A North East hotel, which had fallen in to disrepair, has been given a new lease of life with a £200,000 investment.
The Three Horseshoes Hotel, between Sunderland and Washington, is now operating as a boutique B&B and gastropub after being bought by leading leisure firm Tavistock Hospitality Ltd.
The company, which runs more than a dozen bars, hotels and restaurants across the North East, initially relaunched the site as a brewery tap for its Sonnet 43 Brew House in January 2016.
Now, work has been completed on the final stage of its £200,000 restoration, with seven en-suite bedrooms being created to cater for overnight visitors, as well as discerning diners and drinkers.
“Since relaunching earlier this year, The Three Horseshoes Hotel has become increasingly popular with diners from across the North East,” said Jonathan Graham, Operations Director for Tavistock Hospitality.
“Now, with the creation of these seven stunning bedrooms, we are able to welcome visitors from much further afield who are keen to make the most of our high quality food offering, reasonable rates and enviable location.”
The Three Horseshoes Hotel, located just off the A19, offers easy access to Washington, Sunderland, Newcastle and the wider North East, as well as the adjacent Nissan offices and North East Aircraft Museum.
Its spacious en-suite bedrooms, each boasting Freeview TV and a Bluetooth stereo speaker dock, have been designed to cater for both business and leisure visitors, with subtle nods to the region’s industrial history.
“We wanted the rooms to have a modern, boutique style but also to pay a more personal tribute to the heritage of the surrounding area,” said Jonathan. “With that in mind we’ve used a little untreated wood, as well as glass and steel, to pay homage to the North East’s industrial history and famed manufacturing sector.”
This same sense of locality continues throughout The Three Horseshoes Hotel’s public areas, including the bar, which offers a full range of drinks, including real ale from Sonnet 43 Brew House based at nearby Coxhoe, and the restaurant which serves seasonal dishes based on locally-sourced produce.
The Editor-in-Chiefs of 25 Elle Decoration country editions awarded the Axor One shower control unit the ‘Elle Decor International Design Award (EDIDA)’ in the “Best Bathroom Design” category.
Philippe Grohe, Vice President Design Management at Hansgrohe SE, accepted the award with design partners Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby during the Salone del Mobile in Milan.
This media accolade from one of the most renowned lifestyle and décor magazines highlights a growing trend – namely the bathroom is becoming increasingly important, and the focus of design-led customers, who value customised solutions.
Grohe said: “The fact that Axor, with its new design partners Barber & Osgerby, has won the coveted EDIDA straightaway just reconfirms what we believe: it is not only designers, but also customers interested in design, who are paying more and more attention to the bathroom and our innovations.”
Conrad Hotels & Resorts today celebrates the opening of its first hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – the 438-room Conrad Makkah, set in the heart of the Holy City and overlooking the Sacred Mosque, Al Masjid Al Haram, and the Holy Kaabah.
John T.A. Vanderslice, global head, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, said: “Conrad creates inspired experiences for our guests in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations. We are delighted to open our first luxury hotel in the Holy City and begin welcoming pilgrims and guests.”
Rudi Jagersbacher, Area president, Middle East & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said: “The arrival of Conrad Hotels & Resorts to Makkah marks the addition of our second brand into the city and our 11th hotel into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With another 28 Hilton Worldwide properties in development, we are extremely proud to offer incredible variety and choice for travellers to the region.”
The hotel also features stunning interior décor inspired by both modern and traditional Islamic design and complemented by contemporary art works.
Conrad Makkah offers an on-site Masjid for up to 1,000 guests with audio connection to Al Haram. The hotel also has 12 elevators that go directly to Al Haram, providing quick direct access during peak prayer times. For intimate meetings, the hotel offers two meeting spaces for up to 100 guests as well as a business centre and Executive Lounge.
The hotel’s full time Concierge will assist guests in planning a variety of local activities through the Conrad 1/3/5 programme, a curated collection of inspired experiences in art, shopping, adventure, and gastronomy, where guests can discover local culture from an insider’s perspective.
Guests booking a stay at the hotel can also utilise the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travellers the ability to customise details of their hotel stay before, during, and after each visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether it’s pre-selecting bath amenities or checking-in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features by using the app.
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts today announced the designation of Sheraton Los Angeles Hotel as a Sheraton Grand.
Joining 23 other Sheraton Grand properties around the globe, Sheraton Grand Los Angeles recently completed an all-encompassing $75 million renovation, featuring a full refurbishment of all 496 guest rooms and suites, a complete refresh of the lobby and meeting spaces, and introduction of new dining experiences.
Sheraton Grand is one of many initiatives currently underway for Sheraton 2020, a comprehensive plan designed to solidify Sheraton as a leading global hotel brand of choice, everywhere.
“Sheraton Grand Los Angeles has become a shining star and wonderful representation of not only the Sheraton Grand tier, but of the brand itself,” said Dave Marr, Global Brand Leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. “It’s exciting to see how this hotel has completely transformed, representing the Sheraton brand’s new elevated and customized approach to design, as well as its Sheraton 2020 efforts.”
As part of the revitalization at The Bloc, a landmark mixed-use property in downtown, the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles has completed a $75m redesign, led by internationally renowned interior and product designer Colum McCartan of McCartan and glittering in golden hues with a 21st century interpretation of the local area’s art deco heritage.
Located in the heart of Ghana’s thriving cultural scene is a brand new five star luxury hotel, Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra. The vibrant property features 269 rooms, including 22 suites and 2 stunning presidential suites.
Art is a key focus for the property and this is reflected in the unique pieces located throughout the hotel and in the independent contemporary art gallery located inside the hotel known as Gallery 1957. Taking its name from the year Ghana gained independence; the gallery represents artists such as Jeremiah Quarshie, Yaw Owusu, Serge Attukwei Clottey and Zohra Opoku.
Featured in the hotel’s collection are also outstanding pieces by Agosor, Ni Mills, Krotei Tetteh, Gideon Appah and Ablade Glover.
Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra encourages both local audiences and international visitors to discover new artists and to gain a deeper understanding of the breadth of their practices through the hotel installations and exhibitions at the gallery. With a range of exquisite dining options and a new spa to open in November, the property lives up to its name as the only true 5* hotel in Accra.
Marwan Zakhem commented, “The gallery evolved from my experience as a collector of contemporary African art. I began building relationships with artists and understanding their creative process better. I decided to found Gallery 1957 to support, complement and highlight the art scene that is already started to grow here in Accra. It wanted to establish the gallery to provide increased opportunities for artists based in Ghana and the hotel provided the ideal location. The work being created here is very exciting, emotive and often experimental and I hope visitors will enjoy the experience of discovering art at the Kempinski.”
Following the relaunch of The Lanesborough in 2015, the hotel has now reopened its eponymous Lanesborough Suite, which has been renovated as part of the hotel’s extensive refurbishment by the late Alberto Pinto, the four-bedroom suite is one of the grandest hotel residences in London.
Situated on the hotel’s first floor, this palatial residence carries all the hallmarks of its distinguished designer Alberto Pinto: exquisite taste, impeccable craftsmanship and meticulous attention to period detail. Regency elegance and luxury extend across the suite’s 355m², which can be booked as a one, two or four-bedroom suite. Including four lavish bedrooms, two living rooms and dining room, the restored Lanesborough Suite has been finished with only the finest fabrics and handcrafted details.
The new hotel emulates the style and impeccable service of its French sister Le Bristol while staying true to its strong British roots.
Guests of The Lanesborough Suite will have access to round-the-clock butler service, changes of clothing pressed on arrival, use of the hotel’s Fitness Studio and personalised stationary and business cards.
The Lanesborough Suite may be reserved as a one, two or 355 m² four-bedroomed residence. For guests booking the entire suite, one of the hotel’s chauffeur-driven fleet of cars is available as a complimentary service.
Dusit Hotels and Resorts has announced the signing of a technical design agreement with ACES Property Development to bring a new hotel apartment project under the DusitPrincess brand to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
The agreement was formalised at a signing ceremony recently held at the Dusit Thani Bangkok presided over by executives from both companies, including Dusit’s Group Chief Executive Officer Ms Suphajee Suthumpun and Founding Director of ACES, Mr Kashif Shahzad.
The DusitPrincess ACES Dubai will be located in the Jumeirah Village Circle, in close proximity to the new Al Makhtoum International Airport, the Palm Jumeirah, and other exciting shopping and entertainment venues. Full details will be released at the project’s ground-breaking ceremony to be held soon.
Luxury Hotels Group is delighted to announce the latest addition to its growing portfolio – in the heart of Bilbao, Hotel Carlton is a five star hotel with a story to tell.
Bilbao is synonymous with the iconic Guggenheim Museum thanks to world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, but the Hotel Carlton was an icon long before this modernist masterpiece. With an imposing beaux arts façade and equally alluring interiors, it’s seen everyone from Albert Einstein to Ava Gardner stay in its rooms and suites since it opened in 1926, and was the base of the Basque government during the Spanish Civil War.
The first hotel in Spain to boast en-suite bathrooms, the Carlton’s high ceilings, marble floors, plush fabrics and natural silk duvets exude elegance, complemented by bold contemporary styling. Rooms and suites combine a real sense of history with every modern comfort, making the hotel ideal for discerning travellers looking for an authentic, upscale experience. The unique appeal also extends to twelve versatile event spaces, ranging from the sweeping Azul room for up to 200 theatre-style to the atmospheric La Cristalera – an elliptical hall illuminated by a stunning stained glass dome – a memorable setting for cocktail receptions, press conferences or product presentations. The Salón Aránzazu, which harboured the government during Civil War bombardments, now hosts smaller meetings and intimate private dining experiences.
Bernadette Koltai, Luxury Hotels Group’s Vice President, said: “Luxury Hotels Group is all about individuality, and they don’t come much more individual than the Hotel Carlton. It’s the antithesis of formulaic branded hotels typically found in provincial cities and has a genuinely interesting story. We’re delighted to strengthen our presence in Spain by working with such a distinguished hotel.”
Sales Manager of Hotel Carlton, Silvia Varea, said: “The Carlton Hotel is proud to be partnering with such a dynamic, forward-thinking British company as Luxury Hotels Group and we trust that this is the beginning of a successful business relationship.”
Soughton Hall Hotel in Flintshire has undergone a £100,000 refurbishment as part of an investment programme by the new owners.
The historic mansion house and luxury wedding venue was originally built in 1714 as a bishop’s palace and the makeover by Elle R Leisure has breathed ‘new life’ into the building.
The extensive improvements included updating the main guest areas with a revamp of the library, entrance hall, reception and residents bar. Considerable changes to the hotel’s public spaces as well as upgrading the Bridal Suite have also occurred. The new owners have also invested in the ancient hall’s Wi-Fi system.
Elle R Leisure owner James Ramsbottom told The Daily Post: “Every little thing we are doing at Soughton Hall, from revamping the website to moving dining from the Stables restaurant back into the newly-refurbished main hall, is about getting more people in to appreciate this stunning building.
“We want to open the doors and breathe new life into the building to secure its future as an architectural treasure and as a successful business so more people can enjoy coming here for many generations to come,” he added.
InterContinental Hotels Group has announced the signing of a third hotel with the ownership group Le Groupe Robin.
The Holiday Inn Express® & Suites Trois-Rivières hotel will be a 111-room, eco-friendly LEED®-certified property. It will include 79 standard rooms and 32 suites – including eight business suites with private meeting space for up to six people. The hotel is equipped with the latest energy and cost savings technologies such as a large solar wall that will be used to produce energy and power all exterior signage year-round.
Le Groupe Robin will incorporate the city’s rich history into the design and culture of the property. The hotel will feature the Holiday Inn Express brand’s new design solution, which was created to meet the evolving needs of the brand’s target guest who is looking for a simple, smart travel experience.
Jonathan Lund, Regional Vice President, Canada, IHG said: “We are so pleased to have Le Groupe Robin add an additional property in Quebec. They are known for quality properties and we are looking forward to continuing our great relationship with them.”
Nellie Robin, Vice President of Le Groupe Robin said: “IHG has been a trusted partner in the development and opening of our two other Quebec hotels in Saint Hyacinthe and Vaudreuil Dorion. We are excited to expand our partnership with this third property in Trois-Rivières and continue to offer the best service while redefining our vision of hospitality.”
The hotel is set to open early 2018, and will be in the heart of Trois-Rivières. Trois-Rivières is centrally located between the large cities of Montreal and Quebec City; the community has experienced growth over the last few years, making it a major business and leisure destination.
The Portland Marriott Downtown has unveiled the results of its complete renovation – which included 44,000-square-metres of meeting space, ballrooms, M Club Lounge, 507 guestrooms and suites and the fitness centre.
Houston-based hospitality design firm Paradigm Design Group completed all areas of the renovation.
Combining local aesthetics with Oregonian-inspired details, the re-imagined Portland Marriot now has a colour palette of greens, navy blues and grays that echo the surrounding environment of the Willamette River, Mount Hood and industrial influences. The colour schemes vary in each space. For instance, the meeting spaces use blues, the M Club uses pops of green, and guestrooms and suites use soft grays.
PDG also developed customised artwork to capture Portland’s love for biking. The guestrooms have a focal wall/backdrop where the image of a bike wheel is portrayed in the element of a tree slice. Additional examples include patterned carpet with tire track prints, and sculptural tire wheel artwork in the M Club Lounge. Special hanging racks for bikes were also incorporated in selected specialty guestrooms.
As hotel development continues in Singapore, Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts has announced its signing for Le Méridien Singapore, Sentosa following the renovation and conversion of the hotel. The agreement marks the highly anticipated return of the Le Meridien brand to Singapore after nearly a decade.
“We are excited to welcome Le Meridien back to Singapore with a property that can truly represent the new direction of the brand,” said Stephen Ho, President, Asia Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. “Le Meridien’s mission is to expose the creative-minded traveler to the most unexpected and engaging experiences, inside and outside the hotel. We are confident that we will be able to offer this distinctively memorable experience at Le Meridien Singapore, Sentosa,” he added.
Designed by DP Architects and Japanese studio Super Potato, Le Meridien Singapore, Sentosa provides a juxtaposition of the old and the new, offering a glimpse of Singapore’s vibrant past and present. The hotel complex comprises a contemporary building and a pair of restored former barracks, which housed Southeast Asia’s first Malay artillery back in 1940.
The hotel features 191 contemporary guestrooms, including suites with Japanese outdoor private Onsen pool, and a duplex penthouse suite with its own rooftop garden and infinity pool. Other facilities include a swimming pool and 243 square meters of versatile function space, with a 198 square meter pillar-less ballroom fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows.
In the upcoming months, the hotel will undergo a renovation to feature two distinct restaurants and the brand’s signature bar. In addition, Le Meridien Singapore, Sentosa will introduce Le Meridien Hub, which reinterprets the traditional hotel lobby into a social gathering place.
“Le Méridien has been experiencing phenomenal growth in the past few years, thanks to its distinctive new positioning as well as a conversion-friendly strategy,” said Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President, Acquisition & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. “Le Méridien continues to forge a presence in new and established markets worldwide; in 2015 alone, we opened eight hotels in Asia Pacific including the brand’s debuts in exciting destinations such as Thimpu and Paro in Bhutan, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Dhaka in Bangladesh.”
Japanese hotelier Fujita Kanko has opened a new hotel in Okinawa. Hotel Gracery Naha’s building and facility design was carried out by Shimizu Corporation, while interior design was by age co.
Located on Kokusai-dori, in Okinawa’s downtown area, the newly built 198-room hotel is a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport.
The hotel design is said to reflect Okinawa’s ocean. There is a one-of-a-kind “Churaumi Room” that has a high-tech video projection of local underwater footage, including marine species such as manta rays and whale sharks, on its wall. It incorporates touch-video functionality so that touching the wall activates the ocean and fish.
The hotel’s entrance area also has a similar visual effect that gives the impression of guests walking on water. Guestrooms all have separate toilets and bathrooms.
Hotel Gracery Naha is the fifth property in the Hotel Gracery group, following the 2015 opening of Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, a Godzilla-themed hotel in Tokyo. Next, Fujita Kanko plans to open Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo in July.
The InterContinental David Hotel in Israel has completed its $4 million-plus (£2.7 million) renovation in conjunction with Ara Design International – the focus being on the hotel’s 135 club guestrooms, 15 suites and public areas.
For the suites, improvements included new smart alarm systems, docking stations, and MoroccanOil and Sabon bath products.
In the club rooms, the Ara Design International incorporated a residential-style design. Each club room is approximately 355 square feet with views of the Mediterranean Sea. The rooms have a working desk and a lounge area, 37-inch flat screen television and a white leather double door closet. There is also a separate bath and shower.
The Royal Suites were fashioned into 947-square-feet apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beachfront promenade and the Mediterranean Sea. The suites have a living area or intimate dining area. Other elements include a king-size bed, bespoke furnishings, wardrobe space, jet walk-in rain shower and soaking tub.
The 1,356 square feet Tel Aviv Suite has views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Tel Aviv/Jaffa. The living and entertaining area is a stylised interpretation of the Tel Avivian urban retreat, featuring bespoke furnishings and accessories, a collection of curated books and art, and a kitchenette with a separate service entrance.
The master bedroom has a bed facing floor-to-ceiling windows. A marble en-suite bathroom has a dry sauna, Jacuzzi tub and a jet walk-in rain shower. Inspired by its location overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the InterContinental David Tel Aviv has 555 guestrooms (39 of which are suites), including the brand new Tel Aviv Suite and two Royal Suites.
Set in an 800-year-old traditional garden in Japan’s historic imperial capital, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is now accepting reservations in anticipation of its opening in the autumn of 2016.
The all-new hotel is enviably located at the foot of Higashiyama Mountain in the city’s temple district with numerous historic landmarks surrounding it, plus minutes-away access to Kyoto’s tech industries, creative arts and leading educational institutions. Known for its four distinct seasons and the natural beauty that unfolds year round, the city attracts visitors from across the region and around the globe.
“Kyoto is one of the world’s most alluring cities, but she can be shy in revealing her secrets – our mission at Four Seasons is to help our guests discover her wonders and experience all the city has to offer,” says General Manager Alex Porteous, who has returned to Japan to open the brand’s second location in addition to the acclaimed Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi.
The light-filled Hotel affords breath-taking views in every direction, from the neighbouring Kiyomizu-dera Temple to its own five acre (two hectare) pond and gardens. Inside, guests will find 123 guest rooms and suites plus 57 residences decorated in traditionally-inspired yet contemporary style by Hirsch Bedner Associates. Four dining options include an exclusive sushi restaurant, a modern brasserie, lounge and a lovely garden tea house. An intimate spa is adjacent to a shimmering indoor pool.
Destined to become Kyoto’s preferred address for glamorous weddings, social occasions and prestigious business functions, the Hotel’s flexible event spaces include an exquisite, one-of-a-kind chapel.
Soneva has revealed details of its Soneva Jani resort in the Maldives which is slated to open in October 2016. The brand’s newest luxury resort offering will comprise 24 water villas and one island villa, with additional island villas planned at a later stage.
Inspired by a word that means wisdom in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru, which is part of an uninhabited five-island cluster in the Noonu Atoll. The highlight of the resort is its location within a 5.6 kilometre lagoon of crystal clear waters with uninterrupted 360° views of the Indian Ocean.
Every water villa has a private pool and opens to its own stretch of lagoon, with some villas featuring slides going directly from the top deck into the lagoon below. The selling point of the villas is the retractable roof in the master bedroom, which slides back at the touch of a button so that guests can lie in bed and stargaze.
Like all other Soneva properties, the spacious villas feature beautifully designed interiors by Eva Shivdasani, one of Soneva’s co-founders, and are made from the highest quality sustainable materials.
Soneva Jani includes 18 units of one-bedroom Water Retreats, four units of two-bedroom Water Retreats, one three-bedroom Water Retreat, 1 three-bedroom Water Reserve, and one four-bedroom Island Reserve.
In constructing the resort, Soneva kept its environmental impact as low as possible. The pools use seawater with UV filtration and the villas have been built over the sandy floors of the lagoon, with no damage to any part of the reef. Furthermore, solar PV will be a significant source of power generation at the resort, all waste-water will be collected and treated on-site, and water will also be produced on-site, including drinking water. Soneva’s Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth centre will ensure that waste is recycled, while the extensive vegetable garden will give local produce for the restaurants based on organic principles.
The resort’s soft opening is planned for October 1, 2016, while the official opening date is fixed at November 5, 2016. All photography courtesy of Richard Waite
Situated along the historic and picturesque Singapore River, M Social Singapore overlooks the vibrant Robertson Quay enclave and is part of an integrated development which includes UP@Robertson Quay, a luxury apartment project developed by City Developments Limited.
At its heart, M Social Singapore’s chic interiors are envisioned by renowned French designer Philippe Starck. It debuts in Singapore the concept of “democratic design”, where spaces around the hotel are accessible and flexible enough to cater to different needs with seamless ease. The theme is centred around being “snuggish” – think cosy guest rooms with warm colour tones, luxurious pashmina throws and thick carpets.
Complementing it are communal spaces that encourage gathering and mingling, embellished by fully customised art and design elements. For instance, the driveway is marked by sculptures of two bronze peanuts, as well as a cube. Underfoot, gaily patterned tiles make for a lively first impression. Occupying the reception area is a long high table that sits on an alabaster floor lit from the inside. Friendly front-of-house staff, clad in uniforms from Uniqlo – the first time the Japanese fashion label is collaborating with a hospitality brand in the world – will see to every need.
When in the mood for me-time, there is no shortage of personal space. Accommodation options have generous ceiling heights of up to 5m, and come in varying sizes and configurations. The Nicer Room has a terrace attached to it, while The Bigger Room is actually a duplex-style loft with a terrace.
M Social Singapore also prides itself on embracing technology. It is the first in the country to offer a self-check-in kiosk in the lobby to make the process fast and fuss-free. Placed within each room is a handy phone, a complimentary smartphone amenity pre-loaded with a city guide. Be sure to leave the hotel with it too, as it comes with unlimited data usage and free phone calls both locally and internationally.
Hilton at Resorts World Bimini has completed its second phase opening, introducing major enhancements to the hotel’s accommodation, food & beverage, meetings & events and wellness offerings.
Hilton at Resorts World Bimini first opened in 2015 and is now in full swing with more than 300 guest rooms, including 18 luxury suites, six dining options, a first-class spa and a rooftop pool offering panoramic views of the island.
The hotel is owned and operated by Resorts World Bimini under a franchise license agreement with Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT), and celebrated the completion of these upgrades with a ribbon cutting ceremony this past weekend.
“Hilton Hotels & Resorts first established its presence in the Bahamas in 1999. The phase two opening of Hilton at Resorts World Bimini signifies not only our commitment to the Bahamian market, but to the Caribbean region on a whole, which is now home to more than 20 hotels within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of brands,” said Shawn McAteer, vice president, global brand management, full service brands, Hilton Worldwide.
The growth in the budget London hotel sector has seen a ‘significant’ increase in the last four years, with half of the 18,000 rooms opened in the capital since the 2012 Olympics being within that sector.
That’s according to a report – London Hotel Development Monitor – released last month by property consultant JLL and London & Partners. It revealed that low cost hotels now make up 20 per cent of the total supply across the city and a further 33 per cent of the 7,000 rooms due for completion this year will be in the same sector.
Graham Craggs, JLL’s hotels and hospitality group MD, said: “2015 was an exceptionally strong year in terms of hotel transactions in London. Activity will remain high in 2016 and we expect the trend will shift towards single asset transactions. Underlying market fundamentals continue to be positive and the outlook for hotel performance in London is good.”
Key openings include a new Premier Inn on Tottenham Court Road and US-based hotel operator Standard opening its first hotel in 2018 in the former Camden Hall. In 2016, 800 rooms are expected to be added to Shoreditch alone, with new hotels including Z Hotels and Nobu Hotel Shoreditch.
Gordon Innes, chief executive of London & Partners, added: “The hotel industry is a vital part of London’s booming tourism economy, which is now worth £36 billion and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, many of which are widely accessible. As more and more visitors come and explore our great city, it’s encouraging to see the hotel sector growing and bringing exciting new developments to visitors.”
Last month marked the unveiling and official launch of the highly anticipated Burj Al Arab Terrace. Located at Dubai’s most iconic hotel, the terrace is a remarkable, one-of-a-kind restaurant, pool, beach and cabana space, offering hotel guests and Burj Al Arab members the finest Arabian hospitality.
Burj Al Arab Terrace is a world-first in marine and off-site construction, having been developed by marine construction experts ADMARES at a shipyard site in Finland. It was then transported by ship to Dubai in eight pieces, ensuring minimal distruption to guests, as well as the seabed and marine life.
Now in place, the private 10,000-metre-squared outdoor luxury leisure facility seamlessly stretches 100m out into the sea and is home to Scape Restaurant & Bar, two stunning pools, dedicated butler-serviced cabanas, and a beach area with luxury day and sunbeds. As such, Burj Al Arab Terrace is not only pushing the boundaries of construction, but also of design, architecture and hospitality.
Anthony McHale, General Manager, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, commented: “As the world’s most luxurious hotel, Burj Al Arab continuously evolves and re-invents our guest experience through state-of-the-art facilities. Burj Al Arab Terrace is the ultimate destination for indulgence, socialising and relaxing and is another initiative in our endeavour to delight our guests.”
Commenting further on the design and scale, he said: “Burj Al Arab Terrace is our most ambitious project since the hotel was created; it’s a global first in hotel construction with a breakthough combination of creative marine design, ingenious engineering and guest-friendly planning. In January, we announced its arrival on a ship from Finland and, since then, our construction and design teams have brought our vision to life and the result is simply spectacular.”
Stefan Leser, Group Chief Executive Officer, Jumeirah Group, added: “The Burj Al Arab Terrace is a new Dubai landmark and a symbol of innovation and engineering excellence. A masterpiece in design and architecture, it reinforces Dubai as an outstanding destination and leader in global hospitality. We are immensely proud to offer such a distinctive experience, which will considerably enhance the enjoyment of our Burj Al Arab guests.”
The Design The architectural form of the terrace has been designed to reflect the shape of Burj Al Arab, creating a fusion of sophisticated, contemporary structures and tranquil stretches of water. Linked by a central walkway, flanked on either side by crystalline beaches and private cabanas, it gives an effect of a stylised tropical forest canopy, with contrasting areas of dappled light and shade.
A palette of earth tones and clean, sharp whites, highlight the contrasting colours of nature, while the highest quality glass has been used extensively and creatively, from the panels throughout the interior spaces, to the specially commissioned handmade light installations in Scape Restaurant & Bar.
The design also incorporates a 612m2 freshwater pool and an 828m2 saltwater infinity pool, which melts into the horizon to create the mirage of a continuous ebb of water. 10 million mosaic tiles in shades of azure and gold line the pools, while 1,000 tonnes of white sand creates the dazzling beach. Set within the pools are four Jacuzzis and a swim-up bar.
AccorHotels has announce the opening of three new hotels under the Pullman, Novotel and Mercure branding with Wanda Group in Nanchang, as a key development of the Nanchang Wanda Cultural Tourism City.
Pullman, Novotel and Mercure Nanchang Wanda will form part of the biggest hotel cluster featuring 1,388 guest rooms, 4 restaurants, 3 bars and 1,310 square metres of banquet and meeting space including an 800-square-metre pillar-less ballroom in addition to wellness facilities. The three properties combined will offer the largest guest room inventory under the AcccorHotels Greater China portfolio.
“The opening of three hotels in a single day symbolises AccorHotels’ continuous growth and development in the Greater China region,” says Michel Molliet, Chief Operating Officer of AccorHotels Greater China. “This is our first and biggest hotel project in Central China,” he added.
– Pullman Nanchang Wanda has 403 guest rooms including 16 suites. The rooms feature a garden and lake view with distinctive signature touches under the Pullman brand.
– Novotel Nanchang Wanda offers all the brand’s customary multi-service facilities geared to the needs of business and leisure travellers. The 481 spacious, modular guest rooms include eight suites and a family suite.
– Mercure Nanchang Wanda features 504 modern-style guest-rooms. Like all Mercure hotels, this mid-scale property combines the strength of an international network with a strong quality commitment and a distinctive local heritage.
Business travellers will appreciate the 383-room hotel’s strategic location where they have easy access to major financial and commercial buildings such as the world renowned Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur Tower, Putra World Trade Centre and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Leanne Harwood, Vice President, Operations, South East Asia and Korea, IHG, commented: “Holiday Inn Express is one of our fastest growing hotel brands in the world and its growth is fuelled by a rising demand from value-conscious travellers who are seeking affordable accommodation in convenient locations. Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur City Centre is the first of five Holiday Inn Express hotels that we are opening in Malaysia in the coming years and we will be in a great position to cater to the projected 36 million tourist arrivals expected in Malaysia by 2020.”
As with over 2,400 Holiday Inn Express hotels around the world, guests can select from contemporary-designed queen or twin guest rooms with the consistency and reliability of a global hotel brand, including amenities such as: · Free and fast Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel to stay connected throughout one’s stay. · Comfortable and high quality bedding with a choice of firm or soft pillows for a restful night’s sleep. · Refreshing power showers with a three-function massage showerhead and fluffy towels to keep revitalised. · A 24-hour fitness room to stay energised and keep up the fitness routine away from home. · Self-service business centre, internet stations and laundry stations.
There are 15 Holiday Inn Express hotels in South East Asia, including two in Singapore, eight in Indonesia and four in Thailand, with 18 more hotels in the development pipeline in the region.
Featuring 237 serviced apartments, the property will offer a mix of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments. Guests will be able to choose from three dining outlets including an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby café and a pool café. Leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, health club and salon. For business guests, the hotel will offer four meeting rooms, a boardroom and a business centre.
Carlos Khneisser, vice president of development, Middle East & North Africa, said: “With more than 70% of our Middle East pipeline currently under construction, Hilton’s presence is growing rapidly across the region. The project at Dilmunia Island will be an outstanding addition to the Hilton portfolio in the Middle East, and further enhance Bahrain as a hugely popular destination for travellers to the region.”
Wellbeing and vitality are a focus at Dilmunia Island, which includes residential and shopping areas, and a health district. The mixed-use development is one of several large scale projects being built in line with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, a plan which aims to diversify the country’s economy.
Hilton now features three properties across its Bahraini development pipeline, in its Hilton Hotels & Resorts and DoubleTree by Hilton portfolio. There are more than 67 properties currently under development in the Middle East, which will more than double the existing portfolio size over the next few years.
Down Hall Hotel is one of England’s most established country house hotels, located in Hatfield Heath, near Bishop’s Stortford on the Hertfordshire and Essex border.
Dating back to 1322, this impressive Italianate mansion is sited in a historic setting of 110 acres of surrounding woodland, parkland and landscaped gardens. The hotel’s luxury interiors with ornate ceilings and beautiful period details have been enhanced by a complete refurbishment and the use of Gallery Direct, Frank Hudson SPIRE collection furniture.
Designer Rachael McLane, the award winning Yorkshire based consultancy worked with Keith Clarke, Contract and development Manager at Gallery Direct to create the ‘Classic Country House meets Contemporary lifestyle’ look of opulence and luxury. The first floor gallery rooms in the old house have SPIRE and CHIC collection furniture and the more contemporary rooms in the more recent wing have ANNECY, SPIRE and KISS collections.
Rachel McLane commented: “Gallery Direct were recommended to us a few years ago and we were suitably impressed at the time how they handled our brief, so when it came to sourcing furniture for the major refurbishment at Down Hall, Keith and his team were the obvious choice. It was important to everyone that the Down Hall project was completed on time, to schedule and in a manner befitting a luxury hotel.
“We were very impressed with Keith’s site installation team and any small issues were magically resolved. The refurbished rooms required classic, traditional furniture of understated simplicity but noticeable quality. This quality, combined with excellent service, proactivity, and a single point of contact, guarantees that we will be using Gallery Direct in the future,” she added.
Worcestershire boutique hotel Hogarths Stone Manor has unveiled the results of its multi-million pound redevelopment, which was supported by funding from the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).
The refurbishment as seen upgrades made to its 56 en-suite bedrooms, reception area, lounge, bar and restaurant. A new outdoor ceremony area for weddings was also created in the grounds of the hotel.
Originally a private members club some fifty years ago and the first to have a swimming pool in the borough, it was acquired in 2015 by Helena and Andy Hogarth who also own the Four Ashes restaurant.
Helena Hogarth said: “We are delighted with the results of the refurbishment and that all of the work has now completed. The hotel has been completely transformed and has a really luxurious yet comfortable feel to it.
“Feedback from visitors has already been extremely positive and we are confident that it will enable us to continue to attract new guests and increase the venue’s appeal for weddings and other celebrations,” she added.
Bulgari Hotels and Resorts has signed an agreement to bring the luxury brand to Moscow, with development to be carried out by Moscow-based Storm Properties. It is expected to open in 2019.
It will stand as the world’s seventh Bulgari Hotel, following the opening of Milan in 2004, Bali in 2006, London in 2012, and the Shanghai, Beijing and Dubai Hotels anticipated for 2017.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Alexey Bogachev, investor of the project, and Jean-Christophe Babin, Chief Executive Officer of Bulgari Group
The hotel will be located in a prestigious luxury area, just 300 metres from the city’s landmarks such as the historic Kremlin and the Red Square. As well, it will be adjacent to the Moscow State Conservatory P I Tchaikovsky, one of the most important music universities in the world.
The hotel will comprise 65 rooms and suites, including an extraordinary 300-square-metre Bulgari Suite with a unique 600-square metre rooftop terrace. A full range of luxury facilities, such as the signature Bulgari restaurant and bar and a 1600-square-metre Spa with 25 metre swimming pool, will be at the disposal of the hotel guests and residents.
The Bulgari Hotel in Moscow has been designed by the Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partners in collaboration with ATRIUM, a renowned Russian architectural bureau with more than 20 years of experience. It is planned to offer a mix of traditional and contemporary themes, and juxtapose new and conventional architecture through the conservative restoration and harmonisation of variously dated façades, thereby aptly reflecting the design and style of the surrounding area.
The internal building will be totally renovated to incorporate the highest standards of luxury facilities and offer the contemporary style and outstanding service and design for which the Bulgari Hotels are famous. The internal courtyard inspired by the traditional patios of the Italian Renaissance Palaces will offer the hotel guests an exclusive outdoor living space during the warm season.
The former residence of a noble family, and later home to the musicians from the Conservatory P. I. Tchaikovsky, the Bulgari Hotel will convey Bulgari’s core aesthetic values of contemporary design, magnificent craftsmanship and artistic detail.
Commenting on the announcement, the investor of the project Alexey Bogachev said: “I am very excited about the opportunity to cooperate with Bulgari Hotels and Resorts, which is the world’s synonymous of outstanding quality and sophisticated taste among the most exacting clients. The combination of Bulgari Hotel and the residences will create a new level of quality for the Moscow market.”
New RIO tables were launched by Morgan during Clerkenwell Design Week to match with the existing RIO seating.
In collaboration with studio INTEGRATE, the Rio collection by Morgan is one that explores the craft of yesterday versus the craft of tomorrow. As well as the timber and upholstered models there is a 3D printed component that creates an intricate curved sculptural arm.
It is constructed using a mathematical algorithm and printed in polyamide or resin. A glass top floats over a 3D printed basket which links it to solid turned timber legs; in a mix of an intricate ‘lacework’ component with a rational structure and form.
Located right next door to the Amsterdam ArenA and the Ziggo Dome, Jaz Amsterdam has celebrated its official hotel opening and has succeeded in becoming a cult venue in no time at all. The spectacular show to herald its opening, designed by Jung von Matt, also proved a cult attraction.
This is a hotel designed by musical enthusiasts for musical visionaries in which the musical heart of Amsterdam pulsates to the beat of the city. The Jaz Amsterdam is the Steigenberger Hotel Group’s third brand.
As Adele performed at the Ziggo Dome next door, the Jaz Team assembled around Band Leader Joost van Beck. As well as being known and loved for its spontaneous sessions, the first hotel to be operated under Steigenberger’s third brand always has a surprise in store. Its opening very much went off with a bang in a launch event which featured show performances, dance and music on a temporary scaffolding structure specially erected for the purpose. Indeed, what could be more appropriate for a hotel which is “built by music”?
“Today is a great moment,” said Puneet Chhatwal, CEO of Steigenberger Hotels AG. “It is the day on which we officially welcome the Jaz Amsterdam as a new member of the Steigenberger family.” He was also full of praise for the hotel’s staff: “Since the Soft Opening in November, the Jaz Team has put in an outstanding performance.”
Hasan Yigit, Vice President of Jaz Hotel, added: “The key concept behind the opening event is ‘Built by music’. Our team comprises a drummer, an orchestrator, a stage manager, a choreographer and our Band Leader Joost. All work together to achieve perfect harmony with the wishes of the guests.”
The further support programme was just as refreshing and unconventional. Local artists and DJ’s were on hand, and live performances were staged in the lifts. A champagne pyramid, a range of culinary delights and unusual show components also all added to the mix. The highlight of the evening was an appearance by the legendary DJ Fedde le Grand. All of the elements combined to conjure up a sensational atmosphere at the Jaz Amsterdam and truly made it “the place to be” on this particular day.
The next Jaz Hotel is scheduled to open in Stuttgart in early 2017, and the aim is to have ten further hotels operational or in planning by 2020. www.jaz-hotel.com/en
The 188-room AC Hotel® Guadalajara Mexico and the 175-room AC Hotel® Queretaro Antea recently opened their doors – both properties are owned and were developed by FibraHotel and are operated by Marriott International.
AC Hotels by Marriott celebrates the beauty of classic modern designs with its European soul and Spanish roots, borne from the signature vision of renowned hotelier Antonio Catalan, who founded the brand in 1998 and grew it into one of the most well-respected hotel brands in Spain. Following its success in Europe, a joint venture was formed with Marriott International in 2011, which launched AC Hotels by Marriott globally into France, Denmark, the United States and now Mexico.
These two openings mark the first hotels for the Caribbean and Latin America region. Later this year, AC Hotels plans to open hotels in Mexico City (Mexico), Panama City (Panama), Santiago (Chile) and two hotels in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in time for the summer Olympic Games.
Based on a belief that purposeful design improves lives, AC Hotels carves away what is unnecessary, in order to provide guests with thoughtfully designed moments of beauty. The concept revolves around the idea that guests should only get only what they need, without paying for what they don’t.
The result is sophisticated yet unpretentious style, innovative beverage and food programming and locally inspired experiences for both guests and locals.
Taking influence from its European roots, the AC Hotel Queretaro Antea and the AC Hotel Guadalajara Mexico showcase a timeless design that is modern and sleek. Guest rooms incorporate inviting grays and charcoal tones, with clean lines and elegant floors; furniture is lifted to create a sense of space, and crisp white linens are used to create a look that’s both refined and elegant.
Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort, an all-inclusive retreat on the southern coast of Turkey, has unveiled fifteen new luxury villas this month. Two ‘King Villas’ and thirteen ‘Baron Villas’ add to the resort’s extensive accommodation offerings, from the elegant rooms and suites in the main hotel, to The Golf Residences, overlooking the resort’s championship golf course.
Sporting sprawling views of the Regnum Carya Golf Club, the Baron Villa offers travellers the upmost in style, comfort and accessibility. Complete with sun-drenched decking area and heated infinity pool, the 350sqm properties are hedged, offering more intimacy. From the three spacious bedrooms and the chic living area to the American kitchen and luxury bathrooms, each villa is furnished with stone-washed, neutral hues, peppered with splashes of Regnum’s signature blue, reminiscent of the Mediterranean Sea, which boarders the south side of the resort.
The neighbouring King Villa, housing a swimming pool and open-air hot tub, boasts five bedrooms, including a master-suite with Jacuzzi, living room, kitchen area and five bathrooms, each equipped with luxury amenities and Bulgari cosmetics. When guests aren’t lounging by the pool, they can take advantage of the villa’s spa and gym, complete with treatment area and state-of-the-art fitness equipment.
The new villas add to the resort’s already comprehensive accommodation offerings, from the 438 elegant rooms and suites located in the main hotel, each offering either a sea or golf course view and a balcony, to The Golf Residences, comprising of 100 stunning private villas, each with a private swimming pool. The jewel of the resort is the Crown Villa, a 3,500 sqm space that includes 5 luxury bedrooms, 5 private bathrooms and dressing rooms, meeting rooms, bar and entertainment area, 440sqm heated outdoor pool, Jacuzzi area and panoramic views of the Championship Golf Course.
HiB is continuing in its unrelenting mission to help consumers to make their bathrooms beautiful with its stunning new Stratus bathroom cabinet range.
A must-have for any retailer, the Stratus is the ideal choice for discerning customers seeking a storage solution which isn’t just slick in design but guaranteed to inject a real ‘wow’ factor into their bathroom.
Offering a real look of luxury, the cabinets boast a sleek, angular form for a look which is super contemporary, while LED lighting, both outside and inside, ensures a beautiful illumination from every angle. In addition, the integration of heated pads in the mirror doors ensures they keep consistently clear.
Further features include integrated charging sockets, suitable for toothbrushes, shavers & trimmers, and a clever sensor switch whereby users simply need to wave their hand by the sensor to turn the light on and off. Furthermore, double-sided mirror doors mean consumers can use a mirror when the door is even open.
Steve Kaye, marketing manager at HiB comments: “While the bathroom cabinet was once considered quite a low priority in the design chain, recent years have seen it take precedence as more consumers recognise the huge impact it can have on their bathroom look and feel.
“With this in mind, Stratus has been designed to provide the height of cool contemporary design for the style-conscious consumer while ticking all the functional boxes – ensuring broad appeal for all styles and tastes.”
Park Hyatt Mallorca, located on the relatively undiscovered north-eastern coast, has opened to become the first Park Hyatt resort in Europe and the first Hyatt hotel in Mallorca.
Set in the exclusive Cap Vermell Estate, and designed in the style of an authentic Mallorquín village, the secluded setting offers guests a unique and tranquil environment. The new destination offers 142 luxurious guest rooms including 16 exquisitely designed suites. Rooms are complete with private terraces that feature stunning views of the verdant Canyamel Valley or Balearic Sea.
“The opening of our first Park Hyatt European resort marks a significant milestone for Hyatt and underlines our commitment to meaningful and strategic growth in this region where we know our guests are traveling,” said Peter Fulton, group president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, as well as Southwest Asia for Hyatt. “Park Hyatt hotels are internationally renowned for their understated luxury and sophistication, and we are pleased to bring this experience to the Mediterranean.”
Luxury facilities at Park Hyatt Mallorca include a landscaped poolside terrace featuring three swimming pools, two of which are heated, and a separate children’s splash pool.
Guests can also enjoy access to the superb facilities at Cap Vermell, including a beach club just a 10-minute walk away. The estate’s country club, scheduled for completion in July 2016, boasts paddle ball courts, two tennis courts, an indoor heated swimming pool and outdoor pool. Within 15 minutes of the hotel, guests will have a choice of four superb golf courses, including a full 18-hole course adjacent to the resort.
Park Hyatt Mallorca is home to the Residence, housing a selection of elegant meeting rooms and a purpose built show kitchen that open onto a beautiful Mallorquín courtyard. The Residence is styled with fine furniture and artistic flair to create a visually impressive, yet functional meeting space. A stunning 225sqm ballroom offers an extensive terrace and access to a landscaped garden with a gazebo overlooking the valley.
Already signed up for this first edition are senior designers from Twenty 2 Degrees Design, KAI Design and Black Box Interiors; representatives from hotels such as M by Montcalm and the Seraphine Group as well as senior figures from Genson Construction.
Do you want to meet with a host of senior figures from across the hotel industry and some of the most influential names in interior design? The Hotel Designs Meet Up is the perfect opportunity to catch up, meet and network in an informal and relaxed setting.
Having a unique position at the heart of the industry, Hotel Designs can build events like the Hotel Designs Meet Up that deliver targeted audiences for its partners’ trade messages.
Clarissa Hulse is widely acknowledged as a luminary of British design, well known for her distinctive hand and her passion for colour and texture. Her initial collaboration with Harlequin in 2011, Kallianthi, was a runaway success and remains a best-selling collection; so it is no surprise that she has teamed up with the company again to produce another mouth-watering range of fabrics and wallcoverings.
Clarissa draws her inspiration from a variety of influences including her enduring passion for plants, flowers and landscapes happened upon during long country walks, a nomadic childhood and her half-Greek heritage. For Callista, which means ‘most beautiful’ in Ancient Greek, she has created an enticing and entrancing collection of woven fabrics, printed silks and wallpapers that display to breath-taking effect Clarissa’s trademark style: contemporary botanical designs coupled with intense colour.
According to Clarissa: “Working with Harlequin has proved one of the most rewarding collaborations of my career. I was delighted to be invited to work with the brand on a second collection, and I believe that Callista features some of my most exciting work to date. I feel privileged to have been given free rein with both colour and scale, whilst Harlequin’s access to advanced printing technology has allowed me to explore innovative metallic effects and textures.’
The exquisite fabrics include a silk and cotton mix jacquard weave, silk dupion prints and a beautiful voile that has been dip-dyed then embroidered and hand embellished. They showcase to perfection Clarissa’s flair and aptitude for interpreting the natural influences that inspire and enthuse her.
Her delightful wallpapers make an impact both individually or when used in conjunction with her fabrics. They are all printed on non-woven paper, which can be applied directly to a ready-pasted wall, making it very easy to hang.
Callista includes Angeliki – giant fennel silhouettes, first spotted by Clarissa on a deserted hillside in southern Greece; Kalamia – spindly reeds traversing bright silks; Filix – tessellating lady ferns pressed whilst on holiday in Grenada; Espinillo – acacia leaves found on Highbury Fields; and Meadow Grass – layers of swaying Wiltshire meadow grasses. English and Greek horizons are painted in bold watercolour lines to create the Harmonia Stripe design, as well as represented in the subtle ombré backdrop against which many of the flora are silhouetted. The collection also includes Hortelano, large digitally-printed panels that can be cut to fit a wall, creating a whimsical vista of goose-grass stems.
Clarissa rejoices in colour, celebrating its understated, natural tones and embracing its confident, vibrant shades with equal success. Her love for colour is reflected in the Callista collection, where rich emerald, moss and forest greens are introduced to complement her trademark shades of kingfisher, neon pink, paprika, slate, turmeric and zinc. Metallics lift so much of the collection into the sublime, providing shimmering gritty texture in some and smooth reflective surfaces in others.
Callista will be launched in early Summer 2016 and will be available via Harlequin’s network of stockists both nationally and internationally.
Building on the technological capabilities of the Axor U-Base, Axor envisioned a new dimension of individualisation: washbasin spouts crafted from alternative materials with total freedom of form for seamless integration in the interior design or for creating a personal statement.
Within this creative brief, Axor invited world-renowned design partners to present their visions for the meaning of water within the living spaces of tomorrow.
Together with Axor, David Adjaye, Werner Aisslinger, FRONT, GamFratesi and Jean-Marie Massaud designed unique spouts that through their materiality, form and function, give a new emotionality and value to the tap itself and the water passing through it. Axor first presented these five original pieces during FuoriSalone in Milan in April and they were the Axor star attraction at The Water Studio in Clerkenwell during Clerkenwell Design Week.
Despite their very different views on the meaning of water within the interior space, each architect and designer experimented with alternative materials and forms to celebrate water and its path on a functional, and on an emotional level:
In British architect David Adjaye’s concept Ritual, water appears from under a granite inlay that is cradled by a wedge-shaped, precious metal (bronze) spout. The water, always in view, is ritualised: from source, to flow, and finally, to descent.
German designer Werner Aisslinger’s conceptual spout, The Sea and the Shore, is a hybrid consisting of a fountain and a shelf – a space for rituality and functionality. Crafted from the ancient and historical material clay, it emphasizes the longevity and the value of water and water-releasing objects in our societies.
Water flows from platform to platform in Water Steps, a sculptural metal spout by the Swedish duo FRONT. Focusing on the playful exchange between form and water, it aesthetically and acoustically underlines the emotional potential of the natural element as it flows over PVD-finished, metallic surfaces.
Zen, designed by the Danish-Italian duo GamFratesi, reinterprets the classic Japanese wood fountain. With its minimalistic form and water flow, it achieves a tranquil and meditative spirit, which depicts the honest connection between nature and water.
Jean-Marie Massaud’s Mimicry suggests a water-releasing object in complete harmony with the architectural landscape. Material (marble) and form (simple, geometric shapes) suggest an inherent connection to water and achieve an emotional enhancement of both object and resource.
Whether it is by integration or by making an obvious statement, all five crafted spouts address the evolving desire for individuality, emotionality and sensory experiences in living spaces where water interacts with us.
Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa will open its doors in June 2016, welcoming the first batch of guests throughout the month.
The luxury resort spans 53 hectares, making it the largest resort in Sri Lanka, and boasts 300 spacious rooms, including 21 suites, all surrounded by stunning tropical gardens. It is home to an 18-hole golf course, an expansive spa and an artisan village that celebrates local arts and crafts.
It will feature Shangri-La’s signature CHI, The Spa, as well as a health club, a 30-metre sunset pool and an additional free-form lagoon pool offer recreational opportunities and facilities unparalleled in Sri Lanka.
With the natural beauty surrounding the area, a wedding at Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa is the ideal place to tie the knot. In addition to the main ballroom, the resort boasts five conference rooms excellent for conventions and meetings and there are plenty of other activities to keep younger guests happy with a 7-metre high trapeze, a drone flying area, outdoor water park, childrens’ pool and childcare facilities.
Architecture by MICD Associates and TID International. Interiors courtesy of Chao Tse Ann & Partners and HBA
For those of us in the know, the Lake District needs little introduction. Indeed, sometimes, there are no words to capture its outstanding beauty.
For the rest, yet to discover its delights first-hand, I can only urge a visit to find out why this is the case – its stunning landscape, quaint villages and air of tranquil solitariness have been captured perfectly by the immortal words of Wordsworth, Landon and Procter far better than I could ever hope to attempt here.
So, it was with great pleasure I was invited to dine and stay at the newly-refurbished Forest Side Hotel in Grasmere – the third property in the portfolio of affable and mild-mannered hotelier Andrew Wildsmith. Forest Side, which has joined Hipping Hall in Kirkby Lonsdale and The Ryebeck in Bowness in his eponymous collection, is a fantastic base for discovering just how accurate Lakes-native William Wordsworth’s love-letters to the district still are.
Set amongst craggy mountains and serene lakeside grounds this former Victorian manor home – tucked away from the main road, which had just reopened during my visit after the damaging floods earlier in the year – oozes presence on arrival. I’m welcomed at a simple reception desk and then get a chance to spot the impressive main staircase and the various rooms that break off the main atrium – namely the bar, lounge and the hotel’s fantastic restaurant. (FULL REVIEW HERE)
Andrew later tells me that the building was first surveyed in the autumn of 2013 after an online search and purchased in the summer of 2014 – with the kitchen requiring a complete re-equipment and refit and the small bedrooms needing to be repurposed to restore them to their original size. The latter has been done with great aplomb. My ‘Master’ room is incredibly spacious, luxuriously and tastefully furnished with predominantly light hues by HD Directory members Zoffany; and drenched in natural light thanks to the elegantly-dressed, period-style windows (all 80 of which in the property, I later read, were painstakingly installed). My only gripe would be with the placement of the television in relation to the location of sofas and chairs, it has been rather awkwardly placed in a corner and comes across as an afterthought.
But the attention to detail throughout, from the furniture choices (think custom-made Harrison Spinks beds), heritage-inspired upholstery and fabrics to the wonderfully simple but elegantly functional finish in the bathroom – the push-button thermostatic mixer for concealed outlets on the bath and shower by HD partner Hansgrohe a definite stand-out – all endorse the skills of an interior designer with an eye for modern luxury as well as the hotel’s bucolic surroundings.
Indeed, James Mackie’s locally-inspired touch is to be found throughout all the Forest Side’s rooms. A perfect example of this? I read all the carpets are sourced from the local Herdwick breed of sheep and the entire hotel’s order totalled 2,000 fleeces from Wools of Cumbria.
Moving downstairs, I get to sneak a peek at the open-view and modern kitchen, head chef Kevin Tickle’s team already busy at work preparing for the evening service ahead, as well as the spectacular wine cellar – it disappears into a cavernous opening below me as I try to get a glimpse at its treasures through a glass panel beneath my feet. An example of the blend of state-of-the-art and carefully restored historicity that makes this hotel so appealing.
The look and feel of the lounge areas exacerbate the rich, textured feel of the rooms upstairs with varied wallcovering choices – the zany ornithological theme of the smaller lounge area balanced out by beautiful, shimmering metallic Lustre Quartz in the larger room – elaborate mirrors, original fireplaces and decadent sofas. These all offer more of an assault on the visual sense than in the guestrooms. But an earthier, rustic look is achieved in the dining room, complete with glorious views of the grounds and beyond. I adore this space and it’s my favourite in the whole hotel – I love the fact the dining tables are made from reclaimed wood from the original floorboards by a local carpenter. A superb touch.
The brilliant dining tables made using the old wooden floorboards of the original floor
The next morning, after a hearty Cumbrian breakfast (what else…?), I’m shown around the hotel’s marvellous, manicured foraging / kitchen gardens built a short walk from the hotel itself on top of land originally left to overgrow; it’s now home to a host of vegetables, herbs and deliciously edible things I never realised were edible. “Not many gardens with such a view,” Andrew remarks as we gaze out on the dramatic Lakes landscape and local landmark ‘Lion and the Lamb’ rock formation. I can only agree.
It’s with a heavy heart I have to pack up and leave on the long drive back south; I could have spent a week enjoying this gem of a hotel and exploring its locality. A no-expense-spared approach to the refurbishment and interior design is matched by the entire Forest Side team, whose accomplished, professional but personable approach to their work only adds to the experience of what is an outstanding property.
Chatting briefly to Andrew before I leave, I discover he started his hotelier career having previously read chemistry at Cambridge. If his two other properties are half as good as the Forest Side, it appears he really does possess a Midas touch – especially when it comes to boutique hospitality…
Based on a stay in May 2016 Photos: Daniel Fountain // Forest Side Facebook www.theforestside.com
Rose Tascher de la Pagerie, nicknamed Josephine by Napoleon Bonaparte and known as JoBo to her closest friends, possessed all the characteristics, including the most scandalous, to inspire an eternally contemporary Parisian venue.
Beyond a life story inextricably linked with history, her boundless curiosity and unconditional love of beauty made Josephine a resolutely modern muse. Passionate lover, mistress–wife, trendsetter and renowned as one of the most elegant women of the period, Josephine was a liberated woman before her time. Avant-garde and wild about decoration, she never stopped inventing, assembling and collecting, to adorn her various residences with the best, the most precious, the most original. It was for her that the first panther-skin rug was made.
Passing through the carriage door, visitors find themselves transported into Josephine’s dreamworld. The first surprise and shiver of excitement: a Napoleonic campaign tent covered in roses welcomes you into the hotel. Hotel de JoBo’s 24 rooms are spread over four floors and arranged around a hidden courtyard. The decor of this boutique hotel, which occupies a former 17th-century convent, was designed by Bambi SLOAN. Taking Josephine Bonaparte as her muse, her inspiration, she has used the style codes of the Napoleonic period, as well as JoBo’s love of roses.
The devil is in the detail; reprints of period wallpapers, beams stripped back and bedecked in roses, bathrooms in mosaic tiles and marble … Bambi SLOAN slips into Rose’s skin, taking ownership of the rooms conferred to her, and bringing them to life with a touch of the unexpected, a splash of eccentricity, a grain of fun. “This is a hotel for both licit and illicit love affairs,” she confides.
This characterful hotel lives and breathes 24 hours a day with its cocktail bar, which also offers light gastronomic snacks, and a tea room with delicious French patisseries, all in a cosy and funky atmosphere.
Visitors to the Canadian capital now have even more choice of quality accommodation to choose from thanks to the opening of the 148-room Alt Hotel Ottawa. The newly-built property is conveniently located on Slater Street, just a few blocks away from the city’s iconic Parliament Buildings and is less than a mile from the bustling ByWard Market district.
The opening is the latest offering from the Montreal-based group Germain Hospitalité; a hotel operator that currently has a portfolio of 13 properties comprising the Alt and Le Germain brands. The company specialises in a ‘no frills chic’ concept which sees guests enjoy all the luxury of a high-end hotel experience without the price tag. The group is enjoying rapid expansion with plans to open up to seven more hotels by 2020.
Designed by LEMAYMICHAUD Architecture Design and Chmiel Architects, the 14-floor, $30 million (£16 million) Alt Hotel Ottawa offers intelligent design, comfort and attentive service.
As well as a fully equipped fitness centre it is home to 4,000 square feet of meetings space furnished with top of the range facilities including smart large format televisions and high-spec projection screens. Special touches in every room, such as ‘ultra-comfortable’ beds and spa-inspired bathrooms, all lend the hotel a decidedly upscale feel that defies its affordable year-round nightly flat rate.
Visitors to Alt Hotel Ottawa are greeted by an impressive eye-catching installation called ALT Expo. Dominating the lobby walls, the striking mural by artist Jean-François Frenette is composed of 9,000 colourful photographs featuring iconic Canadian landscapes. Within the mosaic there are special LCD panels that stream Instagram images that have been shared by hotel guests and members of the public using the hashtag #altexpo. Also in the lobby is the Altcetera Café, the perfect place for guests to enjoy an informal breakfast, lunch or dinner. The café offers a variety of simple, delicious food prepared by local caterer Epicuria as well as a range of hot beverages by Canadian tea specialists DAVIDsTEA.
The new opening further strengthens the capital’s diverse hotel offering. UK visitors to Ottawa can already choose from a wide range of accommodation from intimate boutique properties to state of the art business hotels. Whether seeking the ultimate in luxury or the perfect family hotel there is something to suit every traveller’s budget.
The Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana property, in Marrakech will have 140 keys and be located at M Avenue, the new shopping, entertainment and residential destination in Marrakech.
Catering to both business and leisure travellers, the property will feature modern facilities including three dining outlets, meeting rooms, conference and banquet halls, wireless internet access, a swimming pool, and a fitness studio.
Rotana president and CEO Omer Kaddouri said: “We are very proud to have been selected to manage this property which will have great appeal, particularly among tourists and long stay guests. Our new Arjaan in Marrakech will offer everything guests need to be comfortable and productive, and will exude sophisticated elegance across all facets of the property.”
The M Avenue is a dedicated lifestyle district with a mix of premium hotels, residences, offices, retail outlets, restaurants, cafés, art galleries and exhibition venues, along a 500-metre-long promenade entitled ‘Garden Avenue’.
“The M Avenue intends to play a central role in the lives of the region’s residents and tourists, providing a new way to experience Marrakech by weaving links between a rich heritage and modern Morocco,” said Nabil Slitine, general manager of Downtown Hotel Corporation, developer of M Avenue.
In 2014, Marrakech hosted 1.89 million tourists with six million overnight stays. The increase in international visitor arrivals was driven by a number of factors including re-introduction of several airline routes that had earlier been suspended during the economic downturn, as well as the city’s emergence as a MICE and events tourism destination.
Located within the Hotel Barsey by Warwick in Brussels, The Avenue by Barsey restaurant recently unveiled a dramatic new look created by Paris-based interior design agency Kerylos Intérieurs.
Already recognised as a pivotal destination on the culinary map of Brussels, the brief was to create an interior environment befitting of the restaurant’s stellar reputation.
In three short months, Kerylos Intérieurs were able to create a luxury space that maintained the existing structure with a strong new personality.
Based on an alchemy of comfort, warmth and luxury, the design plays on a contrast between full and empty spaces, ornate finishings against a simplified linear layout and a monochrome structure filled with touches of rich hues.
On the exceptional western coastline of O‘ahu, a landmark 17-storey terraced hotel is re-emerging as the new Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.
Adjacent to the Lanikuhonua (“where heaven meets earth”) Cultural Estate and nature preserve, the newest Four Seasons in Hawaii is located on the ocean in the resort community of Ko Olina, meaning “place of joy.”
Enveloped in the warm embrace of Hawaiian-style hospitality and signature Four Seasons service, the kama’aina-style open air public spaces and generous light-filled rooms and suites will mirror the easy elegance of the Four Seasons resort lifestyle.
Features will include world class restaurants and sunset lounges; lively pools and beaches plus restorative quiet places; an expansive spa and wellness oasis; on-site tennis centre and privileged access to the Ko Olina Golf Club; creative event spaces bathed in natural light, and so much more – all just 17 miles (27 kilometres) from Honolulu International Airport.
Now taking reservations, Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina will be the fifth hotel in the Four Seasons Hawaiian Collection, offering intriguing island-hopping and multi-destination vacation possibilities. Four award-winning resorts on three additional islands include Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on Hawaiʻi Island, Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi at Manele Bay and Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi, The Lodge at Koele.
Architects and Interior Designers • Edward Killingsworth (architect, original 1998 hotel) • Philpotts Interiors (designers, current renovation)
Sedona Hotel Yangon is pleased to announce the opening of 84 additional luxury suites in its new Inya Wing. Since it was unveiled in October 2015, the iconic 29-storey Inya Wing is already setting a new standard for modern hospitality in Yangon.
With the launch of the hotel’s new collection of luxury suites, Sedona Hotel Yangon is poised to become one of the city’s top destinations for business and leisure travellers alike. To celebrate the launch of the new suites and the 20th anniversary of the hotel, Sedona Hotel Yangon is introducing a limited time offer with suites available at an attractive promotional rate from USD 240 nett, available from now until 30 September 2016.
Anawratha Suite – Sedona Hotel Yangon
Anawratha Suite – Sedona Hotel Yangon
Executive Club Loung – Sedona Hotel Yangon
Mr Mok Kok Meng, GM of Sedona Hotel Yangon, said, “We are delighted to introduce these suites to our guests. As one of Yangon’s first five-star hotels and with the addition of our new Inya Wing, we have set a new benchmark for modern hospitality in Yangon, presenting customers with premium offerings and unique experiences.”
Executive Club Lounge – Sedona Hotel Yangon
Irrawaddy Suite – Sedona Hotel Yangon
Prestige Suite – Sedona Hotel Yangon
The new collection of suites includes:
Prestige Suite – At a generous 50 sm, the Prestige Suite offers a relaxing seating area with a large, comfortable sofa and an ensuite bathroom with glass viewing panels. Irrawaddy Suite – At a spacious 52 sm, the Irrawaddy Suite offers guests a separate living room from the study area allowing more privacy for guests. Shin Sawbu Suite – At 63 sm, the two-room Shin Sawbu Suite offers a separate seating area along with a luxurious free-standing tub. Anawrahta Suite – Located on the top floor of the Inya Wing, the Anawrahta Suite offers the best views of Inya Lake. The presidential-style suite is a spacious 197sm and is the perfect setting for elite business gatherings and events, offering three separate rooms which can be utilised for a variety of functions. Ideal for larger receptions, corporate retreats or intimate dinners, the main room includes formal living and dining areas and is adjacent to a smaller private lounge. This is served by a fully-appointed open kitchen that includes a separate entrance for butler access.
Guests will also be able to enjoy the thoughtfully-appointed bedroom suite which includes a study area, an open-concept bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe.
Today, Oxford Capital Group’s wholly owned management affiliate Oxford Hotels & Resorts and Curio – A Collection by Hilton™ proudly announce the eagerly-awaited opening of LondonHouse Chicagoat the corner of North Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive.
Curio by Hilton has announced the opening of the LondonHouse, Chicago in association with Oxford Hotels and Resorts.
Originally opened as the London Guarantee Building in 1923, LondonHouse Chicago pays tribute to its past while also incorporating visually striking modern elements. The luxury lifestyle hotel brings 452 chic rooms and suites, as well as tech-forward amenities catering to leisure and business travelers alike.
Inspired by the London Guarantee & Accident Building, the nearly 100-year old structure in which the hotel is located, LondonHouse Chicago uses its design to memorialise the era in which the 23-floor tower was originally built. Oxford also worked closely with architecture firm Goettsch Partners to develop a new 22-story modernist glass tower designed to synchronise seamlessly with the 360 North Michigan Avenues building’s timeless Art Deco architecture. Simeone Deary Design Group, the hotel’s interior design firm, also incorporated its jazz themes subtly with stylish interior architectural materials blending classic and modern designs. Some materials and furniture were secured by the Getty’s Group procurement division.
“We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to work closely with Oxford’s development team to concept and design the interiors for LondonHouse Chicago,” said Lisa Simeone, owner of Simeone Deary Design Group. “The Landmark nature of this gorgeous and iconic building, its 1920s original inception and its location at the historic site of Fort Dearborn provided a wealth of inspiration for our narrative and design. From flappers’ beaded dresses to industrial automobile interiors to generals’ uniforms and beyond, our modern-take on these design elements allowed us to be inspired by the past but ground ourselves in the present.”
London House’s elegant design aesthetic is further elevated through a custom art collection and unique prints curated by Indiewalls to visualise the property’s glamour while telling a story of opulence, intrigue, and history.
The guest rooms and suites will also be equipped with Bluetooth-friendly Tivoli clock radios, mini refrigerators, luxury linen bedding and towels and signature Frette LondonHouse robes. Other amenities for today’s savvy traveler include convenient task desks and marble-clad bathrooms with high-end Malin + Goetz products.
Hilton Worldwide’s Hampton by Hilton brand, the global mid-priced hotel that serves value-conscious and quality-driven travelers around the world, today announced the opening of its newest property, Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Centre East. The property, offering 75 guestrooms, is managed by WIN Hotels and joins the Hampton by Hilton family of more than 2,100 Hampton by Hilton, Hampton Inn by Hilton and Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton hotels worldwide, and joins a further seven Hilton Worldwide properties in Amsterdam.
Located 15 miles from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Centre East is in the perfect location to explore this adventurous city. The NL Times recently reported that Amsterdam is one of the most visited cities in Europe and is expected to remain as one, as the Netherlands’ tourism numbers continue to grow.
Phil Cordell, global head, focused service and Hampton by Hilton brand management, Hilton Worldwide said, “We are excited to introduce our second Hampton by Hilton property to this famous city as Hilton Worldwide continues to demonstrate strong growth in the region. Amsterdam has so much to offer including museums, festivals and historical architecture. We look forward to providing our guests with all of our signature services and amenities they will need for a relaxing stay in the city.”
Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Centre East provides guests with the brand’s signature hot breakfast included with all rates, a complimentary fitness room open 24 hours a day, a 24-hour convenience hub with a selection of snacks and drinks, all backed by Hampton by Hilton’s Satisfaction Guarantee. Guest rooms also include a 40-inch HDTV and large work station.
“We are delighted to welcome guests to our new hotel,” said Benny Luitjens, general manager. “Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Centre East is based in a beautifully vibrant city that holds a rich culture and history and is the perfect base for families wanting to explore the city. Guests can take a stroll round the 165 canals and dive into art in the many world class museums. Also close by to the hotel is the Artis Zoo and NEMO science center, both perfect for family days out.”
Hampton by Hilton team members proudly exhibit a unique culture described as Hamptonality. The term describes each hotel’s approach to friendly customer service, anticipation of guests’ needs and providing travelers with helpful suggestions about area attractions, historical facts and fun things to do around town. Additionally, hotels are infused with local photography and artwork, highlighting each property’s connection and support to its own community.
Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Centre East participates in Hilton HHonors®, the only hotel loyalty programme that allows members to earn Points & Miles® on the same stay and No Blackout Dates on reward stays. HHonors members always get the lowest price, along with HHonors Points, digital check-in and no booking fees only when they book directly through Hilton.
Sekers are pleased to announce the launch of Jura upholstery, a new textural collection available in a range of 20 muted multi-coloured tones inspired by the striking colours of the Isle of Jura’s landscapes.
An adaptable textured semi plain upholstery supplied with a Crib 5 Flame Retardant backing and with a high Martindale abrasion performance of 50,000 rubs, Jura is an ideal upholstery choice for the designer specifying for commercial sectors including hospitality, leisure and marine markets.
ALL SALES AND SAMPLING ENQUIRIES TO: Sekers Fabrics Limited 7a Nobel Road, Wester Gourdie Industrial Estate Dundee, DD2 4UH Sales Tel: +44 (0) 1946 517501 Sales Fax: +44 (0) 1946 517502 UK & Ireland Email: sales@sekers.co.uk Export Email: export@sekers.co.uk www.sekersfabrics.co.uk London Showroom: Unit 1/20 Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, London, SW10 0XE
The team behind the world-leading PGA Catalunya Resort, near Barcelona, Spain, has confirmed that a new five-star hotel will open at the resort in June, following an investment of €33 million.
Hotel Camiral will be a stellar addition to the world-class facilities already on offer at the Costa Brava resort, a European Tour Destination featuring Spain’s number one golf course.
In addition to its two championship layouts, The Stadium Course and Tour Course, PGA Catalunya Resort is an international centre of excellence for training and coaching and is home to Europe’s largest chipping and putting green, the Sergio Garcia Junior Golf Academy and the Dave Pelz Spanish Golf School. The new hotel has been created by the critically-acclaimed interior designer Lazaro Rosa-Violán. The 149-room luxury hotel will combine contemporary design with striking urban-chic interiors to compliment the modern, low-density development that has made PGA Catalunya Resort one of the most sought after golf destinations in the world.
June 2016 sees the soft launch of the hotel, which will add three new dining options to the resort, including the new à la carte 1477 restaurant, a lounge bistro and a pool-side bar – all specialising in produce from the local area and taking inspiration from the gourmet scene on PGA Catalunya Resort’s doorstep.
Hotel Camiral will also offer an extensive programme of experiences, from local activities and outdoor pursuits to cultural tours of nearby Girona and Barcelona that can be arranged through its exclusive concierge services.
The new hotel follows a programme of investments at the resort which started in 2010 with extensive upgrades to the Stadium Course, including changing the grass type on its fairways to resilient, drought-resistant Bermuda grass – the same variety used at Augusta National, home of The Masters. PGA Catalunya was subsequently ranked among the World’s Top 100 Golf Courses (Golf World) and voted 2015 Golf Resort of the Year for Europe (IAGTO).
David Plana, PGA Catalunya Resort’s CEO, said: “The hotel is the first element of our three-year, €53 million development plan, which will also see a new vineyard, sports facilities, an equestrian centre and a man-made recreational lake added to the resort – all of which underline our continued commitment to ensuring PGA Catalunya Resort maintains its status as a leading global golf destination.”
Less than an hour from the vibrant metropolis of Barcelona, 20 minutes from the beaches of the Costa Brava and just 15 minutes from the historic town of Girona, Hotel Camiral will be the perfect location for golfers, sports enthusiasts, culture aficionados, foodies and their families.
With the cold weather behind us and warm days ahead, is it time for a change of décor? Kobe, the luxury fabric specialist is predicting exciting interior trends for the summer of 2016. Think glamorous, cool looks for hot summer days.
For beautiful summer style choose fabrics with a soft natural linen touch in sophisticated cream, sand, light grey or charcoal and complement with shimmering yarns in silver and gold.
David Harris, MD, said: “Sheers are perfect for summer, they are soft and elegant. Choose from fine chenille and satin in graceful pastel hues with intricate trellis and contemporary medallion designs. Create a room that is simple and chic.”
Summer pastel shades are always popular, so for those who want quiet balmy evenings, go for a palette of rich and neutral tones in fabrics of cool linen, satin and subtle metallic. Use opulent curtain and upholstery textiles to provide endless creative opportunities for a season of elegance and grandeur. Add an ambience of pure luxury with statement pieces, combined with timeless plains and semi plains in sumptuous velvet and woven jacquard in distinct and intricate designs of geometric, floral, medallion and trellis patterns.
Said David: “This summer’s look will feature an assortment of rich and sophisticated tones which can be mixed and matched to create an exciting interior. For those who want luxurious easy-to-care-for, washable fabrics that are not too expensive, there’s a collection that ticks all the boxes.
“As the new season gets underway, it’s exciting to look forward to something new. So whether it’s the calm and cool or glamorous and rich, summer has never looked more promising.”
Kobe’s Elements collection of 100% flame retardant chic and contemporary fabrics is for both domestic and contract window décor and soft furnishings. Its Elegance collection is inspired by Art Deco, the most fashionable international design movement in modern art from 1925 until the 1940s.
All Kobe’s upholstery fabrics offer exceptional durability, scoring highly on the Martindale Rub Test. Kobe’s UK operation is based in Crowthorne, Berkshire.
The award – the highest honour in the scheme, which itself is the largest and most established of its type in the world – recognises the hotel’s efforts to promote sustainability and implementing cost-saving practices that help the environment while improving guest experience.
With over 2,300 members throughout the UK and Ireland, and over 850 members in Scotland, the GBTS is a well-recognised award whereby businesses and organisations are assessed by a qualified grading advisor against a set of criteria; covering areas as diverse as energy and water efficiency to waste management, biodiversity, community involvement and more.
Committed to the implementation of proactive measures to help protect and care for the local and global environment, Dorsett Shepherds Bush takes sustainability seriously, which is reflected in the variety of ways it seeks to minimise the impact on the environment; including:
• Educating team members about how to create a greener world; including reducing pollution, encouraging recycling and sharing ways to preserve the environment • Lowering water pressure to reduce waste • Monitoring its CO2 output and lower heating settings • Using and promoting hybrid taxis • Switching to suppliers using organic and sustainable products
Hilary Cross, the General Manager of the Dorsett Shepherds Bush Hotel commented “It is a true honour to accept the Gold Award for Green Tourism Business Scheme on the hotel’s behalf. This accolade is a rewarding acknowledgment of the hotel team’s hard work to protect and preserve our environment; as a business we believe that it is essential to be eco-minded and we look forward to furthering our green credentials in 2016”.
Anti Copying in Design (ACID) is delighted to announce the appointment of Rob Law, MBE, Managing Director of Magmatic Ltd. and the originator of Trunki, to its illustrious group of ACID Ambassadors.
ACID Ambassadors are tireless in their support of the preservation of design originality, ethics and respect for intellectual property and ACID is honoured to have influential Ambassadors representing our purpose and spreading goodwill. Rob Law joins design legends such as Sebastian Conran, Kevin McCloud, new high flier Lee Broom and many others who are outspoken advocates of ACID’s work.
On being appointed as an ACID Ambassador, Rob Law said: “We need basic design protection in the UK and ACID is campaigning tirelessly to enhance the rights for designers. I’m proud to offer my support as they continue to lobby to improve design law and help creative industries keep their competitive advantage. As a designer and entrepreneur, we all dream our designs will become commercially successful, once they are it’s a sad fact of life they get copied. ACID supports designers through what is often a traumatic time to inform and lobby for better rights.”
Dids Macdonald, OBE, CEO of ACID said: “No-one knows more than Rob how heart-breaking it is when one’s ideas are taken blatantly and the law, as it stands, does not appear to support him and others like him, so I very much welcome his advocacy in the continuing fight for fair competition and a strong IP framework which will support design champions, something which is in the DNA of the UK and about which we excel.”
Nearly 20 years after its first launch, today also marks the launch of ACID’s Advisory Council of which Trunki are represented by IP officer, Laura Breen. The objective, by bringing 16 industry representatives together, is to provide strategic guidance in line with ACID’s mission, vision and objectives.
This will ensure ACID’s position as one of the leading voices for design and intellectual property in the UK and that ACID continues to grow and gain traction within IP policy making. ACID is determined that its credentials are maintained, whilst seeking ways in which ACID broadens its remit to protect intellectual property more effectively and achieve growth for its members and the broader design community.
Il Sereno presents a new era of luxury hotel for the iconic destination of Lake Como with an ethos of understated elegance. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Wallpaper* Designer of The Year 2015, the all-suite hotel will have 30 spacious rooms, ranging from 65-square-metres to The Penthouse at 200+ square metres, all with floor-to-ceiling windows and all of them on the waterfront.
London restaurateur Giuliano Lotto (La Petite Maison, Il Baretto) will operate the hotel’s indoor-outdoor Restaurant Il Sereno. Guests can also relax at the hotel’s full-service spa, situated under original arches dating back centuries.
The property will feature a private beach, as well as a dock, allowing guests to arrive by one of the hotel’s boats custom-built by Ernesto Riva. One of Il Sereno’s show stopping features will be the 60-foot-long freshwater infinity pool suspended over the water and the large sundeck.
DESIGN Highly sought-after Milan-based architect and designer Patricia Urquiola will create a stylish modern look at Il Sereno, moving away from the Faux Renaissance and Neo Classic design that dominate in the area. Urquiola is one of the leading names in design today and has been commissioned by brands including Louis Vuitton, Baccarat, Panerai and Missoni, amongst many others.
Urquiola will create a relaxed, peaceful sanctuary for guests, drawing inspiration from Lake Como’s culture, lifestyle and the history of the region. Every space on the property will offer a panoramic view of the lake and mountains with the hotel being sensitively designed to complement and showcase its surroundings. Il Sereno is made largely from natural materials, including wood, stone, wools and other fabrics, to create an aesthetic full of personality, whilst remaining timeless.
Joining Urquiola on the project is noted botanist Patrick Blanc, who will create two vertical gardens to ensure that the hotel blends with its surroundings, as well as landscaped gardens on the property. This project is of special importance to Urquiola with the hotel being close to her home town, Milan, one of the design capitals of the world, particularly for furniture.
Key to the design has been to instill the same principles that have made LeSereno St. Barths a success. The Serenoguest expects a hotel that has a strong sense of place, a very well developed design sensitivity and that solves the challenge to provide exclusive, sophisticated and very high-end services in a relaxed and simple manner. A central brand promise is that no matter how luxurious or well designed, there is no substitute for views and space.
DINING Sereno Hotels has partnered with celebrated London restaurateur Giuliano Lotto to launch Restaurant Il Sereno. Lotto is currently involved in several of London’s most acclaimed restaurants, including La Petite Maison and Il Baretto, and has recently opened Restaurant Le Sereno, St. Barths.
Luis Contreras, owner of SerenoHotels, said about the opening: “We are thrilled to announce a new hotel under the Sereno brand. We believe that Lake Como, alongside St. Barths, is the perfect setting for an idyllic, luxury property. We are also extremely honoured to be working with Patricia on such a unique concept.”
GROHE shares its thoughts on the Milan Salone Del Mobile extravaganza and some of the trends we can expect to see shaping interior design in the year ahead…
The biggest event of the design year, Milan’s Salone Del Mobile festival saw the city once again taken over by the interiors industry. The streets were packed with the biggest names in furniture and architecture, exhibiting alongside up-and-coming names that are new on the scene.
Our own in-house design team were out scouring the studios and showrooms for the hottest trends on show, dissecting the wealth of ideas to select six key trends that we are confident will be driving the look of our interiors over the next 18 months and beyond. These diverse trends will be filtering through many aspects of interior design, with the overall drive being towards a warmer, tactile and soothing look and feel for our homes.
NUDE TONES Soft, subtle colours – ones that are easy on the eye and the psyche – were in evidence everywhere, suggesting a desire for soothing interior elements as an escape from stressful lives. The core colour was a skin-tone pink (as seen above), evoking the sense of touch and inviting an emotional connection. We saw this combined with organic, unbleached wood and tactile brass and copper.
MARBLE Once considered a rather retro, ostentatious material, marble continues its comeback as the luxury accent of choice. This year we saw marble used on everything from chairs to bookcases, with warmer, mottled versions more popular than harsh white. Marble was combined with slick materials like plastic as well as organic, sensual wood and metal, again with warm colour tones to the fore.
METAL FINISHES Once seen as cold, hard and industrial, metal finishes in warm tones continued to provide an air of luxury and light to many pieces shown this year. Copper, brass and bronze featured in numerous designs across all design disciplines, but the rose gold was the finish of choice, adding glamour when combined with materials like exotic wood, leather and velvet. Star of the show was Knoll’s iconic Platner arm chair, created in 18 karat gold and blue velvet to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
ORGANIC WOOD Technology and tradition collided to present new ways of working with wood. Modern production and processing techniques have created an explosion in fluid, sensual forms for wood furniture, where curved lines and surfaces both highlight the natural grain of the wood and also invite the user to make physical contact with this enduring material – enhanced by the combining of wood with other tactile materials like leather and moulded plastic.
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, the leading boutique hotel and restaurant company with over 60 properties spread across the USA, has recently added some new hotels to its portfolio.
The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in Winston-Salem and Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel in Washington D.C. showcase Kimpton’s signature style of embracing the local history and culture of the cities that surround them. Additionally, two new boutique hotels are scheduled to open in Charlotte in 2017.
The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, Winston-Salem – NOW OPEN The recent opening of The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in Winston-Salem celebrates Kimpton’s first venture into the Carolinas. The new hotel occupies the first six floors of the iconic former R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Headquarters, which served as the prototype for the Empire State Building. The decor highlights the building’s Art Deco architecture and historic past with original gold leaf, rich marble, burnished brass furnishings and portraits of luminaries R.J. Reynolds and Colonel Winston woven into the detailed boardroom carpets.
The perfect blend of tradition, modern furnishings and playful, Carolina-inspired artwork is apparent throughout the 174 guestrooms, 15 suites and the Recreation Room, which boasts nearly 2,000-square-feet of space, including a basketball court, bowling alley and adult-sized twisty slide. The room is perfect for corporate team-building, after-hours networking events, creative functions, or any unique occasion that requires an equally distinctive space.
The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, Winston-Salem
The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel’s adjacent restaurant, The Katharine, brings traditional French brasserie style cuisine with a Southern twist. Seasonal menus feature traditional favourites and an extensive beverage programme which includes creative cocktails, and craft beer and wine selections.
Paying further homage to the city’s heritage, an Art-o-Mat®, a traditional cigarette machine, distributes small pieces of artwork in the hotel’s Recreation Room. www.thecardinalhotel.com
Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel, Washington D.C. – NOW OPEN – (pictured in main picture) The comfortable-yet-stylish Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel has opened in the heart of the always-buzzing 14th Street neighbourhood, near Washington D.C.’s coolest culinary and nightlife hotspots. The property’s decor embodies the essence of a modern D.C. lifestyle and blends the familiarly comfortable with the distinctly stylish, as it takes inspiration from a vibrant social scene whilst engaging with the building’s former life as an apartment block.
Kimpton’s new hotel features 4,000-square-feet of beautifully creative spaces for meetings and events, 178 guest rooms and 18 luxuriously sophisticated suites. Guest rooms offer plush beds, spacious work desks, large marble bathrooms and 65-inch smart TVs which inspire a home-from-home feeling. The hotel’s Premier Spa Suites feel like small apartments unto themselves with living rooms and spacious bedrooms, and each are outfitted with free-standing soaking bathtubs.
The hotel’s adjacent bar Radiator is a culinary-focused cocktail bar that offers an eclectic menu of rustic yet contemporary American small plates and timeless cocktails with original twists. Radiator features an outdoor 50-seat patio where guests can enjoy snacks and sip cocktails in front of the large fire pit or play games such as backgammon and life-sized Connect Four in front of the breathtaking views of the iconic D.C. skyline. The chic penthouse deck also boasts a rooftop swimming pool to ensure a completely relaxing urban oasis. www.masonandrookhotel.com
Kimpton Hotels – Downtown Charlotte, N.C
Charlotte, North Carolina – TWO NEW BOUTIQUE PROPERTIES COMING SOON Kimpton has also proudly announced the addition of Charlotte to the Kimpton map. Charlotte is a city that’s on the move, with new skyscrapers continuously heightening the skyline, but the element of the quaint, down-home South is still apparent. Kimpton’s new builds will reflect this, with one as a luxury high rise, located in the heart of downtown, and the other as an intimate boutique in the historic Dilworth neighbourhood.
As with all Kimpton properties, the two new hotels in Charlotte will embrace the history and culture of the city and will include all of Kimpton’s unique services such as the Forgot It? We’ve Got It! menu of travel and vacation essentials, a thoughtful mini bar with organic options and a hint of local flair, the daily complimentary morning coffee and tea service, a hosted nightly wine hour, an in-room yoga mat and complimentary rental of their custom PUBLIC Bikes. The new builds will both host their own destination restaurants and rooftop bars / lounges.
The iconic KH Zero range is a collaborative partnership between bathroom specialist Crosswater and renowned, world-class interior designer, Kelly Hoppen MBE.
Offering a distinctive selection of brassware designs across five capsule collections, Kelly Hoppen’s signature style and integrity have been beautifully translated into a selection of statement taps, suited to today’s modern home.
Confidently artistic with a whisper of boutique hotel style, all five of the collections encompass superior quality design and timeless appeal, each distinguishable by its own unique styling and distinctive characteristics to ensure a look to suit any bathroom.
KH Zero 2
From the abstract forms of KH ZERO 1 to the subtly contoured angles of KH ZERO 3 and KH ZERO 6, choose from deck-mounted basin taps in a choice of heights, or striking wall mounted basin sets that create a statement.
There is also a selection of floor-standing bath fillers to choose from, featuring integral shower kits and the latest in thermostatic technology; statuesque in form but still offering superior functionality. Immaculately immersed in Kelly’s distinctive, fluid style, the KH Zero range is perfect for those seeking well-designed, quality brassware for a bathroom that exemplifies sophisticated design.
Consisting of eleven Townhouse rooms and grand Suites of different sizes, the luxury Palazzo Scanderbeg is located in the heart of Rome, with a rich history dating back to the 15th century. Thanks to a careful restoration carried out by Lamaro Appalti, this hotel can now be enjoyed by the travellers of today.
Today Palazzo Scanderbeg pays tribute to its illustrious past with a contemporary and sober, yet sophisticated style, embellished by wooden floors recovered from antique Venetian mooring poles and high ceilings with exposed beams.
The furniture signed Cappellini and Poltrona Frau; the precious suspension lamp by Terzani that lights up the helical-shaped stairs; the Sartori carpets, that mix old Persian rugs in a delicate patchwork; as well as all the other furnishings are examples of that elegant Italian design that exalts craftsmanship also in the most modern style.
The Palazzo consists of 4 floors and is built around a courtyard where there is a fountain decorated with a decorative gargoyle, from which water flows, a symbol of Italian Mannerism. The building features beautiful terraces, but one of the most sought-after corners is the Library Room – from here one has access to the exclusive Suites, the largest of which measures 166-square-metres.
Planet Hollywood International is expanding its lodging division with its first-to-market luxury brand – ph Premiere. The brand will debut with a flagship property ph Premiere Resort-Residences Orlando, located just minutes from Orlando, Florida’s famed theme parks and attractions.
To be developed by Azzurra Development, ph Premiere Resort-Residences Orlando will offer a mix of stylish accommodations and condo-hotel residences encompassing a total of 547 keys.
Within each suite, guests will find a chic color palette of elegant neutrals – including ivory, champagne and caramel – accentuated by custom woven carpets, porcelain wood plank details and plush accent runners to create a tranquil and relaxing environment in a modern and sophisticated fashion. Chic contemporary furnishings – including sofas, benches and seating – will be upholstered with custom, luxe fabrics.
ph Premiere Resort-Residences Orlando will offer creative and unique cuisine, premium-quality fresh food and provide a memorable dining experience at every level. Options will include rooftop fine dining, a lobby bar, an indoor/outdoor poolside lounge, a lakefront bar and grill, and other specialty restaurants.
Starwood Hotels has announced Element Hotels, its stylish eco-incubator brand, will debut in Detroit in July 2018, following an adaptive re-use project that will transform the historic Metropolitan Building into an upscale mixed-use development.
Element Detroit at the Metropolitan Building will feature 110 light-filled rooms and an atmosphere designed to ‘fuel a life in balance and on the move’.
“We look forward to introducing Element to Detroit with this exciting adaptive re-use project that will retain the historic charm of the Metropolitan Building, while turning it into a sleek and stylish destination for travelers visiting the ‘Motor City,'” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood.
“On track to more than double its global portfolio in the next three years, Element offers travelers bright modern design, an energizing atmosphere, and everything they need for smart, sustainable living.”
The 14-storey neo-gothic Metropolitan Building was designed by the Detroit firm of Weston and Ellington and opened in 1925 as a jewellery emporium, housing diamond cutters, goldsmiths and silver workers on the upper floors and retail on the lower levels.
Building on the success of the recently opened Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney, the Element adaptive re-use project will include the restoration of the hotel’s exterior and a top-to-bottom renovation of the interior, while preserving elements of the Metropolitan Building’s original ornate lobby and mezzanine. The 100,000 square-foot building will feature 2,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space on the second floor mezzanine level with attractive views of the city skyline, approximately 7,000 square feet of retail on the ground floor and lower level, and an outdoor patio on the 11th floor rear rooftop.
A recognised industry leader in the eco-space, Element offers travellers a fresh interpretation of the traditional hotel experience with eco-minded sensibilities. Spacious studios and one-bedroom suites at Element Detroit at the Metropolitan Building will offer a fluid design of modular furniture, fully equipped kitchens, the signature Heavenly® Bed and spa-inspired bathrooms.
Element continues to grow at a phenomenal pace with hotels slated to open in numerous North American markets by the end of 2017, including Austin, Dallas, Midland, San Antonio, Fort Lauderdale, Gainesville, Moline, Redmond,Huntsville, Palmdale, Columbus, Calgary, Edmonton; as well as internationally in London, Dar es Salaam and Hebei, China.
Manchester town hall is set to undergo a much-needed £250 million overhaul which could see a boutique hotel, shops, restaurants and a civic museum all be set up within the iconic Grade I-listed building.
According to the Manchester Evening News, it is hoped the work to fix its ageing infrastructure will also allow council chiefs to open more of it up to the public. In July, council bosses are expected to consider proposals that would see a 50-year loan for around £250m taken out – although the exact figure has not yet been finalised.
While the majority of the building will still be used for local council staff, the opportunity to open a small boutique hotel is being discussed – as long as the interiors are deemed suitable by surveyors.
Meanwhile the town hall’s cobbled courtyard, which is regularly used for film sets due to its Victorian feel, could potentially see small shops opened around its edges.
We’re not far off the arrival of William Gray Montreal – a new boutique hotel slated to open summer 2016 poised to revolutionise Old Montreal with its exciting array of offerings for both locals and visitors.
The hotel offers 127 guest rooms and suites, over 10,000-sq-ft of event space, a 180-seat restaurant, a rooftop terrace, a luxury spa with an outdoor pool, a boutique, a café, and exquisite views of Montreal s iconic landmarks.
Rooms and suites feature local art, rich wood, and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for natural light, offering true comfort and a fresh aesthetic to the local landscape. Light-coloured floors and walls, concrete ceilings, black metal light fixtures, white sheer curtains and espresso furniture provide a warm and cozy haven.
Café Olimpico, one of Montreal’s best-kept secrets since its inception in 1970, is a European-inspired café has become an institution in the city. Its friendly and vibrant atmosphere encourages a communal spirit, which makes the new coffee counter a perfect addition to William Gray’s lobby, the hotel’s cultural and creative hub
And curating an offering of limited-edition men’s and women’s collections, accessories and footwear, OTH’s urban appeal and sleek aesthetic appeals to a variety of powerhouse brands, such as adidas, Vans, and RAINS. Located on the first floor of the hotel, next to Café Olimpico, this retail space allows guests to discover and explore OTH’s creativity, energy and inspired approach to apparel.
AC Hotels by Marriott, the European-inspired lifestyle brand by Marriott International, makes its debut in the UK this month with two new hotels in Birmingham City Centre and Manchester Salford Quays.
The new hotels embody AC Hotels’ vision to create harmonious, modern and contemporary hospitality experiences for guests and its purposeful and timeless design is set to complement two of the most celebrated shopping and cultural destinations in the UK.
“These two new UK hotels are a wonderful example of design, style and sophistication situated in revitalised thriving urban destinations – perfectly reflecting the AC Hotels brand ethos,” says Toni Stoeckl, Global VP, Lifestyle Brands, Marriott International. “They support our commitment to driving growth for our lifestyle brands in Europe and respond to a continued demand from discerning travellers seeking hotels with thoughtful, modern design that calms and enriches the guest experience.”
Each hotel blends European style and simple lines to create a sophisticated and contemporary ambience for guests. The spacious bedrooms feature furnishings and décor in neutral tones of warm greys and charcoals complemented by sleek design furniture, open closets and hardwood floors. Furniture appears to be lifted from the ground to create a sense of space, and crisp white linens are used to craft a look that is both refined and elegant. A seamless check-in experience is created through Marriott’s mobile check-in and check-out service, and guests can make full use of USB charging stations and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
AC Hotel Manchester Salford Quays The 142-room AC Hotel Manchester Salford Quays occupies a prime spot in the heart of the vibrant regenerated Salford Quays district. The cutting edge innovation of MediaCityUK, the rich sporting history of Old Trafford Football Stadium and the diverse cultural offering of Lowry Theatre are all just a few minutes’ walk.
AC Hotels by Marriott – Manchester
AC Hotel Birmingham City Centre The 90-room AC Hotel Birmingham City Centre is situated at The Mailbox, the former Royal Mail sorting office, which has been repurposed into an exclusive shopping area with stylish stores, restaurants, cafes and bars. Leisure guests will enjoy the hotel’s easy access to the city’s major attractions, including the National Indoor Arena, Barber Institute of Fine Arts with views over the city while business visitors will benefit from the hotel’s prime location by the International Convention Centre.
AC Hotels by Marriott – Birmingham
Meetings and events are expertly catered for at AC Hotels by Marriott. In Manchester guests can choose between three fully flexible meeting rooms that cater for up to 100 people. AC Hotels was born from the vision of renowned hotelier Antonio Catalan, who founded the brand in 1998 and grew it into one of the most well-respected hotel brands in Spain. Following its success in Europe, a joint venture was formed with Marriott International in 2011, which launched AC Hotels by Marriott globally into France, Turkey, Italy, Portugal, Denmark and the US.
Based on a belief that purposeful design can enrich lives, AC Hotels by Marriott celebrates classic modern design that is inspired by the urban locale and the brand’s Spanish roots. The brand’s design ethos carves away all that is unnecessary in order to provide guests with thoughtfully designed experiences to help them focus on what is important to them.
AC Hotels Birmingham City and AC Hotel Manchester Salford Quays are two of more than 22 AC hotels expected to open globally this year.
MGM National Harbor has revealed the designs for its premier suite offerings at the $1.3 billion resort, set to open in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Complementing the modern elegance of the resort, the suite designs – developed by Studio GAIA – draw inspiration from the forest and water elements native to the Maryland area and feature stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
“We spent a great deal of time conceptualizing our suite experience to ensure guests not only enjoy the level of luxury MGM Resorts offers at our properties worldwide, but also creates a seamless connection to our beautiful surroundings,” said MGM National Harbor General Manager Bill Boasberg. “I’m confident our guests will appreciate the thoughtful detail in every suite, including towering windows with amazing views of the Capital Region,” he added.
The collection of 74 suites at MGM National Harbor will provide guests with an elevated experience at the luxury 308-room resort. Each suite, ranging in size from 588 to 3,210 square feet, will feature distinct location, size, layout and amenities, resulting in a unique guest experience specific to each suite type.
Upon arriving to their suite, guests will be greeted by a refreshing environment and dazzled by the natural light glistening through floor-to-ceiling windows. Functionality and clean lines are paired expertly with light-coloured wood elements and warm earth tones to create a sophisticated, soothing feeling that embodies the overall architectural vision of MGM National Harbor.
Blending contemporary designs with natural materials, the resort’s stylish spaces will encourage guests to relax and connect with nature. Thoughtful artistic touches will be featured throughout the resort including its suites, showcasing distinctive pieces of artwork inspired by the historic Maryland and Washington, D.C. area, adding to the overall ambiance of the resort.
The new Courtyard boasts a refreshingly designed lobby area complete with complimentary Wi-Fi and media pods – perfect for conducting business or staying connected to family and friends while on the road.
The 409-room hotel features Courtyard by Marriott’s spacious and contemporarily designed guest rooms and suites. Courtyard’s overall design is modern, contemporary, and thoughtful. Every room is equipped with premium amenities including 49 inch LED televisions, Courtyard labeled bedding, high-speed internet access, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls through which guests can enjoy a scenic view of national treasure No.1 Namdaemun and N Seoul Tower.
The Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun was constructed with nine environment-friendly products and as a result, holds a Green Building certificate.
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is delighted to announce the latest project in the group’s expanding portfolio in the island country of Fiji and will feature 24 spacious pool villas and 66 residential villas situated on the west side of the island.
Known for its idyllic crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, thick tropical forests and excellent climate, Six Senses Fiji is located on a superb beach site on Fiji’s Malolo Island. Six Senses Fiji will feature 24 spacious pool villas ranging in size from 800 square feet to 1,950 square feet and 66 residential villas situated on the west side of the island. The resort is located along a private sandy beach that stretches 2,100 feet.
The property will include a restaurant and bar plus a wine cellar and tasting table. Locally inspired and sustainably sourced, the resort’s cuisine will feature ingredients gathered from the resort garden, local farmers, markets and fishermen.
Sustainability lives at the foundation of this Six Senses project and will be reflected within the resort through active management of energy, water, waste, biodiversity, purchasing and chemical usage.
The resort will be 100 percent solar powered and the first microgrid in Fiji to use Tesla batteries. In addition, a worm-based septic system is planned as well as water reservoirs for grey and rainwater which avoids the need for a desalination plant. The project includes tree reforestation on site to offset wood use in construction. The resort will feature all LED lights to ensure the highest levels in LED efficiency.
Six Senses Fiji is slated to open late 2017. Easy access is available from Nadi International Airport, a 30-minute journey by boat from Denaadaru Marina, 30-minute helicopter flight or 20-minute seaplane flight.
Sekers proudly launches Libretto, a new upholstery collection of four subtle designs, available in a palette of 40 rich colours, ranging from opulent greens and reds to stylish neutrals. Libretto is a versatile mix of plain, strie and hopsack textures.
Supplied with a Crib 5 flame retardant backing and with a high Martindale abrasion performance, Libretto is the perfect choice for the contract market, from pubs and hotels to cruise ships, meeting all UK and IMO standards for upholstery.
All sales and sampling enquiries to: Sekers Fabrics Limited 7a Nobel Road, Wester Gourdie Industrial Estate Dundee, DD2 4UH
The beautifully restored 19th century Chateau de La Redorte in the heart of France’s Languedoc region will open its doors to guests later this month.
The 25-suite hotel is the centrepiece of the Château de La Redorte vineyard estate, set on the picturesque Canal du Midi in the Minervois region, a gloriously untouched part of France.
Recently renovated by Propriétés & Co, the team behind the successful Couvent d’Hérépian boutique hotel, it is one of the grandest examples of a 19th century château built during Languedoc’s first ‘wine rush’.
The chateau’s faded glamour has been restored and it now boasts an inimitable blend of authenticity and luxury, with the refinement and elegance of chic country-style decoration.
Formal rooms have been transformed into an elegant restaurant, which will offer the best in fresh, local cuisine. There is also a stylish wine bar and a mysterious ‘wine tunnel’, which connects the château to a future olive grove.
A luxury ‘Vineyard Spa’ will offer guests treatments using artisan products and outside, a 25-metre plunge pool is framed by the estate’s re-planted Mediterranean gardens. The Chateau de La Redorte Estate also includes its own vineyard, which will be brought back to life by master wine-maker Frantz Vènes.
Leading Spanish hotel group aims to double footprint in the region with addition of 30 hotels over the next three years.
Meliá Hotels International has announced the signing of Meliá Pekanbaru, marking the entry of the Spanish hotel group to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The new agreement underscores Meliá’s rapid growth and momentum in Indonesia, where the group now has 16 hotels in operation and in the pipeline.
Reinforcing Meliá’s position as a pioneer in urban leisure tourism, the new 160-room hotel will count with 5* facilities including a fitness centre & spa, swimming pool, several F&B outlets, sky garden, rooftop wedding chapel, extensive meeting rooms and a 700 m2 ballroom.
Bernardo Cabot, Regional Vice President Asia Pacific, Meliá Hotels International, has emphasised the company’s commitment to the market: “The opening of the hotel adds vibrant appeal to the Riau capital with the familiar warmth of world-class hospitality. This newest partnership is further testament to our commitment to Indonesia, where, together with our hotel owners, we will ensure sustained growth and long-term profitability.”
Meliá Pekanbaru will rise 29 storeys above the city of Pekanbaru and is housed in the tallest tower in Sumatra Island overlooking the Siak River. Strategically located in the city connected to several international oil companies, the city is a major gateway and stopover for travellers going farther inland to other regions, such as Padang and Jambi.
After over 30 years in the region and with extensive hotel management expertise, Meliá is now one of the one of the best-positioned hotel operators to help lead the growth of Indonesia as a major power in world tourism.
In 2016 the hotel group celebrates its 60th Anniversary and maintains its robust momentum in Asia, aiming to double its portfolio in the region with the addition of 30 hotels in the next three years. The leading Spanish hotel has 33 hotels in the region, with six of them due to open this year.
This month, Wilderness Safaris, the award-winning luxury safari operator, is delighted to announce the opening of the rebuilt and revamped Ruckomechi Camp, located in its private concession in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park.
“We are extremely proud to welcome guests to our beautiful new camp which still retains the understated tented luxury and nostalgic safari feel that is synonymous with Ruckomechi,” says Wilderness Safaris Zambezi MD, Ron Goatley.
Comprising just ten spacious tented suites (eight of which have opened, with a further two family suites opening on 1st August 2016), the camp boasts the same wide-angled views of the Zambezi River and the dramatic purple-hued escarpment of Zambia in the distance. All the tents, as well as the central dining, bar and lounge areas face this evocative scene, often with an elephant or two included in the spectacle. The pool, star-gazing deck and outdoor ‘bath with a view’ add to the incredible camp offering.
Subtle interiors were chosen for the guest areas and tented suites to ensure that the main focal point remained the sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness.
“We used lots of blues in the guest tent interiors which were inspired by the beautiful deep-blue colours of the Zambezi River at sunset; these hues are picked up in the Trading Glass beads in the Lozi wooden bowls and the hand-blown glass vases on the console tables and desk, as well as the natural cotton linen denim scatter cushions,” says Interior Designer and bush enthusiast, Mandy Langebrink, who has worked with Wilderness Safaris on a number of camps for the past 20 years.
“The coolness of the Zambezi River is reflected in the light elegance of the stylish interiors, with the blues offset by the light tones of the solid wooden furniture, all complementing the old African artefacts of the Turkana and Tuareg bowls and the rustic coffee table. Large leather sofas create the perfect space for relaxing in between game drives and the elegant louvre screens provide a sense of lightness and temporary style of the ‘old camping days,’ Mandy added. “The camp epitomises luxury in style; one that is totally in touch with its surroundings.”
A contemporary bar and lounge area is soon set to open its doors at Sketchley Grange Hotel & Spa in Hinckley, Leicestershire.
The popular hotel is currently undertaking a major £1.5m refurbishment programme across its premises, part of which includes a complete makeover of the area. The vision is to develop an open-plan space, with different areas each offering individual characteristics.
Drew Keen of Keen As Mustard Design Studio is working on the project. He explains: “The lounge will have a softer feel. We want it to be cool but cosy and comfy so we’ve got a palette of steely greys and blacks against pink velvet fabrics.
Sketchley Grange – Paul Noble – Bar Refurbishment
“For the bar we’re aiming for a warm yet opulent vibe with high poseur tables and high-back arm chairs. This space will have a mix of mustard yellows against bold blacks.” The bar area will also feature seating booths with televisions which can be linked up to a laptop – ideal for working professionals. Work started at the beginning of April and is expected to be finished in mid-June.
Paul Noble, General Manager of Sketchley Grange, says: “This refurbishment will make Sketchley Grange a really appealing venue for local people to come and enjoy a drink or a meal. The new look will match the good-quality, well-established range of food on offer.”
Nestled away in an enviable location on the borders of Leicestershire and Warwickshire, Sketchley Grange Hotel & Spa is a charming country house hotel boasting first-rate facilities and elegant accommodation.
Originally established over 30 years ago, this stylish four-star hotel in Hinckley is undergoing extensive refurbishment, carefully ensuring its traditional character dovetails with the contemporary amenities and stylish guest bedrooms.
Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort is delighted to announce an extensive £3.5 million renovation to be fully completed in October 2016, with the completion of 45 brand new luxurious and exclusive private villas and a glimmering 25-metre beachfront infinity pool.
Located on Koh Phi Phi, within the Nopparattra National Park, Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort allows guests to feel as if they’ve arrived at their own private village in the heart of Paradise. With 201 exceptional bungalows and hillside villas, privacy and exclusivity are the order of the day across the resort’s 70 tranquil. The new renovation is stylish and delightfully in keeping with the surrounding natural environment whilst offering a chic-style of accommodation in traditional Southern Thai village style with light-filled rooms soaked in sunlight. The interiors are all contemporary, spacious, featuring a rain shower and a sprawling balcony.
The resort’s three restaurants and four bars have all been completely renovated to the highest standards and provide a delicious array of cuisines set against a backdrop of exquisite views.
Offering authentic barefoot luxury Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort oozes luxury amidst very natural and beautiful surroundings. Easily reached by private boat or ferry, Phi Phi Island is renowned for its unspoilt landscape, remarkable beaches, incredible diving and snorkelling in the clear waters of the Andaman Sea.
Mercer Hotel Sevilla, opening in the summer of 2016, is the new luxury landmark hotel set in the heart of the historic centre of Sevilla.
Casa Palacio Castelar, has been chosen because of its prime location in the city and the ability to create a beautiful small luxury hotel from a building that dates back to the early 19th century.
“Sevilla has a long and rich history and the city’s architecture is a reflection of that past. I believe in integrating the old and new – it is my passion and vision for all Mercer Hoteles,” says Mr. Pedro Molina, creator and owner of the hotel brand. The Mercer’s interior design team has embedded their fingerprint in each hotel selecting every detail: furniture, lighting, art, textiles and colour palettes, all creating the inimitable Mercer Style.
Guests seeking an exclusive experience can immerse themselves in a distinctive setting. Like a jewel box, Mercer Sevilla is comprised of 12 luxurious rooms and suites. Visitors will find an elegant ambience, breakfast service in the bright courtyard, and a seductive rooftop terrace and pool.
One of the many things I love about London is the way tradition and modernity seamlessly merge – it’s impossible to ignore its ‘grand old dame’ vibe and yet it’s often at the cutting edge of numerous fields; architecture, cuisine, music, art. And if a hotel typifies these two faces of the capital, it’s The Landmark London.
From the outside, its archetypically Victorian façade immediately gives away the building’s roots as one of London’s great railway hotels – one of several constructed during the golden age of steam travel; the other tell-tale clue being its adjacency to Marylebone station. It was a labour of love for one of imperial Britain’s greatest railway visionaries and entrepreneurs Sir Edward Watkin, who had plans for Marylebone to become an ‘international hub’. The latter never came to fruition, but his ambitious plans for a hotel (then called the Grand Central) were imagined in 1899 and his vision can still be seen today.
Looking down at the Winter Garden on the ground floor of the atrium
Inside, all the trappings of modern luxury expected at a five-star property ease you back into the 21st century. The beating heart of the hotel is the grand atrium with its Winter Garden restaurant and elegant public spaces. The glass ceiling of the eight-storey-high atrium allows natural light to stream in and gives the room an almost Greenhouse-esque and tropical feel. It’s a magnificent space to be in, and the hotel’s management have made the wise decision to use it for food and beverage as well as breakout offerings. This is best illustrated by the Gazebo, where guests can take afternoon tea or grab a bite to eat, but can also double up as a space for a drinks reception for the hotel’s numerous corporate events.
One of the public spaces – complete with grand staircase – of the Landmark London
Indeed, the Landmark’s corporate offering has recently undergone a freshen-up and it now boasts some of the most exquisite rooms for hosting small exhibitions, conferences and meetings in London. While most hotels in the capital can and do host corporate guests, few can offer more sumptuous surroundings. The 11 meeting and event spaces – with a capacity ranging from intimate 6-person interviews right up to 750-people drinks receptions – not only incorporate the elegance of the hotel as a whole, but also provide functionality and the state-of-the-art technical facilities required. As superb as both the majestic Grand Ballroom and Empire Room are, for me the ‘jewel in the crown’ is the Drawing Room where stunning wood panelling, unbelievably detailed ceiling work and elaborate light fixtures give the room a distinct feel from the other offerings, a perfect setting for parties of up to 150.
The Grand Ballroom
The Tower Suite
The Drawing Room
The Drawing Room
With the hotel having gone through a series of renovations throughout its various incarnations and long but not-always illustrious history, I was fascinated to discover that the current, healthy selection of 300 rooms and suites is less than half of the building’s original 700-room offering. This slimming down has allowed for larger-than-usual room sizes – especially considering the NW1 location of the Landmark. From the 35sqm Superior rooms to the 52sqm Family rooms right up to the 160sqm Presidential suite, the hotel prides itself on its spacious rooms with king-sized beds, flat-screen televisions yet traditionally, classically luxe décor. And it’s easy to see why. The furnishings and upholstery continue the theme of opulent golds, creams and browns in the public spaces which is perfectly juxtaposed by the cool, black-and-white marbled finish of the bathrooms. This is indulgent and decadent design, without being tasteless or tacky.
I’m next shown the spa, pool and gym facilities, which again considering the location are fantastic. And utilising the space well, designers have even managed to include a small but well-equipped gym as well. I’m visiting the Landmark for a separate F&B event, which allows me to see the TwoTwentyTwo Restaurant and Bar (named for the hotel’s 222 Marylebone Road address) and the Mirror Bar (named for, well, I’m sure you can work it out…) both of which contain refined, chic and ornate interiors. The former delighting with its extensive fine wine collection in library-style, glassed casing; the latter tapping into the Victorian heritage of the building and creating an intimate and relaxed spot for pre-dinner cocktails or after-dinner nightcap.
I leave the Landmark after my all-too-brief visit remarking what a fine job several people have done in nearly 120 years in maintaining this gem of a building. Indeed, as designers will always say, success comes when good design is incorporated with functionality. The Landmark undoubtedly ticks the box for the first factor. And it’s hard to find better examples of a structure still completing the task it was built for, so long ago, with such aplomb. Is it entirely perfect? No. No hotel ever is, but renovation work and refurbishments are still planned in a bid to improve areas that require them, and this will only work to make this hotel even more appealing than it currently is. One can only trust that as the hotel develops, improves and modernises, it still holds on to its opulent, traditional and heart-warming charm. Here’s hoping…
Hoteliers, designers and marketers are always looking for an edge, a quirk, something special and unique to raise a hotel or a chain above the competition. Some of them work, some don’t.
Here at Hotel Designs, however, we love the sound of W Hotels’ latest venture – the W Sound Suites; the first of which has just launched at W Bali Seminyak. Additional studios in music meccas around the world will be unveiled later this year at W Hollywood, W Barcelona and W Seattle, with more to come.
While they won’t be the first recording studios to be attached to a hospitality offering, on first viewing the W’s looks to be the most exciting. According to a statement from the company, the private music studio and writer’s room will be the place for professional recording artists, studio musicians and producers, in addition to hotel guests, to record in style while on the road.
W Sound Suites are in part the brainchild of the W brand’s North American Music Director, DJ White Shadow, the Chicago-based producer best known for his work with Lady Gaga. He has been working with W to identify the best sound equipment and studio layout to ensure the suites are optimal for professional use.
The W brand’s longstanding global partner, Coca-Cola, has been instrumental in bringing the studios to life. Elements of the studio’s aesthetic, envisioned by Josh Held Design, pay tribute to Coca-Cola including the subtle integration of the Coca-Cola red and printed lyrics on the wall.
And to add a touch of even-more-cool, W has launched new menus poking fun at music stars and their infamous ‘riders’ – outrageous food and beverage demands from musicians – with choices like ‘The Diva’, ‘The Jazz Hands’ and ‘The Indie Kid’.
We have an inkling that this will be one of those ventures that will most definitely work. Very cool, W Hotels. Very cool…
Popular Edinburgh serviced apartment offering Princes Street Suites has unveiled the results of a £350,000 refurbishment.
The new-look Princes Street Suites, in the heart of the Scottish capital, have been transformed, with a modern Scottish aesthetic from Glasgow-based interior designer, Linda Reid running throughout.
All 37 one, two and three-bedroom apartments in the former Edinburgh Post Office building now feature bespoke furniture, furnishings and accessories, including a signature blue plaid.
Linda Reid, said: “The Princes Street Suites are a wonderful blend of old and new, with part of the building dating back to 1816 and another section very contemporary in feel. As such, I wanted to make sure the design reflected this and brought these two elements together.
“Another important aspect of the design was the introduction of our signature blue plaid, which really informed the modern Scottish aesthetic in the apartments. It’s wonderful to see this fantastic property with a brand new lease of life during its bicentenary year.”
Managed by the UK’s largest independent hotel management company, Redefine|BDL Hotels, the refurbishment is the first major project undertaken by Princes Street Suites’ new General Manager, Fiona Mackenzie, who took over the role last July.
Fiona said: “The Princes Street Suites have never looked more inviting and we can’t wait to welcome new and returning guests to enjoy our upgraded facilities. Coupled with the perfect city centre location, we are really offering visitors the full package.”
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh, the high-end apartments are perfectly located for exploring Edinburgh’s historic landmarks and attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile and Princes Street.
Bahrain’s first floating hotel was officially opened at the weekend (May 15th) in the capital city Manama’s Coral Bay.
The $5 million, five-star C-Hotel is built on the base of an old houseboat and contains 14 rooms, two of which are large suites. While the hotel floats while anchored, an automatic gliding bridge connects the hotel to Coral Bay’s facilities.
The boutique hotel is part of the Hotel des Charmes group, which specialises in luxury boutique hotels around the world, and features predominantly Italian design.
The C-Hotel is the brainchild of Seven Leisure Group owner Akram Miknas who told the local Gulf Daily News that he got the idea when he bought a houseboat for personal use.
“I bought the boat from a prominent family in Bahrain and decided to convert it into a luxury hotel on a docked boat. It took us three years to make the changes, including designs approved by a marine architect, Italian interior décor, furniture, and other facilities in the rooms,” he said.
The C-hotel had a soft launch in December and has since averaged 80 per cent occupancy.
Visitors from around the world are being offered a unique insight into Northern England’s industrial heritage at a new, contemporary hotel.
The Hilton Garden Inn, Sunderland, adjacent to the city’s Stadium of Light, is the first of its kind to open between Birmingham and Glasgow and one of only a handful currently operating across the UK.
While adhering to the brand’s exacting standards, this state-of-the-art property also incorporates a number of personalised references honouring Sunderland’s proud industrial past. This includes four large bedroom suites, designed for family or long term stays, as well as three meeting rooms and a destination restaurant, all named with a nod to the city’s former prominence in mining and shipbuilding.
The hotel’s largest multi-function meeting room, which can accommodate up to 50 delegates for a corporate function, is named after Wearside’s most famous shipyard, The Laing, which traded for more than 300 years.
It’s slightly smaller counterparts, The Menville and The Doxford, were named after the first recorded ship builder in Sunderland, Thomas Menville, and one of the city’s most successful ship builders, William Doxford, who won the blue ribbon for the world’s highest production rate in both 1904 and 1907.
The Laing conference room
Upstairs, the shipbuilding theme continues across two of the Hilton Garden Inn, Sunderland’s spacious bedroom suites, each boasting a separate living area, signature bedding, large work desk with ergonomic chair, en-suite bathroom with his and her sinks and two LCD TVs.
This includes the Andhorina Suite, named after the largest sailing ship ever built on the nearby River Wear and the Marguerita Suite, named after the last tall ship to be built in the region in 1893. The two remaining suites, which are among 141 bedrooms in the hotel overall, pay homage to Sunderland’s coal mining heritage, with tributes to the original colliery on which the hotel is built – Pemberton – as well as the ancestral home of the Lambton family, where coal was originally extracted.
A bedroom in one of the industrially- named suites
An indication of the significant role coal mining once played in the area can also be found in the Hilton Garden Inn’s destination restaurant, the Karbon Grill Kitchen and Bar, which specialises in BBQ style, Pan-American cuisine and was creatively named to reflect this history. Kim Kelso, General Manager for the Hilton Garden Inn, Sunderland, said: “Sunderland has a long and proud industrial heritage and we wanted to pay tribute to that within the new Hilton Garden Inn.
“Not only have we named several suites and our restaurant after key figures in shipbuilding and coal mining, but we’ve also commissioned specialist artwork from National Glass Centre as a tribute to the city’s expertise in glass manufacturing. We hope that visitors from around the world will make the most of their visit to this very modern, state-of-the-art hotel and enjoy learning a little more about the city’s history at the same time.”
Situated on the banks of the Rhine, just moments away from Bonn’s famous Museum Mile, the Marriott Bonn World Conference Hotel is scheduled to open its doors to guests at the end of the month.
With 17 floors and 336 rooms – including 30 suites, two presidential suites and an array of modern facilities – the hotel is one of the largest in Germany and boasts a roof-top restaurant, fitness centre, spa and indoor pool.
Designed to cater to both business and leisure guests, the 19,000m2 hotel is perfectly located for both the bustling business district and the fantastic bars, restaurants and famous museums the city is renowned for.
The hotel’s interiors have been inspired by the rich history of the Bonn Republic and boast fresh, modern design with images of famous figures from the city’s political past decorating each floor.
In addition to the stunning views, gastronomic delights and beautiful interiors, the hotel also offers 662m2 of fantastic conference and banquet space including three private dining areas on the top floor of the hotel, for creative exchanges, private events and meetings.
Within the new hotel is a 1500m2 spa built around historic Roman remains that are integrated into the space itself. The spa will offer an extensive treatment menu, allowing guests to pamper themselves with tailor-made therapies, as well as having access to the indoor pool and fitness centre.
Sekers announces the launch of Flamenco upholstery, a bright and bold collection. A semi-plain textured design available in 20 vibrant multi-colour shades from sunny Strawberry to vivid Sapphire.
Flamenco is supplied inherently stain repellent to assist with cleaning and has a high abrasion performance of 50,000 Martindale, making it the perfect selection for the most demanding upholstery application and the ideal choice for the contract market, meeting all relevant UK and IMO standards for upholstery.
All sales and sampling enquiries to: Sekers Fabrics Limited 7a Nobel Road, Wester Gourdie Industrial Estate Dundee, DD2 4UH Tel: +44 (0) 1946 517501 Fax: +44 (0) 1946 517502 UK & Ireland Email: sales@sekers.co.uk Export Email: export@sekers.co.uk www.sekersfabrics.co.uk
London Showroom: Unit 1/20 Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, London, SW10 0XE
Taylor’s Classics’ beautiful collection of outdoor Alice furniture is the perfect solution to furnishing your property’s patio or outdoor spaces this summer. With a variety of different colours available, together with items made using the highest quality materials, you’re sure to find the perfect pieces for your needs.
Last summer, they had a fantastic response to the launch of the collection – so this year they have added more choice. They now have high stools and tables together with a wider choice of colours. The Alice collection also has Taylor’s Classics special rust protection paint finish.
Andreas Antona of Simpsons Restaurants said of the Alice collection : “I am pleased to have worked with Taylor’s Classics for a number of years, as part of a recent refurbishment of Simpsons Restaurants I have bought chairs and tables from the ‘Alice Collection’ of outdoor furniture.
“It is a quintessentially British design that provides great comfort and really fits into the secluded ambiance of Simpsons. Let’s hope it is a great summer because I know that my customers will be looking forward to relaxing in an Alice Chair!”
The catalogue is more than just a product selector, it encapsulates the Chelsom brand image in addition to showcasing a multitude of beautifully designed new products as well as some older classics covering contemporary and traditional styles. Approximately forty percent of the range is completely new and nearly all pieces are available as an LED option to accommodate the latest developments in technology and energy efficiency.
L-R: Manhattan, Portobello and Stockholm
Will Chelsom, Managing Director, comments: “I believe that our clients will not only appreciate the refinements we have made to our collection in terms of even sharper product designs and higher quality levels, but also the continued changes to the Chelsom brand image. Both the catalogue and website illustrate this perfectly and have been carefully designed with our clients’ requirements as a priority.”
Designed with the international hospitality marketplace at the core, Edition 25 is a truly eclectic lighting collection that harnesses and refines the latest trends in finishes and materials. From the retro inspired oversized Reflector floor lamp to the Nordic influence of the Stockholm table lamp, the innovative LED Revolution reading light to the assortment of beautifully sculpted hand crafted ceramic lamps and Georgian hand cut crystal chandeliers there is something to enhance any interior scheme at all price levels.
L-R: Dish, Park and Tokyo
Robert Chelsom, Managing Director, says: “In all my years working within the lighting industry never has there been a more exciting time to be designing lighting products. Triggered by the fashion cycle, interior trends are moving increasingly faster and in doing so constantly stimulate new design directions when it comes to finishes and materials which is something we have given careful consideration to when creating our latest designs.
“Edition 25 has been a fantastic collection to produce, personally I think it’s our most ground breaking to date and Will and I are proud to be able to say that all product has been designed in- house to create a diverse lighting collection that truly caters for all levels of the hospitality and marine sectors.”
The Manhattan icon InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel has reopened after a $180 million (£123 million), 20-month refurbishment from top-to-bottom, which features more than 420,000 square-feet of redesigned interiors.
The Barclay introduces a more open and inviting lobby leading to a new spectacular Carrara marble Grand Staircase. The redesigned property also features 704 spacious guestrooms and suites reminiscent of a classic Park Avenue home, an expansive Club InterContinental and 15,000-square-feet of thoughtfully designed meetings and events spaces. The original hotel made its debut to New York society in 1926 as one of the original “Railroad” hotels, and the design pays homage to this rich history.
Under the direction of IHG Design Studio, architects Stonehill + Taylor, interior design firm HOK (formerly BBGM) and Shawmut Construction worked together to restore and enhance the property’s original style, while adding contemporary touches.
Artwork was carefully selected to reflect the hotel’s 1920s legacy. Antique maps and early 19th century Hudson River School landscapes, renowned for romanticising nature and highlighting areas of interest, such as the Catskill Mountains and the Adirondacks, are featured throughout The Barclay’s public spaces and guestrooms. In keeping with the Federalist design motif and sophisticated style, eagle medallion door plates are affixed on each guestroom, a feature that has been preserved from the original Barclay.
Jason Moskal, Vice President, Lifestyle Brands, The Americas, IHG said: “As one of the iconic heritage properties for the InterContinental brand, The Barclay represents a rich history of luxury travel in New York City. While this history is strong and prolific, the needs and wants of the modern traveller have evolved through the decades.
“Bringing modern design and functionality, a signature bar that serves classic gin cocktails with a unique twist and elegant meeting and event space, the revitalised Barclay showcases today’s intercontinental life to travellers and locals alike.”
Hervé Houdré, General Manager, InterContinental New York Barclay, added: “The InterContinental New York Barclay has been a Manhattan feature for more than 90 years. The hotel’s introduction to the city’s skyline coincided with the debut of famous landmarks, such as the Chrysler Building, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman.
“While the rejuvenation of the Barclay inspires us to look back and reflect on the hotel’s storied past, it also allows the hotel to open a new chapter, welcoming a new generation of globally-minded guests who are looking for a residential-style New York escape.”
Canopy – Hilton’s new ‘neighbourhood hotel’ brand – is set to open a new property in Washington D.C. as Bethesda North breaks ground and is slated to welcome guests in late 2017.
The 177-room hotel, which includes 23 suites and two spectacular three-bay Presidential suites, is located at the centre of Pike & Rose, a new mixed-use development featuring a sophisticated blend of restaurants, retailers, and live performance venues.
As with all Canopy by Hiltonhotels, Canopy by Hilton Washington, D.C. Bethesda North is inspired and influenced by its local surroundings.
The Canopy by Hilton concept as rendered at its Reykjavik property
With 4,350 square feet of meeting space and a 3,100 square foot ballroom, the hotel is an attractive destination for meetings and groups. The flexibility and versatility of the meeting and event space will allow it to be one of the D.C. area’s most innovative venues, a distinctive departure from traditional hotel ballroom spaces.
“Bethesda is an ideal neighbourhood for our Canopy by Hilton brand,” said Gary Steffen, global head, Canopy by Hilton. “The community is both a business hub and recreational destination with attractive shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities. We’re confident that our hotel will reflect the best of the neighbourhood through locally inspired design, and food and drink. Canopy by Hilton Bethesda North will add to the vibrant local scene.”
As the crown jewel of New Orleans, the Windsor Court Hotel provides luxury and British-inspired elegance with superior service and grace.
Located in the heart of the Central Business District steps from the French Quarter, the 23-story Windsor Court has long been the choice for discerning travellers to New Orleans.
The award-winning luxury hotel features 316 sizeable guestrooms (80 percent of which are suites), the acclaimed Grill Room Restaurant, the storied Polo Club Lounge frequented by some of the most powerful people in New Orleans, the Cocktail Bar that is the city’s hidden gem where New Orleans’ Mixologist of the Year serves up customised craft cocktails, the celebrated Le Salon for afternoon tea and an extensive multi-million dollar art collection with mostly works of British origin, among other amenities and services.
• Built for the 1984 World’s Fair, The Windsor Court Hotel boasts many European touches, including an authentic English afternoon tea service in Le Salon.
• Art Collection: The art collection at NOLA’s Windsor Court has an estimated value of more than $8 million and includes original works by Reynolds, Gainsborough and Huysman. With an emphasis on works that depict the Windsor Castle and the life of British royalty, the majority of the artwork throughout the hotel is British origin.
• The spacious Presidential Suite at The Windsor Court Hotel on the 22nd floor has been home to A-List celebrities and dignitaries alike. At 2,700 square feet, the two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath Penthouse Suite features beautiful furnishings, original artwork, a baby grand piano and two private landscaped terraces. The Penthouse features all the needs of a home away from home including a library, full kitchen and dining room, two living rooms, a Butler’s pantry, fireplace and a full entertainment center in the Grand salon. Penthouse guests enjoy our private Club Lounge with dedicated concierge service and daily food offerings.
Luxury safari camp and lodge operator Elewana has opened a new luxury tented camp on the site of the former Loisaba Lodge. Located on a 600ft escarpment, every room in Loisaba Tented Camp enjoys spectacular views stretching across the Laikipia Plains to Mount Kenya.
Elewana has been chosen by Loisaba Conservancy, with support from The Nature Conservancy (TNC), to partner with it in the development and management of its primary tourism assets in this critically important conservation area that has been recently secured by TNC for ongoing protection for the foreseeable future. The new camp is part of the Elewana Collection – a portfolio of fifteen properties spanning the highlights of East Africa’s safari and beach offerings.
Loisaba Tented Camp comprises six stylish and extremely spacious ensuite tents (three double/three convertible twin/double), three family combinations each consisting of two ensuite tents with adjoining walkway. The Private Residence houses three ensuite tents (one family combination and one convertible tent) complemented with a private bar, dining area and infinity pool. Not least of all, the property will reflect Elewana and TNC’s commitment to the environment by limiting its ecological footprint wherever possible.
Commenting on the partnership, Karim Wissanji, Elewana’s CEO, said, “The partnership with The Nature Conservancy highlights Elewana’s passion and commitment to conservation, one that is reflected in its support (financial and otherwise) for this exciting new project; a project that sits at the very heart of TNC’s community, wildlife and land conservation philosophies and their important collaboration with tourism.”
Matthew Brown, Africa Conservation Director, The Nature Conservancy remarks, “Tourism support helps make Loisaba a self-sustaining engine for peace, community development, and wildlife conservation. This is an innovative example of how Africa can both preserve its heritage and create economic opportunities for its people. We are excited to be working with Elewana.”
The UK’s hotel market saw its first decline in average RevPAR (rooms revenue per available room) in four years during the first three months of 2016 adding further fuel to the suggestion that the peak of the hotel property market may have been reached.
According to the latest Hotel Bulletin: Q1 2016, published by HVS, AlixPartners and AM:PM, a poor start to the year for hotels in Aberdeen saw RevPAR fall by 37% year-on-year, skewing overall results across the 12 cities analysed. Even excluding Aberdeen’s results, the overall market grew by only 1%, its lowest increase since Q1 2012.
While London remains a popular destination for Russian and Chinese visitors and investment continues to pour into the city, hotels in the capital saw RevPAR decrease by 2% in Q1 2016, their fifth consecutive quarter of flat or declining figures.
“These figures give us a strong indication that the peak of the UK’s hotel occupancy market has been reached and the growth we are seeing now is rate driven rather than occupancy driven,” said HVS chairman Russell Kett.
“For the moment there continues to be strong interest in hotel investment in most parts of the UK, which could continue into 2017, but investors are currently delaying decisions because of uncertainty fuelled by a combination of terrorism concerns, the forthcoming Brexit vote, China’s economic situation and the US elections.
“There is a risk that some operators will cut rates in an attempt to stimulate demand, forcing competitors to follow suit. Once room rates fall across the hotel sector the likelihood is that values will soften. This is a big concern for London’s hoteliers, particularly with the large number of bedrooms due to open in the next 12 months unless demand starts to pick up again,” he added.
According to Hotel Bulletin the best performing city in Q1 was Cardiff, with an average RevPAR increase of 8%, largely due to the World Half Marathon Championships in March. The fact that demand has not been constrained by new supply means that Cardiff has been in the top three best performing cities for the past four quarters. Since December 2011 only 18 new bedrooms have opened in the city.
Birmingham was the second best performing city in Q1, with RevPAR growth of 7%, despite supply growing by nearly 800 bedrooms over the past two years. Investment in Birmingham airport means that this trend is likely to continue as new flight routes come on stream.
The hotel sector has long been seen as a barometer of the wider economy, says Hotel Bulletin, albeit with inevitable regional variances. In recent months there has been a modest but perceptible shift in sentiment, especially in the investment community where a much greater sense of caution is being adopted over future growth prospects.
Opening in late summer 2016 in the heart of the new Lower Manhattan just a block from the World Trade Center, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown will be the brand’s second location in the city, and will introduce the very first Manhattan restaurant by acclaimed Chef Wolfgang Puck.
In a timeless tribute to the city’s distinctive early 20th century architecture – the iconic Woolworth Building shares the same city block – architect Robert A.M. Stern has created a new, 82-storey skyscraper soaring 926 feet above the historic streets of Lower Manhattan. Taking its place in the world’s most famous skyline, Downtown’s tallest residential building is also home to its newest luxury hotel.
The two-storey lobby layers architectural elements in response to the ever-evolving urban landscape that surrounds it. Feet rest on soft wool carpeting as the eye takes in original artworks displayed against rich wood walls and woven metal screens. Brushed bronze accents and fabrics in muted jewel tones invite casual socialising, while a dramatic suspended staircase hints at the gracious gathering spaces above.
Throughout the interiors designed by Toronto and Soho-based Yabu Pushelberg, the aesthetic combines varying textures to create spaces that are distinctly modern, and yet immediately welcoming.
The opening of Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown also marks a milestone in the career of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, who is opening his first restaurant in Manhattan within the Hotel. His widely acclaimed and wildly popular steakhouse concept CUT by Wolfgang Puck – first introduced at Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel – will be accessed via the Hotel or its own entrance around the corner on Church Street.
With interiors by French architect and designer Jacques Garcia, CUT by Wolfgang Puck will encompass an 86-seat main dining room as well as a 32-seat lounge with 10 seats at the bar. A generously-sized private dining room will host up to 31 guests.
“In a city that always surprises, there’s a kind of Renaissance happening in its oldest area. No longer simply a business district, Downtown New York is being reborn as a place where people not only work, but they live,” says Peter Humig, General Manager of the soon-to-be-opened Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown. “A new layer of community is emerging amid the neighbourhoods we already know so well including Tribeca, Soho and Wall Street. Exciting new architecture has taken shape, cultural institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art have opened alongside the area’s art galleries, new shops and restaurants are launching every week, and businesses are moving back to Lower Manhattan.”
The new look for one of New York’s hippest hotels is set to be unveiled in May, with the reveal of the newly-designed rooms at the Roxy Hotel, Tribeca.
With interiors designed by Briana Stanley, the hotel is the latest incarnation of the iconic Tribeca Grand Hotel. The transformation of all 201-guestrooms is set to be complete by the middle of May; but stealing the show will be the hotel’s new venues. These include the iconic, 1920s movie theatre, a jazz club, a coffee bar and styling salon.
The sleek, mid-century modern accommodations are fitted with feature custom furnishings and high end fixtures, Egyptian cotton bed and bath linen.Each room features flat screen televisions, and complimentary wireless internet. DVD players, MacBook Pro laptop computers, iPods, and iPads pre-loaded with GrandLife Hotel’s carefully curated downtown ‘Neighbourhood Guides’ are available upon request.
“We’re building on the Tribeca Grand’s legacy as a place where incredible things happened in pop culture,” says Tony Fant, President and CEO of GrandLife Hotels. “The hotel has been at the center of music and art downtown since it opened. We’re not looking to replicate a time period, but to create an evolution of what Tribeca’s become today, an incredibly exciting mix of past and present.”
Paul Flowers (above, left), who was in charge of the GROHE Design Studio from 2005 to 2015, has been appointed Chief Design Officer at LIXIL Water Technology (LWT), coordinating the design of all brands belonging to LWT. Michael Seum (above, right) has joined GROHE as Vice President Design in 2015 and is now leading the GROHE Design Studio in Düsseldorf.
Q. Paul, after ten years at the GROHE Design Studio you have now taken on new responsibilities as Chief Design Officer at LIXIL Water Technology. At LWT, you are in charge of the design of all brands, including GROHE, LIXIL/INAX, American Standard and JAXSON. What do your new tasks entail and what are the challenges that you have to face?
Paul: I have learnt over my two decades of international design experience that people really are a brand’s most precious resource. My role is to orchestrate a Global Design Team and ensure we have the most talented people in our studios in Düsseldorf, New York, Tokyo and Bangkok. I intend to fuse creativity into the culture of each of the companies, elevate design and in turn show the value of design as we have done in the last ten years at GROHE.
A big challenge is the diversity of the separate brands as well as the varied technical requirements and individual design preferences in the different countries. We intend to share and combine our knowledge of global trends and experience. We have the challenge of keeping the brands true to their individual values and their aesthetic expression significantly different from each other, unique and preferred over our competitors.
I am very fortunate that I get to travel all over the world and have first-hand experience of different cultures and trends. Through insights, research and a consumer focus we will generate unique experiences, which are relevant and valued by the people who use our products.
Q. Was it difficult for you, to pass the baton on and let someone else take the reins at the GROHE Design Studio? Paul: When you have dedicated so much passion, time and energy to something, it becomes very personal and important to you. I have had an amazing time at GROHE and I am immensely proud of what the team has achieved in the last decade. The great aspect of my new role within LWT is, I will still be involved working closely with Michael Seum to take the brand to the next level.
I took considerable time to personally find somebody like Michael Seum, he is highly motivated, incredibly creative and is very experienced having already designed for some very impressive leading international brands.
Q. Michael, design is a key brand value at GROHE. The GROHE Design Team won more than 200 awards in the last few years. What is your design strategy for GROHE? Will there be a different focus or will you preserve the typical design characteristics?
Michael: GROHE has a special understanding of the value of design and it is clearly been recognized with so many external accolades. Paul has built a highly talented design team and, more importantly, has built one of the most efficient creative cultures I have ever been a part of. The designs envisioned in the studio get produced, there is very little loss of design intent and they are easily recognized as GROHE products.
Design will absolutely remain a strategic driver of brand value within GROHE. I will be working closely with Paul to ensure we do so. It’s great that Paul and I share many of the same philosophies, methods and discipline in our approach to designing products and brand experiences. I am excited to work with this team, ensuring design continues to increase brand value by creating strong emotional connections to our products and brand experiences through great design.
Q. Before joining GROHE, you have already worked for renowned companies. Where do you see the challenges in designing for a sanitary company? Are there special requirements you need to consider when working with the element water? Michael: Every company and industry that I have worked in has its own unique category challenges; for designers these unique challenges become the real opportunities for design.
For GROHE, we must exceed the rational expectations of consumers — they also have to embody the emotional needs consumers have in their homes –for example calming, relaxation, privacy and personal health and well-being. Beforehand amongst others at Whirlpool, Procter & Gamble, Pepsico, I gathered versatile experience in different industries, which I can now benefit from.
Q. Paul, what are the cornerstones of your cooperation with Michael? Could you tell us about the depths and contents of your working together? Paul: Michael is very innovative in his approach to both solving problems and identifying consumer opportunities, which is imperative for a brand like GROHE and I trust his judgment 100% percent. We work very closely together and have structured weekly meetings and constant dialogue. We have a number of creative tools, which we use to ensure we are pushing forward and realizing our long-term strategy. From our well defined Brand Values, Style Segmentation and unique Signature Elements to our Design Quality Reviews, we have a very objective approach to reviewing and guiding the work of the Düsseldorf studio.
Q. Michael, you already know the GROHE portfolio very well, do you have a favourite product yet? Michael: Prior to coming to GROHE, I renovated my loft in Chicago with our new Essence line but if I had to pick another product it would be GROHE Blue. I read recently that for the first time we have more plastic in the ocean than we do fish. At the same time, we also have so many unhealthy beverage choices. GROHE Blue is a product that our consumers love; reducing plastic consumption/use while enjoying the healthy beverage options of high quality filtered still or sparkling water.
Q. Finally, a question for the both of you. Please briefly complete the following statement: Good design is… Paul: Good design removes the unnecessary to allow the user to focus on the elements, which enhance the experience. It guides a user intuitively to get the most from a product or service, it anticipates a user’s needs and facilitates an emotional and unique experience which adds value to our lives. Good design is mindful of the precious resources it takes to make, package, transport and use the product…
Michael: We as designers face a lot of pressure to create unique, new, highly differentiated and exciting products. Good design considers the consumers’ overall desired experience, their emotional needs and the contextual needs within their homes. Good design is about meeting the needs of our consumers in both expected and unexpected ways.
Hotel Designs Directory members Taylor’s Classics have been busy recently providing furniture for a host of hotel and hospitality projects up and down the country. See shots of their work below…
Greenhills Country Hotel and Restaurant, Seymour Hotels Jersey It was a great pleasure to work with Jane Goff of Goff Associates in the refurbishment of the bar at the Greenhills Country House Hotel and Restaurant.
The project incorporated refurbished antique chairs and tables together with bespoke stools and lounge chairs. Jane specified all the fabrics and from a wide range of furniture styles, the interior has a relaxed atmosphere that combines traditional and modern tastes.
Blenheim Lodge, Bowness-on-Windermere Janz and Robert Duncan took great care in considering the practicalities of the refurbishment of their dining room at Blenheim Lodge in Bowness-on-Windermere.
The solid oak Ashley tables were tailor made to suit their needs and the Haywood oak dining chairs were especially upholstered in an easy to clean fabric. The room has a lovely airy feel that will make you want to eat a hearty breakfast before going out on a long Lake District walk.
The Curing House, Middlesborough It was a big change in direction for Sarah and Peter Walker to open The Curing House, a charcuterie bar and restaurant in Middlesborough.
Charcuterie was a hobby for Peter that has become a career. The restaurant design reflects mid century elegance through the combination of Taylor’s Classics Benchairs chairs and tables together with a striking Glasgow bench.
As 2016 sees the re-emergence of bold colours and motifs in window décor, luxury fabric specialist Kobe brings its Elements collection to hotels looking to blend glitz and glamour with a mix of modern and traditional.
Patterns are a great way of making a statement. Think vivacious hues, bold patterns and innovative designs for the wow factor. Get a dynamic look with an assortment of rich tones and patterned designs to mix and match, creating an exciting heart to any hotel.
The Elements collection of 100% flame retardant chic and contemporary fabrics dares to set trends in a palette of rich and neutral tones, complementing the luxurious easy-to-care-for, washable fabrics. The cool linen, soft satin and subtle metallic look is a perfect match for geometric, herringbone and medallion designs.
Elements contract window décor offers affordable prices and value for money while enjoying the signature Kobe style. The Kobe UK sales office and studio is based in Crowthorne, Berkshire.
The UK and European hotel industry is set to continue its incredible growth in 2016 and beyond. Occupancy rates, maximising profitability and running a quality operation delivering the highest level of service will all be high on the agenda for hoteliers.
The design and facilities management of a hotel plays a major part in achieving these goals. The importance of a good business relationship with product and service suppliers is critical and this begins with the first interaction and making a good first impression.
It’s a chance for senior figures from across the hotel industry and some of the most influential names in interior design to catch up, meet and network in an informal and relaxed setting. Hotel Designs has a unique position at the heart of the industry and as such, it can build events like the Hotel Designs Meet-Up that deliver targeted audiences for its partners’ trade messages.
Already confirmed for this exclusive event are representatives from hotels such as M by Montcalm and Serraphine Hotels as well as interior design firms like Rethink Interiors and Trevillion and a whole host of senior designers.
If you would like more information on becoming a sponsor for the event, or attending the event, please contact Jade Oliver on j.oliver@forumevents.co.uk or 01992 374054
The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji – Sonaisali Island has opened on Naisali Island, Nadi, Fiji. It is the first DoubleTree by Hilton-branded hotel in the South Pacific nation.
The resort joins an existing portfolio of six other properties operating in the Australasia region, and opens as Hilton Worldwide’s 22nd hotel in the region. The resort is owned by The Vision Group.
Paul Hutton, VP of operations, Australasia, Hilton Worldwide, said, “DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji – Sonaisali Island is ready to provide guests with an authentic Fijian experience, while delivering the comforts and amenities of a full-service resort.”
Situated on a lush, private tropical island and surrounded by the South Pacific Ocean, the hotel is a three-minute boat ride from the main island of Viti Levu and a 25-minute drive from Nadi International Airport.
All 120 guestrooms and bures—traditional Fijian bungalows—have been refurbished as part of the renovation and fitted with a wide range of guest amenities, including new furniture, smart televisions and signature Sweet Dreams by DoubleTree beds. Each of the rooms and bures feature views of the Mamanuca Islands.
“The DoubleTree by Hilton brand has a strong and growing presence in Australasia, with three more hotels in the pipeline,” said Dianna Vaughan, SVP and global head, DoubleTree by Hilton and Curio – A Collection by Hilton. “The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji – Sonaisali Island is a great addition to our resorts collection, and global travelers are sure to enjoy a memorable tropical getaway enhanced by our signature DoubleTree service, starting with our warm chocolate chip cookie greeting.”
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji – Sonaisali Island features three restaurants and bars, offering a variety of cuisines and dining experiences. The onsite vegetable farm, herb gardens, tropical orchards and hydroponic farm provide the kitchens with produce daily. Vulani, surrounded by a lagoon-style swimming pool, offers buffet and à la carte dining with themed nights and live entertainment. Tavu Bar & Grill, a poolside outlet offering swim-up service, is where an extensive selection of local and imported meats is served “BBQ style” on the beachfront.
“The Vision Group Fiji is delighted to launch the first DoubleTree by Hilton in Fiji. It is an exciting and energetic brand that will resonate with travellers who are looking for a contemporary resort stay combined with an authentic Fijian experience,” said Vision Group Fiji Chairman Dilip Khatri. “The renovation of the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji, our second Hilton property, makes it a key asset and at a local level, provides a new high quality, unique resort option to international visitors and the Fijian market alike.”
World-renowned carpet manufacturer, Brintons, is launching a new range of carpets to the contract market that offers a shorter turnaround time of six weeks, ideal for installers and hospitality clients who are working on assignments with tight deadlines.
The QuickWeave project is the first of its kind for Brintons and will offer of a range of collections that consist of pre-designed carpet styles, which can be sent directly to the loom, reducing the time associated with custom weaves, due to the design process involved.
Inception will be the first range of designs that will be available through QuickWeave, and is a contemporary collection of over 60 ready to go patterns, available in five pre-set colourways.
The designs in Inception are reflective of today’s current trends and are crafted with the high quality, expertise and passion that Brintons is famous for. A variety of design styles have been selected by Brintons’ talented team for use in a versatile range of interiors including hospitality, gaming and leisure. Contemporary patterns complement transitional styles such as plaids, stripes, geometric, abstract and layered design themes.
Andrew Wilcock, Group Marketing Manager, comments: “The interiors industry can often be a fast paced environment as many of our clients are working on large scale projects under tight timeframes. That’s why QuickWeave was a natural step for Brintons as it allows for the creation of the high quality carpets that we are renowned but within a fraction of the time associated with custom projects.”
The carpets create in Inception will be a range of Axminster carpets that will include the 80% Wool and 20% Nylon blend that Brintons pioneered in the 1950s, and will range from seven to eleven rows.
For more information on Brintons and its range of products and services for the commercial sector, visit www.brintons.net or call 01562 635665.
A leading Australian property developer renowned for its innovative approach to residential apartment design has revealed details of its much-anticipated new hotel brand.
After delivering a string of award-winning residential apartment buildings over the past two decades, Sydney-based Crown Group will soon bring its world-renowned brand to travellers from across the globe, announcing its first hotel will open in the thriving Sydney suburb of Parramatta in early 2017.
The luxury Skye Hotel Suites will form part of the 29-storey V by Crown Group development known as Parramatta’s vertical village. A new logo and website for Skye Hotel Suites have been revealed. Crown Group Chief Executive Iwan Sunito said Sydney’s second CBD was a fitting location for the launch of the first Skye Hotel Suites.
“We are pleased to announce the debut of Skye Hotel Suites in Sydney, the first of many around the world, Mr Sunito said. “Our vision is to create a collection of suites which will set a fresh lifestyle standard in Sydney,” he said. The second largest employment destination in the state, Parramatta was recently named the most livable suburb in NSW and is forecast to grow in population by 40 per cent by 2031.
Designed by Sydney-based Allen Jack + Cottier and Koichi Takada Architects, the 590-apartment V by Crown Group is located on the corner of Macquarie and Marsden streets, less than 300m from Parramatta Square; Parramatta City Council’s $2 billion, 3-hectare redevelopment precinct and less than 600m from Parramatta train station, Parramatta Heritage Parklands and Westfield Parramatta.
Featuring 72 studio, one bedroom and two-bedroom suites, Skye Hotel Suites at Parramatta will include access to V by Crown Group’s resort-style pool, gym, expansive foyer, conference room, restaurant, sauna, business centre and vibrant alfresco dining and retail piazza.
A level-26 sky bar will include a large open-air terrace and spectacular 270 degree views of Sydney’s skyline. Crown Group also plans to open Skye Hotel Suites in Sydney’s CBD and Green Square in the near future.
Expansion into luxury hotels was a natural progression for the company, Mr Sunito said. “Asia is booming and with it more and more people travel to Australia for holidays and for business. This has created a gap in the market as the demand increases for luxury hotel-style serviced apartments in Sydney and Australia,” he said.
“Expanding into the transient short-term accommodation market will provide a strong foundation our continued expansion both locally and across the region. It is an exciting time for us,” he said.
Lohko, is a retro-contemporary range of printed fabrics and voiles with an assertive, architectural feel.
Named after the Finnish word for ‘blocks’, Lohko is a graphic collection, featuring asymmetric motifs, bold slabs of colour and repeating, cut-out geometrics that defy the laws of gravity and proudly break the rules of design.
From oversized, abstract motifs to sophisticated chevrons and Scandi-chic patterns, the collection channels non-conformity, irrepressible energy and measured exuberance.
The use of specially-developed slub-textured grounds emphasises Lohko’s abstract quality and highlights repetition within the shapes, whilst its colour palette channels vivid colours with a hint of black, and includes new tones for 2016 of Spice, Paprika and Blush.
Hotel Chicago presents the West Loop/Illinois Medical District with a new lodging option destined to shake up Chicago’s boutique hotel market. Now open, the 117-room independent marks the entry into the hotel business by financier Joe Perillo, owner of Perillo Auto Group – a name synonymous with quality in Chicago for four decades.
Joining Mr. Perillo to manage and operate the property is Helmut Horn, President of Portfolio Hotels & Resorts and a pioneer in the boutique hotel industry. Located at 1622 W. Jackson, the renovated historic building is conveniently situated in between the Illinois Medical District and red hot Randolph Street dining corridor.
Void of heavy competition in the vicinity, Hotel Chicago provides a needed overnight option for hospital visitors, students, or savvy travellers looking for a “launch pad” to enjoy a night on the town.
“When we began this project over three years ago, our intention was to create a cross-generational home away from home for families with loved ones nearby at the hospital,” said Mr. Perillo, who’s luxury dealerships include lines like Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Rolls Royce, Maserati and BMW. “Since then, the growth of the West Loop has caused us to slightly adjust our strategy. We ended up fashioning a European boutique hotel, with all the amenities of an extended stay mini apartment, in order to appeal to savvy travellers.”
A unique and simplistic design mixed with comfort, convenience and value are the pillars in which Hotel Chicago stands upon. The property features a multitude of rooms to fit every guest, whether they’re here for a week in the doctor’s office or some fun in the city.
Room types include a single full, a bunk double twin, and a king deluxe, with amenities like: luxurious pillow top memory foam mattress, personal Keurig, refrigerator, microwave, LCD TV with cable, ample closet space and cabinetry, sizable work area, complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour fitness center, complimentary coffee, in-room safe, on-site washing machines, and a private parking lot with a local garage.
Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro is opening a boutique hotel in Covent Garden, after the success of The Greenwich in New York City.
The Hollywood A-lister has submitted a planning application for the proposed 83-room hotel with Westminister Council, which will be called The Wellington Hotel and will be De Niro’s first venture outside the United States.
The building would be surrounded by Wellington Street, Tavistock Street, Burleigh Street and Exeter Street and be just yards from the famous market building and Royal Opera House.
Mr De Niro said: “London is one of the most exciting and cosmopolitan cities in the world.
“The Wellington Hotel would honour the heritage of the area, while bringing the best of what we’ve done in New York to London,” he added.
If the plans are approved, work would begin in 2017, with construction being completed in 2019.
Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel has unveiled its new bedrooms and courtyard.
Located opposite Brighton’s famous beach, Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel is an elegant Grade II listed Victorian property. The hotel’s Mews rooms have been given a new contemporary look with artwork that echoes its location and Brighton landmarks alongside a marine-inspired colour scheme.
Within The Mews there are 22 Classic Rooms which have been given a fresh modern look, with a feature wall that has a stunning photographic image, as well as new televisions and new soft furnishings, wallpaper and paint in a seaside palette.
General Manager Iain Lindsay said: “We’re delighted with the new look of our rooms. The Mews is a lovely area behind our impressive main building. It’s quiet and self-contained, ideal for groups and corporates who want to be accommodated together. The Mews is a low rise building, where the stables to the main hotel building were originally located. The rooms are light and airy – and now with the new look, even more stylish.”
Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel overlooks the sea and the promenade and also offers an impressive ballroom with original 19th century chandeliers, a restaurant and bar, plus six meeting spaces.
The hotel is just a short stroll from Brighton’s centre, with the Pier, characterful Lanes and Royal Pavilion under a mile away.
Marriott Hotels, the signature brand of Marriott International, has opened its first hotel in Macedonia, the Skopje Marriott Hotel. Situated on Macedonia Square, in the heart of the city’s business and cultural district, the new hotel has been expertly designed to offer the very best in comfort and style.
Each of the 164 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, including the luxurious Presidential Suite, offer a combination of traditional architecture and modern interior design.
The new hotel, which overlooks the Vardar River, boasts an array of innovative facilities and design features including Marriott’s signature Greatroom lobby, which offers an open and flexible welcoming lounge area for guests to relax, work or socialise in, as well as a restaurant and two bars, which provide a fantastic selection of local wines and handcrafted premium cocktails.
The hotel offers excellent facilities for business travellers with flexible and stylish meeting spaces including seven separate event spaces, with the largest accommodating up to 400 people, along with a multi-functional space for open discussions, workshops and private meetings. Luxurious executive suites and the hotel’s Executive Lounge offer additional comfort and style.
The hotel’s restaurant, Distrikt Bar + Kitchen, takes the city’s melting pot of cultures and combines the best local produce with Eastern European and Mediterranean influences. Culinary highlights include market fresh fish and a Josper charcoal grill, which gives a unique and delicious flavour to the aged-steak selection on offer.
The hotel’s spa provides an array of relaxing treatments including a signature intensive age defying facial, and a green tea and cucumber body polish, using June Jacobs products, renowned for their natural botanic and patented anti-oxidant blend.
Marriott’s Meetings Imagined platform provides new opportunities and inspiration for events and meeting planners along with an online service that keeps guests in touch with guest relations managers 24/7.
A charming city with a fascinating history, Skopje is located in the northern part of Macedonia with the beautiful Vardar River flowing through the city. The hotel is located close to the city’s most famous attractions including the Stone Bridge, the incredible statue of Alexander the Great ‘Warrior on a Horse’, as well as an array of theatres, museums, bars and restaurants.
As a private & exclusive luxury hotel in Bantry Bay, Ellerman House is one of Cape Town’s finest accommodations for the discerning traveller.
With Cape Town being one of the world’s top destinations and known for fast growing design and art, the development of The Studio was a natural progression for Ellerman House. The aim was to create a space on the property where guests will be able to purchase high-end products that are unique to South Africa.
Guests will have access to a uniquely curated collection of creative products and art such as diamonds by Benguela, bags by Missibaba, jewellery by Pichulik and many more loved local designers, manufacturers and artists.
The products that form part of The Collection are seasonally refreshed and will ensure that only the best and most up to date products are available to the luxury travel market at Ellerman House. Some of the designers and brands the hotel has partnered with include De Wieff, Mungo and Julie de Pao.
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