Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Jabal Omar Development Company (JODC), a leading developer in the Middle East, have announced plans for a new Four Seasons hotel in the Holy City of Mecca as part of the Jabal Omar integrated real estate development.
Four Seasons Hotel Mecca will be the company’s second location in Saudi Arabia, joining Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre in offering the most luxurious accommodations and personalised service in the region.
Award-winning architectural firm Foster + Partners was chosen following an international design competition for this prestigious project. Impressive in appearance and deeply thoughtful in its concept, the multi-towered building atop a retail podium cascades down toward the Grand Mosque, seamlessly integrating its public spaces into the Haram. An innovative design allows clear views of the Kaaba from every guest room and suite, each of which will feature one or more private prayer rooms. In total, there will be approximately 375 guest rooms and suites, plus approximately 90 Four Seasons Private Residences.
Additional features of the Hotel include three restaurants and lounges, a ballroom and meeting rooms, and a spa and fitness centre. The Hotel will also offer special facilities and programs for families.
We’re just over two weeks away from the Hotel Designs Christmas Meet Up event, which has already seen some biggest names in the UK hotel and design industries confirm their place for an evening of drinks, canapes and an end-of-year celebration.
And Hotel Designs is delighted to announce Marca Corona as headline sponsor of the event, which takes place on November 8th at Home House in London, from 6pm until 10pm.
Since 1741 Marca Corona has been producing top quality ceramics and has undertaken to spread Made in Italy style worldwide. At the Hotel Designs Christmas Meet Up, Marca Corona Project Division will present 4 brand new collections, just launched at Cersaie 2017, and provide some insights of the wide range of floorings, coverings and mosaics, designed to meet any aesthetical and technical requirement.
“We are extremely proud to attend this international event, next to big names of the hotel and design industries,” says Nick Bicknell, UK Project Division Promoter. “It’s a great opportunity to meet top and emerging UK hoteliers, designers and architects and present Bleecker, Type, Chalk, Maiolica and all our technical solutions,” he added.
If you are a suppliers to the hospitality industry looking to meet top names from both industries, contact Jennie Lane on 01992 374098 or on j.lane@forumevents.co.uk – or click here to book your place.
The Christmas Meet Up is completely free for hoteliers and designers; click here to confirm your attendance.
Marriott is set to make a splash in Seattle this autumn as it brings its bold lifestyle brand, Moxy, to the Emerald City.
Recognised as the West Coast’s first Moxy, Moxy Seattle Downtown is a 146-key boutique hotel slated to open mid-December 2017 in the heart of Seattle’s fast-growing South Lake Union neighbourhood.
Moxy Seattle Downtown will bring to the city a fresh and innovative hotel experience catering to both locals and visitors alike. The dynamic hotel prides itself on a tech-forward guest experience, from mobile check-in and keyless entry, as well as an always-on playful vibe brought to life by a diverse mix of daily, weekly and monthly activations, including a signature happy hour each day.
At the heart of Moxy Seattle is a vibrant lobby built for socialising, complete with a fully stocked bar, as well as 24/7 grab-and-go counter and plug-and-meet areas. Guests will be treated to cozy hotel rooms providing travelers with everything they need.
The hotel’s stylish bedrooms feature an open storage concept, 195 to 205 square feet of expertly curated space, a king size bed, 42-inch wall-hung flat-screen TVs, bathrooms with double rain showers and more.
Lillian Connors is Senior Digital Marketing Strategist at Bizzmark – a hub for business journalists and bloggers – and here she shares her thoughts on how to design the perfect boutique hotel…
The two main features of boutique hotels are luxury and individuality. These are achieved through style, practicality and attention to detail. The style needs to tell the story of the hotel or its owner, and make it one of a kind. Everyone designing a boutique hotel should take the following six advices into account.
Checking in The moment the guests step inside, they need to feel welcome. A pleasant lobby houses a well-designed and well-lit reception desk – it is the heart of the hotel, where both the first and the last impressions are created. If the space allows for it, always incorporate a seating area within the reception lobby. It will become the favourite meeting place for your guests and their friends.
To the guestrooms The lift lobby is another important area to consider, as guest often spend a lot of time there and therefore have an opportunity to inspect the details and décor closer at hand. As the lift lobby is often the busiest area of the hotel, make sure that it is spacious, and that you provide adequate signage. This is also where stunning floor, lighting and wall design can be most effectively used to impress everyone passing through. As this is the showcase area, try to incorporate a special piece of artwork, a unique wall finish or even a piece of vintage furniture from the owner’s personal collection.
Smart corridor design Well-designed corridors are the marriage between style and utility. The access points to mechanical and electrical services should be cleverly incorporated into the design, perhaps hidden behind a large piece of artwork or the wall finish. The floor has to be durable to withstand the constant luggage and housekeeping trolleys being pushed up and down. Muffle the traffic sounds by a fabric backed wall covering or a quality carpet which can also help break up the long corridor feeling. As for the corridor lighting, it needs to be sufficient to take guests to their door, but also low enough to infuse a comfortable ambience.
Full hosting experience In a boutique hotel, guest bedrooms are far more than just places to rest. Rather, they are ultra-personalized multifunctional spaces, where guests can work, dine, relax and sleep. However, no matter how well-designed the room is, if a guest has a sleepless night, there is little chance that they will return. A sturdy and comfortable bed paired with good blackout curtains, soundproofing and a temperature control is the formula for sound sleep. As far as the bathroom is concerned, your guests will expect nothing less than a mini-spa experience within their room. If the location allows, include a feature like an oasis plunge swimming pool, an external shower, or a bath with a splendid view.
Dining and catering One of the traits of boutique hotels that sets them apart from chain or branded hotels is their size. Luxury and large scale rarely go hand in hand, so designers are often challenged to make the dining areas as efficient as possible. By smart utilization of furniture, fixture and equipment, an all-day dining area can be transformed into a breakfast room or a breakout room during a corporate event. If possible, try to incorporate an open buffet counter with a large storage below. This way you can accommodate all kinds of multi-use gatherings.
Checking out You will make your guests happiest if you send them on their way without too much hassle. The checkout needs to be efficient and time saving. On the other hand, this is the last visual memory of the hotel for your guests. You should provide a good luggage storage area in case the guests want to explore the surroundings before they depart.
Whether it’s a quiet sanctuary within a densely populated polis or a secluded place on a remote beach, it is the attention to detail, the quality of workmanship as well as the unmatched service and accommodation that separate a boutique hotel form run-of-the-mill brand names. Use these tips and make your hotel be one of the design-led properties
Lillian believes that the question of business goes far beyond the maximization of profit through different money-grabbing ploys. Instead, she likes to think that ethical principles should be at the core of every commercial venture, paving the way for much more balanced distribution of wealth on a global scale. As a seasoned business consultant, she tends to advise her clients to always focus on sustainability, rather than on some questionable get-rich-fast schemes.
The Lygon Arms, located in Broadway in the heart of the Cotswolds has unveiled the final chapter of its multi-million-pound refurbishment and expansion.
The no-expense-spared transformation of this 16th century coaching inn, honours the building’s charm and heritage, and debuts an enriched guest experience complete with 86 newly designed rooms and suites, a refreshed spa, and the late-summer launch of two new culinary experiences; Lygon Bar & Grill and Lygon Wine Bar.
The redesign of the guest rooms and suites, spearheaded by Anita Rosato Interior Design, beautifully embodies the hotel’s 600-year character and style, while incorporating the contemporary luxuries and technological conveniences that meet the needs of today’s modern luxury traveler. Steeped in traditional British opulence and comfort, each room unveils a unique design, all individually decorated to create eclectic accommodations for families, couples and the solo traveller.
The final renovation brings the total room count of The Lygon Arms to 86, including three one-of-a-kind signature Luxury Suites and six Courtyard Suites, inspired by famed past guests such as King Charles I.
This final chapter includes the newly opened Lygon Bar & Grill and the Lygon Wine Bar; a new restaurant and wine-bar, two of the most sought-after dining destinations in the Cotswolds. The Lygon Bar & Grill concentrates on seasonality and product provenance, while representing the traditional brilliance of British food in a relaxed setting.
The Mediterranean-inspired Lygon Wine Bar boasts a fine selection of European and international wines, complimented by light Italian dishes.
“It is with great pleasure that we debut the final phase of this monumental refurbishment of The Lygon Arms, that unveils an exciting new chapter in the property’s grand history,” says General Manager Graeme Nesbitt. “Our team has worked alongside the best talent to create a vision that celebrates and brings to life the property’s charm and long-standing heritage, and above all, ensures our guest experience is truly memorable.”
As part of the new vision for the hotel, the property opened the luxurious Lygon Spa offering a full range of unique beauty treatments. The hotel’s public areas also have new looks that encompass the relaxation and luxury of the chic Cotswold countryside.
The multiple stories at The Lygon Arms have been woven into the fabric of the new additions, in order to stay true to the hotel’s heritage, whilst ushering in an exciting next chapter built on personal service, passionate management and a luxurious & laid-back atmosphere.
trivago, a leading global hotel metasearch, announces the foundation of trivago Hotel Relations, a new wholly-owned subsidiary that will foster strong direct relationships with independent hotels.
The company will focus on empowering hoteliers around the world to be more competitive online and to drive more direct bookings through their hotel websites.
“With this step we are accelerating our ability to scale an exceptionally skilled international sales force and build stronger ties with hoteliers. It enables us to work even closer with hoteliers and better support them in making their direct marketing successful,” Johannes Thomas, Managing Director and Chief Revenue Officer at trivago NV, said.
He added: “We’ve seen significant success in our hotel direct business over the past two years. At the same time, we learned that scaling a sales organisation requires a different culture, operating mode, and set of talents compared to a technology organisation. We believe that being a dedicated company provides it with the necessary freedom to determine its own identity.”
The different requirements of a tech organisation and those of a sales organisation inspired the decision to set up a dedicated sales subsidiary that can create its own identity, culture, and employer branding: Instead of recruiting engineers, the new company aims to recruit the top sales talents from around the globe.
trivago Hotel Relations, based in Düsseldorf, Germany, will be the entity responsible for trivago’s relationships with over 310,000 hoteliers around the world.
The company starts with over 160 employees from 21 countries and aims to grow its team in 2018. This is intended to accelerate trivago’s efforts in providing travellers with more choices and the option to book direct.
Sekers proudly launches CALYPSO, a new upholstery collection of three textural designs, available in a palette of thirty colours, ranging from earthy neutrals to radiant jewel tones.
Calypso is a versatile collection of woven textures incorporating a variety of yarns including twists, chenilles and bouclés.
Incorporating Aquaclean, an advanced nano technology finish that helps protect the fabric against spills and stains without having to resort to specialist cleaning, Calypso resists the toughest of stains, including red wine and permanent marker.
Supplied with a Crib 5 flame retardant backing and with a Martindale abrasion performance as high as 100,000 rubs, Calypso is perfect for the most demanding upholstery application and the ideal choice for the commercial hospitality, leisure and marine markets.
From hotel openings to product spotlights to everything in between, we collate the top 10 most read stories on Hotel Designs this week…
1. IHS AWARDS WINNERS REVEALED The winners of the Independent Hotel Show Awards, in association with Sky – Independent Hotelier and Outstanding New Hotel – were revealed this week.
2. PARK PLAZA LONDON PARK ROYAL NOW OPEN Upper upscale hotel brand Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts has announced the official opening of the new contemporary hotel Park Plaza London Park Royal.
3. REGISTER NOW FOR THE HOTEL SUMMIT 2018 Places are now open for the Hotel Summit 2018, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary next year, at the Radisson Blu London Stansted on 4th-5th June.
6. HOTEL ST. GEORGE SET TO OPEN IN HELSINKI The first quarter of 2018 will see the opening of Hotel St. George, a property in Helsinki that is setting the bar for a new generation of hoteliers and grand hotels of the future.
7. CHRISTMAS MEET UP: A MONTH TO GO… We’re a month away from the Hotel Designs Christmas Meet Up event, which has already seen some biggest names in the UK hotel and design industries confirm their place for an evening of drinks, canapes and an end-of-year celebration.
9. CANOPY BY HILTON OPENS FIRST US PROPERTY IN WASHINGTON DC Canopy by Hilton, Hilton’s lifestyle hotel brand, Hoffman-Madison Waterfront and Concord Hospitality Enterprises revealed the brand’s first North American property, Canopy by Hilton Washington DC, The Wharf.
NFU Mutual’s Hospitality Recruitment Guide, published this week, has revealed that a skills shortage is one of the key concerns for those in the hospitality and tourism industry – with 45% of the survey’s respondents citing it.
Unsurprisingly, another issue for the industry has been the potential economic instability brought about by Brexit, according to 47% of respondents. When asked about their plans for Brexit, 85% of those who felt Brexit would impact the sector made no comment.
The impact of the National Living Wage was also listed as a key concern particularly for the hotel industry, receiving the votes of 35% of those representing hotels and 23% of the wider hospitality industry.
The guide has been created by NFU Mutual in partnership with the British Hospitality Association (BHA) and Reed Specialist Recruitment in a bid to provide advice to help senior hospitality figures address their concerns about skills shortage by encouraging them to recruit more young people into the industry.
Darren Seward, hospitality sector specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Businesses we are speaking with are stressing the huge importance of EU staff to their operations, with real worry that Brexit will result not only in a smaller pool to recruit from but also skills and talent shortages.
“Some businesses already have plans in place for addressing these challenges – such as working more closely with schools and colleges – but in general, very few businesses appear to have done much planning and preparation for Brexit. While it’s difficult to prepare for an unknown, businesses should at the very least start thinking about how they would manage a changed employment landscape, which is how our Hospitality Recruitment Guide can help.”
Hilton has announced the opening of Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End, the first Hampton by Hilton property in the Scottish capital.
This new hotel is located in the heart of Edinburgh, close to all attractions, shopping and business facilities and within walking distance of Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
Paul Wood, general manager, Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End, said: “It is an honour to open the first Hampton by Hilton in Edinburgh. This is one of Hilton’s fastest growing brands and I cannot wait to see results this hotel will be bring.
“Edinburgh is one of the busiest conference destinations in the UK and is second only to London for attracting international tourist visitors, so we look forward to providing a warm welcome and stay for guests as they explore the charms of Scotland’s capital city,” he added.
Key Features of the hotel: • New build property offering easy access to the city centre • Fully equipped 24-hour fitness centre and 24-hour snack zone • 228 elegant and contemporary rooms with 34 interconnecting rooms
While the United States is usually considered the land of cookie-cutter, chain hotels; if one delves deeper, some real independent and boutique gems can be found across the US. Here are Hotel Designs picks for five to look out for…
Rancho Valencia, Rancho Santa Fe California (MAIN IMAGE) Since its opening in 1989, the award-winning Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa – Southern California’s only Relais & Châteaux property – has garnered a reputation as one of the West’s most sought-after five star resorts. A sanctuary of good living tucked away on 45 acres of lush gardens and olive groves, this Mediterranean-inspired, all-suite property near Del Mar, California completed a $30 million renovation in 2013 including remodeled guest casitas, a brand new restaurant and new bar, and completely remodeled meeting space, as well as major enhancements to The Spa and fitness centre.
Langham Place, New York, Fifth Avenue, New York, NY This hotel has spacious rooms starting at a generous-for–New York 400-square-feet, filled with natural light and supple surfaces. All units are outfitted with walnut furnishings, luxe Duxiana beds, and deep soaking tubs, while the apartment suites each have a full stainless-steel kitchen. The hotel also houses several original paintings by New York City artist Alex Katz—the lobby is a great place to start learning about his work.
Hotel Emma, San Antonio Texas The hotel is named in honor of Emma Koehler, a towering figure in Pearl history. Emma ran the brewery after her husband and Pearl president Otto Koehler died in 1914. She was an ingenious CEO who kept the brewery going during Prohibition by converting operations to dry cleaning and auto repair, and making near beer, ice cream and soda. While other breweries were shutting down, Emma kept her entire workforce employed. She turned over control of the company to a nephew in 1933, but was a formidable presence at the brewery until her death in 1947.
Hotel South Beach, Miami, FL Despite its size, Hotel South Beach feels different to Miami’s normal Mid-Beach vibe. That owes in large part to the recycled and re-purposed natural materials preserved moss, petrified branches, and driftwood lighting that, in the words of Condé Nast, “feels apart from the glitz-and-glam of South Beach excess”…
Ambassador Hotel Tulsa, Autograph Collection In 1929, General Patrick Hurley introduced Oklahoma to its first extended-stay hotel, the Ambassador Hotel. The 10-storEy Mediterranean-style building was designed to provide upscale housing for oil barons and their families while their mansions were being built. The Italian terra cotta ornaments and limestone cornices created a classic design. In 1960, the property transformed into an apartment hotel and later became home to retired seniors before closing entirely in 1987. Ten years later, developer Paul Coury purchased the property, giving it a $5.5 million renovation and bringing the historic structure back to life, thus creating the contemporary boutique hotel it is today.
Upper upscale hotel brand Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts has announced the official opening of the new contemporary hotel Park Plaza London Park Royal.
The 212-room hotel offers fashionable facilities, pop-art style furniture adorning the welcome area and a convenient location close to Wembley.
The refined guest rooms are situated across six floors; 120 modern superior rooms and 92 studio rooms with additional space and sofa beds, making it ideal for families. The stunning new hotel really does offer convenience and a home away from home in west London.
For conferences and events, there are four sophisticated function rooms offering a total of 84 square metres of flexible meeting space. Each meeting room offers natural daylight, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi up to 10MB, air-conditioning and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment.
Richard Clogg, General Manager at Park Plaza London Park Royal comments: “We’re delighted to announce that our first venture in the west London area is now open for business. Our convenient offering brings a contemporary vibe to the area, and the location is not only ideal for guests flying in and out of London Heathrow, but also those wanting to access key major London attractions, sporting events and shows. We are also pleased to be open just in time for key events across the area. From the NFL games this October to international artists gracing the stage at Wembley, we look forward to welcoming fans and guests alike from across the globe”.
Clogg continues: “As London’s tourism industry continues to attract many visitors; we look forward to catering to popular demand while providing exceptional service and creating a memorable experience for all guests.”
The winners of the Independent Hotel Show Awards, in association with Sky – Independent Hotelier and Outstanding New Hotel – were revealed this week.
Paul Bayliss MBE, manager of Carden Park in Cheshire took the Independent Hotelier of the Year crown while Bath-based property No.15 Great Pulteney was given the Outstanding New Hotel of the Year award.
Bayliss MBE told the gathered crowd: “Well done to all the nominees, I am elated to win award. This really is a nice surprise, and a big surprise as I’ve only been in the hotel industry for nine years.”
“Thank you, on behalf of everyone at No. 15 Great Pulteney, we are truly delighted to win the outstanding new hotel award – this is the one we wanted to win,” Jonathan Walker, managing director of No.15 Great Pulteney, said.
Independent Hotelier shortlist: Claire Randall, Lucknam Park Neil & Zoe Kedward Grove of Narbeth, Justin & Charlotte Salisbury Artist Residence Nicholas Dickinson Congham Hall David & Charlotte Reilly Yorebridge House Paul Bayliss MBE Carden Park
Outstanding New Hotel shortlist: The Painswick The Pig at Combe Foxhill Manor No. 15 Great Pulteney King Street Townhouse Brocco on the Park
The largest Holiday Inn Express in Europe has opened in the heart of Cologne, InterContinental Hotels Group has announced, with the Cologne City Centre property.
The newly opened property boasts 323 rooms all featuring the next generation Holiday Inn Express design, balancing home comforts with smart design features.
Guests can enjoy sound absorbing headboards, bedside USB ports and flexible in-room working spaces. Free WiFi and a continental breakfast buffet are also included in the room rate.
Ideally located, the hotel is walking distance to the Old Town or a short U-bahn ride to the famous twin spires of Gothic Cologne Cathedral tower.
Within a short distance of Poststraße and Severinstraße U-bahn stations, as well as the city’s Central railway station. If flying in or out, Cologne Bonn Airport is only 25 minutes’ drive away.
Places are now open for the Hotel Summit 2018, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary next year, at the Radisson Blu London Stansted on 4th-5th June.
A unique event in the hotel and interiors industries, the two-day summit allows hoteliers and suppliers to meet through a carefully-selected itinerary of face-to-face meetings, engage with hot topics in the sector via a full seminar programme as well as forge new connections during numerous networking opportunities.
Sectors in the industry serviced by the Hotel Summit include bathrooms, fixtures & fittings, floors & lighting, furnishings, garden & exterior, spas, security and many more.
As our VIP guest you will, of course, receive full hospitality throughout – including all meals and refreshments, overnight accommodation and an invitation to our gala dinner with entertainment.
Bankside, a design-forward hotel for London, is set to open in September next year on the south bank of the Thames. Just minutes from the City and close to some of the capital’s best loved landmarks – Tate Modern, the National Theatre and Borough Market – the hotel will be opening in one of the trendiest areas of the city.
Bankside blends 161 airy rooms and suites with ‘white cube’ spaces for meetings and events, co-working areas and a relaxed neighbourhood-style restaurant and bar with an outdoor terrace.
The six-storey glass building that houses Bankside is part of the striking One Blackfriars development from award-winning architect Ian Simpson.
Its contemporary exterior lines belie the timeless interiors by film set producer-turned-interiors architect, Dayna Lee of Powerstrip Studios. Here, a mid-century modern aesthetic is balanced by an eclectic mix of bespoke furniture and art that celebrates local craftmanship and heritage. Bankside’s light-filled spaces have been thoughtfully curated to deliver a residential feel.
“We wanted to create a genuine boutique hotel for the modern mindset, with calm rooms and creative public spaces that reflect the vibrant, history-steeped community of SE1,’ states Dayna Lee. “We’ve had fun celebrating the local artistic community including post-kiln pottery drying racks for shelves, kid-leather-covered furnishings conjuring an ‘art school’ experience and punctuating these with lots of luxurious, custom-made features,” she adds.
Sustainability is at the core of Bankside, with in-room power-saving elements, rooftop beehives, an aim of zero waste landfill, sustainably-sourced wood and the use of non-or low-VOC paints throughout.
An inspiring social environment for work and play, Bankside is set to be a new destination for locals and visitors alike.
At Sleep this year (21-22 November 2017), VitrA will be introducing products from world-renowned designers such as Sebastian Conran and Matteo Thun alongside furniture from burgbad, a subsidiary of the Eczacıbaşı Group, and tiles from the company’s own tile division.
Imagined around the concept of ‘Sleeping Beauty’, this year’s display will focus on bathroom accommodation that champions rest, recuperation and relaxation. Suited for all hotel budgets whether refurbishment, new build, off site, budget or grand-luxury specification, highlights on the stand will include the new luxurious Water Jewels bath.
Water Jewels Bath by VitrA
Miniworx Floor Tiles by VitrA
This freestanding 190-by-90cm tub is doubleended and can have a chrome or gold waste. Also on show will be the elegant Outline basins and Suit brassware as well as the Diva 2.0 and Mya furniture ranges from burgbad.
“No matter what kind of hotel or guest house, bathrooms today are about as far from the old basin, pedestal bath and WC as you can get,” comments Margaret Talbot, Marketing Manager of VitrA. “These products are at the luxury end of the market but we offer something to suit every hotel from B&B to five stars. VitrA is very much a dedicated bathroom destination for specifiers and designers as we offer sanitaryware, furniture, accessible products, baths, accessories and brassware as well as the technical knowledge and experience to create stunning bathrooms,” she adds.
The full range will be showcased at the VitrA stand (G17) on 21 and 22 November 2017.
Sekers is pleased to announce the launch of Croft, an adaptable semi plain upholstery with a wool tweed effect.
Croft is available in a versatile palette of 20 shades ranging from rich jewel tones to earthy neutrals reminiscent of the rugged mountains and pristine sandy beaches of Sutherland.
Supplied with a crib 5 flame retardant backing and with a high Martindale abrasion performance of 100,000 rubs, Croft is perfect for the most demanding upholstery applications and is the ideal choice for the contract market, from pubs and hotels to cruise ships, meeting all relevant UK and IMO standards for upholstery.
The niu growth engine is going full speed ahead, with over 35 niu hotels currently planned. One of these exciting projects is the niu Sparrow in Regensburg.
The design for the new hotel of this unique midscale brand is being jointly developed by NOVUM Hospitality and the interior designers Bachhuber Contract GmbH & Co KG.
The niu Sparrow is thus the first hotel of the NOVUM Group to open in Regensburg and offers a perfect starting point for seeing Regensburg, with the railway station, cathedral and city-centre all within walking distance.
The current plan is for guests to be able to check into the 258 rooms from August 2019.
Have you booked your tickets to The Sleep Event yet? Visit the only dedicated event for design, architecture and development of hotels.
GROHE will present a selection of new products and will welcome our customers and guests in the VIP Business Lounge.
Time to Rethink the Definition of “Luxury Hotels” Luxury isn’t what it used to be, at least not for the hotel industry. Traditional concepts of luxury may still have their place in the market but they are increasingly being replaced with new forms, as the tastes, habits and desires of the guests who can afford such properties change. Read more from Matt Turner, Editor-in-Chief at the show’s magazine Sleeper in the GROHE Water Intelligence Enjoyment book.
The Smart Choice – New Smart Control Concealed This innovative technology was developed to provide perfect ease of operation: push the button to start the shower, turn to adjust the water volume, and push again to pause or stop the shower. Perfect for hotel use as the intuitive control of the push button is ideal for the first time user.
You can click here for your free entrance ticket – by pre-registering you will save time getting into the event. At the end of the registration process you will have the additional benefit of entering a draw to win a GROHE Blue Home and GROHE Red.
GROHE VIP Business Lounge (by invitation) and stand G4 opposite the lounge The Sleep Event, 21st – 22nd November, Business Design Centre, London www.thesleepevent.com
The first quarter of 2018 will see the opening of Hotel St. George, a property in Helsinki that is setting the bar for a new generation of hoteliers and grand hotels of the future.
Dating back to the 1840s, and once home to the Finnish Literature Society and the printing house for the first Finnish national newspaper, the building that will house Helsinki”s most hotly anticipated hotel has played a crucial role in Finnish culture.
Hotel St. George features 148 rooms and five suites, and an array of public spaces including a wine room, poetry room, and a winter garden.
Originally designed by renowned Finnish architect Onni Tarjanne, best known for his work on the Finnish National Theatre, the building at Yrjönkatu 13 spans seven floors and is being meticulously restored to its glory days.
Each of the rooms and suites will feature thoughtfully curated furniture and art, all handpicked by Creative Director and Design Hotels™ Original Mirkku Kullberg. Kullberg spent the last 20 years working in fashion and design, most notably as CEO of Finnish furniture company Artek, where she worked for close to a decade. Hotel St. George is Kullberg’s first foray into the hospitality industry.
When the hotel opens its doors in 2018, it will be the first in the Nordic region to offer guests an integrated wellness concept known as Care. This concept encompasses outdoor exercise, seasonal massage treatments, meditation sessions, and detoxification programs—all designed to alleviate stress—as well as use of the hotel’s two saunas and pool.
Complementing the services for physical wellbeing, The Playground is an intimate gym where the customer experience includes new perspectives on wellbeing of the mind, heart, and body. This ethos is continued throughout the hotel through a collaboration with Hintsa Performance, a multidisciplinary philosophy practiced by world-champion athletes to top business executives across the world.
AVANI Gaborone Resort & Casino is celebrating the completion of an extensive renovation, representing an investment of $7.5 million (£5.6 million) by Minor Hotels, the parent company.
All 156 guest rooms and public spaces including the main entrance and porte cochere have been renovated with the aim of introducing AVANI’s signature design hallmarks. The new contemporary design and technological enhancements make for a modern, functional and relaxing experience.
The open plan, design for living lobby blends reception, lounge, eateries and chill out spaces. The interior is spacious and natural light has been used to great effect, allowing for a communal space where guests can relax, meet and eat. The Pantry offers fresh, quick bites for life on the move, comfort food, fresh fruit juices, barista coffees and more.
The Conservatory, located in the centre of the lobby, provides an informal, communal eatery. Design elements include a leafy graphic design wall, ceiling punkah fans, wicker seating and parquet flooring. The menu features sandwiches, hamburgers, salads and pasta dishes and delivers on AVANI’s promise of honest food, using freshly sourced local ingredients as well as naturally raised poultry and sustainable meat and seafood.
The layout of the guest bedrooms and bathrooms has been redesigned to ensure the best use of space. The design is functional, modern and comfortable.
Independent Hotel Show has built up a reputation for offering high-quality, focussed and insightful seminars during the two days of the event. This year’s edition has been no different.
Hotel Designs picks out the highlights from Tuesday and Wednesday’s programme…
UK Independent Hotels This ‘state of the industry’ address featured vital intel on the health of the hospitality sector right now.
Thought Leader Forum George Titlow hosted a panel featuring some of the finest hospitality minds, as they interpreted the over-arching trends from the show’s in-house expert’s landmark presentation.
I’m With the Brands: Partnerships ‘Brand partnerships’ – that’s shrewd hook-ups with other like-minded businesses are an excellent way to accelerate the growth of your brand identity.
The Guest Journey: Stairways to Heaven The ‘guest journey’ refers to your customers’ sensory experience, and its consistent presence during their stay from the satisfying crunch of the gravel on the driveway to the cosy glow of the bedside…
Oh! What a Lovely Brexit! Tourism is one British industry that actually could benefit from the infamous referendum result and with hotel bookings from abroad up, it actually already is.
The New Era of F&B Formal hotel dining is a thing of the past, and while Britain may be leaving the EU cosmopolitan, continental dining habits will thankfully be sticking around.
Instagram 1.01 The hot photo-sharing application is considered the lifestyle sector’s most powerful social media tool. But it can be harder to have a ‘lit feed’ than it first appears…
What makes the ‘perfect hotel bedroom’? New for this year’s show – the Independent Hotel Show is trying to determine exactly that.
Having commissioned a survey of consumers to find out their preferences and tastes, they assigned the design of the perfect hotel bedroom, which is to be presented by Chic Retreats.
Questions in the survey revolved around the design of the room, bedding, lighting, technology and many other factors.
The results formed the basis of a report which dictated the design of the room – being carried out by Harriet Forde Design Studio – and can be seen in person at this year’s show.
Some of Hotel Designs’ clients that contributed and supplied to the project include Hypnos Beds, Vaughan, Chelsom and Hamilton Litestat.
This year’s Independent Hotel Show, the most comprehensive and best loved business event on the market for the luxury, boutique and independent hotel sector, is now open!
With record hotelier attendance in 2016 and 66% of exhibitors already booked into their stands for 2017, the buoyancy of the industry is clear and the organisers are thrilled to provide a means to support this exciting and flourishing sector year on year.
According to the Tourism Alliance, the numbers of international travellers to the UK are rising. A weaker pound will drive an increase in staycations, and now more than ever, hoteliers need to invest in their properties to ensure they keep up with the competition.
Moreover the growth of the number of hotel rooms in the UK shows no sign of slowing. With 11,400 regional and 7,200 London rooms due to be added to the hotel supply chain in 2017 alone, the business opportunities are vast.
Comprised of a curated exhibition of over 300 suppliers, a complimentary programme of educational seminars, multiple networking opportunities and the Independent Hotel Show Awards; the Independent Hotel Show is proven to bring thousands of hoteliers together to share ideas, do business and network.
You can join Hotel Designs at our stand on M5 at this year’s show. . .
2017 has exceeded performance expectations and 2018 is currently on track to be even better for independent hoteliers according to new research from Guestline.
The optimistic view also sees many planning to increase investments in technology and refurbishment throughout their properties to deliver growth in the year ahead.
This is according to research published today by leading global hospitality software provider, Guestline, ahead of this week’s Independent Hotel Show taking place at London’s Olympia. Nearly two thirds (60 per cent) of those surveyed confirmed that they think 2018 will be a better year than 2017.
Almost a quarter of those researched (24 per cent) advised that the year to-date has exceeded expectations, whilst nearly half (45 per cent) felt that 2017 has performed in line with their expectations. Likewise looking ahead to the remainder of the year there is a strong excitement and commitment to developing key areas of hotel operations. This includes refurbishment for over a quarter (27 per cent) and technology both for bookings and property management software (PMS) (20 per cent) and guest technology (13 per cent).
Growing direct guests is a key part of hotelier’s plans for 2018 with nearly half of those researched (47 per cent) identifying it as one of their key challenges for the next 12 months. This is followed by planning for challenges around Brexit and technology (13 per cent each). A focus on staff and attracting talent will also be key for one in ten owners and operators.
Investment looks set to be a key trend as in light of this optimistic view many areas can expect to see a commitment to spend and improve. Bedrooms have been identified as a key area for investment by nearly half of respondents (47 per cent), followed by design and décor (20 per cent) and technology (17 per cent). Over a third (37 per cent) also stated they expected to invest more in technology in 2018 compared to this year, with over three quarters (77 per cent) confirming that having a PMS that is easy to integrate to other software services was essential.
Commenting on the findings, Emma Johnstone, VP business development, Guestline said: “It is exciting for the hospitality sector to see that hoteliers are optimistic about the next 12 months and that the market mood is buoyant. Certainly it is has been an interesting year but the fact that hotel owners and operators are making a firm commitment to investment across all areas of operation, including technology and staff as well as property refurbishments indicates that not only is the sector confident there is also strong potential for growth. The sector continues to evolve apace and we look forward to supporting our existing and potential new clients in navigating their way through this changing landscape so they are equipped with the technology and insight they need to realise this growth.”
Guestline this year celebrates its 25th year of offering accommodation providers revenue-generating solutions, and its technology suite is now relied on by companies in 20 countries across five continents. The company will be showcasing the potential of its market-leading software to the hospitality industry at the Independent Hotel Show (Olympia London, 17-18 October, stand number 63).
Canopy by Hilton, Hilton’s lifestyle hotel brand, Hoffman-Madison Waterfront and Concord Hospitality Enterprises revealed the brand’s first North American property, Canopy by Hilton Washington DC, The Wharf.
Set on the Potomac River, The Wharf is home to some of DC’s most anticipated new restaurants, year-round entertainment and waterfront accommodations.
The property’s 175 guestrooms and rooftop bar and lounge, Whiskey Charlie, are part of Hoffman-Madison Waterfront’s $2.5 billion (£1.8 billion), world-class mixed-use waterfront neighbourhood in south-western Washington DC The Wharf is designed to be the capital city’s destination and waterfront community.
Canopy by Hilton Washington DC, The Wharf is inspired and influenced by its local surroundings. An extension of The Wharf, the new Canopy property offers guests a thoughtfully-curated, locally-inspired experience representative of Washington, D.C.’s newest neighbourhood.
Canopy by Hilton Washington DC, The Wharf offers tiered variations of 175 “Just Right” rooms with sweeping riverfront or city views. Guestrooms are thoughtfully designed for comfort and function with local influences. The distinctive interiors include nautical touches inspired by the history and beauty of the riverfront. Warm grey and beige tones create a relaxing atmosphere along with a splash of orange, Canopy’s signature colour. Guests will also experience contemporary bathrooms with illuminated mirrors and a luxurious shower experience. Other guest amenities include 55” TVs, refrigerated drawers, Nespresso machines and plenty of places to charge tech devices.
Following an extensive renovation that transformed Anantara Angkor Resort into a premier all-suite retreat, the 39-key boutique resort is delighted to unveil Siem Reap’s plushest presidential suites, the Henri Mouhot and Anantara Explorer Suites.
The two-bedroom, 235 square metre Henri Mouhot Suite pays tribute to the French naturalist and explorer who alerted the West to the ruins of Angkor, capital of the ancient Khmer civilisation of Cambodia, in 1860. The suite accommodates up to six guests.
The one-bedroom Anantara Explorer Suite offers 178 square metres of living space inspired by another intrepid explorer, Jim Thompson, and founder of the world renowned Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company. The suite accommodates up to three guests.
Meticulously designed to accommodate the requirements of the most discerning clientele, the two new suites are reminiscent of a Khmer summer home and are the epitome of richness and old world sophistication with imported Thai silk and fabrics overflowing throughout, draping the furniture in bold colours and lustrous appeal.
With ample indoor and outdoor living spaces to comfortably accommodate families or small groups, both suites feature a lounge and bar area complete with a wine humidor; two dining areas; marble bathrooms with double vanity, bathtub and oversized rain shower; dressing room; a private spa room with a Jacuzzi bath tub, deep plunge and massage area; and a plunge pool in an enclosed private garden.
For Thai designers Abacus Design the glamourised bygone era of exhilarating discovery by Western explorers of the largest religious monument in the world during the nineteenth century inspired both suites’ interiors, abiding by the award winning designers’ objective to surprise and delight whilst providing convenient functions with the comfort of home.
In the Henri Mouhot Suite, a beautiful sandstone relief reflects the nearby ruins of Angkor amidst a colonial backdrop of tongue and groove ceilings, while wall panelling with a rectangular motive that is reminiscent of this distinctive feature in the Jim Thompson House in Bangkok separates the master bedroom and lounge in the Anantara Explorer Suite.
In both suites bold colours and luxurious silk and fabrics from the coveted Jim Thompson’s Leo De Janeiro collection unfold – from the ruby coloured abstract Pomare design on the wall coverings to give the spaces a cosy feel; to the intricate Chinese lacquer coloured Ming Ming decoration on the headboards that mirrors the regal, floral motifs that adorn traditional Asian ceramics for an oriental touch; and seat covers in pewter coloured bold Marquise cut velvet fabric for luxurious eye catching beauty.
Luxury airport hotel Sofitel London Gatwick has undergone an extensive refurbishment of all its restaurants and bars. The work, which cost just shy of £1 million, marks the completion of the first phase of a larger refurbishment project at the hotel.
The refurbishment took three months to complete and includes the hotel’s two AA-rosette La Brasserie restaurant, the more informal Le Café, the hotel’s two bars – La Terrasse and Kua bar – plus the executive lounge.
The team at Sofitel London Gatwick worked with Grove Developments and the Group’s Interior Designer, Martin Farrow, to achieve the new look, which features all new interior décor, furniture and fittings in a modern contemporary style. It has also increased the number of restaurants covers 90 to 126. The seven two bedroom suites and the Club Millesime were also refurbished at the same time for a fresh contemporary look.
Globy Ouseph, General Manager, said: “We’re delighted with the results of our refurbishment, which has completely transformed the appearance of our entire food and beverage offering. Grove Developments and Martin Farrow have done a fantastic job and the result has completely exceeded all our expectations.”
Surinder Arora, Founder and Chairman of Arora Group, said: “We are committed to a continuous programme of development across all the hotels within the Arora Group, to ensure that we continue to deliver the very best quality experience for all our guests. The refurbishment at Sofitel London Gatwick has been completed to an exceptionally high standard, and we are thrilled with the result.”
The 4-star Sofitel London Gatwick is uniquely located within Gatwick Airport, directly linked to the North Terminal and minutes away from the South Terminal by Monorail. Conveniently located for business meetings, there are 11 different meeting rooms and 518 bedrooms.
The new BASE bathroom furniture set from Laufen is the essential accompaniment for today’s bathroom. Providing essential storage for day to day items including towels, toiletries and other bathroom utensils, the furniture range helps create an efficient and organised result.
Slim and coordinated to the bathroom ceramics, the new Base range of bathroom furniture offers an ideal solution for every size of bathroom.
Base is designed to offer exceptionally high quality whilst ensuring the range is also excellent value for money. Laufen’s new range gives a timeless, minimalist look, in the best Swiss design tradition.
The six standard finishes available provide the consumer with a range of colour options that embellish and enhance any bathroom design. The light and dark wood veneer finishes bring a natural warmth to the room. Thanks to the three-dimensional wood-like structure, the surfaces have a high-quality finish and give the appearance of real wood.
With impact and scratch resistant surfaces, as well as being splash-proof and easy to clean, they are also suitable for tough everyday use in the family bathroom.
Practicality is a key consideration and the smart internal drawer compartment made of transparent plastic is included in the top drawer of the vanity units, unique to Laufen. The removable tidy feature is ideal for storage in a clear and easily accessible way, and is also easy to remove for cleaning.
The Base range includes vanity units for the Val and Laufen Pro S bathroom collections, together with prefabricated Pro S slim washbasin packs. The vanity units for Laufen’s Pro S and Val washbasins have been fitted with elegant narrow handles in aluminium while the vanity units for the Pro S slim washbasins, are finished flush with the front of the furniture and come without handles to feature softclose drawers.
There are matching medium and tall cabinets available with a matching laundry basket is also available for all versions at 335mm deep. For individual bathroom scenarios Laufen also offers the option of the 335mm-deep single-door tall cabinet in a bespoke width between 250 and 450mm, and up to a maximum height of 1650mm, allowing bathroom planners additional options when planning challenging bathrooms.
Another practical feature is a small, open-sided free-hanging mirror cabinet element with two trays. It brings additional mirror surfaces and further easily-accessible storage space into the bathroom. In addition, there are also four sizes of mirror cabinets available in the Base range, which are coordinated to the washbasin widths, offering an ideal complement and the perfect finishing touch.
From hotel openings to product spotlights to everything in between, we collate the top 10 most read stories on Hotel Designs this week…
1. MINIVIEW: HUB BY PREMIER INN – WESTMINSTER Right in the very heart of any city – London in particular – is probably not the first place one thinks of when ‘affordable accommodation’ is mentioned. But with the opening of Premier Inn’s new, technology-focussed ‘hub’ hotels in the English and Scottish capitals over the last 12 months, that is now a distinct reality.
4. IN CONVERSATION: LEIGH HALL – MANORCREST GROUP Hotel Designs catches up with Leigh Hall, who heads up developer Manorcrest Group. The firm has vast experience in the hotel industry and is currently working on the current DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Hull. We talk to him about the ongoing project, the wider hospitality industry and his experience…
5. H HOTEL LOS ANGELES, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON OPENS Hilton has announced the opening of its newest hotel, the dual-branded Homewood Suites by Hilton Los Angeles International Airport and H Hotel Los Angeles, Curio Collection by Hilton.
6. COMPANY PROFILE: OUTDOOR LIGHTING FROM JALU Hotel Designs editor Daniel Fountain sat down with the founders of the company – Alison Cavey and Juliet Kauffmann – to discuss the company’s origins, the product and their plans for the future…
7. CHRISTMAS MEET UP: A MONTH TO GO… We’re a month away from the Hotel Designs Christmas Meet Up event, which has already seen some biggest names in the UK hotel and design industries confirm their place for an evening of drinks, canapes and an end-of-year celebration.
Award-winning, specialist hospitality bed manufacturer and Royal Warrant holder Hypnos Contract Beds, has launched its innovative Safe&Secure™ Bed Base to deliver practicality, security and space saving solutions for the hospitality industry.
10. LUXURIOUS TWENTYSEVEN HOTEL TO OPEN IN AMSTERDAM One of the Netherlands’ most celebrated hoteliers, Eric Toren, is opening a new luxury boutique hotel in Amsterdam that offers luxury design and services which are unprecedented in The Netherlands.
Sheraton Warsaw Hotel, the flagship hotel for Sheraton Hotels & Resorts in Poland, has revealed its stunning redesign following a renovation of all guest rooms and its Sheraton Club Lounge.
Led by London-based designer Alex Kravetz, the renovation draws on the property’s heritage and prestigious location on the corner of Three Crosses Square overlooking The Ujazdowski Park.
Sheraton Warsaw’s 350 spacious rooms and suites have been beautifully transformed into contemporary, residential spaces that feature elements inspired by high-end residential projects such as multilevel soft lighting, luxurious fabrics and high-quality textures and finishes.
Each room features the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience, with a bed that eliminates pressure points and increases circulation, perfect for recovering after a long flight, an intense workout or scenic walking tour of Warsaw.
Dream Hotel Group has announced plans to debut Unscripted Hotels, its newest lifestyle brand and hospitality concept designed for the progressive, creative traveller, in England by 2020.
The latest hotel signing with London-based Ciel Capital represents a major milestone for Dream Hotel Group, positioning the company as international hospitality innovators and leading the way for new growth in the region.
Setting a new benchmark for hospitality in the West Midlands, Unscripted Birmingham Central Hall will feature 135 beautifully designed guest rooms and five dining and nightlife venues, including a rooftop lounge on the third floor and two restaurants flanking the street level, transforming nearly half a city block into a communal gathering place for hotel guests and Brummies alike.
The boutique hotel is part of a highly-anticipated restoration and redevelopment of the former Methodist Central Hall on the northern end of Corporation Street, opposite the Victoria Law Courts. Designed by architects Ewan Harper & James A. Harper, the three-story, Edwardian red brick and terracotta Grade II*-listed building opened in 1905, and its distinctive tower remains a recognizable part of Birmingham’s city-centre skyline today.
The new Bau and Euro Ceramic collections were premiered at ISH and will be available from November 2017.
Through introducing its first ceramics offerings, GROHE is now able to provide a complete one stop solution for the home owner and specifier when planning a new bathroom. Both collections have been made to match in form and function with a selection of GROHE taps, flush plates and accessories for a complete and visually coordinated beautiful bathroom – all by GROHE.
GROHE Bau Ceramic collection – versatility for a modern life With its soft round shapes, the timeless Bau Ceramic collection fits harmoniously into any bathroom setting. Its understated design makes it the perfect choice for both residential and public buildings, such as hotels. The basin collection comprises of three wall-hung basins in widths of 55cm, 60cm and 65cm and a hand rinse basin that is 45cm wide. A pedestal and semi pedestal are available to cover the water and waste pipe work. The collection also has built-in basins that can be dropped in or built in from under the counter. For WCs, the collection offers a broad range of products that are both rimless and timeless. In addition to a wall-hung, wash-down WC, there is a floor-standing version with a horizontal or vertical outlet. WC seats with optional soft-closing covers complete the series. The Bau Ceramic urinals come with a concealed inlet/outlet or top inlet. The range also includes a wall-hung bidet as well as a floor-standing model. The comprehensive range is supplemented by coordinating GROHE Bau Cosmopolitan accessories, such as soap dispensers and towel rails, to ensure a perfectly matching design.
GROHE Euro Ceramic collection- elegance for the contemporary bathroom In addition to Bau Ceramic, GROHE will also launch the Euro Ceramic collection to fit the matching GROHE portfolio. Euro Ceramic encapsulates contemporary style to create a modern bathroom that can be enjoyed for years to come. The bathroom ceramics coordinate effortlessly with the mixers and fittings in GROHE’s Eurosmart and Eurostyle lines, as well as with Eurosmart Cosmopolitan and Eurostyle Cosmopolitan. The range development was centred around the sophisticated toilet bowls, which possess a number of unique properties including rimless flushing technology, invisible fastenings plus the super hygienic ProGuard finish, to set them apart from the competition. In addition, they feature the innovative HyperClean surface, which uses silver ions to reduce bacteria growth by up to 99 percent. The biggest advantage of the Euro Ceramics bowl is its Triple Vortex flushing technology. This uses three separate outlets to generate a powerful swirl to flush the inside of the bowl both more effectively and with less noise compared to a conventional bowl. It is benefits like these which make Euro Ceramics the ideal complement to a modern lifestyle.
The collection also features four styles of basin including wall hung, countertop and under counter basins for design flexibility. In addition, the Euro Ceramic range includes wall hung and floor standing toilets and bidets. The customer also has the option to upgrade to a basin or toilet which comes with GROHE’s hygiene coating combining ProGuard with HyperClean technology.
Perfect matches for the bathroom Every ceramic and tap combination has been tested by experts. GROHE ceramics can be combined with GROHE taps and WC flush plates to complete the look, promising the highest level of comfort without splashing. Installation has been kept simple and the product reliable thanks to a five-year consumer guarantee on the GROHE ceramic for peace of mind. All GROHE ceramic products provide business partners with added value and simplify the choices and design options for the bathroom. As a supplier of complete bathroom ranges, GROHE can now offer the perfect combination of form and function in bathroom design for consumers through to project planners. In particular, partners who wish to fulfill their clients’ requests with perfect match solutions from one supplier will benefit from this.
Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, the latest addition to the Conrad Hotels & Resorts growing hotel portfolio, opened its doors on 10th October 2017. As the second Conrad property to open in Florida, Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach is enhancing their Gold Coast presence with the opening of the 290 all-suite oceanfront resort, situated on Fort Lauderdale’s exclusive North Beach.
The Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach oasis offers four dining and bar experiences, full-service spa – featuring a couples massage room and separate men and women steam rooms, fitness centre with state-of-the-art equipment, abundant event space and an awe-inspiring 20,000-sq. ft. ocean facing pool deck.
Destination Meets Design As a one-of-a-kind resort that mirrors the transcendent nature of Fort Lauderdale, known as the yachting capital of the world, the waterfront haven pays homage to the city’s celebrated waterways. Designed by the late renowned architect, Michael Graves, who’s known for iconic postmodern architecture, Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach was inspired by the golden area of high-end cruise lines. The nautical décor reflected in the coastal suites, complements the balconies that overlook the Atlantic Ocean or Intracoastal Waterways, galley kitchens, 50” HDTVs and more.
Other amenities and services at the first-class resort include Fort Lauderdale’s only 20,000-sq. ft. pool deck; signature Conrad 1/3/5 destination itineraries, which immerses visitors into the local culture; art; 4,000-sq. ft. Conrad Spa; library; around-the-clock concierge service; heated fresh-water pool; whirlpools; fire pit; cabanas; and artisanal libations and cuisine.
With 10,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and 10,000 sq. ft. of oceanfront outdoor space, Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach can accommodate up to 500 attendees. Highlights include the 4,524-sq. ft. Ocean Ballroom, outdoor Ocean Terrace, ten meeting rooms and event spaces, private conference facility entrance, state-of-the-art technology and a dedicated meeting concierge.
The countdown to the re-launch of The White Horse in Dorking is on, Bespoke Hotels is delighted to reveal. Set to re-open in late 2017, the historic Coaching Inn in the heart of Dorking will reveal its new dining concept, The Dozen, alongside expanded accommodation as part of a £4 million investment by Bespoke Hotels.
A first for Dorking, The Dozen will offer a stylish all-day dining space. Designed by Squid Inc, creators of Manchester’s trendy 5-star Hotel Gotham, the hotel’s new Dozen concept will combine homely touches with contemporary charm, in keeping with the hotel’s long-standing history as one of the UK’s oldest coaching inns. The adaptable space can also be used for private dining, meetings and events.
Following the re-opening of the White Horse, guests will also be able to enjoy a fresh new look across the hotel’s 56 bedrooms and suites, with room types ranging from cosy, spacious and indulgent rooms to decedent one-bedroom suites for maximum pampering, all of which are being beautifully enhanced to breathe new life into this historic hotel, combining style and substance with affordability.
The White Horse is within quick and easy reach of London, as well as being conveniently located for business travellers, with Gatwick Airport nearby. Local attractions include Denbies & Albury Vineyards, Wisley Gardens, Hampton Court Palace and much more.
Hilton has announced the opening of its newest hotel, the dual-branded Homewood Suites by Hilton Los Angeles International Airport and H Hotel Los Angeles, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Located less than a mile from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the new hotel brings 290 rooms to the City of Angels, and provides a great new lodging option for the more than 40 million leisure and business travellers that come through what is considered one of the country’s busiest airports.
The property is the first hotel in Los Angeles for both brands, Homewood Suites’ fourth in Los Angeles County. The opening also adds to the growing number of multi-brand hotels Hilton currently has open or in the pipeline throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe and the Middle East.
The dual-brand concept creates larger and enhanced communal areas and amenities than what would be standard at a standalone property, benefiting both business and leisure travelers. The hotel has a mix of unique offerings – each catering to the needs of their respective guests – including two distinct 24-hour fitness centres, a shared outdoor pool. The hotel also offers 1,800 square feet of flexible meeting space.
H Hotel Los Angeles will provide high-end accommodations that currently do not exist at LAX Airport. Guests are greeted in the lobby by eight pieces of art that were specifically commissioned for the hotel, as well as guest room amenities not found elsewhere at the airport, including Nespresso machines, Temple Spa bath amenities, and Google Chromecast on every TV.
Fairfield by Marriott, Marriott International’s second largest brand, is celebrating its 30th anniversary year by honouring the brand’s heritage that was born at the Fairfield Farm, unveiling a new brand design and launching a global social responsibility initiative.
Fairfield by Marriott, one of the hospitality industry’s fastest-growing brands with nearly 900 locations worldwide, first took root at the Fairfield Farm – a Hume, Virginia ranch purchased by J.W. and Alice Marriott in 1951. Fairfield Farm, nestled amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Rappahannock River, served as a retreat from the everyday chaos where the Marriott family perfected their art of hosting – they hosted friends, business associates, and dignitaries alike (including US presidents Eisenhower and Reagan) – and seeded the inspiration for the brand’s founding in 1987.
Like its namesake, the brand was founded to provide a calm and seamless stay for all types of travelers. Soon, a legacy of trusted service and family treatment was established, along with the Fairfield 100% Guarantee service philosophy, which is proudly upheld by the brand’s more than 3,000 associates worldwide today.
To honour the brand’s heritage, while recognising its rapid global growth, Fairfield by Marriott is announcing a milestone month centered around the brand’s new design. Paying homage to the brand’s origins at the Fairfield Farm, Fairfield is introducing a new brand design. The new décor package is warm, timeless, forward-thinking, and inviting with simple nods back to the brand’s heritage.
Specific elements meant to evoke feelings from the Fairfield Farm include a farmhouse table in the lobby for gathering and connecting, photography from the Fairfield Farm serving as artwork in the lobby and guest rooms, natural materials and unique textures featured throughout, and a history wall in every property showcasing the brand’s roots. The new design launches this November and will be on display in properties this autumn, like one of the brand’s newest properties, opening outside of Boston this November.
The BCFA Open series continued last week on 4th and 5th October with its second Manchester Open hosted at the iconic Museum of Science & Industry.
Held on the second floor of the Museum, in a light and airy space, this exhibition gave you the opportunity to meet and catch up with 27 BCFA Members based in the north and see their latest and best contract furnishing products.
Style Library Stand – BCFA Open
A small but quality event meant that you were really able to talk to the exhibitors. Some of the stands that really stood out were Maine who showcased some amazing rust-effect cabinets; Johnson Tiles whose simple yet elegant stand showed off their products beautifully; and Tektura Wallcoverings who had a monochrome and bold geometric theme for their stand.
The first day was concluded with a ‘In Conversation With’ discussion which was led by Tonje Odegard from SPACE magazine who discussed the hospitality market with Founder and Creative Director of NoChintz, Lucy Goddard.
BCFA Open – Manchester – Johnson Tiles
They touched on the importance of ‘Instagram-ability’ of a space today, discussing how the smaller details are important and how the end-user really appreciates them. They also went on to discuss new hotel concepts that we are increasingly seeing pop up including a trend towards the ‘new-age’ style like, forest retreats or yoga inspired hotels.
Following the discussion guests and exhibitors could enjoy a well-deserved drink and were treated to a selection of tasty nibbles and canapes. Throughout both days there was also a chance to get your hands-dirty and get involved with some creative workshops. These included the return of the wonderful Patternistas who held their pattern-making workshop. You could also practice your print-making techniques with Sheffield-based artist Samantha Groom.
Hotel Designs catches up with Leigh Hall, who heads up developer Manorcrest Group. The firm has vast experience in the hotel industry and is currently working on the current DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Hull. We talk to him about the ongoing project, the wider hospitality industry and his experience…
Hotel Designs: How many years of experience do you have as a developer? Leigh Hall: I have been a developer for over 30 years now.
HD: How many years of experience does Manorcrest Group have working in the commercial sector/ on hotels? LH: My business partner, Dean Wann, and I started our company in 1998 by building residential homes. We later moved into caravan parks and the commercial sector. We have been working on hotels for over 10 years now, we have a real passion for delivering quality brands that will add to the culture of the local community
HD: Can you name some of the hotel brands Manorcrest Group has worked on? LH: We have and are working on a fantastic range of hotels in areas such as Lincoln, Hull, Grimsby and more. The brands include the DoubleTree by Hilton and Holiday Inn Express.
HD: You are currently constructing the DoubleTree by Hilton Hull hotel, can you give us any updates on its progress so far? LH: The DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Hull will have 165 rooms and features a 1,000 sq m ballroom for large conferences and events – the biggest in the region by far. Regarding the progress of the hotel, the bedroom pods have been successfully delivered from China and installed by our highly experienced team, and the construction is on track for completion later this year, a great addition for the City of Culture.
HD: What other hotels are you working on at the moment? LH: We are working on a major extension to the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Lincoln, which will introduce a further 47 bedrooms, 35 parking spaces and additional conference facilities. The 4000 sq m extension is now 70% complete. We are also considering sites in Sheffield and other cities.
HD: Are there any other interesting projects you are due to work on in the future within the hotel sector? LH: We’re looking into the possibility of another hotel site in Sheffield as we can see a clear gap in the market there and we’d like to introduce a 24-hour service hotel. We have ambitious growth plans to build and open a further four hotels in the next five years across the UK.
HD: What do you like about working in this sector/ delivering hotels? LH: Hotels are exciting places to be and it is a fast paced and ever-changing industry. I enjoy seeing the hotel developments grow from the planning stages through to completion. As developers, we believe it is important to deliver innovative schemes which integrate well into the local community. It is also very satisfying to be able to support and contribute to local economies, as hotels inevitably provide jobs and we take great joy in using local suppliers throughout the construction process. Hotels are not just for tourists and commuters, we try to create destinations that local people want to use, we encourage people to visit our hotels and enjoy the facilities, such as the bar and restaurants on a regular basis. We work with blue-chip brands who are constantly innovating and more than ever we see there is a great appetite and demand for well executed hotels across the country.
HD: You also work on residential developments, are there any challenges with leisure compared to residential? LH: There are so many elements to consider when developing a hotel. Residential developments are a lot more straight forward, whereas for a hotel you are working on a much larger scale scheme with hundreds of bedrooms, bars, restaurants, spa facilities, parking and so on, which all must be taken into consideration. It is both rewarding and challenging to run a development and construction company, Dean and I oversee each site keeps us very busy.
HD: Has there been an increase in demand for hotels? If so why do you think this is? LH: The hotel sector is a growth story and we have plans to develop four more hotels in the next five years. There has been a boost in tourism in many cities and we have found that smaller cities such as Lincoln for example, have a high demand and need for more beds. Several years ago, people only stayed in hotels due to necessity because of work/ their commuting needs, but there has been a boost in leisure travellers who go to high-quality hotels for a getaway and to enjoy luxury. Even with the results of Brexit I don’t see this impacting the hotel industry in the next few years.
HD: Can you provide a figure for how much you are investing into developing hotels currently if possible? LH: We are investing £35 million into the hotel sector throughout 2017.
Tapestry Collection by Hilton continues to expand with the signing of the distinguished The Graham Georgetown, in Washington DC, slated to join the collection in early 2018.
With stunning rooftop views across the Georgetown neighbourhood and its picturesque waterfront, the seven-story Federalist building is home to 57 guest rooms, including 32 one-bedroom suites with generous living space. As part of Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a growing portfolio of original upscale hotels, The Graham will continue to celebrate its authentic spirit while offering guests an independent hotel stay backed by the value and reassurance of the Hilton name and its award-winning Hilton Honors program.
“In our pursuit to offer guests the best of both worlds – through hotels that are as unique as they are reliable – The Graham truly embodies the travel experience we are committed to delivering,” said Mark Nogal, global head, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. “With its rich background, distinct personality and historic location, we look forward to welcoming this charming, local property to our collection in the back yard of Hilton’s headquarters next year.”
Originally opened in 1962 as the Monticello, the hotel’s discreet brick façade with Colonial-inspired sash-over-sash windows fits beautifully into the traditional architecture found throughout the prestigious Georgetown neighbuorhood. The property takes its name from renowned inventor Alexander Graham Bell, who pioneered countless inventions, including the telephone, just minutes away from the hotel at the famous Volta Laboratory and Workshop.
To take in the historic locale, request the Frank Sinatra Suite, named after the rumored regular, featuring a 200-square-foot outdoor deck overlooking the surrounding area. From the roof down to its chic lobby, the hotel carries a look that is distinctly contemporary with a fresh color palate of earthy grays, cool blues and crisp whites, reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour.
The Graham will remain open as usual during its transition process. Renovations will include updated furnishings to select areas of the hotel’s public spaces, new finishes to the lobby and an enhanced check-in and concierge experience.
AVANI Hotels & Resorts will debut in North Africa with two new properties in Tunisia, in partnership with Groupe Chaabane. Scheduled to open in the coming months, AVANI Les Berges Du Lac Tunis Suites will be located in Les Berges du Lac II, a prime commercial, residential and diplomatic area in the Tunisian Capital.
The 41-key property will offer exclusive serviced apartment accommodation options ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments and lofts, catering to corporate and extended-stay demand. There will also be an all-day dining restaurant and a health club with a gym, two spa treatment rooms, sauna and steam rooms, and an indoor swimming pool.
In addition and currently in its design phase, AVANI Gammarth Tunis Resort & Spa is expected to open in 2021 and will offer 250 keys in a prime beachfront location. The new upscale hotel will offer 232 rooms and 18 private beach villas, five food & beverage outlets including a destination beach club, meeting space including a 1,000-square-metre ballroom, a health club and AVANI Spa, in addition to two swimming pools and a kid’s club.
Launched by Minor Hotels in 2011, AVANI Hotels & Resorts is an upscale, contemporary brand appealing to millennial minded travellers who appreciate quality and value. AVANI currently has 18 properties in operation in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Seychelles, Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia and the UAE, with the brand most recently launching in Europe in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon.
We’re a month away from the Hotel Designs Christmas Meet Up event, which has already seen some biggest names in the UK hotel and design industries confirm their place for an evening of drinks, canapes and an end-of-year celebration.
Embrace the spirit of the holidays a little early this year and join us all at Hotel Designs as we usher in the end of the year with a bang at Home House in Marylebone, London on 8th November 2017 from 6-10pm.
The attendee list is filling up, with some fantastic representatives from across the hotel and design industry making an appearance. Last month we announced Marriott International, Shangri-La at The Shard, Rosewood London, York & Albany Hotel and The Wellesley Knightsbridge. We are now pleased to announce Bermondsey Square Hotel, InterContinental, The Montcalm and The Montague on the Gardens Hotel will also be in attendance.
Attendees from firms in the design industry already confirmed to attend included Twenty2Degrees, Areen Design, Atelier Lux and inD Creations. We can now announce Design Clarity, Milan Babic Architects, Harrier Forde Design, Hendry Associates Architects and ReardonSmith.
If you are a suppliers to the hospitality industry looking to meet top names from both industries, contact Jennie Lane on 01992 374098 or on j.lane@forumevents.co.uk – or click here to book your place.
The Christmas Meet Up is completely free for hoteliers and designers; click here to confirm your attendance.
Just once a year, Chelsom sell hundreds of top quality, perfect condition pieces at discontinued clearance prices.
Set to be held at Heritage House on Clifton Road, Blackpool on 9th November, buyers can visit Chelsom on the day or contact on the details below for more details.
DO YOU HAVE 40 GUESTROOMS TO FINISH WITH A FEATURE DESK LAMP? DL/10/PN USUAL TRADE PRICE: £146 SALE PRICE: £49
DO YOU HAVE 80 GUESTROOMS WHICH NEED LED BEDSIDE READING LIGHTS? LED/5750/BN/SW USUAL TRADE PRICE: £59.00 SALE PRICE: £19.00
DO YOU NEED TO REFRESH 250 BATHROOMS? BW/5/L USUAL TRADE PRICE: £102.00 SALE PRICE: £39.00
NEED 100 BEDSIDE TABLE LAMPS?
CG/1321
USUAL TRADE PRICE: £69.00
SALE PRICE: £24.00
NEED TWO SPECIAL LAMPS TO FINISH A RECEPTION?
RE/3/DL2
USUAL TRADE PRICE: £249.00
SALE PRICE: £96.00
The architectural firm Bost Interior Design has received a 2017 Iconic Award during the recent Expo Real Trade Fair in Munich.
The prize was awarded in the “Interior” category to recognise the design the company had produced for the renovations that have taken place at the Steigenberger Hotel Bad Homburg.
Every year the German Design Council, a body instigated by the Federal Parliament, honours visionary architecture, innovative products and sustainable communication achievements. Every branch of architecture, construction, property and manufacturing industry is eligible for consideration. The Iconic Award is conferred in five main categories. Evaluation criteria include quality of form, aesthetics, material and design.
The Steigenberger Hotel Bad Homburg has undergone complete modernisation and regeneration over the past 18 months. The first stage of the works involved renovation of all 174 rooms and suites, and this was followed by a redevelopment of the facade and public areas.
Architect Tassilo Bost stated: “In the 1920s, the Steigenberger Hotel Bad Homburg was known as the ‘Ritters Parkhotel’. It was a highly prestigious establishment which enjoyed an international reputation. The idea behind the concept for the entire expanse of the public areas was to create a link to the aura exuded by classical grand hotels from the beginning of the twentieth century and to showcase this style whilst also incorporating design components from the modern age.”
COO Thomas Willms was on hand to represent Deutsche Hospitality, and he also expressed his delight at the award. “We get regular positive feedback from large numbers of guests regarding the new appearance of the Steigenberger Hotel Bad Homburg. We are proud that architectural experts have declared their recognition in the form of such an accolade,” he said.
A total of €11 million (£9.8 million) was made available for the renovations at the Steigenberger Hotel Bad Homburg, and the project was jointly funded by the owning company Art-Invest Real Estate and Deutsche Hospitality itself.
Travellers in the know seeking the next great upscale hotel look no further. Luxury and experiential travel network Virtuoso, along with its more than 16,000 travel advisors worldwide, has revealed the hottest hotel openings around the globe for this autumn and beyond. From relaxing resorts to iconic urban landmarks, these five properties are sure to make an indelible impression on guests when they open or reopen over the next several months:
Bulgari Hotel Shanghai, China – Opening late 2017 (Main Image) Situated in a tranquil riverside location in the heart of the city, Bulgari Hotel Shanghai will feature contemporary, spacious rooms and exceptional guest amenities including Maserati transportation. Offering stunning views of the city’s dramatic skyline, the hotel is located just minutes from attractions such as the iconic Bund and the museums of People’s Square. Virtuoso guests will enjoy an upgrade at arrival if available, breakfast for two daily offered 24 hours a day, hotel credit valued at $100 USD, complimentary Wi-Fi, and early check in and late check-out if available.
Montage Los Cabos, Mexico – Opening spring of 2018 Perched upon 39 acres of white-sand beachfront, Montage Los Cabos will feature 122 expansive rooms and suites when it opens. The resort will offer spectacular views and unique walk-in access to the finest swimming, diving and snorkeling in the region. Guests can take advantage of wellness programs and treatments at Spa Montage, and fitness offerings including two pools and tennis and recreational lawn facilities. Virtuoso guests will receive an upgrade when they arrive if available, daily breakfast for two, special amenity, complimentary Wi-Fi, and early check-in and late check-out subject to availability.
Raffles Europejski Warsaw, Poland – Reopening spring of 2018 Originally opened in 1857, the legendary hotel in Warsaw’s historic district has recently undergone restoration to preserve its heritage and character. Raffles Europejski, Warsaw will offer 106 elegant guestrooms and suites, a restaurant with an outdoor terrace showcasing Poland’s cuisine, a bar and cigar lounge, a patisserie and a spa. Virtuoso guests will enjoy an upgrade upon arrival, based on availability; daily buffet breakfast for two; hotel credit worth $100 USD; complimentary roundtrip private airport transfers; complimentary Wi-Fi; and early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability.
Hotel Lutetia, France – Reopening spring of 2018 The hotel on the Left Bank in Paris, opened in 1910, has attracted celebrities from the worlds of arts, culture and politics over the years. The Art Nouveau gem will offer 184 rooms and suites, a spa, fitness facilities, and jazz and cigar bars. Its esteemed Lutetia Brasserie will feature a bar, terrace, show kitchen and private dining room. Virtuoso guests will enjoy an upgrade upon arrival, based on availability; daily breakfast for two; $100 USD equivalent credit to be used during stay; complimentary Wi-Fi; and early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability.
Six Senses Bhutan, Bhutan – Opening late 2018 Five unique resorts in different locations will unite under the Six Senses name to offer an intimate new lodging experience with only 82 suites among all the properties. Each resort focuses on a specific theme, such as culture, and will feature the signature Six Senses qualities, including eco-friendly design, personalized service, world-class cuisine and wellness. Virtuoso guests will receive a daily buffet breakfast for two, special amenity, complimentary Wi-Fi, and early check-in and late check-out if available.
The Pilgrm, a new venture from long-time collaborators Jason Catifeoglou, Andreas Thrasyvoulou and Steph Thrasyvoulou, is slated to open in Paddington’s Norfolk Square in November.
The property is a considered reinterpretation of a traditional hotel, with a newly thought out iteration of hospitality that redefines the long-established parameters by transforming selected elements and services.
Housed in restored Victorian buildings, the hotel comprises 73 guestrooms, a ground floor neighbourhood café, and first floor lounge. Guestrooms feature Samsung television sets, high-speed WiFi, Marshall speakers, 100% organic cotton mattress, Egyptian cotton sheets and towels, and bespoke natural toiletries.
A selection of books, magazines, plants and unique artwork by Keith Cunningham, Jo Bondy and Lydia Makin highlights The Pilgrm”s point of difference, while 24-hour communal pantries feature in lieu of minibars or room service.
The Pilgrm, a new venture from long-time collaborators Jason Catifeoglou, Andreas Thrasyvoulou and Steph Thrasyvoulou, is slated to open in Paddington”s Norfolk Square in November.
The original Victorian architectural designs, including a timber staircase and cast iron balustrades, have been restored and feature alongside a mix of reclaimed and restored furniture and fittings throughout the property. Guestrooms comprise Tom Dixon cloud carpets; Wails in place of traditional wardrobes, an original design by The Pilgrm”s interior design team; and 200-year-old reclaimed parquet flooring.
Right in the very heart of any city – London in particular – is probably not the first place one thinks of when ‘affordable accommodation’ is mentioned. But with the opening of Premier Inn’s new, technology-focussed ‘hub’ hotels in the English and Scottish capitals over the last 12 months, that is now a distinct reality.
Invited to take a look around the Westminster, St. James’ Park property earlier this year, which had opened in the October of 2016, I walk through the rather unassuming entrance and am instantly faced with a very impressive digital display complete with locale information and guest guidelines which makes up part of the check-in process for guests.
And this marks the very heart of this new concept from Premier Inn; tapping into the app-driven travel culture. With an app already downloaded, guests can use it to book a room, to check-in, get recommendations on things to see, do, eat and drink in the surrounding area – and ultimately limiting interaction with staff.
Speaking to Toby Wait of project management company TowerEight during my visit, he tells me how much travelling (for business or pleasure) has changed and continues to change. “The way apps have revolutionised our daily lives, it was only a matter of time before it became the norm in the hospitality world,” he says.
While there is no restaurant as such, the hotel does boast a lounge next to the lobby. This is a great concept – being seen more and more in economy-driven properties – with free coffee, tea and pastries all day and complimentary ‘light bites’ offered after 5pm, as well as other drinks available for purchase; it’s a modern, well-designed and well-appointed place for breakfast or evening networking drinks.
The rooms themselves, which come in ‘Standard’ and ‘Bigger’ sizes are also an excellent example of modernity and inch-perfect use of space. The white and olive-green colour scheme is tasteful and keeps the rooms feeling light and airy. A strategically positioned mirror adds to the illusion of space.
The aforementioned app allows guests to control room temperature, lights, change TV channels and take advantage of an in-room ‘augmented reality experience’ – all very clever, but for the less technically adept, there is also a perfectly functional touch screen to perform those tasks by the bed. Providing both UK and European power sockets is another thoughtful extra – meaning that guests are covered should they forget their adaptors.
Due to the size of rooms, it is to be expected that storage space is at a premium, which for couples using a ‘Standard’ room might be a bit of an issue. But for solo travellers or those who pack light, the architects have made use of some clever solutions to optimise space. Plus, this is central London after all. Bathrooms are, again, ‘cosy’ but have everything a guest will need for a short stay.
A recent Telegraph Travel survey found that technology-focused hotels are becoming increasingly common and popular with travellers; with the findings showing that 42 percent of UK guests preferring to operate a room’s lighting, air conditioning and television via a display instead of using a separate remote control or switch.
With that in mind, Whitbread and TowerEight have tapped perfectly into this sector in the market with the ‘Hub’ concept. With seven London properties (including the Westminster, St. James’ hotel) and two in Edinburgh, the concept lives up to its promise and delivers both superb locations and a staggeringly competitive room-rate. In London, especially, that is a rare combination and one that I expect will only become more and more popular…
Based on a visit in January 2017 Photos: Whitbread PLC // Daniel Fountain
An innovative hospitality concept for savvy millennial travellers called Haven’t Met is launching its flagship hotel in Bangkok, Haven’t Met Silom.
The hotel offers modern travellers a choice of unique and engaging destination experiences supported by a custom travel app.
The hip new technology driven brand offers comfortable yet practical city stays with integrated technology that connects guests with each other and the city using a dedicated app and complimentary use of 4G connected, interactive in-room tablets.
The tablet comes pre-loaded with a local area map, hotel directory, restaurant and room service menus, as well as music streaming via JOOX, and a dedicated chat room for guests to chat with each other about the best locations and activities on offer around town.
Haven’t Met Silom seamlessly incorporates all these highlights through its app so that guests can share ideas and inspirations before, during and after their trip. The technology gives them 360-degree insights into what the destination has to offer, and the hotel supports this with a choice of unique, guided urban travel experiences that can be booked directly on the tablet.
France’s Accor SA has bid Australian $1.18 billion (£696 million) for Mantra Group Ltd – a deal that would combine the two biggest hotel owners in Australia, both seeking to capitalise on surging tourism in the country, according to a Reuters report.
Accor, already the biggest hotelier in Australia, offered $3.96 (£2.34) a share, or a 23 percent premium to Mantra’s closing price on Friday. The total offer is worth $4.02 (£2.37) per share if a six-cent final dividend paid in 2017 is included, Mantra said in a statement.
Mantra said it was allowing Accor to conduct due diligence “to determine if a transaction can be agreed and recommended unanimously by the Mantra board.” An Accor spokeswoman had no immediate comment.
Officially launched earlier this year, and first seen at Clerkenwell Design Week, there’s a new player on the outdoor accessory scene – Jalu – bringing high-quality and stylish lighting to the UK market whilst offering designers and landscapers a truly unique product for outdoor spaces.
Hotel Designs editor Daniel Fountain sat down with the founders of the company – Alison Cavey and Juliet Kauffmann – to discuss the company’s origins, the product and their plans for the future…
2017 has been a monumental year for Juliet and Alison. Having previously worked together in innovation strategy consulting for more than 15 years, they tell me that after years of working with start-up companies and commercialising new technologies they wanted a piece of the action.
“We wanted to work in a completely different sector and to be able to focus on a product and get excited and passionate about it,” Alison tells me.
That decision led the duo to developing a range of striking, attractive outdoor lighting pieces that make up Jalu’s product range. “We travelled a lot for work and for pleasure to places like Australia and around the Mediterranean, where there is a fantastic outdoor-based lifestyle, and we thought we could bring a little more of that vibe to the UK,” Alison adds.
“The first idea we had was around outdoor lighting which is very traditional here in the UK. In Spain and Italy you can find some really interesting, contemporary pieces – but they’re not designed for the UK market. That was our starting point – making a product suited to this market, using innovative, British-based suppliers who are a big part of our operation,” Alison explains.
It’s taken the pair around 18 months to get the company to where it is today, and there has been a learning curve along that road; namely in finding the right materials to produce the pieces and going through some several early prototypes. The final method takes on a casting approach using a material called Jesmonite (named as one of the products of the year at this year’s London Design Week).
Looking at the pieces, it’s clear to see that it certainly is a durable material to work with. The beauty of the products, too, is given the vagaries of the British weather the finish does not fade and is entirely frost-proof. Being considerably lighter than stone and concrete also means the pieces are easy to move, making them ideal for ever-changing layouts for outdoor spaces. This forms part of Jalu’s adoption of a current design trend – ‘bringing the inside, out’ – which sees indoor living spaces extended to the outdoors.
Juliet explains: “We wanted to create a product that looks just as good outside or inside, and this adds to the flexibility of usage for our clients. There is also an extraordinary versatility in terms of colour and finish, so we can create completely bespoke products for the end user.
“We saw two key markets for these high-end, handmade pieces – we originally targeted working with interior designers, garden designers, landscapers to get access their clients. But we’ve always seen a strong opportunity to work with boutique hotels, restaurants, spas – clients that can make a real statement with Jalu products,” she adds.
So when do they see as the ideal time to get involved in the design process?
“We can come in at any time during a project – due to the versatility of the product, so if a client comes to us and they already have a colour scheme, we can fit in around that as best we can. But ideally, we would come in earlier. The important thing to remember is these lights are a statement, they’re a feature – they’re not designed to be hidden around a corner, or to light something else; they are meant to be part of the design, so the earlier they can be incorporated into the design process, the better for us. Not to mention there is the potential for customisation or completely bespoke designs,” Juliet says.
And, although they are designed to be portable, they can be hard-wired too – the pieces are mains-powered, entirely IP65 rated so perfect for outside provided the outdoor socket has a residual current device (RCD) on it, or goes through to an indoor socket.
“So we see it as a standalone item that you can just plug in like you would with any device. But with a loop-in, loop-out system they can be wired up together. In terms of practicality, these are large pieces that wouldn’t have worked with a small, solar bulb; they needed something a bit more substantial, so we use high-quality LED luminaires, which are obviously energy-efficient and should last you a long time,” Alison concludes.
So far, Alison and Juliet have received considerable positive feedback from the design world. And with more designs on the horizon, there is more to come from Jalu. Now up-and-running, the next step is to target independent and boutique hoteliers where the duo feel the product is perfectly suited.
You can see Juliet and Alison on the Jalu stand at the upcoming Independent Hotel Show on Stand 29. Be sure to stop by, the future is looking bright for this innovative and stylish product…
Award-winning, specialist hospitality bed manufacturer and Royal Warrant holder Hypnos Contract Beds, has launched its innovative Safe&Secure™ Bed Base to deliver practicality, security and space saving solutions for the hospitality industry.
Hypnos has partnered with ASSA ABLOY Hospitality, the global leader in hotel security technology to offer a discretely hidden Elsafe electronic safe built into a Hypnos bed base and secured behind a beautifully upholstered security panel. The safe is concealed from view, revealed only by pushing the panel. The pull-out Elsafe drawer safe is big enough to house a laptop – ideal, for the business traveller.
The built in safe provides hotel guests with peace of mind knowing that their valuables are secure and is the ideal electronic safe solution for properties who want to maximise convenience for their guests and encourage the use of an in-room safe
The innovative Safe&Secure™ bed base has the safe incorporated as standard giving hoteliers more room inside the wardrobe for other essential items and can be teamed with any mattress, head board or fabrics from the Hypnos Contract Beds range, this allows hoteliers to take comfort and practicality to the next level, with the option to choose additional security features as well as maximising in-room storage. Available also as a zip & link split bed base, the Safe&Secure™ can be teamed with other bed bases from the Hypnos Contract beds range incorporating additional storage options too.
John Woolley, Managing Director at Hypnos Contract Beds Limited, comments: “We know that security is crucial to hoteliers, with guests expecting a secure space to lock away their valuables and important items. Our new Safe&Secure™ Bed Base meets this demand, offering guests the ultimate in peace of mind by enabling high-value items to be discreetly and safely locked away.
“As the ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Elsafe is securely incorporated into the bed base, it is the ideal solution for hoteliers looking to provide unrivalled security and protection for their guests. The bed base is also available with all of our popular mattresses, headboards and fabrics, meaning hoteliers can combine security with style and comfort, customising every aspect of their beds to create standout pieces that meet any interior design scheme.”
For more information about Hypnos, or to view the full product range, please visit www.hypnoscontractbeds.com.
Proving that a hotel can bloom from the most unlikely of settings, Hotel Liberty has just opened its doors to guests after an extensive three-year renovation project centered around Offenburg’s former prison.
And thanks to its commitment to impeccable design, service, and gastronomy, Hotel Liberty is set to become a destination in its own right.
Architecture and Design Hotel Liberty’s 38 rooms and suites are spread across two 19th-century buildings and joined by a contemporary glass box. Originally conceived by the German architect Heinrich Hübsch in 1840 and completed in 1845, the structure served as a jail for the city of Offenburg until 2009. A comprehensive renovation program between 2014 and 2017 has resulted in a hotel design defined by wide corridors, natural materials, and a 10-meter-high glass wall which provides a striking juxtaposition to the severe red sandstone façade. The original stonework plays an integral part in the aesthetics of the 38 rooms and suites, which have been created by connecting several former cells. Further referencing the building’s past, the 1.2 meter-thick walls have been left intact, and the old cell doors have been cleverly integrated into the contemporary layout.
The new glass box extension acts as a gateway to the two components of the original structure, and houses the restaurant, lounge, gallery, and a library that boasts over 3000 tomes. The second-floor conference and meeting room appears to float in mid-air and adds a whole new meaning to ‘blue sky thinking’. Rooms and Suites The Knoblauch design studio was responsible for the hotel’s interiors, which fuses traditional craftwork with contemporary design classics. In the guestrooms, sideboards by Dutchbone and pieces by Fritz Hansen, HAY, and Arflex rub shoulders with handmade furniture and accessories by local artisans. The tonal green color palette complements the dark oak parquet flooring and red brick vaulted ceilings. Artwork handpicked by Hotel Liberty’s Originals—brothers Christian and Dietmar Funk—grace the walls, showcasing the talents of resident Offenburg artist Stefan Strumbel. The black leather headboards contrast with snow-white beds, which feature woven linen from Swiss firm Schwob and cloud-like mattresses by Treca. An extensive pillow menu ensures a perfect night’s sleep for each and every guest.
Perfectly equipped for a stylish night cap, the minibar is housed in a gray-green lacquered cabinet, custom-made for each room, and filled with a selection of local spirits and wines. Local flavor also extends to the bathrooms, which are elegantly outfitted with showers and fittings from the Axor signature line of Schiltach-based company Hansgrohe. Most of the superior rooms, as well as all junior suites and suites, have a free-standing bathtub—many with views over the neighboring parkland. Bath time luxury comes courtesy of Quercus amenities by heritage brand Penhaligon and exquisitely soft towels and bathrobes, while the Liberty duckling adds a touch of whimsy.
One of the Netherlands’ most celebrated hoteliers, Eric Toren, is opening a new luxury boutique hotel in Amsterdam that offers luxury design and services which are unprecedented in The Netherlands.
Hotel TwentySeven, in the heart of Amsterdam at Dam Square, opposite the Royal Palace, will open end of October this year. Toren’s crème de la crème team consists of two-star Michelin master chef Pascal Jalhay, the world’s best wine taster and sommelier Lendl Mijnhijmer, renowned architects, designers, the finest staff in hospitality and more.
Every inch, every surface and every corner of the lavish interior of the hotel is ordained in the richest, finest and most surreal design and atmosphere, directed and curated by award winning Dutch designers Wim van de Oudeweetering and Cris van Amsterdam.
The hotel will offer extensive and virtually endless services including options of private butlers, personal assistants, personal shoppers, personal trainers, “insider” city tours etc.
TwentySeven is located in the true centre of Amsterdam, on Dam Square, the most significant square of the city, the heart of the historical centre and home of the Royal Palace.
The hotel has 16-suites, ranging from 45 square meters up to the largest suite of 219 square meters, which includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, three Jacuzzis and a private terrace of an additional 27 square meters.
The signature bar, made of specialty cut onyx, is headed by top award winning Mixologists and will feature a never been done before menu of discerning probiotic cocktails and more.
W Hotels Worldwide, part of the Marriott International group, has announced the signature of a hotel in Rome, its first hotel in Italy.
This hotel, the first by W in Italy, is set to open by 2021 in the Via Veneto neighbourhood. It has been renovated and will be operated in partnership with Omnam Group.
The W Rome Hotel will have 159 rooms and suites, including a presidential suite called Extreme WOW.
A rooftop bar, as well as a restaurant and a reception hall, as well as a spa and workout facility are among the hotel’s equipment. This announcement confirms the development of the W Hotels group in Europe, where it currently operates seven properties.
Ikos Resorts has announced that it is adding a third property to its portfolio with the launch of Ikos Dassia, Corfu, opening in May 2018. It will bring a new high in all-inclusive dining to the popular Greek island, with Michelin-starred chefs and an innovative ‘Dine-Out’ offering.
The elegant new resort is situated on the bay of Dassia, 15 minutes from the historic Corfu town and 20 minutes from Corfu International Airport, which is serviced daily by major airlines.
Ikos Dassia will boast 403 bedrooms, suites and villas suitable for couples and families, all set within lush gardens and with views across the Ionian Sea. As with all Ikos Resorts, Ikos Dassia will elevate the traditional, all-inclusive experience by offering exceptional quality and choice with no hidden costs.
The resort will boast seven heated swimming pools, including spa pools and adults-only pools, plus a number of private pools, set in beautiful natural surroundings.
The pampering spa and fitness centres will house: private treatment rooms including couples’ suites; indoor/outdoor heated pools with jacuzzi; a thermal suite comprising of steam room and sauna; a hairdressing salon, and beauty corner with nail salon and Anne Sémonin products.
Ikos Dassia’s 403 rooms, suites and one- and two-bedroom villas with differing categories for couples and families will be spread across 20 verdant acres with a beachfront setting and will have luxurious touches including spacious balconies, private gardens and individual pools.
From hotel openings to product spotlights to everything in between, we collate the top 10 most read stories on Hotel Designs this week…
1. THE RITZ-CARLTON BACARA, SANTA BARBARA NOW OPEN The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has announced the newest addition to its collection of luxurious global properties, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara.
The Moxy Times Square, the 15th property in the brand’s portfolio, has celebrated its grand opening in the former Mills Hotel in Manhattan.
3. MUI DINH ECO-RESORT MASTERPLAN WINS APPROVAL Chapman Taylor is pleased to report that the 1,100,000m² master plan design for the Mui Dinh Eco-Resort in Vietnam has received approval from the Vietnamese government.
4. NEW DESIGN AT RADISSON BLU STRAND HOTEL, STOCKHOLM The Radisson Blu Strand Hotel, Stockholm, originally launched in 1912 for the Olympics, is undergoing a significant refurbishment, transforming it into Stockholm’s leading lifestyle hotel.
6. NEW HOTEL: M SOCIAL AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND This October marks the opening of M Social Auckland, an exciting new lifestyle hotel positioned on the waterfront in Auckland’s prime CBD.
7. NEW EDINBURGH HOTEL OPENING: THE WINE HOUSE HOTEL 1821 Opening October 10th in the heart of Edinburgh at Picardy Place, The Wine House Hotel 1821 represents a truly innovative concept in hospitality brought to you by legendary Italian wine producer ZONIN1821, and Scottish restaurateur, Sep Marini.
8. FIRST ASIAN YOTEL OPENS IN SINGAPORE YOTEL Singapore, the first YOTEL in Asia, opened its doors to guests on 1 October 2017, offering 610 rooms known as ‘cabins’ across 30 floors.
9. BE INSPIRED WITH MOGG AT THE CONTRACT FURNITURE STORE With a long experience in the world of furniture and design, Galbiati has said his intention is to move away from a world saturated with commercial furniture and is proud to describe many of Mogg’s products as pieces that won’t blend in…
Itz’ana Resort & Residences in Placencia, Belize, is now taking bookings for a December opening, with availability starting on the 15th.
The highly anticipated resort will be the first of its kind in the Caribbean, unveiling a new genre of hospitality called Mission-Driven Luxury. The concept offers guests authentic experiences that sustain the region’s indigenous culture and natural environment, paired with unique high-design elements and experiences from a collection of the best artists, designers, archaeologists and more. The mission is to not only sustain the beauty of our natural surroundings, but add to it, giving back to the community, its people, as well as the environment.
The resort will open with 16 deluxe suites and two beachfront suites. Guests will be among the first to experience the resort’s Great House, a Hemingway-inspired gathering place for amazing cuisine and programming located in the heart of the property. An additional 32 resort suites including two penthouses will be opening throughout 2018, along with 46 waterfront residences.
Designed by architect Roberto de Oliveira Castro, Itz’ana Resort & Residences touts a chic, tropical ambiance amplified with interiors by New York interior designer, Samuel Amoia. The spaces feature custom furnishings produced by local artisans and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces sourced from markets throughout Central America. The vibrant interiors designed and curated by Amoia will be complemented with stunning murals hand-painted by artist George Venson of Voutsa. His work will adorn the ceiling of the gift shop and walls of the reception area, Rum Room and guest suites.
Guests looking to travel to Placencia, lauded by The New York Times as an up-and-coming destination, will be able to book their stay online now. Accommodations at Itz’ana include king-size beds, natural cotton-knit towels, robes and linens, a custom-painted mural, 49” LCD TV, custom organic bath products and exceptional water views from every room.
Meliá Hotels International has announced the addition of a new five-star hotel in the city of Venice, “a destination that has always been an aspiration for the company”, according to Garbiel Escarrer, Executive Vice President and CEO, Meliá Hotels International.
Escarrer added that “we have waited until we found our dream project: a hotel located on the Grand Canal, in an old hospice, in one of the most idyllic and desired destinations in Europe.”
The hotel will open at the end of 2018 following an extensive refurbishment. It will feature 79 rooms, meeting rooms, a signature restaurant and an all-day-dining restaurant. Its swimming pool, patios and unique views of the Grand Canal and the city of Venice will complement the experience of the most discerning guests.
Gran Meliá Ca’ di Dio will join the growing list of luxury hotels in Venice, one of the world’s most popular international destinations. The hotel will offer the attributes that differentiate Gran Meliá from competitors: the most modern and avant-garde expression of Spanish luxury culture, passion and lifestyle, which have made hotels such as the Gran Meliá Rome and Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques in Madrid international benchmarks of 21st century five-star hospitality.
The hotel is owned by the Salute Hospitality Group and will be managed by Meliá Hotels International for an initial 29 years. The operation also involved Rinascimento e Valori, a hotel consultancy in the Italian market.
New INNSIDE by Meliá in Rome Meliá Hotels International has just announced a new hotel for the INNSIDE by Meliá brand in Rome, the INNSIDE Porta Maggiore, located in the homonymous square of the old neighbourhood of Esquilino, one of the trendiest districts of the Roman capital. Owned by Salute Hospitality Group, the hotel will open in 2019 and will have 171 rooms, swimming pool, wellness centre and fitness area, two restaurants and different meeting and event facilities.
With these facilities and its central location, INNSIDE Porta Maggiore will focus on the bleisure segment, the Group’s strategic approach to grow in urban destinations. INNSIDE by Meliá, an urban brand with a lifestyle touch, comes to Rome to address the contemporary traveller and offer a different experience. At INNSIDE, guests can linger in lobbies fit for living in, enjoy endless WIFI and a daily offering of soft drinks, think big in creative meeting spaces, get going in 24/7 exercise classes, and relax in Wellness areas.
Opening October 10th in the heart of Edinburgh at Picardy Place, The Wine House Hotel 1821 represents a truly innovative concept in hospitality brought to you by legendary Italian wine producer ZONIN1821, and Scottish restaurateur, Sep Marini.
Set in a stunning, multi-storied Georgian townhouse, this boutique hotel includes a cosy and elegant wine bar, a cocktail lounge, inviting library, attractive function space and four individually designed hotel rooms, each inspired by ZONIN1821’s iconic Italian estates.
Having spent the last decade establishing some Scotland’s most iconic Italian restaurants, Marini has enshrined in this venue his love of Italian hospitality and cuisine, realising the perfect blend of food, family, and gastronomic excellence. And to this auspicious partnership, ZONIN1821 adds its expertise, knowledge, and passion for Italian wines and hospitality – creating a dynamic destination for wine aficionados and connoisseurs.
At the heart of the Wine House Hotel is ZONIN1821’s newest conception, the Wine Library: a place of entertainment, knowledge and community designed by the world-renowned architect Claudio Silvestrin. Here, guests can experience the Cru wines of ZONIN1821’s Estates offered by the glass, in stylish surroundings resplendent with red marble from Verona, sleek lines and a warm wood. A truly unique location to experience, taste and enjoy a new side of wine, the Wine library will soon be replicated in Brazil, along the most prestigious avenue of San Paolo, and in other European countries starting from 2018.
As a family, the Zonins have been under the spell of wine for nearly two centuries. The family company’s nine different Estates make them one of the most important Italian wine producers and indeed one of the foremost worldwide.
Leading hotel technology provider, Avvio has announced the launch of Allora, the world’s first booking engine powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
Allora is the world’s first booking engine to use artificial intelligence to learn from every online interaction. The first of the next generation of booking engines for hotels and accommodation providers, it focuses on driving direct booking and guest loyalty by orchestrating better online interactions between hotels and guests.
Built over 18 months by Avvio’s expert team of developers, Allora uses Learning Models to analyse large volumes of data and identify which variations will yield the best booking engine configuration. In an era of exponential data, hotels sit on large tranches of information that they typically do not have the manpower to crunch. Allora does this for them, whilst building on intelligence from Avvio’s network of hotels and accommodation providers across Europe and North America. This means that each property can learn from similar properties to improve their performance much more quickly than if they were to rely solely on their own data.
Frank Reeves, Co-founder and CEO of Avvio, explains: “Hotels can benefit from Networked Intelligence. With bigger data you unearth better patterns quicker, and rapid feedback leads to greater innovation. It enables each hotel to build on insights from across our network and drive precision with their own data. This boosts direct bookings and delivers a more personalised online service that reflects the exquisite experience hotel staff give to guests in-house.”
With Avvio’s proprietary technology, Allora uses learned customer behaviour to create a unique conversation between the hotel and the guest by leveraging AI at the right moment, optimising and personalising their journey. Its sophisticated Recommender Engine moves the booking journey away from the one-size-fits-all model of today by making it dynamic, relevant and tailored to each shopper’s needs and interests. This way, shoppers find what they’re looking for faster and will likely feel a stronger emotional connection with the hotel, increasing their incentive to book direct.
Frank continues: “Ultimately Allora is more than a booking engine, it’s a conversation platform, which is genuinely trying to curate a more refined and more appropriate experience for each website visitor. That may be a conversation about loyalty, a booking or an upsell. We can’t continue to provide all customers with the same conversation.”
Allora will do this by tracking and analysing data across hundreds of properties, based on geography, guest history, booking preferences, interactions on site, conversions and more. Working with any hotel’s existing property management system on a ‘plug and play’ basis, the platform will then curate relevant options based on demonstrated guest behaviour and optimise the booking journey to guide shoppers to book direct with as high a booking value as possible. Always in conversation, Allora learns and evolves with every interaction to deliver the best possible results.
This October marks the opening of M Social Auckland, an exciting new lifestyle hotel positioned on the waterfront in Auckland’s prime CBD. The opening marks the expansion of Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ M Social brand to two properties, following the successful launch of Philippe Starck-designed M Social Singapore last summer.
Centred around the design experience, M Social Auckland offers contemporary form and function in a casual setting, featuring spaces that are designed to be accessible and flexible to guests’ needs; an extension of the democratic design concept which typifies M Social Singapore. It provides a modern space for those who live, work and play in the neighbourhood, as well as a social base for curious travellers.
The 190-room hotel is home to five distinct guestroom categories comprising the Social Room, Social View Room, Social Club Room, Social Tribe Room and Social Tribe View Room. There is also two suite categories, namely the Harbour Suite and Ocean Suite. Leading to the rooms, each floor at M Social Auckland has a defining theme, featuring elements of local culture such as the fauna, marine life and literature.
Contemporary and chic, all guestrooms feature wall-to-wall windows overlooking picturesque Auckland Harbour, with the ‘Social View’ categories located on the upper floors for even more stunning views. The ‘Social Tribe’ rooms feature two interconnecting bedrooms, making M Social Auckland an ideal destination for family travellers.
The Harbour Suite and Ocean Suite provide an abundance of living space combined with unparalleled harbour views from the ninth floor or above. The perfect base for those who love to spread out, each category comes with separate sleeping and living areas along with indulgent freestanding bathtubs.
The M Social brand embraces technology: the hotel has self-check-in kiosks to ensure a quick and streamlined process as well as a traditional reception desk and concierge service. A digital information pack is sent to guests prior to arrival, while high-tech smart TVs in each room feature further information on the hotel along with various apps useful for both business and leisure travellers. A media wall at the hotel also displays practical information such as transport timetables, the weather forecast and details on local activities.
M Social Auckland offers a variety of new venue options for event planners and delegates in Auckland, with an array of meeting spaces and boardrooms available inclusive of the latest technology, specialising in handling events for 5-50 guests.
Nigel Edwards, General Manager of M Social Auckland commented: “We are extremely excited to bring such a vibrant lifestyle hotel to Auckland that embraces local culture. Not only will M Social Auckland provide the perfect base for travellers, it will constantly evolve and become a local hotspot for those who live, work and play in the area to socialise.”
Franck Kermarrec, Chief Marketing Officer at Millennium Hotels and Resorts commented: “Following the much-anticipated launch of M Social Singapore in June 2016, we are delighted to expand our portfolio further with the launch of M Social Auckland. The property strengthens our lifestyle offering, and with plans to expand the brand further in the near future, it is a very exciting time for us.”
Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, the luxury hotel group with eight properties in Mauritius, has announced the reopening of Canonnier Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa. French interior designers, Paule de Romeuf and Amélie Montocchio, worked together to ensure that after several months Canonnier’s doors have reopened to reveal a completely transformed resort.
Canonnier boasts commanding views over the northern islands and sparkling Indian Ocean and the Beachcomber team has successfully blended these breathtaking surroundings with the resort’s interiors.
Guests staying at the revamped Canonnier Golf Resort & Spa will enjoy the new rooms draped in soft linen with the natural feel of rattan, wood and raffia that echoes the vegetation and gardens of the resort’s grounds. New lighting in all the rooms reflect Beachcomber’s desire to create harmony between the exterior and interior of the resort, which plays an essential role in creating the resort’s peaceful and serene atmosphere. Guests can rest assured that top quality materials were carefully selected for all aspects of the hotel to respect nature and the environment, as well as ensuring complete comfort and luxury.
At Canonnier there is plenty to explore once guests have settled in to their luxurious rooms. A unique feature of the resort is its wellness centre built in the branches of a 100-year-old banyan tree where therapists soothe both body and mind. Evoking a small tree house, Canonnier’s spa provides an authentic tropical hideaway for guests wishing to escape the stresses of daily life. This haven of peace and relaxation now features a new low stone wall that recalls the lighthouse that once stood in the resort’s tropical gardens, whilst the spa now also includes a sauna, hammam and fitness room. The resort’s swimming pool has also been refurbished to feature mosaic tiles that create a lagoon effect where the water shimmers a sparkling blue-green. For guests seeking a more active holiday, there is a wide range of land and water sports available. From tennis, volleyball and mountain biking to diving and snorkelling, there is something for everyone. The only golf course in the north of the island is also just 700 metres away and offers a very special welcome to hotel guests.
Cannonier’s fantastic transformation reflects the combination of experience and careful thought that has gone into creating a resort that is perfectly balanced between luxury and comfort. With all of these exciting new improvements guests will need to get in quickly to be among the first to experience the revamped resort and to enjoy their own Beachcomber holiday filled with relaxation, indulgence and spectacular surroundings.
YTL Hotels is delighted to announce the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui in Thailand. The resort’s opening has been highly-anticipated and its debut on the eastern coast of Thailand marks the beginning of the discovery of inspiring and quintessential experiences.
Koh Samui has long been renowned for its breathtaking tropical charms and pristine natural beauty on the Gulf of Thailand and is a much sought-after destination by luxury travellers from around the world. The distinguished and personalised Ritz-Carlton service and legendary Thai hospitality are interwoven to create unique treasured moments.
“The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui marks another milestone of our strong partnership with Marriott International. With the opening of this resort, our portfolio together with Marriott International now encompasses nine properties across Asia-Pacific and Europe,” said Dato’ Mark Yeoh, Executive Director of YTL Hotels. The opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui affirms the long-standing relationship between Marriott International and YTL Hotels. The resort adds to YTL Hotels’ current footprint in Thailand which includes The Surin Phuket, a member of Design Hotels™, and the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express which travels from Singapore to Thailand.
With 175 suites and pool villas, nestled amid 58 acres, the resort overlooks the turquoise waters with an extensive oceanfront. Built on the site of a former coconut plantation, the stunning resort with its contemporary architecture pays homage to its past with the extensive use of coconut and other natural materials such as ceramics that imbue a sense of place.
Every year, the Iconic Awards recognise visionary buildings, innovative products, and sustainable communication in the architecture, construction and production industry sectors.
This year, GROHE has been announced as the winner of nine coveted awards in the categories “Product“, “Communication“ and “Architecture“. The official award ceremony will be held on the 4th of October 2017 at BMW Welt in Munich.
– “Product” category: three “Best of Best“ Iconic Awards 2017 for Blue Home, Concetto Professional and Euphoria 260 as well as awards for the Sense and Sense Guard, Lineare, Essence Professional and Smart Control Concealed – ”Communication“ category: award for the publication series “GROHE Architekturlösungen” (“GROHE Architectural Solutions”) – “Architecture“ category: award for GROHE’s trade fair booth at ISH 2017
The GROHE Blue Home water system, the Concetto Professional kitchen tap and the Euphoria 260 shower head each won a “Best of Best” Iconic Award 2017 in the “Product” category. At the touch of a button, the GROHE Blue Home water system delivers delicious filtered water chilled to the perfect drinking temperature in three options: sparkling, lightly sparkling or still, directly into your glass. The system, which combines timeless design with innovative technology, consists of an elegant kitchen tap and a high-performance cooler with integrated filter. This “private water source” will ensure you remain refreshed in the most sustainable and resource-saving way possible.
With its GrohFlexx and EasyDock M technology, the GROHE Concetto Professional kitchen tap is incredibly flexible and easy to use. The tap has a silicone hose with an integrated metal spring, allowing it to turn 360 degrees, and a button for simple switching between normal water flow and a jet spray – perfect for washing dishes, rinsing vegetables and filling tall pots effortlessly.
The Euphoria 260 shower head transforms showering into a soothing and personalised experience, with its 260mm diameter and three zone features. The user can change the flow of water to suit their mood, choosing between a powerful concentrated jet to a stimulating and invigorating stream and even a full soft rain shower by simply turning the SmartControl panel.
In the “Product” category, GROHE has also won Iconic Awards for its Lineare and Essence Professional tap collections, the concealed shower control element SmartControl Concealed and GROHE Sense and Sense Guard, the new water security system. With its clear lines, the Lineare mixer range is designed to create contours in your bathroom, while the Essence Professional tap line makes your work in the kitchen more efficient and comfortable. The flush and minimalist designed SmartControl Concealed can be controlled by intuitive push and turn technology. Meanwhile, the innovative and smart water safety system consisting of Sense and Sense Guard detects and protects homes against water damage.
The Radisson Blu Strand Hotel, Stockholm, originally launched in 1912 for the Olympics, is undergoing a significant refurbishment, transforming it into Stockholm’s leading lifestyle hotel. Scandinavian stylish design meets rich history at the iconic hotel, famously frequented by Swedish actors Greta Garbo and Ingrid Bergman, who favoured the Sea Salon Suite with views of the Royal Dramatic Theatre.
All 170 guest rooms and suites, meeting spaces, lobby, restaurant and bars at the hotel are being renewed by acclaimed architectural agency Wingårdhs enhancing the guest experience and creating the contemporary lifestyle hotel, due to be completed spring next year. Most phases of the beautiful renewal are already complete, and the hotel has undergone a substantial transformation, with only the final guest rooms left to finish.
Guests can already enjoy the new hotspot, ‘The Strand’ restaurant, the stylish meeting area, ‘Strand Gatherings’, the transformed lobby and the first new and iconic guest rooms, all designed by Wingårdhs. With on-trend design furniture and design classics from Fritz Hansen, GUBI and Flos, the hotel is full of Scandinavian design and clear international influences, designed to complement the rich history of the hotel.
“We believe in creating a dynamic experience by amplifying the building’s own character. We wanted the new elements to be a distinctive addition to the original appearance,” says Leila Atlassi, architect at Wingårdhs in Stockholm, and continues: “To create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the interior tonality has been set from natural materials like stone, wood, leather, metal, and concrete in their natural colours. A specific tone of grey is noticed on the walls – Strand Grey, and constitutes the base in the interior concept,” says Altassi.
As part of the renewal, the Radisson Blu Strand Hotel, Stockholm has launched a stunning new food and bar concept, Swedish Brasserie ‘The Strand’, creating a new hotspot that is reviving Blasieholmen in the heart of Stockholm, serving classic flavours in an elegant and relaxed atmosphere. Plush velvet seats in dark greens and purples, contrast with monochrome floor, whilst elegantly designed windows allow plenty of natural light in.
With a striking view of the water of Nybrokajen, diners at The Strand will be able to enjoy breakfast, brunch, After One (Afternoon Tea), as well as a lunch, dinner, and a great After Five (After Work), revitalising classical Swedish cuisine in an inspiring and unique environment.
Chapman Taylor is pleased to report that the 1,100,000m² master plan design for the Mui Dinh Eco-Resort in Vietnam has received approval from the Vietnamese government.
Set on a beautiful site on the east coast of Vietnam, Mui Dinh Eco-Resort is designed to reflect the key elements of the surrounding environment – sand, sea, salt and sun. Intended as an unrivalled hospitality-led mixed-use development in Asia, the development is inspired by the rich local history of Mui Dinh, particularly that of the Cham tribal culture and architecture as well as the lost world of the last dynasty.
Six resort hotels and a boutique hotel provide a total of 7,000 rooms. 500 ocean-facing villas are also available, with all residents served by a leisure offering including a theme park, a casino, a beach club and a mountain clubhouse.
Chapman Taylor’s Bangkok studio is responsible for the design master plan for this striking coastal resort.
Director Oscar Martinez said: “We are delighted that the Vietnamese government has given its full support to our master plan and this ambitious and unique eco-development, which will transform this beautiful coastal area into a new exciting sustainable destination and give an economic boost to this region of eastern Vietnam.”
Vaughan will be launching some stylish new additions to their range at the Independent Hotel Show 2017, Stand 19.
Highlights from the collection include the Beauchamp bouillotte ceiling light in cast brass finished with a large linen shade with stitch leather binding. The hanging shade has been designed for elegant living & dining areas.
The Liston bathroom wall light in nickel is a fabulous new addition to the Vaughan bathroom range, this decorative wall light is IP44 rated and has an opaline glass hurricane shade and nickel finial and backplate.
The Shoreditch ceiling pendant with cylindrical opaline glass is encased with a circular band of brass or bronze. Pictured here in bronze, this contemporary design can be hung individually or in groups to create a stylish statement.
The Bamboo lantern made of solid brass is inspired by an antique from the Vaughan archives. This stylish hand-crafted design has been made using the lost wax casting process. This traditional method highlights the exquisite detail of the brass, creating a bamboo finish.
YOTEL Singapore, the first YOTEL in Asia, opened its doors to guests on 1 October 2017, offering 610 rooms known as ‘cabins’ across 30 floors.
By integrating the elements of luxury hotels into smartly designed spaces, YOTEL aims to provide a seamless and intuitive guest experience by giving guests everything they need and nothing they don’t.
Image credit: YOTEL
With a wide variety of cabins on offer from a Premium Queen Cabin to a VIP View Suite, we have something to suit every budget and every traveller’s needs.
The cabins are equipped with signature YOTEL features such as the adjustable SmartBed™ with super comfortable Serta Gel mattresses as well as a Technowall with mood lighting and smart TVs for easy connectivity to your own devices. There will also be access to complimentary super-strength WiFi throughout the hotel.
Like other YOTELs worldwide, YOTEL Singapore is placed in a central and convenient location that offers guests easy access to the city’s main attractions.
MOGG was born from the desire of its founder, the architect Nicola Galbiati. With a long experience in the world of furniture and design, Galbiati has said his intention is to move away from a world saturated with commercial furniture and is proud to describe many of Mogg’s products as pieces that won’t blend in.
In essence that is MOGG! MObili (furniture) OGGetti (objects)…
Mogg is a relatively new Italian company which was set up by Nicola, who wanted to work with a team of other architects, designers and architects. He calls them his “partners with vision – crazy dreamers” and together they want to create pieces that cross the boundary between art and design.
MOGG has a soul and a well-defined identity; fresh and curious that wants to surprise you, looking for people that with their visions, with their enthusiasm, their work and their perceptions to love the new and modern concept of living.
Browse the latest brochure split into three parts from Mogg, Furniture Objects, where each product has it’s own history.
Malmaison Hotel du Vin, the leading lifestyle hotel group has taken an exciting and important step closer to bringing the famous Malmaison brand to Bournemouth.
The brand is pleased to announce that it has signed a development agreement to build a multi-million pound stunning Malmaison hotel on Bath Road.
The site has already received outline planning permission to be developed and construction work is set to begin in 2018. The new hotel will offer over 100 stylish bedrooms and stunning suites, with the development expected to generate 85 new local jobs.
The hotel will also bring Chez Mal Bar and Brasserie to Bournemouth. Its stylish surroundings include a rooftop bar and terrace, which provide the ideal setting for those looking to take on Malmaison’s famously creative cocktails and mouthwatering menus. For those wanting to mix business with pleasure, the hotel will also include the brand’s ground-breaking meeting and events concept, Work + Play, mixing Malmaison’s classic style with high tech systems, private meeting pods and flexible pricing. The hotel will also boast a gym, swimming pool and beauty rooms, allowing guests and local residents the opportunity to work off calories and beautify in true Mal style.
The news comes at an exciting time for the Group, following a period of significant growth over the last 12 months. Recent highlights include the plans to introduce Malmaison to York and the continued roll-out of Chez Mal and Work + Play, both part of a wider multi-million pound investment programme in the brand.
Guus Bakker, Chief Executive Officer, Malmaison Hotel du Vin, said, “Bournemouth is a fantastic destination. The vibrancy of the town means that it is also a perfect location for the Malmaison brand. We look forward to working closely with all local stakeholders to bring this exciting opportunity to life.”
Style Library Contract are thrilled to present 9 new collections from the FR One brand, the industry leader in inherently fire-retardant fabrics.
This range, for which we are the exclusive distributor in the UK, is renowned for providing four major features of paramount importance to interior designers: safety, quality, design and affordability.
Come and join us at the BCFA Manchester, stand no. 4 to discover the range at first hand.
The range comprises the following collections:
– Jaba: an intricate weave plain with the look and feel of muslin gauze. Available in a delicate colour palette.
– Jadeite: is a versatile wool-like fabric suitable for drapes, cushions, bed throws and upholstery, with a high performing 50,000 Martindale.
– Jadore: with a heavy drape, chunky texture, and soft touch, Jadore is a hard wearing contract upholstery jacquard with an 80.000 Martindale. Jadore enjoys all the attributes required for the most demanding contract projects, whilst maintaining a matt domestic look.
– Jaime: A heavy silky satin, Jaime is a smart, elegant collection of 100% polyester inherent FR drapery plains in a jewel-like colour palette.
– Jeopardy: Jeopardy is a timeless book of 100% polyester inherent FR sheers. Incorporating architectural sheers and natural linens across an organic colour palette, Jeopardy is the go-to collection for contract specification sheers.
– Jest: a cohesive collection of tactile dim out plains in a colour palette of vibrant brights and soft hues.
– Jojoba: a strié effect drapery fabric in a broad colour palette of soft minerals and striking jewel tones.
– Jovial: a comprehensive range of dual-purpose upholstery and drapery 100% polyester inherent FR Fabrics, Jovial enjoys an easy to use colour palette.
– Jubilea: a compilation of contract suitable printed velvets, natural and architectural sheers, statement contemporary drapery designs and sophisticated damasks across a highly useable mineral colour palette.
Redefine|BDL Hotels has assumed management of a prestigious portfolio of 26 four-star luxury hotels on behalf of new owners, real estate investment company, Aprirose.
The 26 hotels, which have an annual turnover in excess of £190 million, were acquired by Aprirose from QHotels in a £525 million deal.
The contract represents the continuation of a successful partnership with Aprirose, which owns Hampton by Hilton London Docklands and Mercure Bristol Holland House and Spa – already part of the RBH portfolio.
As a result of the partnership RBH will now manage more than 75 hotels, including a diverse mixture of branded and private label properties – bringing together more than 11,000 rooms across the country.
Located across the UK, the QHotels portfolio includes luxury hotels and leisure resorts boast a host of facilities including spas at 24 of the properties and golf courses available to club members at 10 of the hotels.
Helder Pereira, Chief Executive Officer of Redefine|BDL Hotels, said: “This is another landmark addition to the Redefine|BDL Hotels portfolio. Leisure amenities such as spas and golf facilities represent key revenue streams for us, so we are very pleased with the quality and prestige of the properties we will now be managing. We look forward to continuing – and strengthening – our already successful working relationship with Aprirose as a key hotel owner.
“This acquisition will increase the Redefine|BDL Hotels portfolio to more than 75 hotels, and is in line with the company’s growth targets within the UK.”
Chief Executive Officer of Aprirose, Manish Gudka, said: “The QHotels portfolio is a made up of a diverse set of assets to add to our multi-faceted real estate portfolio. The 26 QHotels, located throughout the UK, make up 3,680 beds and represent the largest hotels acquisition in 2017.
“We have established a successful partnership with Redefine|BDL Hotels, which was appointed both on our Hampton by Hilton London Docklands and Mercure Bristol Holland House hotel assets, so the new properties will be operated to the same excellent standards.
“Each of the new Aprirose properties being managed by RBH are completely unique, and include the iconic Midland Hotel in Manchester, Mottram Hall Hotel in Cheshire, Slaley Hall in Northumberland, Chesford Grange in Warwick and Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort in Yorkshire.”
The Moxy Times Square, the 15th property in the brand’s portfolio, has celebrated its grand opening in the former Mills Hotel in Manhattan.
Originally constructed in 1907, the hotel from Lightstone was transformed by a team of collaborators: locally-based architectural firm Stonehill & Taylor; design firms Yabu Pushelberg and Rockwell Group; and TAO Group, the creator and operator of the property’s F&B outlets.
Along with the the 612 cozy guestrooms, Yabu Pushelberg designed the entrance lobby as well as the second floor lobby and public spaces.
The latter serves as the social hub of the hotel with a central, copper-wrapped bar and a triple-height atrium skylight; a lounge complete with a DJ booth and wired seating; three multifunctional studios just beyond copper-framed glass doors; and grab-and-go space the Pickup. Ranging from 150 to 350 square feet, the rooms feature brand signatures such as an honest material palette and basic, exposed construction techniques.
Flexibility and functionality also characterise the guestrooms, which include foldaway furniture hung on open pegboard closets, large walk-in rain showers, and wood-frame beds with built-in storage.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has announced the newest addition to its collection of luxurious global properties, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara.
Recently acquired by Carey Watermark Investors Incorporated and Carey Watermark Investors 2 Incorporated, the former Bacara Resort & Spa has undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation which included all 358 guest rooms and suites as well as enhancements to the resort”s six culinary venues.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara will provide the legendary personalized service and luxury facilities guests of The Ritz-Carlton brand have come to know worldwide.
Located on 78 acres of exclusive California coastline, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara will immerse guests in the destination while inspiring them to discover the best of coastal living.
The oceanfront resort offers direct beach access and three salt-water swimming pools, a 42,000-square foot luxury spa with 36 treatment rooms, a salon and a fitness center, as well as abundant indoor and outdoor event space. Six culinary venues, including Angel Oak, the resort”s signature restaurant, will give guests a taste of Santa Barbara. Just minutes from the center of charming and historic Santa Barbara, the resort is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountain, with close proximity to the region”s best vineyards.
In the coming weeks, Hotel Designs will be profiling the 50 finalists in the HD Brit List 2017 – this week, we continue profiling our winning designers…
MICHAEL SIMMONS – SPACE I.D. Space I.D. was founded by three award winning directors from one of the premier European design agencies – Michael Simmons being one of them – who oversee a core team consisting of passionate and dedicated interior designers and architects. Space I.D. clients in Dubai and neighbouring emirates in the UAE include the likes of Forte Grand, Hilton Hotels, Hyatt, IHG and Sheraton.
Closer to home, Space I.D. has worked on projects in both England and Scotland; including Boclair House Hotel in Glasgow, Vermont Hotel in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Ramside Hall in Durham and Aysgarth Falls in the Yorkshire Dales.
CONRAD SMITH – REARDONSMITH ARCHITECTS Conrad died suddenly on October 3, 2016, which caused a seismic shock amongst his many friends and throughout the industry he served. Conrad had practiced as an architect specialising in the hotel and leisure sector for over 30 years.
As managing director of ReardonSmith Architects for two decades, he helped develop the business into an award-winning and internationally respected practice, broadening the project portfolio to include a full spectrum of hospitality work across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. We, his friends and colleagues, miss him still.
MICHAEL SQUIRE – SQUIRE AND PARTNERS Under senior partner Michael’s guidance, Squire and Partners is an architecture and design practice of some 150 employees with experience spanning four decades, earning it an international reputation for rigorously detailed design.
In addition to architectural design, the practice has a dedicated interior design department, which has created a number of bespoke hospitality product ranges over the years – including The Bulgari Hotel & Residences London, St. Edmund’s Terrace, The Rockwell Hotel and at The Knightsbridge. Michael’s work over the years has led him to being called an ‘understated master of architecture.’
ARIANE STEINBECK – RPW DESIGN Ariane’s award-winning career has spanned throughout the United States, Asia and Europe, with key projects featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and CNN. Among the many projects she has worked on, highlights include the refurbishment of the Peninsula flagship – the Peninsula Hong Kong, the storied Fairmont St. Andrews and the historic Marriott County Hall in London.
Ariane was appointed the firm’s Managing Director to build on RPW’s considerable worldwide recognition, adding a new dimension to existing skills and contributing to the performance of the many successful projects. An ideal complement, Ariane and the RPW team combine their skills into an exciting synthesis of talent and personality. She is also an active contributor to the hospitality and interior design industry, serving as a frequent speaker and mentor.
PATRICK TYBERGHEIN – CARTERTYBERGHEIN As managing director at CARTERTYBERGHEIN, Patrick leads a strong, talented team of creative interior designers, architects and support staff all passionate about their work. Brought up in France, Patrick studied interior architecture in Paris and moved to London honing his skills working with several renowned interior designers before establishing his London-based firm in 1997.
The work carried out by the firm at the Hotel le Chalet Blanc, Montgenevre, in France has piqued considerable interest around the sector – so much so, it has led Patrick to be included in this year’s Brit List.
3. BIGGEST ISSUES, HOTTEST TRENDS AT IHS 2017 The hotel industry’s biggest issues and hottest trends will be put under the spotlight at this year’s Independent Hotel Show in partnership with James Hallam.
5. COPENHAGEN’S NOBIS HOTEL OPENS ITS DOORS Housed in a historic 5,500-square-metre landmark building from 1903, once home to the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music, Nobis Hotel Copenhagen is set to take the city’s hospitality scene by storm.
6. GUEST BLOG: TOPHOTELS – FIVE LUXURY BRANDS TO WATCH As summer ends, TOPHOTELS takes a look back over the year so far and round up our pick of the top five luxury hotel brands of 2017, selecting the ones that have impressed us the most with their services and properties.
7. INTRODUCING ‘THE TILLARY’ – DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN Formerly ‘The Dazzler Brooklyn’, the re-branded The Tillary offers a new take of its former self, focusing on offering its guests an experiential stay that focuses on appeasing the five senses…
9. HOTEL TECH LIVE: SNEAK PEEK Here are some of the highlights of the two-day event Hotel Tech Live – find Hotel Designs on stand 4102…
10. JOIN US AT THE HD CHRISTMAS PARTY AT HOME HOUSE, LONDON Join us at the stunning Home House, London and embrace the spirit of the Christmas holidays a little early this year as we usher in the end of the year with a celebratory bang at our Christmas Party.
Wimberly Interiors is delighted to unveil the design of three ultra-luxurious private ‘Grand Suites’ aboard the seminal Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Adorned with opulent marquetry, the sumptuous ‘Grand Suites’ offer guests a once in a lifetime opportunity to be transported to the golden era of travel in suitably contemporary luxury, from March 2018.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express brings to life the romance and nostalgia of the golden age of travel with its luxurious 1920s and 1930s carriages. Drawing inspiration from the romance, adventure and style of each of the destinations the train weaves through; Paris, Venice and Istanbul, Wimberly Interiors has used ornate detailing, hand-beaded embroidery and lavish fabrics to reflect each city’s unique character. Wimberly Interiors worked closely with Belmond to retain the carriage’s intrinsic features and enrich the original bespoke details, celebrating the original décor of the Roaring Twenties in every stylistic detail.
Throughout the season, the train journeys through a mobile-tapestry of changing landscapes, connecting three of Europe’s most exciting and culturally rich cities. The resplendent décor embraces and enhances the carriage’s history, creating an exceptional and genuine experience for the discerning traveller.
“It was extremely important when developing the design concept, that we embraced the unique story and history of the brand. To capture the epitome of classic luxury travel that the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express exudes,” comments Rachel Johnson, Vice President and London Studio Director, Wimberly Interiors. “We focused on moments within each city, inspiring visual cues and the overall Belmond guest experience. It was an exciting challenge to use this inspiration to recreate the essence of Art Deco glamour in a graceful and timeless design.”
The Paris Suite Taking inspiration from Paris’ historic love affair with the Art Deco movement, Wimberly Interiors has adorned the suite with exquisite decorative touches and a light and crisp colour palette. The city’s haute couture and gastronomic excellence is channelled through elegant furnishings, delicate fabrics, crystal barware and Lalique crystal panels.
The Venice Suite Wimberly Interiors has interwoven the grandeur of Venice into the space using damask silks, blue and silver hues and bespoke Murano Glass Chandeliers which reflect the city’s baroque and renaissance heritage. Celebrating local craftsmanship, decorative elements include traditional Venetian mirrors and an antique tapestry sourced from Venice, which evoke an authentic sense of the city.
The Istanbul Suite (Main Image) This suite has been influenced by the rich patterning of the Topkapi Palace, traditional Ottoman design and Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar. Hand carved timber and marquetry panel borders accented with mother of pearl recall the opulence and romance of the destination while amber crystal ware, embossed leather and exaggerated metal details honour the city’s unique heritage.
“One of the key design elements in each suite is the extravagant, high gloss marquetry, which blends the unique rich traditional patterns of each city with the Art Deco design of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express carriages.” Sophie Deeley, Project Designer, Wimberly Interiors.
“This is a one of a kind restoration project; we are going to completely transform the individual classic cabins into three exceptional suites. The designs are sensitive to the original history of the carriages and each cabin is inspired by the city it represents.” Comments Gary Franklin, Managing Director, Trains & Cruises for Belmond.
De Vere Wokefield Estate, part of The Principal Hotel Company, has completed an extensive, multi-million pound refurbishment of its contemporary meetings and event space, which re-launched as Wokefield Place this September.
Together with the estate’s sweeping driveway, stunning lake, picturesque gardens and 250 acres of parkland, the new-look Wokefield Place offers a variety of events and meeting spaces with a restaurant, Burr & Co. coffee shop and cosy bar.
The dedicated conference building has undergone a re-design which brings the best of the outdoors in, from a newly created indoor tree lined Avenue that connects the ground floor spaces and leisure facilities to the estate’s parkland and 18-hole PGA golf course. The refurbishment combines contemporary touches and modern services with the original building’s features and is part of the De Vere brand’s wider £100m investment programme across its portfolio of country estate hotels and modern event spaces.
Howard Lewis, General Manager at De Vere Wokefield Estate, commented: “I am delighted to see Wokefield Place’s renovation complete. The space, which has been carefully designed to deal with the demands of the future, is looking fantastic; we’ve already received enthusiastic feedback from guests.
He continued: “As the refurbishment continues in our historic Mansion House, I am looking forward to seeing the transformation of De Vere Wokefield Estate unfold over the coming months as we restore this well-established, popular property back to glory.”
Featuring Principal Hotel Company’s new meeting and event brand Smart Space, launched September 2017, organisers can plan and execute meticulously crafted and unforgettable meetings and events. Smart Space’s nine service features promise ease of booking; inspirational meeting rooms – be that a bright and contemporary training space or an executive boardroom with nods to the property’s heritage; a personal conference host; tech-savvy support; new Burr & Co. breakout areas; new nutritionally balanced delegate menus; the company’s three existing rewards programmes – Applause Rewards, ShowTime Rewards and Trainers’ Club; inspiring outdoor spaces and access to a team of specialists to help ensure delegates get moving and remain motivated throughout the day.
As De Vere Wokefield Estate continues its extensive £10 million refurbishment, 21st century touches will also be introduced to the original mansion house, due to be completed in spring 2018.
Palladium Hotel Group’s newest addition to its portfolio of luxury five-star accommodations will introduce a brand new development to the northeast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
Set to open in autumn 2018, the project will include a five-star family-friendly property, the Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa, and the adults-only TRS Coral Hotel, accompanied by a ‘Village’ comprising of a variety of restaurants, bars, kids clubs, and amphitheatre.
While this will be a completely brand new development, Palladium Hotel Group has maintained its ethos of sustainable tourism, executing extensive environmental studies to ensure minimal impact on the land, while maintaining the highest standard of quality at the properties.
Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa will provide 673-rooms, alongside all of the five-star luxury services and facilities found at the other Grand Palladium properties, ideal for the whole family. A unique system of canals will allow guests to access all points of the resort by boat. Each room will boast a balcony or terrace overlooking the impressive views of the resort and out to sea. Some rooms will include premium features like direct access ‘swim-up’ pools or hydro massage hot tubs on their private balconies.
TRS Coral Hotel will provide adults with an exclusive and tranquil setting to rejuvenate and escape. Guests have access to the facilities and services offered at Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa and the Village, located close by, where they will be offered unlimited and preferential access.
The resort’s highlights include international culinary experiences at four á la carte restaurants in addition to the nine restaurants at Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa and an Ibiza style beach club with an infinity pool and poolside service, creating a glamourous, yet relaxing beachside retreat. Alongside the revitalising, world-class spa and fitness zone, guests can continue to be pampered and relax at the infinity pool with mesmerizing views overlooking the ocean.
We’re not far away from the Hotel Designs Christmas Meet Up event, which will see some of the biggest names in the UK hotel and design industries all in one room for an evening of drinks, canapes and a end-of-year celebration.
Embrace the spirit of the holidays a little early this year and join us all at Hotel Designs as we usher in the end of the year with a bang.
The attendee list is filling up, with some fantastic representatives from across the hotel and design industry; including Marriott International, Shangri-La at The Shard, Rosewood London, York & Albany Hotel and The Wellesley Knightsbridge. And attendees from firms from the design industry confirmed to attend include Twenty2Degrees, Areen Design, Atelier Lux and inD Creations.
If you are a suppliers to the hospitality industry looking to meet top names from both industries, contact Jennie Lane on 01992 374098 or on j.lane@forumevents.co.uk – or click here to book your place.
The Christmas Meet Up is completely free for hoteliers and designers; click here to confirm your attendance.
The hotel industry’s biggest issues and hottest trends will be put under the spotlight at this year’s Independent Hotel Show in partnership with James Hallam.
Returning for its sixth year at Olympia London, the Show on 17th and 18th October will provide a hotbed of ideas and inspiration for those working in the hotel industry.
Thought-provoking and inspiring seminars will take place over both days in three areas: The Business Theatre, The Innovation Stage and Gymnasium for The Mind by Shape with more than 100 hotel professionals speaking in 30 seminars and workshops covering areas such as design, recruitment, technology, marketing and health and well-being.
On Wednesday 18th October head to the Innovation Stage to find out about the latest design innovations in Design Forum 2107 before visiting Gymnasium for The Mind to hear Hotel Designs editor Daniel Fountain and fellow experts discuss how technology is shaping design.
The show embraces this year’s strongest design trends: natural and individual combined with clever lighting.
Benedict Wilhelm, who is designing the Show’s main networking area – The Lobby – this year, says hotel design now includes a stronger emphasis on combining more tactile, natural, raw materials with carefully designed details.
Harriet Forde, founder of Harriet Forde Design, who will create a live version of The Perfect Hotel Bedroom – a new feature for this year – agrees that the use of natural materials as well as clever lighting have become an integral part of hotel bedroom design.
“Lighting… can make a huge difference to the ambience of a bedroom,” she says. “Meanwhile, natural materials in hotel accommodation is increasing, with wooden floors gaining popularity as well as the use of marble and coloured glass.”
Other hotel trends highlighted and discussed in more detail at #IHS17 include an emphasis on sourcing more local produce, personalised marketing, mindfulness and smarter staffing.
London, as expected, is the most popular destination this autumn with the greatest search volume coming from international travellers. Cardiff has overtaken London by the highest average clicked price among overseas visitors and Germans account for the largest group of travellers from off-shore countries.
This autumn, 64% of all search inquires to UK destinations have been made by domestic travellers. Based on search volume, German travellers make up the largest group of visitors coming from overseas followed by travellers from the US, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Australia, France, the Netherlands, Canada and Denmark.
London is the most searched destination in the UK, accounting for 67% of all UK searches from the top 10 visiting countries. Edinburgh takes the second place followed by Blackpool, the third most popular city for the UK residents. However, Blackpool ranks much lower (closing the top 30) for international travellers who prefer Liverpool.
Lenka Trckova, Industry Management UK & Ireland, Hotel Relations: “Our data shows that travellers from all around the world will pay the highest prices for hotels in London, Cardiff and Liverpool. Cardiff is for overseas visitors even more expensive than London, reaching the average level of £137 per night. We can see a significant difference in search behaviour between international and domestic travellers particularly in London and Edinburgh. For these longstanding popular destinations, UK residents pay roughly £20 more than international visitors.”
The average duration of stay reveals that travellers from the UK will mostly take short two-night trips this autumn. On the contrary, visitors from France, Italy and Denmark are likely to stay longest, as they search for stays of four nights on average.
For further insights and more detailed information about traveller behaviour and popular destinations in the UK, visit the trivago Hotel Manager Blog.
About the data The 2017 autumn travel trends are based on data gathered from trivago.com searches between 1 June – 2 August 2017, for the period of 1 October – 30 November 2017 and includes searches for stay of three and more days. All prices shown are the average clicked prices selected by trivago users for a standard double room.
Copenhagen is a city famed for its design-savvy crowd, Michelin-starred restaurants, and laidback attitude. This September sees the opening of a hotel that amplifies these traits and more.
Housed in a historic 5,500-square-metre landmark building from 1903, once home to the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music, Nobis Hotel Copenhagen is set to take the city’s hospitality scene by storm.
Set between the infamous Tivoli Gardens and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek museum, Nobis Hotel Copenhagen combines effortless style, luxury, and heritage, with a personalised level of service that is unrivalled. The 77-room hotel — the Nobis Group’s first property outside of their native Sweden — offers all of the comforts of a urban refuge within the heart of Denmark’s thriving capital.
Architecture and Design Star architect Gert Wingårdh and his team at Wingårdh Arkitekter were tasked with overseeing the evolution of the property, which they did with finesse. Wingårdh sought to pay homage to the storied building’s roots while adding his own signature touches. The result is a masterclass in marrying old and new: original architectural details—such as the grand staircase—have been preserved and restored, while bold contemporary accents are defined by superior-quality natural materials such as marble, copper, stone, hard oak, and glass. The stark modernity of the concrete reception desk, for example, is complemented by an elegant, heritage color scheme of green and gray tones. Throw in the enviable location in the cultural heartbeat of Copenhagen, and you have the blueprint for one of the city’s most eagerly awaited arrivals.
Rooms and Suites The inimitable Scandinavian style that pervades the restaurant and public spaces is continued in the 77 rooms and 3 suites, creating easy, uncluttered spaces for relaxation. Each of the individually sized rooms, with soaring ceilings and original detailing, are painted in soothing green and blue tones, and all have chevron-patterned wooden parquet floors and high windows with crossbars as center pieces. Rooms are outfitted with classic Danish furniture from Carl Hansen & Søn, including the iconic CH25 chair which is found in the Superior and Deluxe room categories. Rugs come courtesy of Swedish brand Kasthall, while luxurious, cloud-like beds from Duxiana promise an untroubled night’s sleep and a lacquered oak minibar tray and crystal glasses from Danish designer Frederik Bagger ensure nightcaps are dispensed in a fittingly chic manner. The bathrooms are entirely outfitted in Bardiglio Nuvolato marble—a material characterized by its fine-grained, deep gray, cloudy look, and luxurious amenities from luxury Swedish brand Byredo, treating guests to in-room pampering.
As summer ends, TOPHOTELS takes a look back over the year so far and round up our pick of the top five luxury hotel brands of 2017, selecting the ones that have impressed us the most with their services and properties.
FAIRMONT HOTELS Recently acquired by Accor Hotels, who have seen their profits rise 0.9% since the 2016 acquisition, the name Fairmont is synonymous with luxurious accommodation in some of the world’s most desirable destinations. With over 70 properties worldwide, Fairmont combines impressive architecture and opulent interiors with unique experiences that can only be found in locations as diverse as Hawaii or Shanghai. Fairmont can claim the operation of some of the world’s most iconic hotels, including the Savoy in London and the Plaza in New York, bastions of luxury in the hospitality industry since luxury got a name.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL Favoured by celebrities worldwide, the Mandarin Oriental brings a different level of class to the luxury hotel. With hotels located in some of the most idyllic destinations on the planet, Mandarin Oriental channels the beguiling nature of the east to exotic shores from the Indian Ocean to New England. Renowned for having some of the best spa and wellness facilities the hospitality industry has to offer, each stay in a Mandarin Oriental hotel is more memorable than the last.
W HOTELS AND RESORTS The fashionable W Hotels collection appeals to the well-connected traveler who wishes to be seen among the movers and shakers in whichever city of in-demand destination he or she decides to rest their head. Known for their convergence of hospitality, music, food and fashion, these trendsetting hotels are high on the hot list, as well as being some of the most luxurious accommodations in the business. W Hotels are also riding high on the technology wave, so their hotels and spaces are super social media friendly.
AMAN HOTELS AND RESORTS Aman Hotels and Resorts is the king of the exotic getaway, perfect for that special occasion such as a honeymoon or anniversary. Located in areas of pristine natural beauty that each hotel aims to amplify by the architecture and amenities of the hotel itself, Aman’s hotels give each guest serenity and privacy, and a sense that they are having a once in a lifetime experience in one of the most beautiful places in the world. You don’t get much more luxury than that.
SIX SENSES Six Senses Hotels, Resorts and Spas are the ultimate fusion of luxury hotel, natural setting and unforgettable experience. Encapsulating everything that a luxurious hotel stay should embody, Six Senses really does offer each guest the opportunity to discover an additional sense they didn’t know they had, by awakening in them sensations they have never felt before. Indulge in the prestigious spa facilities and dine in world class restaurants in some of the most incredible locations known to man.
Formerly ‘The Dazzler Brooklyn’, the re-branded The Tillary offers a new take of its former self, focusing on offering its guests an experiential stay that focuses on appeasing the five senses, from its plush textures and textiles to signature scents and partnerships with local purveyors and tastemakers to deliver a truly authentic Brooklyn experience.
Located minutes away from the Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO and Barclays Center, The Tillary’s 174 guest rooms and suites in addition to its well-appointed public areas were designed by Brooklyn-based Cl-oth Interiors who fused mid-century modern and art-deco cues with a modern and industrial aesthetic by incorporating elements such as end-grain wood tile flooring and polished concrete with jewel-toned plush furniture and gilded geometric motifs.
The Tillary’s rooms and suites are aptly outfitted in Frette linens and sun-drenched windows with iconic Brooklyn views. The bathrooms are adorned in white marble and feature C.O. Bigelow bath amenities. Guests are offered the option to order from the hotel’s “Delivered Dining” concept in which selections are delivered in eco-friendly “to-go” containers directly to their room.
Public spaces include their locally-beloved whiskey bar and deck – Distillary – which boasts a 3,000-square-feet of outdoor event space and a menu of locally distilled spirits and brews. The “T” room offers an elevated café menu including “viennoiserie” favorites by beloved Brooklyn bakery, Bien Cuit, as well as salads and wraps. A 137-seat restaurant on the ground floor level is slated to debut in late 2017.
Additionally, the hotel includes an expansive 3,200-square-foot event space with pre-function for special events and business functions with full AV capabilities. A 24-hour fitness center is also available for guests.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced two new luxury hotel developments in Mexico for Los Cabos and Mexico City, under the Park Hyatt brand.
These two high-end properties mark the anticipated debut of the Park Hyatt brand in the country, and will join the brand’s global portfolio in locations such as Bangkok, Paris, Tokyo, Vienna, Milan and Zurich, as well as two sister hotels in Latin America: Palacio Duhau-Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, and Park Hyatt Mendoza.
Park Hyatt Mexico City will be developed through a joint venture agreement with Grupo Sordo Madaleno, and will be part of a mixed use development in the heart of the stylish Polanco neighborhood. Featuring 155 guestrooms and 23-unit Park Hyatt Residences, the hotel is expected to open in early 2021 and will be located on the upscale Campos Eliseos Street overlooking the iconic Chapultepec Park. Many of Mexico City’s most important cultural and entertainment attractions will be within a short distance from the hotel.
Expected to open in late 2020, the Los Cabos hotel will feature 162 guestrooms and 28 Park Hyatt Residences that will serve guests with truly personalized service and a profound reverence for luxury accommodations in a spectacular setting.
From 21st – 22nd November 2017, the AXOR and hansgrohe brands will once again exhibit at Sleep – the Hotel Design event in London, on Stand G23 in the Business Design Centre, Islington.
AXOR and hansgrohe are well-established bathroom brands serving global hotel brands through to independent boutique hotels. With more than 800 WRAS approved products and over 116 years of experience, quality and reliability come as standard.
At the Sleep Event, the AXOR brand will present an inspiring portfolio of products with trend-setting solutions for hotel bathrooms including the award-winning AXOR Uno collection and AXOR 350 overhead shower which showcases a revolutionary new spray type: PowderRain which envelops the skin like a silky rain shower and completes the luxurious shower experience.
From the hansgrohe brand, taking centre stage is the new RainSelect control – an intuitive unit providing control of between two to five shower functions, along with the regulation of water temperature and quantity in one convenient unit. Jay Phillips, Director of Sales – Global Projects, comments, “hansgrohe RainSelect is the latest generation of Select products to incorporate forward-thinking push button technology, something the hansgrohe brand developed with Select five years ago.
Taking the simplicity of showering to another level, its clean uncluttered look creates a lavish sense of space and features large buttons for ease of use. Incorporating reliable technology and with no electricity required, it offers a hassle-free installation process which is ideal for premium high quality hotels.”
Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga, Latvia’s first five-star luxury Kempinski Hotel, will open its doors to guests as of October.
Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga features 141 first-class rooms and suites, two restaurants and two bars, six spacious meeting rooms, including the Grand Ballroom, a world-class spa and wellness facility, as well as breath-taking panoramic views of the capital.
The alluring location of Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga is not just a coincidence; nor is the revival of the former Hotel Rome site, the most modern accommodation in Riga, dating back to the 1880s. The original building was almost entirely destroyed during WWII, but it took just a few years to rebuild it from scratch.
The newly opened Hotel Riga then housed the first-ever bar in Latvia and served the first cocktail in the whole Soviet Union, where Hotel Riga was considered to be among the best hotels in the whole republic. Today, celebrating the rich history of the great building and its prominent guests from around the world, Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga opens in the very heart of Old Riga, reclaiming its position as a social hub that fully meets every guest’s needs.
The hotel’s modern rooms and suites start at 37sqm for the Superior Rooms and go up to 278sqm for the Presidential Suite. Each room features contemporary wooden furnishings, splendid murals, beautiful French artworks and polished marble flooring.
Each of the 141 rooms and suites showcases a unique set of pastel tones, while the large windows in some rooms overlook the Freedom Monument, the Opera, it’s Park and Pilsetas canals.
Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga is a suitable locale for large, international conferences, or strictly intimate celebrations. The majestic Grand Ballroom with its high windows and bright daylight can accommodate up to 300 persons and three events at a time. The hotel also offers five stunning, fully equipped private meeting rooms with daylight, named after famous individual musical movements – Sonata, Solo, Symphony, Andante and Allegro.
Last but certainly not least, located on the basement floor is the Kempinski The Spa – a luxurious 1300 sqm wellness spa with four single treatment rooms, one double treatment room and the unique ‘Pirts Suite’ inspired by the traditional Latvian bathhouse. Wellness facilities feature a luxurious bathing journey of various heat experiences overlooking the vitality pool.
The latest addition to the Apex Hotels portfolio, in the city of Bath, has opened its doors to guests.
The launch of the £35 million Apex City of Bath Hotel marks a significant milestone for the group, as it takes the company’s portfolio to 10 hotels across the UK, and represents its first opening in England outside of London.
With 177 bedrooms, the property is the city’s largest in terms of number of bedrooms, and is Bath’s only purpose-built city centre conference facility for up to 400 delegates.
It also features a restaurant, bar, gymnasium and pool – and sits at the heart of the city, minutes from Bath’s major tourist attractions including the famous Roman Baths.
The Bath opening follows a highly successful financial year for the company which saw an 11.8 per cent rise in underlying profits before tax, up from £9.2m to £10.3m in 2016.
Angela Vickers, Chief Executive Officer, Apex Hotels said: “The opening of Apex City of Bath Hotel marks a major milestone for the business, and is the result of years of hard work by the entire team, and in particular the local team on the ground, ably led by General Manager Tim O’Sullivan.
Tim O’Sullivan, General Manager, Apex City of Bath Hotel said: “We are absolutely thrilled to open the doors to our stunning new hotel and the team is poised to give our guests – from locals who have seen the hotel built from the ground up, to those from further afield – the warmer welcome that Apex hotels are renowned for.
The opening of Apex City of Bath Hotel comes as work continues on a £1.5 million revamp of Apex City of London Hotel, including the development of a new restaurant – The Lampery – and a spa facility in partnership with PURE Spa & Beauty.
Refurbishment plans are also in the pipeline for Apex Grassmarket Hotel in Edinburgh and Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa in Dundee, with £6 million being invested in a 20-bedroom extension and wine bar and cellar at Apex Temple Court in London.
Hilton has announced that the Loews Madison Hotel will join Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio as The Madison Washington DC, a Hilton Hotel.
In partnership with affiliates of Walton Street Capital and Waterton, The Madison Washington DC is poised to set a new standard for hospitality and elevate Hilton’s presence in this globally sought-after destination.
Hilton planted its hospitality roots in Washington, DC more than 60 years ago when its founder, Conrad Hilton, purchased the hotel now known as Capital Hilton in 1954. In addition to Capital Hilton, The Madison Washington DC joins Washington Hilton, marking the brand’s third hotel in the city.
“We are delighted this distinguished hotel will join the Hilton family, strengthening our presence in the nation’s capital,” said Shawn McAteer, vice president, global brand management, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “We look forward to welcoming discerning travelers seeking an exceptional experience at the intersection of the city’s quintessential offerings.”
A short walk to the White House, Walter E. Washington Convention Center and many key attractions, museums and landmarks, the hotel combines a reverence for history with modern luxuries and amenities, offering 356 guest rooms, including 27 suites. The Madison Washington DC offers more than 12,000 square feet of meeting space, including eight stylish meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology and high-speed internet access. Other amenities include a 24-hour business center, lobby bar, restaurant and lounge and fitness center, which includes floor-to-ceiling windows with great views of downtown D.C. as well as his-and-her steam rooms.
Renowned since its opening, with President John F. Kennedy attending the hotel’s commencement ceremony, The Madison Washington DC has long set the stage for countless distinguished guests. From Frank Sinatra to the Dalai Lama and nearly every president since Kennedy, the hotel, named after James and Dolley Madison, combines class and comfort, providing exceptional service and unique guest experiences, every day, every time. Built in 1963 by philanthropist, art collector, history buff and developer Marshall B. Coyne, the hotel redefined luxury in Washington as Coyne filled the hotel with his personal collection of antiques to set the tone and ambiance for visiting travellers.
Hotel Tech Live is now underway and Hotel Designs can bring you some of the highlights of the fantastic speaker programme at this year’s event live from the floor of the show…
TUESDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER
11.45 – Keynote Theatre 2 – Magdelana Osmola – Marketing Director at the Macdonald Monchique, Portugal – The presentation will look at challenges of getting a new hotel brand noticed in a saturated market. We will look at practicalities of an integrated marketing strategy and its implementation – what worked and what did not, no secrets! A down to earth review of new and old techniques (blogger outreach, online PR, email, PPC, content, brand identity). We will also look at what’s next for the travel industry covering most up to date trends.
12.30 – Theatre Hall 4 – David Beasley, VIP Worldwide – How to drive engagement, reach a wider audience, increase booking revenue and excite your customers using Virtual Reality, Film, Video Marketing and Video for Social Media. David will be sharing his insights on why the moving image should be an integral part of your marketing strategy.
14.00 – Theatre Hall 3 – Larry Mogelonsky – Leading hospitality consultant, writer – Travellers have more options now than ever before and they know where to find the best deals. If your brand doesn’t differentiate itself, it will be left behind in the face of alternate lodgings, meta-search, mobile booking behavior and a host of other industry disruptors. The key differentiating factor for all properties is its guest service delivery, and technological innovations can be applied to many hotel operations to keep this in top shape.
15.00 – Panel Theatre Hall – Guest Personalisation and loyalty through Technology – Due to the latest advancements in technology, hoteliers now have greater access to customer data, enabling them to give their guests a more personalised experience and create long-lasting customer relationships. As a result, personalisation has emerged as the hottest new trend for 2017. Sit in on this session to brush up on how you can foster greater loyalty by creating a more personalised guest experience for your customers.
16,15 – Keynote Theatre 2 – John Abbot – Director of Business Growth, Yoti – We can board planes, watch TV and buy stuff with our phones but we still have to carry paper ID documents. It just doesn’t make any sense. Imagine a world where your customers had their IDs on their phones. Door staff wouldn’t need to worry about fake IDs. You wouldn’t need to spend your Monday mornings trying to track down owners of lost IDs. You could even let your customers pour themselves a beer – no need for your staff to check their ID because your customer can prove their ID to the pump with their phone. Magic. Yoti is your ID on your phone and a global identity platform that lets businesses verify their customers’ identities in seconds. We have teamed up with DrinkCommand and Deltic group to make the future of self-service age verification a reality today.
Seychelles, Desroches Island – with its grand opening just months away, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is now accepting reservations for arrivals beginning March 1, 2018.
It’s also offering a special Island Debut package to welcome its first guests. Take a sneak peak below…
Hotel Tech Live – running alongside several design and technology shows – is the UK’s biggest event for the technology, systems, products, and services that are breaking new ground in the hotel and hospitality sector.
As technology becomes more critical to the hotel and hospitality industries, Hotel Tech Live provides you with an unprecedented opportunity to find the very latest cutting edge supplies designed to create a truly unforgettable experience for your customers, from the innovators behind these industry-transforming solutions.
With hundreds of companies exhibiting at the event showing off the latest technology, tools, systems and advancements and the very future of the hotel industry, there will be no shortage of people to meet and things to see. Meanwhile, the show brings some of the brightest and ambitious minds who, across two days of seminars and panels, will be sharing their insight and knowledge on how hoteliers can transform their business for the future.
Hotel Designs will be exhibiting at both days of the show, come along and say hello to editor Daniel Fountain and sales manager Jennie Lane on stand 4102
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s European flagship Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, has unveiled the first phase of its extensive restoration, designed to confirm this historic hotel’s position as one of the best in the world. The hotel remains open throughout the renovation which will be completed in the third quarter of 2018.
The first phase of the renovation includes the launch of 95 new and luxurious guest rooms and suites in the Knightsbridge wing. In addition, the hotel’s classic entrance, notable main lobby and reception lounge have been reconfigured and redesigned to maximise natural daylight, and the building’s iconic façade has been revitalised.
Internationally renowned designer, Joyce Wang has been commissioned to oversee the property’s overall design concept, and has taken her inspiration from the building’s Edwardian heritage, the hotel’s peaceful park side location, as well as the glamour of the early 20th century’s Golden Age of travel. Art deco inspired features including carefully curated artworks and custom-designed furniture have resulted in a warm and inviting environment.
Guestrooms Light and contemporary, each guest room has a unique and individual layout, featuring alcoves, warm grey paneled walls and hand-gilded mirror artwork. Rooms overlook fashionable Knightsbridge, or into the calm green vertical garden of the inner courtyard, which features native and exotic plants. Beds with leather-tufted headboards, large leather-topped writing desks, rugs and wildlife embellishments, all inspired by the hotel’s park side location, are present throughout the space. All guest rooms offer generous wardrobe space and include a Bower and Wilkins music player with Bluetooth connectivity, that can be enjoyed through surround-sound speakers. A Nespresso coffee machine and tea making facilities, and a pillow menu are also available.
Suites Suites have their own individual layout and an elegant hallway entrance, offering a spacious and comfortable bedroom with separate walk-in closet. The living area is furnished with a velvet-upholstered sofa, wing-back reading chairs and a leather-topped writing desk. Inspired by the royal park, the living room’s centrepiece is a striking gold and crackled glass custom-made acorn chandelier. Bespoke Fromenthal wallpaper, horsehair light sconces and gloss painted patterns that reference the carriage paths through Hyde Park are also part of the new design. Room amenities include a Bower and Wilkins music player with Bluetooth connectivity, that can be enjoyed through surround-sound speakers. A Nespresso coffee machine and tea making facilities [and a pillow menu], are also available. Additionally, Knightsbridge Suites come with a curated library of hand-picked books by renowned Mayfair publishers, Heywood Hill, for guests to enjoy during their stay.
Guestroom bathrooms are fashioned from Volakas marble with either a walk-in shower or a bath with an in-built shower. Suites have separate walk-in showers with stand-alone baths and twin vanity units. His and Hers amenities by London perfumer Miller Harris and Jo Hansford hair products from the renowned Mayfair salon, are available in all bathrooms.
The second phase of the renovation on the Hyde Park side of the building has already begun, and will encompass the complete restoration of all guest rooms and suites facing the park. In addition, two new luxurious and expansive penthouse suites, with spacious private terraces offering extensive views of London’s skyline and the peaceful park, will be added. In keeping with the recently installed contemporary pool and fitness area, Adam D. Tihany has been appointed to oversee the design of the next-generation Spa at Mandarin Oriental. This will be significantly expanded to include couples’ facilities, specialist consultation areas, and an exclusive Mandarin Oriental Spa Studio concept, offering powerful and effective express beauty and grooming treatments for both men and women. The splendid Loggia, The Ballroom and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal will also undergo a soft refurbishment throughout this second phase. The restoration of the ‘country’ side will be completed by the third quarter of 2018.
Qorokwe Camp, a new Wilderness Safaris Classic Camp due to open in the private, wildlife-rich 26,180-hectare (64,692-acre) Qorokwe Concession in Botswana in December 2017, will offer the perfect blend of luxury eco-chic within a beautiful Okavango Delta setting.
Designed by lead architect, Joy Brasler and interior designer, Michelle Throssell, Qorokwe Camp is situated along the banks of a beautiful kidney-shaped lagoon. The nine elegant tented suites, one of which is a spacious family suite with its own splash pool, and the main area, which comprises a dining area, lounge, library, bar and infinity swimming pool, are built on raised decked platforms (about two metres/six feet off the ground). This not only provides spectacular views of the lagoon and surrounding bushveld, but also enables the vegetation to thrive underneath the suites – a unique environmental advantage as most rooms create ‘dead’ space beneath.
According to Joy Brasler, materials chosen to build the camp include steel frames with infill panels to insulate against heat and cold, canvas and timber decks. Detailed timber ceilings are perforated with light to mimic the experience of being beneath the trees at the side of the lagoon so that the entire camp experience blends in with its beautiful natural surroundings. “The language of the infrastructure is seen as an elemental and contemporary response to an insertion in this landscape – the interiors are a response to the colours and activities of Africa, with the emotive use of materials, colour and form,” she said.
Michelle Throssel reiterated that their combined inspiration came from the natural setting, stating that the palette of colours and materials was motivated by the Botswana landscape, resulting in a rich mix of bleached timbers, darker stains and accents of rust and burnt orange. “By introducing a combination of organic shapes and textural diversity from live-edged timber to steel and canvas, we have created a warm, enveloping space providing comfort and luxury in an understated way,” Michelle added.
In line with Wilderness Safaris’ commitment to operating with as light an eco-footprint as possible, Qorokwe will be 100% solar-powered and all water will be heated by means of thermodynamic solar geysers, further helping to mitigate the camp’s carbon emissions. “We are also excited to have used a new building technique for the Delta, one that comprises an entirely steel sub-structure,“ said Qorokwe GM, Daniel Crous. “Although this is more expensive than building with wood, we believe that it is a more environmentally and economically sound method in the long run – requiring less ‘reconstructions’, as well as being easier to remove, thus leaving less of an environmental footprint. In addition, using steel removes the threat of termites and therefore there is no need to put chemically treated wood into the ground where it may affect the immediate environment.”
Owned by the Maun-based Calitz family, the Qorokwe (meaning “the place where the buffalo broke through the bush into the water”) Concession is a spectacular and highly productive mix of fertile Okavango habitats. Qorokwe’s diverse landscape includes scattered acacia and mopane woodlands, open seasonal and permanent floodplains and is fringed on either side by the picturesque channels and islands along the Gomoti and Santantadibe Channels. Guests can explore the exclusive concession on day and night game drives and nature walks led by highly-skilled guides, as well as enjoy mokoro and boating activities, depending on the water levels.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Calitz family to reveal this exclusive new land-based camp and private concession – a highly-productive game-viewing area that has been unutilised for the past four years. The beauty of the landscape and our experiences in the Qorokwe Concession to date are such that we know our guests can look forward to exceptional wildlife experiences, in addition to a world-class and original camp offering,” said Kim Nixon, Wilderness Safaris Botswana MD.
York has welcomed one of Hilton’s 14 market-leading brands, DoubleTree by Hilton. Conveniently located in the centre of York and opposite the city’s historic walls, DoubleTree by Hilton York joins Hilton York and Hampton by Hilton York – paving the way as the first DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in the city.
Hotel features and amenities include:
DINING Guests can dine at the hotel’s charming on-site Yorkshire Bar and Grill restaurant, which celebrates the very best of the region’s produce. Guests can enjoy an array of local home-comforts, light bites and delicious seasonal dishes served in the courtyard garden or in the beautifully designed restaurant. Guests can unwind after dinner at the hotel bar or, for those who want to stay in, there is an in-room dining service.
AMENITIES The hotel has 143 stylish, full-refurbished guest rooms – many of which have views of the City Walls. All guests are greeted with a warm welcome and signature DoubleTree Cookie upon arrival. To help burn off those delicious Cookie calories, there is a 24-hour gym at the hotel, with state-of-the-art equipment.
MEETINGS & EVENTS The hotel also boasts York’s newest purpose built meeting space with integrated audio visual equipment, wide screen projection and HDMI connectivity, capable of hosting up to 250 guests. There is a stunning courtyard garden for delegates to enjoy throughout the day.
“We are delighted to be welcoming guests to the latest destination in York, which has the most recently refurbished accommodation in the city,” said Graham Usher, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton York. “The hotel is perfectly located, near to key landmarks in this historic city, which attracts a vast number of travellers each year. From those wanting to explore or wishing to host conferences in our versatile meeting spaces, we cater for every type of traveller.”
Join us at the stunning Home House, London and embrace the spirit of the Christmas holidays a little early this year as we usher in the end of the year with a celebratory bang at our Christmas Party.
A chance to wine, dine and network with some of the most influential figures in hotels and interior design, the Christmas Party will take place at Home House, Portman Square in London on November 8th from 6pm until 10pm. As well as celebrating all that’s good about our industries and those who work in them, as always we will be offering the opportunity to make new connections and catch up with old friends among the canapés.
Meet up with professionals in a relaxed environment and sip down some Christmas spirit and look back on a year of uncertainty and change within an ever-moving industry. This will mark the third get-together in a year from Hotel Designs; an event popular with hoteliers, designers and architects, and offers a unique insight into the heart of the industry.
“Our Meet Ups are all about giving the Hotel Designs audience the opportunity to network and networking as we all know, is such a valuable way to expand your knowledge,” said Hotel Designs Publisher Katy Phillips. “Learn what your peers have been up to in 2017, share and reflect on your own business success from across the year and possibly most important, make new business connections and potentially new lifelong friends.”
“We hope to see you at the event for a festive tipple or two.”
And to add a special touch to this festive event, we are offering an opportunity for a design partner to ‘takeover’ the Winter Marquee at Home House – and bring a touch of yuletide glamour to the party. To find out more about this opportunity and how to get involved, please contact Jennie Lane on 01992 374098 or j.lane@forumevents.co.uk.
Attendance is free for those working in the hotel industry and interior designers – you can book your places here
Are you a supplier to the hotel and interiors industries? Click here to book your place or contact Jennie Lane at j.lane@forumevents.co.uk or 01992 374098.
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