Hotel Designs

The Crown Metropol has opened in Australia. The hotel has 658 rooms and cost A$300m to build. The Crown Metropol has an urban and metropolitan design, which was influenced by the hotel’s location in the centre of Melbourne.

It took more than 5,000 people 27 months to complete the build and will feature Australia’s first two Gordon Ramsay restaurants.

The hotel also features a spa on its 27th floor, a sky bar and terrace on level 28, four meeting rooms and a retail precinct. The shopping area is to showcase brands that were previously unavailable in Australia.

Local businesses and artists, such as Melbourne-based artist David Band and lighting designer, Steven Hennessy, were commissioned to create unique, custom-made elements throughout the hotel. Specially commissioned Australian artwork and Victorian materials feature prominently throughout Crown Metropol.

The hotel’s 658 rooms is inclusive of 579 hotel rooms, 34 studios, 12 spa accommodation rooms, 32 lofts and one apartment-style residence. Lofts boast city views while studios feature views of Port Phillip Bay.

In the lobby, a mirrored space encloses the extensive storage area while a specially commissioned light fitting, sculpture and large-scale painting completes the expansive, modern lobby.

Overall, the hotel’s rooms, studios and lofts have a dramatic, Manhattan, boutique-style feel teamed with all of the service and amenities expected of a Crown hotel.

Crown, CEO, David Courtney said: “The new hotel is a demonstration of the confidence Crown has in the future of Melbourne as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. When the Bates Smart-designed hotel opens, it will employ 500 people and provide accommodation for approximately 250 000 guests in its first year of operation including 100 000 visitors from overseas.”

The Burj Khalifa, the new tallest tower in the world which is to house the Armani Hotel, has delayed its opening once again, this time because of the volcanic ash.It is the second opening cancellation in the Dubai tower. The first delay was for two months because there was an elevator malfunction in the 828m-tall building.

The current delay, due to the volcanic ash from an eruption in Iceland delaying flights around Europe, means the hotel will now only open on April 27, instead of the expected date of April 22.

The Armani Hotel is the first from fashion designer Giorgio Armani and will include eight restaurants, an upscale lounge, a spa with thermal suites, a fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool. The hotel will also house an Armani/Dolci chocolates store, a florist and a galleria, which is to show select couture accessories.

Marriott will open Courtyard by Marriott Ham Tan in Vietnam. The hotel will feature 200 rooms, and will consists of mix of standard guestrooms as well as semi-detached bungalows. Each of the rooms will boast views of the ocean as well as modern connectivity. Bungalow guests will also be able to enjoy ‘generous’ bathrooms with a separate tub and shower.

Marriott International, president and managing director, Ed Fuller said: “We’re thrilled by the continued expansion of our presence in Vietnam and to be introducing our Courtyard brand in Vietnam. With the opening of this hotel, we’ll be able to offer travelers in Vietnam a choice of four hotel brands from luxury to mid-priced. The World Travel & Tourism Council forecasts that Vietnam tourism over the next 10 years will grow to more than 7 million visitors annually, twice what it was in 2007, and we are positioning ourselves to be able to offer these visitors a hotel stay no matter what their travel budget dictates.”

With the opening of the Marriott Ham Tan, travelers will now have a choice of four hotel brands from luxury to mid-priced.

There will be a variety of dining spaces as well as a lobby lounge, and there will be over 500sqm of flexible meeting space.

The hotel will also house a pool and spa area with six treatment rooms.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has signed an agreement with Tanriverdi Holding Company to manage the Shangri-La Hotel, Istanbul, opening in April 2012. The hotel will be the group’s first in Turkey.Shangri-La Hotel, Istanbul will be located between the Dolmabahce and the Maritime Museum on the European coast of the Bosphorus Straits, the 30km stretch of water separating Europe and Asia.

Built on the site of a former tobacco factory and warehouse from the 1930s, the Shangri-La Hotel, Istanbul will recreate the exterior facades of the old building, which are protected by the city’s Cultural and Natural Assets Committee.

From the hotel’s prime coastline location, guests will enjoy views across to the Asian coast of Istanbul, the Bosphorus Bridge and the city’s historic peninsula. The hotel will be designed by Istanbul-based architect Piramit with 14 storeys, seven of which will be underground to protect the historic facade. The building will be the second tallest on the coast after the Dolmabahce Palace.

The hotel’s 200 guestrooms, some of which will have private terraces, will reflect the city’s proud heritage while also including the Asian design touches and modern travel technologies. The hotel will offer several restaurants and bars including a rooftop restaurant with views of the city’s historic skyline and coastline. Additional facilities will include a health club, spa, swimming pool, business centre, ballroom, and conference and meeting room facilities.

Shangri-La Asia, chairman, Kuok Khoon Ean, said: “We are proud to work with the Tanriverdi Group on their first hotel project to make their dream of a world class luxury hotel a reality,” said Kuok Khoon Ean, chairman of Shangri-La Asia Limited. “We are honored to have the opportunity to create a Shangri-La in Istanbul, a city that has welcomed distinguished guests since the Roman and Byzantine empires, and look forward to becoming a part of the city’s future.”

After HotelDesigns recently reported that Hyatt Hotels was expanding into India, it has been revealed that Starwood Hotels has similar plans.Starwood has announced it is to expand its Aloft hotel into India with a bigger presence of new build hotels. Starwood president and CEO, Frits van Paasschen has embarked on a two week trip to India to meet hotel owners, developers and team members and to conduct more research into the market.

By 2012, Aloft expects to be operating six hotels in India, with Aloft Chennai-OMR-IT Expressway, Aloft Bengaluru-Whitefield and Aloft Coimbatore Singanallur all scheduled to open later this year. next year the Aloft Ahmedabad, SG Road, Aloft Chandigarh Zirakpur and Aloft Bengaluru Cessna Business Park are also expected to debut.

Marriott Hotels also recently announced that it would be improving its presence in India as well. The company plans to open three JW Marriott luxury branded hotels in India in Bengeluru, Chandigarh and Chennai this year.

So why are so many hotel groups viewing India as a developer’s hot spot? In recent years the Indian government has taken major steps to improve tourism in the country, by abolishing inland air travel tax, reducing tax on aviation fuel and removing restrictions on outbound chartered flights. The government has also changed its attitude when building infrastructure, seeing convention centres as a core part of a city’s life.

All of these steps relating to tourism have meant that there is a higher demand for hotel rooms. Because of the high demand, there is a shortage of hotel rooms in the country. According to the I Love India website, there is a shortage of 150,000 hotel rooms in the nation, making it a prime candidate for development.

Not only is it tourists that are in need of hotel rooms, but business in India is booming, creating the need for hotels for business travellers. Over the past decade, business in India has intensified, creating such a need for hotel rooms that even budget hotels are charging up to US$250 a night. India currently has only 110,000 hotel rooms to accommodate 350m domestic travellers and 10m foreign tourists.

Carmen Allan

The best of style is created by owners seeking quality and caring for details rather the hype and spin of fame or fashion in design. The Arch is the latest in showcasing the best of English design.Despite the employment of French and US designers on such British icons as the Savoy, there is still an English design style that is setting new standards of comfort and refinement in London hotels.

This style is currently evident in a number of properties. Most of these are independently run, which is interesting given the tendency for the chains to proclaim a brand at a star rating and then provide interiors and facilities which don’t match their self-proclaimed level.

The latest of these lovely properties to open in London is the Arch, a hotel that has been six years in gestation in part because of the architectural complexity facing Seabrook Architects and the building and interior difficulties to be resolved in partnership with the interior designers RDD. Fortunately a patient client with a clear set of standards was persistent in seeing through to completion what is one of the most perfectly formed independent hotels to hit the London market for some time.

Setting this hotel apart from many others is the attention to detail that can be seen in everything from the plinth block and skirting board details to the careful restoration of the historic plasterwork throughout the building.

From the outside, little distinguishes the hotel from other parts of the Georgian Terrace it is set into. Parts of this street were rebuilt after being bombed in WW2, and the opportunity was taken to tidy up the post war construction, bringing the fenestration into line with that from earlier times. Inevitably the reconciliation of level changes between the buildings and the need to retain plasterwork and staircases from earlier centuries, all imposed constraints on what could be achieved in the interior.

The success of the designers is made remarkable by the fact that there is no visible evidence of their struggle to make the seven buildings work as one. Spaces flow naturally one into another, whilst corridors have quirky kinks and changes of level and direction that feel almost natural.

Hyatt Hotels has revealed plans to open 15 new hotels in India within the coming five years. The company said that this year it would open Hyatt Regency Pune, Hyatt Regency Chennai and Grand Hyatt Goa in India this year.These new properties will expand the Indian properties in Hyatt’s worldwide portfolio, which currently consists of Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa, Grand Hyatt Mumbai, Hyatt Regency Delhi, Hyatt Regency Kolkata, and Hyatt Regency Mumbai.

The company’s expansion plan includes a renewed focus on growing opportunities with existing
development partners, as well as attracting new development through the leadership of Hyatt’s
India development team. Hyatt seeks to increase opportunities for all of its brands in India by
expanding its presence in second- and third-tier cities, where business travel is increasing.

The Hyatt Regency Prune is a 306-room property and is to open near the business district and residential areas. The hotel will include luxuriously appointed guestrooms as well as serviced apartments available for long-term guests.

Guests will have access to a variety of dining and entertainment options including an all-day
lounge and café, specialty restaurant, vibrant bar and lounge, and leisure activities
that include a spa and fitness centre with an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and yoga room.

Hyatt Regency Pune will have extensive meeting and event facilities with more than 5,000sqm of function space.

Hyatt Regency Chennai is a 329-room contemporary hotel with five restaurants and lounge bars. The hotel also will feature a spa, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a beauty salon. It will have more than 4,800sqm of meeting space.

The Hyatt Goa is to be a 314-room hotel, overlooking the Zuari River. The spa will feature 20 treatment rooms and the property will include a large variety of indoor and outdoor dining facilities.

RockResorts International has expanded its hotel portfolio with the addition of Balcones Del Atlántico, at a beachfront resort in the village of Las Terrenas on the Samaná Peninsula of the Dominican Republic. RockResorts has been selected by Bisonó Group to manage resort operations, offer technical advisory services and provide marketing licensing services to assist in the sale of the residences for the property.

The resort opened last winter and initially features 86 units. It is situated along the beach and has a RockResorts Spa with four private treatment cabanas and a three-meal restaurant offering fine dining for dinner.

The resort features two pools with a swim-up bar, a beach bar and grill, fitness center and gourmet deli shop.

Balcones del Atlántico has been conceived as a resort destination property that includes units of varying sizes ranging from one to three bedroom suites, along approximately one kilometer of beach. Balcones Del Atlántico features an elegant and comfortable design with a strong emphasis on the outdoor spaces within each unit.

Balcones del Atlántico is a master-planned project that will be developed in a number of phases along the beach, and will eventually consist of approximately 350 total units, multiple restaurants and bars, two RockResorts Spas, swimming pools and hot tubs, tennis court, over water palapas and other guest amenities.

Balcones Del Atlántico joins The Landings St. Lucia as well as other future warm-weather announced RockResorts including Tempo Miami, Rum Cay Resort Marina, The Bahamas and the Third Turtle Club & Spa, Turks and Caicos.

The Loews Atlanta Hotel debuted at the beginning of this month. The hotel which is situated in midtown Atlanta is part of an US$500m contemporary urban mixed-use development.The hotel is the brands first new-build hotel in more than five years and also the brand’s first property in Georgia.

The property features 414 guest rooms which includes 44 suites, as well as a spa and fitness centre. The hotel will have over 25,000sq ft of meeting space and will feature the hotel’s signature bar and restaurant.

It was designed by Daroff Design Inc, president and principal in charge of Design at Daroff Design, Karen Daroff said: “We drew inspiration from the exciting, upscale contemporary midtown are, displayed in details such as the hotel’s internally-illuminated column covers, which are evocative of the keys on a piano.”

The lobby features a sophisticated geometrically-designed floor made of black galaxy, mesa beige and pure white thassos. The front desk, a dynamic feature when entering the hotel, is made of kinor and white thassos. The white-on-white sculptural backdrop is custom designed and fabricated by a local Atlanta artist. The design of the public spaces is sleek and contemporary with over-scaled casual lounge furniture that is upholstered in plush fabrics. The palette consists of rich, warm hues of beiges and chocolates with accents of amber, cherry and jasmine.

Guest rooms and suites reflect the Loews standard of supreme comfort while offering a sophisticated interpretation of modern design. Rich textures and colors create a warm and inviting ambiance ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Technophiles can find remarkable amenities such as an in-room connectivity panel which interfaces with a multitude of portable digital devices including the 37” high definition, flat-screen television found in each guest room.

The Loews Atlanta features more than 25,000 square feet of column-free function space, including the 11,100 square foot Ellington Ballroom and the 5,400 square foot Mercer Ballroom. Guests of the Mercer Ballroom can enjoy sweeping views of Piedmont Park and Stone Mountain. Each ballroom features custom-designed, modern three-form and crystal chandelier suspended from the ceilings. Adding the 4,800 square feet of beautifully-appointed outdoor space allows for groups up to 1,230 guests. Ten breakout rooms, ranging from 480 to 1,260 square feet, as well as two dedicated meeting planner offices are also available.

Real estate developers Warimpex and UBM and hotel management firm Vienna International have opened their sixth angelo design hotel after Prague, Bucharest, Munich, Pilsen and Ekaterinburg: the angelo Hotel in Katowice, Poland. The 4-star hotel, with 203 rooms and eight conference rooms, is specially geared towards the needs of the many business travellers who visit the commercial and industrial city of Katowice. The city of Katowice (pop. 340,000) is one of the most important centres of business in Poland. Especially in the past few years, Katowice has presented itself as a city that is open to change and has plenty to offer in terms of culture. The city lies at an important crossroads in Europe and, as the centre of the Upper Silesian Industrial Region, is a powerful engine driving the economy.

The newly opened 4-star angelo Hotel is located in the middle of the city’s commercial district. The 203-room business hotel has an executive floor as well as 17 apartments with a separate cooking area perfect for longer stays. A special feature is the 980 m² conference area consisting of eight light-flooded meeting rooms and a conference room for up to 300 people, making this the largest conference centre in all of Katowice. Guests looking for sport and exercise to balance out a strenuous day will enjoy the hotel’s fitness area with state-of-the-art cardio devices – the perfect place to regenerate, followed by a relaxing sauna visit.

Thanks to its location and special service, the new hotel promises to be especially attractive for business travellers while also an excellent choice for city and culture tourists.

The angelo design hotels represent a fresh and modern atmosphere with select colours and forms creating an environment that is just as conducive to work as it is for relaxation. The design concept includes a blend of intense black, coral red and yellow tones highlighted by Oriental furnishings and accessories.

Global hotel group Worldhotels will gain its first property in Helsinki city centre with the opening of Hotel Fabian in August. Located centrally close to Market Square, Esplanade Park and Kaivopuisto Park, the four-star property will provide a base for both business and leisure travellers to the Finnish capital.

Hotel Fabian’s speciality will be loft-style rooms, with large windows providing views over the city. In addition, eight of the total of 58 rooms will offer ‘extended stay’ accommodation, fitted with their own kitchenettes.

Hotel Fabian is being developed by Royal Restaurants, a Finnish organisation operating 27 restaurants in 21 locations, in addition to hotels.

Hotel Fabian is the second hotel of the group in Finland after the Airport Hotel Bonus Inn in Vantaa, Helsinki Airport.

Hotel Indigo, an InternContinental Hotels Group brand, has opened its fourth hotel in Texas after an extensive renovation.The hotel is situated in Alamo in San Antonio and has 91 guest rooms over eight floors, including seven suites.

The 100-year-old building has been renovated whilst still retaining all of its original wood work and marble.

The property features signature Hotel Indigo standards including inviting guestrooms with oversized beds, hard-surface flooring for a residential feel, spa-inspired showers and photo murals with local imagery. The hotels also offers a casual gourmet dining restaurant, a 24-hour business centre, a fitness centre and free wired or wireless high-speed internet access.

Hotel Indigo continues to build momentum. With the addition of this property, there will be 35 Hotel Indigo locations open worldwide and more than 60 hotels under development, either in the pipeline or in final negotiation. The brand’s growth strategy is focused on top-tier priority markets and gateway cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and New York City.

In 2009, the brand opened 12 hotels and signed 14 deals globally.

Hotel Indigo will fully realize its global positioning with the opening of the Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund this August and additional properties are also scheduled for Liverpool, England, Glasgow, Scotland and Hong Kong.

The Hotel Indigo San Antonio at the Alamo is owned by Gibbs Master Tenant, LLC, and managed by TNJ Management under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

The Varsity, a new boutique hotel and spa will open in alongside the River Cam in Cambridge in July this year.The hotel will offer 50 rooms and suites, each named after an Oxbridge college – celebrating the heritage of the university town. The two top floors of the hotel are made entirely from glass which will allow views of the surrounding area, including St John’s College spires and Magdalene College.

The larger suites will offer balcony areas and some will have the option of a hotel chef providing a terrace barbecue.

The Varsity will also feature a rooftop garden. Situated on the sixth floor, the Fellows Gardens is one of the highest vantage points in the city centre and is entered by hotel guests through a James Bond style automated glass hatch. The gardens will be surrounded by glass panels and will be decorated with kitsch and colourful British deckchairs, hammocks and potted plants.

Adjoining the hotel, The River Kitchen is located within an eighteenth century warehouse and has exposed brickwork and large windows overlooking the river on the ground and mezzanine level.

The Glassworks Spa is located in the same warehouse building and provides a cutting-edge health club with state-of-the-art gym equipment and classes on site. The spa itself comprises of a Jacuzzi that overlooks the river, a sauna and steam room and five private rooms offering treatments.

Washington Holdings has announced it has acquired the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in the upscale Southern California coastal community of Dana Point from an affiliate of Citigroup, Inc.Washington Holdings, which invests in well positioned commercial real estate assets in the Western United States and currently holds both debt and equity interests in hotel properties representing more than 10,000 hotel rooms, purchased Citigroup’s remaining equity interest in the 400-room luxury seaside resort.

The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort is California’s only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond resort. Opened in 2001, the oceanfront hotel features 400 guestrooms and suites, an 18-hole championship golf course, 65,000sq ft of meeting space, award-winning restaurants and a 30,000sq ft.

The resort is managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. According to Starwood, the hotel continues to see a marked increase of both group and leisure business and expects this uptrend to continue into 2010. “It is business as usual at St. Regis Monarch Beach as the hotel continues to attract high profile guests and events. The resort will host the Dana Point Concours d’ Elegance for the 3rd year in a row and resort wedding business continues to be robust with over 100 weddings booked for 2010,” says Johnny So, the hotel’s general manager.

“The hotel and the staff have performed exceptionally well throughout the past year considering the economic headwinds,” Wrench adds. “There’s a lot of news these days about hotels tipping over because they are over-leveraged and have been hit hard by the downturn. This transaction substantially reduces property level debt so that the resort can be self sustaining. We’re also committed to making some strategic investments in the resort so we can take full advantage of the recovering market.”

Viceroy Hotel Group has announced that the company will unveil the newest addition to its growing Viceroy Hotels and Resorts collection with the December 2010 opening of Viceroy Maldives.The property is being developed by Maldives-based, luxury hotel developer, EoN Resorts (EoN), in partnership with Mubadala Development Company (‘Mubadala’).

Viceroy Maldives, a luxury resort, is currently
under construction on the pristine, crescent-shaped island of Vagaru, located in the Shaviyani Atoll, one hour north of the capital Male. Due to open in December 2010, this exclusive property will be the first Viceroy to open outside of the Americas and follows the recent successful launches of Viceroy Miami, Viceroy Snowmass in Colorado and Viceroy Anguilla in the Caribbean.

The Viceroy Maldives resort will feature 61 luxury villas, situated both over the water as well as on the beaches that ring the 17-acre Vagaru Island. The villas – amongst the largest in the Maldives –will boast from 1,345 to 3,300 square feet of indoor space, with generous outdoor private areas, all including plunge pools.

The resort will also offer five unique food and beverage outlets, a spacious over-water spa and fitness centre, a signature cantilevered pool and pool deck and a full-service dive and watersports activities centre, allowing Viceroy guests to take advantage of the world-class diving, fishing and snorkeling available in the resort’s house reef and beyond.

This unique chair designed by Francesco Rota is a collaboration of Italian styling with traditional weaving techniques from Africa. Complex weaving techniques are required to manufacture the Afra chair, so Italian manufacturers Paola Lenti have combined skills with a women’s weaving cooperative in the region of South Africa.

Frasers Hospitality has opened the Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain, the first of five properties to open in the Middle East over the next two years.The Bahrain hotel is 19-storeys high and features 91 one or two bedroom suites and three penthouses.

Each floor accommodates just eight suites for and the interior design is complemented by the quality fixtures and fittings.

Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain was developed by Seef Properties, one of Bahrain’s largest real estate companies, which owns and manages various commercial properties including Seef Mall, the largest shopping and entertainment centre in the Kingdom.

The opening of Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain will be followed in quick succession with the launch of two more properties, Fraser Suites Dubai and Fraser Suites Doha.

Another two properties already on the drawing board – in Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia – are scheduled to open within the next two years.

This year, the company will open a total of 16 new properties, 12 under the Fraser brand and
4 under the new Modena brand and will make its debut in 12 major cities – Budapest
(Hungary), Bangalore (India), Doha (Qatar), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Kuala Lumpur
(Malaysia), New Delhi (India), Osaka (Japan), Bahrain (Middle East), Chengdu (China),
Guangzhou (China), Suzhou (China) and Tianjin (China).

Hilton Worldwide announced yesterday that Dakota Mountain Lodge & Golden Door Spa has changed its name to Waldorf Astoria Park City. The re-branding of the hotel in the mountain town of Park City, Utah, will take place over the next 60 days.“This intimate hotel offers the unparalleled service and quality found at all of our Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts.”

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts includes more than 20 landmark destinations around the globe, each with its own story and identity and each inspired by the level of service that defined the legendary Waldorf=Astoria New York.

“Waldorf Astoria Park City is our vision of the perfect Park City experience, as distinctive and timeless as our other extraordinary destinations,” said John T.A. Vanderslice, Global Head of Luxury and Lifestyle Brands for Hilton Worldwide. “This intimate hotel offers the unparalleled service and quality found at all of our Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts.”

The newest project from Grupo HABITA and architect Fernando Romero opened its doors on March 15.Grupo HABITA have lovingly restored the 1950s interior, creating a hotel with vintage charm and a chic contemporary design.

Complete with an in-house disco and pool terrace the hotel offers round-the-clock service and a laid back ambience. Ground floor rooms come with landscaped gardens whereas other rooms come with balconies and open air terraces with hammocks.

Guests can check in at the hotel’s sea level ‘Club de Mar’ fresh water pool area. A grand entrance reception leads to a landscaped garden and ground floor where there is a gym with views across the bay to Roqueta Island, a protected natural reserve. There are also poolside massage cabanas, a therapy area where a team of trained experts offer a range of body and facial treatments and, on the second and third floors, a full SPA & Baths. After dark the hotel takes on a retro glam vibe with its open air bar overlooking the bay.

The Interior A former hotspot in the 1950s, Boca Chica still maintains its famous vintage exterior although inside the refurbished interior is anything but old-school. The A-list design team, including designers Frida Escobedo and Jose Rojas, has created a hotel with chic design elements and an atmosphere of laid back tropical luxury. The original features such as the brick lattice ‘celosia’ brickwork have been maintained along with the cool white and iconic Boca Chica aqua green hues.

The hotel’s developer and owner Architect Fernando Romero, a pre-eminent Mexican architect, had a vision to create a hotel with 30 spacious rooms and 6 suites with original features and furniture from the 1950s building. The elegant and vibrant rooms come with private terraces and hammocks. Some of the rooms lead into private gardens and three of the suites have separate living rooms.

Epoque & Avantgarde Hotels has partnered with The Levante Laudon Luxury Apartments Vienna. The Levante Laudon is sister hotel of The Levante Parliament, a boutique hotel that has been a member of Epoque Hotels since 2007.The Levante Laudon in Vienna comprises of luxury furnished apartments in a central location.

The luxury apartment house is located in a Biedermeier building and are divided in two categories with two or three rooms.

The Superior Apartments are equipped with a completely fitted kitchenette with dishes, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave, flat screen TV with satellite, direct telephone, designer furniture and complimentary internet.

The Standard Apartments are equipped with a completely fitted kitchenette with dishes, refrigerator, direct telephone, satellite TV and complimentary internet.

Guests have access to the sauna and fitness lounge at the partner hotel The Levante Parliament for a daily fee.

Epoque Hotels, president, David Maranzana said: “We are very happy to showcase also this kind of accommodation in Vienna. The Laudon is a remarkable property that is designed for long stays in this enchanting city that is Vienna.”

Hyatt is to open a 122-room Andaz Amsterdam in 2012.The hotel will be located on the site of the former Public Library on Amsterdam’s Prinsengracht, within the cultural district of Jordaan.

The hotel will be developed by Aedes Real Estate and Marcel Wanders will be responsible for the interior design.

The design concept of Andaz Amsterdam and the stylish allure of the rooms will reflect a modern view on Dutch history and will come to life through the vision of renowned architect and designer Marcel Wanders.

Marcel Wanders Studio works on architectural and interior design projects ranging from private residences to the hospitality industry. Various designs of Marcel Wanders have been selected for the most important design collections and exhibitions in the world, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and San Francisco, the V&A Museum in London and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam.

Andaz Amsterdam will feature the Andaz Studio; the hotel brand’s meeting facilities, an executive boardroom, a lounge, bar and restaurant as well as fitness and business centres.

In line with other Andaz branded hotels, Andaz Amsterdam will combine the lifestyle and boutique hotels with a contemporary and personal approach.

Aedes Real Estate, Paul Geertman said: “It will be a design hotel of unparalleled style. Together with Hyatt and Wanders, we will create a world class hotel, which will be characterised by style and hospitality. The entire hotel will be developed according to the highest quality standards with a special focus on sustainability. The location of course is marvellous. Only the outside of the original building will be recognisable. Behind the façade a total new development will be created. Andaz Amsterdam will be the first genuine lifestyle hotel in the Netherlands.”

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, vice president acquisitions & development, Oliver Berger said: “With the signing of Andaz Amsterdam, we are furthering our strategy of entering new markets, including those markets with significant barriers of entry such as the Dutch capital.”

Three Michelin-starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire has opened a new restaurant at the ANA InterContinental Tokyo.The restaurant, which opened in March, is located on the 36th floor of the hotel and overlooks Tokyo city with a view that includes the iconic Tokyo Tower.

The dining area boasts renovated contempory decor featuring smooth vanilla, soft slate and caramel undertones. Designed by Ilya Design Tokyo, the restaurant hopes to provide the perfect palette for the epicurean experiences that is a Gagnaire hallmark.

The highly anticipated Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles opened last week (2 April) as the first luxury hotel of its calibre in Downtown Los AngelesPerched on the upper floors of the 54-story tower that it shares with sister hotel the JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE and The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles has 123 well-appointed guestrooms, including 14 suites.

Featuring elegant, contemporary décor by renowned Los Angeles firm, Barry Design, and some of the city’s best views of Downtown L.A., the hotel provides guests with an exclusive retreat. Designed by Gensler, the hotel and luxury condominium tower will be LEED-certified and is owned by Los Angeles-based AEG.

The hotel is home to Downtown L.A.’s only full-service hotel spa, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, a luxurious, 8,000-square-foot sanctuary that is designed to reflect the glamour and excitement of Los Angeles in a calming yet sophisticated environment. With nine treatment rooms, two customized aromatherapy steam rooms, cold plunge showers and two relaxation lounges, the Spa offers guests a true respite.

Guests can also take pleasure in the panoramic vistas of Downtown L.A. and surrounding Southern California from the 3,400 sq ft signature Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge on the 23rd floor. In addition, guests can see the spectacular views from the 26th floor as they relax by the exclusive, private rooftop pool and bar. Cabana and conversational seating arrangements allow guests to enjoy the outdoors both day and night. For those interested in more active pursuits, a 2,000sq ft fitness centre on the 26th floor offers guests the opportunity to catch a productive workout while enjoying the cityscape.

The hotel also offers meeting and event planners the Gallery Collection, the most efficient meeting space in Downtown L.A., with nearly 100,000sq ft of ballroom and meeting rooms. With the size and flexibility of the event space, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles provides long-awaited support for the Los Angeles Convention Centre.

The world’s biggest JW Marriott hotel, and Texas’ first, has opened in San Antonio, US – the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort.Remaining true to the essential nature of the Texas Hill Country and nearby San Antonio the guestrooms have incorporated metals, tooled leather, carved wood, and hewn stonework into the contemporary design of 1002 rooms including 85 suites.

Each room has been appointed with furniture rich in texture and the vibrant colors of the sunset. The rooms also have scenic views for guests to enjoy.

The hotel features a 36 hole golf course, a spa, seven restaurants, two ballrooms, an events hall, three outdoor venues, meeting space and six acres of pools and fountains.

The spa is 8,000sqm in size and has 30 treatment rooms, including two couples suites with fireplaces.

Each restaurant and lounge features cocktails, and beverages with a focus on fresh, sustainable, and organic ingredients.

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort will offer the largest convention and meeting space in the area with over 42,500sqm of area.

As part of the CIMA collection and Encompass, an extensive range of modern design garden furniture, these garden tables by Encompass are pure, minimalist and architectural in design. They are available in square or rectangular formats. The table tops are available in Belgian bluestone, teak, black glass, white glass or cendre (sand) coloured glass. The high grade stainless steel frame gives these garden indoor or outdoor tables an ultra modern look and when accompanied by either a Sillon or Butaque dining chair, are an excellent contemporary dining solution.

Designed by European designer Hendrik Steenbakkers, CIMA garden tables are built to a very high quality from the highest quality materials. Designed for lifelong function, the materials exceed standards for durability and with large luxury dining tables are great for entertaining family and friends all year round both indoors and out.

The Fuera Dentro CIMA collection of tables includes a wide range of sizes and specifications, available in many beautiful, different material and colour finishes. Attention to detail in the design and production of the CIMA range is outstanding; the adjustable stainless steel feet of the Doble and Cuadrado table, and the etched Fuera Dentro logo on steel legs, are subtle yet highly attractive features in themselves.

The Rocco Forte Collection, has unveiled the details of its first property in the Middle East, due to open in Abu Dhabi in fall 2010. The 281-room property, which will be a new build, will be housed in a stunning 12-floor curved glass structure designed by architect WS Atkins and Partners. Interiors are being created by Dubai-based interior design specialists KCA International under the careful guidance of Olga Polizzi, director of design for The Rocco Forte Collection.

The hotel will be the first to deliver a stylish European and Middle Eastern design to the city. It will have a sophisticated, contemporary feel and, like all Rocco Forte Collection hotels, will reflect its location by using local artwork and Middle Eastern accents in accessories and fabrics.

The Rocco Forte Collection will continue its expansion into the Middle East with the a 146-room property set to open in Jeddah in fall 2011, a 90-room all-suite golf resort opening in Marrakech in 2011 and a 275-room property scheduled to open in Cairo in 2013.

The guestrooms will be decorated in shades of green, yellow and terracotta and will feature large leather panels behind the headboards, curved modern sofas, workstations with comfortable leather chairs and art work by local artists and the poet Adonis. The spacious bathrooms will all have walk-in showers, large bathtubs, and marble vanity units. There will be two luxurious presidential suites, each measuring 3,100 square feet and featuring two balconies, a large bedroom, a dressing room with walk-in wardrobes, a separate dining room, lounge, kitchen, study, bar area, bathroom, separate guest cloakroom and artwork by a local artist.

Patterned after the world’s finest linens from Belgium, Belgique provides that same soft sophisticated ambiance for the wall. The latest fabric-backed vinyl wallcovering from Seltex takes on the look of a hand-woven textile appropriate for any environment from hospitality to healthcare.The stylised linen reference provides universal appeal, while a subdued random block design incorporates a subtle twist that differentiates Belgique from typical linen wallcoverings. In addition to its gauzy good looks, Belgique features natural linen colours that range from strong neutrals to lively brights to deep rich accents. Choose from earthy Hemp, golden Soleil, vivid Artichoke, sea blue Provencal or rusty Persimmon. The 18-colour palette has been carefully selected to meet designers’ most sought-after colour targets.

Belgique is a low-VOC fabric-backed vinyl wallcovering made with award-winning Second-Look technology to include a minimum of 20% recycled content. Samples are available from Seltex upon request.

The new La Salle Hotel by Magnolia Hotels in Bryan, Texas has unveiled its renovation, which enhanced guest rooms and public space while retaining the character and charm of the historic hotel.Décor in each guest room was enhanced with a new Magnolia bedding package, flat-screen televisions, fresh paint and modern lighting to complement the executive work desks. New flooring was added to the lobby along with leather furniture, rich woven fabrics of fuchsia, red, pink, lime green and blue which complement the setting. Historical artwork by local artists now graces the walls of the entrance of the lobby.

The property also expanded the lobby lounge to create new intimate conversation areas surrounded by leathers, warm woods and modern art. Wood floors were added to the Club Room along with new lighting and a feature wall behind the bar with a lime green European finish with metal accents. Modern art and green velvet fabrics accent the lobby and club area.

LaSalle Hotel by Magnolia Hotels is a 55-room property, which was built in 1928 and is registered as an historic landmark. There are two meeting rooms available for business meetings and events; the Grand Room accommodating up to 70, and the Brazos Room accommodating up to 45.

At the end of February the Haven sofa by Paola Lenti was awarded the Good Design Award 2009, one of the most recognised awards for excellence and innovation in the design field.Haven won the award for the innovative use of materials, its lightness and the play in contrast between the structural shape and the asymmetry of the seat.

The tubular metal structure is covered with a high tech self bearing weave, developed by Paola Lenti in conjunction with industry experts and is the result of the company’s continuous research in the field of innovating high tech materials.

The upholstery weave lets light, air and water pass through contributing to the sense of lightness and permeability that makes Haven perfect for outdoor lounging.

Haven can be produced in the colours ‘cemento’ and ‘grafite’, back and seat cushions suitable for outdoor use can be upholstered in a wide range of fabrics from the Paola Lenti collection.

Baulmann Leuchten is going to present the latest product developments at the world’s largest international lighting-exhibition Light & Building 2010 in Hall 3.1 on Stand D51. The exhibition is held in Frankfurt from April 11th. to 16th.

This year Baulmann Leuchten is going to present a new generation of their famous “BIG LIGHTS” range with large-volume pendants and surface-mounted luminaires. Another focus will be on new developments in the field LED-lighting.

The 501-room Shanghai Marriott Hotel Changfeng Park has opened its doors to guests offering luxurious accommodation and great meeting facilities.Owned by the New Development Group Co., Ltd. and run by Marriott International under a long-term management agreement, the 32 storey, Shanghai hotel will feature 501 guest rooms as well as an executive lounge on the 31st floor.

Marriott International, area vice president – China, Mr Henry Lee said:”We are most delighted to have one more Marriott flag flying in Shanghai, arguably one of the most dynamic cities in Asia. We will work hard to bring new business and additional revenues to this thriving city. Our entire network of over 3,300 Hotels around the world will work collectively to generate travel to this newest member of our worldwide hotel portfolio.”

Morocco’s flagging tourism industry has been given a boost following an announcement by the Ramada hotel group of plans to build eight new hotels across the country.The locations of the new properties would in Marrakesh, Rabat, Casablanca and Agadir, and will come as a welcome boost to the country’s tourism economy, which has shrunk to 2007 levels due to the global downturn.

The announcement was made by Fawaz Majid Al Badr, CEO of Al-Tameer investment group, the Kuwaiti owner of Ramada, at the opening of the new Ramada Fes.

The new $14m Ramada Fes features 133 rooms, three restaurants and a spa.

The Moroccan government has laid out ambitious plans for the country’s tourism sector. In 2001, a target was set of 10 million tourists per year by 2010.

The plans included the creation of six major tourism sites on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines and the creation of an additional 15,000 rooms in Morocco’s major cities.

Building work in six resorts of Mogador, Lixus, Mazagan, Saidia, Taghazout and the Plage Blanche is still underway.

Celebrating its 18th birthday this year, The Sukhothai Bangkok has unveiled the first phase of renovations to 40 of the hotel’s superior rooms, with all 100 rooms of this type to be completely refurbished by July 2010.Set within six acres of landscaped gardens in the heart of Bangkok, this hotel combines traditional refinement with contemporary style. The current refurbishment has been undertaken by internationally-renowned interior designer Edward Tuttle, who masterminded the original interior designs for the property and has a long association with some of the world’s finest luxury hotels and resorts.

The rooms have been given a new softness thanks to the use of subtle but rich chenille canvas wall fabrics by Jim Thompson, which balance the exotic teak wood, pradou cabinetry and signature detailing that has always defined the architectural and interior style of The Sukhothai.

Amenities have been upgraded to include integrated bars and new flat screen televisions discreetly installed behind grey mirrors to blend seamlessly with the room when switched off. In the bathroom, guests will find compartmental shower and toilet areas remodelled in classic Sukhothai black granite and mirrored cabinets to create a depth of space.

Tuttle said: “Keeping the classical image of The Sukhothai was a major concern when remodelling the existing bedrooms. Subtle touches such as the new teak wood floor throughout the bedroom and bathroom, give the entire space another level of unity and luxury.”

Born in Seattle, but based in Paris for the last 30 years, Tuttle is known for his elegant and creative use of space.

Premier Inn, owned by Whitbread PLC, is bringing two new hotels to Stratford upon Avon, UK, investing £13.4 million in the town and creating approximately 75 new jobs. The hotels – on Payton Street and at the Waterways on Birmingham Road – will provide more than 200 new bedrooms.

Work has already started on turning College House in Payton Street into an 87-bedroom Premier Inn. The hotel is scheduled to open in spring 2011 and will provide approximately 30 new jobs.

The former Red Lion pub opposite, also owned by Whitbread, will be improved to become the principal pub and restaurant for the hotel.

At the Waterways, work is scheduled to start in the summer. Initially, the existing buildings on site will be demolished and cleared before the construction team moves in to build a new 130-bedroom Premier Inn.

The hotel is being developed by ABD Developments (a company owned by David Austin, The Bird Group, and Deeleys). The scheme will deliver a big boost to the overall regeneration of Stratford’s canalside area the ongoing improvement of the town centre. It is scheduled to open in summer 2011.

Whitbread Hotels & Restaurants, head of acquisitions, John Bates said: “We’re bringing investment, jobs and 200 plus new bedrooms to Stratford. That’s a major package of improvements and we want to be part of a successful Stratford regeneration and business story. Stratford has always had a strong reputation as an attractive town and leisure destination. By introducing 200 plus quality new rooms with great facilities and at a great price, we’re bringing more choice as well as more capacity to the market. That has to be good news for the town and for visitors wanting to come here.”

Expansion into Stratford is part of a strategy to grow to 55,000 rooms in the UK within four years, targeting towns where Premier Inn can achieve great locations and offer a great choice to the customer.

The new Premier Inn at Waterways is an example of Whitbread working closely with development partners to achieve high quality schemes.

The telecommunications masts currently on the site will be removed and relocated to the back of the site and parking for 90 cars will also be provided.

Continent Hotels and Resorts has signed its third hotel development and management agreement in Philippines. Construction of this luxury Condominium Resort will commence middle of this year, with completion expected August 2011. The partnership with Paradisya Land LLC represents an opportunity for Continent Hotels to enter the Philippines market and the current project is the third development project with Paradisya Land LLC.

The new Condominium Hotel will have 56 luxurious suites and will be named the Continent Fairways Resort. Owner of condominiums and future guests will have benefit of golf club membership as well.

Continent Hotels, managing director, Ethem Zagikyan said: “We can further confirm that we have reached advanced negotiations in Bulgaria and Russia and we can say that we are firmly placed for global expansion.”

Continent brand hotels are mid-scale to up-scale properties designed for the leisure, business and extended-stay traveler and consist of Continent Hotels, Continent Resorts., Continent Hotel and Suites, Continent Park Hotels, Continent Boutique and Continent Inn & Suites hotels.

Istanbul based Continent Hotel Management Ltd acquired the brand Management and Franchise Sales rights to the Continent brand in 2003 and full ownership in 2007. According to new development contracts, as of 2012, there will be 20 new Continent branded hotels open or under construction just in Russia.

The company gives consulting and project management services for new hotel developments and manages hotels under Continent brand or franchises the Continent or equity Continent brands. As of 2010, there are 6 projects under construction in Philippines, Russia and Bulgaria.

There are Continent branded properties in Asia, Central and Eastern Europe and Russia.

A new boutique hotel by Epoque Hotels has opened in Spain. The Hotel Viura is situated in Villabuena de Alava, 40km from the city of Logroño, in the wine region of La Rioja.The hotel has 33 guestrooms including 13 doubles, 13 deluxe and seven suites. It also has three spacious and modern meeting rooms equipped with technology.

The hotel features a restaurant, bar, gym and a rooftop terrace. From the terrace there are panoramic views of the San Andres Church, which was built between 1538 and 1728. There are also views of the Cantabrian mountains.

The double rooms are decorated in contemporary style and have decorative and technological elements to them. The deluxe rooms feature views over the town and the suites have garden terraces and baths and showers in the ensuites.

A Fairmont Hotel has opened in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US – the first luxury hotel in the city.Featuring 185 guestrooms, 3,600sqm of event space and a 1,800sqm health club, Fairmont Pittsburgh has made its home at Three PNC Plaza, one of the largest mixed-use buildings to be certified by the United States Green Building Council in accordance with its LEED rating system.

Later this year, Fairmont Pittsburgh expects to receive LEED certification at a Gold level, which complements the company’s industry leading Green Partnership, a program focused on operational sustainability and responsible tourism practices.

Guestrooms and suites are residential in nature with living and work areas and furniture and color palettes inspired by the city’s colorful bridges. Room amenities include LCD HDTVs, iPod docking stations and four-fixture bathrooms.

Guests also enjoy views of the city landscape and rivers courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows, a first for any hotel in the city.

The hotel offers two dining options, both located within the double-height lobby of the hotel. Andy’s bar, named after two of the city’s most famous Andrews – Carnegie and Warhol – and Habitat restaurant, with the first serving up classic cocktails crafted by Fairmont’s mixologists and the latter featuring local ingredients in globally-inspired cuisine.

Glass and steel elements are used prominently throughout the hotel, along with artwork from local artists displayed throughout the hotel.

Hotel Indigo, one of the InterContinental Hotels (IHG), has opened an upscale boutique in Nashville, Tennessee, US.Centered in the heart of downtown Nashville, the 97-room conversion property joins the Hotel Indigo Nashville Music Row Vanderbilt. Both Nashville properties were developed by Wesley Hotels & Resorts, which currently has three Hotel Indigo properties in its portfolio with plans to develop more in the future.

The Hotel Indigo Nashville Downtown is owned by Union Street Plaza Operations and managed by Wesley Hotels & Resorts, under a license agreement with a company in the IHG.

Located on Union Street, the Hotel Indigo is a conversion of what is still considered two of the most significant historic buildings in downtown Nashville – the historic American Trust Building and the adjoining Nashville Trust Building.

While preserving the integrity and architecture of the 1920s buildings, Wesley Hotels & Resorts created a mixed-use facility that includes the Hotel Indigo, three floors of extended-stay suites, eight floors of prime office space, the only two-story Starbucks in the city and a parking garage.

The Hotel Indigo Nashville Downtown opened to the public on March 19. The 96 guestrooms and one penthouse suite are complete with original terrazzo floors and marble vanity tops.

The property features signature Hotel Indigo standards including inviting guestrooms with oversized beds, spa-inspired showers and photo murals with local imagery. The hotels also offer casual gourmet dining, 24-hour business centers, a fitness center, and free wired or wireless high-speed internet access.

With the addition of the second Nashville property, there are 34 Hotel Indigo locations open worldwide and more than 60 hotels under development, either in the pipeline or in final negotiation.

IHG, America brand delivery director, Mary Dogan said: “The Hotel Indigo brand is a flexible development option as there is no maximum or minimum number of rooms or rigid requirements surrounding the public spaces, which makes it perfect for conversions. In addition, our developers have the opportunity to interpret the design of the building as well as the interior to reflect the local environment. We can attribute our success, especially in this economy, to working with the right owners like Wesley Hotels & Resorts to put the right hotels in the right markets.”

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the signing of a landmark InterContinental hotel in Beijing’s city centre.The agreement with Beijing Topwin Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. will add a total of 320 rooms by 2014 and marks another milestone for IHG’s continuing development in China.

The InterContinental Beijing City Center will join the InterContinental Beijing Financial Street and InterContinental Beijing Beichen – both also located in strategic areas and considered lodging hotspots for international travellers to Beijing.

“One of the world’s major cities, Beijing will continue to attract large numbers of business and leisure travellers from home and abroad,” said Keith Barr, managing director of IHG Greater China. “We’re continuing to target growth opportunities in high potential markets like China.”

The UK Government is implementing a new environmental scheme to reduce carbon emissions created within the private and public sectors, starting today.Around 20,000 businesses, including 23 hotel organisations in the UK, are believed to be involved in the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, which will force many hotels to get their green act together. Many of the hotels involved will be franchises, such as Best Western, meaning that individual hotels will face the new scheme.The plan is hoped to reduce carbon emissions in the sector by eight per cent.

Large hotels that have half hourly electricity meters will have to participate, otherwise they could face a fine of £5,000, with an additional £500 for each subsequent working day they fail to register. Fines will also be given for inaccurate reporting, with the penalty set at £40 per tonne of carbon dioxide incorrectly reported. These hotel groups must disclose their energy consumption over the coming year and set targets to reduce it for the following year. The Environment Agency will then collect these results and rank the businesses, including hotels, on a table, rewarding the best performing companies.

For each tonne of carbon emissions created, businesses will need to pay £12. Then, depending on where these organisations rank on the table, they will either have their £12 returned to them, plus a monetary incentive if they were high-performing, or minus some cash if they were not.

Environment Agency, head of climate change, Malcolm Fergusson said: “It’s a mandatory requirement that they report it (energy consumption), however we’re not going to come around and knock on everyone’s door. But we will be doing a certain amount of auditing and monitoring. If we find a big hotel chain has failed to register then we’ll be asking questions about that.”

Companies could face a fine if they should register for the scheme but fail to do so. Fergusson said: “The scheme is designed to bring in large organisations… which are significant energy consumers. There’s a big branch of organisations that are responsible for about 10 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. If we’re going to meet the tough targets that the country has set itself by cutting emissions by at least 80 per cent by 2050, it means everybody has to do their bit.”

Fergusson said hotels will be encouraged to perform well by reducing their carbon emissions because of the ranking table, which will be made public. He suggested that some businesses could use this ranking as a marketing tool. He said “There’ll be a league table and I think that where people come in this table is going to matter. There’s quite a lot of opportunities out there that are cost effective to help organisations to save money and energy and to save the planet all at the same time.”

He said he is so far unsure of hotels’ reactions, but believes it will benefit them in the long run because reducing energy consumption reduces hotels’ bills at the same time. He said some key tips for these hotel groups would be to install better lighting systems, to improve their laundry and cooking usage and to create more efficient insulation systems.

“Obviously the main things to improve on are lighting and cooling. Basic things like keeping these to more realistic levels and making them more occupant-sensitive is going to be important. Also, when it comes to the fabric – making sure bedding is well insulated and that there’s at least double glazing, if not more, on the windows.”

Fergusson said hotels should begin to see results almost immediately. “We believe that the payback times are quite short – often less than a year. Even in the short run it should be quite beneficial.”

Carmen Allan

Rezidor has opened a Park Inn hotel in Dresden, Germany.The hotel has 132 rooms and was formerly a Tulip Inn hotel.

The Park Inn Dresden is situated in Dresden Neustadt near the bank of the river Elbe. Besides 132 guest rooms and suites the property features a restaurant, a lobby bar and a meeting room. It was originally opened in 1997 and fully renovated in 2007.

Dresden is the capital of Saxony, located 170 km south-east of Berlin.

Rezidor, CEO and president, Kurt Ritter said: “This hotel is our third property in Dresden and further strengthens our presence on the local and regional market. We are delighted to once again cooperate with our partner Provent Hotels which belongs to our most important franchisees in Germany.”

A sneak preview of some of what is to come at Glasgow’s iconic Central Hotel has just been released.The Queen Anne style hotel, located in the heart of the city centre is Grade A Listed. It was acquired by the hotel and conference centre group, Principal Hayley, from Real Hotel Group in June 2009 and rebranded the ‘Grand Central Hotel’ in anticipation of it once again becoming Glasgow’s prime destination for conference, banqueting and leisure activities. The hotel will officially re-open in early September 2010.

Working closely with Scottish Heritage, the designers have retained, restored and integrated existing architectural features throughout the hotel. False ceilings, walls and cladding have been removed and in some cases bedroom ceilings now reach heights of 4.9 metres. Cornices have been restored or replaced and original full height windows reinstated along with timber reveal detailing. Each bedroom has been individually designed in response to the unique proportions of the existing architecture. The executive rooms are particularly spacious.

Vibrant palettes of hot pinks and reds on an envelope of taupe have been chosen for the executive and standard bedroom schemes respectively, in response to a brief that demanded a balance of historical sensitivity and contemporary style, vigour, atmosphere and theatre along with the provision of the latest
technology to meet the practical needs and expectations of today’s guests.

The design includes used the repetitious circular details of contemporary lighting fixtures to make reference to the history of the building by subtly recalling the long rows of iron wheels and the proximity to the station next door. A plaid-like bed throw evokes classic locomotive interior upholstery as well as nodding to Scotland’s emblematic tartan and long-standing textile industry. The artwork, set into the bed-head architecture that itself is reminiscent of old panelled carriage interiors with high backed upholstered seating, is composed of a series of juxtaposed and collaged archival photographs and abstracted close-ups of train parts. The long horizontal composition echoes the linear nature of a train journey and the rush of fleeting images flying across the window like a film-strip. All the bedrooms have
100 per cent low energy LED light fittings, pop up desk electrics and mounted plasma TV’s.

As well as 30 additional guestrooms, bringing the total number of keys to 186 including three suites that commemorate some historical greats connected with the hotel – John F Kennedy, John Logie Baird and Robert Rowand Anderson, the eminent Scottish architect who designed the hotel along with Central Station in 1876. The guest will be greeted by a grand entrance and reception and will have access to facilities that include a stunning 600 capacity banqueting room, a range of 20 meeting rooms, a new Tempus Bar and Restaurant, as well as a glittering Champagne Bar oriented to overlook the station platforms.

Interior design practice Charles Leon Associates are responsible for the £20 million pound restoration and refurbishment programme at the hotel.

The Cosmopolitan Hotel in the Old Town in San Diego is due to reopen in June, following a multimillion dollar restoration. The roof tiles have been installed and Soltek Pacific, the general contractor, said that the construction work in 80 per cent complete.

The work is being funded by California State Parks, a California Cultural and Historical Endowment, Delaware North Companies and Old Town Family Hospitality. Contractors involved in the restoration include Heritage Architecture and Planning, ASM Affiliates and IS Architecture.

The hotel is recognised as a historical building in California, as it was built between 1827 and 1829 as San Diego pioneer Juan Bandini’s home. It was made with 50,000 handmade adobe bricks. The house was turned into a hotel in 1869, when a second floor was added to the building.

Whilst restoring the hotel, both archaeologists and architects have attempted to keep the building as historically accurate as possible, by using bricks from the site and salvaging the two fireplaces on the upper level.

The lower level is being preserved and the exterior side wall on the upper floor is still the original 1869 wood.

Old Town Family Hospitality Corporation, president, Chuck Ross said: “Excitement about The Cosmo’s completion is rising. We have meeting planners from across the country as well as San Diego residents calling on a regular basis regarding the status of the building.”

Work is now underway on a new £15m boutique hotel in the heart of Liverpool’s commercial district. The 151-bed, four-star Hotel Indigo is set to open in Chapel Street, near to the historic St Nicholas’ Church in 2011, creating more than 50 full and part time jobs.

A £10m funding package for the project was provided by The Co-operative Bank’s Liverpool Corporate Banking Centre (CBC).

The hotel, owned and operated by north west development group, Sanguine Hospitality, will become only the third Hotel Indigo in the UK.

The Co-operative Bank and Intercontinental Hotels, which owns the Hotel Indigo brand, visited the site last week to officially mark the onset of work by contractor Denizen.

Sanguine Hospitality, managing director, Nick Taplin said: “Merseyside’s tourism economy is worth over £1.4billion and rising. In spite of one of the worst recessions in recent times, the city region continues to grow as a destination of choice for domestic and international visitors. Our level of investment in Hotel Indigo reflects our level of faith in the city and the direction it is taking. We intend to bring something new and creative to Liverpool’s hotel market, giving visitors a real alternative and further strengthening the city’s appeal.\”

Falconer Chester Hall Architects and its associate company, FCH Interiors, were appointed to design the build and interior design of the new hotel.

Falconer Chester Hall Architects, director, Mark Doohan said they took their inspiration from the historic context of the area, adding: “Chapel Street was one of the five key streets of the city, at the centre of the city’s mercantile activity and cotton trade especially, with a concentration of cotton trading and storage houses.

“We wanted to reflect upon this context to fix the scheme in its locality and to tell the story of the city’s growth around the Chapel Street area, driven by the historic links with America and the cotton trade.

“So the facade and, of course, the interior draw their inspiration from cotton’s textures, weaves and colours, echoing a key strand of the hotel’s brand DNA, which is about being refreshingly local and telling intriguing stories.

“Indigo is going to be a landmark development for the city’s historic centre, drawing on its waterfront and maritime heritage in a contemporary but respectful way. We’re delighted to be involved.”

The Hotel Indigo brand began its global roll-out in 2009 with London Paddington and Glasgow.

Sanguine Hospitality is committed to expanding the Hotel Indigo brand across the UK and Hotel Indigo Newcastle will follow Liverpool’s opening in Spring 2011.

Bangkok’s hospitality scene is about to grow with the opening of the AETAS Bangkok, the new high-end hotel located on Sukhumvit Road, Soi Ruamrudee. The hotel offers 214 stylish rooms and suites that range from spacious Superior Rooms to the ultimate Presidential Suite.

The AETAS bangkok provides services and facilities such fine dining, spa treatments, a fitness centre with outside swimming pool, meeting rooms and business services.

The hotel’s location is in the middle of the city’s shopping and diplomatic districs and is adjacent to a park.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) is to open the 114-room Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport this month.Situated on the Phoenix-Tempe border, US, the new 22,500sqm hotel is the newest hotel in the Phoenix Airport market and boasts 24 suites and 90 standard rooms.

With nearly 1,000sqm of function space, the hotel will also be available for business meetings and banquets. The property is located only two miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor airport, 3 miles from downtown Tempe and 8 miles from downtown Phoenix.

The hotel is just miles from the University of Phoenix, Honeywell, General Electric, Arizona State University, the Pueblo Grande Ruins, Desert Botanical Gardens and Phoenix Zoo.

Standard Holiday Inn guestroom accommodations feature double, queen or king-sized beds, a sitting area with a lounge chair, cable television, hairdryer, coffee maker, iron and ironing board.

Complimentary wireless high speed Internet access is also available throughout the hotel.

The hotel’s restaurant, Soleil Bistro, features casual American & French food for both breakfast and dinner.

The Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver has completely renovated their Royal and Prime Minister suites.Spacious at 1,660 and 1,725 square feet respectively, both suites feature stunning two-storey, floor-to-ceiling views, elegant and inviting décor, giant master suites, high-tech master bathrooms featuring televisions embedded within the vanity mirror and dazzling chandeliers.

The split level suites provide entrances on both the 27th and 28th floors lending a sense of grandeur and opulence while offering additional privacy.

The suites feature a dining area which seats up to 12 guests beneath an impressive chandelier.
With a three-bedroom configuration means there is room to spare should one need to accommodate any extra family members, personal assistants or security.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Azinko Development M.M.C. has signed an agreement for Fairmont to manage a new 347-guest room luxury hotel property in the sparkling coastal city of Baku, Azerbaijan. Fairmont Baku is being developed by Azinko and is located on a prime site next to the Azerbaijan parliament buildings and overlooking the Caspian Sea.

This new iconic complex, the Flame Towers, will incorporate hotel, residential and commercial space and will be linked by centrally located retail and leisure facilities. Opening of the Fairmont Baku is planned for early 2011.

Fairmont, president, Thomas W. Storey said: “This agreement allows Fairmont to establish an unmatched presence among the economic rebirth of an historic and important region. With the acceleration of Baku’s oil and natural gas-rich economy and the growing demand for business and leisure hospitality, we feel Azerbaijan is an ideal fit for the Fairmont portfolio of distinctive properties.”

The extension to the Majestic Barrière hotel in Cannes, France, opened on March 15, after construction work totalling 72m Euros was completed.The five star hotel, situated on the Côte d’Azur, now features 44 new suites and two penthouses, which are next to the water’s edge.

The new extension is 10,000sqm and the new suites and penthouses have joined the 305 existing rooms and suites, all entirely revamped two years ago.

Situated on the 6th and 7th floors, facing the sea, the two penthouse suites – the Christian Dior Suite and Majestic Suite – offer almost 450sqm each and can be connected to form a single apartment of 900sqm.

The Majestic Suite also benefits from a solarium terrace of 150sqm with a swimming pool 11m long. Entirely decorated by Pascal Desprez, the renowned interior designer who has worked with the Lucien Barrière Group for many years, this suite is a subtle blend of luxury and casualness. Brown wood is set off by light, acidulous colours in an effort to recall the spirit, both refined and modern, of the world of yachting.

As for the Christian Dior Suite, it has been entirely designed in the style of 30 Avenue Montaigne. The Majestic Barrière has worked in close collaboration with the Parisian couture house to enable Nathalie Ryan to make this suite the purest possible evocation of French-style luxury.

The hotel now also features two new salons and a boardroom, which is 350sqm in size. There is also a new foyer, 220sqm in size to accommodate breakfasts and cocktail buffets. It was designed by Pascal Desprez.

There are also two new restaurants due to open on April 1, along with a new spa.

YTL Hotels has announced that it has acquired several operating assets plus 462-hectares in Niseko Village including the lease of an additional 155-hectare ski mountain in Hokkaido, Japan.The purchase includes the 506-room Hilton Niseko Village, the 200-room Green Leaf Hotel, two 18-hole championship golf courses, a 23-court tennis complex, the Niseko Village Ski Resort and ski school, along with an equestrian centre.

YTL Hotels and Properties, president, James W. McBride said: “We are excited and very enthusiastic with our expansion plans. As a company with a very strong financial position, YTL Hotels took advantage of the economic downturn investing in the company’s future growth. The locations of these new hotels and resorts were thoughtfully chosen, so we could integrate the local environment and culture seamlessly into our existing collection of properties, bringing out the best of each destination.’

In addition to the Hilton Niseko and the MUSE Hotel De Luxe in Saint-Tropez, YTL has expanded significantly in the last year – truly bringing to life its vision of creating treasured places and treasured moments with the addition of the Swatch Art Peace Hotel in Shanghai, China; The Chedi in Phuket, Thailand; and both Pulau Gaya and Pulau Tiga in Borneo. The former is a deluxe rainforest family resort near Mount Kinabalu, while Pulau Tiga s about 48 miles down south. Opening in 2011, both are great destinations for adventure, nature and water enthusiasts.

Part of an extensive range of modern garden furniture these dining chairs are pure, minimalist and architectural in design. From European designer Kris Van Puyvelde this part of the Red Label range is built to a very high quality using aluminium box section and plates.

The optional cushions provide optimum comfort to these luxury garden chairs as well as clean modern design. BOKZ offers a great solution to luxury outdoor living.

Red Label modern garden furniture range includes a wide range of luxury dining tables, dining chairs, easy chairs and footstools and aluminium carver chairs making it an ideal all-weather choice for both private residences and commercial outdoor furniture solutions.

Resorts, spas, restaurants and bars have used Royal Botania extensively throughout the UK and worldwide.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that in less than 24 months since the implosion of the landmark Sheraton Bal Harbour, The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort has completed vertical construction for all three of its 27-storey towers.The new Miami property is scheduled for completion in 2011, the luxury oceanfront resort and residences located directly across from the famous Bal Harbour Shops, has made a significant contribution to the Florida coastline.

Setting a new standard for luxury living in South Florida, current plans for The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort and The Residences at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort include 205 elegantly appointed guest rooms, 270 private residences, 37 hotel condominium suites, a 12,000sq ft Remede Spa, signature oceanfront restaurant, St. Regis wine bar, state-of-the-art meeting and event space, and secluded beachfront access across approximately nine acres of landscaping.

Each residence and guest room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and the residences feature balconies measuring from 440 to more than 1,380sq ft to provide unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. With interior design by Yabu Pushelburg, The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort will offer guests and residents modern sophistication, luxury and bespoke service.

Capture the light-hearted bubbles and fizz of a celebratory champagne toast with Ciré. Irregular dots flow in concentric circles, providing counterpoint to the frothy background of bubbles.The pattern packs drama or recedes to subtle interest depending on which of the 18 beautiful colours are selected. Go playful with cheerful Sari Orange, sumptuous with temple Red, bold with contrasting Fade to Black or understated with pale Veil. Ciré is finished with a wonderful silk embossing that creates a subdued lustre. The wallcovering derives its name from the term Ciré denoting a smooth waxed fabric.

Ciré is a low-VOC fabric-backed vinyl wallcovering made with award-winning Second-Look technology to include a minimum of 20 per cent recycled content. Samples are available from Seltex upon request.

Fashion designer Moschino has opened a hotel in Milan, Italy, following the recent trend for fashion houses to build their own accommodation à la Bulgari and Christian Lacroix. The new hotel, Maison Moschino, is located in an old neoclassical railway station, which opened in 1840 to service the train route from Milan to Monza. The hotel is spread over four floors and features 65 rooms that are all differently styled.

The exterior of the hotel has been left as its original structure but the inside of the hotel has been completely revamped. On the ground floor there is a hall and a bar, which is the first thing the guests see upon entry. The restaurant comes off the hall and extends into a terrace and the spa and gym are on the basement levels.

Rossella Jardini, the creative director for the design of the Moschino hotel, was inspired by a fairy tale theme and has used this surrealism when creating each unique room. She said: “to sleep is perchance to dream, and dreams are fairy tales that we are allowed to experience first-hand, the fables of a fantasy world that we have created. This is an alternate life in which we direct and stage the scripts of our very own play.”

The hotel is located near Corso Como and Corso Garbaldi in the centre of Milan. The train station and underground is a five minute’s walk away.

In 1871 Chicago had its fire. Mrs O’Leary’s cow kicked over a lantern in the barn. The city was built of timber -not just houses but boardwalks, road blocks, fences – and with the weather tinder dry, four square miles went up in flames as the wind blew them on. The fire jumped the branches of the Chicago river, only stopping when it reached Lake Michigan. For architects it was an enormous opportunity in a land already presenting opportunity as its huddled masses expanded, although now, alas, without Mrs O’Leary’s cow.Burnham’s name became famous as the planner of much of new Chicago. He built in 1894 of one of the first steel framed glass curtain walled buildings, now preserved by the city and operated by the Kimpton group. At some 19 floors it is dwarfed by a city that at one stage had the tallest buildings in the world. It was not just upward that the city’s famed architects developed their unique much copied American style however, and one of the architects attracted to Chicago in this boom time, and who grew his own practice on the back of thriving private commissions, was the inventor of the Prairie Style, Frank Lloyd Wright. His predominantly horizontal style was developed in his own house and studio on the prairie edge of the new Chicago, in a suburb called Oak Park.

Burnham and Lloyd Wright were just two of the architects of new Chicago whose influence was to change the world’s cities forever. Their influence was early, profound, and diverse – even revolutionary poets and artists such as Mayakovsky and Tatlin were profoundly moved to want to create an ‘America of the arts’ in revolutionary Russia. In a Europe shortly to be ripped apart by a combination of war and revolution the impact of Chicago arts and design was to be profound. Chicago became a home for refugees from Russia and Germany, including architects and artists from the equally influential Bauhaus such as Gropius, ironically whose buildings are now being demolished by the same City authorities that saved the Burnham building.

As its name suggests, Midas, the new fabric backed vinyl from Dixon Turner, has a highly metallic finish with a subtle creased fabric embossed texture.Suitable for many end uses in the hospitality and leisure markets, this versatile luxurious range, compromising of 21 colours, adds glamour to the already extensive Dixon Turner collection.

Featuring a wide ranging spectrum of colours, Midas incorporates shades of sophisticated deep charcoal, shimmering peacock blue, hot jazzy pink, cool pearl shades, as well as bronze, pewter and antiqued gold. The pale colours shimmer with a pearlescent finish.

Forty per cent of mid-market private equity houses think that valuations in the leisure and hospitality industries will continue to drop over the next 24 months and one third of private equity houses ranked them in the bottom three sectors for attracting investment activity, according to new research among private equity managers by corporate finance advisers at BDO LLP.But there are plenty of enthusiastic investors who are emerging from the recession with a contrarian view. Nearly one in five private equity houses rank hospitality in their top three sectors for enjoying the highest growth in M&A valuations.

Will Baxter, Corporate Finance Director, BDO LLP said, “Private equity are preparing for huge ramp up in investment activity with over 90 per cent saying they need to increase the rate of investments and close more deals. But leisure and hospitality is the Marmite sector. Buyers and investors either love it or hate it. Knowing the right investors to discuss M&A with is essential.”

Baxter continued, “PE managers say the sales of their older investments were unsustainably low in 2009, with most citing delays of between one and two years, but the forecast for the next 18 months heralds a resurgence of exit activity growing by 53 per cent next year and 76 per cent in 2012.

“With high demand for deals now evident and the emergence of a core of enthusiastic investors in the leisure and hospitality space, owners of growing businesses who are quicker to bring their business to market may get a better price because if they beat the rush next year they will get special attention.”

Kettal has included a new range of natural-look fabrics, Natte, in their 2010 catalogue. Natte fabrics have a satiny shine and their finely shaded textures, inspired by Nature, create natural effects that imitate natural fibres, such as cotton and linen.

The play of weave and broken threads give the fabric a true rustic finish.

This fabric has been specially created for the outdoors, with a warm finish and the look of the most noble fabrics.

More than a mere optical illusion, the Natte range gives a sweet, almost sensual touch.

Finally, an integrated pedi/spa massage table built to the quality standards of the most demanding high volume spas and salons.The Clodagh Libra is designed to handle the rigors of a high volume spa/salon and is ready for any type of treatment.

It features a high quality, full-sized Sanijet pedi-spa with its exclusive pipeless technology, this table is designed to convert from a pedispa to a massage table in seconds.

Designed to be hard plumbed underneath or unplumbed with optional pump and hot/cold supply to be used with a sink, it is perfect for new construction or an existing room with a sink.

Price: £5750.00 (ex delivery and VAT)

Features:
• Top: Electric Backrest top with Electric travel adjustment
• Width: 790mm/31”
• Length: 1900mm/75”
• Height Range: 640mm-840mm/25”-33”
• Hydraulic/Electric Lift
• Lifts: 182kg/400lbs
• Table Weight: 136kg/300lbs
• Upholstery: TerraTouch
• Padding: AeroCel Padding (4” thick)

Options:
• UltraTouch upholstery (add £95.00)
• OAKWORKS Wood Stain (add £125)
• Custom wood stain (add £195)
• Adjustable Arm Rests (add 195.00)
• Manicure Arm Rests (add £245.00)
• QuickLock Face Rest (add £75.00)