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The University of Creative Arts in Farnham prides itself on helping develop some of the best young talent in the Art and Film world.Thought provoking The “Allysa Art Deco Mirror” seems to be in perfect harmony with the elegant statue in the University Gardens; the light seems to ripple off the sharp edge of the cut bevelled glass. Mirrors like…

Following Germany, Israel, Belgium, Hungary and Switzerland, Leonardo Hotels is now also to have a presence in Vienna. The first Leonardo Hotel in Austria has opened its doors: the 4-star Leonardo Hotel Vienna. “By coming to Vienna we’ve been able to add another important European location to our hotel portfolio,” explains Daniel Roger, CEO of Leonardo Hotels Europe. Vienna’s Leonardo…

The Beijing Tourism Group (BTG) and international hotel management group GHM have formalised a joint venture partnership and announced plans to launch an upscale resort concept branded Ahn Luh. The partners, together with a third investor, the Great Ocean Group (GOG), said the group’s first properties will debut in the next two-to-three years. This was announced in March at the…

As part of the economy brand revitalisation strategy announced last September, Accor UK & Ireland is this month launching two new-design hotels within the new ibis brand family. The hotels mark the first openings for the new ibis budget (previously Etap Hotels) and ibis Styles (previously all seasons) brands in London and are clear examples of the Group’s vision and…

The Hotel Roger Williams is reinventing itself with the unveiling of the next generation’s undertaking: The Roger in June of 2012. The repositioning of the hotel property will include a refreshed brand identity, a fully updated food and beverage concept, as well as newly designed guest rooms and public spaces. The rebirth of this iconic Madison Avenue luxury hotel demonstrates…

W Hotels Worldwide has recently announced plans to reinvigorate more than 10 of its hotel properties across North America within the next 18 months. The renovations, which vary by hotel, are slated to include cutting-edge updates to public spaces, new signature bar and restaurant concepts, and stylish revamps to guestrooms, enhancing the W portfolio overall for both its jet set…

Accor started to roll out the new branding for the ibis hotels in the UK with the ibis London Wembley Hotel. Thomas Dubaere, Managing Director, Accor UK and Ireland noted, “Last year, we announced our strategy to revolutionise our economy brand portfolio in order to meet the continuous changes our guests have in their lifestyles and consumption modes. Ibis is…

Luxury hotel brand Fairmont Hotels & Resorts (“Fairmont”) and Manchester Texas Financial Group LLC (MTFG) announce the signing of an agreement for Fairmont to manage a new city center hotel slated to open in 2015. The Fairmont Austin will be located directly east of the Austin Convention Center, at the northeast corner of Cesar Chavez and Red River Streets. The…

The ESTATE Ultra Bar in Chicago, which opened over leap day this year, has undergone a $3 million dollar renovation of the previous space – which was literally falling into the river when acquired. After spending $1.4 million to rebuild the river side structure, whose foundation was sinking into the river, ESTATE put an additional $1.7 million into the space…

Accor reaffirms its position as largest international hotel operator in Asia-Pacific with the opening of the Pullman Gurgaon Central Park, the Group’s 500th hotel in the region. The announcement also marks the debut of the upscale Pullman brand in India.Pullman continues to expand its network in prime business and tourism destinations The Pullman Gurgaon Central Park, which opened in April…

Nestled in the grounds of the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, the Westin Abu Dhabi Hotel is a luxury destination resort and focal point of a community that has been built in and around the sprawling fairways and greens of this championship course. Owned by Abu Dhabi-based development company, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the interiors were designed by the…

Sofitel is pleased to announce the opening of Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, the second Sofitel in Bangkok, in Thailand. This new flagship unveils many of Sofitel’s new luxury French concepts for the first time in South East Asia.With the opening of this hotel, Sofitel is diversifying its offer in this city with a very French signature reflecting the French tradition of…

Clean lines and crisp angles converge to form Linea; bathroom furniture of minimalist design that screams opulent hotel style. Full depth drawers feature concealed ergonomic handles and extra height and generous proportions to offer versatile and organised storage options with numerous layout concepts. Tower units add a further element of luxury and feature six practical display shelves to house all…

Hotel Junior Suites take on a different meaning in NH Hotels with the launch of new concept rooms designed especially for kids. Launching at the Hesperia Lanzarote and tailored especially for younger guests, this new breed of Junior Suites have been created to offer a safe and magical haven filled with fun.Following interviews with families and children staying at the…

Hilton Design Studio Transforms Hotel Design Process while Hilton Valet™ and Hilton Connectivity Station Enhance Guest Experience Hilton Hotels & Resorts has recently launched Hilton Design Studio (HDS), a new cutting-edge online tool that transforms the way in which owners, developers and design firms implement the brand’s forward-thinking design narrative. The brand also continues to build on its evolving design…

Centrally located on London’s vibrant South Bank, the luxury 5 star London Marriott Hotel, County Hall has breathtaking views of many of London’s famous sights, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Palace of Westminster. The view is the envy of many London hotels and now that Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar has opened (April 2012), the hotel can boast…

An award-winning hotel in Chester has recently completed a £400,000 refurbishment on a conceptual bar and restaurant which aims to emulate the pomp and pageantry of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations.The new Jubilee Room and Bar at the Best Western Premier Queen Hotel is an innovative marketing initiative created by the Feathers Hotel Group’s Managing Director, Stuart Hunter, and Preston-based designer…

Great Hotels of the World are pleased to announce the opening of a brand new hotel, Thon Hotel EU, which will officially open on 26 April 2012, following a 24-month development.Thon Hotel EU is a member of Great Hotels of the World’s Premium Collection. This innovative hotel is ideally situated in the heart of the city’s European district and within…

The Four Diamond Swissôtel Chicago has completed the $10 million renovation of its lobby/bar and classic meeting space. Construction began in December 2011. Inspired by the work of the building’s original architect, Harry Weese, Swissôtel Chicago’s renovated lobby has been transformed into a welcoming oasis for guests. The lobby now features a modern design with natural elements and an earth…

Apartment 58 has now opened its doors offering a new global concept and accessible work/socialising space for the creative industry. Apartment 58 aims to offer a high-tech home from home where members can access and use the apartment for both work and play. The Soho apartment can be found at 58 Poland St with an Apartment 58 in Notting Hill…

A new chapter begins at the Sofitel Plaza Hanoi on West Lake as the five-star hotel has officially opened the doors on its refreshed rooms and spaces in a glamorous re-launch party on April 12. The culmination of three stages of renovations, the unveiling marks the hotel’s most significant overhaul since its grand opening in 2001. A who’s who of…

Hospitality design firm GETTYS have recently completed the interior design of the Sheraton Seoul D-Cube City Hotel in the Korean capitalʼs technology centre of Guro. The designers were commissioned by the Daesung Group to design the 269-key full-service hotel for the Daesung D-Cube City project. The development is a cultural, business and shopping hub for the area with a retail…

From the annual analysis of the French hotel supply conducted by MKG Hospitality, on 1st January 2012, France counts less than 18,500 classified hotels for a total number of less than 648,000 rooms. This last figure sees a net loss of 6,400 hotel rooms.The constant shrinkage of the French hotel supply is mainly due to the decrease within the Economy…

Hilton Hotels & Resorts brings eforea: spa at Hilton, its innovative global spa concept, to China today with an opening at Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe. The spa is situated in the Tianhe district of China’s third-largest city, and is the first of two eforea: spa at Hilton locations scheduled to open in China this year. “With more than 90 eforea: spa…

JOI-Design has recently completed the interior design of the first Starwood hotel in the Ukraine. The flagship Four Points by Sheraton Zaporozhye is a stylish new hotel located along the banks of the Dnieper River in one of the Ukraine’s largest cities. The designers’ aim was to honour and interpret the region’s rich heritage through a fresh, contemporary lens fit…

Marriott International, Inc. has announced that the 146-room Courtyard by Marriott located at 1815 Front St. near Duke University and Duke Medical Center in Durham, NC has completed a major renovation. The hotel now features the brand’s new Refreshing Business lobby concept, designed to give travellers the flexibility to work and socialise however they choose while on the road, plus…

Designed to complement its extraordinary beachfront proximity, The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay is an elegantly casual resort that will introduce South China to an elevated dimension of luxury and sophistication. The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort offers 401 guest rooms and suites along with 28 exquisite beachside villas. The contemporary architecture by Brennan Beer Gorman Architects, the St.…

Hilton Hotels & Resorts arrives at John F. Kennedy International Airport with the reflagging and extensive renovation of International JFK Airport Hotel as Hilton New York JFK Airport. The opening marks the return of Hilton Worldwide’s flagship brand to this leading metropolitan airport that serves travellers from around the world. Hilton New York JFK Airport joins Hilton Times Square, Hilton…

Thailand-based hotel management company ONYX Hospitality Group offers two innovative and unique spa brands as part of its strategic growth plans. With each brand catering to very distinct market segments; Breeze Spa is the ‘fun’, mid tier offering whilst Maai Spa will offer exclusive, luxury spa experiences for a discerning, spa-savvy clientele. Stemming from a comprehensive review of the existing…

The anticipation is building for the launch of the latest luxury hotel in Doha as InterContinental Doha The City makes its name public, bringing new perspectives to the city. Set to be a glittering addition to Doha’s hospitality scene, the hotel and residences offer guests a complete “In the Know” experience of the booming capital city of Qatar.InterContinental Doha The…

Following Germany, Israel, Belgium, Hungary and Switzerland, Leonardo Hotels is now also to have a presence in Vienna. In the middle of next year, the Israeli hotel chain will be opening its first Leonardo Hotel in Austria — the 3-star Superior Leonardo Hotel Vienna. “By coming to Vienna we’ve been able to add another important European location to our hotel…

Hilton Worldwide has recently announced continued expansion of eforea: spa at Hilton, its innovative global spa concept. Refined at seven properties owned or managed by Hilton Worldwide since debuting in late 2010, the turnkey spa solution is now available to franchise owners across the Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton and Embassy Suites Hotels brands. Hilton Worldwide leverages its…

ITC Hotels has announced a new addition to its Luxury Collection of Indian hotels – ITC Rajputana, in Jaipur, joins the eight other prestigious hotels inthe Collection. Designed along the lines of a haveli (a traditional Indian mansion), this sprawling redbrick complex, with its split levels, hidden courtyards, manicured gardens, minimalistic lattice work and sumptuous decoration, is a tribute to…

Generally it is thought that chandeliers do not yield to the yacht market. People think they are fragile, not seaworthy and will not withstand salty environments and vibrations. Since the structure of chandeliers is completely different and difficult to ordinary pendant lighting, they require sophisticated engineering in order to protect the fragile crystal parts. However, with some modifications they can…

Bellstar Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to announce the opening of One Wellness & Spa at Solara Resort & Spa. The new wellness facility elevates Bellstar’s flagship luxury Canmore property to the leading wellness destination resort in the Canadian Rockies. Owned and operated by local resident and physiotherapist Hugh Simpson, One Wellness & Spa was founded after Simpson witnessed the…

Bellagio has completed the remodel of all 2,568 rooms in its main tower offering guests a fresh, elegant collection of newly redesigned deluxe accommodations. Each of the three distinct color palettes now available at Bellagio further enhances the AAA Five Diamond guest experience at one of the world’s most iconic resorts. Created by MGM Resorts International Design Group, the new…

With a legacy of pioneering the airport hotel concept in 1959 in San Francisco through the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, parent company Hilton Worldwide recently introduces two dynamic, modern airport hotels that represent the evolving wave of airport properties – Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport and Hilton Frankfurt Airport. Each hotel pairs a sophisticated guest experience including resort-style amenities…

After six months and a 48 million dollar renovation, Marriott Hotels & Resorts iconic property, Frenchman’s Reef Marriott Resort, has officially re-opened its doors. Long considered one of the finest resorts in the U.S. Virgin Islands, visitors have been waiting in anticipation for the property’s grand re-opening, which was marked with a celebration on November 10, 2011, attended by island…

Infused with the DNA of W Hotels, the 296-room Aloft Bangkok-Sukhumvit 11 caters to the modern traveller seeking an eclectic, unique experience. With urban-inspired design, Aloft guestrooms feature loft-like decor with soaring nine-foot ceilings, Aloft’s signature platform beds, oversized showerheads and BlissÓ Spa products. And, to maximize both work and play, each room offers free Wi-Fi and a plug n’…

Super yachts are considered to be by some the 7* star sailing hotels of the sea. The possibility to sail away from the coast and still enjoy the luxury that comes from staying within a top hotel is hugely attractive to this lucrative market. Crystal Caviar´s Yacht division has, within the last year, finished an installation of chandeliers and staircase…

Butlins continues its investment programme with the construction of the £25million Wave Hotel at the Bognor Regis Resort. Due to open in spring 2012, Wave will be the resort’s third hotel, joining Shoreline and Ocean Hotel & Spa. Each has its own identity: Shoreline for younger families; Ocean with its Spa and quirky features; and Wave embracing innovative technology as…

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced the opening of Le Méridien Coimbatore, its newest hotel in India and the 100th Le Méridien hotel globally for the brand. Owned by Appu Hotels Limited, Le Méridien Coimbatore is the first internationally branded five-star hotel in the city.Strategically located, Le Méridien Coimbatore is situated within easy access from Coimbatore Airport…

The latest Jamie’s Italian, the hugely successful award-winning Italian restaurant concept, has recently opened on Threadneedle Street in London. Located in the heart of the financial district, the building is itself rich in banking tradition featuring many original mouth-watering architectural features. The designers, Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS), have made stunning use of the decorative high ceilings, stone columns and…

Hilton Hotels & Resorts has recently announced the opening of Hilton Bogota – Hilton Worldwide’s first managed full-service hotel in Bogota, Colombia. The opening of Hilton Bogota marks the anticipated return of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand to this thriving capital city, and serves as a reminder of Hilton Worldwide’s strategy to expand the portfolio throughout Latin America. It…

January 2012 sees the launch of Jiva Puri, a private home available to rent on the authentic and undeveloped south west coast of Bali. Set on two acres of prime ocean-front land with extensive lawns and tropical gardens the villa is the result of the owner’s 20-year love affair with the island. The location is truly exceptional – set on…

Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Abu Dhabi National Hotels have announced the opening of Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas. The hotel is the first Hyatt-branded property in the UAE capital.The stunning island property reflects Park Hyatt’s authentic and elegant approach to hospitality. In addition to the 306 luxuriously appointed rooms, suites and villas, the hotel also offers a first…

Comments areas generally don’t get a great deal of attention on HotelDesigns. Occasionally a designer will amplify an article but rarely do we get much feedback or comment. The first article was originally an Editorial sent only to subscribers, added here because of a request from ACID to add it to their evidence to a government enquiry into manufacturing and…

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa on Vietnam’s central coast. Conveniently located between Hoi An, a UNESCO world heritage site and the bustling city of Danang, Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa is situated on an immaculate stretch of white sandy beach with views of the ocean and the magnificent Marble Mountains.…

HBA London has recently won and been shortlisted in three awards programmes for hospitality projects created by The Gallery, the salon within the interior design practice which focuses exclusively on high-concept, bespoke schemes for clients seeking to achieve one-of-a-kind guest experiences. SBID International Design Awards 2011 HBA London’s design of the restaurant and cocktail bar Améthyste at the InterContinental Phoenicia…

Hyatt Regency New Orleans, one of the city’s most recognized hotels, proudly re-opens its doors for business. Following a $275 million redesign and revitalization, the hotel now boasts 1,193 all-new, strikingly sophisticated guest rooms, 200,000 square feet of state-of-the-art, flexible event space, expansive food and beverage offerings, and unprecedented service. The re-opening of this landmark hotel, centrally located downtown adjacent…

The St. Regis Tianjin, set to open in October 2011, has unveiled design details of what will be Tianjin’s newest landmark. The St. Regis Tianjin is located in the prestigious Heping District, the financial heart of the city considered the “Jin Men” – or “gateway” – to Northern China. Showcasing architecture by the world-renowned architecture firm of Skidmore Owings and…

Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc. has recently announced the debut of the first St. Regis hotel in Florence with the opening of The St. Regis Florence. The hotel, formerly the Grand Hotel Florence under Starwood’s The Luxury Collection(R) brand, underwent a meticulous 10-month restoration to bring the property back to its historical grandeur and artistic heritage.Originally designed in 1432 by…

Great Hotels of the World are pleased to announce the opening of a brand new hotel – Mantra Samui Resort and Spa on 10 October 2011, following a three and a half year development at a cost of $20 million.Mantra Samui Resort and Spa is a member of Great Hotels of the World Luxury Collection. This five-star property is set…

ITC Hotels is set to open a new 600 room flagship property in the incredible South Indian city of Chennai this November. ITC Grand Chola will offer guests a taste of the grandeur of the Chola dynasty through its luxurious rooms and suites, innovative restaurants and array of leisure and spa experiences, whilst being run on renewable energy in line…

Accor Vacation Club celebrated the 90th Birthday of the Grand Mercure Melbourne, Flinders Lane building by recently completing a multi-million dollar makeover of the hotel. The project is the most ambitious in the history of owners, Accor Vacation Club, who have spent $4.3 million to bring the property back to its glamorous glory, so well known by stars of stage…

Rowsley’s multi-award winning Peak District hotel and restaurant, East Lodge, has numerous accolades and titles to its name, yet the walls at East Lodge keep filling with further certificates and accreditations for excellence. The latest to be added to the already impressive and growing list is the much sought after 5 Star Hygiene Award, awarded by Derbyshire Dales District Council…

The landmark AUD $700 million Hilton Surfers Paradise complex on Queensland’s Gold Coast today officially opened its doors, making it the newest leisure property for Hilton Hotels & Resorts in Australia, and the first Hilton property in the country to offer a combination of guest rooms and holiday residences.Featuring an unprecedented range of accommodation options to suit the needs of…

The opening of Formule 1 Auckland Airport on the 29th August heralded a revolution in New Zealand’s budget hotel sector. The launch of the first new-build Formule 1 in New Zealand is part of a major new accommodation and hospitality complex at the airport that also includes fast-food outlets, a bar, and mobile phone store. The 125 room Formule 1…

The Amon collection created by designer Roberto Garbugli is a sublime encounter between elegance and eclecticism, intending to surprise and enchant. The collection of large scale containers synthesizes manufacturing excellence and stylish glamour thanks to its accurate lines and high quality materials used, which is in line with the philosophy that always distinguishes Tonelli products. This is a company with…

A master plan by Goettsch Partners (GP) has been selected as the winning scheme in the design competition for a prominent site in the new Pazhou district in Guangzhou, China. Three urban parcels form the triangular site, which is planned for seven buildings totaling 428,000 square meters. The client and developer is Poly Real Estate (Group) Co., Ltd., China’s leading…

As a burgeoning contender in the franchise market with two new franchise partners and a reputation for rapidly expanding innovation in new style hospitality – Roomzzz Aparthotel have released their latest figures after 10 months of this financial year that show remarkable growth for the independent brand. Figures are reading a certified 27% growth year on year highlighting a trend…

The organic movement that swept the food industry is manoeuvring into GHM’s spas, property by property, banishing chemically enhanced formulations for the purest, greenest product lines available.Starting this month in Chiang Mai, Thailand, GHM embarks on a spa-by-spa makeover, embracing new organic lines from Voya, Ila and SpaRitual and a green philosophy that deepens the hotel management group’s holistic bona…

New restaurant, bar and F&B offering for Brighton hotel PURE Pop-up Restaurants & Events has announced a new partnership with The Royal York Hotel, Brighton. The collaboration, which will see a new F&B concept in every aspect of the boutique hotel from bespoke conference and banqueting menus and room service, to private dining in the Karaoke pods and a new…