Hotel Designs

NEWS AND ANALYSIS FOR HOTELIERS, DESIGNERS AND INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS

Hotel Summit becomes another sell-out event

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With less than a month to go until the 20th anniversary of Hotel Summit, we are pleased to announce that it will be another sell-out event…

The Hotel Summit will take place on June 4 to 5, 2018, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted.

Headline partner –
Simba Sleep Limited

Gold partners –
Salto Systems, Chroma Flooring, QCR, Wandsworth Group, Centrica Business Solutions, Portable Floormaker, Dyson, B Light Group, Vogue, Pulsar, Anchor Hospitality Logistics, ISS Facility Services, and Project Blinds.

Silver partners –
Crosswater, Birchall Tea, Delabie, James Alexander, Heritage Bathrooms, Tarkett Flooring, ADI Trading, Sue Whimster, Cassellie LTD, Viridor, Simon Jersey, 7 Formation, Dr Cost, Wanzl and Airwave.

Drinks reception partner –
Trviago

Over the course of the two days, attendees can enjoy interactive seminars and networking opportunities, while taking part in one-to-one business meetings.

If you are a hotelier and would like to attend the 20th anniversary of the Hotel Summit there are still limited spaces available on first serve basis.

For more information and what to expect from the two-day event click here

Excava surface product

Surface trend alert: Caesarstone launches new industrial-themed collection

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The new Caesarstone Metropolitan Collection, launched last night in London, comprises of nine surface products that reflect the UK industrial design trend…

Surface manufacturer Caesarstone has launched the Metropolitan Collection in the UK. The new collection welcomes five new products, which join the four already launched surfaces. Interior designers, members of the press and friends of the brand gathered last night at rough and rustic Barge House, on London’s Southbank, to celebrate the launch.

The latest products include:

Manufacturing on two continents, Caesarstone products are sold in more than 50 countries around the world. Now seen to be leading the industrial trend, Caesarstone’s s latest collection includes rough and unpolished, bold surfaces that form part of the revival of modernism, a rethinking of brutalism and the rekindling of industrial architecture.

The collection launches as a response to the robust construction finishes that have become a popular choice among consumers. This trend, and the collection itself, has been inspired by factories and lofts and has been translated for residential and commercial interiors. Each energetically styled surface in the collection has been designed to reflect the authentic textures of raw manufacturing, such as oxidized steel, poured plaster and raw concrete. Via innovative cutting-edge technology, weathered patinas have been achieved in quartz for the very first time – a breakthrough that can be felt as well as seen.

“Caesarstone continues to set surface design trends that others can only follow,” said Jon Stanley, Caesarstone’s UK Vice President of Marketing. “Last year’s reveal of 4033 Rugged Concrete was a significant hit with both commercial and residential designers; numerous projects and a number of awards followed. But what the launch really did was set the tone for the Metropolitan Collection that we are unveiling now. The brands’ deserved reputation for product design innovation continues without challenge.

“Caesarstone works with the world’s leading trend forecasters and the in-house design team are acutely aware of what’s becoming in vogue and when. Many of our leading partners that already have display materials in their showrooms are seeing significant interest.”

4046 Excava

Inspired by the intriguing patinas of casting and oxidising, combining the authentic features of rust and concrete. Its beauty reflects the geological decay of stone, weathered by time and nature. Its excavated look is appreciated for its texture and depth, ranging from different layers of earth shades to copper and dark brown. Its rough concrete finish is subtly coarse to the touch, yet cleaning remains as effortless as with all Caesarstone surfaces.

Rough industrial-style surface

4011 Cloudburst Concrete

Subtle. Sophisticated. 4011 Cloudburst Concrete with its white on white, tonal cloud like patina delivers a truly unique look. With its “Rough” low reflective matt surface, the design works alongside light and dark timbers, stainless steel, concrete surfaces (including 4033 Rugged Concrete) providing wide design flexibility, from industrial loft to Scandinavian through to minimal contemporary aesthetic.

White industrial-style surface

4044 Airy Concrete 

The light grey base illustrates the richness that minimalism can achieve: an authentic rough concrete finish that has been refined for the home. Its airy visual textures express depth across the worktop, enriched by dark grey and white areas, providing the true feel of concrete while maintaining the easy care synonymous with all Caesarstone products.

Authentic concrete-like finish

4023 Topus Concrete

Inspired by topological strata – fossilized textures built up over time in veiled layers – and combines the mineral formations found in nature with the rugged patinas of industrial materials, giving this surface movement, opacity, and depth. With a gentle hint of warm pink, its blush undertone echoes the pastels that are impacting the interiors market today.

Soft grey surface with a hint of pink

4601 Frozen Terra

Fresh, modern, industrial-inspired concrete / terrazzo fusion with sparsely distributed irregular translucent aggregate and fine black basalt. Further enhancing the overall appearance of Frozen Terra is the “Concrete” matt finish which brings an authentic industrial patina, look and feel to the surface and like all Caesarstone surfaces, never requires sealing.

Caesarstone’s Metropolitan Collection has been designed to reflect the authentic patinas of industrial materials. The variations in appearance capture real depth and movement, revealing different qualities that make each slab unique

In addition to the Metropolitan Collection, two further products have also been added to Caesarstone’s UK range; 6011 Intense White and 4643 Flannel Grey. Both are priced in Caesarstone’s Premium Group 2 category.

Surface with a concrete matt finish

4643 Flannel Grey

Grey has become a versatile neutral in the home-from-home environment. It works in contrast to complementary colours or can calm the space in monochromes, making any of its shades a reliable choice for the contemporary interior.

versatile neutral surface

6011 Intense White

6011 Intense Whites brings light into the kitchen. Its evenly distributed glass flakes reflect the gentle granular nature of stone, while its truly white colour illuminates the surface and adds sophistication.

Pure white surface

The new Caesarstone Metropolitan Collection is available nationally now..

Nobu Hotel Marbella opens

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Sleek, clean design elements create an open-air feel throughout the newly opened Nobu Hotel Marbella…

To mark the opening of Nobu Hotel Marbella, co-founders Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper hosted a traditional Sake Ceremony in the trendy Spanish city.

The large pool area

Nobu Hotel Marbella is set on the Golden Mile, on one of the most vivacious locations in Southern Spain. Reflected very much in the interior decor, the hotel is designed exclusively for grown-ups; a destination for fun, entertainment and indulgence. The first Nobu Hotel on mainland Spain, Nobu Hotel Marbella’s style embodies the energy, culture and warmth of the destination, a stone throw away from the nightlife, dining and atmosphere of an urban hotel, and metres away from sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

In true Nobu fashion, sleek, open-plan 81 guestroom suites wrap around La Plaza, Marbella’s social and epicurean hotspot. The Nobu Restaurant is at the heart of the resort, offering signature dishes, alongside special creations inspired by Andalusia.

The hotel also features a Six Senses Spa, a world-class tennis club, a Dave Thomas designed golf-course, an equestrian centre, and conference and event venues.

 

Interior of the Tom Dixon The Factory

Tom Dixon Studio opens The Factory in London

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Tom Dixon Studio has opened The Factory in Kings Cross, London, which will serve as a pre-production small batch manufacturing workshop for the design studio…

The brand has been characterised from its earliest beginnings by a fascination for manufacturing with investigations into craft and heavy industry and experiments in precision digitalised machinery. “Now that we have moved into our new HQ at Kings Cross, we felt an urgent desire to start making stuff again ourselves,” said Dixon. “We have dedicated a space – The Factory – where ideas can be tested out and prototypes created. The Factory is not hidden deep in the recesses of the building but is prominent at the entrance to our shop,” he explained.

The Factory has been conceived to encourage the public to participate in the joys of construction, fabrication and assembly. Over the next few months, it will be set up and then reconfigured variously as a pickling and bottling plant, a ceramics workshop and an electronics assembly line. It will kick off in the first couple of months with geometric pendant lighting (‘Make Your Own Etch Dot Pendant’ Workshop, with a limited batch of just 600 pendant lights produced solely at the Factory).

Additional Information about The Factory:
Dates: 9th May – 1st July 2018
Location: Tom Dixon Flagship Shop, The Coal Office (Granary Square, Kings Cross)
Workshop theme: ‘Make Your Own Etch Dot’ (a revisited version of our best-selling Etch shade)
Cost: 2hr Factory experience + a limited-edition Etch Dot (32 cm diameter) = £250

The Factory experience also includes:
• A certificate of authenticity
• An introduction to our design & manufacturing processes
• A Tom Dixon-designed Factory uniform
• A Flat-pack with tools & instructions
• Factory Manager to assist you throughout the process

The first Factory will run for 8 weeks, opened on the Wednesday 9 May and will run until Sunday 1 July. 

King terrace suite

Malaysia’s First DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Opens in Penang

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DoubleTree by Hilton has opened its first resort-style property in Malaysia: DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang, and also marks the 50th DoubleTree by Hilton property in the Asia Pacific region.

Located in the vibrant beach area on Penang’s north coast, overlooking the Indian Ocean, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang is a family-friendly resort with exceptional facilities for all ages.

Overlooking Malaysia’s Miami Beach, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang features a distinctive design concept that blends contemporary style with classical Peranakan motifs. The 316 rooms and suites are all equipped with walk-in rain showers, 40-inch LED TVs and Wi-Fi. Families can opt for two inter-connected rooms, linked by a hallway door to create a private sanctuary, complete with double and twin bedrooms and separate bathrooms.

Large lobby area

“Blessed with a rich history, diverse culture and tropical scenery, Penang is a truly enchanting destination. As the first DoubleTree resort in Malaysia, we are delighted to bring the brand’s warmth and genuine hospitality to the country, as epitomized by the welcome cookie we offer to all our guests,” commented Jamie Mead, Regional General Manager, Hilton Malaysia.

Linda Giebing, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang’s General Manager, added: “We have experienced strong demand since the hotel started operating in January, with high occupancy and interest from the events sector. I am confident that all guests will be captivated by our comprehensive range of facilities and renowned standards of hospitality.”

The upscale resort also features a state-of-the-art conference area, including three flexible meeting rooms for events of between 12 and 120 delegates.

The new resort is also part of Hilton Honors, an award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 14 distinct brands.

Dark-toned room with high ceilings mixes plush velvet and low lighting

Fitzrovia’s mysterious and magnificent The Mandrake Hotel

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Nestled under a canopy of plants in London’s Fitzrovia district sits The Mandrake Hotel, an unlikely yet very welcome neighbour to this part of town. Hamish Kilburn takes a peek inside…

Blink and you will miss it. The unassuming framed ornate wrought iron gates are the first of many indications that rules have been broken when designing the concept of The Mandrake Hotel. Unlike other luxury hotels in the area, such as Charlotte Street Hotel and The London Edition, The Mandrake’s entrance is very low key – almost as if its exact whereabouts is on a need-to-know basis, which of course it is.

Five years in the making, and a first for the Fustok family, The Mandrake Hotel sits in a former Victorian office block and has been artfully converted into the cool, urban boutique hotel that it is today.

During fashion week last year, when The Mandrake opened, its unique Bohemian-Gothic style led to it becoming the venue of choice for British Vogue’s editor Edward Enninful and a stream of A-listers who followed. The most recent neighbour to move in and name the hotel its premium local hangout spot is Facebook’s new swanky London headquarters in Rathbone Square.

One thing that is immediately apparent when entering the building is that the design elements of the hotel feel very personal. Interior designer Tala Fustok’s creativity literally runs through the walls of the hotel. “It was important to keep the honest feel of the building, and preserve its identity,” explains Fustok in a recent press release. An example of this can be found in the public areas that have been carefully curated with surrealist sculptures to portray the feeling that nothing in this hotel is what it first seems.

The Lobby. Image credit: The Mandrake Hotel

Striking pieces of art depicted by nature make a lasting impression when entering the strangely calming lobby. Industrial-style walls marry nicely with the understated yet stylish reception desk. The lobby hangs under a large gothic-style chandelier, lit by 30 wax candles, and the soft ambient lighting is well balanced to welcome guests into a curious new world.

The theme of outdoor indoor space has been well examined throughout the building, with natural light and the hotel’s incredible terrace being seen from almost all corners of the public area. A modest courtyard is poised and readily equipped for all occasions and looks up to the terrace, above which is a large living wall of plantation.

Outdoor terrace looks down onto a palm courtyard

The terrace. Image credit: The Mandrake Hotel

The dramatic Labradorite bar, at some 30ft in length, is the hotel’s source of energy. The dark Victorian panelled mahogany long bar is balanced by the room’s inspiration of nature. This area is rich in greens, with a gentle riot of Parisian fabrics and thick verdant palm textures of green, purple and red. Above the bar hangs the specially commissioned mythical-gazelcock (part-impala, park peacock) by Enrique Gomez de Molina, adding the mixture of eclecticism and humour.

The guestrooms

Considering the hype, only 34 guestrooms, three suites and one incredible penthouse are sheltered on three levels, each designed to unlock a chic, unique, cosy, quiet, high-ceilinged refuge, worlds away from the hustle and bustle of London life below.

All guestrooms are carved around the palm tree-studded interior courtyard, which centres the hotel and provides rooms with ample natural light. Designed with a mixture of maximalist bohemian throughout, the rooms create “a glamorous constructed garden of Eden” as Fustok puts it.

There is a sense of harmony as if two cities are colliding in the room’s interior fittings. Indulgent Parisian jewel-toned velvets, gilding mirrors and commanding metallic coffee tables add a flare of glitz in the interiors. This is balanced with a cool London city vibe of earthy-toned drape curtains, an curvaceous wing chairs.

Guestroom with statement circular mirror on the wall

Image credit: The Mandrake Hotel

“I wanted to keep the feel of the building’s natural, raw energy,” explains Fustok when describing the well-proportioned rooms and high ceilings of the Victorian shell. Clean lines have replaced the unusual period mouldings, resulting in bedrooms that envelop you in their infinity of moody hues. Striking vintage one-off pieces compliment the dark paint tones, while accents of colour are added by interesting artwork. Together, 33 different chandeliers and vintage panel screens covered with lush botanical plants in the guestrooms echo the bohemian vibes weaved around the hotel.

The pièce de résistance is The Mandrake Suite, painted in dark sultry tones that echo through from the bar and seductive hallways. The luxurious bed is swathed in Bedouin-style folds of fabric. A standalone bathtub set on a slab of black-veined marble adding to the majestic look and feel of the suite.

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Image credit: The Mandrake Hotel

As I descend down the lift towards check-out, the courtyard emerges and the sense of coming back down to earth feels very real. My conclusion is that, among the hundreds of hotels to open in London, The Mandrake stands as a shining example of how taking risks and following the heart when injecting a hotel’s personality pays off. Bravo Tala, the rest of Fustok family and all others who were involved in creating what we hope to be the first of many truly transformational boutique luxury hotels.

Fitzrovia’s ever-evolving trendy hotspot is rumoured to soon welcome a new Bluebird cafe as well as one of London’s premium HIIT and spin studios, Digme Fitness, which will open directly opposite the new Facebook offices in Rathbone Square. With these major openings, I get the feeling that The Mandrake’s quirky shell could soon well become ‘the local’ for many premium businesses nearby.

Duravit shower + bath in a modern bathroom

Walk-in shower and bath sets high standards of comfort in small bathrooms

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Bathroom specialist Duravit has launched a sleek shower and bath that unites contemporary bathroom design with the optimum use of space…

Shower + Bath, designed by EOOS, is a two-in-one walk-in shower and bathtub. The integrated glass door easily transforms the bathtub into an accessible open shower. If the door is opened towards the inside of the bathtub, it disappears under a waterproof cushion and remains invisible.

Precise lines are characteristic of the design language of Shower + Bath. The rectangular basic form and steep sloping sides ensure plenty of room to move when showering. The shower is surrounded by a generous glass enclosure, which can be selected in optional mirrored glass. This variant introduces an additional element of visual spaciousness into small bathrooms. Users can also comfortably sit on the cushion when showering, since it can be moved along the entire length of the bathtub.

The new shower and bathtub combination from Duravit unites several functions in one – as a shower, high quality bathtub, seat and shelf.
bathrooms.

Side shot of the Shower + Bath in a modern bathroom

The firm cushion is positioned on the integrated door and the edge of the bathtub, offering a comfortable seat and additional shelf space. The cushion also serves an additional function when relaxing in the bathtub; it can be used as an adjustable backrest or shelf.

With the door closed, the tub can be used as a relaxing bath in which to soak or as a foot bath. During bathing, a safety lock guarantees that the ESG-glass door cannot be accidentally opened.

The functional versatility of Shower + Bath is supported by its manufactured precision. The DuraSolid A material allows for sleek, refined edges in the design. The bathtub body, plinth and paneling are all made from the solid material. Compact external dimensions of 170 x 75 cm enable space-efficient installation options and ensure that this new solution can replace a conventional bathtub, even during bathroom renovations.

Duravit are one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, click here.

Coastline view of Seven Pines Resort on Ibiza's west coast

Sneak peek of Seven Pines luxury resort in Ibiza

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Slated to open next month, the hotel will offer guests tailor-made luxury, privacy and stunning surroundings on Ibiza’s vibrant west coast…

Opening on the dramatic west coast of Ibiza next month, the 186-key Seven Pines Resort will channel laid-back luxury with moments of pop throughout.

The all-suite clifftop resort is set in whitewashed Ibizenco-style homes and German-based Kitzig Interiors are responsible for the overall design. “We have embedded the environment in each building. This starts with Seven Pines as a name,” says Olaf Kitzig when describing a central draft approach of the interior design. “The resulting tension creates surprising moments,” he added.

Both the element of water, local materials and colours in their original meaning were essential design principles. For example, natural stone and old wooden planks are combined in their natural, rather rough expression with high-gloss, modern lacquer surfaces.

Room that looks out on the west coast of Ibiza

The resort, which is part of the portfolio of 12.18. group of companies, boasts unrivaled sunset views. Where possible, it uses outdoor elements in the design to compliment the island’s natural charm.

The open plan one- and two-bedroom suites will offer an abundance of sunlight. Each suite is furnished in a contemporary yet comfortable design, and uses natural tones with turquoise accents to infuse serenity and style.

Each Pool Suite is complete with a terrace or balcony as well as a central lagoon-style swimming pool with its own chiringuito-style bar.

Elsewhere in the hotel, the 1,500 sqm Pure Seven is said to be the hotel’s ‘haven of wellbeing’ that is inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle and energy of the island. Six treatment rooms aim to reconnect individuals to themselves in mind as well as body.

The open-room concept, expansive living room provide guests checking in to Seven Pines Resort with the maximum comfort, space and privacy.

Modern guestroom

Apex City Quay Hotel opens in Dundee following £2.4m refurbishment

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Following a multi-million pound refurbishment, Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa now welcomes in the luxurious surroundings within the city.

The hotel’s £2.4 million refurbishment has led to the transformation of all 151 guestrooms and suites and leisure facilities within the hotel.

The investment – which is part of a £15 million package of improvements across the Apex Hotels portfolio – follows another consecutive year of strong growth for 2016-17, with a six per cent rise in turnover – up to £65m from £61.3m the previous year.

“We’re delighted to see the multi-million pound refurbishment of our Dundee property finally complete, helping to transform the property and ensure Apex guests receive our signature warmer welcome, says Angela Vickers, CEO of Apex Hotels.

“With so much going on in the City of Dundee, our seven figure investment will only enhance our offering further for both guests and those using our spa and leisure facilities, and with further work earmarked for our conference and events space, both local businesses and those further afield will be well catered for, no matter the event.”

Twin room in the hotel

The revitalised guestrooms designed by Emma Franks are now bathed in natural light and offer spectacular views over the River Tay or quayside. With a calm, Scandinavian feel fusing grey patterned carpets and strong contrasts between light and dark, the guestrooms create a cosy atmosphere for guests to unwind.

The refurbishment, aiming to create a modern space within easy reach of all that is going on in the city, has also seen the leisure facilities upgraded, with the Ozone pool and large hot-tub area. The award-winning Yu Spa also offers more than 50 relaxing, detoxifying and rejuvenating Elemis treatments.

With further investment planned for the conference and events facilities within the property, the hotel is ideal for both leisure and business guests alike.

As part of the £15 million refurbishment programme, improvements are also underway at two further Edinburgh Apex hotels – Haymarket and Waterloo Place – as well as Apex Temple Court Hotel, in London.

Elsewhere in the brand, multi-million pound refurbishment works at Edinburgh’s Apex Grassmarket Hotel and Apex City of London Hotel have also been completed.

 

Strong and stylish surfaces from Lundhs Real Stone

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With its unique blend of feldspar crystals glistening in the sunshine, Lundhs Real Stone is brought to life through the reflections of the outdoors. An extremely and strong material, Lundhs Real Stone is suitable for a number of applications, including swimming pool interiors and work surfaces.

The 100 per cent Norwegian natural stone has extremely low absorption properties, meaning that it is not affected by the outdoor elements or swimming pool chemicals. Aesthetically striking, each of the Lundhs Real Stone materials is also ideal for summer food and drink preparation thanks to its naturally cool and non-porous surface.

Surface framing swimming pool

Available in a high gloss polished finished and an elegant silk matte finish, the stunning natural material is the perfect blend of exceptional high quality and visual beauty, guaranteed to add that final touch of class to any indoor or outdoor scheme.

Made from one of the most unique and strongest materials in the world, Larvikite, Lundhs Real Stone is a truly one of a kind real stone. Crafted by nature 300 million years ago and quarried on the southern coast of Norway in Larvik, there is no other place in the world where you can find the same type of natural stone.

Remote control activating the actuator plate

Bathroom specialist Duravit launches installation frames with matching actuator plates

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The bathroom should be comfortable, relaxing, and stylish, particularly as it is estimated we spend around three years of our lives in this room.

To make the bathroom as aesthetically appealing as possible, functional components are often invisible. The innovative technology concealed within the assembly units of toilets and washbasins is essential in ensuring the perfect interaction with products installed in front of the wall.

With DuraSystem®, Duravit offers convenient additional features for the bathroom. The new DuraSystem® is available for the toilet, urinal, washbasin, and bidet. In front of the wall, the sophisticated system uses actuator plates that are appealing to both the sense of sight and touch. Behind the wall, it guarantees a simple and perfect installation and solves many technical challenges. Whether for a new build, or a conversion, dry or wet installation, DuraSystem® is suitable for any installation type.

The actuator plates come in an electronic and mechanical version. Both feature the clear geometry that characterizes the stylish design of Duravit products.

Toilet featuring the DuraSystem

The electronic A2 toilet actuator plates, made from white glass, are surface-mounted. Their contemporary, timeless design enriches the bathroom and increases its users’ comfort. An infrared approaching sensor activates the illumination of the symbols when they detect movement close by. The remote control supplied enables the many convenient functions to be set and adjusted as required: integrated hygienic flush, auto flush, nightlight, cleaning function, emergency power supply, and the particularly quiet and effective odour extraction as an extra feature.

The remote control supplied enables the many convenient functions of the A2 actuator plate to be set and adjusted as required
cleaning function, emergency power supply, and the particularly quiet and effective odour extraction as an extra feature.

The mechanical A1 toilet actuator plate is made from white plastic or chrome high gloss and can be flush mounted. It is also available in white glass. The standard toilet frame and toilet frame for wet installation can also be upgraded retrospectively with a hygienic flush function.

With DuraSystem® the installation frames are compatible with Duravit’s new rimless WC’s and SensoWash® shower-toilets. As all components are supplied from a single source, DuraSystem® also ensures a perfect fit with all other Duravit products. In addition, DuraSystem® also offers solutions for the washbasin, urinal and bidet.

Duravit are one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, click here.

 

Colourful wall mural resembles skyline of London

Wallpaper: Wallsauce launches new antimicrobial and antibacterial range

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The wallpaper company launches new ranges of vibrant wallpapers that won’t breed harmful bacteria…

The cleanliness of hotels has long been debated over the years. In 2016, a report by Direct365 showed that 80 per cent of Brits would leave a hotel if it didn’t meet their hygiene and cleanliness expectations.

It is perhaps this statistic that led Wallsauce to launch an antibacterial and antimicrobial wallpaper for the hospitality sector. Designed for vulnerable environments, the material used in the products has been coated with a special formula that has been rigorously tested to ensure bacteria, mould and mildew won’t breed.

Grey wall mural reflects sound speakers on the wall

The wallpaper is available with any design presented at Wallsauce, including its ‘upload your own image’ feature. This allows hotels and restaurants to adorn blank walls with fresh and colourful imagery that will leave a lasting impression on customers whilst preventing the growth of micro-organisms.

Rendering of hotels Centro WestSide and WestSide Arjaan

Rotana brand arrives in European side of Istanbul with two new hotels

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The connecting stylish hotels located on Basin Express road feature 305 luxurious rooms, suites and apartments to lift the company’s total inventory in Turkey to 578 keys…

Two hotels by Rotana, Centro WestSide and WestSide Arjaan, have opened and mark the firm’s arrival in the European side of Turkey.

Situated on the popular Basin Express road in the Güneşli neighbourhood of Istanbul, the contemporary properties are in close proximity to key landmarks in the city, including Istanbul Atatürk Airport.

The building which shelters the two hotels has been designed by  the award-winning architecture firm Suyabatmaz Demirehe. Its iconic triangular concept won the Future Project Award in 2013 at the famous MIPIM Real Estate Exhibition in Cannes, France.

“We are delighted to open these two new properties, which join our two existing hotels in Istanbul to double Rotana’s Turkish presence and increase our global room count to 16,466,” said Chairman of Rotana Nasser Al Nowais. “Our smart and stylish Centro brand provides an affordable lifestyle hotel concept, whereas WestSide Arjaan by Rotana offers guests a home away from home with its elegant and comfortable hotel serviced apartments.”

Offering affordable luxury and effortless comfort, Centro WestSide features 152 rooms and suites. WestSide Arjaan by Rotana offers 153 fully-furnished one and two-bedroom serviced hotel apartments for cosy living.

Opening a new world of dining, recreation and entertainment in Istanbul, the two connecting hotels boast three outstanding dining outlets, with each offering attractive outdoor seating areas that make the most of the city’s pleasant Mediterranean climate.

Guests staying at the hotels can benefit from the access to Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club which includes a modern gym and large indoor swimming pool with stunning city views. A Jacuzzi, sauna, steam and three treatment rooms are also available at Centro WestSide and WestSide Arjaan by Rotana for guests to relax and unwind.

The hotels feature a business corner, which include five meeting rooms and a hall, all equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment to suit a wide range of occasions.

With its expanding tourism offering, Turkey has become a destination of choice for travellers from around the world. In the first two months of 2018 alone, the country welcomed three million foreign visitors and is projected to receive a record of 40 million tourists and over $30 billion in tourism revenue this year.

 

The hotel's swimming pool in the shelter of an ancient banyan tree

Avani + Luang Prabang opens in Laos

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AVANI+Luang Prabang in Laos, imagined by Pascal Trahan, evolved around an ancient Banyan tree, which now shelters the 25m pool…

AVANI Hotels & Resorts’ latest 53-key boutique hotel has opened in Luang Prabang, within the pulsing centre of Laos. AVANI+ Luang Prabang, set amongst picturesque streets and artisanal stores, is just steps away from the city’s most fascinating sights such as the Mekong River, Royal Palace, and Night Market.

Maintaining the authenticity of the UNESCO Heritage Town, the hotel is converted from a bungalow built for the French military brass in 1914. It now shelters a 53-key hotel that features a cosy pleasure dome with its roofline, wraparound balconies and façade quietly merging into the surrounding streetscape of colonial architecture. Inspired by the Laotian aesthetic, the hotel incorporates hand-stitched and waxed batik into the rooms as well as cement tiles and local timber.

The hotel in Laos features large beds with French-styled louvered wooden doors

Architect and interior designer Pascal Trahan from Trahan Architects built the hotel around an ancient Banyan tree that dates back hundreds of years. Stretched out under the shade of this tree is the hotel’s 25m pool, creating a contemporary yet balanced look and feel.

The property has retained its French history while embracing traditional Laotian design elements. The influence of France is felt in the hotel’s contemporary French neo-classical architecture which is integrated into the guest spaces with French-styled louvered wooden doors and an intimate, open-plan feel.

Guests in search of relaxation can find an oasis from the bustling activity of Luang Prabang at the hotel’s AVANISPA, or rest in the shade of the ancient Banyan tree which is rooted by the swimming pool. The hotel’s signature restaurant, The Bistro, is the perfect opportunity for visitors to get a taste of local Laotian cuisine. Heavily focused on sustainable dining, the restaurants ingredients are often sourced from local farmers that use the most traditional and organic of farming and fishing techniques.

This individually crafted AVANI+ blend continues through to reimagined dining concepts with specialty restaurants and rooftop or al fresco bar concepts.

AVANI+ Luang Prabang is the first property of the AVANI+ brand extension and demonstrates this through an unflinching dedication to culture and modern design aesthetics and promises to offer all that millennial-minded travellers would expect when visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Laos.

 

Light-grey sofa in living room with detailed chandelier above

RPW Design unveils natural elements in The Capital Suite

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Interior design firm RPW Design has completed the creation The Capital Suite in the award-winning InterContinental London Park Lane. Designed to suit the needs of todays’ top executives and boasting state-of-the-art facilities, the inspiration for the design concept for the suite was drawn from the nature and history of Hyde Park, which surrounds the hotel and its storied location.

The suite itself is situated on the first floor of the hotel and features two private en-suite bedrooms complemented by interconnecting living spaces, which can be used for both work and leisure. In addition, the boardroom and living areas can also be hired independently from the bedrooms, or the 2-bedroom suite can be hired as whole, including the full complement of working, living and dining areas.

“In keeping with the hotel’s luxurious offerings, The Capital Suite at InterContinental London Park Lane accommodates the needs of today’s business executive desiring the utmost in privacy and luxury. RPW Design has designed an innovative collection of spaces which cater for business meetings as well as entertaining and relaxation without having to transverse the hotel itself,” says Ariane Steinbeck, Managing Director of RPW Design.

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The Boardroom, which can be directly accessed through the Suite’s private corridor, is the centrepiece of The Capital Suite, and can as a result be easily interconnected with any other rooms. On the opposite side a private office and additional meeting room have been created, which can be linked to the Boardroom, hence creating a fully equipped boutique office within the Hotel.  By designing this specific combination of work and living spaces, RPW Design have successfully created a versatile space that affords the highest level of privacy with multiple luxury living and working spaces.

Overlooking Hyde Park, great attention was given to the selection of naturally luxurious materials, such as soft leathers, stone and walnut timbers as a basis for the colour schemes, resulting in a classic, natural and relaxing environment suggestive of the park itself.

Accompanying the use of natural materials, every detail has been individually designed to adhere to the leitmotif. Design touches contain tasteful homages to London’s greenery such as bespoke bronze handles evocative of tree branches for the cabinetry. Artwork and accessories draw on Hyde Park’s equine traditions and the historic location of the hotel.  Bespoke stitching details of the Plane, the tree that populates and represents London’s Royal Parks, are incorporated into the headboard design. The green landscape of the park inspired textures, patterns and themes within the carpet designs and artworks, such as the bespoke carpet, designed and developed with Tai Ping Carpets.

Design touches include decorative bronze panels, manufactured by Decca, which frame the bed by resembling windows with climbing foliage and songbirds.

RPW Design worked alongside world renowned Art Consultant Peter Millard to resource bespoke artworks that function as intriguing windows into an artistic interpretation of the theme. An example is the resin sculpture on the bathroom mirror that evokes the Serpentine through the exploration of form, movement and materials.

In addition to the Captial Suite, RPW Design will also be redesigning the guestrooms at the hotel.

 

 

Black ceramic Kartell tap

Laufen extends bathroom product range

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Kartell by Laufen continues to grow with its innovative and functional vision of the bathroom…

Bathroom specialist Laufen has expanded its Kartell range, which now includes elegant new washbasins with a variety of vanity unit combinations, new decors for the floorstanding washbasin, new furniture elements, a rimless floorstanding WC-combination and a free-standing bathtub.

First presented to the public in April 2013, Kartell by Laufen embodies a complete synthesis of the values and distinctive characteristics of the two companies: design excellence, innovation, quality and functional efficiency, all interpreted to bring a new dimension to bathroom furnishings. In the Kartell by Laufen collections, design and technology find a dynamic balance which produces unexpected, flexible, versatile solutions. The products rely on a fresh, living language, surprising for its daring, always sustained by a concrete foundation based on research, experience and experimentation.

New & Extended Collection

Clean forms and well-gauged expressive minimalism are the key traits of the new collection, now enhanced by four new built-in slim washstands, featuring a slender, elegant border, with a discreet squared design. Made with fine fireclay, a very hygienic and strong ceramic material, they have precise edges and smooth planar surfaces, extending to 600mm in the largest version.  These washstands are available in a range of solutions complete with cabinets with large drawers.

The new entries also include two rimless floor-standing WCs, which provide an efficient, practical and hygienic solution, including a combination floorstanding solution.

The existing range of bathtubs expands with a fresh, new freestanding version, with a built-in overflow valve. Its elegant silhouette, made in Sentec, has minimal thickness like that of the washstands, and rounded ergonomic lines that form a contrast with the more austere geometric design of the other models.

The collection also includes a new series of storage modules, columns and hanging cabinets, designed to make optimal use of space in the bathroom and to create a sense of perfect harmony between the ceramic fixtures and the furnishings. In particular, a side board cabinet with an extremely small depth (270 mm) has been created, offering an ideal solution for small bathroom spaces.

A new line of finishes expands the present chromatic range with modern hues for all tastes: matte white, gravel grey, slate grey.

Ludovica and Roberto Palomba have also imagined and designed three different geometric motifs, bringing new decorative and personalized options to the surfaces of the column washstand already in the collection, thanks to the application of a coloured film prior to the final process of glazing and firing.

New colours

All the accessories and furnishings in plastic have been updated with two new colours: powder pink and emerald green. The colours opaque white and opaque black will be available for mirrors, shelves and towel racks.

Behind all the creations of Kartell by Laufen there is a tenacious effort to intercept and respond to the widest range of needs of a variegated, multifaceted and international public, in search of innovative, efficient and emotionally engaging solutions. Thanks to this approach, Kartell by Laufen is regularly specified in major contract projects all over the world, collaborating with leading architects at the highest levels. This success has led to the continued expansion of a distribution network that now covers a total of 1,000 points of sale on a global scale.

New brassware

The Kartell by Laufen brassware line perfectly combines high-quality design with perfect ergonomics. Thanks to their maximally reduced cylindrical design, the taps harmonise both with the Kartell by Laufen complete bathroom concept, and with other bathrooms with modern design language.

Together with the classic version in chrome, the Kartell by Laufen washbasin taps are now available in the UK with a PVD coating in three new colours; stainless steel look, brushed anthracite (black) and copper. The PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coating lends the taps both a beautiful appearance and a special resilience. Taps with PVD coating demonstrate a very high level of hardness, and so are particularly resistant to wear. Thanks to the coating the smooth surface not only looks elegant but is also easy to clean.

 

Bedroom with wooden beams and soft interiors

Viceroy at Ombria Resort unveils first design phase

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Ombria Resort has unveiled the design ethos behind its first phase with WATG’s Wimberly Interiors at the design helm…

With an initial investment of €100 million, Ombria Resort’s first development phase in the Algarve will welcome the arrival of a new five-star Viceroy hotel.

The overall design aesthetic has been developed in partnership with WATG who are responsible for the landscape architecture, WATG’s interior design firm Wimberly Interiors, and Portuguese architects Promontorio. ‘Carved by Nature’ vision draws inspiration from the features, forms, material and themes of the authentic Barrocal sub-region of the Algarve.

All designers and architects involved are operating with the same shared aim: to create a new sustainable luxury destination, promoting and supporting the heart of the Algarve area, enhancing the area’s culture and traditional heritage.

Imagined as an elegant Portuguese village with all the charm and character of a long-established settlement, the graceful and considered design of Viceroy at Ombria Resort hotel and Viceroy

Residences will reflect the surrounding architecture of the interior of the Algarve, while echoing the style of nearby traditional towns.

“We really wanted to bring in the warmth and texture of the surrounding environment. Our modern interpretation, embraces the local design and culture, maintaining the distinct Portuguese spirit,” said Liana Hawes-Young from Wimberly Interiors.

The hand plastered walls in the hotel evoke memories of traditional Portuguese design, whilst the colour scheme of blue and white patterns pay homage to the traditional tiles found throughout Portugal and are inspired by the local tiles sourced for the lobby seating and guest staircase. Locally sourced materials are used throughout, opting for reclaimed materials wherever possible. The exterior draws inspiration from traditional Portuguese craftsmanship with extensive use of rammed earth walls, manual fire-baked terracotta and lime plaster.

Large bathroom

Local Portuguese architects, Promonorio implemented the architecture that WATG  has designed. The firm draws up a holistic approach to architecture, creating places that are implicitly sustainable with a preference for locally sourced materials.

The hotel is excepted to open in 2020. It aims to set the bar as a new generation of low-density report development where sustainability, the environment and support of nature lie at the heart of the foundations.

Chelsom Lighting Launches Edition 26

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Tapered perforated metal shades, brushed brass rings and even glass icicles were some of the focal trends that were unveiled at  Chelsom Lighting’s launch of Edition 26.

Two years since the launch of Edition 25, leading designers, procurement experts and friends of the firm gathered at One Marylebone last night in central London to celebrate the awaited unveiling of the collection.

With more than 70 years experience in hospitality design, Chelsom’s father and son duo Robert and William Chelsom’s creative stamp is imprinted throughout the entire range. Speaking at the event, William said: “This collection is the product of 18 months of hard work from everyone at Chelsom. I am delighted to be able to showcase Edition 26 in such a spectacular way with such a fitting venue as a backdrop.”

One of the many statement pieces in the newly launched collection is the striking Icicle, which features dimmable integral LED light sources in the bad of the glass icicles that throw light upwards giving a warm ambient glow whilst reflecting off the tiny silver leaf flecks within the handmade glass.

Icicle by Chelsom Lighting

Elsewhere in the collection, the Halo features decorative LED filament lamps that reflect a warm glow off the interior of brushed brass rings. The rings on both the four and eight light chandeliers can rotate at the end of the arms to give an asymmetrical appearance.

Halo by Chelsom Lighting

The Radar features shallow perforated metal collie shades that are supported by detailed knurled lamp holder.

Radar by Chelsom Lighting

The Pear, which was displayed in a large installation in the main hall, features tiny points of LED lights that project a sparkling glow into unusually sculptured crackle glass pears.

Pear by Chelsom Lighting

Other products that were displayed around the venue included the Criterion, the Oxford and the Chelsea.

To request a catalogue featuring the complete collection, click here.

Chelsom Lighting are one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, click here.

Paradis Villas at Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa Re-Open this November

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Beachcomber Hotels & Resorts, the luxury hotel group with eight properties in Mauritius, has announced the planned refurbishment of its high-end villas at Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa. The extensive refurbishment project, led by interior designer Virginie Dalais, will run from 14 May to mid-November 2018. The project will give the 13 stunning beachfront Paradis Villas a fresh look and feel that fits perfectly within its paradise surroundings on a private section of beach on Le Morne Peninsula.

The re-design of the five-star luxury accommodation will include new colours, textures and interiors that encompass a stress-free ambiance, parallel to the local laid-back way of living. The villas are the perfect accommodation for families and larger groups of up to six people. With ample outside dinning space and spacious living quarters, along with a tranquil lagoon just a few steps away, the Paradis Villas truly are a tropical home away from home.

Guests staying at the revamped villas can enjoy subtle hues of cream and beige adorned with accents influenced by the sea and Mauritian flora, synergising both inside and outside living. Imprints of local plants can be seen through bathroom screens, wall prints and fabrics creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Materials of the highest quality were sourced for the re-design of the Paradis Villas so guests can relish in ultimate comfort.

The 12 Paradis villas offer a hide away haven for guests to escape the stresses of daily life. With all of these exciting new improvements guests will need to monitor the November opening of Paradis Villas to be among the first to experience the revamped design and to enjoy their own Beachcomber holiday filled with relaxation, indulgence and spectacular surroundings.

Calligaris to showcase latest products at Clerkenwell Design Week

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In celebration of its 95th anniversary this year, family-run Italian furniture company Calligaris will showcase a series of its latest contract pieces at Clerkenwell Design Week.

Clerkenwell Design Week display includes the decadently glamorous Coco Chair, inspired by 1950s design with its elegant silhouette and simple metal structure, luxuriously upholstered with padded fabrics or leathers. The Love Seating Range is another nod to the fifties era in a rich earthy colour palette of charcoals and terracottas. The bodies of the pieces are ‘suspended’, sitting neatly within the unique metal frame’s extended legs.

Also on display will be the bestselling Fifties and Igloo that are synonymous with the customisable element of Calligaris’ furniture, giving the customer the freedom to mix and match shapes, textures and materials to create individual looks for commercial spaces.

With a similar retro style, the Gala Chair pairs a chic metallic frame with luxurious velvet upholstery in a series of vintage shades including blush pink and dusky blue.

The Calligaris Contract range was founded in 2008, developing furniture for hotels and restaurants. Its customisable element is key, giving the freedom to mix and match shapes textures and materials to create individual pieces designed to bring the luxuries of the home to the contract market.

Hotel Designs editor Hamish Kilburn will be at Clerkenwell Design Week on the 24 May. Please tweet us if you would like to book in a meeting.

Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami Opens

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New urban lifestyle hotel is the second Hyatt Centric hotel in the Miami area…

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami, located in Miami’s thriving Brickell Financial District.

The newly constructed full-service lifestyle hotel, located at 1102 Brickell Bay Drive, is situated within the first 19 floors of the new 83-story Panorama Tower, the tallest building in Miami. The hotel is owned by Concord Aztec Brickell LLC, a joint venture comprised of Aztec Group and Concord Hospitality, which operates the hotel.

Designed as a launch pad for modern explorers seeking authentic local experiences, the 208-key hotel puts guests in the centre of the action in Miami’s 24/7 urban Brickell neighbourhood.

“Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami is a home base for savvy explorers looking to discover the best Miami has to offer,” said Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami General Manager Ricardo Mendes. “Our team of local experts has been specially trained to curate unique experiences based on guests’ individual preferences, while contemporary guestrooms deliver everything today’s travelers need and nothing they don’t.”

“Brickell has become a vibrant destination with a global appeal for both business and leisure travelers and is full of thrilling attractions and sights,” said George Vizer, Hyatt’s Senior Vice President of full-service franchise operations, Americas. “We are proud to grow the Hyatt Centric brand in the Miami area and have Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami at the epicenter of the city’s redevelopment, offering the best of local cuisine, arts and culture, access to global businesses and more.”

Guestrooms

Furnished oversized balconies present dramatic views of the brightly lit cityscape, filled with glittering skyscrapers designed by renowned architects AIA Architect and spectacular sunsets over the turquoise waters of Miami’s famous Biscayne Bay.

All guestrooms offer the Hyatt Centric brand’s signature amenities such as salon-grade Drybar Buttercup blowdryers, BeeKind eco-friendly bath amenities, Keurig in-room coffee brewing systems and JBL wireless speakers. Caribbean culture is represented by in-room displays of scenic artwork.

Wellbeing

Staying in shape away from home is easy with Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami’s 24-hour fitness centre, featuring state-of-the-art cardio machines and free weights. Guests can also unwind in a resort-style heated pool and hot tub located on the 19th floor, offering sweeping views of Biscayne Bay.

The hotel’s 7,500 square feet of versatile meeting and event space is fully equipped to host conferences and banquets with everything from full internet, audio and visual services to professional staff support.

Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami marks the global lifestyle brand’s second hotel in the Miami area. Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami opened in 2015 on 16th and Ocean Drive in the heart of Miami’s South Beach neighborhood.

 

 

Renaissance Denver Stableton Hotel completes $15m renovation

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SANDdesign led the project to reimagine the interiors with sleek design and modern décor…

The Renaissance Denver Stapleton Hotel has completed a $15 million renovation project that began in April 2017. The entire hotel has been renovated including all 400 guestrooms, 40,000 square feet of meeting spaces, the lobby and all public spaces.

Californian-based design firm SANDdesign created a classic and subdued colour scheme, dominated by blue-grey tones and accented with mild earth tones and strong pops of orange. A sleek, modern design with strong geometric shapes compliments the architectural features of the exterior of the 1980s shell.

Bold, streamlined furniture accented with strong, simple, geometric pieces and splashes and accents of colour throughout the hotel give the overall theme a modern-meets-classic/artistic feel throughout.

A plant selection of lilies, succulents and other local botanicals reflect indigenous Colorado flora, while wall art blends natural, mountainous scenes with bright pops of colour with the industry of everyday modern life, represented in greyscale.

“After much anticipation we are thrilled to reveal the hotel’s reimagined look to both Denver and visiting guests,” said Brian Lenfestey, Area General Manager of Renaissance Denver Stapleton Hotel. “Offering the same high-quality service that Renaissance is known for, this renovation elevates the guest experience and gives us an edge in an ever-evolving city.”

Lobby

The first area to be renovated, the lobby of the Renaissance set the sleek and modern tone that the rest of the hotel now emulates. The renovation brought a new botanical program along with new modern couches, chairs and artwork throughout the foyer and public space.

Guestrooms

Simplified and modernised with a white, silver and brown colour scheme, guestrooms now boast plush new beds and comforters, 50’’ Smart TVs mounted on a cushioned silver panel, silver geometric lamps and grey geometric carpet. Guestroom lounge areas have been renovated with new round tables, desk chairs and grey sofa sleepers in king rooms and blue arm chairs in queen rooms. Bathrooms have new tile, walk-in showers, back-lit mirrors with mountain silhouette, and textured silver/grey wallpaper that resembles exposed concrete.

Meeting areas

The expansive meeting spaces have been revamped with new lighting fixtures, wall coverings, grayscale geometric carpet, and top-of-the line AV/TVs.

F&B

As part of the $15 million renovation, Renaissance Denver Stapleton is unveiling a new restaurant, Fifty300, which boasts a slightly more rustic feel, reminiscent of a high-end ski resort café complete with pseudo ski-lift booths. Inspired by mountain ski towns, the restaurant’s furniture is simple and modern with tables alive with wooden grains, shapes and textures. Subdued earth tones with pops of blue and orange can be found in the restaurant’s new lighting, floor plan, buffet, hardwood floors and host stand that imitates a stack of firewood.  Hints of metal along with architectural elements give a slightly industrial feel to the atrium level restaurant.

Built in 1986 adjacent to Stapleton Airport, the Renaissance Denver Stapleton Hotel began its life as a Stouffer Hotel intended to serve travellers to and from Denver. In 1993, the hotel was rebranded as a Renaissance and in 1995, Denver retired the Stapleton Airport and unveiled the new Denver International Airport 20 miles north east. In 1997, Marriott purchased the Renaissance Brand, and it continues to serve as the ideal location between Denver International Airport and downtown proper.

An iconic Denver hotel, Renaissance Denver Stapleton has undergone significant transformation, much like the surrounding Stapleton neighbourhood, now one of Denver’s premier residential and entertainment hubs and the largest urban redevelopment project accomplished in the United States. With an abundance of restaurants, breweries, specialty shops, local boutiques, outdoor malls, a movie theatre and over 50 parks, Stapleton has become a destination in itself.

The hotel officially unveiled the new interiors last night at a “Grand Re-Imagined Event”.

Telling the theatre story in Leicester Square’s latest hotel

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Hotel Indigo opens in central London with a vision to reflect the historic patina of a theatre through quality design…

Nestled in the heart of London’s theatreland district, Hotel Indigo has used the power of surface design to tell the neighbourhood story.

In collaboration with London-based architectural design practice Michaelis Boyd, specialist surface finishes firm Viero UK used Marmorin Hydro decorative plaster across the 95 rooms and en suite’s. The project featured lime-based plasters with a view to ensuring high durability as well as great textures and effects on the interior walls.

“We wanted to reflect the distressed walls of old local theatres and to bring some depth to the wall finishes throughout the building,” said architect Pauline Dellemotte.

The Viero UK team worked on the worked on the narrative brief with six of its skilled craftsmen working tirelessly across the site for a period of 12 months to bring the project from vision to reality. “This was a large-scale project and one we took enormous pride in,” said Viero Managing Director Chris Walters. “We really lived and breathed the project and wanted to show just what was possible using plaster.

The guestrooms mirror the 1920s glamour of the hotel’s theatrical surroundings. The bespoke rooms have walls adorned by framed scripts, gently spot-lit with stage lights hanging from rigging.

“We do a lot of work in the hotel industry and this was a particularly exciting project to be involved with, due to it being featured right in the centre of our home city London.”

Following the completion of the project in April this year, Dellemotte said: “Having worked with Viero UK on previous projects, we were interested to explore possibilities of polished plaster to reflect the historic patina of a theatre.

“We are very pleased with the result which is elegant and refined. The decorative plasters bring texture and depth to the walls. It is a very rich finish which can tell a story through the different layers of the application.

“The green and gold plaster in the auditorium bedroom is particularly effective, reflecting the light and creating an atmospheric glimmer effect.”

Lodore Falls Hotel unveils new restaurant as part of £10m renovation

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Lodore Falls Hotel, part of the Lake District Hotels group, has announced the launch of its new 70-seater Pan Asian restaurant, Mizu…

Taking its name from the Japanese for ‘falling water’, Mizu occupies a prime and appropriate spot, directly overlooking the stunning Lodore Falls waterfall.

Becoming the hotel’s second restaurant, Mizu reflects a relaxed ambiance with cool, elemental colours, floor-to-ceiling windows coupled with natural textures and materials.

Leading the interior design project was Ashleigh Doherty from Greyline Design. She said: “Mizu took inspiration from the local colour palette of warm green hues mixed with timber elements reflecting the surrounding woods. A modern feeling has been retained with contrasting concrete tiling, glazed bar front and a beautiful geometric floor. We have tried to honour the clients own heritage with Scandinavian style furniture upholstered in rich, tweed fabrics bringing warmth and texture to the restaurant.  A lounge area was added with luxurious deep buttoned leather sofas and comfortable chairs. Feature pendant and wall lights enhance warmth, creating a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.”

Scheduled to launch mid May, the new restaurant’s open kitchen allows for guests to watch talented head chef Kasun Jayasooriya as he serves up a fusion of Asian dishes.

Marketing Director of Lake District Hotels, Daniella Hope, said: “We are delighted to have made recent investment, such as refurbishing our public areas, developing new larger, luxurious bedroom suites and now with the creation and launch of Mizu restaurant. The stunning natural beauty of the Lake District makes it a competitive market place but we at Lodore Falls Hotel are confident that we offer something uniquely exciting.”

The hotel’s overall investment is £10 million, with phase one now complete and saw the refurbishment of the hotel’s entire ground floor. Phase two sees the opening of Mizu restaurant and four spacious bedroom suites. As well as a further 14 bedroom suites and the much anticipated, The Falls Spa will launch during mid September 2018.

lakedistricthotels.net/lodorefalls

Brintons and Timorous Beasties to launch Craigend Collection at Clerkenwell Design Week

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Carpet manufacturer Brintons will launch the new Craigend Collection designed by long-term collaborators Timorous Beasties at Clerkenwell Design Week 2018. Taking over St Johns Square the collection will be debuted in a pop-up installation designed by Studio Shaw Architects.

Famous for their outstanding diversity of pattern, Scottish design duo Timorous Beasties will present Craigend, their third collection with Brintons. Named after Craigend Place, home of the Glasgow based Timorous Beasties studio and birth place of the designs, the collection name is also inspired by the old Gaelic word ‘Creag’, which means rock.

Render of the Brintons and Timorous Beasties installation designed by Studio Shaw Architects at Clerkenwell Design Week 2018 to launch the Craigend Collection

This commercial collection is inspired by textures and surfaces found naturally underfoot, including sand dunes, stone moss and lichen, all reimagined in the Brintons’ signature 80/20 blend of 80 per cent wool and 20 per cent nylon. With Craigend, Timorous Beasties have called upon their fascination with the oftenbrutal beauty of the natural world, as well as taking aesthetic inspiration from different crafting materials including paint, ink and fabric.

Emma Cassidy, Head of Creative Design EMEA at Brintons commented: “Brintons are delighted to launch the highly anticipated Craigend Collection, our latest collaboration with Timorous Beasties which celebrates our 10-year anniversary of collaborating together. The collection brings to life a diverse range of bold, colourful and dynamic designs that will inspire and surprise the design community; pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in carpet design, for commercial spaces.”

Above from left: Alistair McAuley and Paul Simmons, Timorous Beasties in the Glasgow studio

The installation will showcase a unique selection of woven carpets taken from the new Craigend Collection. Visitors will be taken on a journey through the pop-up installation, where the full-scale patterns will transport the audience into a world inspired by the textures and sights of the natural world.

Founders of Timorous Beasties Alistair McAuley and Paul Simmons comment, “For our new Craigend collection, we took inspiration from what we see under our feet, taking cues from natural carpets such as sand dunes, moss, stone, and waves of water. We also thought about how carpet can be dramatic in transitional spaces such as lobbies, corridors, and grand dining rooms. We also considered how the functional aspects and minimal aesthetic can work in more personal spaces such as bedrooms, whilst still keeping the link between the dramatic and the serene. We first collaborated with Brintons a decade ago, and our love of pattern repeats from our wallpapers and fabrics, has been a very productive pairing, and adapts perfectly to carpet design.

Alistair McAuley and Paul Simmons will be taking part in the Conversations at Clerkenwell talks programme and will be in conversation with Priya Khanchandani, deputy editor of ICON Magazine on Tuesday 22 May, 10.30am. Book your place here.

Hotel Designs editor Hamish Kilburn will be at Clerkenwell Design Week on the 24 May. Please tweet us if you would like to book in a meeting.

Brintons are one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, click here.

First inside look at the Hard Rock Hotel, London

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As it prepares to check in to the capital for spring 2019…

 Hard Rock Hotel London has given Hotel Designs an exclusive first look inside the new hotel ahead of opening its doors in spring 2019.

Drawing on the legacy of the greats who stayed here in decades past – and an inspiration to those who are yet to write their own story – the Hard Rock Hotel London will stand alone as a haven for music lovers and cultural explorers everywhere.

Designed by the award-winning architectural and interior design practice, Scott Brownrigg, and catering to the needs of both business and leisure travellers, Hard Rock Hotel London will boast around 1,000 stylish rooms and suites, together with two vibrant bars, a lively Hard Rock Cafe® and the world famous Rock Shop®.

Taking the London experience to another level, luxurious Rock Royalty rooms and suites offer extra perks including a personal concierge and access to a lavish Lounge.

Built in one of London’s most iconic locations – on the corner of Oxford Street and Park Lane – the hotel will shelter guests steps away from London’s buzzing city centre, West End theatres and the glorious greenry of Hyde Park.

Each Hard Rock Hotel has an incredible memorabilia collection – and Hard Rock Hotel London’s interiors will pay tribute to former residents such as Jimi Hendrix, Diana Ross, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder and Madonna along with the crème de la crème of contemporary artists.

Slated to be the ultimate urban hang-out, visitors will experience a true taste of London, as Oliver Kahf, General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel London, comments: “Hard Rock is a world-class institution where contemporary style and comfort meets rock star service. This building has stood at the intersection of British music and fashion since the 1930s and when we open in spring 2019, it’s sure to become a go-to London hotspot once again.”

Internationally recognised as a world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand, Hard Rock Hotels offers stylish and contemporary design mixed with unparalleled service and the thread that unites them all – music.

Hard Rock Hotels cater to the evolving and distinctive needs of today’s cosmopolitan, modern travellers, who seek a reprieve from traditional, predictable experiences, whether for business or leisure travel.

hardrockhotels.com

Crosswater launches MPRO Matt Black shower enclosure

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Following the launch of the MPRO Matt Blackbrass ware, Crosswater has now introduced the contemporary finish to its shower enclosure range. Designed to create a statement, the Single Slider Door and Side Panels are framed in dramatic Matt Black with a matching feature handle. With its angular design and modern fittings, the MPRO enclosure introduces on-trend contemporary features to the showering space, which coordinate with the selection of Matt Black heads, valves and handsets.

Manufactured to the highest quality, the MPRO enclosure glass comes with Crosswater Clear protection as standard. This innovative invisible coating acts as a lasting barrier on the surface to help reduce staining and make the process of cleaning quicker and easier. With its framed, angular silhouette, MPRO balances contemporary design with the practicalities of daily showering. The sliding door is available in three widths that range from 1200 – 1700mm, whilst the side panel comes in two widths of 800 and 900mm. This offers a flexible solution for shower rooms of all sizes and configurations.

Crosswater are one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, click here.

To find out more information on Crosswater, and to view their complete collection, click here. 

King Street Townhouse

Calling all interior designers, architects and hoteliers

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Hotel Designs is set to take the Hotel Designs Meet Up brand to Manchester this 18 July, and we would love to offer you complimentary attendance to the event.

Our Meet Up concept is hugely successful and one which always sells out. If you are based in the north of the UK or otherwise and are interested in an evening which includes drinks and canapés in Manchester’s trendy King Street Townhouse contact us now. In order to attend the event free of charge we will need you to fill in some details to qualify. Click here to secure your place before it is too late.

Some of the names already confirmed to attend are; Fusion By Design, Best Western Hotels, The Lowry Hotel, The Royal Toby Hotel, Hotel Sheraton, Xcentric Hotels, Hotel Football, Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa, DV8 Designs Ltd, Coolsilk and B3 Designers to name but a few.

For those of you that don’t know what these events entail, they are simply an opportunity for you to network with industry peers from across the hospitality industry in a relaxed and informal setting whilst enjoying some complimentary drinks and nibbles.

Full event details including start time and location, can be found here.

Our headline partner for this event is Marca Corona whom we announced last week. If you are a supplier to the hotel industry and are interested in attending/supporting this Meet Up please contact Jennie Lane now to find out how you can get involved.

 

Hotel Designs hits new traffic high in April

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Hotel Designs has enjoyed a record-breaking month, with visitors to the website in April topping 49,000.

It’s an 18 per cent leap on traffic generated by the site over the previous month, with Hotel Design’s social media channels also seeing a boost – Twitter followers now stand at over 13,000; with Facebook and Instagram figures both exceeding 1,500.

“We’re proud to create great content that gets right to the heart of the industry,” said publisher Katy Phillips. “Our continually good traffic figures demonstrate that Hotel Designs resonates with the community.”

During 2018 Hotel Designs continues to build on that community, with the March Meet Up event selling out. The Meet Up heads north this summer, with 200+ hoteliers, interior designers and architects expected to attend the networking event at King Street Townhouse, Manchester on the evening of July 18th. For ticket enquiries click here.

Meanwhile, the Hotel Summit takes place on June 4th & 5th at the Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted. This unique event matches hoteliers with suppliers for a series of pre-arranged, face-to-face meetings. Find out more here.

Domus to launch ‘Piano’ from Mutina at Clerkenwell Design Week

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Domus will host the official UK launch of new tile collection ‘Piano’ from Italian design house Mutina during Clerkenwell Design Week, 22 – 24 May 2018.

Created by French designers Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, Piano is a striking, colourful partially glazed porcelain tile collection available exclusively from Domus in the UK.

With the Piano collection, Mutina re-discovered the technology of double charged clay, enabling them to obtain different textural effects in a wide range of colours. The slight variation in size and specific use of glaze creates a ‘vibrating’ effect, similar to the shimmering image of reflections on the water, creating an optical illusion of a non-geometrical figure.

“The tiles can be fitted together at will, to create endless layout possibilities, said Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec when describing the collection. “Their random disposition is mysterious and creates the impression of a total continuation of space. This systemic rhythm always creates the space for originality.”

The range is made with coloured clays to which layers of glaze are added in different widths. There are five base colours: white, grey, blue, green and pink and two rectangular sizes (7.5 x 30cm and 10 x 30cm). The tiles are arranged by colour and are grouped together by the lead colourway in the same box, this allows for the greatest variation and ability to create a vibrant fitted tile layout. Piano is suitable for floors and walls, both indoors and outdoors.

Hotel Designs editor Hamish Kilburn will be at Clerkenwell Design Week on the 24 May. Please tweet us if you would like to arrange a meeting.

For more information on Domus, click here.

Six Senses Kaplankaya opens

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Hotel brand Six Senses has opened its third property this year. The opening of the 141-key Six Senses Kaplankaya, Turkey, suggests that tourism in the region is alive once more.

Located across the bay from Bodrum on a naturally beautiful stretch of ancient Aegean coast, Six Senses Kaplankaya is carved into giant rock formations with green-roofed buildings layered down towards the coastline.

The hotel opens with the aim to encourage positive economic and social growth in Turkey. New York-based design house Clodagh Design preserved the spectacular natural surroundings and heritage of the local area when imagining the hotel.

The resort is surrounded by undulating hills clad in evergreens, rugged rocks, wild olive trees and cypresses, and flanked by secluded golden beaches and the turquoise sea’s lapping waves. Kaplankaya itself is steeped in history and art, with the Six Senses a striking mosaic of architecture blending world-class contemporary design with the diverse and dramatic landscape’s raw beauty.

High design

Seamlessly merging old with new, Six Senses Kaplankaya combines contemporary architecture and high-tech comforts for its 141 guestrooms including Suites and Pool Villas. Pioneering eco-conscious spirit, Clodagah has captured the essence of stylish destination.

Upon arrival, guests walk through a lantern-lit portal through wooden doors and into a sky-lit lobby, where there is a glass railing to look down over the floors below and out to sea.

Beneath the lobby, a sculptural collage of kilim rugs and leather-clad ottomans atop layered Turkish rugs are interspersed with tables crafted from large pieces of wood from the local olive trees. An expansive, gold-leaf wooden table glows, as it offers Turkish delicacies and signature beverages to arriving visitors.

The warm, yet contemporary design, influenced by traditional Turkish touches, continues in the guestrooms where features include woven leather and local flat-weave carpets. The soft hues are grounding and conducive to sleep, along with two lamps specially designed to regulate circadian rhythms with the incorporation of indigo, ochre and flashes of deep turquoise lights. In-room amenities include high-spec coffee machines, a well-stocked minibar and a pass through to the outside corridor for the discrete delivery of room service. On the technology front, there’s an iPad for mood control of air-conditioning and lights, Marshall Bluetooth speaker and WiFi.

Expert wellbeing

Six Senses Kaplankaya is home to one of the most extensive and advanced spa and wellness offerings within the Six Senses portfolio, providing guests and residents with a truly integrated approach to optimal wellness.

Spread over 10,000m² (107,640ft²), the spa journey at Six Senses Spa Kaplankaya begins with a seven-metre (23-foot) meditation walk, illuminated by glowing ottoman patterns and a ceiling filled with glittering lights to create a magical and soothing guest experience. The spa is spread over two floors and includes 20 treatment rooms, multiple steam rooms, hydrotherapy pool, traditional Turkish Hamman, ice room, crystal steam room, Finnish sauna, private watsu pool, nail salon and hair salon, and the much-loved Six Senses Alchemy Bar – first introduced at Six Senses Douro Valley – where guests can skilfully blend organic and sustainable ingredients to create their own lotions and potions.

F&B

Elsewhere in the hotel, Mediterranean and Aegean-inspired cuisine is the overarching theme at the three dining venues: Sage & Sea Restaurant and Bar, Wild Thyme Restaurant and Bar, and Mezze by the Sea Restaurant.

With a further four hotels slated to open this year, Six Senses continues to experience substantial international growth in the market.

www.sixsenses.com/resorts/kaplankaya

Hotel Martinez Reopens in Cannes

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Hotel opening marks the second property in Europe within The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. 

Following major renovations and a complete redesign, Hôtel Martinez, Cannes has reopened the 409-key hotel as part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt.

Located on Boulevard de la Croisette, the hotel is one of the most recognizable hotels on the French Riviera, rich in both culture and history.

As part of a collection of unique and independent properties, the 1930s landmark has played host to some of the world’s most distinguished guests, offering the perfect location to enjoy Cannes, including the Palais des Festivals.

Every aspect of the hotel-wide redesign pays tribute to its illustrious past while setting it up for the future. Parisian architect Pierre-Yves Rochon has combined the hotel’s original Art Deco style, with contemporary, chic design that takes inspiration from the colors of the French Riviera and the Mediterranean way of life.

New features include Version Originale, a restaurant serving authentic regional dishes with a creative twist, Le Martinez Bar offering a festive and glamorous atmosphere and Le Jardin du Martinez, an alfresco dining terrace with a Mediterranean garden setting.

“We are thrilled to reopen Hôtel Martinez as part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt and delivering story-worthy experiences for the modern traveler,” said Alessandro Cresta, general manager of Hôtel Martinez. “The renovations have given new life to the iconic building while preserving its historic charm, and we are excited to unveil these ahead of the Cannes Film Festival. We look forward to welcoming guests old and new to experience the relaxed, yet glamorous atmosphere that has become synonymous with the French Riviera.”

Hôtel Martinez is the second property in France in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, joining Hôtel du Louvre in Paris, which is currently closed for renovation. Together they represent a significant milestone for the brand in France and Europe.

Guestrooms

The hotel’s 409 newly renovated Art Deco rooms and suites overlook the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The contemporary interior design by Pierre-Yves Rochon reflects the 1930s with each room featuring white lacquer furnishings and subtle touches of sky blue or light yellow creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere. The exclusive Suite des Oliviers and the Penthouse Suite offer one of Europe’s largest private terraces overlooking the sea and the Promenade de la Croisette.

F&B

The main restaurant, Version Originale, promises a unique experience, through new culinary concepts and traditions from all over the world that push culinary boundaries.

Meanwhile, Le Jardin du Martinez offers the perfect outdoor setting for guests to relax in the sun. The garden terrace restaurant delivers a taste of fresh, organic and creative cuisine inspired by the French Riviera. Guests can enjoy a relaxed picnic atmosphere within an oasis of palm and lemon trees.

La Palme d’Or, the two Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Christian Sinicropi is known for creative Mediterranean cuisine taking inspiration from art, literature and philosophy and transforming the best local and seasonal produce into true works of art. The sensory experience is enhanced by the restaurant’s elegant design and the panoramic view over the bay of Cannes and the glistening Mediterranean Sea.

The Martinez Bar offers creative cocktails and vintage drink offerings served alongside gourmet pintxos prepared on a teppan plancha. With a glamorous setting, clinking glasses and live music, the Great Gatsby spirit of the roaring twenties is ever-present as the sun goes down on the Croisette.

The Zplage private beach is the perfect sunny spot to relax and enjoy a colorful cocktail or smoothie. The menu offers fresh, local produce and ingredients carefully selected by our chef and prepared in an authentic Mediterranean fashion.

Wellbeing and recreation

The L.RAPHAEL Beauty Spa in Cannes is a haven for peace and tranquility. It offers a wide range of relaxing and luxurious treatments including its signature Oxy treatment, a non-invasive skin therapy using a stream of oxygen that delivers active ingredients.

For guests who want to stay active, they can enjoy a total body workout at the fitness center and sauna which are open daily, or for those who prefer running outdoors, Cannes and its surrounding area boast a variety of running routes with beautiful landscapes and views. The concierge team is happy to provide running maps and share their recommendations to recharge your spirit.

Services and facilities

The Kids Club, open in July and August as well as during the winter holiday period, will offer a range of exciting activities for young guests (between 4 and 11 years old). The program includes individual and team games, as well as educational activities supervised by a professional staff.

Meeting space
Hôtel Martinez offers 26,910 square feet of meeting space and 15 flexible meeting rooms. Certified with the Green Globe Gold status, Hôtel Martinez was the first hotel member of Green Globe in the French Riviera who committed to protect the environment and use sustainable business practices throughout the entire event planning process.

For more information, please visit www.HotelMartinez.com.

Brintons designed bespoke carpets for Hyatt Regency Paris Charles de Gaulle

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Leading carpeting manufacturer Brintons has manufactured quirky bespoke carpets for the Hyatt Regency Paris Charles de Gaulle’s flexible working and meeting space, Le Campus.

The carpeting manufacturer worked in conjunction with design company Virserius Studio and general construction company, Vöcker Hospitality on the renovation, following the design brief to evoke nostalgia for university, to inspire creative thinking and enhance the exchange of ideas.

This direction led Virserius Studio to take inspiration from the structure of molecules, using the hotel’s bright colour palettes as stimulus for the bespoke designs.

“We manufactured Brintons bespoke axminster carpets using strong, really vibrant colours to stand out against the grey background,” said Mahlmann. “The pattern is made up of cubes of different sizes, and appears to fade from dark to light. The placement of the pattern is designed to draw you in as you approach a room, and as you enter reveals itself as an artwork on the floor. The carpets add a lot of value to the overall feel of the finished spaces.”

Brintons

Brintons manufactured approximately 700sqm of carpets for the renovation of the hotel. The pattern colour scheme is purposefully different in each room and the vibrant colours were chosen deliberately to match the rest of the interior design elements, from curtains to wall paint.

Brintons are one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, click here.

Hamish Kilburn

Hotel Designs appoints new editor

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Hotel Designs is pleased to announce the arrival of Hamish Kilburn as the brand’s new editor.

Kilburn, former features editor of SPACE, was most recently an account manager at sports and destination PR and marketing agency Sponge Marketing. During his role, he worked on a number of campaigns for the likes of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. and Nevis Tourism Authority.

“I am delighted to be checking back into the hotel industry,” said Kilburn on his appointment. “More than anything, I’m looking forward to catching up with incredible international interior designers, architects, procurement companies and manufacturers to unlock emerging trends.”

Bringing with him a wealth of industry experience, Kilburn looks forward to expanding the specialist content that Hotel Designs is so well known for.

With his ample experience as a writer, Hotel Designs looks forward to seeing where Kilburn can take the brand in the future as we look to broaden our reach.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming Hamish to the team. With a huge number of industry contacts to call upon, we are keen to see what his plans are for Hotel Designs and where he will make an impact. We have key features planned in the coming months including news on what the big hotel chains are doing right now, the latest technology on offer to hoteliers and operators and a spotlight on soft furnishings as well as trending fabrics and textiles, plus lots more” said Katy Phillips, publisher of Hotel Designs.

“In addition, we also have a number of highly focused events planned where you’ll be able to meet with Hamish to discuss your brands and products – the Hotel Summit now in its 20th year, takes place on June 4th and 5th. In addition, we are taking our Meet Up event to Manchester in July because of demand to host one of our successful networking events in the region.  If you are a hotelier, interior designer, architect or supplier to the hotel industry you cannot miss these events.”

Kilburn can be contacted on email or by phone; 01992 374103.

 

 

Bee Osborn

Q&A: BEE OSBORN, OSBORN INTERIORS – FROM SELLING HOUSES TO CREATING EXTRAORDINARY DESIGN PROJECTS

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Hotel Designs recently caught up with Bee Osborn, owner of Osborn Interiors to discuss her design process and why it is so important to believe in your own ability.

Bee has been an interior designer for over two decades. She draws inspiration from classic design and proportion. She is extremely passionate about lighting and considers is a vital element of any project.

We begin…

How did you get in to the industry and why?

Bee Osborn: About 20 years ago I started buying and selling houses as a way to make ends meet and support my two young daughters.  Often when I did up a house to sell, friends would ask me if I could help them decorate theirs.  Eventually after years of being asked this I plucked up to courage to help a friend decorate her house from top to bottom, one thing led to another and before I knew it, it became a full time business.

Do you believe that training on some level is important or that certain industry qualifications help you to win business?

BO: Definitely, not only does it give you confidence in yourself but I’m sure it gives clients confidence in you too.  Doing the Inchbald course taught me how to draw plans, elevations, perspectives, spacial planning, as well as learning about architecture & the history of design.  Despite years of doing interior decorating before completing the Inchbald course, the process took me to the next level and I really felt able to call myself an interior designer as opposed to a decorator.

What or who inspires your design projects?

BO: Any type of travel inspires me enormously. Just getting out and about and seeing new things, shapes and textures gives you ideas.  Also the headspace you gain whilst walking, frees your mind to receive creative ideas. Other designers who inspire me are Veere Greney, Stephen Gamble & Anouska Hemple all for their bold designs that are traditional but with a contemporary twist.

You have worked in this industry for a number of years. Over your time spent designing for both commercial and residential projects what has been your favourite and the one you are most proud of and why?

BO: Hotel Le Toiny in St Barth’s. It had a very quick turnaround, from the initial site visit to the installation (incorporating the complete redesign of the entire hotel) was just 5 months. The client was very supportive and approved everything immediately and it was transformed from a dark, rather gloomy space to a light, calm, beautiful hotel.  In addition we were able to use lots of wonderful materials: petrified wood, handmade linens, bleached sycamore, oyster shells, mother of pearl, antique mirror & lots of bespoke items giving it a unique, understated, luxurious look.  It was an utter joy to work on, except the tight time frame meant I didn’t sleep for those 5 months!

You have incorporated many of the latest technology and innovation offerings in to your designs – which has excited you most?

BO: Hiding electronic chips into leather key fobs.  It doesn’t impact on the design but does alert the PA system when a guest has left the room so that housekeeping and maintenance can go in freely.  It also takes the lighting and air-con down to the minimum level, which reverts as soon as the guest re-enters the room again.  It saves on energy without compromising on style.

What is it that you like so much about a hotel design project?

BO: The freedom to create exciting, comfortable spaces that people can dip into and escape from their everyday lives.

Why do you believe lighting is so important to a design project?

BO: Lighting is all about creating atmosphere and can make or break a scheme.  I believe it should be subtle, with pockets of light in layers from the floor to the ceiling.  I like it when you hardly notice the fitting, and just feel the gentle light it emits.  Ambient, accent and task lighting, are all equally important in creating a balanced, visually comfortable space.

Can you make a project practical whilst maintaining something that is visually pleasing?

BO: This is hard!  Practicality can curb design, but on hotel projects it is very important to think comfort and practicality first.  Obviously guests aren’t as careful when staying in a hotel as they are in their own home, so you need to consider this carefully.  We use lots of indoor/outdoor fabrics to aid with spillages and wear & tear.  We are mindful when choosing finishes for furniture and it is a constant battle of trying to achieve the look you want with a practical finish.  In St Barth’s every single piece of upholstery had to have loose covers so it could be removed for washing.  It is hard to create a sharp clean look with loose covers but not impossible.  In addition, all 3,000 metres of the handmade linen that we used had to be pre-washed and shrunk before making up, which was a job itself!

What is the biggest change you’ve witnessed since being an interior designer and starting out over two decades ago?

BO: The increase of the digital world.  From old fashioned physical mood boards that we used to present with, now it is all done electronically with presentations on iPads and CGI’s. With SketchUp models, clients being able to walk around the space and feel what it will be like before it is even built.  However, some clients still love our hand drawn perspectives as they are so beautiful and softer than CGI’s.

List 3 pieces of advice you would pass on to a budding interior designer who is just starting out?

BO: Believe in yourself is my number one.  Having a positive outlook too, even if things don’t feel positive at the time, fake it to make it.  Both are key to any success in life.  But as far as interior design is concerned, learning to be still and visualise, picture the space in your mind and hold it there, until it becomes a reality.

Dukes London unveils new Deluxe room as part of renovations

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New-look Deluxe room category design led by DesignLSM.

Dukes London has taken the wraps off its new Deluxe room category, which has been introduced as part of a renovation project covering both the bedrooms and public areas of the hotel.

The Mayfair-based five-star hotel offers 90 rooms in total, with the 22 newly-refurbished Deluxe rooms having been individually designed by DesignLSM.

Each room is decorated in greys and whites, which Dukes says creates a soothing and relaxing ambience, worming in tandem with soft furnishings to lend a modern twist to the hotel’s classical tone.

Other touches in the Deluxe rooms include matching bedspreads and armchairs in a variety of colours, including duck egg blue, mustard yellow and slate grey, while the bathrooms are finished in white marble.

Sally Peters, Associate of LSM Design, said:“The bedroom refurbishment project with Dukes has been a real labour of love, it was a huge undertaking to give each of the 90 rooms the consideration it deserved, to find fabrics that are beautiful yet resilient and to bring enough change to the rooms to be impactful whilst respecting the much loved history and guest anticipation of the Dukes experience. Dukes has a very restful atmosphere and we feel we have struck a perfect balance between cool, neutral and vibrant accent. I love the colour palette and the rich textured fabrics. The bespoke artwork maximises the impact of the upholstery tones pulling the whole design together. The rooms are a visual and sensory treat, each one having its own individuality.”

Wider Refurbishment

The opening of the new room category marks the completion of Dukes London’s multimillion pound refurbishment, which includes a new-look lobby, renovated bedrooms, the new St James’ Suite for events and the Great British Restaurant, headed up by Executive Chef Nigel Mendham.

Debrah Dhugga, Managing Director of Dukes Collection, said: “Our aim is to enhance and enrich what our guests know and love about the Dukes experience, whilst maintaining our award-winning five-star service and attention to detail that the hotel is so well-known for.”

Hilton Garden Inn opens in Qidong

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Opening marks the arrival of the first international hotel brand in the Chinese city.

Hilton has opened the 181-room Hilton Garden Inn Qidong, owned by Jiangsu Hui Long Tang Culture Investment Development Co. Ltd, managed by Hilton itself and located within Central Park Mall, a recreational hub in the Chinese city’s central business district.

The opening marks the arrival of the first international hotel brand in Qidong, which is located at the estuary of the Yangtze River across from Shanghai, and is home to the fourth largest fishery port in China. The city has six industrial zones covering pharmaceutical, mechanic and civil construction industries, and is a fast-growing economic engine for Jiangsu province.

The Hilton Garden Inn Qidong is located 103 kilometers from Shanghai Pudong International Airport and 25 kilometers away from Golden Beach, with the usual guest amenities in place, including 42-inch LED TVs, walk-in showers, mini-refrigerators and generous work spaces with ergonomic furniture.

 

“We are extremely proud to be the first international hotel brand to enter Qidong city, and we look forward to extending Hilton Garden Inn’s award-winning, service-driven culture to the area,” said John Greenleaf, global head, Hilton Garden Inn. “The opening of Hilton Garden Inn Qidong is a testament to Hilton’s commitment to sustained growth throughout China.”

“The opening of Hilton Garden Inn Qidong furthers our mission to be the most hospitable company in the world, especially as we continue to tap the burgeoning potential of the mid-market sector in China,” said Qian Jin, area president, Greater China and Mongolia, Hilton. “I am confident that the hotel will not only offer visitors to Qidong a revitalizing experience, but will also contribute to advancing the tourism industry in the city.”

Villa revamp to begin at Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

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Five-star resort undertakes seven-month refurbishment project.

Beachcomber Hotels & Resorts has confirmed the refurbishment of its high-end villas at Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa in Mauritius.

Detail are sketchy, but the project will run from 14th May to mid-November 2018 and will give the five-star 13 beachfront Paradis Villas a fresh look within its surroundings on a private section of beach on Le Morne Peninsula.

The refurbishment includes new colours, textures and interiors that the company says encompass a ‘stress-free ambiance, parallel to the local laid-back way of living’.

The revamped villas will offer subtle hues of cream and beige with accents influenced by the sea and Mauritian flora. Imprints of local plants will be on bathroom screens, complemented by wall prints and fabrics.

The resort is located against Morne Brabant mountain, a UNESCO world heritage site surrounded by a tropical lagoon, sandy beach and 18-hole golf course.

Hampton by Hilton unveils new design prototype

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Leading upper-midscale brand introduces flexible design concept ‘leveraging latest architectural trends’.

Hampton by Hilton has unveiled a new Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton and Hampton Inn by Hilton prototype for the Americas.

Featuring a contemporized exterior design, refreshed public space décor and updated guestroom case goods, the brand says its new prototype provides owners and developers with a flexible building model that embraces emerging guest preferences, improved functionality and design efficiency.

Hampton says the new prototype builds on its existing model, helping to ‘position it for continued success and category leadership’. In addition, the prototype is intended to drive the brand’s strategic growth plans as it looks to increase its portfolio of 2,345 open hotels and pipeline of more than 610 properties globally.

Feedback & Research

“The new prototype is a natural evolution of our proven model that has made Hampton the segment’s market leader and is in direct response to owner and guest feedback and research,” said Shruti Gandhi Buckley, global head, Hampton by Hilton. “The prototype demonstrates our commitment to providing better value to owners through conscientious, thoughtful design and enhancing the guest experience to meet the evolving needs of travelers.”

The prototype introduces a new blend of various elements influenced by the latest design trends, in-depth guest research and valuable input from key stakeholders.

The new exterior design incorporates modern architectural cues while maintaining the flat roof design from the previous prototype to create a consistent thread across the brand. The exterior façade features enhanced lighting, a signature fin design and paint scheme, and enlarged windows to update the look of the exterior as well as increase natural light in the guest rooms.

The modern porte-cochère creates a ‘warm’ Hampton welcome, while affording owners the flexibility to use local materials. In addition, the new prototype stresses efficiency in its design, with 2,000 sq. ft. less building area required.

In an effort to reinvigorate public spaces, modifications include a reimagined lobby and front desk area with customized signage and décor, complemented with choreographed pops of color. Communal areas emphasize functionality and comfort to promote guest socialization and gathering throughout the day, while corridors and meeting rooms feature a clean, crisp design.

Guestrooms have been redesigned with warm color palettes, signature bedding and space-saving alterations like mounted TVs, fully-functional storage units and desk area. The guest bathrooms feature improved lighting, décor and bath fixtures.

This summer, the brand will release a renovation guide for existing hotels for the lobby and exterior spaces. A guestroom guide has already been released for use by new and existing hotels.

Twelve Architects to transform Bodmin Jail into a 63 bed hotel

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Ambitious project to include bat sanctuary and museum elements.

Twelve Architects has revealed more details about its project to transform Bodmin Jail into a hotel and museum, including a 2019 opening date.

The 19th Century Grade II listed building will have its old cells knocked through to create large living areas and have a glass ceiling installed to cheer up what has historically been an unwelcoming place.

That said, the company says the original design and features will be kept central to the renovated building, which will also offer a bat sanctuary (to accommodate the jail’s most recent inmates) and a museum element that will detail the building’s past.

In fact, with more than 50 hangings carried out on the site, the hotel will likely become a hot ghost hunting spot on Cornwall’s hotel circuit.

Marca Corona Ristorante Dark

Marca Corona to headline sponsor Hotel Designs Meet Up North

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The Hotel Designs Meet Up North takes place at the King Street Townhouse, in central Manchester on 18 July.

And Hotel Designs is delighted to announce Marca Corona as headline sponsor of the event.

The Meet Up in Manchester will follow the same format as our London editions and take place from 6-9.30 p.m. Guests, including hoteliers, designers, architects and hospitality industry suppliers are invited to attend the event to forge valuable professional relationships.

Since 1741 Marca Corona has been producing top quality ceramics and has broadened Made in Italy style worldwide. At the Hotel Designs Meet Up North, Marca Corona will be unveiling floor in porcelain stoneware, mosaics and white body wall tiles for guests to visualise, touch and discuss.

“We enormously proud to be supporting the first Hotel Designs Meet Up in the North of the UK. Meeting with the high calibre designers, architects and hoteliers in the room makes this such an attractive opportunity for us, especially because we are looking to drive our brand awareness in this area of the country,” says Simone Rivasi, Projects Division at Marca Corona. “During the course of the Meet Up, we will be showcasing examples of the new collections: Arkistone, Bold and Elemento,” she 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 Hotel Designs Meet Up North is completely free for hoteliers, architects and designers; click here to confirm your attendance.

TUI Blue expands its portfolio to ten hotels

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Two new openings for the lifestyle hotel brand in Majorca and Turkey.

TUI Group’s two year-old lifestyle hotel brand TUI Blue has grown its portfolio to ten hotels, with the addition of TUI Blue Rocador in Majorca and TUI Blue Marmaris on the Turkish Aegean.

The newly opened TUI Blue Rocador 4-star hotel is located directly on the beach in Cala d’Or in the southeast of Majorca and offers 211 rooms. The TUI Blue Marmaris – also 4-star – has begun receiving its first guests, offering 279 rooms spread across cottage-style villas in a pine forest.

Both hotels focus on adults and couples and can be booked by guests over 16. TUI says the Blue brand offers a ‘modern interpretation of typical regional cuisine’, cutting-edge technology and the Bluef!t concept for fitness, wellness and nutrition.

“With TUI Blue, we have launched a hotel brand that blends TUI’s quality and brand propositions with entirely individual and authentic holiday experiences,” said Erik Friemuth, Managing Director TUI Hotels & Resorts. “The success of our hotel concept is reflected by high customer satisfaction levels. We will continue to expand the concept in future.”

“This new type of hotel is now represented by ten hotels in eight countries,” added Artur Gerber, Managing Director TUI Blue. “We are now planning to take the next step by offering our customers further destinations in the medium- and long-haul segments.”

Renaissance to renovate half of North American hotel portfolio this year

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Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel also gets a makeover as group plans to launch in 16 new locations.

Renaissance Hotels has confirmed marquee renovations around the world, including nearly half of the brands hotels in North America.

The brand is also slated to debut in 16 new neighborhoods globally in the next 12 months, including Chelsea, Philadelphia, Warsaw, Taipei and Hangzhou.

“We have been on a journey to evolve our hotels’ design to reflect what the Renaissance brand offers today: a sense of clever theatricality and an open invitation to experience something a little unexpected during our guests’ travels,” said George Fleck, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing & Management, Renaissance Hotels. “The brand’s design momentum coupled with our engaging Navigators and entertaining Evening Bar Rituals are sure to inspire stories worth sharing among travelers and locals alike.”

Inspired by the notion that Renaissance Hotels can set the scene for the spontaneous to happen, the brand’s design strategy leverages architecture, interiors and art together – creating what it says are engaging elements and inviting guests to go “off-script” and experience something they weren’t planning.

“Whether a new build, conversion or renovation, the design of each Renaissance hotel employs different principles to create a dynamic tension and theatrical spirit that introduces an unexpected sense of the neighborhood to our guests,” said David Kepron, Vice President, Global Brand Design Strategies, Marriott International. “There is an overarching and recognizable design DNA that sets the stage for stories worth re-telling, but Chelsea will feel very different than Charleston, as will Paris and Philadelphia.”

Following the recent opening of Renaissance Paris Republique Hotel, the brand will the complete a multi-million dollar renovation of Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel this month.

Designed by Didier Gomez, the 97-room hotel is inspired by the fashion designers and jewelers that have had their salons in the square. With creatively layered patterns and textures throughout the interiors, each guestroom features statement art pieces of French feminine style that wrap the ceiling, a signature of the brand.

 

Join Athenaeum House, Hilton, Yotel, Fullers and more at the Hotel Summit

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Don’t forget to register for your FREE place at the 20th Anniversary Hotel Summit, which is taking place at the Radisson Blu, London Stansted on June 4th & 5th – Click here for all the details. 

It’s the hotel industry’s premier face-to-face networking event, where industry suppliers and buyers converge for a series of highly productive meetings.

Among the hotelier and hospitality delegates already registered are representatives from Athenaeum House, Best Western Hotels, Citystay Limited, Cranleigh Boutique, Deansgate Motel, De Vere Chicheley Hall, Fullers, Hampton by Hilton, Hotel Indigo, Hilton Garden Inn Brussels, Intercontinental London Park Lane, Laura Ashley Hotels & Resorts, Le Meridien Piccadilly, Marriott International, Metropolitan Pub Company, Shangri-la Hotel at The Shard, Wyndham Hotel Group, Yotel Hotels and many more.

In addition to meetings with suppliers, all delegates will have access to a series of high profile seminars from leaders in the hospitality sector, including:-

Aly Thompson – Trivago
“Trivago Industry Insights: UK regional data highlights”

Tony Morris – GSK
“Procurement: Frustration or facilitation?”

Adam Hamadache – Direct Hotel Marketing
“More Direct Bookings: How my hotel does 96% direct bookings”

John Heffernan – Red Live Media
“Why the hotel sector needs an evolving digital marketing approach”

Plus, network with like-minded professionals and enjoy full complimentary hospitality, including overnight accommodation and an invitation to our gala dinner with entertainment.

Places are limited and on a first come, first serve basis, so if you’d like to join us at this year’s 20th anniversary Summit, please click here to confirm your place.

Or for more information, contact Victoria Petch on 01992 374082 / v.petch@forumevents.co.uk.

Alternatively, if you are interested in exhibiting at the 2018 event, please contact Jennie Lane now on 01992 374098 or j.lane@forumevents.co.uk.

ARTIQ and Anita Rosato Interior Design curate zoological collection for London Marriott Hotel Regents Park

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Project is the third ARTIQ has completed with Anita Rosato Interior Design and Marriott.

Art consultants ARTIQ have worked with Anita Rosato Interior Design on the curation of a location-specific art collection for London Marriott Hotel Regents Park, based on a zoological theme.

The project is part of the hotel’s multi-million pound renovation scheme and represents the third ARTIQ has completed with Anita Rosato Interior Design and Marriott, following previous collaborations on both London Heathrow Marriott hotel and London Marriott Hotel Maida Vale.

For the Regents Park, ARTIQ worked with the overall project team, which also included Tower Eight, Benjamin West and the hotel operating team, to develop a new and bespoke art collection that would complement the hotel’s high-end redesign, as well as reflecting the hotel’s proximity to Regent’s Park, ZSL London Zoo and to the former villages that make up the wider area.

The full redesign remit covered the lobby, executive lounge, meetings and events spaces, as well as new and existing bedrooms, with ARTIQ’s area of work concentrated on the guestrooms, linking corridors and lift lobbies.

For the latter, ARTIQ, under the direction of Head of Operations Katie Terres, says it drew inspiration from the natural surroundings of Regent’s Park and nearby Primrose Hill, procuring a series of botanical photographs that include reflections of the ‘Primrose Flower’.

ARTIQ also procured a series of original prints by local artists with zoological themes for the guestrooms, including work by local artists Nadia Taylor and Joanna Ham, both of whom had been initially selected for the project by Anita Rosato Interior Design.

“On Anita’s recommendation, we commissioned Nadia to create new interpretations of her iconic bird collages, working with the artist to develop the pieces of art using bespoke colour schemes to complement the interiors,” said Terres.

Work by artist and illustrator Joanna Ham is focused around animal motifs, with the character ‘Rabbit’ taking centre stage in her minimalist aesthetic. Joanna is the founder of London design house HAM and is a significant figure in the local contemporary art and design scene, having collaborated with brands including Liberty, Designjunction, Mother, Billy Name, Topshop and Colette.

“Joanna’s work tallies with the hotel’s commitment to local artists and adds a contemporary splash of monochrome to the bedroom design,” Terres explained.

Additionally, ARTIQ directly commissioned Tropicana, by London-based painter and illustrator Margaux Carpentier, whose previous works include murals for ZSL London Zoo. The piece is a vibrant, playful depiction of tropical animals, with Margaux’s use of vivid orange in Tropicana complimenting the palette and orange detailing of the scheme’s interior by Anita Rosato Interior Design.

Anita Rosato Interior Design also created a sculpture for the guestroom art collection: a bespoke wire elephant sculpture, which ARTIQ then templated and commissioned for manufacture. The sculptures are intended to create a sense of fun and provide a playful focal point for guests.

General Manager, Tony Owen, said: “We recognise that modern traveller needs are constantly changing and the new refurbishment ensures that our offering falls in line with these demands.”

Conrad Osaka

Q&A: INTERVIEW WITH ATSUSHI KANEDA, LIGHTING DESIGNER, CONRAD OSAKA

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SORAA has always been a fixture in lighting design projects that incorporate strong artistic and design elements. So when world-renowned lighting design firm Worktecht reached out with a new hotel project that needed to blend visual art and design, it was a no-brainer.

The Conrad Osaka is a five-star hotel located in the middle of the Umeda and Namba districts in downtown Osaka that opened its doors in June 2017. The 40-story Conrad boasts impressive views of the downtown cityscape, but the real draw of the hotel lies inside where light, stunning visual art, and architectural elements perfectly collide.


Here, SORAA speaks with lighting designer and founder of Worktecht, Atsushi Kaneda, to find out what inspired him to create a space that so seamlessly merges art and design through light.


Why did you choose to use SORAA over other lighting companies in the Conrad Hotel Osaka?

Atsushi Kaneda: The interior design of the Conrad Osaka combines various artworks allowing guests to feel like they’re staying in a contemporary art museum. To make sure we highlight the artworks perfectly, SORAA lamps were just the best choice for our design.

What was the design inspiration for the Conrad Hotel project?

AK: The interior design concept for the hotel was “The Address to the Sky.” The natural elements of “Water”, “Sky”, “Fire” and “Star” became the theme of each area. We were really inspired by these elements and started to think about how the lighting could bring the corresponding special atmosphere and perception to immerse people in.

How was light used to highlight architectural elements and art inside the hotel?

AK: In order to create the sky-like lighting environment, we incorporated fixtures carefully to illuminate objects and eliminate some shadows, aiming to generate a sense of floating. For example, the uplights around the artwork at the entrance render the crystal beads from the bottom to the top and exhibit them in a way that makes them seem weightless.

Do you think that light can alter the “mood” of a space, and how?

AK: Light can absolutely alter how people perceive the environment, both consciously and unconsciously, including their emotion, mental state, and thinking about the atmosphere. If a delicate art piece is illuminated in the proper way, the focal light reveals its material and texture so that viewers will feel surprised and moved by the authenticity of the aesthetic. For the ambient lighting, when the light smoothly and subtly changes, following the time shift and seasons passing, our natural instinct is to respond to the light and deeply feel it.

What was your favourite lighting design element in the Conrad Hotel and why?

AK: It is the illuminated artwork of “God of Wind and Thunder” at the entrance. The sense of floating on the artwork was created by the hidden uplights around. It was a challenge at the beginning, but the final effect is really appealing and successful.

Hyatt reveals Hyatt Centric Melbourne development plans

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The new hotel will mark the second Hyatt Centric brand hotel in Australia.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has confirmed that one of its affiliates has entered into a management agreement with Little Projects for a Hyatt Centric hotel in Melbourne, Australia.

Hyatt Centric Melbourne will be located on Downie Street, joining 20 Hyatt Centric brand hotels worldwide and soon-to-open hotels in Chile and Peru.

Slated to open in 2020, the hotel will feature 280 guestrooms and suites, a restaurant and rooftop bar, minutes from the city’s Docklands and Southbank precincts and in close proximity to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Center and the Crown Entertainment Complex.

The company says expansions and continued development of the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Center, Etihad Stadium, and the Docklands office precincts are expected to further attract local and international travellers.

Extended Hyatt Presence in Melbourne

The Hyatt Centric Melbourne plan follows the recent announcement of the Hyatt Centric Hobart and the opening of Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo earlier this year. The hotel will complement Hyatt’s brand presence in Australia’s second-most populous city, joining the Park Hyatt Melbourne, Grand Hyatt Melbourne and Hyatt Place Essendon Fields.

“We are thrilled to work with Little Projects, a respected developer in Melbourne that shares our vision of authenticity and creativity, to bring the Hyatt Centric brand to Australia for the second time,” said Asia Pacific Group President, David Udell, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. “Melbourne’s cosmopolitan vibe makes it an ideal destination for a Hyatt Centric hotel.”

 

Stanneylands Hotel

GUEST BLOG: HOW IMPORTANT IS ERGONOMICS WHEN IT COMES TO HOTEL DESIGN?

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Headed up by Managing Director Lee Birchall, DV8 Designs is renowned for designing and delivering unique and exceptionally creative solutions to each client depending on the site, brief and budget, with flexibility as one of its core strengths.

Lee is responsible for designing a number of hotels and venues across the UK. From country house classics to upmarket boutiques, DV8 Designs has an expansive portfolio that varies significantly. One common derivative between all of these projects, however, is the use of ergonomics which essentially captures just how guests will utilise their surroundings. Ergonomics aims to create safe, comfortable and productive spaces by transferring human abilities and limitations into fully functioning design.

Lee said: “Good interior design amounts to much more than just aesthetic appeal; a well-designed space should enhance the purpose for which it was intended. Ergonomics is the starting point for any creative venture of ours and is particular poignant within the hotel sector, with such venues often enclosing multi-purpose spaces ranging from guest rooms to conference halls, bars and restaurants to name a few – all existing under one roof. With a hotel of any size, it is crucial to get the layout just right to amplify the customer experience, using empathetic design to map out a guest’s journey from room to room with seamless efficiency.

“DV8 Designs was recently recruited to oversee the creative overhaul of The Stanneylands, located in Wilmslow, Cheshire, which saw us completely renovate the venue including 52 bedrooms, the restaurant and bar area, conservatory, reception area and function room. Before the team could even begin to think about how the space would look visually, we needed to get to grips with how the venue would operate & function – this is where ergonomics comes in to play.

Stanneylands Hotel

“Our design brief began with a deconstruction of the original layout, assessing its functionality and practicality which led to a reworked and more efficient floor plan spanning across two levels. Finalising something as essential as a hotel layout involves careful assessment of each unique area, taking into consideration its proposed use and ensuring that each space is fit for purpose in terms of size and positioning within the venue.

“As part of the renovation, ergonomics played a crucial role in determining the functionality of certain spaces and saw us transform aspects of the hotel beyond aesthetic design, changing the capacity in which rooms would be used by guests and staff members alike. Aptly named ‘The Attic’, our team took this secluded guest room and created an additional, more intimate meeting space furnished with bespoke timber cabinet fittings that provided additional storage and housed the technical kit. The largest suite, ‘The State Room’, was designed with large-scale events in mind, allowing the venue to cater for the likes of weddings and corporate occasions. The fixtures and fittings, including carpets and lighting, were selected to ensure both practicality in terms of event management and maintenance, whilst complimenting the overall design brief.

Stanneylands Hotel

“One of the most practical ergonomic challenges posed within the hotel sector is the positioning of the welcome desk; the heart of any hotel and often the first port of call for visitors. As well as serving as a key focal point for guests upon arrival, the welcome desk is also a workspace, often in use 24 hours a day. Great design not only caters to the needs of the customer but also aims to create a productive workspace for employees, with hotels being no exception to this rule.

“As an interior designer, it is essential to think in the mind-set of the customer and employee alike, combining both of their unique needs to create a venue that flows seamlessly. Not only is layout and functional design important for the overall practicality of a hotel, but it also ensures minimum risks in case of a hazard, allowing easy navigation around the building and quick access to different areas within the vicinity.”

 

 

Fort Partners and Four Seasons break ground at Fort Lauderdale site

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Experienced design and architectural team starts work on 22-storey oceanfront property.

Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Fort Lauderdale, developed by Fort Partners, will become a destination for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, offering 90 private residences and 130 guest rooms.

It’s the third collaboration between Four Seasons and Fort Partners, joining Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach and Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at The Surf Club, extending the luxury brand’s presence in South Florida.

The development team is led by Fort Partners’ Founder Nadim Ashi and Principal Ramzi Achi, with interior design led by London-based Tara Bernerd, who was responsible for the building’s full interior architecture. In addition, Martin Brudnizki, a London-based hospitality designer, created the property’s restaurants, lounges and pool areas.

Miami-based architect Kobi Karp is the lead architect behind the development, having worked on projects in the Caribbean, Far East, the Black Sea region and the Middle East.

Finally, Fernando Wong is the leading landscape architect for Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Fort Lauderdale, which will have one-third of the property devoted to green space.

The 22-storey oceanfront property will see hotel rooms reside on the fourth through the 11th floors and the Private Residences begin on floor five. Of the residential portion, the developer has achieved more than $100 million in sales to date, sold to an international mix of buyers from across the Americas and Europe.

Team of Global Minds

“We commissioned a team of global minds to create an exemplary hotel and residential property unlike any other in Fort Lauderdale,” said Nadim Ashi, Founder of Fort Partners. “Four Seasons is defining Fort Lauderdale as a global destination and is capturing an international audience. We are committed to developing a world-class hotel and lifestyle.”

“Four Seasons has a history of entering into markets and setting the standard for luxury lifestyle experiences. This new property will be no exception, and we look forward to opening our doors in the vibrant city of Fort Lauderdale,” says J. Allen Smith, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “In partnership with Fort Partners and our team of international design visionaries, every detail – from location to design to amenities – reflects the highest standards of quality and excellence.”

Smith continues, “Four Seasons will manage both the Hotel and Private Residences, delivering our world-class service to guests and to our homeowners on a permanent basis. This is what will set us apart in Fort Lauderdale and will establish this property as the best luxury lifestyle experience in the city.”

The 90 residences will range in size from one to four bedrooms, including furnished and fully appointed as well as unfurnished options. Residences will range from 780 square feet (72 square metres) to more than 6,000 square feet (560 square metres). The tallest floors of the building will feature four penthouses and three exclusive Sky Homes with dramatic 20-foot (6-metre) ceilings.

AccorHotels acquires Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts

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Deal is subject to regulatory approval, but should complete this year.

AccorHotels has signed an agreement with Mövenpick Holding and Kingdom Holding to acquire Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, for a cash amount of €482 million.

Founded in 1973 in Switzerland, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts operates in 27 countries with 84 hotels and more than 20,000 rooms, with a strong presence in Europe and the Middle East.

Mövenpick also plans to open 42 additional hotels by 2021, representing almost 11,000 rooms, focused on the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. The Group employs more than 16,000 people worldwide.

AccorHotels says the deal implies a 14.9X 2019e EBITDA multiple before synergies (including transaction costs), and less than 10X pro forma 2019e EBITDA after run rate synergies and committed development pipeline. It also says the transaction will have an accretive impact on Group earnings from the first year.

The company says Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts will benefit from its loyalty program, distribution channels and operating systems, which will help optimise performance.

The acquisition further consolidates the AccorHotels footprint in Europe and Middle East and accelerates growth in Africa and Asia. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, however, but should be completed during the second half of 2018.

Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of AccorHotels, said: “With the acquisition of Mövenpick, we are consolidating our leadership in the European market and are further accelerating our growth in emerging markets, in particular in Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. The Mövenpick brand is the perfect combination of modernity and authenticity and ideally complements our portfolio. Its European-Swiss heritage is a perfect fit with AccorHotels. By joining the Group, it will benefit from AccorHotels’ power, particularly in terms of distribution, loyalty-building and development. This transaction illustrates the strategy we intend to pursue with the opening up of AccorInvest’s capital: to seize tactical opportunities to strengthen our positions and consolidate our leaderships, as well as leverage our growth.”

W Ibiza confirmed for summer 2019

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Marriott International subsidiary W Hotels Worldwide has confirmed that it will open a 162 room W Ibiza in Summer 2019 in Santa Eulalia del Río.

Owned by Inversions Hoteleres Ebza S.L., W Ibiza will have a beachfront location with three distinct design concepts for dining, drinking and relaxing, complemented by a rooftop sunset bar and adults only WET Deck (the brand’s signature take on poolside entertainment). A second WET Deck will have direct access to the beachfront promenade and Santa Eulalia beach.

There will also be a 4,000 square foot Away Spa with seven private treatment rooms and the brand’s signature FIT gym.

W Ibiza will join a portfolio of more than 50 W Hotels around the world, including recently opened locations W Shanghai – The Bund and W Goa.

Spain is on track to have four W Hotels by 2021, with the opening of W Madrid (2019), W Ibiza (2019) and W Marbella (2021) slated to join the W Barcelona. In total, W Hotels says it’s on track to have 75 hotels globally by the end of 2020.

“With its playful energy and bohemian spirit, Ibiza is an ideal destination and perfect match for W Hotels,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “We have been present in Ibiza since 2010 with a variety of W music events and partnerships, so we’re thrilled to be finally opening a W Hotel on the island that we know our guests love. Following the success of W Barcelona and the forthcoming debuts of W Madrid (2019) and W Marbella (2021), W Ibiza will remix the expected and provide a new take on the (in)famous island.”

GROHE secures nine Red Dot Awards

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Parent company LIXIL wins a further six awards across various categories.

GROHE has won a record nine awards at the Red Dot Design Awards 2018 – one of the most prestigious international design recognitions.

The competition is organised by Design Zentrum NordrheinWestfalen in Germany, with GROHE receiving the prestigious “Red Dots” for the GROHE Red and the new GROHE BLUE Home Pull-Out water systems, plus bathroom collections such as the new ATRIO range, which recently launched at Fuorisalone in Milan.

The nine winning GROHE products were:

RED Kettle Hot Water tap

BLUE Home Chilled Still and Sparkling filtered Water Tap

ATRIO Collection

Sense & Sense Guard Water Security System (2 awards)

SmartControl Concealed

Essence Spa Colours Collection

Architectural Flush Plates

Euphoria 260 Showerhead

There were also six more Red Dot Awards for LIXIL, while the jury awarded the title “Honourable Mention” for LIXIL’s SATO V-Trap Toilet System, a twin- pit pour-flush latrine.

Each of the awarded products will be displayed in the exhibition of the Red Dot Design Museum in Essen. In addition, they will be presented in the Red Dot Design Yearbook, at the online portal Red Dot 21, in the app, and the online exhibition starting on 9th July 2018.

Michael Seum, Vice President Design at GROHE, said: “GROHE attaches great importance to the fact that design as a corporate value is more than just a driver. Rather, it is firmly anchored in the company’s DNA. My team and I are very happy about this outstanding recognition of our work. We are honored that our design philosophy is so well respected in the creative community. Our products have to stand out in an extremely competitive environment. Design is a very important key element. We want to create something unique and new, while also achieving design permanence. In addition to that, the aesthetics have to embody a deeper ease of use that will make it a pleasure for consumers to interact with our product.”

The international Red Dot Design competition is organized by the Design Zentrum NordrheinWestfalen e.V. in Germany and honours the best products of the year. Designers and manufacturers submit their products and a jury of 40 experts assesses the submissions based on criteria such as degree of innovation, functionality, ergonomics, longevity and ecological compatibility. This year, the jurors received submissions from 59 countries.

GUEST BLOG: Overlooked Things to Consider for Your Hotel Rooms

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A hotel room is a space to escape from your daily life and indulge in a bit of luxury – or perhaps a home-from-home sanctuary for overnight business trips. Whatever a guest’s needs, it’s important to keep your rooms as up-to-date, practical and functional as possible. 

When it comes to creating a space where guests will feel comfortable and at home, it’s worth thinking about those finer details that are often overlooked. In your quest to execute a first-class hospitality experience, first impressions mean everything – here OWO Living looks at some tips to help you wow your next visitors.

Technological treats 

The average British person owns approximately 3.5 internet connected devices, so you’d expect your guests to want to use them while on a hotel stay – especially if they’re on a business trip. Free, fast WiFi is a great place to start, but you should also consider the orientation of the power outlets in the room – near to beds and desks are the best options if you’re keen to keep everyone from teenagers to professionals happy.

To keep the room more in line with modern homes, consider adding a personal assistant like a Google Home or an Amazon Echo to the room, which can be programmed to integrate with the room’s lights and TV. The Wynn Las Vegas has already placed Amazon Echos into 300 rooms, which surely points to the future of luxury hospitality.

Productivity boosters

If your hotel is situated near a convention centre or a bustling business district, you’re likely to get a lot of guests who require a quiet space to help them prep for meetings and presentations. This is where the hotel bedroom furniture you choose really counts. A comfortable bed is obviously at the top of anyone’s agenda, but what else will impress?

A large, sturdy desk is always a good start, with plenty of room for papers to be double-checked and laptops to be set up. For a welcome addition, consider updating your hot drink making facilities to include a higher quality of tea and coffee to add a more premium feel to the room. Also, as mentioned above, make sure the desk has plenty of sockets for laptop chargers, so nothing need interrupt your guests’ workflow.

Things to help guests unwind

The primary purposes of any hotel room are relaxation and a good night’s sleep – with a hotel often being the preferred option over late night travelling or overnight flights. If it’s a hectic business trip or an exhausting sightseeing day, a private space where guests can unwind and leave the day behind will definitely be welcomed.

The bath is a great place to do this, as indulging in a long soak can help leave the day behind – be that memories of a difficult meeting or sore feet from exploring. For added flair, consider including some bath bombs – a luxury upgrade on the standard hotel bathroom toiletries that’ll get your guests excited to spend some downtime in the tub.

Super sleep enhancers

Many hotels, especially those in urban areas, fail to provide guests with the quiet time they want and need. Whether holidaying or working, sleep is paramount, and it could be the difference between a stellar TripAdvisor score or legions of unhappy commenters – not to mention the decider in whether a guest books with you again.

To combat noise, consider placing a white noise generator in the room to be used to block out street sounds from outside. If light is the issue, then blackout blinds are an immediate and inexpensive solution. Business people or airport travelers that need to rise early will thank you for these additions, as there’s nothing more frustrating than disturbed sleep when the minutes are ticking ever closer to your alarm.

These are only a few considerations, so make sure you keep your ear to the ground in terms of the latest hotel innovations and demands from a changing and expanding guest portfolio. Each guest will want and need something different from a hotel room, but with some minor updates like those listed above, you can help visitors work, play and relax in peace and comfort.

UK’s first Radisson RED hotel opens in Glasgow

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Style and technology to the fore, with Glasgow comic artist Frank Quitely designing the wallpaper.

Radisson Hotel Group has opened its first RED hotel in the UK, with the 174-room Radisson RED Glasgow also the first new-build Radisson RED property to open in Europe.

Radisson RED is Radisson Hotel Group’s upscale, select service hotel brand, focused on informal services, the latest technology, and what the company calls ‘bold’ design.

The Radisson RED Glasgow in the heart of the city’s music and art scene and is being pitched as an ideal base from which to explore, particularly for people visiting for gigs at the SSE Hydro.


Technology is to the fore, with keyless entry, self-check-in and check-out, plus  the RED app, which guests can use for a number of things, from requesting extra pillows to arranging a group ride to airport.

Radisson RED Glasgow is the brand’s fifth hotel to open around the world, joining RED hotels in Brussels, Campinas, Cape Town, and Minneapolis. In terms of design, natural materials meet colourful accents and eclectic design pieces – the bold wallpaper, designed by Glasgow comic artist Frank Quitely, is intended to make the rooms feel fun, modern and minimal.

The ground floor space with the OUIBar + KTCHN is the hotel’s food, drink and social hub, serving food, wine and craft beers.

Meanwhile, each of the three events studios – 66sqm, 40sqm and 55sqm – is equipped with modern tech and super-fast Wi-Fi.


Hotel Curator Michael Weston said: “We’re all so excited to open and introduce RED to Glasgow and the wider UK. The RED experience is different – we encourage laughter, playfulness and even a little mischief with guests, and we use our spaces as a showcase for some of the best local talent in art, design, music and fashion. We really hope people come to the hotel, love what they see, and come back again and again.”

Richard Moore, Area Senior Vice President, UK, Ireland & Western Europe, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “Radisson RED is bold and pushes the boundaries of the traditional hospitality experience, and I can’t think of a better fit for the UK’s first RED than the city of Glasgow. We’re genuinely excited to give people the opportunity to enjoy RED, and I feel confident that as well as having a fantastic product in a great location, we have the best team in place to deliver a memorable and RED experience for guests.”

Brutalist Ikea-owned building in New Haven to become a hotel?

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Reports in the local press suggest an interesting project is underway behind the scenes.

Plans are underway to turn a Brutalist office building in New England, originally designed by Marcel Breuer and currently owned by Ikea, into a hotel.

According to local news reports, the Pirelli Tire Building has been the subject of extended discussions over its future, with the Swedish furniture giant – which has a store on the same piece of land – favouring a hotel option.

Further details are sketchy, beyond a source from the area’s Development Commission confirming that the issue of the building and the hotel redevelopment option has been discussed at its last meeting.

According Wikipedia, the Pirelli Tire Building was truncated in 2003 to accommodate the construction the IKEA store. And there’s an interesting design connection – IKEA’s furniture has in the past and present been heavily influenced by the Bauhaus school, where Breuer taught.

We’re slightly excited to see what the hotel possibilities could be.

Mezemiso rooftop bar & restaurant launching at Crowne Plaza London – Albert Embankment

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Crowne Plaza hopes the venue one of the places to be seen in London this summer.

It has been confirmed that Crowne Plaza London – Albert Embankment will offer a ‘chic’ sky terrace called Mezemiso when the hotel opens in June this year.

The rooftop bar and restaurant will be situated on the building’s 14th floor, with panoramic views of the River Thames, with design based around a mix of sophisticated blue hues along with copper and metallic tones.

The space will have fireplaces and floor to ceiling glass windows, with a modern bar area offering wine and spirits collections, a shisha and cigar terrace, and what’s described as sumptuous seating.

There’s room for alfresco dining with a Lebanese concept and menu, which Crowne Plaza hope will make the venue one of the places to be seen in London this summer.

The hotel is being opened as part of a new brand platform from Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resort that launched earlier in 2017 called ‘We’re All Business, Mostly’. The company says the $200 million brand investment shows its commitment to ‘remain at the forefront of the new way of doing business with design-led, culturally-relevant and technology-enabled solutions’.

Located on the South Bank of the Thames and created by ADS Design and RPW Design, the hotel offers views over the river, including the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. Its team is headed by General Manager Fabio Gallo, who has led a number of openings prior to Albert Embankment.

Historic hotels Heritage Marketing Program launched in US

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“If a hotel was not built recently, then consumers will categorize the hotel as either historic or old.”

Historic Hotels of America has teamed up with the Brand Heritage Institute to offer an executive education program in heritage marketing.

The Brand Heritage Institute will develop and offer annual seminars in strategic marketing, which are customised for hoteliers at historic hotels inducted into Historic Hotels of America.

The first of these activities will be a seminar leading to an executive education Certificate in Heritage Marketing for Historic Hotels, which will be offered to owners, general managers, and other senior leaders of historic hotels during the Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide 2018 Annual Conference.

The first annual seminar will be held on October 30th, 2018 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, which is celebrating the centennial of its opening in 1918.

The program director will be Bradford Hudson, who is a marketing professor at Boston College. He is also President of the Brand Heritage Institute, which is an independent non-profit corporation devoted to research, education, and publishing about topics at the intersection of marketing and history.

Consumer Appeal

Hudson said: “Brand heritage is an emerging concept within the marketing discipline, which suggests that the historical status of older companies is often explicitly linked to their brand identity and consumer appeal. A historic hotel represents a special variant, because its brand identity is inseparably linked to its architectural history and to the cultural dimensions of its environment.

“If a hotel was not built recently, then consumers will categorize the hotel as either historic or old. Obviously, it is better to be historic. Each historic hotel offers a unique experience that cannot be duplicated by competitors, and its history represents an important element of differentiation. Historic hotels can achieve a significant advantage in ADR and REVPAR versus newer competitors in the same segment. The key variable seems to be the degree to which the older hotel emphasizes and celebrates its history.”

Hudson continued: “From one viewpoint, historic hotels are pioneers in brand heritage and have been at the forefront of heritage marketing since the founding of Historic Hotels of America almost three decades ago. It could be argued that companies in other industries should be learning from hotels, not vice versa. However, based on my experience as an industry executive and academic researcher, it seems clear that practical efforts must be aligned with theoretical principles in order to make marketing programs more effective and expenditures more efficient.

“Executives responsible for marketing historic companies need to know how brand heritage works at a fundamental level and be able to explain why people buy historic products of any type. Understanding the nature of heritage in competitive strategy and consumer behavior will help hoteliers position and leverage their historic hotels to maximum advantage, and thereby attain practical benefits in demand and pricing, which is the ultimate purpose of our new executive education program.”

Rome’s Palazzo Montemartini joins Radi­­sson Collection

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The philosophy of the newly launched Radisson Collection matches particularly well with the distinctive traits of Palazzo Montemartini.

Radisson Hotel Group has added the Palazzo Montemartini in Rome to Radisson Collection, effective from June 2018.

Built back in 1881, Palazzo Montemartini is situated near the Baths of Diocletian and the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli designed by Michelangelo.

In terms of style and setting, the hotel combines modern design with a truly authentic flavour, and is made up of 82 rooms and suites, as well as events halls. The Senses Restaurant & Lounge Bar offers local fare, complemented by views of the Servian Wall – the very first wall of ancient Rome, according to boffins.


There’s also the Montemartini SPA by Caschera – a lifestyle space with jacuzzi, heated hydro tonic pool, treatment rooms including a dedicated salt room, sauna and hammam, sensory and chromotherapy showers.

Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, said: “We couldn’t have asked for a more iconic destination than Rome to add a new Radisson Collection to the world. Palazzo Montemartini is a perfect addition to our portfolio. It’s a modern icon that respects the brand promise of Radisson Collection through its authenticity, design and exceptional service. We are looking forward to building on the heritage of this legendary hotel and showcase the true colors of Radisson Collection in one of the world’s most loved cities.”

“The philosophy of the newly launched Radisson Collection matches particularly well with the distinctive traits of Palazzo Montemartini, focused on providing a friendly luxury experience,” said Giuseppe Marchese, CEO of Ragosta Hotels Collection that owns Palazzo Montemartini. “We are proud to join the Radisson Hotel Group and launch the first Radisson Collection in Italy.”

Studio Saxe designs tropical terraces for Mint Santa Theresa

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Inspired by Greek architecture, minimalism and Scandinavian design.

Costa Rican architects Studio Saxe have taken their established ‘tropical’ style and applied it to the Mint Santa Theresa hotel, which steps down a steep coastal hillside and is made up of a series of terraces that can be completely opened up to the elements.

A large central space has been designed to encourage social interactions between guests and everything is surrounded by the verdant landscape, which invades the hotel in all directions.

Inspired by Greek architecture, minimalism and Scandinavian design, the hotel’s Swedish owners commissioned Studio Saxe for the project based on their previous tropical builds and renovations.

Hotel residents occupy individual pavilion-like structures where they can retreat into a private zone and yet still interact with the nature around them. The guest rooms can be opened up completely to a personal terrace with an ocean view to the front and a garden with tropical plants in the rear. The bathrooms also have an open layout, giving the guests the opportunity to shower while listening to the sound of the crashing waves.

Each room is a afforded its own rooftop terrace, complete with plants, a sail for shade and furnished with rattan furniture made in Sarchí, a Costa Rican town famous for its inhabitants’ craftsmanship.

Studio Saxe used locally-sourced materials throughout the project, such as in ceilings that are made of “caña brava” (a type of grass) installed in an intricate fishbone pattern. Local craftsmen have also created custom furniture made of local wood and using traditional techniques.

The heart of Mint Santa Teresa is the communal lounge area with its an infinity pool and sunset bar. It is open on all sides save for a single wall of plants by the entrance, providing the guests with some privacy while maintaining the natural setting. The lounge serves as a meeting spot for guests, owners and locals of the area.

Benjamin Garcia Saxe said: “Hotels traditionally became vast objects in the landscape that bear no relation to their surroundings and are devoid of genuine human interaction. At Mint, we endeavored to create a contextual design that adapts to its landscape and offers a new type of experience for a breed of traveler seeking authenticity. We worked hard on creating spaces that combine an appreciation of natural beauty with a rich array of possibilities for social and cultural interaction. The result is a completely unique way of thinking about hospitality and wellness.”

IN PICTURES: Hotel Savoy collaboration with Emilio Pucci

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Full details and gallery of showcasing the Florence hotel’s new look.

The Hotel Savoy in Florence has reopened its doors after an extensive renovation project in collaboration with Florentine fashion house, Emilio Pucci.

Director of Design, Olga Polizzi, sought to enhance the timeless elegance of the hotel using hints of the Renaissance and artisans. Laudomia Pucci, Image Director at Emilio Pucci, has collaborated on the project, bringing  Italian design into the hotel to create what Hotel Savoy calls a ‘unique ambiance’.

The hotel entrance and lobby have been reinstated to their original grandeur, with a five meter high corniced ceiling. The fluid and mostly white space is punctuated with colourful art and design, including paintings by Luca Pignatelli.

Pucci’s touch continues throughout the lobby, where the print has been carried over on cushions that decorate the sofas in a strong solid statement of black and fuchsia, while two armchairs feature a velvet flower print that merges renaissance motifs with a ‘pop art spirit’.

The modern and sophisticated look of the hotel lobby is completed with a hand tufted rug featuring the iconic “Lamborghini” print from the Emilio Pucci Archives in nuances of pinks, greys, white and black.

Polizzi & Pucci have also created a new look for the guest rooms and suites which have been designed to give a sense of calm, freshness and the tranquil tones used, combined with the luxurious fabrics in a mix of materials, create a predominantly Italian feel, mirroring the essence of Rocco Forte.

You can browse a full gallery of the renovated areas below:

Kaldewei joins WWF’s Southeast Asia marine conservation programme

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Project to reduce plastic waste through sustainable waste management.

Bathrooms specialist Kaldewei has joined forces with the WWF’s marine conservation programme in Southeast Asia, with the aim of improving waste management in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.

Announcing the drive, the company cited forecasts that by 2050 the oceans will contain as much plastic waste as fish. The first indications are already visible today: animals are perishing after ingesting plastic; microplastic is being found in many species of fish.

Furthermore, studies show that organised waste management is not practised in Southeast Asia and uncontrolled dumping of residual waste is a common occurrence. Owing to regular flooding in river basins, large quantities of this waste is swept into the oceans.

“Sustainability is enshrined in the Kaldewei corporate philosophy,” said Kaldewei Managing Director Franz Kaldewei. “We are happy to support the WWF’s important work to prevent plastic waste in the oceans, and we are confident that with our commitment we will be making a valuable contribution to marine conservation and the preservation of natural living environments.”

Keeping plastic out of the oceans

Working together, Kaldewei and the WWF are aiming to combat not only the impacts, but also the causes of environmental pollution. The aim of the project in the Mekong Delta is to quickly reduce the volume of waste by up to 80 per cent by means of separation and recycling, to shut down dumps over the long term and to clear disposal sites.

The partners hope that these measures will prevent large quantities of plastic from entering the ocean via the rivers and canals on the Mekong Delta every year, as is currently the case.

In manufacturing its shower surfaces, bathtubs and washbasins made of steel enamel – a composite of steel and glass – Kaldewei says it has always used natural raw materials that are 100% recyclable.

“For us, this partnership with the WWF is a logical step in our constant endeavours for a clean environment,” Kaldewei added.

Paintfinity

INTRODUCING PAINTFINITY, A TRULY SUSTAINABLE PAINT

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Paintfinity – the sustainable paint tailored to the contract interiors market from a certified Carbon Neutral company.

Sustainability is a big buzz word right now and using products which are sustainably sourced is of paramount importance. As a result, businesses are now required to become much more transparent about their environmental practices and think of innovative ways to support the world in which we live.

WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE PAINT?

Paintfinity takes environmental sustainability seriously across every element of its business, allowing their customers to use less of the world’s resources whilst being confident in a high quality, durable product.

Not only are their products environmentally friendly they are also virtually odourless, are 100% water based pure acrylic and include no solvents or oils.

Chris Davies, Managing Director of Paintfinity says, “For many years working as a chartered building surveyor I had been concerned with the levels of waste and pollutants produced by the building sector in the UK. However, because of my background, producing a product that was less harmful to the environment was not enough, it had to out-perform non-green products, respond to the demands of the toughest environments and it had to use less resources to do so.

Four years ago we developed a unique range of highly performing, sustainable paint products aimed specifically at the contract market and launched Paintfinity in 2014. We now sell to many of the leading hotels in the UK, including The Dorchester, Savoy, Hilton Group, Principal Hotel Company and De Vere Hotels to name but a few.”

For more information on Paintfinity click here

HAVWOODS SHOWCASES COMPOSITE DECKING SOLUTIONS

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In preparation for the warmer months, we take a look at what international wood flooring brand, Havwoods has to offer to hoteliers looking to enhance their outdoor spaces.

Practical, yet aesthetically pleasing, Havwoods has developed a pioneering collection of resilient and robust composite decking. Whether for residential or large-scale commercial use, Havwoods delivers high-performing boards that will not warp, splinter or rot, to provide a superior outdoor surface that will withstand the elements all year around. Available in two distinctive collections, XSCAPE and TREKKER. Both designed to bring the beauty of timber to the outdoors whilst tackling the issue of wood’s naturally hydroscopic quality with their composite structure.

XSCAPE

Beautifully constructed from wood fibre and high-density polyethylene, XSCAPE offers a strong and substantial board that will prove resilient against the impact of moisture, mould and extreme weather conditions. The design’s distinctive wood grain pattern lends a natural finish to the decking surface, whilst the bonded material ensures maximum resistance to external wear and tear.


TREKKER

Havwoods’ advanced composite decking collection provides customers with a diverse selection of colour grades and textured designs, to suit most exterior schemes. To complete the look, team Havwoods’ decking with matching fascia panels and decorative trims, designed to create a streamlined aesthetic to your exterior surface infrastructure. All trims and cladding are manufactured in the same manner as the boards and are equally as resistant to harsh weather conditions.

 

For more information on the Havwood product ranges or to order, please click here  or call +44(0)1524 737000

Edition Hotels launches ‘Stay Plastic Free’ industry initiative

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Boutique chain Edition Hotels has unveiled a new initiative to omit single use plastic from the hotel industry.

The initiative – ‘Stay Plastic Free’ – was developed by Ben Pundole (Vice President of Brand Experiences) will see all Edition hotels become 90% single use plastic free by the end of Q1 2018 – with the intention of being 100% single use plastic free by the end of Q1 2019.

The company says the campaign has been inspired by the recent anti-plastic activism in the UK, spurred in part by Sir David Attenborough’s widely-viewed Blue Planet series.

In a statement Edition Hotels said: “The initiative strives to onboard others both within the hospitality industry and outside of to commit to removing plastic from everyday use – and provides the tools and resources to help them do so. The initiative will inspire hotels and hoteliers worldwide to use alternatives to single-use plastic.”

Stay Plastic Free will provide a library of plastic alternative vendors and contacts for everything from plastic free mini bar items, coffee cups, straws, water bottles, bathroom amenities and food containers.

Working alongside both Lonely Whale and Project Zero, led by Tyrone Wood and James Jagger, Stay Plastic Free has enlisted support from both oceans charities and the scientists behind them. The program has also enlisted support from industry authorities including Randy Gerber, Alan Faena and Andre Balazs as advocates.

In addition to plastic reductions throughout its properties, Edition is leading a campaign committee of influential hoteliers —which Pundole hopes will include the likes of Design Hotels, Soho House, and Chiltern Firehouse — to look at industry-wide solutions to the plastic problem.

As part of the campaign Edition will produce a short film highlighting the impact of single use plastic from the hotel industry on the environment.

Oscar Wilde’s grandson opens first Wilde Aparthotel in London

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New Staycity hotel is located on The Strand.

Merlin Holland, the only grandson of famous Irish playwright and poet Oscar Wilde, was the guest of honour at the official opening of Staycity Group’s Wilde Aparthotels London [Photograph (from left to right): Jason Delany, Director of Brand, Product & Marketing; Merlin Holland; Tom Walsh, CEO; Keith Freeman, COO; Atul Prakash, GM].

Holland, along with Staycity Group CEO Tom Walsh, cut the ribbon on the apartment building, the first of the company’s premium Wilde brand, the design and concept of which has been inspired by Oscar Wilde himself.

The 106-room Wilde is located on The Strand, close to the popular tourist area of Covent Garden and the heart of London’s theatre-land, and offers guests a choice of studios, superior studios and double rooms over eight floors, including three sky level studios.

European Rollout of Wilde Brand

Staycity intends to roll out the Wilde brand across gateway city centre locations throughout Europe. The Strand will be followed by a second on Edinburgh’s King’s Stables Road (123 apartments) at the end of 2019, two properties in Berlin opening 2019/2020, and another on Manchester’s St Peter’s Square opening in 2020 with 256 apartments.

Holland said: “I’m delighted to be involved with the opening of Wilde. My grandfather took a great interest in aesthetics, particularly in interior design. He memorably said ‘have nothing in your house that is not useful or beautiful’.”

Staycity CEO and company founder Tom Walsh said: “We are honoured to have Merlin with us to mark the opening of our first Wilde and to share some insight into his famous grandfather. It’s fitting that our first Wilde is close to where Oscar lived in London. It is also opposite the Vaudeville Theatre, currently hosting an Oscar Wilde season, and is a short walk from the Oscar Wilde memorial, near Charing Cross.”

Staycity Group is a privately held company based in Dublin offering quality short-term and long- term apartment and aparthotel lettings in central city locations across Europe. The properties operate under the Staycity Aparthotels and Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity brands.

bar at the entrance of Doc Cheng's restaurant, Raffles Hotel, Singapore

SPOTLIGHT ON: Bars, Restaurants & Catering

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Throughout May Hotel Designs will focus on two essential components to a hotel’s make up – bars & restaurants and catering equipment…

If you want to get your company and products in front of an audience of interior designers, procurement specialists and hoteliers for a month of specially focussed commentary, this is a fantastic opportunity.

HOTELS NEED TO MAKE THEIR SOCIAL SPACES ‘DESTINATIONS’

With so many bars and restaurants in existence these days, how does a hotel bar or restaurant keep its guests from straying elsewhere as well as attracting non-residents through its doors? The answer is through its design and the atmosphere that design creates. Customers of all ages need to feel excited, stimulated and comfortable – getting the style of a hotel restaurant, bar or café right is vital, will it disrupt staff workflow? How do safety regulations come into the design process?

Ultimately a hotel bar or restaurant can be a key driver in enticing new customers, make a significant contribution to the hotels revenue and support overarching brand values. This month, we look at some of the best examples in the world right now.

OFFER A FOOD EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER

Food matters – fact. By making your menus current, different and unique, you will entice your guests. Restaurant and bar aesthetics aside, you have to make an impression with what is on the plates you serve.

Current trends see locally sourced produce a key component whilst the look of the food it just as fundamental – sharing food pictures socially is huge and for an hotelier, an opportunity to maximise on free advertising. In order to get food to the table, hoteliers have to have the very best equipment and tools for their staff. We will be focussing on the behind-the-scenes of hospitality equipment – one of the biggest sectors in the industry – from the best equipment to regulations, and best practice.

There are plenty of ways you can get involved with these features, from supplying an opinion piece to working with us on a targeted mini-series.

If you wish to find out more, please contact Jennie Lane on 01992 374098 or j.lane@forumevents.co.uk

 

Image supplied by William Cho

Sekers unveils Suomi FR blackouts and Shogun upholstery collection

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New curtians and upholstery ranges aimed at the hospitality, leisure and marine markets.

Sekers has taken the wraps off its new Shogun upholstery and Suomi FR blackouts collections.

Described as a semi-plain textured design, Shogun is available in 18 multi-colour shades including what the company calls sophisticated neutrals and porcelain blues.

Incorporating FibreGuard, an advanced finish that Sekers says helps protect the fabric against spills and stains without having to resort to specialist cleaning, Shogun has been designed to be resistant to stains such as red wine and ballpoint pen.

Sekers says Shogun is perfect for the most demanding upholstery application and, as such, the ideal for the commercial hospitality, leisure and marine markets – it’s supplied with a crib 5 flame retardant backing and a Martindale abrasion performance of 60,000 rubs.

Suomi, meanwhile, is a new collection of FR blackouts in three designs, suitable for contract curtains and available in a palette of shades ranging from cool metallic tones and sophisticated neutrals and soft blues and teals.

With a refined drape and subtle shimmer, Sekers says Suomi is an ideal choice for designers specifying for the hospitality, leisure and marine markets.

Woven in 100% polyester with a 3 pass FR black out backing, Sekers says the Suomi collection is suitable for all aspects of the contract market, from hotels to cruise ships, meeting all relevant UK, US & IMO standards for curtains.

Meliá Hotels International confirms new resorts for Dubai and Marrakesh

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Spanish hotelier pushes its brands into more markets.

Meliá Hotels International has confirmed it will be opening new resorts in the United Arab Emirates and Morocco during 2018.

The first, currently known as the Desert Palm Dubai hotel (main image above), is an exclusive urban site 20 minutes from the city centre that will be re-opened in Q3 2018 as the Desert Palm Polo Club & Resort by Meliá.

The hotel offers 38 rooms, suites and villas as well as a dining and wellness facilities and a horse riding school with a first-class polo field.

In terms of design, Meliá says the resort will combine classic Spanish influence with an ‘uncompromising’ luxury experience.

The hotel is the result of a partnership between Meliá Hotels International and the hotel owner, Albwardy Investment Group, with whom the Spanish company already operates three other hotels across Tanzania and Argentina.

The second new hotel (pictured, below) will be part of the Sol by Meliá brand, with the addition of Sol Marrakesh – the Company’s fifth hotel in Morocco, which will operate under the family-friendly holiday resort brand.

Located in the popular area of Palmaraie, the Sol Marrakesh is 18 kilometres from the airport and nine kilometres from the centre of the city. The resort, which first opened its doors in 1988, is currently closed for full refurbishment and will re-open in late 2018.

Sol Marrakesh will offer 211 rooms (including 25 family units) as well as 6 hectares of indoor and outdoor space. Upon completion, services will include a spa with hammam, fitness facilities, four tennis courts, volleyball court, football pitch, golf driving range and swimming pool with sundeck.

Gabriel Escarrer, Executive Vice President and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, said: “Taking over operations at this exclusive Dubai resort makes Meliá Hotels International very proud and also gives us a chance to demonstrate our proven excellence in the management of luxury urban resorts in a market to which the Company is already firmly committed.”

 

Thomas Crapper Harwood Washbasin

Statement washbasins from Thomas Crapper

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The perfect addition to any cloakroom, the beautifully designed Harwood washbasin is the latest addition to the Thomas Crapper collection.

Made in Britain to the highest quality standards using long-lasting fireclay, the basin is guaranteed to be a centre-piece of the bathroom, with aesthetics that set it apart from the competition, combined with all the practical benefits expected from this trusted brand.

Small yet perfectly formed, the Harwood washbasin features a deceptively generous bowl depth and a raised cartouche that proudly bears the Thomas Crapper name as a clear symbol of quality and style.

Easy to mount to the wall, this washbasin is an ideal choice in a compact cloakroom. The Harwood washbasin is also the perfect partner for a wall-mounted basin mixer and high-level WC set for authentic and quintessentially British styling in what might be the smallest room you are styling.

For more details or to view the full collection click here or call 01789 450522

 

Bvlgari to open new luxury hotel in Tokyo

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The 98 room hotel will be designed by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel.

Real estate giant Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd has inked inked an agreement to open Japan’s first Bvlgari Hotel in the large-scale, mixed-use development planned for the Tokyo Station area.

Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo is scheduled to open at the end of 2022 and will occupy the top seven floors, 39th – 45th, of an ultra-skyscraper planned for construction in the Yaesu 2-Chome North District Category-I Urban Redevelopment Project.

As with other Bvlgari sites the hotel will be designed by the Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and will be located within walking distance of the Imperial Palace and the shopping areas of both Nihombashi and Ginza. Its proximity to the Tokyo Station and the financial districts of Nihombashi and Marunouchi will make it attractive for business use too.

In addition to the Bvlgari hotel, the tower will also be a high grade mixed-use with offices and retails. The hotel will offer 98 guest rooms in a variety of configurations, mainly twin and double rooms, as well as luxury suites and an ‘extraordinary’ Bvlgari Suite.

Bvlgari Features

The usual Bvlgari features such as Il Bar, Il Ristorante and the fireplace Lounge will all be available for the hotel guests, together with Il Cioccolato store, and a Ballroom including a large outdoor space. A 1,500 sqm Bvlgari Spa will include a state-of-the-art fitness centre and 25-metre indoor pool.

The Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts portfolio currently includes properties in Milan, London, Bali, Beijing and Dubai. New openings are planned in 2018 in Shanghai and in 2020 in Moscow and Paris. Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo will be its ninth property and the first to open in Japan.

Bvlgari CEO Jean Christophe Babin said: “We are extremely proud to be able to announce the Bvlgari Hotel in Tokyo, as it will be another important step for the Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts project. Japan is such a strategic market where Bvlgari as a brand has been present for 30 years. Jewellery and hospitality combine perfectly to meet Bvlgari’s clients expectations of a high level of service not only in our brand stores, but also when staying in our extraordinary properties offering luxury services in an environment which reflects the Bvlgari spirit. In addition, we are particularly honoured to partner on this extremely exciting project with Mitsui Fudosan, one of the leading Japanese companies in real-estate, while our uncompromising Italian contemporary style in hospitality will create a welcome addition and irresistible experience in the upscale Japanese hotel market.”

GUEST BLOG: Likeable linens for hotel bedrooms & bathrooms

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Hannah Moses of Better Bath shares her views on the importance of choosing the right linens for your hotel bedrooms and bathrooms and why she believes they should be top of the list when decorating said areas.

Bedroom and bathroom linen decisions should be based on the quality and comfortability that your guest would enjoy the most. When choosing the right linens, you want to keep in mind that how your guest relax and sleep through the night can depend highly on the bed sheets and towels that they will use.

How to Select Bedding Your Guest Will Love:

The reason bedsheet fibers differ is in part because of seasonal weather changes along with the softness factor. Here are the fiber choices for fitted or flat bedsheets:

  • Satin- a man-made fiber that is lightweight and shiny in appearance
  • Bamboo- a type of tall grass that is made into fabric
  • Polyester- an inexpensive man-made fiber
  • Microfiber- a delicate synthetic fabric
  • Flannel- a heavier brushed fabric that provides warmth
  • Cotton- the most popular natural fabric
  • Silk- a smooth and shiny natural fabric
  • Blends- a combination of fibers

Another factor to consider when choosing the right bedding for your guest is if they could potentially be sensitive to a particular fabric. One can always make sure to select a type of bedsheet fabric that is hypoallergenic such as organic cotton that is white in color or that is stained with natural dyes. The decision to choose hypoallergenic fabric can ultimately be a marketing opportunity to guest that would feel better knowing the bedding they lay on will be held to the highest standard.

How to Select Towels Your Guest Will Love:

Longevity of the towels you choose for your guest should be of highest importance. Theses towels will go through many washes through the use they endure. Towels are measured by grams per square meter, meaning lower GSM towels are usually lighter weight and thinner by touch, and higher GSM towels are heavier in weight and thicker by touch. Usually a towel that is in between the lower and higher GSM is a good choice.

Egyptian cotton is something everyone is familiar with but not the first pick due to the high cost it can bear. You want your towels to feel luxurious as well as have ultimate drying ability to your guest. Classic white towels tend to work best due to the low fabric dyes that they will have. Going along with the hypoallergenic affect in the sheets, you will want this to continue in the guest bath.

Colour! Select a Color Your Guest Will Love:

While most guest bedding and bath linens are white due to the ease of washing and getting potential stains out work well, choosing earthy calming tones could be another option. Bright colors tend to have an effect on the brain, cool colors such as greys, blue, or even green ease the mind when one makes eye contact with them. White linens in the bathroom still hold true to going with most any color scheme and style the room might have, but on the other hand bed linens have a little wiggle room when choosing color.

Extra Bedding & Duvet Covers You Guest Will Love:

For additional warmth, you must have an assortment of blankets, comforters, or bedspreads. Buying comforters and blankets that are made from wool, cotton, or other fibers are essential to your guest comfortability. Duvet covers are another source of changing the style of the room in one quick change. Duvet covers have several pros; they are easy to remove and wash, one can change the color depending on season or room, and they add an extra choice of bedding that can be for warmth or style of the room instantly.

If you are looking to revamp your bathrooms, click here now: http://www.betterbathnwa.com/

SPA SPOTLIGHT: Opinion – Make a statement with your luxury hotel bathrooms

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As part of Hotel Design’s spotlight this month on spa products and services, Michael Gray, GROHE UK Product Manager, investigates the design possibilities offered to hotels by the latest shower, lighting, music and faucet technologies for bathrooms…

Luxury hotel bathrooms are designed to make a statement, using products that encourage wellbeing and promote a space of relaxation.

As a result, there is a huge array of wellness products now available for the hotel and hospitality industry, including showers with mood lighting, steam functions and music controlled by Bluetooth.

Oversized statement showerheads are also available, alongside products that offer a range of spray patterns designed to suit the user’s needs, with side shower sprays offering the opportunity for a massaging showering experience.

Solutions for all budgets

For smaller budgets, showering products are available that offer multiple spray patterns from an intense jet to a relaxing massage spray. This adds a simple but indulgent addition to your showering experience, offering you the choice to tailor the water flow to suit your mood.

Hotel bathrooms should offer the ultimate sanctuary in which to unwind at the end of the day.  Features like showers with multiple spray patterns and massaging function to statement taps designed to catch the eye will always impress clients.

Smart technology can also be considered for hotel bathrooms, particularly as more guests look to have a staycation to unwind and relax. Many smart products are now available in the bathroom from high tech toilets, to spa-inspired showers that help to create a relaxing bathroom sanctuary at the end of a busy day sightseeing or shopping.

Already a well-known feature in commercial washrooms, touchless taps are now gaining popularity in hotel bathrooms due to their unique combination of comfort and hygiene and convenient hands-free activation. Through the touchless sensor activated control, the taps minimise the spread of bacteria to contribute to a healthy bathroom. This also helps to keep the tap sparkling clean for longer, reducing maintenance and maximising product life. They also often come with a timer which automatically stops the water flow after a desired length of time to reduce wastage.

Stylish and hygienic

Shower toilets are the norm in Asia and now there is an increasing demand for these hygienic toilet systems in Europe, in both hotels and homes. Shower toilets feature an integrated bidet system and are designed to harness the gentle and effective cleansing benefits of water to help deliver optimum hygiene levels in the bathroom, and often come with a host of advanced features. Thanks to the gentle and natural cleansing process, the need for toilet paper is eliminated, thus the systems offer excellent eco-credentials.

Certain shower toilets offer smart technology, including extensive options that allow users to create a personalised cleansing routine, including adjusting the water pressure and position of the spray arm, to the preferred temperature, spray pattern and cleansing cycle.

The individual settings can be controlled intuitively using either the remote control or via an app which allows users to store all their favourite settings on a digital device. Some brands have also taken into consideration common annoyances for users, such as having to go to the toilet at night, and have combatted this by designing toilets with LED lighting.

GROHE are one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, click here.

To work with Hotel Designs on our SPA SPOTLIGHT feature across April please contact Jennie Lane / 01992 374098.

Opinion: How can the hotel industry keep up with the innovations of Airbnb?

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Airbnb is well covered on Hotel Designs. Here, Nakul Sharma, CEO and Founder of Hostmaker shares his thoughts on the online marketplace and hospitality service.

In the hospitality industry, we are seeing more people looking for stylish yet affordable places to stay when on holiday. Airbnb has exploded in popularity in recent years, with the latest Airbnb data revealing a sharp rise in the number of bookings around Windsor for the royal wedding of 1,438%. The increase in popularity of homestays and the innovation in the sector has put increasing pressure on traditional hotels to keep up with modern demand.

Homestays increasing in popularity

In recent years, Airbnb and homestay platforms have become increasingly popular and expanded their appeal to a huge variety of people. Having previously been perceived as cheap alternatives to hotels, Airbnb was previously the reserve of the student traveller.

But following the recent launch of Airbnb Plus and existing companies like Hostmaker, we are seeing an increase in demand from consumers looking for bespoke and boutique homestays with a certain ‘wow’ factor. These custom designed and curated properties are bringing a new offering to the hospitality market.

An increase in trust around the sharing economy in general, as well as the increase in the level of quality has seen a growing number of bookings and inspired many to offer their homes as boutique homestays to guests. The growth in demand and supply has led a large rise in the number of lets.

How homestay companies like Airbnb are challenging traditional hotels

Homestays are now beginning to challenge traditional hoteliers as hosts offer more luxurious properties and experiences at affordable price points.

Guests are also looking for unique experiences that can offer them an insight into the life and culture of the country they are visiting. The huge variety in the types of accommodation offered to guests bring both unique experiences and the chance to live like a local. With everything from traditional townhouses to luxury treehouses, guests have a huge variety of places to stay. This range of opportunities is something we have seen traditional hotels struggle with in the past.

A lot of tourists choose hotels due to the perceived luxury service and also because of the knowledge that they can come and go as they please. We are now seeing hosts and homestay management companies curating apartments and offering guests total peace of mind by providing luxury experiences that you would expect to find in a hotel, such as airport pickup and key drop-off.

What does this mean for the hotel industry?

The increase in popularity of homestay platforms does not mean that hotels will cease to exist. Hotels still appeal to people in a way that homestays are not able to. For short stays of up to 2-3 nights, hotels will outperform homestays on price and suitability. But for longer trips, homestays provide both business and leisure travellers with greater flexibility, range of locations and type of property.

Having worked in both the traditional hospitality industry and the property sharing sector, Nakul believes that these two seemingly competing industries are actually more compatible than first glance might suggest. They offer different aspects to a guest’s stay which may or may not appeal depending on the audience.

How hotels can to adapt their offering to remain competitive

Nakul expects to see hotels adapting to remain competitive and cater to guests wanting a luxury homestay experience. By moving into the homestay market, hotels will be able to use their hospitality expertise to help provide luxury 5-star levels of service within a homestay experience.

Indeed, we are increasingly seeing hotels curating homestays to bring the luxury hotel experience to properties. Hotels need to continue to embrace the increasing demand for high quality homestays and use their hospitality expertise to remain ahead of current trends in the market.

At present, homestays simply don’t have the capacity to take a lot of business away from hotels and in many guests’ minds, hotels still offer a level of security and quality that homestays cannot. However, the growing demand for homestay properties is clearly in the minds of hotels, as see more of them looking to move into the homestay market as it continues to grow.

Hotel du Vin to open in Stratford-upon-Avon May 1st

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The Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin in Clifton Village, Bristol, will follow shortly.

Hotel du Vin will officially open the doors of its new site in, offering 46 rooms spread across two converted grade II-listed townhouses.

Design is centred around colourful accents, wooden furniture and quirky artwork mix with the dark greys, teals and greens on the walls. In-room facilities include, roll top baths, large beds and Egyptian cotton as standard.

Complementing the rooms is the Bistro, offering home-style French cooking, earthy dishes and slow-cooked foods.

Next to the bistro is a courtyard, which will be used for al fresco dinning when the sun comes out. There’s also an event space that accommodates up to 70 people for meetings, weddings and celebrations, along with two smaller private dining rooms for 10-12 guests.

The hotel is a ten-minute walk from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, in the centre of town on Rother Street – which is also home to Stratford-upon-Avon’s historic farmer’s market.

This is the latest addition to Hotel du Vin’s family of luxury boutique hotels, and will soon be joined by another – The Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin in Clifton Village, Bristol.

“Stratford-upon-Avon feels like such a natural pairing for Hotel du Vin, we’re really looking forward to welcoming guests into the hotel,” said Nick Halliday, Chief Operating Officer of Hotel du Vin. “The team have worked incredibly hard over the last few months to ensure we can bring a much-needed boutique hotel and bistro to the area, which is befitting of a town with so much character and history. It’s the ideal base for visitors and locals alike to stay, wine, dine and meet in comfort and style, something we like to think the Bard himself would have enjoyed.”

Grand Hyatt Xi’an offers travellers Silk Road stop off

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A new Grand Hyatt hotel has opened in Xi’an – one of China’s most ancient cities and the starting point for the ancient Silk Road trading post that connected East with West.

Strategically located within the Xi’an High-Tech Industries Development Zone, home to more than 200 Fortune 500 companies, Grand Hyatt Xi’an forms part of the Maike Center, comprised of high-end retail and offices.

Xi’an Greenland PICO International Convention & Exhibition Center as well as Xi’an Qujiang International Conference Exhibition Center are also situated nearby.

Various tourist attractions, key transportation hubs and the international airport are also easily accessible from the hotel.

Design and Guestrooms

Inspired by a palatial mirage in the desert, the Grand Hyatt Xi’an hotel’s glass tower may appear cutting-edge, but the company says its design is firmly rooted in the city’s history. Representing the Silk Road, the 396-room hotel connects to an office tower via a Sky Bridge 328 feet above ground. At ground level, the faceted exterior of the hotel shapes the entrance comprised of a two-story atrium lobby topped with a triangular sloping glass roof. Inside, guests are greeted with a design inspired by the exotic desert wildlife, geography and culture of the modern Silk Road.

Standard rooms in contemporary design start at 538 square feet, while deluxe rooms start at 807 square feet, all with floor-to-ceiling windows. Light brushed woods and terracotta or crimson accents have been used to create a ‘warm and relaxing’ ambience.

“The heritage and history of Xi’an have been the backdrop for an impressive atmosphere of hospitality,” said Christopher Koehler, Hyatt’s vice president of operations and managing director for China. “As early as 1990, Xi’an has been of special importance for Hyatt as it was one of the first locations in which our brands entered China and where we have cultivated great talent and leaders over the years. We are grateful to Maike Group for developing such a spectacular property and are excited to support the development of the Silk Road in the process.”

 

Dining and Drinking

From the Sky Bridge, visitors can take in the 360-degree views of the city below. Against this backdrop, numerous dining experiences are available, ranging from local to global fare at The Lounge, Grand Café, Chang’an Bridge Chinese Restaurant and Allegro Restaurant & Bar.

Grand Café is intended to conjure the feeling of a vibrant marketplace along the Silk Road, where chefs prepare local and global cuisines within interactive, open kitchens during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dressed in warm desert tones, The Lounge is intended as a spot for high-flyers to relax and meet.

Chang’an Bridge Chinese Restaurant serves the regional cuisines of Canton and Shaanxi in a chic ambience that contrasts dramatic abacus-styled screens and red booth seating with rustic woods and Persian carpets. In addition to the main dining room, nine dining suites are available for exclusive private experiences with butler service.

Opening later this year, Allegro Restaurant & Bar will bring a new level of personality to dining and nightlife in Xi’an. An Italian restaurant by day serving classic dishes and pizzas from a wood-fired oven, Allegro Restaurant & Bar will transform into a gastro lounge with specialty cocktails, wines and spirits, and live entertainment at night. The space can also be converted into a special event venue for meetings or events with natural light and impressive views.

Later this year, Maple House will specialize in Pan-Asian and local Shaanxi BBQ specialties in a stylish setting enclosed by floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors. Guests can also enjoy alfresco dining on the podium terrace atop the fifth floor, which is landscaped with fire pits and colorful gardens.

Meetings and Events

The 24,907 square feet of futuristic and customizable spaces at Grand Hyatt Xi’an host events, with both the Grand Ballroom and the Grand Salon enclosed by curving walls. Encircling the space is a nearly 10 foot high LED screen that can be used by event organizers for tailored presentations that “travel” around the entire Grand Ballroom.

An additional 11 meeting rooms are available in varied sizes for customized business meetings or intimate social gatherings as well as a large open kitchen that offers a site for creative catering and networking.

 

MnM Studio and Italian architects win at Bespoke Access Awards for hospitality

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Paralympic Gold Medalist Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and RIBA Stirling Prize-winning architect Alan Stanton OBE judged range of International entries.

MnM Studio Architects, along with Maria Brighenti and Marcello D’Orsi, were announced the joint winners of the 2017/18 Bespoke Access Awards, a design competition to create accessible solutions in hospitality, run in association with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and featuring a prize fund of £30,000.

MnM Studio devised an innovative accommodation solution based around the four senses of smell, taste, sound and sight, with extensive use of Braille throughout. Termed “empathy through aesthetics”, the system aims to support the emotional state of the guest, while maintaining a distinct visual appeal via a stylish, curved design.

“’Empathy through aesthetics’ perfectly encapsulates what we are aiming to do with the Access initiative”, said Baroness Celia Thomas, Chair of the Judging Panel and Patron of the Awards. “The emphasis placed on the emotional state of the guest was particularly impressive, given this is an area that is often overlooked.”

Alongside MnM Studio, freelance Italian architects Maria Brightei and Marcello D’Orsi were successful in the Architectural category, as well as being announced joint winners of the overall Celia Thomas Prize, worth a total of £20,000.

Their design, which focused on the means through which existing accommodation can be renovated with the disabled traveler in mind, concentrated on the public spaces of hotels, and how subtle enhancements can be made to significantly increase the ease with which they are passed through.

Customer Journey Often Overlooked

“I was particularly struck by the attention they had paid to the customer journey through reception and the lobby areas”, said Alan Stanton, Stirling Prize-winning architect and member of the Judging Panel. “These are areas often overlooked by both architects and business owners alike, and it is easy to think of them as merely transient. But they can significantly improve or disrupt a guest’s experience, so it was exciting to see them highlighted and approached with such care.”

“The architectural community across the country has really embraced the Access Awards since their launch in 2016”, said Jane Duncan, RIBA Immediate Past President. “It is tremendously encouraging for the future of accessible tourism to see this year’s awards attracting interest from around the world, as well as ideas shining a light on some of the more often-overlooked aspects of disabled travel.”

The competition attracted submissions from the UK, Europe and Asia. Entrants competed across an expanded range of categories, including Product Design, Architecture, Service Applications (Digital) and Service Applications (Training). Alongside the overall Celia Thomas Prize, worth £20,000.

The entries were judged by a panel which included Paralympic gold medalist Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Stirling Prize-winning architect Alan Stanton, Baroness Celia Thomas, Tom Perry, Head of the Cities Programme at the Design Council, Graeme Whippy, Disability Specialist for Channel Four, Alastair Hignell CBE, alongside Robin Sheppard.

Full list of winners:

MnM Studio Architects, Dubai
Joint Winners of the Celia Thomas Prize

Maria Brighenti with Marcello D’Orsi, Italy
Joint Winners of the Celia Thomas Prize

MnM Studio Architects, Dubai
Joint Winners of the Architecture Category

Maria Brighenti with Marcello D’Orsi, Italy
Joint Winners of the Architecture Category

Wilson Mason LLP, Lancashire
Winners of the Product Design Category

Purcell, London
Winners of the Service Applications (Training) Category

Neatebox Ltd, London
Winners of Service Applications (Digital) Category

Leonard Cheshire Award for Inclusive Employment Category – Not Awarded

YOTEL inks deal to manage 451 room Istanbul New Airport hotel

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Site represents London-based YOTEL’s first foray into Turkey.

İstanbul New Airport (İNA) operator İGA and YOTEL have agreed an exclusive hotel management contract at the international connection hub.

The hotel, which the partners say will be one of the biggest airport hotels in the world, with both airside and landside access, will offer 451 rooms and will be located inside the main terminal building.

İGA sees the deal as an indication of İNA growing importance to holiday makers and business travellers, point out that the airport was ranked third in terms of total departing passenger numbers in Q1 2018.

The stats back this up – İNA is Turkey’s biggest ever infrastructure project and will replace Ataturk Airport when it opens in October this year. The capacity of İNA will be expanded up to 200 million people once all four phases are completed and will have a total of six runways and three terminals, hosting nearly 100 airlines.

İNA says it will set an example for the global airport architecture with its flexible and spacious terminal design rooted in Istanbul’s unique cultural and architectural values. Besides aesthetics, it will also have a ‘simple and practical setup with touches of traditional motifs’.

For its part, YOTEL says it will will introduce its design and technology in two zones – one airside (102 rooms) and one landside (349 rooms). Both parts of the new hotel will feature public spaces including YOTEL’s Club Lounge concept with smart vending, working and relaxing areas, wellness centres and planted glazed atriums.

In addition, the landside zone will include a restaurant, bar and 24/7 gym. The new hotel will also feature meeting spaces, which YOTEL says will be suited to small, large, formal and casual meetings.

The site will be YOTEL’s largest airport hotel – it currently operates four under the YOTELAIR brand at London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle.

Making History

“We are delighted to have chosen YOTEL as our new airport’s exclusive air and landside hotel operator”, said Kadri Samsunlu, CEO of İGA Airport Operation. “We are making history with İstanbul New Airport, already in its construction phase a multiple-world record breaking project that is likely to change the transportation and aviation dynamics of a tri-continent region covering Europe, Asia and Africa, and certain to have a lasting impact far beyond this geography.

“YOTEL will contribute to our perfect passenger experience approach with unique innovative elemental luxury and technologically decked space.”

Hubert Viriot, YOTEL’s CEO, said: “We’ve witnessed Turkey’s and particularly Istanbul’s remarkable economic and urban development, transformation and its noticeably increased popularity over the past few years. İstanbul New Airport will only further increase Istanbul’s ever-expanding popularity and economy and YOTEL is delighted to be a part of it. The prevailing ambitious vision to make İstanbul New Airport the largest transit hub in the world made it very attractive for us to be there, and we are extremely honoured to be chosen for this exciting project. This city aspires to high growth success, just like YOTEL, so we are a perfect match.”

 

Four-star Hotel La Tour granted planning permission in Milton Keynes

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Design concepts include ‘sun’ optical illusion.

Planning permission has been granted for the four-star luxury Hotel La Tour in Milton Keynes, with the next phase of design planning now underway.

The 250-bed hotel, located on Marlborough Gate, will include conference and meeting room services, a gym, spa and pool facilities as well as a rooftop restaurant with a viewing gallery.

The scheme, designed by pHp Architects following a public consultation, also includes a design feature that creates the illusion of the sun on the east side of the hotel off Midsummer Boulevard. It works by surrounding a large circular feature with a mirror cladding system and using external lighting to complete the illusion.

The development is owned by Hotel La Tour, a privately owned British hotel company. The next stage of design planning is underway, comprising Couch Perry Wilkes (CPW), the engineers providing the mechanical, engineering and plumbing (MEP) expertise as well as the BREEAM assessor role. The design team also includes Gleeds, pHp Architects and Scott, White and Hookins (SWH) Structural & Civil Engineers and Sharps Redmore Acoustics.

Mark Stuart, managing director at Hotel La Tour, said: “We are delighted to receive the green light for the Milton Keynes hotel development. Our emphasis is on quality and the entire building design team have certainly delivered above and beyond that in their plans.

“Hotel La Tour Milton Keynes will fill a much-needed luxury services gap within the area and bring life and connectivity to the Centre:MK area. It will also create approximately 200 new jobs as we recruit and develop local talent.”

Matt Wrate, director at CPW, said: “We are thrilled that Hotel La Tour has been granted successful planning permission but we aren’t celebrating for long as the third stage of tender design plans are already in motion.

“We are busy developing client specific solutions to ensure that the guests and staff have the best possible experience when visiting and working in the hotel. We are therefore working with specialist designers for interior design, audio visual, spa specialists and artists working on commissions within the development.

“We are also excited to be providing a specialist lift consultancy service as the scheme will also include a scenic glass elevator, three further passenger lifts and a general lift and vehicle lift to service the conference facilities.”

Wrate added: “We are working closely with Hotel La Tour and the other design team partners, such as Gleeds, to deliver a viable and sustainable luxury hotel for Milton Keynes.”

International property and construction consultancy, Gleeds, is providing cost and project management services for the project and has been working with Hotel La Tour

Brian McArdle, director at Gleeds, said: “Not only will Hotel La Tour provide luxury hotel accommodation for the city of Milton Keynes but through the construction process will help to drive the local economy and attract further inward investment into the region. We’re looking forward to work starting on site and delivering the scheme over the coming year.”

Elivi Skiathos to open June 2018

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Family-owned five-star hotel will offering private pools, a sea-facing four-bedroom villa, spa and panoramic views.

The Elivi Skiathos Hotel, owned and developed by father and daughter team Elias and Vivi Nathanailidi, will open on June 1st, marking the first hospitality venture by Elivi Hotels.

The 213,000m² hotel is surrounded by a wildlife refuge and offers direct access to four beaches in Skiathos: Koukounaries, Ambelakia, Banana and Little Banana Beach.

Elivi Skiathos will feature what are described as modern spacious rooms and suites only a few steps away from the shore, with private pools and courtyards integrated into the area’s existing natural features and walking paths bordered by forests of olive and pine trees.

Comprised of three separate areas, guests can choose from the Elivi Xenia Hotel on the hilltop of Pounta Peninsula with 32 rooms, the 11 secluded Elivi Grace Suites set on the beach, or the 61 Elivi Nest Rooms, Villas & Suites amongst pine trees and olive groves.

All three areas will feature elegantly appointed rooms, with an emphasis on sophisticated modern design and exceptional service.

Swan Villa & Elivi Spa

The Elivi Nest Rooms, Villas & Suites will be home to the Swan Villa – Spanning across two floors and measuring 200m², the seafront villa accommodates up to eight adults featuring four en-suite rooms, a kitchen, dining area, living room and a private pool.

The Elivi Spa will offer three treatment rooms powered by Elemis, a hairdressing salon, manicure and pedicure stations, an indoor pool, Oriental Bath (Hammam), Sauna, and Elemis products to purchase. The hotel will also house an indoor and outdoor gym, tennis court, basketball court and football pitch.

There will also be an outdoor pool located on the hilltop overlooking Ambelakia Beach and the Aegean Sea, as well as a large outdoor 200m² swimming pool situated by the Elivi Nest Rooms. All the pools are cleaned by an electrolysis system, so no chlorine.

Elivi Skiathos will house a total of three restaurants and six bars including three beach bars. Each will serve their own twist on Greek food using locally sourced ingredients and exceptional cuisine to satisfy any palate.

Tru by Hilton opens new US college sites

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Wisconsin, Alabama and Florida hotels aimed at families, students and alumni.

Hilton’s midscale hotel brand Tru by Hilton has opened five new hotels, three of which are its first college town properties, including Auburn, Alabama (Auburn University); Tallahassee, Florida (Florida State University) and Madison, Wisconsin (University of Wisconsin-Madison).

Tru by Hilton has ongoing strategy of opening new sites in diverse areas, with upcoming hotel openings in urban, suburban, resort and interstate locations – these latest openings have been built with families, future students and alumni in mind and are the first opened by the brand in Wisconsin, Alabama and Florida.

  • The 106-room Tru by Hilton Madison West is located 15 minutes from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and a short drive from downtown Madison.
  • The 98-room Tru by Hilton Auburn is situated off I-85, four miles from Auburn University and a 10-minute drive from downtown Auburn.
  • The 90-room Tru by Hilton Tallahassee Central is located nine miles from Tallahassee International Airport and four miles from Florida State University and downtown Tallahassee.

Come Fly With Me

In addition to the college town properties, Tru by Hilton also recently opened hotels in Salt Lake City Airport, located in the SLC International Center, and Williamsville Buffalo Airport, situated next to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and a quick drive to Niagara Falls.

“We’re excited to open properties in college towns where there is a need for a comfortable stay at an affordable price,” said Alexandra Jaritz, global head, Tru by Hilton. “When families visit their children away at college, they want an inviting place to stay with proximity to the university campus and downtown area. We look forward to expanding our presence in more college towns across the country.”

Chinese investor buys Rosslea Hall Hotel – Refurbishment on the way?

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Site on the shores of Gare Loch in Scotland ‘provides several opportunities’.

BDL Select Hotels has sold the Rosslea Hall Hotel for an undisclosed sum to Chinese investor Tom Xu, making his first foray in to the UK hospitality market.

The asset had an initial guide price of £2 million for the freehold interest, with JLL advising BDL throughout the sale process.

The hotel was sold free of management and branding and provides several opportunities for the incoming investor to tactically reposition the hotel and add value.

The 30-bedroom site comprises a prominent country house hotel located in the village of Rhu, with two function/conference rooms, on-site car parking for 80 vehicles, all set on the east shore of Gare Loch.

Xu said: “We are delighted to acquire Rosslea Hall as our first hotel asset in the UK. The hotel has an excellent reputation in the local area, given the service provided by the team. We will continue the business as usual and work alongside the team in delivering the next, and better, chapter of the Rosslea Hall Hotel.”

Neil Milligan, Associate Hotels & Hospitality at JLL, said: “This hotel offers a great mix of both corporate and leisure guests. The local naval base continues to expand, driving more employment to the local area, while the attractive gardens and waterside views make this a key Scottish wedding venue.”

UK law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn acted as legal advisers on the sale for BDL Select Hotels.

Meliá to open new hotel and shopping centre in Magaluf

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July opening of Calvià Beach Plaza Hotel and Momentum Plaza latest upmarket development in Majorcan party resort.

The latest stage in Meliá Hotels International’s seven-year €250 million investment in Majorca’s hugely popular Magaluf resort will open in July in the form of the Calvià Beach Plaza Hotel and Momentum Plaza shopping centre, creating 150 jobs in the process.

Momentum Plaza will occupy almost 5,000 square metres of land on the site of the old Jamaica Hotel. The area has been converted into an open space, with recreational areas for residents and tourists, alongside a large, modern shopping area which will host a range of major international fashion retailers and restaurant brands.

The centre will be open all year round, which Melia says demonstrates its drive to develop Magaluf as an all-season destination.

Brands set to enter the Momentum Plaza so far include Mango, Springfield, Italian Loft, Koala Bay and Starbucks. The shopping centre will also offer almost 200 underground parking spaces to accommodate both tourists and residents from other parts of the island.

Hanging Pool

Meliá Hotels International will also open a new hotel to replace the old Jamaica Hotel. Calviá Beach Plaza will open in Summer 2018 and will feature avant-garde architecture and an innovative “hanging” pool, suspended between the roofs of two buildings. The sides and bottom of the pool will be transparent, creating a spectacular sight for visitors below and giving bathers magnificent (terrifying?) views over the sea.

Mark Hoddinott, Company Vice President of Real Estate, said: “This will be the place that Magaluf was missing: A space to be used by both residents and tourists, who will no longer have to leave Magaluf to find quality shopping and dining facilities. It will also raise the bar for shopping in the destination, which has historically suffered from a shortage of quality shops, something that will no longer be the case with the arrival of Momentum Plaza.”

Beatriz Ley, Director of Momentum Plaza, said: “The residents of Magaluf are as important to this project as the tourists. The Momentum Plaza has been designed to further enrich the superior quality facilities provided by the La Vila shopping centre and Katmandu Park, developing the area as a tourist destination and of course to revitalise Magaluf for its own residents. Momentum Plaza aims to become the major leisure destination for Magaluf for residents and visitors to enjoy that will combine shopping with an extensive programme of activities, entertainment and culture for 12 months of the year.”

Gabriel Escarrer, Executive Vice President and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, said: “The opening of the new Calviá Beach Plaza hotel and Momentum Plaza is the last major milestone of a bold project, which is closely linked to our family and our origins. Our aim is to return a lot of prestige prestige and quality to Magaluf and after seven years of activity and major investments, I can now say that we are extremely proud of the changes that have happened in the destination, which is once again sustainable for its community and attractive for investors.”

Kerzner to launch One&Only Urban Resorts at Dubai’s One Za’abeel

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Ithra Dubai development will open in 2020 with Kerzner’s new luxury urban offering.

Kerzner International Holdings, which owns the Atlantis Resort & Residences and ultra-luxury One&Only Resorts brands, will launch its first One&Only Urban Resorts offering at One Za’abeel in Dubai.

One Za’abeel is due to open in 2020, and is being developed by Ithra Dubai, a fully owned subsidiary of Investment Corporation of Dubai.

The site is in the Za’abeel district of the city, strategically positioned at the crossroads of the old and new business districts of Dubai. The two-tower, high-rise mixed-use development incorporates One&Only One Za’abeel, luxury residences, serviced apartments, and office spaces, in addition to The Gallery, an retail podium, and a panoramic sky concourse, The Linx, which connects the two towers of One Za’abeel.

Kerzner says the architectural design of each urban resort will celebrate the city —from storied landmarks to the introduction of cutting-edge new architecture; a natural hub for the influential and curious to gravitate for both business and pleasure.

Offering unprecedented access to the city, One&Only will offer a perfect base for bespoke, exclusive exploration and sophisticated experiences. Home to a pulsating life and energy, entertainment is at the heart of every One&Only Urban Resort. One may never want to leave.


Kerzner says One&Only Urban Resorts will offer an elevated experience for business, family and leisure travellers, as well as local residents, challenging the conventional city hotel experience – all urban resorts will offer green spaces, gyms will have a spectacular view of the city, and One Cycle and One Yoga will ensure guests get the rejuvenation and workout they need.

Suites can be customised to suit the guest needs, being transformed into everything from a children’s playroom, walk-in closets to an art studio. In fact, specially designed suites for children will also be an option.


“There is a duality to One Za’abeel, reflected in its two towers, that evokes pairings. Timeless elegance with function, efficiency with leisure, tradition with modernity, inclusion and privacy,” said His Excellency Mohammed I. Al Shaibani, Chairman of Kerzner International, Executive Director and CEO of Investment Corporation of Dubai. “The paired concepts come together where The Linx traverses the towers offering all those who get in touch with One Za’abeel one complete, bespoke, and very individual experience every time. That is why, it is very fitting that the first urban resort for One&Only opens in this development of the future.”

“One Za’abeel will continue to develop Dubai in the global arena. Much more than a building, we are shaping communities to thrive and prosper. We are ultimately transforming the legacies of our past into landmarks of the future,” said Issam Galadari, CEO and Director of Ithra Dubai. “As the global benchmark of ultra-luxury, it makes sense for One&Only to operate the resort experience at One Za’abeel.”

“Our ambition is to become part of the soul of any city we enter,” says Michael P. Wale, Chief Executive Officer, Kerzner International. “We are thrilled to be introducing One&Only to the urban space, providing something completely different for our discerning guests, delivered with our renowned personalized experience. Iconic buildings such as One Za’abeel are the perfect locations for One&Only Urban Resorts. We are proud One&Only One Za’abeel is part of the foundation of the next generation of the destination.”

Naumi’s Auckland Airport Hotel designs new rooms with female travellers in mind

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Blush rooms created by New Zealand female design duo Material Creative.

The recently-opened Naumi Auckland Airport Hotel has unveiled four Blush rooms created by the New Zealand interior design company Material Creative, led by the female designer duo Toni Brandso and Liv Harper.

During the design process, Naumi Auckland Airport Hotel says it looked to past research that indicated female travellers look for hotels that make them feel safe, comfortable, empowered and pampered.

Feminine Touch

In complementing tones of millennial pink with ombre rugs, the rooms have been designed to work with Naumi’s wider design ethos of bold colour and playful details. The Blush rooms ‘exude a bold, feminine touch and include luxurious self-care essentials and amenities to make life that little bit easier’.

With this in mind, guests staying in the Blush rooms will have access to super food products such as Soak organic eye masks and goji berry bath salts.

Guests staying in a Blush room can pack light as each comes with essentials including ghd straighteners, Dyson hairdryers, hair curlers, as well as jewellery boxes, yoga mats, backlit mirrors, silk robes and warming shawls.

Each room also features a complimentary mini bar and a 50” Smart LED TV with Netflix streaming.

Naumi Auckland Airport is due to launch two further designer-inspired Suites inspired by fashion house Missoni and artist Yayoi Kusama. The hotel says the rooms will reflect the group’s love of art and fashion and give a nod towards Naumi Singapore’s Andy Warhol and Coco Chanel-inspired suites.

Conrad Maldives Rangali to create $15m ‘sleeping under the sea’ experience

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‘World’s first undersea residence’ will be completed 4Q 2018.

The Conrad Maldives Rangali is investing $15 million in a new ‘sleeping under the sea’ experience, complementing the resort’s already submerged restaurant, Ithaa.

Named The Muraka, or ‘coral’ in Dhivehi (the local language of the Maldives), the undersea residence will give guests an ‘intimate and immersive experience of one of the Earth’s most breathtaking marine environments’.

Muraka is designed to blend into its environment, giving guests’ views of the Indian Ocean, with the vibrant colors and a diverse array of marine life.

Envisioned by Crown Company Director Ahmed Saleem, and realized by Mike Murphy, leading engineer at M J Murphy Ltd., a New Zealand-based company that specializes in aquarium technology, the undersea residence is a two-level structure comprised of space above the sea level and an undersea suite designed for sleeping under the ocean’s surface.

The undersea suite features a king-size bedroom, living area, bathroom and spiral staircase that leads to the upper level living room. The undersea bedroom floor level sits five metres below sea level, providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding marine environment.

Muraka’s distinct design is akin to Ithaa’s with the curved acrylic dome, which boasts 180-degree panoramic views of the Indian Ocean’s intricate marine life.

Muraka’s upper level features a twin-size bedroom, bathroom, powder room, gym, butler’s quarters, private security quarters, integrated living room, kitchen, bar and dining, which features a deck that purposely faces the direction of the sunset.

On the opposite side of the villa sits the relaxation deck that faces the direction of sunrise, complete with an infinity swimming pool. The upper level also contains an additional king-size bedroom and bathroom, which has an ocean-facing bathtub. In total, Muraka can accommodate up to nine guests.

“Driven by our inspiration to deliver innovative and transformative experiences to our global travellers, the world’s first undersea residence encourages guests to explore the Maldives from an entirely new perspective below the surface of the sea,” said Ahmed Saleem, a Director at Crown Company and chief architect and designer of the undersea residence. “The Muraka marks our second venture in underwater architecture and technology, next to Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, which is celebrating its 13th anniversary this month. Through our rich history of being a trailblazer in innovative luxury hospitality, we are proud to remain at the forefront of cutting-edge design, technology and architecture.”

“Through our development of the world’s first undersea residence, we continue to shine a light on the Maldives as a luxury destination as well as a cultural and natural wonder for global travellers,” said Stefano Ruzza, General Manager at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. “We are excited to present Muraka’s unique sleeping under the sea experience to our future guests, providing them with an extraordinary seascape of the Maldives from an entirely new perspective.”

Ikos Andalusia to open in May 2020 after €150 million investment

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Opening follows acquisition of the Costa Del Sol Princess on Spain’s Costa Del Sol.

Ikos Resorts has acquired the hotel Costa Del Sol Princess, in Estepona on Spain’s Costa Del Sol – its first acquisition in the Iberian Peninsula.

Renamed Ikos Andalusia, the site is scheduled to open in May 2020 off that back of a €150 million investment, with the aim of becoming Spain’s ‘leading luxury all-inclusive resort’.

Set on a beachfront site in Estepona, close to Marbella and a 60-minute drive from Malaga Airport, Ikos Andalusia will provide more than 400 luxury rooms and suites on 70,000 m2 of landscaped gardens and leisure facilities alongside 14,000m2 of beach front.

In addition, the hotel will house eight restaurants, sports and theatre facilities, a spa, indoor and outdoor heated pools plus an Ikos Deluxe accommodation area.

This will be the fifth Ikos resort, following recent expansion including Ikos Dassia, opening in May 2018, on the island of Corfu and Ikos Aria, opening in 2019 on the island of Kos, in Greece.

Ikos Andalusia is owned and operated by Ikos International SCA, and managed by general partners, Andreas A. Andreadis and Mathieu Guillemin backed by leading international investors such as Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Oaktree Capital Management LP and Hermes GPE.

“Estepona has always been a landmark destination for travellers seeking an ideal balance of sun, sea, lifestyle and culture. We are therefore excited to introduce our unique all-inclusive experience and the amazing Infinite Lifestyle promise to Spain by transforming the existing property within the sustainable framework of Ikos Green,” said Antonis Avdelas, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer of Ikos Resorts.

Survey says: Business travellers want to go green, but don’t know where to start

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Business travellers are on the look-out for greener places to stay.

Over half of business travellers (52%) would like to make more sustainable choices when they travel, but don’t know how, according to Booking.com’s global Sustainable Travel Report.

The report indicates that the green travel trend continues to gain momentum with a large majority of global travellers (87%) stating that they want to travel sustainably.

Beyond personal travel, making the right choices for the planet is also extending to the professional sphere, with many people now considering how sustainable their business travel choices really are.

Over half of business travellers questioned (52%) said they would like to make more sustainable choices when they travel, but also that they don’t yet know what steps to take.

Some business travellers are already taking eco-friendly steps, however, when it comes to transport for example, with over half (56%) trying to travel by rail or road rather than taking flights, and 65% using public transportation as much as possible while on a business trip.

Business travellers are also on the look-out for greener places to stay, with over two thirds (69%) intending to stay in eco-friendly accommodation over the next year.

Booking.com says one of the best ways to ensure a trip has less ecological impact is to keep things as local as possible, such as selecting accommodation with locally sourced, sustainable in-room amenity kits or with restaurants that serve locally sourced ingredients.

Making the best use of local resources not only provides a more authentic travel experience, but also helps to cut down the carbon footprint of a trip. Business travellers are increasingly recognizing this, with 70% favouring local products and services during their stay.

Of course, responsibility for eco-friendly travel choices rests not only with employees themselves. Booking.com says businesses are starting to take more responsibility and foster a more eco-friendly approach to business travel.

In fact, 40% of business travellers say it is part of their company’s values to use eco-friendly accommodation, and over a third (35%) say it is part of their company’s travel policy. That said, the majority of those surveyed (61%) feel that their company should do more to promote eco-friendly accommodation options.

Red Dot Award for Duravit’s C.1 tap series and Luv bathroom range

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Duravit’s C.1 tap fitting series and Luv bathroom range have received the 2018 “Red Dot” Award for outstanding design.

The company says the C.1 design range by Kurt Merki Jr. perfectly reflects its design language, featuring an ergonomic handle with a recess underneath that is comfortable to hold and permits precise operation.

Meanwhile, the unusual design of Luv by Danish designer Cecilie Manz combines Nordic purism and what Duravit calls ‘timeless, emotional elegance’, with gentle forms following a stringent geometry.

The Red Dot award for “Product Design”, which can trace its origins back to 1955, seeks out each year’s best products.

In 2018 designers and manufacturers from 59 nations entered more than 6,300 objects in the competition.

A40 strong jury evaluated the products individually as originals, while the same expert committee only awards the internationally renowned quality seal to products with an impressively high design quality and that satisfy stringent evaluation criteria.

NEC Solihull campus home to new Moxy Hotel

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The start-date for construction of a new hotel based on the NEC campus in Solihull, West Midlands has been confirmed for June 2018.

Planning permission was secured earlier this year from Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council by Dutch-based developers, Vastint Hospitality.

Branded as a Moxy Hotel, a Marriott International lifestyle brand, it will be built over eight floors, provide 224 bedrooms and is due to open in mid-2019.

Interestingly, the construction technique will involve modular cross-laminated timber pods being manufactured in Italy and then transported in sections and assembled on site.

The hotel complements significant investment on the NEC campus over recent years, including the £150m+ Resorts World complex that opened in late 2015.

Bear Grylls & Merlin

A Bear Grylls Adventure, to be operated by Merlin Entertainments, will open on the site later this year.

The Dutch developers behind The Moxy Hotel are representative of a marked increase in foreign direct investment projects landing in Solihull in recent years. A total of 66 projects over the last five years (2012-2017) is more than double the figure in the previous five years, according to West Midlands Growth Company Regional Observatory.

John Hornby, NEC Group’s Chief Operating Officer said: “This new hotel is an excellent addition to our site’s profile and will complement the existing range of hotels on site and in the surrounding area. As well as adding much-needed hotel room capacity, it will bring a fresh and vibrant ambience and experience for the six million visitors and guests attending the NEC, the Genting Arena and Birmingham Resorts World each year.

“The next phase of our masterplan will be the arrival of Merlin’s Bear Grylls Adventure family leisure attraction this autumn.  That attraction will work well with The Moxy Hotel, and both developments are important components of our strategy to broaden the range of leisure uses on our site.”

Emma Gray, Director of Marketing and Communications at the West Midlands Growth Company, the regional body responsible for tourism and inward investment, added: “More visitors than ever are choosing to spend time in the West Midlands, with a 17% rise in domestic tourists in the last five years and the largest growth in overseas visits of all UK regions in 2017. This has led to significant development activity across our business tourism sector, demonstrating the confidence that investors hold in the region’s visitor economy.

“Moxy’s arrival on the NEC campus will give visitors a new choice when coming to the region for events and exhibitions, and to sample our leisure offer.”

New Road Hotel opens for business in Whitechapel

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Next to Whitechapel Station and a short walk from Brick Lane and the City.

The New Road Hotel has opened fro business in East London’s uber trendy Whitechapel/City regeneration area,  offering 80 bedrooms and large social spaces, including a signature Chophouse restaurant, two private event rooms, a cereal bar, and a rooftop terrace.

The laidback style has been designed to offer a value alternative to five star offerings in the area. With an overarching industrial design, thanks to the original use of the building as a textile factory, the hotel says its spaces have been filled with furniture pieces sourced from local markets and sellers, as it goes from an ‘independent and unique’ vibe.

To compliment the pops of colour and texture, many objects from the original site were uncovered during the renovation and have been incorporated into the architecture and interiors of the hotel, including original doors, and a ‘Service’ sign hanging above the bar as a nod to the original name of the factory – Service House.

Effort has also been made to make the most of small spaces (given space is at a premium in the area). Each bedroom sports original exposed brickwork alongside original large windows. Hypnos Beds are the focus of each bedroom, while mini bars, ironing boards have been removed from rooms to save space, placed instead in the thematic lounges on each floor.

The building also offers pool tables, snack station, a library and fitness equipment.

In terms of food and drink, The New Road Hotel is home to Marco Pierre White’s latest London restaurant – Mr White’s English Chophouse – which has been placed on the ground floor. There’s also the Cereal Grind – described as the first hotel-exclusive cereal café in the UK, combining the best of cereal and coffee together.

Hampton expands footprint in US, China and Germany

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Nine new properties taking in the mid-West and Far East.

Hampton by Hilton has confirmed the opening of nine new properties, including Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Detroit/Warren in Michigan, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton St. George in Utah and Hampton by Hilton Dortmund Phoenix See in Germany.

Meanwhile, the opening of two properties – Hampton by Hilton Shunde Longjiang, Foshan and Hampton by Hilton Suzhou Xiangcheng District – has extended the upper midscale brand’s position in China.

A quick overview of each property:

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Detroit/Warren in Michigan:

  • Modern amenities, value and access to attractions make this hotel ideal for travel to the newly-revitalised Detroit area.
  • The hotel is near popular sites such as the Detroit Zoo, Hitsville USA Museum, casinos, and all major Detroit sporting venues: Comerica Park, Ford Field and the new Little Caesars Arena.

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton St. George in Utah:

  • The weather and scenery make St. George a popular spot for biking, golfing, bird-watching, hiking, rock climbing and boating.
  • The property is also along the route to Zion National Park, Lake Powell, Snow Canyon State Park and other areas of Southwest Utah.

Hampton by Hilton Dortmund Phoenix See in Germany:

  • Centrally located, guests can watch football at Signal Iduna Park or visit the Ruhr District and cities like Bochum, Essen and Duisburg with ease.
  • Guests will enjoy the signature offerings of the Hampton brand, including complimentary breakfast every morning, a fitness center, and business center with free WiFi and natural lighting.

Hampton has also grown its presence in Massachusetts, California, Oklahoma and Canada with the addition of Hampton Inn by Hilton Foxborough Mansfield, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Irvine-Orange County Airport, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Oklahoma City/Quail Springs and Hampton Inn by Hilton St. Paul, respectively.

Wyndham Hotel Group unifies globally under ‘By Wyndham’ moniker

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New hallmark will be applied to 7,074 hotels around the world, starting in North America with immediate effect.

12 Wyndham Hotel Group brands, including  Super 8, Days Inn and Ramada, are have begun adding the ‘by Wyndham’ suffix to their names and signage as the company unites its signature lodging brands under the Wyndham banner.

The full list of brands adding the ‘by Wyndham’ moniker are Super 8, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Travelodge, AmericInn, Baymont, Ramada, Ramada Encore, Dolce, Dazzler, Esplendor and Trademark – representing 7,074 properties globally.

The firm says the move not only unites its diverse hoteliers under a common mission and name, but also expects it to favorably impact guest trial and brand awareness throughout the portfolio.

Beginning April 16th, the updated brand names and logos will appear across Wyndham’s digital placements, from brand websites to mobile sites and third-party listings. Hotel owners in North America may immediately begin placing orders for their new signs. The updates will progress around the world with an expected completion date of December 2022.

“As the leader in midscale and economy lodging, the Wyndham name has become synonymous with making hotel travel possible for all,” said Barry Goldstein, Wyndham’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “This new designation for our brands is a celebration of the accomplishments we’ve made in our mission to make travel possible for everyone, revolutionizing Wyndham Rewards and elevating our brands through a laser focus on quality, technology, and sales and marketing.”

What’s In a Name?

The ‘by Wyndham’ cross-branding initiative represents a further evolution of the company and its brand portfolio, leading up to its spin-off as a pure-play hotel franchising and hotel management company (Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc), which is scheduled to occur later this quarter.

Wyndham’s Wingate, Microtel, Hawthorn Suites and Tryp brands already incorporate ‘by Wyndham’, and all twenty of the company’s hotel brands participate in its award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program, which has more than 55 million members.

Wyndham cites research showing that nearly 45 per cent of consumers “feel better” about an endorsed brand, and almost one-third expect a better quality experience. The company claims it has already seen this effect on several of its existing brands, including Wingate by Wyndham and Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham. For Wingate, the addition of ‘by Wyndham’ in 2007 significantly increased brand awareness, and Microtel has experienced a steady increase in RevPAR performance compared to industry benchmarks since the ‘by Wyndham’ addition.

Multi-million pound refurbishment begins at Ramada Leicester Stage

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The hotel will offer 80 of the latest design Holiday Inn bedrooms.

The London Town Group is undertaking a multi-million pound refurbishment of The Ramada Leicester Stage to rebrand the hotel as the Holiday Inn Leicester Wigston.

The remodelling and refurbishment plan is already under way, with a substantial amount of the work to be carried out in time for a reopening in late summer 2018.

The hotel will offer 80 of the latest design Holiday Inn bedrooms, the new open lobby Holiday Inn concept, Starbucks Coffee, meeting rooms, Stage Suites function rooms and a Bella Italia restaurant.

Events & Business

The Stage Suites will be able to accommodate from 50 to 350 guests reception style or 250 guests for a wedding breakfast. There is free on-site parking for coaches and up to 150 cars.

The the hotel will be positioned for a variety of business related activities, including meetings, gala dinners, team away days or team building days. The Holiday Inn Leicester Wigston is also fully licensed for civil ceremonies.

David Greenwood, who has been the General Manager at Ramada Leicester Stage for the past 10 years, said: “We can’t wait to give our beautiful hotel the restoration it deserves, and give Leicester a hotel and function space it can be proud of.”

Other hotels based in the region are the Sheffield Metropolitan and Mercure Nottingham City Centre, both of which have also undergone major refurbishment in recent times.

Capella Sanya luxury resort to open during 4Q18 on Hainan Island

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Design process to be led by Jean-Michel Gathy and Bill Bensley.

Capella Hotel Group and Chinese developer China Gezhouba Group Real Estate have confirmed the opening of Capella Sanya in the last quarter of 2018.

Located along the coastline of Blessed Bay on Hainan Island, Capella Sanya will be a new luxury landmark offering 190 rooms, suites and villas across 13.8 hectres of tropical coastline.

Offering panoramic views of the South China Sea, Capella Sanya is a collaborative art piece by two designers: Jean-Michel Gathy and Bill Bensley. Inspired by a Chinese trader’s adventures along The Silk Road, Capella says the resort will encapsulate the rich culture and heritage of ethnic communities along what is an historic trade route.

Accommodation choices include executive suites, 2- to 4-bedroom villas and a Presidential Suite within the Manor House, as well as five low-rise Mansions.


There’s also some interesting backstory: The legend of Blessed Bay dates back to about 600 years ago, when a group of Persian traders arrived in China. On their way home, they were pounded by typhoon at sea. The survivors floated to an unknown bay, where they rallied their way home and made a good fortune eventually. In honor of their experience, they named the bay “Blessed Bay” (Tufu Bay in Chinese).

“We are grateful for the opportunity to introduce the Capella Experience to China’s leading resort destination. Capella Sanya will exemplify the winning attributes of the world’s fifth best hotel brand, as voted by readers of Travel + Leisure,” said Nicholas M. Clayton, Chief Executive Officer of Capella Hotel Group.

“Capella Sanya will be the new benchmark for China’s luxury beach resorts. Our pursuit of excellence in real estate development is complemented by Capella Hotel Group’s expertise in creating exceptional guest experiences,” said Mr. He Jingang, Chairman of China Gezhouba Real Estate.

The Balmoral reveals new look for Scone & Crombie suite

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Refurbished 220 square meter accommodation can be booked as a two or three bedroom suite.

Rocco Forte Hotel’s Edinburgh property, The Balmoral, has revealed a new look for its flagship Scone & Crombie suite.

Led by Olga Polizzi, Rocco Forte Hotels’ Director of Building & Design, and sister to Sir Rocco Forte, the company says the Scone & Crombie will become one of the largest suites in Scotland thanks to an extensive refurbishment.

Named after the Scone Palace in Perthshire, the signature suite has been designed as the ultimate city base for families. The flexible accommodation stretches over 220 square meters and can be booked as a two or three bedroom suite.

Private Check-Ins

The addition of a sizeable entrance hall provides a location for discrete private check-ins and opens onto a multipurpose meetings and dining space.

The sitting room, with its working fireplace and serene colour palette, has been designed to provide a restful foil for the scheme in which rich fabrics meet opulent furnishings.

The master bedroom, meanwhile, has also be completely redesigned – combining what the company says is modernity and tradition with the juxtaposition of antique and heritage pieces with pops of colour and bold prints.

Rocco Forte Hotels’ says the renovated rooms and suites are integral to its ongoing suite offering – the company has unveiled The Rocco Forte Suite Experience and as part of this, The Balmoral has created an exclusive cashmere turndown service for the Scone & Crombie with luxury Scottish cashmere brand Hawico.

Outdoor Adventure

In addition, two new experiences – Scone & Crombie Land and Scone & Crombie Sea – have also been created for guests of the suite in partnership with Scotland’s outdoor adventure specialists, Ossian. Offering access to sporting locations and private properties, Scone & Crombie Land will see Ossian founder, Ted Innes Ker, lead a tour of his family home in the Scottish Borders, Floors Castle, and host a dinner in the Duke’s Fishing Hut located right on the banks of the River Tweed.

Scone & Crombie Sea, meanwhile, offers guests the opportunity to escape city aboard a luxury boat and explore the islands and coastline of the Firth of Forth. Guests will have a BBQ lunch in a rustic log cabin overlooking a vast sandy beach and across to the Bass Rock and May Island.

Snotels hotel concept put up for sale as going concern

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All IP, branding, trademarks and customer data available for acquisition.

Snotels, an alpine-only hotel brand concept launched back in 2011, has been put up for sale by founder and owner, Michael Metcalfe.

The brand was established to ‘provide independent hotels in alpine resorts and ski villages with the digital platforms, targeted branding, unique marketing and brand recognition needed to drive business results within a market where 86% of hotels are independently run’.

The sale of Snotels will include all of its intellectual property, domain names, international trademarks, digital assets and audiences, hotel and customer databases and more.

In a statement, Metcalfe said confident that this sale to a new owner is the best path to ensure Snotels has the financial resources and hotel brand infrastructure to realise opportunities in the global alpine sector:

“As a niche hotel brand that launched during the global financial crisis, combined with the inherent seasonality of cash flows within mountain markets, the launch timing and financing was challenging and the rollout was discontinued.

“Despite this, its category defining name and relevance remains exceptionally strong with alpine travellers. It represents a perfect opportunity for established hotel chains and travel firms to secure a high-potential niche brand offering within their portfolios, and to leverage their existing infrastructure to use the Snotels brand in line with their vision.”

Snotels invites requests for more information and offers by 30 April and all interested buyers are able to contact Metcalfe via at michael@snotels.com or phone +61 402 124 520.

Wilton Carpets weave a new look for Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa

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Wilton Carpets has revealed details of its latest project, which required bringing a sense of occasion to the new Orangery of Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa, a 16th Century country house in Northamptonshire.

The Grand Hall in the main house already featured a woven axminster bespoke design by Wilton, returning to warmth and grandeur after the hotel found the bare wood floors caused echoes.

As such, when it came to a floor for the Orangery, the general manager at Rushton Hall, Valerie Hazelton, had a clear idea of what was required:

“We wanted carpet in the Orangery to help with noise levels, as well as add a warmth and cosiness to the multi-purpose space, which we knew needed a neutral colour palette so that functions could bring their own theme and colours. The walls, curtains and chairs are plain, so it was important to offset this with a patterned carpet, but one that was still subtle enough to work with any event colour scheme chosen.”

Bordered Geometric Design

With previous experience of Wilton Carpets, Rushton Hall once again called upon the expertise of the Wiltshire-based manufacturer. Presenting a bordered geometric design with larger classical motifs inset, the pattern is contemporary while referencing the historic setting of the hotel’s architecture.

Wilton worked closely with Hazelton to ensure that the final creation met the needs of the building: “Making a decision on such a big area is not an easy task and Wilton worked with me to develop the final grey and gold colour palette for the design, producing samples in various combinations until I was sure we had made the right choice. It’s a fresh design but goes really well with the traditional style of the building. The carpet is liked by all our guests, but brides and grooms in particular seem to love the mixture of gold and grey tones.”

The carpet was woven in a premium 10-row quality in a rich British wool blend, ensuring it can withstand regular intense use and be easily cleaned between functions taking place in the Orangery for many years to come.

In adjacent corridors, Wilton created another bespoke repeating geometric design, this time in a wool-rich tufted quality. In a green and dark gold colourway, the carpet’s pattern works to accommodate the walls of the 16th Century building, which are far from being straight and true. The carpets were made in Wiltshire, giving Hazelton the confidence to choose Wilton once again.

“With Wilton weaving continuing to produce its carpets in Britain, it could offer me bespoke qualities within a quick timescale and I had the confidence that the carpet would be delivered on time with no delays or surprises along the way. We are absolutely delighted with our choice,” concludes Hazelton.

Rushton Hall’s history dates back to 1438, when construction of the original building begun under Sir William Tresham. Now a Grade I Listed building set in 25-acres of immaculate grounds, Rushton Hall is one of the finest hotels in the Midlands, awarded four red stars and three rosettes. Offering guests luxury accommodation, the hotel is known throughout Northamptonshire as a setting for glamorous weddings and events.

Hyatt plans for first dual-branded hotels at Charles De Gaulle Airport

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The project will mark the first dual-branded hotels in Europe and the introduction of Hyatt’s select service brands in France.

Hyatt Hotels has revealed plans for its first dual-branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotels in Europe, after an affiliate of extended-stay operator Cycas Hospitality entered into a franchise agreement with another Hyatt affiliate.

The hotels are being developed by French real estate company Kaufman & Broad, with the opening of Hyatt Place Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport and Hyatt House Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport in the second half of 2020 marking the introduction of Hyatt’s ‘select service’ brands in France, bringing the total number of Hyatt-branded hotels in the country to 10.

Hyatt says the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House brands are rooted in consumer research indicating that guests seek stylish, comfortable, seamless experiences that accommodate their lifestyles and familiar routines. As such, the two brands offer casual hospitality and purposeful service in what is described as a smartly designed, high-tech and contemporary environment.

Hyatt Place Charles De Gaulle Airport will bring the brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere, spacious guestrooms with distinct sleeping and living areas, and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings, to guests looking for a relaxing and uncomplicated place to stay before beginning the next leg of their journey.

Hyatt House Charles De Gaulle Airport, meanwhile, will offer apartment-style suites with fully equipped kitchens, providing guests with the spaces and places that help make them feel more like home.

The two hotels will offer an array of shared services and amenities that meet the needs of transient and extended-stay guests.

With a combined total of 430 rooms, the 309-room Hyatt Place hotel and the 121-room Hyatt House hotel will share conference space, an extensive all-day dining/bar facility, a gym, and a large swimming pool, a rare amenity in this location.

“We are delighted to announce the first Hyatt Place and Hyatt House dual-branded hotels in France, which highlights the growing relevance of Hyatt’s select service brands by way of franchise agreements in Europe,” said Felicity Black-Roberts, vice president of development – Europe and North Africa, Hyatt. “With this exciting, first of its kind development for Hyatt in Europe, we will be able to cater to a mix of travelers by offering two brands in one location.”

“We are proud to continue our relationship with Hyatt. Opening our first properties in France is a major milestone in our international rollout plans, taking advantage of the growing and widely untapped market for select service and extended stay hotel concepts in Europe to bridge the gap between hotels and home,” said Asli Kutlucan, partner at Cycas Hospitality.

“This realization demonstrates our expertise in hotel residences and proves our ability to respond to the hotel residences industry demand”, said David Laurent, Senior Vice-President Commercial Property and Major Urban Projects of Kaufman & Broad. “It also shows the capacity of Kaufman & Broad to develop several complex projects and meet the expectations of the population density and the new customs of the city.”

There are eight Hyatt-branded hotels currently open in France, including Park Hyatt Paris-Vêndome, Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile, Hyatt Regency Paris Charles de Gaulle, Hyatt Paris Madeleine, Hôtel du Louvre, Hôtel Martinez, Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée and Hyatt Centric La Rosière.

Hyatt Regency Chantilly is currently under development and is expected to open in autumn this year.

 

Crowne Plaza London Albert Embankment – opening confirmed for June 2018

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Created by ADS Design and RPW Design, it will be the first luxury hotel to open in the Albert Embankment area.

Crown Plaza has confirmed that its Albert Embankment hotel will open in May, smack bang in the middle of London’s latest area of regeneration, which is also home to the new US Embassy and high profile residential developments such as Battersea Power Station and Embassy Gardens.

The hotel is being opened as part of a new brand platform from Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resort that launched earlier in 2017 called ‘We’re All Business, Mostly’. The company says the $200 million brand investment shows its commitment to ‘remain at the forefront of the new way of doing business with design-led, culturally-relevant and technology-enabled solutions’.

Located on the South Bank of the Thames and created by ADS Design and RPW Design, the hotel offers views over the river, including the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. Its team is headed by General Manager Fabio Gallo, who has led a number of openings prior to Albert Embankment.

The jewel of the crown will be a chic sky terrace on the 14th floor, with panoramic views of the Thames and capacity for over 70 guests. A stand-alone destination, with space for alfresco dining and an International food concept, the design will see a mix of blue hues along with copper and metallic tones. There will be open fires, floor to ceiling glass, wine and spirits collections, a shisha and cigar terrace and soft seating.

In keeping with the US Embassy neighbour, the hotel will offer an American lobby bar and restaurant, with capacity for over 70 guests. A bar will also stand at the centre of the room.


There are 142 bedrooms, including six suites, many with unobstructed city and river views, via floor-to-ceiling windows. The colour scheme marries muted tones with maroon and rust hues, and what’s described as a clean, comfortable design. All of the rooms and suites are equipped with contemporary amenities, including Nespresso Machines and mini-bars.

Fabio Gallo, General Manager, said: “We are thrilled to be leading the way as part of Crowne Plaza’s pioneering new concept, offering a premium and innovative service for the modern business traveller.

“Essential to delivering this personalised experience are the people, behind it. We have carefully curated a team of talented individuals, all experts from across the service and hospitality industry, whose passion and dedication for service delivery, is key to driving our success.”

“We understand that in a City that’s ‘always on’ we need to provide a hub where guests can work efficiently and comfortably, whilst simultaneously offering a vibrant space to relax, enjoy and revive at the end of the day. Crowne Plaza London Albert Embankment is at the very heart of this mind-set.”