Hotel Designs

NEWS AND ANALYSIS FOR HOTELIERS, DESIGNERS AND INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS
MK Electric's new Dimensions range has been launched

Guest Blog: MK Electric – new dimensions for hospitality design

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MK Electric share the benefits of their new range of design-led wiring accessories called Dimensions, perfect for hoteliers looking for modernity with design flexibility…

A growing number of hotels are shedding traditional designs in favour of something a little more modern, as rapidly changing interior trends require agile products which can evolve along with the building as a whole.

A key part of this is design flexibility, and ranges which can offer scalability and ease of replacement are becoming increasingly popular amongst hoteliers. These not only allow regular refreshes to a space without a significant financial or time investment, but allow common design throughout a building with scalable options from back of house office areas to suite rooms.

In order to meet this demand, MK Electric has launched a new range of screwless wiring devices, Dimensions, a design-led solution which is easily upgradeable and available in eight different finishes for a contemporary finish to any room.

Designed as a two-piece product solution, Dimensions is available as two individual parts, a functional module and clip-on frontplate, which can be ordered separately. This two-part installation offers a high level of adaptability, allowing frontplates to be changed as the design inside the building evolves over time.

And, as end users are expecting more from their hotels, the range incorporates products such as integrated USB socket outlets for easy smart device charging, LED dimmers, keycard switches and ‘do not disturb’ switches, all with a unified look.

Emma Segelov, head of marketing at MK Electric, said: “We understand that in today’s design-led environment, hoteliers need wiring devices which not only blend with their current décor but can be quickly and easily changed to match a revamp.

“The new MK Electric Dimensions range offers a design which not only has the scalability to fit into every area of a hotel, but which can also be interchanged and upgraded with ease to match any future changes in colour scheme, without blowing the budget or time-intensive work.”

Dimensions provides peace of mind for contractor, customer and end user, and comes complete with a 20-year guarantee (exclusions apply).

MKOrderEnquiries@Honeywell.com

+44 (0)1268 563 404

www.mkelectric.com/en-gb/

WILLOOW - GRANDMASTER - Essente - Kobe

Product Spotlight: Essente Summer collection from Kobe

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Luxury fabric specialist, Kobe, has put together its essential Essente Summer collection of stunningly chic, easy-to-care for, affordable interiors fabrics.

The stylish collection, which includes curtains, voiles and sheers, dim-outs and upholstery fabrics, for both domestic and commercial interiors, features fabrics in a cool linen, soft chenille and silk satin appearance.

Curated from the extensive selection at Kobe’s accessible Essente ranges, the summer ‘edits’ offer a bright and breezy palette of naturals, neutrals and pastels. Essente retail price levels from £16 to £22 for curtain weights and £27 for upholstery fabrics.

Beautiful woven jacquard curtains from the Willow and Walnut ranges, can transform a room. Willow has a matt taffeta look and feel with a damask pattern on a satin weave background and comes in six colours, including soft pastels and a contemporary black. Walnut has a linen appearance with an ikat geometric pattern and is available in seven tones.

Furniture is the focal point of any interior so it’s important that the design, colour and texture complement the theme. Catalpa can be used for both curtains and upholstery. This woven jacquard has a fine herringbone stripe and is brushed to give a semi-plain look. With a soft natural touch it is available in 14 shades.

Said David Harris, md of Kobe UK: “We have put together a collection that is essential for this summer’s interiors. Essente offers a wide selection of chic, commercial and easy-care interior fabrics and benefits from the logistical expertise and quality of Kobe, while giving access to a wider customer base through its realistic price points.”

When used for upholstery, Kobe’s Essente fabrics can be supplied with a domestic backcoat which complies with the BS 5852 ignition source 0 and 1, passing the cigarette and match test.

All Kobe’s upholstery fabrics offer exceptional durability, scoring highly on the Martindale Rub Test.

www.en.kobe.eu

T: 01344 771653
F: 01344 771663
E: salesuk@kobe.eu

La Siesta Central

New La Siesta Central Hotel to light up Hanoi

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Panoramic views of Hoan Kiem Lake, a prime Old Quarter setting and an exclusive spa are just three of the many selling points at the new La Siesta Central, a 27-room boutique hotel that marks its grand opening in Hanoi on August 15th.

With its tapestry of colourful neighborhoods, colonial architecture and emerald lakes, Vietnam’s capital lacks nothing in charismatic locations. Few are quite as evocative as its central lake – for many the defining feature in the ancient city.

Although bijou, the new property – owned and operated by leading Vietnamese boutique hotel brand Elegance Hospitality Group (EHG) – makes full use of its proximity to the legendary body of water.

La Siesta Central
A total of 19 rooms have views of the lake, highly uncommon in Hanoi where high real estate prices and stiff competition in the hotel sector put a hefty premium on such a prime spot. Indeed, the property’s incredible situation makes it an ideal base from which to strike out within the Old Quarter – Hanoi’s centuries-old hub of commerce – and to nearby highlights such as the French Quarter, a charming enclave of broad avenues and majestic buildings, which is laid out just south of the central lake.

Things are equally inspiring within the hotel, whose conversion from a historic private dwelling was directed by EHG chairman Do Van Dan, a trained architect who takes a leading role in the design of all the properties under the group’s umbrella.

Thoughtful touches abound throughout the hotel. Dark wood paneling and use of intricate patterned tiling characterize stately interiors, while numerous black and white artworks in public areas and rooms enhances the classic feel of the property. Guests have access to an array of room types, all of which come with thoughtful amenities and trimmings including walk in rainforest shower and luxury toiletries from the in-house La Siesta Spa brand as standard.

Fairmont Quasar

Fairmont Quasar Istanbul now open

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Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Fairmont Quasar Istanbul, the luxury hotel company’s first property in Turkey.

Situated on the banks of the Bosphorus Strait and overlooking the waterway’s sapphire blue waters, the Fairmont Quasar Istanbul sits at a crossroads in Istanbul, where East meets West and modernity meets centuries of eclectic history. This idiosyncratic experience is reflected in the hotel’s design, with blue leather-tufted headboards calling to mind the Bosphorus; leather-bound and studded minibars inspired by vintage travel trunks; and ensuite showers designed to resemble traditional Turkish hammams.

Fairmont Quasar Istanbul provides 209 guestrooms including 25 suites. Each has a wide panoramic view overlooking either the serene Bosphorus or the city skyline. Rooms are designed to maximize comfort and technology, with stylish flair and extra touches, plenty of space and natural light. The Royal Suite offers guests unrivalled luxury, while forty exclusive Fairmont Gold rooms create a boutique feel with unparalleled service and access to exclusive services.

The hotel’s unique concept provides a new icon for the vibrant Mecidiyeköy district, where eclectic neighbourhood bazaars and colourful side streets meet modern shopping centres with contemporary architecture and design. Set on the site of the 1930’s Robert Mallet Stevens-designed Art Deco liquor factory, Fairmont Quasar blends a sense of urban culture and industrial flair with the city’s heritage of long-held customs and traditions.

Fairmont Quasar is the fifth property of parent company AccorHotels luxury brand portfolio within Istanbul, joining sister properties Raffles Istanbul, Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Pullman Istanbul Airport and Convention Centre and The Elysium Istanbul MGallery by Sofitel. AccorHotels presently has 32 hotel and resort properties across Turkey, with an additional three hotels slated for opening in Istanbul in 2017, including Galata Hotel Istanbul MGallery by Sofitel.

An illustration of how the Longleat hotel resort could look hugging the contours

Wiltshire Council resolve to grant permission for new Longleat Hotel

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Longleat’s plans to build a new 240 room hotel, with water park and business conference facilities on the edge of its Estate near Warminster have been approved by Wiltshire Council, subject to views of Highways England on the impact of the proposal to the strategic road network.

The approval provides a green light for the development which, it is anticipated, will further boost the local economy and create 300 new jobs, while providing much-needed additional family orientated hotel accommodation in the area.

Bob Montgomery, the CEO of Longleat Enterprises Limited which manages the commercial development of the Estate assets, said: “The decision to approve our application is a huge boost to Longleat’s long term future, for Wiltshire and our local town and village communities.

“We’ve still a little way to go and are working to secure Highway England’s final view on the impact of our proposals to the strategic road network in the area, but are confident this will be concluded soon.

“We believe the hotel will enable Longleat to develop and grow over the coming years and will provide a new tourism hub for the area which will create many more jobs and attract new investment,” he added.

With over 40% of its one million annual visitors driving for more than two hours to see its attractions, including the world-famous Safari Park, the management at Longleat, headed by Viscount Weymouth, believe the new hotel will secure the sustainability of the Estate with its Grade 1 listed Elizabethan house, Capability Brown and Humphry Repton Heritage Parkland.

Located on a 135-acre site to the south and south east of Tascroft Court, and close to Warminster and the A36, the proposed hotel will also incorporate a unique and intimate animal experience for its guests and much needed business conference facilities for up to 200 delegates.

AKA

Landmarked hotel AKA Times Square reveals penthouse collection

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AKA, the leading hospitality brand that celebrities choose for their extended stays, with properties throughout the United States and London, has created an exclusive Penthouse Collection at its landmarked AKA Times Square, redesigning 12 penthouse suites to cater to today’s travelers who desire unique and elevated accommodations.

“Penthouse living is no longer about aspirational luxury,” said Larry Korman, president of AKA. “It’s about having the authentic experience of being at home in a cool space that is representative of its location.”

Designer Nicholas Cardone drew inspiration for the collection from the landmarked building’s rich 1900 history and its meticulous restoration by award-winning historic preservationist and architect, Stephan Potts of Stanev Potts Architects. The penthouses pay homage to the building’s historic charm, while delivering modern elegance and a sense of sophistication. Original, turn-of-the-century architectural details in the form of exposed, cast-iron structural elements along the walls and ceilings, unusually shaped windows and unique layouts provide a textured and layered en-suite glimpse into history of the city, while delivering a one-of-a-kind experience.

AKA“The pursuit of innovative design is integral to the travel experience,” continued Korman.

Known as the building’s crown jewel, the two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom duplex Penthouse Residence has wide-plank oak floors throughout the grand foyer, dining room and kitchen. An elegant 1900s bay window fills the living room with space and light, while exotic woods, buttery leather and finely lacquered pieces bring an urbane sophistication to each room. The interior, iron staircase leads to historic, original and uniquely sized windows that bring the story of the colorful past into the guest experience.


Nearly the size of a standard New York City hotel room, the master bathroom provides a 200-square-foot, ultimate, spa-like experience, featuring a sculptural, modern freestanding bathtub, oversized dual rain head shower behind a free-floating glass wall and double basin vanity. The bedrooms feature king-sized beds, Sferra Italian linens, bespoke window treatments and original photography.

Penthouse Residence guests enjoy the added treat of having an ultra-convenient entranceway to the penthouse-level a.lounge, located on the same floor, that was created by renowned international designer and architect Piero Lissoni and his U.S. design firm, BY Lissoni. a.lounge, available only to guests of AKA Times Square, has lustrous Venetian plaster walls and rich interiors that adorn an intimate bar and ample lounge areas. There is also a world-class Technogym fitness center. A floating steel-and-glass staircase ascends to a.13, a floor-to-ceiling windowed retreat that opens up to a 1,000-square-foot rooftop lounge with sweeping views of Manhattan.

Recognized around the world for visionary design and innovative offerings, AKA currently operates 12 properties throughout some of the most well-traveled to cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Philadelphia and London. The brand continues to set new standards in luxury travel accommodations, elevating its offerings to meet the needs of today’s affluent business traveller.

www.stayaka.com

Six Senses plans to develop resort and spa in Kitzbuhel, Austrian Alps

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Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is set to add yet another extraordinary destination to its portfolio of properties in some of the world’s most beautiful and inspiring locations.

Set in the breathtakingly picturesque Austrian Alps, Six Senses Kitzbuhel Alps showcases its stunning environment through all seasons: from winter’s snow covered terrain with high-end ski activities, to spectacular summers when the landscape is vibrant with nature’s verdant palette of colours.

Six Senses Kitzbuhel Alps will feature 80 guest accommodations, include 50 residences, plus a small village of chalets available for private sale. It is being developed by Kitzbuheler Alps Projekt, with architects for the hotel/residences and chalets IAW – International Architecture Workshop, Turin, Dusseldorf, Moscow and hotel interior design consultants Martin Brudnizki Design Studio and Six Senses Spa Kitzbuhel Alps by Six Senses Creative. Project management and landscape design is being carried out by AECOM who also overseas sustainability aiming at LEED certification, with emphasis on the latest energy technology such as solar or heat exchange.

Six Senses plans to develop resort and spa in Kitzbuhel, Austrian AlpsThe overall design concept of Six Senses Kitzbuhel Alps could best be described as a modern interpretation of traditional Austrian design. Warm natural finishes incorporate wood and stone with the introduction of rough-hewn exposed timber beams in public areas. Glorious swaths of natural light wed the seasons to the interiors and the restrained use of art and craft features subtly define the setting.

Dining at Six Senses Kitzbuhel Alps will focus on seasonality with a restaurant focusing on local dishes with ingredients supplied from nearby organic farms. An all-day venue features a delicatessen and international fare. This venue is also located near the resort’s meeting and special events facilities that offer a direct link to vehicular parking. The lobby bar will feature innovative beverage services and offer alfresco seating in the warmer seasons. The spa cafe will also offer outside dining plus an indoor dining room with fireplace.

www.sixsenses.com

Duravit Vero Air with SensoWash

Product Spotlight: Vero Air Rimless WC and SensoWash Slim Seat

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Vero Air is a progression in design from the successful Vero series. It includes the very latest technological advances from Duravit – particularly for toilets.

The new Vero Air WC incorporates the ultimate in comfort and hygiene with advanced Rimless® technology, and is available with HygieneGlaze 2.0 and the SensoWash Slim shower-toilet seat. The wall-mounted model is also the first square rimless design from Duravit.

The Vero Air toilet is impressive, not just in terms of its appearance but also its functions. The rectangular basic form finishes with a gentle curve downwards, thereby appearing geometrically precise and harmoniously round at the same time.

The toilet seat and cover can be easily removed for cleaning with the press of a side button. With the appearance of a traditional, yet elegant toilet, SensoWash Slim is a far cry from the very first shower-toilets. It offers the ultimate in 21st century toilet hygiene and comfort, with all the technology neatly incorporated into the seat.

The seat and shower-toilet technology are completely separate: The entire SensoWash Slim seat unit can be easily removed, allowing it to be cleaned quickly and thoroughly. A touch button control operates all the functions. After using the toilet, simply select the desired cleaning function, water intensity and temperature. This minimalist shower toilet includes a number of essential functions: it is easy to install, saves energy thanks to an integrated flow heater and is offered at an attractive price.

Inside the Vero Air WC, the Rimless® technology has been further advanced and, for the first time, enables perfect flushing results with a rectangular wall-mounted toilet. This shows how geometry, fluid mechanics and design can be successfully combined for maximum efficiency. In Duravit Rimless®, the open design of the WC rim enables an innovative and powerful flush: water flows in the form of a horizontal arc, and then vertically, before flushing the entire inner surface of the bowl without splashing, even with just 4.5 litres of water.

By adding the innovative ceramic glaze HygieneGlaze 2.0 the Vero Air WC is a toilet that is industry leading and a new archetype for modern living. The innovative ceramic glaze is antibacterial and this innovative ceramic glaze kills an unprecedented 99.999% of germs and bacteria. HygieneGlaze 2.0 provides long-lasting, anti-bacterial protection for a small additional cost. It also durable, safe and defines a new standard in bathroom hygiene.

The Coach House Front Dining Area

Opening success at The Coach House, Ayrshire

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One of Scotland’s largest hospitality groups Buzzworks Holdings has officially opened the doors of its tenth venue and first outside of Ayrshire – The Coach House.

Offering simple dishes with big flavours, the eagerly anticipated Coach House in Bridge of Weir enjoyed a very successful opening weekend.

The former Archies lounge bar and kitchen on Main Street has seen significant investment and been transformed to a stylish bar and restaurant with an intimate private dining room. Providing an all-day dining experience with a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, The Coach House offers the perfect backdrop for a range of celebrations and occasions.

The Coach House Private Dining room
Colin Blair, Buzzworks Holdings Chairman, said: “We’re delighted to launch our tenth venue and fifth restaurant under our House brand. It’s a fantastic addition to our portfolio and an exciting investment to branch out of Ayrshire and bring our modern take on a traditional bar and restaurant to the Renfrewshire community.

The Coach House Exterior“We’ve been overwhelmed with the positive response from local residents and guests during our opening weekend and we look forward to welcoming more new diners as well as Buzzworks regulars to our latest venture.”

The Renfrewshire venue will join Buzzworks’ collection of nine prestigious sites across Ayrshire including Scotts in Troon and Largs, Elliots, Lido venues in Prestwick and Troon, The Treehouse in Ayr, The Longhouse in Kilmarnock, The Mill House in Stewarton and The Corner House in Kilwinning.

London hotels

STR Case Study: Impact of terrorism on UK hotel performance

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A number of people have asked themselves how the recent tragedies in the UK might have affected the market’s hotels. While there is still not a long enough range of data to draw any definitive conclusions, STR thought it important to take this opportunity to look into it in some detail.

According to STR figures, the UK hotel market has experienced a strong start to 2017, with year-over-year RevPAR growth of 6.5% as of April year-to-date data. As evidenced by March data from VisitBritain, the country has seen an influx of arrivals, thanks in large part to the devaluation of the pound following the Brexit vote last June.

Terror Attacks Chart = terrorism impact on UK hotel industryNow, questions have emerged around the sustainability of this performance, following the recent terrorist attacks in the country. Earlier reports have suggested an impact on visitor numbers to attractions in the UK. It is reasonable to expect a negative impact on hotel performance given the unthinkable tragedies the country has experienced over the past several months. The UK maintained performance growth without much disruption following the March Westminster and May Manchester attacks, but it is still too early to fully gauge the effects of the 3 June attack at London Bridge or the 18 June attack at Finsbury Park, though some insights are available for the former.

ManchesterAn initial analysis from the Manchester attack shows that the city’s hotels experienced a minor year-over-year dip in occupancy (-1.9%) the day after the attack, before returning to growth the following day, 25 May (+2.7% to 79.8%). Following that date, performance has fluctuated due to other factors, including the hosting of the U20 Rugby Championship.

Terror Attacks Chart = terrorism impact on UK hotel industryDaily figures suggest that the London Bridge attack may be impacting the UK capital’s performance more significantly than previous attacks this year have. Preliminary data shows that performance started to decline on Wednesday 7 June, with both occupancy and ADR declining in a year-over-year comparison. The sharpest declines were seen on Thursday 8 June, with an 11% drop in occupancy and a 4% drop in ADR. However, these decreases may be in part a reflection of the comparison with the time of the EULAR medical congress last year.

In closing, STR again stresses that it is essential to analyse a longer time period and more complete data set before drawing definitive conclusions. Specifically in London, hotels have shown resilience during difficult times in the past.

Original source

STR provides clients from multiple market sectors with premium, global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a presence in 16 countries with a corporate North American headquarters 

Guest Blog: MK Electric – Getting into detail to impress guests

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When it comes to impressing guests, it’s vital to stay ahead of the game and offer an experience like no other, and a key part of this is design. Here, Emma Segelov, head of marketing at MK Electric, looks at the latest innovations available to keep hoteliers ahead of the game.

Competition in the hospitality industry is intense, with customers increasingly seeking more than just a budget room. For example, with international travel now more accessible than ever, a hotel needs to take into consideration the needs of those travelling light for a business trip, as much as a couple on a city break. Both will have different requirements, but ultimately seek a similarly memorable experience.

Whilst a bold and eye-catching exterior is imperative to initially capture the interest of a guest, it is just as important to ensure that the attention continues to the finer, often overlooked, details. This includes the likes of light switches, sockets and other wiring devices, all of which have the power to change the aesthetics and practicality of a room.

For example, investing in integrated USB socket outlets can be a lifesaver for guests. Given the integral role smart devices play in modern life, the need for charging power on the go cannot be underestimated. Whether it’s an international guest, who may have forgotten their travel adaptor, or equally for customers from closer to home who just happen to need additional charging ports for their smart devices, USB outlets mean hoteliers needn’t stock charging devices, and can be assured guests have the charging capacity they need. What’s more, certain ranges are available which add an extra layer of differentiation. For example, MK Electric allows hoteliers to take intuitive functionality and compound it with beautiful, bespoke design with its expert Design Service.

MK Electric's new Dimensions range has been launched
This service, which is part of MK Electric’s Elements collection, allows users to create their own individual sockets and switches to ensure a seamless continuation of the overall interior concept. Whether that’s a leather look or metallic, there’s a look available to match any interior – so every last design detail can be taken care of.

An equal consideration is flexibility. The fast-paced world of interior design is constantly developing new trends, and in order to provide an up-to-date décor for guests, it is important that fixtures and fittings are able to be easily adapted to fit any style upgrades. Again, this is an area where wiring devices are an important consideration. Sometimes the smallest touches can be the most impactful, and when a hotelier wants to update the look of their premises, elegant new sockets and switches can make all the difference.

In line with this, MK Electric has launched Dimensions, a new range of screwless wiring devices which is easily upgradeable and available in eight different finishes for a contemporary finish to any room.

Designed as a two-piece product solution, Dimensions is available as two individual parts, a functional module and clip-on frontplate. This means that the visible part of the wiring device can easily be changed to match a new interior, without the need for any additional renovation, and, as the frontplate is clip on, without bringing in a qualified installer.

As customers become more discerning about design, it makes sense to bring a touch of individuality to every inch of an interior. With bespoke switches, dimmers and sockets available to suit every décor, and new products entering the market which allow quick and affordable style updates, wiring devices should be a core consideration for hoteliers.

MKOrderEnquiries@Honeywell.com

+44 (0)1268 563 404

www.mkelectric.com/en-gb/

Lucy Mortimer Galapagos

In Conversation: Lucy Mortimer, Galapagos Designs

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Lucy Mortimer, director at Galapagos Designs – a design partner with this year’s Independent Hotel Show – talks about how an individualistic approach and the use of heritage-inspired furniture continues to be a big trend in the world of hotel design…

Hotels are eschewing a uniform look and are taking a more individualistic approach to design to help mark them out and convey a sense of warmth, that’s certainly what we’re seeing our clients come to us for.

A good example of that is The Ned in London which is looking back to an Art Deco styling to create a very eclectic and individualistic look across the rooms. Hotels are no longer applying that ubiquitous, formal look to rooms, but are making them more warm and inviting with a heritage angle. Mixing a bit of old and new in together helps add more depth of character to a room.


We are certainly seeing design being used to reflect the personality of the business more. Even when hoteliers have a new-build property, they are seeking out a more individual edge. There’s less use of ubiquitous artwork and more of a focus on sourced products rather than something that is bought. Of course, it all depends on the hotel and the target audience. This look might be less appropriate for a business hotel but certainly there’s a cluster of hotels catering for high-end business customers who want to provide something other than just great Wi-Fi and room service.

We’ve been working on a big hotel project recently which combines the vintage mid-century stuff we produce with newly-made classic-style furniture. We are finding more and more customers are approaching us for a similar style.

Overall, hotels want to create an inviting space, so the type of material used is gaining importance. A lot of velvet is being used now by our customers – the term we use is ‘layering’ which is bringing more than one dimension to a room. You can do that with touches, maybe through old furniture, more accessories or using more classic style lighting over the beds, which can look really lovely rather than just a standard lamp.

Heading into the future, I think we’ll see more of this. Every hotel project we’re working on is using a mix of velvets with more British heritage fabrics like Bute Fabrics. Good, strong, old brands which have a sense of history.

This thoughtful approach to putting together a room is something that will continue. Now, we’ll almost always supply products to hotels that, even if they aren’t vintage, look vintage. That heritage look is quite a strong trend and that’s what we’ve got with the range of furniture we’ll be showcasing at this year’s Independent Hotel Show at our stand and in the VIP Lounge.

We’ve launched our Heritage Collection in partnership with a brand called Howard Keith, or HK. It was a huge brand in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s and supplied all the furniture to the QEII Officers’ lounge and royal residences. They closed in the noughties, but we have partnered with them under licence to bring back some of their furniture under a heritage collection which is made exactly the same as the 1950s models but mixed today with fabric featuring cutting-edge designs from Japanese designers. That mixture of old and new is what you’ll find in our chairs and what you’ll find us showcasing more at the show.


Galapagos Designs is one of the design partners at this year’s Independent Hotel Show, taking place at Olympia, 17 & 18 October. Galapagos is designing the Suite for VIPs and select partners to use. Lucy says: “We’ve chosen to marry luxury fabrics and furnishings with a slightly wild, colonial feel for the Suite – the theme is Hot House Jungle, so expect a lot of tropical planting and sumptuous chairs you’ll sink into lush green velvets and singing hot colour accents from our fabric partners ROMO, Linwood and Designers Guild, and some beautiful metallic accents in the lighting and accessories from Pooky Lighting and Rockett St George. We’re making the space into a real retreat, where hoteliers can take 10 minutes away from the crowds to recuperate or send a few emails, or have a private meeting in comfort.”

www.galapagosdesigns.com

www.independenthotelshow.co.uk

Cachet Boutique NYC2

Cachet to debut flagship boutique hotel in NYC

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Cachet Hospitality Group will open its inaugural US hotel, Cachet Boutique NYC, in Midtown Manhattan in September 2017.

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 will feature robust programming that sets it apart from the crowded New York hotel offerings.

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. From

At Cachet Boutique NYC, unexpected cultural and artistic collaborations will reinforce the sleek, contemporary ambiance. Longtime fashion-world darling Jay Kos will curate a dynamic retail experience to complement the hotel’s high-end design and décor. In addition, the comprehensive hotel arts program will play a central role in highlighting the brands design-centric aesthetic, showcasing the best emerging modern artists from Asia and the US.

cachetboutiquenyc.com

Hyatt Centric Guatemala City

Hyatt opens first Central America hotel with Centric Guatemala City property

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Hyatt Hotels Corporation, in conjunction with LATAM Hotel Corporation and GHL Hotels, has announced the opening of Hyatt Centric Guatemala City, the brand’s first hotel in Central America.

The 138-room hotel is located along 2nd Avenue in the heart of Guatemala City’s Zona 10, known locally as “Zona Viva,” which is considered one of the city”s most upscale commercial areas.

Hyatt Centric Guatemala CityAs the first Hyatt Centric hotel in Central America, the hotel is designed to make guests feel welcome and connected to the heart of Guatemala City and all it has to offer. From Hyatt Centric Guatemala City, guests can meander through the National Museum of Archaeology, shop for handmade textiles at the Plaza Mayor, and experience the Historic Center and National Palace.

Additionally, La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala’s passenger and cargo hub, is only 10 minutes away from the hotel.

guatemalacity.centric.hyatt.com

Brit List 2017 Hoteliers Profiles

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In the coming weeks, Hotel Designs will be profiling the 50 finalists in the HD Brit List 2017 – this week, we start with five of the top 25 hoteliers…

MARK BEVAN – CHEWTON GLEN
Mark is the definition of someone who has seen many of the sides hospitality has to offer, working his way up through the ranks from head waiter to general manager via a Catey Award for Restaurant Manager of the Year in 2009; several of his positions being served at Chewton Glen.
As an active and decorated member of the hospitality industry, Mark’s work at Chewton Glen has seen the Hampshire country house hotel become not only a favourite with discerning guests, but with fellow hoteliers too, fully justifying his nomination for the Brit List 2017.

PAUL BRACKLEY – SHANGRI-LA THE SHARD
Paul is a Master Innholder and has held management positions within the InterContinental Group – at Crowne Plaza London The City – as well as Taj 51 Buckingham Gate and St. James Court Hotel before joining Mayfair’s Beaumont Hotel as managing director. Paul’s 30 years’ of experience in the industry now sees him head up one of the most exciting properties in London.

Paul’s commitment to the future of the hospitality industry cannot be questioned either, with him being a fellow of the Institute of Hospitality and a keen supporter of the Oxford Brookes University’s Bacchus Mentoring Programme since its inception.

LYNN BRUTMAN – FOUR SEASONS HOTEL HAMPSHIRE
Lynn has been a Four Seasons stalwart since 1991, even being part of the location move of the brand’s flagship Toronto property. Lynn’s journey to Hampsire was via several Four Seasons hotels in the United States and Canada, as well as Four Seasons Canary Wharf.
At the Four Seasons Hampshire, Lynn is heading up the brand’s only ‘country house’ property in the UK; having to balance this traditional aesthetic and vibe with the globally accepted modern Four Seasons standards. Within a few months of managing the Hampshire property, Brutman has felt completely at home, and her goal is to maintain the hotel’s ever-growing reputation.

PATRICK BURKE – THE ATLANTIC HOTEL
Having a father who was a prominent hotelier on Jersey before him, it is hardly surprising that Patrick Burke became anything but a hotelier and his own contribution to the island’s hospitality industry cannot be underestimated. Taking over the reins at the stunning Atlantic Hotel thirty years ago, what Patrick has achieved has been nothing short of remarkable.

The Atlantic and its Michelin-starred Ocean restaurant have been receiving accolades for a number of years, but Patrick’s commitment to the wider industry has been monumental also; having served as a Director of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) since 1999 and his admission as the sole Channel Island member of the Master Innholders.

MARWAN HEMCHAOUI – THE VINEYARD HOTEL
During a distinguished career which has seen him work at the likes of the Dorchester and InterContinental London, Marwan has forged a reputation for a dedication to excellence. And that reputation followed him when he took over the reins at The Vineyard in Newbury just shy of four years ago.

Overseeing a team of some 140+, three team members to every guest, Marwan is proud of the award-winning, world-class passionate service his team offers at this uniquely conceptual hotel – home to 49 rooms, a 3 AA Rosette restaurant and a cellar of some 30,000 wines.

Main photo: Alex Paterson

Hotel Designs Logo stacked & NEW strapline-012

July 15-21: 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. GUEST BLOG: LARRY MOGELONSKY – DIRTY DOZEN OF HOTEL RENOVATION
Larry Mogelonsky, Principal at Hotel Mogel Consulting and Chairman at LMA Communications shares his thoughts on a general guideline of twelve tips for a smooth renovation…

2. DISNEY REVEALS SNEAK PEEK OF STAR WARS-INSPIRED THEMED RESORT
During a special preview of D23 Expo 2017, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek unveiled a first look at the epic, richly detailed model of the Star Wars-themed lands.

3. AIRBNB NIGHTS BOOKED IN LONDON MORE THAN DOUBLES
New research from Colliers International and Hotelschool The Hague reveals that nights booked in London with Airbnb rose by 130 per cent to 4.62 million in 2016, from just over 2 million in 2015.

4. HYPNOS CELEBRATES PRESTIGIOUS QUEEN’S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE
Hypnos chairman, Peter Keen, and group managing director, Stephen Ward, swapped the sights of Hypnos for the grand scenes of Buckingham Palace.

5. PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: 50TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION FROM NEWMOR
2017 marks the 50th year of Newmor Wallcoverings. In celebration, the company have launched their 50th anniversary collection, Mid-Century Modern.

6. UNIVERSAL UNVEILS DHIGALI MALDIVES RESORT
Dhigali, the newest island resort from Universal Resorts matches contemporary luxury with the pure natural beauty of the Maldives.

7. SHALINI MISRA TO DESIGN CHAMPAGNE BAR AT DECOREX 2017
Decorex has an international reputation for showcasing luxury products, so it should come as no surprise that top designer, Shalina Misra, was handpicked to design the show-stopping centerpiece of the exhibition: The Champagne Bar.

8. CITIZENM PARIS GARE DE LYON TO OPEN AUGUST 1ST
Located in the arrondissement de Reuilly, on the northeastern bank of the Seine, this newest member of the citizenM family is a must for sightseers, pleasure seekers and business-doers alike.

9. KOBE TO UNVEIL NEW COLLECTIONS AT DECOREX
Luxury fabric specialist Kobe will join other prestigious brands to introduce its new window décor, upholstery and soft furnishings collections at Decorex International in September.

10. APEX CITY OF BATH HOTEL CELEBRATES MILESTONE MOMENT, BIG REVEAL
The team at Apex City of Bath Hotel is celebrating yet another milestone as the grand opening of the new £35 million property approaches.

Introducing Swiss Chandolin Boutique Hotel – now open

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Amid the pines and larch trees of the Valaisian valley, the 25-room Chandolin Boutique Hotel is a holistic expression of archetypal Alpine luxury shot through with an environmentally conscious spirit.

Designed by local architecture firm Kittel SA and housed in a typically Swiss grand chalet, the hotel’s architectural identity reflects the natural splendour of its surroundings, with a façade of linseed-oil-treated wooden slats, balustrades of larch wood and cedar, and opus incertum stonework.

Chandolin Boutique Hotel
Sustainable technology such as thermal solar panels, dual-flow ventilation, and triple-glazing windows have been integrated into the building’s design, demonstrating that the hotel’s reverence of its locale goes beyond the aesthetic.

Chandolin Boutique HotelInside, alternating natural stone floors and aged oak parquet flooring set the tone for an understated interior design that is also inspired by the hotel’s natural setting. Walls are embellished with monochromatic works of mountain sports photography, while furnishings range in texture from raw fabrics to natural leathers.

Earthy colour palettes in communal areas—with warmer beiges in rooms and suites—are complemented by fir wood detailing and unpolished stonework. Large windows ensure the Alpine-chic spaces are flooded with natural light in the day, while providing the perfect perch from which to take in the starry skies at night.

www.chandolinboutiquehotel.ch

citizenM Paris Gare de Lyon

citizenM Paris Gare de Lyon to open August 1st

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Located in the arrondissement de Reuilly, on the northeastern bank of the Seine, this newest member of the citizenM family is a must for sightseers, pleasure seekers and business-doers alike.

Some may say three’s a crowd, but citizenM say ‘mais, oui’ to a third pad in the glittering City of Lights. Joining citizenM Charles de Gaulle and citizenM La Défense, their latest hotel is in the beating heart of one of Paris’ most exciting, up-and-coming districts.

citizenM Paris Gare de LyonLook forward to 1 August 2017 when citizenM Paris Gare de Lyon flings open its doors to guests. Across the 338 rooms you can expect their signature brand of affordable luxury for the people. Each room boasts king-size beds, rain showers and mood pads that control the temperature, brightness and colour – yes, colour – of the lights. There’s free movies too.

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REVIEW: CITIZENM TOWER OF LONDON
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Outside your cubby hole, the lobby is a home-from-home, filled with books, art, a fireplace and a carpet that recreates the slow ticking clock of the Gare de Lyon station. As with all of citizenM hotels, it’s filled with unique artworks, including the mesmerising installation by Studio Martens & Visser, Reflecting Holons, which transforms the entrance into a magical light and movement show of floating, dancing bubbles. Okay, okay – perhaps not exactly like your own living room.

citizenM Paris Gare de Lyon
Need to graft? The societyM meeting rooms will inspire your next lightbulb moment. Peckish? canteenM offers food and drink, healthy and indulgent, day and night. And when it’s time to wind down with a cocktail (or three), head up to cloudM for panoramas over the city. Looking out over the Seine, soak up views of timeless icons – the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame – new features such as a the Cité de la mode et du design and, all the way in western Paris, the Grande Arche. Be sure to wave to citizenM La Défense while you’re up there.

www.citizenm.com/destinations/paris

Amari Galle

Amari enters Sri Lanka with beachfront resort in Galle

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ONYX Hospitality Group, one of Asia’s leading hotel management companies, has launched a brand-new Amari property in Sri Lanka’s historic southwest coastal city of Galle.

The 172-room property, located a short distance from the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort, is ONYX’s third hotel in Sri Lanka. This hotel is also the group’s third Amari opening this year, following Johor Bahru in Malaysia and Yangshuo in China.

This new beachfront hotel is prominently situated on the Colombo-Galle main road and offers easy access to nearby attractions including Galle Fort, the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by the Europeans, and Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa, popular destinations for water sports such as scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing and kite surfing.

www.amari.com/galle-srilanka

Hansgrohe Croma 280

Product Spotlight: Shower pleasure with hansgrohe favourite – Croma 280

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The new hansgrohe Croma 280 overhead showers bring clean design and the pleasure of a generous rain shower to the bathroom.

“Customer feedback shows that the trend towards extra-large shower heads and all-in-one shower systems, like our convenient showerpipes, is still going strong,” explains Jan Heisterhagen, Vice President Product Management, Hansgrohe SE. “With the Croma 280 shower head range we’re expanding one of our bestselling lines at an attractive price/performance ratio.”

Quality and shower pleasure
Precise shapes and clean lines emphasise the high quality of the hansgrohe Croma 280 showerheads. Their design is the work of hansgrohe’s longstanding partner Phoenix Design. The 280-millimeter spray disc is generously sized; it is made of metal, is durable, robust and can be detached for easy cleaning. Thanks to air-enriched water drops, the lavish shower spray splashes less than conventional shower jets and envelops the body in a warm sense of wellbeing.

Product Spotlight: Shower pleasure with hansgrohe favourite - Croma 280The showerheads are available for ceiling or wall installation. Customers can opt for models equipped with hansgrohe EcoSmart water-saving technology. These use only about nine litres per minute, half the water used by showerheads without EcoSmart.

The showerpipe: an all-round talent
The hansgrohe Croma Select 280 showerpipe combines all components in a single system: overhead shower, hand shower, shower holder, thermostat and hose – a complete package convenient for both new construction projects and bathroom remodels. The showerpipe features high-quality materials, solid workmanship and easy cleaning. The horizontal shower arm can be used to swivel the overhead shower to the desired position. This is an advantage in small shower areas; for example, in situations where there is only room to install the showerpipe near a corner; in this case, the overhead shower can be centrally positioned, allowing for more freedom of movement.

As an addition to the pleasurable overhead rain shower, the Croma Select S Multi hand shower offers flexibility with its three spray modes. Switching from one kind of spray to another is easy – all it takes is the push of a button. The integrated hansgrohe Ecostat Comfort thermostat allows the precise selection of individual temperature preferences and makes sure water doesn’t get too hot. The hansgrohe Croma Select 280 showerpipe comes in two additional versions: one with a single-lever mixer for bathtubs, and a renovation model for use with existing taps and mixers in bathroom renovation projects.

Hampton by Hilton Humberside Airport room

North of England welcomes Hampton by Hilton Humberside Airport property

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Hilton’s Hampton by Hilton brand has announced the opening of its newest property at Humberside Airport, North East Lincolnshire. The 100-room Hampton by Hilton property, joins the brands UK portfolio of 22 properties.

Hampton by Hilton Humberside Airport offers guests value-added amenities such as a free, hot breakfast featuring delicious waffles and seasonal offerings. Additionally,
guests can take advantage of its complimentary Wi-Fi.

Hampton by Hilton has long been known for its unique and unmatched approach to hospitality. Team members proudly exhibit a unique culture described as ‘Hamptonality’. This term is defined by each hotel’s approach to friendly customer service, anticipation of guests’ needs, and establishing an authentic, friendly and caring culture.

Guests can benefit from two meeting rooms that are on offer at Hampton by Hilton Humberside Airport, suitable for up to 40 delegates each with natural daylight. An onsite fitness centre with state of the art cardio and strength equipment is also available, along with a 24/7 snack hub.

Storm Grey - Crosswater Svelte Collection

Spotlight: New Storm Grey colourway in the Svelte collection from Crosswater

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Storm Grey is the latest finish to be introduced to the ever-popular Crosswater Svelte collection. Renowned for its sleek curves and superior functionality, Svelte is the ideal bathroom furniture choice for the design conscious homeowner. With a distinctively modern matt finish, this new stormy hue of grey introduces a fresh, contemporary tone to the existing range of stunning colourways within the collection.

The Storm Grey finish is not only beautiful to look at but features a unique ACTIVE anti-bacterial finish, designed to provide an hygienic coating that caters to active family living. This bacterial-resistant application is one of many pioneering qualities incorporated into the design. Svelte’s cast mineral marble basins also feature a pioneering finish called Durocoat®, which results in a highly durable surface that boasts impeccable levels of hygiene and stain resistance.

Storm Grey - Crosswater Svelte CollectionThe timeless basin designs are available in classic mineral marble as well as the newly released glass basins designed for the 120 Unit with the choice of Charcoal or Ice-White glass. With five mineral marble basin unit sizes available, ranging from a statement curved vanity unit, to the compact proportions of the corner design, this is a range set to match the demands of modern living, whatever the size of your bathroom.

Soft close compartment drawers are prioritised within the design to provide for a multitude of storage needs and help to keep a minimal and organised space. With a focus on key principles of practicality, simplicity and beauty, the Svelte collection creates an effortlessly stylish statement in your bathroom, with the latest colour option of Storm Grey further cementing the range’s style credentials.

www.crosswater.co.uk
+44 (0) 13 22 42 27 43
David.balmer@crosswater-holdings.co.uk

The team at Apex City of Bath Hotel is celebrating yet another milestone as the grand opening of the new £35 million property approaches.

Apex City of Bath Hotel celebrates milestone moment, big reveal

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The team at Apex City of Bath Hotel is celebrating yet another milestone as the grand opening of the new £35 million property approaches.

Contractors have removed the final piece of scaffolding around the hotel’s façade, revealing the building – constructed using Bath stone – in all its glory.

Just over 1,000 tonnes of Base Bed Stone, sourced from Stoke Mill Mine just outside Bath, was used in the hotel’s construction.

The removal gives locals and visitors to the historic city the first full glimpse of the 177-bed property, which will be Bath’s largest hotel.

Tim O’Sullivan, General Manager of Apex City of Bath Hotel, said: “Construction on the hotel began just under two years ago, so the scaffolding coming down marks a significant milestone on our journey towards opening to the public.

“We’re entering the final countdown, and it’s fantastic to finally see the façade – which is covered with more than two-thousand square feet of Bath stone – in its full glory. We’re looking forward to welcoming locals and visitors inside to see what lies in store once we’re officially opened.”

Opening in August, the four-star Apex City of Bath Hotel will boast 177 bedrooms, restaurant, bar, gymnasium and pool alongside Bath’s only city centre conference facility for up to 400 guests. The hotel is ideally located within easy reach of tourist destinations, and just five minutes’ walk from the world famous Roman Baths.

DoubleTree by Hilton - Business Bay - Dubai

DoubleTree by Hilton opens latest Dubai property

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DoubleTree by Hilton, one of Hilton’s 14 market-leading brands, has announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai – Business Bay. The modern hotel features 238 spacious guest rooms and suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai or Bay Square.

It joins two other DoubleTree by Hilton properties already open in the city and eight DoubleTree by Hilton properties open across the Middle East.

DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai – Business Bay is located in Bay Square, a low rise community square surrounded by shops, cafes and local businesses. The hotel is ideally located between ‘old’ and ‘new’ parts of the city, allowing guests to experience all the city has to offer.

“Dubai is a fast-growing, cosmopolitan city that offers visitors a range of activities, from shopping in the modern malls, to watching a performance at the opera, to abra rides on the creek,” said Dianna Vaughan, senior vice president and global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “As the first and only hotel in Bay Square, DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai – Business Bay is ideal for travellers seeking accomodation in this popular new destination. We look forward to welcoming guests with something special at every stage of their stay, starting with our signature, warm DoubleTree cookie upon arrival.”

Dhigali Maldives

Universal unveils Dhigali Maldives resort

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Dhigali, the newest island resort from Universal Resorts matches contemporary luxury with the pure natural beauty of the Maldives.

Located in the Raa Atoll, the resort brings modern minimalist design to this wonderfully remote part of the Maldives.

The resort is just a 45- minute journey by seaplane from Malé Airport; domestic flights from Ifuru/Dharavandhoo Airport, are also available and including transfer by speedboat, take just 70 minutes.

Surrounded by a pristine coral reef and crystal clear lagoon, this 5 star sanctuary invites guests to cast away in unspoilt luxury and rich Maldivian culture.

dhigali.com

Dusit - Philippines

Dusit to manage new five-star resort in the Philippines

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Thailand-based, global hospitality company Dusit International has signed a hotel management agreement with Robinsons Land Corporation, one of the Philippines’ leading real estate companies, to operate the Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu, a five-star resort situated on the northern peninsula of Mactan island. This resort is slated to open in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Positioned to meet the needs of leisure and business travellers alike, the new beachfront resort will comprise 271 well-appointed guest rooms divided between three buildings adjacent to RLC’s AmiSa private residences. Facilities will include a luxury spa, a fully-equipped fitness centre, a lobby lounge, three restaurants with al fresco and private dining, a large infinity pool, and over 1,200 sq m of meeting space. Dusit’s signature gracious hospitality inspired by authentic Thai values will drive the service experience.

Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu will be the third property in the Philippines to carry the Dusit Thani brand besides the Dusit Thani Manila and the upcoming Dusit Thani Residence Davao. Next year, the pioneering Dusit Hospitality Management College, a unique fully-integrated hospitality school and hotel, will also open in the capital. Other properties in the pipeline include DusitPrincess Cebu City, dusitD2 Davao and dusitD2 Resort, San Juan.

Dusit International currently operates 29 properties in key destinations around the globe with a further 51 projects already confirmed to open within the next three years. Alongside Dusit Thani, other brands in the company”s international portfolio include Dusit Devarana, dusitD2 and DusitPrincess.

Holiday Inn Express Hawaii

Largest Holiday Inn Express property in the Americas opens in Hawaii

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InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the opening of the 44-storey, 596-room Holiday Inn Express Waikiki hotel — the largest Holiday Inn Express property in the Americas region.

Located just three blocks from Waikiki Beach, two blocks from Luxury Row shopping and four blocks from the Hawaii Convention Centre, this hotel is well-suited for both business and leisure travelers visiting Waikiki.

The hotel features the brand’s newest design solution which includes a new modern design scheme, ample access to outlets and charging ports and more community workspaces for travelers looking to get work done outside of their guest room.

Additionally, the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki hotel features 4,700 square feet of flexible space with nearly 1,500-square-feet of outdoor seating, and a spacious fifth floorSky Deck with games like giant chess, 9-hole mini golf, a video game room, shuffleboard, foosball and ping pong. The property has an outdoor pool, sun deck and cabanas as well as a 24-hour fitness centre.

The hotel also participates in IHG Green Engage® and offers unique programs to ensure sustainability.

Disney reveals sneak peek at Star Wars-themed resort

Disney reveals sneak peek of Star Wars-inspired themed resort

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During a special preview of D23 Expo 2017, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek unveiled a first look at the epic, richly detailed model of the Star Wars-themed lands under development at Disneyland park in Anaheim, California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida. The exhibition is on display in Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ “A Galaxy of Stories” pavilion at D23 Expo.

“To say we are excited for the Star Wars-themed lands to open in 2019 is an understatement,” Chapek said. “All along, we have said this will be game-changing, and through the model we can begin to see how truly epic these immersive new worlds will be.”

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RELATED: DISNEY HINTS AT STAR WARS-THEMED HOTEL AT ORLANDO PARK
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A Star Wars-themed hotel is likely to be part of the plans; for about $1,000-per-person, a two-night stay would include all meals, entertainment and admission to the upcoming Star Wars-themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Rooms will reportedly accommodate up to four guests.

Disney reveals sneak peek at Star Wars-themed resort
Chapek plans to share exciting new details about the project during the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Hall D23 Presentation on Saturday. The model will remain on display at the pavilion throughout the weekend to give visitors an up-close look at what”s to come on this never-before seen planet. In addition, the pavilion will display models, artwork and media that provide a first-ever look at some of the locations, starships, creatures, and droids that guests will encounter when they visit this new planet.

Shalini Misra to design Champagne Bar at Decorex 2017

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Decorex has an international reputation for showcasing luxury products, so it should come as no surprise that top designer, Shalina Misra, was handpicked to design the show-stopping centerpiece of the exhibition: The Champagne Bar.

Decorex Champange Bar to be designed by Shalini Misra

Inspired by the Great Exhibition of 1851
Misra’s Champagne Bar will take pride of place at the center of this year’s 40th Anniversary Decorex. Misra has based her design on the Great Exhibition of 1851, which has proven to be an inspirational choice.

The 1851 Great Exhibition held in Crystal Palace was undeniably magnificent. Paintings of the time show how the designers of the day created an awe-inspiring glass conservatory, which soon became known as the Crystal Palace. The enormous glass structure was large enough to accommodate full-size trees, as well as hundreds of Victorian inventions and other marvels of the time.

Crystal Palace Inspired Champagne Bar
The original Crystal Palace was disassembled following the exhibition and moved to Sydenham Hill, where it eventually burned down in 1936. Luckily, we have numerous paintings that illustrate how impressive the structure was and Shalina Misra has used these, along with drawings and prints, as her creative inspiration.

Since Decorex International is synonymous with luxury, this year’s design for the Champagne Bar needed to reflect this. Misra understands this perfectly. She has created a hexagonal central bar with four sweeping roof structures, which are highly reminiscent of the 1851 Crystal Palace that welcomed millions of people back in its heyday.

Victoriana Design Influences
A dramatic central canopy hangs over the central bar, which features plenty of ironwork detailing and backlighting. The Victorian Age is linked to the Industrial Revolution, so metal is an apt choice of material. In 1851, the rail network was in an expansion stage and many visitors to the Great Exhibition arrived via train. Misra has incorporated Victorian motifs and detailing into her overall design, along with a decadent color palette that harks back to the 19th century.

Opulent Fabrics and Relaxing Décor
Inside the Champagne Bar, you will find plenty of opulent fabrics, including rich velvets, decorative screens, and potted palms. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a glass of champagne while exploring the Decorex exhibition.

Misra describes her design as “…a contemporary interpretation of a glasshouse infused with graphic pattern, luxe detailing and curiosities.”

An Award-Winning Design Portfolio
Of course, design enthusiasts will know that Shalina Misra is no stranger to masterful, contemporary designs. Her award-winning design practice was first established in 1996 and has since been responsible for a diverse range of projects in London, Delhi, New York, and Dubai. She is well known for her timeless interiors and functional spaces that are full of character and creativity. In fact, Shalina Misra regularly collaborates with many of the world’s leading craftsmen and women, artists, and antique experts to pull together her amazing designs.

The Decorex Champagne Bar is a prestigious design commission and previous creators include the Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, Martin Hulbert Design, and Russell Sage.

Hastings Hotels invests more than £60m in growing portfolio

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Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland’s leading collection of hotels, has announced the continued investment of over £60 million into its growing portfolio. In addition to investing £53 million on its seventh hotel which is due to open in 2018, it has also completed a £10 million renovation programme on its six other hotels.

Howard Hastings, Managing Director of Hastings Hotels said: “Despite the current economic uncertainty across Ireland, we have continued to invest heavily in our properties. We are currently making our biggest single investment to date in the Grand Central Hotel of £53 million and upon completion it will be Northern Ireland’s largest hotel with 304 bedrooms.

Culloden Estate
“At Hastings Hotels we have a long term philosophy to reinvest year on year in our people and our properties which is why we have the leading hotels in Northern Ireland. We do not rest on our laurels and have invested over £10 million in recent years in the continuous investment programmes of our six hotels as we strive to ensure we offer our guests the very best facilities and experience on every visit.

“We have recently completed a £4.8 million renovation of the Culloden Estate & Spa, a new £1.5 million Grand Ballroom at the Everglades Hotel which is now the largest facility of its kind in the North West, invested £2 million in the Europa which has included a new entrance and lobby bar as well as £1 million in the Stormont Hotel with a new look high-tech conference and event facility, lobby and bar area,” Howard continued.

Hastings HotelsEarlier this month Hastings Hotels celebrated 50 years of the ownership of the jewel in its crown, the Culloden Estate & Spa. The luxurious property was purchased in June 1967, and over the course of the last 50 years, under the direction of Sir William Hastings, it has transformed in size and luxury.

The continued investment has been recognised recently with Hastings Hotels picking up five prestigious gongs at the 2017 Irish Hotel Awards. The Slieve Donard Resort & Spa was named Irish Hotel of the year, Conference & Business Hotel of the Year and employee Raymond Edgar picked up Groundsman of the Year while the Culloden Estate & Spa was named Luxury Hotel of the Year and Natalie Gourley from the Stormont Hotel won Conference Manager of the Year.

In addition to this, the Culloden was highly commended at the first ever Georgina Campbell Breakfast Awards 2017 in Dublin in the Best 5-Star Hotel category. The judges stated “It is a lovely place to stay, The Culloden has always taken particular pride in the food served and its provenance. Fine dining in the Mitre Restaurant, overlooking the lough, can be memorable, and the excellent Irish Breakfast that is also served here is keenly anticipated by guests.”

www.hastingshotels.com

Kobe Henry at Decorex

Kobe to unveil new collections at Decorex

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Luxury fabric specialist Kobe will join other prestigious brands to introduce its new window décor, upholstery and soft furnishings collections at Decorex International in September.

The four-day event takes place at Syon House in London where Kobe will unveil its latest ranges including the new Boutique collection.

David Harris, managing director of Kobe UK, said: “We are excited to be part of Decorex again this year. This is the perfect backdrop for luxury design and the ideal platform for us to reinforce our brand and showcase our new contemporary and classic collections.”

Boutique’s curtain and upholstery fabrics are suitable for both domestic and contract use. This lavish mix of innovative textiles features sumptuous velvet, woven jacquard, cool cotton and a soft satin appearance. A palette of rich deep and softly nostalgic tones complements the geometric, floral, paisley and botanical patterns. The collection includes Clemence and Adore, the former featuring a beautiful floral pattern on a subtle satin base and is available in three colours. Adore is woven with a range of vibrant coloured matt and shiny yarns, in a stunning paisley design to create a multi-dimensional effect on the damask pattern. It is available in eight colours.

Adore Kobe's Boutique collectionAnother range within the Boutique collection is Henry, a sumptuous velvet, made from 30% cotton, 20% polyester and 50% viscose. The palette of rich deep and neutral tones comes in a range of nine colours.

As Kobe’s Boutique upholstery collections are above 80% natural fibres, they are FR exempt when used in conjunction with a suitable flame retardant interliner. Alternatively they can be supplied with an ACE FR treatment which passes domestic upholstery (cigarette and match) BS5852 part 1, source 0 and 1, and contract upholstery (Crib 5) BS 5852 part 1, source 5 (Crib 5).

Complementing the Boutique upholstery collection is Volterra, a co-ordinating plain velvet, with a matt and natural cotton look and feel. Volterra is woven in the latest timeless and on-trend shades with 65% cotton and 35% polyester yarns in warp and 100% polyester yarns in weft with 100% polyester yarns as pile. The Boutique range includes a wide choice of room highs, the stylish, extra wide fabrics for window décor. The room-high fabrics are more than 300cm high with the pattern printed or woven horizontally across, making matching patterns and sewing seams a thing of the past.

Kobe – Volterra

Also unveiled at the show will be the latest collection from the fresh and contemporary Essente, designed to reach a broader clientele, looking for a cost effective option, with the quality and reassurance of the Kobe name.

All Kobe’s upholstery fabrics offer exceptional durability, scoring highly on the Martindale Rub Test.

www.en.kobe.eu

T: 01344 771653
F: 01344 771663
E: salesuk@kobe.eu

Hypnos - Queen's Award for Enterprise

Hypnos celebrates prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise

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Hypnos chairman, Peter Keen, and group managing director, Stephen Ward, swapped the sights of Hypnos for the grand scenes of Buckingham Palace, when they attended a ceremony to celebrate receiving the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade with Her Majesty the Queen.

The award is only presented to those who demonstrate the highest levels of excellence within their field and Hypnos, which was bestowed the accolade in recognition of its substantial growth internationally, was invited to a private ceremony in London where Queen Elizabeth II met with select companies who received an award.

Peter Keen, Chairman of Hypnos, comments: “Attending an event at Buckingham Palace with Her Majesty the Queen in celebration of The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade was a truly special day and a remarkable moment in the history of our business, which has been operating for over 100 years.

“This award is widely regarded as one of the most significant honours a business can receive, so we’re incredibly excited and proud to have achieved this and it’s all down to the hard work and effort of the entire company. We’ve come a long way in the past five years and have invested a significant amount of time in to growing and developing our global footprint. Our efforts have allowed us to secure a strong international position, whereby 120 retail stores around the world have our product and we can serve our global hotel customers through our 20 international manufacturing licensees.

“As a UK operated family-run business, it’s incredibly exciting to see that our family values and the quality of our offering and products is valued around the world.”
Hypnos, which has held a Royal Warrant since 1929, supplies ethically made and sustainable beds and mattresses to some of the UK’s and world’s finest homes, palaces and hotels. The business also has a strong CSR focus and is the only UK bed manufacturer to be awarded carbon neutral status and both its Princes Risborough and Castle Donington factories have achieved FSC and PEFC certification, ensuring timber is sourced from managed forests.

www.hypnosbeds.com
www.hypnoscontractbeds.com
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Larry Mogelonsky - Renovation tips

Guest Blog: Larry Mogelonsky – Dirty Dozen Of Hotel Renovation

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Larry Mogelonsky, Principal at Hotel Mogel Consulting and Chairman at LMA Communications shares his thoughts on a general guideline of twelve tips for a smooth renovation…

With the kids gone, it was time to follow the footsteps of many other boomers and downsize to a condominium. What started as a mere paint job, however, morphed into a $150-per-square-foot renovation of the entire apartment comprising appliances, lighting, flooring, soft goods, mirrors, kitchen and plumbing fixtures. What we ended up having on our hands was a genuine case of ‘scope creep’ – something not uncommon in any property refurbishment.

Hotel renovations are a necessary dread of our industry in order to keep apace with the constantly giving décor trends, star rating requirements and technological advancements. They are also stressful and frustrating. Having gone through dozens of this large-scale projects over the past four decades, I was able to navigate the treacherous waters of my own apartment’s scope creep by following a general guideline of these twelve tips.

1. Define your objectives. Be as specific as possible, and make sure that these are written and approved by your ownership group. My mistake this time around was that my vision was very different than that of my spouse which resulted in serious cost overruns and time delays.

2. Timetables are split in thirds. Whatever you are proposing, figure one third of your time will be spent planning, another third in the actual work and the final third in quality control. Do not underestimate any one of these segments.

3. Budgets never last for more than the time they were created. There are more ways for costs to overrun than you can count. I thought our planning was generous but we ended up about 25% over budget, and that includes several areas of great cost savings. It’s natural to use a renovation to augment deep cleaning, upholstery renewal, upgraded security systems, LED conversions and any other new technologies. It all adds up!

Larry Mogelonsky - Renovation tips

4. What’s behind the walls? Our condo is only 15 years old, so there were no crazy surprises like what you would find in a century building. Nevertheless, we discovered significant shortfalls in wiring, plumbing and HVAC that all needed to be corrected before we could begin. Of course, these resulted in more cost increases and time delays, but the lesson here is to thoroughly inspect the state of affairs ‘under the hood’ before finalizing the scope and budget.

5. Hire a great general contractor. Simply put, you have a hotel to run, not a construction site. Don’t even think of doing both simultaneously. You need someone who will manage the project on your behalf. The GC became my single point of contact for the project, helping streamline communication and saving me time. He collected all my notes and disseminated them to the multitude of tradesmen onsite. He also fed back issues and prevented potential solutions.

6. Let everyone know your deadline. In a residential move, this is straightforward; the closing date of your home’s sale dictates the project’s drop-dead completion date. While this gave us six months of overlap, the GC understood the final month was set aside for moving. With no secrets, the work was accomplished in the set timeframe. As a senior manager, you put decide what the maximum tolerable length of agony is that your property can endure before irreparable damage is done to its occupancy and reputation.

7. You cannot walk away. In order to keep everything on track, I visited the jobsite at least twice a week, in addition to a weekly GC meeting. Apart from the obvious status reports, there were always new items and unexpected issues. The devil is in the details, and you won’t discover those details unless you are periodically on the ground with the troops. To note one example, we did not specify the location of the thermostat. Without any direction, the HVAC folks placed it in what they thought was the optimal position, which did not take into consideration the high headboard which would have covered it. Good thing I was there to catch this before it was too late.

Larry Mogelonsky - Renovation tips
8. Document all change orders. We kept a running tally sheet of over-change that we requested. While this did not lead to any real cost savings, at least we understood the detailed reasons for the overages. This approach will come in very handy when ownership needs to understand your budget predicament or to reconcile excesses.

9. Create a positive work environment. I’m fussy about coffee. So too is my Italian, Portuguese, Lebanese and Turkish workforce. I knew that if I did not provide great coffee, one junior team member would be tasked on a continual Starbucks run. A hundred-dollar Nespresso machine plus lots of capsules turned out to be a wise investment. (As additional learning, the decaf capsules were never touched.)

10. What ifs are expensive. Want to move a door, reposition a switch or add a dimmer? Most GCs will never say no. Just about anything can be built or modified; it is merely a matter of time and materials. So, be careful as to what you ask for, as your whimsical idea may be converted into reality but at a price too hefty to properly bear.

11. Take lots of before photos. Try to image the best angles and where you stood so that you can replicate them exactly with the new look. The before-and-after comparisons may help you explain your cost overruns to your owners.

12. Say thank you to your team. I didn’t hire painters, carpenters, electricians, plumbers or HVAC specialists. I hired craftsmen who take great pride in their work. It’s probably a small job to them, but clearly very important to me. Such professionals will feel similar pride in their work done to refurbish your hotel. No matter what the project is or the size of your property, it costs nothing to say thank you in person or by email, and it will always be appreciated.

(Article by Larry Mogelonsky, originally published in eHotelier on Wednesday, March 22, 2017)

After completing his MBA, Larry began his marketing career with Procter & Gamble, moving to a top-10 ad agency and serving as the managing director to the Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts account. Founding LMA in 1991, he has increased its hospitality presence with a global roster of hotel and tourism clients, winning 88 Adrian Awards and TravelClick’s Worldwide e-Marketer of the Year

Swiss-Belhotel announces opening of group’s first 5-star Jordan property

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Swiss-Belhotel International has announced the opening of Grand Swiss-Belresort Tala Bay Aqaba, the group’s first 5-star in Jordan following the completion of the hotel’s rebranding. Part of the massive Tala Bay development, the beautiful 336-room beachfront property is located on the Red Sea with 80 per cent of the rooms facing the marina.

Mr Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, said: “Grand Swiss-Belresort Tala Bay Aqaba is now fully integrated into our global system following the brand conversion.

Swiss Belhotel - Grand Swiss-Belresort Tala Bay AqabaIn addition to outstanding accommodation, Grand Swiss-Belresort Tala Bay Aqaba boasts exceptional dining and leisure facilities including three specialty restaurants and a beach bar, five swimming pools, kids club, and exciting water sports and recreation activities.”

JPTD is a publicly listed company that owns, develops and operates the unique Red Sea destination of Tala Bay Aqaba.

Mr. Ziad Abu Jaber Chairman of JPTD, stated: “We are eager to capitalise on Swiss-Belhotel International”s expertise and excellence in managing world-class hotels catering to varied market segments, and delighted to see the progress at Grand Swiss-Belresort Tala Bay Aqaba.”

Le Meridien Seoul

Le Meridien Seoul slated to open in September 2017

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Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of Le Meridien Seoul, set to be the first Le Meridien property in Korea. Owned by Cheonwon, the hotel with its distinctive European architecture intertwined with mid-century modern design is slated to open in September 2017.

Le Meridien Seoul will feature 336 chic rooms, including 109 club rooms and 29 suites with access to the Club Lounge, offering refreshments throughout the day and exclusive spaces for socialising and working. The prestigious Presidential Suite is bound to become the most stunning in the city with a distinct mix of antique and modern furniture. The hotel is also anchored by the signature Le Méridien Hub, which reinterprets the traditional hotel lobby into a social gathering place built on the brand’s award-winning arrival experience and coffee culture. The fitness facilities and pool area will offer a tranquil respite from the hectic pace of the city, providing a space where guests can relax.

Creative meeting and event spaces at the hotel are all set to cater to exclusive social gatherings and business events featuring the latest technology and an abundance of natural light. The Da Vinci Ballroom, housed in the lower levels of the atrium has the capacity to accommodate up to 500 guests. For further discovery of art, guests may visit M Contemporary Art Center located on the second floor of the hotel.

Located on Bongeunsa-ro, one of Gangnam’s major thoroughfares, Le Meridien Seoul is approximately 60 minutes by a car from Incheon International Airport. The hotel allows for easy access to the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center, as well as the office district in Samsung-dong. It is also a great base for discovering Seoul’s rich culture and history, including UNESCO Heritage treasures and pursuing nightlife.

Bisate Lodge, Rwanda

Wilderness Safaris opens Bisate Lodge, Rwanda

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Wilderness Safaris is proud to announce the opening of Bisate Lodge, situated next to the renowned Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Comprising just six spacious forest villas, Bisate offers a luxurious base from which to enjoy an extraordinary gorilla conservation experience and life-changing journey to this beautiful region.

Situated within the amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone, the 42-hectare Bisate site is incomparable in terms of its natural splendour, with sweeping views towards the Karisimbi, Bisoke and Mikeno volcanoes. It is close enough to Kinigi (the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters) to be convenient for guests’ morning gorilla treks, but far enough away so as to feel remote and even – as a result of the pioneering onsite indigenous reforestation project – part of the spectacular Park.

“With only six luxurious forest villas, the real generosity of Bisate in the Rwandan context is the amount of private and exclusive space that surrounds the Lodge, sheltering it in a rare natural landscape brimming with Albertine Rift biodiversity and beauty”, said Wilderness Safaris COO, Grant Woodrow. Each spacious forest villa comprises a generous yet intimate combination of bedroom, reception area and bathroom, all warmed by a central fireplace and with breathtaking views out across a private deck towards Mount Bisoke.

Bisate Lodge, RwandaBisate’s sophisticated architectural and interior design is rooted in Rwandan building tradition as exemplified in the design of the Royal Palace of the traditional monarch. This spherical, thatched structure echoes the thousands of hills that dot the Rwandan landscape, while the richly-detailed interiors exhibit surfaces and screens made from a variety of woven materials with strong resonance in Rwandan culture. Various interior design elements are drawn from aspects of the Rwandan lifestyle, particularly the colourful textiles and use of texture, such as the emerald-green colour in the textiles and chandeliers that is reminiscent of the verdant greens of the rainforests, as well as the vibrant markets that dot the villages throughout the country. Many of the furnishings are decorated using “imigongo”, an art form unique to Rwanda.

As a Wilderness Safaris Premier camp, the overall design concept for Bisate is based on the principle that ‘purpose is the new luxury’, with the vision being to create a world-class venture that will make a dramatic and far-reaching positive impact on more than ‘just’ the mountain gorilla. The whole Bisate experience is based around Wilderness Safaris 4Cs sustainability ethos of Commerce, Community, Culture and Conservation. Its pioneering reforestation project, which has already seen nearly 15 000 indigenous trees planted to date, community engagement, cultural appropriateness and exposure, eco-friendly operational systems and more will take guests beyond the ‘gorilla express’ and enrich their experience in this inspiring country.

“Since 2009 we have contemplated how our ecotourism model could contribute to the conservation of the Virunga Massif ecosystem and an iconic endangered species like the mountain gorilla. When we made the decision to invest in Rwanda, the last thing we intended to do was just to build a boutique lodge and sell gorilla treks”, Woodrow added. “We wanted to ensure that our brand of responsible ecotourism made a real difference to both rural Rwandan people and biodiversity conservation. As such, we hope that Bisate will exceed our guests’ expectations, and that together we will be able to make a dramatic and far-reaching impact on not just a Critically Endangered species like the mountain gorilla, but also the entire ecosystem of the Virunga Massif and the rural people living adjacent to it”.

Airbnb nights booked in London more than doubles

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New research from Colliers International and Hotelschool The Hague reveals that nights booked in London with Airbnb rose by 130 per cent to 4.62 million in 2016, from just over 2 million in 2015. Furthermore, in the first four months of 2017, there was an additional 55 per cent uplift in the number of nights booked through Airbnb compared to the same period in 2016.

The success and growing popularity of this online marketplace has helped to see its market share of London’s overnight visitors more than double to nearly nine per cent in 2016, up from less than four per cent of overnight visitors making use of Airbnb for their accommodation in 2015.

Airbnb - nights booked in London more than doubledBookings in the boroughs of Westminster; Tower Hamlets; Camden; Kensington and Chelsea; and Hackney accounted for nearly 50 per cent of all Airbnb overnight stays, a trend also seen in 2015.

Marc Finney, Head of Hotels & Resorts Consulting commented: “Our research shows that Airbnb now represents a notable and growing type of accommodation offer in the capital. As the scale grows, the lack of regulation becomes a greater concern to many, and rightly so. It is interesting though that despite the growth, we’re seeing relatively little negative impact on the hotel sector. In a lot of ways, Airbnb is a different product offer, just one that now benefits from better visibility.”

Airbnb - nights booked in London more than doubled“Indeed STR data shows that London hotels held an Average Daily Rate (ADR) of £143 in 2016. Whereas, the London Airbnb ADR fell by eight per cent in 2016 to £100; and rates for private rooms fell by 15 per cent to an ADR of £57. This room type also became more popular than in the previous year. Overall though, despite the growing influence of Airbnb, we’re still finding strong business cases for proposed hotels in our development advisory work,” adds Finney.

Airbnb - nights booked in London more than doubledBy the end of 2016, the number of properties listed on Airbnb had grown by 57 per cent – from 88,162 in 2015 to more than 138,000 properties. Further, in the first four months of 2017, the number of active properties listed increased by 80 per cent year on year. Of the 2016 listings, almost 54 per cent were offered by hosts with more than one listing, up from 48 per cent. This reinforces concerns amongst communities and authorities about the scale of professional letting via the site. Jeroen Oskam, Director of Research at Hotelschool The Hague added: “The lack of regulation is a concern, not just for traditional accommodation providers, but especially for cities and residents. In addition, consumers’ rights and safety should be protected by regulation but if Airbnb guests encounter a problem, they have to rely on improvised measures by the platform.”

Dirk Bakker, Head of EMEA Hotels at Colliers International concurs, “Airbnb is no longer just an accommodation site for individuals letting out their own homes. People are now buying residential properties specifically for Airbnb, which has the potential to dilute neighbourhoods and become a social issue for residential areas, creating transient zones. This is already evident in Amsterdam and Barcelona for example and local councils are taking great steps to navigate these issues.”

Gran Meliá Puerto Rico to be reborn as Meliá Coco Beach

Gran Meliá Puerto Rico to be reborn as Meliá Coco Beach

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Meliá Hotels & Resorts has announced that its Puerto Rico retreat will be rebranded as Meliá Coco Beach. Previously part of the Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts family, the resort will undergo renovations throughout 2017 to transition to a different brand within the Meliá Hotels International portfolio.

Over the upcoming months, Meliá Coco Beach will adopt Meliá-branded services and amenities including its premium service concept, THE LEVEL. The renovations will take place in various phases to refresh the different areas of the hotel. The current food and beverage offerings will also be updated and will include a buffet restaurant, a steakhouse and a Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant along with old favorites such as Pasion by Myrta offering Puerto Rican cuisine. Meliá Coco Beach will also feature a refurbished convention center with state of the art technology suitable for a wide variety of meetings and events slated to open December 2017.

Meliá Coco Beach“We are excited to watch our beautiful Puerto Rico property evolve and transform into Meliá Coco Beach,” said Raul Alvarez, Director of Operations, The Americas. “With its passion for service, exceptional culinary experiences and activities for a wide mix of travelers, the Meliá Hotels & Resorts brand will be the perfect fit for guests looking to experience a combination of beachside relaxation and local culture.”

Gran Meliá Puerto Rico to be reborn as Meliá Coco BeachMeliá Coco Beach will upgrade 120 rooms to become part of THE LEVEL, along with six pool garden villas and a lounge that is exclusive to THE LEVEL guests. This premium service is available to everyone and is recommended for those seeking superior amenities and facilities such as private restaurant for breakfast, check-in and check-out lounge, preferential bookings at restaurants, Concierge Service, complimentary snacks and beverage throughout the day, upscale amenities in-room including THE LEVEL bathrobe with slippers.

Additionally, the sophisticated resort welcomes the Romance by Meliá program, inviting couples to enjoy the curated special services and packages designed specifically for wedding receptions, honeymoons and overall, romance at Meliá Coco Beach.

Newmor 50th anniversary collection

Product Spotlight: 50th anniversary collection from Newmor

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2017 marks the 50th year of Newmor Wallcoverings. In celebration, the company have launched their 50th anniversary collection, Mid-Century Modern. The collection is a homage to the era Newmor began manufacturing.

The eight designs each come in a selection of colourways, and have been influenced by the bold patterns and colour palettes of the 1960s. Each design has been updated with a contemporary twist, launching them into the next 50 years.

As with all of the Newmor Custom and Newmor Designer collections, the designs can be recoloured, resized and printed onto any of their wallcoverings including textures, metallics and window films.

The Designs
Floral Geo – Geometrics and botanicals are the perfect combination in this in intricate design. Layers of flowers and leaves interwoven with linear patterns. Available in five colourways, and can also be recoloured.

Terrazzo – Terrazzo prints and surfaces are everywhere at the moment, from art and fashion to interiors. Here’s Newmor’s take on this playful trend.

Newmor 50th anniversary collectionRetro Landscape Stripe – Wide horizontal stripe channeling poolside vibes. Scale up or down and print onto any of Newmor’s textured wallcoverings or window films.

Newmor 50th anniversary collectionMarble Herringbone – A new take on the marble trend, this large scale chevron design makes a real statement. Printing on Newmor’s Brushed Steel design adds a luxurious lustre.

Newmor 50th anniversary collectionLandscape Geo – Landscape Geo is a vibrant photographic and block colour collage. This design is available in five contemporary colourways which can also be custom coloured and rescaled.

Newmor 50th anniversary collectionMod Damask – Inspired by a length of vintage fabric, this design can be scaled up or down, each section can be recoloured, and it looks great printed on any of Newmor’s textile effect materials, from delicate silks to chunky hessians.

Newmor 50th anniversary collectionMarbled Paper Geo – This geometric block design is constructed from layers of marbled paper. Available in five colourways and easily recoloured, this design also looks great printed onto a range of textures.

Newmor 50th anniversary collectionMid-Century Tiles – This tiled geometric design is interspersed with hand drawn elements. This versatile design looks great printed on all kinds of bases, from Rough Concrete to linen effects and can be recoloured to suit.

See the full Newmor Custom collection here.

Boutique chairs - Kobe opinion Soft furnishings

Soft Furnishings Focus: Kobe – Upholstery colours, designs for 2017

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As 2017 sees bold colours and motifs continue in soft furnishings, David Harris, managing director of luxury fabric specialist, Kobe UK, takes a look at some of the vibrant new colours and designs in upholstery fabrics.

The latest trends include collections where each fabric has an individual identity. Rich, dark greens are back in fashion, especially botanical patterns and jungle printed jacquards, woven with metallic yarns, paired with the young, modern look of natural materials, wood, cork or marble.

Bright floral designs, such as Kobe’s Clemence from its Boutique collection, are also very popular right now. Upholstery fabrics that can be supplied with FR treatments and those created from 100% natural fabrics in art and craft styled patterns, are an ideal addition to any hotel interior and can be perfectly matched with soft furnishings in shimmering gold or sunny yellows.

Clemence from Kobe's Boutique collection

Clemence from Kobe’s Boutique collection

For a stunning look which creates a room to remember, geometric shapes in furniture are also in style with upholstery fabric woven in both timeless and on-trend colours, such as vivid green or intense fuchsia.

Kobe – Volterra

With matt velvets making a great come back in interiors everywhere, we’ve featured the colour green in Kobe’s lush velvets, such as Volterra, which can be combined with other soft furnishing fabrics to be truly on trend. Don’t be afraid to experiment with dark colours to create a mood of mystery as the latest room trends head for drama and elegance. Choose sumptuous Henry in moody blue, opulent gold, or the fiery glow of dark red, or luxurious aubergine.

Kobe Henry

Kobe Henry

For the more traditional interior there are fabrics woven in matt and shiny yarns, with beautiful paisley patterns making an entrance this year such as Adore which creates a multi-dimensional effect on the damask pattern, in eight colours.

Soft supple chenille upholstery fabric in easy-to-care-for material is also fashionable in both rich and neutral shades. Cocoon is a highlight of the Essente collection and can be used for both curtains and upholstery. Its chenille in 100% polyester is finished with an FR domestic back-coat, so ‘ready to go’ and features a palette of 36 shades ranging from neutral cream, beige and pale grey, warm blue, brown and rose to vibrant lime, orange and red.

Adore Kobe's Boutique collectionWhatever design and style, it’s always exciting to create something new. For those searching for interior inspiration, today’s new collections include an extensive range of upholstery shapes and fabrics, from tradition to contemporary, soft and bright to dark and dramatic.

www.en.kobe.eu

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Dream Hollywood

Dream Hollywood opens in famous LA neighbourhood

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Anchoring the extensive revitalisation of Los Angeles’ famed Hollywood neighbourhood, Dream Hollywood has opened this week.

Bringing together unrivaled partners in dining, nightlife, wellness and more, Dream Hotels’ marquee location creates a magnetic social hub for visitors and Angelenos alike.

Dream Hollywood’s interiors are designed by the award-winning architecture firm Rockwell Group and pays homage to Los Angeles’ iconic mid-century modern architecture, balanced by garden inspired elements, plush upholstery and more, creating the perfect blend of hyper-chic and comfortable.

Dream Hollywood
The building’s unique façade is designed by LA-based Killefer Flammang Architects. The hotel features 178 guest rooms and suites, including an 1,800-square-foot Guest House suite with private screening room and 360-degree views, a stunning indoor-outdoor double-height lobby with retractable Nana Walls, a sweeping 11,000-sq-ft rooftop pool, restaurant and lounge with unforgettable views of the Hollywood Hills and Los Angeles Skyline, a 1,000-sq-ft gym and wellness program designed by celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson; and an activated pedestrian alleyway that serves as a public gathering space linking the hotel to its adjacent dining and nightlife offerings.

Jaz to open a hotel in Vienna

Music concept brand Jaz makes plans for Vienna property

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The news that a Jaz in the City is set to open at the very heart of historic Vienna in 2020 means that the Austrian capital will soon boast a further hotel.

This will make Vienna the first foreign location at which all three Deutsche Hospitality brands are represented. The Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof and the IntercityHotel Vienna are already firmly established in A1 central positions.

The newly planned hotel is being developed at Windmühlengasse 28 in Vienna’s Sixth District, only 100 metres from the large pedestrianised shopping area at Mariahilfer Straße and 200 metres away from the “Naschmarkt”, the city’s most famous food market.

This is a quarter of Vienna that enjoys considerable popularity thanks to its host of tourist attractions, museums, restaurants and shops.

The Jaz Vienna will offer 167 rooms including two suites. There will also be a restaurant complete with a bar, a small conference area and a health and beauty spa facility. Deutsche Hospitality will operate the hotel under a management agreement. The developer is Immovate Holding GmbH.

Hotel Sanders - Copenhagen

Boutique property Hotel Sanders, Copenhagen now taking bookings

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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
Unlike other local hotels, the interior décor of Hotel Sanders will draw upon local cultural and colonial influence, with an east-meets-west theme throughout. A selection of emerging British artists have also been commissioned by Dais Contemporary to make exclusive artwork throughout the hotel.

Hotel Sanders really prides itself in providing a warm, bespoke experience for each of its visitors. For example, when hotel guests arrive they will each receive a carefully curated welcome hamper based on their personal interests and tastes, rather than a traditional room service offering.

Hotel Sanders - Copenhagen
Sanders will feature a total of 52 bedrooms, and will be located just around the corner from The Royal Danish Theatre.

Bookings for the hotel have just opened.

Hotel Designs Logo stacked & NEW strapline-012

8-14 July: 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. POLICE RELEASE HOTEL TERROR ATTACK ADVICE VIDEO FOR HOLIDAYMAKERS
The UK’s Counter Terrorism Police force has released a video, which advises holidaymakers on what to do in the event of a terror attack at a resort.

2. FACEBOOK TO BUILD ITS OWN HOTEL
According to reports in the Silicon Valley Business Journal, Facebook has unveiled plans to build its own California ‘village’ complete with social housing, retail stores and a hotel.

3. UK HOTEL INVESTMENT REACHES £2 BILLION IN H1 2017
Investment into the UK hotel market reached £2 billion in the first half of 2017 according to international real estate advisor Savills.

4. IHG SIGNS ANOTHER HOTEL INDIGO® IN LONDON
The hotel marks IHG’s debut presence in Leicester Square and continues the growth of the Hotel Indigo brand as its fourth property in London and eleventh in the UK.

5. STANISLAV TRATSEVSKIY JOINS FORCES WITH STANDART HOTEL MOSCOW
With one of Russia’s most exciting contemporary artists as its patron and an enviable collection of modern art, StandArt Hotel Moscow has quickly established itself as a stylish hub for the Russian capital’s creative scene.

6. $35M ‘RE-IMAGINATION’ FOR FOUR SEASONS RESORT COSTA RICA
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, the only Forbes Five-Star luxury resort in Central and South America, has announced a $35 million (£27 million) extensive re-imagination beginning in August 2017.

7. CADOGAN CAFÉ WINS AT NEW LONDON ARCHITECTURE AWARDS
Cadogan is delighted to announce that the Cadogan Café has won the Hotels & Hospitality category at the New London Architecture Awards.

8. NOBU HOTEL SHOREDITCH NOW OPEN
Nobu Hotel Shoreditch opened on 1 July, located in the heart of London’s artistic quarter. Set back from the lively hub of Great Eastern Street, Nobu Hotel Shoreditch offers a dynamic blend of Nobu’s signature east-meets-west philosophy and Shoreditch’s creative and industrial energy.

9. DERNIER & HAMLYN’S LUXURY LIGHTING AT THE LANGHAM LONDON
The Wigmore, its new modern British tavern with interiors by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, features bespoke lighting from Dernier & Hamlyn’s London factory including a spectacular 27 arm chandelier some 2m high and 2m across.

10. GUEST BLOG: DURAVIT – TRENDS FOR THE ‘HOLISTIC BATHROOM OF THE FUTURE’
With the new products presented at ISH 2017, Duravit has re-interpreted the basic idea of the holistic interior. New designs provide the scope for individual bathroom furnishings offering a high standard of living.

Scanal - Contract Furniture Store - Enigma Collection

New Enigma collection decoded at the Contract Furniture Store

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Sancal presented six new products and one concept set, against enthralling scenography, specially devised for this year’s Salone del Mobile Milano.

Deep, Isla, Magnum, Beetle, Tortuga Mini, Pion Petra and Estante comprise the Enigma Collection; the firm’s most theatrical to date.

And of course, the visual impact wouldn’t be the same without the bizarre collages of Sammy Slabbinck!

Decode Enigma and more here…

T: +44 (0)1785 594378
E: sales@contractfurniturestore.co.uk
W: www.contractfurniturestore.co.uk

Ed Ng and Terence Ngan - AB Concept

In Conversation: Ed Ng, Terence Ngan of AB Concept

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AB Concept recently unveiled its first project in London – Mei Ume, one of the two flagship restaurants at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square. Hotel Designs caught up with designers Ed Ng and Terence Ngan about the project and their thoughts on hospitality design…

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Q. How much freedom were you given in creating your own take on the restaurant’s design?
Mei Ume is located within Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, a heritage building built in 1922 that was previously home to London’s Port of Authority, acting as an access point for Eastern traders to trade commodities such as teas and silks. The story behind of the history of the building was our inspiration behind the design of the restaurant and also allowed us to tackle one of the most challenging factors in this project -designing an Asian restaurant within a classical Western architectural building.
The trading history between the British and the Orient allowed us the freedom to merge Eastern heritage and Oriental design themes into the traditional Western space, seamlessly bridging the gap between the two distinct cultures.

Mei Ume - AB ConceptQ. You’ve worked on several projects in China and the far-east – how does working in London compare/differ?
As a Hong Kong based design studio, we can see similarities between both China and London in terms of how a project is managed, however the biggest difference is that the majority of projects in China are state owned and so with that comes varying limitations that differ from privately owned projects that are common in London. Whilst working on Mei Ume, it is apparent that there was a solid system to ensure that every detail was refined and perfected to suit the space.

Mei Ume - AB Concept
Q. This isn’t the first time you’ve worked with Four Seasons (Shang-Xi – Shanghai Pudong), what is it you like best about working with the brand?
We always emphasise that a project designer plays an important role in the success of a project, but at the same time we can only take partial credit. We enjoy working with luxury brands at the level of Four Seasons because we know we are working alongside other passionate creative individuals to create a top quality destination. In doing so, we can assure that food quality, service, table setting, music and the marketing of the project will be nothing short of perfection.

Q. What do you like most about working on hospitality projects?
Hospitality projects are really the only windows for us to showcase our work to the public because 9 out of 10 residential projects we work on remain private. Hospitality projects tend to give us more creative freedom; we are always trying to balance our creativity with the commercial viability of a space, and that’s what makes design intriguing.

Q. Do you have a particular ‘design philosophy’ at AB Concept?
We believe we play the roles of “storytellers of space”. We try to ensure that with each project, we are telling a different story from the previous. This is a much more challenging way of working as an interior designer because we do not want to cast ourselves into a mould of a particular look, feel or design aesthetic which means we are constantly developing new design vocabularies for each new project.

Q. If possible to sum up in a few sentences – what do you personally think makes ‘good design’?
A good design has to be able to function beautifully with a unique identity and have the ability to withstand the test of time.

Q. What design trends do you predict in the coming years?
We see a growing appreciation of classical designs. We feel it is a natural tendency that when we are living through the fast-paced, impersonal technological breakthroughs on a daily basis, our consciousness simultaneously reminds us to cherish the past and its artisanal beauty. Mei Ume is a perfect example of letting the original structure of the former Port of Authority building take centre stage whilst enhancing it with modern elements. With the task of transforming the purely British architectural structure and seamlessly infusing it with Asian elements to suit the restaurant’s cuisine, we wanted to captivate guests by taking them back in time, on a journey to when the Port of Authority was a thriving trading hub between the East and West.

Q. Any exciting projects in the pipeline for yourselves and the team coming up?
We are currently working on our first resort project for Rosewood, named Rosewood Sanya Resort at Haitang Bay of Hainan Island, where we are designing the entire outfit of the resort. Meanwhile, we are also working on the first W Resort in Europe at the waterfront location in the Algrave, Portugal. Like the Rosewood, this is another consolidated resort project.

We have also been given the great honour to redesign the signature Lord Jim’s Restaurant at the grand dame Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, one of the oldest hotels in the world, which is still in operation having just celebrated its 140th birthday.

www.abconcept.net

www.fourseasons.com/mei-ume

$35m 're-imagination' for Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica

$35m ‘re-imagination’ for Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica

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Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, the only Forbes Five-Star luxury resort in Central and South America, has announced a $35 million (£27 million) extensive re-imagination beginning in August 2017 that will bring a striking new interpretation of modern eco-luxury to Costa Rica’s north Pacific coast in December 2017.

Design Details
The renovation of the hotel will be guided by a locally-inspired yet globally-considered modern design narrative from Meyer Davis Studio. The renowned New York City-based design boutique will bring a handcrafted approach to effortlessly integrating the Resort’s signature indoor-outdoor spaces with the peninsula’s vibrant tropical landscape so that nature takes centre stage. Meyer Davis’ design concept of effortless, sun-dappled luxury and modern elegance will play with space, form, texture and light to develop a visual experience that celebrates the rare beauty and alluring mystique of Peninsula Papagayo and the rustic coastal Central American lifestyle. The new design vision will weave together a soothing, natural colour palette, rich elements from nature, indigenous art and local wood to create an immediate and lasting impression while revealing an ongoing visual dialogue of discovery.

$35m 're-imagination' for Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica
Enhanced Rooms and Suites
The Resort’s 181 guest rooms, suites and villas will also feature a modern yet locally-celebrated design aesthetic that recalls the intimate luxury, warmth and comforts of a beautiful home space. Each room’s foundation of new furnishings, natural colours, rich textures and woods, and local elements including artisan pieces and artwork will create a seamless visual connection to the wondrous flora and fauna and expansive ocean views on display beyond each room’s private balcony or patio. The Resort’s 15 one-bedroom Canopy Suites built into the hillside will additionally feature new plunge pools.

www.fourseasons.com/costarica

Decorex

Future Heritage announces new makers for Decorex 2017

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Future Heritage returns to Decorex this year, showcasing the names to commission and collect in British contemporary craft. Curated by renowned applied arts and design critic and curator, Corinne Julius, the acclaimed feature will showcase new pieces made exclusively for the show by 15 makers, working in a variety of different materials.

Curator Corinne Julius comments: “I am really excited about this year’s Future Heritage. As curator I encourage the very talented makers to produce new and unexpected work for the show. I have taken the Decorex 2017 theme of collaboration as a starting point; several of the exhibitors are already working in partnership with other designers, but all of them have collaborated with me for the show, to investigate new processes, push their materials and liaise with other specialists. All have upped their game, in terms of ambition, quality and scale.

All but one of the makers will be creating their largest work yet, with one-off pieces that will demonstrate the possibilities of their craft. They are working with a range of natural materials including wood, metal, textiles, leather, glass and ceramics, but are extending traditional techniques and combining them with new processes.”

Meet the Makers
Ceramicist David Marques will present three intricate installations including ‘Cherry Blossom’ and ‘Bazaar’. Inspired by spring, ‘Cherry Blossom’ combines brass branches with clusters of porcelain cup flowers, while ‘Bazaar’ is a delicate, Moroccan inspired work made up of brass and stained porcelain. All three of his installations can be adapted to any space, whether private or commercial. Ceramicist Lauren Nauman, explores the boundaries within clay through experimental processes. Her striking lantern-like sculptures are made of ceramic, some incorporating silver wire. She has acquired a new kiln to make especially large scale pieces for Future Heritage.

Ceramicist Matt Davis and interdisciplinary designer Naomi McIntosh both use a combination of digital and traditional methods. Davis, who is known for his hyperreal vessels, challenges visual perception and the nature of traditional craft with a series of new vessels and a range of ceramic tiles. Using modern tools and traditional hand-making techniques; he employs multiple software stages to generate models that are 3D printed, moulded and slip cast in bone china. McIntosh, who trained both as an architect and a jeweller, manipulates surfaces to create sculptural objects, transforming 2D surfaces into 3D objects, that results in work that appears to be organic. She presents a striking and original walkthrough of gently curving wooden screens.

DecorexZac Eastwood Bloom also exploits the potential of computer technology to create arresting marble tables that look as if they are being consumed. The consoles sit alongside his brand new marble wall tiles and are the result of his collaboration with Italian marble workshop Torart.

Makers Helen Carnac & David Gates collaborate to produce wood and metal cabinets and a console enhanced with enamel panels and vessels. Carnac creates a series of original interlocking enamel wall panels, to complement Gates’ asymmetrical furniture, which draws upon the visual and structural elements of industrial and agricultural buildings. The theme of collaboration is embraced by Adam Blencowe, who shows not only his own vases, made by casting melting ice forms in powdered plaster, but also a flexible and elegant shelving and seating system made of brass and wood, designed in collaboration with Thor ter Kulve. He also shows his brilliantly coloured double sided Motley Rug Collection, designed with Marine Duroselle.

Collaborations continue with Merel Karhof and Marc Trotereau’s ‘Forest of Light;’ a light installation that includes ‘The Totem’, a slowly rotating light some 4 metres high. Based on the form and construction of the classic lampshade, this series explores a new language of lighting by combining and deforming this familiar object.
Recent graduate ceramicist Ilona Broeseliske also plays with scale, in her case the tiny. She presents a series of precious porcelain boxes and contemporary netsuke – hand holdable treasures. Pia Wüstenberg’s pieces also confound expectations of scale. She celebrates the glories of blown glass, in new collections of brightly coloured tables and vessels in which she combines glass with traditional Sicilian basketry.

Traditional materials and processes are also celebrated and tweaked n a contemporary way by Simon Hasan, renowned experimenter in leather. He presents an installation of leather furniture, wall panels, vases and lighting. This celebration of natural materials is in contrast to furniture maker Richard Lowry’s approach; he celebrates the man-made. His ‘Liquid Plastic’ table collection examines man’s relationship with plastics, demonstrating that plastic can look and be a precious material. His new ‘Bricolage’ series exploits the structural potential of paper and card combined with plastic coating.

Experimentation is the key to pushing design development and no one takes this further than experimental designer Marlène Huissoud. Known for her use of unusual natural materials, she presents a new collection of cabinets created from cocoons and bio resin. In a second series she explores the cocoon form still further, casting it in metal to create sculptural furniture.

Julius continues: “Through Future Heritage, Decorex is giving these makers the opportunity to work in new ways; to explore the process of making, to experiment with materials and to investigate existing and new technologies to transform natural materials to create works relevant to both public and private interiors.” Each maker will be at Future Heritage during the course of the four-day show and will be available to discuss their work and the commissioning process.”

Decorex

www.decorex.com

Toronto - Kimpton

Kimpton announces plans for Toronto neighbourhood

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Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has announced a four-star hotel in the high-end neighbourhood of Bloor-Yorkville in Toronto, slated to open in mid-2018.

Owned and developed by InnVest Hotels LP, one of the largest hotel owners in Canada, Kimpton’s new boutique hotel in Toronto will be a full conversion of the current Holiday Inn Toronto Bloor Yorkville. The revitalised and reconcepted 13-storey property will comprise 189 well-appointed guest rooms, including 18 suites and one Presidential Suite, 2,000-square-feet of ground level meeting space and a Bloor Street-facing leased restaurant and bar. Additional amenities will include a fitness centre, complimentary PUBLIC bikes, yoga mats in every room, morning coffee and tea, and nightly social hour.

One of Toronto”s most dynamic neighborhoods, Bloor-Yorkville’s mastered the unique cross-section of exclusivity and historic charm. The heart of the country’s bohemian culture in the 1960s has evolved to become an artistic enclave with many art galleries alongside posh boutiques and critically acclaimed restaurants in historic Victorian houses.

Brit List

Brit List 2017: Winners honoured at party in London

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The Brit List – a celebration of the most influential and inspirational individuals in the hotelier and design industries – was revealed last night (12th July) at the Urban Coterie sky bar and restaurant.

The event was organised by Hotel Designs, the leading online news and analysis site for hoteliers and interior designers. The UK’s Top 25 hoteliers and Top 25 interior designers were all honoured at a party attended by more than 200 of the industry’s biggest names at the M by Montcalm in Shoreditch.

The Hotel Designs Brit List features some of the names behind the UK’s most notable hotels and chains, plus the creative minds behind their celebrated interiors.

Hotel Designs editor Daniel Fountain said of the evening: “It was fantastic to host such a varied mix of influential and interesting people. We wanted to celebrate the fantastic hard work of some of the best hoteliers working in the UK and Ireland right now, and the vision of some of the finest architects and interior designers working in the industry today.

“This being the inaugural Brit List, we cannot wait to make this a regular event and we look forward to doing it all again next year. A big thank you to our sponsors Stylo, Hansgrohe and Bathroom Brands, everyone who attended and hosted the event, we hope everyone had a good time,” he added.

Hotel Designs will be profiling the final fifty in the coming weeks; if you missed the Brit List event – you can find out about all the winners.

The UK’s Top 25 Most Influential & Inspirational Hoteliers

* Adolf Schauer: General Manager, The Landmark London
* Andrew Thomason: Managing Director, Gravetye Manor
* Andrew Wildsmith: Owner, Wildsmith Hotels
* Arun Kumar: General Manager, The LaLiT London
* Bharat Rai: General Manager, Grange Tower Bridge Hotel
* Charles Lowther: Owner, Askham Hall
* Chris Hurst: General Manager, Hambleton Hall
* Geraldine Milsom: Milsom Hotels & Restaurants Group
* Jan-Paul Kroese: General Manager, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
* Jennifer McCabe: General Manager, Charlotte Street Hotel
* Louise/Andrew Macbeth: Owners, Beck Hall
* Lynn Brutman: General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire
* Mailo Power: Director, Athenaeum House
* Mario Ovsenjak: General Manager, Hotel Gotham
* Mark Bevan: General Manager, Chewton Glen
* Marwan Hemchaoui: Manager, The Vineyard Hotel
* Oliver Heywood: Founder, Flat Cap Hotels
* Olivia Immesi: Manager, Ace Hotel Shoreditch
* Patrick Burke: Owner/Manager, The Atlantic Hotel
* Paul Brackley: Manager, Shangri-la, The Shard
* Peter McCarthy: Chairman, Clevedon Hall
* PJ Kenny: General Manager, The Hoxton Holborn
* Robin Sheppard: Chairman, Bespoke Hotels
* Sue Williams: General Manager, Whatley Manor
* Tony Troy: CEO, Principal Hotels

The UK’s Top 25 Most Influential & Inspirational Interior Designers
* Andrew Linwood: Head of Design, Areen Hospitality
* Andy Cooper: Head of Design, Oulsnam Design
* Ariane Steinbeck: Interior Designer, RPW Design
* Bee Osborn: Director, Osborn Interiors
* Conrad Smith: Co-Founder, Reardonsmith Architects (Posthumous award)
* David Carter: Designer, A La CarteR
* David Richard Mellor: Principal/Head of Design, David Richard Mellor
* Deema Sahyoun: Founder, IND Creations
* Dennis Irvine: Founder, Dennis Irvine Studio
* Dexter Moren: Director, Dexter Moren Associates
* Emma King: Head of Interior Design Europe, IHG
* Graeme Banks: Design Director, Barr + Wray
* Helen Fewster: Director, Suna Interior Design
* Henry Chebaane: Designer, Blue Sky Hospitality Space
* Janine Powell: Designer, Hampton Design Studios
* John Lewis: Associate, Richmond International
* Lucy Goddard: Creative Director, NoChintz
* Michael Simmons: Founder/Designer, Space I.D.
* Michael Squire: Senior Partner, Squire & Partners
* Michelle Holland: Associate, Goddard Littlefair
* Nicholas Hollinshead: Senior Designer, NH Interiors
* Patrick Tyberghein: Director, Carter Tyberghein
* Robert Angell: Principal/Director, Robert Angell Design
* Sarah Ramsbottom: Managing Director/Head of Interior Design, Elle R Leisure
* Susie Atkinson: Founder, Susie Atkinson Design

UK hotel investment hits £2 billion in H1 2017

UK hotel investment reaches £2 billion in H1 2017

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Investment into the UK hotel market reached £2 billion in the first half of 2017 according to international real estate advisor Savills. The firm predicts that levels will reach £5.1 billion for the full year, up 28% on total 2016 volumes of £4 billion.

Savills notes the hotel investment market in H1 was driven by London and individual sales as overseas investors continue to demonstrate considerable appetite for the sector. The capital remains the largest market, accounting for 55% of transactions by value (£1.1 billion). Individual sales accounted for 92% of transactions by value (£1.834 billion) however a number of high profile portfolios are expected to come to the market in the second half of the year. Overseas investors have been particularly active with an appetite for big ticket lots, accounting for £1.2 billion in the first half of the year in comparison to the £822 million transacted by domestic investors.

Martin Rogers, head of UK hotel transactions at Savills, comments: “The UK hotel market has had a strong start to the year as the sector remains resilient to the headwinds of the last six months. The favourable exchange rate has attracted overseas buyers that are looking for stable, long term income. The anticipation of a softer Brexit will provide further comfort, encouraging development and relieving pressure on staffing.”

The firm highlights key deals for the first half of the year include the sale of the South Place Hotel in London, the sale of the Holiday Inn in Manchester city centre and the on going sales by Lone Star from its Project Solstice portfolio. Larger single asset deals have driven the market in the first half of the year, and as such average price per key in the UK has risen from £119,317 to £147,077 over the last 12 months.

InterContinental Hotels Group

IHG signs another Hotel Indigo® in London

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InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the signing of Hotel Indigo® London – One Leicester Square. The hotel marks IHG’s debut presence in Leicester Square and continues the growth of the Hotel Indigo brand as its fourth property in London and eleventh in the UK.

Due to open in late 2017, the hotel, based in one of London’s busiest hubs, will feature 95 guest rooms, each with a design reflecting the local area. Leicester Square, a melting pot for the all things cinematic and theatrical at the heart of London’s West End there is an artistic flair prominently in the neighbourhood; which is reflected in the hotel’s design.

The hotel will have a destination rooftop bar and restaurant designed to take full advantage of the amazing views of central London. The design of the hotel will be influenced by the existing property’s art deco stylings combined with the theatrics of the surrounding Leicester Square areas and its varied heritage cinemas. Guests will also have access to a gym and working spaces that can be used for meetings.

IHG Indigo Leicester SquareThe hotel will operate under a franchise agreement with Criterion Capital and will be the operator’s first venture with the franchise partner.

IHG has signed eight Hotel Indigo properties across Europe. There are currently 21 Hotel Indigo hotels open and 18 in the pipeline across Europe. Additional signings include:
• Hotel Indigo® Milan – Corso Monforte, due to open in early 2018, this 55-guest room converted historic palace is situated in the city centre.
• Hotel Indigo® Dundee, due to open in mid-2018, this 96-room property will be the owner’s first IHG branded hotel.
• Hotel Indigo® Frankfurt: One of the largest Hotel Indigo properties in Europe, this 236-guest room property is due to open in early 2019.
• Hotel Indigo® Manchester – Victoria Station is due to open in early 2019, and will 187-guest room property
• Hotel Indigo® The Hague – Royal Palace will be the owners eighth IHG brand in their portfolio.
• Hotel Indigo® Dresden – Wettiner Platz is due to open in late 2018 and will operate under a franchise agreement. The 132 roomed property is perfectly located in centre of Dresden and the design will mimic the music neighbourhood where it sits.
• Due to open in later 2018, Hotel Indigo® Manchester – Piccadilly Gardens will operate under a franchise agreement with Cairn Hotel Group and will house 139 rooms
• The 45-guest room Hotel Indigo® Belgrade is set to open in late 2019.

Hotel Indigo® Warsaw – Nowy Swiat opened in May this year and Hotel Indigo® The Hague – Royal Palace and Hotel Indigo® London – Aldgate are due to open later this year.

Vienna top business destination in Europe alongside London

London, Vienna top destinations for business in Europe

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Business trips are a possible indicator of economic growth. If the volume of business travel increases or falls in certain regions, it is possible to draw conclusions about the economy there…

London and Vienna are the most popular business destinations in Europe. Outside Europe, European business travelers travel most frequently to New York and Shanghai.

BC Travel analysed data connected to business travel and published the results in the latest issue of “Cities & Trends Report”. The report is based on flight booking data from eight major business travel markets in Europe: Belgium, Germany, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Compared to 2015, there were only minor changes in the ranking of the most popular business destinations in Europe. Top performers in terms of cities are London, Vienna and Amsterdam.

London hotelsThanks to an increase of 7.1% in air travel to Barcelona, the city climbed from 9th to 6th place. Madrid is the second Spanish city in the ranking with an increase – 14.9%. It is the number one jumper and has moved to 8th place. The increase in flights to the two Spanish cities is linked to the recovery of the Spanish economy, which grew by 3.2% in 2016.

In terms of countries, the UK is on top, with Germany and Spain in second and third, respectively. Intercontinental trips from Europe are on the rise. New York and Shanghai remain the first and second in terms of intercontinental business destinations for European business travelers. In 2016, Dubai has overtaken Beijing and Singapore with an increase of 7.5% compared to the previous year.

One of the reason for this is the fact that Dubai is preparing for the World Expo 2020. Many affordable hotels are opening, making it a less expensive place to hold meetings and events.

Country-wise, the United States remain on top of business travel preferences. Developing countries China and India come second and third, respectively. Most business trips take place after the summer holidays in September (9.5%). Due to the holidays, December is the least frequented month (5.6%).

Originally from Tourism Review, read here… 

StandArt Moscow

Stanislav Tratsevskiy joins forces with StandArt Hotel Moscow

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With one of Russia’s most exciting contemporary artists as its patron and an enviable collection of modern art, StandArt Hotel Moscow has quickly established itself as a stylish hub for the Russian capital’s creative scene.

The Design Hotels™ member hotel’s crown is showing no sign of slipping with its latest cultural initiative, offering exclusive masterclasses with ‘Original Stanislav Tratsevskiy’ at his personal studio.

StandArt Moscow
Stanislav Tratsevskiy’s venture into the hospitality industry could be seen as an extension of his already-impressive body of work as an artist and interior designer. With StandArt Hotel Moscow, Tratsevskiy took his erudition in art and cultural history to create a property that is as traditionally Russian as it is progressive. The Art Noveau façade of the 105-room hotel is juxtaposed against an interior design defined by Tratsevskiy’s retro-futuristic works, which reference Socialist-Realist art and “sgraffito”, a decorative technique popular in renaissance Italy involving multilayered wall carvings.

StandArt Moscow

Of the hotel’s concept, he explains: “I wanted to create universal spaces that appeal to everyone. Art is my way of communicating with people from all over the world.”

Taking this commitment to communicating through the medium of art one step further, Tratsevskiy is hosting exclusive one-to-one masterclasses for hotel guests at his private studio. Over a period of 4 to 5 hours, guests will have the opportunity to create their own piece of art.

StandArt Moscow
As the first Design Hotels™ member in the country, StandArt Hotel Moscow bears the torch for luxury hospitality in Russia. Original Stanislav Tratsevskiy collaborated with interior designer Piotr Bragovskiy and the architectural brains behind the Bolshoi Theatre revamp in 2011, Pavel Andreev, to transform a classical Art Nouveau structure into a lavish retreat peppered with Tratsevskiy’s own artworks, among others. As well as a Michelin-starred chef, the hotel boasts 105 carefully designed suites of surprisingly sleek design, as well as a spa with a traditional Russian steam room. Located right on Pushkin Square, the StandArt boasts tradition and modernism right in the midst of Moscow´s cosmopolitan vibe.

www.designhotels.com/standart-hotel-moscow

Aleph Rome Prestige Room

First Curio property in Rome – Aleph – opens

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Following an extensive restoration, Aleph Rome Hotel – an elegant property in the heart of Rome – has reopened as part of the exclusive Curio Collection by Hilton, a global portfolio of upper upscale, independent hotels and resorts.

Acquired by Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company “ARTIC” in 2016, Aleph Rome Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, is now an 88-room hotel based just a short stroll from the legendary Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Villa Borghese and many other key attractions. The 1930s-built property is the first in Rome and the second in Italy for the rapidly growing Curio Collection by Hilton.

AlephThe property-wide renovation of Aleph Rome Hotel focused on blending its Roman charm with contemporary features, while preserving its spirit, grandeur and historical treasures, including authentic Cipollino marble. Guests will enjoy a distinctly remarkable experience, taking advantage of a wide range of uniquely re-designed guest rooms and suites, restaurants and bars, along with a rooftop pool overlooking the city of Rome. The hotel is conveniently located near the Barberini metro station, between Via Veneto and Piazza Barberini.

The hotel offers 88 guest rooms, including 14 suites and a junior suite, each featuring modern Italian furniture, high ceilings and marble floors. Guests may also enjoy contemporary comforts, such as an interactive TV, Nespresso® machine and walk-in shower.

curiocollection.hilton.com

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Facebook to build its own hotel

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According to reports in the Silicon Valley Business Journal, Facebook has unveiled plans to build its own California ‘village’ complete with social housing, retail stores and a hotel.

Located on a corporate campus at Menlo Park, which Facebook bought in 2015 for roughly £300 million. There are also plans to build 1,500 new homes at the development which is opposite the social media giant’s headquarters.

It will primarily be for the use and dwelling of Facebook’s employees, who mostly live near the campus.


In a blog post announcing the plans, the social media giants described the future development as a “mixed-use village” that will provide residents, many of which will be Facebook employees, with housing, transportation services and other amenities.

“We plan to build 125,000 square feet of new retail space, including a grocery store, pharmacy and additional community-facing retail,” Facebook said. The review process of the development is expected to last two years with “grocery, retail, housing and office completed in early 2021”. The post went on the say that “subsequent phases will take two years each to complete”.

The plans have not yet been approved and is expected to take roughly a decade to complete.

Adare Manor

Adare Manor in Ireland announces expansion, new GM

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Adare Manor, one of Ireland’s most renowned resort hotels with a list of prestigious accolades nearly as long as its history, has announced a multi-phase transformation to restore the property.

To maintain its commitment to providing guests with unrivalled facilities and services, Adare Manor closed its doors in January 2016 for an 18-month intermission and will debut its new look in Autumn 2017.

The transformation, spearheaded by acclaimed architects RSA will honour the building’s architectural heritage as a Neo-Gothic masterpiece and embody the hotel’s signature style, while incorporating the contemporary luxuries and technological conveniences necessary to meet the needs of today’s luxury traveler.

Paul Heery

Paul Heery

The restoration involves internal finishes, furniture and woodwork, and repairing external stonework and windows. Most notably, the expansion will include a new 42-bedroom wing, bringing the total room count to 104 guestrooms including the existing Manor House accommodations. An expansive ballroom will also be added, with capacity for 350 guests for weddings and special events. Both structures will be clad in limestone, a tribute to the detail of the original Manor House.

Plans are also in place for a complete redesign of the golf clubhouse by David Collins Studio London. In order to complement the significant improvements to the manor house and overall resort experience, world-renowned golf course designer Tom Fazio has been engaged to oversee a comprehensive redesign of the golf course, which when complete will take its place among the finest golf courses in Europe.

In addition, the existing Manor House will enjoy a new state-of-the-art spa, pool and relaxation area, boardroom and cinema, while Adare Manor’s 800 acres of beautiful parkland, walled gardens and walking trails, will be enhanced for guest enjoyment.

Meanwhile, the hotel also announced the appointment of Paul Heery as general manager; Paul comes from being GM at Gleneagles in Scotland (from 2014-2017)

www.adaremanor.com

Cocoon Kobe's Essente collection

Soft Furnishings Focus: ‘Cocoon’ by Kobe for today’s upholstery

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Luxury fabric specialist, Kobe, has introduced Cocoon – a highlight of the Essente collection of stunningly chic, easy-to-care for, affordable interiors fabrics.

Furniture is the focal point of any interior so it’s important that the design, colour and texture complement the theme. Cocoon is a soft, supple chenille in 100% polyester and finished with an FR domestic back-coat, so ‘ready to go’.

Featuring a palette of 36 soft and sumptuous shades ranging from neutral cream, beige and pale grey, warm blue, brown and rose to vibrant lime, orange and red, Cocoon can be used for both curtains and upholstery.

David Harris, MD of Kobe UK said: “Cocoon is the perfect partner for any domestic or commercial setting and as part of the Essente collection benefits from the logistical expertise and quality of Kobe, while giving access to a wider customer base through its realistic price points.”

Cocoon complies with the BS5852 part 1, source 0 and 1, passing the cigarette and match test and offers exceptional durability, scoring 100,000 on the Martindale Rub Test.

The Essente collection of stunningly chic, easy-to-care for, affordable interiors fabrics retail price levels from £16 to £22 for curtain weights and £27 for upholstery fabrics.

Essente upholstery customers can also benefit from further rebates, for further information please contact sales@essente.co.uk or www.essente.co.uk

Studio Saxe - Hotel Nalu-Nosara

Sneak Peek: Eco-focussed, sustainable Hotel Nalu-Nosara

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A young, up-and-coming architecture firm – Studio Saxe – has completed a boutique hotel and yoga studio set into the tropical landscape of Nosara, Costa Rica.

The project is another in a long line of sustainable buildings from a practice that blends contemporary design with local craftsmanship, embracing the natural environment that surrounds and frames the architecture.

Nosara has become a destination for visitors from around the world for health, wellness and surfing and so the owners of Hotel Nalu-Nosara, Nomel and Mariya Libid, wanted a design that reflected the attitude of their guests. The yoga studio, which has also become incredibly popular as a multipurpose gym space, is enveloped by lush vegetation on all sides and therefore becomes a jungle retreat for exercise and relaxation.

Guests at the hotel are provided with individual pavilion ‘homes’ rather than rooms, located just a few minutes’ walk from the ocean. By breaking up the mass of the
traditionally monolithic hotel, the architects were able scatter living spaces amongst the trees and create a sense of privacy while surrounded by the natural world. Each
pavilion has been carefully positioned following meticulous research into wind and sun patterns, while ensuring they are all provided with an individual view out to the
landscape.

Overlapping timber roofs project out over each pavilion providing shade from the intense equatorial sun. These roofs are made of recycled teak planks, creating uneven patterns that further emphasise this fusion of local craftsmanship and modern design. Rooms are connected via corridors that filter dappled sunlight down from the pergola roofs above and frame more views out the lush surroundings.

Architect Benjamin Garcia Saxe said: “Our project at Nalu represents the power of simple, low-key, modern tropical architecture. It has quickly become a town favourite,
which shows that there is a real desire to occupy spaces that bring people closer to nature, while addressing the needs of contemporary life.”

studiosaxe.com

Hotel Designs Brit List

Brit List 2017: One day to go, last chance to book your place…

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With just one day to go (12th July) until the Hotel Designs Brit List 2017 event, this is your last chance to get your tickets and get your name on the guest list for this event, from 7-11pm at the Urban Coterie Sky Bar and Restaurant at M by Montcalm.

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CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
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HD Brit List will be taking in some of the biggest names in the UK hotelier and design industries. For the past few months, Hotel Designs has been taking soundings and nominations to create the Brit List – a celebration of the most influential and inspirational hoteliers and interior designers.

With such a fantastic array of industry figures all in one room, you don’t want to miss an opportunity to get your company name on show – a limited number of sponsorship opportunities are still available for the Hotel Designs Brit List. To find out more contact Jennie Lane on 01992 374098 or email j.lane@forumevents.co.uk. Alternatively, contact Victoria Petch on 01992 374082 or email v.petch@forumevents.co.uk

Architect Sadie Morgan named New Londoner of the Year 2017

Architect Sadie Morgan named New Londoner of the Year 2017

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Sadie Morgan, founding director of dRMM and member of the National Infrastructure Commission, has been named New Londoner of the Year 2017 at the New London Awards, a celebration of the very best new architecture and development in the capital.

Organised by New London Architecture (NLA) and supported by the Mayor of London, additional top prizes went to Wickside masterplan in Tower Hamlets by BUJ Architects and Ash Sakula, named Overall Winner; the Central Parade Creative Hub in Waltham Forest by Gort Scott Architects, awarded the Mayor’s Prize; and the Belarusian Memorial Chapel in Woodside Park by Spheron Architects, which won the public vote to take the People’s Choice.

Belarusian Memorial Chapel in Woodside Park

Belarusian Memorial Chapel in Woodside Park © Joakim Boren

From a shortlist of over 150 projects, a total of 31 winning schemes were celebrated across all sectors of London’s built environment, ranging from Housing to Offices, Education to Transport & Infrastructure, and Public Spaces to Masterplans & Area Strategies. Each scheme was selected by a prestigious international jury, advised by London-based experts, for having both the highest design quality and most positive social and economic impacts for London.

Central Parade Creative Hub, © Dirk Linder

Central Parade Creative Hub, © Dirk Linder

Sadie Morgan was honoured as New Londoner for her work in championing the importance of design at the very highest political level. Alongside reporting directly to the Secretary of State as Chair of the Independent Design Panel for High Speed Two, she is also a commissioner for both the National Infrastructure Commission led by former Cabinet Minister Lord Adonis, and the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission.

New Cancer Centre at Guy’s Hospital by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and Stantec

Peter Murray, Chairman of New London Architecture said: “Architects, and built environment professionals generally, have not been very good in recent years in helping to set the political agenda. Sadie Morgan is an exception. She has key advisory roles addressing important environmental issues of the day. dRMM were the very first winners of the Pipers Next Generation Award in 2003, and under Sadie’s leadership, have gone on to deliver with the steadfast belief in the importance of design that connects back to people and place.”

Polar Bath, © Edmund Sumner Photography

Polar Bath, © Edmund Sumner Photography

Speaking at the ceremony Sadie Morgan said: “When you’re surrounded as I am in the roles that I do – I sit on the National Infrastructure Commission, the Thames Estuary Growth Commission, I chair the independent design panel for High Speed 2, and I’m a professor at Westminster – all of those things need an independent voice and a voice that asks government in particular why so often, people and place aren’t thought about.

Boxpark, © Filthy Media Nick Caville

Boxpark, © Filthy Media Nick Caville

As a creative industry one thing that we’re incredibly good at is thinking about the future because we’re innovative and we come at things laterally. Design isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about problem solving, and those are the kinds of people that you need really early on in the process, be it policy-making, be it building.

If you integrate design early on it doesn’t cost money, it saves money because it helps you anticipate not only the problems but the opportunities. If we can learn to take risks, we can learn to put our head above the parapet, then we will start to reimagine our built environment which is I think one of the most extraordinary opportunities that we have.”

Terror attack advice for holidaymakers

Police release hotel terror attack advice video for holidaymakers

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The UK’s Counter Terrorism Police force has released a video, which advises holidaymakers on what to do in the event of a terror attack at a resort.

The four-minute video was made in association with the Foreign Office and Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and depicts an incident at a hotel, describing how to stay safe in such an event.

In the video, holidaymakers are reassured that while the chances of becoming a victim in a terror attack remain ‘extremely rare’, the new approach encourages everyone to be prepared ‘should the worst happen’.

The Run, Hide, Tell message was first introduced in 2015 following the terror attacks in Paris in December. It has now been re-issued by the police in answer to the incident at London Borough Market.

Some 30 British tourists were among 38 people killed when a gunman attacked a Tunisian beach resort in June 2015.

Counter terrorism officials said there is currently no intelligence suggesting Britons will be targeted this summer, but that the film is part of a general awareness campaign.

The video advises:
– Run
If there is a safe route, run. Insist others go with you, but do not let their indecision slow you down. Leave belongings behind
– Hide
If you cannot run, hide. Be aware of your exits. Find cover from gunfire and try not to get trapped. Barricade yourself in and stay away from doors.
– Tell
Call the police as soon as it is safe. Tell them where the attack is happening, where you are and how many attackers you saw.

Cadogan Café wins at New London Architecture Awards

Cadogan Café wins at New London Architecture Awards

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Cadogan is delighted to announce that the Cadogan Café has won the Hotels & Hospitality category at the New London Architecture Awards. The award celebrates the best new and proposed projects that enhance London’s leisure offer for tourists, business people and Londoners in the capital.

The state-of-the-art Cadogan Café will be located in the largely Grade II-listed Duke of York Square, adjacent to the main thoroughfare to the Saatchi Gallery and set slightly back from the King’s Road. It has just commenced construction, and will complete in late 2018.

Cadogan Café wins at New London Architecture Awards

Championing the best of modern design in harmony with its heritage and surroundings, the café will include the UK’s first innovative glass facade which will lower into a single-storey basement during fine weather.

The state-of-the-art Cadogan Café will be located in the largely Grade II-listed Duke of York Square, adjacent to the main thoroughfare to the Saatchi Gallery and set slightly back from the King’s Road. It has just commenced construction, and will complete in late 2018.
It also includes a circular roof terrace open to the public as an additional green space to relax, overlooking the ‘running track’ famed as Roger Banister’s training ground for the four-minute mile. The innovative design was created by Nex, following an international architectural competition.

The state-of-the-art Cadogan Café will be located in the largely Grade II-listed Duke of York Square, adjacent to the main thoroughfare to the Saatchi Gallery and set slightly back from the King’s Road. It has just commenced construction, and will complete in late 2018.
Supported by the Mayor of London, the New London Architecture Awards seek projects of the highest design.

Nobu Hotel Shoreditch

Nobu Hotel Shoreditch now open

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Nobu Hotel Shoreditch opened on 1 July, located in the heart of London’s artistic quarter. Set back from the lively hub of Great Eastern Street, Nobu Hotel Shoreditch offers a dynamic blend of Nobu’s signature east-meets-west philosophy and Shoreditch’s creative and industrial energy.

The property boasts 143 guest rooms and seven suites, meeting space, a lobby bar and 240-seat restaurant, which lies at the heart of the building, spanning almost the entire footprint of the hotel.

Nobu Hotel Shoreditch
The expressive and distinctive design for the new Nobu Hotel Shoreditch is the result of the collective efforts of Ron Arad Architects and Ben Adams Architects featuring overhanging floor slabs and cantilevered steel beams forming a frayed edge to the east, where a landscaped garden is terraced to provide natural light to the restaurant space.

The interior of the hotel was designed by local designers, Studio Mica. All parties worked in collaboration to create a seamless transition between the hotel and the restaurant.

The 240-seat, Nobu Shoreditch restaurant was designed by Studio PCH. Inspired by the iconic Nobu aesthetics, the 340m² restaurant space’s sleek wooden finish creates a cool and contemporary environment. Overseen by Executive Chef Greg Seregithe, Nobu Shoreditch menu will feature many of Nobu’s timeless dishes, as well as plates inspired by the creativity and vibrancy of the local area. Reached via a grand staircase, Nobu Shoreditch is bathed in natural light from the five-metre tall glass doors leading out to the charming Nobu Terrace.

Nobu Hotel Shoreditch

The adaptable Kaijo meeting and event spaces at Nobu Hotel Shoreditch cater to a range of occasions, from family celebrations to business conferences. Boasting an abundance of natural light and a versatility, Kaijo can be used as one large space of 180m², accommodating 200 people for a cocktail reception or 120 for a seated event, or divided into six separate spaces.

Anayara Luxury Retreat Panwa Resort revealed in Phuket

Anayara Luxury Retreat Panwa Resort revealed in Phuket

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Anayara Resorts, owned by Pacific Media Management Group Limited and Anayara Resorts Holding Limited , a Hong Kong-based adult-only ultimate luxury retreats and luxury boutique resorts brand revealed its first property Anayara Luxury Retreat Panwa Resort, a beachfront retreat estate scheduled for soft opening by December 2017 and followed by its second property Anayara Luxx Panwa, a luxury boutique resort by Q1 2019.

The property  is an ultimate luxury beachfront retreat estate project undertaken by the East West Architect and Phuket’s own Padcha Sakulspitch. Positioned in the most sought-after location on the island, Anayara Retreat Panwa offers complete privacy and attention-to-detail design.

Anayara Luxury Retreat Panwa ResortThe hotel has been designed with the Boran Thai mixed with modern contemporary architecture in mind, and features 6 spacious suites with more than 100m², the intimate character, boutique style and award-winning architect design, eco-friendly innovations combine the ultimate tranquillity of a holistic retreat with a uniquely luxury retreat vibe. With its infinity beachfront pool and unique plunge pool for it main pavilion suites.

All suites have their own abundant individual living space with finest wood flooring and antique local decor and walk-thru cabinet, vast en-suite bedrooms, spacious en-suite bathroom with separate grand chromotheraphy rain showers, standing bath tub, free standard daily refill mini bar and daily exotic tropical seasonal fruit trays, branded linens, duvet from the finest Egyptian cotton 500 treads by Brooklinen, a complete Bang & Olufsen and Lutron Integration System – stylish, amenities – including Netflix and Apple iPad’s Air Control for each suite.

 

 

Moduleo set to Impress with next gen designs

Moduleo set to ‘Impress’ with next gen designs

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Leading luxury vinyl flooring manufacturer, Moduleo, has expanded its Impress range with a number of new designs, almost doubling the collection’s existing product portfolio.

Five wood, one stone and three abstract designs have been introduced, providing a total of 12 designs, 44 colours and 72 SKUs.

The launch is in response to strong demand from customers who require flexibility to create a unique floor, particularly in commercial settings. Among the new wood lines are Santa Cruz Oak, Bohemian and Laurel Oak, providing light washed, chevron and smooth ‘no knot’ effects, as well as rustic-look Sierra Oak and elm-style Marsh Wood in a total of 11 colourways.

The new Impress stone design, Mustang Slate is available in three colourways and has been developed to mimic natural slate, providing a structure and finish that mirrors the real thing.

Finally, new abstract products are Jumble Stone, a geometric 2D design which gives a 3D illusion, Fern Wood, a flexible finish that enables installers to mix and match planks to create their own style and Mystical, an abstract look popular with architects.

Impress, Moduleo’s most premium range, comprises products manufactured with state-of-the-art technology, utilising embossed- and cut-in-register processes to give depth and tactility to planks making them extremely realistic. Featuring grain, knots and grooves, the design perfectly matches the surface texture, allowing you to feel the structure and depth of the product.

Available in thicknesses of 2.5mm (Dryback) and 4.5mm (Click), Impress lines have a wear layer of 0.55mm and offer dimensions of 19.6 x 132cm and 19.1 x 131.6cm. David Bigland, managing director for Moduleo UK and Eire, explains: “The next generation of Impress adds a new dimension to our product portfolio and drastically increases the number of lines available within the range.

“There is strong demand for alternative patterns and styles and the latest finishes provide that in spades, offering a wide range of designs and colourways that enable you to transform any floor.”

Next generation Impress will be available from Q3/Q4 2017 from Moduleo stockists across the UK. For further information on Moduleo, visit www.moduleo.co.uk.

JW Marriott Baku - Henry Chebaane

Brit List 2017 winner awarded for lobby work at Baku property

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Henry Chebaane is 2017 winner for best Hotel Lobby/Public Areas in the Global category of the International Hotel & Property Awards.

Acclaimed international hospitality designer and conceptual artist Henry Chebaane, founder and creative director of Blue Sky Hospitality, won the awards for his 2 projects “Artscape Lobby” and “The Tea Lounge”, both in the JW Marriott Absheron Hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan.

JW Marriott Baku - Henry Chebaane

Chebaane has created what might be a world’s first: a public space, formed by reception area and lobby cafe, that looks and feels like a giant immersive art gallery but performs and functions like a hotel lobby.

To define an experience for the guest which is deeply rooted in a sense of place, the public space is a representation of the region, its culture and nature.

For the ARTSCAPE LOBBY, the main source of inspiration was the old Persian name of the city Baku (the “wind-pounded city”) and the surrounding Absheron peninsula (“place of salty waters”) as well as the rich nature of the nearby Caucasus mountains, where the Walnut tree is one of the dominant species.

JW Marriott Baku - Henry Chebaane

The adjacent TEA LOUNGE has been designed to express the duality between heritage and innovation, permanence and transition. Conceived like a luxurious “chaikhana” (the traditional Central Asian tea house) for modern nomads, the space is anchored by a central tea studio, where the various rituals of tea-making are enacted live.

The public space of the JW Marriott Absheron aim to redefine the experience of a classic hotel lobby and lounge by immersing guests into an ancient narrative with a strong regional identity within a contemporary lifestyle.

www.blueskyhospitality.space

The Wigmore at The Langham London - Dernier & Hamlyn's luxury lighting

Dernier & Hamlyn’s luxury lighting at The Langham London

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The Langham London in the heart of the city’s West end is an architectural icon that was Europe’s first Grand Hotel when it opened in 1865.

The Wigmore, its new modern British tavern with interiors by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, features bespoke lighting from Dernier & Hamlyn’s London factory including a spectacular 27 arm chandelier some 2m high and 2m across. The chandelier has been designed to be a luxurious, contemporary interpretation of traditional London pub lighting and was hand cast in brass and hand finished in antique bronze by Dernier & Hamlyn’s team of artisans.

They also produced beautiful wall lights that feature handblown ribbed glass globes fitted to individually cast and finished back plates.

Martin Brudnizki Design Studio says: “We invariably choose Dernier & Hamlyn for bespoke lighting when quality, design integrity and attention to detail are vital. With a commission as important as this, their specialist skills and extensive experience were essential and we and The Langham are delighted with the results.”

www.dernier-hamlyn.com
+44 (0) 20 87 60 09 00
info@dernier-hamlyn.com

Duravit Vero Air C

Guest Blog: Duravit – trends for the ‘holistic bathroom of the future’

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With the new products presented at ISH 2017, Duravit has re-interpreted the basic idea of the holistic interior. New designs provide the scope for individual bathroom furnishings offering a high standard of living.

All products have a consistent design language and can be combined with products from all series to optimum effect. Precise geometric forms, selected materials and soft, matt colours and textures take their place in the bathroom. Design, function and high operating comfort are perfectly coordinated.

Nordic elegance with gentle colour shades
The Nordic furnishing style is characterised by clear forms and soft, natural colours. For Duravit, the Danish designer, Cecilie Manz has combined Nordic design with new technologies, new colours and new materials, which are impressive in terms of both feel and function.

The Luv bathroom series offers completely new design possibilities for either larger rooms or guest bathrooms, the unusual design combines Nordic purism with timeless, emotional elegance. The above-counter basins made from DuraCeram® impress with their subtle lines, generous inner basin and clear edges. The selection of materials and colours is testament to Cecilie Manz’s refined sense for touch and nuances.

DuravitFor the first time, Duravit uses matt glazes in soft tones on the outside of the DuraCeram wash bowls, which contrast with the high-glaze white ceramic inside the bowl. New pale Nordic colours in satin-matt lacquer can also be found on the furniture. The distinctively shaped baths are based on the form of the wash bowl and are made from the mineral material DuraSolid A, which offers a pleasantly warm feel and a high-quality matt look.

Timeless geometry re-imagined
Clear, timeless forms create lasting value and are popular for bathroom furnishings. Vero Air, is in keeping with this ongoing trend: the entire bathroom series impresses both purists and individuals with a feel for durable design. With its clear, classically rectangular form, Vero has been one of the architectural classics of bathroom design since 2001. Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques, the precise design of Vero Air reinterprets Vero’s timeless geometry. The range’s washbasins and bathtubs impress with reduced edges and a striking linear charm.

With its new DuraSquare collection, Duravit presents an upgrade of Vero Air that sets new standards with its clarity, precision and reduction. Exact edges blend with the organically flowing inner contours. From the washbasin to the bathtub, the programme is designed to be sustainable and is made with the innovative materials DuraCeram and DuraSolid. Combined with the new furniture frame, the washbasins become a real eye-catcher in the bathroom. This flexible base is height-adjustable and can be supplied in silver (chrome) or matt black.

Duravit
Creative solutions for compact areas
Increasingly limited living space demands greater practicality, and this requires smart solutions. With the innovative Shower + Bath combination,
Duravit has succeeded in uniting the strict requirements regarding contemporary bathroom design and optimum use of space: the design by EOOS features a walk-in shower and bathtub in one. The functional versatility of Shower + Bath is a result of the high level of precision in the finishing and the use of the innovative material DuraSolid A.

Individual and cut-to-size washing areas with surrounds and storage space are both functional and convenient. The new console system comprises uniform furniture consoles in two different thicknesses (30 and 45 mm) and with a variable width and depth. They can be combined with vanity units and furniture from a total of seven Duravit ranges: L-Cube, Vero, Happy D.2, Delos, DuraStyle, Ketho and X-Large. The Duravit consoles are available with 32 different finishes from high-gloss lacquer, for example in Apricot Pearl or Stone Blue, to real-wood fronts such as oak or walnut. With individual combinations such as a walnut console and discreet, white vanity units, interesting accents can be created.

www.duravit.co.uk // www.pro.duravit.co.uk

+44 845 500 7787
info@uk.duravit.com

Hardwick Hall - The Coleman Suite by Grange Photgraphy

Hardwick Hall in overhaul of conference facilities

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A leading north east hotel is taking care of business for its corporate clients with a range of classic – and newly refurbished – rooms available as part of its conference and events offering.

Hardwick Hall Hotel near Sedgefield – part of Ramside Estates – is one of the region’s most popular business and event venues, hosting a wide variety of events, conferences, awards and charity balls, with rooms catering for 10 to 1500 people.

Hardwick Hall - The Coleman Suite by Grange Photgraphy
And now, the hotel is hoping to entice more conference and meeting organisers, following a £150,000 refurbishment to one of its leading function rooms – part of an ongoing £350,000 refurbishment which will see the hotel’s bedrooms, bars and boardrooms redecorated.

The Coleman Suite, which can take up to 380 seated guests, underwent the £150,000 revamp earlier this year and the process involved redecorating, laying new carpets and replacing the existing furniture. The newly-refurbished suite can also be divided into smaller rooms, making it a flexible space suitable for meetings, balls and awards.

The four-star hotel, which is set in County Durham’s Hardwick Country Park, has a range of conference suites available for both little and large corporate events, and additional incentives include free Wi-fi, free parking on site and catering support.

Hardwick Hall - The Coleman Suite by Grange PhotgraphyThose travelling from further afield can also opt to stay in one of Hardwick Hall Hotel’s 50 rooms and dine in the hotel’s acclaimed Rib Room Steakhouse and Grill.

“We’re delighted to offer conference-goers a versatile experience here at Hardwick Hall, with plenty of options available, from large banqueting suites to smaller meeting rooms,” said Lee Kirtland, General Manager at Hardwick Hall Hotel. “We like to think we have something for everyone and hope that those visiting for conferences will see exactly why we’re one of Durham’s and the Tees Valley’s foremost business and event venues.”

www.hardwickhallhotel.co.uk

Photos: Grange Photography

Spas in the UK

Five to Watch: Best UK spa hotels

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We’re halfway through the summer months, and judging by the weather we’ve had so far we’re in for a good one this year. With this in mind, Hotel Designs profiles five of our favourite spa hotels across the UK…

G&V Royal Mile Hotel Edinburgh, Scotland
Situated at the intersection of some of Edinburgh’s most historic streets, The G&V Royal Mile Hotel invokes the city’s vibrant, creative and charismatic appeal – injecting new colour into a dramatic and storied backdrop.

G&VCotswold House Hotel & Spa, Gloucestershire
This award-winning luxury hotel and spa in the heart of Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, which has recently benefitted from a substantial refurbishment, will appeal to discerning travellers visiting the Cotswolds, looking for tranquility, sublime comfort, exceptional food and a stunning spa.

Cotswold HouseRudding Park, Harrogate – Yorkshire
The new Rudding Park Spa is one of the finest in the country and recaptures Harrogate’s spa heritage using natural waters from the grounds at Rudding Park. A privately owned luxury hotel, Rudding Park also has 90 bedrooms, two restaurants and a kitchen garden, private cinema, two golf courses and conference and events space. Set in 300 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, Rudding Park is one of the most beautiful Harrogate hotels.

Rudding Park
Culloden Estate & Spa – Northern Ireland
Today the Culloden Estate and Spa is one of the finest and most distinguished 5 star hotels in the Province. The Culloden was built in 1876 by a Mr. William Auchinleck Robinson, JP and former MP. It took two and a half years to complete, and most of the stone came from Scotland by boat, arriving in the County Down fishing village of Portaferry and being brought to the site by horse and cart.

Culloden Estate
La Suite West – Hyde Park, London
Perfectly positioned on a quiet tree lined street on the edge of London’s magnificent Hyde Park and close to the West End and Paddington, this boutique hotel is the minimalist and state of focus creation by famed British designer Anouska Hempel.
La Suite West - Hyde Park

Hotel Designs Brit List

1-7 July: 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. GUEST BLOG: YOURI SAWERSCHEL – IS ZOKU THE NEXT CITIZEN M?
The success of Citizen M, Mama Shelter or Ace Hotel has been watched by the entire industry. As hoteliers around the world are raising their game, we ask ourselves – who will set the new benchmark?

2. ROSEWOOD LONDON WINS ‘HOTEL OF YEAR’ AT CATEY AWARDS
Rosewood London is delighted to announce that the hotel has been named ‘Hotel of the Year’ in the Group category at the industry’s most prestigious awards, The Catey Awards 2017.

3. OPINION: CABIN RAISES $3M TO LAUNCH ‘MOVING HOTEL’
Cabin, the first hospitality transportation company on a mission to make the most of every waking and sleeping moment, today announced it has secured $3.3 million in seed financing and launched a moving hotel.

4. HILTON LEADING THE WAY IN HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY DESIGN
With more than 4,900 properties in over 100 countries worldwide, Hilton is at the forefront of hospitality design innovation.

5. STYLE LIBRARY LAUNCHES – HOME TO SIX ICONIC BRITISH BRANDS
Style Library officially launched at the opening of their state of the art new 280m2 showroom in Design Centre Chelsea Harbour this week.

6. JULY FOCUS: MITRE’S CHRIS TAME – ‘HOW TO ACCESSORISE HOTEL ROOMS’
Here Chris Tame, Mitre Linen’s National Sales Manager, provides us with his six expert tips how to accessorise your rooms in order to create a warm welcome, a wonderful stay and a lasting impressio…

7. SNEAK PEEK: SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, YIWU NOW OPEN
The 362-room Shangri-La Hotel, Yiwu opened on June 24 in the 52-storey, mixed-use Yiwu World Trade Centre, the tallest building in Zhejiang Province.

8. INTRODUCING HÔTEL DE CRILLON, A ROSEWOOD HOTEL – PARIS
Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel re-opens after undergoing an extensive four-year restoration. Dating back to the 18th century, this historic treasure is decidedly reborn as a luxury hotel for 21st century travellers.

9. BRIT LIST 2017: CROSSWATER CONFIRMED AT VIP GUESTS
We’re delighted to announce that representatives from Crosswater are booked on as VIP guests at the Brit List 2017 event

10. GUEST BLOG: ‘HOTEL DOOR ACCESS CARDS CAN BE ECO-FRIENDLY’
Nu: eCard is a ‘green’ alternative to PVC, combining chalk with low levels of high-density polyethylene to create a card with performance and costs to rival traditional plastics, without the environmental impact…

The Golden Age shop front

Chelsom celebrating 70th anniversary

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This month Chelsom, leading designer and manufacturer of decorative lighting for the global hospitality and marine sectors, celebrates 70 successful years in business.

Chelsom was founded by Reg and Kay Chelsom in 1947 and began trading as an antique shop in Blackpool under the name ‘The Golden Age’. Soon progressing to three shops, they began to manufacture reproduction period lighting which they distributed to retailers and interior designers throughout the UK. Robert Chelsom took over as CEO in the 1970’s and led the company to the forefront of the hospitality lighting industry. Current Managing Director, Will Chelsom, joined the company in 2006 and has been instrumental in driving the Export division and diversifying into the marine sector.

Robert and Will Chelsom
Innovative in-house designs, high quality manufacturing and excellent service levels have contributed towards winning prestigious projects in more than 70 countries across the world which in turn led to the firm being awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade in its seventieth year. Exports now account for around 40% of all sales and Chelsom has built an exceptionally strong client base including major hotel operators such as Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Starwood, Hilton, Accor, Marriott and on the marine side, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Robert Chelsom, Chairman, commented, “I am thrilled that Chelsom is celebrating 70 years as a family business and as we enter our seventieth year I am delighted to be working alongside my son. Will represents the third generation of the family involved in the business and with his ideas for growth, understanding of the industry and a genuine passion for what he does, I am certain we will be celebrating many more anniversaries like this.”

Regent 7 Seas Atrium - Chelsom
Will Chelsom says, “It’s a real achievement to be celebrating our seventieth anniversary this year and still be able to call ourselves a genuine family business. We are also incredibly proud to be able to commemorate this anniversary with the news that we have been awarded the Queen’s Award for International Trade. Not only does the award acknowledge the dedication and passion that every employee has shown in helping to drive the business forward internationally, but it is fitting recognition that this third-generation family business is now at the forefront of the industry thanks to a combination of our product designs, sales strategies and ultimately all the accompanying hard work by every member of the team.”

marketing@chelsom.co.uk
01253 831404
chelsom.co.uk

Exterior - Lygon Arms

The Lygon Arms enters final stage of extensive refurbishment

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Beloved Cotswolds hotel to debut new guest rooms, two new restaurants and luxury amenities unveiled Autumn 2017

The Lygon Arms, located in Broadway in the heart of the Cotswolds, UK, is undergoing the final chapter of its multi-million-pound refurbishment and expansion, to be unveiled Autumn 2017. The no-expense-spared transformation of this 16th century coaching inn, will honor the building’s charm and heritage, and debut an enriched guest experience complete with 86 newly designed rooms and suites, a refreshed spa, and the launch of two new culinary experiences; Lygon Bar & Grill and Lygon Wine Bar.


The redesign of the guest rooms and suites, spearheaded by Anita Rosato Interior Design, will beautifully embody the hotel’s 600-year character and style, while incorporating the contemporary luxuries and technological conveniences that meet the needs of today’s modern luxury traveler. Steeped in traditional British opulence and comfort, each room will unveil a unique design, all individually decorated to create eclectic accommodations for families, couples and the solo traveler. The final renovation will bring the total room count of The Lygon Arms to 86, including three one-of-a-kind signature Luxury Suites and six Courtyard Suites, inspired by famed past guests such as King Charles I.

Most notably, the final chapter will come to life with the debut of the Lygon Bar & Grill and the Lygon Wine Bar; a new restaurant and wine-bar that will open as two of the most sought after dining destinations in the Cotswolds. The Lygon Bar & Grill, debuting end of June, will concentrate on seasonality and product provenance, while representing the traditional brilliance of British food in a relaxed setting. The Mediterranean-inspired Lygon Wine Bar, debuting mid-July, will boast a fine selection of European and international wines, complimented by light Italian dishes.

Lygon Arms
“It is with great pleasure that we enter the final phase of this monumental refurbishment of The Lygon Arms, to unveil an exciting new chapter in the property’s grand history,” says General Manager Graeme Nesbitt. “Our team has worked alongside the best talent to create a vision that celebrates and brings to life the property’s charm and long-standing heritage, and above all, ensures our guest experience is truly memorable.”

As part of the new vision for the hotel, the property will debut the luxurious Lygon Spa offering a full range of unique beauty treatments. The hotel’s public areas will also have a new look that will encompass the relaxation and luxury of the chic Cotswold countryside. The multiple stories at The Lygon Arms will be woven into the fabric of the new additions, in order to stay true to the hotel’s heritage, whilst ushering in an exciting next chapter built on personal service, passionate management and luxuriously laid-back atmosphere.

www.lygonarmshotel.co.uk

TUI Blue Croatia

First TUI Blue hotel opens in Croatia

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With TUI Blue Jadran, the seventh hotel of TUI Group’s new experience hotel brand was opened last weekend. The building is considered to be the oldest hotel on the Croatian Adriatic coast.

Through its lifestyle concept with stylish rooms and junior suites, the hotel is breathing new life into the well-known hotel with its historic façade.


TUI Blue Jadran is located at the end of the promenade at Tučepi in the Makarska Riviera. The hotel has 161 rooms, including 12 junior suites and 11 swim-up suites offering direct access to a private pool. The hotel’s location between the sea and Biokovo mountains as well as the hotel’s own Bluef!t Park offer many opportunities for outdoor activities. The guests can also enjoy the Croatian-inspired cuisine, cutting-edge technology and a large infinity pool offering a view of the Mediterranean.

TUI Blue Croatia
TUI Blue’s next growth initiative has already been announced: From the 2018 Spring season, the portfolio will be complemented by Rocador in Mallorca, TUI Blue Falesia in Portugal, Palm Beach Palace in Djerba and Marmaris in Turkey. These new openings will be based on appropriate hotels from TUI Hotels & Resorts’ existing portfolio, repositioned as TUI Blue hotels. Further repositionings are scheduled for the 2018/19 Winter season and the 2019 Summer season.

Zoku

Guest Blog: Youri Sawerschel – is Zoku the next Citizen M?

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Solicited for his creative thinking skills, Youri Sawerschel has been involved with projects focused on creating, launching and managing brands in Europe, China and the Middle-East. He has worked with brands as diverse as Kempinski Hotels, UBS, EPFL and Mondelez. He discusses below what we can expect from the brand Zoku…

The success of Citizen M, Mama Shelter or Ace Hotel has been watched by the entire industry. As hoteliers around the world are raising their game, we ask ourselves – who will set the new benchmark? We picked the hotel brands that, we believe, have the potential to become the next hits. Discover Zoku.

Located in the Eastern Canal District of Amsterdam, Zoku is a new brand that blurs the lines between hotel, apartment and office. We spoke to Zoku co-founders Hans Meyer and Marc Jongerius to understand their vision. To stand out in the dynamic Amsterdam market, the two co-founders knew they needed a good story.


“Hotels don’t sell a bed anymore but an emotion,” says Hans Meyer. That’s why the brand launched in 2016 with the mission to “connect people and ideas.” To make this position clear from its opening, Zoku partnered with Startup Fest Europe to host the conference attendees and to organise learning and networking events.

The hotel’s name meaning “family, tribe or clan” in Japanese, Zoku places great emphasis on the common spaces. Everything within the hotel is designed to foster social interactions – From a giant kitchen to communal working spaces and a rooftop garden. The room design is inspired by a functional Asian micro-apartment.


It combines a living and a working area in just 25m2 – perfect for long-stay customers. To open 50 new properties in the next 10 years, Zoku relies on a copy-paste approach.

Yet, “finding the right balance between standardisation and personalisation is a key concern,” explain Meyer and Jongerius. They are now working on a prototype for the next generation of Zoku rooms. “Beta is our most important value,” says Meyer.

Indeed, that sounds more like a tech startup than a hotel company.

Originally published on Hospitalitynet.org. Youri Sawerschel is a Branding Expert and Founder of Creative Supply, a strategic branding agency based in Zurich.

Hotel Century Old Town Prague - MGallery Collection

MGallery by Sofitel Prague property reopens following refurbishment

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Hotel Century Old Town Prague – MGallery By Sofitel has relaunched following an extensive renovation of the property. The 5-star property has undergone a complete transformation, giving the historic interiors a unique ambiance where classic heritage and contemporary design are combined together.

Hotel Century Old Town Prague - MGallery Collection - Photos: www.sofitel.com

Hotel Century Old Town Prague – MGallery Collection – Photos: www.sofitel.com

The hotel is situated in the heart of Prague, next to the Old Town Square, where the famous medieval astronomical clock is mounted on the southern wall of the Old Town City Hall. The Neo-Baroque building was built in the 19th century by Alfonse Wertmuller, a famous architect in Prague. It was formerly the office of the Workers’ Accident Insurance of Kingdom of Bohemia, where Franz Kafka worked as an insurance clerk from 1908 to 1922. His spirit can still be felt in the hotel, as his bronze bust welcomes guests in the lobby in front of the majestic stairs.

Hotel Century Old Town Prague - MGallery Collection - Photos: www.sofitel.com

Hotel Century Old Town Prague – MGallery Collection – Photos: www.sofitel.com

The 19th century listed building was transformed into a hotel in 2002, and became part of the MGallery By Sofitel portfolio in 2009. The sculpted Neo-Baroque façade and spectacular stairway, with its columns, marble steps and wrought-iron banister are characteristic features of the building.

Hotel Century Old Town Prague - MGallery Collection - Photos: www.sofitel.com

Hotel Century Old Town Prague – MGallery Collection – Photos: www.sofitel.com

Renowned French interior designer Ana Moussinet has transformed the hotel, whilst retaining its grandeur and original classical features. The Neo-Baroque interiors have been modernised to complement the rich history of the building. The hotel’s heritage has been integrated into the design with Franz Kafka’s random patterns, reminiscent
of ink lines and splashes. His inspirational quotes are displayed on the hotel’s walls and his presence can be seen in the Kafka Suite, which used to be the writer’s office for many years. It is now an exclusive suite with a contemporary design, inspired by Art Deco and mid-20th century Cubism.

Hotel Century Old Town Prague - MGallery Collection - Photos: www.sofitel.com

Hotel Century Old Town Prague – MGallery Collection – Photos: www.sofitel.com

The renovation saw 169 rooms transformed into 5* room categories from Classic to Suite; along with new design of the Living Room, Restaurant and Bar. The hotel’s interiors are light and spacious, with marble parquet, glossy black and gold decorative features, deep green velvets and sober lines. Long corridors featuring artistically
geometric carpet patterns are a refreshing and stylish blend of classic and contemporary design. Guests can relax in the luxurious Le Dome Suite, which is a round and cosy cocoon under the dome, surrounded by the thousand spires of Prague.

Hotel Century Old Town Prague - MGallery Collection - Photos: www.sofitel.com

Hotel Century Old Town Prague – MGallery Collection – Photos: www.sofitel.com

The Bar concept has changed and the space has been rebuilt. The main inspiration for the new Hedgehog bar ambiance and bar services was derived from the legendary Czech conundrum “The Hedgehog in the Cage”, which is often portrayed in comics, movies and TV series. It is a mysterious story of a plan of constructing a flying bicycle hidden inside a steel cone in shape of a hedgehog in a cage. Guests can enjoy The Flying Bicycle – a cocktail served in its cage as a metaphor of the famous Czech puzzle. The seasonal terrace has turned into a Glass Veranda available throughout the year and on level -1, a new fitness room was created.

Hotel Century Old Town Prague - MGallery Collection - Photos: www.sofitel.com

Hotel Century Old Town Prague – MGallery Collection – Photos: www.sofitel.com

Hotel Century Old Town Prague is now a breathtaking sight in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. MGallery has 90 existing fascinating addresses in addition to 30 others under development. Each hotel is inspiring, enhance local discovery and shapes memorable moments. With a compelling mix of Heritage, Serenity and Signature hotels, each MGallery is original with its own story to tell. MGallery will expand its collection with new openings including MGallery Leicester Square in London in August 2017; MGallery Dubai in the UAE; MGallery Livorno, Italy and MGallery Istanbul, Turkey.

www.sofitel.com

Hôtel de Crillon

Introducing Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel – Paris

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Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel re-opens after undergoing an extensive four-year restoration. Dating back to the 18th century, this historic treasure is decidedly reborn as a luxury hotel for 21st century travellers.

Located in the heart of Paris at 10 Place de la Concorde, Hôtel de Crillon’s past provides a rich backdrop for its modern-day story. During the hotel’s closure, master craftsmen, artisans and designers worked tirelessly to strike a deliberate and delicate balance between conservation and transformation, and today the hotel emerges as an elegant expression of the spirit of Paris and a celebration of the French art de vivre.

In keeping with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ concept in which each property reflects its location’s history, culture and sensibilities, Hôtel de Crillon’s design has been reinterpreted through the collective work of leading architects, designers, artisans, and artists. History has been brought to life with a fresh and modern twist, while beloved and unique objects emblematic to the hotel’s history can still be found throughout the property, from the amethyst chandeliers to gold and crystal Baccarat decanters.

This ambitious project required an unprecedented level of care and dedication. Owner representatives Ramzi Wakim and Laurent Dusonchet (Avangard Advisory), together with a handpicked project management team, orchestrated the renovation.

Architect Richard Martinet led the whole restoration and renovation, including the landmark façade and grand reception rooms on the second floor, which are classified heritage landmarks.

Under the Artistic Director Aline Asmar d’Amman who insured the coherence of the whole design project, and drove and inspired the interior designers, the hotel’s interiors were created by four Paris-based designers: Tristan Auer, Chahan Minassian, Cyril Vergniol and Aline Asmar d’Amman (Culture in Architecture). The approach was to respect history, while simultaneously injecting a modern attitude and a touch of Parisian irreverence.

Hôtel de CrillonKarl Lagerfeld, renowned designer and a great 18th century admirer, has decorated two exceptional suites on Place de la Concorde and together called ‘Les Grands Appartements’, which convey his personal vision of French chic and modernity. Landscape architect Louis Benech, with his subtle hand, conceived Hôtel de Crillon’s whimsical courtyards.

Hôtel de Crillon’s 78 rooms, 36 suites and 10 signature suites embody an expressly Parisian residential style that is equally warm and refined. The rooms and suites are elegantly decorated with bespoke furnishings, beautiful antiques and carefully chosen objets d’art.

www.rosewoodhotels.com

Mantra Group - Melbourne

Mantra Group acquires new-build hotel in Melbourne

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One of Greater Melbourne’s fastest growing areas will benefit from a $70 million hotel development that will service the rapid increase of activity in Melbourne’s booming northern suburbs.

Epping will be the site of the 214-room hotel that is being designed to capitalise on both the history of the northern suburbs and the unique attributes of Epping.

Located right near Melbourne’s new wholesale fruit, vegetable and cut flower market and The Northern Hospital, construction is due to start in the latter part of 2017 with opening scheduled for mid-2019. The hotel is being developed by Too Build and will be operated by Mantra Group.

Operating as Mantra Epping Hotel, it will feature both hotel rooms and apartments, a café/restaurant, brewhouse, conference and meeting facilities, gymnasium, and an open car park containing 143 marked bays and secure bicycle storage.

Occupying a prime corner position at 250 Cooper Street within the prestigious Northpoint Enterprise Park at Epping, Melbourne’s fastest growing expansion corridor just 18km north of the CBD, the four-star, two-wing hotel has been designed by leading architect Peddle Thorp and Bruce Henderson Interiors.

One of Australia’s largest construction companies, Hacer Group, has been engaged to complete the project build, creating an expected 300 construction jobs.

he groundbreaking ceremony for Arnava Hotel & Residence, Batu was held back in May, launching the development of this mixed-use property

Adonara Hotel Group announces Arnava Hotel in Batu Indonesia

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The groundbreaking ceremony for Arnava Hotel & Residence, Batu was held back in May, launching the development of this mixed-use property.

Ideally situated for easy access to all of Batu City’s attractions and less than 20 kilometres north-west of Malang, Arnava Hotel & Residence, Batu, will be developed over 7,000m2 at an investment cost of approximately £8.6 million.

Investment in the tourism sector has grown in recent years, with a projected IDR 1.8 trillion (£103 million) in investment in the region in 2016 thanks in part to regional economic stability, with the majority of investment being seen in the trading, hotel, restaurant and associated retail industries.

All investment is carefully monitored in Batu, to protect the city for both current and future growth. With growing demand being seen in the property sector, the Arnava Hotel and Residence mixed-use development, in partnership with the Adonara Group, is however well placed to meet the needs of both individual and corporate investors. The development will boast a capacity of 320 rooms—the largest in Batu City—split between private residences and hotel rooms, and offer myriad opportunities.

ADONARA HOTELS GROUP is a national hotel management company which builds iconic brands such as U Stay, Coral, Arnava, Boston and Amanuba, in partnership and collaboration with investors and regional business partners.

Rosewood London

Rosewood London wins ‘Hotel of Year’ at Catey Awards

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Rosewood London is delighted to announce that the hotel has been named ‘Hotel of the Year’ in the Group category at the industry’s most prestigious awards, The Catey Awards 2017.

Running for the 34th year, The Catey Awards recognise the strongest performers, latest emerging brands and highest flyers in the sector, as determined by the industry itself.

Rosewood London

The winners were announced at a glittering ceremony this week at London’s Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel, following a rigorous selection process by a committee of more than 140 judges chosen for their expertise and industry knowledge.

Rosewood London saw off strong competition from an esteemed selection of luxury hotels across the country to secure the accolade.

“We are thrilled to be named ‘Hotel of the Year’ at this year’s Catey Awards,” said Rosewood London Managing Director, Michael Bonsor. “This is a highly prestigious accolade and we are very proud to be recognised by our top industry peers.”

www.rosewoodhotels.com

Style Library

Style Library launches – home to six iconic British brands

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Style Library officially launched at the opening of their state of the art new 280m2 showroom in Design Centre Chelsea Harbour this week.

The home of six iconic, authentic British brands: Zoffany, Harlequin, Sanderson, Morris & Co., Scion and Anthology, Style Library has made it their mission to Inspire Creative Living in all.

Style Library is the global one-stop-destination for home inspiration. It is the place to find the widest and most diverse range of authentic British home and interior design products that will help you bring every home to life, with something for every style. Now altogether under one roof and easily accessible on one website –
stylelibrary.com

THE STYLE LIBRARY STORY
Style Library is a global one-stop-destination for home inspiration. It is the place to find the widest and most diverse range of authentic British home and interior design products that will help bring the home to life with something to suit every style.

STYLE LIBRARY PHILOSOPHY
The home is a special place, a sanctuary. It’s the place where you are most relaxed. A space where you can truly be yourself and express your personality and your dreams. The Style Library team are here to help release that creativity. Their aim is to give you the power to bring your home to life and together celebrate individual expression.

STYLE LIBRARY BRANDS
Style Library is now the official home for six of the best British brands: Zoffany, Harlequin, Sanderson, Morris & Co., Scion and Anthology. These brands have been part of the same group for many years. Now for the first time they have been brought together to make the quest for the perfect home a little easier.

ZOFFANY – Luxurious design, artfully crafted to the highest standards
HARLEQUIN – Creating a fashion statement for the home
SANDERSON – Timelessly elegant products that celebrate the English Countryside
MORRIS & CO. – Beautifully crafted products that uphold the legacy of William Morris
SCION – Fun and playful British design that brings a smile to the everyday
ANTHOLOGY – Cutting-edge design for dynamic metropolitan spaces

Style Library
STYLE LIBRARY INNOVATION AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
Design is at the heart of everything Style Library does and they are proud to be original. Their in-house designers, arguably one of the most talented teams in Britain, constantly delight and inspire. From concept to creation, all collections reflect their unique talents, personalities and handwritings – with astonishingly beautiful results. They also passionately believe in nurturing new design talent. That’s why they have proudly sponsored the UK New Designers show for over 10 years. Their innovation today is built on the design teams’ voracious appetites for experimentation, their constant search for new ideas and a heritage of solid craftsmanship and historical importance. They also consider themselves very lucky to be the custodians of three extraordinary archives, including Sanderson and Morris & Co. This remarkable design library is a constant source of inspiration and brings a unique authenticity to their products.

MADE IN BRITAIN
Style Library are proud of the fact that most of their wallpapers, printed fabrics, upholstered furniture, trimmings and paints are Great British products. The majority of their wallpapers and printed fabrics are manufactured by sister companies in Leicestershire and Lancashire. They are therefore confident that these factories operate with clear commitments and initiatives towards the care of the environment and sustainability. They are incredibly proud to support British industry and to wave the ‘Made in Britain’ flag.

STYLE LIBRARY SHOWROOMS
The state of the art Style Library flagship showroom is in London’s renowned Design Centre Chelsea Harbour on the First Floor, South Dome. Dedicated showrooms can also be found in Paris, New York and Dubai.

WHERE TO BUY
Products can be purchased from a wide network of specialist shops and interior design companies all over the world. As experts, they can help with the next stage; whether it’s room design, measuring, curtain making, hanging wallpaper or simply placing an order.

www.stylelibrary.com

Crosswater - Brit List VIP guests

Brit List 2017: Crosswater confirmed as VIP guests

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We’re just a week away from the Hotel Designs Brit List event, which will be taking in some of the biggest names in the UK industry.

For the past few months, Hotel Designs has been taking soundings and nominations to create the Brit List – a celebration of the most influential and inspirational hoteliers and interior designers.

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CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR BRIT LIST PLACE
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The full Hotel Designs Brit List will be revealed via a glossy print publication this summer, with a party to celebrate the List taking place at Urban Coterie, London on Wednesday July 12th.

And we’re delighted to announce that representatives from Crosswater are booked on as VIP guests at the event – if you are interested in taking advantage of a VIP guest package, contact Jennie Lane on 01992 374098 or email j.lane@forumevents.co.uk.

GROHE flush systems designed to combat water wastage

GROHE flush systems designed to combat water wastage

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A recent study from Waterwise* has found that toilet leakages account for up to 5% of overall per capita water consumption in properties. GROHE’s flush systems are designed to combat such leaks, reducing overall water wastage and contributing to a sustainable property.

Limescale resistant
The study states that many problems are caused by dual flush valves, some of which encounter is-sues when grit or limescale interferes with the flushing mechanism. All of GROHE flush valves fea-ture a bottom seal made of neoprene, which is more resistant to water with high levels of limescale content. This means that the seal does not harden or warp as quickly as a standard seal which can lead to leaks. In cases where the seal or part does need replacing, GROHE products are covered by a 5 year warranty for peace of mind.

Choice of water consumption
GROHE also offers a choice of flush strength to help reduce overall water consumption in the home. Users can choose between 6 litres for the large flush and 4 litres for the small flush. This can be fur-ther reduced to 4 and 2 litres if requested. GROHE flush plates come in a variety of stylish designs, from white to Supersteel finishes, to match any desired bathroom décor.

Enjoy peace of mind
For ultimate reassurance, GROHE’s brand new and unique Sense and Sense Guard are designed to detect leaks to protect your home from water damage. The Sense sends an alert through to your smart phone, while the Sense Guard allows you to shut off the water supply remotely, helping to make the bathroom and home eco efficient.

Michael Gray, GROHE UK Product Manager, comments, “All GROHE products are made with the highest German quality and this is reflected in our long life flush systems, designed to perform sus-tainability and efficiently throughout their lifespans. We are committed to helping our customers protect their home from the often costly and upsetting problem of water damage and therefore all of our products go through rigorous testing before coming to market. Our new Sense and Sense Guard are designed for ultimate peace of mind, allowing homeowners to stop water flow before any real damage is done.”

For the full Waterwise study, please see here. . .

www.grohe.co.uk

July Focus: Mitre’s Chris Tame – ‘How to accessorise hotel rooms’

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Every establishment is unique and it is often the little touches that can make all the difference to a guest’s experience.

The increasing credibility of travel review sites has made the hospitality market even more competitive, so it is important to stand out for all the right reasons.

Here Chris Tame, Mitre Linen’s National Sales Manager, provides us with his six expert tips how to accessorise your rooms in order to create a warm welcome, a wonderful stay and a lasting impression…

1) Soft furnishings: Beautiful soft furnishings can transform a room and instantly make a guest feel welcome. Whether you want to ignite a certain sense of style or reinforce your brand identity, refreshing your curtains, cushions and bed runners will help create that all-important great first impression.

2) Include a blanket or throw: A deliciously soft cashmere or woollen throw or blanket can add a touch of glamour to a room as well as making guests feel at home. Guests love snuggling into a little comfort and will appreciate this little gesture.

3) Pillow menu: The right pillow can make all the difference to a good night’s sleep and, in a competitive market place, personalisation is the key to standing out. Why not offer your guests a pillow menu to allow them to pick their ideal pillow? This is a unique and personal gesture and will help provide your guests with a fantastic night’s sleep, tailored to their requirements.


4) Offer practical bedroom accessories: Complement each bedroom with practical amenities that will provide your guests with all the essentials to make their stay as easy and comfortable as possible. From quality hair dryers to irons and ironing boards, sometimes these little extras can be a necessity.

5) Offer guests a bathrobe and slippers: Allow your guests to feel completely pampered and indulged by leaving a sumptuous bathrobe hanging up in the room. Nothing says luxury like a velour bathrobe and a pair of matching slippers. For that extra-personal touch, embroider your bathrobes with your brand name to help reinforce your identity throughout their stay.

6) Include complimentary toiletries: Guests love a quality selection of quality complimentary shampoos, conditioners, shower gels and body creams in their bathrooms. Adding them to a room shows attention to detail and will add a touch of luxury to that special hotel experience.

For more helpful tips and advice, call our friendly team on 01685 353 4456 or go to www.mitrelinen.com

Bonham Hotel

Edinburgh’s Bonham Hotel enters the Bespoke Hotels fold

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Bespoke Hotels is delighted to welcome Edinburgh’s Bonham Hotel to its midst, which joins the rapidly-growing independent hotel group from its enviable position in the city’s stately West End.

A notable addition to Bespoke’s burgeoning Scottish portfolio, The Bonham boasts 49 bedrooms, alongside a stylish bar and restaurant, events space, and a superb location beside the renowned Princes Street in Edinburgh’s New Town district.

Bonham Hotel
Surrounded by bustling cafes and upmarket shopping destinations, The Bonham is also within easy reach of the city’s Old Town and St Giles’ Cathedral, the Royal Mile, as well as the world famous Edinburgh Castle. With its individually-decorated bedrooms and Victorian townhouse façade, the property offers elegance and privacy, alongside a wider range of dining options and superb views of the neighbouring Drumsheugh Gardens.

Bonham Hotel
“We are thrilled to be working alongside the new ownership of the Bonham Hotel”, commented Haydn Fentum, CEO of Bespoke Hotels. “We are fortunate to have come on board at a very exciting time in the property’s development, as we seek to consolidate its well-earned reputation and invite travellers to explore this beautiful city.”

Bonham Hotel
“Scotland has always held a special appeal to me, which began with my interest in the beautiful Art Nouveau works produced by artists including Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald,” added US-based businessman and philanthropist Richard H. Driehaus, who has recently acquired the Bonham Hotel. “I am proud to join the Edinburgh community.”

www.bespokehotels.com

www.thebonham.com 

Cabin raises $3m in seed-funding and launches 'moving hotel'

Opinion: Cabin raises $3m to launch ‘moving hotel’

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Cabin, the first hospitality transportation company on a mission to make the most of every waking and sleeping moment, today announced it has secured $3.3 million in seed financing and launched a moving hotel.

Cabin’s one-of-a-kind overnight travel experience enables people to reclaim their time while saving money by consolidating both transportation and accommodation into one simple and delightful experience.

Initially run as a pilot called SleepBus in early 2016, Cabin sold out of tickets in three days and amassed a waiting list of over 20,000 people seeking to be “teleported” to regional destinations up to 500 miles from home. Led by Founders Fund’s FF Angel with participation from SV Angel, Floodgate, Box Group, Brainchild Holdings, Justin Rosenstein, StartX, FJ Labs, and 1517 Fund, the new round of funding will allow Cabin to scale operations both on a regional and national level.

Cabin raises $3m in seed-funding and launches 'moving hotel'
Editor’s Opinion: At the moment, there is only one route between Los Angeles and San Francisco – and at $115 a journey (£88), flights between the two cities are often cheaper. However what Cabin are offering is travel in comfort and accommodation all rolled into one. And clearly it’s a popular concept given the response to the crowd-funding and the waiting-list uptake. I think ‘hotel’ might be stretching the meaning of the word considering the sleeping spaces are very similar to fully-reclining pods on long-haul flights.

But with amenities like a small communal lounge area, Wi-Fi and earplugs and nighttime tea for all passengers, attendants on hand and a bathroom on board, and each rider being able to bring two pieces of luggage for free – it’s not far off. Should this trial run work later this month and more routes likely to open on the eastern seaboard later on; I expect this could be a concept that really takes off in other places around the globe.

Cabin raises $3m in seed-funding and launches 'moving hotel'“By eliminating the travel time from traveling, Cabin is giving people the freedom to get where they need to be – without having to spend their precious time in transit,” said Tom Currier, CEO and Co-Founder.

How Cabin Works
Guests check into their private cabin at 23:00 while Cabin is stationary at the designated point of departure. Once the guest is comfortable, the moving hotel travels to the arrival destination. Guests check out rested and refreshed in their arrival city at 7:00.

www.ridecabin.com

The Murray Hotel - Hong Kong

New luxury hotel, The Murray, to open in Hong Kong late 2017

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Niccolo Hotels, the new luxury hotel brand, is set to catapult into the limelight with the announcement of its exciting new flagship property in Hong Kong. The Murray, a Niccolo Hotel, Hong Kong will open in late 2017, on Cotton Tree Drive in Central.

As well as being the first significant new luxury hotel to open in Hong Kong for several years, The Murray will breathe new life into one of Hong Kong’s most iconic and historic buildings. The tall white landmark structure, with its distinctive arches and unique recessed windows, was built in 1969 and has since won many awards for its ground-breaking and energy-efficient design.

World-renowned architects Foster + Partners, whose works in Hong Kong include The Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank headquarters and the Hong Kong International Airport, have been engaged as designers for the project.

With its unique location in a stand-alone building positioned between the Central business district and the green oasis of Hong Kong Park, the 336-room hotel will offer a sophisticated, urban chic sanctuary in the heart of the city. Among its unique features will be a stunning rooftop bar with some of the most breathtaking views of the city. A series of signature restaurants are also being planned.

Seasoned British-born hotelier Duncan Palmer has been appointed as the hotel’s Managing Director, and will bring his many years of experience with The Savoy, The Connaught, Mandarin Oriental and Langham Hotels amongst others to create a truly world-class new hotel for Hong Kong.

“I am quietly confident this will become the preferred hotel in Hong Kong for visiting dignitaries, captains of industry and leaders in style. They will appreciate the sophisticated and international standard of hospitality that the Niccolo brand delivers.” said Mr Palmer.

The first hotel under the brand, the stylish Niccolo Chengdu opened in April 2015 and has quickly been recognised as the city’s leading centre for luxury accommodation, fine dining and events. It is superbly located as part of the International Finance Square (IFS) a mixed-use retail and commercial centre which has become the epicentre of Chengdu’s events.

www.niccolohotels.com

Hilton Bankside design

Hilton leading the way in hospitality industry design

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With more than 4,900 properties in over 100 countries worldwide, Hilton is at the forefront of hospitality design innovation.

Gone are days of beige interior and a corporate feel, modern day Hilton hotels are influencing the way the hospitality industry designs places to stay. From striking interiors and a level of detail previously unseen in chain hotels, to technological firsts, Hilton’s 14 brands feature design stories across the globe.

Hilton London Bankside – a modern representation of Hilton in the capital (pictured above)
With more guests looking for authentic, stand out places to stay that truly reflect the surroundings, this property is a shining example, as it takes inspiration from the heart of London. The Distillery, Bankside’s destination bar, is located on the site of a renowned Victorian essence factory and pays homage to its heritage by serving signature cocktails with homemade aromatics, infusions and bitters. Meanwhile the ‘penny wall’, made up of 16,800 pennies, reflects the site’s former use as a warehouse to store five pound notes for the Bank of England. Listen to this podcast to hear the full design story for Hilton London Bankside.

OXBO Restaurant’s excellent use of materials to create space (Photos: London Hilton Bankside)

Curio Collection by Hilton – remarkable hotels for authentic experiences
Curio Collection by Hilton is a portfolio of remarkable hotels, handpicked for their unique character and personality, providing authentic experiences reflective of the destinations they are in. Reichshof Hamburg, Curio Collection by Hilton is a prime example of the uniqueness of this newly-launched Hilton brand. A £30m renovation in 2015 ensured the preservation of the hotel’s art deco features to highlight the ‘Golden 20s’ era. Mixing old with new, the cosmopolitan concept for the hotel was inspired by the ocean-liners of the German-owned HAPAG, specifically the SS Cap Polonio, built in Hamburg in 1914. Most noticeable in the hotel’s Restaurant Stadt, the space features heavy chandeliers and wood panelling. For more information visit www.curiocollection.com and to listen to a podcast about the design story at Reichshof, Curio Collection by Hilton.


Hilton Tallinn Park – light fixtures to delight and surprise
The first Hilton to open in the up and coming capital of Estonia features an eye-catching light installation by leading designer Tom Dixon. 150 copper mirror ball pendants, inspired by the famous space helmet, descend 11 metres from the high ceilings of the spacious lobby, making for a stunning first impression upon arriving.

Hilton Tallinn Lobby

Hilton Bournemouth – the ‘Ted Baker hotel’
Ray Kelvin, founder of clothing brand Ted Baker, was heavily involved in the design of Hilton Bournemouth. Ted Baker’s retro British identity is clear throughout the interiors with colours and original prints synonymous with the renowned fashion designer, while guest rooms feature unique Bournemouth vista wallpaper. The hotel’s LEVEL8IGHT The Sky Bar heads further into the past, capturing the essence of the roaring twenties with an art nouveau, creating a Great Gatsby style venue.

Copyright of Pellier Photography

www.hilton.com

Sneak Peek: Shangri-La Hotel, Yiwu now open

Sneak Peek: Shangri-La Hotel, Yiwu now open

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The 362-room Shangri-La Hotel, Yiwu opened on June 24 in the 52-storey, mixed-use Yiwu World Trade Centre, the tallest building in Zhejiang Province. The tower offers commercial space, apartments and shopping, and is located in the city”s business district and is adjacent the Yiwu International Commodity City.

The 362-room Shangri-La Hotel, Yiwu opened on June 24 in the 52-story, mixed-use Yiwu World Trade Centre, the tallest building in Zhejiang Province
The hotel’s design features a sienna and walnut color palette to complement the Dongyang wood-carved screens in the public areas that evoke a sense of place and connection to the culture and history of Zhejiang province. Each guestroom features natural colors and the Chinese rose—the flower of Yiwu—that can be found engraved on wood, in paintings and embossed on panels. Other features include complimentary WiFi, a marble bathroom, an executive desk and large windows.


There are three restaurants and eight private dining rooms; an outdoor terrace is available for alfresco dining. More than 41,700-sq-ft of event space is available, including a grand ballroom than can accommodate 1,000 guests for banquets. The hotel is the first in the city to feature an elevator that is large enough to transport cars directly to the ballroom for car-centric events, according to the company.

The 362-room Shangri-La Hotel, Yiwu opened on June 24 in the 52-story, mixed-use Yiwu World Trade Centre, the tallest building in Zhejiang Province
There also is a spa, gym, indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms. Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently operates some 95 hotels in 22 countries and 73 destinations under the Shangri-La, Kerry, Hotel Jen and Traders brands.

Left to right (Keith Matthewa MD Nu Agencies Keith Worral CEO Thames Technology)

Guest Blog: ‘Hotel door access cards can be eco-friendly’

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Thames Card Technology is bringing an environmentally-friendly card material to the UK in an exclusive deal with Nu: Agencies, part of the Nuco International group. Nu: eCard is a ‘green’ alternative to PVC, combining chalk with low levels of high-density polyethylene to create a card with performance and costs to rival traditional plastics, without the environmental impact.

Cards produced using Nu: eCard look and feel virtually identical to other 100% plastic cards and can be manufactured using exactly the same equipment. The cards can supplement the green credentials of the businesses using them, which can give an advantage when the choices in the hospitality industry increasingly include environmental considerations.

Thames Card Technology is the only card producer in the UK licenced to use the Nu: eCard material, and the company will also offer the product to customers in Europe. Tens of millions of cards are already in use in the USA.

The first credible alternative to PVC
“We have been looking for a credible PVC alternative for a number of years, but there has always been a catch,” comments Paul Underwood, Managing Director of Thames Card Technology. “Either costs were much higher or the performance of the card was not up to scratch. Nu: eCard has changed the game with a material that is green without compromise. We’ve done extensive testing on the material to ISO7810 standard and are extremely excited about the possibilities it opens up for ecologically minded companies, without increasing costs.”

Nu: eCard is made from sustainable, reclaimed and renewable materials, and polyethylene has a low ecological impact. The low-energy, low CO2 production process does not require water, acid, alkaline or bleach, which has resulted in a Cradle to Cradle Environmental Certification award.

Answering existing demand for greener cards
“PVC has been at the centre of card manufacture for years and change is not brought about easily,” adds Ian Brown, Director of Nu: Agencies. “We took our time to develop and test Nu: eCard before setting about finding the right partner to bring it to the UK. The decision to work with Thames was an easy one. They’re committed to innovation and have great awareness of the companies that are already crying out for more card manufacture options. We have experienced huge success in the USA and have no doubt that we will receive the same demand in the UK and Europe with Thames as our partner.”

“This partnership with Thames Card Technology is further confirmation that our decision to invest in developing Nu: eCard was the right one,” adds Keith Matthews, Managing Director of Nuco International Ltd. “This product is gaining global momentum through our partners both sides of the Atlantic and it won’t be long now until consumers across Europe also have greener cards in their pockets.”

The cards are already in use for gift, loyalty, membership, marketing and hotel key cards, amongst a range of other uses.

Read more about Thames Card Technology’s work in its latest blogs.

Sani Dunes

New Sani Dunes now open at Sani Resort

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Last week marked the official opening of the much-anticipated Sani Dunes at Greece’s award-winning Sani Resort in Halkidiki.

The brand-new beachfront hotel on the shores of the stunning Kassandra Peninsula boasts the largest outdoor pool in Greece, an exclusive spa, private beach, three restaurants, bar and indoor heated pool. The official opening of Sani Dunes, after a soft opening period, brings the Sani Resort portfolio of hotels to a total of five, all of which continue to offer the very highest levels of service, style and facilities in a beautiful ecological reserve.

Sani DunesBeachfront location & stunning suites
Enjoying an undeniably privileged beachfront location, close to the buzzing boutiques and restaurants of Sani Marina, and with dreamy views of the crystal-clear Aegean Sea, the 136-room Sani Dunes offers the utmost in comfort and luxury. Low-rise contemporary accommodation comprises 80 exceptionally spacious Junior Suites and Panorama Junior Suites, as well as 56 Double and Family Rooms, all furnished with stylish, handcrafted Mediterranean touches. All rooms boast tranquil views overlooking Sani Dunes’ lush green gardens and lagoon pools, with some benefiting from the stunning beachfront location providing panoramic sea views. Several suites offer beautifully appointed terraces, balconies or private gardens, where couples and families alike can relax, unwind and spend quality time together.

All rooms are just metres away from Sani Dunes’ private beach, where king-size umbrellas and luxurious sunbeds await guests looking to make the most of the peaceful beachfront location, while relaxing in the sun, soaking up the gentle sounds of the sea or enjoying a refreshing drink or delicious meal from the Beach Bar.

AC Hotel Mainz opens as brand’s first property in Germany

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AC Hotels by Marriott, a lifestyle hotel brand from Marriott International, has opened AC Hotel Mainz, the brand’s first property in Germany, offering entrepreneurial spirits a new way to hotel in the destination of Mainz. As the first boutique-style hotel in Mainz, the property adds to the brand’s growing global portfolio of more than 100 design-led hotels located in Brazil, Denmark, France, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Following a recent renovation, this historic building in the heart of the city has been transformed into a stylish 58-room hotel boasting sleek, contemporary design combined with the elegance of a classic grand hotel. Design details by Dutch interior designer Helge Docters van Leeuwen accentuate the original architecture and introduce a sleek, modern finish where clean lines interplay with neutral colours.

AC Hotel Mainz
AC Hotels believes that purposeful design improves lives, carefully curating the things that guests need and editing out what they don”t. AC Hotels strip away the unnecessary to remove friction, providing guests with thoughtfully designed moments of elegance. Allowing guests to focus on what”s important to them and elevating their stay.

Guest rooms blend simple lines and modern European style to create a sophisticated and contemporary ambience for guests with open-plan closets, sleek design furnishings and rain showers in the bathrooms with signature AC Hotels amenities. In addition, all rooms offer complimentary Wi-Fi and spacious work desks, catering perfectly to business travellers” needs.

Collaborations with local artists and businesses further strengthen the brand’s commitment to its European heritage, offering guests a menu packed with local breads, pastries, and beer and wine, with hotel associate”s uniforms designed by celebrated fashion designer Anja Gockel, who lives in Mainz.

Custom Crown - Chelsom

Product Spotlight: Custom Crown from Chelsom

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The Custom Crown pendant is one of eleven unique and creative designs that form the Chelsom custom lighting range which launched in 2016 as part of the Edition 25 collection.

A true statement centrepiece, Custom Crown features two flat horizontal rings with recessed contrasting colour centre sections suspended from three fine strainer wires.

Black fabric cylinder shades with steep angled cuts have Champagne Gold interiors to give a warm ambient glow of gold uplight. This highly decorative fitting can be made in any finish, diameter or shape with any number of lights or tiers. The pendant can be created with a long drop suitable for stairwells and atriums.

www.chelsom.co.uk
+44 (0) 12 53 83 14 00
+44 (0) 12 53 69 80 98
marketing@chelsom.co.uk

JK Rowling suite - The Balmoral, Edinburgh

Olga Polizzi leads redesign of JK Rowling suite at The Balmoral

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The suite in the Balmoral, Edinburgh where JK Rowling finished her book ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ has been renovated along with 36 other suites after a three-month refurbishment programme led by Olga Polizzi.

Fans of the wizarding series enter the room through a purple door adorned with an owl door knocker. Inside, whimsical woodland designs can be found, from owl and bird figurines to tree-themed wallpaper. Plush chairs, couches, and colourful orange and red pillows adorn the cozy suite, and the entire Harry Potter series lines a stately bookshelf, just in case you hadn’t read it yet.

The suite also contains a glass-encased bust of the Greek god Hermes, which Rowling triumphantly signed after finishing the fantasy fiction series: “JK Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this room (552) on 11 Jan 2007.”

This summer, Rocco Forte Hotels is marking its 20th year with the refurbishment of The Balmoral in Edinburgh, the hotel that signifies the beginning of Sir Rocco’s portfolio in 1997.

www.roccofortehotels.com

Nobis Copenhagen

Sneak Peek: Nobis Hotel, Copenhagen

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In September 2017, the building that originally served as the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music will be home to the grand 77-room Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, artfully designed by star architect and Design Hotels™ influencer Gert Wingårdh.

Nobis Hotel Copenhagen will be lusciously augmented by such embracing amenities as a gym, a sauna with cooling pool and hamam, a bar, a lounge area, and a restaurant that will help turn this stunning property into an attractive new locus for Copenhagen’s downtown social scene.

The hotel is located next to Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen Central Station, the internationally renowned Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek museum, and City Hall Square.

www.nobishotel.dk

Hotel Designs Brit List

25-30 June: 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. IN CONVERSATION: REDEFINE|BDL’S SUSAN BLAND ON BREXIT PLANS
As Brexit negotiations kick off and uncertainty lingers following the general election, there are growing concerns over the UK’s pipeline of skilled employees, particularly within the hospitality industry.

2. DECOREX 2017: CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF ‘EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN’
Decorex, the UK’s leading destination for interior design, will take place this September as the opening destination of the London Design Festival celebrating 40 years of design.

3. GUEST BLOG: MAIDO – TRANSLATE LUXURY SERVICE ONLINE WITH A ‘DIGITAL CONCIERGE’
George Wiscombe, founder and managing director of award-winning digital design agency Maido, talking about how the hotel sector can embrace digital technology…

4. LIGHTING FOCUS: JALU LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE CONCEPT FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING
Jalu Ltd recently launched its first two collections of striking outdoor floor lamps.

5. KENGO KUMA TO DEVELOP ‘ECO-LUXURY’ 1HOTEL IN PARIS
Kengo Kuma is planning a Parisian project which hopes to incorporate sustainability and hospitality design into an ‘innovative eco-luxury hotel’ which will ultimately serve as a landmark, as well as a popular destination.

6. HOTEL CÍRCULO GRAN VÍA, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION OPENS IN MADRID
Autograph Collection Hotels, part of Marriott International, has welcomed its third distinctly independent property in Madrid with the opening of Hotel Círculo Gran Vía.

7. PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: DURAVIT’S VERO AIR, TIMELESS GEOMETRY RE-IMAGINED
Duravit has launched Vero Air, the next development in the successful Vero series at ISH 2017.

8. ROXBURGHE HOTEL ACQUIRED BY BESPOKE HOTELS
Roxburghe Estates and Bespoke Hotels have announced they have agreed terms for the transfer of ownership of the Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Course near Kelso.

9. ANDRÉ FU, AFSO CONTINUE ASCENT IN SINGAPORE, HONG KONG
After the successful launch of the Kerry Hotel on Hong Kong’s waterfront, acclaimed Hong Kong-based designer and architect André Fu sees a contemporary art gallery in Tokyo completed for Galerie Perrotin, the spa at the now iconic Villa La Coste open and the VIP lounge at Pacific Place finished.

10. GUEST BLOG: VIERO – THE BENEFITS OF USING LIME PLASTERS AND PAINTS
Viero’s clients often ask why they are so passionate about recommending and specifying our range of lime-based plasters and paints, the answer is so simple it’s difficult…

White Horse Hotel

£3 million investment for Dorking’s White Horse Hotel

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Bespoke Hotels is pleased to announce it has committed to a substantial refurbishment and expansion program of Dorking’s historic White Horse Hotel, due to take place between July and November, 2017.

Totalling over £3,000,000, works will encompass the property’s accommodation, including a comprehensive remodelling and the addition of 16 new bedrooms. In addition to this, there will be a total re-design of the ground floor restaurant, bar, events and public spaces at the property, with the aim of introducing a stylish and affordable destination hotel, café and restaurant offering to Dorking for the first time.

Following the property’s closure on July 17th, the dining and events spaces are set to be entirely re-designed, with the current total of guestrooms expanded from 41 to 57. Interior design will be overseen by Squid Inc, who recently worked alongside Bespoke on the opening of Manchester’s award-winning Hotel Gotham in 2015, with the aim of significantly transforming the culinary offering by expanding the property’s dining space and placing a renewed emphasis on local and freshly-prepared produce, available both to takeaway and dine-in.

“We are delighted to be able to commit so substantially to the reimagining of The White Horse”, commented Graham Marskell, Managing Director – Operations of Bespoke Hotels. “Bespoke Hotels and our creative partners will be overseeing a complete overhaul of both the accommodation and culinary sides of the business, with a view to re-establishing it as one of the region’s foremost foodie destinations.”

Nobu London & Ibiza

Nobu Hotels introduces London and Ibiza properties

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Nobu Hospitality, the group founded by renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Academy Award winner Robert De Niro, and Hollywood producer Meir Teper, is pleased to announce the opening of the first two European Nobu Hotels in London & Ibiza.

Nobu Hotel Shoreditch London, located in London’s artistic quarter, offers 148-guest rooms and suites, special event and meeting space and London’s newest Nobu Restaurant and Bar. Crafted to suit the energy in Shoreditch, our new Nobu Hotel and Restaurant draws from the area’s creative and industrial vibe.

Nobu London & Ibiza
Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is like nowhere else in Ibiza. On the shores of Talamanca Bay, the resort offers 152-rooms and suites, two private seafront pools, the new Nobu Restaurant Ibiza, in addition to other restaurants, spa, and boutique shopping. The design reflects an idyllic barefoot luxury style, crafted for couples and families alike.

Nobu London & Ibiza“We are very proud to open the Nobu Hotel Shoreditch and Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, each with partners who have great vision and passion to create something different and special,” said Trevor Horwell, Chief Executive Officer of Nobu Hospitality. “With London and Ibiza opening, we are continuing our European growth where we plan to announce further special Nobu Hotels in distinct locations.”