Hotel Designs

NEWS AND ANALYSIS FOR HOTELIERS, DESIGNERS AND INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS
Radisson BLU Hotel Belgrade

Hotel Group Spotlight: Radisson Blu

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Unique architecture and interiors, combined with a rich history and heritage, form the foundations of these eight hotels within the upscale Radisson Blu collection, which are located in some of Europe’s most popular, dynamic and stylish cities.

These include Radisson Blu Strand Hotel, Stockholm; Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Copenhagen; Radisson Blu Old Mill Hotel, Belgrade; Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam; Radisson Blu Hotel, Frankfurt; Radisson Blu Hotel, Berlin, Radisson Blu Hotel, Madrid Prado and Radisson Blu Hotel, Zurich Airport.

With interiors by acclaimed designers, creative culinary concepts by world-renowned chefs and housed within architecturally striking or deeply historic buildings; these hotels effortlessly blend a sense of place with an innovative and inspirational approach towards hospitality. With an eye firmly on the future, 2017 and 2018 will see fresh enhancements to hotels within the collection, the launch of creative collaborations and exciting brand developments; making the brand the one to watch in the hotel world.

Radisson Blu Strand Hotel, Stockholm
Stylish Nordic design meets a rich history dating back to 1912, when the 170-bedroom hotel first opened its doors; since which it has played host to the great and the good, from Ingrid Bergman to Greta Garbo and Zara Larsson. Sky high luxury can be enjoyed in the Tower Suite with panoramic views over Stockholm, whilst Autumn will see the hotel welcome a new culinary hot-spot, The Strand. Within walking distance of the hotel, guests will find the best of the city’s shopping, nightlife and cultural experiences.

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Copenhagen
Renowned Danish architect Arne Jacobsen designed the sleek, modern Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Copenhagen, which is just a short walk from some of this Danish capital’s top attractions such as the Tivoli Gardens. Iconic design features include the hotel’s spiral staircase and unique “Swan” and “Egg” chairs. Guests can expect an iconic design-led experience throughout the 260 room and suite hotel, with memorable moments created by a world-class service delivery from the dedicated team.

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Copenhagen
Radisson Blu Old Mill Hotel, Belgrade
Industrial-chic awaits at this award-winning design hotel in emerging tourism destination Belgrade. Behind the design is Graft Architects who’s use of natural materials such as oak, copper and brick, combined with contemporary touches, have breathed life into this historic 19th century building. Guests can enjoy Serbian inspired dishes at the hotel’s OMB LARDER + LOUNGE and explore this lively city, beautiful lakes and beaches.

Radisson BLU Hotel Belgrade

Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam
This 18th century former merchants house encapsulates the maritime heritage of Amsterdam and is embraced on either side by two canals. History meets modernity in the one-of-a-kind suites and Pastorie Bar, which was once connected to a clandestine church and is now known for its insta-factor. Locally, guests can shop along the Nine Streets, full of one-off boutiques and galleries and quirky independent stores.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Frankfurt
The only round, all-glass hotel in Europe cost over $100 million to build and is a true architectural wonder, both outside and in, with interiors designed by dynamic trio John Seifert, Adam Tihany and Matteo Thun. Two new WOHNIDEE Suites launched in March, a creative collaboration between Wohnidee Magazine and Joi-Design with items in the suites available to purchase. 16 state-of-the-art conference rooms including one Brain Box room and show rooms for car launches.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Berlin
Guests can expect a truly unique arrival at Radisson Blu Hotel Berlin, where sophistication and sea life await. The hotel lobby is home to the world’s largest freestanding cylindrical aquarium, the AquaDom. After a day spent exploring Berlin and its eclectic art and fashion scene, guests can relax and unwind at the hotel’s Heaven Spa & Fitness, complete with a bio and Finnish sauna, swimming pool and spa treatments. The hotel boasts 15 state-of-the-art meeting rooms, including the DomLounge for sky-high views.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Madrid Prado
This boutique 54 bedroom and suite hotel in the El Barrio de las Lestras district provides guests with a stylish base in the heart of cosmopolitan Madrid. After a day spent experiencing the sights and sounds of the city, including the nearby Prado Museum and Retiro Park, guests can relax and unwind with a drink in hand at the hotel’s Cask Restaurant, Bar and Terrace. Down below the hotel, a swimming pool and spa can be found.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Zurich Airport
The only hotel with direct access to the terminal at Zurich Airport is also just a 10-minute train ride into down-town Zurich and offers Switzerland’s largest meeting and conference facilities with 52 different spaces. Come February 2018, guests will be treated to an exciting new culinary concept by Chef Haim Cohen, who is known for fine dining with contemporary Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences. The exterior was designed by Atelier WW Architekten and is a Swiss landmark.

Radisson Blu ZurichWith thanks to Grifco PR, which has been appointed by The Rezidor Hotel Group to handle the consumer public relations for selected Radisson Blu hotels.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa introduces new villas

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This year, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is excited to offer families more space and couples more privacy with the launch of two new luxury villa categories, including the resort’s first two-bedroom family villas and more villas with private pools.

Since the five-star resort welcomed its first guests in 2009 it has undergone several refurbishments to offer guests the ultimate luxury Maldivian experience and this latest project, expected to finish in October 2017, is no different.

Hadahaa’s renovation work is currently underway and will take place in two phases while the stunning Maldivian resort stays open to guests. Once complete, guests will have the choice of six room categories, including the new Deluxe Park Pool Villas and 2 Bedroom Park Pool Villas. In addition to the resort’s babysitting, yoga, snorkelling and junior PADI diving already offered for children, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa will launch a brand-new family offering, including daily kids activities, new kids’ welcome packs and a complimentary babysitting service to allow parents to enjoy some quality time as a couple. These additional family offerings will compliment these new villas, which are ideal for families looking for a holiday in the Maldives.

Park Hyatt Maldives HadahaaDeluxe Park Pool Villas
With an additional 100 square metres of space, the eight new Deluxe Park Pool Villas will offer guests a more spacious and luxurious experience than Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa’s existing Park Pool Villas. Nestled within natural lush vegetation, the new 265 square-metre timber and stone villas will boast floor-to-ceiling windows and a private outdoor bathroom, with a terrazzo bathtub and rain shower. The villa’s very own plunge pool and semi submerged sunbeds will offer guests the ideal place to cool off in ultimate comfort, surrounded by peaceful and idyllic surrounds. Guests can relax and enjoy an intimate evening drink in the villa’s tranquil outdoor seating area or take advantage of the soft sandy beach with two loungers just a few steps away via a private pathway.

2 Bedroom Park Pool Villas
For the first time, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is delighted to offer families the chance to stay at the resort under the same roof, with the introduction of three new 2 Bedroom Park Pool Villas. Set within Maldivian greenery, these villas will include a second bedroom with twin beds and an additional bathroom, so families can enjoy precious time away together, without compromising on space, style, luxury or comfort. Both bedrooms are designed with floor-to-ceiling windows and the master bedroom features a king bed with an outdoor terrazzo bathtub and rain shower. The private plunge pool is perfect for children to play in, while parents can relax on the two semi submerged sunbeds or cosy up with a book in the outdoor seating area. With private beach access, fun and games in the sand and sea are only a stone’s throw away.

Park Hyatt Maldives HadahaaWith these exciting new villa options and much more planned to accommodate families, there has never been a better time to take time out for a family holiday and visit Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa.

Mateus Boutique Goa

Mateus Boutique Hotel in Goa converted

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A heritage-listed Portuguese mansion built in 1879 has recently been renovated into a high-end boutique hotel in Panjim, located in the centre of Goa.

Jonathan Fernandes, a New York based architect and internationally renowned interior designer Isla Van Damme (aka Loulou), wove their magic into the building’s interiors to transform the property from its dilapidated state to its former glory, and what is now Mateus Boutique Hotel.

The Mateus Boutique hotel has nine elegantly appointed rooms. Each room is uniquely designed in keeping with an old Portuguese feel with Loulou exploiting the intrinsic beauty of the little nooks, niches and lofts that are scattered throughout the mansion. Jonathan and Loulou have kept the old-world elegance and mixed it with a splash of new and modern amenities to create a luxurious home away from home.

The mansion looks majestic from the outside with framed arched windows, ornate balconies and stucco mouldings. The inside is breathtaking with high ceilings, little niches that add character and the flooring is a combination of the old Portuguese tiles and the original timber flooring.

www.mateusgoa.com

Niu Mannheim

niu settles in Mannheim with a new opening

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Mannheim proudly presents its new project of the coming year. The NOVUM Hotel Group, together with the project developer GBl AG, is planning a Millennial brand niu hotel on Seckenheimer street near the historic city centre.

The opening of this 170-room hotel is scheduled for November 2018. Together with GBI AG, the Hamburg group is already planning several hotel projects.

The facade is being designed by the Prasch Buken Partner architect”s office and JOI-Design is responsible for the interior design.

“The strategic selection of our location is the most important part of our dynamic expansion. Mannheim is the economic and cultural center of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region and is located directly in the “Dreiländereck”, the tri-border area,” says David Etmenan, Chief Executive Officer & owner of the NOVUM Hotel Group.

Project Spotlight: nAscent artwork on display at Hotel 50 Bowery

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Artwork by nAscent Art New York helped new Chinatown hotel, Hotel 50 Bowery, show off its roots at its June opening.

nAscent curated public area artwork for the hotel reflecting the Chinatown neighborhood and deeply rooted Asian culture. nAscent Art included artwork by Nick Golebiewski, Jonathan Clark, and Beijing-based street artist, Dake Wong, whose artwork added a fresh twist on traditional Chinese culture.

50 Bowery Corridor
“We’re thrilled to see the fruition of our work with Hotel 50 Bowery, adding to Chinatown’s rich history in lower Manhattan,” said James Wallace, CEO of nAscent Art.

“We chose artwork complementing the hotel’s bold design by Wimberly Interiors, while also paying homage to the heritage of the developers and of the area,” says Jen Wallace, co-founder and director of art at nAscent Art. “In addition to the artwork we installed on the walls, we really enjoyed working with Joie De Vivre Hotels, who had one of the artists ‘hijack’ the hotel’s social media accounts and give guests an insider’s look at the artist in action. Innovative and exciting.”

50 Bowery diptych
The 229-room boutique hotel was developed by Chu Enterprises and is owned by two families with deep roots in the Asian community—the Harilela family in Hong Kong and the Chu family in New York.

For its New York City debut, Joie De Vivre Hotels collaborated with Alex Chu Enterprises, LLC to bring Hotel 50 Bowery—the tallest building the historic heart of Lower Manhattan has seen since the Confucius Plaza completed in 1975—to rise.

Denise Ellis

In Conversation: Denise Ellis discusses ever-changing hotel design

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Head of interior design and conservation at Nottingham-based Franklin Ellis Architects, Denise Ellis, who has worked with the firm for over 24 years, is a heavyweight in the hotel interior design industry.

Having worked with international brands though to independents including Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Best Western, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites, Denise discusses the ever-changing sector and the changes that influence hotel interior design.


“The hotel sector has changed hugely since I began working for Franklin Ellis Architects. Whilst the firm and I have work on projects across a range of sectors, hotels are 90% of what I do and are my passion. Guests reactions to the interior of a hotel is driven by emotion and having worked on over 25 hotel projects, I have a clear vision of the type of emotions and responses I want to gain from people as they step over the threshold of a hotel for the first time.

“Each project is very different and the hotel industry is an extremely competitive and ever-changing market which means the owners are having to up their game and constantly renew their offering. Over the last 10 years, hotel design has changed considerably and this is down to the wider trends that affect our day to day lives; like how we communicate, how we spend our free time, technology and fashion. For example, you won’t find many (good) hotels that don’t have plenty of power points, phone charge ports and fast Wi-Fi in communal areas.

“Unlike 10 years ago, most hotels, large or small, now strive to offer an intimate setting for its guests. Hotels are looking to create an experience that the customers will enjoy but also remember, so they return. Previously hotels were more of a necessity and while they did of course create spaces guests wanted to be, hotels were more focussed on formality and minimalism.

“Today, most hotels try to create a home-from-home with a level of informality and relaxation to cater to a range of customers and their demands. Brands now have a wider food and drink offer to suit more informed palettes, state of the art gyms and spas are much more common place, more communal areas and break-out spaces have been created for people to work as well as quiet spaces for those who want to read or work in a more private setting.


“Hotels are investing much more than they used to in the restaurants and bars, doing all they can to attract not just guests to eat and drink in the hotel but to also non-guests.

“People expect more from their hotel visits now too, discerning customers like to have something to aspire to for their own homes such as high-end soft furnishing, quirky decoration and cool lighting for example. Hotel interior design must take on the many demands of today’s customers and create spaces that are not only functional but awe-inspiring and memorable.


“My inspiration comes from all around me. I believe the element that makes a hotel unique and interesting is its location and sense of place. I try to make sure that the interior design in some way reflects the community around to create an instant connection. Hotels, including large multi-nationals, are adding elements to the interiors that are relevant to that local are; be it paintings of local landmarks or items that are made locally, hotels want to integrate into its surrounding area and be a part of the local community.

Hotel Summit

Hotel Summit to return in 2018

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Forum Events is delighted to announce the return of the Hotel Summit in 2018. Hotel Designs is a proud partner of the event, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year.

Taking place on 4-5 June 2018 at Radisson Blu London Stansted, the Hotel Summit is specifically organised for senior professionals who are directly responsible for procuring and purchasing within their organisation, and those who provide the latest products within the sector.

Aiming to build long-lasting business relationships between product and service suppliers and hotel owners and designers, the Summit matches hoteliers with hotel suppliers for a series of pre-arranged one-on-one meetings. In addition, a series of informative and inspirational seminars are hosted, while a gala dinner with evening entertainment, plus other networking opportunities, provide further business opportunities and peer-to-peer engagement.

One of the highlights of the 2016 incarnation was the news that Global Design Concepts quoted a £1 million project as a result of meetings at the Summit. And the success of the event was echoed by delegates and suppliers who attended.

For more information or to enquire about booking a place, please contact Jennie Lane on 01992 374098 or j.lane@forumevents.co.uk

www.hotel-summit.co.uk

Roxy-Pacific acquires second hotel asset in Japan

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Established property and hospitality group with an AsiaPacific focus, Roxy-Pacific Holdings, has announced the acquisition of its second hotel asset in Japan, Tenmabashi Grand Hotel Osaka.

Launched in May 2017, the 154-room Tenmabashi Grand Hotel Osaka is an 8-minute walk away from Tenjibashi shopping street – the longest shopping street in Japan. Nearby tourist hotspots include the Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, Osaka Castle Park, as well as the famous Cherry Blossoms at the Osaka Mint Bureau.

The 9-storey hotel comprising 3,672-square-metres of total floor area will, upon completion of the acquisition in October 2017, be self-managed by the Group’s Noku Roxy hospitality management arm, which currently operates a boutique hotel in Kyoto, Japan – Noku Kyoto.

Through its furnishings and curated list of attractions and F&B offerings in the vicinity, the Noku Roxy brand aims to showcase the best version of the city, as well as hidden gems only visited by the locals. Attention to detail and personalised experiences also create a differentiated stay for guests.

Osaka received a record number of foreign visitors in 2016 exceeding 9.4 million, representing a 31% hike from 20152. The city also boasts one of the highest hotel occupancy rates of any major city in Japan.

Amongst the Noku Roxy hospitality brand asset pipeline includes a 50-villa resort in Maldives, and a separate resort in the Chalong sub-district of Phuket, Thailand, planned for launch in the last quarter of 2017 and 2019, respectively.

Hotel Santiago

Mandarin Oriental enters South America with Hotel Santiago

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Hotel Santiago has opened under Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group management, following the Group’s announcement in May. Formerly the Grand Hyatt Santiago, the property will undergo an extensive guestroom and public area renovation, the first stage of which is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2018.

The hotel will remain open throughout the period, and is now accepting reservations. This is the Group’s first property in South America.

The property comprises 310 guestrooms including 23 suites with commanding views of the city and the Andes. Its 25,000-square-metre grounds contain a large free-form outdoor pool and landscaped gardens which provide a resort environment for guests. The hotel currently features five restaurants and bars as well as extensive banqueting and meeting space. Additional facilities include a spa and fitness centre.

Hotel Santiago will continue to operate throughout the first phase of the renovation which will reposition the property as a Mandarin Oriental hotel in the third quarter of 2018. The new luxury accommodation, public areas and landscaped gardens will be redesigned to reflect local culture, with features inspired by Mandarin Oriental’s Asian heritage.

Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza announced

Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza announced

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Hilton has announced that ONE UN New York will join the Hilton network as Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza on August 30 as Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ seventh local property.

The landmark hotel, situated alongside the United Nations headquarters, has long welcomed both leisure and business travellers, and the world’s most esteemed leaders, diplomats and heads of state.

The iconic property is now poised to deliver Hilton’s flagship hospitality to visitors from across the globe.

It has completed a $68 million phased renovation since 2012, which preserved the distinctive architecture and layout of the original Kevin Roche-designed building, while upgrading the hotel’s 439 guest rooms and suites, meetings and event spaces, public areas and restaurant.

Brit List

Brit List 2017 Hoteliers Profiles

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

ARUN KUMAR – THE LALIT LONDON
Arun has accumulated more than two decades of experience in the industry, and has plied his trade with some of the biggest names in the sector. But having been at the helm of the £50 million transformation of The LaLiT London, he is now making his mark in the capital.

With the LaLiT’s reputation cementing itself more and more with each passing week, Arun now has his eyes on expansion for the Suri family’s LaLiT Suri Hospitality group, which given the beautiful finish at the LaLiT we at Hotel Designs would be very excited to see.

CHARLES LOWTHER – ASKHAM HALL
Following buying and refurbishing the George and Dragon Clifton with his mother and the death of his father the 7th Earl of Lonsdale, Charles Lowther turned the private family home Askham Hall into a unique and contemporary luxury retreat with rooms, restaurant and wedding venue in 2013.
Together with his family including his wife Juno, an artist, his sister Marie-Louisa and mother Carolineand his mother bought and refurbished the George and Dragon Clifton – a country inn with bar, restaurant and bedrooms in Clifton in 2008, and transformed it into the popular foodie destination that it has now become.

ANDREW AND LOUISE MACBETH – BECK HALL HOTEL
Having left successful non-hospitality careers in the UAE behind, husband-and-wife duo Andrew and Louise also left London to transform a quaint-but-unloved former B&B into one of the most buzzed-about properties in northern England. Financial success has been coupled with a family-driven and (importantly for the Macbeths) a dog-friendly approach.

With four children under the age of two (two sets of twins), the Macbeths’ nomination for this evening’s Brit List is a nod to the hard-working families in hospitality; balancing family life with a love and passion for this most rewarding of industries.

JENNIFER McCABE – CHARLOTTE STREET HOTEL
Charlotte Street Hotel is part of the Firmdale Group of hotels – the brainchild of husband and wife team Tim and Kit Kemp and Charlotte Street is one of Kit Kemp’s earliest designs, renowned for its flamboyant elegance.

Jennifer has been with the Firmdale Group since 2009, starting off as Deputy General Manager at the Covent Garden Hotel before making the switch to Charlotte Street in 2014, and it has been a successful switch, with the hotel regularly featuring in ‘Best of London’ lists since.

PETER McCARTHY – CLEVEDON HALL
Peter bought Clevedon Hall in 1991, a Grade 2 * listed Victorian building, to house the three companies in the Group. 12 years later he sold the business but kept the Hall as managed service offices. Following the financial crisis in 2009 he and his son John, decided to create an exclusive wedding venue on the ground floor of the Hall as there had been many requests over the years for weddings to be held at the Hall. The first wedding was held in 2010.

In 2013 following feedback from clients, it was decided to completely refurbish the Hall and convert the old offices on the 2nd/3rd floor to luxury bedrooms. This took over 2 years but resulted in arguably the best venue with accommodation in the South West.

5-star hotel arrives in Parramatta with SKYE Hotel Suites

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SKYE Hotel Suites Parramatta opens its doors this week, bringing unrivalled urban luxury to Sydney’s West. The highly-anticipated opening sees Crown Group lead the charge into Parramatta’s 5-star hotel market, elevating the suburb into Sydney’s second CBD.

Committed to the ultimate in guest luxury, SKYE Hotel Suites comprises 72 apartment-style suites with the finest bespoke furnishings and fittings. Each features L’Occitane toiletries, in- room dining from a modern on-site restaurant, pre-stockable maxi-bar, the unique ability to choose your own mattress firmness on each side of the bed, keyless entry and ‘virtual concierge’ tablets to enable access to all hotel services from each suite.

Amenities to delight even the most seasoned business traveller or the most demanding holidaymaker include a state-of-the-art gymnasium, pool, sundeck, spa, sauna and new restaurant, Husk & Vine Kitchen and Bar, which opened at lobby level on July 1. Later this year cocktail legend Sven Almenning will also open a breathtaking 26th floor rooftop bar, overlooking Sydney’s iconic skyline.

5-star hotel arrives in Parramatta with the opening of SKYE Hotel Suites
When breaking ground for the development, Crown Group discovered archaeological remains integral to Parramatta’s historical and cultural past, including an 1840s house, an underlying convict hut, wheelwright’s workshop and the cellar of the Wheat Sheaf Hotel, which were preserved for public display and have inspired Husk & Vine’s unique wheat and wine concept.

5-star hotel arrives in Parramatta with the opening of SKYE Hotel Suites
Adding to Crown Group’s already extensive portfolio of luxury residential property, SKYE Hotel Suites sits within V by Crown Group’s twin residential towers, creating a world-class ‘vertical village’ to rival those in emerging Asian and European design capitals.

The building itself is an architectural centrepiece for Parramatta, achieved by twin visionaries Allen Jack + Cottier and Koichi Takada Architects. Located less than 300 metres from Parramatta Square and a short walk from Parramatta’s train station and ferry wharf, SKYE Hotel Suites is surrounded by high-end retail and cultural experiences.
Commenting on Crown Group’s move into the luxury hotels arena, Chairman & Group Chief Executive Officer Iwan Sunito noted, “Parramatta is a powerhouse for innovation and business and SKYE Hotel Suites will be a stand-out, luxury addition to Sydney’s up-and-coming West.”

“Appealing to a new generation of domestic and international visitors to the city, SKYE Hotel Suites is designed to create a fresh lifestyle standard delivering superior apartment-sized suites for discerning travellers. It will also set the benchmark for future SKYE Hotels Suites openings in Sydney’s CBD in 2018 and Green Square in 2019.”

Hamilton at Decorex

Product Spotlight: Hamilton’s ‘primed-to-paint’ range to be debuted at Decorex

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Following a successful show last year, Hamilton is again returning to interior design exhibition Decorex on 17-20 September 2017, held at Syon Park, London. At the event, Hamilton will launch their popular Hartland CFX® and Sheer CFX® ranges in a new primed finish that can be painted to match any interior colour or theme, making customisation even more accessible.

The new primed finish plates will be displayed on Stand H37a at the show, which is a key event for interior designers. As well as the sleek and modern Hartland CFX® and Sheer CFX® ranges, the primed finish option is also available on any bespoke plates so they can be painted to match a wall colour, wallpaper or soft furnishings. The primed plates come with a choice of insert finishes, from Bright Chrome to Antique Brass, and with either black or white inset surrounds.

Decorex takes place ahead of Hamilton’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2018. During the past five decades, the family-run British business has become renowned for supplying high quality decorative electrical wiring accessories, lighting control and multi-room audio systems that are manufactured and finished to an exceptional standard. They will have a plethora of product on show that have been designed to create the right look and ambience in any space, while meeting the exacting project demands of architects, interior designers and tech-savvy homeowners.


Hamilton plate montage 427/7 connectivity
Amongst the solutions on show will be their increasingly popular range of USB switched sockets. Available in Hartland, Hartland CFX®, Sheer and Sheer CFX® designs, these USB sockets ensure the latest smart devices can be easily charged through a USB port, fulfilling the need to be connected 24/7. Unlike some of Hamilton’s competitors, its dual USB switched sockets have a 1A rated USB port for charging mobile phones and a second 2.1A USB port for tablets and other devices, meaning double the charging capacity simultaneously.


Create a colour wash with light
Hamilton will also showcase its Smart Lighting Control, including its RGB DMX control option. This allows a colour wash to be applied to an area using LED lighting, helping to add drama, create a certain ambience or to ‘zone’ specific areas of a larger space. Typically popular in the bars, hotels and restaurants, this on-trend lighting solution is becoming more desirable domestically and is adding flair to homes and hotels.

Free designers’ swatch
Don’t forget to pick up your free designers’ swatches on Stand H37a, a great reference tool illustrating available plate finishes. Divided into two tone boxes, the ‘Warm’ collection includes Polished Brass, Richmond Bronze and Connaught finishes, amongst others, while the ‘Cool’ collection includes Bright Stainless, Black Nickel and Satin Chrome. The finishes can be applied to Hamilton’s enormous collection of switch and socket plate designs.

Design your own
However, if you can’t find exactly the right solution for you, the Hamilton team will be on-hand to discuss their bespoke design and finishing service. The team can create an electrical wiring accessory that’s as unique as your design theme or has the exact functionality that you need. This is particularly helpful for those working on hotel projects where bespoke multi-function plates are needed.

To find out more and speak to one of the Hamilton team, head to Stand H37a at Decorex.

T: +44 (0)1747 860088
info@hamilton-litestat.com
www.hamilton-litestat.com

Chelsom Scroll

Product Spotlight: Scroll from Chelsom

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The Scroll Desk Lamp is a sleek and contemporary piece fusing clean and stylish design with the latest technology.

Also available as a Floor Lamp, the Scroll range features tubular metalwork which forms an elliptical base that flows in to an upright angled column. Both Table and Floor Lamps are designed to throw light forward on to guestroom reading areas and tall fabric cone shades create diffused ambient lighting.

Pictured here in Black Bronze, the fitting is also available in Polished Chrome in addition to a number of alternative finish options available to special order for minimum quantities.

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

Hotel Designs Logo stacked & NEW strapline-012

29 July-4 August: 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. OPINION: NYC’S MISTAKE IN ATTACKING AIRBNB
Hotel Designs editor Daniel Fountain asks why are hotels becoming increasingly paranoiac of Airbnb? And why these scare tactics won’t work…

2. STEIGENBERGER FRANKFURTER HOF SPA RECEIVES AWARD
THE SPA at the Grand Hotel Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof has gained a “Luxury Hotel” commendation at the 2017 World Luxury Spa Awards in Hanoi (Vietnam) and has thus won the immediate right to designate itself as a “2017 World Luxury Hotel Spa Winner”.

3. CONCEPT HOTEL FOCUS: EVEN HOTEL AUCKLAND SCHEDULED FOR 2020 OPENING
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group) and Pro-invest Group today herald the ‘age of the healthy traveller’ in Australasia with the first signing of an EVEN Hotels property in New Zealand.

4. DECOREX ANNOUNCES SEMINAR PROGRAMME
Among the most highly acclaimed features at Decorex International, the UK’s leading destination for interior design, is that of the Seminar Programme.

5. GUEST BLOG: LOTSS – ‘PRIORITISING TECHNOLOGY FOR YOUR HOTEL STAFF’
Prachi Chhabria, co-founder of Lotss, shares her views on the best way to integrate technology into your processes to keep your hotel staff connected…

6. GREY STREET HOTEL UNVEILS RESULTS OF £1.2M DEVELOPMENT
An historic hotel at the heart of Newcastle’s most prestigious street has unveiled the results of a £1.2m development.

7. GUEST BLOG: MITRE – SIX WAYS TO ACCESSORISE HOTEL ROOMS
Chris Tame, Mitre Linen’s National Sales Manager, provides us with his six expert tips how to accessorise your rooms in order to create a warm welcome, a wonderful stay and a lasting impression.

8. DISNEYLAND PARIS PLANS TO OPEN MARVEL-THEMED HOTEL
According to reports in the Daily Telegraph last week, Disney is planning a Marvel-themed hotel at its Paris park.

9. REBRAND OF THE EPIPHANY HOTEL IN PALO ALTO TO NOBU PROPERTY
Nobu Hospitality, the group founded by renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Academy Award winner Robert De Niro, and Hollywood producer Meir Teper, has announced the rebranding of The Epiphany Hotel to the Nobu Hotel Epiphany due to transition on October 2, 2017.

10. CROSSWATER CONFIRMED AS HOTEL SUMMIT 2018 ATTENDEES
With the Hotel Summit coming back in 2018 for it’s 20th anniversary edition, Forum Events Ltd is delighted to announce the attendance of Crosswater at the event.

Independent Hotel Show

Independent Hotel Show now open for registration

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The Independent Hotel Show, presented by James Hallam Hospitality & Leisure, returning to Olympia London on 17 and 18 October, is now open for registration.

Now in its sixth year, the Show is the only UK business event dedicated to the independent, luxury and boutique hotel sector and returns with new feature areas, a stimulating list of industry experts, business seminars and key note sessions, as well as a feast of ideas, inspiration and insight.

A carefully-curated list of over 300 exhibitors – from guest room amenities to interior design agencies and technology suppliers – will be present, informing visitors about the latest products and services for the independent hotelier while over 100 industry professionals will speak in more than 30 seminars covering design, marketing, branding, social media, recruitment, wellness and more across three stages – Business Theatre, Innovation Stage and The Gymnasium for the Mind.

IHS 17 Logo GoldFor the first time, attendees will be able to find out what makes The Perfect Hotel Bedroom after the results of a survey, carried out in partnership with Chic Retreats, determined consumer preferences in lighting, soft furnishings, storage and more.

The Perfect Hotel Bedroom, created and built to scale by Harriet Forde Design, will be a key feature, with products from the Show’s exhibitors used to furnish the room and visiting hoteliers, journalists and industry thought-leaders invited to get “in bed” to share opinions about it.

The show will also feature the celebrated Independent Hotelier and Outstanding New Hotel Awards which will recognise those which have made a significant contribution to the industry over the past year.

Miranda Martin, Event Director at Independent Hotel Show said: “The 2017 Independent Hotel Show offers everything the independent, luxury and boutique hotelier needs to help inspire and develop their business. As with previous years we have secured an exceptionally strong line-up of industry experts and exhibitors, proving how invaluable the show is to all areas of the sector. We are particularly excited to be revealing such an insightful and potentially controversial feature in The Perfect Hotel Bedroom and look forward to feedback from visitors”

For more information on the Independent Hotel Show 2017 and to register to attend for free, visit www.independenthotelshow.co.uk.

Duravit Vero Air Bathtub

Product Spotlight: Vero Air bathtub – the perfect rectangle

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Vero Air has become a complete bathroom range while retaining its strong, design-focused identity.

The new Vero Air bathtubs impress with reduced edges and striking linear charm. State-of-the-art technology in Duravit’s manufacturing processes allow for this extremely precise design.

The freestanding Vero Air bath tub is presented as a perfect rectangle, stylishly reflecting the design of the range. The striking design of the Vero Air bathtub is a logical continuation of the Vero design language.

All Vero Air bathtubs are optionally available with the new Air-System, fitted with air jets that are almost invisibly integrated. On request, they are also available with LED colour light and sound.

A special extra feature is the new, discreetly-integrated air whirl system with Piezo button. This special push button contains no moveable mechanical parts and is as a result extremely low-maintenance.

Concept Hotel Focus: Lifesize LEGO hotel completed at Windsor

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The new 61 bedroom LEGOLAND Castle Hotel opens straight on to the LEGOLAND theme park, offering guests a completely immersive LEGO® experience.

Award winning architecture and interiors practice, The Manser Practice, was commissioned by Merlin Entertainments Ltd to design and deliver the ultimate LEGO family hotel, as well as extension works to the LEGOLAND Resort Hotel facilities at the resort.

With the aim of achieving an enchanted life-size LEGO themed castle for guests to stay in, the ‘LEGO Castle’ range was used as inspiration for the colour scheme and material choices for the project as well as the bespoke facade. Vital to the scheme was the need for guests to feel that they have been transported to a LEGO world.

Concept Hotel Focus: Lifesize LEGO hotel completed at Windsor
The design and layout were critical in achieving this, enabling the hotel to smoothly operate without guests being aware of what is going on ‘behind the scenes.’ From the moment guests approach the drawbridge they become part of the LEGOLAND Castle Story. Chris Jeffcoate, Associate Director at The Manser Practice, said: “The LEGO theming has been considered at every stage and is truly woven into the fabric of the building. We worked closely alongside Merlin Magic Making to coordinate the project from
inception to completion, harmonising layouts and design and build elements with the artistic theming and interior design to ensure that every construction detail would work with custom graphic wallpaper and complex 3D theming. It was essential to understand how children and adults would use and react to the space.”

The complexity of the internal theming presented a challenge for co-ordination of services and structure. Whether in the grand entrance, the restaurant or the bedrooms, each and every element, from light fittings and grilles to FF&E and finishes, has been carefully chosen to tie in with the LEGO brand and colour palette to ensure that the fantasy is fully maintained. Durable furniture selection was also necessary given the intense everyday use by children.

A fully bespoke Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) cladding system was developed by The Manser Practice for the façade of the building. The cladding gives the impression that the hotel has been constructed of 25x scale LEGO bricks – meaning a scale replica could in fact be built from LEGO. This GRC system was created from tessellating panels formed off site in a predesigned mould which are worked to strict LEGO brick proportions and replicates a unique stonework texture.

The hotel also features a Grand Entrance Hall and a full serviced ‘Tournament Tavern restaurant.

THE SPA Frankfurter Hof

Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof spa receives award

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THE SPA at the Grand Hotel Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof has gained a “Luxury Hotel” commendation at the 2017 World Luxury Spa Awards in Hanoi (Vietnam) and has thus won the immediate right to designate itself as a “2017 World Luxury Hotel Spa Winner”.

The World Luxury Spa Awards are a world-recognised public event that has been in existence since 2007. They acknowledge hotels with outstanding health and beauty spa areas and restaurants on an annual basis. More than 1,000 luxury hotels and resorts from 150 countries compete in 50 categories to acquire a nomination. The crucial criteria are an innovative overall concept, the very highest level of quality and comfort and excellent service performance on the part of the hotel.

The exclusive Day Spa extends over an area of 1,000 m2 and features a combination of health and beauty and body care treatments. THE SPA at the Frankfurter Hof is not merely a premium venue for relaxation and regeneration. Professional beauty experts are also on hand to offer first class body care from head to toe. Exclusive cosmetic products are used to provide individual hair, nail and make-up treatments.

Further highlights include an unusually designed hamam, an extensive sauna area and a Private Spa Suite which is the first of its kind in Frankfurt.

The décor at THE SPA reflects a timeless elegance in its combination of warm shades of cream and brown and dark-coloured high-quality woods. Whereas clear and calm lines predominate in the relaxation rooms, the Private Spa Suite and the sauna area, the ornamental mosaics in the hamam conjure up an oriental atmosphere.

Decorex

Decorex announces seminar programme

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Among the most highly acclaimed features at Decorex International, the UK’s leading destination for interior design, is that of the Seminar Programme.

The much anticipated programme of talks will return to Syon House to offer visitors an extensive series of insightful debates that will explore industry relevant topics through detailed discussions hosted by experts from the world of design. A diverse and dynamic array of design experts join this anniversary year to discuss current trends, projects and predictions as well as share their expertise in the Seminar Theatre.

DecorexHighlights include a discussion on the future of design by acclaimed stylist Emilio Pimentel-Reid, Francis Sultana and Kirstie Carey from Cole & Son and on designing for the millennial with multi-award winning Afroditi Krassa. A session on taking your brand global heads Monday’s line up featuring panelists Nina Campbell, Katharine Pooley, Sophie Ashby, Natalia Miyar. Acclaimed interior designer Shalini Misra will be discussing using art within interior design. Discussing modelling a business for design will be panelists Charles Leon, Anna Burles and Lambert and Browne’s Freddy Van Zevenbergen. Design faux pas will be settled once and for all in the much anticipated Design Room 101 with an expert panel including interior designers Simon Hamilton, Sue Timney and Joanna Wood.

For those passionate about interior design or those launching their own successful business Polly Williams, the Designers’ Advisor at the award-winning Camberyard, will host a panel talk along with designers Ana Azevedo, Kay Westmaas, Emma Hooton and Robin Sprong offering expert industry mentoring and advice to interior design professionals. With 12 years of expertly honed knowledge advising an interior design studio Polly will lead the discussion offering key business and marketing strategies for establishing and running your own interiors business.

For colour trends, don’t miss the discussion with ColourHive. Sophie Conran, Beata Heuman, Kim Kuhteubl and Farrow and Ball’s Joe Studholme will partake in a candid charrette about vision, communication and business strategy with women in design Other design sessions include a conversation between designers Martin Hulbert and Jay Grierson with Carole Annett as well as a discussion with leading interior designer Guy Oliver.

To see the full Seminar Programme, visit the Decorex website.

Hampton by Hilton lands at Urban&Civic Stansted Airport scheme

Hampton by Hilton lands at Urban&Civic Stansted Airport scheme

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Urban&Civic is pleased to announce the opening of its new hotel at Stansted which is being operated under the Hampton by Hilton brand. The opening represents the culmination of an 18 month design and build programme by developer and owner Urban&Civic.

The 357-room eight-storey hotel is Hampton by Hilton’s largest property in Europe and joins 22 other Hampton by Hilton properties in the UK. The hotel offers guests services and amenities such as a free hot breakfast, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi, Work Zone with internet and printing facilities and a 24/7 fitness centre. Additionally the hotel offers two meeting rooms.

Directly connected to the terminal building, the development is part of Urban&Civic’s commitment to deliver high quality commercial and residential places and significant investment in the London – Stansted – Cambridge corridor. The investment sits alongside Urban&Civic’s substantial local footprint as Master Developer of three strategic housing led regeneration projects at Waterbeach Barracks, Alconbury Weald and St Neots delivering almost 15,000 homes, 14 schools and significant investment in transport and community infrastructure and place-making.

Robin Butler, Managing Director, said: “The hotel is a strong addition to the Stansted skyline and further endorses the significant investment going in to Stansted Airport and supporting those growing ambitions. The quality of both design and materials should ensure that the building rapidly becomes recognised as a further statement of confidence for not just the airport but the wider region as a whole”

Signbox delivers stunning brass-effect directory for prestigious London office building

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Signbox has supplied a bespoke tenant directory sign for the reception area at 12 Arthur Street, near London Bridge. Having won the opportunity with contractors Kingly Developments through a competitive tender process in January 2017, the work was completed in mid-June.

The project formed a key part of the extensive reception and lift lobby refurbishment in this prestigious office building which currently lists Prudential and A.M. Best among its tenants.

Signbox manufactured the directory sign in-house on a Tekcel EXR router using 20mm thick acrylic and 6mm thick aluminium. The sign components were finished with a tarnished brass metal effect, a revolutionary process that applies a veneer of a metal coating to the surface and gives the look and feel of solid metal.

Signbox delivers stunning brass-effect directory for prestigious London office building 12 Arthur Street
This Metall-FX manufacturing process involves artisan hand-finishing, polishing and painting multiple layers to achieve the appearance of aged brass, matching other architectural details in the build. The surface edges of the sign were bevelled with a pencil round router bit and sanded to a specific grit finish to achieve the optimum surface. Though it was time-consuming, the weight and cost savings over traditional brass fabrication were considerable.

Signbox delivers stunning brass-effect directory for prestigious London office building 12 Arthur Street

“The architects on the project, Morrow + Lorraine, had originally requested a solid metal fabrication that would have been very expensive to produce,” explains Signbox managing director Mark Bartlett. “With our extensive experience of manufacturing techniques, we were able to value engineer the design, presenting an alternative proposal which offered significant cost savings to the client. We also worked closely with the specialist concrete cladding contractor – Graphic Relief – in order to facilitate a first fix of the support channels to secure the directory to the wall behind reception.”

“We have worked with Kingly Developments on a number of high-profile projects over the years,” Bartlett adds. “We were delighted to team up with them again on this project and, together with the architects and other specialist contractors, deliver a finished product that met all of the client’s expectations, while also coming in under budget.”

“Working with Signbox on the brass effect tenant directory for 12 Arthur Street has been a real success,” says Daniel Hall, Associate at Morrow + Lorraine Architects. “We have developed a good rapport through the period of design development, and have been impressed with their ability to advise on finishes and manufacturing processes that respond to the brief, ensuring the product was delivered on programme and within budget. We would be happy to work with Signbox again on future collaborations.”

www.signbox.co.uk

T: +44 (0) 1784 438688

Member Spotlight: Kobe sponsors apprentice

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Student Darren Blackwell, an apprentice upholsterer, showcased his first-class skills with a little help from luxury fabric supplier, Kobe UK.

The AMUSF apprentice formed part of a team of association members who represented the Worshipful Company of Upholders at Lincoln cathedral’s Heritage Skills Festival in June.

Student Darren Blackwell, an apprentice upholsterer, showcased his first-class skills with a little help from luxury fabric supplier, Kobe UK.

Student Darren Blackwell, an apprentice upholsterer, showcased his first-class skills with a little help from luxury fabric supplier, Kobe UK.

As part of the festival, Darren saw his final apprenticeship diploma piece – a chair – on show, along with other examples of upholstery and soft furnishings. He is the first trainee to complete the Livery Company Apprenticeship Scheme, launched in the summer of 2014.

The Upholders sponsored the frame of Darren’s chair and Kobe the Conure fabric, from the company’s Toucan collection. David Harris, Kobe MD said: “We are delighted to see our fabric used to create such a beautiful piece of furniture. It’s a credit to Darren’s upholstery skills and I would like to congratulate him on his qualification, which recognises the hard work and commitment he has shown to his craft.”

Darren was presented with his AMUSF qualification at Wendy Shorter’s Students’ Show on 29th July. Wendy Shorter Interiors is a multi-awards winning training centre that has received several craft training awards for encouraging craft skills in upholstery and soft furnishings.

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

www.en.kobe.eu

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

Waldorf Astoria Chengdu

Waldorf Astoria Chengdu opens as Hilton’s 200th Asia Pacific hotel

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Hilton and Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts have announced the opening of Waldorf Astoria Chengdu, the company’s 200th hotel in Asia Pacific.

Located in Western China’s gateway city of Chengdu, the 289-room Waldorf Astoria Chengdu is housed within the high-end in99 Plaza, a 190,000-square-metre mixed-use development comprising a retail mall, office towers, and apartment towers.

A 52-storey, art deco inspired landmark that weaves classic elegance with modern luxury, Waldorf Astoria Chengdu offers guests an inspirational environment in the new financial district of Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone.

Guest rooms at the hotel start from a spacious 50 square metres, each elegantly-furnished and featuring the signature Waldorf Astoria bed, a walk-in closet, marble bathrooms with double vanities, and modern entertainment amenities. A personal concierge cabinet at the entryway of each room ensures convenience and allows for discreet service at all times.

Airbnb

Opinion: NYC’s mistake in attacking Airbnb

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According to reports in the United States, New York’s hotel industry is about to start playing dirty – very dirty – in their battle against the highly successful lodging company Airbnb.

In an advertisement scheduled to run starting on Monday (7th August), funded by the Hotel Association of New York City and a hotel workers union, concerns are raised over links between ‘security’ and the wildly popular home-sharing site. There’s even a reference to the Manchester bombing perpetrator Salman Abedi, and his use of a short-term rental apartment – even though it had not been booked through Airbnb.

Scaremongering text and images are used, including the phrase ‘Are you at risk?’, and lists a phone number to register complaints against the company with a message to ‘stand up for NY’s safety and security.’

Speaking to the New York Daily News, Airbnb spokesman Peter Schottenfels called the ad “an outrageous scare tactic by big hotels who themselves have a long history of lodging people who engage in acts of terror.” He then cited 9/11 and the 2015 Paris attacks, both carried out by attackers who stayed in hotels.

“The fact is Airbnb had nothing to do with the tragic events in Manchester and we are one of the only hospitality companies that runs background checks on all US residents, both hosts and guests,” Schottenfels adds.

Shots fired.

So why are hotels becoming increasingly paranoiac of Airbnb? It’s no secret that the rate of leisure travellers using private accommodation was up a third last year from 2011 and that Airbnb is encroaching on hotels’ bread-and-butter market of business travellers with each passing year.

But these sort of low-blow, questionable advertising campaigns are not the answer for hotel groups. They need to take the game to Airbnb – an ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’ sort of mentality. Whilst Marriott has had a grip on the shared, long-stay market for a while, more and more groups are breaking into this sector and will need to continue growing this portfolio in a bid to compete.

Moreover, the success of Airbnb has come in part through its readiness to engage and instant connection with the so-called ‘millennial’ market. Less uniformity in design, an emphasis on communal spaces, reflection of the locale, embracing ever-changing technology – all of these things inherent in the Airbnb ethos, hotels are now having to play catch-up and are getting better at doing so, albeit slowly. Now that social media is here to stay, it’s one of the most powerful tools at hoteliers’ disposal but it must be about ‘positive engagement’ with consumers – something this advertising campaign will certainly not engender.

Furthermore, the rates of Airbnb has made the hotel industry take an inward look at itself about how it has priced a considerable number of people away from its products, which is why we are seeing a host of ‘budget’ or ‘economy’ brands popping up within hotel groups’ offering. If you don’t want people to use Airbnb, you have to offer a similarly-priced alternative that ticks all the boxes in terms of the things mentioned above.

The steps the hotel industry has taken in the last decade since the dawn of Airbnb has been fascinating to witness and many of the innovations, perhaps spurred on by the demands of consumers loyal to the home-sharing concept, probably have Airbnb to thank for introducing them. This is a much better approach for the industry to take. Smear campaigns based in half-truths and playing on fears is not the right approach and makes the industry look desperate. Airbnb and its ilk are here to stay, the hotel industry needs to learn to live with and compete to win the hearts and minds of the next generation of traveller.

Mustard bedroom - Grey Street Hotel

Grey Street Hotel unveils results of £1.2m development

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An historic hotel at the heart of Newcastle’s most prestigious street has unveiled the results of a £1.2m development.

Grade II-listed Grey Street hotel, on one of the most famous Regency streets in Britain, has come to the end of an 18-month phased refurbishment by its owner, North East hospitality heavyweight, Malhotra Group plc.

And, it is now set to become one of the city’s most prominent hospitality venues for corporate, leisure and spa visitors alike. The hotel – which retains a number of historically significant features such as art nouveau tiling and mosaic flooring – remained open throughout the development which began with the transformation of its 49 en-suite bedrooms.

Grey Street Hotel in Newcastle. Picture: DAVID WOOD

Grey Street Hotel in Newcastle. Picture: DAVID WOOD

Each has been individually styled to combine contemporary luxury with unique tributes to the city’s heritage. Decorated in a monochromatic scheme with accents of teal, green, pink or purple, each room has a feature wall bearing a large-scale image of a Tyneside landmark – including the neighbouring Theatre Royal – or figure, such as Earl Grey, from whom the street and hotel take their name.

Grey Street Hotel in Newcastle. Picture: DAVID WOOD

There have also been changes to the hotel’s layout, including the relocation of the entrance and the creation of All About You, an urban beauty retreat in the upper basement.

Grey Street Hotel in Newcastle. Picture: DAVID WOOD

For corporate customers, the hotel’s main conference room, the Monument Suite, has been extended to hold up to 100 people and can be divided into smaller spaces, while a smaller meeting room, The Snug, holding up to six people, has been created for private events.

Grey Street Hotel in Newcastle. Picture: DAVID WOOD

Grey Street Hotel in Newcastle. Picture: DAVID WOOD

“This development goes way beyond cosmetic,” said Atul Malhotra, operations director at The Malhotra Group. “We’ve taken an entirely fresh look at the space to widen its appeal to residents and non-residents alike and to ensure it is as attractive to the city’s business community and spa-goers as it is to those visiting from outside the region.

“Our challenge has been in providing the standard of luxury and comfort today’s hotel visitors expect, while respecting the building’s historical and architectural significance and I am confident we have achieved this,” he added.

www.greystreethotel.co.uk

Leonardo Hotels purchases Scottish Portland Hotels

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Leonardo Hotels has reported it has acquired a strategically placed portfolio in Scotland increasing the company’s presence in Edinburgh and gaining a presence in Glasgow, Perth and Aberdeen.

Portland Hotels will add 536 additional bedrooms across Scotland and will take Leonardo’s presence in Edinburgh to 445 bedrooms joining the Leonardo Royal which was acquired in October last year.

The newly acquired portfolio will join the Leonardo Hotels family and will be integrated into the wider Leonardo portfolio, which will comprise over 80 hotels after the recent acquisition. Together with Leonardo Hotel London Heathrow Airport, Leonardo’s portfolio in the UK will grow to seven hotels with 1,048 bedrooms.

The Edinburgh City Hotel is a charming 52 bedroom boutique hotel located at the heart of the capital city of Scotland below Edinburgh Castle and minutes from Grassmarket night life, West End Shopping, Haymarket Station, the central business district and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. The Edinburgh Capital is located strategically between Edinburgh city centre and Edinburgh Airport.

In addition to its 111 rooms, the Edinburgh Capital hotel has seven meeting rooms available with a capacity of up to 320 persons and an excellent leisure club with a swimming pool. The Glasgow Pond Hotel with its 137 rooms and three meeting rooms for up to 130 persons is located in the prosperous West End of Glasgow in close proximity to the key cultural attractions including Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow University and the area’s cafés, restaurants and boutiques. In Perth, the Huntingtower Hotel provides 34 bedrooms.

An extensive capacity for holding premium events as well as expansive gardens make it an ideal facility for meetings and private celebrations. The Speedbird Inn with 202 rooms is located immediately adjacent Aberdeen Airport and features a large parking facility with park, sleep and fly options as well as being a favourite with business travellers.

Daniel Roger, Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Europe said: “When we entered the market in the UK two years ago, we made it our goal to further expand our portfolio and strengthen the name recognition of the Leonardo Hotels brand. The purchase of Portland Hotels underscores this. I am convinced that our guests will love and appreciate this expansion of our offerings in key destinations across Scotland”.

EVEN Hotel Auckland

Concept Hotel Focus: EVEN Hotel Auckland scheduled for 2020 opening

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Travel can play havoc with our mental and physical wellbeing. So many of us spend hours at the gym, watching our diets or taking early morning yoga classes, only to see all the great results fly out the window when we board the plane.

Increasingly travellers are realigning their priorities to put wellbeing first in today’s over-scheduled and ‘always on’ culture. As they increasingly endeavour to stick to good routines on the road, ‘wellness travel’ has flourished, outpacing regular travel by 50% and reflecting the need for travellers to recharge, refresh and rejuvenate themselves to maintain a healthy life balance.

IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group) and Pro-invest Group today herald the ‘age of the healthy traveller’ in Australasia with the first signing of an EVEN Hotels property in New Zealand, the first and only global hotel brand with wellness at its core.

EVEN Hotel Auckland is scheduled to open in 2020 and is the first of the brand to be signed outside of North America. It is also the first in Pro-Invest Group’s portfolio of 10-15 EVEN Hotels across the capital cities and economic hubs in Australia and New Zealand, in partnership with IHG.

Located in the very heart of Auckland’s centre, at the corner of Albert and Wyndham Street, the 200-room EVEN Hotel Auckland will not only look different, but will also have a distinctive vibe. It will feature fresh, natural and modern design; bringing the outdoors inside and offering playful and energising workspaces, dining and social areas, natural outdoor spaces. It will also feature design and technology elements to enable guests to maintain the balance they desire on a daily basis.

Technology

Guest Blog: Lotss – ‘Prioritising technology for your hotel staff’

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Prachi Chhabria - 'Prioritising technology for your hotel staff'Prachi Chhabria, co-founder of Lotss, shares her views on the best way to integrate technology into your processes to keep your hotel staff connected…

In the last few years, there has been a steady uptick in integrating the use of technology within the hospitality industry. Hotels are now heavily investing in guest-facing technologies such as booking engines, mobile apps, digital concierge services, keyless entry systems, beacons, automated check in and check out processes amongst many other, especially for their guests. In a recent New York Times article, Scott Dobroski, of corporate communications for Glassdoor, says that ‘All companies are becoming technology companies to some degree, and this is especially true in the hospitality industry’.

This phenomenon is definite progress for the hospitality industry, and it is time to shift the focus on adapting mobile technologies for your employees too. Stefan Tweraser of Snapshot writes about how employees are using multi faceted systems that can affect productivity and even shrink job satisfaction. These systems are so complex that guests are left waiting while employees navigate the user interface for information – information that should be mobile, on their fingertips and readily available at any given point of the day. Mobile technologies that allow for internal connectivity, communication, access to all information can be extremely valuable for operations and in-house staff.

Guest Blog: Lotss - 'Prioritising technology for your hotel staff'
A mobile platform can provide more benefits due to its flexible nature. For instance, staff members have instant access to the company intranet allowing them to provide enhanced service to guests. Gaining that access to daily news and real time updates increases their ability to work efficiently and with complete information. On the other hand, management can use employee behaviour data to optimise their operational processes. The key is to find technology that will save your employee’s time in doing routine tasks with all the required information to perform their job, available for their use at any time along with giving managers access to gather and analyse staff data. It will fit your operational purpose with simplicity in function and adaptability and most importantly, help improve your strategic goals and bottom-line.

By finding platforms that are multifaceted and provide different features to tie your operational processes together, it could provide valuable data into how staff carries out their work, and how it affects factors such as employee retention, satisfaction and productivity. These metrics have a direct impact on guests as well as the bottom line.

Features such as communication could include sending out daily updates regarding VIP guests or check in’s or having a portable database with documents on security, personnel HR, training, employee marketing and departmental reports. These enable staff to remain informed at all times, stay updated with recent knowledge and skills allowing them to do their tasks optimally and provide impeccable guest service. Just by using such a feature, guest satisfaction and retention can increase; along with productivity, again, positively affecting the bottom-line.

Added features such as surveys and feedback provide management with the opportunity to engage with their teams and have open dialogue frequently. Managers can respond faster to employee feedback, take action, and create a sense of community. As a result, employee retention boosts, satisfaction surges and the costs of hiring are reduced!

Bonus functions such as chatting, conducting assessments, filling checklists and inventory lists allow for optimising operational processes, reduced paper trails and collecting analytical in-house process data that can help management strategise better.

Guest Blog: Lotss - 'Prioritising technology for your hotel staff'To simplify this, it is advisable to contain the adoption of technology within one department initially. This can help gauge responsiveness from both employees and management. From there on, the technology can then be adopted by others (property wide or company wide). Management, too, can better adapt the use of this app and observe staff responses. Once the platforms are in use, and then integrating them into existing systems to heighten usage and optimise processes amplifies seamless operations.

When fully functional, management can create reports to recognise their team skills and compare and correlate usage within the app to metrics such as employee satisfaction and retention, guest satisfaction and retention, printing costs, training costs and productivity levels, all of which will be demonstrated financially as well.

By working with developers to customise technology to best suit your property, it allows you to exploit every function for maximum efficiency. With all the technology available at our disposal, do not invest in technology without purpose; rather invest in technology that serves your staff to serve your guests better eventually.

lotss.org

The Westin Sarasota

Luxury hotel debuts as The Westin Sarasota Hotel opens

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Kolter Hospitality, a division of The Kolter Group, has announced that it has opened the doors of The Westin Sarasota Hotel in downtown Sarasota to guests.

The highly anticipated hotel is located at 1175 N. Gulfstream Avenue in the heart of Sarasota’s lively Arts District.

The Westin Sarasota Hotel features include 255 Guestrooms and Suites, 26,000-square-feet of stunning event and meeting space, the signature EVOQ restaurant, a world class spa and salon; as well as a rooftop pool and bar overlooking Sarasota Bay. The signature hotel restaurant, EVOQ, was designed to evoke a sense of casual elegance.

With 26,000 square feet of banquet and conference space, the hotel can serve functions of all sizes. It’s largest room, the 5,515 square-foot Triton Ballroom, has 22-foot vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Sarasota Bay.

www.westinsarasota.com

Wix.com

Sponsored: Wix.com adds HotelRunner’s Channel Manager

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Wix.com, a leading cloud-based web development platform, has added HotelRunner’s Channel Manager, a leading channel management platform, to work within the Wix Hotels booking platform. Wix Hotels users will now be able to sync all their reservations from over 80 booking channels directly to one place.

Wix Hotels offers a complete booking engine that is fully integrated into a Wix website for hotels, B&Bs and vacation rentals. It makes it simple to build and maintain room inventory complete with pricing, booking, reservation and payment management. HotelRunner allows hotel owners to easily distribute rooms and pricing online.

Wix.com“HotelRunner gives our hospitality clients the ability to better manage their room inventory, enabling a more streamlined experience in organising and managing their business online,” said Gal Fisher, Wix Hotels operations manager.

“We are happy to enable our clients to have a beautiful website with a direct booking engine easily integrating their inventory to global online travel agencies in real-time. Whether they are a hotel, apartment or a villa, our clients are now able to promote their inventory globally,” added Riza Kaynak, HotelRunner Customer Success Manager.

This is a sponsored post from Wix.com – click here to find out more…

Mitre Linen

Guest Blog: Mitre – Six ways to accessorise hotel rooms

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Every establishment is unique and it is often the little touches that can make all the difference to a guest’s experience. The increasing credibility of travel review sites has made the hospitality market even more competitive, so it is important to stand out for all the right reasons.

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

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

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


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


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

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


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

www.mitrelinen.com

01685 353 4456

Sales@mitrelinen.com

Rebrand of The Epiphany Hotel in Palo Alto to Nobu property

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Nobu Hospitality, the group founded by renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Academy Award winner Robert De Niro, and Hollywood producer Meir Teper, has announced the rebranding of The Epiphany Hotel to the Nobu Hotel Epiphany due to transition on October 2, 2017.

The Epiphany Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, offers 83 guest rooms and suites, special event and meeting space and the recently opened, Nobu Palo Alto restaurant and bar.

Rebrand of The Epiphany Hotel in Palo Alto
The property will offer guests an exciting luxury experience with exclusive Nobu amenities. The hotel’s spacious guest rooms and suites, with balcony views of Palo Alto and the Santa Cruz mountains, will offer an enticing 24-hour, in-room dining menu from Nobu restaurant, Barcelona’s Natura Bissé bath amenities as well as other signature Nobu touchpoints.

Disneyland Paris to open Marvel-themed hotel

Disneyland Paris plans to open Marvel-themed hotel

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According to reports in the Daily Telegraph last week, Disney is planning a Marvel-themed hotel at its Paris park.

The Disneyland Paris opening will be a reworking of its current hotel, Hotel New York and will be renamed Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, with displays of props and costumes from numerous Marvel films and television shows, as well as artwork inspired by the original comic books.

The exterior will resemble Stark Tower, Tony Stark/Iron Man’s Manhattan skyscraper, if early rumours are to be believed.

Inside, the four-star hotel will offer 565 guest rooms, as well as a distinctive New York-inspired décor that, from the renderings, also appear to resemble Iron Man’s fictional high-rise hideout. An opening date has not, as of yet, been revealed.

The hotel was announced at the recent D23 Expo in Anaheim. Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts, said: “We’re going to create a hotel at Disneyland Paris that would make Tony Stark proud.”

“I’m thrilled to announce that Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel will transport our guests to the action-packed, inspiring world of Super Heroes including Iron Man, The Avengers, and Spider Man among others!”, he added.

Park Hyatt Los Angeles

Park Hyatt Los Angeles opening in Oceanwide Plaza

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Oceanwide Plaza, the first North American development by prominent international developer Oceanwide Holdings, is set to become one of the most significant mixed-use developments in downtown Los Angeles.

Oceanwide Plaza will encompass a variety of lifestyle offerings including a new five-star Park Hyatt Los Angeles hotel, a collection of curated retailers and restaurants and a refined residential offering bringing a new level of sophistication to LA’s sports and entertainment district.

Park Hyatt Los AngelesLocated directly adjacent to the Staples Center and LA Live, Oceanwide Plaza will comprise three residential and hotel towers along with a seven-storey lifestyle podium anchored by an approximately 166,000-square-foot open-air galleria creating a vibrant new shopping, dining and entertainment destination.

Park Hyatt Los Angeles

Park Hyatt Los AngelesNearly 700 feet of ribbon-shaped LED signage along Figueroa Street will wrap the generous lifestyle center as the character-defining hallmark of Oceanwide Plaza, greeting local guests and travelers from all over the world.

Crosswater - Brit List VIP guests

Crosswater confirmed as Hotel Summit 2018 attendees

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With the Hotel Summit coming back in 2018 for it’s 20th anniversary edition, Forum Events Ltd is delighted to announce the attendance of Crosswater at the event.

The Hotel Summit is specifically organised for senior professionals who are directly responsible for purchasing and procurement within their organisation, and those who provide the latest and greatest products and services within the sector; an event media partners Hotel Designs are proud to be associated with.

A highly focused event that brings together hotel professionals and key industry solution providers, the Summit consists of one-to-one business meetings, interactive seminars and valuable networking opportunities; across two days – 4th-5th June 2018 at the Radisson Blu London Stansted.

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CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE
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Leaders in bathroom design, Crosswater has been welcomed by the specialist bathroom market since it was established in 1998. Crosswater offers a comprehensive range of unique brassware solutions designed by a pool of carefully selected leading European designers to bring you unparalleled design, superior materials and function.

David Balmer of Crosswater Projects said: “We’re very excited about attending the Hotel Summit. With exciting new products being launched across our ranges, we’re looking forward to meeting key influencers and industry experts at the event and continuing to grow our projects portfolio.”

If you are interested in taking advantage of this fantastic opportunity, contact Jennie Lane on 01992 374098 or email j.lane@forumevents.co.uk.

The Okura Prestige Yangon to Open in 2020

The Okura Prestige Yangon to open in 2020

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Hotel Okura Company has announced that it will open The Okura Prestige Yangon, the first Okura Hotels & Resorts member hotel to operate in Myanmar, in 2020.

For the operation and management of The Okura Prestige Yangon, Hotel Okura expects to sign a contract in August with a local alliance comprising Fujita Corporation, Tokyo Tatemono, Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport & Urban Development and Yangon Technical & Trading, a subsidiary of Ayeyar Hinthar Holdings.

The Okura Prestige Yangon will be a luxury hotel offering approximately 390 rooms in downtown Yangon, a short walk from Yangon Central Railway Station and a short drive from the historic Shwedagon Pagoda. It will be situated within a large commercial complex, including office buildings and retail facilities, to be constructed on the site of the former Defense Services Museum.

The new hotel will offer banquet halls, conference rooms and diverse dining options, including an all-day dining area, a Japanese restaurant and a lounge bar. The hotel will also feature an executive lounge with views of the golden-domed Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar”s most celebrated Buddhist pagoda.

Starwood Capital Group acquires West Hollywood property

Starwood Capital Group acquires West Hollywood property

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Starwood Capital Group has announced that it has acquired, through a controlled affiliate, the newly constructed 286-key The Jeremy West Hollywood hotel property in West Hollywood.

Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the property will open in August as The Jeremy Hotel. Located on the corner of La Cienega and Sunset Boulevard, the hotel presents a very distinctive metal cladding in its exterior with its prominent hilltop location allowing for unobstructed breathtaking views from most rooms, ranging from Santa Monica to Downtown LA. The 286 room hotel features 50 suites, including two Penthouse Suites, a pool, fitness centre, two large conference rooms and meetings and event space (totaling approximately 10,000 sq. ft.), a spectacular rooftop bar and lounge with 360 views, a café, restaurant and lobby bar.

Over the course of the next year, The Jeremy will be transformed into the 1 West Hollywood and will become the fourth property in the award-winning eco conscious luxury sustainable brand created by Starwood Capital. When 1 West Hollywood opens it will join sister hotels in Manhattan,Brooklyn and Miami Beach. Other 1 Hotels under development include Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (fall 2019), Sunnyvale, California (late 2019) and Sanya, China (late 2018).

Brit List 2017

Brit List 2017 Hoteliers Profiles

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

OLIVER HEYWOOD – FLAT CAP HOTELS
With a family history steeped in hospitality, Oliver (alongside his brother Dominic) was in prime position to make his mark in the industry. And since 2015’s launch of The Vicarage Freehouse & Rooms, the north western-based and brilliantly-named Flat Cap Hotels hasn’t looked back.

The brand’s concept built around unique hotel accommodation, food-led experiences in stunning locales has proven to be a winner, thanks to the vision of Oliver and his team. With plans to expand quickly by 2019, we have a feeling Oliver and Flat Cap Hotels will be a force to be reckoned with for a while yet.

CHRIS HURST – HAMBLETON HALL
Chris Hurst has been general manager at Hambleton Hall since 2003, and under his guidance, this Rutland gem has continued to be named amongst the finest hotels in the UK. Bought originally by Tim and Stefa Hart in 1979, the couple are still involved with the hotel and its interior design and are still at the heart of everything the hotel stands for.

Chris’ longevity at the property is shared with several other members of the senior staff, something that has contributed to the success of the hotel for nearly 40 years.

OLIVIA IMMESI – ACE HOTEL SHOREDITCH
The Ace concept was born in a hip neighbourhood of Seattle, soon spread to New York and Los Angeles, and the grittiness of east London has been the perfect location for it here in London.

Olivia, having served in the commercial side for another of the city’s coolest properties (The Hoxton), has been general manager at the capital’s next up-and-coming, trendy hangout for only a few months, managing to maintain the brand’s concept, ensure excellent service standards but without overplaying the ‘boutique clichés’.

PJ KENNY – THE HOXTON HOLBORN
Few names in the hospitality industry strike up the ‘visual imagery’ of The Hoxton – it has been one of the big success stories in the boutique sector of the last decade. The roaring success of the Shoreditch property led to the opening of a Holborn property, of which PJ Kenny has been manager since 2016.

He has more than a decade of experience as hotel manager across brands such as Jurys Inn and Hilton Worldwide and brings his skills of people management and guiding new-builds through the early years to this most exciting of boutique hotel projects.

JAN-PAUL KROESE – BELMOND LE MANOIR AUX QUAT’SAISONS
Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is synonymous with luxury hospitality and some might have argued that following Philip Newman-Hall’s departure, Jan-Paul had big shoes to fill. That Le Manoir continues to be held in such sway internationally for its culinary and hospitality excellence, shows just how well Jan-Paul has settled in.

Jan-Paul’s international experience over 25 years across four continents coupled with his approach to staff management, sustainable practice and technology in hospitality has seen this already-world-class establishment maintain its lofty position as one of the world’s best.

Hotel Designs Logo stacked & NEW strapline-012

22-28 July: Top 10 stories of the week…

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

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

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

3. BRITISH HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION RESPONDS TO UK’S EU MIGRANTS POLICY
The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has released a response to Theresa May and the government’s plans to ‘assess the economic contribution of EU migrants’ in the UK.

4. LANDMARKED HOTEL AKA TIMES SQUARE REVEALS PENTHOUSE COLLECTION
AKA, the leading hospitality brand that celebrities choose for their extended stays, with properties throughout the United States and London, has created an exclusive Penthouse Collection at its landmarked AKA Times Square.

5. FAIRMONT QUASAR ISTANBUL NOW OPEN
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Fairmont Quasar Istanbul, the luxury hotel company’s first property in Turkey.

6. GUEST BLOG: MK ELECTRIC – NEW DIMENSIONS FOR HOSPITALITY DESIGN
MK Electric share the benefits of their new range of design-led wiring accessories called Dimensions, perfect for hoteliers looking for modernity with design flexibility…

7. VICTORY HOUSE, LONDON LEICESTER SQUARE – MGALLERY BY SOFITEL
Victory House, London Leicester Square – MGallery By Sofitel is set to soft launch in August 2017 with the official opening in September 2017.

8. FIRST ‘SWIM-UP’ ROOMS TO LAUNCH AT MAURITIUS’ VICTORIA BEACHCOMBER RESORT & SPA
From January 2018, Beachcomber Hotels & Resorts, the luxury hotel group with eight properties in Mauritius, is set to open a new accommodation concept, Victoria for Two, at the award-winning Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa.

9.PENTAHOTELS LAUNCHES GLOBAL BRAND REFRESH
Pentahotels, the neighbourhood lifestyle hotel group, has revealed its new brand message – “We don’t do normal” – introducing a fresh vision within the traditional hospitality industry.

10. SMALL LUXURY HOTELS OF THE WORLD WELCOMES THE LALIT LONDON
Small Luxury Hotels of the World is delighted to announce The LaLiT London as the latest addition to its collection of small, independently owned hotels in the UK capital.

Boclair House - Wilton Carpets Commercial

Forward Features: August – Hotel concepts / Carpets

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In August, Hotel Designs will be focussing on two spheres of interest; hotel concepts – as well as carpets.

Underwater hotels, gin-inspired boutiques, ‘bookshelf beds’ – innovation in hotel concepts and design will continue in 2017 with some wonderfully creative and downright bizarre ideas coming into the industry. We will be focussing on some of our favourite examples this month.

Meanwhile, 2016 was the year of ‘fashion-influenced’ carpet design – but it looks like we’ll be going back to the preference for soft and comfortable carpets with more muted colour schemes in the hotel industry. 2017 will also see the continued upturn in the usage of carpet tiles, which the commercial sector has been readily embracing. There are also some exciting technological advances in manufacturing techniques set to be announced throughout the year.

Our clients within the carpet sector include Brintons and Wilton – see a full list of our clients here.

If you want to get your company and products in front of an audience of interior designers, procurement specialists and hoteliers for a month of focussed editorial, this is a fantastic opportunity.

If you wish to find out more, please contact Jennie Lane on 01992 374098 or j.lane@forumevents.co.uk

Benchmark adds Graduate Berkeley to Gemstone Collection

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Benchmark, a global hospitality company, has announced the addition of Graduate Berkeley to its Gemstone Collection.

Formerly the historic Hotel Durant, the property has been revitalised and renamed Graduate Berkeley following an extensive renovation. Graduate Berkeley pays homage to the historic building’s roots and UC Berkeley founder, Henry Durant, through its distinct design and revitalisation of Henry’s, the hotel’s restaurant and bar.

A dynamic and expanding new boutique hotel brand, Graduate Hotels was founded in 2014 by AJ Capital Partners to create distinctive, approachable hotels in America’s most vibrant university-anchored towns. Each hotel reflects the local college and community in its eclectic décor, food and beverage programming options and homage to the school and town it is designed to serve.

Graduate Berkeley
Drawing inspiration from Berkeley’s bohemian roots, Graduate Berkeley captures the spirit of adventure, global exploration, and constant quest for knowledge cherished by the city’s residents, students, and countless visitors. In the lobby, guests are immersed in printed velvet walls with Persian motifs, a feature wall of thousands of National Geographic magazines, and colorful murals by local artist Chris Lux.

Graduate Berkeley

In both the public spaces and guest rooms, the furniture and art are curated to feel residential, eccentrically preppy, and curated from different eras, as well as all corners of the globe. The same retro vibe is found in the hotel’s 144 guest rooms with original art work, ceiling fans, touch tone replicas of 1930s telephones and in some rooms, posters from the iconic film, The Graduate, parts of which were filmed on Berkeley’s Telegraph Avenue. The hotel draws Bay Area residents, visiting scholars and Cal alumni where they can meet, socialise and rest their laptops and tablets on a communal table, and will find free, high-speed WiFi.

With 1050 square feet of conference space, including the California Room and the Boardroom, Graduate Berkeley is perfect for meetings, receptions and gatherings. Like other Graduate Hotel properties, the hotel is geared for destination weddings as Berkeley alumni return to the town and university where they first met.

www.graduatehotels.com/berkeley/

nhow Frankfurt

nhow Frankfurt hotel to open in 2021

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Located in a 190-metre-high skyscraper of Frankfurt’s European district, the future nhow Frankfurt property is to open its doors by 2021.

The Spanish hotelier NH Hoteles just signed a new address under the nhow brand, and following Berlin, Frankfurt will be the second German city to welcome a nhow property, to open in the European district (Europaviertel) by 2021.

It will feature 375 rooms over 14 floors, located in a 190-metre high skyscraper. The hotel will also include a conference area of more than 1,000 square metres, a restaurant, a bar and a fitness zone.

Situated in the business district of the German metropolis, it is also to rely on business travellers who regularly attend Frankfurt’s international-scale events and conferences.

British Hospitality Association responds to UK's EU migrants policy

British Hospitality Association responds to UK’s EU migrants policy

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The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has released a response to Theresa May and the government’s plans to ‘assess the economic contribution of EU migrants’ in the UK.

The Home Office launched an independent review into the impact of EU migrants on the UK economy after suggestions that new rules could be made for different industries.

Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, said: “Over 700,000 Europeans work in hospitality and tourism and although we are determined to rely less on EU service workers over the coming years it will take time. In March KPMG published a report, commissioned by the BHA, which showed that in the event of free movement ending and no successor regime being put in its place the industry would need to recruit an additional 65,000 UK workers each year in addition to the ongoing recruitment of 200,000 workers to replace churn and to power growth.

“Our industry recognises that immigration policy needs to change however at a time when unemployment is at its lowest since 1975 we will still need access to the European workforce.

“The BHA has been campaigning for several months for an enlarged role of the Migration Advisory Committee and welcome the government commissioning the MAC to undertake a detailed study on EU workers with businesses throughout the country. We believe this should go further and the MAC should advise government on the number of visas for all strategically important sectors including hospitality and tourism, the fourth largest industry in the UK. Britain needs services workers as well as scientists and engineers and we look forward to having a serious dialogue with the Home Secretary as we get into the detail of a new immigration law,” she added.

The LaLiT London

Small Luxury Hotels Of The World welcomes The Lalit London

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Small Luxury Hotels of the World is delighted to announce The LaLiT London as the latest addition to its collection of small, independently owned hotels in the UK capital.

The hotel, which is now available to book via the SLH website, opened in February 2017 and is the first overseas venture for New Delhi-based hotel company The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group.

The LaLiT London
The LaLiT London sees the transformation of a derelict Grade II listed building into a 70-room luxury boutique hotel following a five-year restoration, and combines original Victorian features with custom-made Indian interiors and modern technology. Once home to St Olave’s Grammar School, there are nods to the building’s history throughout, most notably in the striking paneled Great Hall, two bars located in the former Teachers’ Room and the Headmaster’s Room and some guestrooms which boast 30 ft ceilings. The dramatic great hall is home to pan-Indian restaurant Baluchi.


Daniel Luddington, Vice President of Development at SLH says: “SLH now has nine hotels in London, so any new hotel we add to the collection here has to be something really special. The LaLiT London offers extraordinary attention to detail and craftsmanship as well as a modern take on Indian fine dining. A stone’s throw away from Tower Bridge and the Southbank, we are excited to offer the SLH community our first luxury experience south of the River Thames.”

The LaLiT London
Arun Kumar, General Manager of The LaLiT says, “We are delighted to be part of SLH, for us they incorporate the same core values to drive unique one of a kind experiences for guests, with a personal touch that leaves a lasting impression. Our London hotel is an incredibly special hotel to the family and its staff, and joining the SLH family feels like the perfect partnership in a portfolio of so many incredible hotels.”

Mitre - Feefo Award

Mitre Linen awarded Feefo Gold Service Award 2017

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Experienced hospitality provider Mitre Linen has won a Feefo Gold Service award, an independent seal of excellence that recognises businesses for delivering exceptional experiences, rated by real customers.

Created by Feefo, Trusted Service is awarded to businesses that use Feefo to collect genuine ratings and reviews. A badge of honour, this accreditation remains unique as all the awards are based purely on the interactions with verified customers. This feedback has been collated by the Feefo review platform, with the accolades being awarded based upon performance.

Mitre Linen met the criteria of collecting at least 50 reviews between January 1st 2016 and December 31st 2016, and achieved a Feefo service rating of between 4.5 and 5.0. The company has won the award for four consecutive years.

Jim Mangan, Mitre Linen’s Managing Director, said: “It’s a real honour to receive this award from Feefo. To be recognised for delivering exceptional experiences to our customers is a great achievement.

“We’ve been working hard to ensure our customers receive the best service possible, and being able to listen, understand and respond to their needs has enabled us to improve our offering. We’re looking forward to another successful year ahead.”

Andrew Mabbutt, CEO at Feefo said: “We would like to offer our congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Feefo Trusted Service award. We are so proud that so many businesses are putting customer service first.

“We have been working closely with all our customers to build trust and transparency online, and ultimately helping shoppers buy with confidence and make better decisions.”

Feefo is a ratings and reviews, and customer analytics platform. It collects genuine, purchase-verified reviews on behalf of over 3,000 businesses. Feefo ensures that all feedback is authentic by matching it to a legitimate transaction and believes this is the best way to combat the rising issue of fake reviews.

Beachcomber

First ‘swim-up’ rooms to launch at Mauritius’ Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa

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From January 2018, Beachcomber Hotels & Resorts, the luxury hotel group with eight properties in Mauritius, is set to open a new accommodation concept, Victoria for Two, at the award-winning Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa.

Designed exclusively for couples, this new adults-only wing will consist of 40 two-person terraced rooms, each opening onto a private beach and the marine park. Couples can choose between one of two luxurious room categories: 17 Swim-Up Rooms, each with direct access to an 800m2 swimming pool, the first room category of this kind available in Mauritius; or 23 Ocean-View Rooms, each with a magnificent vista over the lagoon.

The new Victoria for Two concept has been designed to meet the needs of a different clientele: guests travelling child-free, wanting accommodation that affords space, peace and quiet, and above all comfort, whilst still offering access to all facilities of the hotel itself.

All 40 rooms in the new adults-only wing will be 50m2 in size, sea-facing and with access onto a superb section of beach. Each air-conditioned room will include a Queen-size bed, private bathroom with bathtub, shower and separate toilets, hair-dryer, security box, telephone, satellite TV, complimentary Wi-Fi access, mini-bar and complimentary tea and coffee.

Pentahotels launches global brand refresh

Pentahotels launches global brand refresh

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Pentahotels, the neighbourhood lifestyle hotel group, has revealed its new brand message – “We don’t do normal” – introducing a fresh vision within the traditional hospitality industry, as the brand gears up for ambitious expansion plans in new premium destinations worldwide.

Expansion will begin with its second pentahotel in Hong Kong opening this week and the brand’s first hotel in Russia, in Moscow, opening next year. Pentahotels’ global brand refresh underlines the brand’s competitive advantages designed to meet the changing demands from a new generation of urban nomads. This refresh reinforces the existing brand philsophy that “Penta is not a hotel. Penta is a state of mind.”

Pentahotels launches global brand refresh
From the roll-out of new “penta PlayerPads” which feature private gamer gadgets in selected suites, to its pioneering “check in at the bar” concept, pentahotels reinforces the “We Don’t Do Normal” persona by staying innovative, approachable and constantly pushing the boundaries. As part of this brand refresh, the group will roll out a holistic brand communications campaign, focusing on digital channels including an updated web presence, a vibrant brand video, social media activations, guerrilla marketing campaigns, fresh collateral for guests, clients and investors, and a new CRM system to strengthen pentahotels’ customer engagement capabilities.


Expansion Kicks-Off in Hong Kong
The brand is also set for substantial growth with several openings scheduled for 2017, and many other developments in the pipeline. Pentahotel Hong Kong, Tuen Mun, which opened its doors this week, joins sister pentahotel Hong Kong, Kowloon and is the first international brand hotel to set anchor in the up-and-coming Tuen Mun area of the New Territories in Hong Kong. The former industrial highrise building has been completely renovated into a trendy 298-room hotel sporting the signature “penta” style throughout, with a contemporary rustic decor that seamlessly blends with whimsical local cultural references. Pentahotel Hong Kong, Tuen Mun promises modern technology features and uncomplicated service for stylish, independent-minded business and leisure travelers. The result is a mix of fun with functionality, comfort with creativity, and style with simplicity.

Pentahotel Moscow – Arbat Opens in 2018
Pentahotels has also finalised definitive agreements with Capital Group, one of Russia’s most respected property developers, to open pentahotels’ first Russia hotel in Moscow in time for 2018 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in the city. Pentahotel Moscow – Arbat, will be situated within one of the four famous “Book Houses” located on Novy Arbat, around one mile from the Red Square. Featuring 228 guestrooms, the hotel will feature pentahotels’ trademark offerings, including pentalounge, European-led design elements, as well as meeting space and a gym. With lifestyle features including billiards tables, digital entertainments and other non-standard services, pentahotels will bring an entirely new energy to the area, welcoming tourists and Muscovites to a stylish, comfortable and modern reflection of Moscow’s dynamic environment.

Moscow view of the Novy Arbat and houses Books

Moscow view of the Novy Arbat and houses Books

“Penta’s global journey has just begun,” says Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group, pentahotels’ parent company. “Pentahotels has developed a strong operational structure and highly successful, cost-efficient financial system. Today, we are excited to share our revolutionary vision and renewed brand values. We are and want to be seen as bold, different, everything but normal. With its first entry in Bangkok and Moscow, and a second hotel opening in Hong Kong, pentahotels is ready to advance its plan to extend its footprint in gateway markets worldwide.”

Victory House, London Leicester Square – MGallery by Sofitel

Victory House, London Leicester Square – MGallery by Sofitel

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Victory House, London Leicester Square – MGallery By Sofitel is set to soft launch in August 2017 with the official opening in September 2017.

Overlooking London’s famous Leicester Square, Victory House offers 86 stylish and contemporary bedrooms which are sound-proofed for a cosy, boutique hotel experience. The property’s unparalleled location provides guests with privileged access to the capital’s world-renowned cinema scene and a front row seat to Leicester Square’s film premieres in the heart of the West End.

Located on the ground floor, the hotel will feature restaurant Petit Bistro which offers French-inspired cuisine using local produce and cocktails. Led by acclaimed restaurateurs, Ed Baines and Jamie Poulton (founders of Randall and Aubin), Petit Bistro offers chic, modern dining in an informal setting. Petit Bistro provides alfresco dining in the summer months, making it the perfect spot to relax and watch the world go by.

Victory House, London Leicester Square – MGallery by Sofitel
The hotel is within walking distance of Soho, Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus and St. James, as well as London’s key historic landmarks such as the National Gallery and Somerset House. Designed by renowned architects Michealis Boyd, who have previously worked with Soho House Group to create lavish interiors for Soho Farmhouse and Babington House, the hotel’s rich cinematic history has been meticulously integrated into the design. Each room features 1950s film icons with black and white art deco interiors and soft teal, grey and beige furnishings, to create a quiet haven in the buzz of London’s cinema district. Black and white 1950s movie stars feature in the hotel’s corridors, as well as silent 1950s movies that are projected in the lift and lobby.

The building’s 19th century terracotta façade showcases the hotel’s rich heritage as a historic icon within the ever-evolving Leicester Square. Originally designed and built in the 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 as a popular dining spot in the West End.

Victory House, London Leicester Square – MGallery by SofitelVictory House, London Leicester Square is managed by Bespoke Hotels, owned by Criterion Capital and represents a new flagship for MGallery and its fifth property in the UK.

Michael North, Head of Hotels at Criterion Capital, commented on the opening: “We are proud to be working with Accor on our first hotel opening of the year. For this prime location, it was essential for us to partner with a brand that offered a strong global presence without sacrificing our objectives to create an original and innovative hotel experience. MGallery By Sofitel offers us the flexibility we needed to create memorable stays for our guests in a boutique environment. This opening is a significant strategic investment for Criterion Capital. We have a series of hotels scheduled to open in rapid succession across Prime Central London.”


Aiden McAuley, SVP Operations LUXE Europe at Accorhotels, said: “Victory House, London Leicester Square is the latest addition to the MGallery portfolio and a new flagship hotel for the brand. With its rich heritage and unparalleled views overlooking London’s cinematic hub, the property provides a unique offering in the heart of the West End and a cosy retreat in the buzz of the city. This year will also see the wider expansion of the brand with new openings in Europe and the Middle East.”

www.sofitel.com

trivago

trivago providing hoteliers with travel demand data, over 5 billion room rates

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trivago has now made over 5 billion room rates visible to hoteliers around the world. With its new Rate Insights feature, trivago grants hoteliers access to an unbiased and comprehensive set of data on traveller demand and competitor prices, enabling them to compare room rates from over 250 booking sites as well as official hotel websites on a single dashboard.

Through Rate Insights, which is part of the complete metasearch marketing solution trivago Hotel Manager PRO, trivago is empowering hoteliers to establish competitive pricing strategies.

trivago Business Intelligence data reveals that independent hotels visible on trivago have on average 8,000 rates online a year. Johannes Thomas, Chief Revenue Officer and Managing Director at trivago, said: “We understood how difficult it is for hoteliers to find, monitor, and analyse competitor room rates across hundreds of booking sites.”

He added: “We were quick to realise that the price comparison data we provide to travellers is equally valuable for hoteliers. Therefore, we created a rate shopper that gives hoteliers easy and actionable access to this data, as well as data on traveller search volume that reveals fluctuations in demand. No other rate shopper has this combination of data in this amount and with this granularity.”

Instead of gathering data from just a few booking sites, Rate Insights aggregates rates from over 250 websites and makes it easy for hoteliers to compare them by room type and other variables. It also enables hoteliers to respond quickly to changes in the market and anticipate what upcoming local events can be leveraged to boost RevPAR. Hoteliers overcome the time-consuming challenge of monitoring the market, their competitors’ prices, and their own. They know when and by how much to adjust their direct rates and all those listed with OTA partners to stay competitive online.

“With the Rate Insights feature we’re able to see our competitors’ prices and position ourselves in the market. And the statistics are beneficial when there are sudden changes in the market and we need to adapt accordingly,” said Maximilian Kaufmann, Managing Director, Hotel Alte Krone, Kleinwalsertal, Austria

Utilising data is becoming more and more crucial in making decisions that will lay the foundation for future success. By displaying its rate and traveller demand data on a single dashboard with simple analytics, trivago has made it easier for hoteliers to access, understand, and act on data to increase their competitiveness online.

For more information, click here… 

Maison Valentina

Product Spotlight: KOI Collection from Maison Valentina

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Nowadays, people have started to consider them modern-day bathroom a ‘retreat’ and a place in which you can relax after a long day. Homeowners are taking notes on products and features that strike their fancy, making every detail a potential item for the bathroom wish list.

The biggest transformation has been in what the modern bathroom is made of, such is the demand for luxury bathrooms. Spacious bathrooms master suites with features materials and finishes that enhance the overall look of the space are almost standard in today’s upscale homes.

Designers are seeking even more new ways to add comfort and value to the bathroom and that’s why the KOI Collection will add a lot of personality to any bathroom. The KOI Collection was inspired in the KOI carp, which is a recurring symbol of Japanese culture, highly appreciated by its decorative purposes, not only in water gardens but also in Irezumi practice or, most commonly, in tattoos.

Our designer Joaquim Paulo says: “The aim of the KOI Collection is to deliver high-end products for very exclusive and luxury bathrooms and to extremely unique clients.”

The Bathtub
The KOI scales that compose the panels of the bathtub shine and reflect – on its brass surface – the sun caught throughout the clear water. KOI and the Japanese word for love or affection are homophones, making the carp also a symbol of love and friendship.

Koi washbasin and Koi bathtub - Maison Valentina

The Basins

The KOI scales that compose the panels of the washbasins shine and reflect – on its brass surface – the sun caught throughout the clear water. KOI and the Japanese word for love or affection are homophones, making the carp also a symbol of love and friend – ship.

KOI Washbasin - Maison Valentina


Maison Valentina is a new luxury bathroom brand that provides a collection capable of making your projects came true, with high-end solutions as bathtubs, washbasins and free standing washbasins, mirrors, lighting, case goods and other products made with the finest selection of materials as brass, marble, wood, glass, combined with rare handwork techniques and contemporary design. Our main goal is to offer the same comfort and luxury that you are able feel in other division of the house, keeping at the same time the best exclusive design and bold pieces.

www.maisonvalentina.net

MK Electric's new Dimensions range has been launched

Guest Blog: MK Electric – new dimensions for hospitality design

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MKOrderEnquiries@Honeywell.com

+44 (0)1268 563 404

www.mkelectric.com/en-gb/

WILLOOW - GRANDMASTER - Essente - Kobe

Product Spotlight: Essente Summer collection from Kobe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.en.kobe.eu

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

La Siesta Central

New La Siesta Central Hotel to light up Hanoi

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fairmont Quasar

Fairmont Quasar Istanbul now open

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wiltshire Council resolve to grant permission for new Longleat Hotel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AKA

Landmarked hotel AKA Times Square reveals penthouse collection

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

www.stayaka.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.sixsenses.com

Duravit Vero Air with SensoWash

Product Spotlight: Vero Air Rimless WC and SensoWash Slim Seat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Coach House Front Dining Area

Opening success at The Coach House, Ayrshire

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

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

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

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

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

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

London hotels

STR Case Study: Impact of terrorism on UK hotel performance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Original source

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MKOrderEnquiries@Honeywell.com

+44 (0)1268 563 404

www.mkelectric.com/en-gb/

Lucy Mortimer Galapagos

In Conversation: Lucy Mortimer, Galapagos Designs

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

www.galapagosdesigns.com

www.independenthotelshow.co.uk

Cachet Boutique NYC2

Cachet to debut flagship boutique hotel in NYC

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

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

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

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

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

cachetboutiquenyc.com

Hyatt Centric Guatemala City

Hyatt opens first Central America hotel with Centric Guatemala City property

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

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

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

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

guatemalacity.centric.hyatt.com

Brit List 2017 Hoteliers Profiles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Main photo: Alex Paterson

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July 15-21: Top 10 stories of the week…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Introducing Swiss Chandolin Boutique Hotel – now open

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

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

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

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

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

www.chandolinboutiquehotel.ch

citizenM Paris Gare de Lyon

citizenM Paris Gare de Lyon to open August 1st

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

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

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

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

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

www.citizenm.com/destinations/paris

Amari Galle

Amari enters Sri Lanka with beachfront resort in Galle

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

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

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

www.amari.com/galle-srilanka

Hansgrohe Croma 280

Product Spotlight: Shower pleasure with hansgrohe favourite – Croma 280

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hampton by Hilton Humberside Airport room

North of England welcomes Hampton by Hilton Humberside Airport property

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

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

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

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

Storm Grey - Crosswater Svelte Collection

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apex City of Bath Hotel celebrates milestone moment, big reveal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DoubleTree by Hilton - Business Bay - Dubai

DoubleTree by Hilton opens latest Dubai property

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

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

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

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

Dhigali Maldives

Universal unveils Dhigali Maldives resort

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

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

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

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

dhigali.com

Dusit - Philippines

Dusit to manage new five-star resort in the Philippines

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

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

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

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

Holiday Inn Express Hawaii

Largest Holiday Inn Express property in the Americas opens in Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

Disney reveals sneak peek at Star Wars-themed resort

Disney reveals sneak peek of Star Wars-inspired themed resort

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

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

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

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

Shalini Misra to design Champagne Bar at Decorex 2017

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

Decorex Champange Bar to be designed by Shalini Misra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hastings Hotels invests more than £60m in growing portfolio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.hastingshotels.com

Kobe Henry at Decorex

Kobe to unveil new collections at Decorex

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kobe – Volterra

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

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

www.en.kobe.eu

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

Hypnos - Queen's Award for Enterprise

Hypnos celebrates prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise

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

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

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

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

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

www.hypnosbeds.com
www.hypnoscontractbeds.com
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info@hypnoscontractbeds.com

Larry Mogelonsky - Renovation tips

Guest Blog: Larry Mogelonsky – Dirty Dozen Of Hotel Renovation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Larry Mogelonsky - Renovation tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Le Meridien Seoul

Le Meridien Seoul slated to open in September 2017

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

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

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

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

Bisate Lodge, Rwanda

Wilderness Safaris opens Bisate Lodge, Rwanda

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

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

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

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

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

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

Airbnb nights booked in London more than doubles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gran Meliá Puerto Rico to be reborn as Meliá Coco Beach

Gran Meliá Puerto Rico to be reborn as Meliá Coco Beach

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

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

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

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

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

Newmor 50th anniversary collection

Product Spotlight: 50th anniversary collection from Newmor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the full Newmor Custom collection here.

Boutique chairs - Kobe opinion Soft furnishings

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

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

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

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

Clemence from Kobe's Boutique collection

Clemence from Kobe’s Boutique collection

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

Kobe – Volterra

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

Kobe Henry

Kobe Henry

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

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

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

www.en.kobe.eu

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

Dream Hollywood

Dream Hollywood opens in famous LA neighbourhood

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

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

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

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

Jaz to open a hotel in Vienna

Music concept brand Jaz makes plans for Vienna property

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

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

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

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

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

Hotel Sanders - Copenhagen

Boutique property Hotel Sanders, Copenhagen now taking bookings

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

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

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

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

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

Bookings for the hotel have just opened.

Hotel Designs Logo stacked & NEW strapline-012

8-14 July: Top 10 stories of the week…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scanal - Contract Furniture Store - Enigma Collection

New Enigma collection decoded at the Contract Furniture Store

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

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

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

Decode Enigma and more here…

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

Ed Ng and Terence Ngan - AB Concept

In Conversation: Ed Ng, Terence Ngan of AB Concept

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.abconcept.net

www.fourseasons.com/mei-ume

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

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

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

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

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

www.fourseasons.com/costarica

Decorex

Future Heritage announces new makers for Decorex 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Decorex

www.decorex.com