Hotel Designs

Small Luxury Hotels Of The World, the boutique hotel group who “don’t believe bigger is better” have unveiled the latest editions to their international portfolio.

Intriguing hotels in Indonesia, Netherlands, Jamaica, Florida, Kenya and Anguilla are now available through the company, who book and manage luxury getaways for an international audience. Here are the best bits from the new additions.

Enjoy the peace and quiet in Indonesia at the Lombok

This new resort on the exclusive Nipah Bay has all the mod cons, including ‘hydro massage’ jacuzzis, but still aims to feel distinctly Indonesian, thanks to local art work and a close connection with the Indonesian people, who work within the hotel directly with guests. Personal butlers are even available. There’s a spa and a “check in ritual” that’s supposed to be immediately relaxing for guests visiting this golden stretch of coast.

Or keep busy in Amsterdam at the TwentySeven Hotel

One of Europe’s culture capitals, Amsterdam’s renaissance is showing no signs of slowing. This boutique stay overlooks key areas, like Dam Square and Royal Palace, but is also very removed from them, due to upholstery with fine detailing which aims to make the hotel feel like a private and secluded home.

The world has been trawled and objects gathered from the farthest points. Carpets are from Nepal, velvet wallpaper is from France, curtains, Italian. But the artwork stays local – made by local people it roots the hotel in Amsterdam.

Be eccentric in Jamaica at The Trident Hotel

The throwback addition to the Small Luxury Hotels Of The World portfolio? Find that in Jamaica. The Trident Hotel has mid-Century detailing and is actually, rather than one big hotel, a collection of 13 oceanfront villas. Retro furniture frames each villa’s very own plunge pool, but there’s a bigger infinity option overlooking the seawater. There’s a seafront spa and oceanfront, open-air dining with cabaret and live jazz – so more than just the furniture is throwback.

Go for style over substance at The Plymouth, Miami Beach

Warholian hedonism combines with Art Moderne design splendour at this historic Miami hotel, designed to echo the 1940s. Staying here is really about doing absolutely nothing more than enjoying the guest’s services. A private beach is connected, there’s large in-room French bathtubs, a very good sushi restaurant and outside dining under the terrace. But the hotel, more than anything else, is a real design statement.

 Get botanical in Kenya at the Hemingways Watamu

Within the Watamu Marine National Park, this hotel has been part of the furniture of the region for a while, although it has just undergone a contemporary redesign, which is luring guests back. Rooms are now more spacious, and the shared communal areas equally generous too, and new larger windows look out onto the Indian Ocean. The beach and luxury spa are both a few minutes’ walk away, as is the opportunity to kite surf, scuba dive or go on safari to the Tsavo or Maasai Mara.

Small Luxury Hotels Of The World insist on an “independently minded” approach to the hotels they manage around the world, and are constantly adding new boutique properties to their database

Playful treehouses and bookable ‘hideaways’ are being added to the Costwolds’ luxury The Fish hotel as a part of its £5 million renovation and expansion plans.

The luxury Cotswolds hideaway is undergoing a Herculean expansion, which rolls out throughout the first half of 2018, with some of the accommodation ready for guests by March, and others by June and July. New accommodation veers from historic rooms in the converted stable of the countryside property, to newly built huts, with modern day amenities, in the middle of nature. All accommodation has been designed to recreate the splendour of gentle British countryside living, just with modern day amenities.

Private baths big enough for two out on the deck

Hideaway Huts have been designed by joining two bespoke Shepherd Huts together. They have underfloor heating, and L-shaped living rooms with a log fire, as well as private baths big enough for two out on the deck, under the stars.

The Fish hotel say treehouses are one of the childhood memories we can take with us into adulthood. These grown up-sized houses immersed within the woodlands of the Cotsworlds are slightly more functional than the Hideaway Huts, with two bedrooms, able to accommodate four in total. Each has its own tree incorporated into the design, rising up through it.

Treehouses are childhood memories we take with us into adulthood

For groups of us to 15 guests, The Farmhouse provides more of a conventionally homely experience, within the comfort of four actual brick walls. Originally the farmer of the land’s private home, the house has views out over the stirring countryside.

Or rest in the Coach House, which has been segmented into a selection of traditionally fitted bedrooms, all with sweeping countryside views.

A new seafood restaurant is to open in March called Hook, led by the hotel’s gourmet chef, Martin Burge. Options to ‘gather’ your own food, or ‘feast’ outdoors, on the decking, will also be available when the hotel re-opens.

The Fish reopens 6 March 2018 and new treehouses are available from May, check website for specific booking dates

The first images of the Grand Central Hotel Belfast have been unveiled ahead of the opening of Belfast’s largest hotel later this year.

The new luxury hotel has been inspired by the Grand Hotel that stood on Belfast’s Royal Avenue, once Ireland’s most glamourous destination and home to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones when they were in town. The Grand Central was a focal point on the city’s social map until its closure in 1971, as growing civil unrest took over the inner-city area of Belfast. The hotel was later demolished in the 1980s after it fell into disrepair.

The hotel’s namesake was home to The Beatles in the 1960s

The newly rebuilt hotel will channel the original Grand Central’s timeless opulence, and sense of style. Statement chandeliers, marble floor and brass detailing nod to the past, while flora and fauna, and lots of open spaces have modernised the design to make the hotel feel lighter and airier.

Flora and fauna, and lots of open spaces, have modernised the design

The 23-storey 300 bedroom property will also feature a number of restaurants and bar options, and the hotel as a whole is expected to produce 150 jobs in Belfast.

Julie Hastings, marketing director of the Hastings Hotels group, said: “We are delighted to report that the building of the Grand Central Hotel is running to schedule and with only four months to go until it opens its doors, we are pleased to share internal impressions of the stunning hotel to give people an idea of what they can look forward to. Inspired by the original Grand Central Hotel on Royal Avenue, the new hotel will blend timeless design, classic service and true style fused with glamour and grandeur – simply beautiful, beautifully simple.

“We are also proud to announce that the restaurant and bar on the first floor is a further nod to Belfast’s maritime history and will be named the Seahorse Bar & Bistro and on the ground floor with entrance off Bedford Street there will be The GC, Grand Café which will be open from 6am until late at night”.

“The hotel will also boast two smaller conference suites, three meeting rooms, the Panorama Lounge for private receptions of up to 100 guests, a range of superbly appointed offices and retail units making it the ideal location for both leisure and business guests.”

Grand Central Hotel Belfast is due to open in June 2018

Trip Advisor have unveiled the results of their Travelers’ Choice Awards, which reward “the very best in travel” and have unveiled Baros in Maldives as the most spectacular and luxurious hotel in the world.

A user’s review on the website describes the hotel as “a real escape”. “We spent the whole week just marveling at the natural beauty. It was possible to believe that nowhere else existed or even mattered,” the reviewer said.

Voted Trip Advisor’s most luxurious hotel

The island’s contemporary accommodation features floor-to-ceiling glass windows to allow in natural light, and villas are crafted using timber and sandstone which make the huts in-keeping with the environment. Each villa has its own private veranda or sun deck.

Baros is a small coral island a twenty minute speedboat ride away from Maldives airport. In utter isolation, guests are met by a sandy beach which circles the entire island, and azure blue oceans.

‘Water villas’ immersed within the ocean

Guests can stay in ‘water villas’ immersed within the ocean, with each their own access to the sea, and some with their own private pools. Or, more traditional villas on the sand with private sun loungers and decks are available.

A spa, gym and luxury restaurant are available on the island. The latter of which serves food caught nearby and day trips to more populated parts of the Maldives are also encouraged, although most guests go for utter removal from life.

Out of the thousands of luxury hotels in the world, the top 5 luxury hotels in the world according to Trip Advisor also featured hotels in Marrakech, Hong Kong, India and Peru.

They are the Riad Kheirredine, Marrakech, The Upper House in Hong Kong, The Oberoi Vanyavilas in Sawai Madhopur, India and Belmond Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco, Peru.

If you’re after design inspiration, London Design Week 2018 is where world-leading creatives and amateur design lovers in equal measure go to be inspired.

London Design Week 2018 boasts hundreds of producers, showrooms and immersive design experiences. It’s the go-to for the inspiration hungry – whether you work in the industry or not. Visitors get, in Design Week’s words, “the inside track on creative thinking”.

120 exhibitors and 600 international brands make cutting-edge design accessible. Pop-up experiences go back-to-back with interactive installations and world exclusive previews of the latest technologies, materials and trends from the world of design.

Talks, demonstrations and workshops

Eminent designers including Martin Brudnizki, Martin Hulbert, Jay Grierson, Lord Snowdon, Sophie Ashby, Hubert Zandberg, Sir Peter Osborne, Susie Atkinson, Peter Mikic, Linda Boronkay, Christopher Jenner, Jo leGleud, Afroditi Krassa, Simon Mitchell of Sybarite, architects Fiona McLean and Mike Stiff and Marianne Cotterill will participate in talks and discussions. Meet the Designer sessions and Designer Close Ups will reveal new projects and insider tips from the best in the business in an intimate exchange.

Original collaborations between designers and tastemakers

Like Christmas windows, but in March, designers and artists are collaborating to create distinct art installations, to be displayed throughout the various rooms. Figureheads from the worlds of art, architecture, decoration, design and fashion will work together to make one-off creations full of “skill, wit and nerve”.

Design trends made couture for the home

A series of interactive events mean guests can learn how to make statement items bespoke for their own homes. Jacaranda Carpets, Siberian Floors, Houlès, Artisans of Devizes’ Q&A sessions, Jacaranda Carpets, Summit Furniture and Topfloor by Esti will all host practical advice sessions on everything from digital marketing of your own brand blog, to ways to enhance fixtures, fittings and furnishings to fit your own needs.

London Design Week 2018 runs 4 – 9 March, with trade preview running until 6th and then public entry thereafter | Register online for complimentary tickets

A historic London office block overlooking Trafalgar Square is being transformed into a new boutique London hotel.

The St Martin’s Place Hotel, a 136 room property, will take inspiration from Art Deco styles, with brass-detailed bar stools in emerald green, and profound, statement arm chairs in bold blue.

The colour palette featured in the initial photos suggests monochrome, with warming golden tints and marble finishes to the communal areas.

A new London hotel with warming golden tints and marble finishes

The five-storey building will also increase in height by one floor. A new sixth floor will boast a rooftop bar, presumably with views over Trafalgar Square, and the fifth floor will be occupied by a new restaurant.

Willmott Dixon Interiors have been on boarded for the design, who are experts in London office building to hotel transformations. Their recent hotel projects include the Dorsett City Hotel near London’s Aldgate station.

A new rooftop bar for London

“This is also another big investment in London as one of the world’s top destinations for visitors and we’re proud to be playing our part in stimulating further growth for our capital,” says managing director of Willmott Dixon Interiors, Graham Shaw.

The building’s transformation is being managed by EPR Architects, who will respect the office block’s heritage by leaving the building’s Post Office unscathed by renovations.

The hotel also adjoins the nearby Grade II Star listed St Martin’s Vicarage, Vestry and School.

Best Effort Ventures chose Willmott Dixon Interiors and EPR Architects for the project.

St Martin’s Place Hotel 7 -8 Martins Place, Charing Cross has no opening date as of yet

  1. Date Change: Hotel Designs Meet Up north

Our most read story of the week gave all the details of our first ever Meet Up North, where hoteliers, hotel suppliers and buyers come together.

  2. ‘Maximalist, revival, nomadic and haven’ are the four interior design trends gathering pace

We wrote about four of the burgeoning interior design trends on our minds right now.

  3. André Fu unveils spectacular rooftop ‘glass pavilions’ at The Berkeley Hotel

The acclaimed designer’s stunning glass pavilions are going to turn even the sternest heads. Truly spectacular architectural feats.

  4. Hotel Designs Meet Up: The London Edition

Our March meet up is fast approaching – here’s all the details if you’d like to join us.

  5. The Libertines to launch their very own hotel in Margate

Pete Doherty and The Libertines stirred up a PR storm this week by revealing they’re launching a hotel with recording studio in British seaside town, Margate.

  6. Mama Shelter bring “popular, sexy and friendly” hotel brand to London

Hip French hotel brand Mama Shelter are finally launching in London, putting an end to a number of years of rumours about a potential opening.

  7. Sleep in the middle of a glacier in this stylish and daring new hotel

Need we say more? This might be an early contender for our hotel of year, 2018. Luxury and comfort where we never thought it possible.

  8. Four Seasons Bengaluru opens in ‘India’s fastest growing city’

The news that the Four Seasons are launching their second property in India, in the country’s emerging tech capital, has pulled in readers from all around the world.

  9. Peter Greenberg reveals the hidden secrets behind the world’s most famous hotels

Award-winning American journalist and personality Peter Greenberg gets under the skin of the world’s best hotels, and reveals the bits you never knew.

  10. Grohe reveals plans to introduce 3D printing

Technology continues to be one of our most-read topics, and here, supplier Grohe outline their plans for a tech-savvy 2018.

Sir Richard Branson’s burgeoning hotel empire is set to land in the UK for the first time, with the arrival of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.

Virgin Hotels is a relatively new premise for the entrepreneur. Although 10 hotels are planned to open, currently only the hotel in Chicago is actively open to the public.

There is no word yet as to the design and style of the hotel – though, Virgin Hotel Chicago is all about fun. It has a functional feel, with a colourful palette which plays around with primary colours. The hotels schedule live gigs, alongside events tied into the local community, and have a friendly and personable service style with an anything goes approach. You can even take your dog.

Sir Richard Branson: “Scotland has always held a special place in my heart”

The Chicago Hotel assumed a historical building, and while respecting its grandness, modernised rooms to make them functional for the busy traveler who craves instant, accessible luxury.

India Buildings on Edinburgh’s Victoria Street is to be transformed into a 225-room luxury hotel, pegged to open in 2020.

Virgin Hotels chief executive Raul Leal explained: “The location is fabulous and we love the fact we had to work round the building… It has charming little spaces, especially the beverage areas. There will be plenty of surprises and delights – little coves and places for privacy, where people can have meetings or dine.

First of its kind in the UK

Sir Richard Branson added: ““Edinburgh is such an iconic city and we’re thrilled to be able to say it will be the home of the first Virgin Hotel in the UK and across Europe.

“My grandparents were from Edinburgh, so Scotland has always held a special place in my heart.”

Further Virgin Hotels are planned to open in Nashville, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Palm Springs, California and New York, Dallas, New Orleans.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is due to open in 2020

Robert De Niro, 74, has his fingers in a lot of pies. Aside from still making films, the budding entrepreneur has been working with the Nobu group to launch hotels and the next will open shortly in Marbella.

De Niro has worked with restaurant and hotel group before, and the style of this opening will be no different. Head chef Nobu Matsuhisa, behind the eponymous brand, will collaborate with De Niro and film producer Meir Teper to launch a Nobu-branded property, the company’s second in Spain.

Nobu Hotels, from a design perspective, have an contemporary industrial feel, with light, airy spaces, but they also aim in some way pay homage to their local environment too.

Naturally the luxury Nobu Hotel Marbella, due in March, will have a strong focus on the Asian-inspired food Nobu are globally famous for, and will be an adults-only set up.

The hotel will be relatively intimate, with 81 rooms. Opening on Marbella’s holidaying destination, the Golden Mile, the hotel has lifestyle elements like a golf course which will keep it open for all four seasons, even when the weather turns.

Talking of the brand’s interest in pairing local cuisine and culture with Nobu’s Asian heritage, general manager of Nobu Marbella explained: “This will be a lifestyle-focused hotel for adults only, with an incredible focus on food and drink, with Chef Nobu’s incredible input. Having spent a week with him in the region, I know he has come up with ways to bring a local Andalusian flavour to the cuisine.”

Further features include a roaming hotel cocktail trolley, DJ sessions and access to neighbouring Hotel Puente Romano, which has its own nightclub and exclusive restaurants.

There’s also a beach club, tennis club, golf course and equestrian centre available for guests.

Nobu’s expanding hotel empire includes properties in London, Ibiza, Malibu, Toronto and Barcelona. The group are set to launch in more destinations in the near future, including Los Cabos, Chicago and Sao Paulo.

Nobu Hotel Marbella launches in March 2018

Highly acclaimed designer André Fu and The Berkeley Hotel have collaborated on stunning rooftop suites at classic London hotel, The Berkeley.

The high-end suites are a part of a much wider modernisation for the historic hotel. Positioned at the top of the building, and both with rooftop access, these contemporary designs are going to turn heads among the capital’s design elite.

Both suites have been created around a glass pavilion, which douses the interiors in plenty of light. Generous terraces surround the suites, and the highly opulent but casual interiors are designed to a muted rock and stone colour palette, with dashes of emerald green and warm terracotta. Scroll down for a full image gallery.

The front entrance and two of the hotel’s social spaces, the Blue Bar and Collins Room, have already been updated for a modern audience who prefer relaxed sophistication to a formal aesthetic.

The glasshouse offers 270 degree views of London

The Crescent Pavilion and Grand Pavilion are two of the hotel’s four suites, following the renovation of The Apartment in 2017, by John Heah, and the Opus Suite, which launched in 2012 and was also designed by André.

Andre Fu explains: “I have always been fascinated with the modernist legacy of the glasshouse and how it brings natural daylight centre stage as part of the overall design. It has been inspiring to work with The Berkeley, and having this unique opportunity to introduce this purist form into two of its luxury suites. My overall aim was to create an effortlessly contemporary space, where relaxed modernity sits alongside what is quintessentially classic British.”

Casual sophistication is André Fu’s stamp

The idea is that the hotel’s ‘Signature Service’ will add to the dramatic feel of the spatially palatial suites. The food of twice-Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wearing can be ordered direct to the room, and an in-room cocktail maker is available on request (cocktail parties on the terrace are possible), along with the rental of things like bespoke Burberry trench coats, and access to a private concierge throughout your stay.

Making outdated interiors feel casually sophisticated is André Fu’s stamp. He’s given lifts to Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, The Upper House in Hong Kong, and The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore.

Positioned on Knightsbridge with Hyde Park views, and within a few minutes’ walk of the area’s shops including Harrods, the two suites are perfectly situated for the best of west London’s luxury spas, shops and dining experiences.

One Crown Place, a new property development in the City of London, has unveiled plans to transform a humble row of six Georgian townhouses into a boutique hotel.

The developers will be keen to ensure the original fixtures and fittings, and the historical look of the properties, will remain at the forefront of the transformation. The buildings, which date to the early 1800s, will be reimagined into a luxury hotel pegged to launch early in 2020.

Interior designers Bowler James Brindley have been appointed to look after the project, and bring the six townhouses into one.

The designers say their company “reflects an English attitude of eccentricity, understatement, quirkiness, and inclusion”.

An English attitude of eccentricity, quirkiness, inclusion…

Bespoke Hotels will operate the new five-storey venture, which will have 41 bedrooms, which will begin at £295 for a one night stay.

Somewhere in the redesign, a 100-cover restaurant and bar will take shape, alongside a members’ club which will likely tie in with the One Crown Place project more widely.

One Crown Place is an emerging hub in the City, with private property in two new towers.

The architects are working to a brief of “imagination and efficiency”

One Crown Place, in the developers’ words, is “a building that challenges the perception of what the City stands for today, radiating confidence from its prismatic silhouette and offering a welcome antidote to ubiquitous concrete and glass towers. Here a new generation of contemporary taste-makers are invited to make their home within sight of the City’s iconic boundaries”.

London and New York-based architects KPF are working to a brief which combines “imagination and efficiency”. As well as securing a distinctly modern look and feel, the design is taking extra care to respect the wider community, by ensuring the towers block little to no natural light to the streets and inhabitants below.

One Crown Place has two property towers designed with prism-like silhouettes, and will repurpose some buildings nearby, including these Georgian townhouses. The project is set for completion in 2020.

After teasing a launch as far back as 2014, French hospitality group Mama Shelter are finally opening one of their hotels in London, which will fuse restaurant and hotel concepts to make one distinct social space.

Aimed at Millennials, the Mama Shelter hotel will overtake the RE Hotel on the outskirts of Shoreditch in east London, and will take on the likes of Generator Hostel, by offering social activities for guests, and an unmissable design-led approach.

Further details about the style of design, the rooms, restaurants or opening date are yet to be unveiled, although the colour schemes and furnishings in other countries are lively, fresh and vibrant.

French designers Dion & Arles are responsible for uniting Mama Shelter’s bar, restaurant and hotel concepts into one social space. There will be ping pong tables for guests’ use, and – unlike at Generator – walk-ins who aren’t staying at the hotel will also be welcome to use the facilities.

Mama Shelter will have a tech-first approach. Apparently, video and photo booths will allow media to be taken in-room and then developed on site, at the hotel, so guests can take away a physical memory from their stay.

At Mama Shelter, the emphasis is truly on socialising 

“The RE Hotel property offers us an exciting opportunity to create a new destination hotel in an emerging and vibrant part of London,” says Jeremie Trigano, chief executive of Mama Shelter.

Mama Shelter currently run ten hotel properties and have a global approach. Hotels are currently in key cities including Los Angeles, Rio, Paris and Prague.

Mama Shelter say: “More than simply rooms or restaurants, Mama Shelter is a living and meeting space, a true urban refuge that’s not just beautiful, modern and lively but also popular, friendly and sexy. Curl up on our sofas and savour our sharing plates, enjoy a drink and relax, you can sleep like a baby… Mama takes care of everything!”

The hotel will join legions of other new openings in the Shoreditch area. They include The Curtain Hotel and Nobu Shoreditch, both of which opened recently, and design-led favourites The Ace Hotel and Hoxton Hotel, which both similarly focus on large, communal foyer areas fit for working, dining and socialising.

There is no opening date yet, but we’ll update when we have further details

You may as well throw your iPhone into the glacier on your way in: there’s no internet or mobile coverage whatsoever at this remote Alaskan hotel in the middle of a glacier.

What there is instead, in abundance, is what the Sheldon family call “comfortable luxury” within “the wildness of Alaska.” The two-storey Sheldon Chalet is 6,000 feet in elevation, and positioned on a nunatak: an exposed piece of rock that’s covered by snow, in the middle of the mountains, in absolute isolation.

The Sheldon Chalet is the result of a dream. The dream of Don and Roberta Sheldon, who in the mid part of last Century questioned whether this unimaginable abyss could ever be inhabited.

Luxury where it was thought impossible

Three generations later and the hotel is due to open next month, in February 2018. Boasting comfort, warmth and luxury where it was thought to be impossible, the stunning property features a light wooden exterior influenced by the ski chalets of mountainous towns, plenty of generous windows and doors to allow the natural light in, and a traditional Alpine feel interior.

The hotel – which is now taking bookings – is positioned only 10 miles from the summit of the mountain of Denali, North America’s highest mountain.

The chalet has five bedrooms, which can accommodate up to ten guests, and can be prepared into single or double beds, depending on occupancy. The Sheldon Chalet is available privately, or to share with other guests, depending on the size of your party.

Taken at surface value, the experience seems to be all about staying in – but the natural landscape nearby is thrillingly untouched. Adventurous souls can go igloo building, night trekking, sledding and crevasse exploring in the local area, where herbs are foraged and served with seafood and Champagne (and other seasonal dishes) by staff back at the chalet. Or, discover untouched hot springs and hike along a ridgeline with a unique perspective and unmatched views of Mount Denali.

The nunatak was the stomping grounds of eponymous ‘bush pilot’ Don Sheldon, and his mapper and explorer confidante Brad Washburn, who spent time here in the middle of last Century, mapping the Alaska Range area. In his lifetime Don pioneered glacier landings, in and around the Denali area.

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru will launch in the Indian tech capital later in 2018. It’s opening with the help and consultation of Indian property developers Embassy ONE. 

Bengaluru – India’s fastest-growing city – is a burgeoning destination for international travelers. The city largely suits business travel, although the surrounding area has great natural landmarks too. The city’s Embassy ONE building, already home to office space and luxury shops, will soon house private accommodation and Four Seasons’ second luxury hotel in India (the first is in Mumbai). Debuting in summer 2018 (no fixed date yet), Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy ONE, and Four Seasons Private Residences Bengaluru at Embassy ONE will be a new major pull for the city.

HKS Architects and Studio u+a are behind the design of the build, and interior designers Yabu Pushelburgh are on board for the look. George Yabu and Glenn Pushelburgh have been working together since the early 1970s. Their experimental design aims to provoke emotional responses, and between them, the duo have designed much-lauded hotels including Four Seasons New York Downtown and Toronto, Waldorf Astoria Beijing, London Edition and St Regis Mexico.

Bengaluru is India’s emerging technology capital

There will be three buildings in total. The South Tower will house the hotel and part of the residences, The North Tower will be entirely private property, and a third reserved for retail and office space.

LW Design Group are behind the look and feel of the restaurants. Three eateries will hold more than 600 covers, and there’ll be 24 hour dining, and an Asian-themed brasserie.

A spa, salon, fitness centre and an innovative ‘outdoor oasis’ will also feature, including butterfly garden and waterfall.

National parks and ancient monuments are nearby

Bengaluru is India’s tech hub. Although, national parks and ancient monuments nearby mean there is a genuine tourist pull to the city too. The hotel, though, will likely encourage guests to stay in and enjoy the luxurious setting.

J.Allen Smith, President and CEO of Four Seasons, explains: “Bengaluru is a very exciting city, in part through the tremendous progress of industry, technology, research and education, with just as much to offer in the way of culture and nightlife… It’s attractive to business and leisure travellers, and with a growing population of more than ten million, is also a significant residential market.”

“India is an incredibly important market for us at Four Seasons, and we have been looking for the right opportunity to expand our presence here. This project is the perfect opportunity to do so, in an ideal location and with our visionary partners at Embassy Group, who are deeply involved and committed to the evolution of this city.”

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts are keeping their finger on the pulse as they enter new and emerging cities. India’s Bengaluru is tipped as a hotly tipped as India’s new destination for work and leisure. The luxury hospitality group have partnered with Embassy Group – India’s leading property developers – to launch this expansive new property.

Hotel Designs is heading north as we bring our famous Meet Up to Manchester!

After a year of change and growth in the hotel industry, from the explosion of Airbnb to serviced apartments and an increased interest in the on-demand culture, it isn’t just London that will see its effect in 2018.

Taking place on July 18, 2018 at King Street Townhouse, Manchester, the northern edition of our Meet Up format is bringing together hoteliers, designers and hospitality industry suppliers to forge valuable professional relationships.

We have chosen the very central King Street Townhouse for our Manchester soiree.  King Street Townhouse, located within the upper King Street Conservation Area of Manchester city centre, is an impressive Italian renaissance building, designed by local architect Edward Salomons and originally built in 1872 for the Manchester Salford Trustees Bank.

If you are a supplier to the hospitality industry looking to meet the top hoteliers and interior designers, contact Jennie Lane on 01992 374098 or on j.lane@forumevents.co.uk – or click here to book your place.

The Hotel Designs summer Meet Up is completely free for hoteliers and interior designers; click here to confirm your attendance.

Who goes on holiday to slum it?

A whole load of people are expected to, now that the first Indian ‘slum hotel’ has opened.

The idea is that foreign visitors to India will be able to experience living in poverty, with a real family, in an ‘authentic’ family house.

The ‘slum hotel’ is now open in Mumbai and a night’s stay costs 2,000 rupees (£22) for one room fit for two people with one single mattress. Guests will share the simple living environment with 50 other members of the community, including the basic toilets.

Guests will share toilets with 50 other families

To the modern traveler the accommodation may seem incredibly budget, but relatively speaking, guests are in luxury. To put the room into context, next door, in the living and kitchen space of the house, Slum Hotel owner Ravi Sansi lives with 16 other members of his family.

Ravi explained to The Guardian that this is a typical way of living for many Indian families.

Ravi insisted slum tourism (where guests visit slums for half an hour or so) is “superficial” and offers none of the “authentic” experience he provides. Slums are, says Ravi, “part of the reality of Mumbai – not the only part, but a part”.

Slums “the reality of Mumbai”

On the Slum Hotel’s Facebook page Ravi explains: “This is a real experience and so are the pictures, not doctored or only shot from the right angles, but made to give you an honest impression of what your stay will be like.”

The Slum Hotel may be the first of many. David Bijl, from the Netherlands who works for the NGO who set the project up, has said other Mumbai locals are interested in taking part in the (very profitable) scheme for locals.

Hotel Designs is heading north as we bring our famous Meet Up to Manchester!

After a year of change and growth in the hotel industry, from the explosion of Airbnb to serviced apartments and an increased interest in the on-demand culture, it isn’t just London that will see its effect in 2018.

Taking place on 18 July 2018 at King Street Townhouse, Manchester, the northern edition of our Meet Up format is bringing together hoteliers, designers and hospitality industry suppliers to forge valuable professional relationships.

We have chosen the very central King Street Townhouse for our Manchester soiree.  King Street Townhouse, located within the upper King Street Conservation Area of Manchester city centre, is an impressive Italian renaissance building, designed by local architect Edward Salomons and originally built in 1872 for the Manchester Salford Trustees Bank.

If you are a supplier to the hospitality industry looking to meet the top hoteliers and interior designers, contact Jennie Lane on 01992 374098 or on j.lane@forumevents.co.uk – or click here to book your place.

The Hotel Designs summer Meet Up is completely free for hoteliers and interior designers; click here to confirm your attendance.

Roca places a huge importance on innovation, design and style and its new Modo collection is the epitome of all three. Modo’s unique quality is that it can be moulded and sculptured into bespoke and individual pieces ready to suit all interior décors. It has been created using Roca’s new and exclusive material SURFEX® – a breakthrough in manufacturing technique and an unprecedented evolution in bathroom design.

SURFEX® is a malleable solid surface material formulated from a combination of minerals and resins, allowing for the creation of shapes that were unthinkable until now. The Modo range offers a complete bathroom suite from basins to freestanding baths, which can be completely bespoke. The SURFEX solution is poured into the production mould, which allows for complex design pieces with no joints and seams. The flexibility of this material allows for complete free reign in creating different shapes and sizes.

Alan Dodds, Managing Director of Roca UK comments, “The level of thought and creativity that has gone into developing the Modo collection is tremendous. Using the innovative SURFEX formulation, defined angles and shapes can be formed that other materials simply couldn’t create. From the design to the finishing touches, the material is really what makes this range stand out.”

Geometric design lines
The SURFEX material creates curves, straight lines and angles with precision. With Round, Soft and Square basin bowl shapes available as standard, customers can choose basin shapes and sizes, tap positions, and additional options such as towel holders and basin countertop skirts. To ensure the design lines are kept clean, the basin overflow is hidden and built-in to Modo basins.

A sustainable solution
The sustainability is at the heart of the Modo collection as it consists of organic and 100% recyclable materials. Any product that is made of SURFEX material can be reprocessed in the future as well as being easily repairable. SURFEX’s special composition makes it possible to preserve the temperature for longer, saving water and energy, as well as using low chemical emissions in the creation process. The material is certified as complying with international standards that guarantee its suitability for interior use, even in the most sensitive areas used by children.

Long-wearing furniture
Modo was designed to be a collection that lasts. It’s high resistance to chemical agents and UV light makes for a long-wearing surface, perfect for a family or communal bathroom. The solid surface offers a pure white finish, with a delicate, soft, matt texture that makes the surface pleasant to touch. Due to its mineral nature and polishing process, SURFEX is also extremely anti-slip, making it safe to use in even humid areas of the bathroom space.

Total hygiene
Because of its robust and smooth nature, every surface is easy to clean. Being virtually fireproof and resistant to extreme environments, any stain can be easily removed from a SURFEX surface, returning it to its original appearance.

For more information visit www.uk.roca.com.

Moxy Hotels, Marriott International’s experiential hotel brand, continues to make its mark on the hospitality scene as it introduces its third property in the UK and second in the British capital.

Following the successful launch of Moxy London Excel, Moxy London Stratford brings the brand’s characteristic vibrant, playful design and approachable service to the fashionable East London scene, offering the style and spirit of a boutique hotel without breaking the bank.

The 294-bedroom is ideally located in booming Stratford, which has benefited from over a decade of regeneration to become one of the city’s best shopping and sporting destinations, having played host to the 2012 London Olympics and being home to one of the largest shopping centres in Europe.  Excellent transport links also provide easy access to London City Airport, St Pancras International, Excel London, and the edgy social scene of nearby Shoreditch, making it a perfect choice for business and leisure travellers alike.

“Our Fun Hunter guests continue to seek inspiration from their travel,” said John Licence, VP Premium and Select brands at Marriott International Europe. “The new Moxy London Stratford will offer guests a cocktail at check-in, spontaneous games in the lively communal spaces, and an energetic crew to bring out the most fun from this vibrant corner of London and give them something to rave about when they return home.”

Welcome #ATTHEMOXY
Moxy’s fun, inclusive and youthful spirit is reflected in the combination of bold design and affordable style where communal engagement is at the centre of the experience. The interiors fuse refined and raw materials, organic and linear lines, and shared spaces. The Moxy experience kicks-off with a bright, airy and buzzing lobby. The contemporary lobby’s modern furniture invites guests to relax, pick up a book from the Moxy library, connect and catch up with friends or retreat to the gym to re-energise by punching the pink Moxy punching bag. Guests of Moxy London Stratford are encouraged to take a selfie in the photo-booth-inspired hotel elevators, complete with props.

Living Room #ATTHEMOXY
Moxy London Stratford’s Living Room is the centre of activity, giving guests fun ways to work and play hard. Sealed concrete floors, walls lined with intriguing art and fun references to local culture including artistic nods to the area’s 2012 Olympics legacy are complemented by ambient lighting and comfortable accents of colour. The Living Room also features abundant power and USB outlets, and furiously fast and free Wi-Fi for ultimate connectivity. A high-energy yet cosy space for gatherings, special events or cocktails, the lounge plays host to eclectic upbeat music.

Stay #ATTHEMOXY
The hotel’s 294 contemporary bedrooms, ranging from Standard to Family size, are outfitted with sound-reducing walls, 42″ LCD flat screen televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi, abundant USB ports, comfortable bedding and deep-seated armchairs in calming, neutral fabrics. Every bedroom makes a statement with a fun floor-to-ceiling art piece. The design is functional, flexible and uncluttered with simple, thoughtful touches including glass shelving and an open storage concept featuring a peg wall for ultimate flexibility when unpacking, in lieu of a traditional closet. Stylish bathrooms feature complimentary Muk toiletries, bright pink hair dryers, power showers and large mirrors alongside a spacious vanity area.

24/7 Dining #ATTHEMOXY
Moxy’s 24/7 B&F (Beverage & Food), smart and fun self-service concept gives guests access to what they want, whenever they want it. The Moxy dining area offers lots of options for food and drink including fresh juices and a coffee bar. Guests can enjoy fresh Panini sandwiches and a range of healthy alternatives from salad to antipasti. An evening Crockpot entrée will be served along with a variety of cocktails, craft beers and specialty wines. The bar is full-service and the hub of activity in the lobby – it also doubles as the hotel’s physical check-in, where guests are greeted with a complimentary ‘Got Moxy’ cocktail upon arrival.

Marriott Rewards #ATTHEMOXY
Moxy guests who are members of the award-winning Marriott Rewards loyalty programme will get exclusive access to even more digital features through the Marriott Mobile app when they book direct, including mobile check-in and check-out, keyless entry and Mobile Requests to make their travel experience seamless. Marriott Rewards members will also earn points for their stay at Moxy Hotels and can redeem for hotel stays across the Marriott Rewards portfolio of brands.

Rates #ATTHEMOXY
Special opening rates at the new Moxy London Stratford begin at £68.

Following the recent openings both Moxy Stratford and Moxy London Excel, the UK is expected to see a further seven Moxy hotels launch by the end of 2018 alone, covering  all four corners of the country with properties in vibrant destinations such as Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Southampton set to offer bold and experiential stays for fun-hunting travellers.

Opening April 2018 in Crete, Abaton Island Resort & Spa provides a personal sanctuary for all its guests. The brand new 5-star resort guarantees an amazing holiday with 152 uniquely designed rooms (71 with pools), ultra-luxurious interior design, fine dining on the water’s edge and exceptional guest service.

The inspiring design, style and grandness of Abaton are apparent on arrival. Marble staircases, fountains of lights and historic architecture frame the entrance. The hotel is designed in such a way it reflects a beautiful maze, each room leads to another and never fails to impress.

However, the feeling and emotion of arriving at Abaton cannot be described in text like its beauty, it has to be portrayed in reality, which is why the hotel decided to mark its opening with a storytelling video, to show guests the reality of how Abaton makes you feel.

Owner George Kaloutsakis said: “Rather than simply showcasing our facilities, we wanted to go the extra mile and take viewers on an emotional journey. We provide a personal sanctuary at Abaton for our guests, which formed the main concept of our video.”

The concept was based on a modern take of the Legend of Ariadne’s Thread. “Guests often want to take a break from the stress of everyday life and Abaton provides a place to unwind, relax and enjoy. We want all our guests to feel their best with us, to explore Abaton and leave feeling refreshed”.

Abaton is already making a name for itself due to its exceptional hospitality and attention to detail in guest relations. Kaloutsakis concludes “We are not a one size fits all approach hotel. Each guest is extremely important to us, we acknowledge their individual needs and go the extra mile so that each visitor can really find their personal sanctuary here at Abaton”.

If you’re looking for a new hot-spot this summer, watch the brand new video from Abaton Island Resort & Spa, book a stay this year and find your personal sanctuary.

Award winning design agency I­‐AM London has launched its second report on its interactive online portal exploring the future of hospitality.

It looks at the key trends that are changing the hotel landscape and the emerging signals that are prompting developments in experience design.

From novel service offerings to immersive worlds, ultra-­‐convenience to reconfigurable buildings, we looked into what things make people feel hosted – and what hotels will look like in the near future.

We started our research by asking people what they really think about the hotel experience. We asked over 500 Millennials across Germany, France and UK everything from pricing to entertainment, Instagram to reservations, and health to pet care. Our insights delved into what people love and hate about the hotel experience, but most importantly – how they want to feel hosted in the future.

The report looked into the top trends of 2017, from flexi-solutions to active stays that offer fitness opportunities for visitors.

You can read the full report on their website for more information.

For many interior designers, keeping expensive lights and shades clean can prove to be a tricky process.

To help combat this, Delightfull has complied a list of tips on how to keep your light fixtures clean and tidy.

Preparation:

Before you start to clean, unplug the light from its power source. Unscrew any articulations and take off any light bulbs.

Iron, aluminium and copper:

The best way to clean lamps that are made of iron, aluminium or copper is by using a clean soft cloth and wipe the lamp clean. Lamps with a solid metal base can also be polished using lemon oil. The best tip is to be careful when wiping the lamp, always using gentle motions.

Brass:

Brass bases are lacquered to prevent tarnishing, which means that using a brass cleaner isn’t usually necessary. To maintain the finish, you can use a clean and soft cloth to wipe your lamp down. This will ensure you will have a shiny and clean lamp at all times.

Lacquered colours:

In order to clean all the colourful parts of your lamp, you should make sure to use a clean and soft white cloth. If you prefer, you can dampen your cloth with a little soapy water, which will help to keep the dust away for longer. You should thoroughly rinse the cloth in clean water and then re-do the whole process to ensure optimum cleaning.

Marble:

For marble lamps, you can again use a clean cloth to wipe away any dust or dirt. You can also opt for a little soapy water for a more intense clean.

For more details check out Delightfull’s blog here.

Hilton is celebrating the opening of Tru by Hilton Las Vegas Airport, marking a number of milestones for the brand including its eighth US hotel, its largest location, and its westernmost property to-date.

Tru by Hilton Las Vegas Airport is located less than three miles from the Vegas Strip, offering access to some of the country’s most exciting restaurants and tourist attractions. With more than 470 hotels in various stages of development, Tru by Hilton has achieved the fastest-growing pipeline in the history of the hospitality industry.

Owned by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, the six-floor, 166-room Tru by Hilton Las Vegas Airport is the largest Tru by Hilton hotel property to-date. Located at 6862 Gilespie Street next to the McCarran International Airport, the hotel offers a 24-hour complimentary shuttle that includes stops at the airport and the Strip. Guests can enjoy a comfortable, spirited and affordable hotel experience with easy access to everything Las Vegas has to offer.

The hotel is also located steps from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) International Training Center (ITC), an incredible, state-of-the-art facility spanning more than one million square feet, also managed by Prism Hotels & Resorts.

Globally recognised as a world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand, Hard Rock International announces plans to expand its portfolio with Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, slated to open 1 October 2018.

As part of the Emboodhoo Lagoon project, the first integrated resort destination in the Maldives, the brand will work in collaboration with Singha Estate Public Company Limited, a leading Thailand-based development company, to provide travellers with the ultimate, family-friendly Maldivian experience.

The highly anticipated property will be located within one of the Maldives’ largest lagoons, Emboodhoo Falhu, a 20-minute speedboat ride from the airport. A convenient destination for flights from Asia, Europe and the Middle East, the integrated resort project will appeal to the rapidly growing niche of medium to upscale tourism, as well as the affluent travellers who typically frequent the nation. The first phase of development consists of a $311.5 million (£232 million) investment that is expected to stimulate tourism, offering visitors a rich combination of world-class offerings such as hotels, entertainment, retail and fine dining. Hard Rock Hotel Maldives will be one of three resorts included in the development, boasting 178 expansive guestrooms, family suites, beach villas and one and two-bedroom overwater villas.

Inspired by local Maldivian culture, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives will infuse contemporary design features with tropical architecture throughout the property, alongside regionally-inspired, authentic music memorabilia. The hotel will provide guests with exclusive brand offerings and amenities, including The Sound of Your Stay® music programme, offering complimentary use of Fender guitars and Crosley record players for in-room jam sessions, as well as a renowned full-service Rock Spa®, a Rock Shop® selling all brand merchandise, Roxity Kids Club® and Teen Spirit® Club. Guests can also treat their taste buds to delectable on-site food and beverage options, ranging from a Pool Bar and all-day dining, to a Beach Grill restaurant and in-villa dining experience.

Just steps from the hotel, guests will enjoy authentic American cuisine amidst the ultimate rock atmosphere at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives. With direct boat transportation from the airport and situated within the Emboodhoo Lagoon development, Hard Rock Cafe Maldives will provide approximately 185 seats both indoors and outdoors while offering diners exclusive beach access, taking dining with a view to a whole new level.

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives will create more than 350 jobs and the entire integrated resort will create an additional 1,250, further stimulating the Maldives community. Through music appreciation and an imaginative environment, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos delivers products for the varied aspects of life – work, play and personal sanctuary.

www.hardrockhotels.com

From hotel openings to product spotlights to everything in between, we collate the top 10 most read stories on Hotel Designs this week…

1. IN CONVERSATION: MARCEL WANDERS – GRAND PORTALS NOUS
Hotel Designs caught up with the charismatic and accomplished artist for a short chat…

2. DESIGNER PROFILE: FRANCESCO ROTA, LEMA
The philosophy behind Italian furniture designers LEMA is the concept of slow living, the harmonious enjoyment of life through beauty. This vision is behind all their bespoke items, and underpins the grace and elegance that flows through their interiors.

3. MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL TO OPEN 40 LUXURY HOTELS IN 2018
Marriott International has reported that it will open almost 40 luxury hotels in 2018, catering to what it calls a new ‘affluent traveller’.

4. AXOR SCOOPS THREE PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS
Hansgrohe has had a great end to 2017 after scooping a hat-trick of awards. Winning three prestigious awards within the bathroom industry…

5. IBIS HOTELS CONTRIBUTING TO CANNING TOWN REGENERATION
Offering unrivalled access to a host of London’s most bustling business and leisure hubs, the new 196-bed ibis London Canning Town hotel delivers style, comfort and affordability to all travellers, in one of the capital’s most exciting emerging locations.

6. KIT KEMP BY WILTON CARPETS RECEIVES ACCLAIM SINCE LAUNCH
The Kit Kemp by Wilton Carpets collection was launched at a glittering event at London’s The Soho Hotel, named the ‘World’s Most Glamorous Hotel’ by Tatler magazine.

7. INTRODUCING THREE NEW LUXURY HOTELS FROM IHG
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies is proud to announce the opening of three new hotels – in Los Angeles, Perth Australia and Singapore.

8. PROJECT SPOTLIGHT: WILDERNESS SAFARIS’ QOROKWE CAMP, BOTSWANA
Wilderness Safaris is delighted to announce the opening of its new Classic Camp, Qorokwe, situated in the private, wildlife-rich 26 180-hectare (64 692-acre) Qorokwe Concession, bordering Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.

9. CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE ON HULL’S EAGERLY-AWAITED £25M HOTEL DEVELOPMENT
Developer Manorcrest Group has announced the completion of the new £25 million DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Ferensway, Hull.

10. SUPERCITY APARTHOTELS MAKES MANCHESTER ACQUISITION
Serviced apartment specialists, Supercity Aparthotels has purchased ‘The Light Aparthotel’ – an 81,000sqft site in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.