

IHG brand delivery, vice president, Gina LaBarre said: “We’re very pleased to welcome this property to our growing family of upscale extended-stay hotels. This is the second Staybridge Suites in Washington, and our extended-stay amenities, such as full kitchens, comfortable living areas, housekeeping and meal services, will appeal to guests whether they’re in the Seattle area for business or leisure.”

Kettal has released a new outdoor furniture range called Kettal Landscape.Kettal Landscape, designed by the Kettal Studio, features modern architectural shapes that highlight nature in outdoor settings.

Kettal Landscape is a very complete system comprised of totally configurable daybeds and pergolas and personalised aluminium furniture that will look great in any natural setting.

The quality of the new Natte structured fabric, the volume and comfort of the upholstery and the modernity of the proportions give it an elegant look.

The 150cm by 150cm dimensions of the island piece crean an elegant and spacious corner for relaxation.

PS Interiors is the distributor for Kettal in the UK.

Al Fresco furniture after all that snow? Yes, now is the time to think about the summer and your clients needs for outdoor furniture.Rha have a comprehensive range shown on their web site covering all applications and budgets.

A new addition to the collection is ‘Orbit’ which ticks all the boxes in regards to price, quality and design.

Designed by Ross Lovegrove who has once again extended the boundaries of technology and innovation.

The result is a leaf-like thinness and a true three-dimensional shell in a high-tech plastic (PC/ABS) in various colours.

’Orbit’ features a frame in seamless steel tube with Matt Alu Polyester Lacquer finish. The chair can be stored in stacks of up to fifteen.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) announced today that the Holiday Inn Wall Street will open in April as the only full-service IHG property in the centre of the Financial District in New York City.This 20-story conversion property was newly built in 2009 and will showcase the brand’s new sign.

The Holiday Inn Wall Street is in a prime location, situated directly across the street from the Federal Reserve Bank and just a block north of the New York Stock Exchange.

IHG, chief development officer, the Americas, Jim Anhut said: “Developing strong relationships with companies like McSam Hotel Group and Hersha Hospitality Management, gives IHG the opportunity to grow our portfolio in the right markets for our guests and their travel needs. Despite the current economic market, we’ve opened four IHG properties in New York City in the past year, and this Holiday Inn Wall Street is additional proof of the strength of our brands and the commitment of our owners and franchisees.”

The Holiday Inn Wall Street is owned by McSam Hotel Group and managed by Hersha Hospitality Management, LP, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

AYANA Resort and Spa Bali has re-opened Damar Terrace restaurant following renovations by Yasuhiro Koichi.Koichi’s trademark style is reflected in the combination of traditional materials, motifs and colours, set off by cutting-edge lighting and clean modern lines softened by tranquil lotus ponds.

The central thatch-roofed bale (open-air gazebo) features a large carved wooden dragon suspended dramatically above a bar made from recycled ship wood, giving it a rustic, cozy edge. Another bale extends out over the pond with plush day-beds that almost appear to float. Wooden partitions separate each day-bed, providing an intimate ambience while guests watch the colorful koi fish dart beneath lotus plants lit up by dozens of floating candles at night.

The beautiful glass lamps illuminating the restaurant were designed by Japanese glass artist Seiki Torige, who also created the bar using ‘kayu besi’ or ‘iron wood’ from an old Indonesian ship. Originally the hull of a wooden boat more than five metres in length, Seiki found this wood in a remote village in South Sulawesi. As its name suggests, iron wood is extremely hard and sinks in water like iron; according to legend, it also has the power to protect its passengers. It has been used in traditional Indonesian boatbuilding since ancient times.

The Village Market Hotel, located in the heart of Nairobi’s Gigiri district is Africa’s newest luxurious boutique hotel.The Kenyan architect, Meghraz Ehsani, who first conceptualized the now world-renowned Village Market with his brother Hamed, is a visionary who is changing the face of Nairobi.

After the Village Market won the coveted International Council of Shopping Centers’ Design Award, he began work on the newest addition to the complex, TRIBE Hotel. His primary influences include Persian architecture, and an understanding of African light, space, and sense of place.

A rebellion against the typical Holiday Inn-style “box”, TRIBE is a low-rising structure, confounding guests with its atypical angles. It plays on light and space with very generous, light-filled public spaces.

The slick, modern architecture is complimented with African warmth in handmade wooden furniture, local fabrics and artefacts. The building faces North, in stark contrast to traditional Colonial architecture – as the British built everything facing South as they would in the Northern Hemisphere. The huge glass windows in the atrium are only possible because of the North facing viewpoint, which maximizes sunlight and warmth. Owing to this, TRIBE is able to cut down on electricity, upping its green factor. The pool is solar heated, and all fixtures have been updated to be LEED certified – making this not only a wonder of modern African architecture, but an outstanding example of green architecture.

The hotel offers a variety of special rooms, each with TRIBE’s signature style. It boasts 140 luxury rooms including lofts, an Ambassadorial Suite, Presidential Suite, and Penthouse.

As part of the Création Baumann 2010 collection is the reworked Sinfonia CS.This is flame retardant textile in Trevira CS, which is considered among the most popular curtain fabrics for the last thirty years.

Experts from the Langenthal base in Switzerland, have managed to create a new environmentally sustainable dye method whilst making the fabric even softer. This involves the acquisition of the latest dye plant which uses less energy and water than traditional machines.

Sinfonia’s large colour palette was enhanced with natural elegant broken tones and contemporary accent colours.

One of the architecture inspired series, which features graphic and organic print designs, can be combined with the unis for many and varied applications.

Coral Lodge 15.41, a unique Mozambique lodge on a beach location near the UNESCO World Heritage site, Ilha de Mozambique, has announced it will open its doors officially announces on February 1, 2010.This new property is modern Mozambique luxury lodge with a distinctly African flavour.

Coral Lodge 15.41, owner, Alexandra Otto-van der Ender said: “After a lot of hard work we are excited to open our doors of our Mozambique luxury lodge in February. The resort’s design, by Dutch designer Edward van Vliet, incorporates the colours of its environment using wood and brightly-coloured textures. These natural materials make the resort blend in perfectly with the surroundings. We have made further use of the area’s natural setting by building Coral Lodge 15.41’s villas on top of the dunes.”

The lodge comprises of 10 villas and is set on a privately-owned reserve called Varanda. The living space includes informal sitting areas, a bedroom, a bathroom and a big terrace. All villas offer aquatic views over the Indian Ocean and Ilha de Moçambique.

Hilton Worldwide has signed a Management Agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Granada Investment Centre established by General Organisation for Social Insurance (GOSI) for the first Hilton branded property in Riyadh scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2013. Located on Riyadh’s Eastern Ring Road, linking King Khalid International Airport with the downtown area, the new-build Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will feature two towers; a 20-storey 480-room hotel tower, and a 14-storey tower with 350 hotel apartments.

Once completed, the hotel will be located between the 466,000sqm Granada Centre, a shopping and entertainment mall, and Granada Business Park. Also nearby is the new Riyadh International Conference Centre, and the King Abdullah Financial District, the future home of the Saudi Stock Exchange. Further leisure attractions within close proximity include the Al Hokair Land Theme Park.

In addition to its rooms and suites, there are varied restaurants on offer, with several food and beverage outlets, featuring all-day dining, specialty and destination restaurants, as well as two outdoor lounges.

Business meetings and conferences include separate male and female ballrooms, a junior ballroom, eight meeting rooms, two boardrooms and a business centre. Leisure and recreational facilities include a spa and health club, with separate male and female areas and a swimming pool.

Hilton Worldwide has a large brand footprint in Middle East & Africa with 44 hotels across 14 countries, and a further 19 under development. The company has an established and diverse brand portfolio in Saudi Arabia spanning Waldorf Astoria (Qasr Al Sharq), Hilton (Jeddah Hilton, Makkah Hilton & Towers, Madinah Hilton) and Hilton Garden Inn (Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Olaya) brands.

Hilton Worldwide global operations, president, Ian Carter said: “Our goal has always been to have a Hilton branded property in every capital city around the world, so we are delighted to have signed this management agreement with GOSI marking our Hilton entry into Riyadh. There is growing demand for hotel accommodation in the capital from the business and corporate travel segments making Riyadh the perfect choice for us.”

The property was formerly a 16th century boarding school, and its refurbishment includes the hotel, restaurant and bar, and has been designed to encompasses style, originality and comfort.Located in the heart of the town centre of Hertford, Masters House benefits from all the local attractions.

Philip Cowan worked on the refurbishment, making and installing the curtains and cushions for 14 individually designed ensuite rooms.

The hotel opted for 29mm stainless steel poles with blackout lined curtains with distinguishing contrast coloured leading edges. The curtains were complimented by the assorted contrast piped and bolster cushions.

Grupo Kettal present their new Contract Outdoor 2010 catalogue, which can be ordered through PS Interiors.With this catalogue, through its four brands -Kettal, Triconfort, Hugonet and Evolutif – Grupo Kettal, offers a complete solution for Hotel requirements.

Kettal makes any outdoor space a new fresh, personal and unique “Outing Experience” in which architecture, scenery, colours, objects, materials and styles blend in a balanced design.

“The Outing Experience” applies to Contract through the different “experiences” to be created in the various “Outing Spaces”: Lounge, Restaurant, Guest Room, Pool, Spa, Beach and so on.