Hotel Designs

52 rooms in Montparnasse area themed on the ‘Roaring Twenties’.

Hilton has opened the Niepce Paris Hotel, the first Curio Collection hotel to open in the French capital, taking the sub-brand’s global total to just shy of 50 locations.

Located in the Montparnasse area of Paris, the hotel is situated a few metres from Montparnasse train station, giving guests easy access to the most iconic monuments and sites in the city.

The hotel is themed around the ‘Roaring Twenties’ in a nod to one of the most influential photographers of the time – Janine Niepce, whose shots are featured in the hotel’s public areas, in the corridors and on ceiling displays.

Guests can choose from 52 rooms, including three suites, featuring tablet control systems and high-speed internet, with the suites also including a separate living area.

“We are delighted to welcome Niepce Paris Hotel to Curio Collection by Hilton, as we make our debut in the iconic city of Paris” said Mark Nogal, Global Head, Curio Collection by Hilton. “The opening of Niepce Paris highlights our commitment to expand our collection in key destinations around the world, and we look forward to providing our customers with an unforgettable experience in the district of Montparnasse.”

The hotel also caters to small meetings with a 73-square metre conference room with a 55-inch flat screen, wireless video projector and Wi-Fi. There’s also a ‘wellness area’ for those looking to stay fit during their stay, with a high-tech gym.

“Last year, Paris welcomed 16 million travellers, a record number of visitors for the past 10 years. In light of this increase in tourism, we are very excited to develop our portfolio of hotels in the city and we are delighted to open our first hotel for the Curio Collection by Hilton brand in the capital city”, says Simon Vincent, Executive Vice President and President, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Niepce Paris Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton is also part of Hilton Honors, the loyalty program for Hilton’s 14 hotel brands.

Tom Jager, professional blogger at A-Writer shares his views on how to enhance the look of your hotel.

Hotel exterior is key

The look of your hotel is equally important for the revenue as the prices for accommodation and amenities. Starting from the exterior that makes your business more attractive, to the interior that makes them feel comfortable, you must boost the design if you want to increase the number of guests.

There are many things a hotelier must do to keep their hotel filled with guests. They must hire a great staff, make sure the rooms are impeccably clean, provide great food and prices, and create an excellent marketing strategy.

But, even if you have this all, you will still find it hard to attract and maintain the customers if your hotel design is not just right. To boost your hotel design and give a great first impression, consider these steps;

Perfect Lighting

When it comes to design, lighting should be one of the first things on your list. This tool can help you create an inviting, attractive, and noticeable atmosphere that will instantly catch the eye of the visitor.

Which would you prefer – a hotel with misty lobby and hallways, or one with incredible chandeliers that light up the entire lobby?

Start from the exterior and move to the interior. Position your exterior lighting to accent the best features of your hotel’s façade. For the exterior, you can even use LED technology to reduce energy costs.

Inviting Logo

Your logo will be placed on many locations throughout the hotel. Starting from the entrance and the façade itself, to the lobby front desk and in the hallways – your logo will be everywhere.

Make sure to create an excellent logo. If necessary, hire a professional designer to do this for you.

In addition to the logo, you’ll want to have a nice quote or statement that is unique to your hotel only.

A home from home

Hotels love long-term guests, but making your business a place people want to stay in longer is not simple. In order to do this, you must opt for making the rooms in the hotel more hospitable, or home-like.

Add unique elements to your rooms and hotel interior. This is why hotels started adding kitchenettes as part of their rooms, as well as wall treatments, mix-and-match furniture, etc.

Be unique. Make your hotel feel home-like.

Comfortable Lobby

The second thing your guests will see after the exterior is the lobby and other public areas. To keep them interested in getting a room at your hotel, re-design your lobby.

This last decade, many front desks were replaced with concierge desks. You perhaps already visited a hotel where you checked in on a comfortable sofa, served by a staff member that sips a cup of coffee with you while booking you a room on his iPad.

Clean and Maintained Landscape

Show your guests that you don’t only care about their money, but the property, too. Keep your landscape well-maintained and clean, and repair all things that unkempt.

Create inviting exterior features, such as waterfalls, walled gardens, panoramic views, etc.

Technology-improved Experience

Technology is a sure way to improve the experience of your guests. With it being one of the biggest forces that moves society today, you simply must turn your hotel in what we call ‘a smart hotel’.

At this point, technology can help you control everything in the hotel. You can now track the time and attendance, accept food orders through an iPad, allow for streaming services in the rooms, and even introduce Li-Fi (lighting-induced internet connection).

A Touch of Art

Art trends change depending on types of accommodation, size of hotels, and location. The latest trend in the hotel world is the urban style. Interestingly, the street art we previously saw as vandalism, not art, is now proudly used as part of the design of many hotel exteriors throughout the world.

Ultimately, it is up to you what kind of art you will include in the design of your hotel. Whatever decision you make, make sure it fits with the remaining elements.

Wellness Hospitality

People like to be taken care of, and most guests at your hotel would enjoy the health benefits it offers for them. You will find that more and more travelers become health-conscious, and an increase of wellness hospitality is essential to attract them to your hotel.

When it comes to hotel design, always aim to embrace change.

Tom Jager is professional blogger. He works at Awriter. You can reach him at G+ or Facebook.

Throughout April Hotel Designs will focus on two timely sectors – outdoor furniture and spas

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.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE SEES A RESURGENCE OF NATURAL MATERIALS AND SOOTHING COLOURS

We will look at how to embrace outdoor spaces. From small, statement pieces to sweeping overhauls of outdoor décor, we take a look at some of the hottest trends, as well as the hotels leading the way with their al fresco style.

POPS OF COLOUR EMBRACE THE LIGHT OF DAY

‘Wellness’ is a huge market for hospitality nowadays and spas are big business. Continuing our ‘outdoor’ theme, we will spend time throughout the month discussing all things spa related – from small independent properties, to mega-chains, to the companies providing the equipment.

SPA AND FITNESS TECHNOLOGY WILL EXCEL TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF A TECH HUNGRY GENERATON

The emergence of ‘wellness architecture’ is sweeping the industry right now. Mental health is a big health topic right now and hotels need to consider – more than ever before – the physical and mental health of the people they service. As such, spa spaces need to be structurally beautiful, but also comfortable, functional and sustainable so that they complement a hotel guest’s physical and mental state. ‘Living’ buildings, with greenery that grows inside, and design that encourages human movement and mindfulness are something you will see far more of in 2018.

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

TIN Hotels is introducing lifestyle travellers to a new generation of accommodations with plans to build new hotels in the Tibet Autonomous Region of Lhasa, which is widely regarded as the centre of the Tibetan Buddhist world as well as an exotic and elusive travel destination.

TIN Lhasa will boast an excellent location: as the anchor to a nearly 29,000 square-metre six-storey mixed-use development, its close proximity to the main tourist attractions such as Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Square and Potala Palace lends enhanced accessibility for travellers and allows them to be closer to all that they can experience of the destination the moment they step out of the hotel.

The hotel’s facilities and amenities, in line with the brand direction for TIN Hotels, will focus on creating an elevated experience for the discerning traveller that extends beyond a place to rest. Instead, it is a social space where real-life encounters with the community provides for a transformative and enlightening experience.

Upon arriving at TIN Lhasa, guests will be welcomed by authentic Himalayan art throughout the hotel, an experience much like stepping into a museum where the destination’s history and culture immediately come to life.

Progressing to the public areas, the open concept will generate interaction and at its heart, the main restaurant is a communal space where conversations, like the authentic craft food and gourmet tea will flow. The meeting spaces and function rooms will even incorporate co-working spaces so that the local community will feel invited to stay, work, and socialise at TIN. Travellers will also be drawn to our rooftop teahouse where sipping fragrant tea is as rewarding as the stunning view of Potala Palace amidst the breathtaking landscape.

Peter van de Bunt, Chairman of TIN Hotels, shares his enthusiasm for the brand’s promising beginning, “TIN Hotels was created to challenge the status quo without compromising style and excellence, and to offer the lifestyle traveller a unique proposition.” said van de Bunt.

“Travel demands are changing and hotel accommodations need to stay ahead of evolving wants, be it in design, F&B offerings, cultural awareness or the larger eco-environment. It is the embrace of the holistic travel experience that TIN Hotels celebrates and we are excited to launch this with TIN Lhasa.”

Currently, details of TIN Lhasa are still being worked out by all parties, including the active involvement of Mr. Daji from the owning group.The respected entrepreneur has one of the largest collections of Himalayan art worldwide, to the extent that the Dagye Himalayan Arts and Crafts Museum in Chengdu is as much a tribute to his prolific procurement as it is an appreciation of Mr. Daji’s world-class collection.

At TIN Lhasa, Mr. Daji intends to showcase his inspiring Himalayan archive of art and artefacts through regular tours exclusively for hotel guests, to bring these discerning travellers face-to-face with an invaluable display of treasures from the Himalayas. The emphasis on art is evident from the moment one steps foot in the hotel’s museum-like entrance, and quickly, one will realise that TIN Lhasa embodies the spirit of art. Boutique design firm Studio Affandy & Yeo whose founders had been mentored by the late Jaya Ibrahim, will weave these disinct elements into TIN Lhasa to give it a sense of authenticity while maintaining a contemporary design language.

Founded in Venice in 1968, Boscavenezia is one of the most renowned luxury firms in the interior design world today.

Specialized in the production of furniture and space division systems, Boscavenezia makes the most of a great experience in order to combine the most typical craftsmanship traditions of a proper workshop with the perpetual evolution of production techniques.

Boscavenezia offers unique and inimitable products thanks to a craftsmanship dexterity in the finishing processes and avant-garde architectural and design solutions. The products show qualitative and esthetical demands of an increasingly demanding and sophisticated market.

The key elements of the new Boscavenezia collection “Tailor Made” are a luxurious manufacture, an endless care brought to details, the respect of traditional finishing techniques and a meticulous choice of materials. The collection represents the message the company wants to spread: “Take a look at the past as a starting point in order to understand and spread its values to the contemporaneity of our time”.

And that’s precisely to the contemporaneity of our time that Boscavenezia gives a formal elegance and a sophisticated and aesthetic harmony from another time. It matches with a dedicated passion for design and its trends, still evolving.

Sliding doors, interior doors and furniture show a spirit of great craftsmanship and mastery that have always been part of Boscavenezia soul and its collections. Idea and Innovation perfectly embody the value and the quality of the Made in Italy. They are the base of unique products able to arouse emotions and desire in all of us.

Officials of the PRISA Group, a family-owned developer, builder and owner of hospitality, resort and entertainment projects in Puerto Rico and Florida, together with its capital partners Peachtree Hotel Group and Argosy Real Estate Partners, today announced the grand opening of the newly constructed, 175-room AC Hotel by Marriott Tampa/Airport – Westshore.

PRISA developed the hotel, with Peachtree and Argosy acting as additional equity investors in the project.  Marriott Corporation will operate the hotel.  The construction was conducted by a partnership between PRISA Group and Orlando-based Welbro Building Corporation. The Miami-based offices of Popular Community Bank provided the debt financing.

“This marks the first of three Marriott-branded hotels we are opening in Florida, including an under-construction, dual-branded SpringHill Suites/Residence Inn in Orlando at the Mall of Millenia, and we remain bullish on the market,” said Federico Stubbe, PRISA president and CEO.  “We now own the newest, design-focused, lifestyle product on the market, a key driver for both business and leisure travelers who want something beyond the ‘typical’ hotel stay.  As a company, we focus on delivering best-in-class, quality hotels in their respective segments while innovating in architecture, art and interior design relative to the brands we represent. With its European flair and emphasis on high quality accommodations, amenities, food and beverages, we are confident the AC Hotel by Marriott Tampa/Airport-Westshore quickly will become the place to see and be seen for visitors and locals alike.”

AC Hotel by Marriott Tampa/Airport – Westshore
The hotel is housed within MetWest International, a high-end, 32-acre, mixed-use development in Tampa’s thriving Westshore Business District.  The hotel is a short distance from Tampa International Airport and is adjacent to International Plaza Mall, Bay Street and Tampa International Airport, which currently is undergoing one of the largest airport expansions in the U.S. The MetWest International mixed-use complex contains multiple restaurants and bars within steps of the hotel, as well as a variety of large corporate tenants. Nearby attractions include downtown Tampa, the Raymond James Stadium and George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Designed simply in a European style, luxurious guest rooms feature plush bedding, with an integrated work desk and a luggage bench, signature closet and 47” television. Bathrooms provide glass-enclosed showers that offer AC Hotel’s signature amenities from Gilchrist & Soames.  Hotel public space is equipped with a communal table and reading section, signature lounge seating and a multimedia area. Additional amenities include a market, two media salons and a business/social events room, featuring Workspace on Demand by Marriott for online meetings at other locations.  The hotel also houses a 900-plus square foot, state-of-the-art fitness center, pool and pool bar, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property and 2,300 square feet of meeting space.  The hotel also boasts an outdoor, 25’ x 58’ digital art installation that projects colorful, abstract imagery on the side of the hotel, creating a unique nighttime light show for passers-by.

Craft beer lovers will enjoy the hotel’s AC Lounge, serving a wide array of craft beers, specialty wines and unique cocktails.  Guests and locals alike will enjoy the fine cuisine provided by the AC Kitchen, offering European-inspired breakfast with flaky croissants, savory egg tarts, Iberico prosciutto and Nespresso coffee, all at an affordable price.

“These properties are indicative of what we seek in hotel assets: ground-up development opportunities in attractive markets with multiple demand generators and a lack of new supply,” said Brent LeBlanc, Peachtree SVP.  “Additionally, we continue to seek acquisition and third-party management candidates to round out our portfolio of select-, limited- and extended-stay service hotels throughout the United States.  While deals are growing harder to come by, there remain ample opportunities for savvy hoteliers in this phase of the cycle.”

A boutique Cambridgeshire hotel is set for a stunning £2.5m extension after planning permission was granted.

The grand Felix Hotel in Cambridge is set for 16 new bedrooms and a glass reception area which was likened to the world-famous Barcelona Pavilion by planners.

Taking a methodical and rational approach to the planning, the main objective is to improve the guest experience at Felix Hotel.

One of the rooms you can currently stay at in the Hotel Felix

A new reception area will greatly improve accessibility and has been designed to incorporate bespoke commercial furniture, designed by OSA.

It was essential that the update’s contemporary design complemented the Victorian style of the original 1852 building, which had been the house of a botanist.

This horticultural legacy has been respected by Felix Hotel since the acquisition of the building in 2001, including maintaining the site’s green-belt status.

The project was designed by OSA Director Armine Sutton.

Armine, explained: “We are extremely pleased that this innovative project has been given the green light. We are confident that this exciting project will more than live up to expectation.”

She added: “The glass for the reception adds a contrasting contemporary element whilst endeavouring to respect the original structure.  The idea was for the area to be eye-catching and draw the attention of visitors. It is a bold design and for planners to liken its minimalism to one the world’s most iconic and inspirational buildings is very flattering.”

Jeremy Cassel, Managing Director at Cassel Hotels Ltd, said: “OSA did a tremendous job with their plans for Felix Hotel and I am delighted that their vision has been approved. The update is going to be a very exciting process which will transform the guest experience for our customers.”

Building works on Felix Hotel are expected to begin in early 2019.

The bathroom of the Penthouse Suite

OSA is a multi-disciplinary practice providing bespoke solutions for a range of private and business clients across the UK.

Clients include Kwik Fit and Majestic Wine. The firm prides itself on its holistic approach when designing a new space and frequently integrates bespoke commercial furniture design into its client-oriented services.

Interior lights are often the finishing touch that entirely transforms a space, and this has never been truer than it is today. With continuous redesigns and developments in lighting technology, the trends are quick to change and continue to flourish…

Indoor and outdoor lighting company, Festive Lights, have advised on lighting trends for 2018 and how they can be incorporated in your space.

Gold and copper

There’s a new finish in town: chrome, silver and pewter are out; the warmth of copper and gold are in. These softer colours pair well with grey and ‘greige’, which have seen a huge rise in popularity over the past couple of years, outshining beige as the new neutral in interior design.

The most popular way we’ll see gold and copper work in lighting fixtures is with a brushed and matte finish rather than the brassy and shiny golds of days gone by.

LEDs on a budget

Over the past few years, there has been a huge push to be more environmentally friendly, and being more efficient in the home and in artificially-lit spaces is a big part of this. Gradually, over time, consumers have been making the transition to LED lighting to save on money and energy. However, this has been a process that has taken time since, despite LED lights saving money in the long run, they have been a more expensive upfront option.

This year will see LED lighting finally starting to drop in price, allowing it to be more accessible for those needing to replace large areas of lighting, or numbers of bulbs – such as hotels, restaurants or office buildings. With LED bulbs available in various shapes, colours and brightness, opening the way for unique designs, and with their price soon to drop, their popularity is bound to boom this year.

Bring the outside in and the inside out

In terms of home and interior design in general, bringing the outside in has been a big trend for a long time. Botanicals, plants and flowers have always been popular, but designs incorporating more greenery, succulents and cacti are thriving.

This year, we’ll see this trend extent to lighting; garden design features illuminated by festoon lights, and patios lit up by solar lighting. Vice versa, indoors we’ll be able to incorporate green fabric cables or enamel pendant lights in shades of green to mimic and match the greenery we’re so fond of, or chandeliers designed with twisting branches, twigs and leaves. Combine this trend with the brushed gold by creating your own terrarium light, including twinkling lights, delicate greenery and smoked glass in a gold polygonal frame.

Whimsical

Unicorns, mermaids, dinosaurs and mythical creatures have never been more popular. While these were once thought of as the realm of children’s bedrooms, they’re now being marketed as an interior design scheme in themselves.

Lighting lends itself perfectly to the whimsical nature of mythology; whether that’s with a fairy light canopy mimicking the stars, or delicate shimmering lampshades that give an undersea illusion, highlighted and reflected with mirrors and elegantly draped fabrics. This trend can even blend with bringing the outside in for a unique mystic woodland feel for adventurous homeowners, or one-of-a-kind cafés and architectural spaces.

The Conservatorium reveals its Van Gogh Suites in collaboration with the national museum.

Marking a first for the city of Amsterdam, the new artistic project will bring Van Gogh’s iconic works to a series of suites, as well as enable guaranteed access to the exhibition.

Exceptional loans from museums and private collections from all over the world will be brought to Amsterdam and exhibited at Van Gogh & Japan, including Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear, 1889 (The Courtauld Gallery, London), a fragile work that has not left the UK since 1955 and has not been in The Netherlands since 1930.

This is the first time that an exhibition that highlights Van Gogh’s admiration for Japanese art has been organised on such a scale, and guests can make a night of it in one of the Van Gogh Suites with Conservatorium’s package.

The Van Gogh Museum has worked with the hotel to design a unique experience that represents Van Gogh’s work in unconventional ways, enabling guests to decorate the walls of their rooms with their choice of his iconic works, including Almost Blossom, Flowering Plum Orchard, Self-Portrait With Grey Felt Hat or Courtesan.

The Suites also feature specially designed items such as pillows, teacups and teapots that were inspired by these works and are available for purchase at the Van Gogh Museum shop next-door. Encouraging creativity, each room will feature its own aquarelle set and guestbook, the first page of which will include a painting by hotel General Manager and accomplished artist Roy Tomassen.

Located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Museum Square District, Conservatorium is the perfect base to explore the “Van Gogh x Japan” exhibition, especially as the hotel offers complimentary direct access tickets to the exhibition when staying in one of the Van Gogh Suites. The Van Gogh Suites will be available for the duration of the exhibition, from 23 March until 24 June 2018.

Guests can continue the experience in the Brasserie as Executive Chef Schilo van Coevorden has created a “Van Gogh x Japan” exhibition inspired Afternoon Tea.

Amsterdam is recognised amongst art aficionados as being one of the most exciting cities for art and design. Since opening in 2011, Conservatorium has been regarded as a living canvas for Dutch designers and artists with its guest rooms, hallways and restaurants showcasing home-grown talent.

Art and design pervades every aspect of the hotel – with interiors by Piero Lissoni, and featuring regular art exhibitions with local artists including the Artist in Residence programme – Conservatorium continues to hold a central place in the capital’s art and design scene.

Available from 23 March until 24 June, The Van Gogh Suite package starts at €920 (£805) per night, and includes:

• One-night stay in the Van Gogh Suite (Junior Suite level)
• Breakfast for two guests
• “Van Gogh & Japan” inspired Afternoon Tea in the Brasserie for two guests
• Direct and complimentary access to the ‘Van Gogh & Japan’ exhibition for two guests
• Welcome letter from Willem Van Gogh, nephew of Vincent Van Gogh and founder of the Van Gogh Museum

Renowned British interior designer Kelly Hoppen and Mauritian architect Jean-Francois Adam have unveiled their total redesign of the latest LUX* Hotel and Resort. 

Having undergone the $32 (£22.81) million refurbishment, the all-new LUX* Grand Gaube on the northern coast of Mauritius has re-opened and welcomed its first guests.

With a simple yet refined design style and considered comfort throughout the resort, British interior designer Kelly Hoppen and Mauritian architect Jean-Francois Adam have achieved their vision of contemporary yet timeless Indian Ocean living.

All rooms, suites and villas open out to airy verandas with views of the Indian Ocean, some with outdoor baths or sundecks over the resort’s private cove.

All bedrooms are fitted with LUX* Sleeptight mattresses for the best night’s sleep and huge doors allow a flood of natural. Decorative touches to the rooms include woven African baskets, wicker tables, geometric tiles and reclaimed Victorian bathtubs, giving them a retro chic and homely feel.

The resort is home to six restaurants and seven bars with some dining concepts  a first for Mauritius. A firm favourite across all of LUX*’s resorts is the latest outpost of buzzy beach club Beach Rouge, which features pop-style artwork and graffiti by Camille Walala.

The Palm Court restaurant serves an impressive selection of world cuisines from breakfast through to dinner, cooked from seven live and interactive cooking stations, serving everything from freshly made sushi to wood-fire pizzas and house-made kombucha tonics.

With its vibrant décor and Latin American soundtrack, INTI is the first Argentinian-Peruvian restaurant in Mauritius and even has its own ceviche and Pisco Bar serving up seafood specialities and accompanying cocktails. Across the bay, Bodrum Blue is a tribute to LUX*’s award-winning resort in Turkey and serves authentic Turkish dishes accompanied by excellent Turkish wines.

For more intimate or special occasions, groups can book the private Wine Cellar for wine paired dining experiences hosted by the resort’s in-house sommelier, and take advantage of the largest selection of prosecco and cider in the country.

Over in the dedicated adults-only Banyan Area, inventive cocktails from 88 varieties of rum flow all day from the Rum Tree House and traditional local dishes cooked on wood and charcoal are served up from the Creole Smokehouse.

The peaceful spa and wellness area offers LUX* Me therapies from Shirley Page and Carita Haute Beauté anti-ageing treatments and meditation expert Kamran Bedi of the Mind Body Method is on hand to help guests re-balance and engage in mindfulness.

LUX* Grand Gaube is also the first resort in Mauritius to have an Essie nail bar and a Murdoch’s of London barbershop.

In line with the fresh look of the resort comes a brand new set of Reasons to Go LUX*, with Padel Tennis, a G&T 100 Club, Veggie Heaven and Beach Bento boxes awaiting guests. These welcome additions join the existing and widely celebrated Café LUX* coffee bar, ICI ice cream van, Phone Home telephone box, Cinema Paradiso beach pop-up, Scrucap wines, Mama Aroma toiletries, Message in a Bottle, Tree of Wishes, Junk Art Gallery, Panama Hat station, Photofanatics studio and the Wanderlust Library.

Built in the 1870s as a private home by Mr Edward Thorneycroft overlooking the north-east shore of Lake Windermere, The Samling enjoys an elevated position from which to soak in a truly wonderful view across the length of the lake and out over woodlands, fields and the properties landscaped gardens.

Design
The interiors of The Samling have been designed to offer an experience of deep comfort, from the soothing shades of dove grey of the walls in the bedrooms to the sumptuously generous pillows on every Hypnos bed. Stepping into the hotel, a light and airy reception area greets guests, with a snug library to one side, perfect for a quiet afternoon, and an elegant lounge leading on to the bar and finally to the marvellous restaurant. There are 12 guest bedrooms and suites, each named after notable Lake District locations, and each designed with an individual layout.

Coniston, a Junior Suite in the main house, has a lofty double-height vaulted ceiling and lovely view of the lake, whilst Windermere is a two-floor cottage set to the side of the main house, with a large sitting room, upstairs sleeping area and a private patio overlooking the lake. Design highlights include a magnificent copper bathtub and a thick natural local slate wall in the living area. Blea Tarn and Buttermere sit next to the main house and comprise two interconnecting bedrooms which can be booked separately or as a pair for families or friends exploring the lakes together.

Food and drink
The Samling has fine food and drink at its heart with Head Chef Peter Howarth, who joined in October 2017. The restaurant is housed in an impressive new glass fronted space positioned to frame Lake Windermere in dramatic effect from three sides. In the development kitchen – which also enjoys amazing views – (Chef Howarth works closely with the gardener to plan and create dishes that will excite and tantalize.

The Samling uses progressive growing techniques to create fresh daily produce supplying the core ingredients for the restaurant’s dish development, and great importance is placed upon adding to this with local suppliers and seasonal produce). The team rear their own chickens in the garden to supply fresh eggs daily.

The restaurant serves lunch and dinner tasting menus as well as breakfast, with the option to enjoy any of these meals outside on the wonderful lake-side terrace or in the privacy of your own room. Dishes might include Hay Smoked Halibut, Scottish Langoustine and horseradish as an appetiser course, a meat course of Lakeland Lamb, Pumpkin and Anchovy, and Carrot Cake, Walnuts and Milk Ice Cream to finish.

The 4-course lunch tasting menu is priced at £45 per person, the 7-course seasonal menu is £80 and the 10-course signature menu is £100. A popular afternoon tea is also offered, with locally inspired patisserie and savoury items, and all menus regularly change with the seasons.

Activities
Diversions might include a visit to Wordsworth’s cottage, exploring the neighbouring Ullswater Valley via the challenging Kirkstone Pass, or simply relaxing in the outdoor hot tub and soaking in the view. The team at The Samling can craft individual experiences depending on the interest of every guest, including driver guided bespoke lakes tours exploring the UNESCO World Heritage status landscape of the lakes.

There’s also cycling, mountain biking, water sports on Lake Windermere such as sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding and boat rides, all of which can be organised at the water sports centre two minutes from the property. Additional activities can be organised on request, with the many expert and qualified companies operating in the Lakes, from canyoning to mountain winter skills.

Getting there
Regular trains to Oxenholme from London Euston take approximately 2 hours 50 minutes, The Samling is an easy 20-minute taxi ride from Oxenholme station. There is also a local train service connecting Oxenholme to Windermere station which is 3.5 miles from the hotel. The nearest airports are Carlisle, Liverpool and Manchester.

The Samling offers nightly rates from £310 based on two sharing a Double Room in low season, on a bed and breakfast basis.