Royalty visited one of the Birmingham’s newest hotels last week as His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester, formally opened the city’s Park Regis Hotel, the brand’s first in Europe.
Accompanied by Mr Simon Topman MBE DL, Deputy Lieutenant representing Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Midlands, Dr Keith Bradshaw, High Sheriff of West Midlands and Councillor Carl Rice, Lord Mayor of Birmingham, His Royal Highness visited the city centre hotel on Wednesday (23 November) to mark a formal opening and unveil a commemorative plaque, as well as receive a tour of the £50 million hotel which opened its doors to guests in March.
Distinguished guests joined The Duke for a celebratory toast while enjoying live music from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. A qualified architect with a keen interest in conservation, His Royal Highness was given a tour of the former 1960s office building Auchinleck House, which was transformed into the four-star Park Regis Hotel.
Named after Second World War Hero Field Marshall Claude Auchinleck, the building was converted under permitted development rights from an unused and tired site to the modern hotel, with the addition of an all-glass sky bar onto the building’s roof.
The Duke of Gloucester, Prince Richard unveils a plaque to commemorate the official opening of Park Regis Birmingham alongside general manager Robin Ford
Preserving the history of the building, a bronze statue of Claude Auchinleck was repositioned from within the former Five Ways shopping centre to a prime location on Broad Street, in front of the hotel’s reception.
Robin Ford, General Manager at Park Regis Birmingham, said: “It was fantastic to welcome The Duke of Gloucester to the city and to the Park Regis Hotel. Despite having been open to guests since March, it was a honour to welcome royalty to the hotel to provide us with an official opening. The stunning marble plaque that he unveiled will be hung proudly in reception for guests to enjoy.
“As a qualified architect and someone with an interest in construction, it was brilliant to be able to showcase the hotel to His Royal Highness as such an important piece of the city’s transformation. The building is almost unrecognisable from its former self. It is a truly standout structure and The Duke was impressed at the transformation.”
Muraspec announces the creative new MemErase Surface Paint, new to the MemErase series.
This top-notch, easy to apply solution can transform any smooth surface – i.e. desks to doors, walkways and office dividers – into a creative outlet and a writeable space to augment any task, activity or project. Applied in white or clear finishes, the MemErase Surface Paint can be utilised across many a commercial and residential setting from offices to hotels, classrooms and so on.
Employed over any coloured surface, wallpapers or artwork; MemErase is a truly novel approach for any number of collaborative purposes. The possibilities are endless.
Tariq Rashid, Muraspec Managing Director, states: “Surface Paint by Memerase is an easy to use, and ultra-functional addition to our dry erase range. It’s suitable anywhere from offices, to classrooms, conference centres and eateries – to name a few. At Muraspec, we’ve personally used the Memerase range for planning, project management, brainstorming, presentations and so much more.”
A leader in the design industry, the company designs a full spectrum of readymade and bespoke solutions found in the finest hotels, shops and residences worldwide. From decorative panels to wallcoverings in thousands of colourways, Muraspec’s entire range is manufactured at their UK-based facility.
With over 135 years of experience, Muraspec prides itself on both its British heritage, and exceptional customer service each and every step of the way.
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has made waves this week as it opens the doors of its first Caribbean property Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, located along the famed Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman.
Seafire marks the boutique hotel company’s first foray into the international luxury resort market and is Grand Cayman’s first new hotel in more than a decade. That’s a lot of “firsts” to live up to, but Seafire delivers. The resort pays tribute to the classic Caymanian culture and authentic beauty whilst introducing modern elements and sophisticated-yet-playful amenities for an enriching and innovative stay experience, for both leisure and business travellers.
Immediately upon arrival, Seafire welcomes guests with its Kimpton-signature heartfelt care and “luxury without the attitude” service. On top of feeling warmly welcomed and attended to, guests are greeted by the sea and sand as Seafire’s open-air design and water vistas at every turn provide front-row seats to glorious sunsets that seem to set the ocean ablaze. Perched 24-feet-above sea level, nearly every one of Seafire’s 266 guestrooms boasts a private balcony and pinch-me-I’m-dreaming views of a turquoise pool and lush landscapes. Seafire’s three freestanding beachside bungalows offer one- and two-bedroom layouts, enhanced amenities and exclusive vantage points of the beach and ocean.
“Grand Cayman was the perfect choice for Kimpton’s first island resort, with an ideal location right on Seven Mile Beach,” said Steven Andre, Seafire General Manager. “Seafire embodies the spirit and culture of the destination, and will allow guests the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in island life.”
Kimpton Seafire provides the perfect tropical backdrop for business or social gatherings. The resort’s indoor and outdoor meeting space includes the 7,076-square-foot Aurea Ballroom with soaring ceilings and refined design, the 10th-floor Presidential Suite, overlooking the beach and Caribbean Sea, and the expansive Seabridge Green event lawn for beachside daytime or evening occasions.
The resort’s amenities continue with the 8,500-square-foot Spa at Seafire, which features seven treatment rooms with a full array of soothing services. The spa also features a Turkish style Hammam, the only one of its kind in Grand Cayman. Staying fit while travelling is possible and enjoyable at Seafire’s 1,770-square-foot state-of the-art fitness centre and weekly group fitness classes. Parents can truly relax thanks to Camp Seafire, the property’s interactive and well-planned programs for children from ages four to 12.
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, along with the 62 adjacent Residences at Seafire, marks the first resort and residential property from Dart Real Estate in partnership with Dart Development. Seafire is the result of the cinematic vision of Dayna Lee and Ted Berner of Los Angeles’ Powerstrip Studio, Mark Sopp of San Francisco’s SB Architects and Craig Stoner of EDSA, in collaboration with Ave Bradley, Kimpton’s Global SVP Design & Creative Director. On track to be the first Grand Cayman hotel to achieve LEED® Silver certification, Seafire takes sustainability to a new level with its use of recycled materials, energy efficiencies and respect for the natural environment.
At this year’s Sleep 2016, Roca will create an installation that showcases three distinct bathroom environments – two different guest bathrooms and a public bathroom. The display will explore Sleep’s even concept of the ‘Science of Tribes’ to reflect how guests’ attitudes and behaviour can influence hotel design.
Visitors can explore a selection of bathroom products in each environment including sanitaryware, brassware, tiles and accessories. Featured highlights are the Inspira range, incorporating the new In-wash shower toilet and lightweight FINECERAMIC washbasins. Also on display is Roca’s new Modo solid surface produces made from SURFEX. Modo focuses on the concept of bespoke design planning, with products that can be configured to suit the hotel’s design specification and guests’ needs.
Mark Poulain, Roca’s International Specification Manager says: “A significant part of Roca’s business is working within the hospitality sector. Sleep is an essential platform for us to inspire and advise designers about Roca’s latest bathroom innovations and products and to offer technical support with their bathroom projects.”
Sleep 2016 saw Bathroom Brands launch its new Group Contracts Division bringing together the leading hotel brand, Crosswater, with its sister brands to form an all-encompassing service for hotel bathroom design and specification.
Crosswater Contracts has a respected pedigree in the hospitality sector, working with both boutique and international brands such as Hilton, Mondrian, Malmaison, Ampersand and Laslett. Creating stunning guest bathrooms, across a wide range of national and international groups and boutique hotels, has made Crosswater the UK’s seminal provider of brassware and showers. Bathroom Brands’ Group Contracts can create the most stunning comprehensive hotel bathroom solution, with the experienced and longstanding team now able to harness the company’s full array of designer bathroom products.
David Balmer, Hospitality Sector Sales Manager explains, “Bathroom Brands is one of the fastest growing bathroom companies in the world, with compelling designs drawn from international markets and cultures. There are eight brands in the group, each offering a unique design personality, matching individual hotel styles and providing the ultimate in guest comfort”.
A 20 page “Look Book” of hotel bathroom solutions has been produced to give insight to the breadth of products now available to hotels from the Contracts team.
Bathroom Brands’ Group Contracts includes: Crosswater – brassware and showers; Burlington – traditional bathroom suites; Clearwater Baths; Bauhaus luxury bathroom furniture; Arcade – grand luxury suites and accessories; Simpsons – shower enclosures and wet rooms; Britton Bathrooms – contemporary bathroom fittings and furniture; and the newly introduced Thirty6 brand – a range of compact quality bathroom suites.
Versital is delighted to announce that its signature ‘faux’ cultured marble surface material has been selected as a finalist for a prestigious design award.
The Mixology Awards acknowledge the very best in design; awarding products that bring something truly unique to the industry. The shortlist was selected by a panel of judges made up of architects and industry experts. Finalists have been judged based on a criteria that considered factors such as sustainability, design originality, aesthetics, ease of use and commercial viability.
Gemma Stockberger, Marketing Director for Versital, comments, “A Mixology award is the stamp of approval in the interior design and hospitality industry – so we couldn’t be more delighted to be a finalist. Our surfaces bring a fantastic solution to the industry and have been specified in a number of upmarket projects both in the North and the rest of the UK this year.”
Photography: Daniel Parker
The Mixology North Awards were created by the team behind the highly regarded design publication, Mix Interiors, to support and recognise the many dynamic brands within the interior design industry, regardless of their size. The winners will be announced on the 8th December 2016 in a ceremony at Manchester Central that will be attended by 700 members of the interior design community.
Versital’s product offering for the hospitality sector includes bespoke bar tops, table tops, washroom vanities, shower trays and shower panels in faux marble and granite, as well as high gloss and high sparkle finishes. Versital’s shares the same classic and stylish looks as the natural material, however is non-porous, 100% waterproof and stain resistant, and is available in a vast range of colours and made to order sizes and shapes.
Sleep, Europe’s comprehensive hotel design and development event, has announced an unrivalled ensemble of leading UK and global brands set to exhibit at London’s Business Design Centre on 22 and 23 November, featuring 35% new names and the most international line-up yet. Manufacturers choose Sleep as a launch platform because of its unique focus and visitor profile, while hotel designers, owners, operators and developers come to discover the outstanding products that will transform their projects.
The increased desire for bespoke products and services that will define distinctive hotel interiors attracts heritage brands to Sleep. Debuting this year, Lincrusta Heritage and Cole & Son from the UK and Italian Brand Milano Tessuti are companies that uphold traditional production methods to create one-of-a-kind fabrics and wallcoverings for luxury hotels and residences.
Collections of handcrafted furniture will be on show from Dare Studio, Decca London, James UK and Hamilton Conte Paris alongside luxurious fabrics from Designers Guild, Altfield, Romo, Today Interiors, Vescom and Clarke & Clarke; and handtufted rugs by ICE Rugs from the Netherlands and UK company Rug-Maker with designs featuring silk with gold and silver metal threads and flatweaves by designer Ptolemy Mann. Style Library Contract will present its new Zoffany ‘Phaedra’ collection of fabrics and wallpapers, with an underlying classical influence elevated by a mastery of colour ranging from delicate mineral hues to deep forest greens and moody blues. To add a finishing touch to hotel projects, designers and specifiers need look no further than byAbi and Muro Gallery for original artwork.
Thoughtfully finessed design is more than ever a differentiator in hotels across the world, and the Sleep exhibition will reveal how well-chosen products can heighten the guest experience and create a memorable stay. A new feature this year is ‘Spaces’, a series of stands designed as hotel environments where exhibitors will create inspiring installations of lobbies, outdoor terraces, guestroom bathrooms and spas. Innovative bathroom supplier Roca will present three hospitality environments exploring how guests’ attitudes and behaviour can influence the design process. Inspired spaces are also anticipated from Elegant Clutter, McGowan Rutherford, Geometric Furniture, Jacquar, Betonicon, Fiora and Impey amongst others.
Products to promote wellness With a growing awareness that well-designed spaces can promote health and wellbeing, Sleep is the destination for world-leading brands in this sector. Founder Sponsor and host of the invitation-only VIP lounge GROHE will present its Sensia Arena shower toilet plus other products incorporating its innovative technologies. Newcomer Villeroy & Boch will show new ranges designed by Gesa Hansen including the Artis Colour surfacemounted basins available in 15 colours and four shapes for maximum personalisation. Functional yet beautifully designed products are also anticipated from Sleep Set sponsors Dornbracht and prominent global companies such as Hansgrohe, Laufen, Vitra and Bette alongside UK manufacturers Victoria & Albert Baths and Hurlingham Bath Company. Finest quality handcrafted beds that promise an unrivalled guest sleep experience will be represented by British companies Hypnos and Harrison Spinks, each renowned for their award-winning, sustainably made beds. A focus on design-led furniture and accessories for guests to revel in outdoor terraces and spa areas will be highlighted by Italian brands Gervasoni and Serralunga, and Jati & Kebon from Belgium, complimented by exquisite shade products that offer protection from the elements by Swiss manufacturer Glatz and Tuuci from the Netherlands.
Cutting-edge technology Integrated guest-friendly technology is now a given in hotels, and Sleep is where visitors will find the next generation of hi-tech innovations for the industry including room control systems, door security, AV, energy and communication systems. German manufacturer Jung debuts this year to showcase its range of intelligently designed products, while Gira, also from Germany, will highlight the new Esprit switch series finished in natural materials. UK manufacturer Hamilton Litestat will also present its newest switch plates and lighting systems alongside Clear AV introducing the latest integrated high-end AV systems.
As virtual and augmented reality is radically transforming the hotel design process, an Immersive Reality Lounge hosted by tech-pioneers Soluis in collaboration with Graven will give visitors a chance to experience hotel design concepts in 3D and get their hands on some of the latest digital reality platforms. These will include the recently launched HTC Vive, the newest Oculus Rift headset and the Portal, a shared immersive solution from the innovative Sublime brand.
Leading lights High quality lighting is essential to good hotel design, creating atmosphere and lending drama to spaces, but above all an indispensable ingredient for a comfortable guest experience. Sleep attracts the best names in the business, including UK brand leader Chelsom, which will introduce its Stockholm lamp featuring seamless joints between glass and brushed metalwork. Fine brands from across Europe will be present, such as newcomer Fabbian Iluminazione, the Italian specialists renowned for their bespoke lighting features seen in hospitality spaces worldwide; Qasar Holland and from Spain ALVE, SECOM Iluminacion and LEDS C4, each with their latest ranges of contemporary designs for guestrooms, public areas and outdoor spaces. Lights of Vienna and Preciosa will once more showcase their spectacular creations.
Says Sven Ullrich, Global Head of Marketing for Dornbracht, this year’s Sleep Set sponsor: “By coming to Sleep, we can be inspired by brands from different countries and across other industries. The show has a creative feel and there is a focus on where the product will ultimately be used, the hotel room. There is a lot of inspiration to be found at Sleep across all the individual stands.”
Canopy by Hilton has unveiled plans to develop a Canopy by Hilton in Chicago. Residing at the southwest corner of South LaSalle Street and West Adams Street in Chicago’s Loop neighbourhood, the 223-room Canopy property will be the ideal location for both business and leisure travellers.
Slated to open in Autumn 2018, at 208 S. LaSalle, Canopy by Hilton Chicago Loop was designed as a natural extension of Chicago’s downtown neighborhood with local design influences and natural materials used throughout the hotel’s architecture and interiors. The hotel’s entrance will be on La Salle Street with its reception area, restaurant, bar, and Canopy Central lobby located on the 20th level. The hotel also will feature a fitness centre, a day transfer lounge, 4,000 square feet of meeting space, and a rooftop terrace and bar.
“We are delighted to bring the Canopy by Hilton brand to the thriving Loop neighbourhood, in the heart of the Financial District,” said Michael W. Reschke, Chairman and CEO of The Prime Group. “With convenient proximity to Chicago’s central business district, dining, shopping, the theater district, and Canopy’s dedication to comfort and service, our Canopy by Hilton hotel will be a natural choice for both business and leisure travelers looking for a true Chicago experience.”
The Canopy by Hilton Chicago Loop will be a conversion of the top four floors of the historic landmarked building by Daniel Burnham at 208 S. LaSalle, which also houses the new 610-key JW Marriott with its entrance at 161 W. Adams. Canopy’s room will be spacious with an average of 480 square feet, wood floors, 60” HDTVS and large bathrooms with walk-in showers and private toilet compartments, as well as many one and two-bedroom corner suites.
Wilton Carpets has launched Chantilly, a wool-rich tufted carpet in a modern linear block design that’s perfect for a cool, contemporary look in hotel bedrooms and light-use public areas.
In Wilton’s signature British wool blend, Chantilly comes in a palette of eight purposeful colour combinations, each bringing a carpet with a design that’s incredibly versatile. As part of the British manufacturer’s In Stock collection that’s available with fast delivery, Chantilly is ready to bring Wilton’s famous quality and style.
“The new collection is perfect for hoteliers, B&B owners and anyone looking for a contemporary design wool carpet,” comments Alan Whittle, sales director, Wilton Carpets. “The pattern and available colour combinations are also incredibly versatile and so can be used in different areas without looking awkward or clunky. Modern, elegant and purposeful, Chantilly marks another flexible and practical tufted carpet introduction to our In Stock collection.”
In a tufted quality, Chantilly represents great value and can be coordinated with Wilton’s In Stock woven axminster designs, for a bespoke look that takes budget and performance into consideration. Rated suitable for heavy contract use, the range is available four-metre wide and made from a blend of 80% wool/20% nylon for appearance retention and durability.
For further information contact Wilton Carpets Commercial on 01722 746000 or sales@wiltoncarpets.com
Following the flooding of Boxing Day 2015 one of the worst affected businesses in Leeds, Crowne Plaza Hotel has received the honour of being shortlisted for the Hotel Cateys Extra Mile Award.
One of only four shortlisted, and the only hotel outside of London, the Crowne Plaza Leeds team have been selected for going above and beyond in the course of their everyday duties.
The hotel saw an incredible level of devastation following the 2015 Boxing Day floods, resulting in £1.2m worth of repairs and the hotel’s closure until March 2016. Along with the investment required for repairs and refurbishment, the hotel had to manage the loss of £1.5m worth of revenue through the cancellation of more than 3,000 reservations.
Crowne Plaza, members of Leeds Hotels and Venues Association, were supported by neighbouring hotels and venues during the extensive refurbishment which saw the entire IT system and electrics destroyed. The team at Crowne Plaza worked worked tirelessly to place booked guests and conferences into neighbouring hotels within the immediate stage of the flood. Nearby Novotel provided immediate relief, taking the majority of guests needing to be relocated around the Christmas and New Year Period. Within a month a small part of Crowne Plaza made it into various hotels across the city that had the availability, which included the Leeds Marriott Hotel and Radisson Blu.
The Hotel Cateys Extra Mile Award recognises those working at any level of the hotel industry. All previous winners, such as Chris Penn, Sylla “Amara” Ibrahima, David Mead-Male and Veronica Kingham, have undertaken something extraordinary, whether it is anticipating guests’ needs, helping colleagues or supporting charities.
Lynda Coaley, General Manager of the Crowne Plaza comments: “Although I was based at a sister hotel at the time, I watched from afar and was astonished and proud of the dedication shown by all the managers, team members and regional support team in handling such a large crisis. Since arriving at the Crowne Plaza Leeds you can still see – and will for many years to come – the special bond between the team that were on site at the time and although we would never like to be in that position again, we all have personal fond memories and stories of the floods of 2015. As such being shortlisted for such prestigious awards like this gives us great privilege and allows us to reflect on how far we’ve come.”
CP Leeds
Gordon Jackson, Chairman of the Leeds Hotels and Venues Association and General Manager of Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa comments: “The floods of Christmas 2015 were not only incredibly destructive but also a huge test of the Crowne Plaza team’s morale at what should have been the most magical time of year. It was with great strength that their solidarity turned disaster into success when they re-opened in March with a renewed spirit and determination to be better than before. The combined support provided by Leeds Hotels and Venues Association meant that Crowne Plaza could concentrate on their refurbishment, knowing that they could call on us at any time. We’re absolutely delighted that they’ve been nominated – completely deserved and I know that Leeds will keep its fingers crossed for the 25 November.”
The winners will remain a closely guarded secret until they are announced at a celebratory dinner on 25 November at London’s Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel.
Luxury fabric specialist, Kobe UK, will be showcasing a number of contemporary, premium fabric collections at the Sleep event in November on stand M32.
Suitable for window décor and soft furnishings within contract markets, the Elements and Enchanted ranges are stunning collections of luxurious 100% flame retardant fabrics. The collections enjoy the signature Kobe style while offering affordable prices and value for money – ideal for hotel interiors.
Enchanted, Kobe’s autumn collection, is a balance between contemporary and traditional. The range features three woven jacquards with a smooth, supple feel. The palette of rich striking tones and neutrals complements the sophisticated collection of medallion, stylish lattice and coordinating geometric designs.
Elements palette of rich and neutral shades balances the stylish collection of luxurious easy-to-care-for, washable fabrics. The cool linen, soft satin and subtle metallic look is a perfect match for the geometric, herringbone and medallion designs.
Said David Harris, md of Kobe UK: “We are looking forward to this year’s Sleep event and having the opportunity to showcase our latest collections.
“The Elements and Enchanted collections benefit from the logistical expertise and quality of Kobe, while giving access to a wider customer base through their realistic price points.”
This year Kobe International celebrates its 40th year in playing an important role in the interior design and lifestyle sector. The company has a solid European base with offices in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and the UK. Its products are distributed, used by professionals and end users in more than 50 countries worldwide.
The Kobe UK sales office and studio is based in Crowthorne, Berkshire
The IntercityHotel Braunschweig opened for business at the start of the week, the first of the upper mid-range hotels operated under the brand to feature the new interior design by Matteo Thun.
Located right next to the main railway station and the BraWoPark shopping and business centre, it offers 174 rooms, a conference area, a restaurant, a bistro and a bar.
IntercityHotels have also been working with leading chef Pierre Nierhaus to rework menus and culinary offerings. Guests in Braunschweig can, for example, choose between light and modern dishes and familiar classics. Another innovation is the introduction of a special mobile app developed by the company hotelbird which allows visitors to use their smart phones to check in and out, open the door to their room and pay the bill.
“The launch of the IntercityHotel Braunschweig is the starting signal for a whole new generation of IntercityHotels,” said Puneet Chhatwal, CEO Deutsche Hospitality. “We are delighted to be able to make our guest experience even more pleasant by offering a modern interior, convenient technology and a new gastronomic concept.”
Overall project development in Braunschweig was by the Hamburg-based B&L Group. The architectural firms of Reichel+Stauth from Braunschweig and php prasch buken und partner from Hamburg are responsible for the design of the hotel. The general contractor is W. Markgraf GmbH & Co KG of Bayreuth.
A significant project to transform guest bedrooms at Holiday Inn Express Antrim is underway.
Refurbishment works at the hotel began on Monday 14 November and will see £110,000 invested in making improvements to 30 rooms within the property over the next fortnight. As part of the wider initiative, all of the property’s 90 bedrooms will be refurbished by the end of 2018, marking an overall investment of £350,000.
The makeover will be in line with the recently launched Holiday Inn Express Next Generation redesign, developed with industry-leading experts to meet the changing needs of today’s ‘Smart Travellers’.
The project will see the carpets, lighting, curtains, chairs and artwork in the rooms all replaced, while the hotel will take delivery of a new bed for every room to ensure guests enjoy a great night’s sleep. Work at the hotel, managed by the UK’s leading independent hotel management company, Redefine|BDL Hotels (RBH), is expected to be completed by 25 November.
Diane McMullan, general manager at Holiday Inn Express Antrim, said: “This investment will allow us to make some fantastic upgrades to our rooms.
“The investment underlines the commitment we have to improving every aspect of our guests’ experience at our hotel. We felt that modernising the rooms was a long overdue project and we’re all excited about how much this will enhance what we have to offer.
“We have put a lot of thought into the improvements being carried out and we are sure they will prove popular with our regular guests and newcomers alike.”
Holiday Inn Express Antrim is located off the M2, near Belfast International Airport. It features four purpose-build meeting rooms and free WiFi access for all guests.
Nothing suggests traditional country living more than a tweed armchair.
Creators and manufacturers of fine eclectic furniture, RhubarbLondon prides itself on sourcing the most authentic fabrics and textiles to create completely original upholstered pieces. Sourced from archives by the brand’s founder and head creative, Shaun Brownell, RhubarbLondon’s range of antique and vintage armchairs has been expertly swathed in tweed textiles from iconic brands including Dunn & Co and Harris Tweed.
Proudly crafted in Britain, each individual piece embodies a slice of history, blending rare fabrics with exquisitely applied upholstery techniques to create truly unique designs. RhubarbLondon’s team of expert tailors, seamstresses and leather workers ensure that when you purchase a RhubarbLondon chair, you can be certain that you’re acquiring a one-off piece of furniture.
The Dapper Tweed Armchair The Dapper Tweed armchair (pictured above, main) has been exquisitely re-upholstered using a pair of vintage Dunn & Co Harris Tweed houndstooth country jackets, which feature the original tan suede arm caps. The look is suitably dressed with an equestrian stock neckpiece, teamed with a snaffle bit stock pin to give the chair a true sense of riding influence. RhubarbLondon then commissioned a traditional local cobbler to create the chair’s distinctive tan plaited leather arm supports, finishing off the piece with double piped leather detail and vintage leather football button fastenings. To complete the RhubarbLondon look, the original jacket labels were then hand-stitched onto the chair alongside the Harris Tweed Authenticity label, topped off in a final flourish with a set of pheasant feathers in the button hole alongside a vintage papier-mâché ‘Judge’ badge.
The Country Tweed Armchair Upholstered using an original 1950s fur-collared Dunn & Co Crombie overcoat, the late Victorian scroll back armchair frame has been completely reimagined by RubarbLondon to bring you The Country Tweed armchair. The vintage coat has been expertly altered to fit the chair’s silhouette, tailoring every panel by hand. Coordinating moss and peat tweed is used for the side panels, whilst the coat’s signature tartan lining is considerately recycled to create piped edges, the neck line, pocket detailing and arm fronts. The chair is complemented by the original turned wooden legs, tipped with brass castors and completed in the classic RhubarbLondon fashion with the jacket’s original label and Harris Tweed Authenticity insignia taking pride of place.
The contemporary upper upscale hotel brand Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, operated in Europe by PPHE Hotel Group, is increasing its portfolio, revealing plans for a string of new openings and developments across London over the next few months.
The significant multi-million pound investment will see almost 300 jobs created for the hospitality industry in the capital. The new openings and the completion of an extension and reconfiguration project will increase the brand’s room count to 3,158 within the M25, making it one of the largest international upper upscale hotel brands in the capital.
Park Plaza London Waterloo, positioned as a sanctuary for those seeking a London adventure, will be the first new hotel to open and is located on the bustling South Bank. It will be closely followed by the launch of Park Plaza London Park Royal, a centrally located property within one of London’s largest business hubs which will have convenient quality at its core.
Furthermore, the completion of major refurbishments at Park Plaza London Riverbank and Plaza on the River will see PPHE Hotel Group’s London portfolio grow to a total of eight properties.
PARK PLAZA LONDON WATERLOO Park Plaza London Waterloo is expected to open its doors late 2016 and will feature 494 contemporary new hotel rooms, a new destination restaurant and bar, café, spa and gym with swimming pool, providing the ideal South Bank base for exploring the city. Converted from its former premises housing the Central Office of Information, the new state-of-the-art building has been designed by architecture and interior design practice Digital Space. Also responsible for the award-winning Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, the design team will bring a fresh energy and innovative vision to this sought-after space which will act as the perfect haven for those seeking to enjoy the adventures this great city has to offer, be that work or play.
PARK PLAZA LONDON PARK ROYAL Hot on the heels of Park Plaza London Waterloo will be the launch of Park Plaza London Park Royal, located close to Wembley. A newly built 212 bedroom property providing a gateway to central London and international locations, the hotel will offer easy access to London Heathrow airport, as well as direct access to the Piccadilly line, placing guests at Piccadilly Circus in approximately 30 minutes. Offering a range of facilities including a restaurant and bar, gym, meeting rooms and secure parking, this new hotel is conveniently located opposite Park Royal underground station.
SOUTH BANK RENOVATIONS Major renovations and extensions to existing South Bank hotels, Park Plaza London Riverbank, a property that takes your experience to an entirely new level and Plaza on the River, with unrivalled views, complete the development pipeline. The result; an additional six floors of guest accommodation and 155 new bedrooms, which in turn takes the total new room count of both hotels combined to 616 and firmly positions PPHE Hotel Group as a leading operator in London.
Copyright 2016 Matthew Shaw. See licence supplied with this image for full terms & conditions. Copy available at: www.matthewshaw.co.uk/copyright.html Not for use by architects, interior designers or other hotel suppliers without permission from Matthew Shaw
Ufi Ibrahim, Chief Executive of British Hospitality Association, a partner of PPHE Hotel Group, adds: “London is a global travel destination with some of the best accommodation in the world. Its hospitality and tourism industry makes a significant contribution to the economy and is an increasingly competitive global market. Continued investment by hotels such as Park Plaza is critical to the UK’s ability to outpace international rival destinations and to ensure that London remains a world class destination.”
The GROHE Sensia Arena shower toilet has won the gold award for Innovation in WiFi and App Technology, while GROHE’s EuroCube Joy mixer range also won the GOLD award for Innovation in Sustainability at the recent Designer Kitchen and Bathroom Awards.
Raj Mistry, GROHE UK Marketing Director, commented: “We are delighted to be a double gold winner in the Designer Kitchen & Bathroom Awards, recognising two of GROHE’s core strengths: our commitment to sustainability and position as a market leader in technological development.”
With the design of the Sensia Arena (pictured below), GROHE has used its unique expertise to bring a new generation of highly advanced products to consumers that define a new standard for the future of personalised, clean comfort.
The GROHE Sensia Arena harnesses the gentle and effective cleansing benefits of water to help deliver optimum hygiene levels in the bathroom. The shower toilet features the latest in technology, including app control which allows you to create and remember personal profiles on any Sensia Arena anywhere in the world.
The Eurocube Joy mixer range (pictured, main) combines striking geometric design with a host of design features and innovative GROHE technologies, including sustainable EcoJoy. This reduces water consumption without impacting on product performance or user enjoyment.
The Designer Kitchen and Bathroom Awards are one of the kitchen and bathroom industry’s most respected and anticipated events of the years, awarding products that bring a unique quality to the market. This year, the awards were held on 9 November at the exclusive Supernova in London.
Gallery Direct were delighted to win the Sittingbourne Business of the Year at last month’s Swale Business Awards.
The awards, which are widely regarded as the borough’s most prestigious business event, are held annually, to recognise local excellence and bring businesses together.
The judges look at financial performance, entrepreneurial spirit, environmental credentials, marketing skills, community links, staff welfare and a range of other attributes that when combined make businesses stand out.
Peter Delaney, Managing Director of Gallery, commented, “It is the first year we have entered the awards, so we were thrilled to win the Sittingbourne Business of the Year. Our investment in our Swale head office and recent huge warehouse expansion, along with the introduction of our own transport fleet, has resulted in a fourfold expansion of our workforce in recent years. Our commitment to the area and quality of our business was obviously appreciated by the judges.”
Two days before Harmony Of The Seas, the world’s largest ever cruise ship, left the STX shipyard in St. Nazaire where she was built, the Chelsom team were part of the two thousand contractors still on board putting the finishing touches to the magnificent interiors which would be enjoyed by the six thousand passengers she would carry.
At 227,000 tonnes this magnificent vessel boasts 21 restaurants and 23 swimming pools with a vast central open public space- Central Park. With the world’s longest slides for the children and a twelve hundred seat theatre to entertain passengers in the evening, the ship is full of superlatives and has pushed out all the boundaries in cruising, hospitality and entertainment.
Having worked with STX previously on the build of EUROPA2, Chelsom were delighted to be involved in the design and manufacture of the majority of the public area lighting, supplying some 600 fittings covering 74 different designs. Chelsom’s marine experience ensured effective ‘marinisation’ of luminaires to cope with the continual movements on board caused by the sea state or vibration. All component parts were modified to be securely fixed and rattle free with sound engineering whilst still retaining the striking visual impact required by the 12 different designers involved.
The areas within which Chelsom worked include:
The Theatre where they supplied three 3m diameter statement pendants incorporating burlesque style stretch style spandex fabric and lace ribbons to give a Moulin Rouge style;
Wonderland where an entire ceiling lighting structure was created featuring hundreds of delicate suspended porcelain flowers lit with fibre optics;
Central Park where magnificent street lamps housed sound systems inside them, where Jamie’s restaurant featured chandeliers dressed with mouth blown glass balls and Vintages where ceiling fittings and wall lights were gold gilded and dressed with crystal;
The Windjammer restaurant where Chelsom created food whisks with tiny LED lights concealed within to illuminate the servery;
Sorrento’s with its huge central fitting incorporating illuminated acrylic rods;
The Casino with its opulent elliptical crystal chandeliers, each faceted drop being securely fixed and illuminated with LED light sources.
Beyond that Chelsom also manufactured lighting for the Diamond Club, the Jazz Club, the Comedy Club, Pub and Teen Lounge.
There is no doubt Harmony of the Seas will provide the ultimate cruising experience and any company involved in the creation of the stunning interiors will be proud to have been part of the supply team.
Chelsom Head of Marine Sales John Hadley said “It’s always amazing to follow a project from its inception two years previously right up to seeing the finished article. It has been an amazing challenge blending the aesthetic and stringent functional requirements of all the parties involved and I am so proud that Chelsom brought so many components of the project together to make it work successfully.”
In October, the Generation Companies, a Raleigh, North Carolina-based real estate developer, owner, asset manager and operator of extended-stay hotels, completed a $215 million (£172 million) recapitalisation of its hotel portfolio.
The funding consolidates four Generation-led partnerships totaling 23 hotels into a new partnership formed between Generation and affiliates of StepStone Real Estate (SRE). The transaction includes funding that will allow Generation to make substantial capital improvements to the existing portfolio and acquire new properties. Generation will continue to manage the 2,652-room portfolio, located primarily in the Southeast in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia, as well as in Texas and Tennessee.
Generation was represented by the Manhattan-based investment bank Kimberlite. Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP was Generation’s legal team. JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group secured the $145.5 million (£117 million) recapitalisation loan with Blackstone Mortgage Trust, the global real estate finance company that provided the non-recourse, floating-rate financing.
According to H. Mark Daley, III, Generation CEO, “This is a transformative transaction for Generation as we are now partnered with best-in-class, global investors across our entire capital stack. This event is highly strategic in that we now have an institutional caliber balance sheet, a more scalable platform, dedicated growth capital and in-place funding for an aggressive capital improvement program for our existing assets. This is a great way for us to celebrate Generation’s 20th anniversary.”
The Generation Companies is a Raleigh, North Carolina-based real estate developer, owner, asset manager and operator of extended-stay hotels in North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas. Generation, with more than 2,700 hotel rooms and $250 million (£200 million) in real estate assets under management and over 400 associates at 24 properties, is actively seeking new acquisition opportunities in the extended-stay and select-services segments.
Founded in 1912 by François André and subsequently developed by Lucien Barrière, Diane Barrière-Desseigne, and Dominique Desseigne, Barrière has thrived over the decades to become the top French casino brand and a benchmark for luxury hotels.
Through its exceptional establishments, the group incarnates the symbols of French prestige, refinement and elegance and has always placed excellence of service at the heart of its concerns. In Les Neiges, Barrière takes to the ski area for the first time in its history.
Perched between mountain and sky, Courchevel 1850 is a fairy-tale village like no other, where luxury and tradition come together. Nestled in the heart of Les Trois Vallées – the biggest ski area in the world – the resort offers over 600km of ski slopes and accommodation in luxury chalets as well as high-end hotels. Hotel Les Neiges benefits from an enviable location at the foot of the Bellecôte ski slope, with 42 rooms and suites on the slopes, and an easy stroll from the centre of Courchevel and its luxurious boutiques, and with sumptuous architecture and intimate décor.
Pass through the doorway of Hotel Les Neiges and enter the authentic refined and relaxed décor of a chalet. The mountain tradition – revisited. A fire in the hearth. Hardwood floors. And all around, grey stone columns flecked with silver. Right from the entrance, the atmosphere is welcoming, tasteful, all-encompassing. Stones, slate, shale, oak, pine and larch woods stained in blond, amber and grey shades decorate the well-appointed reception area. Here, the Barrière Spirit shines through.
Let the refined style and luxurious, welcoming décor of the 42 rooms and suites of the hotel sweep over you. Upon entering, the tone is set. The materials evoke ski marks in the powder, sunny slopes, fir tree bark, and glittering ice crystals. Inspired by the mountain setting, the result is captivating.
Bedrooms are swathed in sumptuous cashmere, plush fabrics, velvet and fur. The larch panelled walls and ceilings are reminiscent of traditional chalets, given a contemporary twist. Appreciate the discreet luxury of this tasteful and authentic chalet. And at the very top, sits the 310 m2 private apartment. The exquisite materials and attention to detail are the ultimate expression of luxury and elegance.
Take advantage of some quiet time in a cosy chalet bar. Surrounded by wood and stone, enjoy a fabulous cocktail with a view over the mountains around. The bar at Hotel Barrière Les Neiges is perfectly designed for enchanting occasions at the foot of the slopes. With its Studio Harcourt portraits arranged on the walls, guests are encouraged to spend a relaxing break, and to take in their surroundings under the gaze of cinema industry icons.
Nestled in the heart of the hotel, bathed in natural light, the Spa Diane Barrière reveals an entire world of sophistication. Commune with nature with the pool integrated into a wall of dried stones, like a waterfall carved in the mountain. In this space exclusively dedicated to your well-being, spa Diane Barrière Les Neiges boasts 6 treatment rooms, an exclusive suite for two with private hammam and sauna, an aquatic circuit (the resort’s largest), a 20-metre infinity pool, hammam, sauna, cold bath and fabulous outdoor jacuzzi.
As part of their continued expansion, Crosswater Contracts are pleased to announce the appointment of Becky Greenin to the UK contracts team. Becky is the first of a series of new appointments, and will hold the role of ‘Projects and Key Account Manager’ for London and the Home Counties.
Working closely with architects, specifiers, Clients, contractors and project managers within the contracts sector, Becky will be focusing on business development and lead progression for the fast-growing Crosswater Contracts operation – becoming the vital link between manufacturers, clients, specifiers and project managers.
Becky joins the Crosswater Contracts team with over 16yrs experience within the Bathrooms and Contracts market, having previously worked with numerous industry leaders – progressing her career over that time from sales administrator, to field sales and into management.
The appointment of Becky Greenin reinforces the company’s commitment to their customer base and underpins their continued growth and success. Over the next few months Crosswater Contracts will announce further ‘Account Manager’ appointments, in addition to the creation of a number of new internal roles.
David Balmer, Hospitality Senior Projects Consultant for Crosswater Contracts, said: “We’re very lucky to have Becky join the team. Crosswater Contracts is very much in an expansion period and the recruitment of experienced, influential managers like Becky underlines our recent growth and ambition, and further strengthens our position within the UK Bathroom and Contracts sector.”
Upon her appointment, Becky Greenin herself commented: “I’m extremely excited to be joining the Crosswater Contracts team. It’s a great time to be in the UK bathroom contracts sector, and even better to be part of such a forward thinking, fast-growing company, where I can optimise my skills and help take the business to the next level.”
“We are honoured to continue our growth in the region by welcoming the first Curio property in this spectacular destination,” said Mark Nogal, global head, Curio – A Collection by Hilton. “Indura Beach & Golf Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton mixes luxury and environmentally conscious amenities, offering guests a truly authentic travel experience.”
With 26 miles of the picturesque Tela Bay on the North Coast of Honduras as its backdrop, and Jeanette Kawas National Park as its surroundings, Indura Beach & Golf Resort is part of a larger destination resort that will eventually include two to three hotels and 800 residential units.
“Indura” is the Garifuna word for Honduras and the resort strives to incorporate the culture of the Garifuna people – descendants of Caribe, Arawak and West African people – into its offerings, with local Honduran products and sustainable materials used in its construction.
Dotting a lush tropical landscape, the hotel’s 60 junior suites are located in 15 scattered villas, interconnected by footpaths that meander to a pristine beach. The design of each guest room thoughtfully reflects the Honduran architecture and tropical style combined with sophisticated and modern elegance. Guest room highlights include bamboo floors, pine walls, decorative accents of Guanacaste wood and floor-to-ceiling windows that slide open to breezy wrap-around terraces with ocean, golf course or garden views.
The hotel also presents the Maina Spa, which is a reflection of an immersion in the culture of Honduras, both in design and development of treatments. A philosophy in tune with nature’s elements, Maina is a sanctuary of relaxed simplicity designed around fragrant and serene water gardens. Gentle sea breezes pass through private spa cabins capturing the essence of local flora while sunlight and shadows play lightly throughout the space.
A focal point and central gathering spot within the resort, the pool is temperature controlled and strategically designed to feature three uniquely appealing swim areas. The resort also features a 1,500 square foot fitness centre with state-of-the-art cardio and strength training equipment and private fitness studio.
Leading aparthotel operator Staycity is putting France firmly in its sights with the announcement of two premises opening in the country in 2017.
Staycity already operates an aparthotel in the busy and popular 10th district of Paris, minutes from the Gare de Paris-Est transport hub, and will add Staycity Marseille to its portfolio when it opens for business in February 2017. The property, based in Marseille’s popular historical Vieux Port, will offer 108 apartments.
In Spring 2017 Staycity will open in Lyon in a purpose-built, 144-unit development in the city centre, within walking distance of the historic old centre and 10-minutes from the main business hub and train station.
“France has long been a mainstay in our expansion plans and we hope to add further properties in strategic sites in the coming years,” commented Staycity CEO Tom Walsh. “These properties and our existing premises in Paris, provide us with a firm base in France, which will help build our reputation as the go-to aparthotel operator for both leisure and business travellers.”
Staycity premises opening in the UK over the next 12 months include Manchester (182), London Covent Garden (106) and Liverpool (202). Staycity Aparthotels now has over 3,000 apartments across eight major cities across the UK and Europe with expansion plans which will take it to 15,000 apartments by 2021.
Last year, the 5* luxury hotel and resort, The Grove in Hertfordshire, commissioned Martin Hulbert Design to revisit its private events spaces. Martin was the original designer of the luxury resort, the first hotel to appear on the cover of House & Garden and to win ‘Best New Hotel’ at The European Hotel Design Awards.
He says: “The Grove is an incredibly inspiring place for special events, full of wit and flair, wonderfully unexpected and naturally inspired by its setting in 300 acres of parkland and gardens. The original interiors had lasted really well, they just needed a shot in the arm, something to push them forward into the future. Coming back to The Grove, we knew that it still had to be quirky and interactive, but things have changed in the last 15 years, people now want a beautiful space to work with – so they can be creative, with a sense of freedom, and put in exactly what they want for their event. In effect we were designing a beautiful blank canvas!”
The result is a brilliantly refreshed, contemporary series of social spaces, including the Cedar Suite, a brand new space with architecture and interiors envisioned by Martin Hulbert Design.“The success of the project is due in large part to the owners of The Grove, with whom we worked very closely. They are always receptive, open and enthusiastic. This is a long-standing working relationship, and I think it shows in the end product,” says Martin.
A twofold brief Firstly, MHD was briefed to bring The Grove’s meeting and events spaces right up to date. The end goal was to create an atmospheric and adaptable environment for a party that would respond to the move towards theatrical, customised and experiential events – be it a wedding, a business event or a private birthday dinner.
Acknowledging that the boundaries of what is possible are becoming less and less restrictive, MHD saw this as an opportunity to be ground-breaking, both in terms of the design of the spaces and the breadth of events The Grove could subsequently host.
The second part of the brief was to configure the existing social spaces so that they could be hired as a whole, or used as separate spaces; each with their own entrance, their own reception area, their own dining areas and exclusive after dinner drinks spots – and their own service areas. Martin and his team’s response to this part of the brief was to reconfigure the original individual spaces – the Amber and Ivory – and to make them more independent from each other.
The next step was to add an entirely new suite of spaces, the Cedar, embedded in the magnificent formal gardens. Amber, Ivory and Cedar can be used together as one flowing, organic space hired as a whole, but they also brilliantly reconfigure as individual spaces which can be used concurrently, but entirely exclusively. Each one now has its own separate entrance and with connected informal breakout, networking and social spaces, so every event client running an event will feel as if they are exclusive guests of The Grove.
The Cedar Suite MHD responded to the brief with a completely new building; the Cedar Suite – the first time the design practice has led the creative architectural concept of a building. MHD envisioned the building from scratch; the result is a beautifully proportioned oval pavilion, in the hotel’s formal gardens, connected to new reception rooms and service areas in the main building. At leasthalf of the pavilion’s walls are floor-to-ceiling glass, bringing in plenty of natural light, and turning up the volume on the original brief for The Grove of ‘bringing the outside in’, recognising that the gardens are integral to the experience.
The design is completed with a series of exterior fins, hung vertically behind the glass wall and created from leaves and greenery set in resin, providing privacy and beautifully disseminating sunlight. Inside, the wooden floor is balanced with a ceiling of acoustic ‘leaves’ – inspired by those in the Royal Albert Hall – ensuring that the space works for events of all kinds. Inside, complementing the glass, a bespoke tapestry wraps around the opposite wall, commissioned for the space by MHD and created by Rosalyn of Mollie Regan Textiles. The design is an abstract take on the magnification of flowers and plants; the fine details and pale colour scheme offer texture and interest – while appearing colourless from afar, offering an unrestricted backdrop.
The bright Verdigris copper exterior contrasts against the existing redbrick building, breaking up the exterior view, yet sitting perfectly at home. A living roof adds texture and creates a continuous view onto the gardens from above. The interior is totally at one with the exterior and vice versa. From the pavilion, the Cedar Suite extends into the original main building – with a new private entrance. The entrance canopy has been specially designed, using Verdigris copper, uniting the spaces. Inside, every element is bespoke, either commissioned by, or designed by, MHD for the project.
In the centre of the room a working sculpture creates a focal point; a vast steel table, suspended between two steel columns, moves up and down using a series of bespoke weights and pulleys. The result is a table for dinner, a cocktail bar, a centrepiece to cover in flowers or a canopy to dance underneath, setting the elegant yet industrial feel that is evident throughout. Martin explains: “Almost everything is bespoke – and the rest is very high spec. And everything has a touch of wit and a sense of old combining with the new, whether it’s in the art or in the materials we have used.”
Specially designed sofas are upholstered in deep blue and green mohair fabrics; chairs and stools come from Poltrona Frau. Tables are designed using pipes and glass; others incorporate solid wood or are inspired by petal shapes. Much of the furniture is on wheels allowing for maximum flexibility.
Amber and Ivory The new look Cedar Suite sets the tone for the refreshed Amber and Ivory spaces. Both Amber and Ivory have become more independent of each other; both now have a dedicated entrance with their own reception desks, clad in punched leather, and individual breakout spaces. Traditional carpets have been replaced with slick steel flooring, with furniture designed by MHD.
The break-out spaces and individual meeting rooms throughout have been bought fully up to date with the latest technology. Black-out banners – hung with material designed for The Grove by MHD – provide privacy when required, while floor to ceiling windows allow plenty of natural light and garden views. Some rooms have full white-board walls that can be written on for maximum creativity; others have bespoke solid oak, walnut and chestnut tables.
Art Art is used cleverly, giving texture to the edginess of the furniture. In the Cedar reception, an installation of 150 copper leaves blows across the wall and ceiling. A woman’s face created using 15,000 steel screws adds texture and interest; close by, the viewer is challenged to think by a video piece of women being carried by men, in snapshots from films throughout history.
The thought-provoking art collection is continued through Amber and Ivory, with much of the work specially commissioned – continuing the ideal of being unpredictable and encouraging creativity. Pieces include a large photographic work that chequers photographs of Lady Margaret Thatcher and Jeremy Corbyn together and a work titled Don’t Label Me – making a statement about equality.
Michael Helling, General Manager of The Grove says: “MHD have done a brilliant job answering the brief. The new spaces are like a stunning stage set, which can be propped up – or used as they are. They are inspiring, for brainstorming and creativity, but also elegant, for celebrations and special occasions. They are completely flexibility, with multiple spaces, to bring in food stations, create a rustic chic bohemian wedding – whatever the client wants. We say anything’s possible at The Grove, and Martin Hulbert and his team have interpreted that beautifully.”
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced that the new-build, 100-room Candlewood Suites Queretaro-Juriquilla property has opened as the brand’s first property in Mexico. The Candlewood Suites property joins the Staybridge Suites Queretaro hotel representing both of IHG’s extended stay brands in the city.
IHG has more than 220 hotels open in México, Latin America and the Caribbean and now eight properties are located in Querétaro. Additionally, the Candlewood Suites Celaya hotel will open as the second Candlewood Suites property in Mexico this year. Gerardo Murray, Regional Vice President, Brands and Marketing, Mexico, Latin America & Caribbean, said: “The debut of the Candlewood Suites brand in Mexico marks a key moment in the development of IHG’s extended stay brands. As the eighth IHG property in Queretaro, which has undergone significant development with the addition of numerous international companies, the hotel is looking forward to welcoming both business and leisure travelers looking for a comfortable and home-like stay.
The six-story Candlewood Suites-Queretaro-Juriquilla property is located near main businesses and leisure attractions including Parque Industrial Queretaro and Parque Industrial Jurica industrial parks as well as Antea Lifestyle Center and Juriquilla Golf course.
Providing friendly, yet non-intrusive service, the Candlewood Suites brand offers independent guests the ability to be themselves. At the Candlewood Suites Queretaro-Juriquilla hotel, guests enjoy spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and executive desks. Additional amenities include a 24 hour fitness center, laundry facility, swimming pool, Gazebo Grill area and the Candlewood Lending Library with a variety of music and movies.
The hotel provides unique offerings for guests staying overnight or for weeks at a time including the Candlewood Cupboard®, a 24-hour in-hotel convenience store which sells products such as breakfast items, snacks, refreshments and easy to prepare meals, and the Lending Locker, where guests can borrow common household items to use during their stay.
W Hotels Worldwide, now part of Marriott International, has announced it will open W Algarve in 2018 on Portugal’s stunning sun-kissed Algarve coast.
Developed in partnership with Nozul Algarve, S.A., the vibrant oceanfront oasis will overlook the breathtaking coastline and the beckoning waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The debut will mark the third W Escape in the Europe, a newly created portfolio of W Hotels located in ski, sand and entertainment destinations around the world, that make the traditional ‘resort’ a last resort.
Located on a 250,000 square meters of beachfront on the central Algarve coastline, W Algarve is an escape for extraordinary experiences which is set to ignite the local scene with its electrifying style, innovative design, and full calendar of exclusive W Happenings, showcasing what’s new / next in fashion, music and design. The hotel will offer 134 stylish guest rooms and suites, including two Extreme WOW Suites, the W brand’s reinterpretation of the Presidential Suite.
W Algarve will also cater for those who need to mix a little work with play, offering two ultra-modern meeting rooms to elevate any meeting from ordinary to extraordinary. The 500 square metre state-of-the-art meeting rooms are complemented by extensive outdoor facilities ideal for vibrant open air events or beachfront celebrations. The brand’s iconic Whatever/Whenever service will be available 24/7, providing jetsetters with whatever they want — from late night manicures to speed boat experiences — whenever they want it.
For those looking for a permanent home on Portugal’s golden coast, Nozul Algarve S.A., the owner of the W Algarve, will offer 81 W-branded Residences for purchase, featuring one, two and three bedroom units with spectacular ocean views. The W-branded beachfront Residences in the Algarve are the first in Europe offering owners access to all W amenities and services, including preferred dining reservations and seating at the hotel’s restaurants, bars and lounges; in-residence dining and STYLE housekeeping services; a private W Residences pool and the brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever® service promise.
These stunning Residences can enter an optional rental program managed by the hotel. In addition, there are 24 W branded “hotel-residences” within the main hotel building, where ownership is limited to specific periods of the year. Owners will have the opportunity to call W Algarve home while enjoying the full flexibility of a shared property system.
Summertime, a luxury holiday villa in Goa, is thrilled to announce that it has won the award for Best Romantic Boutique Hotel 2016, from World Boutique Hotel Awards (WBH) in London; this highly prestigious international award was presented in London earlier this month.
Hans Tuinman, a Dutchman who together with his Indian wife Sucheta built this spectacular villa, said: “It is very rewarding to be recognised in this way after just one year of operation as a very special place to stay, as a place that has character, an intimate feel and most importantly, a place that offers guests a unique experience.”
He adds “All this is especially humbling as we are not professionally-trained hoteliers or architects, and Summertime is simply our personal idea of the perfect holiday home: relaxing from the moment you enter the gates, but also sumptuously comfortable.”
Summertime is a luxury holiday rental villa in Goa. Secluded, yet very easy to get to from the popular Calangute and Candolim beaches, Summertime perches on a hilltop overlooking paddy fields and a lush tropical garden. Summertime is a rare villa which enjoys two acres of private gardens, shared with birds, butterflies and tranquility which is fast disappearing even from Goa. There is a large infinity pool which overlooks the gardens and the valley, a waterfall and a koi pond.
Inside, a double-height living-dining area is filled with light and breeze. The three generous master suites – identical in size but charming and individual in character – have large dressing areas, palatial bathrooms and choicest of furniture sourced from travels to Bali and places in India. Fully staffed with a cook, gardeners and security, Summertime is the perfect place for a family or a group of friends to relax and recharge their batteries. Though Summertime has been designed to give six guests a private, serene experience, the views it commands and its abundance of delightful nooks are what make this villa such a perfectly romantic getaway as well.
Summertime’s owners also run the Solita, a classic luxury yacht available for exclusive charter. A completely different way of exploring Goa, the Solita will take you out to sea to spot dolphins and down Goa’s secret backwaters and past quaint villages – an experience from a more elegant time.
Both the Solita and Summertime can transport you into a novel world, into the Goa you dream about, one filled with balmy sea breezes, soothing greenery, gently lapping water and birdsong.
Bespoke wool-rich axminster carpet made in the UK by Wilton Carpets, has been fitted throughout The Chapel at Beaumont Estate, Old Windsor, a country hotel operated by the Principal Hayley group.
Continuing on from an earlier installation of the same design throughout other areas of the hotel, contractor Pocklington Carpets has fitted over 380m2 in the complex layout of The Chapel, voted one of the top 100 wedding venues in the UK.
The design features a striking large-scale multi-layer damask overlaid on a contemporary stria. Fitting the heritage of the Beaumont Estate and working well with the intricate painted ceilings of The Chapel, the carpet reflects a status as a luxurious and thoroughly modern destination.
“We have worked with Wilton Carpets on numerous projects and were involved in the original installation of carpet in this design elsewhere in the hotel,” reveals Paul Eade, Pocklington Carpets. “So when contacted by the design team at Principal Hayley, we had no hesitation in continuing our relationship with Wilton, this time in a lighter colourway more suited to The Chapel’s wonderful interior.
“Installations such as this require careful planning and faultless attention-to-detail and so it is crucial that our supply chain upholds these values. Working with Wilton Carpets gives us the confidence that we can recommend woven carpet in bespoke designs, knowing that the process will be a smooth one. From the design through to installation, Wilton Carpets understands the nature of the high-quality work Pocklington Carpets is known for and that has been proven once again in this fabulous location.”
Woven from British wool in a rich blend that gives appearance retention, the bespoke axminster carpet features in a nine-row construction so is more than capable of withstanding the demands of weddings and functions, where the carpet is placed under high-wear. Alongside the requirements of the carpet to endure and be easy to maintain, the architectural features of The Chapel also required particular attention:
“The planning in this project was particularly vital,” continues Paul Eade. “The columns of The Chapel’s architecture and the complexity of the carpet design needed to be planned carefully at the design stage, so we supplied Wilton Carpets with a floorplan. From this it developed CADs that saw the design fall accurately between pillars. The final look is impressive and shows that contractor and manufacturer working closely together yields the best results, while also making the whole process a better one for the client.”
This is an opinion underlined by the General Manager of Beaumont Estate, Sven Steijvers, tasked with ensuring the installation went smoothly and within the high business demand of the luxury hotel: “The process from quotation to installation was truly seamless and professional and despite the complexity of the design and layout of The Chapel, we were able to install the carpet in the small window of opportunity presented by the high demand of this top 100 wedding venue.
“Good communication throughout really aided the process and has resulted in an enhanced product for guests to enjoy for years to come. Lifting the ambience of The Chapel, the new carpet has been instantly noted by our guests who booked prior to the installation and I would highly recommend both parties.”
For further information contact Wilton Carpets Commercial on 01722 746000 or sales@wiltoncarpets.com
We’re delighted to welcome Stylo as an official partner for the Hotel Designs Meet Up networking event, which takes place tomorrow at the Grange St. Paul’s Hotel in London, from 6pm until 9pm.
Stylo are specialists in large format print and display, offering bespoke tailored solutions for retail, interiors, exhibitions, museums and 3D installations.
They will be showcasing their latest solutions at Meet Up, including the amazing Balloon Dog 3D printed display models.
“We are delighted to sponsor the Hotel Designs Meet Up and to showcase how large scale, 3D additive technology can help print your imagination,” said Stylo sales director Chris Shoebottom.
To recap, the Hotel Designs Meet Up is a unique opportunity for you to meet with a host of senior figures from across the hotel industry and some of the most influential names in interior design – it’s the perfect way to catch up, meet and network in an informal and relaxed setting.
Today’s your last chance to register to attend the Hotel Designs Meet Up networking evening, which takes place tomorrow at the Grange St. Paul’s Hotel in London, from 6pm until 9pm.
To recap, the Hotel Designs Meet Up is a unique opportunity for you to meet with a host of senior figures from across the hotel industry and some of the most influential names in interior design – it’s the perfect way to catch up, meet and network in an informal and relaxed setting.
We will also be joined by leading industry suppliers RhubarbLondon and Stylo.
Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara opens its doors in the Sultanate of Oman bringing the luxury hospitality brand Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas to the stunning coastal location of Salalah in the southern province of Dhofar on the Arabian Sea.
Situated between a long, scenic beach and a freshwater lagoon, bordering the historic Al Baleed UNESCO archaeological site, the resort introduces a new level of luxury and refinement to the region, allowing discerning guests to discover the unique charms of southern Oman.
Guarded by the Dhofar mountains and edged by the shimmering blue waters of the Arabian Sea, the resort has been designed with the simple grandeur of the region’s iconic coastal fortresses in mind. Striking and authentic architecture is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, with walkways framed by 750 coconut palms and eye-catching water features to create an air of tranquillity and serenity.
The resort comprises 136 guest rooms and villas offering views of the ocean, lagoon or picturesque gardens. The 40 premier and deluxe rooms offer luxurious handcrafted furnishings and rich textures, whilst the eight one-bedroom villas and 88 one- and two-bedroom pool villas entice with personalised villa host services and separate living areas. The pool villas invite with private temperature-controlled swimming pools, the first of their kind in Salalah.
Dorsett Hospitality International is delighted to announce the development of its second hotel in London, Dorsett City, a 13 storey building formerly known as The Matrix, located next to Aldgate tube station and the 18th century St Botolph Church.
Dorsett Hospitality International’s first hotel, Dorsett Shepherds Bush, opened in 2014 and Dorsett City, London, will further underline the company’s vision to expand its hotel portfolio in selected strategic regions in the United Kingdom and Europe.
On this exciting expansion, Winnie Chiu, President and Executive Director of Dorsett Hospitality International commented, “We consider the United Kingdom to be one of the most popular destinations for tourists and business travellers around the world. Major European countries, including the UK, are attracting an unprecedented number of Chinese arrivals and the opening of a second hotel in London will continue to capture this key market for Dorsett, in line with our ongoing business strategy.”
Set to open in Q1 2017, the 13-storey Dorsett City, London will be a sleek and sensitively-designed building with 275 guestrooms and will also house two restaurants, a bar and 1,600 sq. ft. of meeting space for the business community – to be carried out by Dexter Moren Associates.
John Connolly, Head of UK Development for Dorsett Hospitality International said, “Given the architectural sensitivity of this historic and typically dense area of London, The Matrix is indeed a landmark building; both figuratively as well as architecturally; and we are indeed honoured and grateful to the local community and The City of London Corporation for granting us the approval to proceed with our re-development plan.”
Marriott Hotels is celebrating the grand re-opening of one of its most iconic properties in the UK, London Marriott Hotel County Hall, following the completion of a multi-million pound transformation.
Set on London’s South Bank, County Hall offers guests an unparalleled panoramic view of London that takes in the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the River Thames and the London Eye.
The redesigned hotel signals the momentum and evolution of Marriott Hotels’ bold transformation as it continues to elevate experiences all around the world, enhancing every aspect of the guest’s stay. New openings and reinvented hotels showcase attributes of the future of the brand, including contemporary guestroom design, local influences, stylish public areas and intuitive technology.
“Marriott Hotels has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation in travel to create experiences that inspire and push our guests’ creativity. London Marriott County Hall is the perfect combination of historic charm and intuitive design.” says Matthew Carroll, vice president, Marriott Hotels.
Set at the foot of Westminster Bridge, the 206-room London Marriott County Hall makes the most of its heritage and premier location in the heart of London. Its vaulted ceilings and wood-panelled chambers have witnessed many important moments of London history.
The hotel offers guests some of the most spacious rooms in the heart of London with breathtaking riverside views. Based on guest feedback, locally-inspired accents offer a sense of place, while smart technology enables guests to use the room flexibly.
Led by RPW Design, one of the world’s leading hospitality interior design practices, the hotel’s reimagined interiors combine contemporary hotel design and luxurious functionality with inspiration from the heritage and elegance of the building. All suites include upgraded bathroom facilities, entrances with tiled mosaic flooring and bespoke wallpaper featuring a historic map of London from the era of the building’s infancy.
Sumptuous soft furnishings and subtle plays on iconic London landmarks are featured throughout, including tasteful tributes to the building’s history – for example the orange chairs pay homage to the seating used in the chamber of the former London County Council and bowler hat prints on curtain fabrics echo London’s business culture.
Govert Deketh, general manager, London Marriott Hotel County Hall commented: “Our transformation perfectly captures the essence of great British style whilst also delivering an elevated and modern hotel experience. That together with our building’s incredible history and our exceptional riverside views now places us as one of the most sought after properties in London.”
Luxury surface manufacturer, Versital has met the rigorous design and quality standards required to earn British Contract Furnishing Association membership.
Gemma Stockberger, Versital, comments: “We are delighted to meet approval for BCFA membership, highlighting the brand’s commitment to excellence in the contract furnishing sector.
Through Versital’s completely bespoke faux marble, we are able to cater for a wide range of commercial projects, offering designs that can be perfectly tailored to suit nearly any requirement and delivering an exceptional and personalised level of customer care”.
The British Contract Furnishing Association (BCFA) is a global business association for the contract furnishing industry, helping to set the standards for the sector and enhance the commercial success of the membership. Companies have to meet exacting criteria in terms of professionalism and a commitment to provide the market with the highest levels of service in order to be awarded membership. In exchange, member benefits include knowledge and business support, and excellent networking opportunities across the industry.
Versital’s product offerings for the sector include bespoke bar tops, table tops, washroom vanities and shower trays in faux marble and granite, as well as high gloss and high sparkle finishes. Versital shares the same classic and stylish looks as the natural material, however is non-porous, 100% waterproof and stain resistant, and is available in a vast range of colours and made to order sizes and shapes.
AVANI Pattaya Resort & Spa has launched in one of Thailand’s popular beach resort destinations. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, on Pattaya Beach, the 298-room resort offers great sea views and a relaxed vibe for both business travellers and holidaymakers.
Previously operating as Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa, over $5 million (£3.9 million) has been invested in refurbishing the resort, including guest rooms, meeting rooms, the Elephant Bar and Garden Café Restaurant, plus the resort has introduced The Pantry, an inviting zone where guests are able to eat, grab a quick bite or stock up their mini bars.
AVANI Sea View and AVANI Garden View Rooms, along with the AVANI Garden Terrace Suites have been redesigned to offer an improved use of space and a host of modern comforts. The design is contemporary and fresh and the neutral colour palette is subtle and stylish, creating a space that is restful and soothing.
The newly refurbished Garden Café Restaurant offers a tranquil spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The design style is organic, natural and uncluttered with warm textures and muted tones of plum, grey and shades of white. The varied buffet offers international fare and classic Thai dishes. Lunch and dinner favourites include the seabass with masala sauce, pumpkin risotto and local tiger prawns.
Sala Rim Nam, the resort’s open-air Thai restaurant, is encircled by lotus ponds and tropical flora.
Set within the lush gardens is a 650 square metre outdoor adult and children’s swimming pool with a hydrotherapy Jacuzzi plunge pool.
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts has announced it will debut the brand’s first-ever hotel in Singapore in early 2017.
In partnership with boutique developers Harpreet and Satinder Garcha, The Duxton Club, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Singapore will showcase the island’s rich history with stunning redesigns from Anouska Hempel and Jacques Garcia of traditional shophouses – a prevalent building in Singapore’s architectural heritage – in the Tanjong Pagar conservation district.
Both preserving the past and offering guests a contemporary luxury experience, the multi-million-dollar renovation will bring to life Singapore’s roots in an authentic and indigenous way.
“The debut of a hotel in Singapore in collaboration with two iconic designers marks an important milestone for The Luxury Collection, as we continue to expand our global footprint in new destinations around the world,” said Meredith Dichter, Global Brand Director, The Luxury Collection. Recently surpassing 100 hotels in more than 30 countries, our mission to offer global explorers truly indigenous experiences wherever they travel will reach new heights with the opening of The Duxton Club next year.”
“We are thrilled to bring The Luxury Collection to Singapore,” said Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Development, Marriott International Asia Pacific. “We are confident that The Duxton Club will make its mark on the country’s highly competitive hospitality market, and we’re proud to work with Harpreet and Satinder Garcha, who are passionate about design and adaptive-reuse heritage projects.”
Satinder Garcha, CEO of Garcha Hotels, said, “Using our mutual strength to re-create the charms of a bygone era, the adaptive reuse of such historic buildings by two of the world’s best designers, Anouska Hempel and Jacques Garcia, will offer guests an unforgettable boutique hotel experience while contributing to urban sustainability and preservation of our vibrant past.”
Originally constructed in the early 19th century, The Duxton House features 50 guestrooms in eight adjoining three-story buildings reimagined by celebrated designer Anouska Hempel, whose comprehensive interior design background spans hotels, restaurants, retail spaces and luxury residential projects including the Hempel Hotel and Blakes Hotel in London, and high-end retail stores around the world such as Van Cleef and Arpels and Louis Vuitton. Under the strong interior design identity of Hempel, The Duxton House will be restored to its former glory with rich oriental influences that honour the property’s unique heritage and timeless sense of luxury and glamour. Once completed, the hotel will include a destination restaurant, signature bar and private cigar room – all offering refined experiences for discerning guests seeking an authentic, indigenous experience deeply rooted in the destination.
Just 600 feet away, with convenient access to the upscale establishments of Tras Street and Club Street, The Duxton Terrace comprises fourteen adjoining three and four-story colonial-era buildings with 138-guestrooms. Originally, completed in 1929, the structure likely served Chinese merchants before being converted to army barracks. Since then, the building has been adapted for different purposes, from housing a hawker food alley to restaurants and office space. The property’s most recent renovation project received the Architectural Heritage Award from the Urban Redevelopment Authority, further solidifying the building as a cherished and historic landmark.
The Duxton Terrace will be restored to its original grandeur by renowned architect and designer Jacques Garcia, whose extensive design portfolio includes the restoration of The Louvre and The Palace of Versailles. The hotel will house five captivating food and beverage venues including a signature bar and lobby bar, an all-day dining restaurant, a poolside bar and an exclusive member’s club. Additional facilities will include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and cigar room. Guests of The Duxton Club will enjoy full use of the facilities at both premises.
Concealed installation made easy, fast, reliable and versatile: 2016 marks the Hansgrohe iBox universal’s fifteenth anniversary.
A true all-rounder, it facilitates the concealed installation of more than 200 pre-fab mixer sets and shower systems from Hansgrohe’s wide range of products. This is an advantage for new construction projects, but it also makes renovating incredibly easy. The clever basic unit is a huge help when bathrooms have to be updated to meet the needs of young and old as we move through different stages of life. Existing bathrooms already equipped with an iBox universal unit can be modernised neatly and easily.
Fifteen years of installation freedom Heating and plumbing professionals were able reap the benefits of the many advantages the iBox universal had to offer following its launch at the bathroom trade fair ISH in 2001. “The idea was simple and practical: an installation unit built into the wall, allowing plumbers to connect any type of fixture without the need for major construction work each time,” remembers Alois Schönweger, inventor of the iBox universal and Head of the Technical Service Center at Hansgrohe.
The Hansgrohe iBox universal is ideally suited to meet every-day professional bathroom installation requirements. Designed for use with all common installation systems, connection types and fittings, the rotationally symmetric box can be built into the wall, installed on or in front of the wall, mounted on a support system, on pre-fabricated housing panels or onto a mounting rail set. The patented, flexible adjustment ring makes it possible to adjust the depth of the unit to fit walls of varying thickness. In addition, the Hansgrohe iBox universal is absolutely watertight and soundproof. A variety of accessories are available for problematic installation conditions, for example, where the installation depth of the unit is too deep or not deep enough, or when cold and hot water connections have been inverted.
Bathroom specialist Hansgrohe shows how easy it is to renovate a 15-year old shower area. Customers welcome the quick and clean modernisation of their bathrooms, and are particularly delighted with the innovative and convenient functions, which – thanks to Hansgrohe Select technology – operate on a purely mechanical basis.
Drawing on thoughtful analogies between the psychologies of how people navigate around hotels and trade shows, Modulex is designing an entirely new concept for Sleep entitled ‘Sleep Walking’.
Embracing the use of landmarks, icons and other signage, Modulex will be disrupting unconscious behaviours and sparking curiosity to entice and reassure visitors as they wend their way through Sleep’s myriad experiences.
Research tells us that on average 15% of the population experience sleepwalking or parasomnia. That’s a lot of people, but how many more spend some of their waking moments ‘metaphorically’ sleepwalking? Moving through environments whilst drifting from being consciously aware of surroundings to unconsciously passing through spaces, hotels or even trade shows oblivious to what is happening around them?
It is this state of dreaminess which inspired ‘Sleepwalking with Modulex’ with the goal to help Sleep 2016 attendees make the most of their visit through intelligent wayfinding. After all hotels and trade shows have a lot in common – visitors who return year after year, following the same routes and visiting the same areas alongside first timers with no previous knowledge and keen to experience all a hotel or show has to offer, whilst optimising revenue generators.
Good wayfinding is intuitive. Seamlessly integrating with the architecture and interiors. To deliver it means firstly understanding the users of the space – frequent or first time visitors, demographics, their needs and wants, their state of mind and their level of concentration or distraction.
Next comes the physical understanding of the built environment. Primary and secondary routes need to be established, decision making or ‘dither’ points noted as this is where it may be necessary to ‘wake people up’ so as not to miss an important turn or event. Are there any landmarks which can aid wayfinding? Has lighting been considered and reading distance and sightlines calculated?
Only then can you begin to design. Selecting materials, colours, graphics and typefaces which ‘blend’ and where necessary contrast with the environment. Sleepwalking with Modulex will bring the science of wayfinding into focus, informing and guiding visitors to Sleep 2016 so that you don’t miss anything – whatever your conscious state.
Far removed from the bustling streets of European metropolises like London or Paris – the usual investment hotspots for British entrepreneur Javad Marandi – sits the grandeur of Chais Monnet and its vast cellars in Cognac.
Built in the 19th century, this stunning site is nestled in the heart of this quaint and oh-so-French town, with its cellars from 1845 adding to its charm. Having originally been the childhood home of Jean Monnet, one of the founding fathers of the European Union, it has sat disused. Until now.
In a €60 million investment personally financed by Mr. Marandi, the site is being transformed into a 15,000m2 luxury hotel, spa, restaurant and retail boutique complex, offering a “modern take on traditional French luxe”. Being on the doorstep of some of the great cognac houses, it will be the first complex of its kind in the region.
And, at a recent stone-laying ceremony in October, Hotel Designs was able to see the plans first hand. Believe me, they’re impressive. The project will include:
• A five-star hotel with 100 bedrooms and suites, 14 apartments, two restaurants, a jazz bar and lounge, a 400m2 conference room, four meeting rooms, and a pool/spa. • Six boutiques to be rented to French brand retailers • A cultural meeting place commemorating Jean-Gabriel Monnet’s life and achievements
Its importance to the area was emphasised in the opening presentation by Cognac mayor Michel Gourinchas, who himself played a key role in championing the project, one that he is confident will have a great economic impact on the town and its surroundings.
“Here in the town we’ve been waiting for this for a long time. Since I’ve become mayor, we’ve asked ourselves a number of times what we could do with this site and thanks to this work we’ll be able to see a reality of what’s possible in a way that’s in the best interests of our town, its inhabitants, and tourists who can now benefit from an excellent site, which is in parallel with cognac – an excellent product,” he proudly tells the gathered dignitaries and press.
Didier Poignant, chief architect on the project, Michel Gourinchas, mayor of Cognac and Javad Marandi, businessman and investor in the project addressing the crowd
He’s not wrong. Cognac is a gorgeous microcosm of the effortlessly pretty aesthetics of western France. The historic cobbled streets, the perfectly-manicured gardens in its centre and traditional architecture lining the serene River Charente that runs through it all point to a life-less-rushed; beauty and tradition combined. Two things at the heart of the design of the Hotel Chais Monnet project.
When I ask Mr. Marandi if this is why he chose this particular spot to bring a hotel to market, as opposed to the major centres of business and commerce in which he usually operates, he agrees.
The centre of Cognac
“I certainly have an affection for this region, for Cognac, and for the rich variety of local delicacies, but I also see a clear business opportunity. Cognac is a world famous upmarket product and the heritage of the Monnet family is another valued contribution to developing a hotel that will have all prerequisites to become a major success for this type of investment while being equally beneficial for the city and its community,” he says.
Didier Poignant, Javad Marandi and Michel Gourinchas laying the first stone
Michel Gourinchas, Javad Marandi and Didier Poignant on site
Didier Poignant, Javad Marandi and Michel Gourinchas in one of the Monnet cellars
But looking at the plans and speaking with chief architect Didier Poignant of Ertim Architects in Paris, what strikes me most is how much modernity is being brought to the project – in particular the striking façade of the Les Ceps part of the complex. I wonder for a moment how the reaction from the local Cognaçais has been to this overt blending of the historic with the ultra-modern, but Didier puts my mind at rest as he describes his extensive work with Architectes des Bâtiments de France in preserving French heritage in architectural projects.
Les Ceps and its ultra-modern facade
Les Chais – Hotel Chais Monnet, Cognac
Likewise, Javad Marandi echoes his assurances, adding: “I have only had positive and complimentary feedback on the designs [by Didier and his team], which are very elegant and chic and are befitting of the location whilst preserving the brand heritage of both cognac and the Monnet family.”
The locale might certainly be a departure for Mr. Marandi. As he himself tells me, Cognac is still a secondary tourist location within France and yet France itself is one of the most visited destinations worldwide. But with the “raw material” as he calls it – the name of ‘Cognac’ – attached to the project, there can be little doubt that this little pocket of France will be put on the map as a premium, upmarket location. With plans in place and construction under way, that vision is well on the way to becoming a reality. In his closing remarks, the mayor speaks of his excitement and impatience to see the project finally come to fruition in the spring of 2018.
That makes two of us, monsieur le maire…
Based on a visit in October 2016 Photos: Daniel Fountain // Weber Shandwick
The news of Donald Trump’s victory in Tuesday’s US election was met with sheer joy by millions in the United States, and utter despair by millions of others. Globally, the overwhelming feeling was a mixture of shock, nervousness and apprehension.
The echoes of the Brexit vote in this result are numerous. Much like the referendum result in June in the UK, the markets reflected that feeling of uncertainty in the minutes and hours after the announcement was made that the celebrity billionaire had defied the odds and would become the next ‘leader of the free world’.
US stock markets plunged, London markets dropped 2 per cent and Asian markets plummeted in Hong Kong and South Korea. But also very similar to Brexit, it was due to the unpreparedness of those markets of the shock result, or what they believed to be the ‘wrong’ result. However, as the news begins to sink in, the markets are already showing signs of recovery – even if there will be questions from today until January’s inauguration from investors across the globe about the short-and-long term impact of a Trump presidency.
But what does it mean for the hospitality industry in USA? Again, the similarities of the Brexit decision are palpable.
Much like the UK, the ability to hire people into the industry in America relies heavily on immigration; with a large number of staff in hotels and restaurants coming from outside – not always legally. With Trump’s very visible and audible campaign pledge to clamp down on immigration, if he gets his way this will have a huge impact on the ability to hire in the current vein.
Trade agreements are also a major talking point of this result and Brexit. Donald Trump’s campaign talk has given more than a clue that his approach to trade with China will be ‘difficult’ to say the least. This will make hotel construction and renovation harder – a considerable amount of FF&E goods used in this field are imported, especially from its great rival in the east – if levies on Chinese products are increased, so will the costs of building and renovating.
On the flip side, however, one likely positive for the industry will be the Republican obsession with lowering taxes, which in turn will increase internal spending on travel and tourism within the United States. However, Trump’s campaign figures on tax reduction will need a lot of clarification to actually work, something that might lessen the positive impact. Furthermore, more Americans spending money might only act to counter a drop in external visitors from Europe and elsewhere, as has been predicted by companies like TravelZoo.
We will not know the full extent of Trump’s impact for some time – it will take a while for any policy implementation to truly take shape, despite the now Republican-heavy Senate and House of Representatives. And it remains to be seen just how bullish and brash Trump will be from behind his Oval Office desk in comparison with his campaign rhetoric. Much like Brexit, if international investment can be convinced and remains steady in the long-term, the commercial property market shouldn’t be impacted too much. It will be the impact on the day-to-day lives of the millions of people working within the industry that will have the biggest say in whether or not it suffers.
Homewood Suites by Hilton has announced its newest property, Homewood Suites by Hilton Washington DC – Capitol Navy Yard. Offering 195 new suites, the hotel strengthens the brand’s growing presence in urban markets after reaching its 400th property milestone.
“Over the past five years, our nation’s capital has seen a steady increase in both domestic and international tourism*, creating the ideal scenario to not only expand Homewood Suites’ footprint in urban markets, but also strengthen its presence in Washington D.C.,” said Adrian Kurre, global head, Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites by Hilton. “The Homewood Suites flexible brand model drives its success in these areas while also delivering tremendous value and comfort to both business and leisure guests.”
Developed by KCG 50 M, an affiliate of Englewood and CG Investments, designed by Cooper Carry and operated by Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Homewood Suites by Hilton Washington DC Capitol-Navy Yard complements the city’s growing tourism which hit a record-breaking year in 2015.
The new hotel offers a combination of studio and one bedroom suites, featuring fully-equipped kitchens, and separate living and sleeping areas. Guests are also provided all the essentials needed for a comfortable and convenient stay such as complimentary daily full-hot breakfast, evening social Monday-Thursday, Wi-Fi and grocery shopping service. Homewood Suites by Hilton Washington DC Capitol-Navy Yard also makes it easy for travelers to unwind with a rooftop terrace, fitness centre, and indoor pool.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has signed a management agreement with NDG Asia Pacific (NZ) Limited to open the first Ritz-Carlton property in New Zealand in 2019, creating a new iconic property that will enhance the famous skyline of New Zealand’s leading waterfront city, Auckland.
Located in the downtown heart of the city amid the well-preserved city landmarks, adjacent to the distinctive Sky City, The Ritz-Carlton, Auckland will offer uninterrupted 360 degree views of Auckland’s twin harbours with easy access to nearby vineyards on Waiheke Island beyond by helicopter, as well as allowing guests to hands-on experience the thrills of the America’s Cup on an original racing yacht.
The Ritz-Carlton, Auckland will take advantage of its exceptional location and New Zealand’s natural outdoors culture with lofty terraces adjacent to lounge as well as a street level café for a place to see and be seen. Two fine dining restaurants will complement the vibrant dining scene, allowing the creative Ritz-Carlton chefs to showcase the fresh produce for which the country is famed. Among the 300 rooms and suites, will be the renowned Presidential and Ritz-Carlton Suites, where guests can also enjoy the pure New Zealand air from the expansive terraces with cocktail in hand.
The Auckland social scene will see the debut of two Ritz-Carlton ballrooms for its showcase events and weddings, as well as enhancing the city’s international convention and meetings.
“We have long desired to bring The Ritz-Carlton to New Zealand and we’ve patiently waited for the right partner and opportunity that will create a showcase worthy of this world-class city,” said Hervé Humler, President and Chief Operating Officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. “We’re delighted to be partnering with NDG Asia Pacific (NZ) Limited to open the first Ritz-Carlton in the land of the long white cloud.”
Babbacombe Bay’s boutique five star inn, the Cary Arms, on the spectacular south coast of Devon, will open the luxury glass fronted sea-view “Cary Spa” in December.
The new spa is part of the property’s £2 million expansion, which has included the opening of six chic and stylish Beach Huts and two larger Beach Suites. Owned by Lana de Savary, the wife of the well-known international entrepreneur and yachtsman, Peter de Savary, the spa offers a host of new, innovative health and well-being treatments and additional facilities.
The new Cary Spa is in a prime location for views with the glass-fronted pool and deck offering panoramic vistas along the unspoilt Jurassic coastline; the perfect spot to relax after spa treatments.
Inside the spa, there will be a series of treatment rooms including the introduction of a couples massage room where treatments will be based on leading marine-themed French beauty and skincare brand Thalgo with spa options ranging from ‘vital defence’ facials to full body Swedish massages with specialist treatments for both men and women. There will also be the latest innovative mood-enhancing aromatherapy/light shower can be combined with the latest treatments, a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and a gymnasium. Guests at the inn will have full complimentary access to the spa facilities (spa treatments at an additional cost).
The spa opening follows the unveiling of the new Beach Huts and Beach Suites. Sitting on the water’s edge, the simplistic design of the Beach Hut exterior is reminiscent of traditional seaside charm. Each beach hut comprises an outdoor terrace, sitting room, wet bar, stylish fireplace, bedroom and bathroom. Large wall-to-wall retractable windows to the terrace afford stunning views across Lyme Bay to Portland Bill, drawing light even on the dullest of days. The Beach Suites are lateral in design with the wide sun-decks cantilevered over the beach making the most of the panoramic views. Set amid exquisite tropical coastal gardens and the dramatic red cliffs of the Jurassic coast, the incomparable location buoys the quintessential seaside essence.
The boutique feel of the inn is mirrored by its relaxed style of dining both indoors and out. Menus reflect the seasons and the individual dishes are created from only the best local ingredients. The Cary Arms is both family-friendly and dog friendly. In addition to the new six Beach Huts and the two new Beach Suites, the Cary Arms has ten existing New-England-style guest rooms and suites the Inn plus a further three newly restored fisherman’s cottages ranging from three to five bedrooms which are available for rental set within close walking distance of the inn.
The forward-thinking and ultra modern K West Hotel & Spa is constantly updating its technological offerings to ensure it’s one of the most high-tech hotels in the capital.
To satisfy guests constantly developing digital demands, the hotel has introduced two new cutting-edge devices.
Free Pocket Phones ‘Free’ is the optimum word where these fantastic devices are concerned. These Handy Phones provide guests with free local telephone calls, free unlimited mobile internet, as well as free access to a digital city guide – perfect for exploring London. Guests can also benefit from free IDD calls to France, Germany, Netherlands, USA, Australia and Hong Kong. Furthermore, the phones allow guests to stay connected to social media throughout their stay, allowing them to post updates and keep in contact with family and friends.
Crave In-Room Tablets The stylish Crave In-Room Tablets act as a helpful directory as they contain concise information on the facilities within the hotel. With the press of a button, spa treatments can be requested; the dedicated spa team will then contact the guest to recommend the most suitable treatments – it couldn’t be simpler! In addition, guests can browse the internet, as well as order in-room dining directly from the comfort of their guest rooms. The tablets are also able to inform guests of special time-limited deals and send individual messages for a personalised stay.
Techie Spaces As well as in-room devices, the hotel offers three meeting spaces of varying capacities, plus The Library, which all feature high-tech capabilities. For example, the Empire Room and Apollo Room both feature a state-of-the-art SmartKapp smart board which allows notes drawn on the board to be automatically saved down onto your phone or iPad as a PDF.
K West Hotel & Spa’s fun and vibrant ambience is fused with ultimate relaxation in a prime location. Situated in one of London’s most on-trend districts, Shepherds Bush, the urban retreat is on the doorstep of Westfield shopping centre, one of the largest retail destinations in Europe with over 240 shops. Fashionable areas such as Notting Hill, Portobello Road and Kensington are also just a short walk away.
K West Hotel & Spa, Richmond Way, London W14 0AX k-west.co.uk
Ian Schrager, the internationally renowned American hotel visionary, is expanding his global influence with the opening of his first hotel in China.
The Sanya EDITION, a spectacular oceanfront destination on Hainan Island, just off the coast of Southern China, is the latest addition to EDITION hotels, the brand Ian Schrager conceived in a partnership with Marriott International. EDITION redefines the codes of traditional luxury by balancing sophisticated design and personalized, attentive service with one-of-a-kind food, beverage and entertainment offerings reflecting the best of the cultural and social milieu of each location.
Schrager states: “The Sanya EDITION was conceived for the China of today and the China of tomorrow. The resort is a unique sophisticated vision and embodiment of a cosmopolitan China for all the world to see.”
Centrally located in Haitang Bay, The Sanya EDITION is set within 50 acres of meticulously landscaped lush tropical greenery, featuring a striking 20,000 m2 private ocean overlooking the South China Sea.
The Sanya EDITION was designed for people of all ages, which is a delicate balancing act. The fundamental idea behind this resort was to divide the property into different specialised zones that overlap with each other but simultaneously retain their own unique identities. The zones include water, fun, sports, kids, adult, family, eating, nightlife, entertainment, sensory and relaxation.
The property highlights a balance of contrasts, where traditional elements meet contemporary culture, simplicity conveys sophistication, and modern design amplifies the natural beauty. In keeping with EDITION’s customized, individual approach, The Sanya EDITION draws inspiration from local influences, remaining respectful of Hainan Island’s rich cultural heritage, yet infuses each space with surprising, ultra-modern twists. The landscape was conjured as a tropical oasis reflecting the islands indigenous flora and fauna and 900 trees meticulously chosen and transported to the resort from across the island of Hainan to create a sustainable and captivating environment.
The reception area reflects the duality of the hotel where a traditional lotus pool and live bamboo grove serve as a counterpoint to a curated art gallery displaying the work of renowned Chinese artists. Guests are greeted with a striking view of the resort’s Private Ocean, which is gracefully framed by a series of teak pavilions. The spectacular 20,000m2 private ocean overlooking the South China Sea is unique to China and serves as the property’s focal point with numerous activities radiating around this vast body of water. The private ocean beach on the north shore, which is shaded by coconut palms, offers pristine white powdery sand and is designed for swimming and enjoying the water and its magnificent view. To maintain the private ocean within the resort, 10 million gallons of sea water is pumped in from the South China Sea throughout the day, recycling once every 32 hours. As a compliment, a series of age-specific pools in a number of different sizes are dotted around the private ocean, each one with their own program of special activities.
The Sanya EDITION comprises 512 residential-style guestrooms, including 46 suites, and an additional 17 exclusive hotel villas nestled into a terraced hillside, each one with a private pool and private outdoor space. Delivering on the new-luxury promise, all guestrooms in the horseshoe-shaped hotel offer stunning ocean views. While the standard rooms are well suited for families, the loft suites, with their sleek and sensual finishes, are designed to appeal to couples.
The villas emphasise wood and stone textures. The warm and inviting interiors exude a comfortable, simple sophistication, using light oak finishes and airy fabrics to evoke the relaxed beach vibe. The spacious, light-filled rooms contrast stone floors against a clean, light color palate. The inventive design extends to the main room where Lofts and Suites feature a striking standalone bathtub. The placement allows guests to fully luxuriate in and appreciate the surrounding natural views.
The Sanya EDITION, like every other property in the collection, combines the personal, intimate, individualized hotel experience that Ian Schrager is known for, with the global reach, operational expertise and scale of Marriott International. Ian Schrager knows how to read the zeitgeist to surpass expectations, surprise pundits and anticipate the needs of his guests. With The Sanya EDITION, he continues the tradition.
Found in quality hotels worldwide, AXOR and Hansgrohe are well-established bathroom brands serving global chains through to independent boutique hotels.
With 115 years of experience, quality and reliability come as standard with any AXOR or Hansgrohe product so ongoing maintenance is minimal and lifecycle costs low. Over 800 products are WRAS approved.
From 22 to 23 November 2016, AXOR and Hansgrohe will exhibit at Sleep – The Hotel Design Event in London, Stand No G23 in The Business Design Centre, London.
Trend setting designs for luxurious bathrooms and exclusive kitchens from the AXOR brand include collaborations with Philippe Starck, Antonio Citterio, and Barber & Osgerby to name a few. At Sleep, AXOR will present new bathroom and kitchen pieces for its classic collection AXOR Montreux.
The Hansgrohe brand offers an inspiring portfolio of products with innovative water and energy saving technologies. At Sleep, Hansgrohe will present its new range Hansgrohe Metropol Classic.
From 22 November, the new products can also be experienced at The Water Studio in London Clerkenwell.
Moritz, by Skopos is a new FR upholstery collection with universal appeal across a variety of contract interiors.
Moritz, as the collection name suggests, is a follow on from our popular Chamonix collection, offering 4 distinctive designs, with an alpine look and a matt natural texture. The 4 designs include a smart modern check, an intricately woven stripe and 2 contemporary geometrics. Colours include trend inspired acid tones, coppers, steel blues and reds and a broad offering of neutrals, suiting the natural feel and look of the weaves.
The colour mix celebrates contrast, with bolts of brights in conjunction with subtle and sophisticated yarn combinations.
Moritz will be on show at the Sleep Event at the end of November, alongside new wallcoverings from Muraspec (Stands G15 and 16).
With 32 new Skus, Moritz is a stylish and durable solution for hospitality and leisure interiors , presenting up-to-date designs that can work effectively with most schemes. The collection meets all the requirements for British Standards, and is available with short minimums and lead times.
Skopos is an ISO9001 accredited company and has over 40 year’s specialist experience in the design and manufacture of high performance FR contract fabrics for the care, hospitality, cruise and leisure sectors.
Marriott International has announced that its on track to hit a target of 50 hotels for its Australia, New Zealand and Pacific portfolio by the end of 2020. This announcement follows Marriott’s recently completed acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
With 24 hotels currently in operation and a pipeline of signed and approved deals totaling an additional 18 properties, Marriott is on track to grow to 50 hotels over the next four years across the region, which includes Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji and New Caledonia. The current pipeline properties will provide more than 2,500 hotel jobs and add more than 4,500 rooms.
“This is an extremely exciting time for Marriott as we significantly grow our footprint in the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific region, and continue to build on our leadership position in gateway markets,” said Craig S. Smith, president and managing director Asia Pacific, Marriott International. “We currently have seven of our 30 brands represented here and we look forward to introducing more in the coming years.”
Marriott International is set to expand rapidly across Australia in particular over the next few years. The world’s largest hotel company already has a strong market presence in the key gateway cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane, and will be entering emerging primary and secondary destinations, with the signings of Four Points by Sheraton Parramatta, The Westin Resort & Spa Coolum, Aloft Adelaide and Sheraton Adelaide Hotel. Three additional brands, Aloft, W and The Ritz-Carlton, are expected to be introduced to the region by the end of 2020, with the W Brisbane, and Aloft Perth scheduled to open in 2017, followed by Aloft Melbourne South Yarra and Aloft Adelaide in 2019, and The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne and The Ritz-Carlton, Perth slated for 2020.
Marriott International is on track to boast the largest portfolio of upper upscale and luxury brands and properties across the Pacific region by 2020.
Recently at the Rosewood Hotel in London – a world away from the shimmering blue waters and picture-perfect beaches of the Caribbean – Hotel Designs attended a press preview of the work being carried out at the Estate House; the signature bar and restaurant of the Jumby Bay Rosewood Resort, a stunning luxury retreat set on its own 300-acre private island two miles off the coast Antigua.
Having been given an introduction to the island and the resort by Rosewood MD Andrew Hedley, the resort is everything you would imagine of a Caribbean hideaway – accessible only by boat, a strong colonial feel with a touch of West Indian charm, and tropical paradise environs. And in January of this year, in a bid to bring that aesthetic to the bar and restaurant, the Estate House was closed for a complete overhaul.
“Already renowned as one of Antigua’s most sought after dining destinations, the reimagined Estate House will emerge as the Caribbean’s ultimate social club for gourmet fare, sophisticated mixology, and mingling from day to night,” Andrew says.
Heading up the project is Dennis Irvine and Hotel Designs had the pleasure of catching up with him to discuss the project and his work as a designer.
Dennis’ background in interior design is a rich one having grown up drawing and making, his passion for all things creative led him to studying interior architecture, to working with Mary Fox Linton to eventually setting up his eponymous design studio. It’s from this standpoint that Dennis was tasked with breathing new life into the Estate House, Jumby Bay.
Combining the colonial impressions of the main resort with a contemporaneous perspective on the locale, the Estate House’s redesign represented a challenge of capturing the spirit of the island, something wholly embraced by Dennis. But was it hard to balance aesthetics and practicality? “Not really,” Dennis says. “Our design concept was the modern interpretation of the ‘colonial spirit’, so it was a matter of taking inspiration from history with careful curation and playful references that created an aesthetic which drew on the past and used modern materials appropriate to the environment,” he adds.
Retaining historical elements of the original structure, the redesign will pay homage to the Estate House’s roots in empire-era glamour with subtle nods to the island’s history and traditions throughout – something achieved through ‘putting in the hours as it were’. Dennis says: “Spending time in Antigua and absorbing local life was absolutely vital. Our team invested time and effort into researching this former plantation house’s history as well as the island’s traditions and landscape.”
A two-storey, vaulted ceiling will provide a dramatic entryway to the bar, while an airy courtyard, connecting the main restaurant, three private dining rooms, and the Wine Room, will serve as an idyllic outdoor lounge space to savour pre-or-post-dinner drinks, amongst tropical plants and a fountain made by a local artist. Curated local artwork depicting local Antiguan life, flora, and fauna, and vintage maps will adorn the walls, while sophisticated tableware and accessories in bespoke Ginori china, silver and crystal will offer a refined dining experience.
Indeed, Dennis tells HD that sourcing pieces from the island and its artists was one of the more challenging but at the same time worthwhile aspects of the project. “Working closely with local architect Andrew Goodenough, who has had a practice in Antigua for almost forty years was fundamental to getting this right. Engaging local people such as artist Dina Debozzi for trompe l’oeil island scenes for the Blue Room was very important to us too,” he says.
HD asks Dennis how working in what appears to be a remote location compares to working in Europe. “Although it’s remote, the reliability of communication is excellent, better than in London or Paris in fact. There are lots of logistical challenges though. Everything has to be shipped in which takes time, coordination and patience to ensure the project is delivered as originally envisaged,” he tells us.
Inspired by the island’s starkly verdant landscape, a colour palette of rich greens will be employed, and handcrafted furnishings in ebony, teak, rattan, and wicker will emulate the style of past travellers and explorers. Sweeping terraces will offer unparalleled views of the island landscape. In keeping with The Estate House’s new look, restaurant and bar staff will wear fashionable uniforms designed by acclaimed designer Emilia Wickstead.
The design of the three private dining rooms – The Map Room, The Tent Room, and the Blue Room – will embody different facets of the island’s character. The Map Room will personify wanderlust and discovery through carefully curated objects and antique maps from the golden age of exploration. The Blue Room will feature hand-painted trompe l’oeil island scenes and rich blues inspired by the twilight sky. Draped fabric ceiling and walls in the Tent Room create a romantic Empire-era dining experience. Lighting throughout has been supplied by Croydon-based Dernier & Hamlyn, a collaborator with Dennis on previous projects.
So, has Dennis been given a free rein to bring a ‘design philosophy to the project?
“I was given a great deal of independence to translate spaces as I felt they should be. Having said that, we really appreciated the invaluable input we received from Rosewood who have been based in the Caribbean for many years. Selecting relevant and suitable suppliers is always key to the success of a project so working with an experienced procurement agent, in this case Argenta Projects, was crucial.”
Rejecting the idea of being tied to one style, he adds: “Good design is never formulaic. There will never be a Dennis Irvine Studio style. I am always very respectful of a building’s history if it has one. Or if it’s a new site will give very careful consideration to what else is happening locally so that, while making its own statement, the design is empathetic and complements its surroundings. If asked to sum up our ‘design philosophy’ it would be about respect. For the building and its environs, for the client’s brand and vitally for each other within our team.”
HD asks where this project ranks for Dennis in his portfolio of work. “It’s the first one that has been completed under the Dennis Irvine Studio name so it is my most rewarding in many ways.” Work on the horizon includes a country house hotel at Langley Park, Buckinghamshire. Judging by the work carried out by Dennis at the Estate House, it’s going to be a gem – and slightly closer to home…
Tribute Portfolio will be debuting in Latin America, according to a Marriott statement. By December 2016, the brand will add two independent hotels to its portfolio in Argentina’s most sought-after regions.
Arelauquen Lodge, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, will be debut in Patagonia, near the world’s end, with vast landscapes of lakes and mountains, while Auberge du Vin, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, will be located in the heart of Argentina’s wine country, where some of the world’s best wine is produced.
Auberge du Vin has 29 guestrooms that allow travelers to take in the beauty of the terrain and the local architecture. In-room massage services are available to all guests on-demand, and the hotel’s relaxing outdoor and indoor pools overlook the majestic Andes mountains.
Arelauquen Lodge is part of the extensive Arelauquen Golf and Country Club, and sits on a natural reserve, which spans over 550 hectares of picturesque views. Featuring 28 stylishly-appointed rooms, guests can soak in the striking scenery while enjoying all of the comforts of premium amenities with an independent spirit offered throughout the property.
From boutique resorts to urban destination properties, Tribute Portfolio gives guests access to outstanding upper upscale hotels with an independent spirit, all while benefitting from Marriott International’s loyalty programs. Built and fueled by consumer preferences, Tribute Portfolio carves out its distinction in the category through its close collaboration with the rewards community.
Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company has announced that it will open a new hotel under the Marriott Autograph Collection brand at the former City Hall site in West Palm Beach, Florida. The 200-room hotel is the cornerstone of a mixed-use project that has received Concept Plan approval from the City of West Palm Beach. It is slated to break ground in 2017.
Concord Hospitality has partnered with Marriott International on the development of new hotel brands for the last two decades.
In addition to the Autograph Collection Hotel, the three-acre redevelopment project will include 27,000 square feet of retail space; up to 7,000 square feet of restaurant and outdoor dining space; 255 multi-family units; and a public park. The site overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway and Palm Beach, with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
“While we have developed many hotels during the past 30 years, it is a special privilege to team with friends and respected colleagues from Marriott and Navarro Lowrey to bring the Autograph Collection vision to life in West Palm Beach,” said Mark Laport, co-founder, president and CEO of Concord Hospitality. “Concord is especially proud to play a role in a robust project that will no doubt have a huge impact on the entire area.”
The Marriott Autograph Collection is an upscale boutique hotel brand. Each hotel is handpicked for being intimately connected to its surroundings, with an ultimate goal of becoming part of the fabric of the local community.
“To have an Autograph Collection Hotel in West Palm Beach is very exciting,” said Frank Navarro of Navarro Lowery, Inc., the local master development team on the project. “This new hotel enriches our shared vision with Concord, to create irresistible places within vibrant communities, and we believe it will be very successful in Downtown West Palm Beach.”
Design Hotels is pleased to announce seven new additions joining a growing portfolio of over 290 independent hotels in more than 50 countries across the globe.
Tucked inside the historic centre of the UNESCO Heritage village of Pienza, La Bandita Townhouse is a rambling palazzo set on a beautiful hill amid quiet Cobblestone streets in Tuscany. The brainchild of Original John Voigtmann, the one time Vice President of International Marketing for Sony Music, was transformed from a dilapidated 500-year-old convent into a luxury 12-room boutique hotel.
La Bandita Townhouse
Through a narrow street and a small tunnel sits Memmo Príncipe Real — home to a secret sightseeing spot with breathtaking views over the city and a gateway to one of the most attractive and charming neighborhoods in Lisbon. Located in the heart of the 41-room hotel Café Colonial is a celebration of the many global influences represented by Lusophone roots.
Memmo Príncipe Real
The result of a decade of careful architectural renovations, Dos Casas Hotel & Spa is set in the heart of San Miguel De Allende, a bustling UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site in Mexico. The result of a decade of careful architectural renovations, 12-room Dos Casas—set within two adjoining 18th-century colonial houses—offers cool vanguard design and warm traditionalism.
Dos Casas Hotel & Spa
Creating a benchmark for casual luxury in Switzerland, Giardino Ascona is a haven committed to charismatic design, casual ambience, and recreational splendour. Located in a spectacular sunny bay of Lake Maggiore, along a tranquil parkland, Giardino Ascona, and its 54 rooms and 18 suites, is awash with Mediterranean joie de vivre.
Giardino Ascona
Behind a refurbished façade that recalls 1950s Palma, Nakar Hotel emerges as a serene retreat through light-soaked lounges, spa, and a spectacular rooftop infinity pool. The structure that houses Azor hotel is a specimen of modern architecture with an imposing cuboid form, an exterior of white stone, and expansive windows of polished glass.
Nakar Hotel
Inspired by the surrounding sea and the volcanic nature of the Portuguese Azores Island of São Miguel, Azor Hotel abounds with natural materials that serve to remind guests of the property’s remote location. Not only do the architect, interior designer, owner, and chef all hail from the island, but the 57-room hotel is fashioned from local materials; serves guests an authentic Mallorcan cuisine; and offers impressive views of the Old Town and the sea.
Azor Hotel
In one of Taipei’s most cosmopolitan neighborhoods, Hotel Proverbs Taipei takes minimalistic design and pairs it with the utmost in personalized service while adding a dash of hedonism in the process. In one of Taipei’s most cosmopolitan neighborhoods, Hotel Proverbs Taipei takes minimalistic design and pairs it with the utmost in personalised service.
The environmentally innovative Hurawalhi Island Resort in the Maldives – with an undersea restaurant, champagne pavilion and stylish villas – is opening in December.
Just a 40-minute seaplane flight from Male, here are a distinctive collection of superbly designed, exclusive and supremely spacious villas strung across the glittering lagoon – perfectly positioned, so that all guests can enjoy either sunrise or sunset panoramas. And with dining options that include on the beach, over the water, and even under the water, the philosophy here is that nothing is impossible.
Offering 90 Villas including 60 Ocean Villas and 30 Beach Villas, the residences are stylishly and beautifully conceived featuring soothing décor, sumptuous linens on king size beds, bleached wooden floors, and private terraces with panoramic views.
With a strong environmental focus, Hurawalhi Island Resort gives back to the Maldives as much as it gets. Using solar panels, its own water bottling plant, energy saving solutions, hot water recovery and an in-house marine biologist, Hurawalhi Island Resort’s eco credentials are the finest in the Maldives. In addition, Hurawalhi Island Resort is collaborating with WiseOceans, the marine conservation and education specialists.
The scene-stealer is the undersea restaurant, named ‘5.8 Undersea’, which is surrounded by out of this world marine views. The minimalist-designed restaurant keeps the focus outside; and keeps the focus on exclusivity and privacy – every table is set for just two.
Dazzling white sands, cyan-blue seas, spectacular undersea life, and incredible sunsets – the opening of the extraordinary Hurawalhi Island Resort ensures that this destination will remain unmissable in the years to come.
The inspiration for Bombay Central is taken from in and around the main station of India. The brief for Dawnvale was to design and recreate the hustle bustle culture and lifestyle of the main station and to combine this with an infusion of contemporary Indian cuisine.
Previously named The Old Wealdstone Inn, this was stripped back to exposed brickwork. The bricks were treated and sealed to create an authentic look that emphasised the natural character of the building. The internal decor features cracked leather fixed seating with handcrafted slat work and bespoke industrial metal trellis work. Genuine Indian treasures were imported from India to recreate the essence of India.
A centrepiece of the restaurant is the marble island bar with bespoke glass racks.
The kitchen design incorporates the latest energy saving technology which includes a K E R S heat recovery system which converts wasted kitchen energy into hot water together with bespoke low energy induction woks reducing carbons and offering considerable energy savings.
InterContinental Hotels Group has announced the opening of Holiday Inn Osaka Namba. This is the fifth Holiday Inn hotel in the brand family in Japan, joining others in Sapporo, Sendai, Kanazawa and Miyazaki. The 314-room Holiday Inn Osaka Namba is located in the heart of Osaka.
Hans Heijligers, Head of Japan, IHG said: “We are delighted to strengthen our brand portfolio in one of Japan’s major cities, Osaka and the opening of Holiday Inn Osaka Namba will bring more choice for our valued guests and nearly 99 million IHG Rewards Club members all over the world. With a tourism boom in Japan, and especially in Osaka, over the last few years, we have also seen a shift in the travelling patterns of international travellers who are now more interested in local experiences than just visiting world famous places or shopping. Travellers can find a variety of local experiences, such as sampling local delicacies and exploring the back streets that are unique to Japan, right here in Osaka.”
With the government’s focus on increasing annual international visitor arrival numbers to 40 million by the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, Japan’s capital city and outlying regions are set to benefit from the tourism boom.
First established in 2006, IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, a joint venture between IHG and ANA Holdings, is the largest international hotel company in Japan operating a total of 33 hotels across IHG’s three international brands: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn – supported by the strength of the local ANA brand. There are currently three IHG branded hotels in Osaka – InterContinental Osaka, ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka and Holiday Inn Osaka Namba, catering to both domestic and international guests.
There are currently 1,199 Holiday Inn® hotels open across the globe, with a further 269 hotels due to open in the next three to five years*. Across the Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) region, there are 90 Holiday Inn hotels open and 49 hotels in the pipeline.
Introducing RhubarbLondon, creators and manufacturers of eclectic, handcrafted furniture. At the heart of every RhubarbLondon design lies its distinctive upholstery, sourced from original archives by the brand’s founder and head creative, Shaun Brownell.
Proudly crafted in Britain, each individual piece embodies a slice of history, blending rare fabrics and antique uniforms with exquisitely applied upholstery techniques to create truly unique designs. RhubarbLondon’s team of expert tailors, seamstresses and leather workers ensure that when you purchase a RhubarbLondon chair, you can be certain that you’re acquiring a one-off piece of furniture.
The Dapper Tweed Armchair
Dating back to the early 1900s, this rare and unusual mahogany French chair features the original upholstery costings, date and craftsman’s signature, handwritten in pencil on the rear wooden rail.
RhubarbLondon has left this delightful discovery exposed as a memento to the history of the piece for all to enjoy. Using traditional methods and materials, The Dapper Tweed armchair has been exquisitely reupholstered using a pair of vintage Dunn & Co Harris tweed houndstooth country jackets, which feature the original tan suede arm caps.
The look is suitably dressed with an equestrian stock neckpiece, teamed with a snaffle bit stock pin to give the chair a true sense of riding influence. RhubarbLondon then commissioned a traditional local cobbler to create the chair’s distinctive tan plaited leather arm supports, finishing off the piece with double piped leather detail and vintage leather football button fastenings.
To complete the RhubarbLondon look, the original jacket labels are hand-stitched onto the chair alongside the Harris Authentic label, topped off in a final flourish with a set of pheasant feathers in the button hole alongside a vintage papier-mâché ‘Judge’ badge.
Meet the Maker
Passionate about traditional trades and maintaining classical upholstery techniques, Shaun thinks beyond the obvious, creating pieces of unique furniture as an art form that subtly reveal the history of the piece. As a committed recycler, Shaun rebuffs against our ‘throwaway’ society, taking the time to consider the materials he’s using and up cycling at every opportunity.
Shaun Brownell
This means that Shaun will never reproduce a chair; each piece is entirely unique. Originally trained as an aeronautical engineer, he was taught to repair, restore and recreate rather than replace. A creative flair passed down from his mother encouraged this self-taught designer to be different from the rest, combining his passion for traditional trades with an unrivalled support for non-mass produced furniture. Shaun’s ethos is to think behind and beyond the obvious, resulting in unique furniture designs that reveal a piece of history alongside a captivating narrative.
Meet Shaun at the Hotel Designs Meet Up on the 16th November at the Grange Hotel, St Paul’s, London
Hyatt Place São José do Rio Preto has opened, marking the first Hyatt Place hotel to open in Brazil.
Practical design aligned with comfort and technology are the leading characteristics of the new Hyatt Place hotel illustrating the success of Hyatt’s select service brand as it continues to create value for guests and owners worldwide. Hyatt, in joint venture with Elandis, intends to open multiple Hyatt Place hotels in Brazil.
The Hyatt Place brand is rooted in extensive consumer insights indicating that guests seek stylish, comfortable, seamless experiences that accommodate their lifestyles and familiar routines. To embody this, the brand offers casual hospitality and purposeful services in a smartly designed, high-tech and contemporary environment.
“The opening of the first Hyatt Place hotel in Brazil is a milestone for the company as we continue to focus on the development of the Hyatt Place brand across Latin America,” says Luciano Julio, regional director of Latin American operations for Hyatt Place and HYATT house. “We truly believe guests will be pleased with the innovative service concept and modern design offered by the Hyatt Place São José do Rio Preto.”
Bespoke Hotels Middle East and Africa is pleased to announce it has reached agreement to operate 74 residential units across Dubai, from the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, to Dubai International Financial Centre and Sports City, in partnership with Zenith Holiday Homes.
The residential units, which will be operated under the ‘Bespoke Residences’ banner, will fall within Zenith’s expanding portfolio of rental apartments and villas across the region where they have been established since 2009.
The unique model of Bespoke Residences, which combines the benefits of a franchise model with the managerial and operational expertise of a flagship boutique hotel group, is designed to affiliate property owners alongside the international presence of Bespoke Hotels, and in turn elevate the standards of service within the holiday homes sector. One of the first such solutions to arrive on the market, it has been devised to support the needs of owners of leisure real estate by providing the quality of service and professionalism associated with the leading players in the hospitality industry.
“Bespoke Residences was created with the aim of maintaining individual units to the home owner’s benefit, through both employing the operational expertise of Bespoke Hotels, as well as our robust sales and marketing channels”, commented Nick Turner, Managing Director of Bespoke Hotels International. “We are therefore delighted to have agreed this deal with Zenith Holiday Homes, who boast one of the most impressive portfolios in the region.”
“We have been extremely impressed with the expertise and professionalism displayed by Bespoke Hotels”, added Anton Elizarov, CEO of Zenith Holiday Homes. “We believe they are ideally positioned to enhance both the profile and performance of our rapidly-expanding selection of properties, and to establish a key position within the local market.”
Tribute Portfolio, part of Marriott International, has announced its official debut in Tampa with the addition of The Westshore Grand, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel.
Marking the brand’s third hotel in the Sunshine State, The Westshore Grand is located in Tampa’s vibrant Westshore business district, bringing its Stay Independent mantra to both leisure and business travelers alike.
“At the brand’s inception in April 2015, our members expressed a strong desire to ‘stay independent’ at more locations in Florida. We’ve listened, and are excited to open our third property in the destination in just over one year,” said Brian Povinelli, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader for Tribute Portfolio. “With the recently completed renovation, we are confident that The Westshore Grand, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Tampa will deliver a truly unforgettable independent Floridian travel experience for our guests and locals alike.”
Newly reimagined by Forchielli Glynn LLC, The Westshore Grand, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Tampa has a refreshed look and feel that draws from the rich native history of the city. Native tribes first called the village by the bay “Tanpa,” meaning “sticks of fire;” the design aesthetic for the newly renovated hotel pays homage to the city’s native roots, and a stick design motif is explored in the bent wood lighting pendants installed in the reception area, creating patterned shadows on the ceiling. Likewise, colorful area rugs in the lounge are also derived from the motif of sticks. Indie furnishings throughout the property are eclectic and reference a more modern approach to Tampa’s beachy vibe, incorporating textured fabrics of deep blues and grays with orange accents against neutral backgrounds. The mix is sophisticated, modern, and inviting, with a casual nod to an upscale beach house.
“An optimal destination for business and leisure travelers, The Westshore Grand, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, sits in Tampa’s Westshore district, within close proximity of the city’s beautiful beaches,” said Craig A. Spencer, CEO of Arden Group. “We are thrilled to officially join Tribute Portfolio, and now that the hotel has completed its full renovation of all 323 guestrooms and suites, we are excited to bring our independent vision for the hotel to our guests.”
Previously known as The Paramount, the updated hotel offers a wide range of upscale amenities for guests, including 323 guestrooms and suites, an expanded bar area, and a refreshed lobby with communal tables for ease of business, as well as several dining establishments such as the No Name Lounge and the award-winning Shula’s Steakhouse. The hotel also provides guests with free WiFi and complimentary pick-up and drop-off at Tampa International Airport.
Independence on the Bay As with all Tribute Portfolio properties, The Westshore Grand, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Tampa features a selection of #independentmoments: distinct design touches and experiences found at each Tribute Portfolio hotel and resort that illustrate what guests love about “staying independent.” These socially-sourced vignettes extend beyond the typical hotel brochure to highlight the secret spots, must-sees and can’t-miss experiences at each Tribute Portfolio property. Guests are also encouraged to share their own #independentmoments throughout their stay at the hotel.
New high-end urban lifestyle hotel group, Principal, launched today with the first three Principal hotels in Manchester, Edinburgh and York.
The launch follows a major investment of over £200 million from Starwood Capital in their UK portfolio and sees historic, grande-dame hotels sensitively restored, remodelled and redefined. Over the course of 2017, Principal will expand to include hotels in London, Glasgow and Cardiff in the hopes to establish luxury landmark hotels in each major UK city.
The investment includes meetings and events spaces across the portfolio, ensuring each and every venue leads the field in terms of the quality of meetings spaces, their accessibility and the technology offer for clients.
Each of these hotels has a story to tell—of its history, its design and architecture, its quirks and characters, and its role in shaping the city. Principal hotels are crafted to serve as revitalised neighbourhood destinations, ready to welcome a new generation of local, national and international guests.
The Principal Manchester occupies a listed Victorian Gothic Revival building originally designed in 1891 by Alfred Waterhouse, the architect behind London’s Natural History Museum, as the headquarters for The Refuge Assurance Company. Situated across the road from Manchester’s Oxford Road station and ten minutes from Manchester Piccadilly station, the hotel features 270 bedrooms and its own restaurant and bar. The Refuge by Volta is a palatial 10,000 square foot restaurant adjacent to the central lobby and comes complete with a 40ft granite bar and The Winter Garden, a beautiful interior glasshouse for afternoon tea served amongst leafy oak trees and trailing botanicals. Guests enter the hotel through a vast neoclassical lobby under a domed stained glass cupola, in which stands a 3m (10ft) 600kg (1300lb) bronze statue of a horse sculpted by Sophie Dickens. Many of the guestrooms contain listed period details, from wood panelling and fireplaces to tiled brickwork.
All 17 conference, meeting and private dining rooms have been fully restored and upgraded to seamlessly combine modern technology with contemporary décor, highlighting the classic Edwardian features evident in the majority of the venue’s characterful function spaces. Housing the largest hotel ballroom in the north-west of England, which can accommodate up to 1,000 seated guests, the hotel’s largest event space features an ornate design that has been lovingly protected throughout its upgrade.
The Principal Edinburgh occupies five listed former private residences built in 1775 on George Street, and first opened as a hotel in 1881. The current hotel has been sensitively remodeled by Goddard Littlefair interior architects, complete with 240 bedrooms, eight meeting and event spaces, a restaurant, bar and coffee shop. Each of the guestrooms is decorated in a natural, earthy palette in keeping with the Craigleith stone surroundings. The hotel is dog friendly and canines are greeted with a dedicated dog-bed and treats in the room. The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen, the hotel’s bar and restaurant, serves seasonal Scottish fare under the direction of head chef Colin Fleming including house-cured salmon and Tweed Valley beef. Its late-night cocktail bar offers a collection of local spirits, from single malts to Edinburgh gin and Scottish vodka. The city’s rich literary heritage is referenced with details like vintage typewriters and classic Scottish novels. Burr & Co, the hotel’s coffee shop and delicatessen with its own George Street entrance, serves a selection of fresh pastries and hot drinks.
Including the Forth View Suite, which boasts breathtaking city views, The Principal Edinburgh offers nine meeting and event spaces, including the iconic Kings Hall, a grand space for up to 400 guests.
The Principal York is located in an impressive Italianate building dating from 1878 and constructed under a façade of Scarborough brick and Tadcaster stone. Situated adjacent to York station, The Principal York can be accessed straight from the station and houses 155 bedrooms, its own restaurant, bar and separate garden room for afternoon tea. Accommodation in the main building has been carefully remodelled by Goddard Littlefair, some with views across three acres of manicured lawns to York Minster’s gothic towers. Downstairs, afternoon tea is served in the Garden Room while a wealth of local ingredients are on offer at The Refectory Kitchen & Terrace, a coolly industrial conservatory space that’s adjoined to the speakeasy style Chapter House Bar.
Voted 2016 Hotel of the Year and 2016 Conference Venue of the Year in the Visit York Tourism awards, the hotel has a dedicated events centre which can accommodate up to 410 delegates theatre-style, 300 for a banquet, 250 for a dinner and dance and 180 cabaret-style. An additional 11 meeting and event rooms include the Oak Room, which can accommodate up to 160 delegates theatre-style.
“At the heart of a great business is a unique and authentic story. Our people and our buildings have great stories to tell, and these stories differentiate you from the competition, giving your guests and your staff something to cheer about,” says Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group. “Reviving these historic, grande-dame hotels is a truly great story—they are spectacular buildings in which we can create dynamic scenes. The story of each hotel, its amazing history and architecture is the opposite of the mass-produced chain hotel, and provides us with a canvas on which to curate a unique sense of place.”
With a new face unveiling, the Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong is excited to announce it has been rebranded as Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong on 29 October.
To celebrate its new name, the hotel has been given a bright new look, complete with a top-to-bottom makeover for all its guestrooms, lobby, and other facilities. With a refreshing new look comes a refreshing new residential experience to deliver what really matters for the discerning traveller be it for business, family, or leisure. Expect to experience the new Dorsett Wanchai that is stylishly playful, beyond thoughtful, and with a taste of the urban.
The Dorsett Wanchai will continue showing its playful side through its modern and quirky interior design, making staying at the hotel a fun and relaxing experience.
The spotlight however continues to shine on the hotel’s one-of-a-kind “signature” rooms. With the revamp, now they are even better. The hotel offers 8 types of stylishly designed rooms and suites ranging up to 48sqm. The signature Grand Deluxe Course View Room offers a breathtaking view of the Happy Valley racecourse in front of the hotel, while its award-winning Ocean Park Family Suite, Sony 4K/3D Experience Suite, and OSIM Massage Suite offer guests something they are not able to experience in other Hong Kong hotels.
As Anita Chan, General Manager of the hotel says: “The name change is more than just an upgrade of the hotel infrastructure. Our new credo comes with a new motto, ‘Delivering What Matters To You’ reflects our commitment to creating an unique experience by giving extra services to meet every individual’s needs while travelling.
“We have seen a number of new initiatives rolled out in the past year such as the Dorsett 3 Wishes promotion where guests can pick an additional 3 value-for-money offers from a host of complimentary services such as 3-hour access to Airport Lounge, room upgrade, and a dim sum meal at Tim Ho Wan Michelin-starred restaurant, and the list goes on. Regardless of whether you are travelling with kids in tow, a solo traveller or a busy executive who wants to make the most of their stay, you can be sure to enjoy a unique and individualised experience while staying at our hotel.”
BON Hotels, a hospitality company that owns, manages and markets hotels throughout Africa, hosted their official launch in Nigeria, at BON Hotel Stratton Asokoro in Abuja, last week.
Over the past year, BON Hotels has undertaken an aggressive rebranding and refurbishment campaign of their hotels in Nigeria, with creative input from Delta Design Studio, a specialist hospitality interior design and procurement company. The hotels will be positioned as international 4-star, boutique-style, full-service hotels, at affordable prices, offering personal, friendly and efficient service that is synonymous with BON Hotels’ operating standards.
The properties include: – BON Hotel Grand Towers – BON Hotel Stratton Asokoro, refurbished & rebranded – BON Hotel Abuja, refurbished & rebranded – BON Hotel Delta – Protea Hotel Ikeja, refurbished & operated by BON Hotels – Protea Hotel Victoria Island, refurbished & operated by BON Hotels
Three hotels under construction and due for completion in 2018, are: – BON Hotel Apo – BON Hotel Ekiti – BON Hotel Owerri
Commenting on the refurbishment plan, Guy Stehlik says, “Our strategy is to be competitive in our offering, service delivery and price – to create a four-star standard international Nigerian hotel chain, a tourism circuit if you will that caters to all markets – the inter-regional businessman, the international and Nigerian local traveller, tourists and the leisure sector, with alternatives, designed to meet their requirements.”
Stehlik adds that they have rolled out the upgrades with minimum fuss – the hotels are operating as usual with all staff and general managers remaining in place. The group is also committed to training and empowerment of local Nigerians and significant social investment with their BONangels platform that is focused on supporting local communities through charity drives and events.
Industry stalwart and familiar face to the African hospitality industry, Bernard Cassar, Director of BON Hotels International West Africa, says, “With many larger groups exiting their business interests in Nigeria, we believe that now is the time to support the country that has given us decades of success and we will continue to add value to the local hospitality industry, our guests, our staff, suppliers, the communities in which we serve, and of course our owners.”
With nine hotels across five cities in Nigeria, and the potential of 36 states with their own cities and towns, Nigeria has endless opportunities. Together with new acquisitions in East Africa – in Uganda and Ethiopia – and continued growth prospects throughout the continent to add to their South African and Namibian portfolio, the African sky is the limit.
Bespoke Hotels is delighted to announce that it has reached an agreement to take on the management of The Bab Hotel in Marrakech, Morocco’s bustling and lively ‘Red City’.
Located in the city’s fashionable Gueliz district, The Bab offers a contemporary take on traditional North African hospitality, retaining all the charms that the exotic locale has to offer, while blending modern design and state of the art amenities.
Featuring 45 spacious bedrooms, including 19 suites, The Bab is dressed in black and white and brimming with character. It boasts a modern restaurant, swimming pool and inner courtyard, alongside a traditional spa in the mould of a Turkish bath, as well as conferencing space and an enchanting rooftop venue, ideal for everything from afternoon tea to cocktails beneath the sunset.
“We are thrilled to take on the management and build on the potential of this terrific property”, commented Nick Turner, Managing Director of Bespoke Hotels International. “We look forward to establishing a presence in Marrakech and, in time, expanding our management portfolio across Morocco.”
“This is a historic moment in the fortunes of the hotel”, added owner Abdesselem Ababou. “I am delighted that Bespoke Hotels are bringing their outstanding skills and key personnel to enhance and grow our reputation, both of The Bab and of Marrakech itself as a key international tourism destination.”
The Adelphi Hospitality Group unveiled plans today for the final phase of renovation of The Adelphi Hotel, Saratoga Springs’ landmark boutique hotel.
Originally built in 1877, the newly renovated Adelphi Hotel will reopen in Spring 2017, blending old world grace and its iconic Victorian grandeur with modern touches to create a memorable hospitality experience of luxury and elegance in order to live up to the history and legacy of The Adelphi Hotel.
As the last surviving hotel of Saratoga’s Golden Age, beauty and appreciation to historic details are found everywhere – from restoring the 11-foot ceilings and grand staircase to the signature design of the hotel’s spaces, The Adelphi aims to reinvent the style of Saratoga Springs’ bygone era luxury as modern luxury.
The Adelphi Hospitality Group has also focused on the engineering of the 150-year-old building to ensure it is structurally sound for centuries to come. Crews replaced deteriorated columns, installed load-bearing steel beams, and poured concrete to replace uneven wood floors that had worn out over the years. The team now focuses on the final phase of the project: finishing the interiors to honor the past and storied history of The Adelphi.
“The revitalized Adelphi Hotel will honor the distinct style and simple elegance of Saratoga Springs, while delivering a modern and luxurious sensibility that embodies first class services of a grand hotel,” said Simon Milde, Managing Partner of the Adelphi Hospitality Group. “The 150-year-old historic boutique hotel has been reimagined for the millennium to personify a modern twist, and eclectic revival of, timeless ideals. Our goal is to honor the past by looking at every element that makes each experience memorable for our guests.”
The architect for the Adelphi Hotel renovation is Dominick Ranieri Architect, P.C. in Schenectady, New York. Ranieri is providing his architecture and historic preservation expertise for the property, transforming the 19th century building into one of splendor without sacrificing character. The exterior of the building including the Courtyard garden areas designed by Ranieri will exude the ambiance of the grand Victorian era with stone patios, fountains and landscape garden walls. Architectural and Interior Design firm Glen & Company Architecture is refurbishing the interiors of the hotel, helping to usher the Adelphi Hotel into the 21st century, while respecting its heritage through its redesign of the 32 guest rooms, the hotel’s public spaces including the lobby bar, restaurant, second floor piazza, conservatory café, among many others.
The interior will be modernised for 21st-century standards with thoughtfully designed spaces, continuing its 150-year tradition as the epicenter of the city, and the property’s grand staircase, which ascends from the hotel’s richly appointed lobby, will be restored and fully functional. Existing furnishings have been carefully removed, meticulously photographed and catalogued, then returned into place after the renovation. Many of the pieces have been refurbished and will be repurposed into new life at The Adelphi Hotel.
The front of the renovated hotel will be upgraded to have a streamlined look while still maintaining its historical character evocative of its extravagant past. French doors will open to a patio and a 1,200-square-foot, glass-walled conservatory, ideal for private dining, will overlook the hotel’s courtyard and lush gardens. Luxury services and amenities will complement the elegance of the guest rooms and suites.
The Adelphi Hotel aims to become a sought-after dining and entertainment destination in Saratoga Springs for both locals and visiting guests. Upon entering the grand lobby, guests can access the approachable bar integrated into the space, elevated bistro and marketplace that will evolve into a wine bar in the evening, and full-service restaurant with private dining wine room, all while overlooking the serene landscaped gardens on the hotel grounds.
The Adelphi Hospitality Group’s first project, Salt & Char, is a modern American steakhouse located adjacent to the Adelphi Hotel and opened in July 2016. Construction is expected to be completed by spring of 2017.
Red Lion Hotels Corporation announced the opening of its newly converted property, Red Lion Inn & Suites in Ontario, Oregon.
This hotel opening is a continuation of the company’s commitment to increase its presence throughout the country as a brand that offers convenience, effortless experiences and a taste of local culture.
The Ontario property features 62 rooms, an indoor pool, whirlpool, business and fitness center, complimentary deluxe continental breakfast and guest laundry services. Additionally, guests enrolled in the RLHC loyalty program, Hello Rewards, can experience added convenience and perks ranging from the ability to connect with hotel staff in real time, redeem free stays, receive complimentary offerings and more.
“The Red Lion Inn & Suites brand prides itself on providing the on-the-go traveler with the essentials needed to experience destinations with ease and comfort,” said EVP and President of Global Development Roger Bloss. “We believe that the Red Lion Inn & Suites Ontario will be a preferred option for visitors seeking an authentic and truly local stay.”
Located at 266 Goodfellow Street, the Red Lion Inn & Suites is just three miles from the Ontario Municipal Airport. For those seeking to enjoy the local offerings, some of Ontario’s biggest attractions lie in close proximity, such as the Four Rivers Cultural Center and Museum, Payette County Historical Society and the Oregon Trail Museum. Additionally, the property is situated near Eastern Oregon University Ontario and Treasure Valley Community College.
As a guest accommodation provider in the hospitality industry, an important part of your responsibility is to consider the risk of fire to your property and its contents. This involves thorough investigation into the furniture and fabric used within the guest’s bedroom, paying particular attention to the bed.
It’s vital that all furnishings meet the correct UK fire retardant standards and no corners are cut. In the event a fire breaks out in your property, a fire door will act to contain the spread to that room, but your fire retardant furnishings could be the key to slowing down the speed of ignition and helping to protect your guests from serious harm.
John Woolley, managing director at Hypnos Contract Beds, discusses the importance of fire retardancy and why furniture and beds specifically, should be at the forefront of a formal risk assessment for all providers of hospitality accommodation.
What is fire retardancy? A fire retardant is a substance that reduces the flammability of materials and delays their combustion. It’s paramount that products, such as furniture, have certain levels of protection against fire to ensure people’s safety and protect them, whether that’s in a domestic or a commercial setting. If somebody falls asleep smoking a cigarette in bed for example, having a fire retardant bed will help to slow the rate at which the fire and smoke spreads, keeping damage to a minimum and most importantly saving lives.
Why is it needed? The possibility of a fire breaking out in a guest’s bedroom is something that every hospitality manager must prepare for and take steps to mitigate the risk. As any good hotelier or guest accommodation provider will appreciate, the consequences for having furniture that doesn’t meet the required UK fire regulatory standards are huge and something that should strictly be adhered to, to ensure the safety of your guests.
How do the requirements for domestic and commercial furniture differ and are all products fire retardant? In the UK, the fire safety requirements for domestic upholstered furniture are well established, having been in place since 1989. However fire retardant regulations for beds used in a commercial environment are more stringent. Domestic and contract furniture must both pass the BS EN 5971 and BS EN 5972 standards. Furniture for the contract market must also pass the BS 6807 test, which is more commonly referred to as the Source 5 (Crib 5) test and proves medium resistance to ignition. All beds that meet this will clearly display the fire retardancy source 5 (Crib 5) label.
Buying or maintaining a bed that isn’t compliant with commercial fire retardant standards is not only an offence which can lead to prosecution in the event of a fire, but it also puts customers’ lives at risk. And although it’s a supplier’s duty to ensure that furniture is fit for purpose, ultimately the responsibility to ensure all furniture falls in line with industry fire regulations and meets the requirements carried out by a formal fire safety risk assessment, lies with the hospitality accommodation provider.
It is also important to note that, as a hospitality accommodation provider, purchasing beds and mattresses from domestic furniture retailers, or from abroad where fire retardancy standards can differ to those in the UK, can cause repercussions if they are proven to be non-compliant.
What are the requirements for furniture in the hospitality sector? Firstly, commercial establishments are required to use beds, mattresses and sofa beds designed specifically for the contract market, meeting the BS 7177 and BS 7176 source 5 (Crib 5) fire retardancy standards as outlined above.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire) (Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO), users of commercial premises are legally required to carry out a fire risk assessment on the building and its contents. The results of this set the required fire safety levels for the products to be purchased and used, which must be adhered to. The BS 7176 and BS 7177 standards for fire safety of upholstered furniture is used to assist in the specification of fire safety levels for mattresses, mattress pads, divans and bed-bases located in different end-use environments. Typically, hotels and other commercial accommodation are listed as medium hazard, however some hotels and establishments fall under a high hazard category and so the products specified here must contain higher retardant properties. Products should be accompanied by a statement such as ‘this item complies with the ignition resistance requirements of BS 7177 Medium Hazard’.
What are the consequences for not meeting standards? While the economic allure of a cheap bed may seem like a good idea to some, failure to conform to UK fire standards and legislation could place commercial operators at high risk of prosecution and cost them much more in the long run.
Is all commercial furniture included in the standards? The RRFSO, mentioned previously, covers the general fire safety of a building and includes all sectors and all furniture. Under this, the requirements for seating, mattresses, beds and curtains are more specific for each and, depending on what hazard level the building falls under – low, medium, high or very high hazard – products must be specified accordingly.
For more information on fire safety, fire retardancy or to discuss our hospitality products and services, please contact your local Area Sales Manager or visit www.hypnoscontractbeds.com T: +44 (0) 1332 497111 | E: info@hypnoscontractbeds.com
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has signed a management agreement with RAK National Hotels, an owner of hotels and resorts in Ras Al Khaimah, a subsidiary of RAK Hospitality Holding, and Al Hamra Real Estate Development, marking its entry into the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
The brand will manage The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach and The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, growing the brand’s footprint in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to five by 2017.
The management agreement, which goes into effect on December 15th, will see the beach property close for comprehensive renovations, whilst the desert property will remain open and operate as a partner hotel – Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah, a Ritz-Carlton Partner Hotel. Both properties following the renovations are scheduled to be re-launched in 2017 under The Ritz-Carlton stewardship.
The renovations include total refurbishment of the Al Hamra beach property a 32 all-villa luxury resort, and upgrading the Al Wadi property, a 101 all-villa desert escape. The two new additions to The Ritz-Carlton portfolio are enclaves of bespoke Arabian-style villas that stretch along a private shore of white sand and the vast undulating expanse of the desert respectively.
Firefighters spent much of Friday (28 October) tackling a blaze which has ripped through buildings in the city of Exeter, including what is believed to be the ‘oldest hotel in England’.
The fire is believed to have started at an art gallery which faces Exeter Cathedral in Devon, but has now spread to the nearby Royal Clarence Hotel, according to BBC reports.
Historian Dr Todd Gray said the buildings were “hugely significant”.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: “It’s the building where they first declared themselves as a hotel, before that we had inns, but they took the new French word and applied it to their building. This was the place to stay.
“All these buildings have medieval origins and the buildings in between are very fine 17th century buildings of Exeter at its height. So whatever you see from the outside, it’s got a deeper, more interesting past just behind the plasterwork.
“It’s hugely significant for Exeter.”
Thankfully, the hotel has been evacuated and all staff and residents are accounted for. There are no reported casualties.
A spokesperson from the hotel said: “We are continuing to monitor the situation and send our sympathy to our neighbours and all those affected by the fire.”
Atlantic City, New Jersey’s premier resort Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa has been accepted as the newest member of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI).
The AAA Four-Diamond resort is owned and operated by MGM Resorts International, which acquired the resort in August. The 2,800-room Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa resort is ALHIs first and only Member hotel in New Jersey.
Located in the citys Marina District, the resort also includes the adjacent and luxurious The Water Club Hotel at Borgata. The resort is now served by the ALHI Global Sales Organization to the North American Meetings & Incentives marketplace, according to ALHI President Jim Schultenover.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and the cosmopolitan The Water Club at Borgata together feature 2,800 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, and 88,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. Among the very appealing meeting options are The Event Center, a column-free space with full banquet and meeting functionality; and The Music Box, featuring a stage and stadium seating for up to 1,000 guests.
In addition, the resort offers a 54,000-square-foot spa; another spa with floor-to-ceiling windows; five acclaimed fine-dining restaurants by such renowned chefs as Bobby Flay and Wolfgang Puck; 10 casual dining options; 161,000 square feet of gaming; a 20,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor pool and garden; a 32,000-square-foot outdoor pool; four additional heated indoor and outdoor pools; 10 retail boutiques; and four signature nightlife experiences. Situated just 120 miles south of New York City, 60 miles east of Philadelphia and 20 minutes from Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is easily accessible by airplane, train and car.
Not since Jay Gatsby set foot in West Egg has a neighborhood so eagerly anticipated the arrival of a new host—this October sees the grand opening of Sir Savigny in Berlin’s vibrant Charlottenburg district.
This 44-room luxury urban retreat built in 1893 perfectly reflects the mindset and sybaritic ways of its mythical founder, Sir Savigny, a bon vivant who has dedicated his life to beauty and storytelling. At this newest addition to the SIR hotels stable, the story unfolds deliciously with guestrooms that showcase the work of local artists and wide-open public spaces that create intimacy, spark conversation, and promote new friendships among kindred spirits.
Sir Savigny’s eponymous host is the consummate epicurean traveler finally putting down roots in the emerging district of Charlottenburg, west Berlin. Sir Savigny’s traveling nous is demonstrated in the 44 luxurious guest rooms and suites, elegantly outfitted by Amsterdam-based designer Saar Zafrir. Ranging from the 13-square-metre Sir Petit room to the 30-square-metre Sir Savigny Suite, each questroom is defined by an eclectic assortment of local art, vintage rugs, and custom-made furniture under heavenly high ceilings. The result is an encapsulation of Zafrir’s design Mantra: “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
Award-winning interior designers Baranowitz + Kronenberg are responsible for the fluid design of the ground-floor reception rooms. The result, an open and engaging space that allows guests to slip seamlessly between perusing Sir Savigny’s book collection in The Library to sipping aperitifs fireside in the Winter Garden. The flowing reception rooms lead to The Butcher, a hip neighborhood burger bar conceptualised by Yossi Eliyahoo’s The Entourage Group, which offers haute fast food that is defined by culinary craftsmanship and the finest Aberdeen Angus beef. Bookending the property is the Savigny Garden, a leafy urban retreat perfectly placed for whiling away halcyon city days amid stylized graffiti by renowned street artist Dome.
Wayne West, COO of Newport Hospitality shares his views on creating a ‘great’ hotel…
Fortune has shined brightly on my career in hospitality as I’ve had the pleasure of working for several excellent management companies as well as some truly great owners. Direct mentorship from these industry leaders has each in their own way made me a better hotelier and a better person overall. My current benefactor, Newport Hospitality Group, enjoys the strong leadership of our company president, Mike Pleninger, who recognized a critical trait of successful hotels over 25 years ago.
The one common characteristic of ‘great’ hotels is that guests reward them by spending significantly more than average and returning frequently. Distinctive from other ‘good’ hotels in the comp set, these ‘great’ hotels become guests’ hotel of choice, often regardless of price, condition and brand.
Years ago, a bunch of us at Newport Hospitality Group wanted to specifically document the attributes of a purportedly great hotel. Over several months, a few seasoned general managers and senior leadership team members worked closely to develop a strategic list of those attributes. Next, we wanted to make sure the list was quantifiable with metrics that could be brought to life tactically with every team member at every hotel.
The following is a list of these key and wholly distilled attributes which happen to be internal actions you can start at any time. Keep in mind that too much of one and too little or none of another may result in short-term success, but will not stand the test of time. It is all in managing the balance of the following four attributes that are the heart of great hotels.
Associate engagement When I think of associate engagement, words like ‘passion’ and ‘commitment’ come to mind. On an individual level, engagement is the illusive force that motivates you, as a hotelier, to be more productive and to provide higher levels of service to our guests and value for our company.
But what does engagement actually look like for a manager reviewing the performance of his or her staff? In my experience, it presents itself in associates with a genuine zeal and eagerness to assist guests while showing loyalty and dedication to the hotel and its brand. Curiosity is also a bona fide marker of a team member who is ready for mentorship and heightened responsibilities. With this in mind, engaged associates are a fantastic core benefit, and they will surely make the competition sit up and take notice.
Guest loyalty Engaged associates ultimately make for loyal guests. Happy, motivated associates look forward to coming to work, and not just doing their job but going above and beyond. They realise that a satisfied guest is simply a guest looking for the next best place, whereas a loyal guest is our goal and the reason for our success. We cannot have one without the other.
These engaged associates will naturally build rapport, form relationships and cater to the specific needs of every guest – the personal touch – so that the onsite experience transforms into something remarkable. If we look at our guest scores, whether it is in TripAdvisor, Medallia or SALT, and they are above the brand, we can be assured that we have an engaged and happy workforce in place. In this sense, a hotel’s guest scores are a direct reflection of the staff serving them.
Community involvement and social responsibility A reputation for honesty, transparency and fair play is critical to building long-term value for our associates and owners. We must recognize that consistently outstanding performance in the communities in which we operate is based not only on our financial results but also on our conduct beyond the bottom line. Developing and protecting your reputation as an engaged and responsible corporate partner is a priority that will distinguish your company as one that is genuinely committed to enhancing the communities in which we conduct business.
As a need arises in your community, your desire is thus to be the first business someone looks for assistance. It is a well-known fact that organizations that encourage community involvement distinguish themselves from their competitors and reap the benefits. From happier associates to guest loyalty and additional sales opportunities, the benefits are many. All associates, especially among the millennials who will soon dominate the labor force and who want to make the world a better place, will want to work in a place that inspires them.
Financial performance While hospitality is essentially a ‘people business’, it is still a business. We are here to provide growth and financial security for our associates, provide excellent service and facilities to our guests, and give back to our communities. Above all, we must provide strong financial results for our owners who have deployed their own capital and entrusted the management team with their business.
This attribute of a great hotel cannot exist in a vacuum, though. Without the previous three characteristics, a positive financial performance and the makings of a great hotel are not possible. The leadership at Newport Hospitality Group, myself included, is responsible to each location and every employee to grow these four principals within all hotels that we operate. Every decision we make begins with considering all four and finding the right balance to help every property be successful.
Wayne West III is the Chief Operating Officer of Newport Hospitality Group, guiding the company’s portfolio to ensure each hotel performs at its full potential. Over his 35 years in the industry, Wayne has operated, supervised and owned assets in IHG, Marriott and Hilton systems as well as non-branded properties. He has been a part of the Owners Council with Marriott and served as a Committee Member with IHG on their Food and Beverage Committee, Operations Committee and Standards Committee. Wayne attended East Carolina University and has been named a certified hotel administrator by the American Hotel & lodging Association.
Five-star Hotel Jardines de Nivaria, considered one of the most luxurious properties in the south of Tenerife, has just re-opened following a €13.5 million (£12 million) investment which has seen a comprehensive modernisation of the lush resort.
Improvements include the refurbishment of all rooms, a brand new gym and the relocation of gourmet restaurant, La Cúpula, which now features panoramic views over the island’s coastline.
After a five-month refurbishment period, all rooms at the property have been given a fresh new look, most of them using creams and warm coloured interiors designed by Stone Designs. They all now feature new furniture, artwork, wooden floors, baths and showers and modern equipment to offer guests greater levels of comfort – plus glass-railing balconies for even better views. The refurbishment of the whole new complex was designed by architecture firm ImpulsARQ.
Award-winning restaurant, La Cúpula is one of the refurbishment’s main beneficiaries. Now perched on the fourth floor of the main building, the eatery boasts incredible panoramic views over the blue Atlantic Ocean thanks to the venue’s new floor-to-ceiling windows.
Also benefitting from a similar makeover is the hotel’s main restaurant, Solandra, boasting a contemporary look and a brand new wine bar, yet maintaining the same excellent standards of quality and delicious food.
The layout of the pool area has been modified to make more room for guests who enjoy being in the sun and having a snack and drink at the new-look Cascada poolside bar. The property’s subtropical gardens with palm trees and beautiful waterfall are still in place, as well as the two swimming pools – a heated one filled with salt water and a freshwater pool.
Finally, the gym has also been refurbished from ‘top to toe’ to make it more spacious and now includes a sauna and Turkish bath. A brand new spa, currently being refurbished, will open in early 2017 with an even greater choice of massages and treatments.
ICMI, the group behind Wimbledon champion Andy Murray’s Cromlix Hotel, has revealed plans to open a new boutique hotel and spa in north-eastern Scotland in 2020.
The group, which also runs Inverlochy Castle, Greywalls and Crossbasket, has announced it is transforming the B-listed Ury House into an exclusive retreat as part of a Jack Nicklaus golf complex. The firm revealed it will manage the hotel on behalf of developer FM group, and is aiming to make the resort one of the best in the UK.
Speaking to the Aberdeen Evening Express, Norbert Lieder, managing director of ICMI, said: “Our intention is to develop a location for people who live on the estate, golfers, the local community and visitors from around the world.
“As well as individually designed bedrooms and suites, there will be a clubhouse, restaurant and conference centre.
“I believe there is a real need for a resort of this quality in the north east.”
Roca introduces its two new premium brassware ranges, Atlas and Lanta.
Lanta, an elegant range that features curved edges with a pin handle, designed to complement the Inspira round and soft sanitary ware pieces. For a modern bathroom, Atlas is a new single lever collection featuring clean minimalist lines.
With four different height options, it offers both optimum comfort and flexibility for a range of different basins from vanity and in-countertop, to on-countertop. Each range comprises of various height basin mixers, bidet mixers, exposed and concealed shower valves.
Cycas Hospitality and Slough Urban Renewal (SUR) have agreed heads of terms for two new Marriott International hotels – Moxy and Residence Inn – to be located on the former Central Library site, a landmark location on the A4 between the station and the town centre.
The dual branded hotel development will be operated by Cycas Hospitality, the specialist extended-stay hotel management company. It will include a 144-room affordable boutique Moxy Hotel and a 92-room extended-stay Residence Inn, both of which will be operated under a single lease, in the same building.
Andy Howell, General Manager of Slough Urban Renewal said: “We are particularly excited to be bringing two internationally acclaimed brands to Slough in time for the opening of Crossrail in 2019. The delivery of The Curve by SUR has created a perfect site for these two hotels in a key location in the heart of Slough, with unrivalled access to Slough Station.”
Eduard Elias, Cycas Hospitality Managing Partner said: “This is an exciting time to be investing in the heart of Slough. The town is undergoing a huge transformation and will after the opening of Crossrail become a real hub between Heathrow and Central London. After the success of our dual branded hotels in London Stratford (Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites), we are now implementing similar dual branded projects in Slough, Manchester and Amsterdam.”
SUR is a joint venture partnership between Slough Borough Council and Morgan Sindall Investments Limited. Its purpose is to deliver high quality commercial, residential and community buildings to transform the Borough of Slough.
Located on one of the most unique and unspoilt beaches in the Maldives, Kanuhura will reopen its doors on 1 December, following an 18-month closure and multi-million pound renovation.
The resort will have a bohemian and Gypset spirit, appealing to those travellers seeking laid-back island living. To reflect the essence of the island, Erin Wasson, international supermodel and jewellery designer has been chosen to be the face of Kanuhura, Maldives. Just 35 minutes from Malé International Airport by seaplane, this private island resort will offer 94 elegant villas and suites, all situated along the beach or on pilings above the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
All villas and suites will have sea views, with either direct access to their own private beach area, or a wooden staircase leading straight into the crystal clear waters of the lagoon. The interiors will feature colourful soft furnishings, complete with soft lighting, timber flooring and delicate scents that permeate a holistic sanctuary throughout the resort.
Once open, Kanuhura will offer guests a wide selection of dining options, bars and activities to include yoga, fishing, watersports, tennis and a spa and wellness centre. The Kokaa Spa and Wellness Retreat will be an exclusive sanctuary for those seeking the ultimate in pampering and relaxation. Elegant, nature-inspired décor, delicate scents, soft fabrics and the purest ingredients will combine to uplift the body and mind.
The spa will feature six single and three couples treatment rooms, an outdoor beachside spa pavilion, beauty salon, sauna, steam room and cold plunge pool, as well as a fully equipped state of the art gym, aerobics and hatha yoga studio. Products used will be locally sourced using natural marine elements from the Indian Ocean.
Guests at Kanuhura will also have exclusive access to Jehunuhura private island, whereby a pristine sandy beach and a small manicured ‘jungle’ landscape will give a true Robinson Crusoe feel to this little piece of paradise. Guests will be able to eat lunch or dinner or experience private spa treatments and yoga sessions on the island, accessible only by boat from the resort.
Kanuhura has its own Marine Biology Research Centre, which is dedicated to coral reef ecology and conservation, through an ambitious and extensive research programme. Guests of all ages will be encouraged to participate and interact with the onsite marine biologist to learn about what they do and to raise awareness of the ocean conservation.
Sleep, Europe’s comprehensive hotel design and development event, has announced an unrivalled ensemble of leading UK and global brands set to exhibit at London’s Business Design Centre on 22 and 23 November, featuring 35% new names and the most international line-up yet.
Manufacturers choose Sleep as a launch platform because of its unique focus and visitor profile, while hotel designers, owners, operators and developers come to discover the outstanding products that will transform their projects.
Designing environments for a memorable guest experience The increased desire for bespoke products and services that will define distinctive hotel interiors attracts heritage brands to Sleep. Debuting this year, Lincrusta Heritage and Cole & Son from the UK and Italian Brand Milano Tessuti are companies that uphold traditional production methods to create one-of-a-kind fabrics and wallcoverings for luxury hotels and residences.
Collections of handcrafted furniture will be on show from Dare Studio, Decca London, James UK and Hamilton Conte Paris alongside luxurious fabrics from Designers Guild, Altfield, Romo, Today Interiors, Vescom and Clarke & Clarke; and handtufted rugs by ICE Rugs from the Netherlands and UK company Rug-Maker with designs featuring silk with gold and silver metal threads and flatweaves by designer Ptolemy Mann.
Style Library Contract will present its new Zoffany ‘Phaedra’ collection of fabrics and wallpapers, with an underlying classical influence elevated by a mastery of colour ranging from delicate mineral hues to deep forest greens and moody blues. To add a finishing touch to hotel projects, designers and specifiers need look no further than byAbi and Muro Gallery for original artwork.
Thoughtfully finessed design is more than ever a differentiator in hotels across the world, and the Sleep exhibition will reveal how well-chosen products can heighten guest experience and create a memorable stay. A new feature this year is ‘Spaces’, a series of stands designed as hotel environments where exhibitors will create inspiring installations of lobbies, outdoor terraces, guestroom bathrooms and spas.
Innovative bathroom supplier Roca will present three hospitality environments exploring how guests’ attitudes and behaviour can influence the design process. Inspired spaces are also anticipated from Elegant Clutter, McGowan Rutherford, Geometric Furniture, Jacquar, Betonicon, Fiora and Impey amongst others.
Products to promote wellness With a growing awareness that well-designed spaces can promote health and wellbeing, Sleep is the destination for world-leading brands in this sector. Founder Sponsor and host of the invitation-only VIP lounge GROHE will present its Sensia Arena shower toilet plus other products incorporating its innovative technologies. Newcomer Villeroy & Boch will show new ranges designed by Gesa Hansen including the Artis Colour surface-mounted basins available in 15 colours and four shapes for maximum personalisation.
Functional yet beautifully designed products are also anticipated from Sleep Set sponsors Dornbracht and prominent global companies such as Hansgrohe, Laufen, Vitra and Bette alongside UK manufacturers Victoria & Albert Baths and Hurlingham Bath Company. Finest quality handcrafted beds that promise an unrivalled guest sleep experience will be represented by British companies Hypnos and Harrison Spinks, each renowned for their award-winning, sustainably made beds. A focus on design-led furniture and accessories for guests to revel in outdoor terraces and spa areas will be highlighted by Italian brands Gervasoni and Serralunga, and Jati & Kebon from Belgium, complimented by exquisite shade products that offer protection from the elements by Swiss manufacturer Glatz and Tuuci from the Netherlands.
Cutting-edge technology Integrated guest-friendly technology is now a given in hotels, and Sleep is where visitors will find the next generation of hi-tech innovations for the industry including room control systems, door security, AV, energy and communication systems. German manufacturer Jung debuts this year to showcase its range of intelligently designed products, while Gira, also from Germany, will highlight the new Esprit switch series finished in natural materials. UK manufacturer Hamilton Litestat will also present its newest switch plates and lighting systems alongside Clear AV introducing the latest integrated high-end AV systems.
With virtual and augmented reality radically transforming the hotel design process, an Immersive Reality Lounge hosted by tech-pioneers Soluis in collaboration with Graven will give visitors a chance to experience hotel design concepts in 3D and get their hands on some of the latest digital reality platforms. These will include the recently launched HTC Vive, the newest Oculus Rift headset and the Portal, a shared immersive solution from the innovative Sublime brand.
Leading lights High quality lighting is essential to good hotel design, creating atmosphere and lending drama to spaces, but above all an indispensable ingredient for a comfortable guest experience. Sleep attracts the best names in the business, including UK brand leader Chelsom, which will introduce its Stockholm lamp featuring seamless joints between glass and brushed metalwork. Fine brands from across Europe will be present, such as newcomer Fabbian Iluminazione, the Italian specialists renowned for their bespoke lighting features seen in hospitality spaces worldwide; Qasar Holland and from Spain ALVE, SECOM Iluminacion and LEDS C4, each with their latest ranges of contemporary designs for guestrooms, public areas and outdoor spaces. Lights of Vienna and Preciosa will once more showcase their spectacular creations.
Says Sven Ullrich, Global Head of Marketing for Dornbracht, this year’s Sleep Set sponsor: “By coming to Sleep, we can be inspired by brands from different countries and across other industries. The show has a creative feel and there is a focus on where the product will ultimately be used, the hotel room. There is a lot of inspiration to be found at Sleep across all the individual stands.”
Brintons, the world-renowned designer and manufacturer of woven Axminster carpet, has collaborated with dynamic designer Stacy Garcia once again to launch Altered Gravity, a collection of contemporary art-inspired carpet designs for the commercial sector.
Altered Gravity, the eighth collaborative collection from Brintons and Stacy Garcia, includes 14 patterns and draws inspiration from diverse periods in the history of modern art; abstract expressionism collides with contemporary graphic design and digitally rendered textures melt between layers of mixed media paintings.
“Altered Gravity is about exploring the boundaries of experimental design techniques and mediums. We’re bringing it back to the basics of fine art and melding it with new technologies,” explains Stacy Garcia. “Like my design aesthetic, the process of creating art evolves constantly. We’re always adapting, rearranging, adding and subtracting – creating layers that form into something beautiful,” Garcia adds.
The precision-weaving process of Axminster carpet combined with Brintons’ ability to achieve unparalleled depth and texture with up to 32 colours, brings Altered Gravity to life. This collection has been designed to suit all commercial settings – from hospitality and retail to marine and gaming. It will available and can be fully customised to fit each project.
“Original works of art are translated into expressive Axminster carpet designs using complex colour and textural overlays,” states Jane Bradley-Bain, Brintons Senior Designer.
“Wild graphic strokes and frenzied paint splats marry with translucent floral forms to create boldly scaled designs catered to the hospitality market. Altered Gravity, with pattern repeats varying from 6‘ to 48’ is presented as an extremely versatile collection and one to watch in 2017,” adds Jane Bradley-Bain
Palladium Hotel Group is expanding in Madrid with a new property adding to the group’s wider diversification and expansion over the last few years.
After the success of Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid which opened in September 2013, the group has now reinforced its commitment to the Spanish capital with the launch of a new centrally-located property, Only YOU Hotel Atocha, opening in early November 2016.
The new urban-style hotel is a conversion of a historic 19th century building that faces Atocha railway station, one of the city’s major transportation hubs, overlooking the Paseo Infanta Isabel and Alfonso XII street, close to the Madrid’s spectacular Retiro Park.
The décor of the hotel bears the hallmark of prestigious Barcelona-based interior designer Lázaro Rosa Violán, who has created a welcoming, warm and sophisticated space that blends industrial and Mediterranean styles and materials. The spectacular lobby area offers different spaces and concepts to enjoy during the day or at night featuring exhibitions and events and a bar and café designed to welcome visitors and locals alike.
The hotel includes 206 elegant rooms, spread throughout seven floors as well as a gym with a personal trainer service and running club, multi-purpose rooms for business guests and multiple dining options.
The Atocha addition to the Palladium portfolio joins Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid in the Spanish capital, and represents Palladium Hotel Group’s strategy of increasing its urban portfolio in Spain’s main city destinations. The hotel’s central location and contemporary design will suit both leisure and business travellers.
Mantra Richmont Hotel, a new $28 million (£17.6 million) 108-room boutique hotel at Spring Hill in Brisbane, has officially been opened by Queensland Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones and the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Graham Quirk.
Merging a bygone era with present day, Mantra Richmont Hotel’s modern design and stylish finishes are complemented by the historic charm of its onsite restaurant and bar, Kennigo Social House, which is housed in a meticulously refurbished heritage listed Queenslander.
The hotel, which is managed by leading Australian-based hotel and resort operator Mantra Group, is the first project undertaken in Australia by Malaysian-based developers Richmont Holdings.
Richmont Holdings Managing Director Gregory Loh said Brisbane was an obvious choice for Richmont Holdings’ first Australian development as their company vision focusses on building high quality hotels in fast-growing major city centres.
Mantra Richmont Hotel showcases a unique design incorporating a heritage building, which houses Kennigo Social House, alongside the brand new five level 4-star boutique hotel complete with a range of onsite leisure and business facilities including internal landscaped Courtyard, an espresso café, 24 hour reception, a gymnasium, meeting facilities, undercover basement car parking and tour desk.
Moxy Hotels, Marriott International’s experiential hotel brand, hosted an epic party inspired by the prolific nightlife culture in Berlin, showcasing the music, dance, art and sexual expression that are the lifeblood of the city, October 20, 2016.
The event was attended by YouTube stars Taryn Southern, Oli White, and Jack Maynard with actresses Natalia Avelonand Grace Capristo and DJs ItaloJohnson, the faceless enigma trio as the headliners, who kept guests dancing well into the morning. Moxy Underground, a mash-up of Moxy’s wildest and most imaginative programming, featured eccentric live, interactive, art installations where guests were encouraged to write their deepest, darkest secrets on latex clad hosts,renowned Berlin tattoo artist Suzan Rinow inking guests, ‘Hungry’ and Mad Kate, legendary Berlin performance drag queen and performance artist respectively, with UY Studio creating bespoke club-kid wardrobe for the talent of the event.
The Moxy Berlin opening party also celebrated artist-in-residence, the British artist Paul Robinson, aka LUAP, the chosen artist of the brand’s #BlankCanvas global initiative, which calls on international emerging artists to submit works for the chance to feature their art at new Moxy hotels. Robinson created a light-box installation, featuring two large-scale photographs from his ‘The Pink Bear’ series, which are suspended from the ceiling in the hotel’s vibrant Living Room. ‘The Pink Bear’ series is best known for being featured in Cara Delevingne’s #Art4Animals campaign. LUAP was on-hand to direct his provocative live installation during the party. Moxy Berlin’s partygoers were able to engage with LUAP’s creation as ‘The Pink Bear’ came to life with his doll-like companion through transformational performances.
“Berlin has a unique character and culture and we wanted to celebrate that with the launch of Moxy Berlin.” said Osama Hirzalla, Marriott International’s Vice President, Brand Marketing and ecommerce for Europe. “Working with local talent from dance, music, performance art and fashion helped us create an unforgettable event– marking Moxy’s arrival in Berlin with a bang!”
The epic event launched the brand’s cheeky global Moxy programming– activities that encourage the next generation todo all the fun stuff they would never think of doing back home, in a stylish and vibrant setting.
“Moxy Hotels bring out the local flavor and energy of the cities they are in through the bold programming that speaks to the creativity of each location,” said Vicki Poulos Global Brand Director. “A good time at Moxy NOLA will be different to a good time at Moxy New York. No two events will ever be the same at a Moxy, just like no two hotels will ever look exactly alike. Our Fun Hunters have a deep desire to make room for spontaneity and live life unscheduled even on travel.”
A Moxy Hotel is a 24/7 spot for all things fun and impromptu. Moxy’s NOW + WOW communal spaces, including its Living Rooms, game rooms and bar, come alive with a thoughtfully-crafted assemblage of spontaneous and organic happenings designed to cater to travelers and locals who like to hang-out with their friends and meet new ones, without breaking the bank. Moxy is premium in every way but price– its affordability is not a sacrifice of style, nor a loss of comfort.
“Our high-energy Living Rooms and bars are thoughtfully designed to create environments that get friends new and old to have some fun in creative and playful ways,” said Toni Stoeckl, Vice President Marriott International’s Lifestyle Hotels. “Fun-hunters create the action; our living rooms are essentially their playground.”
The Luxury Collection® Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, has announced it will debut the brand’s first-ever hotel in Singapore in early 2017.
In partnership with boutique developers Harpreet and Satinder Garcha, The Duxton Club, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Singapore will showcase the island’s rich history with stunning redesigns from Anouska Hempel and Jacques Garcia of traditional shophouses–a prevalent building in Singapore’s architectural heritage–in the Tanjong Pagar conservation district. Both preserving the past and offering guests a contemporary luxury experience, the multi-million-dollar renovation will bring to life Singapore’s roots in an authentic and indigenous way.
“The debut of a hotel in Singapore in collaboration with two iconic designers marks an important milestone for The Luxury Collection, as we continue to expand our global footprint in new destinations around the world,” said Meredith Dichter, Global Brand Director, The Luxury Collection. Recently surpassing 100 hotels in more than 30 countries, our mission to offer global explorers truly indigenous experiences wherever they travel will reach new heights with the opening The Duxton Club next year.”
“We are thrilled to bring The Luxury Collection to Singapore,” said Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Development, Marriott International Asia Pacific. “We are confident that The Duxton Club will make its mark on the country’s highly competitive hospitality market, and we’re proud to work with Harpreet and Satinder Garcha, who are passionate about design and adaptive-reuse heritage projects.”
The Duxton Club will reside in two pre-war colonial shophouse buildings within walking distance of one another: The Duxton House on Duxton Road and The Duxton Terrace on Murray Street. Strategically situated in the Duxton area, the two buildings are adjacent to the emerging Central Business District of Tanjong Pagar and border the culturally rich Chinatown area. In recent years, the neighborhood has enjoyed a revival, emerging as the epicenter for today’s global traveler as one of the island’s most stylish leisure and dining neighborhoods. The Duxton House is expected to open in early 2017, while The Duxton Terrace is slated to open in July 2017.
Originally constructed in the early 19th century, The Duxton House features 50 guestrooms in eight adjoining three-story buildings reimagined by celebrated designer Anouska Hempel, whose comprehensive interior design background spans hotels, restaurants, retail spaces and luxury residential projects including the Hempel Hotel and Blakes Hotel in London, and high-end retail stores around the world such as Van Cleef and Arpels and Louis Vuitton. Under the strong interior design identity of Hempel, The Duxton House will be restored to its former glory with rich oriental influences that honor the property’s unique heritage and timeless sense of luxury and glamour. Once completed, the hotel will include a destination restaurant, signature bar and private cigar room – all offering refined experiences for discerning guests seeking authentic, indigenous experience deeply rooted in the destination.
Just 600 feet away, with convenient access to the upscale establishments of Tras Street and Club Street, The Duxton Terrace comprises fourteen adjoining three and four-story colonial-era buildings with 138-guestrooms. Originally, completed in 1929, the structure likely served Chinese merchants before being converted to army barracks. Since then, the building has been adapted for different purposes, from housing a hawker food alley to restaurants and office space. The property’s most recent renovation project received the Architectural Heritage Award from the Urban Redevelopment Authority, further solidifying the building as a cherished and historic landmark.
The Duxton Terrace will be restored to its original grandeur by renowned architect and designer Jacques Garcia, whose extensive design portfolio includes the restoration of The Louvre and The Palace of Versailles. The hotel will house five captivating food and beverage venues including a signature bar and lobby bar, an all-day dining restaurant, a poolside bar and an exclusive member’s club. Additional facilities will include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and cigar room. Guests of The Duxton Club will enjoy full use of the facilities at both premises.
Satinder Garcha, CEO of Garcha Hotels, said: “Using our mutual strength to re-create the charms of a bygone era, the adaptive reuse of such historic buildings by two of the world’s best designers, Anouska Hempel and Jacques Garcia, will offer guests an unforgettable boutique hotel experience while contributing to urban sustainability and preservation of our vibrant past.”
Red Lion Hotels Corporation (RLHC) recently announced the opening of a Lexington Inn & Suites in Goodyear, Arizona. The hotel marks the first Lexington property to open since RLHC closed last month on the company’s most recent acquisition.
The recently converted property features 90 guest rooms, a heated outdoor pool and whirlpool, free WiFi, complimentary hot breakfast, fitness centre, guest laundry and over 700 square feet of meeting space.
“We are excited to welcome the Lexington Inn & Suites Goodyear to the RLHC family,” said EVP and President of Global Development Roger Bloss. “Visitors can now experience the culture and the people that distinguish Lexington and all RLHC properties.”
The hotel is the third Lexington property in Arizona, joining hotels in Fountain Hills and Holbrook.
Luxury seafront hotel, The Grand Brighton, has announced plans for its highly anticipated multi-million pound façade restoration project.
The refurbishment, due to be completed in autumn 2017, will be conducted in four phases and will see the initial work commence on the East Wing of the building from 24 October.
Enhancements to the iconic hotel will include the installation of a new lighting system that will enrich the architectural design of the building, new windows and balconies for sea-facing rooms and full insulation, as well as a re-render of the front of the building.
Working with local businesses, J Davies Building Limited will be the main contractor having worked on a number of projects with The Grand, including most recently the Victoria, Lounge, Terrace and Bar refurbishment.
Conservation has been a main priority throughout the planning phase in order to minimise the impact and ensure guests continue to receive the best experience. The Grand has worked closely with Brighton Council and other conservation groups to ensure the heritage of the building is respected and restored to its former glory, with materials selected for longevity and for the environment.
Andrew Mosley, General Manager at The Grand, comments: “Since becoming an independent hotel in 2014, our owners have invested a significant amount and this project is a testament to our ongoing commitment to our customers and improving the guest experience at The Grand.
“The Grand is one of Brighton’s most treasured icons with a well-known and storied history. Once completed, the restoration of the façade will not only return the hotel to its former glory, but firmly establish The Grand as one of the landmark destinations on Brighton’s famous seafront.”
The restoration project is the latest development in a wider multi-million pound investment programme, following the sale of the hotel to independent owners in 2014. This has seen The Grand roll out an ambitious programme to install air-conditioning across its 201 bedrooms, refurbish its Victoria Terrace, Lounge and Bar, further upgrade its own seafood restaurant, GB1, upgrade Wi-Fi bandwidth capacity to 1GB and invest significantly in back of house facilities.
Kingsmills hotel has recently added 13 ensuite rooms with private gardens to its luxurious offering, with Roca products used throughout.
“Our aim was to bring five star luxury bathing to these wonderful lodges set in the landscape”, says hotel project manager James Story. “Roca’s stylish, compact and contemporary products with their clean lines and sense of style suit our architecturally striking garden rooms.”
Designed by Scottish architecture practice Keppie, the rooms are set into the gardens in a sculptural curve, so that each lodge has a unique view and total privacy. The units are constructed entirely from Scots timber and were manufactured and fully fitted out by eco firm Carbon Dynamic in less than three weeks, with installation taking less than two days.
The generous ensuite bathrooms have white vitreous china Gap wall hung toilets, double Bol basins, which sit elegantly on the granite vanity tops and the ultimate in bathing relaxation – 2m Roca Raindream showers, which can be adjusted by the user to rain, soft or pulse. Kingsmills’ relationship with Roca goes back some five years: the hotel upgraded 74 of its main house bedrooms with Roca ensuite bathrooms to create the luxury Kings Club rooms and specified Roca products for 100 hotel rooms in one of their Aberdeen properties.
Story says: “our guests have described the Roca bathroom experience as “a cocoon of comfort – like a private spa! That’s the best we could ever hope to offer.”
The Roca products specified in the garden rooms include: – Thesis tall basin mixer with pop up waste – Deck mounted single lever HN basin mixer L20 pop up waste – Hall shower tray – T1000 built in thermostat bath mixer
Luxury hotel group, DUKES COLLECTION, is thrilled to announce the much anticipated opening of DUKES DUBAI in December 2016, situated at the beginning of the famous Palm Jumeirah, a highly-coveted location for this five-star hotel.
DUKES DUBAI will encompass a quintessentially British feel inspired by its famous London counterpart, DUKES LONDON. The hotel is delighted to be working with a range of the best of British suppliers, bringing these to the UAE for the first time.
Of the exciting new venture, Managing Director of DUKES COLLECTION Debrah Dhugga said: “DUKES DUBAI will be a true British gem in Dubai, offering both corporate travellers and holidaymakers an oasis of luxury and old-English charm, and espousing everything that makes us proud to be British.”
Spread over 15 floors, DUKES DUBAI will consist of 506 gorgeous rooms in total. This includes 279 bedrooms, of which 64 will be luxury suites, and 20 will make up part of the women-only Duchess floor, plus 227 fully furnished hotel apartments. The hotel will also boast an outdoor infinity pool with dramatic views over the ocean and the hotel’s private beach as well as an atmospheric indoor pool and cocktail bar on the 15th floor.
DUKES DUBAI will open two first-class dining options to suit every guest’s palette: The Great British Restaurant (GBR) and Khyber, both headed up by award winning Executive Head Chef, Martin Cahill, and serving up delectable cuisines from around the world.
Fans of DUKES LONDON will recognise the famous DUKES Bar, replicated in the Dubai hotel, and of course serving up the renowned DUKES Martinis by one of the hotel’s own expert bar managers. DUKES’ much-loved afternoon tea will also be making the move to Dubai, with a dedicated Tea Lounge available to guests to enjoy a delicious and indulgent treat. Those looking for a refined evening will find peace and privacy in the Gentleman’s Cigar Lounge, where guests can indulge in this truly British tradition.
A quintessentially British gem in the heart of Dubai, DUKES DUBAI will bring traditional values and old-fashioned glamour to Palm Jumeriah, standing out from other hotels across Dubai.
Hilton Worldwide has revealed plans to introduce its upscale DoubleTree by Hilton brand to Hull, following an agreement with Brayford Hotels. Independent UK hotel Management Company, leaf HOSPITALITY will manage the forthcoming hotel when it opens.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hull is currently under development in Ferensway and is expected to open in late 2017 as Hull continues its 365 day transformative arts and culture programme as part of its UK City of Culture status. The new hotel will join more than 465 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels in 40 countries and territories across the globe.
The hotel will incorporate a range of premium leisure and business facilities, including 165 upscale guestrooms, a branded destination restaurant and bar and a 1000-sqm pillar-free ballroom designed to attract large-scale conferences and events to the city.
Richard Farrar, founder of leaf HOSPITALITY commented: “We are delighted to be working with the Brayford team again who I know will deliver a first class hotel for Hull. There’s a real buzz about Hull and a shortage of premium hotels in the city centre but the market is robust and continuing to develop. Now more than ever, the spotlight is on the city to accommodate a rise in business visits and a steady growth in leisure tourism anticipated as a result of Hull’s City of Culture status next year and we’re confident of its long term sustainability as a vibrant leisure and business destination.”
The announcement comes on the back of news that leaf HOSPITALITY secured the management agreement to run the focused service Hampton by Hilton, currently under development at Humberside Airport. The company now has four management agreements in the UK, taking it another step closer to achieving its target of having 20 hotels under management by 2025. The new build hotel is located in Hull’s city centre, and marks leaf’s third contract with developer Brayford Hotels, having already worked with them to manage the DoubleTree by Hilton Lincoln.
Leigh Hall, Director of Brayford Hotels, commented: “Having already established a great working relationship with leaf HOSPITALITY for previous developments, we know they are the ideal partner to bring this hotel to market and ensure its success. With the mix of accommodation, dining and banqueting facilities for up to 1,000 delegates, it was important for us to bring an established hotel management company on board. DoubleTree by Hilton’s appeal as a globally recognised brand, paired with leaf’s comprehensive knowledge of the full sales, revenue and marketing mix across both the leisure and corporate sectors will ensure an exceptional guest experience in Hull.”
A new Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites designed by Gene Kaufman Architect has opened at 538 West 58th Street.
The 85,000-square-foot, 18-storey, 226-room hotel sits between 10th and 11th Avenues, within easy walking distance of the beautifully landscaped Hudson River greenway, Columbus Circle, Central Park, and the Time Warner Centre. Barone Management is the developer.
Said Gene Kaufman, Principal and Founder of Gene Kaufman Architect: “This hotel combines the convenience of a midtown location with the quiet street character of a residential neighborhood. Best of all, the zoning-district boundaries bisecting the site gave us the opportunity to create both north-facing views that overlook John Jay College’s beautifully landscaped roof, and high-rise, west-facing views of the Hudson River.”
The hotel features two seemingly separate structures, an 18-story tower and an adjoining 10-story building, recessed from the street wall at different depths. The tower, which projects slightly forward of its shorter sibling, has a compelling verticality, the result of its height and narrow frame. Further enhancing the upward thrust is the curtain wall of the top three floors and the use of aluminum wall panels to separate the tower’s windows. The stylistic fillips come together to create a single architectural through-line from the 18th floor all the way down to the street.
In keeping with GKA’s expertise in maximising key counts without sacrificing quality of the accommodations, the hotel’s ground floor and lobby are below-grade on a floor usually reserved for operations. They are reached through the hotel’s sunken entryway, which also allows for a 2,300-square-foot landscaped plaza in front of the hotel.
The hotel will offer king-sized and double guest rooms as well as adjoining rooms which can be combined to form suites (the interiors are by Hotel Depot with VLDG Interiors). In addition to the streetside plaza, amenities include an office center, a fitness centre, and a breakfast bar.
In Germany, they are fond of saying that all good things come in ‘threes’. This certainly applies to the latest developments at IntercityHotels, a successful Deutsche Hospitality brand which can look back over a history of nearly 30 years and has made three new announcements.
IntercityHotel is set for expansion. Before the end of the year, it will open its first hotel in Braunschweig and a further establishment in Qingdao (China). The first IntercityHotel outside Europe in Salalah (Oman) commenced operations in July.
Further hotels in Duisburg, in Esslingen, at Berlin Airport and in Saarbrücken, Dubai, s’Hertogenbosch (NL) and Leiden (NL) will all follow over the course of the next few years. There is certainly plenty in the planning pipeline and, what’s more, the upcoming IntercityHotels will feature a completely new concept.
The IntercityHotel Braunschweig, the first hotel to boast a new design developed by the Italian architect Matteo Thun, will open its doors in November. Thun will deliver a real feel-good factor by transforming the lobby into a living room and will create bright and generously proportioned spaces for guests to enjoy.
“Business life today requires extreme flexibility,” he says. “We are all travelling a lot and often only stay in the same locality for one or two nights. ‘Being at home’ is no longer tied to any particular place. It is a feeling. This is precisely what we are seeking to impart to IntercityHotel guests via our new interior concept.”
A small change has also been made to the IntercityHotel logotype. The name of the brand is being spelled with a lower case “c” with immediate effect. In addition, IntercityHotel has joined forces with the trend and restaurant expert Pierre Nierhaus to rework its culinary offerings.
Internal design is not the only area in which guests will notice a difference in future. The background technology is also changing. Guests will be able to check in and out by using the convenient “hotelbird” mobile app. They will also have the option of using their smart phone to open the door to their room and to pay the bill. This is the first time anywhere in the world that the app, which operates in conjunction with the Oracle hotel management system, will be implemented in a fully automated manner. Test runs are already taking place at the IntercityHotels in Mainz and Darmstadt.
The plan is for the concept to be rolled out across all IntercityHotels, beginning with the IntercityHotel Braunschweig.
As part of DUKES COLLECTION, DUKES London, the award-winning five-star British bolthole in the heart of Mayfair, is thrilled to announce that a major refurbishment programme will commence in November 2016, to include its luxurious bedrooms, public areas and restaurant.
Starting next month with the hotel’s meeting rooms, changes to the restaurant and hotel bedrooms will follow in January 2017. The improved look is anticipated to be completed by the end of spring 2017.
From January 2017, DUKES will experience a full upgrade to a number of its bedrooms and suites, and public areas such as the much-loved Drawing Room. The popular Duchess Rooms, a personalised service aimed at the female solo traveller, will also undergo a dramatic facelift, working with a number of leading luxury British brands that work in synergy with DUKES’ own quintessential British offering.
2017 is set to be DUKES COLLECTION’s most exciting year yet, with this luxurious British brand continuing to offer guests the traditional five-star service it is famed for.
The elegant Stockholm table lamp is one of the standout pieces from Chelsom’s new collection, Edition 25.
Epitomising the understated beauty of Scandinavian design, Stockholm is a sleek table lamp featuring seamless joints between glass and brushed metalwork with clean lines at the forefront of the design.
Pictured in Brushed Nickel with iridescent Smoke glass, the range is also available in English Brass with Clear glass and is offered with an alternative cylindrical base.
Work is under way to transform a city centre hotel into a boutique spa and conference venue.
Grade II listed Grey Street Hotel, Newcastle upon Tyne, is undergoing a £1.2m, 32-week phased development programme which will boost its 46-strong workforce and put it at the forefront of the city’s hospitality sector. The first stage of the rolling programme is the refurbishment of the hotel’s 49 bedrooms, which have been individually styled to combine contemporary luxury with unique tributes to the city’s heritage.
Decorated in a monochromatic scheme with accents of teal, green, pink or purple, each room has a feature wall bearing a large scale image of a Tyneside landmark – including the neighbouring Theatre Royal – or figure, such as Earl Grey, from whom the street and hotel take their name. Plans unveiled by the hotel’s owner, Newcastle-based Malhotra Group, also reveal a number of changes to the hotel’s layout, including the relocation of the entrance and the introduction of a street front coffee shop on the ground floor.
A conference and event space – holding up to 100 people – will be located in the lower basement along with a new spa, comprising three treatment rooms, a manicure and pedicure suite and a hair and beauty salon.
“This development, which will create an additional 12 full and part time jobs, goes way beyond cosmetic,” said Atul Malhotra, operations director at Malhotra Group.
“We’ve taken an entirely fresh look at the space to widen its appeal to residents and non-residents alike. Our challenge has been in providing the standard of luxury and comfort today’s hotel visitors expect, while respecting the building’s historical and architectural significance and I am confident we will achieve this.
“Grey Street is at the heart of Newcastle and our hotel is at the heart of the street – we are very much looking forward to unveiling it to the public.”
Work on Grey Street Hotel is expected to complete in May 2017 and the hotel will be open as usual throughout the development.
As part of its cutting-edge Scion Living lifestyle brand, innovative, fashion-forward British interiors company Scion has produced its first cushion collection, a spectacular range of retro cushions inspired by its latest must-have fabric and wallpapers.
The cushions feature designs from Scion’s recently-launched collections Levande, Lohko and Guess Who?, and of course the stunning selection wouldn’t be complete without an appearance from infamous Mr Fox and his new friend Spike.
The collection comprises 10 designs over 29 options, in a mixture of square and rectangular shapes. The colours range from punchy retro shades of cobalt, sunshine and tangerine to sophisticated greys, blush tones, stone and linen, as well as evocative combos of nutmeg and paprika, kiwi and liquorice, spice and rose or blush and parchment – all perfect for the modern home.
Cedar: Naively drawn trees and leaves, originally created from lino-cut printing Lohko: An oversized abstract boulder design Modul: A stylish asymmetrical design featuring sparsely spaced triangles Mr Fox: Needs no introduction, but Scion’s cheeky fox appears as a large icon here and…as a small repeat pattern on the Mini Fox design Octant: A scandi-inspired geometric design of interconnecting semi-circles divided by broad scratch stripes
Sula: Simplistic, graphic tulips positioned for maximum impact Tetra: A modern interpretation of a graphic tree Terry Toucan: Bursting with colour and personality Terry the Toucan brings a touch of tropical to the range Spike: An enchanting, geometric depiction of a stylised hedgehog
The Scion cushion collection will be available from the end of September 2016 via a network of selected stockists nationally and internationally.
Officials of New Castle Hotels & Resorts along with Southwest Properties of Halifax, Nova Scotia and JLK Global Fund International have broken ground on a 178-key Courtyard by Marriott/Residence Inn hotel in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
The dual-branded hotel will be the first Marriotts in the city.
The project is estimated for completion in Q3 2018 and will include a 106-room Courtyard by Marriott and 84-suite Residence Inn in the Dartmouth Crossing lifestyle centre and in close proximity to the Burnside Business Park, the largest eastern seaboard business park north of Boston or east of Montreal.
“The dual-brand configuration has been tremendously successful for us in other urban areas like downtown Syracuse, NY where land acquisition is costly,” said Gerry Chase, president and COO of New Castle. “I feel very confident that this project, with known and trusted development partners, and a proven product mix, will be completed in a timely fashion and ramp up quickly to serve the unmet needs of the Dartmouth business community.”
“Dartmouth Crossing is rapidly expanding with iconic brands and is attracting business travellers working in the greater Halifax region,” noted Jim Spatz, chairman & CEO for Southwest Properties. “The hotel is well placed in an area that is becoming a primary shopping destination for Maritime Canada and an athletic hub for Halifax with the new four-pad ice arena and the existing Harbour East soccer and football fields. We believe in Dartmouth Crossing because of our great success with the hotel we built and opened with New Castle Hotels in 2009.”
New Castle and Southwest have partnered previously on the Residence Inn Moncton, New Brunswick, the Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton Halifax-Dartmouth in Nova Scotia and The Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews, New Brunswick.
“Today’s travelers have varying and specific needs, and over 35 years, we’ve found that the combination of an upscale select service hotel, coupled with an extended stay product is an ideal way to satisfy most guests,” said Chase. “The nearest Marriott hotels are across the bridge in Halifax, so I’m sure that these two hotels will be very well received, particularly by the points-conscious business traveler.”
“You’ll love it,” I was told by friends when I mentioned I was heading to Jersey for the first time.
It’s true, I knew little about this Crown Dependency nestled in the Bay of Mont St. Michel before I flew over (at the second attempt) from the mainland; this British-but-slightly-so-Gallic island had never been on my radar of must-visit destinations. After spending two days discovering this delightfully quaint bailiwick, that has most definitely changed.
The view over St. Ouen’s Bay from the hotel’s headlands
I was visiting to spend an evening at the Atlantic Hotel in St. Brelade, a family-owned hotel under the stewardship of Patrick Burke and his wife Treena, and to review the two restaurants attached to the property. Prior research showed me that the hotel has built up a reputation for being one of the best hotels on Jersey. Indeed, when I announce my destination to my taxi driver, he nods his approval and commends my choice. With its effortless luxury and excellent service, it’s easy to see why.
As we wind up the entrance road, I’m struck by the markedly 1930s-style exterior of the building, which is surprising considering the hotel was purpose-built and opened in 1970 by Patrick’s father Henry – but it makes for a refreshing change to the over-modernisation often encountered at projects back in London. Yet, given the retro vibe of Jersey it’s certainly not out of place and its ocean liner-esque appearance is befitting of Jersey’s obvious oceanic feel. And as soon as I enter the hotel, I note the understated elegance of the public areas.
The reception-cum-lounge area is light, airy and the wooden floors and occasional exposed brickwork all reflect the property’s coastal locale. It’s an excellent blend of modern and classic. A range of sand-and-sea motif pieces from local artists line the walls – alongside beautifully appointed, unique furnishings – and the ‘Atlantic Dunes’ by Nicholas Romeril takes my breath away as Patrick explains the story of how it came to be in the possession of the hotel whilst Naomi Renouf’s ‘Crossing the Sands’ is an eye-catching centrepiece. The source of the constant sound of rushing water is a fountain set in a water feature traversing the indoor-outdoor divide complete with a carp fishpond. This space is built for a life less rushed.
A baby grand piano sitting at the entrance to the hotel’s stunning Ocean restaurant adds a touch of glamour. Indeed, glamour is what the Michelin-starred Ocean is all about and the interiors are exquisite. It’s by far and away my favourite space in the whole hotel; the elegant pillars, French shuttered windows and blend of white, cream and beige with dashes of deep blues and reds conjure up a feeling of an Edwardian dining room – it’s a truly beautiful setting for a meal. It overlooks a delightful garden terrace and generous outdoor swimming pool, which was the next stop on my tour with Patrick.
The pool area is reminiscent of a southern Mediterranean setting, not one just 50 minutes from London. Palm trees blend in with the stunning views over St Ouen’s Bay and the vast Atlantic expanse beyond – an enthralling sight so close to home. Our walk over the hotel’s 6 acres of grounds and headlands allows a glimpse of the tennis court as well as the Garden Suites – the deluxe offering at the Atlantic – which were fully occupied during my stay, but ‘extremely popular with families’ I’m told by Patrick, made up of ground floor rooms with large en-suite bathrooms and a private terrace with direct access to the gardens and swimming pool.
It’s at this point I discover a bit more about the journey Patrick has been on with the Atlantic. Having taken over as managing director in 1987, Patrick went about transforming the property into what it is today and in the process – through various strategy groups – the hospitality scene on Jersey as a whole. Indeed, this is clearly a labour of love for Patrick; under his stewardship the hotel has enjoyed numerous accolades such as membership of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group (of which, Patrick himself is a director), AA rosettes and the prestigious ‘Independent Hotel of the Year’ at The 2014 Cateys – an award, I can see, that evokes a great sense of pride. Rightly so.
Jersey as a destination is in Patrick’s blood. He tells me of his work with the Luxury Jersey Hotels (LJH) consortium, a collection of Jersey hoteliers working together to bolster the reputation of the island as an internationally recognised hotspot for gastronomy and luxury. His obvious success led him to inaugurate the Eat Jersey Food Festival last year, which brings acclaimed chefs to the island from the UK, France and Jersey itself in a celebration of local produce. This is a way of life for Patrick, not just a job.
He tells me, when I ask about possible expansion plans, that maintaining the look and feel of the hotel as well as the aesthetics of the site are extremely important; so building upwards is out of the question. Consolidating what is already a fantastic property is the name of the game. The tour comes to an end, which allows me some time to sample the modest but perfectly adequate Palm Club health facilities comprising an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, a mini gymnasium and saunas and a welcome option considering the less-than-summery conditions outside.
I retire to my ‘Ocean View’ room, featuring a king size bed with a simple, contemporary oak headboard, and comfortably elegant furnishings; the Art Deco-meets-maritime theme of the hotel is strong in the room décor. My room is well equipped with a marble bathroom, complete with high-quality, ever-functional Hotel Designs clients Hansgrohefittings and luxury toiletries by Molton Brown.
My balcony windows do indeed offer views over the swimming pool area and the ocean – it’s just a shame about the uncharacteristically cloudy July day. Considerable refurbishment work has been carried out over the years since the turn of the century as part of Patrick’s commitment to constant improvement and maintaining a high standard throughout. The hotel offers a range of rooms – including ‘Executive’ and ‘Atlantic’ suites – all finished to the same levels of unfussy elegance and practicality.
I spend an evening with Patrick and Treena over dinner in the hotel’s superb Ocean restaurant – fronted by the charming Martinho de Sousa and showcasing the supreme talent of chef Mark Jordan – which, having held its Michelin star since 2007, is a destination in itself. Combine the two, and staying at the Atlantic is most definitely an experience to savour. After lunch the next day in the hotel’s sister restaurant in nearby St Peter and a short time looking around southern Jersey, I take the short hop back to the mainland. I then proceed to spend the next few weeks telling anyone who’ll listen that they must find the time to visit this wonderfully idiosyncratic island and ensure that they stay at this gem of a hotel.
2020 will mark 50 years of the Atlantic. In his time at the helm, it’s clear to see that Patrick has firmly established the hotel as one of the best on Jersey. Having seen it first hand, I have no doubts that his passion for the industry and the locale as well as his dedication to quality and service that the property will continue to remain so in the years ahead. Trust me, one would be hard-pushed to find a more faultless example of what a small, luxury hotel should be…
Based on a stay in July 2016 Photos: Daniel Fountain // Atlantic Hotel theatlantichotel.com
Skamania Lodge has established itself as a destination for family vacations, weekend getaways, corporate conferences and weddings. Looking to expand their current offerings, the resort partnered with MG2 to develop a “tree house-style” cabin concept for those in search of a more unique escape.
Nestled amongst a grove of towering Douglas firs, the tree houses immerse guests in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, fulfilling their desires to feel inspired, romantic or adventurous. Each of the two tree houses has been designed with a large deck, expansive windows, an indoor/outdoor fireplace and is easily accessed via an attached staircase.
The taller of the two structures stands on stilts, picturesquely set 20 feet above the lush forest floor. Simple, yet contemporary in their aesthetic, the tree houses offer guests modern luxuries not commonly associated with the traditional cabin experience.
Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort is set to re-launch in November, following the final phase of its £3.7 million (THB160 million) refurbishment.
The overall vision for the renovations follows a “Chao Lay Southern Thai design concept” offering guests a rare combination of natural simplicity and comfort in one of Thailand’s most inspiring destinations.
To strike a balance between authentic Thai architecture and a more modern tropical style resort, Thailand-based design firm Last Word Studio has created stylish interiors for the revamped bungalows while drawing on southern Thai architectural traditions. Spacious, airy, comfortable living spaces have long been a signature of Phi Phi Island Beach Resort. By building with local materials and focusing on air circulation, the properties blend with the tropical surroundings and are kept cool all year-round.
“Although the main aim is to upgrade our rooms and facilities to keep pace with the demands of visitors from around the world, we have also been very careful not to lose the essence of Thai culture and tradition that people expect when they visit our country,” said Mr. Chao Treenawong, General Manager, Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort. “The contemporary Thai design is still a major attraction, even on a remote island like Koh Phi Phi, but it must also evolve with the times.”
Reflecting this approach, the new bungalows are raised slightly from the ground on sturdy pillars and boast tall, pointed roofs which catch the sea breezes and funnel fresh air through the interiors. Air-conditioning units have been also installed, even though they are not always required; thanks to a sensitive, smart design scheme that dates back hundreds of years.
“Through the décor and design our new rooms offer a local Thai village feel, but they also come with all the added amenities of modern lifestyle. By staying true to the region’s architectural roots, we have also remained sensitive to the island environment – physically, and in terms of sustainability,” said Mr. Treenawong.
In addition to these newly designed rooms, Phi Phi Island Village Resort recently completed their new-look restaurant Api, as well as a stylish al fresco coffee club called bean/Co. To accompany these new additions a new menu has been created, called The Beach House. All of the new amenities complement the elegant architecture and ambiance of the resort’s Ruan Thai restaurant, Phi Phi Island’s only authentic Thai dining experience.
Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort is constantly evolving and innovating in terms of eco-sustainability. The resort recently installed a reverse osmosis (RO) plant which provides 20,000 litres of clean per hour, whilst managing a coral reef rehabilitation nursery off the shores of the property. In addition, a 5-acre plot near the resort grounds has been dedicated to the planting and nurturing of new mangroves. Resort guests will 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, as well in the coral restoration project.
Dorchester Collection is proud to announce the greatly anticipated reopening of its tenth hotel, Hotel Eden in Rome, for April 2017.
Having undergone an extensive restoration programme since November 2015, the updates will enhance the hotel’s original design whilst preserving the much loved spirit of the property: the project will unveil 98 spacious guestrooms and suites and will offer a captivating and dynamic food and drink concept with enhanced panoramic views across the Eternal City.
Hotel Eden will also introduce a new urban spa complete with four suites. These will feature a fusion of pampering signature treatments and wellness offerings by Sonya Dakar and Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, alongside a blow-dry bar and a manicure and pedicure space.
The restoration blends contemporary features with the charm and authentic classic Roman style of the property. Interior designers, Bruno Moinard and Claire Betaille of 4BI & Associates, together with Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku from Jouin Manku, were appointed to the project.
Moinard, who previously completed the redesign of some of the public spaces at Hôtel Plaza Athénée as well as The Grill at The Dorchester in 2014, has overseen the interior decoration of the lobby, rooms and suites, while Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku were entrusted with the restoration of the restaurants and bar on the sixth floor, which offer guests magnificent views of the city below.
General manager, Luca Virgilio, comments: “Hotel Eden has a rich heritage and prominent location in the heart of Rome. While it continues to rank as one of the top hotels in the world, the restoration programme will revitalise the property and lead it into its next chapter. Our vision is to create a property that will continue to enchant both local residents and international travellers alike and we cannot wait to welcome guests this spring.”
A popular Docklands hotel has invested £70,000 in a new-look waterfront restaurant.
Docklands Bar & Grill at Crowne Plaza London – Docklands has undergone extensive refurbishment works, transforming the dining space with a new contemporary aesthetic, reflective of the local environment.
The project was led by interior designer Amanda McMorris of ICA, and sees the eatery feature all-new décor. Amanda said: “Our design concept, ‘Reflections’, has come from the landscape and culture of the Docklands area itself. For example, the new colour scheme in the restaurant takes inspiration from the effect of the imposing skyline interacting with the surface of the water below. Our aim is to make the restaurant feel very at home in its surroundings.”
Daniel Loosley, general manager of Crowne Plaza London – Docklands – managed by the UK’s leading independent hotel management company Redefine|BDL Hotels – said: “Docklands Bar & Grill is a popular destination among Londoners and visitors alike, and receives huge passing custom from the neighbouring ExCel Exhibition Centre.
“We have made this investment to maximise the appeal of this comfortable, modern space in the heart of this historic area, and we are delighted with the results now the work is completed.”
Crowne Plaza London – Docklands has 210 guest rooms, offers a complimentary shuttle to Canary Wharf on weekdays and features an on-site taxi company.
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