Hotel Designs

NEWS AND ANALYSIS FOR HOTELIERS, DESIGNERS AND INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS
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2-8 December: Top 10 stories of the week…

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

1. THE OCEAN CLUB, BAHAMAS NOW A FOUR SEASONS RESORT
he Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas invites travellers to a very private enclave where five miles (eight kilometres) of pristine white sand edge the dazzling blues of sea and sky.

2. HARD ROCK HOTELS OPENS FIRST HOTEL IN THE ALPS
Hard Rock Hotels has announced the opening of their first hotel in continental Europe, Hard Rock Hotel Davos in the Swiss Alps.

3. DE VERE WOKEFIELD ESTATE NEARS COMPLETION
The next chapter in De Vere Wokefield Estate’s history will be completed in January 2018 with the unveiling of the renovated Mansion House, following a £10million refurbishment project.

4. ARMANI/ROCA DELIGHTS VISITORS TO SLEEP 2017
Global bathroom brand, Roca, enthralled visitors at Sleep 2017, Europe’s leading hotel & design event, with its striking new Armani/Roca Baia collection.

5. BRAND SPOTLIGHT: GENERATOR CONTINUES EUROPE EXPANSION
Generator, the cutting-edge European lifestyle brand responsible for leading the hostel revolution, announces the opening of three new properties…

6. GET READY FOR MAISON ET OBJET 2018
Providing the ultimate lifestyle hub, Maison et Objet 2018 is the biggest event for the industry professionals and design aficionados to discover the new trends and expressions in a wide range of sectors

7. THE WHITLEY OFFICIALLY DEBUTS IN ATLANTA
The Luxury Collection Hotels and Resorts has announced the official debut of The Whitley situated in the heart of Atlanta’s urban chic Buckhead neighbourhood.

8. WATERLINE MARINA RESORT & BEACH CLUB – AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
Mainsail Lodging & Development announced today the opening of the all-new Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, a full-service resort on Anna Maria Island, Florida.

9. HISTORIC NASHVILLE BUILDING TRANSFORMED INTO LUXURY HOTEL
Some of the world’s best hotels are those that have had a former life. Old, historic buildings full of richness and character made for an iconic and unique hotel experience.

10. MEET THE TOP 5-STAR HOTEL BRANDS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Forbes Middle East recently named its list of the top 5-star hotel brands in the Middle East, a group of 20 that was determined based on the status of their hotels in the region.

Redefine|BDL Hotels to manage new Manchester property

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Redefine|BDL Hotels (RBH) has announced that it will manage the upcoming Hampton by Hilton Manchester Northern Quarter, which is set to open in 2020. The £17.5 million, 221-bedroom hotel will sit on the corner of Rochdale Road and Sharp Street, within the city’s thriving Northern Quarter neighbourhood.

The hotel, perfectly placed for both leisure and business travellers wishing to explore Manchester, will also feature a restaurant, fitness centre and meeting space.

RBH – the UK’s leading independent hotel management company – which already counts Hampton by Hilton London Docklands and Hampton by Hilton London Gatwick Airport among its portfolio of properties, will manage the hotel once complete.

Redefine|BDL Hotels to manage new Manchester propertyThe project is being funded by Hong Kong-based IP Investment Management in conjunction with asset manager Maven Capital Partners. The venture represents RBH’s continuing partnership with Maven Capital Partners, with three other properties asset managed by the private equity firm counted among RBH’s portfolio of more than 75 hotels.

Andrew Robb, RBH’s Chief Business Development Officer, said: “Hampton by Hilton Manchester Northern Quarter will be RBH’s third Hampton by Hilton property, and our fourth property in Manchester. We’re thrilled to add yet another hotel to our growing portfolio.

“We’re also delighted to be continuing our successful partnership with Maven Capital Partners and building a new relationship IP Investment Management.”

Redefine|BDL Hotels to manage new Manchester propertySelina Williams, Investment Director at IP Investment Management said: “Hampton by Hilton Manchester Northern Quarter will be IP Investment Management’s first investment in the hotel sector, so we’re delighted to be partnering with such an experienced manager as RBH. It is our second investment in the Greater Manchester area, following our recent forward funding of a build to rent scheme in MediaCity, Salford, showing our confidence in the Manchester market.”

RBH’s portfolio includes private label and branded properties, including IHG, Hilton, Accor, Marriott and Wyndham hotels.

www.redefinebdl.com

Elizabeth Lane

Introducing RPW Design’s newest partner – Elizabeth Lane

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RPW Design, a leading hospitality interior design practice in East London, is proud to announce its latest partner, Elizabeth Lane. Previously Director of Projects, Elizabeth’s promotion to Partner heralds an exciting new phase of growth for RPW Design.

“Elizabeth has shown herself to be incredibly accomplished and vital in the maintenance of RPW Design’s reputation as an Interior Design studio where beautiful interiors and operational functionality work in complete harmony. We are proud of her progress during her career at RPW Design and excited for the growth and future of the company with Elizabeth as our newest partner,” commented Managing Director Ariane Steinbeck.

Elizabeth joined RPW in 2004 as FF&E Manager and then became Director of Projects. In that capacity, Elizabeth worked on several key assignments including The Marriott Hotel County Hall, London, The Fairmont St Andrews, Scotland and P&O cruise ship refits for both Arcadia & Oceana, due to complete this year.

Elizabeth’s 13-year tenure at the company has included welcoming current Managing Director Ariane Steinbeck and supporting a smooth transition as RPW founder Jan Wilson took a step back from the helm of RPW Design in 2015.

Elizabeth has steadily guided the design teams at RPW to deliver first class outcomes suiting diverse projects. From luxury city hotels, to countryside golfing venues and exclusive private clubs, Elizabeth has an extensive understanding of hospitality operations, having worked on the client’s side for many years.

As the newest Partner at RPW, Elizabeth will continue to lead and undertake key design projects. Exciting RPW focus points for 2018 include a hotel interior design project in Malta and the creation of a stunning Sky Bar in the heart of London, as well as luxury hotels in Eastern European capitals.

Elizabeth commented on her new position, “2018 is an exciting year for the growth of RPW Design and I am honoured to accept the offer of partnership at this inspirational and creative company. I look forward to continuing the reach of our practice globally as well as developing new and innovative design alongside my talented colleagues.”

Raffles Palm Jumeirah

Nakheel, AccorHotels to debut Raffles Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah

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AccorHotels has signed a management agreement with leading Dubai-based master developer Nakheel for the expansion of AccorHotels’ globally-renowned luxury brand, Raffles Hotels & Resorts.

The agreement, recognised by Nakheel Chairman Ali Rashid Lootah and Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of AccorHotels at a signing ceremony at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Cannes (France) will lead to the opening of PALM360, a spectacular two tower development on the world famous Palm Jumeirah comprising of the Raffles The Palm Dubai Hotel and Raffles Residences PALM360.

Set to open in 2021, PALM 360 will be the first beachside resort for Raffles in Dubai and the tallest structure on Palm Jumeirah. At almost 260 meters high, PALM360 will offer unobstructed views of Palm Jumeirah, the spectacular Arabian Gulf coastline and Dubai skyline. Its centrepiece will be a 155 metre long sky pool, connecting the towers 170 metres above the ground, from where guests can also enjoy these stunning, uninterrupted views from a unique vantage point.

The hotel component will offer 125 hotel rooms and suites, whilst the 359 branded residences – including 16 branded penthouses that will each have their own private infinity pool, gym and cinema – will be available for purchase.

Raffles Palm JumeirahLocated on Palm Jumeirah’s 11km crescent Boardwalk, PALM360 is close to upcoming attractions such as The Palm Promenade, The Pointe and Nakheel Mall, with Dubai’s key business and leisure hubs within easy reach. The luxury property will offer guests a distinct resort feel with direct private beach access, a specialised private beach club along with thoughtful, personal and discreet service synonymous with the Raffles brand.

PALM360 joins 16 other hotels that form part of Nakheel’s $1.3 billion (£971 million) hospitality expansion programme that is set to deliver close to 6,000 rooms and hotel apartments across Dubai. The first two hotels, at Dragon Mart and Ibn Battuta Mall, opened last year, with the rest under construction or development.

Raffles The Palm Dubai and Raffles Residences PALM360 joins 11 Raffles Hotels & Resorts around the world, including Raffles Dubai. The remarkable collection of charming luxury hotels and resorts is located in many of the world’s largest cities and holiday destinations such as Paris, Istanbul and the Seychelles. Raffles properties feature distinct amenities including the Raffles Butler Service, Raffles Spa, Raffles Long Bar and Raffles Writers Bar.

www.raffles.com

Hard Rock Hotels opens first hotel in the Alps

Hard Rock Hotels opens first hotel in the Alps

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Hard Rock Hotels has announced the opening of their first hotel in continental Europe, Hard Rock Hotel Davos in the Swiss Alps.

The hotel is located in the heart of the city in the historic Alexander House, built in 1882. For guests looking to hit the ski slopes, the hotel offers guests a dedicated Ski Room where they can store equipment and gear.

Transforming the 130-year-old building, Hard Rock Hotel Davos makes tribute to the building’s rich history and has been transformed into a luxury music-inspired alpine escape with priceless memorabilia adorning the walls of the property, two bars and the brand’s signature Sessions Restaurant.

Curated by a team of experts, the memorabilia collection complements the local music scene while reflecting the region’s art, style and culture. Hard Rock Hotel Davos is now home to 65 pieces of memorabilia, with notable pieces including a sequin sweater by Michael Jackson, a lace outfit by Taylor Swift and a silk shirt by Elvis Presley.

Catering to both business and leisure travellers, Hard Rock Hotel Davos will have 110 lavishly redesigned rooms, including 31 serviced one to three bedroom apartments, all of which feature Sleep Like a Rock® bed linen.

In addition to three conference rooms offering dynamic meeting space, an on-site, historic chapel is also available for private hire, containing a modern sound system, natural acoustics, fully functioning organ and adaptable lighting, ideal for banquets, weddings, private concerts and events.

The property will also boast a wellness centre, including a Body Rock® workout facility and a Rock Spa®, complete with the brand’s signature music-infused Rhythm & Motion spa menu, five treatment rooms and a yoga studio, set to open in August 2018.

www.hardrockhotels.com/davos

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour opens

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour opens

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The much-anticipated Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour has opened its doors, making it the first new-build, international luxury hotel to open in Sydney’s CBD this millennium.

Centrally located opposite the International Convention Centre, the AUS$500m (£281 million) Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour will play a major role in the ongoing revitalisation of the vibrant Darling Harbour precinct. It also heralds the renaissance of new hotel development in Sydney, with over 40 hotels scheduled to open in the next five years to support the city’s tourism growth.

The hotel will offer 590 stylish guestrooms including 35 coveted suites, boasting some of the best views in Sydney. All the hotel’s guest rooms feature the Sofitel MyBed™ and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Darling Harbour and the city. The suites feature an in-bathroom television, double shower heads and luxurious soaking tubs for the ultimate pampering experience.

The Bellerive suite is the hotel’s pinnacle of accommodation and features a separate living room, dining room and butler’s pantry. Exclusive to guests staying in the Club Sofitel rooms and suites on levels 28 – 34, the Club Millesime Lounge, located at the very top of the hotel on level 35 will offer breathtaking views over Darling Harbour and the city.

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour opensThe hotel was designed by renowned multi award-winning Sydney architect Richard Francis-Jones from Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp architects. Dreamtime Australia Design and the A+ Design Group all collaborated to create this visually inspiring property which was built by Lend Lease.

On arrival, guests will be greeted by the hotel’s imposing 35-storey glass exterior featuring triangular accents representing sails and a striking red ochre and blue exterior colour palette which pays tribute to the indigenous clans of the Eora nation who lived around Tumbalong – the name given to Darling Harbour. A stylish porte-cochere leads guests inside the building. The hotel’s public spaces and guestrooms continue to pay tribute to the maritime location and the industries that formerly occupied the site including extensive use of timber representing Sydney’s strong wharf heritage through to the rope and sandstone motifs in the carpets.

While recognising the links to the location’s history, the hotel’s cutting-edge design places it squarely at the centre of Darling Harbour’s future. Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour will meet sustainability targets as part of a transformed tourism precinct with a 6-star green rating, as well as feature spectacular external lighting to enhance Darling Harbour at night with 6000 LED lights providing Sydney with stunning light displays.

www.sofitelsydneydarlingharbour.com.au

The next chapter in De Vere Wokefield Estate’s history will be completed in January 2018 with the unveiling of the renovated Mansion House

De Vere Wokefield Estate nears completion

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The next chapter in De Vere Wokefield Estate’s history will be completed in January 2018 with the unveiling of the renovated Mansion House, following a £10million refurbishment project.

The historic country house, set in 250 acres of Berkshire parkland, will once again be placed at the heart of the estate. The investment is part of the wider £50million investment in De Vere’s portfolio of country estate hotels and modern event centres.

There has been a stately home at Wokefield since the first was built by the Plowden family in the 1560s. The current Mansion House was built in the 1720s by Charles Parry. It will offer 87 guestrooms, which includes 12 luxurious suites, that have been sensitively restored, preserving their historic features, all of which come complete with roll top baths, king size beds, fluffy robes and slippers as well as luxury bathroom toiletries.

De Vere Wokefield Estate - BanquetFor guests who wish to unwind in the evening, a new Whisky Lounge will be launched, with a wide selection of tipples, providing the ideal space for pre- or post-dinner celebrations. The newly designed 80-seat restaurant, named 1560, will also welcome diners to an elegant space highlighted with traditional features and modern touches. With doors opening to an outdoor terrace complete with rustic pizza oven, seating up to 30 guests, locally sourced ingredients will be served as Great British classics with a twist.

The re-designed spa will welcome guests into a relaxing sanctuary offering six treatment areas including a four-person space with private Jacuzzi, plus four couple and two single treatment rooms. Designed to calm and rejuvenate guests, the spa will offer a personal experience that matches a treatment with scents to complement and soothe the body. The wet area will be reimagined and include the latest steam room, sauna and plunge pool facilities.

De Vere Wokefield Estate - BedroomDe Vere Wokefield Estate has an exceptional meetings and events offering, with 51 event spaces including the magnificent Maple Suite, located in the Mansion House and catering for groups of up to 300. Alternatively, the Wokefield Suite, located in the estate’s modern event centre, Wokefield Place, can also host events for up to 300. The company’s new Smart Space initiative will ensure that guests receive a highly responsive, personalised meetings and events service. It incorporates nine service features covering everything from a live availability booking service to truly tech-savvy support, with up to 1GB super-fast Wi-Fi . There is also an on-site team of friendly experts to help overcome any tech issues a client may face.

Howard Lewis, General Manager at De Vere Wokefield Estate, commented: “The historic house and the extensive grounds provided us with a stunning base in which to enhance an existing beautiful product. The new-look Mansion House is one that I am very proud to welcome guests into and the introduction of luxurious suites gives guests the opportunity to really indulge.”

De Vere Wokefield Estate - ConferenceHoward continued: “It was important to us to blend modern comfort with the hotel’s history and I believe we have done this successfully both internally and externally across the estate.”

All aspects of the estate will have received an upgrade, from the re-launched contemporary meetings and events area renamed Wokefield Place, which launched in September 2017, to the hotel’s grounds, which now also feature superfast Wi-Fi, so you can catch up on emails or upload to Instagram as you wander. Wokefield Place also features a new Burr & Co. deli, which serves a selection of teas and coffees, as well as artisan cakes and deli sandwiches.

Conveniently located near Reading, just 8 minutes from J11 of the M4 and 40 minutes from Heathrow Airport, the Hotel offers a range of leisure facilities including an 18-hole PGA-standard golf course and an outdoor 15-acres activity course operated by an on-site team building company Graham Robb Associates.

Armani/Roca

Armani/Roca delights visitors to Sleep 2017

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Global bathroom brand, Roca, enthralled visitors at Sleep 2017, Europe’s leading hotel & design event, with its striking new Armani/Roca Baia collection. The sophisticated and elegant stand explored the personal experience of the bathroom space with a focus on the luxurious new range from Armani/Roca.

Mark Poulain, International Specification Manager at Roca, comments, ‘Sleep 2017 proved to be a big success for Roca with one of the best starts to the show in the five years Roca has been exhibiting. This year we presented the new Armani/Roca Baia collection – a range of feature pieces soon to be added to the excellent Armani/Roca portfolio. We had a fantastic response to the stand with extremely positive feedback on the beautiful finishes and stunning Armani/Roca designs. The Roca Group has showcased a broad mix of products over the years at Sleep allowing us to highlight how strong our product offering is.”

Armani/RocaWith the new Baia collection, Giorgio Armani once again shows his commitment to promoting comfort and wellbeing, expressing his vision of the bathroom environment through a combination of elements that allow maximum flexibility and adaptability.

Armani/RocaParticular attention has been paid to the ergonomics of each piece. The aesthetic intentionally references the past but the retro styling has been interpreted in a modern manner and incorporates avant-garde technology.

Armani/RocaThe result is a new versatile bathroom collection, which manages to be both contemporary and timeless, in accordance with Giorgio Armani’s well-known design philosophy.

www.uk.roca.com

Old Marylebone Hotel - Dominvs Group

Dominvs Group granted planning consent for Old Marylebone Road hotel

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Dominvs Group, the London-based real estate investment, development and asset management company, has been granted planning consent from the City of Westminster for a 29,525 sq ft (2,743 sq m) hotel at 233-237 Old Marylebone Road, London, NW1.

The existing six-storey 1990s office building will be demolished to make way for a modern and upscale development. Dominvs will develop and operate the hotel under a yet to be announced brand. The boutique, design-led hotel will offer 93 bedrooms across eight floors, as well as providing a restaurant and bar.

The redevelopment has been designed to integrate sympathetically with the neighbouring buildings from different periods and styles that make up this part of Old Marylebone Road. As part of the design, a new forecourt will be created to highlight the hotel entrance and enhance the existing streetscape.

Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia, on behalf of Dominvs Group and the Ahluwalia family, commented: “We are immensely grateful for the hard work that has gone into this proposal by the design team, planning consultants and the local council. Dominvs Group is committed to developing high-quality hotel accommodation, while remaining sensitive to the locations in which we build.”

This will be Dominvs’ third hotel development in the capital, with work well underway on the conversion of the former Tower Bridge Magistrates Court into a luxury 193-bedroom hotel. Known as The Dixon, the hotel will be in partnership with Marriott and part of the Autograph Collection. The group also had planning consent granted earlier this year from the City of London Corporation for a 82,500 sq ft (7,664 sqm) hotel to be developed on Ludgate Hill, located in close proximity to St. Pauls Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Maison et Objet

Get ready for Maison et Objet 2018

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Providing the ultimate lifestyle hub, Maison et Objet 2018 is the biggest event for the industry professionals and design aficionados to discover the new trends and expressions in a wide range of sectors, including decoration, design and furniture.

The upcoming edition is set to return to Paris’s Nord Villepinte, from 19-23 January 2018 and promises to deliver a creative, diverse and business atmosphere full of uniqueness.

MAISON&OBJET PARIS now offers a clearer perspective of three main areas: MAISON and its wide range of interior decoration, organised into different worlds; OBJET, the show’s concept store, ideal for retailers; and finally INFLUENCES and its unique itinerary. A new offer that has been created to facilitate communication and the unearthing of new products.

Like in the previous editions, the prestigious venue has already named the designer of the year, the extremely versatile Dutch designer Cecilie Manz (above). The Dutch designer is always experimenting and, in January, she will present her latest pieces. The exhibition will feature existing products and new designs, displayed in a warm and cosy atmosphere, a theme that is evidently delineated in her creations.

www.maison-objet.com/en/paris

Rockbridge acquires Seelbach Hilton Hotel

Rockbridge acquires Seelbach Hilton Hotel

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Rockbridge has announced its acquisition of The Seelbach Hilton in Louisville, Kentucky in a joint venture with Louisville-based Musselman Hotels Management, which will manage the property.

“We look forward to working with our local partner and the City to explore potential opportunities for the Seelbach,” said Jim Merkel, Rockbridge CEO.

The Seelbach Hilton is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 321-room property features several restaurants and bars and has more than 32,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Musselman Hotels Management is a developer, owner and manager of award-winning hotels. Their portfolio has included 38 hotels over 27 years, and they currently own and manage five hotels in the Louisville area, including one under construction. With four additional locations throughout Kentucky and one in Virginia, Musselman represents national brands Hilton and Marriott and has won numerous awards, including Hotel of the Year honors. Focused on the customer, Musselman Hotels Management’s core belief is treating people right.

www.musselmanhotels.com

Brand Spotlight: Generator Hostels

Brand Spotlight: Generator continues Europe expansion

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Generator, the cutting-edge European lifestyle brand responsible for leading the hostel revolution, announces the opening of three new properties: Generator Stockholm and its bar Hilma; Generator Amsterdam and its club Oosterbar; and Generator Rome.

These consecutive, milestone launches, round out the company’s portfolio to include 11 destinations in Europe.

In its quest to continue to provide true native experiences at each location, Generator is opening up their food and beverage venues, and other on-property programming to locals in respective communities. Beginning with Hilma and Oosterbar, and continuing across existing units, this new initiative will bring like-minded travelers and locals together to create a unique social experience driven by design, art, music, food, drink and entertainment.

Brand Spotlight: Generator Hostels“Generator redefined the shared accommodations sector, and transformed the industry as we know it,” said Fredrik Korallus, Chief Executive Officer, Generator. “We are thrilled to offer our unique concept in these three world class cities, and connect our global traveler with even more exciting experiences.”

Stockholm, Rome, Amsterdam, and the addition of new bars and restaurants across the portfolio are an integral part of the company’s robust expansion efforts. 2017 property openings include a city center location in Madrid and the brand’s US debut in South Beach, Miami.

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RELATED LINKS:
SNEAK PEEK: GENERATOR HOSTELS IN AMSTERDAM, ROME & STOCKHOLM
AWARD-WINNING HOSTEL BRAND GENERATOR OPENS IN STOCKHOLM
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Generator Stockholm is located in Stockholm’s city center at Torsgatan 10 and includes edgy bar and restaurant Hilma. In a prime location, dubbed the heart of Europe’s Silicon Valley, the new hostel and Hilma have attracted the traveling and local stylish, creative, and technology elite.

Brand Spotlight: Generator HostelsAlso newly opened, Generator’s arrival to Rome – a major European hub – will disrupt the city’s hostel and boutique hotel scene with its upscale shared accommodations. Centrally located on Via Principe Amedeo in the Esquilino neighborhood near the colorful Mercato dell’Esquilino, the 75-room, 174-bed property provides convenient access to notable attractions like the Roman Colosseum and Termini Station. An array of churches, parks, bars, cafes, and pizzerias line the surrounding streets, which are some of the oldest in the city. On-property features include:
– A rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Apennine Mountains and ancient Roman aqueducts
– An open layout lobby programmed with live music and local art, including a mural by famous Italian street artist Luca Maleonte

Following the March 2016 opening of Generator Amsterdam, the 168-room, 564-bed property recently launched, Oosterbar, a club located in the building’s basement, the former boiler room of what was the University of Amsterdam’s science department. Its original tiles combined with a new dramatic metal piping sculpture, other raw and industrial-chic elements, and intimate lighting create an energetic nightlife vibe.

Guests can expect diverse DJ programming including special one-off performances, live acoustic acts, comedy shows, and international themed music nights ranging from hip hop and R&B to bass, house and elective to disco. The space will also feature exhibitions with local, emerging artists and fashion designers.

generatorhostels.com

Plans announced for Four Seasons Hanoi at Hoan Kiem Lake

Plans announced for Four Seasons Hanoi at Hoan Kiem Lake

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Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and BRG Group, the leading private multi-sector business group in Vietnam, will open a new Four Seasons hotel in the heart of Vietnam’s capital city.

Located within the historic downtown, Four Seasons Hotel Hanoi at Hoan Kiem Lake will offer the latest in luxury hospitality in this important global city.

Rich with history, art and culture, Hanoi attracts visitors from across the region and internationally, and is one of Vietnam’s top leisure destinations. The new hotel will offer views of Hoan Kiem Lake and the bustling streets leading to the Old and French Quarters. The hotel will be ideally located a short walk or scooter ride from many museums and galleries, shopping, and the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

Home to a number of foreign embassies, Hanoi is a busy commercial and diplomatic centre as well as a hub for those travelling onward to nearby Halong Bay and Sapa.

Designed by international award winning firms WATG Architects and SRSS Interior Design Studio, Four Seasons Hotel Hanoi at Hoan Kiem Lake will draw from the French Colonial inspirations that are characteristic of Hanoi and include 95 rooms and suites as well as a spa and fitness centre, pools, and event and meeting spaces. Joining the dynamic culinary landscape in the city, Wimberly Interiors, experts in cosmopolitan design, will develop the dining and lounge offerings, including an all-day restaurant, lounge and rooftop bar.

www.fourseasons.com/hoian/

Ocean Club Bahamas

The Ocean Club, Bahamas now a Four Seasons Resort

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One of the world’s most celebrated beach resorts is now a Four Seasons experience. The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas invites travellers to a very private enclave where five miles (eight kilometres) of pristine white sand edge the dazzling blues of sea and sky.

Originally conceived as a playground for celebrities and elite travellers, The Ocean Club’s traditional Caribbean style buildings are surrounded by 35 acres (14 hectares) of beautifully maintained gardens, with world-class dining, spa and sports and recreation facilities.

Ocean Club BahamasOriginally opened in 1962, The Ocean Club has long been a favourite hideaway for luxury travellers, with its picture-perfect oceanfront setting, immaculate grounds and stellar service. Over the years and through several evolutions, as it earned numerous international awards and accolades, and importantly, a fiercely loyal clientele. In recent years, The Ocean Club received global attention as the setting for key scenes in the 2006 remake of the James Bond classic Casino Royale.

Now managed by Four Seasons, The Ocean Club begins the next chapter in its storied history, joining a growing global portfolio of historic properties managed by Four Seasons including: Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel; Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris; Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest; Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva; Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel; Four SeasonsResort The Biltmore Santa Barbara; and Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside Florida, among many others.

www.fourseasons.com/oceanclub

The Whitley

The Whitley officially debuts in Atlanta

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The Luxury Collection Hotels and Resorts has announced the official debut of The Whitley situated in the heart of Atlanta’s urban chic Buckhead neighbourhood.

Owned by Host Hotels and Resorts, and officially rebranding from the iconic The Ritz Carlton, Buckhead, The Whitley joins a growing ensemble of more than 100 Luxury Collection hotels and resorts around the world, all of which offer a unique expression of their destination. Now, the luxurious 507-room property will host guests from around the world with tailored stays featuring timeless, yet trendsetting design and gracious Southern hospitality.

The WhitleyIntroducing a relaxed elegance befitting of its Southern heritage, The Whitley introduces a newly renovated restaurant, bar, and Legacy Ballroom that includes 14-foot ceilings, crystal chandeliers, a wall of windows and private alfresco terrace. Future enhancements include a sophisticated guestroom renovation, a refresh of public spaces and the introduction of an incomparable arrival experience.

Embodying The Whitley’s signature Southern chic charm, every beautifully appointed guestroom features thoughtful touches and unparalleled amenities. The hotel’s 56 luxe suites range in size from 720 to 1,800 square feet, with every room offering guests the opulent comforts of a spacious living area. The Whitley Club Level offers an exclusive experience with curated touches like chef-created breakfasts and a complimentary nightcap before bed, and all rooms provide access to the immersive spa and fitness centre.

With more than 30,000 square feet of versatile function space, The Whitley also maintains Buckhead’s historic purpose as a meeting place. The hotel’s 31 diverse event spaces serve as superlative settings for gatherings ranging from intimate corporate retreats to large charity galas to weddings.

Newly rebranded and situated in the heart of Atlanta’s urban chic Buckhead neighbourhood, The Whitley pays tribute to historic trailblazer and Buckhead founder, John Whitley, introducing a luxurious space for gathering and idea sharing to the thriving, metropolitan hub. The Whitley intertwines timeless and chic to captivate guests with authentic Southern hospitality, cosmopolitan style and luxurious experiences.

www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview

Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club – Autograph Collection

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Mainsail Lodging & Development announced today the opening of the all-new Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, a full-service resort on Anna Maria Island, Florida.

The boutique waterfront hotel is located at 5325 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach on the eastern shore of the island and offers exclusive amenities, distinctive services and numerous opportunities for guests to enjoy the authentic, laid-back, beach town vibe of Anna Maria Island.

The new resort features 37 stylish guest rooms and suites with gourmet kitchens; a 50-slip marina offering a variety of water activities; 2,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space; the signature Eliza Ann’s Coastal Kitchen restaurant and bar; as well as a resort-style swimming pool with oversized sun deck extending into the marina.

Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, Autograph CollectionWaterline’s marina will be the center of aquatic activity at the resort, with boat slips for guests who arrive by water; charter boats for family outings, eco-tours, guided fishing excursions, sailing adventures and sunset cruises; along with stand-up paddleboards and kayak tours. Waterline’s separate Beach Club offers guests exclusive beach access, kayaks, lounge chairs, umbrellas and beach toys. Waterline has also curated a myriad of authentic adventures and activities on Anna Maria Island bookable through their website. From morning yoga to the art of fish painting, visitors and locals alike can seek new experiences and enjoy them right in their backyard.

Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, Autograph CollectionThrough a partnership with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring, the resort will also support efforts to maintain a suitable habitat for sea turtles, shorebirds and the island ecosystem through special guest programs, promotions and messaging.

Waterline joins a strikingly unique ensemble of hotels in Mainsail Lodging & Development’s portfolio, including Epicurean Hotel in Tampa’s Hyde Park, which offers an immersive experience for foodies; Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, a private island resort in the British Virgin Islands; and Mainsail Beach Inn on Anna Maria Island which features twelve upscale two- and three-bedroom vacation residences. Two additional Florida hotels are planned for 2018 and 2019, respectively – Fenway Hotel in Dunedin and Luminary Hotel & Co. in Fort Myers.

Apex Center

Two hotels for newly opened Apex Center, Massachusetts

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True North Hotel Group announces the opening of two neighbouring hotels: the 137-room Hyatt Place Marlborough/Apex Center and 108-room Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston Marlborough/Apex Center, which are both located within the Apex Center of New England, a new 43-acre custom-designed destination with multiple state-of-the-art hospitality, business and entertainment experiences located in Marlborough, Massachusetts.

Hyatt Place Marlborough/Apex Center and Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston Marlborough/Apex Center were both co-developed by True North Hotel Group and RAVentures, developer of Apex Center. The hotel openings represent the seventh co-development between True North and RAVentures in New England.

Richard Merkel, president and chief operating officer of True North Hotel Group, said: “Our partnership with RAVentures” Robert Walker began with a Residence Inn and has since expanded into two Residence Inn hotels, a Hampton Inn & Suites, and the SpringHill Suites, Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center complex at Devens Common in Massachusetts. We are honored to grow with Robert Walker and particularly pleased to be part of his magnificent Apex Center with the Hyatt Place and Fairfield Inn & Suites brands.”

Leading the two new hotel properties are Jeanine Rhea, general manager of the Hyatt Place hotel, and Jessica Medina, general manager of the Fairfield Inn & Suites hotel. Each hotel features the latest and best of its brand”s design and amenities.

The hotel’s 137 guest rooms feature a swiveling 42-inch HDTV along with the plush Hyatt Grand Bed and the Cozy Corner sectional sofa. The hotel features 1,100 square feet of flexible, high-tech meeting/function space available for business and social events, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

marlboroughapexcenter.place.hyatt.com

Hotel Designs Logo stacked & NEW strapline-012

25 November – 1 December: Top 10 stories of the week…

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

1. FIVE TO WATCH: CITY HOTELS IN EUROPE
Europe is a haven of beautiful, dynamic and vibrant cities. Its cities are also home to some of the finest hotels in the world. Here are Hotel Designs’ picks for five to look out for…

2. CASE STUDY: BRINTONS AT HOTEL WALTHER, SWITZERLAND
In celebration of its 110th anniversary, the Hotel Walther commissioned Brintons to translate the elaborate designs of interior designer Virginia Maissen into woven Axminster rugs and fitted carpet to complement the refurbishment of the hotel.

3. GUEST BLOG: HOW VR COULD TRANSFORM GUEST EXPECTATIONS
Dean Minett, Director at Minett Consulting shares his views on how virtual reality could be changing the expectations of guests…

4. BREXIT HELPS HOTEL INSOLVENCIES PLUNGE
UK hotel insolvencies has dropped by 18% in the post-Brexit market, according to new research by accountancy firm Moore Stephens.

5. PREFERRED HOTELS AND RESORTS EXPANDS PORTFOLIO
The world’s largest independent hotel brand, Preferred Hotels and Resorts, has added 25 new properties to its international roster of luxury hotels and resorts.

6. CITYMAX HOTEL ASWAN CELEBRATES SOFT OPENING
Citymax Hotels made its debut in the historic city of Aswan in Egypt with the soft opening of Citymax Hotel Aswan last week.

7. HOMEWOOD SUITES LAS VEGAS CITY CENTER NOW OPEN
Homewood Suites by Hilton has annoubnced its newest property, Homewood Suites by Hilton Las Vegas City Center.

8. MAGNOLIA HOTEL LAUNCHES IN THE ALGARVE, PORTUGAL
Introducing an exciting new property to Portugal’s Algarve region, The Magnolia Hotel is a unique Miami Style Boutique Hotel which opened in October 2017.

9. PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT HANSGROHE RAINSELECT AT SLEEP 2017
RainSelect, launched at November’s Sleep show, is an intuitive and convenient central control unit, providing control of between two to five shower functions, along with the regulation of water temperature and quantity.

10. AUTOGRAPH’S THE DISTIL, MOXY HOTEL TO JOIN LOUISVILLE HOTEL SCENE
Two new, yet distinctly different hotels will open in 2019 in the historic and revitalised Whiskey Row neighbourhood of downtown Louisville as part of a new development planned by a staple of the Louisville hospitality industry.

 

Historic Nashville building transformed into luxury hotel

Historic Nashville building transformed into luxury hotel

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Some of the world’s best hotels are those that have had a former life. Old, historic buildings full of richness and character made for an iconic and unique hotel experience.

A new project by restoration expert Deborah Berke Partners in Nashville, Tennessee, is one such hotel. The new 21c Nashville Museum Hotel is located in the former Gray & Dudley building. A beautiful factory that was built at the turn of the century in 1900, and that used to be a hardware store and warehouse.

It has been transformed by New York-based Deborah Berke Partners, who also turned the 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City into a 124-key boutique hotel, art gallery and museum. The hotel and its arts facilities occupy 120,000 square feet spreading across seven floors, the six upper floors of which contain the guest suites.

The architects were intent on retaining the historic character and epochal details of the hardware building. At the same time they wanted to give it a contemporary feel and imbuing it with a 20th century identity.

They also wanted to incorporate the vibrant culture of Nashville’s music and art scene into the hotel, and so recapture some of the energy that could be felt in the city at the time it was constructed, which echoes the vibrancy of the city today. High ceilings and exposed brickwork and timber beams characterise the aesthetic of the property.

The inclusion of contemporary artworks in practically all of the areas, from the common spaces of the reception and restaurants to the guest bedrooms, give flashes of colour and support the local arts scene. As well as stylish guest suites with the highest quality bed linen and bathroom amenities byMalin + Goetz. There are also a number of themed and bespoke suites, such as three Artist Suites which feature interactive visuals and are designed to allow an immersive and creative user experience. As well as stylish and comfortable guest rooms, there is a spa and the Gray & Dudley restaurant, there are conference and meeting facilities and, of course, as the name suggests, a gallery and museum showcasing the latest talents in art. All of the details are immaculately conceived of, a throwback to an age of innovation and craftsmanship that the hardware store defined at the time of its construction.

CIRC Hotel

CIRC HOTEL to debut in 2018 in Florida

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CIRC HOTEL, a 111-room modern boutique hotel, is set to open early 2018 on Young Circle in Downtown Hollywood, Florida. Located at the landmark $200 million (£148 million) mixed-use Hollywood Circle development, CIRC HOTEL has begun taking reservations for stays starting in winter/spring 2018.

Designed with a contemporary flair and inspired by the area’s burgeoning arts scene, the long-awaited, 12-story CIRC HOTEL will feature Olivia Restaurant & Bar, an authentic Italian restaurant by well-known South Florida restaurateur Piero Filpi and Marcello Sindoni; The Muse Rooftop Bar & Lounge on the hotel pool deck; Presto Market & Coffee Bar; a state-of-the-art fitness centre; and 3,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.

Each of CIRC HOTEL’s well-appointed rooms and suites include a seating area, wet bar, 55-inch television and luxury bath with rain shower and upscale amenities. Many feature balconies offering picturesque South Florida views. Perfect for travellers who enjoy a colorful, cultural atmosphere, the uniquely branded CIRC HOTEL is in the heart of vibrant Downtown Hollywood, within walking distance of numerous restaurants, bars, cafés and boutiques.

CIRC HotelDowntown Hollywood is also an arts and culture hub with a collection of curated outdoor murals, installations and galleries. Directly across from CIRC HOTEL is The ArtsPark at Young Circle, featuring an amphitheater for concerts, 10 acres of lush green space and a spectacular fountain.

CIRC Hotel“CIRC HOTEL was designed to reflect Downtown Hollywood’s unique, culture-centric personality,” said Kara Lundgren, CIRC HOTEL’s General Manager. “It will be the ultimate haven for business professionals, vacationers and social groups to indulge, relax and unwind.”

CIRC HOTEL also will set new standards for dining and entertainment in Downtown Hollywood. Designed by The Gettys Group, Olivia Restaurant & Bar will include The Cellar, a private dining room featuring a wine wall with over 800 bottles of wine, a fresh mozzarella bar, tableside risotto, patio for al fresco dining, and a high-energy bar and lounge area.

The Muse will offer specialty craft potions and elixirs, an Italian-influenced menu, and live music from local artists, while Presto will feature hand-crafted coffee drinks and fresh, grab-and-go wraps, sandwiches and salads.

In addition to CIRC HOTEL, Hollywood Circle will include 389 luxury CIRC RESIDENCES – one-, two- and three-bedroom terrace apartments featuring an 8th floor recreation deck with an oversized swimming pool, club room and health club; a five-story parking garage with 941 spaces; a 47,000+ square-foot Publix grocery store and adjacent Publix liquor store; and 13,000+ square feet of additional retail space. Hollywood Circle is being developed by Gold Coast Florida Regional Center.

www.hollywoodcirclefl.com/hotelcirc

WEBINAR: Who will run hotels in 25 years – humans or robots?

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Who will run hotels in 25 years: humans or robots?

This is one of the thought-provoking questions that will be addressed in an upcoming free webinar by Revinate, IDeaS, SiteMinder: ‘A.I. meets Human Hospitality’, scheduled for December 5th at 4:00pm GMT.

The session will explore the key findings of an industry panel held during this year’s World Travel Market show in London, in which we looked ahead 25 years and explored how the guest experience will change due to the technological advances that we are currently seeing.

The webinar will also tackle questions such as ‘how does the future of human hospitality look like?’, ‘what are the possibilities of robotisation in hotels?’, ‘what should we expect from hotel technology in the far future?’ and ‘will human hospitality be enough to stop robots from taking over?’.

To offer insights on this hot topics, the webinar will feature Monica Or, founder of Star Quality Hospitality Consultancy. With over 25 years of hospitality experience, Monica is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality and has been hair for the Institute of Hospitality London, serving on their committee for five years.

As an accomplished speaker and author, she has spoken at international hotel conferences including The Independent Hotel Show in London and COTELCO in Colombia.

She has also been featured in The Caterer, Boutique Hotelier and Hospitality Magazine and writes monthly articles for Hotel Industry Magazine as their industry expert.

Monica is an Amazon best-selling author for her two books ‘Star Quality Hospitality – The Key to a Successful Hospitality Business’ and ‘Star Quality Experience – The Hotelier’s Guide to Creating Memorable Guest Journeys’.

Register for this free webinar here.

Meet the Top 5-Star Hotel Brands in the Middle East

Meet the top 5-star hotel brands in the Middle East

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Forbes Middle East recently named its list of the top 5-star hotel brands in the Middle East, a group of 20 that was determined based on the status of their hotels in the region.

At the top of the list is the Swiss hospitality company, Mövenpick, which has 47 five star hotels spread throughout 10 countries in The Middle East, adding up to a total of 12,592 rooms. Mövenpick is followed by Hilton Hotels and Resorts, which has 29 hotels and 9,631 rooms spread throughout eight countries in the Middle East. In third place was Sheraton, which has a hospitality presence in 10 of the region’s countries.

Meet the Top 5-Star Hotel Brands in the Middle EastForbes reports that to formulate its list, associated researchers screened more than 800 five star hotels from 190 total brands, gathering their information primarily from those hotels’ websites as well as from some of the other major travel websites within the industry. They also determined three benchmarks to use in the ranking: the number of countries that a brand is represented in, the total number of estimated hotels and rooms, and equal weights. This list, however, did not take into account the revenue numbers that were generated by each brand, and it did not calculate the average price of the rooms there. Neither of those financial concerns were factored into this study, meaning that sheer quantity of properties and their spread were the backbone of this ranking.

Of the top 20 brands that landed on Forbes’ list, there were 375 hotels and resorts that added up to a grand total of 116,454 rooms in 17 total countries, those countries being: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Tunisia, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Palestine, and Algeria.

The three most dominant countries were no surprise, with those being Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, which is home to the red hot tourism market of Dubai, one of — if not the most — popular markets in the entire world. Hotels and resorts in those three countries take up 66.4 percent of the list, adding up to 349 total properties and 71.9 percent of total rooms, with 83,711 rooms. These are numbers that are nothing to scoff at.

The other brands represented on the list include: InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Rotana Hotels and Resorts, Radisson Blu, Le Meridien, Sofitel Hotels and Resorts, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, and Four Seasons, among others.

www.forbesmiddleeast.com

ALHI adds new hotels in New York, Texas and Utah

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Associated Luxury Hotels International has expanded its worldwide portfolio and US options with the recent addition of five new member hotels.

This includes: New York City’s renowned InterContinental New York Barclay; the picturesque The Woodlands Resort, situated just 30 minutes from downtown Houston, Texas; the AAA Four-Diamond, all-suite Hotel Contessa in downtown San Antonio, Texas; the Forbes Five-Star Stein Eriksen Lodge in breathtaking Park City, Utah; and the 140-room The Chateaux Deer Valley, also in Park City, Utah, within steps of the world-renowned Deer Valley Resort.

Already one of New York City’s most celebrated hotels, the InterContinental New York Barclay (main image) completed a dramatic $180 million, 20-month renovation and restoration in 2016. Opened in 1926 as part of the Grand Central Terminal expansion, the elegant hotel is ideally located in Midtown Manhattan on East 48th Street. Among its many honours was being named “North America’s Leading Business Hotel in 2017” by the World Travel Awards. The hotel features 702 redesigned guest rooms and suites; 20,000 square feet of meeting space, which includes two large ballrooms and five additional breakout rooms; a 24-hour fitness centre; a 24-hour business centre; and the sophisticated Barclay restaurant.

Conveniently located a short drive from downtown Houston, The Woodlands Resort is situated within the natural forest of The Woodlands 28,000-acre master-planned community. In addition to its soothing and beautiful forest setting, the resort also offers 402 newly renovated guest rooms and suites,60,000 square feet of indoor meeting space (which includes a 13,430-square-foot ballroom) and 12,500 square feet of outdoor meeting space. The resort also features two on-site championship golf courses, a world-class tennis centre, a five-pool waterpark complete with a lazy river, a spa, a fitness facility.

ALHI adds new hotels in New York, Texas and UtahThe all-suite Hotel Contessa features an ideal location in downtown San Antonio, directly on the world-famous River Walk on the banks of the San Antonio River. Offering 265 spacious suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, the AAA Four-Diamond hotel features 11 conference rooms with a total of10,000 square feet of event space, plus three scenic terraces. Groups also have access to an additional 20,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space at the adjacent Briscoe Museum.

ALHI adds new hotels in New York, Texas and UtahSurrounded by stunning views of Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah, Stein Eriksen Lodge is an authentic European lodge that was awarded “World’s Best Ski Hotel” by the World Ski Awards, and is Utah’s only Forbes Five-Star Hotel & Spa. Nestled mid-mountain, the chic all-season lodge is known for its first-class accommodations and facilities, world-renowned skiing and winter sports, array of outdoor recreation options and impeccable service. Featuring 180 European-inspired guest rooms and suites, the hotel also offers over 24,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting and event space (which includes a 6,036-square-foot ballroom and a recently renovated 4,050-square-foot ballroom), Utah’s only Five-Star spa, ski-in/ski-out access, dining at the Forbes Four-Star Glitretind Restaurant, and a 10,000-bottle Wine Cellar.

ALHI adds new hotels in New York, Texas and UtahAlso located mid-mountain in the majestic alpine setting of Park City, Utah, the Forbes Four-Star The Chateaux Deer Valley is just steps from Deer Valley Resort. Offering 140 guest rooms and suites that feature contemporary mountain décor, the hotel was designed with productive mountain inspiration in mind. Property highlights include 34,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, which includes a 6,600-square-foot ballroom (the largest in Park City), and a 12,000-square-foot outdoor courtyard with views.

ALHI adds new hotels in New York, Texas and Utahwww.alhi.com

Hotel Distil Louisville (Courtesy of Boxcar PR)

Autograph’s The Distil, Moxy Hotel to join Louisville hotel scene

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Two new, yet distinctly different hotels will open in 2019 in the historic and revitalised Whiskey Row neighbourhood of downtown Louisville as part of a new development planned by a staple of the Louisville hospitality industry.

Located on Main Street, the development will feature two Marriott International branded properties– Hotel Distil, a boutique hotel that will be part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection Hotels, and a Moxy Hotel, the enterprise’s spirited and fun design-driven brand with more than 15 hotels in North America, Europe and Asia. The project, developed by White Lodging, Poe Companies and REI Real Estate Services, is also due to contain multiple bars and restaurants. The hotels will be managed by White Lodging, their 12th and 13th hotels in the Louisville market.

Hotel Distil Louisville (Courtesy of Boxcar PR)

Courtesy of Boxcar PR

Hotel Distil, an independent hotel affiliated with Autograph Collection Hotels, taps into the street’s rich bourbon history. The 205-room property joins the diverse and dynamic portfolio of more than 100 Autograph Collection Hotels around the world – all independent, one-of-a-kind hotels that champion values of vision, design and craft. It will feature more than 7,500 square feet of elegant meeting space, a new energised restaurant concept and rooftop bar with direct access to the street. The Moxy Hotel will feature a street-level restaurant and bar along with an additional rooftop terrace and event space.

Hotel Distil Louisville (Courtesy of Boxcar PR)

Courtesy of Boxcar PR

The original façade that still stands from circa 1860s will be the front of the Distil Hotel and the signature restaurant. The façade and site are remnants of a rich and storied history that still has significance today, perfectly embodies Autograph Collection Hotels’ Exactly Like Nothing Else mantra. The site was the original location and barrel house for J.T.S. Brown and Sons, whose name is still above the doorway. John Thompson Street Brown was the half-brother of George Garvin Brown, whose partnership began the company that is known today as The Brown- Forman Corporation.

The planned development marks the debut for the experiential Moxy Hotel in Louisville, boldly reinventing the lifestyle hotel experience in the Derby City.

Moxy Louisville will be thoughtfully designed with the target audience in mind – engaging, smart and free-spirited. Opening in the city known for its famous horse races, foodie mentality and southern charm, Moxy Louisville will welcome guests with locally inspired contemporary design, industrial chic style and a playful social scene. Moxy Louisville’s 110 bedrooms will be cozy and tech savvy with plush platform beds, peg walls instead of closets for ultimate flexibility, motion sensor lighting, and all the right tech for in-room entertainment including 49-inch LED TVs, abundant power and USB outlets, along with furiously fast and free Wi-Fi for ultimate connectivity.

Dream Palm Springs

Construction on Dream Palm Springs begins

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Developed by Selene International, in partnership with Dream Hotel Group, Dream Palm Springs will be a driving force in the ongoing revitalisation of downtown Palm Springs.

Located on the corner of Amado Road and Calle Alvarado, the 169-room hotel pairs executive architect Oswaldo D. Lopez with Hirsch Bender Associates (HBA) for design and is expected to open with 30 private residences, multiple experiential dining and nightlife venues and more than 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space in late 2019.

The groundbreaking ceremony for this exciting $100 million development took place this week, and featured Mayor Robert Moon as keynote speaker, as well as key members of the Dream team, developer Lauri Kibby and Dream Hotel Group CEO Jay Stein, among others.

The opening of Dream Palm Springs is part of a larger economic development plan for the city of Palm Springs. With more visitors in recent history, the city is experiencing unprecedented economic growth. Dream Palm Springs is expected to generate tax revenue and create new jobs, while also offering the growing residential and business communities a new reason to work and play in the neighborhood surrounding downtown Palm Springs.

Dream Palm Springs will open with 169 rooms, 30 private residences, multiple restaurants and bars, and more than 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space in late 2019. Ideally situated in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, the hotel”s presence will contribute to an important area of the city. It will support the local community and the 12.9 million tourists that come to Coachella Valley each year, adding another unique facet to Palm Spring”s iconic downtown district.

hansgrohe RainSelect

Product Spotlight hansgrohe RainSelect at Sleep 2017

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RainSelect, launched at November’s Sleep show, is an intuitive and convenient central control unit, providing control of between two to five shower functions, along with the regulation of water temperature and quantity.

Generous, 70 x 70 millimetre switches make selecting shower settings a tactile experience. Underlying this is hansgrohe’s Select technology, which controls the various functions on a purely mechanical basis.

hansgrohe RainSelectIts aesthetically sophisticated design and linear, horizontal shape make it a striking addition to the bathroom. Its unique, sleek silhouette, which gives the wall a clean and uncluttered look, was developed in collaboration with Phoenix Design.

There are two models to choose from: for the shower area, and a separate solution for bathtub showers. Three surface finishes enable customised and consistent bathroom design: white or black-backed glass, or the more traditional chrome-coloured metal.

Altovita

Airbnb rival Altovita could be set for London

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The rental site Altovita emerging as a competitor to Airbnb could be making its way to London next year, after getting the green light to operate in eastern Europe.

The short-term holiday rental site was launched in July and has already expanded to more than 200 listings across Prague, Budapest, Vienna and Warsaw with a USP that means all properties have been personally inspected and given quality ratings by its staff.

Now the site has been given the stamp of approval in Eastern Europe, with co-founder Alison Ip saying there are another ‘100 or so’ listings in the pipeline, with the ambition to reach 500 by the first quarter of 2018.

The company is headquartered in London and says that the UK capital is in its ‘expansion plans’. Ip added: “We’ll consider coming to London as a city, potentially in the next six to 12 months.”

It will bring another rival in the short-term rental industry, which has been largely dominated by the likes of Airbnb, but Ms Ip – a former UBS investment bank director – says Altovita is trying to make up for a lack of quality assurance.

“The sharing economy is becoming increasingly popular and yet there is no standard of quality for this sector – unlike in the hotel sector, which is very well defined in a five-star rating system that applies across the world and has done so for decades,” she said.

“Some of the poorer properties have fallen through the cracks and effectively frustrated a lot of the customers who effectively loved this model.”

Case Study: Brintons at Hotel Walther, Switzerland

Case Study: Brintons at Hotel Walther, Switzerland

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In celebration of its 110th anniversary, the Hotel Walther commissioned Brintons to translate the elaborate designs of interior designer Virginia Maissen into woven Axminster rugs and fitted carpet to complement the refurbishment of the hotel.

The concept of the design was to create a modern, inviting and comfortable feel in this grand hotel with inspiration taken from its surroundings and history. Zürich-based interior designer Virginia Maissen worked with Brintons to redesign the interior to highlight the heritage of the hotel, but also incorporate modern art installations by Rolf Sachs and Sandro Fabbri.

Case Study: Brintons at Hotel Walther, SwitzerlandThe newly refurbished hotel, a member of the Relais & Châteaux group, unveiled its updated design earlier this year. The 17 bespoke carpet designs throughout are bold and abstract, in a colour palette of reds, greens and yellows that reference the hotel’s alpine surroundings.

Brintons collaborated closely with Virginia Maissen to translate her designs into Axminster carpet. The layering of imagery within the designs, mixing bold colours and the subtle photographic representation exploited the full range of the carpet manufacturer’s 32-colour High Definition Weave; a unique Brintons’ innovation that allows for infinite design possibilities and highly dynamic visuals.

The end result is a beautifully detailed collection of bespoke carpets in the lobby, fine dining room, stairs and smoking lounge of the hotel.

Virginia Maissen commented: “I am so proud of the bespoke carpets, Brintons translated all my designs perfectly, the stand out details coupled with a classic pattern brings together both of our design visions. The 17 unique carpet designs demanded special attention from both sides, and Brintons delivered on time and within budget. This project perfectly demonstrates Brintons’ skill in creating one-off pieces to a client specification.”

Case Study: Brintons at Hotel Walther, SwitzerlandAntique treasures and decorations have been reinterpreted to reflect the hotel’s history: original ceilings and rounded archways from the early twentieth century have been exposed with the help of local craftsmen. Specially designed wall tapestries, curtains, and carpets created by Brintons have been added to complement the furnishings of each room.

The 4-star Hotel Walther is a third-generation family-run business, currently headed by Anne-Rose and Thomas Walther. Brintons is well known in Switzerland for its design expertise and market presence, and has an established reputation for high quality custom Axminster carpets and rugs.

www.brintons.net

Luv collection by Duravit wins at DKB Awards 2017

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On Wednesday 22nd November, Duravit, a leading international manufacturer of designer bathrooms, was invited to attend the 15th Annual 2017 Designer and Kitchen and Bathroom Awards.

Held at The Bloomsbury Big Top in central London, around 400 professionals from the kitchen and bathroom industry, came together to celebrate excellence in professional residential design and innovation in new product design.

Duravit’s Luv collection, designed by Cecilie Manz, received the award for ‘Innovation in Design’ in the bathroom products category. Seven experienced and highly respected judges recognised the collections’ timeless design merits, high quality materials and innovation.

Luv by Cecilie Manz wins at the Annual 2017 Designer Kitchen and Bathroom AwardsStrictly Come Dancing star Claudia Winkleman presented the award to Martin Carroll, Managing Director, Duravit UK who commented: “We are delighted to be recognized as an industry leader in product innovation by the judges at the Designer Kitchen and Bathroom Awards. Our close collaboration with internationally renowned designers such as Cecilie Manz has enabled us to make designer bathrooms come alive by combining the highest quality original design and innovative materials with comfort-enhancing technology.”

Luv was launched at ISH 2017 and combines Nordic purism and timeless elegance. Gentle forms follow a sharp geometry. The selection of materials and colours is testament to Cecilie Manz’s refined sense for nuanced form. Her colour palette of matt lacquers and glazes in soft shades was developed exclusively for Duravit and emphasises the fresh character of Luv.

Embassy Suites by Hilton, a global brand of upscale, all-suite hotels from Hilton has announced the opening of the newly built Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder

Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder debuts

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Embassy Suites by Hilton, a global brand of upscale, all-suite hotels from Hilton has announced the opening of the newly built Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder. Embassy Suites by Hilton prides itself on providing guests an approachable and stress-free experience at each of its spacious, all-suites hotel properties.

Owned by Orchim, LLC and managed by Sage Hospitality, the property welcomes guests to enjoy its contemporary two-room suites where travelers can spread out, enjoy a free, cooked-to-order breakfast each morning, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary drinks and snacks each night. With 204 contemporary, spacious suites, more than 7,595 square feet of meeting and banquet space, and the city’s largest hotel ballroom with space for up to 650 guests, Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder provides customer service that always anticipates the needs of both business and leisure travelers and delivers what matters most.

“Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder is a great addition to our portfolio, bringing adventurers the amenities and space they need,” said Alan Roberts, global head, Embassy Suites by Hilton. “After exploring the natural beauty of the area, this urban retreat offers the perfect place to relax and enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks at the evening reception.”

The property also boasts amenities such as a 24-hour fitness centre, an outdoor, heated pool located on the roof of the ballroom, as well as Brickstones Kitchen and Bar, which is open daily for lunch and dinner. The hotel also features a retail market, an outdoor plaza and nearly 700 pieces of unique art created by local Colorado artists.

“We are excited to help our guests experience all that Boulder has to offer,” said Kathleen Bates, general manager, Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder. “Our exceptional location is the perfect launching point for your Colorado adventure and our staff is dedicated to sharing their local knowledge on everything from our favorite hiking trails to the best craft breweries.”

La Reserve Paris - Five of the best City Hotels in Europe

Five to Watch: City hotels in Europe

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Europe is a haven of beautiful, dynamic and vibrant cities. Its cities are also home to some of the finest hotels in the world. Here are Hotel Designs’ picks for five to look out for…

La Réserve Hotel and Spa, Paris (MAIN IMAGE)
Set in a 19th-century mansion, this luxury hotel is a 2-minute walk from the nearest metro station, and 5 minutes’ walk from both Avenue des Champs-Élysées and the Grand Palais museum complex. Featuring antiques and silk-clad walls, the elegant rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and marble bathrooms, plus personal butlers. They also have minibars and Nespresso machines, and some come with free-standing tubs. Suites add living rooms; airy upgraded suites include dining areas and balconies.

Waldorf Astoria, Amsterdam
Set in several 17th-century canal-side palaces, this upscale hotel is within 4 minutes’ walk from 2 tram stops, and 15 minutes’ walk from both Dam Square and the Rijksmuseum. Elegant rooms with plush furnishings and fine fabrics come with desks, flat-screens and free Wi-Fi, as well as designer toiletries, coffeemakers and room service. Some offer period features such as beam ceilings. Suites add living areas and individual features including original fireplaces and painted ceilings; 1 has a 17th-century spiral staircase.

Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
Hotel d’Angleterre, Geneva
Defining elegant luxury,  Hotel d’Angleterre is recognised as one of Europe’s finest five star luxury boutique hotels. With impeccable staff and service levels, the hotel proudly lives by its motto; “No request is too large, no detail too small”. Elegantly poised at the edge of Lake Leman with magnificent views of the famous Jet d’Eau and Mont Blanc, this beautiful boutique hotel showcases British charm with the finest Swiss hospitality.

Hotel d'Angleterre
41, London
This Forbes five star intimate retreat, 41 is an exquisite hidden gem overlooking the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace and minutes from Victoria Station. The team invites you to ‘plunder the pantry’ in a true ‘home away from home’ where the team will surprise and delight at every turn. 41 is one of the most distinguished and admired hotels in London, overlooking the Royal Mews and the grounds of Buckingham Palace. A discreet and intimate hideaway, 41 has the relaxed feel of an exclusive private members club.

trivago - best UK hotels
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest is centrally located at the end of the renowned Chain Bridge, with panoramic vistas of the Danube and the hills of Buda. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest gracefully combines vintage architecture and design with modern services and amenities. Of the Hotel’s 179 generously proportioned luxury guest rooms, including 19 suites with vaulted ceilings and private step-out balconies, many offer views of intimate interior courtyards, the Old City or the sparkling Danube.

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest

Strong finish to 2017 for Best Western GB despite Brexit

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Market uncertainty caused by Brexit has helped Best Western Great Britain post a record year for number of hotel applications and activations.

The membership organisation for independent hotels has seen a 110% increase in hotels joining year on year including the first additions to its newest brand Sure Hotels by Best Western which has economy, midscale and soft brand options.

Les Asplen, managing director of Best Western Great Britain, said: “The last 12 months have been brilliantly busy for us. We realised 18 months ago that the market uncertainty was increasing interest in Best Western so we restructured our teams to handle the enquiries and that interest has converted into active members and a significant pipeline of new properties for launch in 2018.

“In times of uncertainty, independent hotels of all ratings want a structure that allows them to keep their independence but benefit from the security of working with a global brand. Best Western has always offered that but because we have changed for the better in the last three years – launching new brands, increasing quality and services and responding to our guests needs – right now, we are probably in our strongest ever brand position and that is being reflected in our recruitment numbers.”

The first hotel to join the new Sure Hotels brand is the city-centre-based Lincoln Hotel

The first hotel to join the new Sure Hotels brand is the city-centre-based Lincoln Hotel

The first hotel to join the new Sure Hotels brand is the city-centre-based Lincoln Hotel in which sits in the new soft brand, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western.

Stephen Marriott, general manager of the Lincoln Hotel, said: “It’s great to be the first property in Europe to go live in the Sure Hotels by Best Western brand. We joined because it offers us access to the power of the Best Western brand which we are familiar with, along with the flexibility to have our own local branding. It’s the perfect fit for us and I’m sure it will be the perfect fit for many other owners too.”

Les Asplen added: “Since widening our appeal to 10 brands Best Western now has an option for every hotel and every guest. We already have 30 hotels in the pipeline for activation across our existing brands in 2018 and are quietly confident with current interest generated by Sure Hotels by Best Western that we will be reporting back-to-back record years as we continue to strengthen in the next 12 months.”

www.bestwestern.co.uk

Magnolia Hotel - Algarve, Portugal

Magnolia Hotel launches in the Algarve, Portugal

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Introducing an exciting new property to Portugal’s Algarve region, The Magnolia Hotel is a unique Miami Style Boutique Hotel which opened in October 2017.

Boasting the hottest Café del Mar style beats, this is a place to truly be yourself, relax and experience the Algarve in a new way. This hotel is turning heads with it’s cool neon signs and quirky motel design aspects. The hottest hangout in the Algarve is now poolside at The Magnolia Hotel.

With an exuberant spirit, this new addition pays homage to Miami’s iconic motels, offering affordable yet luxurious accommodations and a new energy in the heart of the Algarve. Offering an unbeatable location just moments away from Quinta do Lago, but without the price tag to match, the Magnolia Hotel offers an idyllic base to sample world class golf, shopping, beach, nightlife and the new elite performance centre, The Campus.

Magnolia Hotel - Algarve, Portugal“Quinta do Lago is a unique lifestyle resort and the latest addition to this, bringing a totally new energy is The Magnolia Hotel. This vibrant property will bring a new perspective to the area, providing visitors with a completely different way to experience Quinta do Lago. We have always been committed to delivering high standards of hospitality and customer service, and this will continue to be reflected in The Magnolia Hotel” states Sean Moriarty, CEO of Quinta do Lago.

Magnolia Hotel - Algarve, Portugal“We are very proud to be launching the Magnolia Hotel with its fun and vivacious character as the new kid on the block. We’ve created a truly unique design hotel offering for the Algarve that is sure to excite our guests, from the fitness fanatic to the gourmet enthusiast,” adds Mark McSorley, General Manager of The Magnolia Hotel.

Magnolia Hotel - Algarve, PortugalThe Magnolia Hotel offers 74 sleek guest rooms, each complete with a private veranda, 3 suites and 7 exclusive cottages. Each room offers sumptuous twin or king beds, steam showers and modern amenities, including crisp 300 thread count cotton sheets and high-speed Wi-Fi. All suites and cottages can sleep up to 2 adults and 2 children.

Magnolia Hotel - Algarve, PortugalThe motel style shines through with more than half of the accommodations having direct access to the car park and 30 rooms offering side staircase access.

Magnolia Hotel - Algarve, PortugalFor the ultimate ‘home away from home’, the wooden cottages provide a haven with an expansive bedroom, bathroom, lounge, as well as kitchen and patio areas. Perfect for families and large groups.

With health and fitness being two of the key focuses at The Magnolia Hotel, guests will be spoilt for choice with a variety of both sporting and relaxation facilities available within easy reach.

MEININGER - An agreement has been signed to open a new hotel in Dresden

MEININGER to open a hotel in Dresden

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The MEININGER hotel group and Peter Simmel have signed an agreement to open a new hotel in Dresden.

Located right opposite the central station at Wiener Platz 2, the new hotel will have 165 rooms and 639 beds. It is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2021.

The hotel will cover a gross floor area of 7,600 sqm on the first floor and above, and will offer all typical features of a MEININGER hotel such as reception, lobby, lounge, breakfast room and bar as well as guest kitchen and games zone.

The 165 modern and well-equipped rooms will be distributed on four floors. Due to the flexible room concept of a MEININGER hotel the accommodation will range from classic double rooms and private multiple-bed rooms to a bed in a dormitory.

Hannes Spanring, CEO of the MEININGER Hotels, says: “With 4.3 million overnight stays per year, Dresden ranks number seventh in Germany for visitor numbers, making us all the more pleased about this new and excellent addition to our fast-growing portfolio. Dresden is an important cultural, educational and political hub in Germany and Europe. It’s a diverse city which has a lot to offer and attracts urban travellers from all over the world.”

MEININGER currently operates 17 hybrid hotels in Europe, with a total of 8,409 beds in 11 European cities including Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Frankfurt/Main, Hamburg, Leipzig, London, Munich, Salzburg and Vienna. Contracts for 17 new hotels in Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Bordeaux, Budapest, Geneva, Heidelberg, Lyon, Milan, Munich, Paris, Rome, Saint Petersburg, Zurich and now Dresden have already been signed. MEININGER has ambitious plans for growth – in this regard, the focus is no longer only on Europe – possibilities for an expansion to North America and Asia are also being sounded out.

www.meininger-hotels.com

Homewood Suites Las Vegas City Center now open

Homewood Suites Las Vegas City Center now open

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Homewood Suites by Hilton has annoubnced its newest property, Homewood Suites by Hilton Las Vegas City Center.

Designed for guests who want to travel on their own terms, Homewood Suites by Hilton Las Vegas City Center offers guests all the comforts of home, whether they are travelling for work or enjoying a well-earned getaway. With 158 new suites, the hotel will cater to the estimated 43 million people visiting Las Vegas annually.

Developed and owned by Heritage Inn and Suites of Las Vegas and managed by Tharaldson Hospitality Management Company, Homewood Suites by Hilton Las Vegas City Center offers a combination of studio, one and two-bedroom accommodations, featuring fully equipped kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas.

Homewood Suites Las Vegas City Center now openGuests are provided all the essentials needed for a smart, reliable and convenient stay including complimentary daily full-hot breakfast, evening social Monday-Thursday, Wi-Fi, covered control access parking garage and a grocery shopping service.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Las Vegas City Center makes it easy for travelers to unwind with a fitness centre and outdoor pool with waterfall feature and whirlpool tub. The property also offers 660 square feet of flexible space that is ideal for meetings and social events.

homewoodsuites3.hilton.com

CITYMax Aswan Egypt

Citymax Hotel Aswan celebrates soft opening

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Citymax Hotels made its debut in the historic city of Aswan in Egypt with the soft opening of Citymax Hotel Aswan last week.

Owned by Egypt Holland for Touristic Investments, this 4-star hotel is superbly located in Kornish Al Nile in close proximity to Aswan’s key tourist attractions.

The hotel features 79 rooms equipped with all modern comforts and amenities.

The hotel boasts outstanding leisure facilities including an outdoor swimming pool and cafe, sauna, jacuzzi and an all-day-dining restaurant.

Decorated in contemporary style, some rooms offer beautiful Nile river views while others overlook the city landscape.

Preferred Hotels and Resorts expands portfolio

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The world’s largest independent hotel brand, Preferred Hotels and Resorts, has added 25 new properties to its international roster of luxury hotels and resorts.

The newest members of the Preferred Hotels and Resorts portfolio are located across the globe in eight different countries in some of the world’s most desirable destinations, from Hawaii to India and Mexico.

These new hotels were integrated into the consortium’s collection between August and October of this year and the move was announced via a press release on the group’s website at the beginning of November. Preferred Hotels and Resorts is a sales-centric organisation that partners with independent hotels across five branded sectors that has a membership of over 700 properties. The luxury properties that are part of the group’s umbrella offer guests unique experiences in coveted destinations that surpass the expectations of the ordinary traveller.

Among the new raft of hotels are the Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa in Guerrero, Mexico, The Commonwealth in Virginia, United States, Myconian Naia in Mykonos, Greece, Turyaa Chennai in Chennai, India and The Longemont Hotel Shenyang in Shenyang, China. Preferred Hotels highlighted some specific hotels in the press release, which are located in Lebanon, Hawaii, China, India and Spain.

Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii is slated to open in December 2017 after extensive refurbishment. The 839-room luxury resort will feature breathtaking oceanfront views, a pool deck with a saltwater infinity pool and cabanas, and five exciting culinary concepts. A 280,000-gallon saltwater Oceanarium that will be home to a multitude of indigenous marine life is one of the main features of this stunning hotel.

10 METROPOLITAN in the Catalan capital of Barcelona, Spain is located in the city’s Eixample District. This historic 85-room hotel evokes the charm of 19th century industrial Barcelona and some of the city’s best shopping and dining options are a short stroll away, as well as famous local attractions like the Sagrada Familia.

Shahpura House in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India was once the royal palace of the ruling Shekhawat clan of the Rajputs and this magnificent 65-key heritage hotel presents a mixture of Mughal and Indian architecture. Located in a residential area of Jaipur, the hotel is flanked by a web of lanes that offer up their secret stash of colorful stalls, temples, verdant gardens and lakes. There is also an on-site spa offering specially curated signature treatments and massages.

preferredhotels.com

Brexit is impacting the hospitality industry

Brexit helps hotel insolvencies plunge

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UK hotel insolvencies has dropped by 18% in the post-Brexit market, according to new research by accountancy firm Moore Stephens.

The firm’s study shows that fewer than 1% of hotels in the country are at risk of becoming insolvent, due to the post-Brexit boost in tourism. Likewise, this was coupled with the drop in the value of the pound brought a 9% increase in international visitors in the first half of the year, statistics from the Office of National Statistics showed.

The UK has also seen an increase in the number of people choosing to take staycations and the number of inbound visitors has reached record numbers. Moore Stephens pointed out that despite the boost in tourism, Brexit has lead to uncertainty in the hotel sector with regard to staffing.

A KPMG report commissioned by the BHA earlier this year revealed that 24% of the industry’s current workforce is made up of EU workers.

Vincent Wood, partner and head of hotels at Moore Stephens, told The Independent: “The potential drying of this vital reservoir of staff is a problem hotels have faced for many years and it will be a real challenge for them in the coming period.”

Guest Blog: How VR could transform guest expectations

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Dean Minett, Director at Minett Consulting shares his views on how virtual reality could be changing the expectations of guests…

Try before you buy is an old concept, and it’s been applied to any number of things commercially. Cars, homes, electronics and vitamins — just about every corner of the retail industry has offered no-risk money back arrangements with consumers. People want to know what they’re getting into before they invest. It’s also a powerful statement of confidence on the seller’s (or manufacturer’s) part. It says: You’re going to be happy you own this. You’re not going to want your money back.

Until now, industries that are based in experiences rather than commodities were beyond the pale of “try before you buy” (unless you include Rekall in Total Recall). How are people going to try a surfing vacation before you go? How are you going to try a first class cabin on a train? Multi-media content (images and video) has brought us closer, but there’s still nothing like being there, like actually standing in the space and seeing its dimensions first hand.

Virtual reality has been around awhile, but early iterations made it something of a joke. The graphics were terrible, and the headsets were gigantic.

Now that 360-cameras have become sophisticated and widely available (think about those latest holiday snaps your friends are posting to Facebook), VR technology can vividly put you in real places. You can stand on the veranda of that vacation villa you’re thinking about renting. You can cruise down the streets of a faraway city at night in a Ferrari. You don’t control the accelerator, but it’s easy to let yourself be immersed in the details. Why? Because it’s real detail. It’s actual imagery. Most people who have tried the newer headsets — such as the Samsung unit that makes use of a Galaxy phone — are shocked by how detailed and immersive the experience actually is. Big electronics firms are running, not walking, into the VR space.

Travel is one of the industries most obviously touched by the development of this technology. Effectively, VR means that “try before you buy” is indeed available in our industry — at least to an unprecedented degree. If you’re not sure about which type of room to book at a given hotel, you can be dropped into a 360 degree image or led on a VR walking tour. You don’t have to rely on two-dimensional web site imagery, which rarely gives you an accurate spatial perception and definitely doesn’t provide as much detail.

Travel giant Thomas Cook is among the early adopters. In 2015 they worked with Visualise, a British VR production firm, to produce a series of immersive travel experiences for viewing at Thomas Cook locations around the world. The campaign featured professional filming in diverse locations, including Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Singapore and New York City. A separate campaign for Thomas Cook Airlines gives the public an immersive experience on Thomas Cook flights to different locations, along with contests and promotional opportunities hidden within the VR content.

There’s little doubt that virtual reality and travel are going to mix even more in 2017 and beyond, which means there are tremendous opportunities — along with fresh new pitfalls. As VR headsets and 360 degree content become more and more common, the big hotels are going to produce more content to pull people in. You’ll be able to put on your headset and be immersed in that upper-floor suite, for example. And the next logical step will be seamless booking functionality.

The problem of expectations
What does all of this mean for hotels? Among other things, it means that when a guest shows up, the difference between real and virtual worlds had better not be stark. While VR promotional content has tremendous potential, it sets the bar higher for hotels. Through this kind of promotion, it becomes even more important to deliver on promises, both in terms of amenities and service. Otherwise, people will feel distinctly misled and the online reputations of such hotels will suffer.(As discussed in a previous post, incongruous photographs have the same impact.)

Some hoteliers will choose to steer clear of VR content for these very reasons. It’s also true that VR content is still relatively expensive to produce, and the pictures themselves will grow old like any video or jpeg image. New content will have to be created.

But what if it becomes cheaper to create and distribute VR content? What if “try before you buy” becomes the rule, not the exception, in the hospitality industry? Using such content to promote your hotel could feasibly become as widespread, or indeed as necessary, as using an OTA.

In the end, VR will be productive tool for hoteliers who use it to set up the right expectations. And they’ll strive to meet or exceed those expectations through strong fundamentals, attention to detail, positive interactions between guests and staff. But we need to ensure we are not too focused on the virtual experience because when you come right down to it, real hospitality experiences will always be what counts.

Dean MinettORIGINAL SOURCE

Graduating first from William Angliss Institute in 1982, Dean took on his first General Management role at the age of 22. Since then, he has worked in, managed or consulted to hotels, motels, resorts, restaurants and casinos across Australia and Asia. He is director at Minett Consulting.

Hamilton Litestat

Company Profile: Hamilton Litestat

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Hamilton Litestat is an electrical solutions provider that designs, develops and manufactures innovative electrical accessories of the highest quality. With a vast product range spanning consumer units, decorative switch plates and sockets, lighting control and multi-room audio, it is a one-stop-shop for all domestic wiring requirements.

A British manufacturer, Hamilton has created an enviable portfolio of decorative switch plate and socket designs to please the hotel interiors fashion industry, as well as smart lighting control and multi-room audio systems designed to enhance the hotel guest experience.

A family-owned-and-run company, Hamilton will celebrate a fantastic milestone in 2018 when the business reaches its 50th anniversary. It operates under the direction of Ian Hamilton, son of founder Rod Hamilton, and has grown since its inception to employ 120 customer-focused staff and distribute its class-leading solutions around the world.

Hamilton’s outstanding reputation is built on delivering quality, both in terms of design and manufacture. It supplies the latest technology and ‘smart’ solutions, all supported by exceptional customer service. As an industry-leading company, Hamilton is ceaseless in its quest to produce pioneering solutions that are easy to install, competitively priced and have a stylish, desirable finish suited to any interior project.

Hamilton’s smart lighting control & multi-room audio system can add mood and drama to a space – ideal for guest rooms, restaurant/bar and public areas. Lighting scenes can be stored and recalled at the touch of a button, and guests can listen to several audio sources from within the room, including streaming music from their phone.

Recent Projects: Danesfield House Hotel & Spa, Hotel Indigo Cardiff, Hever Castle, and Michaelson Boutique Hotel.

Unit 10, Carrick Business Centre, 4-5 Bonville Road
Brislington, Bristol BS4 5NZ

See below for further information on Hamilton’s full range of products and services:
T: +44 (0)1747 860088
info@hamilton-litestat.com
www.hamilton-litestat.com

Ramside Hall Tree House Suite External View

Luxury treehouses get the green light at Ramside Hall

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An ambitious scheme to create six luxury treehouses at a North East hotel has been given the green light by council chiefs.

Durham County Council has given planning permission for Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa to build the unique accommodation behind one of its golf courses. Construction work is set to begin in February 2018, with the first three treehouses expected to open next June.

The plan is the latest multi-million pound development for the Durham hotel, and owner, John Adamson, said it would be a huge attraction for visitors to the area.

“We are delighted that Durham County Council has given us the go-ahead to start work on our new treehouses, which will be totally unlike anything else the region currently has to offer,” he said.

“Work will start in February on the first three, and we expect to be able to welcome our first visitors in June. We have worked very hard on the design and it is going to be fantastic to finally see them start to take shape.”

Built on stilts, the treehouses will each feature two bedrooms, a private living room and a state-of-the-art bathroom complete with a free-standing copper bath. They will give guests unrivalled views over the 18th fairway and green of the Prince Bishops golf course, and will benefit from lots of windows to allow maximum natural light.

The treehouses will be the latest in a string of big developments at the family-owned hotel, which has created an additional wing, a second championship golf course and its award-winning spa in recent years.

“We have been very particular about the design of the new treehouses – we wanted to be sympathetic to the surroundings and have chosen renewable materials where we could,” added Mr Adamson.

“Now that permission has been granted, we can get on with creating this wonderful new addition to our hotel, which we are confident will be very popular. We are looking forward to giving visitors something they’ve never seen before,” he added.

The treehouses will enhance the facilities we already have here at Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa, and we are all very excited about being able to welcome our first treehouse guests next summer.

Duravit at the Louvre Abu Dhabi

Project Spotlight: Duravit at Louvre Abu Dhabi

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Jean Nouvel has created an architectural wonder in the desert. It includes products by Duravit, designed by Philippe Starck.

A commission that was unusual even for the French star architect and Pritzker prize winner Jean Nouvel – the creation of the first all-purpose museum in the Arab world – and the first in the twenty-first century, a building that is intended to stand as a symbol for Abu Dhabi.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi was officially opened on 11 November 2017. The spectacular building on Saadiyat Island will show 300 objects on loan from thirteen leading museums in France. However, the greatest attraction is the building itself.

Duravit at Louvre Abu DhabiBetween modernity and tradition
The architecture is modern but timeless, incorporating elements from Abu Dhabi’s architectural tradition. Jean Nouvel took inspiration from an Arab medina (old town) to create a building whose domed metal roof weighs as much as the Eiffel Tower in Paris but is supported by just four columns – a technical feat that is also an aesthetic experience.

A total of fifty-five different buildings form a museum city on the island in the Gulf, covered by a huge steel roof with a diameter of 180 metres.

Passages and corridors wind their way through this cool white labyrinth, with steps up to the flat roofs of some of the building blocks to enable visitors to see the spectacular domed roof from close up. This unique design consists of almost 8,000 stars of different sizes and angles, superimposed in seven layers.

Like a roof made of overlapping palm leaves, this structure provides shade and protection from the hot desert sun. The effect is breathtaking: “It produces a poetic, almost magical rain of light,” says architect Jean Nouvel. At night the effect is reversed when the internally lit building shines like a miniature night sky.

In the white bathrooms the works of another French architect and designer are on show: Starck 1 toilets by Philippe Starck.
Copyright: © Danica O. Kus

Nouvel, Starck and Picasso
In the white bathrooms the works of another French architect and designer are on show: toilets by Philippe Starck, designed for Duravit. Starck was also inspired by tradition in his design of the toilet. The Starck 1 toilet recalls its historical predecessor, a bucket – interpreted in a completely new way, of course.

Jean Nouvel’s building occupies a site of almost 100,000 square metres, with 8,600 square metres of exhibition space, including 6,400 for the permanent exhibition and 2,000 for temporary exhibitions. The first exhibition will feature Leonardo da Vinci’s “La Belle Ferronnière”, a self-portrait by Vincent van Gogh and works by Pablo Picasso.

Images: ©Danica O. Kus

SOPHY Hotel, Chicago

New boutique hotel, SOPHY, to open summer 2018 in Chicago

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SOPHY, the new 98-room boutique hotel in Chicago’s popular Hyde Park neighbourhood, is under construction and scheduled to open in summer 2018.

Developed by SMART Hotels and managed by Olympia Hotel Management, SOPHY is located at 53rd Street and Dorchester Avenue on Chicago’s South Side, close to the site of the future Barack Obama Presidential Library, the University of Chicago campus and the Museum of Science and Industry.

SOPHY will feature a bar, a restaurant with al fresco dining and a fitness centre. Designed as a four-diamond property and engineered to achieve LEED Silver certification, SOPHY will be a preferred hotel of the University of Chicago. The hotel is firmly rooted in the history of Hyde Park, famed as the site of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. In a neighbourhood in the midst of a dynamic revitalisation, SOPHY will play a central role. Earlier this month, Chicago was named the #1 Big City in the US in the Condé Nast Traveler 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Chicago-based GREC Architects is the project architect, with interior design from Stonehill & Taylor Architects of New York. The hotel is being built by William A Randolph of Gurnee, Illinois. SOPHY aligns with SMART Hotels and Olympia”s expertise in developing and managing independent, award-winning boutique properties that evoke a strong sense of place and become an integral part of the community.

The name ‘SOPHY’ is rooted in the Greek word “sophia,” meaning wisdom and dedication to excellence through the pursuit of knowledge. It was inspired by the rich legacy of intellectual, artistic and cultural innovation that is part of the fabric of the University of Chicago and greater Hyde Park. Gospel music, science, mathematics, art and literature are the themes that will inform the hotel”s interior design. SOPHY will feature artwork from contemporary Chicago artists and design elements inspired by the World”s Columbian Exposition, including barn doors in the private dining space that use circular elements to suggest the world”s first Ferris Wheel, which debuted at the fair.

OZO on Kata Beach, Phuket

ONYX announces new OZO hotel in Phuket’s Kata Beach

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ONYX Hospitality Group continues its portfolio expansion with the introduction of OZO Phuket in Thailand. Currently under development and scheduled to open in mid 2019, the hotel will offer 255 guest rooms and features which deliver the midscale OZO brand’s hallmarks of sleep, connectivity and exploration.

Located a short walk from the Kata beachfront on the western coast of Phuket, the hotel will offer guest rooms specifically designed for enhanced sleep, smart connectivity of personal devices in rooms and public areas, and curated destination tips by team members presented through interactive digital panels. The hotel will also feature the brand’s signature EAT all-day dining restaurant best known for energising breakfasts, the EAT2Go grab-and-go deli, TONE fitness centre and TALK meeting room. A unique highlight of OZO Phuket is its two separate pools – an activity pool designed for kids adjacent to a free-form main pool.

The brand is a smart, simple and savvy midscale hotel brand offering an enhanced sleep experience and seamless connectivity for travellers who are keen to embark on a deeper exploration of the destination. Since the opening of the first OZO in Hong Kong in 2013, the brand has generated consistently positive feedback and continues to exceed midscale accommodation expectations.

OZO is currently available in Hong Kong, Koh Samui, Colombo and Kandy, with new hotels being developed in Hoi An, Pattaya, Phuket, Johor, Penang and Xiamen.

Hotel Designs Logo stacked & NEW strapline-012

18-25 November: Top 10 stories of the week…

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

1. TRIVAGO AWARDS 2018: THIS YEAR’S TOP-RATED HOTELS IN THE UK
trivago has reviewed the data and tallied the scores, and it’s time to reveal the hotels that travellers consider to be the very best in the UK — the winners of the trivago Awards 2018.

2. SLEEP 2017 LIVE: KELLY HOPPEN JOINS FORCES WITH BRINTONS
Kelly Hoppen MBE has joined forces with leading carpet manufacturer Brintons to create a bold new collection of contemporary woven carpets.

3. GUEST BLOG: 5 KEY STEPS FOR A PERFECT HOTEL BROCHURE
To help you get started, here are five steps from Gloria Kopp at Australia Help you need to take to ensure perfection and the highest quality…

4. MILLION-POUND MAKEOVER FOR APEX CITY OF LONDON HOTEL
Work has now been completed on a £1.5 million refurbishment programme at the 209-bed Apex City of London Hotel.

5. SLEEP 2017: ROUND UP – ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL EDITION…
This year’s Sleep event came to a close on 22nd November, with some calling it the best edition yet.

6. ROOM PRICES PLUMMET AT DONALD TRUMP’S HOTELS
It’s more bad news for Donald Trump and his presidency’s impact on his business empire, as it has emerged the average price of a room at Trump hotels across the world have dropped by as much as 64% in some locations.

7. COLLECTION SPOTLIGHT: VINTAGE CUSHIONS FROM SANDERSON
Celebrating iconic and well-loved designs from their historic archive, Style Library brand Sanderson launches the Vintage Cushion Collection.

8. NEW YORK HILTON MIDTOWN COMPLETES NEW SUITES
New York Hilton Midtown, the 1,907-room iconic landmark hotel and member of Park Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious portfolio, has announced the completion of three types of premium suites overlooking Central Park.

9. INTERCONTINENTAL GRAND STANFORD HONG KONG COMPLETES ‘REJUVENATION’
InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong is delighted to announce the completion of its $43 million (£32.4 million) renovation project and to unveil a rejuvenating look with 572 newly refurbished guestrooms.

10. HILTON’S UPSCALE TAPESTRY COLLECTION ADDS NEW ORLEANS BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Hilton’s newest brand, Tapestry Collection, continues to grow with the addition of three vibrant and unique hotels, all of which anchor notable southern, coastal cities in the United Sates.

Sherwood Suites opens as spacious new choice in Saigon

Sherwood Suites opens as spacious new choice in Saigon

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Sherwood Suites, a plush apartment-only property in a prime location near the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, aims to offer travelers luxury and flexibility as it celebrates its grand opening this month.

The new 20-storey property is positioning itself as a compelling new choice for travelers by offering five-star hotel service and amenities such as an outdoor covered pool, an international deli and restaurant and an expansive 24-hour gym with sauna and steam room alongside a range of self-contained luxury suites and apartments.

With an opulent design aesthetic that calls to mind the stately architecture in London’s exclusive Knightsbridge area, the property features a generous total of 157 apartments. Studios weigh in at 57 square meters, one bedroom units range from 61 sqm to 81 sqm while two bedroom apartments offer between 91 sqm and 118 sqm of space.

“More and more, people are looking for a home-away-from home experience when they set up for a stay overseas, whether for a night or a year,” says Janet Fitzner, General Manager of Sherwood Suites. “But you can’t quite persuade yourself that you’re having such an experience unless you’re in a spacious place.”

Sherwood Suites opens as spacious new choice in SaigonEach apartment features elegant, contemporary Italian designer furniture, luxe mattresses as well as fully-equipped kitchens, marble-clad bathrooms with rainforest showers and premium toiletries, floor-to-ceiling windows and free access to high-speed Wi-Fi.

Enticing trimmings, meanwhile, include walk-in closets, and flat screen SMART televisions as standard in both bedrooms and main living areas.

Similar attention to detail has been extended to the public areas of the property. The striking lobby, with its marble flooring, designer lighting and black and gold lines is home to a restaurant providing 65 covers. The dining component takes up the entirety of the left side of the open-plan lobby with guests able to watch as chefs craft Mediterranean and Vietnamese creations in an open kitchen.

Sherwood Suites is the latest offering from Windsor Property Management Group Corporation (WMC Group), a hospitality and property management company headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City. Its portfolio encompasses hotels and residences including some of the most prestigious addresses in the city. The new addition is virtually adjacent to Sherwood Residences, a polished 5-star property offering apartments and penthouses. Also part of the WMC family is The Reverie Saigon, an award-winning hotel acclaimed for its heightened sense of luxury.

Hotel Amapa to Open in Puerto Vallarta in February 2018

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Opening in the vibrant and historic old town of Puerto Vallarta in early February 2018, Hotel Amapa embodies the fusion of traditional Mexican aesthetic with a laidback yet spirited vision in contemporary design bringing a new, fresh vibe to the area.

With over 35 years of hospitality experience, developer David Harries led a pioneering team including Antoine Ratigan of Circleminds, Nicole Haime of NMH Creative, and General Manager Adalberto Reiter to conceptualise Hotel Amapa which will offer 55 rooms one block from Playa Los Muertos.

Hotel Amapa to Open in Puerto Vallarta in February 2018The hotel, proudly part of the Design Hotels™ collection, will act as a catalyst for change in the area by providing something currently unattainable – great design, an ideal location and dedicated service.

“We are introducing a new vibe for hospitality in Puerto Vallarta with the opening of Hotel Amapa,” says David Harries, Partner and Developer. “Having traveled to Puerto Vallarta for the last 25 years, it is important that we put our guests in the Mexican state of mind; protecting Puerto Vallarta’s heritage while celebrating the future with genuine and original design, service, and food and beverage offerings. With Hotel Amapa we want to create a place where guests visit and live like a local and leave having had an authentic and inspiring experience.”

Batik runner, Kit Kemp by Wilton Carpets

Kit Kemp, Wilton Carpets create exciting carpet collection

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Wilton Carpets and Kit Kemp have come together to create an exciting collection of woven wool-rich carpets for hospitality, travel and home.

Kit Kemp MBE has forged an international reputation as one of the world’s top interior designers. With a unique approach to her work, Kit is also well-known as an author and passionate champion of British art, craft and sculpture. As Design Director of Firmdale Hotels PLC, she is the creative force behind hotels including London’s Ham Yard, Charlotte Street, The Soho Hotel and New York’s Crosby Street Hotel and The Whitby. Her designs have been celebrated with many prestigious awards including ‘Condé Nast Best Hotel in the World for Design’.

Situated in the Wiltshire town of the same name, the spiritual home of weaving for nearly 400 years, Wilton Carpets designs and manufactures in Britain, making carpet from British wool on a blend of traditional machinery and the country’s most advanced robotic high-speed loom. Wilton Carpets is the embodiment of the very best in modern manufacturing blended with traditional craftsmanship.

Kit’s collaboration with Wilton Carpets has created a stand-out collection for hospitality, travel and home, interpreting scale and usability through the latest manufacturing techniques. With a highly experienced design team, spearheaded by Damien Roscoe, Wilton Carpets has skilfully turned Kit’s ideas into beautiful high quality woven carpets, pushing carpet craft to its limits.

Kit explains: “New manufacturing technology has made my ideas a possibility and with its design input, Wilton Carpets has turned them into a joyful reality. We have been able to create subtle effects and graduations of colour to give carpets a unique feel, similar to the finish of a hand-blocked fabric. Colour makes you feel happy and gives a contemporary buzz to this collection.”

The made-to-order range introduces nine unique and multi-tasking designs that draw from a diverse array of inspiration within folklore, architecture and botanical motifs. These come together to provide carpets that work in both traditional and modern interiors.

Damian Roscoe, Head of Creative at Wilton Carpets: “We’re incredibly proud of the Kit Kemp by Wilton Carpets collection as it represents just what is achievable when two creative forces collaborate. The collection has been a joy to develop and we’ve worked closely with Kit to make sure her vision was reproduced with the attention-to-detail for which we are famed.”

Whether using traditional Axminster or Wilton weaves, or incorporating the added texture of a Brussels weave, Kit Kemp by Wilton Carpets delivers carpet of the finest design and quality. Made in a British wool-rich blend for lasting appearance and wear resistance, the range is available in wall-to-wall carpet and as bespoke area rugs, in a quality and construction suitable for the demands of project.

Batik (main image)
One of the most difficult influences to turn into carpet, Batik references hand-blocked fabrics and the subtle effects this technique brings. Kit Kemp says: ‘it’s a new way to bring one off craftwork into you home.” Batik comes in two striking colourways dominated by red and blue.

Detail
A strong architectural look, which is ‘one of my favourites, so simple but graphic and strong’ explains Kit. Available in six colourways, including red on blue and yellow on black.

By Way
A classic herringbone infused with bright colour combinations that Kit describes as ‘having fun in a colourful and carefree way’. Available in four high-contrast colourways.

Domino
Based on traditional Turkish carpets, this design has a large diamond repeat that Kit says, ‘needs to be seen to be believed’. A definite ode to the Arts and Crafts in four colourways including dynamic shades of blue and terracotta.

Flower and Berry
There is more than meets the eye with this overall Botanical pattern. ‘This is a design that will work well in both traditional and modern settings’, says Kit. Available in five colourways featuring red on off-white, off-white on blue and off-white on pea green

Leaf Cut
Inspired by nature, this is a carpet that Kit describes as, ‘falling leaves in a modern way that will look interesting in any environment’. Leaf Cut comes in two popping colourways, blue with leaves of orange and red with green.

Leaf Cut in Cerise area rug, Kit Kemp by Wilton CarpetsOpen Plan
A large repeat that looks good in grand areas, tribal influences abound. The Open Plan pattern ‘takes the traditional and turns it into something that says today’, explains Kit. This pattern comes in four colour combinations, including three with an off-white base cloth.

Tweed Fleck
A tweed design which Kit describes as having ‘flecks of fabulous tiny vibrant colours” It is a modern-day classic. Tweed Fleck is available in seven high-impact colourways including red, teal and blue.

Squiggle
A simple linear geometric design that still manages to make a statement and which Kit believes will make ‘halls and stairways look tailored’. With inversed colours available, this pattern comes in five other off-white combinations.

The richness of pattern and understanding of colour is a signature look of Kit Kemp and in creating the collection, the team at Wilton Carpets has pushed carpet design to the limit. Kit Kemp and Wilton Carpets are bringing craft into carpets for everybody to enjoy.

www.wiltoncarpets.com

T: +44 (0) 17 22 74 60 00
F: +44 (0) 017 22 74 29 23
E: sales@wiltoncarpets.com

Clinton Hotel Reopens After Renovation

Clinton Hotel, South Beach Miami reopens after renovation

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Ideally located in the heart of South Beach Miami, the Clinton Hotel has been totally gut renovated, revamped and recently reopened.

Owned and operated by Think Hotel Group, Clinton Hotel’s transformation was completed in October 2017, in time to welcome international travelers as Miami’s most exciting event season commences. The renovations enhance the original 1930s art deco, boutique-style ambiance of the hotel, while upgrading the already stellar amenities.

The rejuvenated hotel and restaurant space have undergone all-encompassing alterations to ensure functionality and sophistication as part of the guest experience. The new rooms, pool area, and on-site event venue reflect the hotel’s chic and sophisticated ambiance, featuring a laid-back quality with unparalleled charm. The new on-property Brazilian restaurant, The Goods, will take the hotel’s culinary experience to new heights.

Clinton Hotel Reopens After RenovationThink Hotel Group, founded by three entrepreneurs and lifelong friends – Hunter Gellin, Mark Shemel, and Shawn Vardi, continues to bring a vibrant edge to the South Beach neighbourhood. The Clinton Hotel perfectly represents the essence of the collection of boutique hotels through its warm and effortless blend of classic Miami style and modern entertainment.

Set in the middle of the enthusiastic city on Washington Avenue, Clinton Hotel’s upscale transformation allows travelers to experience affordable South Beach luxury. Guests have access to the unique galleries, boutiques, and nightlife that are just steps away from the property.

www.clintonsouthbeach.com

Travelodge Lincoln

Work starts on new Lincoln Travelodge

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Work to transform an area of land close to the new £30 million transport hub project in Lincoln city centre into a new Travelodge hotel has started this week.

Development firm S Harrison has appointed family-run construction firm R G Carter to carry out the 12 month long build programme.

Set in a prominent position just off Tentercroft Street, close to the city’s High Street and railway station, the 127 bedroom hotel will open to guests next winter.

York-based S Harrison have purchased the site from the City Council following the grant of planning permission earlier this year. Development director, David Clancy, from S Harrison said: “Lincoln is a fascinating Cathedral city that attracts plenty of tourists, and it is also a great place to do business. It’s an incredibly exciting time for Lincoln with such major investment in this central area in particular, and we are proud to play our part in helping to bring Travelodge to the city.”

David adds: “All of these impressive improvements will help to create a vibrant and easily accessible central hub for people to enjoy, and this new quality hotel is much needed in this area, as it will provide great value accommodation as well as creating new jobs.”

The new five-storey Travelodge will provide 60 double bedrooms, 61 family rooms and six accessible rooms as well as a parking area. The building will be constructed mainly from red and buff brickwork with recessed grey aluminium window frames. On the ground floor there will be a main entrance, reception, breakfast area and café bar.

Vintage House at The Estate Yountville Reimagined

Vintage House Napa Valley reimagined

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The design concept for the multi-million dollar transformation of Vintage House and Hotel Villagio in Napa Valley has been revealed.

A team of the world’s most sought-after interior designers, architects, landscape designers and talent were assembled by owners Brookfield to bring the new luxury vision to life and further enhance the property’s legacy in the community. Leading hospitality interior design firm, Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), worked in tandem with two of the firm’s subdivisions, Illuminate lighting design and Canvas art consultants, as well as with SB Architects for the exteriors, to spearhead the transformative renovation.

Launched to the public on October 4, 2017, Vintage House’s serene interiors exude a sophisticated aesthetic with gray and soft lavender colour schemes and subtle nods to the locale’s care-free spirit. The 80 bungalow-style abodes are tucked quietly amidst the lush landscape of The Estate.

Vintage House at The Estate Yountville, Napa Valley reimaginedThe intimate Vintage House embodies the spirit of California wine country and establishes itself as a place where the Napa Valley’s warm culture mixes gracefully with a modern and relaxing vibe.

Surrounded by lush landscaping and calming water features, Vintage House and its public spaces seamlessly blend into the treasured destination. From the breathtaking Main House that brings rustic elegance and modern sophistication to new heights of contemporary style, to fire-placed guestrooms that showcase refined varietal hues and crafted vino-cultured details, to a private pool deck splashed in calm with outdoor cabanas and sun-soaked chaises to steal away to, Vintage House will be a place to enjoy Napa’s peaceful appeal.

The hotel is now welcoming guests to enjoy reimagined guestrooms, a new luxurious pool area and a completely transformed lush lobby experience. After passing through an open-air portico and outdoor fireplace, two-story windows in Main House pours sunlight onto the solid walnut plank floors, providing a natural link to the beauty outdoors. Elegant white Carrera marble accents highlight the white architectural wood details and add texture throughout. A setting for both romantic and group gatherings, the Main House features cozy hidden nooks as well as open seating areas.

Vintage House at The Estate Yountville, Napa Valley reimaginedThe warm atmosphere of the Vintage House public spaces is present in each of the guestrooms and suites. Each room incorporates natural elements and materials reflective of the beauty of the surrounding region with a design palate that invokes a sense of memory and place, with wood-burning fireplaces as the focal point as well as private balconies or patios. A white clapboard headboard wall, luxe bedding and rich velvet residential-style furniture provide unique textural elements. The mini-bar and safe unit is a custom-designed “trunk” reminiscent of old travel trunks used at the turn of the century. Bathrooms with stone veining boast oversized soaking tubs or dual showers and vanities, and natural ESPA bath amenities.

www.vintagehouse.com

Kimpton The Rowan Palm Springs made a splash in the Southern California desert with its opening on November 17

Kimpton The Rowan Palm Springs now open

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Kimpton The Rowan Palm Springs made a splash in the Southern California desert with its opening on November 17, reaching major milestones for the Kimpton brand and the City of Palm Springs.

The seven-storey, 153-room urban oasis features the city’s first and only rooftop pool, two restaurants and two bars, serene mountain and Coachella Valley views, and inspiring spaces for meetings & events.

A major anchor of the Downtown Palm Springs revitalisation project and the first ground-up, full-scale hotel built in the area in decades, Kimpton The Rowan Palm Springs puts guests in the heart of it all.

Kimpton The Rowan Palm SpringsThe design of Kimpton The Rowan Palm Springs salutes the colourful mid-century heritage and modernism roots of Palm Springs, reinterpreted from a contemporary viewpoint. The structural design of Kimpton The Rowan Palm Springs draws upon Palm Springs’ distinctive qualities of light, landscape and mountain terrain.

Concrete blocks of the building’s exterior are punctuated with pop-out boxes and balconies to add dimension while perforated metal sunshading and filigree screening create the subtly transforming texture of shadow under the desert sun.

www.rowanpalmsprings.com

trivago - best UK hotels

trivago Awards 2018: This year’s top-rated hotels in the UK

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trivago has reviewed the data and tallied the scores, and it’s time to reveal the hotels that travellers consider to be the very best — the winners of the trivago Awards 2018.

The trivago Awards give hoteliers the chance to receive recognition for their hard work and dedication to providing exemplary guest experiences, and to highlight and publicise this achievement to a world of travellers. In discussing the Awards, Johannes Thomas, Managing Director at trivago NV, said: “As an independent source of hotel information with data on over 175 million guest reviews, we are well-positioned to identify the top-rated hotels that excel at delivering exceptional guest experiences. The trivago Awards give us the chance to recognise and honour the hard-working hoteliers behind these exemplary hotels, and we are thrilled to do so again this year.”

All winning hotels receive exclusive award-indicators (certificates to put on display, widgets for their websites and social media pages, and more) that can increase their visibility and guest appeal online and offline. And the single top hotel in each category also gets to take home a coveted trivago Awards trophy along with a winner’s badge for their hotel profile.

trivago applauds all the winning hotels for offering top-notch, top-rated guest experiences. So, without further ado, let’s find out who the national winners in the United Kingdom are…

The top-rated hotels with the best value for money
This year, the best value for money in the UK can be found at St Michael’s Guest House in Scarborough.

Whatever the season or occasion, family-run Victorian guest house aims to make everyone’s stay enjoyable and relaxing by giving a traditional service. Owners Dee and Glyn had this to say about providing award-winning value: “As trivago is one of the best known and respected international websites that travellers turn to when planning a stay away from home it is a huge honour that we should be associated with them and even more amazing to win an award. We don’t feel that we do anything special here at St Michael’s just be ourselves. We offer clean and comfortable accommodation and a good locally sourced breakfast at reasonable prices. Our main aim is for our guests to feel relaxed in a happy atmosphere; as if they are visiting friends.”

Here are the top-10 recipients of the trivago Awards 2018 in the category of Best Value for Money in the UK:

The top-rated 3-star hotels
This year, the number one 3-star hotel in the UK is Cedar Manor in Windermere.

trivago - best UK hotelsSet in mature gardens with the beautiful cedar tree that the hotel takes its name from, Cedar Manor is renowned for its friendliness with a relaxed and informal feel.

On receiving the award-winning hotel, owners Caroline and Jonathan Kaye said: “We’re just a small hotel – ten rooms including a detached suite – but we’ve proved that small is beautiful. We’re lucky to be in the most beautiful part of the country and we’ve created a haven of tranquil luxury to match our landscape. We know that the trivago Awards recognise those hoteliers who deliver an exceptional experience to their guests, and that’s what we strive to achieve. Each year we invest in our hotel and in our staff to keep on getting better and better, talking to our guests, listening to our guests, paying attention to the tiny details.”

Here are the top-10 recipients of the trivago Awards 2018 in the category of Best 3-Star Hotels in the UK:

The top-rated 4-star hotels
This year, the number one 4-star hotel in the UK is The Clontarf Hotel in Llandudno.

trivago - best UK hotelsLocated on the peaceful West Shore at the foot of the Great Orme, the family-run hotel offers unique styled rooms with lovely views of the sea.

On receiving the award, owners Mark and Joni Stubbs said: “We are delighted to have been selected by trivago to have been the number one 4-star hotel in the UK. We take a relaxed and informal approach to hotel management and want all guests to feel comfortable but with all the modern comforts of today’s hotel environment. We look forward to welcoming many more trivago guests in the future.”

Here are the top-10 recipients of the trivago Awards 2018 in the category of Best 4-Star Hotels in the UK:

trivago - best UK hotelsThe top-rated 5-star hotels
Just like last year, the number one 5-star hotel in the UK is Hotel 41 in London.

trivago - best UK hotelsBoasting one of London’s prime locations, attentive staff and striking rooms, 41 offers an unforgettable hotel experience.

Digital Marketing Manager, Edward Boulton, acknowledged the team for providing an exceptional service to their guests: “At Hotel 41, ‘No request too large, no detail too small’ is our ethos, and our warm, thoughtful and personalised service is something we pride ourselves on. Our team go above and beyond to provide five-star service to each and every guest, ensuring that a stay at Hotel 41 is remembered for more than just the luxurious décor. We’re incredibly honoured to receive this trivago Award which recognises our commitment to our guests’ experience.”

Here are the top-10 recipients of the trivago Awards 2018 in the category of Best 5-Star Hotels in the UK:

trivago - best UK hotelsThe top-rated alternative accommodation
This year, the number one best alternative accommodation in the UK is The Arthington Guest House in Blackpool.

trivago - best UK hotelsKnown for their outstanding service, rich complimentary breakfast, and proximity to the promenade and attractions.

Owners Steve and Elaine pride themselves on providing the highest standards of comfort. They said: “We are over the moon that for the third year running we have been nominated for the trivago Awards. We have been running The Arthington in Blackpool since 2006 and its success has been down to hard work and not resting on our laurels. Trying to cater for the modern guest, whilst realising our limitations is our honest approach to the way we do our business. A big thank you to all the guests both old and new who have posted reviews about us, we would not be a success without them.”

Here are the top-10 recipients of the trivago Awards 2018 in the category of Best Alternative Accommodation in the UK:

trivago - best UK hotelsThe top-rated chain hotels
The hotel chains with the best collective ratings across the UK this year are The Montcalm Hotels, Principal Hotel Company and Corus Hotels. The number one hotel within The Montcalm Hotels in the UK is The Montcalm London Marble Arch.

Sitting grandly at the top of Park Lane, The Montcalm London Marble Arch promises the luxury lifestyle and individually tailored guest experience. Upon winning the award, Managing Director, Ramesh Arora had this to say: “At the Montcalm we consider hospitality an art form, and we’re always pioneering new ways to enjoy it. It’s how we not only keep standards consistently high but also keep the guest experience constantly fresh and rewarding. We’re thrilled to receive this award from trivago for the Montcalm London Marble Arch because it recognises the dedication of all our staff in perfecting their art.”

This year, the top-rated hotel of the Principal Hotel Company in the UK is The Principal York.
Tracy Harrison, General manager said: “It is a huge honour to be recognised by trivago – one of the world’s most trusted travel comparison websites – following the £20m refurbishment and revival of York’s historic grande-dame railway hotel.

trivago - best UK hotelsWhat’s more, to receive an accolade that has been based solely on ratings and reviews from trivago’s global network of savvy travellers, would only provide our team with a feeling of extra achievement. In order to deliver a unique guest experience, we combine unique local heritage with a modern take on traditional British hotel service that is intuitive to guest needs. Our people are key to our rebirth and so we introduced a new dedicated guest relations team who are empowered to surprise and delight each of our guests in some way during their stay, exceeding the expectations of our star-rating.“

Finally, the number one hotel within Corus Hotels in the UK is Laura Ashley The Manor in Elstree.
Situated in landscaped gardens within 10 acres of natural woodland and views overlooking the Hertfordshire countryside, Laura Ashley The Manor Hotel is known for charming Tudor style exterior and stylish contemporary interior décor.

trivago - best UK hotels

How does trivago determine the winning hotels?
Just as we aggregate hotel prices from across the web, we also aggregate guest reviews and ratings for a wide variety of amenities and services for all hotels that display prices on trivago. The reviews are then assigned an overall score by amenity or service category using an internally developed algorithm. The overall score is displayed on trivago, making it easy for travellers to compare amenities and services offered as they search for their ideal hotel. For the trivago Awards 2018, the hotel with the highest score in each awarded category is deemed the category winner. To ensure accuracy, a minimum of 20 reviews were required for award eligibility.

Lenka Trckova
Lenka is a member of trivago’s Industry Management team for English-speaking markets. She grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and studied marketing communication and business management in the Czech Republic. She joined trivago to pursue her passion for the hospitality industry and is focused on supporting hoteliers to reach their online potential through marketing and technology. READ THE ORIGINAL BLOG POST FROM TRIVAGO’S HOTEL MANAGER BLOG HERE

Apex City of London

Million-pound makeover for Apex City of London Hotel

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Work has now been completed on a £1.5 million refurbishment programme at the 209-bed Apex City of London Hotel. The nine-month project, saw the hotel’s public areas and largest meeting room given a makeover – with a new stylish restaurant and state of the art spa incorporated into the property for guests to the capital and locals alike.

Work was carried out in phases at the hotel on Seething Lane – just minutes from Tower Hill Underground and Fenchurch Street Station – to ensure guests booked to stay still enjoyed the best possible experience while visiting the capital. Apex City of London Hotel’s main lobby and reception have been fully refurbished to create a luxurious and stylish environment for guests entering the hotel, while the hotel’s main meeting room has also been upgraded – providing first-class facilities for delegates which Apex Hotels is renowned for.

Apex City of LondonThe new restaurant, The Lampery, provides a fresh all-day dining destination with honest cooking in the heart of historic London – with the concept spearheaded by hospitality and events company, Concerto, in partnership with Apex Hotels.

Featuring the ‘terrace’ area, with its stunning suspended foliage canopy, The Lampery also boasts a buzzing bar area, perfect for after work and weekend cocktails.

Brian Tapson, General Manager of Apex City of London Hotel, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome guests to our new look hotel. Following the addition of 30 bedrooms just two years ago, the refurbishment has transformed the hotel, with the inclusion of an indulgent spa and food offering that will appeal to locals as well as hotel guests.”

As part of its £1.5million refurbishment, Apex City of London Hotel has also partnered with PURE Spa & Beauty to bring an oasis of calm to the capital, allowing guests and locals to escape the busy streets of London to enjoy a new fantastic spa experience. As well as five luxurious treatment rooms and a whole host of pampering treats, the spa includes an infra-red sauna, manicure and pedicure bars, a spray tan booth, relaxation area and luxury retail area for the ultimate in relaxation.

www.apexhotels.co.uk/apex-city-of-london-hotel

Sleep 2017: Round Up – another successful edition…

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This year’s Sleep event came to a close on 22nd November, with some calling it the best edition yet.

Around 190 exhibitors were at the show to display their products and services, with many of Hotel Designs’ clients exhibiting – including Chelsom, Crosswater (Bathroom Brands), Curtis Furniture, Skopos, Hypnos, Sekers, Brintons, hansgrohe, Sleep partners GROHE, Style Library and Kobe.

The highlight of Sleep events is the ‘Sleep Set’. The brief for designers in the 2017 Sleep Set competition was Loyalty: Lessons in Love. The challenge? To create and disrupt – and create an experience so memorable that loyalty becomes love. Stonehill Taylor (who won the competition), MKV Design, il Prisma and 1508 London all took up the challenge and created some stunning concepts.

The 2017 Sleeper Bar was designed by Olga and Irina Sundukovy,  the founders of the Moscow-based practice Sundukovy Sisters studio.

Sleep 2017
Likewise, a programme of seminars and talks was held across the two days with topics ranging from design to fast food, from ‘Post-Cool hotels’ to ’emotional modernism’.

www.thesleepevent.com

Astraeus

Collection Launch: Astraeus – new FR voiles from Skopos

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As a follow on from the Zephyr collection, Skopos launched a new series of FR voiles for the contract market at this year’s Sleep event.

With new statement designs including a vintage crinkle silk effect voile, an embroidered vertical design, tailored stripes and an elegant gradated print, the collection brings a mix of matt, linen-look designs, large scale drama, luxurious shimmer and a good offering of simple understated designs.

AstraeusThe collection offers products for bedrooms and public areas, for hospitality, cruise and leisure, to provide a discreet, yet elegant veil for windows.

All products within the collection are washable, wide width, many Trevira CS, conforming to British and European standards for flame retardancy. Making an appearance at this year’s Sleep event, the collection will sit alongside Zephyr in the Skopos portfolio.

AstraeusSkopos is an ISO9001 accredited company and has over 40 year’s specialist experience in the design and manufacture of high performance FR contract fabrics for the hospitality, cruise, care and leisure sectors.

www.skoposfabrics.com

Providence Mills
Earlsheaton
Dewsbury, West Yorkshire
WF12 8HT
UK

T: +44 (0) 19 24 46 51 91
F: +44 (0) 19 24 45 45 75
E: sales@skopos.co.uk

UNWTO condemns Donald Trump's travel ban

Room prices plummet at Donald Trump’s hotels

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It’s more bad news for Donald Trump and his presidency’s impact on his business empire, as it has emerged the average price of a room at Trump hotels across the world have dropped by as much as 64% in some locations.

Just over 300 days after becoming the 45th US President in January, the price of a luxury room at his hotels has dropped by an average of 20 per cent, FairFX reveals.

Out of 13 Trump hotels and resorts researched around the world, the cheapest room can be found at Trump Las Vegas, where prices have dropped to £232 for two nights. This is over £400 cheaper for the same room type than in January, a 64% reduction. The second least expensive room is at the Trump Panama, priced at £234, a 32% decrease since January.

The most expensive room is the Trump Townhouse at £37,907, however this will cost £10,000 less than during inauguration weekend. Two night stays at the Trump Vancouver, Canada, at Macleod House and Lodge in Scotland, at Trump Doonbeg in County Clare Ireland or at the Trump Doral in Florida will fall just short of £400.

The average cost for the best available room this weekend is down by £1,374 since January from £6,821 to £5,447, a 20% decrease since Trump’s inauguration.

Ian Strafford-Taylor, CEO of FairFX, said: “When it comes to holidays timing is everything, and just 300 days after Trump’s inauguration, prices for a weekend in one of his hotels have for the most part decreased.

“Whilst the big events, like the inauguration in Washington, will usually cause prices to rise in that city for a particular weekend, the decreases in other places suggest that it doesn’t necessarily pay to be presidential.”

Gennadi Grand Resort

New design-led hotel transforming Rhodes – Gennadi Grand Resort

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A new resort set on the coast overlooking the azure waters of the Aegean, Gennadi Grand Resort opens in May 2018 and will set a new standard for five-star hospitality in the Greek islands.

Part of Lindos Hotel Group, this eco-friendly luxury resort redefines modern luxury, offering a true sense of locality and with an emphasis on bringing the outside in.

Expertly balancing style and comfort and located on an award-winning beach, Gennadi Grand Resort is smartly designed to reflect its breath-taking setting.

With 266 rooms and suites, most with private pools and equal space outside and in, each room offers sophistication and tranquil beauty and creates a holistic hideaway experience. “We are excited to launch Gennadi Grand Resort, which is a great addition to the Lindos Hotels portfolio. Committed to quality and perfection, Gennadi Grand Resort will offer guests a truly unique and authentic five-star Rhodes experience, combined with a sustainability footprint.” said Kathy Minettos, Owner and Managing Director of Lindos Hotels.

Gennadi Grand ResortAn array of public spaces within this impressive new hotel will include a collection of 11 restaurants and bars, three outdoor swimming pools and one indoor heated pool, a spa/wellness centre, gym, a green roof and theatre, a shopping arcade, conference facilities and a mini club.

As an eco-friendly hotel, Gennadi Grand Resort will operate under a BMS (building management system), to enable efficient energy management. In addition, the property will use a reverse osmosis (RO) plant which provides 20,000 litres of clean, sustainable water per hour using a system that requires little maintenance at low cost. Other energy saving, eco-friendly solutions include a green roof in order to minimise the sunlight reflection and improve the overall microclimate, energy saving glass panels, the latest eco-focused air conditioning/heating system, recycling, litter separation system and energy saving bulbs.

Sleep 2017 Live: Kelly Hoppen joins forces with Brintons

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Kelly Hoppen MBE has joined forces with leading carpet manufacturer Brintons to create a bold new collection of contemporary woven carpets.

The new venture is the renowned interior designer’s first ever carpet collection and will be launched at this year’s Sleep, the annual hotel design event taking place in London today and tomorrow.

The Kelly Hoppen Collection by Brintons brings the designer’s unparalleled eye for trend-leading design to the commercial carpet sector. The result is a distinctive new contemporary aesthetic that completely eschews the typical ‘swirl and block’ patterns for which the commercial/hospitality sector is traditionally known.

Instead, the dynamic collection consists of 13 geometric and organic designs in on-trend colourways that reflect the designer’s award-winning design style and pared-back aesthetic. Kelly Hoppen took inspiration from diverse influences ranging from geometric shapes to elements found in everyday surroundings such as cracks in a pavement and splashes of paint.

“I wanted to do something quite cutting edge and out there compared to what we see at the moment…I think it’s different and it’s in the forefront of design in terms of commercial carpeting, so I am extremely excited,” she says.

Kelly Hoppen - Brintons - Sleep 2017The collection is suitable for a wide variety of hospitality applications including hotels, casinos, cruise ships or airports. Each Kelly Hoppen by Brintons design is woven to order in the full range of specifications that combine Brintons’ patented blend.

After 41 years in design, Kelly Hoppen relished the fresh challenge of designing her first contract carpets: “It’s been fun, it’s been enlightening and I’ve learnt a lot from it. Carpet is an interesting product to design. There is an array of materials and textures and it’s a challenge to design a carpet that is hardwearing but also luxurious, beautiful and comfortable. Although you think of it as a flat surface, it is three-dimensional so the design process is complex. You have to think carefully about scale too as the design needs to work in large expansive areas as well as in narrower spaces such as guestrooms and corridors. Not only that, you need to design a surface that other designers can put their own style on too. Once you get it right though, you just know.”

The designer continued: “In terms of the collaboration with Brintons, there is mutual admiration and respect -Brintons is an incredible company with great heritage. I think this is just the start of a really wonderful collaboration. With this collection, each piece that we’ve created is different and is a statement in itself. I think it’s going to be brilliant.”

Sleep Set

Sleep 2017 Live: Italian ‘Daydream’ flair

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Sleep is one of Europe’s premier hotel design events, and took place in London 21st-22nd November 2017, at The Business Design Centre, Angel.

The brief for designers of this year’s Sleep Set edition is ‘Loyalty: Lessons in Love’: a hotel not as just a place to sleep, but a real experience. Brilliant hotel design creating enduring memories and guest loyalty.


This idea inspired ‘DayDream’ – a suite-stand set up by Studio CaberlonCaroppi from Milan, Italy. A space where technology creates an evolving environment, a changing and engaging hospitality experience.

It’s a choice that celebrates Italian excellence where Italamp perfectly fits the stylistic mood of the installation with elegant design and quality details. The company will be showing the Lily Collection – wall, table and floor lamps – in light gold finish and shade made with a geometrical fabric by Dedar; and Olimpo, a contemporary chandelier with black matte finish and light gold details.

www.italamp.com

Sleep 2017 Live: HD partners on show…

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The annual Sleep event is once again upon us. Hotel Designs partners AXOR/hansgrohe, Kaldewei and Morgan are showcasing their latest collections at the Business Design Centre, Islington from 21st and 22nd November.

Karen, Steph, Paris and myself will be there all day tomorrow, and on Wednesday Karen, Kate and Desi will be attending. If you need to contact us during the event, please feel free to call Karen on: 07973 655343.

Below is a short summary of what to expect:

AXOR and hansgrohe – Stand G23
The AXOR and hansgrohe brands are delighted to be exhibiting once again at the Sleep Event on Stand No G23. Visitors at this year’s event will see an inspiring portfolio of products for hotel bathrooms including new AXOR showers featuring a revolutionary spray type: PowderRain, plus hansgrohe RainSelect – an intuitive unit providing control of between two to five shower functions, along with the regulation of water temperature and quantity in one convenient unit.

Kaldewei – Stand V10
Kaldewei looks forward to exhibiting at Sleep. In addition to their new product launches, colour will play a prominent role on Kaldewei’s stand V10. Here they will display washbasins and shower surfaces in the exclusive matt shades of the Coordinated Colours Collection and providing a ‘Perfect Match’, one harmonious design vocabulary in a single material, throughout the bathroom.

Morgan – Stand M23C
Morgan, the design-led British manufacturer of contract furniture will once more be exhibiting at Sleep on Stand M23c, showcasing a selection of their inspiring designs including; the Goodwood console and coffee table. These are the most recent additions, to the Goodwood collection, which includes; a group of armchairs featuring a distinctive timber detail. The Havana and Valencia collection will also be on show, including the statement Valencia daybed as well as a new banquette option. Additionally, there will also be updates from Morgan’s Pimlico collection, and some exciting new tables are to be launched at Sleep.

Sleep 2017

Sleep 2017 Live: Five reasons to visit this year…

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Sleep opens its doors for two days of hotel design business this morning – don’t forget that you can register here for fast track entry and pick up your badge on arrival – and here are five key reasons to be here this year…

Keep up with a fast-changing market
Sleep is globally acknowledged for ideas, installations and experiences that tap into the pulse of the hotel design industry. And things are changing fast. Travel numbers are rising. The number of hotel projects for Europe is currently beaten only by Asia Pacific; and the latest from TOPHOTELPROJECTS indicates a 300% increase in openings in 2018 compared to 2017. What will this mean for your clients and your business? Take stock at this year’s event…

New trends, new products, new launches
Discover newly launched and innovative products from renowned UK & global brands – from GROHE to Brintons (HD clients), Vescom to Fabbian, Sans Souci to Bang & Olufsen and VitrA to Kobe (HD clients) – in a line up that’s more international than ever, with 32% of exhibitors coming from Italy, France, Germany, Portugal, Denmark, Holland and the USA. Inspire new directions for your projects and buy new products in advance from 50+ debut brands – exclusively and only at Sleep.

Grow your network
If you envisage the entire hotel supply chain as a room full of people all networking and discussing projects… then you’re at Sleep. This is the meeting place for the global hotel and design community. From Conran and Partners to Best Western Hotels and Resorts, Gensler to Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Zaha Hadid Architects to AccorHotels, Aukett Swanke to Hilton International, Wates Construction to IHG and Project Orange to Carlson Rezidor – make the connections. Have the conversations. Create the business.

Sleep Conference – new insights and knowledge
Hear from the influencers shaping global hospitality, debate the challenges and aspirations driving the industry and tap into the undercurrents shaping its future. From fast food to slow design, new concepts of luxury to post-cool hotels; development to loyalty, hear from Tristan Auer, Eero Koivisto, Blanche van Berckel, Hannah Carter Owers, 25hours Hotels and David Collins Studio – part of a line-up of 25+ international speakers.

Fresh inspiration – Sleep disrupts and challenges
Think different. From the science behind the experience economy and the show theme of Loyalty; Lessons in Love to the conceptual playground of the Sleep Set pop-up guest rooms, Sleep aims to provoke, disrupt and inspire. Wander through the immersive Spaces with installations of roof terraces, wetrooms and more. Loyalty is more than points. Great design wins business.

More information here…

New York Hilton Midtown, the 1,907-room iconic landmark hotel and member of Park Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious portfolio, has announced the completion of three suites

New York Hilton Midtown completes new Suites

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New York Hilton Midtown, the 1,907-room iconic landmark hotel and member of Park Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious portfolio, has announced the completion of three types of premium suites overlooking Central Park.

Further elevating the level of hospitality on the 40th and 41st floors of the popular Midtown destination, the five high-end suites feature the finest products, interior design and architecture in the hotel’s history.

New York City-based architecture and interior design firm Stonehill Taylor designed the suites and drew inspiration from nearby landmarks such as the Prometheus sculpture by Paul Manship at Rockefeller Center and the Seagram Building by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

Each room features a custom curated art collection by consulting company Museum Edition, as well as custom made carpets, furniture, framing, lighting and more. With private vestibules, foyers and kitchens connected to corridors for staff to seamlessly come and go, each suite was designed to entertain. The connected adjacent rooms allow for a greater number of guests to share accommodations.

Presidential Suite
As the largest of the collection, the 3,700-square-foot Presidential Suite is the size of approximately ten guest rooms and intended to accommodate large parties. Designed to look like a home, the open layout is complimented by a neutral palette, modern furniture and luxe fabrics. The sophisticated aesthetic is seen throughout the suite, consisting of a gallery and foyer, living and lounge area, media room, game room with a custom made billiard table, dining room, bar and kitchen area, master bedroom and bath clad in travertine stone. The media room stands as a true home theater, encompassed by Art Deco-inspired folding walls for maximum flexibility.

Corner Suite
The Corner Suite, of which there are three iterations varying between 1,820 square feet and 2,180 square feet, is a romantic space that nods to Martha Graham’s fluid movements. This suite exudes elegance with elevated finishes paired with warm woods. Large groups of furniture create a relaxed, residential feel and elevate entertainment opportunities. The six-bay suite includes a foyer, living room, dining room, bar and master bedroom with a master bath including a black claw-foot tub, Carrara marble walls and porcelain tiles.

Linear Suite
The Linear Suite, at 1,600 square feet, is an edgy, tech-forward space inspired by the Museum of Modern Art and Whitney Museum of American Art. Geometric art is coupled with theatrical furniture in the living area. The eight-bay suite consists of a foyer, living room, media room, dining and bar, and master bedroom with master bath featuring hexagon porcelain tiles.

InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong completes ‘rejuvenation’

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InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong is delighted to announce the completion of its $43 million (£32.4 million) renovation project and to unveil a rejuvenating look with 572 newly refurbished guestrooms.

Possessing more than 30 years of experience and having completed almost 100 hotel projects, veteran John Chan Design Limited was appointed to create the redesign and complete the transformation of all 572 guestrooms and suites with brand new, sleek design combined with efficient technology, ensuring the most modern and user-friendly experience for guests.

When entering the newly-redesigned guest rooms, one immediately notices that the exquisite upholstery, hand-tufted carpet and curtains are carefully chosen in a warm palette of earthy tones to establish a welcoming ambience. Taking the advantage of waterfront location, over 40% of guest rooms allow guests to get an eyeful as mirror panels in-room reflect the spectacular views of Victoria Harbour alongside the ceiling-to-floor windows.

InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong is delighted to announce the completion of its $43 million (£32.4 million) renovation projectThree types of suites are furnished with hardwood floors as an enhancement to its modernity. The new interior design is further adorned with the installation of LED mood lights to create a more inviting atmosphere. Discerning travelers can take advantage of the expanded work space with aplenty power outlets in addition to complimentary WiFi access.

To better appeal to the modern-day travellers and allow them to stay connected seamlessly, all rooms and suites are enriched with advanced technology including the USB ports and cutting-edge handy smartphone. The ‘Handy smartphone’ offers guests unlimited complimentary local and international calls up to 20 countries, unlimited 3G mobile Internet access as well as Wi-Fi hotspot & tethering.

www.hongkong.intercontinental.com/en

Hilton's upscale Tapestry Collection adds New Orleans boutique hotel

Hilton’s upscale Tapestry Collection adds New Orleans boutique hotel

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Hilton’s newest brand, Tapestry Collection, continues to grow with the addition of three vibrant and unique hotels, all of which anchor notable southern, coastal cities in the United Sates.

The Troubadour New Orleans open this week, and The Cotton Sail Hotel Savannah (Georgia) and Hotel Ballast Wilmington (North Carolina) have been signed and are set to debut as part of Hilton’s collection of original upscale hotels in 2018.

Located in the blossoming Central Business District near the Mississippi River, The Troubadour exemplifies the vibrant character of New Orleans. The 184-guestroom boutique hotel boasts the Petit Lion – a casual bistro – and the Monkey Board – a lively rooftop bar offering panoramic skyline views across the Crescent City.

The Troubadour is a great addition for Hilton loyalists desiring upscale hotel accommodations in the city, joining the iconic Roosevelt, a Waldorf Astoria hotel, Hilton New Orleans Riverside, Hilton New Orleans St. Charles and DoubleTree by Hilton New Orleans.

Collection Spotlight: Vintage Cusions from Sanderson

Collection Spotlight: Vintage Cushions from Sanderson

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Celebrating iconic and well-loved designs from their historic archive, Style Library brand Sanderson launches the Vintage Cushion Collection.

Dating back to the last century these archetypal designs have been recreated in fresh new colourways: Vintage Rose, Peony Brights and Primrose & Dove. Nostalgic yet vibrant; a contemporary way to bring classic florals into the home.

VINTAGE ROSE & PEONY
Designed in 1927, Rose & Peony began life as a wallpaper design with 16 colours (a mark of luxury in wallpaper design). It was produced by surface roller printing at the original Sanderson wallpaper factory in Chiswick. In 1930 the design was first printed as a fabric and the pattern has been a Sanderson favourite ever since.

Available in 3 colourways: Vintage Rose, Peony Brights and Primrose/Dove.

Rose & Peony

VINTAGE CHELSEA
Created by then head designer, Kenneth Vivian Truman in 1959 to celebrate Sanderson’s centenary year in 1960. Chelsea has been known to occupy Sanderson’s textile print machines for six months at a time, such is its popularity. It is the most iconic of all Sanderson florals and Truman is credited for creating ‘the Sanderson look’. Chelsea is the foundation on which all classic, Sanderson floral patterns are built.

Available in 2 colourways: Indigo/Linen and Vintage Rose.

Chelsea

Chelsea

VINTAGE STAPLETON PARK
Created by Pat Etheridge, a Sanderson in-house studio designer since the mid-1960s. This awe-inspiring pattern encapsulates the characteristics of an English country house chintz. Stapleton Park remains one of Sanderson’s best loved patterns and continues to decorate homes throughout the world.

Available in 3 colourways: Primrose/Dove, Indigo/Linen and Peony Brights.

Stapleton Park

Stapleton Park

VINTAGE KASHMIR PAISLEY
A reinterpreted paisley from the Sanderson archive, Kashmir Paisley evokes the spirit of Bohemia, with its sweeping outlines and vivacious colours. Paisleys are an amazing way, to layer pattern, this one has been coloured to beautifully complement the three statement designs of this collection, or equally to make a statement in its own right.

Available in 3 colourways: Peony Brights, Indigo/Linen and Vintage Rose.

Kashmir Paisley

Kashmir Paisley

www.stylelibrarycontract.com

Chalfont House, Oxford Road, Denham, UB9 4DX
UK

T:01895 221050

E: info@stylelibrarycontract.com

Perfect hotel brochure

Guest Blog: 5 key steps for a perfect hotel brochure

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Although it may seem like the hotel industry is always a booming one, there is still plenty of marketing that needs to be made, simply because the industry is so competitive.

There are always people looking to travel and stay abroad but only a limited number of places to do so! With this in mind, it’s so important that you create perfect hotel brochures for your potential customers to reference, luring them into everything your hotel has to offer and securing that all-important sale.

To help you get started, here are five steps from Gloria Kopp at Australia Help you need to take to ensure perfection and the highest quality…

Format Properly
When it comes to putting all your photos and content together, you can’t just stick it in any old place. You need to make sure everything is nicely laid out and flows properly. You can use tools like Easy Word Count to make sure that your content fits nicely in your brochure and doesn’t exceed your publisher’s word limit and tools like Adobe Spark to create your brochure on your own!

perfect hotel brochure

You need to make sure everything is nicely laid out and flows properly…

Create a Captivating Headline
The headline of your brochure is the first impression you’re going to make with your customers, so you want to write something that grabs their attention and doesn’t let them go. Imagine your brochure is sitting on a rack with dozens of other brochures. What can you write about your hotel that will make you brochure leap out in front of all the rest? When it comes to writing a headline, be sure to use proper grammar. Otherwise, people will instantly dismiss your hotel due to lack of professionalism. You can check this aspect using tools like State of Writing. Alternatively, if you’re stuck for an idea, use copywriting services like Ukwritings to create your headlines for you.

Utilise the Best Photos
Nothing sells a hotel better than the photos that are in the brochure. You can use as many visual words as you want but nothing will sell or create an emotional image in your potential customer’s heads than an actual high-quality image. Whether you’re advertising your actual hotel, the location, the city you’re based in or even activities your hotel provides, use images to really catch your customer’s attention. If you’re stuck and not sure where to look for images, try searching on Pixabay, or use the free templates and images found on Canva.

perfect hotel brochure

Nothing will sell or create an emotional image in your potential customer’s heads than an actual high-quality image…

Writing Your Content
Of course, the most important part of your sales technique once your customer has actually picked up your brochure is by leading them in further with your written content. This means you need to create an email in your readers head about what their experience is going to be like. For example; “During your stay at **hotel name**, we pride ourselves on doing everything we can to ensure that your stay will create memories that will last a lifetime. Start your day with sweeping views of the beautiful, crystal-clear oceans that roll in a cool sea breeze as you make your way to the intercontinental breakfast. Then, the day is yours to do as you please, but you’ll have complete peace of mind knowing your room is clean and ready for the perfect night’s sleep, ready to start all over again the next day.”

This is a very condensed summary of a hotel, but as you can see, it creates an image in your readers head that will make them want to stay at your hotel, which is, of course, the end goal. If you’re struggling with ideas, you can use content tools like Essay Roo or Academadvisor to help.

perfect hotel brochure

The most important part of your sales technique once your customer has actually picked up your brochure is by leading them in further with written content…

Ensure Accuracy
If someone is reading through your brochure and it’s full of spelling mistakes, typos and incorrectly formatted sentences, this unprofessional image that you’re giving to your potential customers is going to push them away. To them, if you can’t even spot a spelling mistake in your work, how are you supposed to give them an unforgettable holiday of a lifetime? This means you’re going to need to proofread your brochure as the final thing that you do. If you doubt your proofreading skills, you can always use proofreading tools like Cite It In and Boomessays, so you don’t have to risk poor quality content.

As you can see, there are a number of things you can do to make sure that your brochure stands out from the crowd and has the impact you want it to have. Just make sure you follow this guide and leave no room for error!

Gloria KoppGloria Kopp is an advertising manager and a content marketer at Australian Help. She is a regular contributor at Engadget and Paper Fellows blogs. Besides, Gloria is an author of Studydemic educational blog where she shares her writing and career advice with students.

Hotel Designs Logo stacked & NEW strapline-012

11-17 November: Top 10 stories of the week…

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

1. RENAISSANCE HOTELS OPENS DOORS IN DUBAI
Located in the thriving Business Bay district, which was recently listed in Lonely Planet’s ‘10 of the World’s coolest neighborhoods to visit right now,’ the new Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai boasts 298 guestrooms…

2. HOTEL JARDÍN TROPICAL – TENERIFE COMPLETES REFURBISHMENT
Christmas has come early for those looking for one of the best hotel experiences in Tenerife, thanks to a major refurbishment of the stunning Hotel Jardín Tropical.

3. GLASGOW’S GLEDDOCH HOTEL SPA AND GOLF JOINS BW PREMIER COLLECTION
Gleddoch Hotel Spa and Golf just outside Glasgow is the latest upscale hotel to join Best Western Great Britain’s soft brand the BW Premier Collection.

4. AVANI METROPOLIS AUCKLAND RESIDENCES OPENS ITS DOORS
The introduction of residences to AVANI Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio redefines hospitality as it appeals to both leisure and business travellers looking for an international upscale hotel experience served in a private apartment.

5. YTL HOTELS’ MONKEY ISLAND ESTATE, BRAY TO OPEN EARLY 2018
In Spring 2018, YTL Hotels UK’s newest property Monkey Island Estate will open in the historic village of Bray-on-Thames, Berkshire.

6. HOW AI IS CHANGING THE HIRING PROCESS
The hotel industry is being urged to embrace the future of tech as artificial intelligence, or AI, becomes more and more sophisticated…

7. CHELSOM EXHIBITING AT SLEEP FOR 11TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
Chelsom are delighted to announce that they will once again be exhibiting at the annual Sleep Event, which takes place at the Business Design Centre in London on 21st-22nd November 2017…

8. MARRIOTT REVEALS ‘IOT’ HOTEL ROOM OF THE FUTURE…
As technology continues to evolve and play an increasingly active role in our daily lives, Marriott International has teamed with two leading companies – Samsung and Legrand – to launch the hospitality industry’s first Internet of Things (‘IoT’) hotel room…

9. VERSITAL ANNOUNCED AS FINALISTS FOR TOP DESIGN AWARD
Luxury surface manufacturer, Versital is a finalist for the second year in a row in the ‘Product of the Year: Surface’ category for the Mixology North Awards 2017…

10. GREEN TOURISM OUTLINES NEW SUSTAINABILITY CHECK
Green Tourism has detailed its latest ‘Green Check’ offering for tourism businesses seeking a sustainability award.

Maison Valentina

Bolder Bathrooms Focus: Maison Valentina

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Maison Valentina is a new luxury bathroom brand that provides a collection capable of making project dreams a reality with high-end solutions as bathtubs, washbasins and free-standing units – all made with the finest selection of materials; brass, marble, wood, glass.

Each piece is crafted with rare handiwork techniques and contemporary design.

Check out their range below and find out more by clicking here…

Koi washbasin and Koi bathtub - Maison Valentina

KOI Washbasin - Maison Valentina

maisonvalentina.net

Sneak Peek: MarBella Nido, Corfu

Sneak Peek: MarBella Nido, Corfu

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The newest addition to the MarBella Hotels family, MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas, is set to open on the 5th May 2018.

Nestled into the South-East corner of Corfu in Agios Ioannis Peristeron, this newly built adults-only property is situated adjacent to sister property MarBella Corfu Hotel.

With the hotel name Nido deriving from Italian meaning ‘nest’, the hotel reflects this in its warmth and intimate environment. MarBella Nido will not only offer a cosy and intimate atmosphere with a blend of Corfiot heritage and stylish comfort, but the property will echo Corfu’s natural charm, making guests feel at home during their stay.

MarBella Nido will offer a range of individually designed 70 junior suites, deluxe suites and luxury villas all with stunning views across the glistening waters of the Ionian Sea. Every room from the junior suites up to the luxury villas with private pool offers luxurious elegance. Inspired by the natural environment, each room is complemented by sleek design, modern amenities and breath-taking scenery and sea views at every turn.

This brand new luxurious accommodation stays true to Corfu’s heritage. All suites and villas will be contemporary in design with neutral tones, offering sleek and elegant furnishings combined with the local Corfiot aesthetics.

Sneak Peek: MarBella Nido, CorfuGuests will be welcomed into rooms and suites that offer privacy, relaxation and comfort. Furthermore, many of the suites, including the grand terrace junior suites and deluxe junior suites, come equipped with a private terrace whirlpool as well as stylish sunbeds, table and chairs.

www.marbellanido.gr

Pod Brooklyn opened its doors in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, introducing the next generation of properties

Concept POD Hotel opens property in Brooklyn

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Pod Brooklyn opened its doors in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, introducing the next generation of properties from BD Hotels in partnership with CB Developers.

Following the models in Manhattan and Washington DC (Pod 51, Pod 39 & Pod DC), Pod Brooklyn carries on with the micro-hotel concept, which utilises modular guestrooms built entirely in Poland and shipped to New York City.

POD BrooklynThe 249 modular rooms, each about 100 square feet, and include queen and bunk bed configurations with features like built-in storage and high-tech amenities, which allow guests to stream their own media content from iPhones or other devices.

Guestrooms include oversized windows looking onto green gardens and public spaces, creating a social campus feel, but also include blackout and noise-blocking shades for when travelers wish to unplug.

The property stands on the corner of Metropolitan and Driggs Avenue.

thepodhotel.com

Marriott reveals 'IoT' hotel room of the future...

Marriott reveals ‘IoT’ hotel room of the future…

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As technology continues to evolve and play an increasingly active role in our daily lives, Marriott International has teamed with two leading companies – Samsung and Legrand – to launch the hospitality industry’s first Internet of Things (‘IoT’) hotel room to inspire the ultimate hotel experience of the future.

The IoT Guestroom Lab – powered by Marriott’s Innovation Lab at the company’s corporate headquarters – explores concepts that have the potential to elevate the guest experience, create more efficient hotel room design and construction, and contribute to Marriott’s global sustainability efforts and goals. As the hospitality industry’s “smart” hotel room, the Lab allows multiple responsive IoT systems, devices and applications to communicate with one another to serve guests and optimise hotel operations.

“We know that our guests expect to personalise almost everything in their lives, and their hotel experience should be no different,” said Stephanie Linnartz, Global Chief Commercial Officer, Marriott International. “By teaming with best-in-class partners, we are leveraging mobile and voice-enabled technology to give our guests the ability to set up the room to best meets their needs – whether that is creating the ultimate relaxation environment or one that enables productivity for business travelers.”

“At Samsung, we aspire to make life easier and better for our consumers, whether they’re at home or their home away from home,” said James Stansberry, Senior Vice President and General Manager of ARTIK IoT, Samsung Electronics. “Partnering with Legrand and Marriott, we can offer users unprecedented levels of control and personalisation, thanks to our end-to-end IoT services powered by the ARTIK platform and the SmartThings Cloud. From intuitive lighting to voice-activated room controls, we’re delivering customisable, intelligent experiences that make our consumers’ lives more convenient, productive and secure.”

Developing an intuitive system is critical as Marriott seeks to continuously innovate the global guest experience across its 30 brands. The technology inside the IoT Guestroom Lab allows, for instance, a user to ask a virtual assistant for a 6:30am wake-up alarm, to start a yoga routine on a full-length mirror, request additional housekeeping services and start the shower at the desired temperature stored in their customer profile – all by voice or app.

“We’re proud to be innovating with industry leading partners to get closer to revolutionising the guest experience, along with hotel operations and even hotel construction,” said Karim Khalifa, Senior Vice President, Global Design, Marriott International. “Together with Samsung and Legrand, we are well on our way to creating the hotel room of the future.”

“At Legrand, we offer a suite of power, light and data solutions that bring power and connectivity to previously untapped locations. Legrand is partnering with Marriott to improve the guest experience in a cost effective and intuitive manner. This work further supports our Eliot Program in North America, Legrand’s global IoT program that encompasses our ambition, drives our product innovation and fosters our partnership in the IoT space,” said Ken Freeman, Senior Vice President of Demand Creation, Legrand. “Legrand’s product portfolio can elevate a property by turning everyday features into lasting highlights. We are thrilled to collaborate with Marriott and Samsung to conceptualise and deliver on the future traveler’s needs.”

Marriott is working towards a future where hotel owners would have a seamless, transparent and flexible end-to-end solution that requires minimal equipment, while customers would enjoy an integrated experience with access to their own data and information, as well as accessible voice and mobile-optimised controls. Such systems would also benefit hotel operations and improve personalised service by, for instance, allowing staff to provide services at a guest’s desired time.

Following the three-month-long IoT Guestroom Lab, Marriott, Samsung and Legrand will analyse feedback to continue innovating with IoT technology. Consumers will start to see elements of the technology in hotel rooms within the next five years.

www.marriott.com/default.mi

Andaz Singapore

Andaz Singapore opens as first Andaz hotel in south-east Asia

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Hyatt Hotels has announced the opening of Andaz Singapore, the first Andaz hotel to open in Southeast Asia.

Andaz Singapore furthers the brand’s mission to create inspiring, indigenous experiences that immerse guests in the local culture of each unique destination. The hotel marks the seventeenth property for the brand and joins other Andaz hotels in global gateway cities and top resort destinations around the world.

Andaz SingaporeLocated at the heart of cultural crossroads, where Kampong Glam, Little India and the Bras Basah Bugis arts and entertainment hub meet, the locally inspired boutique hotel draws inspiration from its lively surroundings – intimate alleyways filled with shop houses in vibrant colours and textures – and weaves this ambience into the hotel to offer guests fresh perspectives of the city.

Andaz Singapore opens in DUO, a striking pair of concave skyscrapers, 186 and 170 metres high, clad in a latticework of hexagonal windows. Designed by multi-award-winning German architect Ole Scheeren, renowned for his works with the China Central Television Headquarters in Beijing and Prada Epicenters in New York and Los Angeles, DUO is the largest integrated development in the Ophir-Rochor district and comprises of residences, retail spaces, offices and the new Andaz Singapore hotel.

Chelsom are delighted to announce that they will once again be exhibiting at the annual Sleep Event, which takes place at the Business Design Centre

Chelsom exhibiting at Sleep for 11th consecutive year

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Chelsom are delighted to announce that they will once again be exhibiting at the annual Sleep Event, which takes place at the Business Design Centre in London on 21st-22nd November 2017.

Sleep is Europe’s leading trade event for interior hospitality products providing an annual meeting for those at the forefront of hotel design, development and architecture.

This will be Chelsom’s 11th consecutive year at the event and this year they will be exhibiting a selection of stunning custom designed products created specifically for the refurbishment of the guestrooms and suites of The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London.

In addition Chelsom will also be providing an exclusive preview of brand new pieces from the upcoming collection, Edition 26, as designed entirely in-house by Robert and Will Chelsom and will be available from May 2018 onwards.

Managing Director, Will Chelsom said: “Sleep is the number one UK show in terms of interior design for the hospitality market and we are very pleased to be back again. Being able to see what the wider market is up to is really inspirational and it’s a great environment for companies to showcase their latest product designs and innovations.

“Sleep has become a key date in the diaries of many leading hospitality professionals so it’s exciting for us to be promoting our new off-shoot collection and promoting a selection of new pieces from what is undoubtedly our most eclectic collection to date,” he added.

www.chelsom.co.uk

T: +44 (0) 12 53 83 14 00
F: +44 (0) 12 53 69 80 98
E: marketing@chelsom.co.uk

Hotel Jardín Tropical – Tenerife completes refurbishment

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Christmas has come early for those looking for one of the best hotel experiences in Tenerife, thanks to a major refurbishment of the stunning Hotel Jardín Tropical.

Situated in Costa Adeje in the south of the largest of the Canary Islands, the exclusive hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean with stunning views towards the neighbouring island of La Gomera and benefits from Tenerife’s constant year-round sunshine and temperatures of around 23°c.

But a recent investment programme at the 390-room hotel has now made the premium experience even more enticing ahead of the December 1, 2017 relaunch, just in time for a sun-drenched festive season for those looking to escape the UK winter.

The new-look hotel’s interior style has been overseen by Barcelona-based Jaime Beriestain, who was awarded the prestigious AD Espana Interior Designer of the Year in 2016 and has an extensive portfolio of previous clients at some of the most salubrious hotels around the world.

Hotel Jardín Tropical - Tenerife completes refurbishment

Hotel Jardín Tropical - Tenerife completes refurbishmentHis vision has gained huge acclaim and the Hotel Jardín Tropical project has created a chic, personal touch, while retaining its unique personality in its spectacular setting.

Aside from the new look, there is also a fresh take on luxury. The Club is a fabulous new five-star experience with exclusive features for guests who prefer an extra layer of comfort with 90 rooms and suites, exclusive hotel areas and a host of features to enhance any stay to an even higher standard.

Hotel director Saad Azzam said: “We look forward to welcoming our guests to the relaunch of Hotel Jardín Tropical and we are sure it will go beyond all expectations in terms of service. We believe we offer the very best hotel experience in Tenerife.”

www.jardin-tropical.com/en/

Photos: The Azalea Group

Gleddoch

Glasgow’s Gleddoch Hotel Spa and Golf joins BW Premier Collection

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Gleddoch Hotel Spa and Golf just outside Glasgow is the latest upscale hotel to join Best Western Great Britain’s soft brand the BW Premier Collection.

Set in 360 acres the 75 bedroom Gleddoch Hotel Spa and Golf is the second BW Premier Collection property to join in Scotland, following the recruitment of Ten Hill Place in Edinburgh.

GleddochChris Davis, Head of Corporate Sales, Gleddoch, BW Premier Collection says: “We’re incredibly pleased to have joined BW Premier Collection. We see this as the ideal way to partner with a widely respected brand, to gain access to more corporate business while maintaining our hotel’s individuality. Since our refurbishment programme was complete our hotel business has performed extremely well and we look forward to taking that to the next level with BW Premier Collection.”

GleddochBest Western Great Britain’s Managing Director, Les Asplen comments: “We are delighted to welcome Gleddoch Hotel Spa and Golf to BW Premier Collection. It is a wonderful property with fantastic facilities making it a destination in its own right for leisure and corporate guests. Best Western is going from strength to strength, increasing and improving the variety of properties in its collection of independent hotels and we look forward to welcoming more hotels into brand in the next few months.”

GleddochGleddoch was purchased by the Johal family in late 2015, when they set in motion a full refurbishment programme, which was completed in May 2017. The hotel caters for both leisure and business guests, with conference facilities able to accommodate up to 150 delegates.

Conveniently located 15 minutes away from Glasgow International Airport and 20 minutes from Glasgow City Centre, the hotel features a championship 18-hole golf course and a luxurious spa, with facilities including a 17m heated indoor pool, eight tranquil treatments rooms, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and a conservatory with heated day beds overlooking the River Clyde and the Renfrewshire hills.

www.gleddoch.com

www.bestwestern.co.uk

Versital announced as finalists for top design award

Versital announced as finalists for top design award

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Luxury surface manufacturer, Versital is a finalist for the second year in a row in the ‘Product of the Year: Surface’ category for the Mixology North Awards 2017.

Versital is delighted to announce that its signature ‘faux’ cultured marble surface material has been selected yet again as a finalist for a prestigious design award.

This year the brand new ‘Metallic Marble’ finish has been short listed as a contender for product of the year. The Mixology Awards acknowledge the very best in design; awarding products that bring something truly unique to the industry. The shortlist was selected by a panel of judges made up of architects and industry experts. Finalists have been judged based on a criteria that considered factors such as sustainability, design originality, aesthetics, ease of use and commercial viability.

Gemma Stockberger, Marketing Director for Versital, comments: “We couldn’t be more delighted to have been short listed for the second year in a row for our brand new Metallic Marble finishes. A Mixology award is the stamp of approval in the interior design and hospitality industry. Our surfaces bring a fantastic solution to the industry and have been specified in a number of upmarket projects both in the North and the rest of the UK this year, including Whitbread and Mitchells & Butlers.”

Versital - Bathroom DivisionThe Mixology North Awards were created by the team behind the highly regarded design publication, Mix Interiors, to support and recognise the many dynamic brands within the interior design industry, regardless of their size. The winners will be announced on the 7th December 2017 in a ceremony at Manchester Central that will be attended by over 800 members of the interior design community.

Versital’s product offering for the hospitality sector includes bespoke bar tops, table tops, washroom vanities, shower trays and shower panels in faux marble and granite, as well as high gloss and high sparkle finishes. Versital’s shares the same classic and stylish looks as the natural material, however is non-porous, 100% waterproof and stain resistant, and is available in a vast range of colours and made to order sizes and shapes.

www.versital.co.uk

sales@versital.co.uk

Victoria Mill, Bradford Road,
Bolton BL3 2HF
Telephone: 01204 380 780
Fax: 01204 371 101

YTL Hotels Monkey Island, Bray

YTL Hotels’ Monkey Island Estate, Bray to open early 2018

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In Spring 2018, YTL Hotels UK’s newest property Monkey Island Estate will open in the historic village of Bray-on-Thames, Berkshire. The island, with an intriguing history dating back 800 years, has been the haunt of monarchs, aristocrats and artists, along with writers, famous performers and Berkshire locals.

Monkey Island has constantly reflected the mood of the time, from medieval religious power, serene Georgian privilege or restrained Edwardian leisure – even the joyous freewheeling 1960s. Alongside its unique early 18th century fishing retreats built by the Duke of Marlborough with their famous monkey artworks, it has been immortalised in one of the great works of early 20th century literature, published its own journal and, for the last 180 years, provided some of Britain’s most unique hospitality.

Following YTL’s superb renovation, visitors from London and beyond will yet again have their very own private countryside escape to enjoy. The striking white bricked Pavilion and Temple buildings will now make up the main hotel areas of YTL’s Monkey Island Estate, surrounded by picturesque views of the River Thames and beautifully manicured gardens.

Set across seven acres, the restored Monkey Island Estate will consist of 27 bedrooms and three deluxe suites, all designed by the award-winning New York-based Champalimaud Design, who orchestrated distinctive interior design projects for YTL’s first British property, The Gainsborough Bath Spa, as well as Green Leaf Niseko Village and the most recently launched Ritz Carlton, Koh Samui. The furnishings of Monkey Island will juxtapose timeless glamour and traditional features with a modern, relaxed countryside style, creating a unique blend of past and present.

Monkey Island will be the perfect retreat for those wanting to take a foodie pilgrimage to the culinary excellence of Bray. The only village in the world that lays claim to two three Michelin-starred restaurants, including Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck and the Roux brothers’ Waterside Inn, Bray has long been a destination for gastronomic-enthusiasts. Monkey Island will also be making its own mark on the area with their relaxed Monkey Island Brasserie serving up modern British cuisine.

Steeped in stylish yet laid back luxury, Monkey Island will be the perfect spot for weekend escapes from the city, weddings and romantic breaks. For those who want to enjoy Bray-on-Thames in comfort and style, the hotel will be the ideal retreat to experience the rejuvenation of this historic landmark to its full former glory.

www.ytlhotels.com

AVANI Hotels & Resorts has announced the acquisition of the Metro Suites business in Auckland, New Zealand in a deal worth over NZ$ 11 million (£5.8 million)

AVANI Metropolis Auckland Residences opens its doors

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The introduction of residences to AVANI Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio redefines hospitality as it appeals to both leisure and business travellers looking for an international upscale hotel experience served in a private apartment.

Now open, AVANI Metropolis Residences offer a stylish city retreat with 65 contemporary, upscale residences available in one and two bedroom configurations. Guests can enjoy all the comforts of home in the heart of Auckland.

AVANI Metropolis Auckland Residences take urban living to a new level, featuring an open plan well equipped kitchen, lounge and dining room, laundry facilities, complimentary WiFi, grocery delivery services and a thoughtful selection of high-tech comforts.

Several residences also boast private balconies. When it comes to recharging, relaxing and working out, the property has a superb range of leisure facilities including, a 22 metre heated indoor swimming pool & Jacuzzi, sauna and high-class fitness centre.

In addition, the group will also be opening Broadbeach Residences on Australia’s Gold Coast in December 2017.

www.minorhotels.com/en/avani/metropolis-auckland

Hampton by Hilton Rome

Hampton by Hilton arrives in Italy

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Hilton’s Hampton by Hilton brand has this week announced the opening of its first property in Italy, Hampton by Hilton Rome East. The hotel joins 64 other Hampton by Hilton properties open across Europe.

Hampton by Hilton Rome East is also Hilton’s first property in Italy to offer Digital Key, the mobile-enabled room key technology that enables Hilton Honors members to simply and securely open the door of their room, as well as any other area of the hotel that requires a key, at the touch of a button available through the Hilton Honors app.

“We are thrilled to open Italy’s first Hampton by Hilton property which offers modern rooms, meeting space and a convenient location. We are also pleased to be Hilton’s first property in Italy to offer Digital Key,” said Sebastian Siciliano, general manager. “We look forward to welcoming guests with caring and thoughtful Hamptonality service and providing them with the brand’s signature amenities, all backed by the 100% Hampton Guarantee.”

The hotel contains 148 contemporary rooms (some interconnecting) with comfortable beds, 40-inch HDTV, work desk with ergonomic chair and complimentary Wi-Fi.

hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/

 

Renaissance Hotels opens doors in Dubai

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Located in the thriving Business Bay district, which was recently listed in Lonely Planet’s ‘10 of the World’s coolest neighborhoods to visit right now,’ the new Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai boasts 298 guestrooms, including 65 sprawling suites. Inspiring a sense of spontaneous discovery at every turn, the latest in the brand’s portfolio set the stage for inspiring stories that are worth retelling.

“The spectacular new Renaissance Downtown Hotel in Dubai is a highly anticipated addition to our rapidly growing portfolio in the region,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “With its artful design, vibrant and eclectic dining scene and engaging experiences, the hotel embraces the spirit of Dubai as a one-of-a-kind destination and Renaissance as a global lifestyle brand that inspires guests to discover something wonderfully new every time they travel. We are confident it will soon emerge as the newest lifestyle destination for global travelers as well as local residents.”

Raw yet Refined: Renaissance’s Dramatic Design Shows a Different Side of Dubai
Led by the renowned interior firm WA International, the hotel’s design thrives from stark contrasts created through materiality, different textures and a dynamic color palette. Inspired by the fluidity of Dubai’s iconic sand dunes, matte hues of black and gold are woven throughout the public spaces and guestrooms – seemingly in motion when seen through pebbled glass and unfinished mirrored surfaces.

Upon arrival, a metallic art installation depicting the dynamic cityscape of Dubai takes center-stage. Overhead, an impressive hand-blown glass chandelier spans the length of the lobby, enticing guests to explore further. Floor to ceiling golden chains frame unpolished concrete at check-in, while a walk through the lobby reveals natural wood finishes, exposed ironwork beams, and an unexpected warmth fueled by the open fireplace.

Inspired Accommodations Provide a License to Play
Every moment thoughtfully-designed to tell a story: installations above each corridor appear as golden waves connoting the desert as wind passes through, juxtapose the wall coverings that have a dry and cracked effect. Each of the 298 spectacular guestrooms and suites boast floor to ceiling windows, allowing natural light and creating playful shadows against hues of deep blue and pale greys. The sumptuous fabrics, sandy color leather accents and natural wood finishes complement the matte gold and metal hardware that theatrically changes throughout the day with the movement of natural light.

Guests are greeted by a close-up black and white photograph of a camel smirking; and above the bed, Pablo Picasso’s famed camel sketch is reimagined into a cheeky, 3D iron rod sculpture – both playful jests to reframe your stay.

World-Acclaimed Chefs Set the Stage for Culinary Excellence
Culinary outlets at Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai – BHAR, Grounded, BASTA!, Bleu Blanc and Morimoto Dubai – are set to become highlights of the city’s prominent and bustling food scene.

  • A contemporary dining experience offering indigenous Middle Eastern cuisine and shared dining atmosphere, BHAR, the Arabic word for spice, is designed to awaken the senses and will debut as the hotel opens its doors. Alongside the opening of BHAR, Grounded will serve as the hotel’s premiere coffee shop with unique brewing methods from a variety of international beans.
  • Launching in November, BASTA! and Bleu Blanc are two new contemporary concepts by David Myers. Bleu Blanc is a Southern French farmhouse-inspired restaurant where a large, wood-fired grill area takes centre stage, offering guests the chance of an up-close and personal chef’s table experience. BASTA! transports diners to an urban interpretation of a Roman trattoria, Florentine steakhouse and Neapolitan pizzeria, reflecting David’s personal travel memories from these regions. Both venues will showcase beverage programs designed by world-renowned mixologist Sam Ross.
  • Opening in December, Morimoto Dubai will display internationally acclaimed celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto’s contemporary Japanese cuisine, infusing traditional dishes with Western ingredients and preparation methods. The restaurant’s expansive space will include three private dining rooms and terraces with undisturbed views of the Burj Khalifa.

In December, the hotel will also open the first of its kind, all-suite spa concept from renowned Six Senses. With a design rooted heritage of balancing all of the senses, Six Senses Spa will feature six treatment suites that are each dedicated to a different sense – sight, sound, touch, taste, smell and intuition – to offer the perfect balance of calm and sensory experiences in the bustling downtown area.

Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai will feature all of the brand’s unique experiences, including Evenings at Renaissance where guests can connect, socialize, and experience the locale through nightly programming. For the true social discoverer, the hotel’s Navigators will help guests experience the neighborhood’s soul by highlighting hidden gems and handpicked local discoveries.

For more information about Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai, visit www.renhotels.com/dubai and for more about the brand’s upcoming events visit www.renhotels.com/events.

Boråstapeter celebrates 2018’s colour trends

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Boråstapeter is highlighting some of 2018’s biggest trends in colours, with the launch of a new selection of wallpapers as part of its new Deep Sea Dive serie.

Available for a limited time, the serie boasts a collection of single-coloured wallpapers with a matt finish.

The company is now taking the single-coloured wallpaper concept further by launching the serie specifically aimed at trend-savvy customers looking for 2018’s most important colours.

“From 2018, Boråstapeter will be launching annual series that showcase the colour trends for each coming year. This year, we’ve taken inspiration from the beauty of the ocean depths, with colours running from a deep navy blue through to a light pink, vibrant green and playful yellow,” said Noomi Spange, designer at Boråstapeter.

“The serie is a feast for the eyes, combining the crackling colours of the coral reefs with the obscure darkness of billowing waves. It’s a perfect opportunity to incorporate dynamic, on-trend colours into your interiors.”

Deep Sea Dive will make its debut in February 2018, alongside the Pigment wallpaper collection, which will boast 40 single-coloured wallpapers.

Spange added: “With paint colours, it’s often the case that the sample you see in the paint shop isn’t a perfect representation of the finished result.

“Not here. Each colour is exactly as you chose it, which makes it easier to plan your interiors and ensure there’s some interplay with the other materials and furnishings in a space.”

Jean-Michel Gathy shares the most important part of design

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World-famous architect Jean-Michel Gathy has revealed what he values most when designing a space; colour.

Gathy’s signature designs have inspired many leading architectural works, which are showcased in a list of some of the most recognised hotels and resorts including the One&Only Reethi Rah, Cheval Blanc Randheli; Maldives, St. Regis Lhasa; Tibet, Viceroy Snowmass; Aspen Colorado, Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay; Sanya, The Chedi Andermatt; Switzerland, Aman Canal Grande; Venice, Amanwana; Moyo Island Indonesia and Aman Summer Palace; Beijing, Amanyara; Turks & Caicos, and The Setai in Miami, Florida.

Born in Belgium, Gathy founded Denniston in 1983, an architecture firm with a specific niche market, where he specialises in the creation of innovative designs for up-market hotels and other establishments in the industry. Thanks to its forward thinking architecture, design and technology applications in a constant state of evolution, DENNISTON has been able to retain its position as the market leader and a reference point for all designers in the industry.

With a career that has spanned almost four decades, Gathy shares his top five reasons why utilising colour is an important element when designing a space.

  • Colour Creates Mood: When it comes to selecting the colour palette for a space, Gathy stresses that colour is a very powerful element that can set the tone for a room. “Colour has an immediate effect on mood—the ability to calm or invigorate—and creates energy and depth of field,” says Gathy. “It’s a powerful thing, and used intelligently, it can be a beacon for inspiration.”
  • Say No to Monotone: Gathy advises that one should steer clear of tonal colour palettes as they don’t add enough excitement.  “Too much tone on tone is quite boring. The colours you choose do not always have to match, but should rather complement one another,” adds Gathy.
  • Messaging is Everything: Colour can send a strong message to guests and Gathy suggests taking the intention behind the colour palette in your home very seriously. “Colour has an immediate and enormous effect on the atmosphere. If you enter a dark home, your mood instantly changes,” says Gathy. Choosing colour schemes that carry the message you want to convey in your home will ensure that guests inherently understand your personality and overall aesthetic.
  • Proportion is Key: Bold colours and patterns are great to use, but in moderation. Gathy advises that colour proportion must be appropriate to the palette and pleasant to the eye. “Be careful not to over-mix patterns, otherwise they’ll start to compete with each other. Offset patterns with neutral breaks to create balance so the eye isn’t challenged. For example, if you have busy, multi-coloured pillows, opt for a more streamlined geometrical rug in black and white or tones of beige. Grounding the room with neutrals means you can add colourful highlights in the way of pillows, throw blankets, and rugs,” advises Gathy.
  • Cohesive Connection: Adhering to unique themes in each room can work well, but it’s important to maintain a sense of continuity throughout suggests Gathy. “The beauty of decorating a home is that each room can look and feel distinctive, so you can use a different colour scheme in every space if you choose. The trick is to create cohesiveness by choosing complementary colours where rooms connect,” says Gathy.

Northern Lighting debuts lifestyle brand, Norther

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Design studio, Northern Lighting, has unveiled a new lifestyle concept that has been designed to bridge the gap between statement making products and practical designs.

Dubbed Northern, the brand will boast a holistic range of furniture, lighting and interior accessories.

The brand was established with input from design duo Morten and Jonas, which will also launch with items from famous designers, as well as up-and-coming creators.

The entire team is made up of 16 designers from seven countries, who have inspired a line of seating, tables, lighting and interior accessories.

Products from creators such as Rudi Wulff, Gridy, Cecilia Xinyu Zhang, Kyla McCallum, Vera & Kyte, Elina Ulvio, Mattias Stenberg, Ann Kristin Einarsen, Johan Lindsten, Johanna Forsberg, Sami Kallio and Morten and Jonas complete the range of this season’s line-up.

Northern will make its debut on February 6th, 2018 at the Stockholm Furniture Fair.

How AI is changing the hiring process

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The hotel industry is being urged to embrace the future of tech as artificial intelligence, or AI, becomes more and more sophisticated. The world around us is continuing to change, but taking the next step into the developing technological landscape can be daunting. The team at Hotel Owner have revealed their top three ways AI could change the way you recruit staff.

No more bias
Getting rid of the human element means removing any factors we may subconsciously consider, taking candidates at the face value of their CV. An advanced computer system won’t discriminate against age, gender, race or creed and will only look at a recruits skills and ability.

Spend less time
An algorithm can scan and read applications in a fraction of the time a person would, freeing up your team’s time that would otherwise be spent sifting through hundreds of irrelevant applications. AI can be put to use at every point of recruitment, helping to reduce CV applications, sort into categories, and even help reference check.

Staying consistent
Artificial intelligence will work to the same rules at all times, again reducing the human error. Different recruiters will regularly priorities and pick up on different aspects of applications, while an AI will stick to its parameters without having to worry about whether or not they’re feeling grumpy or sleepy.

Would you consider using AI in the recruitment process? Let us know on Twitter

Green Tourism outlines new sustainability check

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Green Tourism has detailed its latest ‘Green Check’ offering for tourism businesses seeking a sustainability award.

Kicking off on November 13th, the sustainability check will run until the end of January next year, which will see Green Tourism offer businesses a pre-assessment review.

The ‘Green Check’ will include a series of questions taken from the Green Tourism rating system, which will give companies an idea of where they sit on their journey to be more green.

Businesses will then be given guidance and advice on how they can achieve an award.

Andrea Nicholas, MD of Green Tourism, said: “There is much evidence that consumers, particularly Generation Y, are motivated by ethical consumption. We can certainly back that up by the experiences of those who currently hold a Green Tourism award,” reports Boutique Hotelier.

“Not only are award holders able to communicate clear and compelling differentiation, they are also benefiting from real cost savings by taking on board the advice of our assessors.”

2017 marks Green Tourism’s 20th anniversary, and has launched the initiative as part of its overall strategy to build on the sustainable movements of over 2,000 tourism companies.

Hotel Designs Logo stacked & NEW strapline-012

3-10 November: Top 10 stories of the week

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

1. GALLERY: HD CHRISTMAS MEET UP, HOME HOUSE LONDON
The Hotel Designs Christmas Meet Up networking event was held on 8th November at Home House Portman Square in London with more than 160 people in attendance.

2. DEXTER MOREN DESIGNING CROYDON ‘HOSPITALITY HUB’
The site for a new £90 million hospitality hub in Croydon, developed by LHG (London Hotel Group) and designed by award-winning hotel architects Dexter Moren Associates, was included as one of the strategic projects in a study tour organised by New London Architecture.

3. BHA CRITICISES MAYOR SADIQ KHAN’S ‘UNFAIR’ LONDON ‘BED TAX’

The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has criticised plans announced by the Greater London Assembly (GLA) to introduce a ‘bed tax’ for hotel rooms in the capital.

4. SNEAK PEEK: HOTEL SANDERS, COPENHAGEN
Comprised of 54 luxurious rooms, each singular in their style and design, a variety of accommodations have been created to suit the needs of every guest at Sanders Copenhagen Hotel.

5. DESIGN-LED MOVENPICK TO OPEN IN THE HAGUE
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has signed a lease agreement with one of Germany’s main real estate asset managers, Deka Immobilien, to operate a landmark design-led property in The Hague – a move that accelerates its growth strategy in The Netherlands and Europe.

6. WAKE UP TO THE INSPIRATION OF SLEEP WITH HD CLIENTS
More exhibitors than ever before have chosen to reveal their new collections at Sleep this year (21st – 22nd November at the Business Design Centre in London). They include the following (Hotel Designs clients in bold)…

7. SHOWCASE: EDITION LAUNCHING 8 HOTELS IN 2018
With seven new properties scheduled to launch across three continents, and many more in the pipeline, 2018 will mark a pivotal moment for EDITION.

8. LANDMARK £10M HOTEL INVESTMENT FOR HAMILTON PARK RACECOURSE
Hamilton Park Racecourse has unveiled plans for a multi-million pound hotel development on its grounds, with a formal planning application made to South Lanarkshire Council.

9. HIB’S NEW RANGE REVEALS DELUXE DESIGN STATEMENT
Testament to HiB’s outstanding design credentials, the leading bathroom furniture manufacturer is adding to its stunning portfolio of products with the launch of the brand-new Reveal cabinet.

10. SNEAK PEEK: HILTON ASTANA LAUNCHES IN KAZAKHSTAN
Hilton has announced the opening of Hilton Astana, the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Kazakhstan. The 253-room hotel offers a wide range of amenities including unrivalled event space and a state-of-the-art spa, ideal for local and international travelers to Kazakhstan’s capital city.

Guest Blog: virtuoso reveals 2018 traveller trends

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Global luxury travel network Virtuoso has determined 2018 will be the year for discovering less-visited destinations. Virtuoso’s 2018 Luxe Report, which forecasts what to expect in travel for the year ahead, shows the desire for unspoiled natural beauty continuing to motivate travellers.

The annual report, which has firmly established Virtuoso as a recognized trend spotter, reveals consumer preferences in high-end and experiential travel, as discerned from a comprehensive survey of the network’s travel advisors worldwide.

Five must-take trips for 2018, according to Virtuoso advisors:

– Cold is hot. Seasoned travelers in search of fresh destinations are setting their sights on chillier climes. Iceland continues to surge in popularity, placing high in several Luxe Report categories this year. Cruisers are enthusiastic about Alaska, and adventurers about Antarctica and the Arctic. One trip of a lifetime mentioned by Virtuoso’s expert advisors: seeing the Northern Lights.

– Exploring new destinations. This is the year’s top trip motivator, and travelers are embracing the opportunity to push beyond their comfort zone. Virtuoso advisors suggest that people check out at least one new place a year, and challenge themselves to try something unexpected during their sojourn: swim with marine life like dolphins or mantas, go zip-lining or ballooning, or take a helicopter tour.

– Connecting with family through travel. After topping the list of trends since 2010, multigenerational travel has firmly established itself as a travel niche. Following close behind is travel with immediate family, also a consistent trend that will carry forward in 2018. Whether renting a European villa for a celebration with loved ones, cruising to the Galapagos Islands, or snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, a family trip creates lifelong memories, strengthens bonds, and plays a pivotal role in childhood education.

– Experience Africa. From culturally rich South Africa, also 2018’s top adventure destination, to the wilds of Botswana and Kenya, to the souks of Morocco, Africa is one of the world’s most diverse continents. Virtuoso’s advisors say a safari is an integral part of the African experience, particularly with wildlife preservation a priority for today’s sustainably savvy travelers.

– Be a traveler rather than a tourist. Immersive experiences not found in a guidebook or brochure, opportunities to meet locals, wandering neighborhoods and making spontaneous discoveries are the best ways to experience a destination, according to Virtuoso advisors. Whether it is wine tasting, or learning a traditional craft or a new language, travelers will be seeking out the true culture of that area they are visiting.

The desire for experiences that foster genuine human connection is a key driver for today’s travelers. No activity is too unusual for the clients of Virtuoso travel advisors, as some of the more surprising requests show. Travelers are asking for everything from reaching the edge of space in a MiG-29 flight in Russia, to herding cattle in Australia, to hosting a celebration in a private capsule aboard the London Eye. They also seek rare accommodations such as an igloo in Norway, a private castle all to themselves, and sleeping under the stars in the desert – no tent required.

With the focus on far-flung exotic destinations in 2018, it is not surprising that luxury travelers are embarking on international trips of two weeks or longer, which are seeing strong demand. Week-long international trips and three- to five-day domestic trips continue to be popular as well. What is surprising, though, is that Virtuoso advisors also noted more interest in shorter international trips, such as Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands in less than a week. Conversely, some travelers are requesting longer trips of three to five weeks.

www.virtuoso.com

Product Spotlight: Mike PRO mirror range from Crosswater

Product Spotlight: Mike PRO mirror range from Crosswater

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As an essential component for the bathroom, Crosswater’s latest collection of cosmetic mirrors combine superior functionality with sleek design to create the perfect detail mirror to complete your bathroom scheme.

Four new designs have been launched within the Mike PRO mirror range with compact proportions and considered features that transform daily cosmetic routines with ease. Industry advances in LED performance are embraced in three of the designs to ensure the optimum level of light within the contemporary circular frame.

Product Spotlight: Mike PRO mirror range from CrosswaterThe mirror itself provides a magnification factor of three, creating a depth of detail in the reflection, whilst vertical pivot capabilities offer the option to adjust the mirror to your desired position.

Choose from either a fixed or flexible wall mounted mirror as well as a freestanding tabletop design, each of which is finished in chrome with the addition of LED lighting for a look of refined luxury.

Product Spotlight: Mike PRO mirror range from CrosswaterThe final new mirror within the Mike Pro collection is an extendable wall mounted design, with options that allow you to extend the mirror from the minimum of 45mm to a vast 375mm. The double-sided configuration provides both a regular and magnified mirror to choose from, whilst the frame can be both tilted and pivoted to the perfect angle.

PRICES
1. PRO Round Cosmetic Mirror: £395.00 (main image)
2. PRO Round Cosmetic Mirror: £525.00
3. PRO Round Cosmetic Mirror: £450.00
4. PRO Round Cosmetic Mirror: £155.00

www.crosswater.co.uk

Lake View House
Rennie Drive
Dartford
Kent
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UK

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Cachet Hospitality Group opens New York flagship hotel

Cachet Hospitality Group opens New York flagship hotel

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Cachet Hospitality Group, the Asia-Pacific based hotel management company has opened its inaugural US hotel, Cachet Boutique NYC, in Midtown Manhattan.

The Cachet brand combines its design-centric aesthetic and East meets West hospitality, and infuses it with New York City flair to bring a unique food and entertainment experience to Manhattan. Cachet Boutique NYC will feature 105 rooms and villas, a Playboy Club NYC and two restaurants, EDEN and the Bellbrook.

Developed in partnership with Merchants Hospitality Group and designed by Cachet’s Bangkok-based design team led by Domenic Sicoli and Pauline Choo, in collaboration with NYC’s fashion designer Jay Godfrey, the property features robust programming that sets it apart from the crowded New York hotel offerings.

Cachet Boutique NYC2

Cachet Boutique NYC Courtyard (PRNewsfoto/Cachet Boutique NYC)

Cachet Boutique NYC has three discreet outdoor gardens, providing a unique urban oasis for guests to flow from the intimacy of their rooms to a spacious communal area.

The New York property follows the Cachet Hospitality Group’s opening of several hotels in Asia and Mexico. “Our global portfolio continues to expand with additional openings in North America and Asia planned throughout 2018,” Robert Roche, chairman of Cachet Hospitality Group, said in a statement. “We are excited about our entry into the US market with our newest property in New York City.”

www.cachetboutiquenyc.com

Eight new Hotels join Worldhotels group

Eight new hotels join Worldhotels group

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Worldhotels is welcoming eight new hotels to its global portfolio. From a boutique hotel in the 7th arrondissement in Paris, to a luxury 5-star accommodation in Shanghai, these new Worldhotels provide authentic guest experiences for both leisure and business travelers.

Hotel Juliana, Paris, France (main image)
Hotel Juliana is located on a quiet street in the heart of Paris, only half a block from the Seine riverfront. Beautiful artwork, extravagant chandeliers and statues from around the world decorate the interior of the intimate Art Deco hotel. All rooms and suites offer plenty of luxurious comforts including espresso coffeemakers, Japanese toilets and Jo Malone toiletries.

Hongqiao Jin Jiang Hotel , Shanghai , China
The Hongqiao Jin Jiang Hotel is located strategically between downtown and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. The hotel is inspired by a timeless European-Oriental appeal. Multiple dining options include a restaurant on the 27th floor with astounding city views, as well as, five other award-winning restaurants and bars.

Eight new Hotels join Worldhotels groupBai Hotel Cebu, Cebu, Philippines
Nestled between the bustling cities of Mandaue and Cebu, Bai Hotel Cebu will open its doors soon. With its ultra-modern amenities and facilities, the hotel offers everything for the discerning business traveler. Over eight different dining options cater all culinary needs, including authentic Japanese dishes, a steakhouse and the Twilight Roof Deck with spectacular views.

Hotel Erzgiesserei Europe, Munich, Germany
A 5-minute drive from Munich’s central train station, the modern Hotel Erzgiesserei Europe provides a tranquil oasis on a quiet street close to the charming Old Town. The relaxed atmosphere continues at the hotel’s international restaurant and its summer terrace. Some of the rooms have balconies or a terrace.

IH Hotels Milano Watt 13, Milan, Italy
IH Hotels Milano Watt 13 with its minimalist, artistic vibe is within easy reach of the historic city center and all the main attractions of Milan. The hotel offers spacious and soundproofed rooms which are elegantly furnished and decorated in subtle, calm tones. The modern lobby showcases contemporary art.

ARTE Seminar- und Konferenzhotel, Olten, Switzerland
Surrounded by shops and restaurants and close to the banks of the Aare River, the ARTE Seminar & Konferenzhotel features a modern vibe and superb conference facilities. The hotel allows easy access to the surrounding cities of Basel, Bern and Zurich. Featuring colorful, art-inspired décor and box-spring beds, its trendy rooms provide a peaceful retreat.

Eight new hotels join Worldhotels groupPoint Hotel Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
Art plays a big role in the décor of Point Hotel Ankara. Over 200 exhibits enhancing the hotel’s public areas. Guests start the day with breakfast and a side order of panoramic city views from the top floor restaurant. A perfect night’s sleep is guaranteed in the soundproof rooms thanks to its complimentary chillout CDs and 101 Secrets to a Quality Sleep guides.

Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, United States
The perfect blend of yesterday and today, the Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square features sleek décor and furnishings, vibrant colours, and modern technology within in a historic building. Everything says ‘impressive’ at this legendary downtown hotel, from the classic limestone façade to the grand, two-story lobby, and from the designer décor to the huge, 24-hour fitness centre.

www.worldhotels.com

HD Christmas Meet Up

Gallery: HD Christmas Meet Up, Home House London

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The Hotel Designs Christmas Meet Up networking event was held on 8th November at Home House Portman Square in London with more than 160 people in attendance.

Representatives Marca Corona, headline sponsor of the event, said they were delighted to be partnering with the event and found it useful to network with designers, architects and hoteliers in the London market and the UK as a whole.

Meanwhile, Boca do Lobo were the event’s style partner – and showed off some stunning pieces of furniture, lighting and decorative accessories throughout the space.

Sound was provided by showcase sponsors AT&C and Bang & Olufsen who also displayed their stunning tile-effect sound system at the event.

Check out images below…

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Dexter Moren designing Croydon ‘hospitality hub’

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The site for a new £90 million hospitality hub in Croydon, developed by LHG (London Hotel Group) and designed by award-winning hotel architects Dexter Moren Associates, was included as one of the strategic projects in a study tour organised by New London Architecture.

Local stakeholders, including council representatives, occupiers, developers and investors, enjoyed a walking tour of the Growth Zone in Croydon and were offered an insight into how this major investment by LHG will act as a catalyst for regeneration of the area.


Located at 585-603 London Road, the new hospitality hub features high-quality contemporary design that is both striking and responsive to its neighbourhood. Framing elements, balconies and setbacks at top floors have been introduced to provide architectural articulation to each block, whilst a varied roofscape reflects the rhythm of the Victorian properties in the area.

The architectural design has been dovetailed with the landscape strategy to provide spaces of a human scale that will improve the experience of guests as well as local residents. The public realm will be further enhanced by a new landscaped public piazza and will bring about a significant improvement to London Road.

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Project Team
Client and Developer: LHG (London Hotel Group)
Architect: Dexter Moren Associates – project architect: Javier Ortega; project director: Herbert Lui
Planning Consultants: Bilfinger GVA
Transport Consultant: Steer Davies Gleave
Energy and Sustainability: XCO2 Energy
Landscape Architect: Outerspace
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment: RSK
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Herbert Lui, Project Director, Dexter Moren Associates: “Looking back at the first sketch, it has been an exciting journey with LHG and the design team to arrive at a planning-consented scheme that we are really proud of. The architecture is bold, punchy and complementary to the urban scale and context. We are also pleased with the public realm spaces that create a socially inclusive and inviting setting along London Road.”

The first of the Mayor’s Growth Zones, the London Borough of Croydon is currently experiencing £350 million worth of investment and its burgeoning reputation as a tech hub has recently seen the Borough identified as the UK’s fastest growing economy. The scheme will not only provide high-quality guest accommodation currently lacking in the area but also bring about an improvement to the townscape on this stretch of London Road, re-energising the corridor between Thornton Heath and Central Croydon.

The scheme will involve the demolition of three existing hotels – the Ibis Styles, Gilroy Court Hotel and Croydon Court Hotel, with a combined total of 256 rooms – to be replaced by a four and five-storey 435-room hotel and 158-room aparthotel with dining, conference and leisure facilities.

The proposed masterplan for the scheme by Dexter Moren was positively received by local residents and was granted unanimous approval by the local council in May 2017. Construction of the new hospitality hub will commence in the second quarter of 2018.

www.dextermoren.com

Sadiq Khan

BHA criticises mayor Sadiq Khan’s ‘unfair’ London ‘bed tax’

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The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has criticised plans announced by the Greater London Assembly (GLA) to introduce a ‘bed tax’ for hotel rooms in the capital.

The London Assembly Economy Committee met this week to further discuss the tax which experts predict could add up to £364 million a year to the UK economy.

The plans were first introduced in January, described as a “Berlin-style tax of 5% of the room rate per night”. It could potentially increase accommodation prices by £3.40.

Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the BHA, said: “The London tourism tax will unfairly penalise hard-pressed Britons, who make up the overwhelming proportion of visitors to London. Sadiq Khan has proclaimed “London is Open”, yet is backing a tax on anyone coming for a weekend break in the capital, professionals going about their business and holidaymakers with their families.

“It’s a tax on fun and business. This isn’t just about top end hotels, it’s about hard working people on budget breaks too. This levy threatens our industry, which is the lifeblood of the UK’s economy, employing over half a million people in London, and generating an estimated £57bn to the UK’s GDP.”

She added: “Hospitality and tourism are highly price sensitive, and domestic and international visitors have significant destination choice, as do business tourism, event organisers and investors. Domestic tourists in the UK already pay one of the highest rates of tax in Europe and the World Economic Forum currently ranks the UK 135 out of 136 countries in terms of tourism tax competitiveness.”

Hotel Sanders Copenhagen

Sneak Peek: Hotel Sanders, Copenhagen

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Comprised of 54 luxurious rooms, each singular in their style and design, a variety of accommodations have been created to suit the needs of every guest at Sanders Copenhagen Hotel.

Single coupe rooms are inspired from a bygone era of luxury train cabins where guests will find comfort withing an intimate space. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Sanders Apartments offer the utmost in privacy and are generously spacious with separate lounge seating and open fireplaces.

Hotel Sanders - Copenhagen

Hotel Sanders - Copenhagen
Founded by former royal ballet dancer, Alexander Kølpin, the 5-star Hotel Sanders is based within a classical Jugendstil building and overlooks the iconic Royal Theatre in the historic quarter of Copenhagen.

The design of the hotel has been led by London-based Lind + Almond (formerly Soho House Group) which will be the design duo’s first inaugural project.

Hotel Sanders - Copenhagen

Hotel Sanders

Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu Planned for Bali

Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu planned for Indonesian island

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Just a 40-minute drive from Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport lies Uluwatu ­– a rural jewel in the crown of Bali’s Bukit peninsula.

On this south-western tip of the Island, Indonesia’s first Radisson Blu resort, Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu reinterprets Balinese style for the modern travelers. Set to welcome guests from January 2018, the brand”s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is evident in every dimension of the resort’s unique character.

Bali’s best surfing beach is on the resort’s doorstep, and many more pristine shores and popular ocean-side hangouts, such as Bali Collection in Nusa Dua, are within 25 minutes reach. The majestic, 11th-century Luhur Uluwatu Temple lies 6km to the west. A Cultural Park offering myriad Balinese experiences and a state-of-the-art 18-hole golf course designed by Ronald Fream, David Dale & Kevin Ramsey are also nearby, making Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu an ideal base for the surfer, golfer, cultural explorer or serenity seeker.

Guest accommodation comprises 111 deluxe rooms in three categories, featuring private balconies on upper floors and private sundecks on lower floors, and 14 suites with stunning rooftop terraces giving guests views of the ocean, the pool or both in full panorama.

Moxy Tokyo

Marriott’s Moxy brand continues expansion with Tokyo opening

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Tokyo-based real estate developer Pacifica Capital has opened the Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho, the first hotel in Japan for Marriott International’s new lifestyle brand targeted at the Millennial generation.

Already off to a great start, the hotel was fully occupied on its third night of operations.

Located in the dynamic commercial district of Kinshicho, it is walking distance to Sky Tree and Asakusa, and only 8 minutes by train to Tokyo Station.

The hotel has 205 guestrooms, 24 hour food and beverage service, a complete gym and high-tech meeting rooms.

While guests can comfortably relax in their retro-style rooms, the first floor of the hotel offers plentiful space to eat, drink, talk and play table and board games.

Movenpick The Hague

Design-led Movenpick to open in The Hague

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Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has signed a lease agreement with one of Germany’s main real estate asset managers, Deka Immobilien, to operate a landmark design-led property in The Hague – a move that accelerates its growth strategy in The Netherlands and Europe.

The stylish 72-room Mövenpick Hotel The Hague will also mark a new era for the Swiss hospitality firm as it looks to evolve its interior design strategy with concepts that reflect the lifestyle preferences of modern global travellers.

In keeping with its location, this new hip property promises a contemporary take on quintessentially Dutch motifs and will stand out as one of The Hague”s coolest hotels to date while introducing a new design-focused dimension to Europe”s hospitality landscape. The agreement was brokered with the involvement and advice of DLA Piper, leading agent RV&C/COG, as well as corporate property specialists CBRE and JLL and legal firm Rechtstaete.

Movenpick The HagueThe Mövenpick Hotel The Hague, which is due to open in the heart of one of The Netherlands” most famous cities in 2019, will introduce leading-edge interior design concepts developed in partnership with premier global design firm Wilson Associates NYC.

This project will be “unmistakably Dutch” with references to regal motifs and the quirkiness for which Dutch design is renowned. The new Mövenpick Coffee & Wine Lounge concept will be unveiled at this property too, while key hotel features include an all-day dining brasserie, a gym and three meeting rooms, all designed to appeal to modern travellers.

Royal Hotel, Copenhagen

Redesign for the iconic Royal Hotel, Copenhagen

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Set to be complete in spring 2018, famed Danish architect Arne Jacobsen’s only hotel, the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Copenhagen, is in the final stages of its extensive renewal and modernisation.

The world-famous landmark is undergoing a major redesign and already now, the entire meeting space, the new Café Royal Restaurant, the entire lobby and most of the guest rooms are renovated. Award-winning Danish design company SPACE Copenhagen is responsible for the design and in spring 2018, the entire hotel will be completely renewed.

In 1960, the legendary Danish architect Arne Jacobsen designed the entire ‘Royal Hotel’, from the façade through to the famed EGG chair and even the cutlery.

“By combining functionality and sophisticated design, our aim is to revive the iconic heritage of Arne Jacobsen. We carefully protect the legacy whilst at the same time modernise and add in new design elements to meet the expectations of a new generation of travelers”, explains Brian Gleeson, General Manager of the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Copenhagen.

Royal Hotel, CopenhagenSome of Arne Jacobsen’s lesser known design classics have been revived, such as his Giraffen dining table in the restaurant and the rare Pot chair which is now to be found in the lobby. In addition, the Arne Jacobsen ‘Mayor’ sofa, drawing upon Danish tradition for fine wood, is both in the suites and in the new restaurant.

All the new meeting rooms are named after Arne Jacobsen’s design classics, such as the ‘EGG’ chair, designed especially for this very same hotel back in 1960. The walled artwork in the modernized meeting spaces were brought from the hotels archives and have been reframed to let the guests relive the rich legacy of the hotel.

Room 606 – one of the world’s most famous hotel rooms and a key stop on design-aficionado’s Copenhagen pilgrimages – will remain untouched and kept exactly as it was originally designed by Arne Jacobson.

Brian Gleeson commented: “Room 606 is a living proof of our heritage and is open for anyone who would like to experience Arne Jacobsen’s design and immerse themselves in Danish modernism. By interpreting our iconic heritage, we aim to recreate this legendary building and escalate it to new heights for the future”.