Hotel Designs

    NEWS AND ANALYSIS FOR HOTELIERS, DESIGNERS AND INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS
    Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham

    Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham begins bedroom revamp

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    Guests staying at the Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham will soon enjoy a new and improved hotel experience, as the Redefine|BDL Hotels venue begins a revamp of its guest bedrooms.

    The Cheltenham property – managed by the UK’s largest independent hotel management company, Redefine|BDL Hotels – will undergo extensive upgrades in August, bringing it up-to-date with the Holiday Inn Express Next Generation redesign.

    With over £125,000 earmarked for the revamp and with 40 guest bedrooms receiving improvements across fixtures, fittings and bedding, Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham will be only the fourth hotel in Redefine|BDL Hotels portfolio to undergo the new Next Generation redesign.

    Guests staying at the Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham will soon enjoy a new and improved hotel experience, as the Redefine|BDL Hotels venue begins a revamp

    Daniel Sharpe, general manager of Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham, said: “The revamp of our 40 guest rooms will offer today’s smart travellers the ultimate stay, providing all of those at-home luxuries they’re accustomed to, and surpassing both their leisure and business needs.

    “It’s an incredibly exciting time for the hotel as the investment and modernisation elevates our venue and its already high standards to the forefront of the hotel industry. We look forward to welcoming future customers to the hotel and we are in no doubt that they will enjoy their experience.”

    The Holiday Inn Express Next Generation redesign was developed with industry-leading experts to meet the changing needs of today’s ‘Smart Travellers’ and is to be rolled out to a number of properties across Europe.

    Anantara Angkor Resort

    Anantara Angkor Resort gets makeover in transformation

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    Anantara Angkor Resort has made its final transformation from a quaint boutique resort to a luxurious all-suite resort.

    Nestled only 10 minutes away from the UNESCO World Heritage Area that includes the legendary Angkor Wat, no other 5-star resort in Siem Reap will offer such a comprehensive destination experience, all while supported by the renowned expertise of the Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas brand.

    Anantara Angkor Resort

    The New Year roll-out includes soft refurbishments of the resort’s 34 rooms, main restaurant, entrance and lobby. Eight suite categories will unfold, including converting the resort’s ground and first floor Deluxe and Premier Rooms into Premier and Terrace Suites, increasing overall square footage both inside and out.

    Anantara Angkor Resort

    The new suites will take bookings in time for this year’s peak season. Aficionados of Southeast Asia and textiles will regale in the addition of a one and two bedroom Jim Thompson Explorer Suite. Boasting 178 and 235 square meters respectively, imported Thai silk will overflow throughout each suite, draping the furniture in bold colours and lustrous appeal. The Explorer Suites will be available by January, 2017. The Anantara and Sothea suites are not forgotten, and will also receive a fresh makeover.

    50-Room boutique The Ramble Hotel to Open in Denver’s RiNo Neighborhood

    50-room boutique The Ramble to open in Denver’s RiNo

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    The Ramble, an independently-owned  hotel will open in late 2017 with 50 guestrooms, an intimate theatre and bar and flexible meeting space.

    Located at 2450 Larimer St., just north of Downtown Denver, the hotel will be among the first to open in the burgeoning RiNo neighbourhood. Known for its blend of urban grit and industrial revival, RiNo’s historic warehouses and factories now house jazz bars, restaurants, brewpubs, art galleries and working studios.

    RiNo’s distinct character will be an inherent characteristic of The Ramble Hotel, which is being developed by local Denver firm, Gravitas Development Group. The firm, which is behind many notable projects in some of Denver’s most sought-after urban neighbourhoods, pays close attention to the personality of each enclave in which it develops, creating projects that are tailored to the individual cultures and residents of each. Most recently, Gravitas developed 25th & Larimer, a mixed-use complex made entirely of shipping containers, located directly across the street from the new project.

    “Not only is our most recent development in RiNo, but our office always has been as well,” said Ryan Diggins, Gravitas Development Group partner. “The neighborhood is fertile ground for artists and creative entrepreneurs, and we hope to create a space where travelers and locals can personally experience the art, authenticity and ambition that make RiNo so great.”

    Los Angeles-based Avenue Interior Design (Avenue ID) is directing the interior design concept, including execution of all public spaces and guestrooms at the hotel. Leaders in the hospitality industry, Avenue ID has not only created interiors for notable boutique brands such as The Redbury and Kimpton Hotels, but also for larger brands such as The SLS Hotels and MGM Resorts International. Design at The Ramble Hotel will integrate industrial elements inherent to the RiNo neighborhood with eclectic “found” elements, and soft, luxurious fabrics that highlight patterns and texture.

    Johnson Nathan Strohe (JNS) is the architect of the project. Throughout the past 23 years, the firm has worked on multiple award-winning design projects, and has designed numerous new-build and renovation hotel projects, including six large-scale urban hotel projects on the National Register of Historic Places. The Ramble Hotel’s intended permanence as a fixture in the neighbourhood will be evident through its exterior, which will display a high level of detailed masonry work not often seen in new-build projects.

    The ethos of the hotel will be fully embodied within its lobby, a 4,700sq-ft space with 20ft ceilings. The hotel takes inspiration from French salons of the 17th century, and the salon’s utility in society as not only a platform for the exchange of ideas through conversation, but as a catalyst to creating community. As such, the hotel’s name is a nod to Catherine de Vivonne, Marquise de Rambouillet, a renowned salon host known for her egalitarian gatherings in which participants from all walks of life, who held sincere and passionate ideas and a love of good conversation, were welcomed.

    Rosemont Hotel - Artificial Rainforest

    Dubai’s Rosemont Hotel to feature artificial rainforest

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    Dubai is known for its outlandish and ambitious projects.

    And now, the upcoming Rosemont Hotel & Residences will feature the Middle East’s first rainforest. Designed by ZAS Architects, the hotel will house 450 rooms and 280 suites, offering amenities only Dubai could offer including a man-made beach, aquarium, infinity pool and trampoline park.

    Rosemont Hotel - Artificial Rainforest

    “When you’re being dropped off at the hotel, you’ll have 4D animations on the ceilings which change theme every week or every night,” ZAS Dubai managing partner DJ Armin told the Huffington Post. “Then you go into the lobbies, and you’ll be greeted by a robotic host.”

    As if a fake rainforest wasn’t enough, guests will be seen to by robotic hosts. “Of course, there will be a human host as well,” Armin added, but the march of hospitality technology appears not to be abating.

    Rosemont Hotel - Artificial Rainforest

    The hotel’s rainforest will be open air and will be open to hotel guests as well as outside visitors. “You’ll have dense trees, canopies, some sun coming through, and during the summertime we will use the recycled condensation from the towers to have the mist coming down from the trees to cool down the air,” Armin said.

    The Rosemont is already under construction and scheduled to be finished by the end of 2018.

    Images by Plompmozes

    New exhibitors announced for Decorex 2016

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    With more than 400 brands taking part, Decorex, the UK’s longest running event in the design and interiors calendar, returns this year with a host of new exhibitors for the 2016 edition.

    Contributing names include…

    – Aiveen Daly, a specialist upholsterer who is known for her complicated couture inspired work featuring fine beading, pleating, stitching and fabric manipulation techniques using the finest fabrics and butter soft leathers. At Decorex, she will be unveiling her new seven-piece upholstery collection, ‘Treasured Possessions’, inspired by the intrigue of haute joaillerie and its associated preciousness.

    – An authority on conserving, recreating and hanging historic wallpapers, Allyson McDermott Interiors works with clients such as The National Trust, Historic Royal Palaces and interior designers and architects worldwide. This year’s Decorex sees the launch of its first ‘ready to hang’ wallpaper collection, combining historic patterns with contemporary colourways.

    – Benjamin Moore, one of North America’s leading manufacturers of paint, will show at Decorex for the first time, distributed exclusively in the UK by Shaw Paints. Paint & Paper Library will also be offering its new colours and paint finishes at this year’s show, made of two palettes: ‘Architectural Colours’ and ‘Original Colours’.

    Decorex International

    – Textile design studio, Eleanor Pritchard, presents the ‘Aerial’ upholstery collection alongside an accessories range. Designs characterised by bold geometrics and graphic reversible patterns, the studio will also be launching a new upholstered edition of its ‘Long Eaton’ bench – a collaboration with Assemblyroom. Nigerian born Eva Sonaike will introduce her latest printed textile collection, ‘Falomo’. Taking inspiration from mid-century West African architecture, also known as Tropical Modernism, the collection consists of hand-made lampshades, cushions and pouffes.

    – Established in 2011, Hand & Eye Studio will launch its new ‘A-Beam’ terracotta light designed by Founder, Tom Housden. The light is hung from two suspension cables that also provide power to the lamp, and can be glazed to a bespoke colour.

    – Tom Raffield will launch a new range of steam bent furniture and lighting. Hand-made and produced by a skilled set of craftsmen, in his woodland workshop in Cornwall, the collection will include the ‘Amble Hanging Seat’, the ‘Gwelson Screen’ and the ‘Artus Table Light’. Sebastian Cox, renowned for his use of
    native British wood, presents three new additions to its Bayleaf collection, with pieces in Tiger Oak, Apple, Sycamore and Chestnut.

    – Founded in 1996, Plateaux Gallery will bring a selection of works from some of the internationally acclaimed glass artists’ it represents. With particular emphasis on Eastern European glass, featuring leading-edge sculptures by Vladimir Zbynovsky, Oliver Lesso, Stepan Pala, Jan Frydrych, Tomas Hlavicka, Zoltan Bohus, Pavol Hloska and Laszlo Lukacsi, to name a few.

    Other names to look out for include: Laura Meroni, Lost Cowboys, NB Boutique, Neatsmith, Santorus, Stitch by Stitch, The White Company and Waterworks.

    Tel: 020 7560 4461
    Email: info@decorex.com
    WWW: www.decorex.com
    Ramada openings in Korea

    Wyndham opens Ramada Gangwon Sokcho and Ramada Gunsan in Korea

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    Wyndham is leading hotel growth in Korea’s secondary cities with two new openings in Gangwon and Gunsan to meet the demand for accommodation in the country’s emerging tourism regions.

    Wyndham’s strategic expansion in Asia sees Korea being underscored as a country of key focus for the group, as the government plans to invest KRW25 trillion (£17 billion) to enhance its tourism and transportation infrastructure.

    Ramada Gunsan and Ramada Gangwon Sokcho are franchise agreements with KG Development Corporation and Korea Asset Management respectively, and bring Wyndham’s total number of hotels in Korea to 18 and add 693 rooms to its portfolio. The group plans to operate 40 hotels by 2018 with hotels in Taebaek and Pyeong Taek in the construction pipeline.

    Ramada openings in Korea

    Ramada Gunsan
    Set in front of the scenic Eunpa Lake, Ramada Gunsan features 137 guestrooms with standard rooms equipped with queen, twin, ondol or family twin-bedded configurations offering views of the surrounding mountains or Eunpa Lake. For larger families, the hotel offers three exclusive deluxe suites with a living area and bathroom with a glass-encased rainshower and bathtub.

    Facilities include an all-day dining restaurant and a day spa, which provides an array of oil massage therapies. The hotel is also equipped with a grand ballroom, which is able to accommodate up to 120 delegates and six smaller breakout rooms. A communal open-plan business centre equipped with two computers is available for the modern business traveller together with photocopy and fax services.

    Ramada Gangwon Sokcho
    Ramada Gangwon Sokcho consists of 556 rooms spanning across 20 floors, which includes 495 standard rooms and 61 suites, comfortably furnished with mini bars, flat screen televisions and a full suite of amenities. Hotel facilities include an all-day dining restaurant, a spa and sauna, a fitness centre, and a banquet hall for conference and events.

    Located just across the Daepo Port, Ramada Gangwon Sokcho enjoys easy access to the Daepo fish market, which offers a variety of fresh seafood produce and local restaurants. Sokcho is also a popular gateway to Seoraksan National Park and home to a plethora of attractions including hot springs and golf courses.

    Bowden Hall

    Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall to unveil new look

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    The elegant Bowden Hall Hotel has undergone an extensive refurbishment, transforming the grade II listed four-star Georgian country house hotel.

    The hotel, nestled in 12 acres of sweeping parkland, will unveil its new, locally inspired look at an official opening on the 6th September 2016 with a special event planned to launch the hotel’s stunning new interior design. The renovation includes a transformation of all public spaces, including the restaurant & bar, lounge and reception areas.

    Interior designer Helen Hooper of HH Interiors, who has previously worked with Jupiter Hotels on renovation projects across the UK, managed the project. Helen explained: “We wanted to give the hotel a new look, which was influenced by the hotel’s exquisite countryside setting and deliver locally inspired touches throughout, which lie at the heart of the design concept. The new interior fuses contemporary fabrics and colours with traditional, period features and detail, epitomising nostalgic elegance with a modern day style.

    “There’s a Beatrix Potter inspired gold ‘M’ wall, a Gloucestershire inspired pig table complete with spots and a country forest mural; all of which enhance the hotel’s local heritage and picturesque countryside backdrop. We added pink leather and blue velvet chairs, a marble bar and marble coffee tables to convey luxurious elegance. Pastal tones are used throughout to deliver a serene and calming energy.”

    Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall
    The new look comes after the stunning Lakeside Suite was renovated last year, offering the perfect space for dreamy weddings or special events and accommodating up to 180 guests.

    The lounge at Bowden Hall Hotel, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the front lawn, offers the perfect setting for guests to enjoy a traditional afternoon or a round of cocktails with friends and family before savouring a delicious Sunday lunch in the stylish new restaurant.

    Emma Kewley, Interior Designer at House & Hotel Interiors, worked alongside Helen on the project. Emma comments: “There’s an array of unique design features, which draw inspiration from the hotel’s beautiful countryside surroundings. The carpet pattern is designed to look like water and was inspired by the stunning lake at the bottom of the hotel’s sprawling grounds.

    “We’ve added contemporary and bespoke artwork throughout with a butterfly cello, a copper wire bird migration, and boxed pictures, which contain maps of Gloucester, to enhance the hotel’s rural English heritage. Bespoke chandeliers and gold leaf lighting was added to deliver a sense of grandeur throughout.”

    Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall

    Commenting on the refurbishment, hotel General Manager Gavin Jones said: “We are delighted with the recent refurbishment and feel the new design concept continues to elevate our new vision, enhancing the hotel’s heritage and local community, whilst offering a contemporary edge.”

    Shane Harris, CEO Jupiter Hotels, added: “The investment demonstrates our continued commitment to the growth and transformation of our portfolio in the UK. The renovation of Bowden Hall Hotel provides a taste of what’s to come over the next year as we increase hotel development and elevate customer experience in the mid-scale sector.”

    Mercure Bowden Hall Hotel is ideally located in the Cotswolds country village of Upton St Leonards, just three miles from Gloucester city centre. The hotel is set in extensive grounds showcasing exquisite landscaped garden views.

    Top Stories

    13-19 August: Top stories of the week…

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    From a look at the stunning work by Jean-Michel Gathy at One&Only resorts around the world to ‘pretty in pink’ trends we can expect at the upcoming Decorex, we collate the top ten most read stories on Hotel Designs this week…

    1. Luxury Hotels Group adds The Farm at San Benito to collection
    Adding to its growing global portfolio of distinctive, one-of-a-kind properties, Luxury Hotels Group is delighted to announce its newest member this month

    2. Silverfox Studios’ work on show at W Hotel Dubai
    W Hotels Worldwide, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, opened W Hotel Dubai – Al Habtoor City on Sheikh Zayed Road in the UAE

    3. Project Spotlight: Jean-Michel Gathy and One&Only
    Jean-Michel Gathy, the pioneering Principal Designer at Denniston Architects, is continuing to bring his awe-inspiring design and architectural innovations to One&Only Resorts with some exciting developments in the pipeline for 2017 and beyond

    4. DoubleTree by Hilton to open first hotel in Lithuania
    Hilton Worldwide and Vičiūnai Group are bringing the upscale DoubleTree by Hilton brand to Lithuania for the first time. Construction of DoubleTree by Hilton Vilnius City Center is to begin this year, in the heart of the Lithuanian capital

    5. RIU Hotels opens new resort in Sri Lanka
    RIU Hotels & Resorts will celebrate its first inauguration on the Asian continent with a 5-star hotel in Sri Lanka

    6. Blumen Haus Lech, Austria to open in December
    Blumen Haus Lech will soon offer the ultimate Alpine retreat in the Austrian mountains, when this extraordinary nine suite hotel launches on 1 December 2016

    7. ‘Pretty in Pink’ – Trends at Decorex 2016
    Decorex International is the UK’s leading design show and the only one of its kind in the UK for the luxury interiors market

    8. Sneak Peek: Pulitzer Amsterdam completes head-to-toe restoration
    The final touches of Pulitzer Amsterdam’s extensive restoration have been put into place, and the iconic 45-year old hotel celebrated its grand opening recently

    9. Room Mate Hotels opens fourth Barcelona hotel
    Room Mate Hotels, the award-winning hotel chain founded and chaired by Kike Sarasola, has opened its fourth hotel in Barcelona

    10. Hilton Hotels & Resorts arrives in heart of Scottish capital
    Hilton Hotels & Resorts has announced the official opening of Hilton Edinburgh Carlton, marking the 16th property in the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of brands in Scotland and the eighth Hilton Hotels & Resorts hotel in the country

    The Alexander Hotel - Yerevan

    Starwood to debut first hotel in Armenia – The Alexander

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    Starwood Hotels is about to enter the Armenian market with the opening of The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in the capital Yerevan.

    The unique hotel is scheduled to open in summer 2017, underscoring Starwood’s strategy to meet the growing demand for experiential luxury travel in emerging markets around the globe.

    The new-build property will feature 114 luxurious guest rooms, including 17 opulent suites and a Presidential Suite. In addition, The Alexander hotel will also offer event and meeting spaces including a ballroom, eight meeting rooms and a business center.

    The unparalleled wellness facilities include an indoor pool, spa and a fitness center. Culinary offerings at The Alexander will include an all-day dining restaurant, a cigar club and a lobby bar.

    “We are confident that The Luxury Collection brand’s unique and refined offerings will perfectly complement the hallmarks of The Alexander hotel,” said Anatoly Kondratenko, Senior Director, Starwood Development, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “In addition to being the first Starwood hotel in Armenia, the signing showcases our commitment to the burgeoning CIS travel market.”

    Radisson Blu Santiago La Dehesa, Chile

    Radisson Blu opens its first resort and spa in Chile

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    Radisson Blu recently opened its first location in Chile. The opening of the Radisson Blu Santiago La Dehesa follows Radisson Blu Sao Paulo and Radisson Blu Belo Horizonte, Savassi in Brazil, which opened earlier this year.

    Formerly the Radisson Santiago La Dehesa, the hotel recently completely an extensive renovation and enhanced service training to become Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s upper-upscale brand, Radisson Blu. Renovations of the hotel included a redesigned lobby, updates to dining facilities and refreshed guestrooms.

    Radisson Blu Santiago La Dehesa, Chile
    Pablo Marconi, general manager, Radisson Blu Santiago La Dehesa, stated, “Prior to joining the brand, our staff underwent extensive, enhanced training to ensure that an elevated service culture is at the forefront of the stay experience and every staff member is driven to delight our guests.”

    Radisson Blu Santiago La Dehesa, Chile

    Combining elements of the Chilean culture with the style of the Radisson Blu brand, the hotel is situated near a variety of attractions and is 20 miles from Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport.

    Chic, rustic charm and luxury combine at Hurley House

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    Gallery Direct is proud to have worked together with Bassam Shlewet, the owner of newly refurbished Hurley House Hotel and fine dining restaurant, to develop a 10-bedroom luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the Berkshire countryside.

    The Chic collection of Frank Hudson furniture created in a weathered ash finish blended so well with the natural materials and stylish contemporary detailing throughout the hotel.Gallery Direct's work at Hurley House

    “It was a pleasure to work on such an interesting project that had such a high specification standard and attention to detail in everything they did,” said Keith Clarke, Contract Development Manager for Gallery Direct. “The result speaks for itself.”

    Gallery Direct's work at Hurley House

    The whole building and gardens have been extensively altered to transform the hotel into a destination for lovers of luxury living and fine dining.

    For information contact keith.clarke@gallerydirect.co.uk – 07738 540287 – www.gallerydirect.co.uk

    The Granary Bedroom Pennyhill Park, an Exclusive Hotel & Spa MR

    Pennyhill Park launches new luxury suite, The Granary

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    Pennyhill Park, an exclusive hotel & spa in Bagshot, Surrey, has launched a new luxury stand-alone suite, The Granary, to complement its collection of individually-designed bedrooms and suites.

    Located adjacent to The Spa, the unusual hexagonal building is set within a bijou private landscaped garden and features exposed roof beams, a double height ceiling and a luxurious free-standing bath in the stunning master bedroom.

    The interior design scheme, created by Trevillion Interiors, pays homage to the building’s original use as a granary, blending deep, warm rustic colours and sumptuous fabrics with stylish contemporary fixtures and fittings.

    The master bedroom is located on the first floor and has been designed to showcase the original exposed roof beams, enhanced by a bespoke designed lighting scheme. The open-plan room incorporates the ultimate bath-time indulgence; a free-standing copper-lined timber-clad bath from which guests can enjoy a view of the landscaped surroundings. Behind the king-sized master bed is a walk in dressing area and the room also incorporates a desk / dressing table and a comfortable seating area.

    The Granary Exterior Pennyhill Park, an Exclusive Hotel & Spa MR

    The ground floor accommodation is comprised of a light-filled dining / study area with a sofa-bed, a desk and a seating area and includes a spacious luxury bathroom with walk-in shower and double basin.

    A palette of stunning copper and aubergine fabrics, including velvet and tweed, flows through the furniture and soft furnishings, contrasted by a more muted paint scheme of warm dusky pinks and barley shades.

    Julian Tomlin, General Manager of Pennyhill Park, commented: “We’re delighted to open The Granary for guests. Already the suite has been very popular with advance bookings and is a great addition to our portfolio of rooms. It’s the perfect place for an unforgettable stay, offering a luxurious home-from-home where guests can enjoy some privacy whilst being right at the heart of Pennyhill Park.”

    Frances Blackham, Design Director, at Trevillion, commented: “The Granary has been a fantastic project for us. The building’s interesting heritage and stunning features led us to create a warm and welcoming interior that blends real luxury with the warmth and welcome for which Pennyhill Park is famous.”

    The opening of The Granary is the latest milestone in Pennyhill Park’s ongoing programme of refreshing rooms and facilities to ensure it continues to deliver exemplary experiences for its guests. In the past two years, 18 suites have been refurbished, incorporating the very latest luxurious bathrooms including horizontal shower beds and glass baths offering ‘chromotherapy experiences’. The hotel has also opened a screening room for up to 24 guests, created a kitchen garden and developed The Spa’s pool bar and barbecue area.

    Bauhaus

    VIDEO: Products in the Bauhaus range

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    Excelling with a vast, exciting and innovative product range has led Bauhaus to become one of the most pioneering brands in the UK.

    Dedicated to bringing you cutting edge design and innovation to meet the demands of today’s modern bathroom schemes, be inspired by our latest collections of bathroom furniture, sanitary ware and washbasins for generously sized bathrooms and bijou spaces alike. Excellence in design quality is the cornerstone of all Bauhaus sanitary ware. Every porcelain product is made from the distinctive vitreous clay and fine fireclay that has been designed and manufactured by genuine ceramic artisans in Civita Castellano, Italy…

    Gallery Basins
    Taking its cue from ancient fine art, our latest collection of beautifully formed basins has been created to offer pioneering ceramic design with stunning visual appeal. Featuring a creative mix of shapes from organic, elegantly refined forms to slender architectural designs and squared styles with softened angles, Gallery basins are also a leap forward in ceramic technology. Produced from fine fire clay that allows for more complex designs and a super-slim wall profile, this incredibly durable product is light in weight too. Finished in a white glaze, opt for our superlative ‘Platinum’ finish for a glamorous hint of luxury in any bathroom.

    Allure Mirrored Cabinets
    Designed to offer the latest in functional technology, Allure is the ultimate bathroom storage solution boasting smart features throughout and up-to-the-minute visual styling. Beautifully illuminated from all angles, the cabinets feature the next generation of LED lighting, offering superior performance at the lowest possible energy consumption. Plentiful storage space is provided behind Allure’s double-sided mirrored doors, which conceal the cabinet’s patented hinge technology, complemented by a stylish and practical mirrored back panel, ensuring clear reflection at all times.

    Wild Rimless WC
    Crafted from the highest quality vitreous china, the new range of Wild WCs feature a sleek, curvaceous silhouette teamed with a genuinely comfortable seat. The innovative rimless bowl provides superior flush technology to ensure the very best in hygiene function, ensuring 100% of the flush water is used to clean
    the toilet bowl whether on a full flush or eco-friendly half flush.

    Elite furniture with push-to-open doors
    A generously deep single drawer offers plenty of space to store away clutter, whilst the soft close, push-to-open door allows easy access to the interior with a smooth gliding motion.

    Phi Phi Village Island Resort

    Phi Phi Island Village Resort committed to sustainability

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    From coral clean-up to sustainable water sourcing, Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort is leading the way in eco-sustainability within the luxury travel sector.

    Currently in the midst of an extensive £3.5 million renovation aimed at eco-sustainability, Phi Phi Island Resort is committed to protecting the beautiful nature that surrounds this spectacular destination.

    The resort recently installed a new reverse osmosis (RO) plant which provides 20,000 litres of clean, sustainable water per hour using a system that requires little maintenance at low cost. In addition, a five-acre plot on the resort grounds has been dedicated to the planting and nurturing of new mangroves.

    Phi Phi Island Village

    Resort guests will also have the opportunity to join staff and community leaders in bi-annual mangrove planting events, with up to 700 mangrove trees to be placed in the on-site plantation. This tropical coastal vegetation protects shorelines from erosion, helps maintain water clarity, and provides breeding and nursery grounds for a number of marine organisms.

    The 18th of every month is named “Save The Sea Day” at Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort. This is when trained staff members check and maintain the resort’s coral nursery with help from hotel guests to collect any rubbish that has built up within a one-kilometre radius of the resort. After 10 months, when the coral is strong enough, it is transplanted onto the offshore reefs that surround the island to replenish the natural beauty beneath the sea.

    Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort Aims to Reduce Carbon Footprint

    Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort has also undertaken other sustainable initiatives to reduce the impact of the resort’s ecological footprint, including making natural fertiliser from food waste created at the resort, using earthworms to dispose of wet food waste.

    “We are constantly increasing our efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of the resort, and we are also encouraging guests to do their part in sustaining the resources and beauty of the region.

    “We aim to reduce the stress that is put upon our environment and return balance to the delicate ecosystems to the best of our ability. With these initiatives in place, we hope to stand as a figurehead for a more environmentally sustainable Koh Phi Phi,” said Mr. Chao Treenawong, General Manager.

    Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort Aims to Reduce Carbon Footprint

    The resort’s owners, Singha Estate Plc is working with leading experts from Phi Phi Island National Park Division, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Marine Science Department, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University and Faculty of Science at Chulalongkorn University; to implement and manage a range of environmentally friendly initiatives at Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort and on Koh Phi Phi island.

    “Change comes from collaboration as we work together to restore Phi Phi Island as a world-renowned destination for marine resources,” said Mr. Naris Cheyklin, CEO, Singha Estate Plc.

    As part of the “Phi Phi Set To Change” Programme, the number of boats and visitors to nearby Loh Ba Gao and Phai Island has been reduced with a ‘park & ride’ system introduced for operators to drop off visitors and moor their boats at floating docks, instead of anchoring at sea, which damages the coral reef. Watchdog boats have also been provided to help park officers work more effectively, assisting visitors and keeping violators away.

    Ynyshir Hall

    Ynyshir Hall relaunches as restaurant with rooms

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    Tucked away between the golden sands of Borth Beach and the rugged mountains of Snowdonia National Park, Ynyshir is one of Wales’ most highly acclaimed restaurants, with a dramatic backdrop of some of the most spectacular rural scenery in the country.

    Previously known as Ynyshir Hall, and operated as a hotel with a fine-dining restaurant, the new purveyors of the property are to bring head chef Gareth Ward’s Michelin-starred food to the forefront of the Ynyshir experience, repositioning the property as a restaurant with rooms in the autumn of 2016.

    Previously known as Ynyshir Hall, and operated as a hotel with a fine-dining restaurant, the new purveyors of the property are to bring head chef Gareth Ward’s Michelin-starred food to the forefront
    Ynyshir will maintain the high levels of service that hotel guests have come to expect, but with a focus on the dining experience, pushing Ynyshir forward as a destination restaurant with rooms. In line with the changes, opening days will be reduced to five per week, where both the restaurant and rooms will be closed on Sunday and Monday.

    Previously known as Ynyshir Hall, and operated as a hotel with a fine-dining restaurant, the new purveyors of the property are to bring head chef Gareth Ward’s Michelin-starred food to the forefront

    Gareth Ward arrived at Ynyshir in 2013 and quickly made his mark on the restaurant, gaining a coveted Michelin star in his first full year, as well as being awarded the Good Food Guide 2015 ‘Chef to Watch’ editor’s award. Four AA Rosettes quickly followed, making Ynyshir the only establishment in Wales to hold the accolade. During his time at Ynyshir, Gareth has quietly made a name for himself in the restaurant world for his creative and unique dishes, setting the foundations and raising the anticipation for this exciting new direction.

    Previously known as Ynyshir Hall, and operated as a hotel with a fine-dining restaurant, the new purveyors of the property are to bring head chef Gareth Ward’s Michelin-starred food to the forefront

    Once owned by Queen Victoria as a hidden retreat, Ynyshir offers ten bedrooms alongside the restaurant, each with their own identity. Each bedroom, including two garden suites, offers spectacular views over the gardens and surrounding landscape of RSPB Ynyshir Nature Reserve, one of Britain’s finest bird reserves. Ynyshir’s unspoiled setting offers guests a chance to explore some of the most dramatic and breathtaking scenery the UK has to offer, alongside an opportunity to revere the the quiet of the idyll, taking in fresh air and stunning night skies.

    Previously known as Ynyshir Hall, and operated as a hotel with a fine-dining restaurant, the new purveyors of the property are to bring head chef Gareth Ward’s Michelin-starred food to the forefront

    The remoteness of Ynyshir is what makes it so special and this new direction is set to re-establish the property as not only one of Wales’ most revered destination restaurants, but of the UK too, and with the added option to stay overnight, Ynyshir is the perfect location for the ultimate foodie retreat.

    Photos: ynyshirhall.co.uk

    Yoo2 Rio de Janiero

    Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro to debut in September 2016

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    Making its much-anticipated debut in September 2016, YOO Hotels and Resorts is launching the group’s first property under the urban Yoo2 brand in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

    Designed by the acclaimed YOO Design Studio based in London, the 143 room-and-suite Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro will connect Rio’s local soul with cutting-edge design. The launch marks an exciting phase of new openings for the brand, with hotel developments announced in Bali, Thailand and the UK.

    Yoo2 Rio de Janiero

    TRAILBLAZING DESIGN
    Showcasing the brand’s acclaimed design ethic, Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro’s rooms and interiors offer spectacular, unrivalled views of the beach, Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer) from opposite sides. The design reflects local influences and the hotel has worked with local artists and artisans – including Marcelo Ment, a Rio based street artist who has designed a striking graffiti mural in the lift shaft which can be marveled at from glass lifts as guests travel through the hotel.

    Yoo2 Rio de Janiero

    Interiors incorporate Rio’s signature colours, patterns and energy with palm-tree and rainforest inspired ceiling prints, street art bedside tables – available for guests to purchase and take home – and the iconic Brazilian-tiled and parquet flooring. The YOO Tree, an organically-designed furniture piece for state-of-the-art AV and books, is a signature feature in every room as is the distinctive YOO Bed.

    Yoo2 Rio de Janiero

    Warwick Hotels adds The Mist Hotel to its collection

    Warwick Hotels welcomes The Mist Hotel & Spa, Lebanon to collection

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    Warwick Hotels and Resorts is proud to announce a new addition to its collection, The Mist Hotel & Spa By Warwick, located in Ehden, Lebanon.

    The luxurious 71-room hotel, situated in the northern mountains of the country, around an hour-and-a-half away from the capital Beirut, opened its doors last month. It boasts spectacular views of Ehden valley & the Mediterranean Sea horizon and benefits from Ehden’s famous location on the Mar Sarkis mountain.

    This new property in Lebanon is not the first WHR property in the region. Since 2012, the brand has been implanted in this country and three other hotels of the Collection are located in Lebanon: the Warwick Palm Beach Hotel and the Warwick Stone 55 in Beirut, and the Warwick Pangea Beach Resort & Spa in Jiyeh.

    Warwick Hotels adds The Mist Hotel to its collection

    At a higher scale, this new opening increases the presence of WHR in the MENA region and completes the business and leisure offer in this area of the globe. WHR is also present in the UAE with the Warwick Dubai, in Qatar with the Warwick Doha and in Iraq with the Babylon Warwick Hotel in Baghdad.

    This new opening confirms the ambition of WHR to keep on increasing its presence in the region with new management contracts. Also two more Warwick Hotels are opening soon in Riyadh and Al Khobar in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Indidesign work on lobby of Hilton San Francisco

    Sneak Peek: Indidesign redesigns Hilton San Francisco lobby

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    Indidesign has just completed a renovation of the 17,160-square-foot lobby at Hilton San Francisco Union Square Hotel.

    The firm were inspired by San Francisco’s raw, yet detailed, steel structures, bridges, and turn-of-the-century flare.

    Sneak Peek: Indidesign redesigns Hilton San Francisco lobby

    Design details include custom elements with structural features throughout the lobby, such as the metal edges that stamp the corners of columns and a massive, central geometric light fixture.

    Sneak Peek: Indidesign redesigns Hilton San Francisco lobby

    One of the design challenges was integrating the new bar and Herb N’ Kitchen Market into the pre-existing space. As the majority of the lobby area – including the building’s structure, stone flooring, and central entry door system – was maintained, the team had to come up with several creative solutions to shift the dynamic of the lobby into a cohesive lounge space.

    Sneak Peek: Indidesign redesigns Hilton San Francisco lobby

    To fit all desired components and make the most of the space, the team streamlined the columns and front desk, as well as integrated furnishings that complement the lobby.

    indidesign.com

    John Harrington - Top Brass

    Company Profile: Furniture firm Top Brass continues to expand

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    A specialist furniture business is preparing to move into new premises four times the size of its original base after a rapid increase in orders.

    Top Brass has built up a multi-million pound turnover making furnishings for some of the UK’s biggest hotel chains, providing everything from blinds to beds to complete furnished rooms. As well as relocating, the business will also double its workforce to reflect the growth.

    Director John Harrington, who is relocating to Hartlepool with his family from London where the business has a head office, said Top Brass had “outgrown” its premises on Longhill Industrial Estate and hopes the move will take it to a new level. The business will move into its new 30,000sq ft premises on Oaksway Industrial Estate in September, a former cake factory, which is undergoing extensive redevelopment to house not only manufacturing capabilities but a design studio and office space.

    Case Study: Mercure Bristol

    Case Study: Mercure Bristol

    He said: “Or growth has been a real success story so far and has been aided by the decision to locate in Hartlepool where we find the myriad of skills and talents we need, but we are fully aware that if we stand still then we go backwards. We have some very talented people with us, and there is a need that we are constantly creative and inventive.

    “Over the last or 15 years we have developed into commercial refurbishment, and 80 per cent of our work is for hotels and the commercial sector. We won our first major contract in 2012 with an international hotel chain, and it has grown from there.”

    With backing from Hartlepool Borough Council and the Regional Growth Fund’s Let’s Grow initiative, John and the management team at Top Brass have invested heavily in both machinery and staff and have seen the order book flourish as a result. John added: “When we started off with just two of us, we relied on word of mouth to raise our profile. But then we won two £2m orders for beds with a big hotel chain, and that led to other contracts coming in from franchises.

    Case Study: Mercure Eastgate

    Case Study: Mercure Eastgate

    “We can fit out refurbs or new build hotels from scratch. If you think about it the bed is the most important aspect for any hotel. You can have the facilities and the views and everything else that we all like in a hotel, but if someone has a poor night’s sleep because the bed isn’t right then they won’t go back. We pride ourselves on providing that quality, and everything else we do to furnish the rooms is of an equally high standard.

    “”We have invested not just in our workforce, but in our machinery as well. We service a service industry, so everything has to be spot on. You can’t invest in staff without the right tools, and vice versa.”

    In previous years Top Brass would outsource various components to create pieces of furniture, but now everything is done at the Hartlepool base and John added: “The hotel will have a concept for a design, we will look at it and advise how we can alter it to make it more cost-effective.

    Case Study: Ibis Hotel, Euston

    Case Study: Ibis Hotel, Euston

    “We can then provide every single item, from the bed to the headboard to the bedside tables and other pieces. The client appreciates the fact we are effectively a one-stop shop who can provide everything they need, and we get a lot of repeat business from that.”

    Top Brass operates with a team of designers and project managers, and everyone in the workforce can have an input when it comes to creating new products.

    “We can turn our hand to anything really, even the most bizarre requests. We were asked to make some stools for a hotel in the south which were like spacehoppers, so that was a fun project to work on. We created a table and chair set for children centred around the Rubik’s Cube, and we’ve provided seating for schools shaped like a caterpillar for story-telling.

    “We’ve also created a sofa-bed which pulls out into a bunk-bed, there are lots of examples of things like that. We have a lot of talented people in our team, and that is reflected in the products we produce.”

    To find out more about Top Brass, visit www.topbrasscontracts.com or email enquiries@topbrasscontracts.com

    Jean-Michel Gathy

    Project Spotlight: Jean-Michel Gathy and One&Only

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    Jean-Michel Gathy, the pioneering Principal Designer at Denniston Architects, is continuing to bring his awe-inspiring design and architectural innovations to One&Only Resorts with some exciting developments in the pipeline for 2017 and beyond.

    Jean-Michel Gathy, the world-renowned architect has been tasked to design the first One&Only resort in China, One&Only Sanya, and also their inaugural resort in Europe, One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro, as well as enhancing and developing his iconic design of One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives.

    One&Only Sanya, China
    Scheduled to open in 2017 on the island of Hainan, One&Only Sanya will command enviable views of azure waters from over 380 metres of private coastline and over 11 hectares of coconut palms set amidst dramatic water gardens throughout the resort. The vision of the resort will reflect the local culture of the region bringing a sense of destination both indoors and out, enhanced by his inspired contemporary twists and ideal for the traveller seeking ultimate luxury. Red will be a prominent colour throughout the resort, in homage to the Chinese sentiment for the colour, with playful touches such as a red lacquered piano. The interior design throughout the resort will be lively and animated with an evident art deco theme in the bar and Chinese restaurant.

    Jean-Michel Gathy, the pioneering Principal Designer at Denniston Architects, is continuing to bring his awe-inspiring design to One&Only

    The resort will feature 190 luxurious guest rooms, suites and villas, to be situated either within the main Manor House or Mansions, as well as a varied collection of restaurants, bars and private dining spaces. “My role is to serve the market and I have considered this in all aspects of the design of One&Only Sanya,” Jean-Michel Gathy commented.

    One&Only Portonovi, Montenegro
    Scheduled to open in 2018, the resort will be located at the entrance to Boka Bay, boasting stunning views over the Adriatic Sea and will offer approximately 120 luxurious guest rooms, suites and villas over 58 acres, a prestigious residential component, a world class Marina, dining and retail options, as well as an exclusive spa in partnership with Henri Chenot. Gathy and the team from Denniston International Architects are responsible for the architecture and interiors, as well as the design of the exterior spaces surrounding the resort. Jean-Michel was tasked with keeping three words in mind – luxury, space and privacy to ensure ultimate luxury is provided to guests. The country’s rich history will be reflected throughout the resort by highlighting the natural juxtaposition of elements from snow-capped mountains to undiscovered lakes and pristine coastlines.

    One&Only Portonovi - image 2

    One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
    Surrounded by the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean, set on one of the largest islands in North Malé Atoll, Jean-Michel Gathy was tasked with having Reethi Rah live up to its namesake, ‘Beautiful Island’ in Dhivehi in 2005. Gathy and his team are responsible for the resort’s enhancements that are currently taking place, and ensuring the changes are in line with One&Only’s over-riding philosophies. Jean-Michel Gathy will once again bring his iconic design skills to the resort, as the enhancements include soft renovations to the resort’s villas and facilities.

    Jean-Michel Gathy, the pioneering Principal Designer at Denniston Architects, is continuing to bring his awe-inspiring design to One&Only

    Visit denniston.com.my

    Verve Hotel, Bedford

    Remarkable boutique transformation for Bedford’s Verve Hotel

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    A new boutique hotel has opened in Bedford, on the site of the old Shakespeare Hotel, as the new owners bid to bring ‘a bit of excitement’ to the town’s hotel scene.

    The now-called Verve Hotel on Shakespeare Road opened last month following a £500,000 transformation that saw its interiors given a ‘London-inspired’ makeover and the property become a sleek, modern boutique.

    The new-look hotel is home to 23 bedrooms, a garden, a bar and dining room, plus a large function room.

    Speaking to Bedfordshire on Sunday, manager Milena Horrocks added: “We want to bring a bit of the big city, without the big city prices, and we are excited for the people of Bedford to come down and see what we have here.”

    Photos: vervebedford.co.uk

    Decorex Pink

    ‘Pretty in Pink’ – Trends at Decorex 2016

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    Decorex International is the UK’s leading design show and the only one of its kind in the UK for the luxury interiors market.

    Decorex – now in its 39th year – is firmly recognised among the international design community as the trusted resource for high-end interior designers, retailers, property developers, hoteliers and architects.

    Decorex Pink

    L-R: ’Hua Trees Pink’ wallpaper by Sian Zeng (sianzeng.com) // ‘‘Fumiko’ fabric by Bluebellgray, £86 per meter (bluebellgray.com) // ‘The C hevron’ chair by Aiveen Daly (aiveendaly.com)

    Decorex is where the trade comes to discover trends for the upcoming season and this year will be no exception. With over 400 exhibitors, from leading names to emerging talents, visitors have the chance to see new collections first-hand.

    Decorex Pink

    ‘Ida Andrea’ armchair from Dom Edizioni (domedizioni.com) // ‘Aluro’ lamp by Eva Sonaike (evasonaike.cm)

    The four-day show takes place each September in the prestigious location of Syon Park, attracting 13,000 professional trade visitors from across the globe. The show will be exploring the roots of design as the 2016 show theme.

    Tel: 020 7560 4461
    Email: info@decorex.com
    WWW: www.decorex.com
    The Farm at San Benito - Philippines

    Luxury Hotels Group adds The Farm at San Benito to collection

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    Adding to its growing global portfolio of distinctive, one-of-a-kind properties, Luxury Hotels Group is delighted to announce its newest member this month.

    Deep in the tropical forests of Batangas in the Philippines, The Farm at San Benito is a renowned luxury retreat with unrivalled health and wellness credentials. Describing itself not as a hotel but a healing journey – a ‘must-have’ in every individual’s life at least once a year, The Farm brings together a holistic approach to well-being with the feel and facilities of a five star resort. Built around a 250-year-old mango tree said to possess healing powers, it’s a beautifully landscaped oasis where nature redresses the imbalances of modern life.

    The Farm’s exquisite luxury villas reflect the pristine natural setting. Entry category Sulu Terrace villas reference the area’s traditional rice barns with thatched roofs and wood beamed ceilings, while others combine rustic chic with contemporary design cues, including The Lakan, a jaw-dropping, design-led hideaway complete with koi ponds in the private gardens and hydro jets in the heated pool. Dotted around the grounds, most villas also feature an open-air bathroom experience, and all benefit from WiFi, iPod docking stations, yoga mats and handmade bath amenities produced from the resort’s organic coconut plantation.

    Much of the produce for the award-winning restaurant Alive! is also sourced from The Farm’s own organic garden, with vegan and raw food dishes a stand-out speciality. Spa treatment programmes are all-encompassing, with everything from stress reduction to circuit training and ayervedic yoga to aqua aerobics offered by highly trained therapists. The resort also features a 27-hole all-weather championship golf course.

    Increasingly popular with small corporate groups and incentives as well as affluent spa aficionados, this holistic healing hub has consistently glowing reviews, and is ranked among the world’s best health resorts. Vivek Thadhani, VP Sales & Marketing for Luxury Hotels Group, said of the new partnership: “We’re thrilled to be working with The Farm at San Benito. It’s not only a beautiful product, but also a true pioneer in the luxury wellness market. This kind of individuality and unique appeal is the perfect fit for our portfolio”.

    Rouel Guanzon, General Manager of The Farm at San Benito, agreed, commenting: “From our first meeting with Luxury Hotels Group it was clear they understand the challenges and opportunities of our market, and their bespoke approach is important for us. We’re delighted to have found such a good fit for our business”

    Sanctum Hotel Group

    Karma Group – Sanctum Hotel Group join for new venture

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    John Spence, Chairman and Founder of award-winning international travel and lifestyle brand, Karma Group and Mark Fuller, top London hotelier and CEO of Sanctum Hotel Group have announced a joint venture to develop a series of authentic luxury rock styled and orientated hotels in strategic locations around the world, accompanied by an exclusive private membership club.

    Combining the ultimate in luxury and comfort with a rock edge, the hotels will be the number one destination for the discerning traveller accustomed to a stylish and vibrant lifestyle. Boasting the finest quality furnishings and impressive attention to detail, the hotels will feature top of the range facilities such as recording studios, cinema screening rooms, spas, world-class restaurants and bars.

    Additionally, there will be a highly aspirational and exclusive membership club based around these properties, providing members not only great rates and discounts at the properties, but also ‘money cant buy’ benefits such as preferential tickets to rock concerts as well as VIP experiences like meeting bands and back stage tours. Initially the members club will focus on the existing Sanctum Hotel Group properties in England, as well as Karma Group’s stable of resorts, but the partnership is currently investigating options to roll out new hotels, primarily in major music hubs visited by leading touring artists, such as New York, Los Angeles, Melbourne and Berlin.

    Karma Group
    “Bringing together our enormous collective experience, in both the music and hospitality industries, to plug the gap in the market for authentic, quality rock and roll inspired hotels seems only natural,” said John Spence. “Both Mark and I feel that our brands are ideally aligned to create an extremely successful venture and, above all, we share the mantra is that we are not in the accommodation business, but rather the entertainment business. Our global partnership uniquely opens the world’s finest locations to lovers of music and followers of our philosophy of life being a celebration of hard work followed by hard play.”

    “We’ve created a strong brand in the UK and our existing hotels, year upon year continue to achieve fantastic success,” said Mark Fuller, CEO of The Sanctum Hotel Group. “We provide a unique offering; a five star hotel experience, a twist of rock ‘n’ roll and an abundance of incredible facilities. We’re thrilled to be working with Karma Hotels to bring our vision to 20 key cities across the world.”

    Spence and Fuller have both enjoyed extensive and successful careers in both the music and hospitality industries. In the early ‘80s, John cut his teeth as a music agent in London and it was during this time that he formed a friendship with Fuller who has had huge experience over the years setting up and running some of the leading clubs and venues in London. Mark’s partners at Sanctum Hotel Group, Rod Smallwood and Andy Taylor are two of the most prominent managers in the music business who have looked after many high profile bands and artists, including Iron Maiden.

    Exterior - Pulitzer Amsterdam

    Sneak Peek: Pulitzer Amsterdam completes head-to-toe restoration

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    The final touches of Pulitzer Amsterdam’s extensive restoration have been put into place, and the iconic 45-year old hotel celebrated its grand opening recently with the completion of a quintessentially Dutch redesign across its labyrinth of 25 Golden Age canal houses.

    The re-opening of Pulitzer Amsterdam’s Prinsengracht canal side of the hotel sees the unveiling of areas including the main entrance and lobby, the inner gardens, a two-storey gym, as well as a further 145 guestrooms and suites.

    An impressive new entrance, the first new building since the canals received UNESCO status, now welcomes guests in style, guiding them into the eccentric yet luxurious lobby, furnished with vintage Persian rugs, antique furniture and a collection of historic and contemporary artwork.

    The jewel in the crown is the inner gardens – occupying an unexpectedly large and serene hideaway nestled at the centre of the hotel. Creative Director, Jacu Strauss, has created a casual park-like feel within the space, a flexible area for guests and visitors to relax, work or socialise amongst seasonal plants and playful sculptures. Spanning areas of the lobby and the garden is Pause at Pulitzer, the hotel’s inviting café which serves drinks and light dishes throughout the day.

    A total of 225 guestrooms and suites balance Amsterdam’s rich past and contemporary present in an eclectic mix of finishes, designs and elements which complement each room’s individual charm. Each room provides free wifi, a vintage telephone, Le Labo amenities, a custom-made minibar with cocktail mixing facilities and a bike repair set to complete the experience of the Dutch capital.

    Four exceptional Collector’s Suites are inspired by the narrative of elaborate characters who may have lived in the buildings throughout the years; from a compulsive art devotee to an eccentric book lover; a music composer and a grand antique collector.

    Quirky features include a dramatic floor-to-ceiling archway of books, a wall of trumpets, and a large painting depicting a modern scenario of The Last Supper. Each has a private entrance and stunning views of the canals. Meanwhile, the beautifully romantic Pulitzer’s Suite, with its freestanding grand bath tub, super king size bed and views over the gardens, is ideal for those staying with a loved one.

    Formerly a senior designer at Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio, Strauss has worked with a highly skilled team to painstakingly deconstruct the heritage of the canal houses and bring new light to their best kept secrets. From trade merchants to flamboyant Dutch aristocrats, past inhabitants of the canal houses have inspired the rich character of the hotel to invite guests to explore and discover. Eclectic yet elegant, the understated new look blends original and historic features with luxurious modern-day elements.

    Pulitzer Amsterdam’s restaurant, Jansz., demonstrates the hotel’s deep passion for elegant culinary craftsmanship. Executive chef Cassidy Hallman has used an old-fashioned, quality-loving approach to create a menu of beautifully crafted modern classics that respect the simplicity of quality produce and ingredients. Next door, Pulitzer’s Bar is a classic and chic hotel bar with sumptuous furnishings and a rich and intimate atmosphere. The cocktail menu offers drinks that are classic in element and style, but modern in execution.

    Alexander van Gastel, General Manager of Pulitzer Amsterdam, commented: “We are overwhelmed by the positive feedback we have received so far from guests and locals on the new-look Pulitzer Amsterdam. Our Grand Opening marks the next chapter and a very special moment in the hotel’s history. We are excited to reveal our complete offering and once again fully re-open for business. I am so proud of the dedication from all involved to bring this together, delivering our vision above and beyond.”

    Pulitzer Amsterdam is located in one of the chicest neighbourhoods of the Dutch capital’s city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within easy reach is the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, the Van Gogh Museum and The Anne Frank House. The fashionable Nine Streets, the quaint shops of Jordaan, the flower market and the Royal Palace are also a short distance away.

    pulitzeramsterdam.com

    Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange Hotel

    Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange Hotel gets £250k facelift

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    The Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange Hotel has undergone a £250,000 investment programme which has given the space a new fresh-faced look.

    The popular spa at the 38-bed hotel is benefiting from two new treatment rooms, including a double room, a new hair spa and nail spa with luxury manicure and pedicure stations.

    A new relaxation lounge has been designed for privacy with 12 loungers and four pod chairs hidden behind a central curtain, plus Tweed Mill blankets for extra comfort. The changing rooms and treatment waiting area have both been given a facelift and the Utopia Spa has boasts the addition of a new retail shopping area.

    Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange Hotel

    Originally built in 1868 as the summer house for 18-year-old Alice Alexander, Rowhill Grange became the first property in the Alexander Hotels Group in 1994.

    The hotel’s 38 bedrooms are surrounded by 15 acres of grounds and gardens and the hotel itself is also home to a 2 AA Rosette fine dining restaurant.

    James Perry, general manager, commented: “After a 10 week refurbishment to our Utopia Spa, we are truly delighted with the finish and feel we have achieved. The addition of our new facilities will further enhance our guest’s luxury spa experience and offer a truly unique spa experience within the Kent County.”

    W Hotel Dubai

    Silverfox Studios’ work on show at W Hotel Dubai

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    W Hotels Worldwide, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, opened W Hotel Dubai – Al Habtoor City on Sheikh Zayed Road in the UAE.

    Singapore-based firm Silverfox Studios were responsible for the design of the property. The hotel stands at 33 storeys high. Guests checking into the hotel are sent up 30 floors to the W Lounge, W Hotels’ reinterpretation of the traditional hotel lobby. Here, there are various lounge and entertainment areas set within a multi-tiered floor space.

    W Hotel Dubai – Al Habtoor City has 365 rooms and 76 suites, all with a contemporary design. Inspired by the hotel’s location, adjacent to Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road, the interiors have linear patterns. Future forward technology and custom furnishings double as abstract art to complement the color palette in the guestrooms.

    For dining, the property has Namu, Level Seven, W Lounge and the poolside venue WET Deck. There are six meeting rooms, with the largest meeting space measuring 7,804 square feet (725 square metres). Other amenities at the property include the WET indoor pool and FIT fitness centre.

    Meliá Yangon - Myanmar

    Meliá Hotels opens Meliá Yangon – Myanmar

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    Meliá Hotels International has announced the opening of Meliá Yangon, the first hotel operated by the company in Myanmar.

    Situated on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, only 15 minutes drive to the city centre and 10 minutes drive from the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda. Yangon’s largest and newest shopping mall, Myanmar Plaza, is directly connected to the hotel.

    The hotel overlooks the scenic beauty of the Inya Lake, and provides 430 spacious, modern and inviting rooms starting from 48 square metres, all furnished with state-of-the-art amenities.

    Meliá Yangon - Myanmar

    Guests on The Level, the Meliá’s signature executive floor, enjoy a personalised service with exquisite privileges, such as exclusive access to The Level Lounge, on the top floor with stunning 360 degrees views of the city and Inya Lake.

    Meliá Yangon boasts three high-end restaurants. The Market, an all-day dining restaurant in an authentic open market setting, offers local delicacies, Asian favourites and western classics, perfect for business meals as well as casual dinings with family and friends. The Lantern delights with the best that Vietnam has to offer: reinterpreted classics to reflect modern fine dining for eclectic palate. The art deco touch meets Vietnamese ambience, letting guests also enjoy an intimate atmosphere in its private rooms. In just a few weeks, Olea restaurant will open its doors and invite guests to a journey in the Mediterranean: an exquisite and modern culinary restaurant of pure European cuisine with an exotic twist.

    Meliá Yangon - Myanmar

    At the end of the year, Meliá Yangon will introduce a luxurious and elegant Hollywood golden age atmosphere in the trendy Garbo Bar, named after the famous actress Greta Garbo. Enjoyable moments in a casual and glamorous ambient to unwind with top shelf liquors and delectable morsels in afterwork hours. More than 2,000m2 of convention area with various sizes of ballrooms and function rooms equipped with the latest technology will hold any type of events, from small meeting to state level conference, including banquets and weddings.

    Its facilities will also include an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and a soon-to-open 1,800m2 world class YHI spa will offer treatments such as hydro-massage, Vichy and jet showers, jacuzzi and sauna.

    Room Mate Hotels

    Room Mate Hotels opens fourth Barcelona hotel

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    Room Mate Hotels, the award-winning hotel chain founded and chaired by Kike Sarasola, has opened its fourth hotel in Barcelona.

    Room Mate Anna is located in Passeig de Gràcia, better known as the Quadrat d’Or, the ‘Golden Square’ of Catalonian modernism and is the heart of life and culture in Barcelona.

    The hotel offers 81 rooms in four categories: basic, standard, deluxe, and junior suite. Notable features include a terrace and a circular rooftop pool with views of Barcelona landmarks such as the Agbar Tower and the Gaudi masterpiece Casa Batlló.

    Room Mate Hotels

    Room Mate Anna has been designed by renowned interior designer and antiques expert Lorenzo Castillo, who previously worked with the group on Room Mate hotels in New York and Florence. Guests of Room Mate Anna can enjoy the services found in all Room Mate Hotels, such as breakfast served until noon and the innovative free WiFi Service WiMate, which provides free WiFi for guests not only in the hotel itself but also throughout the city.

    Sarasola, president and founder of Room Mate Hotels says, “Barcelona represents one of our key business areas and the city is a global tourism destination, which is why we are firmly committed to opening two further hotels by 2017.”

    Room Mate Hotels

    INTERIOR DESIGN BY LORENZO CASTILLO
    In designing Room Mate Anna, Castillo has created a scheme that reflects the Catalonian Mediterranean roots of Barcelona and pays tribute to the sea, the sun and the tropics. Bursts of bold colour are a notable aspect of the hotel’s design scheme, incorporating the hues of the Catalonian landscapes, such as the turquoises and aquamarines of Palamós, and the earthy and green tones of the cypress trees of Empordà.

    In the rooms, the Mediterranean Sea is the central theme, as seen by the use of bright red Trapani coral and giant shells. Wardrobe doors and headboards are fashioned from Venetian blinds and slatted shutters; the coloured marble floors add a further design dimension. A fresh, contemporary look is created by the use of white fabrics with accent colours such as red, blue, black and green.

    Room Mate Hotels Barcelona

    There is bespoke furniture in natural woods and wax finishes, made with traditional methods, in updated and modern designs. Colour and brightness is further highlighted with the addition of metals such as brass plus wall lamps and giant skylights in the dining room of Room Mate Anna.

    With 23 establishments and a presence in six international markets, the chain plans to open eight additional hotels throughout 2016 and 2017 in cities that include Rotterdam, Florence, Rome, Paris and Madrid. This will allow the company to grow its size and reach a total of more than 4,000 rooms, while establishing its global presence.

    DoubleTree by Hilton, Lithuania

    DoubleTree by Hilton to open first hotel in Lithuania

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    Hilton Worldwide and Vičiūnai Group are bringing the upscale DoubleTree by Hilton brand to Lithuania for the first time. Construction of DoubleTree by Hilton Vilnius City Center is to begin this year, in the heart of the Lithuanian capital.

    The 175-room hotel forms part of a wider project, in to which Vičiūnai Group has invested more than €20 million (£17.2 million), whqich will also create new public spaces, designed to attract residents and visitors to the city. Alongside the hotel, a modern outdoor terrace will be built to connect the property to the Vilnius Energy and Technology Museum, which will also benefit from a modern new 1,000sqm exposition hall.

    DoubleTree by Hilton, Lithuania

    Set to open its doors in 2019, the hotel will also host a conference centre and spa, swimming pool, a restaurant, and a rooftop Sky Bar overlooking Gediminas Castle, the Cathedral and the Old Town. Once the hotel is operational it will create approximately 100 new full time jobs in Vilnius. The new hotel, will be designed by architect Algirdas Kaušpėdas, and built by Vičiūnai Group-owned real estate development company, Sunrise Kaunas.

    Having joined Hilton in announcing its first project in Vilnius at a press conference last month, the capital’s mayor Remigijus Šimašius Vilnius greeted the news: “I am very pleased that the negotiations with the Energy Museum on this project were successfully completed, and Vičiūnai Group has committed to invest in the new premises of the museum and a modern public space for residents, which we all are eagerly anticipating.”

    Dianna Vaughan, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said: “This hotel will be a fantastic addition to our portfolio in Eastern Europe which already boasts properties in Moscow, Warsaw and will soon include Minsk. We look forward to providing travellers to Vilnius with the welcoming comforts and hospitality common to all DoubleTree by Hilton hotels, starting with a warm chocolate chip cookie at check-in.”

    RIU Hotels in Sri Lanka

    RIU Hotels opens new resort in Sri Lanka

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    RIU Hotels & Resorts will celebrate its first inauguration on the Asian continent with a 5-star hotel in Sri Lanka. The Riu Sri Lanka will open its doors tomorrow, August 5th and is a perfect choice for both new and loyal Riu guests who want to discover this exotic destination.

    The hotel’s location in Ahungalla, in the south-east of Sri Lanka, makes it the perfect location from which to explore the island or as a luxurious base, having been designed specifically to offer a relaxed and laid back atmosphere.

    The newly-constructed hotel offers a 24 hour all inclusive service and is located overlooking the beach and set against a stunning backdrop. The hotel has three large pools and a children’s pool, sunbathing terraces, jacuzzi, gym and the Renova Spa wellness centre which includes a hairdresser and massage service. In addition, the rooms offer many home comforts including a balcony or terrace, 43″ flat screen satellite TV, air conditioning, an electronic safe and a minibar.

    After a detailed study of the markets and opportunities, RIU saw this destination as the ideal location from which to launch its operations in Asia. Sri Lanka, known as “the tear drop of India” due to its shape and proximity to the country, is a tourist destination which attracts European guests, as well as customers from India, China and Australia.

    With the inauguration of this hotel the first stone will be laid in the company’s project to expand throughout the Asian continent which includes the construction of up to three more hotels set to open between 2018 and 2019. The first will be in the Maldives, where two hotels will be inaugurated offering a combined total of 422 rooms, including suites constructed over the water. In addition, the chain plans to open its first hotel in the UAE in Dubai in 2019. The hotel will be located on the Deira Islands and will be unique to the area. With 750 rooms it will be the largest ever constructed and the first to offer a 24 hour all inclusive service

    5-12 August: Top stories of the week…

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    From the news of Portonovi launching villas for purchase to facts about the Starwood-Marriott merger, we collate the top 10 most read stories on Hotel Designs this week…

    1. Hilton Garden Inn Brussels Louise opens
    Hilton Garden Inn is pleased to announce the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Brussels Louise. The 143-room property is located in the heart of the city, in the art deco quarter of Brussels close by to the European Parliament

    2. 5 facts to know about…Hilton Hotels
    The move will form the largest hotel group in the world, and whatever your thoughts on it, here are five things you need to know about the deal

    3. New DoubleTree by Hilton opens in Poland
    DoubleTree by Hilton has announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Wroclaw, housed in the uniquely designed 6-storey OVO Wroclaw complex

    4. Hungary’s oldest hotel – Pest-Buda – reopens after renovation
    The oldest hotel in Hungary, Pest-Buda, has reopened after renovation as a 10-bedroom luxury boutique hotel

    5. W Goa to open in September
    The new W Goa opens this September – it marks W Hotels’ first property in India and is located in the tropical paradise of North Goa’s coast, with secluded beaches, pristine sands and coconut palms, lined with dramatic red cliffs and scenic views

    6. Review: L’Amandier, Marrakech
    Hotel Designs’ guest reviewer Amelia Walker looks at Marrakech’s newest luxury property

    7. Steven Gerrard business partner to open Liverpool boutique
    The business partner of former Liverpool and England footballer Steven Gerrard plans to open a £20 million boutique hotel in Liverpool

    8. Starwood unveils Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho hotel
    The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, has announced the opening of The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel, marking Starwood’s first-ever luxury hotel in Japan’s capital city

    9. UK hotels show mixed results in Q2, Brexit to play a role
    Hotel occupancy in London showed its sixth consecutive quarter of year-on-year decline with Brexit poised to subdue the sector further, according to the latest Hotel Bulletin: Q2 2016, published this week by HVS, AlixPartners and AM:PM

    10. Review: Clevedon Hall, Somerset
    “The work already completed on the property, and considerable refurbishment to come on the ground floors (which I cannot wait to see for myself later in the year), make this an exemplary case study of interior design and using existing spaces well…”

    The Ridge Hotel

    Sneak Peek: The Ridge Hotel redesign

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    Paloma Resort Properties has announced the completion of the second phase of extensive renovations to its The Ridge Hotel property.

    The Ridge Hotel’s $4.5 million in sleek, modern upgrades include new dining and drinking concepts, an inviting and techsavvy lobby and reception area, enhanced fitness facility with new Life Fitness equipment, plus a fresh facelift to hallways, restrooms and the glass-adorned staircase to the ballrooms.

    In addition to the new bean + vine coffee and wine bar, which opens up into the airy entrance, The Ridge Hotel is anchored by Crafted Americana, a contemporary restaurant featuring artistic, handcrafted American fare.

    The Ridge Hotel

    “We brought this rustic lodge-looking resort into the 21st century with this second stage of renovations and a stylish new brand,” notes Paloma Resort Properties President Garth L. Chambers, whose company took over management in 2011 of the 146-room, full-service hotel. “When we pulled what was then Geneva Ridge under the Paloma umbrella, we promptly revamped operations and staffing and made vast physical improvements to the building’s infrastructure, allowing for $1.7 million in upgrades.”

    This initial phase of improvements included an expansive backyard veranda highlighted by a 12-foot-long fire feature and lounge; poolside sports bar overlooking the wooded Lake Como shoreline; outdoor wedding pergola and aisle; and a refreshed Aspen Ballroom with raised ceilings, state-of-the-art finishes, and French doors opening out to the patio.

    The Ridge Hotel

    Chambers anticipates that the redesign also could affect guest demographics. “The Ridge has a unique location just off the beaten track, five minutes from the bustling tourist town of Lake Geneva,” he notes. “Add to that prime location the property’s recent enhancements, and The Ridge Hotel becomes even more attractive to the business professional and millennial, while continuing to draw in golfers, vacationers and group business from weddings and retreats.”

    According to Chambers, Paloma will monitor the success of the current renovations while also planning for the final redesign, geared to further enhance the guest experience while attracting the next generation of travelers to Lake Geneva. “Our goal is to start what we finished: reviving a struggling sleeper property and transforming it into a leading lodging and restaurant destination in Wisconsin.

    Paris hotelier gets green light for new 40-bed London hotel

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    Famous Paris hotelier Jean-Louis Costes has been given planning permission for his first UK hotel, in London in partnership with Cadogan Estates.

    The go ahead was given to architects ReardonSmith to convert the 19th century porperty at One Sloane Gardens into a 40-bedroom luxury hotel. The existing property was designed by Edwin T Hall, the designer of Liberty’s store in Regent Street. The 40 bedrooms will be spread across eight floors.

    Jean-Louis Costes is responsible for the Hôtel Costes in Paris, which has now become a hotbed for celebrities and A-list Hollywood stars.

    His UK debut in London will be designed internally by the French-born François-Joseph Graf and will be home to a rooftop extension encompassing a fine dining restaurant, a coffee shop and on the lower ground floor, a bar.

    The new hotel has been described as bidding to have ‘the authenticity of an Edwardian hotel with the most contemporary infrastructure and servicing’, and all work ReardonSmith carries out will be in-keeping with the existing architectural style.

    Hilton Hotels - Edinburgh

    Hilton Hotels & Resorts arrives in heart of Scottish capital

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    Hilton Hotels & Resorts has announced the official opening of Hilton Edinburgh Carlton, marking the 16th property in the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of brands in Scotland and the eighth Hilton Hotels & Resorts hotel in the country.

    The hotel is owned and operated by Amaris Hospitality and is part of their 73-hotel portfolio across the UK and Ireland. Hilton Edinburgh Carlton showcases the rich history of Edinburgh and is within walking distance of myriad attractions, from the famous Royal Mile, which it overlookss, to the beautiful St. Giles’ Cathedral.

    Andreas Lackner, vice president, area brand management, Hilton Worldwide, said, “Hilton Edinburgh Carlton offers a chic hotel experience in a prime Edinburgh locale with its sleek design, top-notch amenities and all the benefits and high-quality service expected from Hilton Hotels & Resorts. We are delighted to be extending our footprint in Scotland and to welcome guests from all over the world, especially with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival taking place this month, attracting thousands of visitors.”

    The hotel offers 211 stylish and spacious guest rooms, including junior suites and executive rooms, all designed with comfort and convenience in mind to provide a place to relax and unwind or to catch up on work. All rooms are equipped with a desk, 40-inch TV and modern bathroom. Guests staying in executive rooms can enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks in the hotel’s Executive Lounge throughout the day. Hilton Edinburgh Carlton also boasts a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill, offering local produce and a classic dining menu, along with signature dishes and drinks for guests to sample.

    With seven dedicated meeting spaces that can accommodate up to 200 people, Hilton Edinburgh Carlton is a superb venue for events and occasions. The main event room, the Highland Suite, offers panoramic views across the city and natural daylight with high arch windows and ceilings. The hotel also offers bespoke dining options for private events along with dedicated breakout spaces.

    Bufera by Kobe

    Product Spotlight: Bufera collection from Kobe

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    Luxury fabric specialist, Kobe, has introduced its Bufera collection of contemporary upholstery fabrics.

    Bufera is a plush chenille woven dobby with a soft luxurious texture. The mix of cotton and viscose yarns is complemented by a natural palette of pastel and neutral tones.

    The 100% natural fabric collection is suitable for both domestic and contract upholstery use, passing all required flame retardant standards.

    Said David Harris, md of Kobe UK: “This exciting collection has been specially designed with today’s upholstery in mind, offering a versatile and timeless elegance to any interior setting.”

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

    The Kobe UK sales office and studio is based in Crowthorne, Berkshire

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

    Pictured is John Heron (centre) and some of the team at The Vault

    Innovative hotel project The Vault prepares to open

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    An innovative £2 million scheme to create the UK’s first hotel for young people with autism and learning difficulties has been given the green light by Gateshead Council.

    The St Camillus Care Group was last week granted planning permission to transform the former Rivers Edge Hotel at Gateshead into The Vault, which will not only provide respite care for young people with a range of learning difficulties but will also train them to work within the hospitality industry.

    Initially 20 jobs will be created to carry out the refurbishment, with 30 jobs within the hotel when it is opened in October.

    Already the ground floor of the hotel is operating as an American-style diner which is currently used by people with autism, but the hope is that eventually this will be open to the public. The hotel also has a function room which is currently used by groups, with a long term aim of this being available for hire for business meetings and celebrations.

    Work will now begin on transforming the 28 bedrooms to make them suitable for respite care, while training has already begun on giving young people with autism and learning difficulties the opportunity to work alongside trained staff.

    St Camillus Care Group has partnered with Gateshead College and its Project Choice scheme – which helps young people with autism and learning difficulties find internships – to help the young people learn the skills they need for a career in hospitality. John Heron, Managing Director of St Camillus Care Group, said The Vault was giving young people an unprecedented opportunity for a career in hospitality.

    “This is a real chance for young people aged from 18 to 25 to learn alongside professionals in the hospitality industry in a real setting, so that they can hopefully go on to a full time career,” he said.

    “At the same time it’s also a place for people with autism and learning difficulties to come to and enjoy the facilities.

    “In particular the diner is a great place for families who may have young people with these challenges, knowing that they can come to a restaurant where people understand them and make no judgements.

    “We are very excited about the opportunity to progress what is going to be an exciting opportunity and a first not just for the North East but for the UK.”

    NOVUM Style

    New NOVUM Style hotel at Stuttgart’s Pragsattel, opening in 2019

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    Stuttgart is getting a designer business hotel – a NOVUM Style Hotel with more than 200 rooms is being created at the Pragsattel. Construction will commence in mid-2017, and the hotel is scheduled to open in 2019.

    The hotel will be part of a high-rise with twelve floors. The project development is done by a joint venture between AVONIA Real Estate GmbH (Leinfelden-Echterdingen), Merkur Development Holding GmbH (Rüsselsheim) and OSWA Planen und Bauen GmbH (Ingersheim).

    For the project, the property Leitzstrasse 52 was purchased at the Pragsattel. The project company Stuttgart Leitzstr. 52 GmbH has planned a hotel and office complex with an approx. 11.000 m² large overground gross floor area. Thanks to the Hamburg-based NOVUM Hotel Group, a strong hotel partner could be secured, which will operate the property as a Novum Style Hotel.

    A building permit will be requested within the next weeks. “We are expecting the project to be approved in early 2017” explains Marcel Djafari, CEO of OSWA Planen und Bauen GmbH. The property with an area of more than 3.000 m² is located near the Mercedes-Benz Bank and Stuttgart’s Theaterhaus. The total investment volume amounts to about €36 million and completion is anticipated in 2019. “We are convinced that we can realize an attractive product with this lot size and utilization mixture of approx. 2/3 as a hotel and the remaining 1/3 as corporate offices.” says Marcus Hientzsch, CEO of Merkur Development Holding GmbH.

    More than 200 hotel rooms will be spread among the building’s twelve floors, which will offer an incomparable view on nearby Killesberg and Stuttgart’s city centre. “We were convinced by this property right from the start, thanks to its proximity to the inner city and its exposed position,” reports David Etmenan, CEO of the NOVUM Hotel Group.

    The marketing for the 4.000m² of office buildings is scheduled to begin in Q4 2016. The office areas will be located in a dedicated part of the building, divided in six overground floors, each with approx. 600 m² of rentable areas. A dual-level parking lot with over 126 parking spots will be created under the whole complex. “We are glad to be able to offer modern, connective office areas in Stuttgart, in a phase of increasing areas shortages around the city” says Reimund Sigel, CEO of AVONIA Real Estate GmbH. Colliers Stuttgart has been tasked with the leasing.

    Marriott-Starwood merger

    5 facts to know about… Starwood-Marriott deal

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    Marriott International will acquire Starwood Hotels and Resorts in a deal believed to be worth $12.2 billion, and when it was first announced consumers weren’t the only ones taken by surprise by the news. Analysts and investors expressed surprise at the acquisition.

    The move will form the largest hotel group in the world, and whatever your thoughts on it, here are five things you need to know about the deal…

    – Marriott weren’t the only suitors for Starwood, Intercontinental Hotels and Hyatt Hotels had long been vying to buy out the company.

    – The acquisition will offer up thousands more rooms to choose from when booking. Combined, the group will own more than 5,500 hotels worldwide, 30 distinctive chains and more than a million guest rooms.

    – Due to anti-competitive issues in China, and at the request of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), Marriott and Starwood have agreed to extend the time period for MOFCOM to complete its review of the merger transaction. This additional review period, known as phase three, could last up to 60 days.

    – Starwood and Marriott can actually mutually agree to terminate the merger agreement, even with stockholder approval. The deal’s kill date is open until 31 December of this year. However, there’s the matter of a $400-million termination fee if either side decides to end the deal.

    – When Marriott’s takeover of Starwood is complete, the chain will have 30 hotel brands.

    Waldorf Astoria, San Francisco

    Waldorf Astoria Hotels to open San Francisco property

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    Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts has announced its newest property, Waldorf Astoria San Francisco, which will be the centerpiece of a two million square-foot, mixed-used complex that will feature luxury entertainment, retail and office space.

    Waldorf Astoria San Francisco will reside within the first 21 storeys of a signature tower designed by the architecture firm Foster + Partners. Located at Mission Street between Ecker and 1st Streets, Waldorf Astoria San Francisco will be ideally situated in the city’s exciting new Transbay Neighborhood, in the centre of a vast redevelopment project surrounding the Transbay Transit Centre.

    Bordered by Market Street on the north, Embarcadero on the east, Folsom Street on the south, and Hawthorne Street to the west, the Transbay Neighborhood is an inspirational environment unto itself. Transportation friendly with wide sidewalks and bike paths, the neighbourhood has a vibrant mix of shops and restaurants, as well as contemporary green spaces which have been carefully planned as key components of the area.

    World-renowned hospitality design firm, Hirsch Bedner Associates, brings their award-winning design to Waldorf Astoria San Francisco’s interiors to seamlessly blend the brand’s signature worldly sophistication with modern accoutrements reflective of this iconic destination.

    The hotel will offer an elegant and spacious spa and will also feature an iconic Peacock Alley serving a San Francisco approach to the legendary cuisine and libations that have established Waldorf Astoria as synonymous with unforgettable luxury experiences.

    Radisson Blu Karjat

    Radisson Blu opens first resort and spa in Karjat, India

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    Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Karjat, located in the sub district of Raigad, is now open. Situated in the natural surroundings of verdant greenery and awe-inspiring landscapes of the nearby hills, Karjat is a popular weekend destination for regional tourism and international travellers.

    The 102-room, new build, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Karjat is a convenient two-hour drive from Mumbai and Pune. The resort offers 360-degree views of the stunning Sahyadri Mountains which is nestled along on the banks of the Ulhas River.

    Speaking on the hotel’s opening, Raj Rana, chief executive officer, South Asia, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group said: “We are excited to partner with Mr. Chakraborty to launch this upper upscale resort. This resort’s opening reinforces our commitment to enhance the brand’s portfolio and further expand our presence in resort destinations throughout India. With its unparalleled resort experience and commitment to excellence, we are confident Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Karjat will be a shining success.”

    The hotel’s award-winning design by Chapman Taylor predominantly features Eastern themes with nods to Thai and Balinese architecture, while retaining an internal narrative that celebrates Indian design, culture and spirit.

    Radisson Blu Karjat

    Designed to welcome the savvy, modern traveler, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Karjat offers well-appointed rooms and suites, with modern amenities. 24-hour room service, high speed, complimentary Wi-Fi, a complimentary tea and coffee maker in each room, and a fully-stocked minibar all ensure a comfortable stay. Additionally, each room is fully fitted with a digital in-room safe, a digital clock with a docking station, Internet television, a hair dryer, independent shower cubicles and balconies with loungers.

    A multitude of dining options includes the Riverside Poolside Bar, which allows guests to dine under the stars, a luxury that most city-dwellers are unaccustomed to. The venue offers an extensive selection of grills and barbecues, accompanied by customized cocktails. The Blu Lounge is a cozy yet sophisticated bar where guests can unwind over an extraordinary array of international and domestic wines, spirits and cocktails, accompanied by a curated selection of small bites. An outdoor deck area encourages guests to enjoy being surrounded by the resort’s multiple water bodies, in a laid-back yet elegant setting. The Palms is the resort’s all-day dining restaurant, featuring some of the most popular dishes seen on menus both in India and around the globe. Guests can sample the executive chef’s culinary innovations while admiring the pool view and surrounding greenery.

    Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Karjat is designed to be the ideal choice for banqueting events of all types. Guests looking to host weddings at the property will have two outdoor sections, the Party Greens and Grand Lawn, to choose from. Spanning a vast 18,000 square feet, the areas allow guests the flexibility and space to create the perfect event of their choosing, fully supported by the hotel’s expert team of event professionals. Modern audio-visual equipment with drop-down screens and seamless Wi-Fi coverage, elegant décor with rich wood finishing, gold-leaf accents, carefully-curated artworks, mood lighting, and an expansive array of personalized menu options all ensure a memorable, on-property experience, be it for business or pleasure.

    The resort’s owner, Suhasish Chakraborty, said, “Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Karjat offers a beautiful balance between modern design and enveloping natural beauty. It is a first-of-its-kind luxury offering in an upcoming destination, complete with great connectivity, service excellence and quality standards befitting of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. We are excited to introduce this property to a range of discerning guests.”

    With this newest addition, there are now 29 Radisson Blu hotels in India under Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s portfolio.

    Photos: Chapman Taylor

    chapmantaylor.com
    radissonblu.com/en/resort-karjat

    DoubleTree Wroclaw - Exterior

    New DoubleTree by Hilton opens in Poland

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    DoubleTree by Hilton has announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Wroclaw, housed in the uniquely designed 6-storey OVO Wroclaw complex.

    The OVO Wroclaw is a landmark edifice spearheading a revolution in urban Polish design. The upscale hotel joins three DoubleTree by Hilton properties open in Poland and over 70 DoubleTree by Hilton properties open across Europe.

    Boasting 189 stylish guest rooms and suites, including the Presidential suite with an attractive view of Słowacki Park, the hotel caters well for corporate travellers with its contemporary Executive Lounge. The design-led property is located in Wroclaw’s town centre on Podwale Street, nearby to the Main Square. Envisioned by the acclaimed GSARCH-Gottesman Szmelcman architecture firm, the property’s modern and sleek rounded exterior seamlessly blends the curved lines of the building with a stylish minimalism that typifies the interior spaces

    The hotel features Wroclaw’s newest destination bar, the atmospheric OVO bar and restaurant, which offers a live cooking station. OVO offers a dynamic dining space with dishes built for sharing and an a la carte menu. As the evening progresses, a DJ takes to the decks while guests can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the hotel lobby, overlooking green outdoor space. OVO offers a courtyard that is open to Wroclaw’s local residents – a relaxed environment allowing up to 100 guests, open from breakfast until late night.

    DoubleTree by Hilton Wroclaw offers world-class conference facilities right in the city centre. Seven flexible function rooms are available to hold a casual business meeting, briefing or training session. The visually striking hotel also serves as the perfect venue for a wedding, offering a 317 sq. m. ballroom with a height of up to 5.5 metres, divisible into three smaller areas. The entertainment continues with the hotel’s modern casino opening later this year.

    “We look forward to welcoming guests to our hotel and delighting them with DoubleTree by Hilton’s kind and caring service. Wroclaw is rapidly becoming a tourist destination in its own right and demand is rising, so we are in an ideal location,” said Matthias Herd, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Wroclaw. “I am certain that the hotel’s range of facilities will cater to the needs of business and leisure travellers alike and will provide a new, fresh level of hospitality to this vibrant city.”

    Meliá Makassar

    Meliá Makassar – a new hotel for Meliá Hotels in Indonesia

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    Meliá Hotels has announced the opening of the Meliá Makassar, a new hotel in Indonesia, which becomes the sixth hotel operated by the company in the country, with another 10 hotels in the process of opening in the pipeline.

    Makassar is the capital of South Sulawesi province and the largest city on the island of Sulawesi, with a population of one-and-a-half million people and the dominant commercial centre and transportation hub in eastern Indonesia. The hotel is ideally located just 25 minutes from Sultan Hassanuddin international airport and just a 5-minute walk from the main shopping and business areas.

    This four-star hotel provides 135 newly-built rooms equipped with a full range of facilities and the latest technology. Some of the rooms also include “The Level” service, which raises the quality of a hotel stay to the highest levels of demand. The Meliá Makassar has been designed to meet the most exquisite international standards, and its magnificent facilities also house several meeting rooms, a pool, spa and restaurants. Also of note is The Society rooftop bar which is quickly expected to become a landmark venue in the city.

    Meliá Makassar

    Bernardo Cabot, Vice President Asia Pacific for Meliá Hotels International, highlighted the hotel’s potential to become the ideal choice for business and leisure travellers to the capital of South Sulawesi, “thanks to its excellent location and Meliá’s experience in the management of “bleisure” hotels (business + leisure), the Melia Makassar is destined to become a benchmark for modern hospitality in the city. ”

    The hotel is operated under the Meliá Hotels & Resorts brand, one of the company’s most historic brands and guardian of the values that best represent the company. In the words of Cabot, “the Meliá Makassar hotel brings our brand standards to the city and the market is sure to acknowledge the efforts made by both the hotel owners and Meliá Hotels International in our ongoing commitment to Indonesia”.

    Indonesia is the country in which the company started its international expansion in 1985. The opening of the Meliá Bali hotel that year was the starting point for a globalisation strategy which now sees the company installed in more than 40 countries worldwide, with a special focus on Asia Pacific, where it currently manages 33 hotels either already in operation or scheduled to open in the future.

    Liverpool boutique to be opened by Steven Gerrard business partner

    Steven Gerrard business partner to open Liverpool boutique

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    The business partner of former Liverpool and England footballer Steven Gerrard plans to open a £20 million boutique hotel in Liverpool.

    Paul Adams, who already co-owns The Vincent in Exchange Flags with the decorated footballer and will be the operator of the project, has said the hotel will be located in the Merseyside city’s Ropewalks area.

    Liverpool boutique to be opened by Steven Gerrard business partner

    According to reports in the Liverpool Echo, the hotel will include a rooftop pool bar and will be named ‘Times Aparthotel by Vincent’.

    Liverpool boutique to be opened by Steven Gerrard business partner
    The hotel has been designed by Falconer Chester Hall and will predominately consist of brickwork after a review of the design by Liverpool’s council’s planning department.

    Work will kick off on the new development next week, with the hotel expected to open in December 2017.

    Bintan Villa

    Sneak Peak: Bintan Villa priced at $10,000 a night

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    As the ranks of the ultra-wealthy swell across Southeast Asia, so does the heightening expectations for accommodation that costs thousands of dollars per night. So, one Indonesian resort has just priced its top suite at US $10,000 per night.

    “Seems like a lot to pay for one night, I know,” said The Sanchaya’s estate manager Anshuman Narayan. “But when money is no object, and you’re shopping for a memory to last a lifetime, the cost may very well turn out to be a bigger bargain than you’d thought.”

    So what does one get for $10,000 per night at the Bintan Villa?

    So what does one get for $10,000 per night at the Bintan Villa?

    A four-bedroom beachfront presidential suite, the Vanda Villa, to start. The luxe accommodation comes with an around-the-clock butler, a dedicated chef in its kitchen, private infinity pool and a separate guest house. The Sanchaya is located 45 minutes from Singapore by ferry, on a secluded stretch of beach whose powder white sands rival those made famous by The Maldives. All of that beach is but a few steps from the Vanda Villa’s sprawling terrace.

    So what does one get for $10,000 per night at the Bintan Villa?

    Spanning a total of 1045 square metres, The Vanda Villa has already played host to royal families from the Middle East, celebrities from around the world, private wedding parties and major product launches.

    The villa is bedecked with neutral, crisp and earthy tones, polished parquet floors, Chinese-style cabinets, and rare pieces of art and furnishings that open windows on Singapore’s history and culture. Other exquisite touches include customized Luzern bone china designs and table glassware from Austria’s House of Riedel. Named for Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda ‘Miss Joaquim’ orchid, the hotel’s premier accommodation draws inspiration from the Lion City’s black and white houses, tropical beauty and architectural heritage.

    So what does one get for $10,000 per night at the Bintan Villa?

    Each of the two-storey villa’s four bedrooms boasts king size beds and customised encaustic tiled bathrooms with separate Lefroy Brooks clawfoot baths and showers. The clawfoot baths anchor The Sanchaya’s ‘romantic bath ritual’, Featuring chocolate strawberries and champagne, or cheese and port, or canapés and single malt or wine. Candlelight and customised bath salts round out the ritual.

    So what does one get for $10,000 per night at the Bintan Villa?

    Other luxuries on offer include wine and cheese tastings with the estate’s sommelier, in-villa massages with your choice of customized chakras oils, and private sessions with the yoga instructor. Plush Singaporean Ploh bed and bath linen and a pillow menu offering an array of European neck, body and reading pillows amplify the comfort levels.

    So what does one get for $10,000 per night at the Bintan Villa?

    The Vanda’s technological charms include a Bang & Olufsen TV and sound systems, iPads with a broad spectrum of pre-loaded movies and Apple TV. On the 9.6 hectare Sanchaya estate, the facilities include a croquet lawn, Olympic-size infinity pool, two restaurants and The Bar, replete with vintage prints, antique telescopes, porter chairs and other trappings of a 19th Century Explorer’s Club.

    So what does one get for $10,000 per night at the Bintan Villa?

    Housing birdcage chandeliers, pith helmets, large brown tufted lounges and a vast selection of handpicked books, The Salon and Library is The Sanchaya’s wine, cheese and cigar lounge. An adjacent glass-walled space, called Decanter, stocks hundreds of wine labels.

    thesanchaya.com/the-sanchaya-bintan

    UK Hotels

    UK hotels show mixed results in Q2, Brexit to play a role

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    Hotel occupancy in London showed its sixth consecutive quarter of year-on-year decline with Brexit poised to subdue the sector further, according to the latest Hotel Bulletin: Q2 2016, published this week by HVS, AlixPartners and AM:PM.

    Hotel occupancy in the capital, in common with other major European cities, continues to be affected by increased global terrorist activity. London has also seen a decline in the number of US tourists travelling because of the presidential election. The impact has been a 2% decline in London’s RevPAR compared with Q2 2015 and average room rates failing to increase for the second consecutive quarter.

    “Whilst this is significant in the short term, London is, and will remain, a huge magnet for inbound tourism so the longer term future of the capital’s hotel sector is still positive, even when taking account the new hotels in the pipeline and the potential impact of the Brexit implementation causing economic wobbles,” commented HVS chairman Russell Kett.

    Across the UK the picture was more varied, although with overall demand sluggish average RevPAR growth only reached 2%. This is seen as further evidence we may be approaching the top of the property cycle in some locations.

    Performance of hotels across the 12 UK cities reviewed varied significantly in Q2. Birmingham was top with RevPAR growth of 16%, while hotels in the Roman city of Bath saw RevPAR up 11% year-on-year on the back of a boost in international tourists.

    In contrast Newcastle recorded another quarter of RevPAR decline, down 4%, as the combined effects of a 10% increase in hotel supply over the past 12 months and strong comparators last year came into play. Aberdeen saw RevPAR decline 24% year-on-year as hotel occupancy continues to suffer from the city’s exposure to the oil and gas industry. If predictions that oil prices will continue to fall are correct, this will further suppress demand for the city’s hotels.

    “Performance has always been very location-driven,” commented Kett, “with localised supply and demand issues having an impact on hotels’ operating performance. UK-wide averages tend to hide these fluctuations and even the performance within an individual city can vary quite markedly from hotel to hotel,” he added.

    Apart from the £575m acquisition of Atlas Hotels by London & Regional, mergers and acquisitions in the sector have also been subdued throughout 2016 due to uncertainties surrounding Brexit, weaker economic growth in China, terrorism in France, Belgium and Turkey, and the US presidential elections.

    Now the outcome of the referendum is known and Britain gears up to leave Europe, there is cautious optimism that the hotel sector will remain an attractive source of investment for global investors interested in the medium-to long-term growth perspective. However, this is reliant on the UK remaining an investor-friendly market post-Brexit.

    “The Brexit decision is having the double-impact of weaker sterling and a reduction in anticipated economic growth. This is both good, and bad, news for the sector in that Britain becomes a cheaper destination for overseas visitors, dampening outgoing UK travel but potentially increasing the F&B costs as some suppliers pass on price rises. Hotel transaction activity is also likely to slow down as investors assess the outlook of future trading but in the longer term we are optimistic the UK will remain an attractive source of investment for global investors,“ Kett concluded.

    Download the report by clicking here…

    Fairmont Austin

    Fairmont Austin: A hotel on a park

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    Fairmont Austin, the new 37-storey luxury hotel opening summer 2017, has unveiled natural design elements that will pay homage to the neighbouring Palm Park, currently undergoing revitalisation by the non-profit Waller Creek Conservancy.

    Fairmont Austin’s proximity to both Palm Park and Waller Creek inspired Warren Sheets, of San Francisco-based interior design firm Warren Sheets Design, to create an organic continuity from the hotel’s environment to the spaces within, realising the ‘hotel on a park’ concept in a multitude of spectacular and unexpected ways. “On a broader scope, I was looking at how important outdoor life is to Austinites and to the state itself,” said Sheets. “Because the hotel is on a park, I brought The Park into the hotel. All the interior elements down to the smallest details weave a cohesive narrative that honors this beautiful city and will serve to welcome guests with trademark hospitality.”

    Upon entering, guests are greeted by two 24-feet-high by 26-feet-wide towering Heritage Oak trees which flank the reception desk; while The Park Lounge features a geometric, life-size topiary garden with majestically imposing tree, and moving lights aimed at the ceiling. Indigenous greenery and cultural references also appear throughout the hotel’s interior.

    Fairmont Austin’s outdoor spaces were designed by dwg., an Austin-based landscape architecture studio. dwg. was selected to ensure a seamless integration of Waller Creek’s vision with Fairmont’s environmentally sustainable standards.

    Fairmont Austin

    “Our design for the landscape celebrates and embraces the unique location and proximity of the hotel to Waller Creek and Palm Park. The tagline we used for the project was a ‘hotel in a park’ and, subsequently the rooftop pool, gardens and event spaces became known as ‘a park in a hotel’. The vision for the landscape is very innovative and amplifies the unique and critical ecosystem of Waller Creek,” said Daniel Woodroffe, president of dwg. “This is accomplished by using native and adapted plants and trees and significantly reducing water consumption by harvesting the AC condensate from the hotel’s air conditioning system. Ensuring the brand standards of the hotel and the commitment to sustainability was very important to the success of our design.”

    The Red River Canopy Walk, a 33-foot-tall elevated connection from Fairmont Austin to the Austin Convention Center, will allow the public and guests to view Waller Creek and Palm Park from a unique aerial perspective. The pedestrian bridge will include a stairway and ramp leading to Palm Park and three miles of new hike and bike trails. The elegant, open-air design of the Canopy Walk will reinforce Waller Creek’s mission of renewing urban parks to create authentic and uplifting experiences that reflect Austin’s dynamic spirit.

    “Fairmont Austin is devoted to honoring public treasures like Palm Park and Waller Creek, while contributing in meaningful ways to the city’s future,” said Michael McMahon, director of sales and marketing for Fairmont Austin. “The revival of Palm Park, the transformation of neighboring Red River and Rainey Street Districts, coupled with the hotel’s distinct interior and exterior design will be nothing short of spectacular.”

    Fairmont Austin is currently progressing at a floor-a-week pace and will open summer 2017.

    Kindred Resorts & Hotels expands US portfolio

    Kindred Resorts & Hotels expands portfolio in US

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    Kindred Resorts & Hotels, a collection of independent hotels and resorts focused exclusively on the group and meetings market in North America, has added five properties to its portfolio.

    There are currently 56 properties in the portfolio and the new additions include Amangani; High Hampton Inn & Country Club; Rancho de los Caballeros; Sea Island; and Sun Mountain Lodge.

    Amangani, which translates to “peaceful home,” is a 40-suite retreat in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Nestled in Cashiers, North Carolina, High Hampton Inn & Country Club features natural surroundings with mountain views and a rustic ambiance.

    Established in 1948 and family owned for three generations, Rancho de los Caballeros sits on 20,000 acres of High Sonoran Desert in Wickenburg, Arizona. Sea Island, which has sat on the Georgia coast since 1928, features five miles of private beach, 16 tennis courts, a beach club, three championship golf courses and more. Sun Mountain Lodge is located in Winthrop, Washington and offers mountains views of Washington state.

    Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh

    Sustainability focus: Balmoral Hotel buzzing for new concept

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    News has emerged this week that a colony of honey bees have checked in on the rooftop of Edinburgh’s luxury hotel The Balmoral in a bid to produce home-grown honey for guests to enjoy at mealtimes in the luxury boutique.

    It follows the work being carried out at London Hilton Bankside with jewellery designer Alex Monroe.

    A similar concept is also taking off across the Atlantic at the Admiral Hotel in Mobile, Alabama. Under the leadership of General Manager Joe Langford, the idea to harvest honey in-house is proving a popular one with staff and guests.

    According to local media, in addition to producing the honey, the bees help pollinate a small garden of produce, used for special recipes in the Admiral’s kitchen. Currently Spencer grows watermelon, peas, cabbage, okra, peas and tomatoes in the small patches of soil.

    With the UK and further afield being hit by a decline in bee populations, these sort of concepts are vital. Bees pollinate a third of everything we eat and play a vital role in sustaining the planet’s ecosystems. More than 80% of crops grown for human consumption need bees to pollinate them to increase their yields.

    Much kudos to The Balmoral and the Admiral for their campaigns. We love this sort of project here at Hotel Designs.

    Alderney - Adventurer's Rest

    The Adventurer’s Rest opens in Alderney

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    Alderney, the third largest of the Channel Islands, continues its investment in expanding its varied accommodation offering with the opening of The Adventurer’s Rest.

    Sitting in the heart of St Anne, Alderney’s historic capital and only town, the hotel is a new concept for the island with its edgy, industrial interiors and individually appointed rooms.

    Alderney - Adventurer's Rest

    One of the island’s larger hotels, The Adventurer’s Rest offers 20 generously-sized en-suite bedrooms including two suites, individually designed with contemporary and classic interiors and each with their own character. It also boasts a new public bar and restaurant, Chez Bar, as well as an Orangery and two al-fresco areas.

    Alderney - Adventurer's Rest

    Alderney is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, which also includes the islands of Herm and Sark, and lies 23 miles north east of Guernsey and eight miles off the coast of France. It is a 15 minute flight or an hour and a half boat ride from Guernsey.

    Double rooms at The Adventurer’s Rest are priced at £70 per night, including breakfast based on two people sharing. For more information or to book, visit www.adventurersrest.co.uk

    Minsk Marriott

    Minsk Marriott Hotel opening expands brand’s footprint in Belarus

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    Marriott International opens its second hotel in Belarus with the addition of Minsk Marriott Hotel, the capital’s first 5-star internationally rated hotel, which is now open for business.

    The deluxe Minsk Marriott Hotel sits within a new compound located on the Svisloch riverside offering an exceptional range of services under one roof including a sports and entertainment complex, which comprises a state-of-the-art sports arena for 3,000 people complete with cafes and bars, a modern gym, a wellness centre with spa services, a tennis and squash academy and a cinema.

    Minsk Marriott

    The Minsk Marriott Hotel’s 217 deluxe guest rooms, including 25 suites, are designed with a spacious and upgraded look with tailored solutions that are as inventive as the guest. They reflect elements of the hotel’s locale and Belarussian heritage, including hand-made wall finishings and natural colours and materials to create a calm and elegant environment. Many of the rooms also offer balconies and panoramic riverside views.

    Minsk Marriott

    Guests looking to expand their horizons while traveling to a new destination will be spoilt for choice with an array of venues including Fornello, a Mediterranean restaurant with a summer terrace, private dining area for 10 people and open kitchen with chef’s table, and Barrel Bar, featuring authentic colonial style interiors and serving signature drinks.

    Meetings and events are expertly catered for within the hotel’s 940 m2 of transformable meeting space, which includes eight flexible conference rooms and a multifunctional space for collaboration, workshops and private meetings for those looking for a bespoke meeting experience. Marriott Hotels’ signature meetings concept, Meetings Imagined, enables meeting and event planners to design their perfect event using the online platform and expert tips and advice.

    The impressive Falcon Ballroom can accommodate up to 600 people for events ranging from traditional business meetings to extravagant galas. Bespoke chandeliers comprise over 800,000 crystal beads and offer modern lighting technologies to transform the atmosphere depending on the occasion.

    Marriott Hotels debuts in Rotterdam

    Marriott Hotels debuts in Rotterdam

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    Marriott Hotels, the signature brand of Marriott International, has welcomed Rotterdam Marriott Hotel to its portfolio.

    Formerly known as The Manhatten Hotel Rotterdam, Rotterdam Marriott Hotel has undergone extensive renovation of its interiors to meet the needs of today’s traveller.

    The hotel’s 230 luxurious guest rooms and suites feature modern amentites throughout and are designed with a spacious and upgraded look with tailored solutions that are as inventive as the guest. The lobby has been transformed into a vibrant space to welcome guests and visitors to relax and socialise.

    “We want our guests to experience forward-thinking, aesthetically pleasing spaces that help foster their inventive nature,” said Matthew Carroll, vice president, Marriott Hotels. “Marriott Hotels has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation in travel to create experiences that inspire and push our guests’ creativity.

    The upgraded interiors are complemented by warm and personal service. Rotterdam Marriott Hotel offers 24-hour room service, valet parking and free high-speed internet. The fully equipped fitness centre offers guests the most high tech equipment for any kind of workout they want. An Executive Lounge, Business Centre, and nearly 600sqm of flexible space for meetings and events cater to guests. Through connections, the hotel also has the ability to coordinate with De Doelen International Congress Centre, which can accommodate groups of up to 3,000 visitors.

    The debut of Marriott Hotels in Rotterdam marks a key moment in the development of the world port city. The hotel’s local area and commercial heart of the city, the Rotterdam Central District, has undergone significant change in recent years with the arrival of numerous international companies and extensive regeneration.

    Marriott Hotels is on a transformational journey to enable its guests to Travel Brilliantly. Guests and travel enthusiasts can visit www.travelbrilliantly.com to experience the countless ways Marriott Hotels continues to meet the needs of today’s travellers. In addition to mobile check-in, checkout, room ready alerts and Mobile Requests, Marriott Hotels is piloting keyless entry with mobile devices at select properties.

    Coach House Hotel

    Stage is set for historic Coach House Hotel opening

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    The Otterburn Coach House Hotel is set in a stunning deer park and woodland around the former Otterburn Hall Hotel, which closed in 2012. The Coach House went under the hammer in January last year when it was sold along with the hall and other buildings. It will be the first of the developments on the site to rise from the ashes when it opens for business in August.

    New owner Julie Blackie is targeting the huge wedding market that is now thriving in Otterburn, by providing a marriage venue and overspill accommodation for guests tying the knot at sites around the Northumberland town. She said: “Otterburn has become a really popular place for couples to marry, but there just wasn’t the level of overnight accommodation locally to meet demand from wedding guests.

    “The Coach House will fill that gap in the market, and we’re also welcoming in parties and celebrations of our own to cater for local people and those visiting the area from further afield. We’ll be providing great food – including Sunday lunches – and an excellent atmosphere, so local people can enjoy a great night out without having to travel to Newcastle or Edinburgh for it,” she added.

    Built in 1870 for Lord James Douglas, the Coach House has 14 bedrooms, a bar and dining area, and has undergone a major refurbishment since Julie bought it at auction. It’s part of the Otterburn Hall estate, which was originally a country estate popular for shooting and fishing. The Hall itself was turned into a spa hotel in the 1920s and in recent years was known as a wedding venue before closing unexpectedly in 2012.

    Coach House Hotel

    Julie is using her creative and organisational nous to turn the Coach House into a must-visit destination. A former project manager with Newcastle City Council, she has a flair for organisation having previously worked as a trouble-shooter to turn around the fortunes of failing businesses in Newcastle. The family oriented businesswoman has also recently helped her daughter, Alice Hall set up the multi-million-pound turnover online fashion business; Pink Boutique and the Coach House business sees Julie working in partnership with another of her four daughters, Julie Burrows.

    “It’s great to be able to work with my daughters in two very different businesses. They are both very talented and have great plans for the future and I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences with them.”

    As well as her business ventures, Julie is a successful TV screenwriter, who has written for Hollyoaks and Casualty. She’s also the co-author of best-selling crime novel The Prodigal with Nicky Doherty under the joint pen name Nicky Black. She’ll be using all of her entrepreneurial and creative talents to put the Coach House firmly on the map, with coach trips for vintage-style teas, gourmet fine dining nights and facilities for dark sky stargazers, walkers, cyclists and dog owners all on the new hotel’s agenda.

    The Coach House conversion will initially create five new jobs, including manager Laura Kennedy, who previously worked as assistant manager at the Newcastle-Gateshead Hilton. It’s a homecoming for Laura as she also previously worked in a local hotel and was brought up in nearby Bryness Village on the Scottish Border.

    Laura said: ” This is a tremendous challenge and a very exciting opportunity for me to help the Coach House become one of the must go to hotels in the region. We’ve had a number of firm bookings on Bookings.com so the signs are already looking good for the future.

    “We have an incredible team and I’m looking forward to making our guests feel valued and welcome. Otterburn has so much to offer and I’m proud to be such a big part of the hotel’s plans.”

    Also earning a new position is head chef David Hadfield, who was previously employed at The Duck in Corbridge.

    The Coach House Hotel takes its first guests on August 16th
    coachhouseotterburn.uk

    Hampton by Hilton Penn Yan

    Newest Hampton Inn opens in Penn Yan, NY

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    Hilton Worldwide’s Hampton by Hilton brand, the global mid-priced hotel, has announced the opening of its newest property, Hampton Inn by Hilton Penn Yan.

    The 72-room hotel joins the Hampton by Hilton family of Hampton Inn by Hilton and Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton hotels. The hotel, located at 110 Mace Street, is managed by Keuka Lake Hotel. Hampton Inn by Hilton Penn Yan is nearby popular area attractions including Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake Wine Trail.

    “We are thrilled to join the Hampton by Hilton portfolio with our new property in Penn Yan,” said Jessica Bacher, general manager. “This village has breathtaking views as well as many local historic landmarks for guests to delight in.”

    Hampton Inn by Hilton Penn Yan also offers amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center with complimentary printing, a 1,100-square-foot meeting space that can accommodate up to 70 people, a heated indoor pool and a fitness center. Each guestroom includes high-quality amenities, including the brand’s signature Clean and fresh Hampton bed, LCD TV, microwave, refrigerator and coffee-maker.

    Designed as an extension of the guestroom with a variety of seating and lighting options for both leisure and business travelers, the new hotel features the Perfect Mix Lobby. Within the lobby, guests can find Suite Shop, a food and beverage shop filled with snacks, toiletries, local merchandise and drinks for purchase.

    hamptoninn3.hilton.com

    Guest Blog: ‘Suppliers must act as experts within their sectors’

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    I never cease to be amazed by the vast breadth of knowledge interior designers need in order to cope with all the different strands that need bringing together to create a successful interior design scheme.

    They need to realise a harmonised interior which is above all a desirable destination, uses a refined colour palette, incorporates good proportions, is high on attention to detail and quality, has great style and is entirely practical in terms of the use for which the space is intended. The aim is always to give guests a great experience and ensure they look forward to returning.

    But that is just the basics. Beyond that the interior designer has to have all the technical knowledge that goes in to the choice process when selecting individual components which go in to the room. Does the upholstery fabric meet relevant flammability regulations? Will the curtains fade through UV exposure? Will the wallpaper pattern repeat match the wall space available? Is the durability of the carpet suitable for contract use? Is all the electrical equipment suitably certified?

    Chelsom - Esprit Cove Lounge

    These and many other pieces of expert knowledge need to be at the designer’s fingertips to ensure they design a successful project.

    That is where added value can come from the product supply chain who should undoubtedly be experts from within their own fields. At Chelsom, there was a time when our mantra of ‘give the client what they want’ meant exactly that, even if we felt the product designed and selected might not give the long term function or desired effect that was expected. Today we are proud that designers appreciate our expert knowledge and do ask us for advice with lighting issues.

    Sometimes saying no is a real positive rather than a negative response because we are anticipating lighting problems which may not be immediately apparent.

    Chelsom

    For example, an aesthetic design may show a small diameter base on a table lamp to which we will say no as our software confirms it will not pass safety regulations for stability. We will advise that we cannot fit the requested dimmer switch because it is not compatible with the hotel’s existing dimming system. Sorry but we don’t recommend the touch switch you have requested because hotel guests will constantly be phoning the concierge to ask how to switch the lights on.

    No you cannot have a one-piece ceiling plate on that chandelier because it needs access panels for maintenance and ventilation for the electronics inside. Rather than the crystals hanging on chains in your lobby visual, we would use delicate fixed rods to prevent the glass work swinging when open doors create a gust of wind.

    Of course it is essential that if a manufacturer says something isn’t feasible, they have to propose an acceptable alternative based on their own expert knowledge. The interior designer therefore should always consider that he or she is consistently supported by a massive team of experts who can be trusted to give advice and opinions on the suitability of standard product or custom designs from within their own particular specialised area. Those manufacturers may not understand the whole story but they can certainly give added value in their own field.

    For further information or to request a catalogue please contact 01253 831400 or email sales@chelsom.co.uk.

    Wellesley

    London boutique Wellesley hotel announces superyacht service

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    The Wellesley, a luxurious boutique hotel in Knightsbridge overlooking Hyde Park, has announced the launch of a striking 56m superyacht, now available for charter.

    MY The Wellesley was originally built in the Netherlands by Oceanco and has completed a comprehensive refit by Sunrise Yachts and interior designers Dennis Irvine Studio to mirror the hotel’s glamorous Art Deco style. The yacht has already demonstrated its exceptional quality having received the coveted ‘Best Yacht of the Show’ award at the MYBA Charter Show on 5th May in Genoa.

    Wellesley
    A yacht charter is by its nature, entirely personalised. Up to 12 guests will be looked after by the permanent crew of 12 – on hand to cater to every whim. MY The Wellesley offers guests the hotel’s exceptional personal service on board a private yacht with a constantly changing backdrop of chic towns and secluded beaches.

    The yacht has 350sqm of outdoor space spanning three decks. Relax in the Jacuzzi, hit the sundeck or try out the toys and tenders including jet skis, water skis and diving equipment under the guidance of qualified instructors.

    Wellesley

    Watch a movie at the outdoor cinema while the chef prepares hand-rolled sushi. Enjoy a massage on deck before regrouping for a seafood barbeque. Explore beaches or swim in bays and coves accessible only by boat. Indulge in some of the world’s finest cigars from the impressive humidor while sipping Cognac on MY The Wellesley’s smoking deck. Explore the Mediterranean’s cities and beaches, parties and ports on your own schedule, before retreating to the privacy and luxury of your onboard suite.

    mythewellesley.com

    Hamilton Litestat

    Product Spotlight: Hamilton Litestat to showcase ‘smart living’ at Decorex

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    Smart technology and devices have become everyday essentials for many in today’s ‘always connected’ life, enabling people to do whatever they want, whenever and wherever.

    Visitors to the Hamilton Litestat stand H17 will be able to see samples of their favourite and new ‘on trend’ collections that suit modern living, including the ‘now-essential’ dual USB switched sockets available in 10 elegant finishes – quenching today’s thirst for 24/7 access to smart devices in the home, hotels and the workplace.

    Hamilton will also be demonstrating the latest developments with its Mercury® Lighting Control and Multi-room Audio system, including its RGB DMX control option where a colour wash can be given to an area with lighting. The DMX standard is becoming more popular domestically and in many boutique hotels to provide accent lighting and even add drama to a space.

    Matching control plates are available from the Hamilton collections for that totally co-ordinated look.

    Unit G, Quarry Industrial Estate, Mere, Wiltshire BA12 6LA
    T: +44 (0)1747 860088
    info@hamilton-litestat.com
    www.hamilton-litestat.com

    The Talbot, Ripley, Surrey

    Bespoke Hotels’ The Talbot reopens after £1m refurbishment

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    Following substantial refurbishment works and a star-studded launch event, The Talbot has reopened its doors in the heart of Ripley in scenic Surrey, breathing new life into this historic coaching inn, which has played host to everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton during its 250-year history.

    Having benefited from a £1 million investment, encompassing soft enhancements to the bedrooms and suites, the restaurant and bar areas, as well as the property’s substantial events and wedding facilities, The Talbot sees itself reinvigorated and ready to make its mark in the South East once again.

    The addition of the renowned Michelin Starred figure of Martin Blunos to the role of Executive Chef has also helped to transform the Talbot’s culinary offering, with a brand new menu comprising modern flourishes alongside time-honoured British favourites, with an emphasis on versatility and locally sourced produce.

    “The Talbot has always been a property brimming with personality”, said Graham Marskell, Managing Director of Bespoke Hotels. “We are delighted to have been able to bring out this unique character through a schedule of extensive refurbishment works, as well as an exciting new menu and dynamic team. We at Bespoke are looking forward to re-establishing the property both on a local and national level.”

    Marlin Apartments offering free smartphone service to guests

    Marlin Apartments to offer free smartphone service to guests

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    Marlin Apartments, the leading serviced apartment provider in London has entered into a strategic partnership with Tink Labs, a Hong Kong-based technology incubator to introduce complimentary UK and international calls as well as internet access to all guests on-the-go.

    Handy, an innovative flagship smartphone from Tink Labs, will be available across Marlin’s portfolio of more than 650 London apartments from September 2016 onwards. All Marlin guests will receive a virtual mobile number through the devices from which they can make not only free local calls but also international calls to 10 countries including the USA, Germany, India and China. Unlimited internet access will also be available on the devices.

    Applications such as Google Maps, Facebook and Twitter will be pre-loaded on the smartphones coupled with a regularly updated London travel guide, enabling business travellers to remain connected around the clock and well-informed on the road. All personal data and browsing history will be automatically cleared from the devices after check-out.

    Susan Cully, Managing Director of Marlin Apartments says: “The idea of combining the functionality of a personal smartphone and concierge service into one integrated device is industry-forward. We are delighted to have joined forces with Tink Labs to empower our guests to personalise their stay at Marlin regardless of their geographic locations.”

    “Whilst we make a range of ancillary services even more accessible, we trust that our guests will be benefited from a further enhanced home-away-from-home experience,” she comments.

    Terence Kwok, Founder and CEO of Tink Labs says: “Handy’s partnership with Marlin Apartments marks a tremendous leap forward in establishing our global presence and is testament to the importance of complete mobile connectivity in today’s tourism. Our services will be an extremely valuable asset for expanding the hospitality footprint of Marlin.”

    marlinapartments.com

    Nicolas Adnet

    HD Summit speaker profile: Nicolas Adnet, Studio MHNA

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    The Hotel Designs Summit takes place on 12-13 September at Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted, and as well as fantastic networking opportunities and invaluable meetings, attendees will have the chance to hear talks from influential figures from the hotel and hospitality industry.

    One of this year’s speakers is Nicolas Adnet, one half of the Studio MHNA design partnership, alongside Marc Hertrich. The duo have been imagining, optimising and designing solutions for over twenty years. Nicolas said: “After working in the fashion world, I met Marc and he introduced me to the wonderful world of interior design.” He added that his passion for sharing ideas was a key factor in drawing him to the industry.

    According to Nicolas himself, via the medium of interior architecture and design, the pair ‘offer a certain vision of elegance, a cultured, respectful and approving look at history, but which is also serene and hungry for new technologies, arts and crafts and culture which transcends all barriers’.

    When asked why events like the Hotel Designs Summit are important for the industry, Nicolas said: “It’s so important to share our experiences with the community, and to further our collective knowledge.”

    During his talk at the Hotel Designs Summit, Nicolas Adnet will be discussing hotel trends for 2017 and beyond; what makes a trend and how to implement them in the hospitality sector.

    hoteldesignssummit.co.uk
    If you would like more information on attending the event, please contact Jennie Lane on j.lane@forumevents.co.uk or 01992 374098.

    Leeu Estates

    Leeu Estates, Franschhoek opens its doors

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    The five-star Leeu Estates has opened its doors in Franschhoek, South Africa.

    Numerous designers worked on the property’s architecture, interiors and gardens, including Spanish architect Tomeu Esteva, South African firm Graham Goosen and Johan Malherbe of Malherbe Rust Architects. Cape Town-based studio Beverley Boswell Designs focused on the interiors, while landscape designer Franchesca Watson crafted the gardens.

    The 17-room boutique property is located on more than 168 acres of working vineyards. The renovated 19th-century Manor House has contemporary and classic detailing in its guestrooms and suites. Custom architecture and a relaxed colour scheme define the rooms, which also has curated artwork and sculptures from across the globe. Most rooms have terraces and fireplaces.

    Leeu Estates

    Named after the Afrikaans word for ‘small buck’, the Bokkie Garden has grasses and hedges typically found in the animal’s diet. There is also a bronze and granite sculpture by South African artist Angus Taylor. The property’s signature Leeu Spa houses a gym with mountain views, a nearly 50-foot-long infinity pool, and various wellness offerings.

    Other amenities at the property include the garden terrace, which offers al fresco dining for up to 40 guests, and a reading room with a fireplace and views of the vineyards and gardens.

    leeucollection.com/leeu-estates

    Hilton Garden Inn Brussels Louise

    Hilton Garden Inn Brussels Louise opens

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    Hilton Garden Inn is pleased to announce the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Brussels Louise. The 143-room property is located in the heart of the city, in the art deco quarter of Brussels close by to the European Parliament.

    “We are delighted to bring the Hilton Garden Inn brand to Brussels and to be able to serve the many tourists and business travelers who visit each year. It is exciting for Hilton Garden Inn to have presence in such an important European city,” said John Greenleaf, global head, Hilton Garden Inn. “Our new hotel joins more than 45 Hilton Garden Inns across Europe and offers guests a convenient and enjoyable place to stay.”

    Hilton Garden Inn Brussels Louise is ideally set just off the beautiful Avenue Louise, the city’s upscale shopping area. The property is also within close proximity to Brussels International Airport and the Brussels South Station is just two metro stops away. With its 53 junior suites and seven two-bedroom suites both with kitchenette, Hilton Garden Inn Brussels Louise offers the perfect combination for both short and extended stays.

    Hilton Garden Inn Brussels Louise

    “The new Hilton Garden Inn is the perfect base for leisure travelers coming to explore the city, business travellers attending a nearby meeting and extended stay guests,” says Joris Cammaer, general manager, Hilton Garden Inn Brussels Louise. “Just a short walk from the hotel are main tourist sites and museums of Brussels: Grand Place, Royal Palace, Magritte Museum, and Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. We can’t wait to welcome guests and show them what Hilton Garden Inn has to offer”.

    In addition, Hilton Garden Inn Brussels Louise boasts the Lounge Bar which serves hot and cold drinks, special draft Belgian beers* and a small bites menu. The Pavilion Pantry is also available, featuring a complete selection of salty snacks, sweet treats, cold beverages and frozen items, open 24 hours.

    Hilton Garden Inn guests are treated to standard brand amenties and services, including complimentary W-Fi throughout the hotel, a 24-hour business centre, and fully-equipped fitness centre. All guest rooms boast the brand’s signature bedding featuring fresh, white duvets and crisp linens, as well as a spacious and clutter-free work desk with an ergonomic desk chair.

    Pest-Buda Hotel

    Hungary’s oldest hotel – Pest-Buda – reopens after renovation

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    The oldest hotel in Hungary, Pest-Buda, has reopened after renovation as a 10-bedroom luxury boutique hotel.

    Originally opened all the way back in 1696, the hotel is located in the Buda Castle district, the historic heart of the Hungarian capital. Pest-Buda offers four different room types – courtyard room, simple room, suite and atelier suite.

    Atop the building, two atelier suites feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls, freestanding bathtubs, and oversized walk-in showers, all set against the backdrop of the original exposed brick baroque roof structure. A sleek, family-owned boutique hotel, it is surrounded by historic buildings and peaceful streets, while being only 10 minutes away from the city centre.

    Interior designer Tibor Somlai was commissioned to give the property a “casual-classical Hungarian bistro and rustic luxury boutique hotel” style. The interior designer attempts to conjure an aesthetic that reflects our concept of “casual-classical Hungarian bistro and rustic- luxury boutique hotel in a fresh way.

    It’s part of the Budapest-based Zsidai Gastronomy & Hospitality Group portfolio.

    pest-buda.com/en

    Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra

    Sneak Peek: Kempinski Gold Coast City Accra, Ghana

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    Located in the heart of Ghana’s thriving cultural scene and the economic hub of Accra, Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City is perfectly positioned for memorable corporate events.

    This vibrant property is home to the largest conference facilities in Ghana and features over 1,750 sqm of sophisticated meeting space, ideal for hosting up to 850 people. The Kempinski Hotel Gold Goast City Accra is the only 5* hotel offering state of the art meeting facilities in the city. The hotel is a truly desirable destination for the corporate traveller and is located in the central business district within close proximity to government ministries and historical landmarks.

    Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra Ghana

    Conference & Meeting spaces
    The Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra offers exceptionally high levels of service and style throughout its exclusive spaces. The Grand Ballroom can cater up to 800 guest’s theatre style respectively, while the Executive Meeting Room is a fixed boardroom for up to 16 delegates equipped with cutting edge technology. The beautiful outside function area can be divided to create two individual meeting areas, hosting up to 100 and 250 guests banquet style. Day Delegate packages are also available and include WiFi, room hire, bespoke coffee breaks, stationery and a tailored working lunch. In total the hotel has six meeting rooms between 3sqm and 100sqm, which can be used for presentations, business meetings, banquets or receptions. On the sixth floor, guests staying in the Suites or Executive rooms can enjoy the exclusive privileges of the charming Executive Lounge. The lounge provides an inviting place to enjoy complimentary benefits such as drinks, canapés, newspapers, magazines and two exclusive boardrooms with state-of-the-art technology by day.

    Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra

    Accommodation
    Inspired by the heritage and vibrant colours of Ghana, each room features hardwood floors, luxuriant textiles, and carefully selected artwork. The rooms and suites are spacious; 142 of which have their own balconies. The hotel features 269 rooms including 22 luxury suites and 2 presidential suites. The suites draw inspiration from African artistry, featuring comfortable living areas and ergonomic work stations. Executive rooms and suites have the added benefit of overlooking the pool or city of Accra with access to the Executive Lounge. The Presidential Suites offer panoramic views of Accra and complimentary use of a luxury car chauffeur and 24 hour butler service. All rooms feature complimentary WiFi, Interactive TV, In-room safe, private bar and climate control.

    Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra Ghana

    The Grand Ballroom
    The hotel’s ballroom is the largest and most luxurious in Ghana and the jewel of the conference and event facilities. In total, the ballroom covers 970 sqm, divided between three areas and a foyer, and includes a 50sqm built-in stage. Whether guests plan for a luxury banquet, a musical performance or a glittering cocktail reception, the ballroom will provide a breath-taking venue.

    Tresillo by Harlequin

    Product Spotlight: Tresillo from Harlequin

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    Tresillo is the new, fashion-inspired collection of eclectic fabrics and wallcoverings from Harlequin, which will be launched mid-August 2016.

    Vibrant and uplifting, the collection has an effortless flow that reflects its name: ‘Tresillo’ is a type of rhythm in Cuba and this free-spirited essence of Latin America, its dance, music, climate, people and lifestyle, resonates throughout the collection.

    Tresillo by Harlequin

    Tresillo is a modern collection of soft, geometric motifs, subtle but statement patterns and effortless organic designs that have been inspired by global finds and international style. Tresillo’s vibrant fabrics and wallcoverings, with their strong emphasis on colour and pattern, will enliven and invigorate interior schemes: the motifs lend themselves particularly to floor to ceiling windows, loft living or fashionable townhouse conversions.

    Tresillo by Harlequin

    The curtain fabrics comprise three digital prints, an ikat semi-sheer, a woven jacquard and four embroidered fabrics. The prints include overlapping, ikat-edged disks, overblown abstract watercolour flower-heads and a ‘ribbed effect’ stripe; they achieve a sophisticated nuance of shade and tone through layering, further enhanced by a polished chintz finish.

    The graphic-look jacquard features distressed, almost pixelated lines and embroideries include zingy, multicoloured narrow chevrons, triangles forming stripes and a mosaic tile effect. They are complemented by a core range of ten embossed, vinyl wallcoverings, some of which are wide-width. The embosses replicate a number of natural effects, including rope, raffia, bubbles, linen, tweed, crepe and canvas, which emphasise the motifs such as drying plaster, dragged brushstrokes, frescoes and deconstructed-looking chevron stripes.

    Tresillo by Harlequin

    Some of them are further enhanced by a watery, almost block-printed, appearance, metallic finishes, strié effects and ombré washes. The collection is accompanied by two upholstery ranges. Tresillo Velvets is a sumptuous range of lustrous, thick pile, slub-effect velvets in 32 glorious colourways, whilst Viscano Upholsteries features three easy-to-use geometric designs and a tactile textured plain.

    Tresillo by Harlequin

    There is a further book, Otomis, a chunky basket weave plain in 22 colours, with a mix of hues blended in the yarn resulting in a two-tone look. Sturdy and durable, Otomis is suitable for upholstery but could also be used for curtains if desired.

    Tresillo has a lively and imaginative colour palette, grouped together in evocative combinations such as: rust, ruby and Nordic blue; damson, viola and blush; sky, emerald and zest; denim, nude and sky; tangerine, emerald and mint; pomegranate, slate and fig; mist and fawn; raspberry and caper; sea-glass and ochre; fuchsia and coral.

    The collection will be available both nationally and internationally via a network of stockists from mid-August 2016.

    www.harlequin.uk.com

    Harlequin, Harlequin Contract and FR One
    Ladybird House
    Beeches Road
    Loughborough, LEICS
    LE11 2HA
    UK

    T: +44 (0) 84 51 26 55 76
    E: loughborough@wgbcontracts.com

    Wotton House unveils first phase of £6 million renovation

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    The spectacular 17th century Wotton House in Surrey has revealed phase one of its £6million refurbishment. Nestled in 13 acres of stunning listed gardens in the Surrey countryside, the property has completed almost half of its bedroom renovations, as well as the first bedroom suite, the Jasmine Suite, located in the Mansion House.

    The redesign is part of the group’s wider multi-million pound renovation project across its country estate hotels portfolio, placing the Mansion House building back at the very heart of its country property portfolio, to create country estate hotels where traditional values meet the latest luxuries. Using the grounds to great effect, the investment includes the addition of outdoor dining and sculpture parks to a number of properties, making the great outdoors an extension of the hotel itself.

    Future phases of the Wotton House refurbishment will see the addition of 16 new suites in the Mansion House area of the hotel, bringing the total number of rooms to 127, all of which will feature stylish en-suites and fantastic views of either the beautiful gardens or the dramatic manor house entrance.

    There will be a full overhaul of all public areas, bedrooms, the restaurant and bar, flexible meeting spaces, as well as the spectacular Old Library which is popular for both weddings and private dining.

    Wotton House

    The décor and theming of the refurbishment is classic heritage with modern comfort using stylish furnishings, sumptuous fabrics and traditional touches. The refurbished public areas will be decorated with vintage items such as globes, bound books and antique keys adding character and warmth to the hotel.

    The hotel’s stunning Evelyn Suite, suitable for up to 180 delegates theatre-style or 120 for a banquet, has recently completed its refurbishment and boasts picturesque views of Wotton’s Grade II listed gardens. Its neutral décor provides a sophisticated look with detailing inspired by the building’s rich architecture. In addition to this, the hotel also features 20 flexible meeting and event spaces, all of which are flooded with natural light.

    Surrey-based artist, Emma Stothard, has also been commissioned to create a number of new sculptures inspired by nature. Emma’s other work includes a willow sculpture for HRH the Prince of Wales set within the grounds of Highgrove. This is the first of a series of creative installations set to be launched across the refurbished Country House Hotel portfolio by teaming up with local artists.

    Caroline Morrone, general manager at Wotton House, commented: “As a popular venue for the conference, business, leisure and wedding sectors, the project has been planned and designed to appeal to all our customers and provide an attractive, contemporary venue in stunning surroundings which pays homage to its history. We are delighted with the results so far and are already receiving fantastic feedback from our guests. We are confident that the new suites provide a luxurious accommodation offering to wedding parties and those looking for something a little more special.”

    wottonhousedorkingsurrey.co.uk

    Hotel Designs media partners for Decorex

    Hotel Designs in media partnership with Decorex International

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    Hotel Designs is delighted to announce its media partnership for this year’s edition of Decorex International, being held at Syon Park, London on 18-21 September.

    As Hotel Designs looks to further establish its name within the design and interiors industry, partnering with shows of the calibre of Decorex is the perfect way to reach key influencers and figures from across the industry.

    Decorex International, the UK’s longest running design show and only one of its kind for the luxury interiors market, has been drawing the biggest names from design and interiors for almost 40 years.

    Daniel Fountain, Hotel Designs editor, said of the partnership: “Having attended the Decorex show before, I am delighted we can have a presence at one of most well-known shows in the sector.

    “Its reputation for being the place to discover the very latest trends and products places it at the top of most design professionals’ lists of must-attend-shows. I am excited Hotel Designs can be part of Decorex’s evolving and ever-increasing reputation,” he added.

    decorex.com

    Sheraton Grand London

    Sheraton Grand to debut in London in October

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    Sheraton Hotels & Resorts has announced the designation of the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, welcoming it to the brand’s premier tier of hotels recognised for their enticing destinations, distinguished designs and excellence in service and guest experiences.

    Joining 32 other Sheraton Grand properties worldwide, the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane will start a new chapter in the hotel’s 90-year history this October, following a multi-million pound top-to-bottom renovation. Sheraton Grand is one of many initiatives currently underway for Sheraton 2020, a comprehensive plan designed to solidify Sheraton as the leading global hotel brand of choice, everywhere.

    “Sheraton Grand celebrates the brand’s best-in-class hotels, each hand-selected based on a specific list of criteria ranging from sophisticated design and sought-after destinations, to unrivaled standards of service and impressive hotel amenities.” said Elena Mendez, Vice President, Sheraton, Westin and SSB brands in Europe, Africa and Middle East. “The award of ‘Grand’ status marks the renovated hotel becoming one of London’s emblematic historic hotels once again, further reinforcing Sheraton as a trusted voice in global travel.”

    Having originally opened in 1927 at the height of the “Roaring Twenties,” the 303-room Sheraton Grand London Park Lane has undergone a complete transformation of its guest rooms and public spaces, combining the modern touches of a luxury hotel with careful restoration to retain the original elegance and Art Deco glamour of this historic property. The renovation features the addition of 43 Sheraton Club rooms and suites, which offer exclusive access to the Sheraton Club Lounge, a private space where guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, drinks and snacks during the day, a taster of The Palm Court afternoon tea, a full bar and evening canapés. For business travellers, the Club Rooms and suites also include complimentary use of a private meeting room within the Sheraton Club Lounge, which can seat up to eight people.

    In addition to the Club rooms, the hotel’s 21 suites have been reconfigured to maximise space, with select rooms offering the option to connect adjoining suites, allowing for larger family travel. The hotel’s Grand Suite is a statement in luxury, comprised of an entrance lobby, master bedroom and bathroom, and living and dining areas. Rooms are interconnected with double-width, sliding pocket doors, enabling the entire suite to be opened into a single space.

    From its heyday as the hangout of choice for socialites, celebrities and the aristocracy, the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane has a history of bringing people together in the heart of Mayfair. In the hotel’s famous Palm Court Lounge, sleek furniture and a magnificent stained glass ceiling provide the backdrop to a vibrant atmosphere and lively social scene.

    The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane will officially relaunch in October 2016.

    Il Sereno Lago di Como

    Sereno Hotels announces opening of Il Sereno Lago di Como

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    Sereno Hotels is pleased to announce the grand opening of Il Sereno Lago di Como, the first new hotel on Lake Como in decades, designed by famed Milan-based architect and designer Patricia Urquiola. The all-suite hotel features 30 suites, all with their own furnished terraces and lake views.

    Il Sereno is the third property to join the Sereno Hotels portfolio after Le Sereno Hotel & Villas in St. Barthélemy and Villa Pliniana, also located on Lake Como. Decorated Milan restaurateur and Michelin star chef, Andrea Berton, is at the helm of the hotel’s signature restaurant, Ristorante Berton Al Lago, featuring an exquisite menu inspired by the region. Rounding out the all-star team, acclaimed botanist Patrick Blanc contributed his signature vertical botanical gardens throughout the property, including a spectacular “green sculpture” work of art.

    Il Sereno, Lake Como

    “We are thrilled to open the doors of the much-anticipated Il Sereno Lago di Como,” said Luis Contreras, owner of Sereno Hotels. “This project has been a true labour of love between Sereno Hotels and Patricia Urquiola; and we are excited to introduce an entirely new design concept to Lake Como. We know devotees of Sereno Hotels and new guests alike will enjoy the exquisite design coupled with unparalleled attention to detail, amenities and relaxed service our brand is known for.”

    In keeping with the Sereno Hotels philosophy of opening intimate, design-driven hotels in highly desired destinations, Spectacular views of Lake Como and scenic mountain ranges greet guests in airy lounge areas that seamlessly integrate the interior and exterior of the accommodations. At the centre of the hotel, Urquiola designed a stunning, original stairwell that serves as one of many focal points around the property.

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    RELATED: Sereno Hotels launches Patricia Urquiola-designed Il Sereno
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    Made with natural materials including walnut wood, the large steps are encased in bronze and effortlessly “float” as the lobby’s centerpiece. The dark and beautiful veins of the walnut wood complement the ceppo di grè stone found throughout the hotel. Guests will also find beautiful marble walls with bas-relief patterns that mimic the patterns found in the Venetian terrazzo floors of the restaurant. The hotel features just 30 spacious luxury suites, each with its own waterfront terrace and unobstructed views of Lake Como.

    Il Sereno, Lake Como

    Modern and custom furnishings created by Urquiola complete the elegant and sophisticated design, with understated earthy tones of grey and walnut with touches of blue and green hues to incorporate the colors found in the surroundings of the iconic Italian Lake. Suite amenities include robes and towels made by D. Porthault for Il Sereno and bath toiletries by Ex Voto Paris, a private bar, 24-hour room service, cutting-edge technology including complimentary Wi-Fi, cordless telephones, flat screen TV’s and blue-tooth music systems. In-room spa services are also available.

    “Sereno Hotels has perfected the art of providing luxury service in a relaxed manner and we look forward to introducing our brand of service to Lake Como,” said Samy Ghachem, Managing Director of Sereno Hotels. “Guests will have access to not only the best in design, amenities and cuisine, but will also find an attention to detail that is unrivalled.”

    Il Sereno, Lake Como

    Urquiola’s collaboration did not end with the physical aspects of the hotel. Lake Como has been producing the world’s finest silks for centuries and Urquiola also designed silk scarves, or foulards, that are produced locally for hotel staff uniforms; in addition to a custom design that will be available for guests.

    Paramount Hotel - one project in the pipeline for UAE hotel industry

    UAE hotel industry to open 54,000 new rooms

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    A new report has revealed that there are 183 hotel projects and 54,000 hotel rooms in the UAE hotel industry pipeline.

    The hotel construction report by TopHotelProjects, exclusively written for Hotel Show Dubai 2016, says the majority of the new hotels are expected to open before 2020 and the busiest years are forecast to be 2017 (56 project openings) and 2018 (58 project openings).

    Hotels opening in this time include the Paramount Hotel Dubai (2017); Hard Rock Hotel Abu Dhabi (2017); Citymax Hotel Ras Al Khaimah (2017); and Marriott Dubai Jumeirah (2018).

    Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to lead in hotel construction across the UAE with a combined 155 hotel projects and 47,619 rooms in the pipeline. Other emirates with hotel construction underway include: Sharjah with six projects (959 rooms) and Ras Al-Khaimah with five projects (1,847 rooms).

    Thomas van Vliet, CEO of Paramount Hotels & Resorts, said: “Paramount Hotel Dubai, expected to open by the end of 2017, will be the first ever Paramount Hotels & Resorts property as well as the operator’s UAE flagship hotel.

    “The hotel, part of a mixed use complex also housing 1,197 serviced residences, offers a luxurious experience with a Californian edge and Hollywood vibe, housing 823 guest rooms and suites, some of which are themed after Paramount Pictures movies. We have three more projects underway in Dubai, with a total of 1,383 keys,” he added.

    New build £13m, 172-bed hotel in Manchester given green light

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    A new hotel development in Manchester has been given the green light, with a scheduled completion cost of £13 million and should be finished at the end of 2017.

    SimpsonHaugh and Partners has secured planning permission for the new hotel on the Cable Street regeneration project in Manchester’s city centre.

    The new hotel will be designed for Axcel Hospitality who aims to establish a ‘distinctive sense of place’.

    The 8,000-square-metre scheme will be nine storeys high and created in the place of a surface car park. The four-star hotel will have 172 bedrooms, a café / bar, fitness centre and meeting rooms.

    It is thought the new hotel could be operated by AC Hotels, under the Marriott brand. Construction is expected to begin in September and be completed by the end of 2017.

    “With its sculpted massing and careful attention to materiality, the new hotel seeks to provide an exemplar high-quality design to stimulate regeneration throughout the rest of the New Cross district,” says Partner David Green of SimpsonHaugh and Partners.

    Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho

    Starwood unveils Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho hotel

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    The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, has announced the opening of The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel, marking Starwood’s first-ever luxury hotel in Japan’s capital city.

    Managed by Prince Hotels, the distinguished property is situated in the prestigious Kioicho neighbourhood, with interiors by Rockwell Group Europe, and the hotel is the second property part of The Luxury Collection brand to open in Japan, following the debut of Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Kyoto last year.

    Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho

    “We are thrilled to open our first luxury hotel in Tokyo with the debut of The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a market that attracts both business and leisure travellers from across the globe,” said Lothar Pehl, Senior Vice President, Operations and Global Initiatives, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. “The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho presents indigenous flavours and colourful character within a rich cultural context, further elevating the luxury offerings in Japan’s capital city.”

    Designed by Rockwell Group Europe, The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho features a striking contemporary aesthetic inspired by the sprawling sky and kaleidoscopic colours of the surrounding city. Located on the 30th to 36th floors of Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho, the hotel features 250 guestrooms, including 11 opulent suites that fuse traditional touches with modern amenities.

    Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho

    For unrivalled dining experiences, the hotel features four unique restaurants and bars, including Oasis Garden, an all-day dining venue with a sky garden setting; Washouku Souten, a Japanese restaurant with a contemporary dining room, sake bar, teppanyaki area, sushi counter and private dining room; Levita Sky Gallery Lounge, a sophisticated lounge serving tea, light snacks and cocktails and illumiid THE BAR, asignaturebar located on the 35th floor distinguished by floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Other facilities include the Kioi spa and fitness centre, operated by Swiss Perfection, which offers a large indoor pool, spa treatments, a sauna, and personal training, as well as a state-of-the-art business centre.

    Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho

    The adjacent Akasaka Prince Classic House, a western-style building completed in 1930 and the former residence of the last crown prince of Korea, is now home to La Maison Kioi, a modern French bistro; and the cosy Bar Napoleon. Preserving the historical ambience with a modern twist, Akasaka Prince Classic House also offers almost 3,000 square feet of an elegant banquet hall that can accommodate up to 140 guests.

    Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho

    “The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho caters to the top tier of Japan’s hospitality market,” said Shigeyoshi Akasaka, President of Prince Hotels, Inc. “We are confident that the hotel’s refined offerings and insightful programming will resonate with seasoned and affluent travellers, providing a fresh perspective from which to enjoy this vibrant city.”

    Park Hotels - Zone Raipur

    The Park Hotels launches fourth ‘Zone by the Park’ property in Raipur

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    The Park Hotels, pioneers of luxury boutique hotels in India, are delighted to announce the launch of yet another four-star ‘Zone by The Park’ hotel in Raipur.

    Zone by The Park Raipur, a 72 room hotel, is strategically located at VIP Junction which is minutes away from Central Business District of Raipur and Swami Vivekanada Airport. Zone Raipur will offer great food and beverage options to its guests. It is home to the city’s largest banquet space of 13,000 sq. ft. making it ideal for weddings, conferences, events and meetings. The hotel will also have three excellent restaurants and city’s first night club, Z Disc.

    Bazaar, the signature restaurant inspired by multi-hued charismatic native markets is located just off the lobby area. Interactive service and live cooking stations, such as Pizzeria and the Wokerie will give guests an immersive experience. Urban Spice Box, the exclusive Indian grill and kebab restaurant at the terrace and Playa by Zone, the rooftop pool framed by scenic views will be opened in the second phase.

    Zone Raipur - Park Hotels

    Speaking at the launch, Vijay Dewan, Managing Director, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Ltd. said, “Raipur is an emerging city that is enthusiastic about having a trendy lifestyle. There is a tremendous demand for exciting and glamorous options to indulge in and thus it open avenues for brands like ours. Zone Raipur will fill in that gap. This is our fourth property and we are planning to expand its footprint in South, North and West India.

    “The hotel is designed to meet the requirements of the price-conscious, design-conscious urban traveller. Most of Raipur’s major attractions are just a short distance away. It is set to lead a social shift in hospitality; Taking hospitality to a whole new level making the hotel a social hotspot,” he added.

    CPD acoustics training for architects gets CIBSE seal of approval

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    With acoustics being a crucial element of a building’s design, the RIBA-approved Geberit CPD training module now also has CIBSE seal of approval, making it an even more important addition to an architect’s CV.

    With acoustics being a crucial element of a building’s design, the RIBA-approved Geberit CPD acoustics training module now also has CIBSE seal of approvalCIBSE promotes the career of building services engineers in a number of ways, such as approving work-based training programmes, including the Geberit CPD ‘Embedding acoustics into design’. Providing a technical insight and definition of ‘noise’ and its causes, the CPD covers current British Standards relating to limiting bathroom sound.

    The CPD also gives insight into Geberit’s thorough approach to noise reduction which starts with good design and ends with appropriate product choices and correct installation techniques.

    The training, offered free of charge, helps architects, specifiers and M&E contractors understand the problem of noisy bathrooms, the importance of taking a holistic approach to minimising it and the most suitable products available to create a quiet bathroom that doesn’t impact on adjoining rooms.

    The official CIBSE approval means the Geberit acoustics CPD module can be delivered as part of the Continuous Professional Development of Consultants, Chartered Engineers and Engineering Technicians.

    For more information, visit www.geberit.co.uk or call 01926 516800

    T: +44 (0) 800 800 6604
    T: +44 (0) 800 007 5133
    F: +44 (0) 844 800 6604
    E: sales.gb@geberit.com

     

    Kobe Room Highs

    Product Spotlight: Kobe introduces new range of room highs

     999 581 Daniel Fountain
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    Luxury fabric specialist Kobe, has introduced a new compact range of ‘room highs’, the extra wide fabrics for window décor.

    The fabric is more than 300cm high with the pattern printed or woven horizontally across, making matching patterns and sewing seams a thing of the past.
    The sophisticated, luxurious easy-to-care-for, washable fabrics come in a palette of neutral pastels and rich deep tones.

    The collection includes the enhanced Bacarole II, 28% cotton and 72% polyester, piece dyed and brushed to give a rustic cotton appearance, available in 44 shades.

    The Levanto, is a cool solid plain created in 92% linen and 8% polyester with a subtle natural shine, in 46 colourways and Larino, an authentic linen look woven dobby comprising 100% polyester has a soft finish in 32 colours. Completing the range is the contemporary Castello, a multi-coloured semi plain in 100% polyester with the feel of natural linen, in nine shades and Filippa, a 100% polyester woven jacquard featuring a paisley design in seven tones.

    Kobe room highs

    Said David Harris, Managing Director of Kobe UK: “Seams really can take away from the beauty of a curtain and using single width curtains on standard window heights may mean having to sew seams. Sewing two pieces of fabric together to match the width of the window, creates a join. Not only can this spoil the look of curtains but can be time consuming and expensive.

    “With room highs there is no extra fabric and sewing needed to match the width; no seams, look fantastic and drape beautifully. You save money on material, time and sewing costs.”

    Kobe has a range of collections featuring room high fabrics as well as the standard widths. Both City Chic and Aurora offer the very latest trends in room-highs.

    www.kobe.eu

    18 Wellington Business Park
    Dukes Ride
    Crowthorne
    Berkshire
    RG45 6LS
    UK

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

    Off Paris Seine - Gérard Ronzatti designed

    Gérard Ronzatti completes floating hotel project in Paris

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    Gérard Ronzatti, the French architect, has completed a floating hotel project in the French capital.

    Off Paris Seine debuts as France’s first floating hotel and features 54 rooms in total.

    Off Paris Seine - Gérard Ronzatti designed

    The largest boat docked in the French capital, Off Paris Seine is situated near the Gare d’Austerlitz. “The floating hotel is in actual fact two floating facilities that are strongly articulated and connected,” said Ronzatti Architects in a statement. “An accordion pleats’ system permits to keep a feeling of discreet rolling in order to really give an experience of living on the water.”

    Off Paris Seine - Gérard Ronzatti designed
    The 80-metre-long hotel also includes a restaurant, outdoor terrace, which opens out onto the riverbank and a small marina for small vessels.

    Photos: offparisseine.com

    Dominic West to convert Irish castle into boutique hotel

    Actor Dominic West to convert Irish castle into boutique hotel

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    Renowned TV and film actor Dominic West and his family are to convert a castle in Limerick, Ireland into a boutique hotel.

    The 700-year-old Glin Castle, the ancestral home of West’s wife Catherine Fitzgerald, was on sale for £5.5 million, but the family changed their minds.

    “Selling up was absolutely heart-breaking for all of us, especially my mother-in-law and my wife and luckily, we’re reopening it as a hotel, all going well, some time next year,” said West.

    “I’m going to manage it. I want to be in charge or as much as my schedule will allow. Obviously there will be someone in place far more experienced and qualified than I coping with the day-to-day. But we want to be there. We’re going to be heavily involved. That’s why we’re moving home to Ireland. We spend a large amount of time there already. It is for all intents and purposes home for us.”

    The castle has previously been rented out in its entirety to clients including Mick Jagger, Marianne Faithful and Talitha Getty.

    Guest Blog: Looking after your designers…

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    Former hotel designer Patrick Goff shares his thoughts on the relationship between commissioners of design and their designers…

    Recently I had dinner with a designer becoming exhausted with the stress of running a large (and very successful) practice. Disillusioned with client relations they were coming to terms with the designer as the elite of the servant classes, rather than being a member of ‘der management’. It is not the first time I have talked with colleagues (sometimes once competitors) with these reactions of feeling devalued by the avaricious money people who often claim credit for designers work. It seems to be the nature of society that those who are the creative drivers are rarely those who get the recognition – until they are dead of course…

    The stress of building a design practice, then protecting and nurturing it at often great personal cost through recession to rebuild it again takes its toll. The creativity that the designers are known for is compressed and is then, like a lemon, squeezed by clients until the juice runs dry.

    flint-black-and-white-25-07-cliffs-024

    Some back off running practices and retreat to being sole practitioners, choosing to work less so that they feel they have a personal relationship with the creative problem solving. Others sell their businesses and go sailing, play golf or grow flowers. Most do this mentally bruised and stressed by client expectations and client demands that they deal only with the principals, disallowing delegation . They want ‘the engine driver, not the oily rag’. This persistent demand for personal service can kill the goose that lays the golden egg.

    The roll call of designers retreating from the high profile leadership of the profession is great, maybe because of a basic humility, maybe because of a fragile sense of self, maybe because they despair seeing others claiming credit for their creative ability. Often press releases name the architect when it is the work of the interior designer that has created the spaces being written about. So great designers are left as the walking wounded of the creative industries.

    Over the last three years I have experienced a number of health problems culminating in being treated over the last year for cancer. I am pleased that I have been told it is ‘cured’ but I still have to be tested every 3 months against recurrence. It is a brutal shock to hear the word ‘cancer’ in diagnosis, and does bring about a reappraisal of purpose. Life can be cut short abruptly and 50% is now reckoned the proportion of us who will suffer cancer. I have been lucky that mine has responded to treatment, maybe yours will too?

    The resurrection of an old project is typical of what is processing within me at the moment. Over 20 years in design has it seems created a huge reservoir of images and ideas that are determined to be realised through painting, drawing and, right now, photography. I feel like a stick on a flood, being pushed and tossed around at the mercy of these ideas, trying to go with the flow.

    stripes-25-07-cliffs-014

    For many designers their sense of being wounded by the processes they go through, of having their creative muse squeezed dry, could be helped by a sabbatical return to their creative roots. Our society and the clients are great at demanding projects be completed faster – a new hotel now may be built in less than 12 months compared to the nearly 4 years of the first new build I did in 1983.

    But the time for design needs to be protected if designers aren’t to feel like that squeezed lemon left after the pancake party. Creative thinkers need space for their unconscious to work as well as the conscious realisation of the ideas. Pressure for speedy results can produce banal realisations.

    Without physical and emotional well-being it is difficult to realise ideas properly. I know I am storing pressure for future creative outpourings as I follow instructions to sit still and give healing a chance. It is impossible now to learn patience, I just have to drive on to realise as many of the ideas as I can over the coming years.

    Meanwhile the current months of being walking wounded present different challenges for me. I now have time to think and space to create free of pressure. I pray for the years I need to tackle the ideas and hope the answers are visually strong, interesting and involving for others.

    I hope that those design leaders who I see as walking wounded will not wait until their health breaks too, before taking the time out for themselves.

    Words and photos: Patrick Goff
    patrickgoff.com

    RIU Hotels

    RIU Hotels opens property in Times Square

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    RIU Hotels & Resorts inaugurated the Riu Plaza New York Times Square, its first hotel in New York City. The newly-constructed hotel is located in Manhattan near Times Square on Restaurant Row. Riu built the 647-room hotel for $310 million, its largest hotel investment to date, including the purchase of the land, construction and decorating costs.

    “This opening is a dream come true. It took us nearly ten years to find the most appropriate opportunity to invest in the right location in New York, in addition to the three years it took to prepare and build the hotel. However, without a doubt, all of the effort and work was worth it seeing how the Riu Plaza New York Times Square hotel is now a reality,” Luis Riu, CEO of Riu Hotels & Resorts, said in a statement.

    Ivan Mayol, chief business officer at Riu Plaza Hotels, said the brand has been looking to develop a hotel in New York for roughly 10 years, but has been held back because it was unable to find a suitable location. After securing the location one block from Times Square, construction on the hotel began June 2013, setting in motion what Mayol called a personal milestone for the company’s CEO. “It’s like putting a flag on the moon,” Mayol said.

    While its first New York hotel is already open, Mayol is already talking about a possible second. Riu, like most major brands, won’t be satisfied until it has multiple hotels open in every major U.S. city, and has earmarked future development ideas in Boston, San Francisco and more.

    “We want to build, and it will be soon. All the money we make from these hotels we re-invest,” Mayol said. “If you asked me five years ago if we would have a hotel in New York by now and I would have expected it.”

    For the near future, however, the Riu Times Square is still trying to stabilize in the midst of opening. While the hotel is currently packed with guests, the property’s assistant GM Micah Polansky said it originally hoped to open in November, but faced delays due to license issues.

    “Traffic from Christmas would have been nice, but it’s always good to have time to iron out problems,” Polansky said. “Now is the time to establish a routine.”

    Guestrooms at the 29-floor hotel are divided into doubles, executives, family suites, junior suites and the presidential suite. Among the guestroom amenities are minibars, flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi, which is available throughout the property.

    The hotel also has two dining options. The first, Fashion, is an à la carte restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner, with a buffet breakfast offered each morning. It is also open for snacks from 12 PM to 11 PM daily. Also available to guests is a grab-and-go eater, Capital, which offers coffee, tea, soft drinks, snacks and sweets for guests on the go.

    For business travelers, the hotel has two conference rooms with capacity for 70 and 75 people, respectively, along with two meeting rooms. Meeting planners and business travelers also have access to full audiovisual equipment and Wi-Fi.

    With the opening of the Riu Plaza New York Times Square, Riu now has five hotels in its urban line: the Riu Plaza Berlin in Germany; the Riu Plaza Panama in Panama City, Panama; the Riu Plaza Guadalajara in Mexico; and the Riu Plaza Miami Beach.

    Porto Maravilha - Rio de Janiero

    AC Hotels brings European flair to Brazil with Porto Maravilha, Barra da Tijuca properties

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    The highly-anticipated 225-room AC Hotel Rio de Janeiro Porto Maravilha and the 378-room AC Hotel Rio de Janeiro Barra da Tijuca, have opened their doors, inviting guests to experience Brazil’s newest class of lifestyle hotels.

    AC Hotels by Marriott celebrates the beauty of classic modern design with its European soul and Spanish roots, borne from the signature vision of renowned hotelier Antonio Catalan, who founded the brand in 1998. Marriott International formed a joint-venture with the successful brand in 2011 and has since launched AC Hotels by Marriott globally in France, Denmark, the United States, Mexico and now Brazil.

    The two Rio openings debut the brand in Brazil following a successful launch in Latin America with openings in Guadalajara and Queretaro Antea, Mexico. Later this year, AC Hotels by Marriott is scheduled to expand its portfolio with hotels in Mexico City (Mexico), Panama City (Panama), and Santiago (Chile).

    “We are thrilled to be bringing this new class of lifestyle hotel to two of Rio de Janeiro’s most dynamic neighborhoods – Porto Maravilha and Barra da Tijuca,” explains Toni Stoeckl, Vice President of Lifestyle Brands at Marriott International. “Our rapidly growing portfolio of design-led hotels illustrates Marriott International’s commitment to making distinctive architecture and design affordable and accessible for creatives and entrepreneurs around the world.”

    AC Hotels Porto Maravilha, Barra da Tijuca

    Based on a belief that purposeful design improves lives, AC Hotels carves away what is unnecessary, in order to provide guests with thoughtfully designed moments of beauty; experiences that elevate their stay and help them focus on what is important to them. AC Hotel guests get only what they need, without paying for what they don’t. The result is sophisticated yet unpretentious style, innovative beverage and food programming with locally inspired experiences for both guests and locals.

    “Rio de Janeiro is certainly one of South America’s most vibrant cities with a thriving art scene and energetic urban culture,” said Tim Sheldon, President of the Caribbean and Latin America at Marriott International. “With the recent opening of the Museu do Amanhã and the investment by the private sector and government in Porto Maravilha, we feel the AC Hotels brand will fit perfectly with the neighborhood’s revival. The AC Hotel Barra da Tijuca is centrally located in Barra and an excellent destination for next-generation travelers expected to visit the 2016 Summer Games in August.”

    Signature Design
    AC Hotels by Marriott is designed for creative, entrepreneurial spirits who are constantly on the go and appreciate the oasis of a well-designed hotel that allows them to welcome moments of tranquility, be present and connect with others. Influenced by its European roots, the AC Hotel Rio de Janeiro Porto Maravilha and the AC Hotel Rio de Janeiro Barra da Tijuca showcase timeless design that is modern and sleek. Guest rooms incorporate inviting grays and charcoal tones, with clean lines accentuated by and wood floors; furniture is lifted off the floor to create a sense of space, and crisp white linens are used to create a look that is both refined and elegant.

    achotels.marriott.com

    Decorex and London Design Fair

    Decorex partners with London Design Fair

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    Decorex International, the UK’s longest running design show and only one of its kind for the luxury interiors market, announces that it will partner with the London Design Fair, the umbrella brand for Tent London and Super Brands London, for the 2016 London Design Festival.

    This collaboration between two complementary shows will see both present their exhibition consecutively, with Decorex open between 18 and 21 September and the London Design Fair from 22 to 25 September. A pass for either show will be valid at both, which means that visitors will be able to access two major destinations of the London Design Festival for virtually the entire festival.

    In addition, the partnership will be promoted on social media, with both shows picking their highlights from each event. A dedicated entrance at the London Design Fair will greet visitors coming from Decorex to ensure a swift entry.

    While both shows champion a different aspect of the design community, by joining forces Decorex and the London Design Fair are offering visitors a broader perspective on design. Through this enhanced experience, they are encouraging them to engage in an even wider discussion on the emerging trends and topics facing the industry today. Drawing on the synergies between the two, retail buyers, specifiers, architects, interior designers and design devotees can consider the many diverse facets of a range of contemporary interiors.

    Simone du Bois, Brand Director for Decorex comments: “Given the sheer number and breadth of events to navigate during the London Design Festival, it can be overwhelming for design professionals with more focused time constraints. By partnering with the London Design Fair, we feel it offers a unique opportunity for our shared audience to experience some of the best British and International brands alongside fresh, new emerging talent. Highlights will include design collaborations from country pavilions to exciting new processes and technologies and the kudos of established brands.

    For visitors, it offers excellent value for money and a curated experience to the very best London has to offer in terms of design.”

    Jimmy MacDonald, the Founder & Director of the London Design Fair, says: “As the margins between design ad craft, retail and online, contract and end-user diminish; one show on its own will struggle to complete the visitor experience. Two shows might just deliver – actually we are very sure they will!”

    decorex.com

    Parisian Macao

    Sands China announces $13 billion Parisian Macao resort investment

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    Sands China has announced that its elegant French-themed property, The Parisian Macao, will open its doors on 13 September, 2016.

    The launch of the newest addition to the Sands China Ltd portfolio of properties on the Cotai Strip marks yet another major milestone in the company’s efforts to support Macao’s development as a world centre of tourism and leisure. The Parisian Macao brings Sands China’s total Macao investment to more than US $13 billion (MOP 104 billion) to date.

    Inspired by the magic and wonder of the famed City of Light, The Parisian Macao prominently features a half-scale authentic recreation of the Eiffel Tower. The property’s full array of integrated resort facilities includes 3,000 guestrooms and suites, convention and meeting space, international restaurants, spa, kids’ club, health club, pool deck with themed water park, 1,200-seat theatre, among other amenities. Its retail mall, Shoppes at Parisian, will offer the latest in fashion and couture in a setting reminiscent of the streets of Paris, with an eclectic mix of street artists and entertainers heightening the authentic experience.

    Set to become a skyline-redefining landmark on the Cotai Strip, The Parisian Macao fulfils the original vision ofSheldon G. Adelson, chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands and Sands China Ltd.

    “Our goal to create a large-scale leisure and business destination in Macao, which started with the opening of The Venetian Macao nearly 10 years ago, will be fully realized when The Parisian opens its doors in a matter of weeks,” Adelson said. “It’s unlikely another tourism development with the size and scope of the Cotai Strip will ever be achieved again. I am grateful for the hard work and determination of the countless people involved in this amazing development and the unwavering support of the people and government of Macao. Together, we have truly made history.”

    Sands China President Dr. Wilfred Wong said: “The Parisian Macao is a property that will help cement Macao’sposition as one of the region’s must-see business and leisure destinations. With the launch of The Parisian Macao, Sands China remains committed to providing unforgettable experiences for our many guests and visitors – from around the world and from right here in Macao. We thank the Macao government for their continued support of our company, and our team members for their dedication and professionalism which bring our properties to life, day in and day out.”

    pentahotels Ipswich bar

    pentahotels Ipswich entices with unique design

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    pentahotels is known for its neighbourhood lifestyle design that makes their guests feel right at home, and with their newly refurbished and uniquely-designed bedrooms in Ipswich, they have created a one-of-a-kind design to complement their exclusive pentalounge.

    The 126 spacious guest rooms are equipped with all key ingredients particular to the pentahotels style: necessary ports for mobile devices, free Wi-Fi and complementary “Pay-TV” on large flatscreens to enjoy your night just as you would at home.
    And with bedding of exceptional quality, guests easily anticipate a comfortable overnight stay at their favourite hotel chain.

    —–
    RELATED: Company Profile – Original, unconventional style of pentahotels
    —–

    Alastair Thomann, Managing Director of pentahotels, praises the great design of the new bedrooms: “With the refurbishment of our hotel in Ipswich we are taking another great step in establishing the pentahotels’ unique style all over the world and guarantee that our guests feel as comfortable as possible when they walk through the door. Our feedback received on the newly designed bedrooms has been outstanding.”

    pentahotels represents a new generation of hotels. Known for its unique interior design and “neighbourhood” feel, the lifestyle brand stands for true innovation in the industry’s 4-star segment. With 28 hotels across seven countries on two continents, pentahotels offers individual and business travellers comfort and style in a relaxed atmosphere. The hallmark of the hotel chain is the pentalounge – a combination of lounge, bar, café and reception – that stands out with its “living room” look and feel.

    Blue Bar at The Berkeley

    Project Spotlight: Dernier & Hamlyn’s true colours at The Berkeley

     1000 667 Daniel Fountain
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    The legendary Blue Bar at The Berkeley in the heart of Knightsbridge has recently re-opened following a six-month refurbishment.

    Retaining its original look by David Collins with the classic Lutyens blue panelling was an important element of the bar’s remodelling.

    Bespoke lighting manufacturer Dernier & Hamlyn worked with leading interior designer Robert Angell, protégé to the late Collins, to restore and reimagine ceiling, wall and pedestal lights that enhance this beautiful and charismatic bar.

    Dernier & Hamlyn’s joint managing director Jeremy Quantrill says: “The Blue Bar is probably one of the most beautiful cocktail bars in London. We made the original Lutyens cardinal hat light fittings that have always been a notable feature in the bar, so to be asked back to restore them to their former glory and then enrich the space with new fittings designed by Robert Angell was an honour for us.”

    www.dernier-hamlyn.com

    5 Croydon Business Centre
    214 Purley Way
    Croydon
    Surrey
    CRO 4XG
    UK

    T: +44 (0) 20 87 60 09 00
    F: +44 (0) 20 87 60 09 55
    E: info@dernier-hamlyn.com

    Luxury Collection Hotels to debut in Changsha, China

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    The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts has announced it will open The Luxury Collection Hotel, Changsha, an elegant and iconic property that will rise high above the Xiangjiang River. The graceful landmark, designed by Callison RTKL and offering 310 spacious guest rooms — including 6 suites and an expansive 270-square-meter Presidential Suite – is scheduled to open September 2016.

    “The Luxury Collection Hotel, Changsha will offer an urban oasis of modern luxury where guests can enjoy serene river views, captivating culture and prime access to the city’s multilayered history,” explained Eddie Tang, general manager.

    Tao Yuanming’s famous poem “Journey to the Immortal of Peach Garden” is the inspiration for the hotel’s design. The Luxury Collection Hotel, Changsha takes guests on a journey from a lost paradise to a quiet urban oasis, capturing elements of Changsha’s glorious past, present and future.

    All rooms and suites will offer breathtaking views of the city, the Meixi Lake and the stunning Meixi Lake International Cultural and Arts Center, a masterpiece by renowned architect Zaha Hadid.

    The Luxury Collection Hotel, Changsha, is the first luxury international brand in the city, and will present one-of-a-kind experiences through the Luxury Collection’s Golden Thread Concierge Services. A hallmark of the brand, the bespoke offering unlocks the cultural, historic and natural treasures of the region, including experiences such as a visit the all-female embroiderers who create exquisite Hunan Embroidery; pottery glazing in the Tungguan Kiln or participation as a player in the Hunan Huaju Drama.

    In the beautiful setting, guests will enjoy a relaxing suite of guest amenities that include a 25-metre heated indoor swimming pool, a 1,100-square-meter spa with 14 treatment rooms, four distinctive restaurants ranging from casual to elegant to entertaining, 2,700 square meters of flexible event space on the third level overlooking Meixi Lake including the 1,090-square-meter Jin Mao Grand Ballroom, meeting and board rooms.

    Lion Quays Hotel

    Lion Quays Hotel in the middle of £1m refurbishment

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    The Lion Quays Hotel & Spa in Oswestry, Shropshire, has announced its next stage of its £1 million refurbishment, which is set to be completed in 2017.

    The property is owned by Ashok Bansal, a former surgeon, who paid around £10 million to for the 82-bedroom property in 2015.

    The hotel has completed the £500k upgrade of 41 of its bedrooms, with work to begin on the following 41 by the end of the year. The Lion Quays Hotel and Spa has recently renovated its conference space with a £100,000 investment.

    The interior redesign features a palette of deep plum, mauve and bold splashes of colour, offset against white linens. Executive and ground-floor feature guestrooms offer Juliet balconies or canal side balconies.

    Colin Jenno, general manager of the Lion Quays Hotel & Spa, said: “We are thrilled with the progress of the redevelopment of the hotel. We are infusing some contemporary styling and modern touches into the bedrooms, and matched with our warmth of service and great proximity to major towns such as Chester and Manchester, I can only see the hotel going from strength to strength.

    “The hotel has already reaped the benefits of the early investment and meeting space refit, with occupancy forecast to increase by 2% this year and meeting booking up by 10% on this time last year. Great signs that the work we have carried out has been well received, and boding well for business next year.”

    Kimpton hotel to open in Paris by 2020

    IHG to debut Kimpton brand in Paris

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    InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced plans to open the first Kimpton hotel in the home of European fashion and design – Paris.

    Situated in one of the city’s most sought-after districts, near the famous Paris Opéra, the luxury hotel is set to open its doors in 2020.

    The hotel will be fully transformed with Kimpton’s signature bold and playful design to feature 149 guestrooms and 27 suites, luxury spa and fitness facilities, and a state-of-the-art meeting space overlooking the high-end Parisian streets, buildings and rooftops.

    Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, acquired by IHG in January 2015, is renowned for its innovative design and personal approach to guest service, using perks and amenities to make guests feel truly at home. It inspires with touches like yoga mats in every room, complimentary coffee and tea to start the day, a hosted evening Wine Hour, in-room fitness options and complimentary bikes to explore the local area. Kimpton’s award-winning destination restaurants and bars are loved locally, and provide guests with an authentic taste of the city.

    Angela Brav, IHG’s Chief Executive Officer, Europe says: “Bringing Kimpton to Paris marks another milestone for expansion of the brand into Europe, and we’re delighted to be working with AXA IM – Real Assets to bring Kimpton to France. This hotel will have one of the most coveted addresses in the city and is set to create unbelievable memories and experiences for guests – in the way that only Kimpton can.”

    Wandsworth Electrical

    Project Spotlight: Wandsworth Electrical features on US TV

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    The world-renowned How It’s Made TV documentary made by the Discovery Channel aired a segment on how electrical switches are made.

    Shown on US TV on 18 July, the aim of the documentary is to show how common, everyday items are manufactured.

    Wandsworth Electrical was selected as the location to highlight the processes and tools required to make light switches and plug sockets.

    The 3-minute video takes the viewer through the process from cutting the raw material into plates, making the internal components and fixing the plates to the grids. It even highlights Wandsworth Electricals capability to make bespoke plate configurations, focusing on some designs for hotels.

    As a company that has been manufacturing for over 100 years we are proud of the processes we use, the technicians who manufacture by hand our high quality collections and the fact we have kept our production in Great Britain whilst many of our competitors have moved operations to the far-east.

    Ritchie House
    Albert Drive
    Woking
    Surrey
    GU21 5JY
    UK

    Tel: 01483 713400

    Email: sales@wandsworthgroup.com

    Clevedon Hall, Somerset

    Clevedon Hall, Somerset

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    On a recent editorial jaunt for Hotel Design’s sister publication (PA Life) I was invited to spend an evening at Clevedon Hall, a Victorian mansion conversion overlooking the Bristol Channel. My invitation was to experience their new corporate hosting (FULL REVIEW HERE), but the overnight stay allowed me to assess the considerable work that has been carried out on the property’s upper levels in recent years.

    Originally used as office space for the venue’s long-thriving wedding hosting service, Jane Clayton & Company were tasked with restoring these upper floors to create 25 individually appointed bedrooms from the available space. It means that the interiors for each room have been uniquely designed and considered, taking into account size, aspect and architecture.

    Clevedon Hall, Somerset

    Speaking to Lawrence Dauncey, Clevedon Hall’s Corporate Concierge, he tells me that the firm have been careful to avoid a generic theme. Instead, and rather cleverly, Clayton and her team have kept a continuous theme running throughout the rooms through selection of furniture and furnishings and a subtle, nature-inspired colour palette.

    Speaking of nature, my wonderfully-named ‘Peregrine’ suite is a gorgeous blend of greys, browns and cream and the attention to detail in the upholstery and accessories adds a luxuriously traditional feel – but having recently been completed, the room still retains a ‘freshly painted’ look. Both the bedroom and bathroom are spacious and a well-lit entrance hallway splits the two, a touch I particularly like as it keeps a degree of separation between the living and washroom areas.

    Clevedon Hall, Somerset

    The touches of luxury continue in the bathroom: an extremely hi-tech toilet in the Japanese style (which I’m reliably informed costs upwards of £6,000), a striking standalone sink unit, walk-in shower and generously-sized bathtub – it’s a shame I’m only staying for one evening. The colour scheme from the living quarters continue with light mink tiling and panels, with marble and mahogany adding touches of luxury.

    Clevedon Hall, Somerset

    The public spaces of the hotel where events are hosted – such as the Grand Library, Orangery, and Conrad Finzel and Dame Rosa Burden suites – are beautiful in the grand, traditional sense and (as I wrote elsewhere) ooze character and style. They boast stunning architectural features, including an old wood panelled library and many original features.

    Clevedon Hall, Somerset

    Plans have been approved and action is already under way to carry out a renovation of the ground-floor levels in a similar style to the guestrooms, bringing a contemporary feel to the Great Hall entrance area, which will bring the standard of this building inside and out to a very high level.

    As I write, the hotel remains open to event or corporate guests only, and Lawrence tells me the owners plan to keep it that way. But the work already completed on the property, and considerable refurbishment to come on the ground floors (which I cannot wait to see for myself later in the year), make this an exemplary case study of interior design and using existing spaces well; so much so you might want to book an event just to try it for yourself…

    Based on a stay in May 2016
    Photos: Daniel Fountain
    clevedonhall.co.uk

    La Isla y el Mar, Lanzarote

    Project Spotlight: Laufen’s work at La Isla y el Mar, Lanzarote

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    Now a benchmark among Spain’s most renowned architects and interior designers, the boutique hotel La Isla y el Mar in Lanzarote, part of the Martínez Hermanos Group, has chosen the design, quality and exclusivity of Laufen’s products for its bathrooms.

    Situated in the town harbour of Porto del Carmen and built by the architect José María Pérez Sánchez, using the island’s natural materials – such as volcanic stone – the design of this 4-star hotel manages to perfectly combine art and modernity, thereby achieving an intimate atmosphere.

    Its 81 suites are equipped with exclusive, custom-made basins from Laufen, especially made for this project in Sentec – a solid surface material manufactured by Laufen, which has exceptional physical and microbial durability and is particularly suitable for hotels and public buildings delivering unique features that contribute to creating an elegant and avant-garde atmosphere which emanates throughout the hotel.

    Laufen's work at La Isla y el Mar, Lanzarote

    As the architect Pérez Sánchez stated: “The washbasin is the main component in all of the hotel’s bathrooms. It is displayed to the customer as if it were perched on a rock, which supports and frames it. The plants emerging from the rocks complement it. Although it may at the moment appear of secondary importance, the customer can also see the basin reflected in the floating mirror.”

    The architect thus emphasizes the challenge of finding a piece that unites the high demands of its users. “A large surface for the customer’s items, a separate space for the amenities, and sufficient interior space. Laufen gave us the opportunity to make a basin for the hotel La Isla y el Mar with a material that could be adapted to the project,” he added. Sentec is a material that is unique, highly robust and recyclable.

    Laufen's work at La Isla y el Mar, Lanzarote

    Furthermore, all the bathrooms of La Isla y el Mar have the distinctive Kartell by Laufen design with slim shower trays, also made of Sentec, together with the orange-coloured accessories from the same collection, endowing them with the chic and sophisticated touch characteristic of Kartell by Laufen.

    Implemented by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba (ps+a, Milan), the collection unites two signatures of international standing – Laufen and Kartell. Since it was launched nearly three years ago, it has been successfully presented all over the world with more than 500 points of sale in over 40 countries. The first single-brand shop of this collection was inaugurated last year in Milan and was a great success.

    Laufen's work at La Isla y el Mar, Lanzarote

    The bathrooms of the boutique hotel are complemented by a WC from Laufen’s Palace collection. Realised by the designer Andreas Dimitriadis (platinum design), they pay tribute to the outstanding properties of ceramics. The WCs of this series are ergonomically shaped and have a concealed mounting for a sophisticated finish.

    A commitment to sustainable development and the protection of the environment is another one of the values shared by Laufen and the La Isla y el Mar hotel. For Laufen, which offers solutions that, among other things, contribute to saving water and energy, it is a priority to be involved in projects designed to protect the environment, and the cooperation between this Swiss company and this new hotel is one example of this.

    laufen.co.uk

    Parklane Resort - Limassol, Cyprus

    Parklane Luxury Collection Resort & Spa to open in Limassol, Cyprus

     1000 604 Daniel Fountain
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    Work is currently underway on the new Parklane Luxury Collection Resort & Spa which will replace the Le Meridien in Limassol.

    Following the demands of Roman Nikitin, the major stakeholder in Emerald Coast Properties (75% owner of the hotel), renovation work on the existing hotel will be from the ground up. The project has been designed by Harrods Design Studio and is estimated to cost €70 million (£58 million), and expects to open its doors to guests towards at the end of 2017.

    The hotel is being built on 100.000m² of sea front property, and will consist of 53 suites, each with its own private swimming pool and 222 luxurious rooms.

    The hotel will also house a 2000m² conference centre with a ballroom, ten restaurants, and bars, three outdoor swimming pools, one of which will be filled with sea water, a spa with suites for Russian baths, children’s playground with a lake as well as a children’s restaurant.

    Parklane Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is a member of the Luxury Collection, of the international chain belonging to Starwood Hotels & Resorts (Marriot International). According to Costas Tseriotis, CEO of L’Union Nationale (Tourism and Sea Resorts) Limited, the hotel will turn to traditional touristic markets such as England, Russia, and the Middle East.

    It is also believed that the hotel will benefit from the regular 60 million customers of the Marriot International chain, who receive coupons which they can redeem for holidays among the chains 5,500 hotels around the world.

    “Our vision is to create the top luxury tourist resort in Cyprus based on international standards, where guests will love to spend the summer, experience personalised attentive service and enjoy fine gastronomic experiences,” said Tseriotis.

    Solar power for hotels

    Guest Blog: Future of solar power for hotels…

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    Phil Foster, Managing Director of Love Energy Savings has shared his thoughts on the future of solar power and what this may mean for smaller hotels.

    Whilst less than 2% of the world’s electricity is currently generated through solar photovoltaic technology, a recent report estimated that this figure could increase to as much as 13% by the year 2030.

    What about solar panels for independent hotels?
    Solar panels aren’t just for homeowners; a growing number of companies are now starting to cater to businesses of all shapes and sizes who are looking to become a little greener. Switching to solar power can help to lower your bills and your carbon footprint.

    In the past we have explored how businesses can invest in being green, and it’s never too late to start thinking about reducing your carbon footprint! Investing in solar panels for your business is the perfect place to start. Here are a few reasons why you should get on board…

    Solar power for hotels

    Cut your business expenses
    The first and biggest advantage of installing solar panels is that your business expenses will be cut. Although you will have to pay for the initial investment, panels can pay for themselves in just a few years. Thanks to government initiatives such as the feed-in tariffs schemes, you can even start to earn money back from the electricity you generate, without having to pay for power from the National Grid. To learn more about the current feed-in tariff rates, and how to apply, Ofgem is your go-to source.

    Phil Gilbert, Head of Business Solutions at E.ON, told us: “Energy costs can have a significant impact on a business’ bottom line, and generating your own power can put control firmly into your own hands. Cutting down waste, using smart technology to manage buildings and possibly generating your own power are all options to consider.

    “Investing in energy efficiency or in new generation technologies such as solar make sound investments, often paying back in only a few years. Across Europe we are seeing customers actually profiting from improving their energy efficiency. As well as the bottom line impact, investing in new energy solutions can also unlock new growth and improve productivity and overall competitiveness.”

    Boost your reputation and earn the public’s trust
    With climate change and the environment grabbing the headlines so often, people are naturally becoming more green-focused and are more conscious about the companies they choose to work with. Adding solar panels to your business can show people that you are committed to helping the environment, and is certainly something that is worth shouting about!

    Annabelle Bean from Romag, says that the benefits of solar energy to SMEs can really go far beyond saving money: “Nothing will position your company as an environmentally-conscious brand more than investing in renewable energy for your business. Not only will you be able to have the peace of mind that you are using green energy, but the fact that you are doing so provides a great PR opportunity.

    Hurawalhi Maldives - an example of sustainability in hospitality in action

    Hurawalhi Maldives – an example of sustainability in hospitality in action

    “Being a sustainable business counts for a lot in the current marketplace, where the spotlight is well and truly on companies who do not prove their environmental credentials. When your customers see that you are setting yourself apart from the crowd and investing in a cleaner future, you will soon build up increased brand loyalty and trust.”

    Improve your carbon footprint
    By cutting your dependence on electricity generated from burning gas, coal and oil, and instead turning to renewable forms of energy, you will be helping to drastically reduce your business’ carbon footprint. Phil Foster commented: “There are so many small things that businesses can do to cut their carbon footprint, but solar panels are a huge step forward towards our goal of slashing emissions. Here at Love Energy Savings, we want to see the technology developing further and becoming more readily available both to domestic and business customers.

    “Even if the installation of solar panels is a little outside the budget of some SMEs, we always advocate using greener sources of energy. We work with a number of different independent suppliers, some of whom source a proportion of their energy supply from renewables, to give you a wider choice when switching your energy supplier.”

    There is no doubt about it; clean energy is the future. More and more countries are stepping forward to announce their commitment to being greener, most recently, the US, Canada and Mexico who together pledged that 50% of their power would come from clean energy by the year 2025. That’s a huge promise, and solar power is going to play an enormous part in hitting such ambitious targets.

    Wilton Carpets' axminster loom

    Wilton Carpets speeds ahead with new axminster loom

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    Wilton Carpets has announced the commissioning of a state-of-the-art Van De Wiele axminster carpet loom, the first of its kind in the UK, at a cost of some £1.5million.

    Increasing capacity by five-times over the traditional axminster looms it replaced, the high-speed Van De Wiele produces miles of premium woven axminster carpet per week, helping Wilton Carpets to meet the growing demand for its stock and bespoke qualities.

    Fed by Smart Creel technology, the axminster loom can seamlessly switch between colours and designs, allowing uninterrupted production of woven carpets for the hospitality industry. This world-first innovation sees robots fill each yarn feeder tube and determine the exact length required for any given carpet design, splicing automatically as one pattern switches to another. With minimal downtime, the machine dramatically improves manufacturing flexibility.

    “The investment in this new loom enhances the growing stature of one of the UK’s foremost commercial carpet manufacturers and has been commissioned to ensure that Wilton Carpets can continue to service its growing customer base with the efficiency and quality for which the company is known,” says James Sprint, CEO, Wilton Carpets Commercial. “The first of its kind in the UK and bristling with the latest in production technology, the loom is already having a hugely positive impact on manufacturing operations, boosting capacity while giving unparalleled quality and efficiency.”

    This comes as only good news for the manufacturer’s client base that reaches hospitality, leisure, public and commercial locations of all sizes right across the globe, with 1000s of locations enjoying the high-quality nature of carpet made right here in the UK.

    Over the course of the next 12 months, the Van De Wiele axminster loom will use enough yarn to wrap around the equator six-times. Wilton Carpets has plans to introduce another two of these highly efficient Belgian-made machines at its Wiltshire production site.

    For further information contact Wilton Carpets Commercial on 01722 746000 or sales@wiltoncarpets.com

    Hotel Designs Summit

    Hotel Designs Summit: Just 7 weeks left to go…

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    If you haven’t heard already, Hotel Designs is hosting the first edition of its rebranded hotel event on 12-13 September – just seven weeks away – so be sure to save the date and venue in your diary.

    With a new approach to the Hotel Designs Summit, which will include an exclusive gala dinner with evening entertainment, you are invited to join us for an unrivalled two days of face-to-face business meetings, educational seminars and networking at the Radisson Blu, London Stansted.

    The main aim of the event remains; to bring together suppliers and buyers from across the industry by supporting new and existing client relationships. In addition, we’ll look forward to welcoming first class speakers from within this truly vast sector. You will be joining representatives from hotels like the Shangri-La at the Shard, The Lanesborough, InterContinental London at O2 and the Corinthia Hotel.

    Attendees can look forward to:
    – A personalised itinerary of 25 minute meetings with those you have asked to meet with;
    – Endless networking opportunities;
    – Educational seminars covering the latest innovations and trends;
    – Meals and refreshments;
    – Exclusive gala dinner with evening entertainment;
    – Overnight accommodation with breakfast included at the Radisson Blu Hotel;

    Places are limited and on a first come, first serve basis, so if you’d like to join us for the exciting re-launch of the Summit, please click here to confirm your place.

    For more information, please contact Jennie Lane on 01992 374098 or email j.lane@forumevents.co.uk

    New spa opens at The Hotel Royal Savoy, Lausanne

    New spa opens at The Hotel Royal Savoy, Lausanne

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    After an investment of 100 million Swiss Francs (£77 million) and a five-year complete renovation and expansion, the transformation of the iconic Hotel Royal Savoy is now complete. The 1500sqm Le Spa du Royal which opened this June is the latest addition to the hotel.

    The new Le Spa du Royal features eight fabulous treatment rooms, two relaxation rooms, a ladies only spa, two private spa areas, an indoor and outdoor pool, a hammam, sauna, spa boutique, hair studio, and fitness centre.

    New spa opens at The Hotel Royal Savoy, Lausanne

    The Royal Savoy Lausanne is a five-star hotel with a total of 196 bedrooms and suites, spread between the historic and the new contemporary building. The hotel also boasts a fabulous restaurant overlooking the private park, a stunning sky terrace with 360 panoramic views, and the largest ballroom in Lausanne.

    New spa opens at The Hotel Royal Savoy, Lausanne

    First opened in 1906, the Royal Savoy Hotel has been a prestigious symbol of Lausanne for many years; its architectural magnificence, and tradition of hospitality, rivalling the best luxury hotels in Switzerland, and it has consistently attracted aristocracy and famous personalities. Constructed in neo-Baroque and Art Nouveau styles, the hotel was beautifully fitted out using the finest materials and quickly established itself as an essential part of Lausanne’s historic heritage.

    Hurawalhi Island Maldives - an example of sustainability in hospitality in action

    Hurawalhi Maldives: Sustainability in tandem with luxury

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    Five-star luxury and sustainability have been seamlessly integrated at Hurawalhi Island Resort – a combination worthy of making any environmentally-aware urban dweller green with envy.

    In a fragile environment like the Maldives, eco-conscious operations should be the norm and this brand new island has gone the extra mile to put as much back into its surroundings as it takes out. With 60% of the island powered by solar energy, there is also a water bottling plant to substantially reduce the island’s plastic consumption, a food recycling programme and a collection of local greenhouses producing fresh produce for guests. Together these innovative elements ensure that protecting the natural environment is as high a priority as the comfort Hurawalhi provides.

    Hurawalhi Maldives

    The company behind Hurawalhi, Crown & Champa Resorts, wanted to make the destination as environmentally sustainable as possible. At every step of the development process reducing the project’s carbon footprint was a key consideration. In what they have achieved at Hurawalhi, Crown & Champa has proved it’s possible to care for the environment without sacrificing elegance, luxury and a highly personalised approach to service.

    Hurawalhi Maldives

    Once finished, the island will boast 4,243m² of solar panels – approximately the size of 26 volleyball courts! Crucially, this technology has been seamlessly integrated into the resort’s architecture by New York-based architect, Yuji Yamazaki, who has successfully turned power generation into a stylish design feature. The panels are state of the art in design and are a far cry from earlier units; the panels at Hurawalhi sport a futuristic-looking appearance which contributes to the contemporary ambience. Rather than clashing with the environment, they make a welcome addition to Hurawalhi’s chic appearance.

    Hurawalhi Maldives

    Another step Hurawalhi has taken in order to minimise its environmental footprint is to monitor the island’s food supply and production. Owen Ealden, the island’s Food and Beverage Director, is a strong advocate of healthy and sustainable living and summarises Hurawalhi’s theme of eco-consciousness in a single sentence, ‘We want to focus on three areas: healthy people, healthy planet and healthy local communities.’ Hurawalhi has its own water bottling plant, reducing the plastic consumption of the island by using only glass bottles supplied by nearby sister island Kuredu and all restaurants only offer organic and biodynamic produce, allowing guests to enjoy wholesome and good nutrition, which is not only healthy, but also beneficial to the environment. Food waste is processed into fertilizers to use in Hurawalhi’s greenhouse, a process powered entirely by solar energy. The resort also strives for maximum food transparency and thoughtfully sourced produce, favouring local suppliers whenever possible, which gives guests a chance to sample something new.

    Hurawalhi Maldives

    Hurawalhi has a desalination system which filters sea-water and turns it into clean water for drinking and cooking, as well as to supply the luxurious rainfall showers in the villas. Efficient waste management systems ensure water waste is recycled wherever possible.

    All of these green initiatives demonstrate Hurawalhi’s high regard for the environment. Amongst its many other eco-projects, Hurawalhi, which is surrounded by some of the best dive sites and marine life encounters in the world, has teamed up with Wise Oceans to support marine conservation and the continued research of the local Manta ray population and is dedicated to maintaining the stunning local reefs.

    hurawalhi.com

    Hotel du Vin Brighton Bistro Launch. Brighton, East Sussex, UK

    Hotel du Vin Brighton unveils new look Bistro

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    Hotel du Vin Brighton, the iconic boutique hotel brand, has unveiled its new look Bistro.

    Staying true to its classic French roots, the new style is elegant and informal with a modern twist. Marble topped tables compliment the plush teal bench that runs through the centre. Bistro guests will enjoy the classic Parisian experience. Arriving through beautiful and dramatic entrance curtains, diners will settle into the luxurious settings with pictures inspired by the nautical and famous seaside destination.

    Hotel du Vin Brighton. photo ©Julia Claxton

    Hotel du Vin Brighton. photo ©Julia Claxton

    With only the English Channel separating the beach-side Brighton hotel from its French heritage, guests will be able to savour the seaside classics such as generous seafood sharing platters or try out the new Flavours menu, a delicious array of small and large plates filled with fresh, seasonal ingredients. With wine in its DNA, the hotel now boasts its ever evolving and impressive wine list, ensuring that all tastes are catered for.

    The refurbishment comes 15 years after Hotel du Vin Brighton’s debut, and showcases the brand’s continued commitment to set the trend for Brighton’s lovers of stylish food and drink.

    Hotel du Vin Brighton Bistro Launch. Brighton, East Sussex, UK

    Hotel du Vin Brighton. photo ©Julia Claxton

    The new look follows a period of significant investment into the hotel with upgraded outdoor terrace, bar and guest rooms.

    Nick Halliday, Chief Operating Officer of Hotel du Vin, added, “We are delighted that the refurbishment of the new Bistro has been completed at Hotel du Vin Brighton. We look forward to welcoming guests into our new Bistro and showcasing the fantastic food we have on offer. Whilst Brighton is fast paced and always changing, it has always been recognised as a great dining destination. We are confident that the new experience we are offering guests will ensure that Hotel du Vin remains the cornerstone of what the City has to offer those who love great food and drink in a stylish setting.

    hotelduvin.com

    Project Spotlight: Innovative hotel projects by Kudos Dsign

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    Kudos Dsign is a leading luxury interior design agency for hospitality developments, designing innovative projects across the globe, from the iconic Burj Al Arab Terrace in Dubai to ‘Hotel With’ in Stockholm, the world’s first purpose-built underground hotel.

    Based in Turku, Finland, Kudos prides themselves on their creativity and attention to detail in every aspect of the process, specially sourcing and custom-designing each element to fully explore the creative brief and deliver a unique and distinctive project through skillful design and beautiful materials.

    Pia Litokorpi, CEO, founder and architect at Kudos Dsign, explains: “Kudos was born of a passion for fine design and craftsmanship, and is inspired by the elements of nature. Kudos works closely with its clients to share their vision, and bring conceptual ideas into reality through the combination of beauty and function, which makes each Kudos project unique and special.”

    Case Study: Hotel With, Stockholm
    Located in the heart of Stockholm’s city centre, Hotel With has been built deep underground, with all 106 en-suite bedrooms sitting beneath the city’s renowned, bustling Urban Deli. Constructed within a former utilities basement this custom designed hotel delivers a modern experience, with no exterior walls and windows which guarantees total darkness and silence in soundproofed guest rooms.

    Working within the restraints of this unusual location, Kudos introduced design elements to both enhance and compliment the underground experience. Corridors and public areas mimic a city street – complete with letter boxes and door knockers – for the illusion of outdoor space, while custom-designed carpets act as markers for hotel guests to avoid becoming disorientated while underground.

    Kudos Dsigh - Hotel With Urban Deli, Stockholm

    The special lighting scheme simulates natural light, while allowing for total darkness during the night. High specification soundproofing provides an urban haven of silence and a powerful sound system which allows guests to enjoy music or television to any desired volume with no disruption to other guests.

    Case Study: Resorts World Bimini, Bahamas
    Resorts World Bimini is a brand new hotel on the remote Bimini Island of the Bahamas, opened in June 2016. This pristine natural location offers limited land, and required all aspects of development to have a minimum impact on local environment and marine life. Working within environmental challenges of construction on a remote island, the guest rooms were built and outfitted using a pre-assembly construction process not used before in the hotel industry.

    Kudos Dsign - Hilton at Resorts World Bimini

    Kudos Dsign introduced a number of unique design elements, one of the highlights being a rooftop infinity pool with a dramatic wraparound walkaway, along with the hotel’s signature swim-up suites. Special features created bespoke by Kudos include the lobby wine bar with a specially designed glass wall that doubles as wine storage, a two-sided reception desk which also acts as the lobby bar and a unique lobby lighting feature with 75 individual handmade pennant lamps.

    Case Study: Burj Al Arab Terrace, Dubai
    Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab hotel recently unveiled ‘The Terrace’, opened to hotel guests in May 2016, Kudos designed the one-of-a-kind space which features pools, beach, cabanas and a restaurant and provides guests and members with a unique over-water beach experience.

    Kudos Dsign - Burj Al Arab Terrace

    Kudos was involved in every aspect of the terrace’s design and interior architecture, including shape of the spaces, specification of surface materials, as well as custom-designed indoor and outdoor furniture, soft furnishings and interior details.

    www.kudosdsign.com

    Company Profile: Original, unconventional style of pentahotels

     1000 586 Daniel Fountain
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    Original, unconventional, relaxed and stylish – these properties describe the unique overall experience of pentahotels. With its unmistakable pentastyle, the young, dynamic hotel brand is one of the first to have made its mark and established itself as a pioneer in the lifestyle hotel segment.

    pentahotels does not stick to standard principals. Innovation, a strong vision, a good dose of creativity and courage define the brand’s philosophy. It is evident that many things are different compared with market competitors in the sophisticated 4* hotel segment as soon as you step inside the hotel. This not only relates to the clear design.

    Company profiles: pentahotels

    Cool outfits, a distinct fragrance, relaxed music and the easy-going, yet professional, way of addressing guests are all just as much a part of it. What’s more, guests easily find everything they need, and at top quality. Free pay-TV, Sky Sports, in some hotels even a PlayStation 4 and a pinball machine in the room, as well as a quality of sleep that is unparalleled in this segment. This experience can be summarised as follows: fun with functionality, creativity with comfort, style with simplicity.

    The design and the brand experience speak a clear language. This is also confirmed by Alastair Thomann, international managing director of pentahotels: “Ten years ago, we made our philosophy of a neighbourhood lifestyle available to guests for the first time with pentalounge – a mixture of a lobby, reception, bar and cafe. We are continually developing our open design concept further. We focus on our particular finesses and regionality.”

    pentahotels Birmingham

    Since the relaunch of the hotel brand in 2007, pentahotels has become a successful global player. At the same time, the pentastyle – from “Design 1.0” to a globally applicable “Design 3.0” – has grown along with this almost organically. Design 3.0 will be presented to the public for the first time in Paris in Autumn 2016 and is being introduced in all newly-opened hotels.

    Besides its own construction projects, penthotels also puts its fingerprints on various hotel conversion projects. The brand takes over existing hotels and creates its own world inside them. The joy of trying new and innovative things underlines the whole pentastyle-concept. „Even if some of our design experiments turn out to be unsuitable for our new acquisitions, we continue to find innovative solutions” says Alastair Thomann. “It is our goal to always be ahead of the trend and to stay an innovation leader”

    A total of 28 hotels – in seven countries and on two continents – offer individual travellers and business travellers comfort and style in a relaxed atmosphere.

    You can find more information and reservations at www.pentahotels.com