The Swing Reading Table Lamp by Chelsom is a sleek and contemporary piece fusing clean and stylish design with the latest technology.
Also available as a Floor Lamp and Wall Light, the Swing Reading range features robust detailed hinges allowing arms to swivel and cylindrical heads with ventilation hole that rotate to give efficient directional light for reading and working.
Standard finish options available include Polished Chrome and the industrially inspired Black Bronze both featuring a coordinating push switch in the base. The range is also available in a number of alternative finish options to special order for minimum quantities including the striking Stone with Black Bronze as pictured.
Dhofar’s newest luxury hotel, Anantara Salalah – Al Baleed Resort, developed by a joint venture between Omran Hotels & Resorts & Musstir, is set to open this summer – just in time for the upcoming season known locally as ‘Khareef’, which brings cooler temperatures and lush greenery.
Welcoming guests with traditional Omani style, the resort, located between a natural lagoon and the beach, will be managed by Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas. Carefully designed to reflect Dhofar’s rich heritage, the resort’s striking Dhofari design featuring intricate artistic details is inspired by the region’s iconic coastal fortresses and is surrounded by towering palms, magnificent trees, tropical gardens and lush water features.
READ A FULL REVIEW OF ANANTARA’S EASTERN MANGROVES RESORT AND SPA IN ABU DHABI
With 136 guest rooms and studios as well as one, two and three bedroom pool villas — the first of their kind in Salalah and Oman – the resort is conveniently located just 10 km from the city centre and 15 km from the airport.
In line with Anantara’s ongoing commitment to the local community in each of its destinations, the resort team’s goal is to provide long-term employment and development opportunities for residents of Dhofar.
For more information, click here. The resort’s website will be launching soon and further information can be obtained from www.omran.om and www.musstir.com.
Tewkesbury Park Hotel, the four-star boutique hotel which suffered from fire damage last week, is still open for business as usual. That’s according to its general manager, Patrick Jones, who was speaking to the Gloucestershire Echo.
Last week a fire broke out in the roof area of a non-used part of the property and all 43 guests and 20 members of staff had to be quickly evacuated as four fire engines from the surrounding area controlled the blaze.
General manager Patrick Jones reassured locals and guests that the hotel is running as usual. According to Jones, its restaurants, gold club and leisure complex all remain unaffected by the blaze, as well as the bedrooms.
The hotel is in the middle of a £1 million refurbishment project, which is adding nine new luxury suites to the property, all of which were unaffected in the fire and are still on schedule to be completed by early next month.
The work is part of a £3 million overall refurbishment programme which has transformed all 94 bedrooms, the public lounges and the indoor pool area over the last 12 months.
The authorities do not believe the fire to be suspicious.
Water sustainability in the hospitality industry is an issue beginning to raise its head above the metallic-edged parapets of hotels springing up all over the world. It’s no secret that water consumption levels in the industry could definitely be reduced and cannot be maintained at its current levels.
Indeed, some statistics recently printed in a recent issue of HD member GROHE‘s magazine about the worldwide water shortage make for sobering reading:
– Drinking water is running out. By 2030, global demand is expected to outstrip supply by 40 percent, and many rivers and lakes are drying up. Currently, 1.1 billion people lack access to water, and only one percent of all water consumed is fresh. The problem is critical, and the United Nations (UN) is responding by introducing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The causes of global water shortages are complex, ranging from climate change to urbanisation and population increase. As a result, the solutions are diverse, and although governments and multinational organisations have a responsibility to tackle it, so do individuals. –
Some of GROHE’s water sustainability products
So, with this in mind, those fitting hotels with water consuming items are having to not only factor these solutions into their product designs but also their construction and installation. One such firm is GROHE themselves:
– Conscious of this dilemma, GROHE, the world’s leading manufacturer of sanitary fittings, are integrating sustainability into their business. It’s present in every aspect of our corporate structure,” says GROHE executive Thomas Fuhr. “It determines everything we do, from product development to manufacturing and logistics as well as use and disposal.”
One of GROHE’s biggest customers is the hospitality industry. According to a recent study by the Malta Business Bureau, 365 trillion litres of water could be saved by the EU’s hotel business every year. The problem represents an area in which, by reducing their water consumption, hotels can also improve cost efficiency. –
Indeed, while we are seeing hotels monitoring their usage more and managing their laundry loads, we are also seeing a lot more manufacturers introducing ‘low-flow’ products with technology like aerated shower heads to help hotel firms reduce water consumption by up to 30% in some cases. GROHE are at the forefront of this:
– And by focussing on this issue and staying true to their commitment to high quality design, GROHE has been working with many of the world’s leading hotel brands to help deliver the results they need. One case in point is luxury Danish hostel chain, Danhostel, whose Copenhagen city location recently swapped its older fittings and showerheads for water saving, environmentally-friendly ones made by GROHE. And the results speak for themselves: water usage was reduced from 13 to 5.8 litres of water per minute. –
You can read the whole article from GROHE Magazine here…
The Hamilton Coffee Table, from Gallery Direct’s, is a decorative statement piece for any lounge area. This updated classic is made using mindy ash solids and inlaid parquet detail with an antique distressed finish.
Using architectural veneer which is thicker than conventional veneers, this table is made to the highest quality to ensure strength and durability. The piece can be used singularly or combined with the complementary side table to finish a room with a traditional yet timeless approach.
Starwood is bringing its Sheraton brand to the upmarket resort town of Cascais, Portugal with the signing of the Sheraton Cascais Resort. Owned and managed by United Investments Portugal (UIP), the property will join the Sheraton brand on February 24th, 2016 under a franchise agreement with Starwood.
“We have successfully partnered with United Investments Portugal for over 24-years at Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort in the Algarve, positioning it as one of the finest resorts in Europe. We are extremely proud to extend this collaboration and bring a third Sheraton hotel to Portugal,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “The signing of this fantastic hotel underlines our strong relationship with UIP and highlights the continued demand for the Sheraton brand as we move toward our goal of adding 150 new Sheraton hotels around the globe by the year 2020.”
Sheraton Cascais Resort, which previously operated as the Vivamarinha Hotel & Suites, boasts an enviable location on Portugal’s sweeping Atlantic coast just 30 minutes from Lisbon and about a mile from the famous Guincho Beach, one of the finest surfing spots in Europe. Comprising of 138 rooms and suites, Sheraton Cascais will feature a signature restaurant and two bars, as well as a wide range of leisure facilities including a state-of-the-art fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool and an expansive spa with six treatment rooms and hydrotherapy suite. A perfect location for golfers, the resort is surrounded by seven of Portugal’s top golf courses. Business guests will enjoy a range of multifunctional meeting rooms, the largest accommodating up to 150 people.
Sheraton Cascais Resort will complement the two existing Sheraton properties in Portugal – Sheraton Lisbon Hotel & Spa and Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa.
In June 2015, Starwood Hotels & Resorts launched Sheraton 2020, a comprehensive 10-point plan designed to put Sheraton Hotels and Resorts firmly back into the global spotlight. Sheraton 2020 includes a multi-million marketing campaign; the launch of the new premier tier, Sheraton Grand; continuous innovation of the Sheraton guest experience; and a goal of adding more than 150 new Sheraton hotels worldwide by 2020.
Award-winning British bed manufacturer Hypnos has pledged its support for proposed regulations to ensure properties advertised on home exchange sites, such as Airbnb, meet appropriate fire safety standards.
Home exchange websites allow users to list, find and rent properties or spare rooms across the globe. Such websites have seen a huge growth over the past year, with an increasing number of guests opting for short-term properties available on online marketplaces, rather than regulated hotels and serviced apartments.
However Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association (BHA) recently advised a House of Commons committee that home exchange websites are enabling professional landlords to operate on an industrial scale, avoiding fire safety regulations that commercial properties must legally adhere to, therefore putting guests at risk.
John Woolley, MD Hypnos
John Woolley, managing director at Hypnos Contract Beds Limited, echoed the concerns of the industry: “The possibility of a fire breaking out in a property is something that any property owner needs to prepare for and take steps to reduce the risk. It’s therefore crucially important that products, such as furniture and bedding, have certain levels of protection against fire to ensure guest’s safety and keep them protected.
“Although properties may not be listed as hotels or serviced apartments by name, the reality is that in circumstances where landlords continuously rent out their properties to guests, questions should be raised around the regulations they adhere to and if it does in fact count as a commercial property.
“Ultimately, the strict requirements that are in place for commercial properties are there to protect guests. For properties unofficially acting as hotels and serviced apartments, it’s important that there is legislation in place to protect users who may unknowingly be putting themselves in danger.”
In the UK, fire safety requirements for domestic upholstered furniture are well established, having been in place since 1989. However fire retardant regulations for furniture used in a commercial environment are far more stringent. In a commercial setting, there is a legal requirement to ensure all mattresses, beds and sofa beds meet strict UK and EU fire regulatory standards. This includes meeting the Crib 5 BS6807 standard which guarantees that a product has been specifically tested for high resistance to ignition. Every single bed that complies with this rigorous standard will clearly display the fire retardancy Source 5 (Crib 5) label.
And more recently, the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) has developed a new ‘fire standard’ specifically for contract beds. The new standard looks to enhance the BS EN1725 test methods currently used for domestic beds, reflecting the fact that beds used in the hospitality market are subject to far more rigorous use.
Find the latest Bauhaus product update from January 2016 below:
NEW Pier Furniture Range (pictured above) – Available in 800mm, 1000mm and 1200mm width. – Available in three different finishes – Ebony, Steel and Anthracite. – Single or double drawer options. – Supplied with a wall template to ensure straightforward installation, along with wall brackets featuring a 3-way adjustment and clever locking facility for the ultimate safe and secure fitting. – Scratch and stain-resistant – Pre-prepared for one, two or three tap hole installation. – Complete with a sleek, virtually seamless undermount basin, which is factory-fitted to save time and reduce onsite work during installation. – Water-resistant. – 10-year guarantee.
Click here to download the entire range of Crosswater brochures
Hilton HHonors members can now receive an exclusive discount on room rates by booking directly through its brand websites, its award-winning mobile app and reservation call centres, or through preferred corporate travel partners and approved travel agents. This guaranteed discount is available at more than 4,500 hotels around the world.
In a move expected to take the online fight to the array of third party booking websites, Hilton’s new ‘Stop Clicking Around‘ marketing campaign – the largest ever launched in the company’s 97 year history – will also emphasise the other benefits of booking direct and being an HHonors member.
These benefits include HHonors Points that can be used for free room nights, free Wi-Fi, and the ability to check-in, choose your own room from a digital floor plan and use a Digital Key all via the HHonors mobile app on a smartphone. In addition, when HHonors members book direct with Hilton, hotels are able to provide more personalised and memorable experiences for each stay.
“Our customers don’t need to worry about sorting through a dizzying array of websites, enduring hundreds of clicks and wasting hours of time. They can be assured that booking a room directly with us at any of our hotels doesn’t require extensive searching and price checking to find the best prices online,” said Geraldine Calpin, chief marketing officer at Hilton Worldwide.
“Last year, 57 billion Hilton HHonors Points – or more than 1.6 million free nights – went unearned because guests booked their stay through a third party,” said Mark Weinstein, global head of customer engagement, loyalty and partnerships at Hilton Worldwide. “There is a huge misconception that third parties always offer lower prices for our hotel rooms, which is simply not true.”
A leading hospitality interior design practice, RPW Design, is repositioning the five-star London Marriott County Hall hotel for the global market. With their trademark interiors alchemy, RPW Design is transforming the guestrooms and public areas to create a ‘quintessentially British’ feel. This multi-million pound transformation will see all 200 bedrooms and suites and public spaces completed by May 2016.
RPW was inspired by the history and location of Marriott County Hall, in particular taking note of decorative architectural components designed by the architect, Ralph Knott. The original wrought iron detailing apparent in the building’s entrance and ceremonial gates leading to the council chambers were a key inspiration for the designs. The bronze tone in the linear metal work has been re-interpreted into the bespoke cabinetry and ironmongery in the guestrooms. With the original building being completed in the 1930’s there are nods to Art Deco patterning within the carpet design and bespoke decorative lighting pieces throughout.
Bold, oak timbers were selected as a basis for the colour schemes to create a connection to the listed panelling in the principal corridors. A refreshingly light palette creates harmony between the past and future of the building as well as reflecting its essentially masculine style.
Each room is laid out in the finest detail to bring ease, luxurious functionality and comfort for the guests’ every-day needs; from the tiniest element such as the bespoke handles for the cabinetry, the correct angles for mirrors and of course intuitive technology throughout, practicality reigns without compromising on style. Sumptuous soft furnishing and subtle plays on iconic London landmarks are featured throughout.
Design touches in each room include tasteful homages to the building’s history and location including chairs upholstered in a deep orange as a tribute to the orange red leather upholstered seating used in the former London council chambers. Bowler hat prints on the corridor wall paper echo London’s business culture. Elizabeth Lane, Director of Projects, said: “Through a careful exercise of understanding and re-incorporating architectural and historic details of the building, both architecturally and decoratively; the space at the Marriott County Hall has been significantly enhanced while maintaining its inherent distinctiveness.”
The Westminster Suite The Westminster Suite (the hotel’s largest) has had a full refurbishment and now the luxuriously panelled suite lives up to its fantastic views across the River Thames to Westminster. A collection of 7 artworks of varying sizes installed on a curved wall behind the dining table creates a narrative and history of the property around the open plan suite. Each piece is made up of a collage of newspaper prints relating to London, Southbank and the arts. There are highlights of hand-sketched architectural imagery of the building and references to the Coade stone Lions of the Southbank.
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The Public Areas “While being respectful to features in the public areas, we plan to enhance the space by both refurbishing existing furniture and details and introducing new furniture elements and soft furnishings that again nod towards to the history of the building and it’s completion date in the 1930s,” said Heather McLellan, Senior Designer for the project.
“The before-and-after views of any of the areas RPW designed-be it the stunning guestroom areas, corridors or the wonderful Westminster Suite are remarkable. I strongly believe we have once again successfully demonstrated how we can unlock great value within our client’s assets through sensible, yet bold design moves” says Ariane Steinbeck, Managing Director of RPW Design.
Debenhams’ love of creating beautiful spaces within the home has now extended to the hospitality arena and in an exciting move for the British high street retailer, on 2 March 2016, Debenhams launches its designer open plan apartment in a year-long partnership with Cheval Three Quays.
The takeover kicks-off in March with much-loved designer at Debenhams, Ben de Lisi, followed by Matthew Williamson in June. Both designers will exclusively dress the apartment in their own inimitable style and showcase their current designer homeware collections for Debenhams.
Having opened on 10 March 2014, Cheval Three Quays has raised the bar in the serviced apartment sector. The open plan apartments boasts dramatic floor to ceiling windows with unrivalled views across the River Thames, Tower Bridge, The Shard and City Hall. Every detail of the apartment, curated by the designers, has been carefully considered to effortlessly mix luxury with the designer’s own personal style.
Bringing a brand new travel experience to the public, Ben de Lisi’s apartment showcases his SS16 collection for Debenhams. Offering adventure and exploration, the room is brought to life with a lively combination of hand drawn graphics, soft geometrics, quirky objects and multi coloured stripes.
“I am thrilled to be part of such an innovative collaboration with Designers at Debenhams. It’s such a fantastic opportunity for loyal customers to experience my new collection in the luxury environment of Cheval Three Quays, and for guests to live the designer lifestyle,” de Lisi said.
What’s more, each guest will receive a luxury food hamper on arrival and gift on departure, plus exclusive treats to be redeemed in the Debenhams Oxford Street Store. These include a range of luxury beauty treatments and exclusive offers, Personal Shopping appointments and restaurant vouchers.
Changing four times per year, the further designers will be revealed on Debenhams’ social media channels in advance of launch. Follow @debenhams or #DebsDesignerApartment for updates.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts has announced it has entered into a franchise agreement with Brighton and Hove Albion to open a new Aloft hotel in the popular southern England coastal city. The 150-room Aloft Brighton, which is due to open in September 2017, will expand the brand’s growing footprint to four hotels in the UK, including two in London (Aloft London Tobacco Dock opens 2018), one in Liverpool and now one in Brighton.
Located adjacent to the new American Express Community Stadium, home of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club, Aloft Brighton will form a key part of a new major development that includes a proposed specialist cancer treatment center underneath the hotel. The site also enjoys superb transport links, with an on-site mainline rail station and parking for 422 cars (including 27 disabled spaces).
“This agreement illustrates the strong demand for stylish, yet affordable accommodation in mature and strategically important cities such as Brighton,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “We are delighted to partner with Brighton and Hove Albion in this venture, and look forward to introducing our cutting-edge Aloft brand alongside one of the country’s most exciting sports and leisure developments.”
“As a global brand and leading hospitality company, Starwood’s UK market expertise gives us confidence that this alliance will be a huge success,” said Martin Perry, Brighton and Hove Albion Executive Director. “With its affordable price point, stylish design and accessible technology, the Aloft brand is the perfect choice for visitor accommodation at the American Express Community Stadium, appealing to multiple business segments including conference delegates, football supporters and visitors to the two Universities adjacent to the stadium.”
Delivering urban-influenced design and an energetic guest experience, Aloft Brighton will offer 150 loft-like guest rooms with ultra-comfortable plush platform beds, large walk-in showers and complimentary Bliss amenities. The hotel will feature the brand’s signature W XYZ bar. Additionally, every Aloft hotel around the world offers live, free access to emerging artists and performances from some of the hottest local bands.
Jumeirah’s Burj Al Arab is bringing an innovative design project to the UAE in the second quarter of the 2016, as the ‘North Deck’ gets set to officially open to guests.
It has been developed using state-of-the-art environmental technology, design, manufacturing expertise and marine installation mastery, a combination which has never before been attempted. The 10,000-square-metre private luxury deck will fan 100 metres out into the Arabian Gulf and accommodate 32 cabanas, 400 sun loungers, one fresh water pool measuring 612 square metres and one salt water pool measuring 828-square-metres, one restaurant and a bar.
In a bid to deliver the most exclusive guest experience with minimal disruption, the deck has been developed in six sections off-site in Finland by marine construction experts, ADMARES. The structure has been built in a controlled cruise ship and yacht production facility which guarantees the highest standards in both construction and luxury finish.
Made from steel and weighing around 5,000 tonnes, the North Deck is currently being lifted by crane and lowered onto a grid of 90 steel piles, 914 millimetres in diameter, facing north into the Arabian Gulf.
The deck will sit north of Burj Al Arab’s island, therefore the work around it will be visible from Bab Al Yam’s terrace and the marina garden will be closed off during the installation period. The installation and welding of North Deck is expected to take six weeks to complete, weather permitting.
Lea Marston Hotel in Sutton Coldfield is about to start work on its £2 million expansion, which will see its size increase by a fifth.
The hotel, which was opened in 1991, will see its total number of rooms increase to 117 after the new 30 bedrooms have been built.
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(Photos from leamarstonhotel.co.uk)
According to a hotel statement, the expansion comes amidst an increase in demand in the area for hotel rooms and will be supplemented by Lloyds Commercial Bank with a £1.8 million.
Mark Blake, chairman of Lea Marston Hotel, said the new bedrooms would be contemporary and come with free WiFi. Blake said: “Starting the expansion of the hotel has been a milestone achievement for us and supports our vision of long-term growth.”
Dreamworks Beds, providers of top quality beds, mattresses, headboards and bedsteads all designed and manufactured in the UK to the highest standards, have upgraded their range with 100 new fabrics and a choice of mattresses. The exciting range of sofa beds have optional matching fixed sofas and accompanying chairs to complete the collection.
Returning to the AIS Show for another year, Dreamworks Beds’ new range of fabrics and collection of sofa beds were the focus of the show. Showcasing the wide range and variety of products, the collection demonstrates the fine craftsmanship that goes into each of these luxury products. Over four days this January, buying group AIS welcomed members and non-members alike to the AIS furniture show, offering independent retail visitors a refined choice of furniture.
Rachel Brown, Bed Selector at AIS explained: “I am so pleased that Dreamworks Beds chose to launch their fantastic new fabric collection for their range of sofa beds at The AIS Furniture Show.” She continued: “Our members have been extremely positive about the new range, which offers a massive choice of designs. With over 100 quality fabrics to select from, they have incorporated a great mix of contemporary, traditional and kids’ designs. We really are delighted with the members’ response.”
Overall the show was an outstanding success for Dreamworks Beds, with the range of high quality sofa beds being extremely well received by both customers and industry commentators alike.
Owners of a hotel near the Lake District have revealed their plans for a major extension which would see 9 new bedrooms added to the property if it’s approved.
Planning application has been submitted to Barrow Borough Council by owners Lancaster Brewery to expand The Duke of Edinburgh Hotel in a £300,000 project.
Lancaster Brewery celebrates its tenth year of ownership this year, having taken over the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel in 2006, a property they have spent more than £2 million refurbishing and renovating – including a complete overhaul of the bar area.
If given the green light, the project would take the number of bedrooms at the four-star hotel to 51. Lancaster Brewery hope to be starting the project in the next eight weeks.
In a newly developed grandstand, Cheltenham Racecourse now enjoys an array of bespoke carpet embracing apparently effortless design and celebrating the famed gold diamonds of owner, The Jockey Club.
Tasked to evoke the feeling of the rolling landscape in which Cheltenham Racecourse is found, architecture practice, Roberts Limbrick, worked closely with Wilton Carpets Commercial through an evolutionary design process that has had stunning results. Having developed original design briefs inspired by contemporary artists and involving wave elements across a palette of natural colours, Robert Limbrick worked with Wilton to reinterpret these concepts into a simpler design that embraced the gold of The Jockey Club for the fifth floor Panoramic room. This simpler look was wholeheartedly embraced by the Racecourse and formed the basis for carpets throughout the grandstand.
“Our initial concepts reflected the course’s original intention for a design inspired by its surroundings, but after deliberation with the team at Cheltenham, a simpler look first suggested for the Panoramic room was used throughout,” explains James Vincent, senior associate, Roberts Limbrick. “The suite proved an ideal trial and the whole process has involved a close working partnership with the design team at Wilton, with their input and expertise proving invaluable as we looked for the perfect balance in colour and pattern. We worked from a palette of landscape tones to uphold the original brief of being inspired by the course’s surroundings, balancing against natural wood finishes and the luxurious fabrics found in furniture throughout all areas.”
The contemporary texture effect in a purple with gold fleck was chosen for level one, where it works well with the Jockey Club branding. On this level, the champagne bar has added detail with a ‘horseshoe’ crescent motif used to suggest champagne bubbles while remaining elegant. Level two sees the same contemporary texture as level one, this time in a green colourway with a range of gold tone highlights.
The Royal Box on level four is another area of special interest. Here the design went through several variations, before an elegant neutral palette was finally selected to balance the colour and detail in walls and furniture, creating a sense of luxury befitting this prestigious interior.
“While the finished designs could be seen as plain with detail highlights, the entire project was exceptionally complex due to the shape of the impressive new building and that the apparently simple design features a complex integral border effect of a darker texture,” comments Julie Robertson, design manager, Wilton Carpets Commercial.
With over 3,300 square metres of wool-rich bespoke woven carpet installed, including existing Wilton library designs in corporate boxes, Cheltenham Racecourse was a sizeable project that demonstrated the ability of the manufacturer to work with architecture practices to achieve a striking interior. The numerous bars, members’ areas, hospitality suites and corporate boxes of Cheltenham Racecourse exhibit a unique set of demands on carpet design:
“Apart from the need for a high-quality broadloom that offers ease of cleaning and longevity, the design of Cheltenham Racecourse and its need to be adaptable threw up several challenges along the way and working with Wilton helped greatly in achieving an end result that has left all delighted,” continues James Vincent, Robert Limbrick. “From a brief that evolved considerably to finding the right colour and design combinations to suit the area in question, Wilton were highly influential in the design process.”
For further information contact Wilton Carpets Commercial on 01722 746000 or sales@wiltoncarpets.com
Savoir Beds, the world’s most luxurious sleeping system, teamed up with luxury fabric specialist Kobe UK, to add sophisticated glamour to its specially designed bed for The Savoy’s 125th Anniversary.
Savoir was first created for The Savoy hotel in London in 1905, and its tailor-made beds have become almost as legendary as the stars that have slept in them. In creating a special bed to mark the occasion, Savoir’s designer, Mandeep Dillon, used Kobe’s best-selling chic and contemporary Chacar fabric to capture the very essence of the hotel.
The design is inspired by the 1920 and 30s, the heyday of glamour, jazz and movie stars at The Savoy. Visually, the bed echoes the slim elegant lines of 1920s design and has a futuristic ‘Flash Gordon’ look with the use of sharp angles and metallic bronze silk. Its shape is emphasised by the deliberate use of a single fabric to upholster the whole bed including the legs. Lastly, there is no fussy detailing on the bed to detract from the simplicity of the shape.
Said Nikki Harris, head of contracts at Kobe UK: “We were delighted to help Savoir on this assignment. “The team works closely with interior designers on major projects around the UK and it was very exciting working with Savoir on the specially designed 125th anniversary bed for The Savoy.”
Chacar is suitable for domestic and contract window décor, upholstery and soft furnishings. The luxurious cotton satin comes in 94 colours from soft delicate neutrals, to vivid oranges and vibrant blues. All Kobe’s upholstery fabrics offer exceptional durability, scoring highly on the Martindale Rub Test.
Said Natalie Byrne of Savoir: “The Chacar fabric was perfect, as The Savoy bed needed to reflect the timeless elegance of the hotel, as well as to celebrate its anniversary. Kobe’s experience and expertise made working with them on this project a pleasure.”
The anniversary bed was photographed in The Savoy’s famous Beaufort Bar and features as the main attraction in The Savoy Travelling Bedroom in its showrooms worldwide.
“We have a passion for fabrics and believe in creating interiors that reflect the very latest trends for today. We consider the innovation and development of high-quality products of paramount importance to both us and our customers,” added Nikki.
The Kobe UK sales office and studio is based in Crowthorne, Berkshire.
Following an extensive renovation, The Kensington has re-launched. The majestic property sits in the heart of South Kensington, where Queen’s Gate meets the Old Brompton Road and comprises four traditional white Victorian townhouses.
Set amongst the leafy squares, museums and parks of the Royal borough, The Kensington now feels more like a beautiful private residence than traditional hotel. Its 126 rooms and 14 suites are individually designed with elegant fabrics and custom furnishings to complement the hotel’s period architecture.
Completely redesigned spaces include the hotel’s restaurant now called Town House; the fabulous interconnected drawing rooms on the ground floor ideal for afternoon tea or a relaxed meeting; K Bar – a glamorous new bar; and also a new look for all rooms and suites, including the transformation of The Knightsbridge and The Brompton Suites into two of London’s most beautiful accommodations.
The renovation is part of a multi-million pound investment programme across The Doyle Collection’s portfolio of eight properties in the UK, Ireland and Washington DC and is the first of the hotels to unveil a complete new look and style. The re-design – as with all Doyle Collection properties – is overseen by Chairman Bernie Gallagher and the group’s design team whilst collaborating with talented designers to suit different design projects. The conversion of the three ground floor spaces of The Kensington has been overseen by Alexander Waterworth Interiors, the east London-based design collective well known for its private houses in west London as well as branches of Kerbisher & Malt and The Musket Room in New York.
Town House, the hotel’s elegant dining room, now has its own discreet entrance on Manson Place and is made up of three adjoining rooms. The Library is an intimate space lined with books and collectables, opening into The White Room, with its open fireplace and small covered terrace and, in turn, connecting to The Study. These distinctive, flexible spaces can be used independently or opened up into one larger space, creating a variety of settings for informal dining, cocktail and canapé events or elegant business meetings.
Each room is infused with light from large bay windows and furnished with elegant jewel-toned pieces that perfectly complement the heritage features and contemporary décor. The kitchen is supervised by Executive Chef Steve Gibbs, who trained under the great British chefs Jason Atherton and Mark Hix. His menus offer guests and visitors alike an enticing selection of fresh, seasonal, locally-sourced dishes, served alongside a dazzling cocktail and wine list.
The final piece of the puzzle will be the launch of The Brompton Suite in March 2016, with a fresh new design by Emily Brady of Brady Williams Studios of London. Stepping into this 753 sq ft space will feel rather like entering a beautifully appointed luxury apartment in a grand historic building.
The suite has been designed to create the look of an art curator’s London apartment and signature details will include a warm oak herringbone wood floor, beautiful 1960’s table lamps, window dressings designed to allow maximum natural light to flood the suite and exceptional views over the rooftops of South Kensington and beyond. The Brompton Suite will interconnect with The Knightsbridge Suite and a Luxury Studio Suite to create a two to three-bedroom space. This suite will compliment the new Knightsbridge Suite – a spectacular large suite with three bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms, two living rooms and a luxurious daybed.
Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott International’s growing collection of independent hotels, is celebrating further expansion across the Caribbean and Latin America, and the brand’s second hotel in Costa Rica, with the addition of El Mangroove.
El Mangroove, located off the Gulf of Papagayo, is a sustainable boutique, lifestyle resort that boasts a modern design which incorporates Costa Rica’s natural beauty through wood and water elements along with bamboo, stone and natural furnishings that merge all indoor and outdoor spaces.
The hotel has 85 luxurious guest suites outfitted with every imaginable amenity, a pool stretching over 130 feet with sweeping views of the Gulf of Papagayo and a state of the art spa and fitness centre that includes outdoor “wild-fit” areas and multi-functional exercise decks.
In addition, its ample and exclusive meeting facilities are ideal for groups, with more than 3000 square feet of functional space, both indoors and outdoors.
Minor Hotel Group (MHG) has announced the completion of the final stage of its acquisition of Tivoli Hotels & Resorts, a well-known Portugal-based brand with 14 properties across Portugal and Brazil. The acquisition of Tivoli Hotels & Resorts, which totals €294 million (£228 million), not only marks MHG’s strategic entry into Europe and Latin America, but also provides the group with a strong operating platform to drive further growth in those markets.
This represents the largest-ever hospitality transaction in Portugal and is a highly lucrative acquisition for MHG. The acquisition not only adds strong earnings underpinned by valuable hotel assets, but is also well-timed to capitalise on recent strong growth in Portugal’s tourism market.
Dillip Rajakarier, COO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotel Group, commented, “We are excited to add Tivoli to Minor Hotel Group’s portfolio of hotel brands. With over 80 years of history, the Tivoli brand brings with it a rich heritage, a highly experienced team and a deeply loyal customer base. The Tivoli acquisition further cements MHG’s position as a world-class hotel operator, with a portfolio now extending to Europe and South America. Looking forward, we have already planned further investment into the Tivoli hotel assets and its operating and distribution infrastructure to realise the full potential of this strategic investment.”
The Tivoli acquisition is the latest in a series of international investments by Minor Hotel Group as part of its long term diversification strategy, which over the last two years has seen the group invest over $550 million (£378 million) in hotel projects in Southern and East Africa, Asia, Australia, South America and Europe. These investments include, in addition to Tivoli, a joint venture with Sun International, new hotel projects in Australia and Malaysia and investments with existing joint venture partners Rani Investment and Elewana Collection in Southern and East Africa.
With these additional Tivoli hotels, MHG’s overall hotel portfolio now totals 145 properties across 22 countries. Tivoli is a member of Global Hotel Alliance, to which three of MHG’s existing brands — Anantara, AVANI and PER AQUUM — also belong.
The Louis XV bed from Gallery Direct’s Frank Hudson range is a classic statement piece, available in two finishes, antique blonde and charcoal.
Both finishes are a hand-applied stain to bring out the soft tones and beautiful detail of the wood grain and hand carvings. Using fine quality mahogany for the blonde antique finish and Mindy Ash for the charcoal finish, the beds have hand-woven cane inserts that are beautifully combined with the skilled hand carvings.
The Louis bed can be complemented by a bedside cabinet that has the same quality of craftsmanship, with solid wood hand-cut dovetail joints and hand cast handles to finish this classic look.
Following a £13.5 million investment by the Spanish hotel group, the five star property is now fully open with refurbished rooms and suites, a renovated restaurant and a revamped beach area. The recent developments form part of a wider project by Palladium Hotel Group that is seeing a series of facelifts at its other Caribbean resorts, in Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
All Junior Suites, One Bedroom Suites and Honeymoon Villa Suites have been redesigned and refurbished in the colonial style that prevails throughout the Caribbean resort, transporting guests back to times gone by while maintaining the essence of today’s Jamaica and without sacrificing modern comforts.
New details include ivory cream marble floors, luxurious bathrooms, brass light fixtures and elegant walnut furniture. Yellow jungle motifs combined with elegant touches of black in the updated décor add a typically Jamaican touch, with ethnic-styled Arte Internacional wallpaper that makes reference to the hotel’s Jamaican roots.
New decorative items include period maps of the country and bright illustrations of local wildlife and plants. The new bathrooms feature London Underground tiling in a nod to the British influence in Jamaica through the country’s history.
Indian-themed Bhogali, one of the resort’s seven à la carte restaurants, has reopened after a full renovation, meaning guests can once again enjoy traditional spiced dishes from the open-air restaurant. The Las Brisas beach area is now also fully open following a revamp.
Plans to revitalise one of Aberdeen’s most historic buildings – the Woolmanhill Hospital – have been revealed.
Developers CAF Properties want to transform the 18th century Woolmanhill Hospital into a 50-room boutique hotel and residential complex. Aside from the hotel offering, initial plans for the Victorian site, which includes the A-listed Archibald Simpson building, include serviced apartments, residential apartments, and affordable housing.
The scheme will involve four of the buildings on the site, which was the location of the city’s first royal infirmary; opened in 1749 and which remains one of Aberdeen’s most distinctive granite buildings. Most of the hospital was shut down three years ago to help NHS Grampian cut a £160m repair bill backlog. A public consultation over the plans will be held at Aberdeen Central Library at Rosemount Viaduct on March 23.
The Carlson Rezidor hotel group, over the last decade or so, has been steadily building up and expanding its portfolio across the globe with strategic purchases and a prudent selection of locations – think Radisson Blu’s planned and continuing expansion in Africa. With nearly 1,500 hotels and 170,000 rooms, its progress has been successful despite being a relative ‘David’ to the ‘Goliaths’ of Hilton and the now-merging Marriott-Starwood group.
And one of its brands in particular (since SAS pulled its partnership in 2009) has benefitted considerably. The Radisson Blu collection now boasts nearly 400 hotels open or in development in more than 80 locations around the world. And whenever I’ve visited a Radisson Blu property, from Dubai Media City to London Stansted, I’ve always found the brand’s offerings to be contemporarily designed and focused – usually with a lean towards the business traveller – and the service to be of a high standard. This recently revamped and refurbished Leeds chapter is no different.
The hotel is contained within the walls of the centrally-located and well-restored former home of the Leeds Permanent Building Society and directly neighbours the commercial complex ‘The Light’. As I arrive, I consider this fact might cause a noise pollution issue once inside the hotel, but my fears are allayed by the positioning of the public areas away from any of the main thoroughfares in the shopping complex.
This location means sprawling space is at a premium, so the ground level of the hotel is split cleverly between lobby area and bar/dining area to create the feeling of two distinct spaces, despite the two bleeding into each other structurally. One quick check-in and warm welcome from the manager Valerie Donaldson later and I’m walking through the corridor to my room, which gives me a chance to get a glimpse of the ‘doughnut’ structure of the inner well of the building from where the near-150 rooms in the hotel branch away and explains how the majority of rooms aren’t disturbed by activity in the shopping complex next door.
The darker, warmer hues of the corridors – with their grey-brown carpets, olive green wallcoverings and slight vintage feel – contrast with the cooler, industrial palettes of my modern room. I’m staying in a Junior Suite and as soon as I enter I’m struck by the considerable size of the room, especially considering the architect has had to factor in a curve of the exterior wall of the building. And, as mentioned, the room interior stands out immediately as having been designed to reflect an image of the modernity that the brand prides itself on espousing.
There are several little touches of clever design around the room; like the wooden-finished ‘pillar’, which quadruples up as a TV stand, a home for the mini-bar and tea and coffee facilities as well as a means of discreetly housing the mains sockets needed for the work desk – it’s a brilliant use of space and a tidy, well-thought-through solution to the question of where to locate all of these elements. As a rule, I’m a big fan of rooms with curved walls for the obvious aesthetic reasons, and it’s no different here with the designers having used the feature to great effect in order to light the room. (See image 2, below).
Further touches such as the ceiling paintwork matching the fabric of the soft furnishing on the bed, the impressive headboard of which all add to the feeling of the room being in the hands of a thoughtful and thematically-minded designer. I am surprised to see the bold use of coal-grey floor tiles throughout the bedroom and living space – mostly because, while these complement the clinical and modern feel, it’s a vast space for the housekeeping team to ensure is always clean. I needn’t have worried, as both underneath the bed and under the 12’x6’ rug were spotless.
The bathroom’s use of tiles creates a completely different feel, with tiling making up a dazzling three-quarter-wall of brilliant blue overlaid on a beige-brown, clear wall. (See images below) Likewise, the half-moon glass basin container and simplistically functional finishing of the bathroom fittings (provided by HD Directory members GROHE) work very well.
There are some tell-tale signs that this is a hotel designed with business users in mind; namely the ‘economical’ wardrobe space available – perfect for short stays but not practical for more than two people staying for several nights – and the good number of mains sockets strategically located around the room for the inevitable number of devices required on a business trip. Given this focus, it came as no surprise to see the level of quality in the design and finish of the hotel’s meeting facilities located on the newly refurbished mezzanine level. The space is flexible enough to offer a range of events – especially with the breakout room having the space for a full bar – and a touch I particularly like is the meeting room titles; each named after a Yorkshire-related theme and containing small items in each room to reflect its individual title.
The hotel is unique in the UK, and indeed outside of the US, in as much as it houses the only Fire Lake Grill House & Cocktail Bar – the flagship restaurant of the Minnesota-based hotel brand – beyond American borders. As a dining option for guests for breakfast, lunch or dinner, this ‘industrial chic’, left-field-decorated eatery is impressive. The conversation-starting focal points of design include the huge, striking wall display of Leeds-born actor Peter O’Toole brought to life by upward-facing lamps as well as a floor-to-ceiling fire pit. Having done prior research into the previous space and its interiors, which were classically-inspired and somewhat dated, this incarnation is a huge improvement. (A FULL REVIEW OF FIRE LAKE CAN BE READ ON OUR SISTER SITE PA LIFE)…
Combine this four-star Leeds hotel with its restaurant and its meeting spaces and you have a convincing case as to why the wider Radisson Blu collection has to be one of the most consistent upper-upscale brands globally. Like the other properties in the chain I’ve visited and stayed in, this property will do a good trade with weekend-breakers and even more so with businesspeople. But make no mistake, this is a well-designed hotel where comfort hasn’t been forgotten in the planning-to-production process – indeed, who says business-like practicality can’t have a touch of luxury? Add to this the fact manager Valerie Donaldson has a professional, committed team working with her and you have the foundations for a very successful property for the Radisson Blu brand.
Indeed, I’m reminded of a note I read when I arrived in my room under the heading ‘Manager’s Guarantee’ which said: ‘We’ll make your stay right or you won’t pay’. The manager can sleep easy because, on this evidence, she won’t need to be handing out complimentary stays very often at all…
Tuesday 9th February 2016 — Hotel Designs is pleased to announce the launch of its new fully responsive website. Through a complete ‘redecoration’, the aim is to give the brand a more succinct look and feel. With a logo that looks more like the emblem of a well-established hotel chain rather than a website, Hotel Designs is appealing to its high calibre of clients and readers alike.
The new website has been designed and developed to give readers an optimal viewing experience – with readily accessible content and easy navigation, everything has been created with the reader at its heart.
The ability to showcase a range of images in high resolution, at scale is fundamental to the overall appearance of the new site. Not only are there a greater number of opportunities to offer to clients wishing to work with the Hotel Designs team, but those opportunities look a lot more attractive. The Hotel Designs website is there to provide the latest news from across the hotel industry as well as hotel reviews, industry jobs and updates from our extensive directory of suppliers with hoteliers, designers and industry specialists at the heart of everything we cover.
This relaunch comes after the renaming and repositioning of the Hotel Designs Summit which we announced back in November. This event was renamed in order for it to explore additional areas from within the hotel industry namely design, facilities and development.
Katy Phillips, Publisher of Hotel Designs said “As a business we acquired HotelDesigns.net last summer and felt it hugely important to create our own identity in the marketplace. We are all very excited about the newly designed website and its capabilities in addition to the branding overhaul and hope that our readers like it too.”
Brintons Carpets collaborated with Birmingham City University at this year’s prestigious January Furniture Show.
Attended by over 16,000 buyers and 4,000 exhibitors, the four-day show at Birmingham’s NEC arena depicts the latest interior and furniture trends for the coming year.
BA Textile Design students from Birmingham City University used Brintons’ latest technologies to create two carpet designs, depicting how key interiors trends can be transformed into physical products and designs. The students showcased their latest work at the show as part of their final year trend project.
Currently in its eighth year, the project encourages students to create a range of designs inspired by industry trends. The project focuses upon the power of collaboration within different disciplines, joining science, technology, design and art together with renowned brands such as Brintons.
Charmaine Stint, Programme Manager for the Institute for Creative Innovation at Birmingham City University, said: “Challenging our students, staff and partners to come up with brand new concepts which are fresh, engaging and new, generates some truly innovative content. It’s this innovation which drives us and our partners to push the boundaries and is one of the most motivating elements of this showcase.”
As part of the project, each year students unravel two future trends, creating a portolio of moodboards and a final project. Influenced by Colourhive’s Autumn / Winter 2016/17 forecasts, this year’s project was inspired by two trends: ‘Strata’ and ‘Play.’
Inspired by the Natural World and its significance with the everyday, ‘Strata’ focuses upon the importance of geology and the unrefined beauty of the earth. Student Rosie Williams’ monochrome room set simultaneously explores human influence on nature. Student Chloe Baker’s ‘Play’ vibrant room set focuses upon the creativity and optimism possessed by our inner child.
Charmaine continued, “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to work with Brintons, through using its revolutionary 32 colour High Definition looms, allowing us to showcase our students new thinking and impressive designs.
Brintons worked in partnership with the University and the students to help support their design development and creative potential.
Sarah Draper, Commercial Marketing Manager for Brintons, said: “At Brintons industry trends constantly shape our designs and collections, so we were extremely excited about the opportunity to collaborate with the students at Birmingham City University.
“The future of design lies with upcoming students and being able to help them achieve their vision is a fantastic process.”
For more information on Brintons and its range of products and services for the commercial sector, visit www.brintons.net or call 01562 635665.
One of the country’s finest chefs, Paul Ainsworth of the Michelin-starred restaurant Number 6 in Padstow has now extended his offering to include accommodation, opening six exquisitely designed suites in a newly renovated Georgian townhouse, just a stone’s throw from his restaurant.
As a chef, Paul has quite the pedigree, working for Gordon Ramsey, Gary Rhodes and Marcus Wareing. In addition to recent TV appearances he in 2011 he appeared on the BBC2 TV series Great British Menu, competing against the country’s top chefs. A finalist in the cookery contest, he won the dessert round for his offering, Taste of the Fairground. Taking inspiration from his dessert, the six bedrooms are named after fairground treats and retro sweets. Guests at the Padstow Townhouse can stay in Marshmallow, Popcorn, Rhubarb and Custard, Toffee Apple, Honeycomb or Bonbon.
Photo: Jonathan Cornes Associates (jcassociates.co.uk)
During the 16-month project, Paul and his wife Emma worked with interior designer Eve Cullen-Cornes, design director at Jonathan Cornes Associates, to create the six bedrooms, each significantly different from the next.
“Our intention from the start was to create a truly unique and welcoming experience for our guests,” explains Paul. “We loved the idea of sweet-themed bedrooms. It started as a play on the word suite/ sweet, but quickly became the foundation of the design process. So for example, the Toffee Apple suite has warm caramel colours and a botanical theme. Eve discovered beautifully restored furniture and lamps, plus a retro line of botanical plates for the wall and beautiful botanical illustrations of fruits to highlight the hand buttoned head board.
Photo: Jonathan Cornes Associates (jcassociates.co.uk)
“Our Rhubarb and Custard suite is an eclectic collection of textures, including red and orange velvet, to represent the sweet and sour of rhubarb and custard. Eve managed to source these amazing cracked leather sofas in a deep, almost blood red, that are perfect for the room.”
Interior designer Eve Cullen-Cornes explains how she used storytelling during the design process to define the character of the six bedrooms at the Padstow Townhouse: “Emma and I created a backstory for each room, imagining who the room belonged to and defining the character. Once we had these well-rounded characters fixed in our minds, we could imagine their taste in décor, furniture and art. It’s a method I devised to tease out the individual characteristics, helping to clearly distinguish each of the six bedrooms.
Photo: Jonathan Cornes Associates (jcassociates.co.uk)
“So for example, for the Bonbon suite we pictured a smartly dressed gentleman who relishes a sense of occasion. An Oxbridge type, he can always be seen at Wimbledon, Ascot and the Henley Regatta, and spends his spare time skiing and race car driving.
“The suite is decorated with one of Cole & Son’s classic wallpaper patterns, the aptly named Wimbledon Stripe. We furnished it with an oxblood wing back and club-style chairs. The room is dotted with vintage sports memorabilia to set the scene, but the bed is my favourite part – it has an upholstered fireplace headboard, which would have been adorned with all of the trophies our gentleman has collected from his sporting exploits.”
Photo: Jonathan Cornes Associates (jcassociates.co.uk)
With the help of Eve, Paul and Emma have successfully restored the Georgian townhouse to its former beauty. The renovation process of this Grade II listed property involved a brand new roof, strengthening of the outer walls, floors and ceilings, and traditional sash windows have been re-installed. Inside, it has been completely re-wired and re-plumbed from top to bottom, and every wall has been re-plastered. The eclectic style of the townhouse was achieved by gathering exceptional pieces of furniture and sourcing the right materials and fabrics, over a matter of months.
Paul adds: “The design is very respectful of the age and architecture of the townhouse and we’ve made the most out of the building’s quirks. Emma and I feel we have good taste and we know what we like, but we relied on Eve’s incredible vision and creativity to steer us in the right direction. It’s just been the most amazing experience working with Eve; she’s in a league of her own! I think creatively, Emma and Eve really fuelled and energised each other. It may sound odd, but I’m genuinely gutted it’s over, it was just such a brilliant experience.”
As an interior designer, Eve has worked on a range of varied projects, from tiny townhouses to mansions, and hunting lodges to French chateaus. She has also worked with other chefs, designing the bedrooms at The Hand and Flowers in Marlow, the Michelin starred pub owned by TV chef Tom Kerridge.
The company’s 524th hotel is a purpose built, 83-room property which represents an investment value of £6.5 million and has created 23 new jobs. The hotel features Travelodge’s new contemporary design and becomes the latest Travelodge to feature a Bar Café.
Travelodge currently operates six hotels across Oxfordshire which have been all been upgraded as part of the company’s £100m investment programme to deliver greater quality to its customers. All the company’s UK hotels now feature a new contemporary room design and include the bespoke luxurious king-size Travelodge Dreamer bed.
Travelodge is now embarking on an expansion drive to add hotels in up to 250 additional locations across the UK. Travelodge Chief Executive, Peter Gowers announced at the opening that the company is seeking to double its presence in Oxfordshire, with plans to open or secure further sites in key locations including: Oxford, Abingdon, Didcot, Witney, Banbury and Henley-upon-Thames.
The proposed Oxfordshire expansion programme is expected to represent a total investment value of £40 million and to create 175 new jobs, offering a £10m boost to the local economy – with every Travelodge guest expected to spend double the amount with local businesses during their stay that they spend on their hotel room. Each room has en-suite facilities with eco-friendly showers, in-room toiletries including liquid soap, a flat screen TV with 18 free digital channels, free tea and coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes during every stay.
Peter Gowers, Travelodge Chief Executive said: “The area around Oxford is becoming an ever more desirable place to live and work. With rising demand for value hotels, especially from start-up small businesses and families on a tight travel budget, it’s a place we want to invest in. We are looking to double our portfolio in Oxfordshire, creating new jobs and bringing a further boost to the local economy.”
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the opening of the newly-renovated 148-room Holiday Inn Resort The Lodge at Big Bear Lake hotel in the southern mountains of California. This hotel is the first Holiday Inn Resort location in the state.
Eric Lent, Vice President, Holiday Inn® Brand, The Americas, IHG said: “With locations around the world, the Holiday Inn brand plays an important role in the journeys of guests wherever they travel – from the boardroom to the mountains. As part of that iconic brand family, this Holiday Inn Resort location provides the warm hospitality our guests expect and helps them create lasting memories on unforgettable family vacations.”
Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s outdoor pool with Jacuzzi and sauna, arcade, complimentary Wi-Fi and full service restaurant, Stillwell’s. They also get to relax in the resort’s renovated rooms and suites, offering a tranquil mountain cabin atmosphere.
Ray Reyes, General Manager, said: “We are thrilled to welcome guests to our newly-renovated property. With our close proximity to so many local attractions, shopping and entertainment options, we anticipate our hotel will quickly become a favorite choice of leisure travelers visiting the area.”
Minor Hotel Group (MHG), currently with a portfolio of 136 hotels and resorts in 22 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean, has announced its first Oaks property in India with the development of Oaks Neemrana.
Oaks Neemrana is under development in the centre of the town and is scheduled to open in 2017. The new property will be housed above NSP Arcadia Mall which is also currently under construction and will offer a supermarket, banks, department stores and retail outlets, along with restaurants and family entertainment including a multiplex cinema. An additional internationally branded hotel is under development in the neighbouring tower, which is expected to open shortly after the mall and Oaks.
Facilities at the 116 unit Oaks Neemrana will include an all-day dining restaurant with sky garden, a lobby café and lounge area, a pool bar, meeting space of 160 square metres with capacity to accommodate up to 80 people, plus a gym and a kids’ play area. There will be three different room types: 68 Studio Apartments; 40 One Bedroom Apartments and eight Two Bedroom Apartments.
Oaks Hotels & Resorts offers a range of contemporary accommodation, from hotel and resort rooms and suites, to furnished serviced apartments, in central city locations and resorts. Oaks is one of Australia’s largest, self-contained accommodation providers in the 4–4.5 star market and was launched in Australia in 1991. The growing portfolio currently comprises 52 properties across four countries — Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates, with more than 6,000 guest rooms under its management. Additional properties are currently under development in China and Bali, Indonesia.
Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotel Group, commented, “We are excited to announce both the first Oaks in India and also the first Minor Hotel Group property in India. The Oaks brand is a great fit for this market, which represents a huge opportunity, and we are confident that the property will be a great success.”
Four-star Lancashire hotel Oak Royal Hotel has revealed plans to expand and hire more staff, a mere six months after opening its doors for the first time.
The Oak Royal, near Chorley, opened in August 2015 after a £2 million investment, and it has proven to be such a success that the owners are now planning to add six new bedrooms, taking the total number of rooms from 26 to 32. The hotel is owned by entrepreneur Charles Downes. Nearly ten years ago, he launched the nine-hole Oak Royal Golf & Country Club on his farm, with a restaurant and café in the club house and the opening of the Oak Royal Hotel last year marked his first hotel project.
Alongside the hotel’s bedrooms, the Oak Royal Hotel is home to the Lark Hill Restaurant, the Bubbles Lounge Bar and Sportsman Bar and two function rooms, the Jubilee Suite and The Boardroom. The expansion work will cost £600,000.
Luxury fabric specialist Kobe UK is celebrating a successful first time run at this year’s January Furniture Show.
Bringing its new upholstery collections to the show, the company was able to meet up with existing customers as well as growing its new customer base and significantly boosting sales.
New to the show was Kobe’s Elegance, inspired by Art Deco, reflecting the lavish glamour reminiscent of this period. Also for the first time and giving even greater choice, Kobe brought together timeless designs with an array of textiles in a library of 36 sample books. It included more than 700 fabrics in a wide range of colours, textures and patterns for today’s high-end domestic and contract markets.
Said David Harris, MD of Kobe UK: “This was a fantastic show for us. It was a great opportunity to meet new customers and the ideal platform for us to promote our new collections.”
On a separate stand the company also showcased its Essente collection for those who want a cost effective option with the quality and reassurance of the Kobe name. This fresh and contemporary range features a variety of plains in a cool linen, soft suede and silk satin appearance. Said David: “Listening to our customers is our number one priority and the feedback we got about the collections was fantastic. We will certainly be back again next year!”
Kobe’s UK operation is based in Crowthorne, Berkshire. For further information contact Julie Croston or Jan Turner on 01756 795374 or email julie@akapr.co.uk / jan@akapr.co.uk
A topping out ceremony has been held at Europe’s first Park Regis in Birmingham as construction work nears the end of its final phase.
During a sneak preview inside the hotel, guests were given a tour of the £50 million project and saw the scale and progress of the building ahead of its opening.
Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Raymond Hassell, attended the ceremony alongside West Midlands business people, booking agents, key stakeholders in the development and the media.
The 253-bedroom hotel has seen former office building Auchinleck House at Five Ways transformed into a state of the art, four-star hotel which will boast some of the best views across the city from its newly built 16th floor sky bar.
Robin Ford, General Manager at Park Regis Birmingham, said: “As we head towards our grand opening, we’re thrilled to be able to bring people into the building to show them the culmination of all of the work that has been going on for the last three years. This is a significant milestone in the project and today we have been able to share our excitement with our stakeholders.”
2016 has been dubbed a vintage year by judges in Hotelympia’s prestigious, original and best Innovation Awards to date.
Judges, including Jack Sharkey, CEDA Chairman, Carl Weldon, CEO HOSPA (Hospitality Finance, Revenue and IT Professionals) and Stirling Johnstone, Editor of GS Magazine, have whittled down hundreds of entries – innovative new product launches set to be on view at the four-day show (29th February – 3rd March) – to just 19 finalists in the categories of interiors, technology, and catering equipment. The winners will be decided at the event itself.
Below are the finalists in the ‘Interiors’ category:
Alfresco Spaces with its ultimate stylish outdoor heating solution ‘Fire N Table’
Divine Atmos Private Limited with its eco-friendly ‘Palm Leaf Slippers’;
Hotel Contract Interiors with ‘Engineered Vinyl Tile’, the 100% waterproof, no hassle commercial floor;
Signature FSE with ‘Inductwarm® tables’, the only wooden table in the market to allow dishes to be kept warm through induction technology, and another first in its field,
Vegware with ‘Recycled compostable black cutlery’, the only recycled compostable black cutlery for stylish eco-friendly dining.
HD Directory members Burgess Furniture’s iconic ‘Inicio’
“Without question, the best batch of entries to date. Some truly great ideas which have been well thought through to provide the industry with new and improved products. Finding a winner from these will not be an easy task”. Stirling Johnstone (Chair of Judges), Editor, GS Magazine.
Toby Wand, Managing Director at Fresh Montgomery, said: “Once again, the Innovation Awards has unearthed the most ground-breaking new products in hospitality! Visitors should seek out our dedicated area at the show housing the finalists’ products for all to see and marvel at throughout the four days. No other show is equipped to give a clearer snapshot of the weight of innovation that this industry is capable of delivering.”
Launched in 2010 Hotelympia’s highly prestigious Innovation Awards shine a light on the very best new products that the hospitality sector has to offer.
Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement with Hainan Jinxiu Industrial Company Limited to manage a new luxury Dusit Devarana Resort in Haikou City, Hainan Province.
Complementing the group’s original Dusit Thani brand, Dusit Devarana is a significant niche offering that leverages Dusit International’s rich Thai heritage and history of service excellence to offer an intimate, high-end sanctuary experience for discerning travellers.
Scheduled to open in 2018, the Dusit Devarana Resort, Haikou West will offer 108 guest rooms and villas, conveniently located within a 15-minute drive from the city centre and a 30-minute drive from Haikou Meilan International Airport.
A new 222-room Motel One hotel in Newcastle has opened with a unique mix of tradition, industrialisation and modern style and rooms Travellers visiting for the city’s attractions will find the Theatre Royal, Grey’s Monument, the River Tyne and the beautiful Quayside all within close proximity to Motel One Newcastle.
Sports fans can visit nearby St James’ Park and music lovers can enjoy concerts at the Sage Gateshead Hall, both within walking distance of the hotel.
During construction great care was taken to preserve some of the old brick walls to retain the original building’s charm. Motel One Newcastle has taken its design inspiration from old industrial charm blended with stylish modernism. This is showcased by the carefully conserved old brick walls contrasting beautifully with sparkling chandeliers and the reception’s black and white stripes of Newcastle United Football Club.
The hotel’s One Lounge breakfast area d�cor has been inspired by the iconic seven bridges over the Tyne. In the bar the decor is influenced by Robert Stephenson’s invention, the steam train Rocket. Signposts similar to those found within Newcastle city centre are found in the lounge, creating a real sense of identity between the city and the hotel. Comfy Italian leather furniture provides the perfect place to relax with a special selection of single malt or gin and tonic after a busy day in the city.
Rooms located in the carefully preserved and renovated historical part of the building showcase a modern style blended with velvet curtains and beautifully detailed wallpaper, perfectly combining the old and the new. Rooms in the newly built section of the hotel are designed in the contemporary Motel One style. All rooms guarantee sweet dreams with 100% Egyptian cotton bed linen.
The bathrooms are all elegantly fitted with granite and glass Dornbracht washbasin fittings, as well as a monsoon rain shower. Complemented with exclusive Artemide Tolomeo lighting and LOEWE flat screen TV, each room provides a peaceful escape from the city outside. Clever functional design ensures there is plenty of storage space.
Radisson Blu has announced the launch of ‘BluPrint’ – a new dynamic interior design offering for the styling of its guest rooms, social and public spaces, as well as meetings & events. According to the brand’s statement released this week, BluPrint is an ‘innovative, coherent way to evolve a property’s design according to guests’ changing lifestyles and trends’.
Rose Anderson, Vice President of Branding, said: “For our owners, BluPrint provides more distinctive and localised styling while aiming to achieve process efficiencies across interior design and refurbishments.”
Radisson Blu has a long pedigree of pioneering unique interiors going back to its first design hotel in 1960; the Royal Hotel, Copenhagen — today known as the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Copenhagen.
And now in the 21st century, Radisson’s BluPrint is centred on three key aspects of the guest experience:
Guest room styling BluPrint aims to blend definitive design classics with bespoke furniture, fixtures and fittings that revolve around core DNA components developed to create a perfect fusion of function and form. Flexible to influences of local culture and design, the room styling is bespoke to each location resulting in a variety of unique room configurations — a radically new approach to hotel design providing a more enriching and relevant guest experience.
Social spaces In the lobbies, BluPrint takes shape through the thoughtful selection of iconic furniture pieces, an attentive use of lighting and the flexibility to introduce unique elements according to the location of each hotel. Bars and restaurants come to life through a variety of concepts, some with a distinct identity, others more adaptable to local sensibilities. The common thread is exquisite food, thoughtful service and a relaxed mood.
Meetings & events Breaking the conventions of a generic space conceived to accommodate corporate events as well as special celebrations, BluPrint creates an environment for meetings and events that comes to life with character and soul.
Radisson Blu will begin implementation of BluPrint this year across its global portfolio of hotels. Moving forward, it will form part of the brand’s comprehensive renovation and refurbishment program.
Ikos Olivia is thrilled to announce the opening of four brand new, two bedroom beach front bungalow suites in 2016.
Taking the lead among the other bungalow room types, the suites are the epitome of contemporary elegance, appointed in a prime beach-front location set on ground level with private garden, or on the first floor with balcony. Only steps from the beach, the suites offer magnificent views of the Aegean Sea, capitalising on the resort’s exclusive location on beautiful Halkidiki coastline.
Ikos Resorts offers two new innovative properties: Ikos Oceania and Ikos Olivia, both exuding contemporary and innovative style through sharp design, Infinite lifestyle all-inclusive concept and beach life concept which provides guests with beach and poolside waiter service and more.
The brand new, ultra-spacious suites are ideal for the larger family, featuring two stylishly elegant bedrooms and separate lounge for extra privacy in contemporary and luxurious style, combined with a bathroom with tropical shower complete with Anne Semonin bathroom amenities. These beachfront suites come with a furnished balcony or a private garden complete with sun-loungers and just in front of the hotel’s beach.
These suites are set to complement the existing 142 bedrooms and junior suites, as well as the 145 private bungalow suites. Guests can relax with their own private balconies, beautifully groomed gardens and generous terraces — perfect for accommodating every type of need.
Forbes Group are exhibiting at Hotelympia at Excel, London from the 29th February to the 3rd March 2016, showcasing a range of Furniture, Fabric and Equipment products.
The conference room will involve the practical Alu-Lite lightweight and seminar tables, presenting conference textiles of drop covers and mode covers, used to create a professional finish, yet implementing a contemporary and stylish look.
The popular Birdcage luggage cart will be making another appearance at the show, accompanied by the innovative Buffet-Rite which when used over a stretch cover, transforms a table into a sculpted serving station.
The wedding function will also be displaying Forbes Group’s Alu-Lite tables, a portable stage and cocktail table. The banqueting textiles comprise of our lovely Restaurant skirting, contemporary covers and Simple-Fit skirting with table protectors, which is accompanied by the elegant premier stretch cocktail and chair covers.
Please come and visit us at stand 2502 we look forward to seeing you there! For further information please visit our website www.forbesgroup.eu or you can contact us by emailing info@forbesgroup.eu or on 01568 616638
Click here to contact Forbes Group in the Directory
Cotswold House Hotel & Spa has revealed plans to invest £1 million in its facilities and decor this coming year, as a new general manager comes on board to head up the changes.
The hotel, part of Hotel Designs Summit partners Bespoke Hotels, has welcomed Craig Webb to the role of general manager, who has worked in various roles within the Bespoke portfolio over the past decade, including GM of the Wood Norton and taking the helm of The Lambert Arms.
Alongside this news, came details of Cotswolds House & Spa’s planned upgrade for the coming year, with a significant investment of £1 million set to benefit the facilities and decor throughout the hotel.
Speaking on his appointment, Webb said: “I am delighted to be joining such a famed institution as Cotswold House. I have long held the Cotswolds region close to my heart and look forward to building on all the good work of the previous management and embracing the challenge of taking the property to the next level.”
“The investment will be substantial and will focus primarily on the public areas of the hotel”, confirmed Graham Marskell, managing director for Bespoke Hotels. “We are excited at the prospect of unlocking the hotel’s vast potential, both through the new managerial appointment and the substantial investment set to take place during the coming year.”
Warwick Castle has unveiled plans for 28 new woodland lodges set in woods around its 64 acre estate. The lodges — set in a newly created area known as the Knights’ Village — are designed with families and friends in mind for year-round sleep overs.
The new ‘Knights’ Village’, set in the attraction’s 64 acre estate, will consist of 14 semi-detached timber style lodges set close to the River Avon and the Castle itself.
Woodland Lodges sleep up to five guests in two bedrooms (one double bed, one set of bunk beds, plus pull out bed) and are set on one floor. Knight’s Lodges sleep up to seven guests and are set across two storeys, including a mezzanine level with grand galleried master bedroom.
All lodges offer en-suite facilities, including wet rooms, and come equipped with TV, fridge, coffee maker and central heating. Medieval-style features are peppered around the Lodges and banqueting hall, such as lofty ceilings — echoing the Castle’s Great Hall; wooden beams; stonework; and green oak wood-styled exteriors.
Furnished with bespoke items evoking medieval styles, the Lodges boast private accommodation including a wooden deck, a living and casual dining area and storage.
Geoff Spooner, general manager at Warwick Castle, said: “This is a new chapter for Warwick Castle as from 1 July we’ll offer guests year-round lodge-style accommodation to complement the Castle’s two sumptuous Tower Suites, set within the fourteenth century Caesar’s Tower, and our superb seasonal Mediaeval Glamping Village.”
Figures from Best Western Great Britain show how badly impacted some tourist hotspots have been by the recent flooding, with York hotel business down £1 million in January alone.
Occupancy in the city — parts of which were flooded over the Christmas and New Year period — was down 12.6% for the month and revenue was down 11.5% – equating to £947,115 in lost business.
READ HOTEL DESIGN’S REVIEW OF THE HOTEL INDIGO YORK HERE…
This combined with cancellation of forward bookings as a result of the floods means the financial impact of the flood has cost York hotels over £1 million alone, without taking into account lost revenue from impacted businesses such as restaurants, cafes, pubs and visitor attractions.
The Government launched a PR campaign last week to get more people to stay in the flood hit areas, but Rob Payne, Chief Executive of Best Western Great Britain which has its Head Office in York, doesn’t believe it is enough.
Best Westrn GB contact cntre staff
He said: “The hospitality industry needs more support from the Government. Mr Cameron frequently takes advantage of lower Tourism VAT rates in Portugal and Spain every time he holidays there, but he won’t cut Tourism VAT in Britain to allow us to compete with those destinations.
“£1 million loss in a month is a lot to recover, so I’d like to invite Mr Cameron and Mr Osborne to lead by example and to commit to holidaying in the north of England this year too, helping those people, places and businesses that badly need support. Best Western hotels would be happy to host them, we have over 60 in the north of England and an award-winning call centre in York waiting to take their call [pictured].”
The Best Western Great Britain call centre was awarded the best European Customer Service Experience Team of the Year 2015 at the ICMR European Call Centre awards. The team are encouraged to have conversations with callers not follow scripts and to build relationships. They have been so successful that they own fan club of guests as a result.
Best Western GB is the largest collection of independently owned hotels in Great Britain with over 270 properties. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the birth of Best Western globally.
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has unveiled the Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York as its 5,000th hotel globally.
The opening of this landmark New York property takes IHG’s global system size to 5,000 hotels, in nearly 100 countries and illustrates the strength of IHG’s leading portfolio of brands.
The hotel is a joint venture between IHG and Brack Capital Real Estate (BCRE) and is IHG’s third for the Hotel Indigo brand in New York City. It is located in one of Manhattan’s most attractive neighbourhoods and reinforces IHG’s leadership position in the boutique segment, the fastest growing in the hotel industry.
Richard Solomons, Chief Executive Officer, IHG, commented: “Reaching 5,000 open hotels with the addition of the Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York is an incredible milestone for IHG. It is testament to our well-established, long-term strategy for high-quality growth, and the strength of our brands, which focus on distinct segments to cater to a broad range of guest needs and occasions.
“Over time we have built a leading portfolio of hotel brands and scale where it matters most. Alongside our network of owner relationships and powerful digital platforms, these remain the key drivers behind our consistently strong performance. The recent landmark openings that make up our ‘5,000 Club’ also demonstrate the momentum behind our brand portfolio and our ability to increase our presence in the world’s most important growth markets.”
More than a 1,000 more hotel rooms are expected to be built in Belfast before 2018, as demand to visit the city outstrips current supply.
The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation is predicting an additional 1,074 hotel rooms are due to be built over the next three years. Visitors to Belfast can also expect to see a boom in premium accommodation, as the four and five-star room offering increases by approximately 25%.
The Federation which represents over 85% of hotel accommodation in Northern Ireland, predicts a 15% growth in hotels across the region overall.
Belfast�s tourism economy has continued to grow in the last two years, with new and existing hoteliers actively seeking to enter and expand within the Belfast market.
The total number of hotel rooms in the city will increase to 4,885 by 2018, representing an increase of 29%. Belfast City Council is keen to support hotel development and has also expressed a need for an additional 1,800 hotel rooms to fulfil tourism demand.
Belfast has become one of the most visited cities in the UK, and the second most visited on the island of Ireland. There is plenty for tourists to explore, including the fascinating Titanic Quarter, Ulster Museum, Belfast City Hall and shopping at the fabulous Victoria Square shopping centre. Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink 2016 also showcases the wide range of restaurants in the city now offering some of the region�s freshest food.
Vanessa Markey, Head of Great Britain for Tourism Ireland, welcomed the figures, saying, �We are lucky to have some amazing hotels and visitor attractions on our doorstep in Belfast, making it an incredibly vibrant place for tourists to visit.��We want Belfast to become a world class, must-visit, city destination and the increase in hotel capacity goes a long way to helping us reach this goal.�
According to the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, a number of hotel brands already in the city are looking to diversify and create new opportunities through alternative brands. These include Hilton with Hampton Suites and Doubletree, Premier Inn with the Hub and IHG with Indigo.
Janice Gault, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Hotels Federation said: �Belfast�s rising occupancy rate has resulted in the city being added to a number of international hoteliers� shopping lists. Higher end product and hotels with authentic elements are crucial for Belfast, especially so the city can attract and service conferences at the newly extended Waterfront.
�International brands such as Marriott have Northern Ireland in their sights; the opening of international businesses and the reduction of corporation tax in 2017 will make the region an even more attractive option for investment.�
New hotels already in the pipeline include Titanic Hotel at the former Harland and Wolff drawing offices, City Quays, Grand Central, Bedford Street and Blackstaff Square Hotel.
Sekers announces the launch of Veneto, a sumptuous polyester velvet suitable for all contract upholstery applications. Veneto is available in a full palette of 30 colours ranging from vibrant jewel tones to sophisticated neutrals.
Veneto is supplied inherently stain repellent to assist with cleaning and has a high abrasion performance of a Martindale of 100,000 making it a perfect selection for the most demanding upholstery application and the ideal choice for the designer specifying for the commercial hospitality, leisure and marine markets.
Sekers Fabrics Limited 7a Nobel Road, Wester Gourdie Industrial Estate Dundee, DD2 4UH London Showroom: Unit 1/20 Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, London, SW10 0XE Sales Tel: +44 (0) 1946 517501 Sales Fax: +44 (0) 1946 517502 UK & Ireland Email: sales@sekers.co.uk Export export@sekers.co.uk www.sekersfabrics.co.uk
Hilton Worldwide has unveiled its Tru by Hilton brand that is ‘simplified, spirited and grounded in value’ according to a statement released by the company.
Hilton says it is filling a massive void in the midscale category in the US and Canada. Built from a belief that being cost conscious and having a great stay don’t have to be mutually exclusive, Tru by Hilton offers an experience unlike anything in its space, consistently delivered in a surprisingly affordable way.
Demonstrating owners’ desire for a forward-thinking and innovative midscale brand with a strong value proposition, Hilton Worldwide already has 102 hotels signed and an additional 30 hotels in various stages of approval in cities including Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Denver, Portland and Nashville.
“We are incredibly excited to be launching Tru by Hilton, which will serve the largest segment of the hotel market, but a segment where no brand is meeting guests’ current needs,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton Worldwide. “Tru will provide guests with a high-quality, contemporary, consistent and fresh experience at a great value for customers, while at the same time delivering strong returns to our owners.”
Tru by Hilton’s innovative features include: * The Hive, a first floor experience that’s more than a lobby – 2,770 square-feet of open space with unique ways for guests to engage with others or spend time alone – in one of four distinct zones for lounging, working, eating or playing. * The Play Zone, filled with table games, a large-screen TV (featuring DIRECTV), and tiered, stadium-inspired seating. * A centrally located Command Centre – a re-envisioned front desk – featuring a social media wall with real-time content to foster engagement among guests, and a 24/7 market offering fun snacks and refreshments, single-serve wine and beer, healthy light meal options and sundries for purchase. * A complimentary “Build Your Own” breakfast consisting of a toppings bar with 30 sweet and savory items allowing guests to customize bagels, donuts, Greek yogurt and oatmeal to satisfy their taste buds and cravings. * Smart and efficiently designed guest rooms full of the things that matter most – all-white comfortable platform beds, 55″ TVs, eight-foot wide windows, access to power everywhere, and surprisingly spacious bathrooms. * A fitness centre that defines wellness trends, rather than follows them, with a concept focused on cardio, strength and flexibility. * A technology-forward mentality featuring segment-leading complimentary Wi-Fi bandwidth allowing guests to download and stream content on their devices, plentiful power sources, and mobile check-in, room selection and Digital Key available through the Hilton HHonors mobile app.
Comprising an exquisite collection of private chalets in Verbier, Gstaad, Crans-Montana, St. Anton, Lech and Tignes, Bramble Ski is pleased to reveal its three newest offerings: The Backstage Loft and Chalet Shalimar in Zermatt, Switzerland and Ma Datcha in Megeve, France.
Between them, these properties boast a wealth of exceptional facilities for an ultra-indulgent alpine break, including hot tubs, gyms, hammams, saunas, an outdoor heated pool and private cinema.
With the two new resorts on its books, Bramble Ski’s renowned service is now even further reaching across the Alps. As with all Bramble Ski properties, flawless service is paramount and each chalet is staffed by a team of professionals who are the very best in their field. Daily housekeeping, a concierge service before and during the stay and two days of private ski instruction with Bramble’s innovative ski-instructor-concierge come as standard with all catered bookings.
The Backstage Loft, Zermatt This spectacular chalet takes the concept of a typical alpine property and turns it on its head. The brainchild of acclaimed architect and designer Heinz Julien, The Backstage Loft is a blend of clean, contemporary lines, floor-to-ceiling glass and modern furnishings — a striking contrast to other historic wooden chalets found in the area.
Sleeping 10 in five stylishly adorned bedrooms, the chalet boasts an indoor hot tub with views of the Matterhorn, a cinema room, gym, sauna, hammam and a dining table that can be winched up onto the ceiling after dinner. The impressive hot tub is located to the side of the main living room and encased in four glass walls, one of which will swing open at the touch of a button, magically transforming the indoor hot tub into an outdoor one.
The chalet has spectacular views of the iconic Matterhorn and is just a two minute stroll from Klein Matterhorn lift station and three from Central Church Square. Nestled on the edge of the river this alpine abode could not be better placed.
Chalet Shalimar, Zermatt With arguably some of the best views of the Matterhorn in Zermatt visible from Chalet Shalimar’s expansive balconies, this property matches the prestige and natural beauty of its surroundings with comfort, space and style.
This traditional chalet provides alpine charm and a homely atmosphere in an enviable location, with ski-to-the-door access and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise gondola only a 10 minute stroll away. When not enjoying the slopes, guests can indulge in the wellness and spa area in Chalet Shalimar at the heart of the property, with a sauna, hammam, massage suite and an indoor pool affording spectacular views of the snowy surroundings.
The property can even be divided into two separate apartments made up of four bedrooms and six bedrooms, each with separate living spaces and facilities for those who wanting to strike the right balance between privacy and the convenience of close-proximity.
Ma Datcha, Megeve One of the most sought after addresses in this French resort and Bramble Ski’s first Megeve property, this ultra-lux chalet sleeps 14 in seven bedrooms and is located a short stroll from the town centre and the Rochbrune gondola.
The lush, private gardens that surround the exclusive property boast a large, outdoor heated pool and heat hot tub. If guests fancy entertaining indoors they can enjoy the cosy and contemporary sitting room, where the collection of American vintage art that adorns the walls will provide a sophisticated atmosphere as well an excellent conversation starter.
Gran Melia will open its first luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro in June 2016, which is set to become an official venue for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Originally built in 1972, the renowned ”Hotel Nacional” had been closed for decades. Following extensive renovation work, the property will be restored to its former glory with the launch of Gran Melia Nacional Rio.
Designed by the late Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, in its heyday Hotel Nacional was renowned as a celebrity hot-spot, with A-list guests staying at the hotel, including Liza Minnelli, BB King, and James Brown. It even hosted the spectacular Rio Film Festival.
Gran Melia Nacional Rio will be located in the South Zone of the city, tipped to be the next big destination for 2016, and within close proximity of the Olympic venues. The Olympic Games will take place across 33 locations in four regions of the city, including Barra, Copacabana, Deodora and Maracana, making it the ideal hotel for guests attending the sporting event.
Situated in one of Rio’s most exclusive and sought-after areas Sao Conrado, the property will boast 417 rooms, from 33 to 300 m2, including two presidential suites and 50 executive suites. It will feature an avant-garde restaurant and modern bars in the lobby and on the penthouse terrace, with spectacular 360 degree views of Rio de Janeiro and the San Conrado Bay, Ipanema and Copacabana.Gran Melia hotels combine timeless luxury with avant-garde and stunning architecture. Gran Melia Nacional Rio will become the Spanish hotel group’s most luxurious hotel in Brazil. Melia Hotels International already has 17 hotels in the country’s top tourist destinations, including Angra dos Reis and Sao Paulo, with three new hotels set to open in 2018.
Boutique hotel chain Z Hotels has opened its fifth London property Z City, in the heart of the City of London. The 109-room hotel, which currently has 50 rooms open with more to be added in the coming weeks, adheres to the character of Z Hotels, offering guests urban luxury at an affordable price, with room rates from just �60 per night.
A designer conversion of a former office building, Z City is situated on Fleet Street, neatly nestled between Aldwych and Ludgate Circus, and will offer a range of Z Double, Queen, Accessible and Inside rooms.
Z Hotels’ property in Soho, London
Directly opposite the Royal Courts of Justice, the hotel boasts a number of cafes, restaurants and bars on its doorstop and is a short walk from the famous Somerset House, Covent Garden Plaza and the West End’s abundance of theatres. The property is ideally placed for those guests looking to explore some of London’s most lively nightlife as well as those travelling to the capital for business.
Bev King, director of Z Hotels comments: “We are hugely excited to have moved into the City and extended our London portfolio to five properties. The City is fantastic for both leisure and business and we’re thrilled to be continuing to grow the already successful Z Hotels concept.”
Z City is group’s seventh property. The brand has expanded rapidly since launching the new hotel concept in 2011 with its flagship hotel in Soho, London. Since then, the portfolio has grown to include Z Victoria, Z Liverpool, Z Piccadilly, Z Glasgow and Z Shoreditch.
Marriott Hotels welcomed Madrid Marriott Auditorium Hotel & Conference Center to its portfolio in November 2015. Conveniently located for Madrid-Barajas Airport, the hotel is the third Marriott Hotel in Spain and is the flagship brand’s largest hotel in Europe.
Formerly known as Hotel Auditorium Madrid, the 869-room property has undergone an extensive renovation to present a contemporary and welcoming design to excite both business and leisure travelers.
The renovation includes a new fa�ade which transforms the hotel’s exterior from day to night. Guests can enjoy flexible, innovative and spacious public areas to meet, connect, socialise and relax, while guest rooms are luxuriously appointed with amenities such as spacious work desks and Nespresso Coffee machines to ensure a comfortable and productive stay.
For business travellers and event planners, the conference centre features 15,500-square-metres of event space including an impressive auditorium that can accommodate up to 2,000 guests. Those looking to make the most of the hotel’s fitness facilities will find indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, solarium, tennis courts and a fitness centre.
The Hamilton Mirrored Sideboard from Gallery Direct’s Hudson Living range is a truly exquisite statement piece, designed to provide practical storage combined with elegant style.
This high quality sideboard is hand crafted using beautiful mindy ash with ornate, pierced fretwork and decorative glass mirror doors.
In keeping with Gallery’s ethos of attention to detail, the vintage style spanolette locks add the perfect finishing touch.
The Becket Side Chair from Gallery Direct’s Hudson Living collection is a contemporary Lloyd Loom chair which would look at home in a host of interiors.
This beautifully understated piece is finished in a classic vanilla white with a driftwood finish mindy ash frame.
The Becket looks equally at home with one of Gallery’s dining tables or as an occasional chair.
More hotel rooms will be added to Hall Farm Hotel following a successful expansion bid, which has been approved by the council, in order to meet guest demand.
Local councillors approved plans to turn barn buildings into nine new double, twin and family rooms at Hall Farm in Ashby-cum-Fenby, Lincolnshire – which has been called a ‘credit to the borough’ by local Conservative Iain Colquhoun.
Speaking to the Grimsby Telegraph, Matthew Durrant, owner of the conference and wedding venue, said concerns raised by local residents around noise and traffic had been addressed.
“We have been trading for 22 years and we are responding to customer demand,” he said. “We are very busy; we have guests who want to stay and cannot because we don’t have enough bedrooms. I cannot see anything negative,” he added.
As their gauge when constructing thermostats, GROHE use the most sensitive thermometer around — your skin.
The revolutionary thermostats in their Grohtherm range ensure that hot and cold water touch your skin in exactly the proportions you desire.
GROHE TurboStat� is a revolutionary technical feature — it provides the correct shower temperature in seconds and keeps it constant.
The many elegant design features in these miniature technological marvels are wonderfully innovative. Find out more about GROHE’s range of thermostats, click here…
The Weissenhaus Grand Village Resort & Spa, one of Europe’s most beautiful beach hotels, is located only about 100 kilometres northeast of Hamburg. The bathrooms of this exclusive retreat are equipped with fittings from the Axor Montreux collection made by the Hansgrohe SE design brand Axor.
The playful elegance of the mixers and showers and their classic design fit seamlessly into the historical ambiance of Schloss Weissenhaus.
The interior design is characterised by a mix of Mediterranean ease and elegant cosiness. The bathrooms also feature this signature look. If the Axor Montreux bathroom collection had not already been available, it would have been newly created for Jan Henric Buettner’s hotel.
This collection, developed by Phoenix Design, pays homage to the Belle Époque, the golden age at the turn of the century when Schloss Weissenhaus was rebuilt. Many industrial and technological, as well as modern living and bathroom innovations date back to that epoch.
The European upper classes discovered their love of travel, and prominent spas such as Montreux — the eponymous spa of the Axor collection ‒ sprang up across the continent; this was the birth of wellness retreats.
Delicate star handles with porcelain inlays and floor-standing bath mixers are characteristic design features of the collection. In line with traditional manufacturing methods, the mixers are not made in one piece, but combine many quality components to create a gesamtkunstwerk. The interior architects of the Weissenhaus Grand Village Resort & Spa decided to use Axor Montreux three-hole mixers for wall mounting which harmonise with the marble-clad washstands.
Free-standing bathtubs are equipped with floor-standing Axor Montreux two-handle bath mixers. Spacious bathrooms in the suites feature private saunas and marble bathtubs with three-hole mixers for wall mounting and hand showers.
World-renowned carpet manufacturer Brintons has worked in partnership with Resorts World Birmingham to create a range of stunning bespoke carpets for its luxury four star Genting Hotel.
Brintons worked with the leisure and entertainment resort to create 6,424 sm2 of unique Axminster carpet to be installed throughout 4* guestrooms on the third and fourth floors of the Boutique hotel as well as some of the 5* guestrooms, 4* and 5* executive lounges, the luxury Presidential Suite and corridors.
Opened in October 2015, the £150 million Resorts World complex contains 18 bars and restaurants, 50 shops, a cinema, casino, spa and the Genting Hotel, and has already become a popular destination for tourists visiting the area.
Seven stunning carpets were chosen in rich earthy tones to reflect the luxury and decadence of the hotel, and feature creams, browns and beiges that depict nature and geometric inspired designs.
Hannah Morris, Commerical Business Manager at Brintons, said: “Resorts World Birmingham reflects the modernity and luxury of the city and the carpets we designed for the hotel perfectly represent this. When designing the carpets, durability was a key factor due to the nature of the project, with a high volume of guests visiting the hotel regularly.
The carpets chosen for the guestrooms and selected suites feature vibrant floral patterns in yellows and whites, working in harmony with a deep brown and cream spherical design. Throughout the lounges and corridors of the hotel light and earthy orange tones have been used in linear and circular designs to create intricate and inviting walkways for guests.
Hannah continued: “As a British company based in the West Midlands, it was truly fantastic for us to work on such an esteemed and important project within the local area.
“All Brintons carpets are made up of premium quality materials, including a high content of British wool and 20% nylon, which prolongs the life expectancy of the finished product, making it ideal for projects such as these.”
As part of our 2016 monthly feature focus pieces, January concentrates on lighting — and here Simon Taylor, Managing Director of Aura Light UK, discusses new schemes using projected energy savings to finance new lighting installations…
Lighting consumes approximately 20% of all electricity in the world, 30% of electricity in commercial spaces and 40% of electricity in office buildings worldwide. So it stands to reason that energy efficiency has become the hot topic when talking about lighting, with organisations asking themselves ‘How can we save more energy? How can we save on carbon emissions? How can we become more sustainable? How can we make financial savings?’
There are still many companies using old lighting installations which have very high energy and maintenance costs. Because of the advances that have been made in lighting technology, there are now products with up to four times the life of a standard lamp and the energy saving lighting solutions help customers save up to 80% of electricity they use for lighting. This means that it is possible to reduce the maintenance and energy costs at the same time as contributing to sustainability with raw materials, packaging and transport all minimised. With many different light sources, luminaires and lighting controls available, there is a lighting solution for any application.
BETTER LIGHTING PACKAGES LED is a technology that is growing fast and has many advantages particularly long life and low energy. However, often with this technology, when the lifetime of the light source has ended, the whole luminaire is discarded. We believe that this is the wrong way of thinking and we advocate modularity for sustainability where only the light source needs to be replaced rather than the whole luminaire. Another concern about LED is that the quality on the market is still in the early stages of development, so variable and often poor. With quality manufacturers like Aura, there is real sustainability with no need for constant replacement.
By introducing the latest in light management systems, controlling the lighting enhances the energy saving possibilities still further. Lighting control opens up many possibilities when it comes to maximising the energy savings and it makes it possible to control when and how much light is needed. In fact, lighting control can reduce energy consumption by up to 80%. For instance, Aura Light has its IQ sensors which save both energy and money as they have a typical payback of one to two years. Sensing with this type of lighting control means that no-one needs to remember to switch lights on and off again.
RENTING YOUR LIGHTING With such advanced energy saving lighting packages available and combining LED efficient light sources and lighting controls, it has become logical to use the high energy savings to finance new lighting systems and installation. The ‘Rent Your Lighting Scheme’, which Aura Light has recently launched, eliminates investment in equipment and reduces an organisation’s energy costs from day one.Importantly, the scheme provides a full performance guarantee over the contract period. The lighting installations will continue to provide large energy savings well into the future and the scheme is ideal for all types of applications including hotels.
The king of all beds, Safari from Gallery Direct’s Frank Hudson range is a bold yet elegant feature to any room.
Each of the two finishes available create an entirely different look; the Ebony bedstead has a masculine feel which makes a statement, while the Charcoal bed is cool and calming for a more tranquil living space.
Using excellent quality full grain leather with a faux crocodile effect, the Ebony design has been made from the finest quality mahogany and features hand-nailed studs to finish.
The Charcoal bedstead combines natural woven linen with single piping and has been created using solid mindy ash. Both beds have a sprung slatted base to take a bedstead mattress.
DoubleTree by Hilton opened its doors to its newest property – DoubleTree by Hilton London – Kensington earlier this month, which joins a further 27 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels in the UK.
Located just a short walk from the city’s top attractions including the Victoria & Albert Museum, iconic Royal Albert Hall and Natural History Museum, DoubleTree by Hilton London – Kensington is perfectly located for exploring the city’s greatest hotspots.
Retaining much of its original 1870s architecture, the hotel features 203 rooms – including four suites – all offering a welcoming and comfortable environment for business and leisure guests alike.
The Regency Restaurant, with its international menu using local ingredients, is the perfect venue for socialising with friends and colleagues. Alternatively, 100 Queen’s Gate Bar and Lounge offers a space to unwind in a relaxed atmosphere. After a busy day, enjoy delicious cocktails, lunch or pre-theatre snacks.
The ideal base for shopping, DoubleTree by Hilton London – Kensington is located within walking distance from world-renowned department store Harrods, as well as upmarket shops and stalls at the nearby Portobello Market and Notting Hill area, popular with both locals and visitors. For those guests who prefer a relaxing day indoors, the hotel offers a well-equipped gym and private steam rooms.
The hotel features eight meeting rooms, the largest being the Cromwell Harrington Suite catering up to 100 people in theatre style, with high ceilings and natural daylight making it a great choice for business meetings or small gatherings.
Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas, the privately owned, five-star beach resort located on an unspoiled hillside in North East Crete, is delighted to announce plans for ten new 84m2 Premium Sea View Suites sleeping up to four adults, or two adults, two children and one infant. The suites will be available from 21st April 2016 when the resort opens for the season.
In addition to these suites, Daios Cove has plans for a number of other works in 2016 including an ultra-luxurious, spacious, three bedroom, three level ‘Mansion’ with its very own spa, gym, indoor pool and outdoor pool.
The Premium Sea View Suites will comprise of a master bedroom with a sitting area and an interconnected, large open plan living and dining room with stylish Maxalto Italian furnishings, Nespresso coffee machines and double transformable wall bed from sought-after Italian designer Clei. Two bathrooms, each with showers and bath tubs, will be kitted out with spoiling APIVITA amenities.
Perched on ancient hilltops with sweeping views of the cove, the suites will also house spacious verandas, ideal for outdoor dining.
In addition to offering varied accommodation options for couples and groups of friends, the Premium Sea Views Suites will be well suited to families. Not wanting to be in separate units due to having young children, nor be cramped in one room, the new Premium Sea View Suites offer families the right balance between privacy and proximity. The living room will serve as a communal area during the day where families can spend time together and will double up as a bedroom at night.
The suites will be especially well suited for families travelling with young children as they are situated close to the main building and facilities.
Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas boasts a heated infinity pool with unparalleled views out to sea, three cocktail bars, a 2500m2 state-of-the-arts Spa by Anne Semonin with two indoor fresh seawater pools, three exquisite restaurants, two tennis courts and a variety of water sport activities.
In a city renowned for its legacy of forward-thinking design and architecture, The Peninsula Chicago continues this tradition with a guest room redesign setting a new standard for luxury accommodation and introducing the brand’s most advanced guest room technology.
The five-star, five-diamond hotel located on the “Magnificent Mile”, within the city’s premier shopping district first opened to the public in 2001.
With a total of 339 guest rooms in the hotel, 331 are undergoing a transformation, showcasing The Peninsula’s evolution in luxury design enhancing every guest’s stay with ease, elegance and personalisation, under the direction of Bill Rooney Studio Inc.
Inspired by the city’s cosmopolitan attitude, the refurbishment syncs perfectly with The Peninsula’s vibrant setting. Drawing influence from the French Deco style of the hotel’s public spaces, the new rooms are intentionally suited for both the business and leisure traveller.
The comprehensive room redesign launches in conjunction with the hotel’s newest initiative, Keys to the City – an experiential program that provides guests with complimentary access to incredible “only-in-Chicago” experiences.
The renovation, currently underway, is set for completion in April 2016.
Marriott Hotels has announced the opening of its Minsk Marriott Hotel will be in early 2016, and will be the first 5-star internationally-rated hotel in Belarus.
A signature Marriott ‘greatroom’ lobby will welcome guests to the new hotel, which will encompass a fresh and contemporary style. Many of its 217 well-appointed suites and guest rooms will boast panoramic riverside views and balconies.
The property will feature a total of 940 m2 of meeting space for both corporate and social events. Facilities will include eight flexible conference rooms and ballroom space that can accommodate up to 400 people, along with a multifunctional space for collaboration, workshops and private meetings for those looking for a bespoke meeting experience.
This impressive project, a cooperation between Qatar and Belarus, started in June 2012 and has now entered its final stage of construction. The unique falcon-shaped design was inspired by the logo of the owning company; the falcon is the national bird of Qatar and a symbol of force and courage throughout the Middle East, where falconry is a traditional sport and part of the cultural heritage.
As part of our 2016 monthly feature focus pieces, January concentrates on lighting – and in this piece, we look at the work of HD Directory members Dernier & Hamlyn at The Arts Club in London…
Travelodge has announced that it will open 19 new hotels in 2016, with an investment value of £140 million. This expansion is expected to create 450 new jobs and increase the company’s network to 542 hotels.
The new hotels continue the company’s drive to build a greater network for corporate customers. New locations include further hotels in London and in key business locations across the UK regions; as well as further expansion in the fastest growing locations for leisure travel.
London Euston Travelodge (Photo: travelodge.co.uk)
Key new business locations include: London, Glasgow and Bristol; with new leisure focused hotels opening in Poole, Weston-Super-Mare, Bicester and Thetford.
In addition to the 2016 openings, the company has identified 250 further locations for Travelodge development in the UK. It has announced its first three new hotel signings of the year; with new agreements signed to build and open hotels at London Acton, London Wood Green and Oxford.
Peter Gowers, Travelodge Chief Executive said: “Our recently completed £100 million hotel modernisation programme has raised quality levels and led to strong growth from business customers to complement our traditional strength in leisure travel. We now see opportunity for hotels in 250 further locations across the UK and with early positive development momentum at the start of 2016, we are well positioned to deliver further strong growth in the years ahead.”
Peter Gowers, CEO of Travelodge (Photo: travelodge.co.uk)
The 19 Travelodge hotels to open in 2016 are listed below:
• London Belvedere • London Finchley • London Finsbury Park • London Raynes Park • Andover • Bristol Filton • Bicester • Chatham • Derby • East Grinstead • Glasgow Queen Street • Kings Lynn • Peterhead • Poole • Sale • Stirling • Stockport • Thetford • Weston-super-Mare
The Travelodge £100 million hotel modernisation programme was designed using feedback from the company’s leisure and business customers and offers a marked upgrade on the previous standard. UK Travelodge hotels now feature:
• A luxurious king-size Travelodge Dreamer beds, manufactured by Royal Warrant holders Sleepezee • Family rooms include separate individual pull-out beds for children • Improved contemporary room design
The programme was completed in just 34 months – driven by a 200 person refurbishment team, clocking in over one million man hours to complete the project. The team have travelled over five million miles modernising all of Travelodge’s hotels.
Hotelympia is offering show visitors an exclusive ‘virtual’ glimpse at the subtle design elements and decor of some of London’s top hospitality spaces, through its ground-breaking Walk-in Immersive Experience — something never-before-seen on the show floors of any hospitality event.
The Walk-in Immersive Experience, brought to the show in association with digital pioneers, Soluis, will transport visitors ‘virtually’ to three sumptuously designed spaces including the all-new German Gymnasium in King’s Cross, the new M Restaurant site in Victoria and the striking Hilton Bankside Hotel (The Hotel Designs review of which can be read here).
Elements of each will be laid bare for visitors to experience in three fascinating digital dimensions, offering inspiration and a unique up-close-and-personal view that a standalone meal or room for the night simply can’t deliver.
Toby Wand, Managing Director at Fresh Montgomery comments: “Hotelympia has been given exclusive access to three of the most exciting design projects in the capital and throughout the four-day show will be granting visitors the opportunity to explore them unrestricted. It doesn’t matter if you’re an operator in search of new ideas or a designer or architect searching for the next big thing in design, a visit to our Walk-in Immersive Experience will offer something truly unique — a Hotelympia world first.”
Yet again interiors will take pride of place at Hotelympia 2016 with the Walk-in Immersive Dome as centrepiece. Hundreds of pioneering exhibitors will be joined by stellar speakers including: celebrity designer, author, writer and TV presenter, Oliver Heath, who will discuss biophilic design — the practice of using elements of nature to create healthier and happier interior environments — and how for some its usage has yielded marked spikes in staff productivity.
He will join one of Britain’s most celebrated restaurant designers, Afriditi Krassa, talking about her award-winning work and the inspiration behind projects for Heston Blumenthal, Hilton hotels, Itsu and Dishoom and Ella Jade Bitton of Ella Jade Interiors who will be offering design tips and advice and looking at trends for the future — a chance for operators to do different and impress new and existing customers with fresh and striking interiors.
Registration is now live for the biennial four-day show, click here for more information.
Kidderminster based carpet manufacturer, Brintons, is continuing to invest significantly in its marketing strategy by launching a series of videos to explore the journey of its carpets from fleece to floor.
The new videos unveiled earlier this week (19th January), depict the unique history and heritage of the brand and the intricate details that go into creating each carpet. The short films include a tour of the commercial and residential mills where the carpets are manufactured and the journey of the wool from sheep to home.
Andrew Wilcock, Group Marketing Manager for Brintons, commented: “The range of videos portrays the life cycle of our carpets from fleece to floor, from the sheering of the sheep, the dying process, to final quality control inspection and hand finishing.
“We take great pride in manufacturing our carpets and we were keen to show this process off through a range of videos. They offer a unique behind the scenes insight into the many complex stages and hard work that goes into crafting the every single Brintons carpet that leaves the factory.”
The videos follow a year of significant marketing investment from Brintons to help launch its range of new collections and events. Andrew continues: “Last year was a important year for the brand, which saw the launch of our second carpet collection with award winning designer Cristian Zuzunaga and our presence at significant interior and design shows such as Clerkenwell Design Week and Mason and Objet.
“This year is set to be even more exciting for the business and what better way to start off 2016 than with a series of videos that shows exactly what Brintons has to offer our customers and our unique style of manufacturing high quality and long lasting carpets.”
Carpets manufactured by Brintons contain its unique blend of 80% wool and 20% nylon, which was pioneered in the 1950s and is now the global standard for carpets. The videos explain how the manufacturer is the single largest user of British wool worldwide with the fleece from one in eight sheep going into a Brintons carpet.
Throughout the first half of the year Brintons will be continuing its video series with a further five short films delving deeper into how the process begins, the design procedure, how the wool is dyed, the crafting of the yarn, and the role of the Warrant Officer.
To view the video series click here, or search Brintons Carpets on YouTube. For more information on Brintons and its range of products and services for the commercial sector, click the link below.
Oxford City Council has received plans from a four-star hotel to expand its offering by 48 bedrooms.
The Oxford Spires Four Pillars is currently a 174-bedroom property but a proposal has been launched by the hotel’s owners to build an additional 18-room block at the rear and a 30-room block at the front.
Also included in the plans is a project to expand the hotel restaurant and bar into the current car park, which isn’t being used by guests at the moment. The council is aiming to make a decision in late March.
The plans, the biggest since the hotel was built in 1999, come as a £5.5 million, 83-bedroom Travelodge opened at the bottom of Abingdon Road last month.
According to the Oxford Mail, the hotel said that the plans were not in response to the new budget chain’s arrival.
Renaissance Hotels expects to open New York City’s first digitally enhanced hotel in the heart of the garment district in the spring of 2016. Designed by award-winning Jeffrey Beers International, the Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel will capture the spirit of Wanderlust, the brand’s new global design philosophy.
The hotel will feature a mixture of high-low design elements celebrating the industrial grit and glamour of the city, and sensational, ever-changing digital experiences that will undeniably change the hotel scene in New York. This new-build, 348-room hotel, part of the Garment District community, will celebrate the energy of the neighbourhood and the spirited creative industries that continue to thrive there, offering hyper-local insider information through the renowned Renaissance Navigator program.
Highlights of the Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel include:
Digital Experience: Utilising technology not seen in any other New York hotel, guests and visitors entering the property from either 34th or 35th Streets will interact with stunning digital displays projected along the corridor, a passage which spans the length of the block, creating a visual tapestry by responding to human motion through subtle, organic movements and graphic patterns.
This “living” wall will interact with guests as they journey through the entrance hall, featuring specially curated digital imagery showcasing local artists and neighbourhood experiences, providing ever changing entertainment waiting to be discovered.
The highlight of the digital experience will be an alcove located near the 34th street entrance that will act as a virtual concierge. Tied to the hotel’s Navigator program and tapping into the pulse of the city, this futuristic technology will allow guests and visitors to explore points of interests throughout the neighbourhood with just the point of a finger and tap of the foot.
The Lobby: Guests checking in will travel to the sixth floor hotel lobby, a destination in its own right. The Navigator on one side, visitors will also find a Library Lounge, Lobby Bar, a hidden DJ booth, and an intimate balcony that overlooks the expansive fifth-floor terrace below. From Renaissance Hotel’s famed Bar Rituals, to guest performances by local musicians or round-table conversations, guests will find communal, personal and authentic experiences at their fingertips.
Club Lounge: Also on the sixth floor will be the Club Lounge, a special haven reserved for Elite Marriot Rewards members and preferred guests. The design will combine contemporary furniture, modern high-tech amenities and feature wall art that transforms functional components of the fashion trade such as push pins and high heels into complex masterpieces.
Outdoor Space: The Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel will offer the largest outdoor space in all of Manhattan. At 8,000 square-feet, the fifth floor terrace will boast a retractable roof, private cabanas, comfortable seating and two fully-stocked bars. The hotel will also offer a number of terrace suites with abundant outdoor space. Guests and New Yorkers alike will have a new place to see and be seen.
Guest Rooms: The 348 individual guest rooms (including seven Executive Suites and one Celebrity Suite) will feature signature Wanderlust design accents, including floor-to-ceiling windows and the juxtaposition of concrete to wood in the décor, as well as a mixture of sophisticated neutral colors with pops of purple or grey throughout the bedding and upholstery. The spacious rooms use pale finishes, maximize natural light, and adhere to an uncluttered aesthetic. A gradient frosted-glass shower wall will separate the all-white Italian marble en-suite bathroom from the sleeping area.
tarwood Hotels & Resorts closed 2015 with 220 new signed hotel management and franchise agreements, a 26% increase on the previous year, marking the sixth consecutive year of increased signings and the most incremental signings in its history. (INFOGRAPHIC HERE) The company also opened a record of 105 hotels in 2015, representing more than 22,500 rooms in 30 countries, also the highest number of openings in its history.
“Our continued commitment to brands, design and innovation this past year allowed us to accomplish much on behalf of our shareholders, which is a true testament to the great work of our associates and something our team should be proud of,” said Thomas Mangas, CEO of Starwood.
“As we begin 2016 and work towards our merger close with Marriott to become the world’s largest hotel company, we will continue to vigourously compete in the marketplace, deliver value to our owners, delight our guests and grow our brands into new markets around the world.
“This was a remarkable year of record-breaking growth for Starwood Hotels & Resorts with the highest number of both signings and organic openings in any single year in the company’s history,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development.
“We continued to enjoy balanced growth across both mature and emerging markets and across all of our brands, with a notable increase in the number of conversions. Approximately one-third of our openings in 2015 were conversions.
The select serve or mid-market segment drove last year’s signings, accounting for slightly more than 50%. While Four Points by Sheraton continues to maintain the company’s largest pipeline, Aloft experienced incredible growth momentum last year with a 65% increase in signings over the prior year. At the same time, Starwood lengthened its lead in the luxury and lifestyle segment, with 29 deals across its St. Regis, The Luxury Collection and W Hotels brands, an increase of almost 40% over the prior year. The company continues to see luxury demand in all corners of the world with new hotels coming to sought-after destinations like Dubai, Maldives, Punta de Mita and Shanghai, following flagship openings last year in Amsterdam, Mumbai, and Prague. In the upper-upscale segment, Sheraton, Starwood’s largest and most global brand, had signings that were up over 40% compared to the prior year. The company’s newest brand, Tribute Portfolio, which launched in Q2 2015, finished the year with 16 hotels either operating or with signed agreements.
Starwood’s strongest year of organic openings in history allowed the company to reach the following milestones in 2015:
– 700th hotel in The Americas – 250th hotel in Europe, Africa and the Middle East – 300th hotel in Asia Pacific – 150th hotel in Greater China – 300th Mid-Market hotel – 200th Four Points by Sheraton hotel – 100th Aloft hotel – 100th The Luxury Collection hotel
Forbes Group have recently launched their brand new responsive website, which allows customers to access a trilingual website in English, French and Spanish.
The new website offers quick and easy access to all areas and is part of the organisation’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and availability of information to hospitality professionals worldwide. The site includes extensive product information to help customers understand Forbes’ range of Furniture, Fabrics and Equipment products.
The website boasts a contemporary, colourful design and is divided into 7 sections: Home, About Forbes Group, Products, Clients, Newsroom, Gallery and How to contact us. Each page provides detailed information on the important aspects that Forbes Group has to offer. Our Testimonials, Press releases, Case studies and FAQ pages work together to provide a detailed overview of Forbes Group’s capabilities across a wide range of sectors, including hospitality, corporate, academic and civic, which is demonstrated in our Gallery page.
Created with the user experience firmly in mind, the website has been designed using the latest technology so the site is compatible with today’s browsers, mobile devices and tablets.
Additionally, helping to make Forbes Group’s vast portfolio of products easy to browse, each Furniture product is accompanied with a downloadable document, outlining all necessary information. An E-brochure is also available to download via the website which also displays all of our products.
The new website and E-brochure means that customers can now benefit from richer online content that is easier to navigate and share with others. It also allows users to share products and pages that interest them with others across Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Formerly known as The Queen’s Hotel, the Lake District Hotels Group’s Inn on the Square in Keswick has benefitted from a complete multi-million pound renovation.
The work has created a boutique hotel in the heart of the Lakes with a central location in the town, which combines strong elements of Scandinavian design with dashes of Cumbrian personality. Indeed the hotel’s restaurant — Brossen Steakhouse — takes its name from the Cumbrian dialect for ‘full up’.
The hotel has 34 bedrooms, and guests can choose from two different room types, Herdwick and Town View. The Herdwick rooms feature one wall dedicated to the Lake District’s famous breed of sheep. The Town View rooms face onto the square outside with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Owned and operated by the Graves family, Lake District Hotels has seven other properties in the region, including the Lodore Falls in Derewentwater.
Take a look at the property below (All photos from innonthesquare.co.uk):
Rotana has announced the soft opening of City Centre Rotana Doha – Qatar, the city’s newest five-star hotel. Developed by Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (ARTIC), the City Centre Rotana Doha is located in the West Bay area.
This 52-storey tower features 287 luxurious modern rooms and suites and 94 serviced apartments.
City Centre Rotana offers exquisite dining venues to suit all tastes, from stylish to informal, fusion to international and state-of-the art facilities for conference and seminar requirements with the latest high-tech facilities including the grand ballroom, fully equipped meeting rooms as well as a business centre. The hotel also includes a Bodylines Leisure and Fitness Club, massage rooms, as well as sauna and Jacuzzi rooms which are all linked to an outdoor swimming pool and a landscaped patio space.
City Centre Rotana is characterised by its connection to the City Center Doha shopping complex — the leading family shopping mall in Doha. Further, the hotel is only 30 minutes away from the airport, 15 minutes away from the traditional Souq Waqif, the banks’ street and the Museum of Islamic Art.
City Centre Rotana also provides a ballroom and meeting rooms, which matches the diverse demands and varies in size between 40 square metres and 842 square metres, depending on the space needed by organisers for events, conferences or exhibitions. In addition to the business centre, there are 11 meeting rooms that are available 24/7 and are equipped with advanced audio and video systems.
GuocoLand has signed a landmark deal with AccorHotels for the management of the Group’s two new-built hotels at Tanjong Pagar Centre in Singapore and Damansara City in Kuala Lumpur.
The Sofitel Singapore City Centre and the Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara, will add a total of 534 rooms to the AccorHotel’s luxury brand portfolio.
The 222-room Sofitel Singapore City Centre will be part of the upcoming multi-billion dollar Tanjong Pagar Centre, which will redefine mixed use developments in Singapore. Located between historic Chinatown and the vibrant CBD, Tanjong Pagar Centre will feature Singapore’s tallest building at 290 metres, a prestigious residential and office tower, premier retail and event spaces and luxury Sofitel hotel, all set around beautifully landscaped parklands and with direct MRT station access.
The Sofitel Singapore City Centre will offer guests the finest luxury accommodations complete with outdoor pool, a plush executive lounge with stunning city views, a 620 sqm ballroom and eight meeting rooms plus world-class restaurant and bars.
In neighbouring Malaysia, the 312-room Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara is also an integral part of a new 8.5 acre integrated development in the upmarket Damansara Heights enclave called Damansara City which will feature two Grade A office towers, two luxury high-rise residences, and an F&B-centric lifestyle mall in addition to the luxury hotel.
The Sofitel will be the first internationally branded luxury hotel in the area and is part of the prime and exclusive Damansara Heights precinct, which boasts close proximity to KL Sentral transportation hub, as well as established townships like Bangsar and Petaling Jaya. The hotel — and indeed the whole precinct — will target corporate clients in the surrounding area, leisure travellers and the MICE market, with Damansara Heights having a reputation as a choice destination for some of Malaysia’s most elite and influential people thanks to its unparalleled value, heritage and distinction. A new MRT station next to the Damansara City development will provide high connectivity to the rest of Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley.
The Sofitel will feature a lobby lounge, deli, three restaurants and bars, a Club Millesime executive lounge on the 22nd floor, a So Spa, So Fit gym and outdoor swimming pool complete with pool bar. There will also be outstanding meeting facilities including an 840sqm ballroom and five meeting rooms.
Hotelympia’s 2016 Stage line-up has been revealed with the ExCeL London halls set to ring yet again with the sounds of lively discussion, heady debate and inspirational ideas, as the home of hospitality innovation returns this February (29th — 3rd March).
Improving profits; future trends; crowdfunding; banishing bad service; biophilic design; foraging; the chef crisis; Britain’s best new restaurant; the role of the multimedia chef and affordable interiors, are just some of the key issues and topics set to spark visitor interest at the show.
Hotelympia 2016 is offering visitors the unique opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with some of the most respected names in hospitality, in an itinerary of daily Stage sessions. Each will offer their own take on the issues of the day — covering multiple topics in depth –giving show visitors the practical advice and know-how to take back to their own operations, a key part of Hotelympia’s ‘Your Show’ remit.
Toby Wand, Managing Director at Fresh Montgomery comments: “Hotelympia has a long and illustrious history in providing the tools for visitors from across hospitality to grow their businesses and 2016 will be no different. Yet again the Stage will have it all; trends, insight, debate, surprise, inspiration, celebration. The beating heart of the UK’s greatest hospitality show. Your show.”
To see a full programme of events on The Stage, click here.
GROHE’s Specifiers’ Catalogue is now available to download.
The New Specifiers’ Catalogue comprises of new product ranges including GROHE SmartControl, the newly designed Eurostyle, Eurocube Joy and New Pull-Out Sprays and of course 2016 prices.
New for this year is the helpful planning matrix. Distribution of hard copies will commence beginning of February.
The 2016 Specifiers’ Catalogue is available to download by clicking here.
Its walls bedecked with numerous awards including the World Luxury Spa Awards’ ‘Best Luxury Destination Spa 2015’ and popular with spa goers across the country, the UK’s first eco-spa, the Titanic Spa in West Yorkshire has unveiled its new extended spa space.
Complete with a glamorous cocktail bar, social spaces including a cosy snug and a unique vertical green garden to keep the air quality clean and healthy, plus an improved outdoor area with sunken hot tub, means Titanic Spa now has an even better offering than ever before.
The glamorous Bar 1911, named after the year the Titanic Mill was built, is upcycled in an old part of the Titanic Mill building and offers a garden-themed lounge with social spaces ranging from a cosy snug area for quiet time to comfortable seated areas for catching up with friends.
The décor is contemporary and uplifting in the main bar area; featuring polished concrete and copper with huge floor to ceiling Mill windows flooding light into the lounge and bar with a view of the new courtyard garden and tree tops lining the neighbouring canal. Central to the lounge is an impressive vertical garden green wall reflecting Titanic Spa’s ethos for using natural resources, protecting the environment and incorporating sustainable design into its build, the first of its kind in the UK.
For evening glamour, there is a decadent mirrored lounge, ideal for enjoying one of the Bar 1911 signature cocktails. Bar staff have been trained by Kevin Raybone, Master Mixologist for Midweek Cocktail Club.
Outdoors, the existing spa garden has been landscaped to include a 3-metre sunken hot tub and lounge area with heaters. The new outdoor space has been created to extend the current offering of socialising outside – whatever the weather.
The extensive range of facilities include Club Titanic which hosts a 15m salt regulated swimming pool with underwater music played, hydrozone, steam and sauna rooms plus a fully equipped gym. This is in addition to the celebrity loved, Titanic Heat & Ice Experience boasting hot experiences such as the Crystal Steam Room and aromatic Herbal Infusion Room and cold experiences including the plunge pool and ice bucket, only for the very brave…
The new spa expansion, which began at the end of 2014 and was completed in July 2015, was designed to improve the customer experience and increase social space. The new facilities ensure Titanic Spa maintains its position as a leading spa destination in northern UK.
2016 will see the opening of the Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort in Halkidiki, set to be this year’s most exciting new addition to the world of wellness and luxury.
Promising to be one of the world’s top thermal spa resorts and Greece’s first thermal retreat, Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort is perched majestically at the southernmost up of the Kassandra peninsula, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Aegean, and rests on a long stretch of sandy white beach.
Offering 300 elegant, spacious rooms, 240 of which face Toroneos Gulf, and 48 with private pools, they are all furnished in lavish contemporary style and with up the minute technology. The thermal spa runs across two floors and offers a large thalassotherapy pool fed in directly from the sea which warms up to thirty degrees. There are four separate thermal pools with unique thermal waters of the region and a thermal well-life suite with steam baths, a Finnish sauna, tepidarium, herbal sauna, cold plunge walking path & two experience showers.
Additionally there is a floating sauna in the marina offering guests the chance to jump directly into the sea for a cool down. There are also Rasul mud treatments, Herbal Sauna, Flotation & Hydrotherapy Beds, KNEIPP Baths, Water Jet treatments, and three swimming pools with sea and thermal water.
For those looking to make a grand entrance, Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort offers a helipad with helicopter transfers taking twenty minutes from Thessaloniki airport, or chauffeur limousines 1 1/2hrs, with a marina deep enough for super yachts to moor right up to the hotel ensuring easy and flexible access, whatever guests method of transport may be.
AC Hotels by Marriott has announced global plans for 22 new design-led hotels slated to open at various points in 2016, solidifying its position as a leader in the boutique-lifestyle hotel sector.
January 2016 is expected to bring five properties in Guadalajara, Cincinnati, Boston, Marseille and Queretaro in Mexico.
Additional properties expected to open in 2016 include: AC Panama City, Panama AC San Jose AC Atlanta North, AC Asheville, North Carolina AC Rio Barra de Tijuca, Brazil AC Rio Porto Maravilha, Brazil AC Herzliya, Israel AC Birmingham England, UK AC Boston Cambridge, Massachusetts AC Phoenix Tempe, Arizona AC Santiago, Chile AC Manchester, UK AC Des Moines, Iowa AC Santa Fe, Mexico AC Minneapolis, Minnesota AC Mainz, Germany AC Wroclaw, Poland
AC Hotels celebrates the beauty of classic modern designs with its European soul and Spanish roots, born 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, Italy, Portugal, Denmark and the US.
Based on a belief that purposeful design improves lives, AC Hotels carves away what is unnecessary, in order to provide guests with thoughtful design. The result is sophisticated yet unpretentious style, innovative beverage and food programming and locally inspired experiences for both guests and locals.
“AC Hotels by Marriott is a new breed of lifestyle hotels created to inspire the next-generation traveller through innovative design,” explains Tina Edmundson, Global Officer, Luxury and Lifestyle Brands at Marriott International.
“Our rapidly growing portfolio of design-led hotels illustrates Marriott International’s commitment to making distinctive architecture and design affordable and accessible for creatives and entrepreneurs around the world– appealing to a large and growing demographic, with a robust development pipeline to match,” she added.
The seasonal period has finished and it’s back to business – so make sure you add our 12th-13th September 2016 date and venue to your diary.
2015 was a busy year for the team at Hotel Designs, with the re-brand of the Hotel Summit becoming the Hotel Designs Summit – the full article can be found here.
With a new approach to the Summit, which will include an exclusive gala dinner with evening entertainment, you are invited to join us for an unrivalled two days of face-to-face business meetings, educational seminars and networking at the Radisson Blu, London Stansted.
To celebrate the re-launch of the Summit, we are offering an exclusive Q&A Session with the Editor of Hotel Designs to the next 5 people that confirm their place before the 29th January. Book online here.
Your exclusive VIP invitation includes: – A personalised itinerary of 25 minute meetings with those you have asked to meet with – Endless networking opportunities – Educational seminars covering the latest innovations and trends – All meals and refreshments – Exclusive gala dinner with evening entertainment – Overnight accommodation with breakfast included at the Radisson Blu Hotel
Places are limited and on a first come, first serve basis, so if you’d like to join us for the exciting re-launch of the Summit, please click here to confirm your place.
When I first moved to the UAE back in mid-2011, I had come to the conclusion after several previous holidays that Dubai was the centre of it all as far as the country was concerned. I knew Abu Dhabi was the nation’s capital, but I viewed it much like I do American state capitals — smaller and less important than some of the bigger metropoles like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York.
So, it was little wonder it took me more than 6 months to venture the hour-and-a-half on the Sheikh Zayed Road highway through the desert to visit the ‘little cousin’ of the emirate I then called home. Of course, in wealth terms, Abu Dhabi is very much the ‘Granddaddy’ of the UAE; its investment fund surpasses the other emirates’ combined.
But in tourism terms, Dubai has been forging a very successful path for several decades now, which had left Abu Dhabi considerably further behind. And on my first visit to the capital, I didn’t see anything that would change my perception. But by 2013, when I went to stay at the Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa for the first time, the landscape had changed considerably.
One of the lounge areas
Looking down on the lobby and reception area
Arriving at the Anantara Eastern Mangroves
By then, Abu Dhabi’s rulers were pumping money into all sorts of projects — most famously Ferrari World and the city’s Grand Prix – in a bid to catch up with Dubai. On the whole, they’re doing well. And this Anantara property — the third in the emirate — is a shining example of the ‘no-holds-barred luxury’ Abu Dhabi is now regularly attaining.
The enormous and expansive arrival lobby and reception area of this new-build property, complete with impressive, ornate bowls of the ubiquitous dates and over-attentive staff with welcome drinks, certainly set the tone for this property. Much like the rest of this hotel, there is a clever Asia-meets-Arabia balance in the interior design, mixing the Thailand-based Anantara name and Abu Dhabi’s penchant for being the more authentically Arab city compared to Dubai.
You are hit with views of the 1.2 kilometre nature reserve set among the mangroves as soon as you step into the lobby and it’s hard to avoid them wherever you go throughout the hotel. But with meandering creeks, birds and wildlife abounding and the Abu Dhabi city skyline shimmering in the distance — it’s more a question of why you would want to avoid them. One does get the feeling that the functionality of the hotel has been slightly tipped in the favour of business guests, something that comes through in the design of the 222 rooms. The two I stayed in had a somewhat business-like feel, but certainly didn’t lack for luxury or size (rooms start at 57m2). They still retain an ornate finish, with dark timbers, beautiful swirl-patterned carpets, lush upholstery in bronzes, greens and golds and intricate woodwork above and around the beds in the suites.
A Deluxe Room, identical to my room on my visit
The marble-finished bathroom
The living room of one of the larger suites
If possible, an upgrade to one of the Kasara Mangroves suites on the ground floor is a recommended one as they are three times larger than the standard rooms and offer their own private pool area. If not, another tip would be to choose a mangrove-facing room as the alternative gives a less than savoury view of the busy Salam Street — and while triple-glazing puts paid to any noise pollution — it’s worth requesting the former for the views alone. The bathrooms, while minimalist in shape are a definition of luxury with a stunning marble finish throughout.
*On a side note, I was also informed that the Royal Mangroves Residence is the largest suite of its kind in the UAE — and so it should be at a staggering 1,320m2 with a capacity for 10 people*
The ostentatious Arabian elegance (is there any other kind?) of the hotel continues in the public areas. Walls are lined with 18-carat gold leaf and glittering mosaics, timber trellises all set against domed ceiling insets and arched windows. Outside, a centralised infinity pool offers perfect views of the surrounding natural beauty and watching the sun set behind the city skyline is a quite spectacular way to spend an evening. One flaw I will point out in the design of the pool area, however, is the expanse of the stone flooring means walking from a further lounger to the pool in the searing summer heat without suitable footwear isn’t an option.
View of the mangroves from the infinity pool
Looking down on the pool area and mangroves with city skyline in the background
A balcony view of Abu Dhabi
As a destination hotel — there was very little else around the hotel when I visited — the food and beverage outlets are of a higher standard than perhaps expected in Abu Dhabi. The highlights include the very impressive Impressions rooftop terrace bar and we dined in the excellent Pachalyen signature Thai restaurant, with the almost-stereotypical bamboo cage screens, Buddha-inspired decorative items and ‘economical’ lighting.
Impressions Bar
An al fresco lounge area of the Impressions Bar
A lounge area of the one of the suites
But this being a spa hotel, this is where the property shines. In terms of design and interior, this is one of the better I’ve had the pleasure of visiting — dripping in opulence, the sheer attention to detail in everything from the Turkish hammam to the individual treatment rooms is difficult to find fault with.
The beautiful Turkish hammam of the spa
The fantastic use of light in the spa’s salon
The occupancy numbers were low when I stayed in the off-season, so the hotel appeared empty at times, but it’s probably more due to the sheer scale of this property that I imagine it wouldn’t feel overcrowded even at full capacity. And with Abu Dhabi’s tourism trade improving and increasing year-on-year, you can expect this property to be closer to full than empty on a regular basis.
It was announced this week that Muraspec and Skopos Fabrics Limited have entered into a partnership with Muraspec acquiring a share in the Skopos business.
Both exceptionally well established high quality UK manufacturers with a strong focus on design and technical expertise; they are well aligned to build on their innovative capabilities and further strengthen these two phenomenal brands.
Tariq Rashid, Muraspec Managing Director, stated “There is a strong relationship between wallcoverings and fabrics, their development and selection are closely interlinked and it is exciting to be able to bring these great and very experienced teams together. It makes perfect sense to collaborate closely to develop new products and collections, optimising each brand’s distinct strengths.”
Skopos has over 40 year’s experience of providing expert contract furnishings for the Hospitality, Care and Education sectors. Muraspec has over 125 years of heritage, and prides itself on being a British manufacturing success story. With its own factory near Tonbridge in Kent, Muraspec can work closely with customers both in the UK and internationally to provide a quick and responsive service to their needs.
Sekers proudly introduces Kiboko, a versatile upholstery with a subtle grained leather design. Available in a range of 23 colours, from rich, stylish neutrals and browns to vibrant blues, reds and oranges, Kiboko offers a diverse choice of colour.
Incorporating Aquaclean, an advanced nano-technology finish that helps protect the fabric against spills and stains without having to resort to specialist cleaning, Kiboko resists the toughest of stains, including red wine and permanent marker.
Supplied with crib 5 backing and with an outstanding abrasion performance of 200,000 rubs, Kiboko is an ideal upholstery choice for the contract market, from pubs and hotels to cruise ships, 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 Sales Tel: +44 (0) 1946 517501 Sales Fax: +44 (0) 1946 517502 UK & Ireland Email: sales@sekers.co.uk
Hansgrohe was among 400 professionals from the kitchen and bathroom industry invited to attend the annual Designer Kitchen and Bathroom Awards 2015 in November. Held at the SuperNova in central London, the awards luncheon celebrated excellence in professional design and innovation in new product design.
Hansgrohe was the only manufacturer to receive three Gold Awards recognising the company’s commitment to design excellence, innovation and functionality in the bathroom and kitchen.
For ‘Innovation in Design’ in the bathroom products category, the Gold Award went to the most recent Axor Citterio collection, Axor Citterio E. Twelve judges drawn from all corners of the industry recognised the design merits of Axor Citterio E which triumphed ahead of hundreds of entrants.
For the ‘Innovation in Functionality’ category, which considered both bathroom and kitchen products, Hansgrohe scooped two Gold Awards for the Axor Select Kitchen mixers and Axor Universal Accessories.
All three Gold awards were collected by Jay Phillips, Sales Director – Projects, Hansgrohe UK who comments: “We are delighted to be recognised as one of the design pioneers in the sanitary industry. Thanks to our close collaboration with experienced top architects, we are able to create intuitive designs which combine functionality with sophisticated aesthetics in order to provide our customers with the highest standard in terms of product design and innovation.” aesthetics in order to provide our customers with the highest standard in terms of product design and innovation.”
A new hotel in Kent will be built on the Salomons Estate, despite considerable concern from neighbours’ about noise pollution, including gunfire and explosions.
The 56-bedroom property, which will include a bar and a restaurant, will be surrounded by a walled garden and replace two existing accommodation blocks built in the 1970s – adding an additional nine bedrooms.
At the planning meeting earlier this month, the proposal was given the green light despite complaints from local residents who said the development would increase noise pollution in the valley, which is both Green Belt and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, from weddings and ‘hostile environment training that goes on at the estate, according to reports in the Kent Courier.
But Southborough Town Council submitted a response supporting the application in the hope it would boost tourism in the area, and it’s expected that two full-time jobs would be created.
There was a new addition to the Steigenberger family in November when Jaz Amsterdam, the first hotel operated under the group’s new ‘Jaz in the City’ brand, opened its doors for business.
Jaz Amsterdam offers 247 rooms and eleven suites which combine lifestyle and state-of-the-art technology. The Jaz Amsterdam also enjoys direct access to the Ziggo Dome, a location which attracts well-known stars and stages major events.
The Amsterdam ArenA, home to Ajax Amsterdam, and the Heineken Music Hall are within the immediate vicinity. Amsterdam city centre is only eight kilometres away and can be reached by suburban railway in only ten minutes.
Puneet Chhatwal, CEO of Steigenberger Hotels AG, commented: “The opening of the first hotel under our new Jaz in the City brand is an important phase in our expansion and another milestone in the history of Steigenberger Hotel Group. Alongside the Jaz Amsterdam, we are also planning further hotels in European metropolises.”
“Jaz in the City is hip, casual and trendy and offers a local touch,” added Hasan Yigit Vice President of Jaz Hotels and Managing Director of Jaz GmbH.
Hilton Worldwide and its Hilton Garden Inn brand announced recently the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Fuzhou Cangshan in Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian province in China. The hotel, the fourth Hilton Garden Inn hotel in China, is owned by Yango Group Co. Ltd. and managed by Hilton Worldwide.
Hilton Garden Inn Fuzhou Cangshan adds to Hilton Worldwide’s 60-plus operating hotels in China. Under the Hilton Garden Inn brand, Hilton Worldwide has more than 30 hotels currently in operation and under development across the country. Operational Hilton Garden Inn hotels include Hilton Garden Inn Shenzhen Bao’an, Hilton Garden Inn Lijiang and Hilton Garden Inn Dandong.
The hotel is part of a mixed use development that also includes a high-end commercial centre, as well as retail and entertainment spaces. The hotel is within easy reach of major industrial parks and close to popular attractions including historical sites and a theme park.
The 206-room hotel offers breathtaking city views and delivers on the brand’s welcoming service and high-end amenities designed to help travellers sleep deep, stay fit, eat well and work smart while on the road. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, a 24-hour business centre and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. The hotel has more than 500 square meters of flexible meeting space, ideal for conferences, board meetings or social events.
And all guest rooms have a mini-fridge, a spacious and clutter-free work desk with an ergonomic desk chair and the brand’s signature bedding featuring fresh, white duvets and crisp linens.
The newly restored Pulitzer Amsterdam has today announced its launch for February 2016, bringing a new interior design to the hotel that showcases the building’s heritage and architectural splendour. This follows a phased restoration of the former 45 year-old Hotel Pulitzer to reposition its 25 interlinked Golden Age canal houses as one of Amsterdam’s leading luxury hotels.
Exceptional craftsmanship has been demonstrated to enhance the 400 year-old canal houses set in the heart of the Amsterdam UNESCO World Heritage canal district. The buildings’ modern influences have been stripped back to reveal their hidden beauty and provide the canvas for the new design concept, which combines historical elements with contemporary style. From trade merchants to flamboyant Dutch aristocrats, past inhabitants of the canal houses have inspired the rich character of the hotel to bring through the traditional essence of the Dutch capital.
Leading the intensive project is Creative Director, Jacu Strauss. Formerly a senior designer at Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio, Strauss has led projects including Barbecoa for Jamie Oliver, McCann Erickson’s head office in New York and Mondrian London at Sea Containers. Strauss commented; “There is a real understated sophistication about Amsterdam and I have loved immersing myself in the city to influence my visions for the hotel. Pulitzer Amsterdam is the ideal place to start exploring the Dutch capital, each canal house has its own story to tell and I am proud to be instrumental in bringing these to life.”
In a phased restoration, February will see the unveiling of the authentic new look across areas including Pulitzer’s Bar, new restaurant Jansz., meeting and event spaces, and 80 guestrooms on the Keizersgracht canal side of the hotel. The rooms and suites will present original elements such as beams and fireplaces, accompanied by an eclectic mix of rare pieces of vintage furniture and modern items from renowned Dutch designers, brass detailing, and headboards reflecting the gables of each canal house. After a day’s exploring in the capital, each guest can enjoy the use of Le Labo amenities, a bike repair set, individual climate control, free wifi and LCD flat panel television.
Also to be revealed are four exceptional themed suites with private entrances, influenced by the narrative of elaborate characters who may have lived in the buildings throughout the years. The Antique Collector’s suite will showcase antique furniture and objects collected locally and globally, with a large crystal bead chandelier and a wall of vintage and modern mirrors including a centrepiece from Anouk Beerents. The Book Collector’s suite embodies the most fantastic adventures that are just a page away; the only thing better than a good book is a room full of them. A vintage oak writers’ desk overlooking the canal is offset by a patchwork Persian rug by Piet Hein Eek.
Other themed suites include the Music Collector’s suite featuring a wall of trumpets, a vintage record player and a vast collection of framed records; along with the Art Collector’s suite adorned with art collected by Pulitzer Amsterdam over the years including a spectacular nine-metre 21st-century version of ‘The Last Supper’ painting.
The second phase of the restoration will begin in February and culminate in Autumn 2016 when the second wing will open to guests on the Prinsengracht canal side, marking the Grand Opening. Once complete, the hotel will feature 225 guestrooms and suites with a lead-in rate of £235.
Alexander van Gastel, General Manager of Pulitzer Amsterdam, commented: “Our future lies in our past, we want to stay true to our roots and celebrate the history and heritage of the canal houses – the hotel’s maze of secrets and surprises are what makes Pulitzer Amsterdam unique. We are excited to reveal the new look to loyal guests and to welcome new visitors to join us on our journey.”
One of the perks of my job is being able to see the progression of hotels from mere ideas and drawings right through to the bricks and mortar of a completed project. And one thing that always fascinates me is how much (and sometimes how little) the finished product can differ from the concept first visualised by designers and architects.
So, it’s a welcome treat to be given a guided tour of a hotel and its eventual form by one of the people commissioned to design it — as I recently got to do with Dexter Moren of the eponymous firm of associates at the Hilton London Bankside.
Located in what is now one of the most fashionable and ‘trendy’ areas of the capital, this five-star property built on the site of a former banknote recycling shed might never have come to fruition. Bankside’s industrial past and ‘rustic’ character meant that Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) and design firm Twenty2Degrees were originally briefed to create a mixed development combining a budget hotel, conference and leisure facilities — something more befitting of the surroundings at the time; as ‘south of the river wasn’t the place for five-star properties at the time’, Dexter reminds me.
Fast forward a decade and then some — the ever-growing reputation of The Globe, the Tate Modern and more recently The Shard — and throw in the considerable money spent on regenerating the area; the brief was clearly changed to combine those separate ‘sectors’ into one urban-inspired and luxurious property. Thankfully, for those of us now lucky enough to see the end product first-hand, the Hilton group agreed to back developers Splendid Hotels. And the rest, as they say, is history…
Off the bat, it’s clear to see the exterior of the hotel is heavily inspired by the cutting edge, artistic modernity of its locale. Dexter explains to me the rationale behind the separate but thematically-connected facades of the two adjoining elements of the building and their differing heights (restrictions on building any higher than current and proposed neighbours meant one element had to be lower than the other), both use a striking combination of traditional brickwork and metallic cladding, all of which go to fit in with the surrounding buildings.
Detail of the Bankside exterior (Photo: dextermoren.com)
Arriving at the hotel via the porte-cochere is the perfect segue between the exterior and interior, with its stunning pressed tinwork on the ceiling and dazzling display of bespoke industrial lights designed by DMA and Twenty2Degrees — hinting at the fact that the inside will continue the ‘design voice’ proudly expressed on the outside. Likewise, the lobby area echoes the clearly defined theme running throughout and, as with so many of the hotel’s public spaces, particularly impressive here is the lighting fixture specifically designed for the high-ceilinged reception area.
Again, I’m struck by the delicate balance of industrial chic and clean-lined elegance that has been achieved. Also, unlike many hotels I’ve visited in the past, the executive lounge is situated on the ground floor and while still retaining a sumptuous feel and serene atmosphere — as well as a stunning light well letting in natural light — it has been built to back onto the kitchen facilities for the ease of access for staff, who have a centralised point of entry for each food and beverage outlet thanks to clever design.
The industrial aesthetic of the lobby
Some of the artwork scattered around the hotel
The stunning interiors of the executive lounge (Photos: London Hilton Bankside)
Little nods to the Bankside history run throughout the design of the hotel’s F&B offerings too; namely the Distillery Bar and the restaurant OXBO. The former is a destination cocktail venue with old world charm, the name of which is a reference to the Stephenson & Howell Standard Works distillery that occupied part of the site during the 1800s. The latter has been designed with both exclusivity and functionality in mind – perforated steel screens provide privacy in the open space as well as being strategically positioned to allow for smaller groups of guests to ensure the restaurant retains a ‘lively’ vibe — being both the dining space for hotel guests and a walk-in option for non-guests.
Many of the decorative items, such as the crystal decanters have been sourced from local markets and antiques dealers in Bermondsey and Spitalfields and are combined to give the space a light-hearted, authentic feel. The lighting is a bespoke design for the restaurant and was manufactured by British lighting company Northern Lights and Danish company Fransden Project. The restaurant’s wide range of cuisine is hinted at by the ‘Mounted Not Stuffed’ artwork by David Farrer, a cornucopia of papier-mâché animal heads scattered throughout the restaurant.
It’s here I can make a quick aside to the fantastic Penny Wall in the bar, designed to reflect the aforementioned use of the site as a banknote warehouse, which contains nearly 17,000 hand-applied pennies and sits impressively on a wall that had to be reinforced to take the extra weight. With coins dating from 1864 and an opportunity for civic leaders, dignitaries and the local community to add a penny to the wall themselves, it’s the hotel fitting into its surroundings in a very real and actionable way.
The clean-line elegance of The Distillery
Detail of David Farrer’s artwork in OXBO
OXBO Restaurant’s excellent use of materials to create space (Photos: London Hilton Bankside)
Moving upstairs and the guestrooms have not been exempted from the industrial, London aesthetic. The corridor carpets, with their brown and green hues and again designed by Twenty2Degrees and DMA, were commissioned to reflect the ‘ebb and flow’ of the River Thames just a stone’s throw away. With the guestroom materials including concrete-effect wall coverings and limed timber, these sharp materials are contrasted by sleek Italian-style furniture and upholstery as well as winged headboards that create the warmth required in luxurious rooms. Bold greys dominate in the bathrooms – floor and half-wall tiles combine with the pale travertine tiling on the rest of the walls to create a clean, clinical feel.
The bold greys of the bathrooms in the London Hilton Bankside (Photo: London Hilton Bankside)
And one of the elements of room design that I found most interesting and useful was the separate entrance area for ‘adjoining’ rooms — rather than an adjoining entrance built into the wall of each room, both rooms have an individual front door behind a centralised front door to create a ‘hallway’ of sorts. As Dexter pointed out, this helps with noise control between the rooms and offers an added layer of privacy — especially for those travelling with families.
Pendant lighting and reading light built into the bedroom wall
Steps to the subterranean Ballroom
But the jewel in the crown of this slick, stylish hotel is the grand ballroom on the sub-ground level. The breath-taking space is something the hotel (and Dexter himself) are very proud of — and rightly so. With a separate entrance built at the rear of the hotel building to allow event or function attendees to arrive separately from the hullabaloo of the main entrance, the ballroom is accessed in grand style by a sweeping staircase with marble treads, brass handrail and smoked glass balustrade.
Aside from the sheer scale of the space, the luxury and attention to detail marks this as a wonderfully unique location in the heart of the capital. It is designed to be flexible, with as little or as much space an event may require on offer as well as being able to open out to include balcony areas and the lobby for arrivals or break-outs. The dark walls are complemented by a pale carpet and subtly patterned wall-covering. For me, however, the centrepiece is the inclusion of ultra-modern chandeliers whose individual, interlinked cubed LED lights are a work of ingenuity and beauty.
Mirror detail in the bathrooms
The quirky ‘Urban Fox’ artwork in the bedrooms
LED, ultra-modern chandeliers above the Ballroom (Photos: dextermoren.com)
And that’s the best way to summarise the Hilton London Bankside — a combination of brilliant and beautiful design. From the use of space – like the well-equipped gym and 17-metre swimming pool hidden away underground – to the bold and memorable interiors, Dexter Moren’s team and Twenty2Degrees have created a property with a clear and cemented identity. The brief to create a luxurious hotel in this part of London has been met and exceeded. But it’s in the little touches that this project truly shines. From the playful ‘Urban Fox’ motif referenced subtly more than 100 times throughout the hotel including in the bedrooms — in reference to a fox that would visit the site during construction — to the work of young British artists scattered throughout the property in a tribute to the Tate Modern around the corner.
A Hilton-branded hotel, which has more in common with a boutique offering than a cookie-cutter repeat, which from pavement to bedroom makes it very clear that it ‘belongs’ in its up-and-coming locale south of the Thames, that keeps luxury prevalent throughout and is designed with detail at the forefront? A project I never thought I’d see — but thanks to Dexter and the work of his team, the reality is better than the imaginings of this humble journalist. Bravo…
Radisson Blu has announced its latest opening in Nairobi – a sophisticated retreat in Upper Hill, the upcoming business district within the commercial capital of East Africa.“The hotel is a modern salute to Radisson Blu’s design heritage and innovative spirit, and Kenya’s vibrant culture. Our global travellers can continue to expect the very best of Radisson Blu stylish, sophisticated and iconic experience in Kenya’s capital city,” said Marc Descrozaille, Area Vice President Sub-Saharan Africa for The Rezidor Hotel Group.
Guests staying at the hotel have a choice of three contemporary room designs from the sleek Urban Room style to the New York Mansion or the Naturally Cool themes with views out over the Nairobi city skyline or the Nairobi National Park. Its 271 guest rooms include 13 suites and a Presidential Suite with access to the Business Class Lounge.
As a premier business hotel, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill offers one of the best-equipped and largest conference facilities in Kenya. Easy access to the airport and an Upper Hill address make the location especially ideal for corporate gatherings of all sizes.
One of the perks of my job is being able to see the progression of hotels from mere ideas and drawings right through to the bricks and mortar of a completed project. And one thing that always fascinates me is how much (and sometimes how little) the finished product can differ from the concept first visualised by designers and architects.So, it’s a welcome treat to be given a guided tour of a hotel and its eventual form by one of the people commissioned to design it — as I recently got to do with Dexter Moren of the eponymous firm of associates at the Hilton London Bankside.
The London Hilton Bankside exterior
Located in what is now one of the most fashionable and ‘trendy’ areas of the capital, this five-star property built on the site of a former banknote recycling shed might never have come to fruition. Bankside’s industrial past and ‘rustic’ character meant that Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) and design firm Twenty2Degrees were originally briefed to create a mixed development combining a budget hotel, conference and leisure facilities — something more befitting of the surroundings at the time; as ‘south of the river wasn’t the place for five-star properties at the time’, Dexter reminds me.
Fast forward a decade and then some — the ever-growing reputation of The Globe, the Tate Modern and more recently The Shard — and throw in the considerable money spent on regenerating the area; the brief was clearly changed to combine those separate ‘sectors’ into one urban-inspired and luxurious property. Thankfully, for those of us now lucky enough to see the end product first-hand, the Hilton group agreed to back developers Splendid Hotels. And the rest, as they say, is history…
Off the bat, it’s clear to see the exterior of the hotel is heavily inspired by the cutting edge, artistic modernity of its locale. Dexter explains to me the rationale behind the separate but thematically-connected facades of the two adjoining elements of the building and their differing heights (restrictions on building any higher than current and proposed neighbours meant one element had to be lower than the other), both use a striking combination of traditional brickwork and metallic cladding, all of which go to fit in with the surrounding buildings.
Detail of the Bankside exterior (Photo: dextermoren.com)
Arriving at the hotel via the porte-cochere is the perfect segue between the exterior and interior, with its stunning pressed tinwork on the ceiling and dazzling display of bespoke industrial lights designed by DMA and Twenty2Degrees — hinting at the fact that the inside will continue the ‘design voice’ proudly expressed on the outside. Likewise, the lobby area echoes the clearly defined theme running throughout and, as with so many of the hotel’s public spaces, particularly impressive here is the lighting fixture specifically designed for the high-ceilinged reception area.
Again, I’m struck by the delicate balance of industrial chic and clean-lined elegance that has been achieved. Also, unlike many hotels I’ve visited in the past, the executive lounge is situated on the ground floor and while still retaining a sumptuous feel and serene atmosphere — as well as a stunning light well letting in natural light — it has been built to back onto the kitchen facilities for the ease of access for staff, who have a centralised point of entry for each food and beverage outlet thanks to clever design.
L-R: The industrial aesthetic of the lobby // Some of the artwork scattered around the hotel // The stunning interiors of the executive lounge (Photos: London Hilton Bankside)
Little nods to the Bankside history run throughout the design of the hotel’s F&B offerings too; namely the Distillery Bar and the restaurant OXBO. The former is a destination cocktail venue with old world charm, the name of which is a reference to the Stephenson & Howell Standard Works distillery that occupied part of the site during the 1800s. The latter has been designed with both exclusivity and functionality in mind – perforated steel screens provide privacy in the open space as well as being strategically positioned to allow for smaller groups of guests to ensure the restaurant retains a ‘lively’ vibe — being both the dining space for hotel guests and a walk-in option for non-guests.
Many of the decorative items, such as the crystal decanters have been sourced from local markets and antiques dealers in Bermondsey and Spitalfields and are combined to give the space a light-hearted, authentic feel. The lighting is a bespoke design for the restaurant and was manufactured by British lighting company Northern Lights and Danish company Fransden Project. The restaurant’s wide range of cuisine is hinted at by the ’Mounted Not Stuffed’ artwork by David Farrer, a cornucopia of papier-mâché animal heads scattered throughout the restaurant.
It’s here I can make a quick aside to the fantastic Penny Wall in the bar, designed to reflect the aforementioned use of the site as a banknote warehouse, which contains nearly 17,000 hand-applied pennies and sits impressively on a wall that had to be reinforced to take the extra weight. With coins dating from 1864 and an opportunity for civic leaders, dignitaries and the local community to add a penny to the wall themselves, it’s the hotel fitting into its surroundings in a very real and actionable way.
L-R: The clean-line elegance of The Distillery // Detail of David Farrer’s artwork in OXBO // OXBO Restaurant’s excellent use of materials to create space (Photos: London Hilton Bankside)
Moving upstairs and the guestrooms have not been exempted from the industrial, London aesthetic. The corridor carpets, with their brown and green hues and again designed by Twenty2Degrees and DMA, were commissioned to reflect the ‘ebb and flow’ of the River Thames just a stone’s throw away.
With the guestroom materials including concrete-effect wall coverings and limed timber, these sharp materials are contrasted by sleek Italian-style furniture and upholstery as well as winged headboards that create the warmth required in luxurious rooms. Bold greys dominate in the bathrooms – floor and half-wall tiles combine with the pale travertine tiling on the rest of the walls to create a clean, clinical feel.
The bold greys of the bathrooms in the London Hilton Bankside (Photo: London Hilton Bankside)
And one of the elements of room design that I found most interesting and useful was the separate entrance area for ‘adjoining’ rooms — rather than an adjoining entrance built into the wall of each room, both rooms have an individual front door behind a centralised front door to create a ‘hallway’ of sorts. As Dexter pointed out, this helps with noise control between the rooms and offers an added layer of privacy — especially for those travelling with families.
L-R: Pendant lighting and reading light built into the bedroom wall // Steps to the subterranean Ballroom // The River Thames-inspired carpets in the guestoom corridors (Photos: dextermoren.com)
But the jewel in the crown of this slick, stylish hotel is the grand ballroom on the sub-ground level. The breath-taking space is something the hotel (and Dexter himself) are very proud of — and rightly so. With a separate entrance built at the rear of the hotel building to allow event or function attendees to arrive separately from the hullabaloo of the main entrance, the ballroom is accessed in grand style by a sweeping staircase with marble treads, brass handrail and smoked glass balustrade.
Aside from the sheer scale of the space, the luxury and attention to detail marks this as a wonderfully unique location in the heart of the capital. It is designed to be flexible, with as little or as much space an event may require on offer as well as being able to open out to include balcony areas and the lobby for arrivals or break-outs. The dark walls are complemented by a pale carpet and subtly patterned wall-covering. For me, however, the centrepiece is the inclusion of ultra-modern chandeliers whose individual, interlinked cubed LED lights are a work of ingenuity and beauty.
L-R: Mirror detail in the bathrooms // The quirky ‘Urban Fox’ artwork in the bedrooms // LED, ultra-modern chandeliers above the Ballroom (Photos: dextermoren.com)
And that’s the best way to summarise the Hilton London Bankside — a combination of brilliant and beautiful design. From the use of space – like the well-equipped gym and 17-metre swimming pool hidden away underground – to the bold and memorable interiors, Dexter Moren’s team and Twenty2Degrees have created a property with a clear and cemented identity. The brief to create a luxurious hotel in this part of London has been met and exceeded. But it’s in the little touches that this project truly shines. From the playful ‘Urban Fox’ motif referenced subtly more than 100 times throughout the hotel including in the bedrooms — in reference to a fox that would visit the site during construction — to the work of young British artists scattered throughout the property in a tribute to the Tate Modern around the corner.
A Hilton-branded hotel, which has more in common with a boutique offering than a cookie-cutter repeat, which from pavement to bedroom makes it very clear that it ‘belongs’ in its up-and-coming locale south of the Thames, that keeps luxury prevalent throughout and is designed with detail at the forefront? A project I never thought I’d see — but thanks to Dexter and the work of his team, the reality is better than the imaginings of this humble journalist. Bravo…
AccorHotels has opened a combined Pullman & Novotel New Delhi Aerocity project which will add 670 international-standard rooms at the gateway to India.The 270-room Pullman and 400-room Novotel are located in close proximity to Indira Gandhi InternationalAirport and offer easy access to the prominent business hubs of Gurgaon and New Delhi. Set around a central garden and outdoor heated pool, the project brings together two of AccorHotels most renowned brands in the burgeoning Aerocity precinct.
The midscale Novotel is a classic blend of modernity, design, simplicity and efficiency. Novotel New Delhi Aerocity focuses on bringing the family together by offering complimentary accommodation for up to two children up to 16 years of age when staying with their parents.
The hotel offers a complete Novotel experience; all guests can stay connected at the hotel’s Web Corner, a comfortable space furnished with user-friendly Apple iMacs and a full service business lounge. A virtual concierge in the lobby, Moncierge, will give an insight to the capital’s best attractions and entertainment, access to check flight timings, hotel information and more.
Together the hotels are well positioned to attract a large segment of the increasingly important Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitons (MICE) market, being home to Delhi NCR’s largest convention space, spread over more than 40,000 square feet, with a fully flexible pillarless ballroom and 13 meeting rooms for every kind of event.
International hotel brand Park Regis will soon call Europe home with the opening of its Birmingham property in March 2016.The hotel will be located in the former Auchinleck House building on Broad Street, which received a £50 million renovation to transform it into a modern silver-clad hotel offering 253 deluxe rooms, two junior suites and the largest presidential suite in Birmingham.
The upscale property is the seventeenth Park Regis globally and places Park Regis Birmingham alongside locations including Sydney, Singapore and Dubai.
StayWell Hospitality Group CEO Mr. Simon Wan said that adding a European hotel is a strategic move for the Park Regis brand which has an international portfolio spanning Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, India and the United Arab Emirates.
“The Park Regis brand is rapidly expanding internationally, the opening of our first European-based hotel in Birmingham aligns with our strategy of opening high-quality properties in cities which present optimum growth opportunities.
“While the number of hotel beds in Birmingham has increased rapidly in recent years, the number of upscale hotels hasn’t kept the same pace. Once opened, Park Regis will fill this gap in Birmingham’s high-end hotel offering,” said Mr Wan.
Birmingham is a flourishing city following recent investment in transport links and infrastructure and visitor numbers are at an all time high which creates a prime opportunity for a new upscale hotel.
Luxury fabric specialist Kobe UK, is bringing its exciting new upholstery collections to the January Furniture Show in Birmingham.For the first time, timeless designs with an array of textiles are being brought together into a library of 36 sample books with more than 700 fabrics in a wide range of colours, textures and patterns, creating interiors reflecting the latest trends for today’s high-end domestic and contract markets.
Also unveiled at the show will be Essente’s fresh and contemporary collection of upholstery fabrics, featuring the fabulous Savanna and Steppe ranges. Essente is designed to reach a broader clientele, looking for a cost effective option, with the quality and reassurance of the Kobe name.
All Kobe’s upholstery fabrics offer exceptional durability, scoring highly on the Martindale Rub Test.
Kobe and Essente can be found in Hall 1. Kobe is on C7 and Essente on C8.
Irish property developer Johnny Ronan has announced plans to build four new hotels in Dublin and the surrounding area, including an ambitious 70-room boutique hotel at the site of the iconic Bewley’s Building on the capital’s Grafton Street in a reported £163 million investment.Ronan has also submitted plans to build a 167-bedroom, four-star hotel named Aquavetro in the upcoming 22-storey waterfront tower project.
Shane Whelan, development director for Ronan Group, told the Sunday Irish Independent that “the focus on delivering hotels is to satisfy the strong demand generated by record tourism numbers, a recovering economy and restricted hotel capacity”.
As part of other projects, Ronan will develop The Enniskerry Park Hotel, a 200-bed hotel in Enniskerry, neighbouring the former Ritz-Carlton Hotel and the development of a site in the village of Delgany, Co Wicklow.
The impressive Blu Box from Lano Carpet Solutions brings together all the manufacturer’s carpets for hospitality environments, providing designers and end users with a vital resource.Included in the box are catalogued samples of ranges that have a proven track record in hospitality, from excellent value tufted collections for bedrooms to high-quality woven axminster for use in corridors, lounges, bar and restaurant areas. Featuring classic wool-rich and contemporary polyamide styles, Blu Box makes the specification of hospitality carpet easy.
“Here at Lano Carpet Solutions we’ve built a fearsome reputation for our hospitality carpet, but Blu Box is the first time we’ve brought everything together in an easy-to-use and compelling resource,” says Robin Gray, International Hospitality Business Manager. “Designers can now come to realise the true scope of our hospitality carpets which cover every possibility, from small boutique to large hotel groups.”
Along with the catalogued samples, Blu Box includes the spectacular 172-page Hospitality by Lano brochure that gives full colour, design and technical information for all the concepts featured. From seven through to 11-row axminster, the textured Carve Concept and bespoke Suite Concept, Hospitality by Lano shows the true capability of hospitality carpet from one of Europe’s premier manufacturers.
The Blu Box is now available from Lano Carpet Solutions.
The brand new Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort and Spa’s design reflects a bold and elegant style that cleverly integrates the surrounding environment within the hotel’s various buildings, with exacting attention to detail that brings Sofitel’s art de vivre to life.With 211 rooms and suites, plus four villas, the hotel also features the world’s largest So SPA, four F&B options, over 1,300sqm of MICE facilities, a 33-metre swimming pool and more than 27 acres of tropical woodlands, offering guests a sense of relaxed sophistication and urban resort living.
As the only hotel at Sentosa that overlooks the South China Sea, the resort also offers easy access to Tanjong Beach. Take a look at some images of the resort from Sofitel.com below…
Northern Ireland’s premier 5-star hotel, the Culloden Estate and Spa, has unveiled its recent refurbishment which was in excess of £1,000,000. Various parts of the hotel have been included in the investment programme which boasts a new-look Mitre restaurant and refurbished bedrooms including the four original tower suites. This month, as part of the investment a refurbishment programme of the spa will begin.
Adrian McNally, General Manager of the Culloden Estate & Spa said: “We are delighted to unveil the results of our latest refurbishment which was an investment by Hastings Hotels in excess of £1,000,000. The refurbishment is part of the ongoing investment programme that we at Hastings Hotels pride ourselves on to ensure we make the most of our properties and our people as we continue to offer our guests a first class service every time.”
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