Hotel Designs

NEWS AND ANALYSIS FOR HOTELIERS, DESIGNERS AND INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS

Marriott set to debut dozens of luxury hotels in 2018

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Marriott International has announced the company is set to open nearly 40 luxury hotels in 2018 as the company continues to cater to a new affluent traveler, offering an unmatched variety of transformative travel experiences.

Providing globetrotters with a truly global perspective and an unparalleled portfolio of eight distinct luxury brands, Marriott International Luxury Brands include world-renowned hospitality hallmarks The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection, EDITION and JW Marriott. With an unrivaled network of landmark hotels and resorts in 60 countries today, Marriott International is set to expand its luxury footprint yet further with 200 hotels in the development pipeline, representing 25 new countries, from Iceland and Nepal to Cuba and the Philippines.

“From former palaces in Venice and Vienna, to skyscrapers in Hong Kong and Dubai, to intimate, remote escapes in the Maldives and Mexico, the breadth of our portfolio is incomparable and allows us to surpass the expectations of our guests around the globe,” said Tina Edmundson, Global Brand Officer, Marriott International. “We see luxury as a launch pad for self-actualization, with bucket lists evolving from where you want to go to who you can be. With data showing a global shift in perception around luxury, we are uniquely positioned to provide personalized and truly differentiated experiences that resonate with this next-generation jetsetter.”

Personalised Fulfillment is the Future of LuxuryA global luxury study conducted in partnership with Skift, the largest travel industry intelligence platform, revealed that the number one priority for luxury travelers is centered around transformative travel and authentic experiences that provide a new perspective on the world. Edmundson continued: “Today’s global luxurian defies traditional stereotypes, moving far beyond the antiquated notion of ‘time’ being the ultimate luxury. Our guests are on a journey towards personal fulfillment, seeking meaningful and purposeful travel experiences that speak to their inner, idealized selves. Whether that be creating a signature dish at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman’s Culinary Studio, prioritizing wellness by tapping into on-demand fitness with JW Marriott’s Behind the Barre program, recharging in an over-water villa at The St. Regis Maldives or exploring one of the world’s most energetic cities through a W Insider.” With a new lens on luxury and focus on the fast-evolving expectations and aspirations of the global traveler, Marriott International elevates travel with highly contextualized, nuanced brand experiences that signal the future of luxury. “Access is the new authentic, and our brands are portals to diverse cultures and one-off travel moments,” said Edmundson.

The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Further Define the Luxury Landscape in 2018
The Ritz-Carlton, the legendary hospitality brand with 94 hotels in 31 countries, will continue to set the standard in luxury in 2018. Known for creating exceptional experiences, the brand recently celebrated the opening of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de La Paix, Geneva and in 2018 is slated to debut six exciting locations, including China’s scenic Jiuzhaigou Valley. 2018 will also see renovations of key properties including The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin and The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul. With three Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties open, the debut of Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Los Cabos, will further define the brand’s ability to create an intimate, culturally immersive experience that is set apart by heartfelt care and human connection.

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, with 42 hotels in 21 countries today, is scheduled to celebrate the renovation of The St. Regis Rome in 2018, as well as openings in destinations such as Cairo and Amman. This follows recent debuts, including The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan and The St. Regis Astana.

Luxury Rebel W Hotels Spins Explosive Global Footprint
Scheduled to reach 75 hotels by 2020, W Hotels skillfully balances the power of a global brand with the relevance and personality of a local insider. In 2017, the iconic lifestyle brand electrified the skyline with the premiere of W Shanghai – The Bund, and debuted the next generation of boundary-pushing design in the United States with W Bellevue. Defined by visionary design, edgy fashion and buzzing music programming, W Hotels sits alongside luxury, not confined by it. 2018 will be a year of unprecedented growth for the brand with 8 hotels set to open, ranging from Tel Aviv and Dubai to Brisbane and Panama City.

EDITION Set to Reach 20 Properties by 2020
With seven new properties scheduled to launch across three continents, and many more in the pipeline, 2018 will mark a pivotal moment for EDITION. Created through a ground-breaking partnership between boutique hotel creator and innovator Ian Schrager and Marriott International, the EDITION brand is slated to grow exponentially from a collection of four to eleven properties by the end of 2018. Its timeless design, uncompromising quality, true originality and impeccable modern service, further defines the boutique hotel category. Following The Sanya EDITION’s launch in December 2016, EDITION’s Asian presence is scheduled to expand with two additional properties launching in Shanghai and Bangkok in 2018. In addition, the brand’s second and third European hotels are set for launch in Bodrum and Barcelona. EDITION will launch its first outpost in the Middle East in Abu Dhabi, whilst EDITION’s plans to increase its US presence with two properties located in New York’s Times Square and West Hollywood.

With a Growing Global Portfolio, The Luxury Collection Embodies Experiential Travel
A rapidly growing ensemble of 102 hotels in more than 30 countries around the world, The Luxury Collection takes guests on journeys to the world’s most inspiring places, enriching and transforming modern global travel with authentic and indigenous experiences. From epicurean delights in the heart of iconic wine regions to city landmarks in Paris and Milan to historic masterpieces such Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa nestled in the Italian Dolomites, the brand continues to offer global explorers hotels that define the destination. The Luxury Collection is set to debut 10 properties next year in captivating locations that span the globe, including Los Cabos, Savannah, Vail and Okinawa.

JW Marriott Expands Global Footprint and Breathes New Life into Iconic Properties
Inspired by its legendary namesake, JW Marriott is a brand committed to cultivating enriching experiences for guests seeking approachable, modern luxury. With 79 hotels and resorts today in nearly 30 countries, including the recent openings of JW Marriott properties in Vancouver, Jaipur and Phu Quoc, an island oasis off the coast of Vietnam, the brand is looking forward to yet another milestone year with openings slated for 2018 in Nashville and the Maldives. JW Marriott will also continue to reinforce and revitalize its global portfolio with multi-million dollar renovations in more than half of its properties, including JW Marriott Bangkok and Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel.

Curio Collection by Hilton debuts in Riviera Maya with Fives Downtown

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Experience both the colours and culture of Playa Del Carmen while enjoying exceptional service and innovative gastronomy at The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton.

Marking the first Curio Collection property in the country and Hilton’s first hotel in Playa del Carmen, the boutique hotel features 93 contemporary guest rooms, a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea and four dining outlets, including an authentic tequila bar with more than 100 different tequilas and mezcals.

Located at Avenida 10 Norte and Calle 2 in Playa del Carmen, The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences is located two blocks from the picturesque Playa del Carmen beach and offers convenient access to the area’s top attractions, including Tulum, Chichen Itza and Coba, as well as Xplor Park and Xcaret Park. Guests can also visit the shops and restaurants along Fifth Avenue, just a block away from the property.

Designed by architects Gabriel Téllez and Erick Alcalá, with interiors by Mario Téllez Gurbina, the hotel design is inspired by traditional Mexican decor, translated into a contemporary and authentic retreat for travelers. The hotel’s stylish guest rooms feature authentic Mexican design details accented with vivid colors and natural textures inspired by the Caribbean Sea and the region’s jungle and cenotes. Guests can relax on private furnished balconies or terraces, as well as enjoy the hotel”s courtyard, featuring a vertical garden and modern artwork from renowned international artists.

Hotel Huis Ter Duin

ALHI adds Netherlands’ 5-star Grand Hotel Huis Ter Duin to portfolio

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Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) has expanded its worldwide portfolio and Western Europe options with the addition of the Netherlands’ acclaimed Grand Hotel Huis Ter Duin in Noordwijk, just outside Amsterdam.

Located directly on the beach, in the picturesque province of South Holland, the 5-Star hotel provides stunning views of the North Sea and has won the prestigious “M&IT Award” for “Best Overseas Hotel” in 2014, 2016 and 2017. ALHI, the world’s leading independent hotel Global Sales Organization, now represents the renowned 254-room hotel to the European and North American meetings, conventions and incentive market, according to ALHI’s Chief Sales Officer Mark Sergot.

ALHI Global Luxury Sales features a distinguished portfolio of more than 250 luxury and upper-upscale hotels and resorts around the world, plus 23 luxury cruise ships appropriate for meetings and incentive programs, and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) in 100-plus locations worldwide. All of ALHI’s member hotels and resorts are either independent or are with an independent hotel brand, and specialize in serving the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions/Conferences and Exhibitions/Events (M.I.C.E.) marketplace.

Grand Hotel Huis Ter Duin becomes ALHI’s third member hotel in the Netherlands, joining the luxurious and historic Grand Hotel Karel V Utrecht, offering 121 guest rooms and 935 square meters of meeting space in Utrecht/Amsterdam; and the elegant 75-room Duin & Kruidberg Country Estate in Santpoort-Noord in the truly beautiful South Kennemerland National Park.

With this newest member, ALHI’s luxury portfolio now features 38 distinctive hotels and resorts in Western Europe; 13 in Eastern Europe; more than 150 in the USA and Canada; 16 in the Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean region and Mexico; 13 in the Middle East; 33 in Asia; 9 in Africa; and 4 in South America.

“Grand Hotel Huis Ter Duin is a remarkable hotel offering an impressive beachfront setting, first-class accommodations and wonderful meeting and event space,” said Sergot. “We are very proud to now showcase this exceptional hotel to meeting professionals, incentive specialists and business executives throughout Europe and North America.”

Sergot added, “The Netherlands continues to be a very popular choice for groups, and the addition of this acclaimed hotel will help us address that demand. Add in Grand Hotel Huis Ter Duin’s ideal location just 20 minutes from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, and it is a terrific new option for meeting and incentive groups.”

The Grand Hotel Huis Ter Duin is a family-owned 5-star property that offers 254 luxurious guest rooms, which includes 20 attractive suites and 4 stylish penthouses. Featuring its own private beach, the hotel also has 19 meeting rooms, with a total of 2,650 square meters of meeting space, making it possible to accommodate up to 1,500 guests. Plus, the hotel offers the celebrated MC Wellness spa, an indoor pool, free Wi-Fi and a wide selection of dining outlets including Restaurant Latour, Breakers Beach House, and Brasserie La Terrasse. Besides its beautiful beaches, Noordwijk is known for its museums and picturesque tulip fields. The hotel is just 30 minutes from Amsterdam, Leiden, Haarlem, and The Hague.

Hard Rock Maldives

Hard Rock International to make waves in Maldives

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Globally recognised as a world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand, Hard Rock International announces plans to expand its portfolio with Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, slated to open 1 October 2018.

As part of the Emboodhoo Lagoon project, the first integrated resort destination in the Maldives, the brand will work in collaboration with Singha Estate Public Company Limited, a leading Thailand-based development company, to provide travellers with the ultimate, family-friendly Maldivian experience.

The highly anticipated property will be located within one of the Maldives’ largest lagoons, Emboodhoo Falhu, a 20-minute speedboat ride from the airport. A convenient destination for flights from Asia, Europe and the Middle East, the integrated resort project will appeal to the rapidly growing niche of medium to upscale tourism, as well as the affluent travellers who typically frequent the nation. The first phase of development consists of a $311.5 million (£232 million) investment that is expected to stimulate tourism, offering visitors a rich combination of world-class offerings such as hotels, entertainment, retail and fine dining. Hard Rock Hotel Maldives will be one of three resorts included in the development, boasting 178 expansive guestrooms, family suites, beach villas and one and two-bedroom overwater villas.

Inspired by local Maldivian culture, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives will infuse contemporary design features with tropical architecture throughout the property, alongside regionally-inspired, authentic music memorabilia. The hotel will provide guests with exclusive brand offerings and amenities, including The Sound of Your Stay® music programme, offering complimentary use of Fender guitars and Crosley record players for in-room jam sessions, as well as a renowned full-service Rock Spa®, a Rock Shop® selling all brand merchandise, Roxity Kids Club® and Teen Spirit® Club. Guests can also treat their taste buds to delectable on-site food and beverage options, ranging from a Pool Bar and all-day dining, to a Beach Grill restaurant and in-villa dining experience.

Just steps from the hotel, guests will enjoy authentic American cuisine amidst the ultimate rock atmosphere at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives. With direct boat transportation from the airport and situated within the Emboodhoo Lagoon development, Hard Rock Cafe Maldives will provide approximately 185 seats both indoors and outdoors while offering diners exclusive beach access, taking dining with a view to a whole new level.

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives will create more than 350 jobs and the entire integrated resort will create an additional 1,250, further stimulating the Maldives community. Through music appreciation and an imaginative environment, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos delivers products for the varied aspects of life – work, play and personal sanctuary.

www.hardrockhotels.com

Minor Hotels announces AVANI to debut in Oman

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Minor Hotels has signed a management agreement with Safari International Group for a new AVANI hotel to be developed in Muscat, the Omani capital.

Scheduled to open in 2020, the 250-room AVANI Musc at Hotel will be located in Seeb to the west of the city, 15 minutes’ drive from Muscat International Airport. Seeb is a prime residential area in Muscat and a key area for future development as the city grows westwards. The AVANI hotel will be connected via a sky bridge to the upcoming Al Araimi Boulevard Mall, which is currently being developed and is scheduled to open in 2018 with over 250 retail and dining outlets, a medical centre and a 10-screen cinema complex.

With a total development cost of $50 million (£37 million) by Safari International Group, the new-build hotel will open in two phases. The first phase will comprise 160 guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, an AVANI Pantry and a rooftop lounge. Additional facilities will include a swimming pool and health club and a 1,000 square metre ballroom and eight meeting rooms. The second phase, which will commence two years after the main hotel opens, will offer a total of 90 serviced apartments including studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, plus two 175 square metre three-bedroom apartments.

AVANI Muscat OmanLaunched in 2011, AVANI Hotels & Resorts currently operates 21 properties in the Asia Pacific region, the Middle East, Africa and Europe, with the brand most recently debuting in both Australia and New Zealand. AVANI is a true lifestyle brand, imaginatively blending genuine hospitality and technology with savvy design and contemporary style. The AVANI experience is designed to satisfy important guest needs.

The future launch of the brand in Oman represents a key strategic addition to Minor Hotels’ portfolio in the country, following the launch of the group’s luxury Anantara brand in Oman in late 2016 with two new openings – Anantara Jabal Al Akhdar Resort located on the Saiq Plateau in the north of the country and Al Baleed Salalah Resort by Anantara in the Dhofar region in the south.

Minor Hotels currently operates 13 properties in the Middle East across four of its brands – Anantara, AVANI, Tivoli and Oaks – and has a further strong pipeline in the region across these four brands. In 2018 AVANI will launch in North Africa with the opening of AVANI Les Berges du Lac Tunis Suites in the Tunisian capital, with further pipeline properties announced in 2017 including both Mauritius and the Maldives.

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Mood board gallery

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Andre Fu - Andaz Singapore

Q&A: Andaz Singapore designer Andre Fu

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Andre Fu gives a glimpse into the design process for the Andaz Singapore…

Q. What would you point out specifically as some of your personal design highlights of the hotel?
A. My favourite aspect of the hotel is perhaps in our vision to create a Singapore-style alleyway experience. The intricate play of intimate proportions within the alleys evoke a sense of discovery and each shophouse is given its own personality and character. I personally believe this is an experience that is unique to Andaz Singapore.

In terms of particular spaces, I am very fond of Sunroom – conceived as modernist expression of the Peranakan house, it is an airy timber-lined lounge decked with lush hanging ferns. I am also drawn to the whimsical nature of 665 for its intimacy and the way it evokes the spirit of a bespoke tailors shop. The use of tropical plants within the hotel experience and how the way the curation of plants expresses a strong feeling of outdoor throughout is also a favourite aspect for me.

Andaz SingaporeQ. How would you say, in terms of design, Andaz Singapore is a combination of what Andaz and Singapore are both known for?
A. Andaz hotels draw direct inspiration from a location’s history, culture and architecture, and by distilling the best of its locale, allow guests to truly engage with a destination and experience it authentically, rather than merely visit.The expression of culture goes beyond the superficial adaptation of local elements or decorative motifs, but to engage in an experience that captures the spirit of the city.

Andaz Singapore
Q. How has it been working with such an iconic building by Ole Scheeren? What are the most challenging bits and how did you and your team work around those challenges?
A. The distinct architecture of the DUO building has posed many challenges to the designs of the project, in particular the relationship between the imposing internal structures against the curved façade of the building. Working with the unconventional shape of the building and the constraints of a thin footprint surrounding the building’s core have prompted us to bring down the scale of the experience, enhance the notion of intimacy and making each shop-house or venue unique in its design language. The resulting effect is a hotel that fully expresses the sense of journey, a journey that is accented with colours, textures, and expressive artworks. I believe the vision to bring the scale and create more personable spaces is a good example of hospitality going forward.

Q. What was your main design inspiration for Andaz Singapore?
A. I drew inspiration from the hotel’s dynamic location and the neighbourhood’s eclectic passageways and shop-house experiences. Our goal has been to re-interpret these qualities to create a Singapore-style alleyway experience. The intention is not to replicate the experience, but finding a means to capture the spirit of it with an emphasis on modernity. The intricate play of intimate proportions within the alleys evoke a sense of discovery and each shop-house is given its own personality and character. I personally believe this is an experience that is unique to Singapore.

Andaz SingaporeIn keeping with the alley concept, the experience of the guestroom embraces the neighborhood spirit. Conceived as a contemporary bungalow, I’ve introduced whimsical moments throughout the room – from the entrance doorbell that is housed in a bespoke post-box, the slender shop-house doors in bold mango yellow to the floor-to-ceiling ivory paneling. The room experience is also punctuated with ethnic touches in aubergine to celebrate the unique palette of the shophouse experience.

Q. What does luxury mean to you?
A. Luxury to me, is having a moment of stillness and not have so much on my mind. It’s a nice feeling having time to be really focused on a particular subject with the absence of distraction.

afso.net

Holiday Inn Stonehenge

BGAM acquires Holiday Inn, Stonehenge for £12.5million

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Bowling Green Asset Management (BGAM) is announcing its second branded hotel acquisition of 2017, a luxury 103-room Holiday Inn, located close to Salisbury and Stonehenge, for £12.5 million, reflecting a net initial yield of 9.25%.

The property has been sold by Colliers International’s Hotels Agency team on behalf of the off-shore based Fiesta Enterprises Limited. It is located situated six miles from the Stonehenge UNESCO world heritage site and benefits from newly refurbished accommodation and the acclaimed onsite Solstice Bar and Grill. BGAM will be looking at various asset management opportunities on site, whilst continuing the good work of the previous owner.

BGAM will also be keeping the current senior management team, as well as all existing employees.

Bowling Green Asset Management (BGAM) is announcing its second branded hotel acquisition of 2017, a luxury 103-room Holiday Inn, located close to Salisbury and StonehengeBGAM directors (Jamie Levy & Nicholas Rubin) said: “This hotel has been a target of ours for some time, so we are pleased to complete the purchase. The hotel has been run on a sound footing previously and we have no intention of upsetting the applecart. Many of the staff have been with the hotel for a number of years and we hope they remain with us for the foreseeable future. We will be looking to expand the hotel offerings, along with continuing the hunt for potential acquisitions”.

The interest expressed follows a pattern of increasing demand for UK provincial hotels, particularly for global branded stock. We are seeing an emerging trend of increased demand for quality provincial hotel opportunities from a diverse buyer set, including international investors, who have been attracted by weaker sterling; and from private buyers, attracted to the benefits of a lifestyle opportunity, to corporate investors attracted to favourable returns and real estate alternatives. Since the beginning of 2016, over 20 per cent of UK hotel sales completed by Colliers were to international buyers.

“This is a great end to the year and we are looking forward to an improving level of hotel transactional activity in 2018”

Four Seasons Hotel Megève

Four Seasons Hotel Megève opens in French Alps

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The first Four Seasons mountain experience in Europe is now open in one of the most beloved resort areas in the French Alps – welcome to the new Four Seasons Hotel Megève.

The only hotel located directly on the slopes of Mont d’Arbois, just five minutes from the charming medieval town of Megève, Four Seasons Hotel Megève is the newest addition to one of Europe’s most important mountain resorts.

When not enjoying the mountain air outdoors, guests can relax inside at the 900 square metre (9,700 square foot) Spa, the largest in the region, with six spa treatment rooms including a VIP couple’s suite sauna and steam, salon and fitness centre. Spa Director Aurianne Hurelle particularly recommends the Sodashi Asian-European Fusion Body Massage after a strenuous day on the slopes, or the rejuvenating Swiss Perfection facial treatments. The Spa also offers osteopathy and physiotherapy sessions on request, and a tai chi program focused on martial arts and health.

Surrounded by large outdoor terraces, Four Seasons Hotel Megève boasts a unique indoor-outdoor swimming pool, complete with massage jets and underwater music, and an array of lounge chairs, recliners and a fireplace at the poolside.

Finally, when it’s time to turn in after days in the sun and long evenings indulging in Megève’s sophisticated après-ski scene, guests of Four Seasons Hotel Megève will find chic and contemporary alpine accommodations – most with fireplace and balconies, and all with picture-perfect mountain and valley views in 55 guest rooms and suites.

Four Seasons Hotel Megève also offers several indoor and outdoor meeting spaces for small corporate or social events. Four Seasons Hotel Megève is open seasonally, each winter between December 15 and April 15, and each summer from June 1 to September 30.

ModeGreen - Case Study

Case Study: Mode:Green – the death of the hotel lobby

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“In a world where customer service has evaporated, Mode:Green is still holding on to being proactive in maintaining high levels of customer service; they show up when needed, and you’re confident that they’re going to stand behind their installation” — Fergal Hayes, project director for Capital Expenditures with Starwood Hotels

In all markets, millennials are causing businesses to reinvent themselves. In retail, brands are forced to improve their online shopping experience. Fashion is speeding up. Workplaces are becoming more social and tech savvy. Now, hotels, too, are meeting the high expectations of millennials by using technology to transform their lobbies and take guest experiences to the next level.

As younger generations frequent hostels, dorms, and coffee shops, hotels are trying to attract them by injecting life into their formerly stagnant common areas. For example, as the lobby transforms into a destination where guests and locals can interact, the bar has now become a part of the front desk.

ModeGreen - Case StudyNew York’s W Hotel created a space like this and styled it as a tribute to Times Square, offering a lively atmosphere that could shift from daytime to parties with a custom DJ booth and features of the legendary landmark.

Putting Times Square Indoors
The iconic sights and sounds of Times Square originate from the lights, graffiti, interactive displays, and energy from tourists, street performers, and busy New Yorkers.

“The design of the living room at the W Hotel was leveraged from a design narrative that drew inspiration from its Time Square location,” said Fergal Hayes, project director for Capital Expenditures with Starwood Hotels, who contributed to overseeing the vision and completion of the W Hotel’s new lobby space. With Times Square as the motif for the W Hotel’s new lobby, a group of design teams working in cooperation with integration firm, Mode:Green, were tasked with capturing the New York landmark’s atmosphere and recreating it indoors.

Adding to the modern décor, neon lighting, vibrant signs, and graffiti were custom-designed for the space and were given digital life by Mode:Green: a digital countdown clock takes up a wall reaching about seven feet tall, and the lobby-lounge teems with vibrant sound from 32 independent zones and hidden, custom speakers. But it’s not just the bright lights that make the lounge so lively – the lounge has its own digital brain, capable of shifting its atmosphere for different guests and events.

Reinventing an Iconic Scene
All the Times Square advertisements, interactive billboards, and skyscrapers come from many different companies and the individual pieces weren’t designed to work together initially. In the same way, aesthetically, W Hotel’s team of designers were challenged to create a cohesive, yet diverse space as a tribute to the Big Apple’s famous landscape. For Mode:Green, this meant taking the technology from dozens of different manufacturers and making them all communicate with one another as a singular system.

Mode:Green was the technology expert for the project, collaborating with the design team to connect all of the dozens of LED lights and custom speakers throughout the lobby and inside the private booths with one another, as well as with the wall-sized countdown clock.

Doing so involved careful planning. The wiring and speakers are all hidden among the décor, where an invisible automation system makes everything simple to control. Using a touchscreen, the staff can activate and adjust every light and speaker to create the right atmosphere from a selection of presets, including Happy Hour, Morning, and Fire Alarm, which shuts off the music and brightens the lights for a safe exit. Guests in the private booths also have control over their own audio zone, so they can pump the music from the custom New-Year’s-Eve-Ball inspired DJ booth or turn it down for a quiet conversation.

Mode:Green specialises in this type of complex audio and lighting systems, geared towards a hotel environment that accepts rotating guests. “To bring the highly customised Times Square-themed lighting into the hotel lobby and DJ area, Mode:Green was hands-on from the beginning with the design team,” said Hayes. “The W Hotel is a completely custom space and Mode:Green was instrumental in helping to deliver the brand.”

The Final Countdown
In large, complex construction projects like the W Hotel’s lobby-lounge, a giant timer – much like the one that sits in the finished lobby today – ticks down to the collision between final days of construction and the opening day that welcomes guests.

Design work is completed early on, but the technical team races to get everything working, fine-tuned, and ready for prime time.

“Every project gets compressed towards completion, and Mode:Green completed the installation in a short amount of time and was quick to solve issues,” said Hayes. Mode:Green’s approach to creating a smart space like this involves detailed collaboration with the hotel’s teams, as well as the manufacturers. While unseen by guests, the technology is as important a fixture as the custom décor.

New problems often arise while working in the balance between design and technological smarts; Mode:Green had to make last-minute changes to accommodate the space as it came to life. “At the end, last-minute changes of speakers being switched out from the original design to more appropriately fit the space were required, and Mode:Green reacted quickly to make it work in time for the reveal,” said Hayes.

The W Hotel’s Times Square lobby-lounge welcomed guests on the deadline for its opening, without a glitch — despite New-York-fast changes that had to be made in the final construction days. “In a world where customer service has evaporated, Mode:Green is still holding on to being proactive in maintaining high levels of customer service; they show up when needed, and you’re confident that they’re going to stand behind their installation,” stated Hayes.

Hotels face a new challenge to create lobbies that are immersive, social environments. It’s a design and, now, a technological challenge, but the result can differentiate a brand and nurture a crop of new, young guests who will become loyal patrons.

Mode:Green has quickly become the trusted leader in providing integrated solutions to today’s top hotels. Landmarks like The New York Palace, and the flagship St. Regis New York have both undergone major renovations with Mode:Green at the forefront of technology integration.

modegreen.com

Mombo, Botswana

Introducing first look of the new Mombo, Botswana

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The rebuild of Wilderness Safaris’ flagship camps in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Mombo and Little Mombo, continues apace, with both camps set to open for guests at the end of January 2018. Whilst comprising the most appropriate and sustainable luxury required of such a leading destination, the new camps will remain rooted in an authentic bush-camp offering to ensure that the original Mombo experience is retained.

Wilderness Safaris has been privileged to witness three generations of Mombo Camp, undoubtedly one of Africa’s foremost wildlife and ecotourism destinations. The brief to the architectural and design teams, Nick Plewman Architects and Associates and Caline Williams-Wynn from Artichoke, was therefore to rebuild the camps in such a way as to maintain the Mombo traditions and history stretching back nearly 30 years, yet rebuilding to the highest and most innovative standards.

“In short, the new Mombo is a show stopper,” commented lead interior designer, Caline Williams-Wynn. “As the Rolls Royce of the Delta, we have combined traditional and vintage elements with a modern elegance that truly embraces the real essence of Mombo. We have used deconstructed furniture in classic styles, antique brass finishings, vintage leathers, copper lighting and copper-cladded fire places combined with marble and natural oak floors.”

A tonal colour palette has been used throughout to reiterate the longevity of the interior design. A mix of mismatched – yet complementary – wooden furniture all works together to feature a collection of pieces sourced over the years, resulting in a personalised feel. Other interior features include headboards and bed bases made of crackled leather with hand stitching on the seams, wooden and brass chandeliers and custom-made, hand-painted embroidered cushions.

“Space was also a key factor in creating the new design,” she added, “with each tented suite now comprising an expansive entrance, a sitting room with a bar unit, a separate bedroom and bathroom with a dressing area, indoor and outdoor showers and a bathtub that creates a sense of indulgence.” The view out in front of the floodplain is uninterrupted thanks to the use of wood sliding louvre shutters that can be open or shut completely as the guest would like and a sliding gauze second layer to allow for maximum air flow. Spacious decks are perfect for in-villa dining and private plunge pools and swing beds offer the perfect base for midday relaxation and siestas.

“Our emphasis in terms of luxury and service excellence has always been on sharing and honouring the amazing natural environment in which we operate,” said Wilderness Safaris Botswana MD, Kim Nixon. “Each tented suite has been built on exactly the same place as the previous one – with a slight increase in size out towards the floodplain to facilitate a pool deck. By remaining the same width, this has allowed all the vegetation – particularly the large trees that are in between the units – to remain, ensuring minimal impact to the environment. We even hosted a tree expert in camp to ensure that the trees were properly cared for and professionally pruned in a few areas that needed it and we did not cut a single root greater than 50 mm.”

“We have also taken the lessons we’ve learnt over the years and used innovative ideas to allow for natural temperature regulation; extended verandas are shaded with pergolas in front of the rooms, while the multi-layered, insulated roof design consists of a fabric layer that deals well with heat and UV rays and a cavity roof with insulation that allows air flow through and drops the temperature,” Nixon added. Walls and floors all have three layers each and of course, being raised off the ground aids in the flow of air, as well as allows for free animal movement beneath. There is also a good through flow from the front to the back of the suites, taking advantage of the gentle breeze off the floodplain.

World-renowned as “the Place of Plenty”, Mombo’s location on Chief’s Island within the Moremi Game Reserve attracts an enormous number and variety of animals, which makes it a hugely sought-after destination. Mombo is also deeply committed to the plight of the rhino and, since the turn of the century, has played the key primary role in rhino relocation through its Botswana Rhino Reintroduction Project.

“We are proud of the progress we have made to date and look forward to sharing the magic of Mombo with our guests in 2018 – we have no doubt that Mombo will continue to exceed our guests’ expectations and remain a place of harmony: a balance between the camps, the environment and the people who stay here,” Nixon concluded.

The new Mombo and Little Mombo camps will open end January 2018. Please see additional notes below for further architectural and interior design details.

www.wilderness-safaris.com

GROHE Euro Ceramics

Introducing GROHE Euro Ceramics

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Imagine a great looking bathroom that is universally suitable to all types of projects. A bathroom which is both hugely practical but also fun and visually distinctive. The Euro Ceramic range has been specially designed to combine an excellent performance with an attractive price, making it the perfect choice for specifiers working on commercial and residential projects.

Raj Mistry, GROHE UK Marketing Director comments: “Following on from the GROHE Bau Ceramics collection, Euro line harnesses parent company Lixil’s expertise in the ceramics market and combines it with GROHE’s award-winning innovation and design leadership. The range provides a one-stop solution for designers, reducing the need to specify products from different manufacturers and offering reassurance that all aspects of the GROHE ceramics and brassware will co-ordinate perfectly, both in terms of style and functionality.”

GROHE Euro CeramicsThe Euro line collection is designed to complement a modern lifestyle, with a contemporary style that is a perfect match with mixers and fittings in GROHE’s Eurosmart and Eurostyle lines, as well as with Eurosmart Cosmopolitan and Eurostyle Cosmopolitan. The range offers huge design flexibility for specifiers who can choose between four styles of basin for their project including wall hung, countertop and under counter basins, and wall hung and floor standing toilets and bidets. There is also the option to upgrade to a basin or toilet which comes with GROHE’s hygiene coating called PureGuard which combines an anti-stick coating and anti-bacterial glaze technology. This helps to protect against lime scale and bacteria for a long and hygienic product life. The collection has also been specially designed to suit the needs of small bathrooms, as all Euro basins and toilets feature a compact size and design to use space effectively.

Michael Gray, GROHE UK Product Manager, says “The Euro line collection comes with a number of added benefits, including a Triple Vortex flush on the toilets, ensuring the bowl is thoroughly and powerfully rinsed and Rimless technology leaving dirt nowhere to hide. The toilets also come with a Quick Release seat for easy removal and maintenance, the option of a soft or regular close, and a fully skirted design and hidden fixation for a sleek appearance. The basins are available in a wide range of sizes and mounting options, including full and semi-pedestal. For ultimate peace of mind and emphasising GROHE quality, the Euro line collection is available with a five year guarantee on all products.”

www.grohe.co.uk

Student Deluxe - Hypnos

Hypnos debuts at student accomodation conference

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International Sleep Solutions provider and Royal Warrant holder, Hypnos Contract Beds, debuted its dedicated, new student mattress, the Student Deluxe™, at this year’s Property Week Student Accommodation Conference.

Designed with practicality and comfort in mind the Student Deluxe™, offers a single sided pocket sprung construction with natural and blended comfort layers which provide superior levels of comfort, as proven through pressure mapping analysis, ensuring a great night’s sleep for busy students. Strength and durability have also been taken into consideration with engineered torsion side supports, allowing the bed to withstand regular seated use.

To maintain its longevity, the Student Deluxe™ also features integrated rotation labels to assist students in rotating the mattress correctly, meaning it does not need to be completely turned over, keeping maintenance to a minimum. Furthermore, the mattress also comes complete with Hypnos’ 5-year guarantee, anti-bed bug, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial protection, and meets the latest fire safety accreditations.

Stephanie Girvan, Business Development Manager for Hypnos Contract Beds, comments: “Our debut at the Property Week Student Accommodation Conference 2017 provided us with a great opportunity to engage with attendees and teach them all about the heritage and sustainable ethos of Hypnos, whilst experiencing the luxury and quality synonymous with our beds first-hand.

“Our products speak for themselves, thanks to their high-quality production and design. We also aim to accommodate the user as much as possible by providing a hassle-free installation service for student accommodation providers. This is not only time-efficient, but also cost-effective and supports our aim of making the procurement and installation of their sleep solution as simple and hassle free as possible.

“As a hospitality bed specialist, we combine traditional skills with modern techniques to produce supremely comfortable beds that are stylish and practical for each property.”

As the largest event of its kind in the UK, the Property Week Student Accommodation Conference presents a unique opportunity for businesses to meet more than 800 universities, operators, developers, investors and innovators in the industry, and discuss, debate and celebrate the sector.

As a family-run business, Hypnos has been crafting bespoke, luxury beds and mattresses around the world for more than 100 years. Testament to its skill and heritage, the company received its Royal Warrant status in 1929, which acts as a mark of British craftsmanship, highlighting its quality. The bedmaker also remains the only global bed manufacturer to have been awarded carbon neutral status for its UK factories as well as achieving FSC and PEFC certifications, ensuring timber is sourced from managed forests.

Furthermore, all beds Hypnos makes are100% recyclable at the end of their life, meaning nothing goes to landfill sites.

For more information about the Student Deluxe™, please click here. . .

New York Edition

Project Spotlight: New York Edition by Rockwell Group

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The New York Edition Hotel is a unique luxury hotel designed by Rockwell Group that invites guests to make themselves at home in Manhattan.

Ian Schrager is the owner of the Hotel group and has already presented some of the most welcoming and stylish hotel spaces. For this hotel project, the New York Edition, he looked to hospitality top interior design firm Rockwell Group to create dramatic yet minimal interiors.

The New York Edition Hotel is a unique luxury hotel designed by Rockwell Group that invites guests to make themselves at home in ManhattanThe hotel is located in the 1909 Gothic-style building, also known as the Clock Tower. The architects, Napoleon LeBrun & Sons, modeled it after the Campanile in Venice, Italy. Its 41 storeys look out over leafy Madison Square Park.“space doesn’t feel unapproachably minimal,” says Rockwell Group founder David Rockwell. “And it doesn’t feel kinetic. It feels inviting.”

While respecting and restoring much of the tower’s original character and details, Rockwell Group worked with Schrager’s design team to bring sophisticated and modern design, clean-lined luxury to the lobby, guest rooms, and restaurant.

From the contemporary lobby to the chic guest rooms, Rockwell with Schrager’s help was able to reimagine what a hotel could be. “A goal and a mantra were to create an environment that is both timeless and timely,” says Rockwell.

“The stairs are my favourite. Ascending or descending into a room is very emotional,” he added.

Project Spotlight: New York Edition by Rockwell Group

Contemporary artwork, dramatic lighting, and lush velvet seating invite vibrant conversations and leisurely meals. “The furnishings are distinctly residential, very clean lines. We played up the contrast that exists between the inside and outside of the building.”

Guest rooms have a tone-on-tone palette with dark wood accents, such as walnut headboard evoke the contemporary New York Style.

Original article here

www.editionhotels.com/new-york

Work Completes on New hub by Premier Inn Hotel for King’s Cross

Work complete on hub by Premier Inn King’s Cross

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TowerEight, the leading independent project and cost management consultancy, has completed its work as project manager on the latest hub by Premier Inn hotel at London King’s Cross with Axiom Architects.

Whitbread PLC is the UK’s largest hotel operator, behind some of the UK’s most successful and well known hospitality brands. hub by Premier Inn Hotels feature innovatively designed hi tech bedrooms reflecting the needs of modern, dynamic city living.

Work Completes on New hub by Premier Inn Hotel for King’s Crosshub by Premier Inn Kings Cross is a major new build hotel and retail development on York Way in the heart of King’s Cross. The site is adjacent to Regents Canal and Granary Square overlooking the Kings Cross St Pancras transport hub.

Toby Wait, Director at TowerEight, said: “hub is a dynamic hotel brand that is targeting savvy travellers who like the integration of technology into the space but are looking for value.

Work Completes on New hub by Premier Inn Hotel for King’s Cross“The hub strategy has been a great success with six hubs open in London and two in Edinburgh, all focused on customer experience and giving consumers choice in the style of accommodation.

The new scheme includes a 389 bedroom hotel with bar, restaurant and meeting room facilities with 292m2 of retail floor space. Strong articulated volumes in yellow London stock and smooth blue brickwork with expressed industrial steelwork reflect the area’s industrial heritage. A zinc clad penthouse storey enjoys views across North London.

Work Completes on New hub by Premier Inn Hotel for King’s CrossThe tiered building form rises from three to seven storeys, sympathetic to the changing scale of the surrounding streetscape. Recessed shopfronts, and sliding-folding glazing provide active frontages on all sides.

“This is a wonderful project in a part of the capital that has changed radically in a short period of time, and our approach to hub reflects that,” explained Luke Bray at Axiom Architects.

“hub represents a new generation of compact, smart tech, modern city centre hotels. It’s about taking the comfort, convenience and consistency of a Premier Inn hotel and putting it into a smaller package. Through integration of leading technology and extensive research, we have reduced the room size without compromising comfort and promoting a distinct experience and sense of style.”

Internal courtyards faced in glazed white brick drop light into the heart of the building on down to the lower basement levels. Following a 21 month demolition and construction programme the hotel is now open and continues to trade beyond expectation with a restaurant and barbers shop shortly to occupy the retail space.

TowerEight and Axiom are working on a further 9 hub sites that are either currently on site or in planning.

Project Name: hub by Premier Inn, Kings Cross
Sector: Hotel & Retail
Project size: 9681m2 Gross Internal Area
Status: Existing – Completed 20th June 2017
Location: King’s Cross
Owner/Developer: Legal & General / Whitbread PLC
Project Manager: TowerEight
Architect: Axiom Architects
Main Contractor: McAleer & Rushe

Hotel Designs Logo stacked & NEW strapline-012

9-15 December: Top 10 stories of the week…

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

1. IN CONVERSATION: MARCEL WANDERS – GRAND PORTALS NOUS
Hotel Designs caught up with the charismatic and accomplished artist for a short chat…

2. DESIGNER PROFILE: FRANCESCO ROTA, LEMA
The philosophy behind Italian furniture designers LEMA is the concept of slow living, the harmonious enjoyment of life through beauty. This vision is behind all their bespoke items, and underpins the grace and elegance that flows through their interiors.

3. MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL TO OPEN 40 LUXURY HOTELS IN 2018
Marriott International has reported that it will open almost 40 luxury hotels in 2018, catering to what it calls a new ‘affluent traveller’.

4. AXOR SCOOPS THREE PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS
Hansgrohe has had a great end to 2017 after scooping a hat-trick of awards. Winning three prestigious awards within the bathroom industry…

5. IBIS HOTELS CONTRIBUTING TO CANNING TOWN REGENERATION
Offering unrivalled access to a host of London’s most bustling business and leisure hubs, the new 196-bed ibis London Canning Town hotel delivers style, comfort and affordability to all travellers, in one of the capital’s most exciting emerging locations.

6. KIT KEMP BY WILTON CARPETS RECEIVES ACCLAIM SINCE LAUNCH
The Kit Kemp by Wilton Carpets collection was launched at a glittering event at London’s The Soho Hotel, named the ‘World’s Most Glamorous Hotel’ by Tatler magazine.

7. INTRODUCING THREE NEW LUXURY HOTELS FROM IHG
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies is proud to announce the opening of three new hotels – in Los Angeles, Perth Australia and Singapore.

8. PROJECT SPOTLIGHT: WILDERNESS SAFARIS’ QOROKWE CAMP, BOTSWANA
Wilderness Safaris is delighted to announce the opening of its new Classic Camp, Qorokwe, situated in the private, wildlife-rich 26 180-hectare (64 692-acre) Qorokwe Concession, bordering Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.

9. CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE ON HULL’S EAGERLY-AWAITED £25M HOTEL DEVELOPMENT
Developer Manorcrest Group has announced the completion of the new £25 million DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Ferensway, Hull.

10. SUPERCITY APARTHOTELS MAKES MANCHESTER ACQUISITION
Serviced apartment specialists, Supercity Aparthotels has purchased ‘The Light Aparthotel’ – an 81,000sqft site in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.

MarBella Hotels unveils design inspiration behind MarBella Nido Suite Hotel

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

Situated adjacent to sister property MarBella Corfu Hotel located in Agios Ionnis Peristeron, next to the renowned Zavitsianos Estate, all of MarBella Nido’s suites boast 180 degree views of the Corfiot straits. Taking inspiration from Corfu’s triple heritage (British, French and Italian) both in the architecture and the design of the hotel, MarBella Nido blends traditional elements with the simplicity of modern design to offer a unique and authentic experience.

Design Inspiration
The design inspiration behind MarBella Nido was to faithfully recreate the feel and atmosphere of an early twentieth-century village with architectural details taken from Corfu’s Old Town. Designed by M-Agiostratis, the architectural style reflects its long Venetian heritage with multi-storied buildings and continuous arches echoing a traditional Venetian loggia. Continuing on from the village feel, rooms are scattered in small residential buildings with courtyards, a multitude of porticoes and quaint alleyways never losing sight of or obstructing the view of the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

MarBella Nido combines design elements inspired by Corfu’s triple European heritage, with stylish modern elements effortlessly blending tradition and luxury. In order to achieve this, special attention has been paid to all architectural details, which include traditional French railings and Venetian lime based paints.

Lobby and Orangery
The open and welcoming reception area evokes the feel of a courtyard, with monolithic chequered style flooring and fruit trees, and is at the heart of the MarBella Nido complex. The lobby area is dominated primarily by comfortable sofas and large armchairs facing a grand marble fireplace and the light floods into the room through huge arcade windows with views of the glistening sea. Velvet chairs and custom-made bronze and green oasis Tinos marble top tables were carefully selected by the interior designers. Combined with a lobby bar, made from hand-carved recycled wooden panels and oasis marble, the area is elegant and welcoming. The mirrors above the fireplace are handmade, created by Dominic Schuster, experts in creating bespoke distressed and aged ‘antique’ mirror glass, using an eighteenth-century technique.

Located adjacent to the Lobby, with a greenhouse feel, the Orangery provides a calming and peaceful space to relax in and take in the soothing sounds of the sea as well as learn about the hotels’ spectacular gardens. They are surrounded by ancient olive groves, bursting with indigenous plants such as lavender, rosemary, jasmine, thyme, wild rosebush as well as other varieties.

Accommodation
MarBella Nido will offer a range of individually designed 70 junior suites, deluxe suites and luxury villas all with stunning views across the glistening waters of the Ionian Sea. All suites and villas will be contemporary in design with neutral tones, offering sleek and elegant furnishings combined with the local Corfiot aesthetics.

Sneak Peek: MarBella Nido, CorfuSuites and Villas
All MarBella Nido’s suites, from the Junior Suites, to the Deluxe Suites, to the Grand Terrace Suites, are designed to offer guests the utmost sense of luxury, relaxation and tranquillity. Combining modern elements with a warm blend of wooden and traditional features the suites echo Corfu’s natural charm and that of a traditional Corfiot estate making guests truly feel at home during their stay. From the nineteenth-century style armchairs and solid oak stools to the more modern, though handmade, metal and wooden bedside tables, each object has been carefully designed to match this aesthetic. All fabrics used are the finest linen and velvets sourced from world renowned brands including Designer’s Guild, Osborne and Little and Manuel Canovas. Furthermore the en-suite bathroom features a glass walk-in shower with unhindered views of the sea. The private terraces attached to the suites with colourful tiles, outdoor infinity pools and Jacuzzis, give each suite a warm and intimate feel.

Meanwhile the MarBella Nido villa accommodation, set amongst lush vegetation, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, will offer privacy and space in an expansive area of 120sqm. The villa offers 50sqm of indoor space and 70sqm of outdoor space with a mixture of handmade and modern furniture and a private pool.

www.marbellanido.gr

Edinburgh’s boutique yacht hotel to open in 2018

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The opening of Scotland’s first luxury static floating hotel – being affectionately nicknamed a ‘boatique’ – is due for 2018.

The former Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) tender, MV Fingal, is being converted into a 23 bedroom hotel, berthed permanently at the Prince of Wales Dock in Edinburgh’s historic port of Leith.

Each of the 23 individually designed cabins will be named after Stevenson lighthouses, and have been inspired by Fingal’s maritime heritage.

The 237ft long ship will also be home to a double height ballroom, able to seat 80 guests and features a moveable skylight.

The development is being carried out by the Pedley Group, a new company formed by Alan Pedley and Stephen Flanagan. Pedley has been responsible for manufacturing and installing over 180,000 hotel rooms in 61 countries for hotel groups including; IHG, Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott.

Bouteco Sustainable Tourism Report

Stylish and Sustainable: High-end hotels get green

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Social enterprise Bouteco has released their first ever global trends report ‘Stop, Think, Discuss’, offering an industry overview on sustainability for stylish hotels in the boutique-hotel sector.

Key findings include:
• 42% of respondents would pay more for a sustainable hotel but would not compromise on comfort or luxury.
• 64% of respondents consider environmental and green issues the most important when choosing a sustainable hotel. The remaining 36% prioritise social and community issues.
• 63% of respondents look for a dedicated or prominent section on a hotel website when considering the integrity of a hotel’s sustainability.
• 46% of respondents consider an international certification to be important, and these tend to be the more mature traveller.

It is the youngest and oldest travellers who care most about sustainability when choosing a hotel.

Partnering with Insignia, the Bouteco Trends Report surveyed hotel lovers worldwide — gaining valuable insight into travel preferences and offering ideas to hoteliers on how best to engage with and inspire today’s travellers.

Bouteco Sustainable Tourism Report

Highlighting stories of sustainability, Bouteco is designed to assist travellers in finding the luxury and boutique hotels making a positive change to their communities and the wider world. Travel expert and founder Juliet Kinsman along with the former editor of Green Hotelier, Holly Tuppen, set up the social enterprise to celebrate those inspiring positive change.

Bouteco Sustainable Tourism ReportSays Kinsman: “A sense of purpose and belonging — of spiritual reward, not just material wealth — are motivating consumers more and more. Bouteco wants to get the good guys noticed with our genuine, algorithm-free recommendations. Marketers have long been assiduous in applying insight when it comes to influencing what we buy; we hope our survey’s findings will spur all to proudly shout about sustainability stories and distinguish the stylish hotels with soul and substance.”

Adds Tuppen: “This survey confirms that ethical consumption is not the reserve of millennials; when it comes to travel, all age groups are turning towards more responsible and authentic experiences. We hope that this report persuades the luxury hospitality sector that there’s never been a more prudent time to implement and promote sustainable and social initiatives. Not only for the sake of employee retention and community wellbeing, but to generate better press coverage, more direct bookings and enduring guest loyalty.”

www.bouteco.co

Bespoke design at Marigot Bay Resort & Marina by Capella

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Surrounded by luscious natural vegetation and the bright turquoise of the Caribbean Sea, Marigot Bay Resort & Marina By Capella effortlessly blends original personality, bespoke design and gracious personal service.

Set in a secluded natural harbour in Saint Lucia, Marigot Bay is arguably the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean. An authentic and welcoming luxury resort, Marigot Bay Resort is steps away from its premiere superyacht marina. Set sail on a voyage of discovery, and experience the ultimate in Caribbean luxury with Marigot Bay Resort.

Marigot ResortOffering harmonious design, the highest standards of hospitality and the magical surroundings of Saint Lucia, this idyllic property provides an exceptional sanctuary on the island. Offering 124 impeccably designed guest rooms and suites, 2 infinity pools, a swim up bar, a Rum Cave, the Auriga Spa and multiple dining options, find paradise at Marigot Bay Resort.

Marigot ResortAccommodation at Marigot Bay Resort & Marina has been finished to the highest specifications, Bay View Rooms offer breath-taking vistas of the bay and surrounds, whereas Resort View Rooms have uninterrupted views of tropical gardens and lush hillsides. A range of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom suites are also available, with separate open plan kitchen, living and dining areas and some with their own private Jacuzzi, set on the hillside for unparalleled luxury and views. For the ultimate in luxury, the Penthouse Suites perched on the highest point of the resort are also available boasting floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors to take in the incredible views, high beamed ceilings, a private Jacuzzi and fully equipped designer kitchen. Fine Egyptian cotton linens, BOSE surround sound and espresso machines add the finishing touches to an exceptional stay.

Marigot ResortWithout even leaving the resort, sample a luxurious spa treatment at the Auriga spa, a yoga or meditation class, work out at the 24hour fitness centre, or perhaps take part in the poolside coconut experience or body scrub making class. Families are welcome with the Zando’s children’s activity programmes and the culinary experiences give a taste of Saint Lucia which can be recreated at home.

www.marigotbayresort.com

Kohler

Kohler Spa at Old Course Hotel set to reopen following multi-million renovation

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The Kohler Waters Spa at The Old Course Hotel in St Andrews will reopen in early 2018 following an extensive multi-million refurbishment. Opening up to the public for the first time, it will offer a luxury spa retreat in the heart of Scotland with a focus on hydrotherapy.

As the only Kohler Waters Spa outside the USA, the renovation will see the spa separated into two distinct areas; one dedicated to the guests’ spa journey and the other to leisure and fitness.

Designed by Sedley Place, the extension and refurbishment of the existing space will create a total of 25,000sqft, featuring 13 treatment rooms including two couple’s rooms, as well as two wet treatment rooms offering Kohler bathing experiences. There will also be a steam room providing deep muscular relaxation and detoxification, a Finnish sauna and a rooftop garden with hot tub.

The renovation will see the addition of a new 20m lap pool as part of the large health and fitness centre, as well as a gym area with cardio and resistance stations, a functional fitness space and a group exercise studio, with instructor led classes along with innovative virtual training.

Bordering the renowned 17th Road Hole of the Old Course, the Old Course Hotel is situated in a prime location overlooking the famous links courses, the West Sands Beach and the beautiful Scottish coastline. This prestigious AA five-star awarded hotel features 144 rooms designed by French designer Jacques Garcia, including 35 suites. The hotel has also recently undergone a complete refurbishment of its bedrooms.

Francesco Rota

Designer Profile: Francesco Rota, LEMA

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The philosophy behind Italian furniture designers LEMA is the concept of slow living, the harmonious enjoyment of life through beauty. This vision is behind all their bespoke items, and underpins the grace and elegance that flows through their interiors.

Francesco Rota, one of LEMA’s most admired designers, has articulated this concept in his exceptional pieces for day and night living. Embracing the values of Italian design – comfort, simplicity, functionality and visual appeal – he has created works that offer flexibility and versatility.

Born in Milan where he opened his studio in 1998, he has a wide scope of work including products, furniture, lighting, showrooms, offices and residential interiors. His products have won numerous awards, including The Good Design Award in 2016 and the Wallpaper Design Award 2017.

OYDO designed by Francesco Rota

OYDO designed by Francesco Rota

He has exhibited at many events including the Biennale di Architettura Venezia, the Royal Academy of Arts in London and the Miami Design District.

Francesco often finds inspiration in the beauty of the industrial production processes as well as in the aesthetics of popular iconic designs. His pieces are timeless, unaffected by fashion and embued with an innate feeling for composition, delicate colours and functionality, complementing their settings.

NEIL designed by Francesco Rota

NEIL designed by Francesco Rota

CASES, an airy sideboard that plays on the contrast of solids and voids, offers a nod to the ‘60s with its titanium-coloured legs. It offers a combination of containers including sideboard, set of drawers, display cabinet and a bar cabinet. The sideboard is available with a glass or marble top, and also in leather with an elegantly stitched border.

CASES designed by Francesco Rota

CASES designed by Francesco Rota

With either glass or wood doors, wooden drawers of differing heights or even an elegant glass cube that functions as a display cabinet, each unique combination personalises the room and makes CASES a versatile piece that works in all areas of the home. Rota’s OYDO coffee tables for LEMA are similarly versatile, one round and the other rectangular, with many different finishes from heat-treated oak, clay, stone to elegant Portoro marble.

Comfort is the theme for Rota’s NEIL sofa, a modular concept which is the perfect synthesis of made-to-measure comfort. A low seat, generous shape and square back is enhanced by two different heights, one for relaxing and the other for more formal entertaining, giving an interesting movement to the sofa.

Kempinski Hotel Bahia, Estepona, Spain

Kempinski Hotel Bahia, Estepona/Marbella announces exciting redesign plans

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The five star Kempinski Hotel Bahia in Estepona, Marbella is delighted to announce that the redesign of their lobby and culinary venues will begin at the end of this year, as part of an extensive investment in the hotel.

The Management Team and Architects, Akos Bara, have ambitious plans to create modern, elegant and opulent public spaces, embracing the very essence of Kempinski Hotels, Europe’s oldest luxury Hotel Collection, synonymous with luxury travel worldwide.

The redesign will run from December 2017 to March 2018, and for the comfort of guests, the hotel and spa will be closed from the 11th of December 2017 until the 16th of February 2018.

Closing during this period is necessary due to the impact on public spaces. “Guest experience is paramount to us and we do not wish to dilute it, therefore during the most invasive part of the redesign we have decided to close our doors”, explained General Manager Carla Lopes. “I’m extremely proud to lead this project and we will return to the market in a stronger position as we unveil a contemporary, luxurious environment that also celebrates our hotel’s heritage and beachfront location.”

With a completion date set for March 2018, the hotel will be fully operational for the Easter season. The reimagined culinary venues will boast in vogue dining concepts and the resplendent new lobby will be an elegant space, with every detail anticipated for, positioning the hotel as a leading player within the Costa del Sol when welcoming guests from all over the world. The redesign is part of a wider investment and forms part of the company’s long-term vision for the resort.

www.kempinski.com/en/marbella/hotel-bahia

Anantara Maraú Bahia Resort

Anantara to debut authentic luxury in South America

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Offering an exciting new gateway to South America, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas will soon debut its authentic luxury in Brazil with the opening of Anantara Maraú Bahia Resort in mid-2018.

Poised to be a flagship hideaway, Anantara Maraú Bahia Resort will boast a breathtaking beach setting next to the Bay of Camamu on the Maraú Peninsula in Bahia, along a stunning stretch of Atlantic coastline.

Bringing five-star luxury with a sense of adventure to this extraordinary destination, guests of Anantara Maraú will be able to arrive in style, jetting in by airplane to the resort’s private landing strip. Lush forest surrounds create a natural haven of tranquillity. Sun worshippers can bask in a year-round tropical climate, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C. Celebrating Bahia’s ecotourism, the resort’s natural design and thatched roofing blends seamlessly with exotically landscaped gardens. Extensive manicured lawns are dotted with swaying palm trees, flowing on to a pristine beach of soft white sands.

Luxurious accommodation in harmony with nature will envelop guests in Anantara’s luxurious comforts and signature amenities, initially with a choice of 30 guest rooms, suites and bungalows, which will be followed by the resort’s expansion bringing additional new suites and bungalows in exceptional beachfront and garden settings, some featuring a private pool.

World-class resort facilities will tantalise and inspire. Guests can refresh with cool dips in the expansive swimming pool and relax on elegant loungers set out on the central pool island. Those with energy to burn can work out in the gym, play tennis and team up for beach volleyball. Indulgent Anantara Spa journeys will offer pampering pathways to beauty and radiant wellness.

Unique culinary experiences will showcase indigenous flavours, with contemporary gastronomy fusing touches of Bahian cuisine and vibrant local ingredients. Guests can look forward to sumptuous restaurant dining, as well as casual pool bar and beach bar refreshments. Celebrating the ultimate in bespoke romance, Dining by Design is tailored by a personal chef and butler, with a choice of idyllic venues, including an intimate table on the beach, either at sunset or under the stars.

Anantara Maraú Bahia Resort will join the brand’s luxury portfolio in July, following the renovation of the former Kiaroa Eco-Luxury Resort. The launch of the brand will be the first Asian flag in Brazil.

www.anantara.com

Victory House Hotel, London Leicester Square

Opening: Victory House, London Leicester Square

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Victory House, London Leicester Square – MGallery by Sofitel has opened, offering a cosy escape in the heart of the vibrant West End.

Overlooking Leicester Square, the luxury boutique hotel is steps away from London’s iconic red carpet and renowned cinema scene, offering a front row seat to the city’s major film premieres as well as making it the ideal location for spotting celebrities on the red carpet.

Victory House, London Leicester Square boasts 86 stylish and contemporary bedrooms, including nine suites, which are fully soundproofed to create a quiet haven in the buzz of London’s film district. With an unparalleled view over Leicester Square, each room also offers a luxurious and memorable front row view when one of the red carpet’s many film premieres is taking place below.

Designed by renowned architects Michaelis Boyd, the hotel’s interiors reflect the rich cinematic history of the surrounding area. Each room features 1950s film icons with black and white Art Deco interiors and soft teal, grey and beige furnishings. Portraits of the stars of 1950s black and white movie feature in the hotel’s corridors, while silent movies will be projected in the lift and lobby. The hotel also offers the opportunity for guests to film their stay in London, which will be professionally edited to create their own movie.

Located on the ground floor, the hotel features restaurant Petit Bistro which offers French-inspired cuisine using local produce and an extensive list of cocktails.

Victory House Hotel, London Leicester SquareEach MGallery has a unique story to tell and a deep-rooted local history. Victory House’s 19th century terracotta façade is one example of the hotel’s rich heritage and its status as an unwavering icon within the ever-evolving Leicester Square. Designed and built in early French Renaissance style in 1898, by leading theatre designer Walter Emden, Victory House was previously known as Hôtel de l’Europe, with a Parisian brasserie renowned in its heyday as a popular dining spot in the West End.

 

MGallery will expand its collection with captivating new hotels in the coming months including MGallery Doha, Qatar; MGallery Tarcin in Sarajevo and MGallery Istanbul, Turkey.

www.victoryhouselondon.com

AXOR scoops three prestigious awards

AXOR scoops three prestigious awards

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Hansgrohe has had a great end to 2017 after scooping a hat-trick of awards. Winning three prestigious awards within the bathroom industry including; Star Product of the Year at the 2017 ek&bbusiness Awards, Silver for the Best Bathroom product at the House Beautiful Awards and the “Innovation in Design Collaboration” award for AXOR Uno at the Designer Kitchen and Bathroom ceremony held last month.

ek&business Awards
The ek&business Awards were held on 30th November at a stunning festive ceremony at The Brewery in London – Hansgrohe won the Star Product Bathrooms category with the AXOR ShowerHeaven 1200/300 4jet.

House Beautiful Awards
Hansgrohe was delighted to receive the Silver Award for The Best Bathroom with the AXOR – Uno Basin Mixer at the prestigious House Beautiful Awards held at IET London, Savoy Place. The House Beautiful Awards are judged by an independent panel of journalists and designers who select the leading products for 2017; that celebrate the very best in homes and interiors.

The Designer Awards
Hansgrohe won in the Innovation in Design Collaboration category at the 15th Annual 2017 Designer Kitchen and Bathroom Awards with AXOR Uno. Around 400 professionals from the kitchen and bathroom industry, came together to celebrate excellence in professional residential design and innovation in new product design. Seven experienced and highly respected judges recognised the collections’ timeless design merits, high quality materials and innovation. Strictly star Claudia Winkleman presented the award to Martin Mongan, Managing Director Hansgrohe UK; “We are delighted to have been recognised not once but three times by our peers in the bathroom industry for our excellent style, innovative design and outstanding quality.”

Axor Uno
AXOR Uno follows the uncompromising design principles of the original Purist movement with consistent construction: two precisely shaped cylinders joined together at a right angle. The spouts and handles are available in radical or gently rounded versions. The precise contours and the raised proportions in the golden ratio of the taps are their defining stylistic features, lending them a special aura and giving them a sleek and elegant look in any setting. Special surface finishes impart added radiance to the collection, which comprises over 70 products for washbasins, showers and bathtubs.

ShowerHeaven
Showering in a new dimension of radiant beauty: the AXOR ShowerHeaven is an impressive overhead shower with a 1.2 metre long and 30 centimetre wide generous, plane surface of high-quality metal. Its four retractable “wings” and integrated ambient lighting, not only make it a fabulous stage for water, but also create a new archetype in the shower. Three jet types guarantee a luxurious showering experience: the concentrated mono jet in the middle, the expansive rain jet, and the body jets with their unique PowderRain spray. A relaxing massage spray, a soothing rain shower, or a gentle drizzle: the AXOR ShowerHeaven 1200 allows users to shower using each jet type individually, or all three in unison – a spectacular sensory experience.

www.pro.hansgrohe.co.uk

T: +44 (0) 13 72 47 20 30
F: +44 (0) 13 72 47 06 70
E: enquiries@hansgrohe.co.uk

Hilton announces Waldorf Astoria Cancun and Hilton Cancun

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Hilton has announced plans to welcome the luxury Waldorf Astoria Cancun and the all-inclusive Hilton Cancun resort to the global hospitality company’s growing portfolio in Mexico. Developed by Parks Hospitality and set to open in 2021, the neighbouring properties will feature distinct characteristics and amenities across 100 acres of Caribbean beachfront.

Set to deliver a truly unforgettable experience for guests, the Waldorf Astoria Cancun will feature 150 exceptionally appointed guest rooms and suites, with waterfront or mangrove-facing terraces and private balconies. The property will boast the signature Waldorf Astoria spa, in addition to state-of-the-art fitness facilities, two plunge pools and two exquisite dining experiences.

A one-of-a-kind beachfront escape, the neighbouring all-inclusive Hilton Cancun resort property will feature 600 stylish guest rooms offering stunning panoramic views. The Hilton resort will welcome guests to relax on the beach, lounge at the swimming pool complex, and experience curated adventures in local art, gastronomy and culture. The hotel will also tempt palates with six all-inclusive unique culinary experiences.

Expansive meetings and events space across both hotels will be available to accommodate everything from small gatherings to large weddings.

Renowned design firms SB Architects, EDSA and HBA have been hand-selected to create a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces throughout both the Waldorf Astoria Cancun and the Hilton Cancun properties. Inspired by the surrounding area’s natural elements, the design at both properties will incorporate variations of modern lines, repetitive patterns and undulating forms that mimic the sea. Both properties will also feature classic Mexican colours and materials, as well as modern design elements and technology.

Hilton currently has a portfolio of more than 100 hotels and resorts open and welcoming travellers in Latin America, including more than 50 in Mexico. The company is actively pursuing additional Latin American growth opportunities and currently has a robust pipeline of more than 70 hotels throughout the region, including nearly 30 projects in Mexico. This year, Hilton has opened seven hotels across four brands in the country, including the in-market debut of the Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand in San Luis Potosi.

ibis London Canning Town

ibis Hotels contributing to Canning Town regeneration

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Offering unrivalled access to a host of London’s most bustling business and leisure hubs, the new 196-bed ibis London Canning Town hotel delivers style, comfort and affordability to all travellers, in one of the capital’s most exciting emerging locations.

The hotel is a key element of the newly-established Hallsville Quarter – a £600 million town centre project established in conjunction with the London Borough of Newham and property development company Linkcity. The hotel and surrounding residential and retail properties form a key part of the much wider £3.7 billion Canning Town and Custom House Regeneration Programme, which aims to transform and establish the east London area as a thriving and prosperous community.

ibis London Canning Town (5)ibis’ commitment to the local area includes the creation of 25 jobs at the hotel and supporting local food and beverage providers where possible – including trendy east London coffee roasters Climpson and Sons, who will provide beans for the hotel’s Chill #08 café bar and restaurant. The café and bar will act as a food and beverage hub for the area, for hotel guests and visitors alike.

Commenting on the opening, James Wheatcroft from ibis Hotels says: “When you think of cool areas in London you naturally look east. Canning Town is a brilliantly located, up and coming area, so we’re delighted that our hotel is an integral part of its regeneration. Our Chill #08 café bar and restaurant will attract hotel guests and local visitors alike, making it a real go-to destination in the community. We’re committed to offering all our guests access to incredible experiences and this new hotel is perfectly located to provide this, being a stone’s throw from The O2 and within easy reach of all our capital’s main attractions and key transport hubs, such as London City Airport and even Heathrow.”

ibis London Canning Town (4)Guests staying at the hotel can expect a good night’s sleep thanks to soundproof, air-conditioned rooms and revolutionary bedding concept, Sweet Bed™ by ibis. Free super-fast fibre Wi-Fi and 24-hour reception service will keep guests connected at all times.

ibis Canning Town will also feature ibis’ unique guest welcome initiative introduced in 2017. In all ibis hotels, guests are greeted on arrival by staff with room keys in hand who are linked to the ibis online fast check-in and check-out service via smartphones. This has replaced check-in desks and unnecessary waiting times with smiling faces and stress-free experiences, allowing even more time for guests to enjoy a stay in the city around them.

Marriott International to open 40 luxury hotels in 2018

Marriott International to open 40 luxury hotels in 2018

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Marriott International has reported that it will open almost 40 luxury hotels in 2018, catering to what it calls a new ‘affluent traveller’.

Marriott also said it will expand its luxury footprint further with 200 hotels in the development pipeline, including 25 new countries, from Iceland and Nepal to Cuba and the Philippines.

Marriott’s luxury brands include The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection, EDITION and JW Marriott.

“We see luxury as a launchpad for self-actualisation, with bucket lists evolving from where you want to go to who you can be,” said Tina Edmundson, global brand officer.

“With data showing a global shift in perception around luxury, we are uniquely positioned to provide personalized and truly differentiated experiences that resonate with this net-generation jet-setter,” she added.

Marriott completed its acquisition of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide in September 2016, bringing its total hotel properties to more than 5,700 worldwide.

www.marriott.com

AVANI Broadbeach

AVANI Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences opens on Surf Parade

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Dive into Broadbeach’s stylish coastal scene at the newly opened AVANI Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences. Occupying a prime beachside address on Surf Parade, the Residences connect guests with the city’s most popular attractions and experiences.

All AVANI Residences offer travellers an upscale hotel experience served in a private apartment and at AVANI Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences guests can enjoy all the comforts of home in a brand new One or Two-Bedroom Suite, with the choice of hinterland, ocean facing or premier sky-high ocean views, which sweep across the glittering skyline and golden coastline beyond.

AVANI Broadbeach’s maritime spirit extends to each suite, all of which have a liberating sense of space. Each suite has been decorated with tactile textures, fabrics and furnishings and are equipped with all the best and most desirable features any guest could want. The spacious open-plan layout is modern, stylish and functional with a fully equipped kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and laundry facilities. A relaxing lounge and dining area comes complete with a Smart TV, private balcony and complimentary WiFi.

When it comes to kicking back, chilling out or meeting up, AVANI Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences offer guests a mix of onsite facilities, from a landscaped terrace, to a private resident’s lounge, well-equipped gymnasium, to an outdoor 25m swimming pool and sundeck. An expansive ground-floor bar and restaurant will open in the first quarter of next year.

www.minorhotels.com/en/avani/broadbeach

Marcel Wanders

In Conversation: Marcel Wanders – Grand Portals Nous

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He has been dubbed the ‘Lady Gaga’ of design – a moniker I’m not entirely convinced Marcel Wanders fully appreciates – and has been a big name in the industry for more than two decades; his ‘big break’ coming via the ‘Knotted Chair’ in the late 1990s.

But from his Powerhouse studio in Amsterdam with the help of his team of designers, Marcel has realised hundreds of projects – including some notable ones in the hospitality sector. One of the most recently completed is the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Portals Nous in Mallorca, and about which Hotel Designs caught up with the charismatic and accomplished artist for a short chat…

As I call Marcel, he is relaxing with a cappuccino having just spent a week in Mallorca – the home of his latest hospitality project with IBEROSTAR. After our short introductions and a brief aside about the Mondrian Doha – another of his recent mammoth undertakings – I ask him how he got involved in the Grand Portals Nous. He tells me he is ‘super-excited’ about the project and how much it is going to impact the region’s hospitality scene.

Marcel Wanders - Grand Portals NousHe is not wrong. The property sits atop a stunning beach and Marcel has used this luxurious setting to bring about a truly Mallorquin style through his use of transparencies, whites and reflective surfaces. From the lobby’s bouquet motif to the boundless luxury of the hotel’s 66 rooms, four penthouse suites and five themed suites, guests are truly in for a treat.

“We’ve been working on this project for a long time, it has taken a while to complete this project and the whole building process. We’ve worked for eight years with the developer to create this wonderful place that it has become. It really is a jewel in the crown of the Iberian Peninsula. It has been great to be part of it,” he tells me.

Mallorca is a place close to Marcel’s heart. He clearly adores the place, having completed a similarly spectacular residential project on the island in 2009. I ask him what his inspiration was for this hospitality project.

“As a guest, you want to feel that you are in Mallorca – this beautiful Spanish island. The scenery and views are amazing. So, it was really important for me to make something authentic, that felt like it belonged there in that locale. That can be a difficult thing to achieve – but we wanted to do it in a new way, we didn’t want to do something that had been done before, it needed to be contemporary, modern yet at the same time international.

“It was a challenge to create something ‘of that place’ and authentic, that also delivers that unique Mallorquin character. We spent a lot of time sourcing materials, finishes and architectural features specific to the island – not to mention we had colour palettes that are really special; there is a winter and a summer palette. So the inspiration was definitely from the surrounding area. Guests go there to relax and hang out, but they also want to be excited about the place. For me, all of this was critical when it came to designing the space,” he adds.

Marcel’s attention to detail even went as deep as the design of the hotel’s logo. “Part of that ‘local inspiration’ process was creating a logo – its design inspiration was local flowers found on Mallorca, which bloom in early spring and herald the start of the season and I’m really happy that the bouquet logo celebrates that fact.”

Marcel Wanders - Grand Portals NousMarcel’s work has been carried out around the world on various sectors, so what is it that interests him about designing for hotels? “I have to say that in all things that the team does, we like to do projects where the design is ‘major league’. By that I mean projects where the design is integral to the success of the project. Of course, that comes into every project to an extent, but often people go somewhere because they have to go there. We want to create spaces that people visit because they really want to go there,” he says.

I ask Marcel how it differs from other sectors he has worked in and he enthusiastically tells me why he finds hotels ‘amazing’ to work in. “You get the freedom to really go hard with the design – unlike in a private residence where you might have to quieten that creative streak, create something a little more subdued and which ultimately is less visible to the world. Hotels are definitely our ‘sweet spot’ so to speak, a chance to show off creativity.

“As a designer you really have to be the best you can be, and as it’s a public sphere anybody who uses that space ‘owns’ that space. Therefore a lot of people will see your work, so it’s wonderful to create something a lot of people will use and enjoy.”

Marcel then talks about his early years as a designer and how that mass appeal is part of the appeal. “Starting out in my career as a designer, if we take the example of designing a coffee cup – you work for a long while to make that cup look wonderful and special, and then thousands of people can enjoy it, that’s important to me. It’s nice if one person is really happy with something you’ve created but it’s amazing when you create something of value for a lot of people – and hotels are exactly that.”

With his huge, worldwide reputation for creating statement, high-end interiors Marcel could be forgiven for running away with his vision, but that attitude has never been part of his make-up.

“I think hotels are actually very democratic. With this project – sure, it’s a five-star hotel and if someone wants to stay there for a week, they have to take quite a bit of money. But a person can also enjoy that space by just having a coffee or a drink with friends – I think that’s really cool.

Marcel Wanders - Grand Portals Nous“I remember when I was a kid, I would see spaces and think that’s a great space – like an expensive shop for example, you walk in with only a hundred bucks for the month and everything on sale is five hundred bucks. You’re priced out. But there has never been a hotel I felt I couldn’t go in, because I thought to myself I can always order a cappuccino, I can be a customer here – it was something I appreciated and have tried to do with this project.”

Having also spoken about his Mondrian Doha project, I ask Marcel what the future holds and if there are any exciting projects on the horizon.

“Yes, in fact, Doha was another project we spent a lot of time on and to have two openings in such a short space of time, it makes it look like the team and I do a lot of hotels, but in truth we only started on hotels in 2005 or so and we’ve only completed six or seven hotels in that time. So, it’s not a huge hospitality operation that we’ve created. We try to only do very prestigious projects that take a long time to get right; that require a tremendous amount of detail and research. We definitely pick and choose, but those half-dozen hotels, in the end, have really made their mark as a result – they are special places.”

Does Marcel think there is too much uniformity in hospitality design? “It’s nothing against designers of some hotels, but there’s already so many in the same style – I don’t feel there’s a need for yet another one. We always try to do something really different that stands out and that gives guests a genuine experience. It’s not always easy to find the clients, operators or developers who share that vision of creating something that hasn’t been seen before,” he says.

‘Creating something that keeps the guests coming back for more’, I suggest…

“Yes, exactly – keep the guests coming back! It’s wonderful to get new guests – but no hotel or hospitality client can survive on unique customers alone. Clients have to go away and spread the word, show photos to their friends – and that’s why I was delighted to stay at the hotel last week, I spoke to fellow guests about it and they were suitably impressed; not just with the design but with the service levels which are genuinely excellent. The operator knows exactly what its doing, so I’m super happy and I’m sure the business will grow fast,” Marcel concludes.

With his mercurial touch on show, I can only agree with him – it’s a wonderfully striking property and will be a Mallorquin gem for years to come, I’m sure…

www.grandhotelportalsnous.com

www.marcelwanders.com

www.powerhouse-company.com

Based on an interview in September 2017

Kit Kemp Wilton Carpets

Kit Kemp by Wilton Carpets receives acclaim since launch

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The Kit Kemp by Wilton Carpets collection was launched at a glittering event at London’s The Soho Hotel, named the ‘World’s Most Glamorous Hotel’ by Tatler magazine. Since then the range has enjoyed widespread acclaim, grabbing the attention of leading luxury consumer lifestyle publications and notable influencers from across the interiors industry.

Created by Kit Kemp, design director of Firmdale Hotels PLC and well-known author and art collector, the made-to-order collection features nine exquisite patterns drawing from influences as diverse as folklore, botany and architecture. Kit worked with the Wilton Carpets design team to create a stand-out collection for hospitality environments that is unique and individual. Using traditional axminster or wilton weaves, or incorporating the added texture of a Brussels weave, the collection delivers the finest British wool-rich qualities in bespoke size wall-to-wall carpet and area rugs.

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RELATED: KIT KEMP, WILTON CARPETS CREATE EXCITING CARPET COLLECTION
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“The designs in the Kit Kemp by Wilton Carpets collection truly are extraordinary and we’ve pushed the limits of our design and manufacturing expertise to faithfully interpret the sophisticated, subtle elements of Kit’s original creations,” explains Damian Roscoe, head of creative for Wilton Carpets. “In fact, patterns such as Batik were only possible because of the detail achievable with our robotic Axminster loom; the country’s most advanced. The collection was a joy to develop and shows just what can be achieved when two creative forces collaborate.”

Presented in a luxurious hardback book, the Kit Kemp by Wilton Carpets collection has made the difficult transition between a carpet created for hospitality and leisure spaces to one equally at ease in luxury homes. Recognised for this by leading interior journalists, it demonstrates that when good design and carpet craft combine, the results deserve attention. In fact, the Kit Kemp by Wilton Carpets collection has already been recognised by English Home magazine in its prestigious ‘New Year Honours’ special edition.

Designs from Kit Kemp by Wilton Carpets can now be seen in corridors and rooms at The Soho Hotel. From the stunning Batik used as runner in the reception and By Way as an area rug in the library, to the flexibility of Tweed Fleck demonstrated in one of the impressive Terrace Suites; the carpets reflect the richness of pattern and understanding of colour that is signature Kit Kemp.

www.wiltoncarpets.com

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

Conrad London St. James

Conrad London St. James named winner at the 2017 World Luxury Hotel Awards

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Conrad London St. James is delighted to announce it has won three accolades at the prestigious World Luxury Hotel Awards. The award ceremony took place in St Moritz, Switzerland on 2nd December, and saw participants from more than 50 countries come together to celebrate the luxury hospitality industry.

The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognises elite hotels and resorts in over 60 categories on a country, regional, continent and global basis. This year the awards celebrated its 11thanniversary in awarding the world’s finest hotels for their high-end offerings and exceptional service delivery.

Conrad London St. James was announced as the UK winner in the Luxury Contemporary Hotel category and in addition, the hotel was awarded the regional winner in the Luxury City Hotel and Luxury Art Hotel categories for London. All the winners are determined by a public voting system during a six-week process and Conrad London St. James received over 300,000 votes from international travellers.

Beverly Payne, General Manager at Conrad London St. James said: “We’re thrilled to have won several awards at World Luxury Hotel Awards this year. Recognised as the best luxury contemporary hotel in the whole of the UK is a real honour. We are also delighted with our London awards, as we know the competition is always so steep. We often refer to the hotel as a living art gallery so we are particularly happy to receive the award for luxury art hotel, as our collection is something we are very proud of. Similarly to have won the luxury city hotel category, for London, is really exciting as it reflects the work and dedication from the whole team to create a memorable and luxury experience for guests.’

Anton Perold, Managing Director for the World Luxury Hotel Awards said: “We wish to congratulate all our winners for the 2017 award year, who through their tireless efforts and unbounded passion to satisfy their guests needs, have received this honour. True luxury is no small feat, it takes a team of highly dedicated staff willing to go the extra mile and stop at nothing to ensure that no request goes unanswered. This is the definition of luxury, this is what defines a World Luxury Hotel Awards winner.”

With a prime London location on the doorstep of Westminster, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, Conrad London St James is perfectly placed in the heart of the city and a smart choice for the modern-day traveller. Representing the best of iconic London, the hotel offers sleek interiors, state-of-the-art facilities and legendary hospitality.

www.conradhotels.com

Myconian Collection Completes the Renovation of Myconian Imperial and Royal Myconian Resorts

Myconian Collection completes renovation of Imperial and Royal resorts

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Myconian Collection is proud to announce the completion of renovations to Myconian Imperial Resort and Royal Myconian Resort on the island of Mykonos, Greece. Totally transformed, the resorts exude magnificent Greek architecture and sophisticated design, as well as infinite sweeping views across the Aegean Sea.

Both resorts are proud members of The Leading Hotels of the World and continue to attain the Myconian Collection principles, renowned for their unparalleled level of authentic luxury and traditional hospitality.

Renovations
The renovation included the thorough redesign and upgrade of all rooms and public places in both resorts. Together, the newly re-imagined resorts offer 203 stylish rooms, 20 magnificent luxury suites, seven gourmet restaurants with bars, outdoor pools, fitness rooms, as well as spa and wellness centres. In addition, there are numerous boutiques available which offer both modern Greek and international designer wear, and eight multi-functional halls with unsurpassed sea views equipped with the latest conference support technologies.

Overlooking the idyllic Elia Beach, the extraordinary surrounding scenery of Myconian Imperial and Royal Myconian provides the perfect ambiance for high-end events in Mykonos. With 15 outstanding and authentic venues to choose from, the resorts are equipped for any event regardless of size or complexity. From tailored corporate meetings and conferences, to unique multimillion euro wedding productions, christenings or family reunions. With this impressive range of conferencing and banqueting facilities, Myconian Imperial and Royal Myconian have acquired a reputation of producing extraordinary events.

Myconian Imperial Resort
Following the renovations, the urban fantasy of travel becomes a reality at Imperial Resort, a metropolitan spot above the sea where luxury serves the Cycladic aesthetics of simplicity and moderation. Greek topography is underlined through the blending of the stone with the white wood, the colour contrasts and the decorative elements that function as global cultural bridges. Showcasing quirky design details, a majestic white profile and a variety of aesthetics, guests will experience the timeless Greek summer at its best.

Royal Myconian Resort
At the Royal Resort, the traditional Cycladic atmosphere crosses over to today. The resort offers a sculptured landscape and a contemporary aesthetic recreation of the traditional alleys of Mykonos. Every space, room and suite becomes a window to the Aegean Sea, a pathway to cosmopolitan Hellenism. The white colour coated walls blend with the brine-eroded wood and the colour analysis of the Greek summer, the fabrics and the tapestries. The resort conveys the essence of Cycladic nature and hospitality and draws into the natural beauty and luxurious standards offered by the island.

www.royalmyconian.gr

www.myconianimperial.gr

La Boucherie Starlight VIP Booth - LA IHG

Introducing three new luxury hotels from IHG

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InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies is proud to announce the opening of three new hotels – in Los Angeles, Perth Australia and Singapore.

InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown
The recently opened InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown elevates the Los Angeles skyline at 1,100 feet and 73 storeys, making it the tallest building on the West Coast of the US. The hotel occupies floors 31 to 73 of the Wilshire Grand Centre and has 889 elegant guestrooms. The property also boasts a Club InterContinental Lounge, a swimming pool and five dining outlets including Spire 73, the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere on the 73rd floor with unparalleled 360-degree views of LA’s cityscape and skyline with fire pits, fountains and innovative cocktails.

InterContinental Perth City Centre
Located amongst the charming theatres, cafés and luxe boutiques of ‘The King Street Precinct’, the new InterContinental Perth City Centre is the sixth InterContinental hotel in Australia. The hotel’s 240 rooms, studios and penthouse all have a residential feel and views over Perth’s cityscape. The property also features specially commissioned sculptures, paintings, bespoke ceramics and glass works by renowned artists from Western Australia. The hotel’s stylish line up of restaurants and bars focuses on regional food producers, growers, brewers and wine-makers.

InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay
Set amidst a vibrant neighbourhood along the Singapore River, known for its wide array of restaurants and art galleries, the residential-inspired InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay offers 225 luxurious studios and suites, including an expansive Penthouse, which has unparalleled views of both the Singapore River and vibrant city via floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel also features a 24-hour Club InterContinental Lounge, four dining options including a 389-seat Italian restaurant & bar, Publico, five meeting and event spaces, a swimming pool and a 24-hour fitness studio.

www.ihg.com/intercontinental

CGI of Hull DoubleTree by Hilton

Construction complete on Hull’s eagerly-awaited £25m hotel development

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Developer Manorcrest Group has announced the completion of the new £25 million DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Ferensway, Hull.

The four-star hotel, which boasts 165 bedrooms, a 1000 sq ft ballroom for events, a Marco Pierre White restaurant and rooftop bar, has had an accelerated constructed period of only 13-months.

Manorcrest Group started the construction of the hotel in October 2016 and set itself an ambitious target of completion within 2017 – while Hull remains the City of Culture.

By investing in off-site manufactured bedroom pods, which were installed by the Manorcrest team, the firm saved time on the construction period. Dean Wann, director at Manorcrest Group said: “We are highly ambitious and proactive developers that use the latest construction methods to deliver the best product; the DoubleTree by Hilton Hull is a great example of this.

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RELATED LINKS
IN CONVERSATION: LEIGH HALL – MANORCREST GROUP
HULL’S £25M HOTEL DEVELOPMENT REACHES HALF WAY POINT
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“This was a big project, the biggest we have worked on to date and for the last 13 months we have put our heart and soul into bringing it to life. Myself and my business partner Leigh Hall are so proud that we have now completed a hotel of this scale which looks incredible inside and out.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hull“We have gone above and beyond to ensure the that hotel is the best it could possibly be from the bedroom’s fixtures and fittings right through to roof top bar. It’s a fantastic addition to Hull, not just to its visitors but also the local community who we hope will regularly use the restaurant, bar and events space.”

It’s been a busy year for the developer; as well as the delivery of the new Hull hotel, the team have also been extending the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lincoln.

Other suppliers on the build of the hotel in Hull included Hull-based P&D Engineering, Jamie Millar from Bridlington which delivered specialised concrete flooring, and Hull-based White Star Security which delivered the concrete structure.

Qorokwe Camp, Botswana

Project Spotlight: Wilderness Safaris’ Qorokwe Camp, Botswana

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Wilderness Safaris is delighted to announce the opening of its new Classic Camp, Qorokwe, situated in the private, wildlife-rich 26 180-hectare (64 692-acre) Qorokwe Concession, bordering Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.

Meaning “the place where the buffalo broke through the bush into the water”, Qorokwe comprises nine elegant tented suites, one of which is a spacious family unit with its own splash pool, as well as a dining area, lounge, library, bar and infinity swimming pool, all situated along the banks of a beautiful lagoon. An example of authentic, responsible luxury, the camp was built using innovative techniques and operates on 100% solar power, thus keeping as light an eco-footprint as possible in one of the Delta’s untouched wilderness areas – one that has been unutilised for the past four years.

“In our continuous quest for operating camps – and making a difference – in the best wildlife areas in Africa, the exclusive Qorokwe Concession has earned a well-deserved place in our ranks”, commented Kim Nixon, Wilderness Safaris Botswana MD. “We are proud to have welcomed our first guests to Qorokwe, in partnership with Cobus Calitz and Jil Gérard-Calitz, and are looking forward to revealing this contemporary, land-based camp and highly-productive wilderness concession to the world”.

Architect, Joy Brasler on Qorokwe:

  • The concept for Qorokwe grew out of a response to the landscape – the site lies next to a lagoon and the tented suites are raised off the ground to see over the vegetation growing at the lagoon’s edge, as well as providing a sense of safety in the wilderness.
  • The suites and main camp area were laid out by the team in response to the trees and views available on site. There are a number of large canopy trees which inspired the idea of a fairly cannellated ceiling to the unit which mimics the bark of the trees and canopy overhead. The rest of the unit is predominantly clad in canvas to the rear, and mosquito netting on the view side, with interior blinds/shutters that act as both curtains and environmental control.
  • In our practice, we had been pursuing the idea of a mechano m/s steel unit which would limit the construction time on site and the variations that typically arise out of building in the bush. Materials were therefore chosen for rapid construction with a steel frame with infill panels of either mesh or canvas, timber decks and the detailed timber ceilings perforated with light.Project Spotlight: Wilderness Safaris’ Qorokwe Camp, Botswana
  • The tented suites are spacious and include a large deck. Given that the temperatures are fairly benign and that the thrill of being out in this wild landscape is paramount, much of the main camp features are open and cascading towards the watercourse. The rear of the camp enhances the experience of traversing the various vegetation typologies as you move towards the water – open landscape, vegetated edge, and open view – the entrance sequence is treated as a series of “walls” in the landscape, ascent and view. The ceiling travels over these diverse features and is gently graduated with light.
  • Views are framed and isolated to elevate the visual experience of this photographic environment, water is used to bring the Delta into the camp, both to connect the experience of being in the landscape and to deal with the practical issues of keeping guests away from the edges.
  • References are made to the cycle of decay at the edge of the Okavango Delta through the use of “rusted” finishes in conjunction with lightweight tented construction infill methodology. Colours and imagery from both the landscape above ground and beneath the water are brought into the interiors.
  • The language of the infrastructure is seen as an elemental and contemporary response to an insertion in this landscape – the interiors are a response to the colours and activities of Africa, with the emotive use of materials, colour and form.

Owing to its location on the border of Moremi Game Reserve and its diverse habitat types – from scattered acacia and mopane woodlands, open seasonal and permanent floodplains fringed on either side by the picturesque channels and islands along the Gomoti and Santantadibe Channels – Qorokwe offers an abundance of wildlife. Game drives, walks, boating and mokoro present life-changing opportunities of viewing and photographing the variety of life here, including lion, spotted hyaena, leopard, wild dog, cheetah, elephant and buffalo, to name a few, as well as the myriad birds that are attracted to such pristine surrounds.

Interior designer, Michelle Throssell on Qorokwe:  

  • Sharing a similar design philosophy to Joy Brasler Architects, Michelle Throssell was thrilled to be introduced to the Qorokwe team by Joy Brasler in order to propose an interior design solution for the camp. According to Michelle, “Working off Joy’s canvas is always a pleasure and so our interior design concept grew very much from her inspiration. The selection of interior architecture finishes, various timbers, ceiling details, lighting, shopfitting and fixtures was a collaborative effort and we tried to involve the Qorokwe team in every decision to give them something that reflected their vision for the camp and also their passion for the bush. The palette of colours and materials was inspired by the Botswana landscape as well as by Joy’s strong architectural concept, resulting in a rich mix of bleached timbers, darker stains and accents of rust and burnt orange. By introducing a combination of organic shapes and textural diversity from live-edged timber to steel and canvas, we have created a warm, enveloping space providing comfort and luxury in an understated way”.

According to lead architect, Joy Brasler, and interior designer, Michelle Throssell, the design inspiration for Qorokwe came from the natural setting of the Botswana landscape, resulting in a rich mix of bleached timbers, darker stains and accents of rust and burnt orange.

Project Spotlight: Wilderness Safaris’ Qorokwe Camp, BotswanaThe materials chosen to build the camp include steel frames with infill panels to insulate against heat and cold, canvas and timber decks. Detailed timber ceilings are perforated with light to mimic the experience of being beneath the trees at the side of the lagoon, so that the entire camp experience blends in with its beautiful natural surroundings.

www.wilderness-safaris.com/camps/qorokwe-camp

MEININGER Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery - Bar area

MEININGER opens fifth Berlin hotel

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MEININGER Hotels has opened its fifth hotel in Berlin. The new building, which has 245 rooms and 833 beds, is well-located right next to East Side Gallery and Ostbahnhof.

The design of each MEININGER hotel is based on an individual theme, and this hotel was inspired by the immediate proximity to the former border wall separating East and West Berlin, the East Side Gallery. The phrase “be united” is realised in every room of the hotel, with concrete walls, long tables and graffiti reflecting the history of the wall and the reunification, as well as the philosophy of MEININGER Hotels. “Every day, guests from all over the world meet here and exchange views in a relaxed atmosphere in the guest kitchen, game zone, lobby, lounge and bar,” says Hannes Spanring, CEO of MEININGER Hotels.

MEININGER Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery - Bar areaIn the public areas of the MEININGER Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery, two long tables serve as a connecting element between different areas of the hotel. Opposite the bar, the text “be united” illuminates the room on a concrete wall. The modern, straightforward design is punctuated by colourful highlights.

On the way to the rooms, the guests come across interesting quotes about the reunification and togetherness. In the cosy rooms, modern graffiti reflects the theme. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a perfect view of vibrant Berlin as well as the nearby quarter. The room types range from classic double rooms and private multi-bed rooms, through to a bed in a dormitory. The hotel also offers superior rooms on the upper floors of the building. “Also in this new hotel, we expect the typical mix of guest types including groups, families, backpackers, business and leisure travellers, which makes MEININGER so unique”, says Hannes Spanring.

Thanks to its excellent location and convenient public transport links, the MEININGER Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery is the perfect base to explore the whole city, with the trendy districts Mitte and Kreuzberg only a few minutes away. The East Side Gallery and Oberbaumbrücke are also within walking distance of the hotel. The proximity to the Ostbahnhof, which can be reached in a two-minute walk, guarantees a comfortable journey. For guests arriving by car, the hotel offers 17 parking spaces in the underground car park.

MEININGER Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery - BedroomThe opening of the MEININGER Hotel at the East Side Gallery is the beginning of a series of openings that will follow in the next nine months. By September next year, MEININGER will open eight more hotels across Europe including another one in Berlin. “Berlin is an important location for us, and we are keen to open more hotels here. A sixth MEININGER hotel is already under development, in Turmstrasse in Moabit. It will welcome its first guests in the summer of next year”, says Hannes Spanring.

MEININGER continues to expand. A total of 16 new hotels are already planned. Although the focus is on Europe, opportunities in North America and South Asia are being examined in the search of further projects. Currently the MEININGER Group operates 18 hotels in Europe with 2,712 rooms and 9,242 beds in total.

www.meininger-hotels.com

The international upper upscale contemporary brand Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts has recently re-launched its South Bank Riverbank Hotel

Park Plaza London Riverbank – Elevating meeting & events standards

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The international upper upscale contemporary brand Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts has recently re-launched its South Bank London hotel, Park Plaza London Riverbank.

Recently welcoming its first guests through the doors since receiving a multi-million-pound transformation, the hotel now boasts six new floors and 498 rooms, including Executive Rooms and Junior Suites. The contemporary guest rooms offer stunning panoramic views of Battersea Power Station, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye and is the latest addition to London’s changing skyline.

The meeting facilities which include the Ballroom, which can host up to 540 guests for a seated banquet, have also received a transformation with the addition of three new meeting rooms, the City Suites. Providing a versatile option for those requiring meetings and events spaces, these new suites are the ultimate backdrop for any type of occasion.

The interior design team, Digital Space, has created vibrant bedrooms offering a modern feel, while award winning Pan-Asian inspired Chino Latino Restaurant & Bar has undergone a stunning refurbishment, offering panoramic views of the Houses of Parliament on the first floor of the hotel.

Located on the 12th floor, the new Executive Lounge is the perfect space for guests, and is available for exclusive hire for private events and receptions. The Executive Lounge comes with a fully-functioning boardroom showcasing some of the best river and skyline views in London. The Executive Lounge is the picture-perfect place for business customers to catch up on emails whilst enjoying inclusive afternoon tea, cocktails, or canapés.

Rob Flinter, General Manager at Park Plaza London Riverbank, comments: “We are delighted to announce this major transformation and we truly feel the additional six floors add to the wow factor of the hotel. With the addition of 100 new rooms, the improved meetings facilities and the vast refurbished ballroom, Park Plaza London Riverbank is now one of the best locations in the city for a residential conference. It is not only an exciting time for the hotel but also the South Bank area and we are thrilled to be a part of London’s continued expansion along London’s riverside.”

www.parkplaza.com/london-hotel-gb-se1-7tj/gbriver

Supercity Aparthotels makes Manchester acquisition

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Serviced apartment specialists, Supercity Aparthotels has purchased ‘The Light Aparthotel’ – an 81,000sqft site in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter. This is the latest addition to their current portfolio of three London aparthotels with openings planned for 2018 in London and Brighton.

Supercity have acquired the landmark aparthotel as a going concern, and will continue to operate with plans to refurbish and re-launch in 2018. The property is a mixed-use development of 172 apartments, 62 of which are operated as The Light Aparthotel.

This move further supports Supercity’s growth ambitions to achieve presence in major city locations, providing a nationwide aparthotel network. Supercity is delighted to welcome the entire team and a new General Manager is to be appointed shortly.

Supercity ManchesterAcross 19 floors, the new property offers large fully equipped studio, one and two bedroom apartments and a range of penthouse suites including the Platinum Penthouse Suite with private roof terrace & hot tub, all offering the flexibility of serviced apartment living with the traditional hotel-style service. Supercity will refurbish the Light in 2018 ensuring that quality and service are consistent across the portfolio, and therefore maintaining the standards that they have become known for.

Located in the fashionable Northern Quarter, The Light Aparthotel enjoys unrivalled views of the city and beyond. Manchester continues to enjoy strong international visitor growth with new routes complemented by great transport links to and from central London and many UK airports further demonstrating Manchester’s position as a leading UK business and leisure destination.

“I’m truly delighted to announce that The Light Aparthotel will be our first venture outside of London and our fourth aparthotel. Manchester has rightly cemented its position as a key destination which continues to enjoy increased visitors for business and leisure trips with many guests now multi centring with London. Manchester continues to grow its appeal with first class shopping, conference and meeting venues, an incredible arts and music scene, local and innovative eateries and of course home to two of the country’s best known football clubs,” said Dean Madge, managing director of Supercity.

Supercity Manchester“We’re encouraged with the recent visitor numbers published and the increased international flights which is establishing Manchester as a dual centre destination for those visiting the UK. We believe that The Light is perfectly placed to be part of this great city’s renowned friendliness and hospitality. We are very much looking forward to working with the team to continue building on the business success and great guest recognition they have achieved,” he added.

In addition to the stylish and sophisticated apartments other facilities include a fitness centre, a lounge, car and bicycle parking facilities, complimentary WiFi, housekeeping service and a friendly, dedicated team providing a tailored service as standard.

The aparthotel is surrounded by leading retailers, restaurants and nightlife venues and is within easy walking distance of both mainline train stations. Manchester Arena, Market Street (main shopping street) and the Arndale Centre are also close by. Manchester was a natural choice for the future of Supercity Aparthotels and further supports their ambitious plans to grow their presence in leading cities.

Rosewood Phuket

Rosewood Phuket – immersive design by Bar Studio

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Within a jungle forest on the shoreline of the Andaman Sea, Rosewood Phuket captures the essence of the island’s spirit, culture and environment, with a design inspired by the concept of a luxurious beach residence.

Renowned Melbourne-based design firm BAR Studio seamlessly blended contemporary aesthetics with the tropical surrounds to celebrate a connection between landscape, light and views. Rosewood Phuket is village-like in its layout – a series of pavilions and paths linking hilltop to beach, whose design acknowledges its international context, yet is profoundly influenced by its geographical and cultural location: raw and refined, sophisticated yet relaxed.

“Landscape is really the star of Rosewood Phuket and the resort design was focused on facilitating the guest’s immersion into it,” says Andrew Turner, managing director of Rosewood Phuket. “The fundamental experience is that of being at one with this incredible environment of tropical jungle, hilltop views and stunning coastline.”

Rosewood PhuketA balance of architectural elements, sophisticated interiors, diverse landscapes, captivating details, and a dramatic revealing of interior and exterior spaces gives Rosewood Phuket its distinctive personality. The resort continuously unfolds and engages guests with a myriad of hidden surprises, details and intimate moments. Framing is a fundamental design component here, showcasing elements that are uniquely of the place — whether that is a view, an artifact, a piece of art or a landscape.

From approach by discreet cobblestone driveway, through monumental entry gates marking arrival, to a welcome pavilion that opens up to spectacular views of the Andaman Sea, there is an immediate unfurling of Rosewood’s A Sense of Place® philosophy. BAR Studio collaborated with Bangkok landscape architects PLA to curate a journey spanning multiple eco-systems, from untamed nature to gardens and ocean shore, with meandering walkways through tropical foliage connecting all facets of the resort hamlet.

Local teak, both sustainably sourced and recycled, is used extensively in structural elements, walls, floors and ornamentation, so a uniquely Thai material is woven through the fabric of the resort, enhanced by warm sandstone wall and floor finishes. All 71 pool pavilions and villas are designed to evoke the personality of a residential beach home – the Thai equivalent of a Hamptons summer retreat. Each features a private entry experience – be it bridge or gate and courtyard – that creates a connection between internal and external environments. Through plentiful floor-to-ceiling windows, each interior space blends seamlessly with the tropical surrounds, including outlooks onto private swimming pool, gardens, courtyard and ocean.

Rather than adopting obvious Thai decorative elements in the rooms, motifs, materials and art tell a story that is at once local and subtly international. The artwork and accessories are reminiscent of an international traveler’s collection, with a uniquely Thai attitude, that has been accumulated over time with a distinctive eye and sophisticated mingling of influences.

Rosewood PhuketMai poolside bar and The Shack rustic seafood eatery both feature recycled and raw materials, mixed with accents of color and detail that create a laid-back daytime atmosphere. Mai, a stand-alone pavilion, is screened by curtains of wood beads, while timber pallets with pulleys and exposed counter-weights form screen walls in The Shack. By day these two venues operate as separate, intimate environments. By night they transform and merge with the pool terrace to create one vibrant, expansive venue with sophisticated edginess.

Ta Khai, the stand-alone Thai seafood restaurant, feels as if it has existed within a rustic fisherman’s village for generations – an impression accentuated by the layout’s deference to the sacred ficus and Banyan trees situated along the shoreline. However, in contrast to the cultural mix of Red Sauce, and the day-night transformative nature of Mai and The Shack, Ta Khai is layered. At its core are rustic open pavilions formed from carved timber posts and recycled corrugated iron. These raw structures appear to then have been updated with red fabric-sail roofs, insertions of steel and glass, and contemporary furniture and lighting. The effect is that of a series of spaces that have naturally evolved over time.

At Asaya, the inaugural integrated wellness concept from Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, the natural environment is the dominant element. Like the resort itself, with its series of pavilions Asaya is like a village blending into the landscape. Each Asaya component has its own sense of connection to the natural world with layers of privacy depending on the function of the space: the relaxation areas are screened outdoor enclosures, the walled Wellness Atelier overlooks charming herb gardens and treatment rooms are completely internalized with their own private courtyards.

Preservation of the landscape and a focus on sustainability have been critical environmental and aesthetic considerations for the design team throughout the conception and construction of Rosewood Phuket. Passive environmental controls include large roof overhangs, green garden rooftops, shading and reflective colors, as well as the use of recycled and reclaimed materials in many parts of the resort. Photovoltaic cells hidden on rooftops create the largest solar panel system of any Phuket hotel.

The multimedia art collection at Rosewood Phuket reflects the diverse cultural influences on the island and weaves quintessential Siam sensibilities into the design. Sculpturally, the majestic elephant at the hotel entrance, a water buffalo constructed from car parts in Ta Khai’s kitchen garden, the over-sized elephant bells strategically dotted around the resort, an enormous stainless steel compass inlaid into the beach lawn, and a fluid, bronze carp installation fittingly positioned by the swimming pool, become key sculptural moments in the guest journey, creating an accumulative experience of the island through artistic statements.

“Guests will be impressed by the grandeur and scale of the resort but also feel a very personal connection to it through the sense of romance, sense of place and sense of the unexpected that intermingle in the design,” says Stewart Robertson, director of BAR Studio. “Rosewood Phuket redefines all the expected elements of a luxury resort to create something that feels absolutely right in this unique setting.”

www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/phuket

COSI Hotel Samui

Centara’s first COSI Hotel opens in Samui

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The new COSI Hotel on Samui island is now officially open and welcoming independent, tech-savvy travellers. It is as different from a traditional hotel as a new smartphone is from the mobile phones of the 90s.

Centara completely re-thought what a hotel should be for the new generation of connected, freedom loving, pricey-frill-hating travellers. The result is an innovative and affordable lifestyle hub set in the middle of the shopping, eating, social and entertainment scene on Chaweng Beach. If it feels a little more like staying at the stylish home of a friend, and that’s the whole idea.

“COSI represents a lot of new thinking about what a modern hotel can be, based on what’s important and what’s not so relevant for today’s, youthful-minded, smart travellers,” explains Harry Thaliwal, Centara’s General Manager and Corporate Director of Operations for COSI. “You can create a very fresh and unique place if you’re willing to throw out the usual conventions,” he adds.

For starters, there’s no lobby counter or check-in queues. You can check yourself in and out at the digital self-service stations. COSI is designed to play well with the smartphones in the pockets of today’s travellers. You can book with your smartphone, check in with your smartphone, and play videos or catch-up with your latest boxset on your room’s 43-inch SmartTV screen, which can mirror your phone screen. Fast and free WiFi is everywhere.

COSI Hotel SamuiThe hotel’s Hub is a 24/7 social and media playspace where guests can watch the game, grab a sip or a bite, and connect with friends. You get free daily credits to use for food and drink any time you want at the integrated WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) Café. COSI’s 150 rooms are clean and streamlined. In addition to the hi-tech TV, they feature mega comfy king or twin beds, powerful showers, digital safes and fridges. Each room even has five USB ports so guests can recharge their devices without worrying about converters.

COSI Samui also features an 18-metre rooftop pool and all-hours laundromat. The minimalist mod look and feel of the hotel go well with the technology and service innovations. The “COSI Crew” are trained to help guests new to Samui discover its best places. Central Festival, the island’s main shopping centre, is up the street, and Samui’s airport is only 15 minutes away.

“Today’s young travellers want freedom, connections and shared experiences,” said Thirayuth Chirativat, Centara’s Chief Executive Officer. “They are interested in a simple, smart, fun lifestyle, rather than traditional or superfluous amenities. We designed COSI for them. We expect this will be the first of many.”

www.centarahotelsresorts.com/cosihotels/

Hotel Designs Logo stacked & NEW strapline-012

2-8 December: Top 10 stories of the week…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Redefine|BDL Hotels to manage new Manchester property

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.redefinebdl.com

Elizabeth Lane

Introducing RPW Design’s newest partner – Elizabeth Lane

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Raffles Palm Jumeirah

Nakheel, AccorHotels to debut Raffles Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.raffles.com

Hard Rock Hotels opens first hotel in the Alps

Hard Rock Hotels opens first hotel in the Alps

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.hardrockhotels.com/davos

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour opens

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour opens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.sofitelsydneydarlingharbour.com.au

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

De Vere Wokefield Estate nears completion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Armani/Roca

Armani/Roca delights visitors to Sleep 2017

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

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

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

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

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

www.uk.roca.com

Old Marylebone Hotel - Dominvs Group

Dominvs Group granted planning consent for Old Marylebone Road hotel

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

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

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

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

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

Maison et Objet

Get ready for Maison et Objet 2018

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

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

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

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

www.maison-objet.com/en/paris

Rockbridge acquires Seelbach Hilton Hotel

Rockbridge acquires Seelbach Hilton Hotel

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

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

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

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

www.musselmanhotels.com

Brand Spotlight: Generator Hostels

Brand Spotlight: Generator continues Europe expansion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

generatorhostels.com

Plans announced for Four Seasons Hanoi at Hoan Kiem Lake

Plans announced for Four Seasons Hanoi at Hoan Kiem Lake

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

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

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

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

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

www.fourseasons.com/hoian/

Ocean Club Bahamas

The Ocean Club, Bahamas now a Four Seasons Resort

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

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

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

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

www.fourseasons.com/oceanclub

The Whitley

The Whitley officially debuts in Atlanta

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview

Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club – Autograph Collection

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apex Center

Two hotels for newly opened Apex Center, Massachusetts

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

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

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

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

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

marlboroughapexcenter.place.hyatt.com

Hotel Designs Logo stacked & NEW strapline-012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Historic Nashville building transformed into luxury hotel

Historic Nashville building transformed into luxury hotel

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

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

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

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

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

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

CIRC Hotel

CIRC HOTEL to debut in 2018 in Florida

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.hollywoodcirclefl.com/hotelcirc

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Register for this free webinar here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.forbesmiddleeast.com

ALHI adds new hotels in New York, Texas and Utah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hotel Distil Louisville (Courtesy of Boxcar PR)

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

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

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

Hotel Distil Louisville (Courtesy of Boxcar PR)

Courtesy of Boxcar PR

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

Hotel Distil Louisville (Courtesy of Boxcar PR)

Courtesy of Boxcar PR

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

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

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

Dream Palm Springs

Construction on Dream Palm Springs begins

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

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

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

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

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

hansgrohe RainSelect

Product Spotlight hansgrohe RainSelect at Sleep 2017

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

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

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

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

Altovita

Airbnb rival Altovita could be set for London

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Case Study: Brintons at Hotel Walther, Switzerland

Case Study: Brintons at Hotel Walther, Switzerland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.brintons.net

Luv collection by Duravit wins at DKB Awards 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder debuts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five to Watch: City hotels in Europe

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

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

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

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

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

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

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest

Strong finish to 2017 for Best Western GB despite Brexit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.bestwestern.co.uk

Magnolia Hotel - Algarve, Portugal

Magnolia Hotel launches in the Algarve, Portugal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MEININGER to open a hotel in Dresden

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.meininger-hotels.com

Homewood Suites Las Vegas City Center now open

Homewood Suites Las Vegas City Center now open

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

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

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

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

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

homewoodsuites3.hilton.com

CITYMax Aswan Egypt

Citymax Hotel Aswan celebrates soft opening

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

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

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

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

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

Preferred Hotels and Resorts expands portfolio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

preferredhotels.com

Brexit is impacting the hospitality industry

Brexit helps hotel insolvencies plunge

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

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

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

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

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

Guest Blog: How VR could transform guest expectations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dean MinettORIGINAL SOURCE

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

Hamilton Litestat

Company Profile: Hamilton Litestat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ramside Hall Tree House Suite External View

Luxury treehouses get the green light at Ramside Hall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Duravit at the Louvre Abu Dhabi

Project Spotlight: Duravit at Louvre Abu Dhabi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Images: ©Danica O. Kus

SOPHY Hotel, Chicago

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

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

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

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

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

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

OZO on Kata Beach, Phuket

ONYX announces new OZO hotel in Phuket’s Kata Beach

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

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

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

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

Hotel Designs Logo stacked & NEW strapline-012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sherwood Suites opens as spacious new choice in Saigon

Sherwood Suites opens as spacious new choice in Saigon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hotel Amapa to Open in Puerto Vallarta in February 2018

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

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

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

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

Batik runner, Kit Kemp by Wilton Carpets

Kit Kemp, Wilton Carpets create exciting carpet collection

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.wiltoncarpets.com

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

Clinton Hotel Reopens After Renovation

Clinton Hotel, South Beach Miami reopens after renovation

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

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

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

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

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

www.clintonsouthbeach.com

Travelodge Lincoln

Work starts on new Lincoln Travelodge

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vintage House at The Estate Yountville Reimagined

Vintage House Napa Valley reimagined

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.vintagehouse.com

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

Kimpton The Rowan Palm Springs now open

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

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

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

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

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

www.rowanpalmsprings.com

trivago - best UK hotels

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

trivago - best UK hotels

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

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

Apex City of London

Million-pound makeover for Apex City of London Hotel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sleep 2017: Round Up – another successful edition…

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

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

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

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

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

www.thesleepevent.com

Astraeus

Collection Launch: Astraeus – new FR voiles from Skopos

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

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

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

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

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

www.skoposfabrics.com

Providence Mills
Earlsheaton
Dewsbury, West Yorkshire
WF12 8HT
UK

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

UNWTO condemns Donald Trump's travel ban

Room prices plummet at Donald Trump’s hotels

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.