Hotel Designs

The lodge which is located on Lake Malawi was designed by the owners and interior designer Abi James who is based in Cape Town.The lodge, was a collaboration with husband and wife James and Suzie Lightfoot, who, along with the interior designer, have decided to use natural surroundings to create unique character.

The stone and teak-framed thatched accommodation includes two family cottages and houses which is ideal for honeymooners.

Kaya Mawa will feature three standard rooms which will have private decks and direct access to the lakes, two family cottages which will sit at the back of the main beach. Each of the family chalets will have a double and a twin/triple room, an interconnecting bathroom and outside relaxation areas.

There will also be three premium suites which will offer lake views and each will have a private pool. Kaya Mawa’s Ndomo Point House will open in June 2010 and will feature four bedrooms with three ensuite bathrooms and will come fully staffed.

Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla, a 208-room upscale business hotel spread over 2.1 acres, is reaching final stages of completion.The hotel, which is part of Intercontinental Hotel Group chain, is located in South Delhi near to the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The property’s general manager, Barun Jolly said: “Most of the construction has already been completed including the lobby, meeting rooms, ball rooms, two restaurants, the French Patisserie, guest rooms and back of the house. Other than these, we will also be launching nine meeting room options that can accommodate 10 to 400 guests at a time.”

Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla, has released renderings and will boast of as high as 60 to 65 per cent guest area to receive natural day light, which is one of the highest among hotels in Delhi. This will reduce the electricity consumption in lighting up lobbies etc. in day time, besides adding a distinct freshness to the hotel premises.

The hotel property formerly known as Club Oceanic Trincomalee, a member of the John Keells Hotels Group is scheduled to reopen in May 2010 with a new and improved ambience as Chaaya Blu Trincomalee.Hotel operations have ceased in order to make way for the complete refurbishment and expansion plan which is currently underway.

Under the watchful eye of architect Channa Daswatte, Club Oceanic Trincomalee is to undergo a transformation which promises a fresh theme and a vibrant new appearance that will enchant its guests. The evocative designs and captivating architecture will blend in with the surroundings of Sri Lanka’s untouched east coast.

The John Keells Hotels Group has set aside a sum of Rs. 450 million for this project which will increase the hotel’s room capacity from 56 to 80. Joining the Chaaya Resorts and Hotels circle, Club Oceanic Trincomalee is to garland its grand reopening with its new name, Chaaya Blu Trincomalee.

Offering his views on the expansion project, Ajit Gunewardene, deputy chairman John Keells Holdings and president of the leisure group said: “Having been involved in Sri Lankan tourism as a group for over 35 years, we are excited and enthused by the emergence of east-coast tourism. We believe that Trincomalee has the potential to become one of the most sought-after destinations in the country and Chaaya Blu Trincomalee with its new retro-chic look will bridge the present deficit for quality 4-star accommodation. This will be a first of many investments in the resort sector in strategic locations around the country.”

Choice Hotels International has opened Cambria Suites hotel in Fort Lauderdale and Dania Beach, Florida, US. The 119-suite Fort Lauderdale hotel is the first Cambria Suites in Florida and is owned by Dan Patel of DP Hotels.

Patel, a local Fort Lauderdale resident, owns a variety of properties and has been in the hospitality industry more than 25 years.

There are 20 Cambria Suites hotels open and nearly 30 under development nationwide.

Every Cambria Suites suite features separate work and living areas with ergonomic chairs, movable desks, luxury linens and Bath and Body Works products. The all-suites hotels offer a 52-inch television in the open, airy two-story lobby, and each suite includes two flat-screen LCD televisions and MP3 jacks. Every suite offers MediaHub plug-and-play technology, allowing guests to connect their laptop, MP3 player, game console, digital camera or CD/DVD player hassle-free.

Free high-speed wired and wireless internet access is available throughout the hotel.

Like all Cambria Suites hotels, the Fort Lauderdale property features Reflect, a dining and gathering area serving a dinner menu, liquor, wine, beer, and a barista bar.

Located in a quiet part of Taipei’s most fashionable district, Da-An, is Hotel Éclat, an eclectic, elegant new boutique art hotel which is the first new luxury hotel to open in the city for many years.The French word “Éclat” literally means “glorious accomplishment and honour”, and this aptly describes this stylish, avant-garde new hotel with lavish furnishings, priceless artworks, eclectic contemporary design and among the most opulent guest room amenities of any hotel anywhere.

A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the 60-room hotel is owned and conceived by Hong Kong entrepreneur George Wong. The hotel features much of his personal art and furniture collection, and even his own personal collections of vintage fine wines and priceless rare Chinese mao tai liquor.

The hotel is designed by Charles Robertson of LKF designers Limited, whose work includes stylish projects such as the ultra cool Le Meridien Cyberport Hotel in Hong Kong, Starworld Hotel & Casino in Macau and Four Seasons Shanghai.

Discreetly scented with bamboo and lotus fragrance, the elegant Éclat Lounge sets the tone and features two original Salvador Dali sculptures worth over several million US$ each, velvet sofas and drapes and vast glass hanging light sculptures in various shades of purple by noted Czech glass artist Jitka Skuhravá, Lasvit.

All 60 guest rooms are luxuriously equipped with state-of-the-art luxury amenities including 42-inch LCD televisions and internet TV keyboards, Bang & Olufsen CD and audio systems, Nespresso coffee machines, Montblanc desk sets and pens, Philippe Starck desk chairs, Riedel glassware and Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries featuring not the usual three but seven different amenities.

A unique glass wall divides the walk in rainforest shower from the living area and can be frosted or defrosted at the touch of a switch, and every room features an original work by Chinese contemporary artist Tang Yuen Hei.

The JW Marriott Marquis Miami will house the largest ballroom in downtown Miami when it opens this summer.Featuring 313 rooms, the hotel will be located in the new Metropolitan Miami development, in the heart of Miami’s Financial District.

It offer 80,000sq ft of event space which will include a junior ballroom, 32 meeting and break out rooms, all accessible to the 20,000sq ft pillar-free Grand Ballroom. This space will be able to cater for up to 1,800 guests.

The ballroom will feature state-of-the-art technology, flexible set-up capabilities, and high-end finishes that include custom Murano glass pendant chandeliers and walls elegantly mixing uses of wood paneling, luxurious fabric, and alabaster.

Ideal for team building exercises, breakout sessions or relaxation, the hotel will feature two entertainment/lifestyle floors with a world-renowned Jim McLean Golf School, one-of-a-kind 10,000-square-foot NBA approved basketball court, tennis court, media room, billiard room, virtual bowling alley, fitness center and full service spa.

Gandia Blasco in conjunction with Barbed presents their new outdoor furniture range, Flat. The range is designed by Mario Ruiz and is available in a new bronze colour along with their characteristic white.

The collection consists of: chaiselounge, side tables, dining chairs, armchairs, three sizes of dining table, benches in different lengths, lounge chairs, two coffee tables, four modular sofas, pouf and stools.

Frames are made from thermo-lacquered aluminium with polyethylene tops. Cushions are made from polyurethane foam with visco elastic and can be upholstered with the new jacquard outdoor fabric, available in six colours. They can also be upholstered in either vinyl(Acualis) or Kvadrat.

Gandia Blasco manufactures high-end contemporary outdoor furniture suitable for any outdoor space including terrace, pool side, beach or garden.

They work extensively with a number of prestigious, professional designers to create a variety of stylish products.

Gandia Blasco’s luxury exterior furniture, fabric and accessories are extraordinary in their design and are engineered to last a lifetime.

During the last decade Megaman has established itself as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). The company’s growth has been driven by a combination of innovative technologies, novel designs and a strong commitment to its customers.

Megaman offer a wide range of lamps including candle, golf ball, bulb-shaped CFLs, spotlights for direct replacement of halogen sources, ideal for the hotel and leisure industry.

The company also produces high output fluorescent lamps ideal for exterior flood lighting.

Simon Keen Lighting, part of the Megaman group, is a specialist in the design and manufacture of lighting solutions specifically tailored to the hotel and leisure industry.

The company offers solutions from a design concept through to the supply of co-ordinated lighting suites, front of house spectaculars and one off pieces of individuality.

Detailed CAD drawings can be produced from customers’ ideas, inspirations and samples produced, ensuring a smooth transition from a sketch to the finished product.

Simon Keen Lighting stays ahead of lighting trends, with a huge portfolio of standard products covering period, contemporary and modern lighting to enhance all aspects of a hotel, both interior and exterior.

Whole families of fittings and shades in different sizes and colours can be used to carry a theme seamlessly through an installation.

Having built an enviable reputation for quality, reliability and the highest levels of service, Simon Keen Lighting in conjunction with Megaman can also support your environmental policy and supply fixtures with Megaman’s energy saving compact fluorescent lamps on a large proportion of their lighting ranges.

D-LUX are modern design sun loungers for contemporary outdoor spaces and are available with or without a cushion. Built to a very high quality from aluminium, D-LUX modern garden furniture is a very light weight outdoor furniture solution.

The unusual and unique design comes from European designer Kris Van Puyvelde and combines sleek lines, curves, egonomics and function with optimum comfort.

D-LUX sun loungers are constructed from aluminium plates which are skilfully shaped and welded into beautiful shapes and when used with the stylish cushions designed for the deluxe range offer a great contemporary look with comfort.

D-LUX modern garden furniture range includes outdoor dining tables, contemporary coffee tables, luxury sun loungers, outdoor dining chairs and carver chairs.

With the choice of any RAL colour on this light weight and low maintenance garden furniture, it offers great diversity to private residences as well as commercial furniture contractors and specifiers.

Encompass’ modern furniture ranges are used throught hotels, bistros, spas, resorts and private town and country gardens in the UK and worldwide.

D-LUX contemporary sun lounger is from Royal Botania, in conjunction with Encompass.

Continent Hotels Worldwide has signed a management agreement with the investment company Pacific Management Service, a Russian closed joined company, to open and manage the first Continent Resort in Olginka village-Black Sea Coast, Russia.Scheduled to open in April, the Continent Paradise Resort-Olginka will be Continent Worldwide’s second hotel in Russia and the country’s first completed resort hotel project.

The signing of the Continent Paradise Resort-Olginka, follows the opening of the Continent Sakhalin Resort in Sakhalin Island in August 2009.

Continent Paradise Resort-Olginka is a middle-scale category full service resort hotel and is expected to offer 62 bedrooms, an open air terrace Restaurant for up to 110 people, an indoor swimming pool, sauna, mini bar service and room service.

The newly built hotel will be located approximately 500m from the beach and sea.

Continent Hotels Worldwide, Russian director, Roman Gorobchenko said: “We are continuing to focus development resources in Russia and are delighted to have secured our first Continent branded Resort Hotel in Russia. Continent Worldwide’s growing presence in this market will be proved with the opening of Continent Paradise Resort-Olginka in April 2010. And with further projects in discussion we are excited about expanding our brands in Russia and throughout Eastern Europe.”

HotelDesigns is running another training day for those interested in learning about our web services, using the internet for marketing, Google ad words and social networking such as Twitter.Date: Wednesday 28th April 2010

Place: The Lansdowne Building, 2 Lansdowne Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 2ER

Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm

Cost: £60 (ex VAT) for non-members of the Directory, £30 for Directory members. The cost includes tea, coffee and a buffet lunch

Itinerary:

9.30am: Coffee and introductions

10.00am: MORNING SESSION

1.The Medium is the Message
2.About HotelDesigns and understanding the web. Brief history and introduction to the web and web metrics
3.E-marketing – why and how it has become the most important resource in the marketers tool-kit
4.Building customer relationships and the role of the company website – including:
a.Why password protect?
b.Concepts of retail and wholesale
5.Focus and specialisation and how the web serves them
6.The web as communities
a.Scale and Global versus local thinking.

12.30pm: LUNCH (sandwiches and light snacks)

1.15pm: AFTERNOON SESSION

1.The importance of the voice and repetition
2.Google ad words and generalised web advertising pop-ups, towers and pop unders
3.What is Social Networking?
4.Linkedin
5.Facebook and Twitter – advantages and disadvantages
6.RSS and Google news feeds

4.30pm: Questions and finish

To book a click here to contact Carmen

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Frogmore has secured planning permission to transform 3 & 4 South Place, close to Liverpool Street Station in London EC3, into an 80 bedroom boutique hotel.In November 2009 Frogmore agreed a deal with D&D London to operate a luxury hotel on the site on a 35-year lease basis.

The 22,000sqm boutique property has been designed by Allies and Morrison, while Conran and Partners, owned by D&D London’s majority shareholder Conran Holdings, will design the hotel’s interior.

The hotel will contain 80 luxury bedrooms and suites, private dining and conference facilities, restaurants and bars. These will include a brasserie and bars on the ground floor, and a 7th floor rooftop restaurant and bar with an outdoor terrace overlooking the City skyline.

Demolition of the existing buildings on the site and construction work on the new hotel is scheduled to start later this year, with the property set to be open to the public in summer 2012.

Gerald Eve is Frogmore’s planning consultants for the scheme and Gerard Nolan & Partners advised Frogmore on the transaction.

Frogmore, managing director, Paul White said: “We are delighted that the London Borough of Islington has granted approval for our plans at South Place. The hotel will be just what this location needs and will mark the next stage of regeneration in the area. D&D has the perfect background for this luxury development and securing their commitment on a long term basis is a major coup for Frogmore.”

D&D London, chairman and CEO, Des Gunewardena said: “We are very pleased to be working with Frogmore. I have known Paul White and his team for many years and they completely understand our aspirations for this site. Their efficiency in securing this planning permission has already proved them to be an excellent development partner for us and I’ve every confidence that together we can make a success of it.”

When Häfele present its popular CPD seminar on Architectural Ironmongery one of the most common questions is regarding the limited choice of levers that can be used to comply with BS8300 recommendations, most people assume that this has to be a standard return to door lever, see image 1.According to Häfele, this was never the case. The latest version of BS8300:2009 has much clearer guidance on lever specification and shows 4 examples of type that will meet this criteria.

They key design indicators are:

1. Hand grip zone of at least 95 mm (applies to all types of lever handle)

2. Hand grip zone at least 45 mm from face of door

3. Lever diameter at least 19 mm

4.lock/latch backset at least 54 mm from door edge

A wide range of door levers can be used which allow the architect to meet the requirements of BS8300 and whilst still using attractive designs of door furniture, a few examples from the Häfele range are shown here.

The Sherlock Holmes on Baker Street in London is housed in an imposing Georgian period terrace, with all the design difficulties and charm this brings with it. The hotel was formerly owned and run by Hilton, before becoming a Park Plaza a decade ago. Renamed and themed, the hotel plays on its proximity to the legendary location of Sherlock Holmes fictional home at 221b Baker Street.One of the first changes the new owners made was to move the bar from the back of the ground floor to the front. This is unusual in a hotel but for the Sherlock Holmes it has worked well. The new location for the bar allows guests to be enticed to come in for a drink off the street, generating more revenue for the hotel. Baker Street is the perfect location to do this, as it is busy, and with a terrace out the front being put to use in the summer it makes the option even more attractive. The terrace covered with tables and umbrellas also makes sure guests enter through the hotel’s main door.

Upon entering the hotel there was a small porters desk used to direct guests to the large reception desk at the back of the room. The bar is to the right and considering that it was mid-afternoon on a weekday had a busy cocktail crowd creating a vibrant atmosphere in the room. Towards the back of the room was a contemporary gas-fuelled open fireplace. This provided both heating and a visual element to the room. It also stopped the middle section of the room from being turned into a corridor.

The Sherlock’s Grill restaurant was towards the back of the room past the larger reception desk. Although the restaurant was small in size, it was nicely laid out with little nooks and crannies for guests to hide themselves in. This partitioning also helped to break up the noise that travelled around the restaurant. A wood fired pizza oven was built in behind the bistro’s counter. Beside the restaurant was a lounge, which was separated from the restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows. This created a sense of space and allowed guests to peer into adjoining rooms. Those in the lounge could see the food being served in the bistro, persuading them to go order a meal.

The lounge was decorated in Sherlock Holmes’ memorabilia, or art objects from the Victorian era. The Sherlock Holmes’ decorations were a theme carried on throughout the hotel. Behind the bar there was a large bust of the man himself. Gracing the wall were many artworks related to the fictional character and there were also other semi-related artefacts such as a large wooden camera from Victorian times. Indeed, these pieces were an attractive feature within the building and pipes were even for sale in glass cabinets.

Within the lounge there was another gas fire, where guests could congregate. The fire created a cosy atmosphere and sure enough there was a guest was snoozing in a lounge chair – evidence that the room was in fact comfortable.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts plans to open 14 new hotels this year, throughout the world in countries including Canada and Mexico.Other 2010 openings include The Westin Mumbai Garden City in India, The Westin Nanjing in Shanghai, China, The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino in Messinia, Greece, The Westin Austin at the Domain in Austin, Texas, and The Westin Sendai in Sendai, Japan.

In 2010, Starwood will debut the Westin brand in Peru with The Westin Libertador, Lima and expand the brand’s footprint in Latin and South America with its fifth hotel in Mexico and its first in Mexico City, The Westin Santa Fe. In the next three years, Westin will open two additional hotels in Mexico and its first in Panama.

Starwood, president of global development, Simon Turner said: “The Westin brand has significant new-build opportunities in numerous emerging and fast developing economies. Within more mature markets like North America and Europe, however, we are seeing – and expect to continue to see – more, quality conversion opportunities realized as transaction activity increases. Westin is a high value-add conversion brand, and many owners and investors seek opportunities to enhance a property’s performance by upgrading to the Westin brand. Starwood is taking a pragmatic approach to conversions, but will of course be vigilant in preserving the brand integrity that has been a key driver of its success.”

In keeping with the current trend for natural, organic interiors, heating specialist, Aestus, introduces ‘Cosmos’, a remarkable stone radiator from the company’s popular ‘Cinier’ collection.While the design of ‘Cosmos’ is en-vogue, like all other models from the ‘Cinier’ range, it has been crafted from thousand-year-old Olycale stone, sourced from the Pyrenees. Crushed and moulded to produce a genuinely innovative and heat retaining structure, ‘Cosmos’ boasts a rough, natural texture.

Inspired by the link between heaven and earth, renowned French Designer, Michel Cinier, depicts the notion that one day, the two entities may in fact become one.

A heart- warming addition, ‘Cosmos’ is simple, classic and elegant but moving at the same time. Furthermore, its versatile, uncomplicated design will lend well to a plethora of decors, making it suitable for use in any room within the home, be it office, hallway, kitchen, bedroom or bathroom.

Pictured above in Ochre Brown, ‘Cosmos’ is also available in a number of finishes including white, grey, ivory, yellow and orange. Each piece is individually handcrafted, ensuring a truly beautiful and unique finish every time.

‘Cosmos’ measures 2000mm x 600mm and is suitable for both electric and central heating systems.

Over the past two decades, he has structured more than 300 separate investment transactions with an asset value of more than US$40b. Up until 2004, he was the chief design officer and a director at Starwood Hotel and Resorts Worldwide, building it up into a successful brand. He is now the CEO and chairman of Starwood Capital. Who is he? Hotel expert Barry Sternlicht.Sternlicht founded Starwood Hotels in 1995 and during his reign proved that he knows the hotel business. Sternlicht was in charge of 733 hotels, 231,000 rooms, 120,000 employees and the group was turning over US$5b in revenue. Sternlicht had snapped up hotel brands such as Sheraton and Westin and invented a new chain, the W, as well as turning St Regis into a worldwide luxury chain. But the hotel guru left his successful business with the determination to create another empire that would beat it.

Sternlicht then joined Starwood Capital Group and has since taken over Louvre Hotel Group. Starwood Capital also recently acquired Golden Tulip Hospitality, entering the top ten largest hotel groups in the world. Its ranking knocked Hyatt Hotels down a bar. All this is thanks to Sternlicht and it is quite impressive for someone who hasn’t yet turned 50.

Many were surprised by Sternlicht’s career move to Starwood Capital but he’s proving all his critics wrong. Polo Ralph Lauren, CEO, Hamilton South, once said that Sternlicht was ‘one of the few guys in private equity who understand brand value.’ These words are full of truth – Sternlicht has used, and continues to use, his expertise to create consistency over the brands he forms.

For example, the three star hotel chain Campanile owned by Starwood Capital, has created a brand consistency. Its hotels use similar colours and brandings across the chain. Sternlicht was one of the few to pioneer this brand consistency and it can be seen in Starwood Hotels such as the W Hotels.

Classic Furniture has moved and improved its production facilities.Classic now has a twin site in Audley Avenue, Newport, Shropshire, UK with nearly 10,000sqm of modern offices and showrooms.

The showrooms include Reclaimed Retro’s warehouse showroom and a modern, well equipped 13,000sqm production facility, which reinforces Classic’s in-house semi-manufacturing capabilities.

As part of the opening ceremony of the company’s new facilities, Classic Furniture is inviting those interested to make an appointment to view and share the increased benefits that are now available.

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.

Through the use of modern square aluminium structures, voluminous upholstery and structured Natte outdoor fabrics, the Kettal Landscape lounge system reflects the indoor and outdoor spirit.

For more information, please contact PS Interiors through the Kettal page in the Directory.

As New Delhi and India prepare for the start of the 2010 Commonwealth Games later this year, The Leela Group is planning its own opening ceremony. The Leela Palace Kempinski New Delhi will open for business in autumn 2010. The five-star hotel is located in the city’s Central Business District.

Inspired by the style of Edwin Lutyens, the man who designed New Delhi almost 100 years ago, and designed by acclaimed architect John Gerondelis,

The Leela Palace Kempinski New Delhi will combine neo-classical architecture with elements from historical north Indian palaces.

Occupying a three-acre site on the corner of Africa Avenue and Vinay Marg in Chanakyapuri, the new hotel will have 260 rooms. The room catalogue includes: deluxe guestrooms, which will measure over 500 square feet; Royal Suites, which will be up to 1,000 square feet and will have private pools; and an impressive 4,000 square feet Presidential Suite with adjoining deluxe bedroom.

The hotel will boast three speciality restaurants, serving Indian, Italian and Japanese specialities, and there is also an all-day-dining room with ‘live’ kitchen. In addition, guests can enjoy two bars, a 6,500sq ft ESPA spa with nine treatment rooms, a beauty salon, fitness centre and a heated swimming pool on the rooftop terrace.

The hotel will accommodate meetings and incentives through a number of meeting rooms including a 5,500sq ft Grand Ballroom.

The Gansevoort Hotel Group, known for pioneering the rooftop pool, will open its fourth, and most upscale property this summer, with the opening of Gansevoort Park in New York.The 249-room urban resort promises an uptown experience with a downtown vibe, while elevating the rooftop pool to new heights.

Built from the ground up on what had formerly been Marathon bank, the Gansevoort Park will feature generously proportioned guest rooms and suites, many with balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, a heated indoor-outdoor pool; six event spaces; unobstructed views of the Empire State Building; ballroom, a duplex corner retail space and salon and a health and fitness spa.

Architect Stephen B. Jacobs and interior designer Andi Pepper will design the dramatic three-story lobby, guestrooms, penthouse suite and pool area. Manhattan-based ICRAVE is designing Asellina (an Italian trattoria) and the bar.

Gansevoort Park’s design is decidedly contemporary with some classical references and inspiration drawn from a peek-a-boo aesthetic of 1940’s glam. Photographer Deborah Anderson’s sensual art will be integrated throughout the hotel on walls, table tops and in guest rooms.

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Embassy Suites Hotels today announced the opening of the Embassy Suites Palmdale, featuring the brand’s first Design Option III Prototype build in the state of California. The 30th Embassy Suites in the state, the upscale property is located just off Interstate 14, nestled in the Antelope Valley at 39375 5th Street West.

Embassy Suites Palmdale is managed by Sun Development & Management Company of Indianapolis, IN. The property marks Sun Development & Management Company’s first of three Embassy Suites to open in 2010, with others slated to open in Ontario, California, and Elizabeth, New Jersey, in the third quarter of this year. The property is owned by the Palmdale Lodging Associates, LLC.

Embassy Suites Palmdale is an upscale, full-service, all-suites property, featuring 150 suites and nearly 950sqm of meeting space, with banquet space among four separate rooms. The property contains some of the largest rooms of any hotel in Palmdale.

The hotel’s Design Option III prototype allows guests the same comfort and convenience as traditional Embassy Suites properties using a more cost effective, scalable model.

Sixty miles north of Los Angeles in the High Desert region of Los Angeles County, Embassy Suites Palmdale is located near the major aerospace companies in the area including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, NASA and Edwards Air Force base.

A fitness center, equipped with the latest in cardiovascular and weight equipment, as well as a pool are offered to all guests at Embassy Suites Palmdale. Both the King and Double suites boast a desk with an ergonomic chair, 32” flat screen television and mobile furnishings that allow guests to create their own unique living space.

Fourteen Restaurant and Lounge, the hotel’s full-service restaurant, features a modern contemporary design with dark woods, warm stone, sleek metal surfaces and a whimsical color palette.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is celebrating the opening of Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin.The seven-storey addition is located on the banks of the Li River and features many of the city’s firsts and superlatives. These include the city’s largest guestrooms, the largest state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities, the only hotel to have a wedding pagoda and the first hotel to feature indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

The 449-room Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin features the largest rooms in the city starting at 42sqm. There are 17 suites, ranging from an 84sqm Executive Suite to the 210sqm Presidential Suite. The hotel also incorporates Shangri-La’s Horizon Club guestrooms and lounge.

For meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, the 1,800sqm Grand Ballroom, the largest ballroom in Guilin, is the perfect venue for hosting high-profile events of up to 2,000 people. With six additional private function rooms and a dedicated VIP room, Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin is able to cater to a diverse range of event needs, from small private gatherings to conferences or large social events. In addition, Guilin’s first and only wedding pagoda makes the hotel a much sought after location for weddings.

Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin also features a comprehensive range of recreational facilities including indoor and outdoor pools in addition to tennis courts and a health club.

The company completed a series of successful projects at the end of last year. The projects included supplying furniture for bar, restaurants and rooms.The projects included Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire. The company supplied tables, restaurant chairs and bar stools for the bar and bowling alley.

Center Parcs’s spokesperson, Susie Malcolm Barclay said: “Stylematters were actually identified as a potential supplier by our appointed designer based in Nottingham and I was pleased with the overall service levels throughout the project – the projects were as described, delivery was to schedule and their prices were also competitive.”

Stylematters has now completed two new projects for Center Parcs.

Stylematters also completed a full fixed project of a London members club, Club Alto. The company designed the fixed seating through the Club to fit in with its 1920s theme. It was also asked to fita special feature for Belvadre Vodka.

Near Solihull, Stylematters furnished the new dining area in the Hampton Manor Hotel.

The project was completed within a four week lead-time using tub chairs from Italy mounted on a distinctive spider steel base, the client chose Designer Guild fabrics to add to the effect, and blend in with the traditional feel of the newly constructed dining area.

Hampton Manor said: “It was important that our opening event happened on time, the fact that we were able to view the products being produced in the Stylematters factory helped us with our decision, we have since ordered other items from Stylematters.”

Dernier & Hamlyn has continued its successful partnership with celebrated designer Guy Oliver at The Connaught Hotel with further signature light fittings. The new fittings have been installed to complement its previous support of the hotel’s extensive restoration and refurbishment programme.

Dernier & Hamlyn’s current work at the five star luxury hotel includes a magnificent polished chrome and glass pendant FOR the new ballroom, the first to be built in Mayfair for 80 years.

These fittings combine classic styling with the latest lighting technologies to achieve stunning lighting effects and energy efficiency.

In addition Dernier & Hamlyn produced mid-20th century inspired light fittings designed by Guy Oliver which incorporate classic period geometric shapes and these have been installed in public areas of the hotel.

Guy Oliver said: “Dernier & Hamlyn’s renowned reputation for quality and attention to detail has shone forth again in this latest work at The Connaught. By combining the best in contemporary manufacturing techniques and lighting technology with accurate references to 20th century design, their light fittings are visually beautiful and practical to maintain, both essential requirements at the hotel.”

Carlson Hotels has recently revealed that it is to launch a new global growth standards strategy, introducing consistency across its brands around the world, mainly in the US.Although recently announced, this strategy is not a new method for the hotel group. At the end of 2006, Carlson Hotels said that it was renovating Radisson hotels around the world in order to improve brand consistency. Carlson Hotels spent nearly US$516m in 2005 and 2006 renovating and improving hotels across the Americas, yet it was Europe that provided the brands main growth area thanks to the management drive of Kurt Ritter and the design management of Gordon McKinnon.

Across Europe new Radisson Blu hotels were opened, featuring the brand’s new designs. HotelDesigns reviewed the Radisson Blu’s in Krakow, Poland; Berlin, Germany; Stansted, UK, Cape Town South Africa and Copenhagen Denmark, and recognised the chain’s successful branding across the board.

The branding had been implemented successfully, yet at the same time all of the hotels had their own unique feel. It was this successful implementation that allowed Radisson EMEA franchisee Rezidor to expand rapidly throughout Europe and in 2009 alone the brand opened 22 new Radisson Blu hotels.

Now Rezidor head of design and ‘brand guru’ Gordon McKinnon has transferred over to the US to help implement the new brand standards across the country. McKinnon is the chief branding officer and will work alongside CEO Hubert Joly to improve the Radissons in the US. McKinnon was previously the concept developer at Rezidor working to implement Rezidor CEO’s Kurt Ritter’s style and high brand standards.

The hotel, which is situated in Medina, the ancient city of Marrakesh Medina’s Dar Seven is now an Arteh hotel.The hotel is Ruspoli’s family holiday home, and has been renewed with care the spaces of a typical old building.

The small property is decorated with white, black and shades of cream and brown. These shades aim to soften the environment and are carried through the personalised and distinctive rooms, which feature high ceilings and carefully picked furniture.

Along with the dining room, lounge and reading room, the hotel also boasts a top terrace.

Hilton Worldwide has announced the signing of a multi-year management agreement with Consorcio Hotelero S.A de C.V for a Doubletree by Hilton full-service hotel in Mexico.Construction of the Doubletree by Hilton, Merida is scheduled for the beginning of this month with expected completed in March 2011.

Situated close to the Merida International Airport, the new Doubletree by Hilton will feature 100 guestrooms and suites, with 3,000sq ft of meeting space, a full-service restaurant, bar, fitness centre and pool.

Global head for Doubletree by Hilton hotels, Rob Palleschi said: “This latest Doubletree by Hilton development in Merida, Mexico represents another positive step in our brand’s growth in Latin America and the Caribbean, joining Doubletree by Hilton hotels and resorts now open in Peru, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico. With further development plans confirmed in Mexico and Panama, along with 225 additional hotels across the globe, the potential benefits for owners and developers of current and new-build hotels to become affiliated with Hilton Worldwide and the Doubletree by Hilton brand have never been greater.”

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Contra Curtains Ltd is proud to announce its appointment as the soft furnishing supplier to Holiday Inn Reading M4 Jct 10.Meridian Leisure Hotels have appointed Contra to complete all soft furnishings for the 174 bedrooms including executive rooms and suites, and extensive public areas including eight function suites for up to 260 guests.

The hotel will feature contemporary and new brand identity hallmarks including an upgraded lobby with signature scents and sounds, enhanced room decor and improved comfort with new bedding and bathroom amenities.

The hotel will offer a variety of luxuriously appointed bedrooms ranging from standard, executive and family rooms to suites.

Designed by ADS Design in conjunction with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), the bedrooms will incorporate the New Generation fabric schemes recently introduced by IHG to the Holiday Inn Brand for implementation across all new Holiday Inn Hotels across Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Completion of this project will further develop the long standing and successful relationship that Contra continues to enjoy with IHG and its franchises.

H10 Hotels, one of the leading boutique hotel chains in Spain has opened the doors of its first UK location.The H10 London Waterloo is located on Waterloo Road, and boasts views of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye.

The décor combines avant-garde European functionalism with a very British style. The hotel has been built to the highest levels of quality and comfort, with large windows which flood the hotel with natural light.

Designed the interior designer Pedro Peña, it offers 144 standard rooms, 32 deluxe rooms and the exclusive Waterloo suite.

Each room is equipped with an LCD TV with all major international channels, free Wi-Fi connection, and intelligent temperature control and media hub with iPod and PC connection.

The hotel also features an open-plan bar, the Circus Bar, and the Three O Two restaurant which offers a delicious combination of Mediterranean specialties and international cuisine, with unrivalled views across Waterloo Road.

The H10 London Waterloo’s central location and stylish décor also make it the ideal meeting or conference venue. It has four spacious meeting rooms which can accommodate up to 50 people and are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology.

The opening of the H10 London Waterloo is part of the chain’s expansion into major European cities. The first hotel in Europe outside of Spain, H10 Roma Città, opened in 2008 and the H10 Berlin Ku’Damm is scheduled to launch in the last quarter of 2010.

A bespoke design from Axminster Carpets was commissioned by the QHotels group for its four-star Bridgewood Manor facility in Kent.
Fitted throughout the corridors and lift-lobbies of the contemporary 100 bedroom hotel, the 840sqm of 80 per cent wool, 20 per cent nylon carpet was woven on Axminster Carpets’ Super Eight looms ensuring the perfect combination of precision design, durability and appearance retention.

QHotels, director of group development, Trudi Purtill said: “Our design office had not worked with Axminster Carpets before, but as the group expanded through acquisition of other hotel groups we had inherited some of its products and the quality and longevity of these installations impressed me.

“We started with the selection of a warm colour palette in honey golds and creams with a defining contrast of midnight blue to enhance the oak veneer in the public areas of the hotel. By refining our original choice to five tones we were able to achieve the balance we were looking for and all within the budget we assigned.

“Key to the design success of the carpet was the creation of a broken barcode medium scale pattern that appears to turn 90 degrees, taking the eye off the challenging linearity so prevalent in hotel bedroom corridors. Axminster Carpets’ design studio worked with me and successfully managed to translate my ideas perfectly, producing the approved design with only two hand-trials and four CAD print-outs in record time.”

RJD Interiors is looking forward to fitting out the bedroom furniture for another Holiday Inn Express, this time based in Colchester.Its schedule also includes more Travelodge fit outs across the UK.

The last quarter has seen the professional fitters working on bars, reception areas and bedrooms in Holiday Inns, Express by Holiday Inns, Best Western and Travelodges across the UK.

RJD Interiors has vast experience fitting out bars, reception areas and bedroom furniture in the leisure industry.

It also offers a joinery package which comprises supplying bars, reception counters, bespoke office desks, and more, as well as fitting them.

RJD Interiors also continues to offer a touch-up and repair service for tired looking furniture. It refurbishes elements of damaged furniture, saving the cost of replacing a complete item.

It also offers competitive rates and a professional and efficient service that will ‘freshen’ furniture.

Franklite has released their new catalogue for 2010. The catalogue includes stunning light fittings for all areas from guest rooms to reception.

Inside the catalogue there is also some innovative LED lighting in bright white or colour changing options to highlight any interior or exterior features.

Franklite has recently fully refurbished their showroom at Milton Keynes. All the new ranges for 2010 are available to view and a demonstration can be arranged for their LED products by appointment.

There is also a dedicated contract sales team who are fully experienced in all aspects of hospitality lighting.

Scolaro have launched a new sun shade model with opening and closing systems on the support that allows an easy closing of the parasol without moving the furniture.
It’s the best system on the market that Scolaro has developed considering the functionality of the system and the aesthetics.

The design has paid special attention to make restoring easy for the customer. The parasol is opened and closed with a winding mechanism. It also has a revolving base.

The parasol Galileo is the only item on the market that allows an easy unhooking of the parasol from the support.

The parasol is an important solution if the parasol has to be taken into each evening, during the assembling and disassembling, in case of possible restores.

The dimensions come in 3m by 4m or 3.5m by 3.5m. the fabric is made from acrylic which is waterproof and anti-mould treated. The colours are available on request.

The Generation Companies, a North Carolina-based real estate developer, asset manager and operator of extended-stay hotels is partnering with Lakeshore Hospitality on the new Candlewood Suites Tallahassee, Florida, US. The mid-priced hotel, which opened this month, is owned by Lakeshore Hospitality and managed by Generation.The brand new 114-room hotel provides an amenity package, including free wireless and wired internet service, a desk and executive chair, recliner, bulletin board and fully-equipped kitchens in every room, with appliances including a standard refrigerator and dishwasher, a range and a complete set of utensils.

All suites have at least one 32-inch flat panel LCD television and a DVD player. The Candlewood, a 100 per cent non-smoking hotel that is pet-friendly, also boasts an around-the-clock fitness center, swimming pool, two outdoor gas barbecue grills, business center, meeting room for rent, free guest laundry, free local calls, a complimentary video and CD library, and the Candlewood Cupboard, a 24-hour honor system pantry.

Part of the new range of luminaires from energy saving experts Megaman is Torch, a wall mounted uplighter that provides perfect illumination for a variety of environments.The IP44 rated Torch is designed for use with the company’s compact GX53 range of palm-sized lamps, which have a diameter of 75mm and provide a low profile, energy efficient alternative to halogen lamps.

Megamans GX53 lamps can last around 15 times longer than halogen and have a very low heat output, so they remove the potential problem of hot surfaces associated with halogen.

Additional features of the GX53 include a silicone diffuser encasing the lamp, so if the lamp is damaged any broken glass is contained within the fitting.

Torch is also compatible with Megaman’s new DIMMERABLE 9w lamp which can provide over 10,000 hours of illumination.

Torch is available in two finishes, silver and white and its unique, but simple design makes it ideal for use in corridors and hallways.

Classic Furniture has improved its methods so that the company is now recognised as a green business.The production practices that Classic Furniture uses are all environmentally friendly, ensuring that the processes the company undertakes to refurnish, reclaim and recycle also contribute to benefiting the environment.

The wood Classic Furniture uses comes from sustainable and properly managed sources and the company uses water-based stains which produce only bio-degradable waste. Classic Furniture is also careful when disposing of all its waste products.

Classic Furniture is part of the Green Achiever Scheme and is an Altius Assured Vendor in risk management and commercial viability.

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 Kettal Landscape daybeds are modern mobile structures that create an area for relaxation in any outdoor space. Available in a wide variety of colours, configurations and accessories, from sun blinds made from outdoor fabrics to aluminium panels.

For more information, please contact PS Interiors through the Kettal page in the Directory.

South Africa’s Jozini Tiger Lodge opens this month offering luxury in the untouched African bush.The carefully designed accommodation, emphasises the natural environment, comprises 60 thatched, spacious double bedrooms strategically designed along the Lebombo range with exceptional and varied catering options.

The lodge is built on the Jozini dam, in Maputoland, northern Kzn and nestles in the world acclaimed Pongola nature reserve. The land is covered in acacia bush, home to a variety of wildlife which includes white rhino, kudu, impala, nyala, wildebeest, zebras, buffalo, elephant and giraffe. The reserve’s various habitats support an estimated twenty five indigenous fish species, mammals, reptiles and amphibia. Rare or endangered animals inhabiting the Pongola Nature Reserve include the honey badger and wild dog. The water is home to hippos and crocodile and this particular area is a world class birdwatching destination.

Designed by Sharon Dupreez, Jozini Tiger Lodge is made for all occasions, from individuals, couples, families, groups, business conferencing, angling parties, as well as bespoke weddings.

The lodge also features a standalone restaurant and a bar. There is a boma for dinner in addition to the restaurant, and the conference facilities accommodate up to 160 delegates.

A wellness centre offering various relaxation treatments, a private lounge, as well as panoramic views overlooking the river, places emphasis on the peace and natural beauty of the African bush.

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Wynn Resorts has joined with Philadelphia Entertainment and Development Partners to become the manager and managing general partner in the casino project slated for the Philadelphia, US waterfront. The agreement is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions including the approval of the Pennsylvania Gaming Board.

Wynn Resorts currently owns and operates Wynn Las Vegas, Encore, and Wynn Macau. Wynn Las Vegas, a luxury hotel and destination casino resort located on the Las Vegas Strip features 2,716 guest rooms and suites, a casino larger than 10,000sqm, 22 food and beverage outlets, an on-site 18-hole golf course, more than 20,000sqm of meeting space, an on-site Ferrari and Maserati dealership, and nearly 7,000sqm of retail space.

Wynn opened Encore, an expansion of Wynn Las Vegas on December 22, 2008. Encore is located immediately adjacent to Wynn Las Vegas and features a 2,034 all-suite hotel, a casino, 12 food and beverage outlets, a night club, a spa and salon, meeting space and upscale retail outlets.

Wynn Macau is a destination casino resort in the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and currently features 600 deluxe hotel rooms and suites, a casino, casual and fine dining in five restaurants, retail space, a health club, pool and spa, along with lounges and meeting facilities.

Wynn is completing construction of Encore at Wynn Macau, a further expansion of Wynn Macau which will add a fully-integrated resort hotel to Wynn Macau, planned to include approximately 410 luxury suites and four villas along with restaurants, additional retail space and additional gaming space.

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The Handlery Hotel & Resort in San Diego has reopened for business following a three month multi-million dollar renovation, which upgraded the property and its conference facilitiesThe hotel closed in November 2009 and reopened on 19 February 2010.

The three-star accomodation house 217 guestrooms which have all been upgraded with new custom marble top furniture, carpeting, wall covering, drapery and technology.

The Handlery family built the hotel in 1954 and continues to operate it, having also refursbisged the common areas and event space. This included new carpeting and wall coverings, latest technology and artwork.

The exterior of the hotel was repainted and the pool area was resurfaced to highlight the redesigned landscape.

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The Rezidor Hotel Group has opened its 90th Park Inn hotel and the 26th Park Inn in the UK – the 137-room Park Inn Palace, Southend-on-Sea.Located on the Western Esplanade on the seafront of Southend-on-Sea in Essex, the hotel is housed within a conversion of the ‘Palace’ building.

The hotel is in the tourist area overlooking the Thames Estuary and the world’s longest pier.

Whilst much of the hotel reflects the Park Inn brand, the £25m conversion also incorporates many of the features of the original Palace Hotel, which closed over forty years ago.

The hotel was built in 1901 and opened as the five star Metropole, before several years later changing its name to the Palace Hotel.

During the First and Second World Wars the hotel was used as a military hospital and a Naval Headquarters. In 1952, Laurel and Hardy stayed at the hotel whilst touring Essex and the comedy duo are acknowledged in the new hotel with two adjoining meeting rooms named in their honour.

The six storey hotel has 137 fresh and contemporary guest rooms, including accessible rooms for disabled guests and interconnecting rooms for families.

The rooms are designed to be functional and easy to use and all offer laptop-size safes, air conditioning and flat-screen TV’s showing multiple channels.

Bathrooms have walk-in showers. The room décor reflects both the Park Inn brand with vibrant touches of colour, and the location, with pictures highlighting some of Southend’s well known attractions.

Many of the guest rooms offer sea views and the second and third floor sea-facing rooms have private balconies. The hotel also boasts six west-facing rooms with over-size balconies.

The majority of hotel public areas and meeting spaces are found on the first floor. For business guests, there are six meeting rooms, all with natural daylight.

The large ballroom is divisible and will accommodate up to 280 delegates theatre style and 200 guests for a banquet. In addition, a private dining room offers views over the sea, with a mirrored wall allowing diners seated on both sides to enjoy the scenery.

Also on the first floor is RBG Bar and Grill. RBG, the new restaurant concept recently launched for the Park Inn brand and already open in Park Inn hotels including Manchester, Belfast, Cardiff City Centre and Peterborough, serves gourmet burgers, light bites and a choice of signature dishes from the grill.

Further new Park Inn hotels are currently under development in the UK, with Park Inn Aberdeen due to open in the Summer.

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Last week Club Méditerranée and Melco China Resorts Limited signed an agreement to open the first Club Med ski Resort at MCR’s Sun Mountain Yabuli resort in November 2010.The upmarket resort that will be home to the first Club Med mountain Resort in China, was extensively redeveloped in 2008 and re-opened in early 2009.

It will be aligned with the brand’s standards by November. Club Méditerranée will operate and market the Resort through a ten-year renewable management contract, while MCR will manage all ski-related activities.

Club Med will cover the cost of aligning the resort for a maximum investment of US$3m.

The future 4-Trident Yabuli Resort will be dedicated to families, couples and business seminars. It will comprise 284 rooms, of which 27 are 120sqm suites, 22 are 52sqm deluxe rooms and 235 are 36sqm rooms.

The resort is equipped with a spa, a swimming pool and a fitness room. It also has a large number of conference rooms and will provide supervised activities for children of all ages, from 2 to 18.

Located in Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China, Yabuli is currently the country’s largest ski resort.

Club Med has decided to strengthen its presence in upscale resorts by opening five resorts between 2010 and 2014. The objective for 2015 is to attract 5 per cent to 10 per cent of China’s potential four and five star resort customers, whose numbers are expected to quadruple over the next five years. On this basis, Club Med could have over 200,000 Chinese customers by 2015.

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The Rezidor Hotel Group is to open a Radisson Blu Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey which will feature 194 rooms. is scheduled to welcome the first guests in Q4 2011. The hotel is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of next year.

Ant Yapı, the owner of the new property, is one of the 70 biggest construction companies in the world, based on the ENR results 2009.

Ant Yapı has a reputation all around Turkey and in the Eastern Europe.

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul will be a spectacular new-build project on the Asian side of the city – located in the heart of the booming Atasehir district which is home to many international companies (also the Turkish Central Bank will be re-locating in the near future) and upscale residences.

Besides 194 contemporary guest rooms with services such as free high speed internet access, the hotel will offer an all-day-dining restaurant, two bars, 10 function rooms (including a 375sqm ballroom), a large health centre and a parking.

Istanbul – the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents – is the largest city in Turkey with a population of 12.8 million.

Rezidor, President & CEO, Kurt Ritter said: “I’m delighted to add a further property to our expanding portfolio in Turkey. Besides two other Radisson Blu hotels in Istanbul we are managing a Radisson Blu hotel in Ankara as well as a new Radisson Blu resort in Cesme, and control a total of 1,150 rooms.”

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Embassy Suites Hotels thas opened the Embassy Suites Savannah-Airport, the first full service hotel off the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) exit 104.The hotel features Georgia’s first Flying Spoons, Embassy Suites’ new restaurant concept, and the brand’s innovative and cost-effective Design Option III Prototype.

Located at 145 West Mulberry Blvd, the all-suites property is five minutes from the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) off 1-95.The hotel is both managed and owned by A&M Hospitalities, LLC of Valdosta, Ga.

The Design Option III prototype offers guests all of the same core amenities traditional Embassy Suites properties are renowned for such as two-room suites, complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, complimentary nightly Manager’s Reception and open-air atrium, but with a more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly design. Guests familiar with the brand will notice the suites offer a side-by-side room layout for a more residential feel.

All of the 162 suites include two flat screen 32” televisions, a desk, ergonomic chair and mobile furnishings. The property features a fitness center, swimming pool, a lobby water feature, and HSIA wireless internet access in the lobby and all guest rooms. A complimentary airport shuttle is available on request.

With nearly 1,500sqm of meeting space, the new hotel features the largest meeting and banquet facility in the area, as well as a full-service bar/lounge in the lobby area.

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Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. has announced the debut of its renowned Luxury Collection brand in the United Arab Emirates with the addition of Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai.The 45-storey property is located on the Dubai Marina and first opened its doors in 2005.

It is custom-designed to celebrate the essence of Dubai, and blends Arabian décor with contemporary sophistication.

The Grosvenor House features 422 guest rooms, suites and apartment suites, world class cuisine, a state-of-the-art fitness facility and spa. The number of rooms will almost double next when the second, identical tower opens. The addition will add 323 rooms and suites to the property.

For the upcoming Spring /Summer 2010 season Planika has prepared a special offer for hotel and spa interiors. The idea behind it was to enable the hotels to distinguish their offer on this highly competitive market and to introduce the smokeless fire into all commercial spaces.

Planika’s products allow the use of fire, which – in contrast to traditional fireplaces – do not produce smoke, ash nor soot. Fanola® fuel is based on ethanol – an eco friendly liquid.

Safety of both Fanola® biofuel and Planika’s products have been approved by international certifying bodies : TÜV, PZH and OMNI-Test Laboratories Inc.

Planika’s products do not require chimney, therefore are fully mobile and constitute portable elements of any interior. This feature gives countless possibilities of arrangement both in and outdoors.

Dernier & Hamlyn has replicated eleven Georgian Colza style wall bracket light fittings for the recently constructed Howard Theatre at the University of Cambridge’s Downing College. The three arm light fittings were cast in brass and finished with a bronze effect and feature shades with clear inner glass and sandblasted outer glass .

Quinlan and Francis Terry, Roger Barrell said:
“These elaborate Georgian style light fittings were designed to complement the theatre’s architecture. Dernier & Hamlyn’s meticulous manufacturing processes have ensured that the lighting is both a practical and beautiful addition to the Howard Theatre.”

The 160 seat theatre was designed by architects Quinlan and Francis Terry LLP and combines the latest environmentally sustainable technologies, such as ground source heating and rainwater recycling, within the classical styling initiated by the College’s first architect William Wilkins. Its construction was made possible by a £9.2m donation from the Howard Foundation, and completes the Howard Court.

Marshall Hotels & Resorts has added 10 management contracts in 2009, including six previously unannounced properties in the fourth quarter, and that it has prepared its first contract in 2010. The properties include branded and independent, upper-upscale and limited-service hotels and resorts.

The company’s first 2010 contract is for the 118-room Cavalier Inn on the University of Virginia campus in Charlottesville. In addition to managing, Marshall will oversee an extensive renovation and upgrade to the property.

Marshall Hotels & Resorts, president and CEO, Michael Marshall said: “We expect that 2010 will be a year of transition as lenders finally stop extending and start foreclosing on properties, which in turn will increase transaction flow and change of ownership and management. We have noticed that a large number of lenders are ramping up their REO departments.”

Marshall added that the 2010 first half will continue to be a challenge for operators. “We think that occupancy is bottoming out, and we intend to raise rates aggressively as demand outpaces supply growth. We continue to focus on operating efficiencies and more targeted sales and marketing efforts. There are still a great number of hotels that don’t know how to operate in this environment, which gives us a strong competitive advantage.”

Two hotels in the company’s management portfolio were sold in 2009. “While we hate to see properties leave, we were gratified that they were sold at substantially higher prices than the value when we took over management.”

Amari, a Thailand hotel management company, has revealed a strategic joint venture partnership with Mandeep S Lamba, previously the Managing Director and Founder of Ten Hotels Pvt Ltd, a hospitality management company headquartered in Gurgaon, New Delhi, to launch Amari India. This new development is in line with Amari’s recently announced plans to position itself as one of the leading Asian hospitality chains with plans to operate 51 properties in the Asia Pacific region by 2018.

The new joint venture brings within Amari’s foothold in India an established and dedicated network of tourism industry resources and a wealth of Indian hospitality expertise.

Mr. Mandeep S Lamba has enjoyed a 25-year hospitality career including tenure as President of Fortune Park Hotels, a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Ltd, as well as the role of Managing Director for the Indian office of the UK-based financial services and real estate entity, Dawnay Day.

Amari, chief executive officer, Peter Henley said: “We are delighted with this development as it is a perfect launch pad for Amari to position its quality services and value product line.
India is a key source market for Amari’s network of hotels and resorts in Thailand and brand recognition is very strong. Combined with India’s business buoyancy and burgeoning hospitality industry, this provides us with a compelling business rationale to strategically move ahead in this market.”

With the establishment of this joint venture, Amari will actively pursue its expansion in the Indian metro and tier-II cities with a view to securing management contracts for seven hotels and resorts across the Indian subcontinent within the next 5-7 years.

Henley said: “We are confident that Mandeep’s professional expertise and industry insight will ensure that Amari will move forward in India at the right momentum.”

Lamba said: “I am truly delighted with our coming together and look forward to having a formidable presence in India over the next few years. Amari is synonymous with traditional Thai hospitality and have been a force to reckon with in Thailand for more than four decades. I am equally thrilled that under the stellar leadership of Peter Henley, Amari has chosen to make their international debut in India and I am privileged to be a part of this venture.”

The new 79-room Country Inn & Suites By Carlson SM Tucson City Centre has welcomed its first guests.The 100 per cent non-smoking hotel features the brand’s new interior design package and offers a variety of guest room styles including standard rooms, studio suites, one bedroom suites and Jacuzzi rooms.

Country Inn & Suites, Tucson City Centre, general manager, David Pavlik said: “Our hotel is the first in Tucson to utilize ‘Greywater Innovations,’ a laundry reuse and recycling capability that consumes less water from not only the city, but the entire county.”

Additional Energy Star amenities, including compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) and equipment make the hotel a geo-friendly property. “This hotel is a wonderful addition to our community. We are confident that this recognized brand and lodging concept will help us grow and prosper in the future,” added Pavlik.

Country Inns & Suites features traditional architecture and a sophisticated residential interior design with the brand’s iconic plank lobby flooring, lobby fireplace and front porch. Each hotel welcomes guests with furnishings that blend rich woods and natural earth tones throughout the hotel.

Working alongside Rare architecture & design, Philip Cowan interiors are to make, supply and install curtains, voiles, roller blinds and bed-end throws for the east London refurbishment. The property will offer a range of hotel bedrooms and apartments along with a unique restaurant ‘Viajante’, bar, leisure facilities and conference & banqueting rooms.

The hotel is situated in Patriots Square, Bethnal Green. Besides being the headquarters of the pre-1965 Metropolitan Borough, this was also, for a time, Tower Hamlets town hall, until the borough quasi-decentralised itself in the 1980s.

The Town Hall Hotel & Apartments is due to open later this month.

The Kimberly Hotel has revealed its new roof top lounge, called Upstairs. The bar is more than 900sqm and has 360 degree views with retactable glass ceilings and walls.The floors are heated and there is a main room that will be kept warm in the winter and will be sunny in the summer.

The Upstairs is designed by the AIA award winning New York design firm De-Spec together with The Kimberly Hotel Group.

By taking the newly built express elevator from the street level one is lifted up to an urban oasis thirty stories above Manhattan.

A multi-faceted mirror reflects the surrounding cityscape at every angle. Lighting designer Brian Orter interprets a fresh spin on old Hollywood-glamour by adding vintage theatrical lights and strings of incandescent bulbs that float overhead releasing an intimate mood.

Upstairs’ furnishings were carefully chosen by renowned houses such as B&B Italia, Knoll and Moooi.

In addition to food, the bar will present various cocktails from classic to more sophisticated ones.

Energy-saving solutions are getting more and more important to provide up to date lighting solutions. The future of the lighting sector, belongs, without a doubt, to the LED technology. Baulmann Leuchten, trendsetter in the future lighting market, recognised this a number of years ago and has consistently further developed its know-how over the years.

Now, Baulmann Leuchten is presenting once again a new family of LED reading lights consisting of a floorlamp and a wall-mounted lamp.

Designed by the famous French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon these LED reading lights have already been used to fit out one of the most prestigious hotels between Nice and Monaco, the Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat.

These LED reading lights are equipped with the latest LED technology, using a special flood-light LED with an excellent colour rendering and a warmwhite colour temperature.

With these new LED reading lights, Baulmann Leuchten, in colaboration with Pierre-Yves Rochon, is applying for the prestigious design award ‘Desig Plus’ which will be awarded during the largest architectural exhibition ‘Light & Building’ in April 2010 in Frankfurt.

Signbox has released new signage called Pasamano, an innovative sign element designed by Esteban Marino.The signage is used by installing it on stair hand-rails, making it an unique form of signage.

Manufactured in a micro sandblasted anodised aluminium, information is available by touch in Braille and tactile, allowing a strong contrast between the matt aluminium and the black background.

Pasamano is delivered with a curved shape, and can fit all hand-rails between 35mm and 55mm diameter.

For wall mounting, pasamano is also available in a flat plate version.

ABode hotels, the boutique hotel group, founded by greetings cards entrepreneur, Andrew Brownsword and Michelin-starred chef, Michael Caines MBE, announces aims to double its property portfolio over the next coming years.The group, which opens its sixth property in Chester in April this year, aims to expand to establish a chain of 15 properties in strategic locations across the UK.

ABode’s mission is to provide contemporary, stylish accommodation with a selection of dining choices to suit all budgets.

Selecting towns and city’s renowned for culture and heritage, ABode is one player that is going against the grain and is expanding through recession.

ABode Hotels, managing director, Nick Halliday said: “We believe that the current economic climate presents opportunities for growth. ABode has been well received to the market and doubling our current portfolio will lead to stronger brand awareness as well as increase our presence in key short break destinations.”

Since opening ABode’s first hotels in Exeter and Glasgow in 2005, the company has secured sites to offer guests contemporary luxury in buildings with individual style.

The Canterbury site opened in 2007 followed by Manchester a year later. In 2009, Baby ABode, a twenty one bedroom townhouse in Chelsea, London was opened to provide a base in the capital.

Founder Andrew Brownsword also believes that climate is right for expansion and seeks to benefit from a downturn in the property costs.

Turnover for the ABode group, including Baby ABode has shown steady growth from £12m in 2007 to a turnover of £16m by the end of 2009 and seen the workforce expand to almost 500 staff.

Future potential sites for the group are identified as Salisbury and Oxford as well as a larger venue in London.

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).