Hotel Designs

Luxury boutique hotel Flemings Mayfair has unveiled the first instalment of its new-look deluxe bedrooms and suites, featuring beautifully elegant interior design and very special hidden extras as part of a wider £14 million refurbishment – as reported by HotelDesigns.net in May.Each bedroom, suite and apartment comes complete with a Mattison bed, Chiswick linen, a Nespresso coffee machine and complimentary WiFi. Some suites even boast their own private gin ‘honesty’ bar — perfect for a few self-served aperitifs.

Interior design firm Tully Filmer was tasked with the job of creating the stylish new look and transforming the rooms into 1930s- inspired havens, with each room costing an average of £85,000. Tully Filmer used a colour palette of bronze and soft greys teamed with period features and bespoke furniture. Some rooms have also seen their original three-metre high ceilings reinstated.

Tasteful bathrooms feature stunning mosaic marble floors with underfloor heating, bathtubs or rainfall showers and come stocked with T London toiletries filled with natural botanicals and essential oils.

The hotel has forged a partnership with celebrity photographer Dr. Andy Gotts who has photographed some top names, including Harrison Ford, Hugh Grant and Gary Barlow, at Flemings. The pictures now bedeck the walls of the bedrooms, suites and apartments.

The completion of the bedrooms follows the first phase of the redevelopment which saw a revamp of the Drawing Room tea room and small bar. The next stage will see Michelin-starred chef Shaun Rankin open a new restaurant and bar at the hotel in Spring 2016.

Having opened in 1851, Flemings Mayfair is one of the oldest family-owned hotels in London and was originally converted from 13 Georgian townhouses. The award-winning hotel, part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, offers luxury accommodation in one of London’s most prestigious postcodes, minutes from Green Park, Piccadilly and a short walk from Buckingham Palace.

After a four-month-long refurbishment period of its public areas, the Embassy Suites by Hilton, Los Angeles-Downey has re-opened. The $5m investment has seen a complete refurbishment of the lobby, atrium, restaurant and lounge, meeting rooms, business and fitness centres and pool area.One key area of investment was transforming the lobby and atrium into a “Great-room” concept which will provide guests with a comfortable, tech-friendly place to work or relax outside of their guestroom. As the birthplace of the Apollo space program was in Downey, the new design evokes the history of aerospace and the theme runs throughout the lobby and atrium, including the accent chandeliers, constellation-inspired wall décor behind the front desk and a new fountain in the atrium.

“The Great-room concept has proven to be a success with our hotel guests who want a place to hang out, conduct interviews, meet friends or simply enjoy a casual dinner,” said Maurice Casaus, general manager of Embassy Suites Los Angeles-Downey. “Our open space with special design elements paying homage to Downey’s prominent aerospace legacy has been a tremendous success with both our hotel guests and local patrons.”

The 219-Embassy Suites by Hilton, Los Angeles-Downey offers two-room suites with a separate living area, two flat-screen HD televisions and wet bar fitted with a microwave, mini-fridge and a selection of gourmet coffee and teas. The hotel also offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout all guest rooms and public areas.

Other amenities include a heated indoor pool, fitness centre, 24-hour business centre and more than 6,000 sq. ft. of meeting space including seven meeting rooms. Brickstones Grill offers a contemporary experience that seamlessly transitions made-to-order breakfast to a-la-carte for lunch or dinner in its sophisticated and contemporary open design kitchen. A portion of the existing restaurant space has been converted to flexible multi-use space to accommodate group meals and social functions with access to an outdoor patio.

The hotel is owned by RLJ Development, LLC based in Bethesda, Md. and managed by Embassy Suites Management, LLC, based in McLean, Va.

AccorHotels has announced the rebranding and refurbishment of ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Gangnam, formerly ibis Ambassador Seoul Gangnam.Featuring 317 rooms, the newly refurbished and rebranded hotel is located in the Teheran-Ro business area of the trendy Gangnam District, near several entertainment and shopping attractions, and just a 10 minute walk to COEX Convention Centre.

From sophisticated lobby lighting to unique furnishings, the new hotel is designed in chic bright colours and bold decor with crisp white backdrops. The guest rooms feature 40-inch smart flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi internet access and a range of in-room amenities.

“The renovation and rebranding of ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Gangnam will offer both business and leisure travellers a new level of service and style representative of the ‘all inclusive’ Ibis Styles brand that resonates simplicity, generosity, quality and conviviality,” said Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer for AccorHotels Upper Southeast and Northeast Asia.

“By upgrading the physical spaces and broadening the scope of service, the renovations and rebranding transform the hotel into a lifestyle destination that better caters to the needs of travellers today,” added Cho Min-sook, General Manager of both ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Gangnam and Myeongdong.

To meet Beijing’s growing demand for meetings and event spaces, The Opposite House has unveiled its stylish new facilities called “Bei Space”, located in the lower grounds of the hotel.Designed by Neri&Hu, the main event space has been carefully separated from its service areas and outside terrace areas with transparent walls of custom-made glass bricks which allows natural light to flow into the subterranean space. Overhead, a field of pendant lights illuminates the main space while leaving it open and flexible.

Equipped with a moveable projector, overhead screens and a state-of-the-art sound system, the 180m2 versatile space can be easily adapted for any requirement, making this the perfect environment to host meetings, conferences, corporate training, press conferences, cocktail parties or banquets.

Bei Space also offers a full catering service via onsite restaurants at The Opposite House, with a choice of Western fare from Sureño or Chinese delicacies from Jing Yaa Tang. For events requiring multiple spaces, catering from both restaurants can also be requested for The Red Space, situated next to the hotel.

“As the vibrant arts, culture and commercial scene in Sanlitun continues to thrive, our aim is to enhance it with an event venue that exudes understated sophistication on its own, yet can serve as the canvas for highly personalised or creative executions. Events of a fashionable, creative or corporate tone can all find a home at Bei Space,” comments Peter Wynne, Area General Manager of Swire Hotels Beijing and General Manager of The Opposite House.

As a centrepiece of The Chedi Club in Bali, the Hadiprana Villa has reopened following a complete refurbishment.The two-bedroom villa features private en-suites and secluded, sunken outdoor Jacuzzi. A spacious deck provides ample room for sun-worshipers and a 645-square-foot swimming pool is the focal point of this particular villa.

Equipped with a beautiful collection of art and artefacts and contemporary Balinese furniture, this private residence is “a sanctuary within a sanctuary” according to the hotel’s general manager, Alain Bachmann. “The place turned out so well, I’m not sure there wasn’t a little magic stirred into all that carpentry.”

One of Indonesia’s foremost architects and art patrons, Hadiprana built the property as a family estate in the early 1980s before the luxury hotel group GHM assumed stewardship in 2004.

A new apartment hotel has opened its doors in Frankfurt’s new urban district of Europaviertel (“European quarter”). Designed by JOI-Design, the Capri by Fraser reflects the fashion-savvy confidence of the young cosmopolitan guests who will call them “home” while they work in the business hub of Frankfurt.

Featuring 153 studio and one-bedroom apartments, the designers have skilfully merged design with couture and art, and the high-quality furnishings add an elegant touch to the environment whilst retaining a quirky edge to the overall design.

A colour palette of grey and white creates a calm and soothing atmosphere with hints of zesty citrus notes to create a sense of homeliness. A nod to the traditional tailoring of business attire is evoked in the soft furnishings and upholstery, using houndstooth and pinstripe patterns, finely seamed leatherwork and meticulous stitching. A round area rug features abstract floral motifs to introduce residential cosiness for longer-stay guests.

The studios are fully tech-enabled with plenty of electrical charge points and a kitchen kitted out with all the necessities a guest requires for a longer-term stay.

The lobby is an open space, designed to reflect a welcoming living room. A large communal work station enables guests to work whilst they grab something to eat from the Delite. Large bookshelves double as room dividers to subtly break up the space into intimate-seeming nooks.

Caprilicious restaurant offers a range of seating from smaller intimate tables, to larger areas for lively parties. Seating with low and high backs, a long table with an assortment of chairs and a self-service bar for tableware is reminiscent of a comfortable coffeehouse.

Drinx bar takes on a more fashion-conscious appeal featuring bespoke wallcovering with an abstract monochromatic pattern, a leather-lined bar and assorted seating. The bar emanates a soft glow throughout the day, and at a night, a “constellation” of pendant lights stretched across the ceiling emulates a starry night sky. The colour palette here is a silky mixture of petrol blues, rich greys and polished blacks, lifted through bursts of accent colours in the throw cushions and tinted glass cocktail tables.

A small high-tech conference space and fitness room is also available for guests of Capri by Fraser.

The Great Northern Hotel, dating back to 1854, is situated within the Western Concourse of King’s Cross and is considered one of the finest boutique hotels in greater London. Starwood Hotels are delighted to add this spectacular property to its Tribute Collection as it represents a significant step in the global roll-out of the Tribute Portfolio and the growing market for reliable and individual high-end travel experiences.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts introduces its 10th brand in Europe with the addition of The Great Northern Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. (Photo: Business Wire)

The hotel has been refurbished and redesigned by Victorian master builder, Lewis Cubitt to faithfully represent the glamour of the building’s extraordinary past. The luxurious Cubitt rooms have been named in the designer’s honour and feature Jielde bedside table lamps and large twin sash windows which flood the rooms with natural light. In the Couchette rooms, the interior styling is an innovative interpretation of a traditional railway carriage sleeper car whilst the Wainscot rooms are lined with Black American Walnut Wainscot Panelling and aubergine paint to create a seductive ambience.

Left: Couchette Room Centre: Wainscot Room Right: Cubitt Room

“Since our launch in 2013, the Great Northern Hotel has become one of London’s finest boutique hotels,” said Jeremy Robson, Owner of the Great Northern Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. “The restoration of the property was a dream of mine for many years, and together with my excellent team, I am incredibly proud to have created something of real value: a London landmark serving both visitors and Londoners alike. Today, our award-winning hotel joins Tribute Portfolio and the prestigious Starwood collection. We are looking forward to building on our success with this powerful brand whilst maintaining everything that makes the Great Northern Hotel a unique and much-loved property. ”

Located on the first floor of the hotel is Plum + Spilt Milk, offering simple British dishes using seasonal and carefully-sourced ingredients. The restaurant features 120 hand blown glass pendants and banquette-based furniture, handmade by Boffi of Milan.

Plum & Spilt Milk

Opening directly into King’s Cross Station is the GNH Bar. With aspirations to become one of Europe’s most glamourous railway bars, it features etched mirror ceilings, an organically-shaped pewter and marble bar and two grand crystal chandeliers.

Starwood aims to grow the brand to 100 hotels by 2020, with locations in high-demand destinations and markets where SPG members travel.

Chandelier Bar

Liverpool’s new Tune Hotel opened its doors last month, the 100-bedroom hotel on Castle Street has been developed by Hotel Land & Development and will become the latest addition to the global portfolio of Tune Hotels.

Situated within the Bruntwood-owned Queen Insurance Buildings, it will join another recent addition to the landmark building, Argentinian restaurant ‘CAU’. Work has been underway since late last year to completely strip out the new hotel site, which is adjacent to the city’s Town Hall, and replace it with a contemporary budget hotel that famously provides the “pay for what you need” model. Each Tune room comes equipped with high quality basics such as Hypnos beds and power showers, but costs from just £25 a night.

There are many original features inside the hotel, it being housed in a Grade II listed building. Much of the building fabric has been kept, which means the hotel has rooms with high ceilings and large windows. Some of the original beams in the top floor rooms have been left exposed rather than covered up, adding character. On the first floor, a rather unique feature of a wooden room with fireplace (not operational) and the original safe door is visible. The building has two blocks to it, and one block has the original staircase with an atrium roof which makes for a brightly lit space.

“Liverpool is one of the key cities in the North West not only from a commercial point of view, but it also has a long established tourism industry for both domestic and international travellers,” said Mark Lankester, CEO of Brand, Assets and Capital Markets at Tune Hotels. “Last year saw 32 million visitors spending £2.3 billion in the city. This resulted in over 560,000 overnight stays from international visitors, 1.47m from UK travellers and some 289,000 from business tourism – there is undoubtedly a healthy demand for high-quality yet affordable accommodation,” he added.

The new Tune Hotel will be accessed via Queen’s Arcade, which already boasts a collection of independent retail outlets including Moose Coffee and R&H Fine Wines. Bruntwood believes the arrival of two high profile venues will give a timely boost to neighbouring businesses.

The official opening of the 70-room Harrogate West Park Travelodge took place today, 4th September 2015, and was attended by Travelodge’s Chief Operating Officer, Jon Hendry Pickup; The Worshipful, The Mayor of Harrogate Borough; Councillor Nigel Simms and Brian L Dunsby, Chief Executive, Harrogate Chamber of Trade & Commerce.

Harrogate West Park Travelodge

The Harrogate West Park Travelodge features an onsite Bar Café and is located within close proximity to Harrogate Conference Centre.

Also announced at the ceremony is the news that Travelodge will expand their portfolio in Yorkshire with 13 new properties representing an investment of £80million and creating 300 new jobs across Yorkshire. Locations for the new sites include: Barnsley, Bradford, Brig House, Bridlington, Halifax, Headingly, Huddersfield, Hull, Knaresborough, Wetherby, Whitby and two sites in York.

Brian L Dunsby, Chief Executive, Harrogate Chamber of Trade & Commerce said: “Harrogate’s economy depends largely on visitors, both business and leisure and therefore we welcome this new Travelodge right in the heart of the town centre.”

The stunning Hartwick is just one of Gallery Direct’s high quality bedsteads from their Frank Hudson collection. With its clean, smooth lines, this contemporary take on a classic four-post bed is guaranteed to complement both traditional and modern interior schemes. Made from Mindy ash solids, it has a brushed and weathered finish and is upholstered with natural cotton that has been woven on a traditional loom. Its sprung slats ensure this lavish bedstead provides ultimate comfort, as well as exuding style.

For more information, please contact Gallery Direct via their website: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

Luxury bathroom product designer, Crosswater, is pleased to introduce the Waldorf collection, its first range of bathroom brass and sanitaryware to its extensive portfolio of products. Crafted with exquisite attention to detail and an early twentieth-century design, the new Waldorf range is an indication of bathroom luxury.

The Waldorf collection includes taps, bath fillers, basins and valves as well as a striking freestanding bath which will command attention in any bathroom.

Inspired by the style and essence of the 20s era, the range has been beautifully curated to include a choice of crosshead or lever tap handles, metal basin frames and a high-level WC.

Suitably fitting for advocates of traditional design, the art-deco inspired range blends rectangular lines with elegant softened edges, resulting in a beautifully distinctive look that will stand the test of time in any bathing space.

The countdown is on as Four Seasons puts the finishing touches on its first location in Korea – the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul.Designed by Heerim Architects & Planners and LTW Designworks, the Hotel boasts seven restaurants and bars, each with its own character as conceived by several of today’s cutting-edge creative minds, including AvroKO and Hong Kong-based André Fu.

Throughout, an expertly curated art collection features contemporary pieces by local, regional and international artists displayed in spaces that can best be described as a modern reflection of Korean tradition.

With the promise of exceptional accommodation, an incredible collection of restaurants and late-night bars, an expansive fitness and spa complex and outstanding settings for events, Four Seasons Hotel Seoul has created a new benchmark in global style, sophistication and service.

In 317 light-filled rooms and suites, guests will find spacious, beautifully appointed accommodation that create a private sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Every room features the new, fully customisable Four Seasons Bed, and Four Seasons services, including twice daily housekeeping and round-the-clock in-room dining.

Facilities in the hotel are extensive: a 765 square metre gym and studios for Pilates; dedicated room for those exercising with one of the Club’s personal trainers; three pools including a lap pool and vitality pool, plus a children’s pool; and indoor golf experience with driving range. A modern Korean sauna will include several bathing areas and zones for quiet relaxation.

Four Seasons Seoul is taking bookings for opening in October 2015.

Palmetto is an alluring collection of prints, weaves and wallcoverings by Harlequin. Inspired by early morning strolls through dewy woods and twilight walks around a dusky, scented garden. It captures elements of jazz age glamour, 1920s luxe and the botanical fervour of the 19th century orchid hunters, as well as keying into the current trend towards organic silhouettes, offset against sultry backgrounds for maximum impact.The collection has been designed by Harlequin Studio’s Becky Brown, who elaborates on her inspiration: “Over the last 18 months I have been watching trends evolving both in fashion and in interiors, collating mood boards and experimenting with different techniques, such as mono prints, negative prints, foiling and etching. It seems to me as though the bright spring flowers of previous years have given way to an altogether more mysterious mood. The feel for 2015 is dreamlike and enchanted, expressed through wild foliage, graphic botanicals and delicate flora and fauna.”

The starting point for the whole collection was a botanical document that evoked the inside of an orangery, with its exotic portrayal of rubber plants and passion flowers. The six glorious prints are presented on a mix of sumptuous silks and natural linens, many of which have been embellished with textured threads, foiling and metallics. They depict a cornucopia of etched blooms such as proteas, as well as delicately drawn butterflies, dragonflies and ostrich feathers. Several of these motifs follow through into the stunning range of eight wallcoverings, which is augmented by an evocative metallic texture, an elegant crane in flight offset against stylised clouds, leaves, feathers and a linear trail.

Palmetto’s glorious prints are complemented by three über-glamorous weaves, accented with shine and shimmer and Belvedere Velvets, a spectacular range of three rich and luxurious velvets, comprising deliciously tactile, deep-pile plains, fabulously distressed metallics and sophisticated striped damasks, some of which are further embellished with foil. There are also two comprehensive books of plains, one 100% silk, the other silk-effect, which have been judiciously coloured by the Harlequin Studio to harmonise with Palmetto and Belvedere.

The collection is enhanced by its intense and evocative colour combinations: graphite and almond; ink and chartreuse; seaglass and willow; jute and slate; coral and mint; heather and linen; linden and emerald; amber and graphite.

For further information please contact the Walker Greenbank Contracts department at loughborough@wgbcontracts.com

The partnership between The Kessler Collection and Autograph Collection Hotels has been further strengthened with the latest property to join the Autograph portfolio. The Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston in South Carolina is a 50-room luxury boutique hotel offering an on-site Grand Bohemian Gallery featuring rare, local and original artwork; a wine blending experience and tasting room; coffee shop; farm-to-table culinary offerings with a regional focus; as well as a rooftop restaurant and terrace providing unmatched views of historic Charleston.

Upon entering the lobby, guests are greeted with 4-foot long fringe chandeliers, a backlit stone front desk and velvet drapery, evoking elements of French style with a modern bohemian twist.

Overlooking the historic district, the restaurant offers costal cuisine and open-air seating. The French bohemian theme is evident in the use of crystal chandeliers, aquamarine watercolour sheers and grey washed reclaimed wood.

In the guest rooms, the colour scheme features tones of lavender, grey and chartreuse coupled with bold printed fabrics and leather chaise lounges. The bathrooms are furnished with marble vanity units that stylishly contrast with custom glass sconces and Italian plank tiled floors.

At the heart of each Kessler Collection hotel is a celebration of the artistic spirit. Surrounded by the cultural and creative inspiration of Charleston, the property is home to the largest art gallery in The Kessler Collection – Grand Bohemian Gallery, featuring local, regional and internationally recognized artists. At Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston, art flows throughout the hotel with exhibitions and artist receptions showcasing paintings, sculptures, art glass, ceramics and jewellery, all available for sale.

SPA Creators, designers and developers of mid-to-luxury hotel spas and leisure businesses, has announced its latest project to open before the end of the summer. SPA Creators were selected by the Hinckley Island hotel in Leicestershire to review their current leisure business needs and make recommendations. This included a full market analysis and review of the guest service’s needs. This also included the production of a full 3-year business plan for the addition of a treatment zone.

A new spa, designed and developed by SPA Creators, is due to open at Hinckley Island Hotel before the end of the summer this year (Photo: Supplied)

As part of the brief SPA Creators have designed a spa treatment area including five treatment rooms, manicure and pedicure zones and relaxation areas taking advantage of the great views overlooking a lake within the grounds.
In addition to the treatment areas SPA Creators are looking at the refurbishment of the fitness suite, male and female changing areas, spa lounge and wet spa facilities including the pool and vitality pool.

A new spa, designed and developed by SPA Creators, is due to open at Hinckley Island Hotel before the end of the summer this year (Photo: Supplied)

Working with the client SPA Creators have refined the scheme into phases with the initial work due for completion in late summer, early autumn 2015. Ongoing phases will be implemented in the very near future.

SPA Creators has over 15 years’ experience in developing new spa businesses and developing existing leisure and spa sites with refurbishment and new build spas or extensions.

Hotel Okura Tokyo Main Building will be transformed during a 4-year reconstruction which started on 1st September 2015. Due for completion by spring 2019, the redesign will cost more than $980 million and will feature the latest technologies to deliver the most luxurious guest experience.

Yoshio Taniguchi, the son of the Okura’s original architect, has designed the two glass towers which will reach 41 storeys, containing 510 rooms and 18 floors of office space.

Some facilities currently housed within the Main Building will be relocated to the South Wing which will remain open during reconstruction.

Opening its doors on the 1st September within the new, 39-floor Times Square building in Ho Chi Minh City’s District, the ultra-luxurious property is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. With couture style and bespoke, Italian design, combined impeccable service, it raises the bar for luxury hospitality in Vietnam. LOBBY
A 3-metre-tall Baldi clock in the main lobby, made from malachite stone with crystals and 24 karat gold accents, has been specifically commissioned for the hotel. Above, a colourful ceiling installation of individual pieces of hand-blown glass are seemingly intertwined, echoing the shapely geographic silhouette of Vietnam.

LA SCALA GRAND BALLROOM
A one-of-a-kind Bechstein grand piano that dates back to 1895 sits in the La Scala Grand Ballroom. It has been reimagined and transformed by the Florentine company Baldi into an opulent piece of art, with its veneer made of a striking ‘Russian mosaic’ of precious malachite stone and accented with gilded bronze.

Another stunning feature of the ballroom are the hand-blown glass chandeliers by Venini and crystal chandeliers by VGnewtrend which adorn the ceilings.

SPA
Guests are spoiled with a 1,200 square meter spa and state-of-the-art fitness centre with views over the Saigon River – including 10 treatment rooms, a beauty salon, steam and sauna facilities and Wi-Fi enabled screens simulating workouts in jungles or beaches – and an outdoor free-form pool, Jacuzzi and separate children’s pool ~

Continued on page two…

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on the 7th July and has been updated to reflect its opening

The ship-themed Voyager Beach Resort in Kenya, part of Heritage Hotels, is one of the most popular resorts on Africa’s East Coast. Offering 236 spacious cabins, the hotel has recently completed a renovation to its public areas.Travellers can now enjoy a new dining area with fresh furniture and an extended outside space, and The Look Out Bar has also been expanded and given a new look. The new pool area and watersports zone has given the property a new lease of life and guests can now benefit from Swahili day beds and swinging moon beds opposite the Swahili lounge.

In the guest rooms, plasma satellite televisions have been introduced as part of the refurbishment, and free high-speed Wifi is now available throughout the resort.

Voyager Beach Resorts’ entertainment crew have also been hard at work creating a range of exciting new theme nights and refreshing their existing shows.

Experts since 1920, Sanderson have developed over 1350 colours and five superb finishes in their interior paint range.Designed to complement both traditional and contemporary settings, Sanderson have showcased a selection of their favourite seasonal shades for 2015, in everything from sunny Ming Gold to elegant Crystal Palace.

These shades are offered in a choice of finishes including: Matt Emulsion, Water Based Eggshell, Eggshell, Gloss and the high-performance Active Emulsion.

All Sanderson paints are produced in the UK using ingredients of the highest quality. Choose your colour, order a paint chip card or view lifestyle and flat shot images at: sanderson-uk.com/paint

The Steigenberger Hotel Group is set to open its seventh hotel in Frankfurt.The Hotel am Hauptbahnhof will be located right at the southern exit to Germany’s busiest main line railway station and close to the city centre of the country’s leading financial metropolis. Opening is scheduled for 2018.

The 400 rooms at the new hotel will offer exceptional comfort for both leisure and business visitors. There will also be a restaurant, a bar and six conference rooms. Shopping centres, the historic Römerberg Square and the Frankfurt Trade Fair Centre will all be easily accessible to guests, either on foot or by public transport, whilst Frankfurt Airport is only ten minutes away by suburban railway.

Frankfurt is a ‘special’ location for Steigenberger – here is their Frankfurter Hof property (Photo: Steigenberger Press Centre)

“As a location, Frankfurt has a special significance for us,” said Puneet Chhatwal, CEO of Steigenberger Hotels AG. “The city is home to our head office and the Frankfurter Hof, our flagship hotel. It also boasts Germany’s largest airport and main line railway station. Our strong portfolio means that we are ideally placed to meet the needs of our large numbers of guests from all over the world,” he added.

The hotel project forms part of an overall development, which also includes a public multi-storey car park and a new bus station for the city. The aim is to bring about further improvements in traffic flow.

The Hard Days Night Hotel, situated on North John Street in the heart of Liverpool’s increasingly popular Cavern Quarter, will now become Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ (MHR) 24th property within the UK and Europe.Housed in the Grade II-listed Central Buildings, located within close proximity to the iconic Cavern Club where The Beatles performed more than 290 times, Hard Days Night Hotel boasts 110 guest rooms and is renowned for its impressive interior and originality.

The John Lennon Suite at the Hard Days Night Hotel (Photo: Supplied)CEO of Millennium Hotels and Resorts Aloysius Lee said: “Hard Days Night Hotel offers a Beatles experience like no-other and we are confident that our guests, particularly from countries including China, USA, Canada and Europe, will be excited by the choice of this latest acquisition. Furthermore, the ‘Fab Four’ and Liverpool are very popular to both the North American and Asian markets.”

The Lounge (Photo: Courtesy of www.harddaysnighthotel.com)General Manager of Hard Days Night Hotel Mike Dewey added: “Hard Days Night Hotel is a first class hotel that continues to exceed guests’ expectations and we look forward to widening our global reputation by maximising the distribution channels effectively run by MHR and taking the property to the next level.”

The Paul McCartney Suite (Photo: Courtesy of www.harddaysnighthotel.com)Since its establishment in 2008, the Hard Days Night Hotel has become a notable destination of choice for leisure and corporate travelers locally and abroad.

Marriott international, together with Ian Schrager and Carpenter & Company, has announced that it will open the Reykjavik EDITION in 2018.The 250-room hotel will be located in the heart of Reykjavik on the waterfront and will encompass the intimate and unique hotel experience that Ian Schrager is known for. Marriott International will manage the hotel under a long-term agreement.

Richard Friedman, president and chief executive officer of Carpenter & Company, the Boston-based owner and developer of the property said, “This project provides a unique opportunity to bring the first world-class, five-star hotel to the booming Icelandic market. We have a long standing history in our company of building highly innovative and successful luxury hotels and we are highly confident that this hotel will be a game changer for all parties,” he continued. “The location of this hotel couldn’t be more spectacular – with the hotel working in conjunction with the city’s well known Harpa center and its location steps away from the vibrant downtown of Reykjavik.”

Ian Schrager, chairman and chief executive officer of Ian Schrager Company, commented, “I am thrilled to continue the global expansion of the new EDITION lifestyle brand with this incredibly exciting project in Reykjavik. The city is emerging as a fascinating cultural hub making it the perfect location for an EDITION.”

Each EDITION property possesses a rare individuality and authentic ethos, influenced by its cultural surroundings. Uniquely different, the hotels that make up the EDITION brand are not unified through aesthetics, but by its welcoming atmosphere and the way it makes you feel. It’s the experience which makes EDITION so different; being beautiful on the inside is just as important as being beautiful on the surface, so-to-speak.

The project is the result of several years of intensive urban planning lead by the city of Reykjavik and will be financed by Carpenter and a major Icelandic bank plus local equity investors.

Future hotels are planned for Abu Dhabi (2016), Sanya, China (2016), Bangkok (2016), Times Square (2018), West Hollywood (2018), Reykjavik, Iceland (2018), Wuhan, China (2019), and Bali, Indonesia (2019).

British furniture maker, Morgan, is once again taking part in London Design Festival (LDF – #LDF15) and the Clerkenwell Design Quarter with an exciting new seating collection, RIO, launching on 22nd September.

RIO will be launched at the LDF in SeptemberDesigned by Morgan Studio and Mehran Gharleghi from Studio INTEGRATE, RIO explores the relationship of the craft of yesterday with the craft of tomorrow. Is technology dictating the new aesthetic? Can tradition, innovation and comfort be combined?

These are the questions that inspired the new collection. A clearly expressed structure is varied offering tactile beautiful timber detail, minimal but comfortable upholstery or 3D printed bone-like intricate lattice framework.

Mehran Gharleghi has collaborated with Katerina McMahon and the Morgan Design team and developed a chair that uses technology to create a sophisticated luxurious product. He used his expertise in new technologies to develop a 3D printed component, made in both a polyamide and a metallic finished resin.

Constructed using a mathematical algorithm each set of chairs features a slight variation of the algorithm making it slightly different as if it were carved by hand.

Also by Morgan at LDF:

3D Wall Displays
Visitors to 1 Dallington Street will also be treated to a creative style of presentation from Morgan to depict the design and manufacturing processes. Inspired by flat lay photography (#flatlay), 3D objects and infographics will be used to bring technical subjects to life in an engaging way.

FX Drawing Competition
Underlining the importance of drawing skills for designers in today’s computer age, Morgan will be showcasing a drawing competition by FX magazine. Short-listed drawings will be displayed throughout LDF.

The five-star Mandarin Oriental, New York is delighted to announce the debut of its 42 restyled one and two-bedroom suites, which feature panoramic views of Central Park, the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline.Through curated partnerships that blend elements of art, culture, fashion and gastronomy, the suite experience has been enhanced with an array of exclusive amenities and programmes.

Designed by global architecture, design, engineering and planning firm HOK, the suites
celebrate New York City life through the course of a day with three distinct themes — the 820
square-foot New York Sunrise-themed Central Park View Suite, the 800 square-foot New York Dusk-themed Hudson River View Suite, and the New York Nights-themed 800 square-foot Premier Central Park View Suite and 1,220 square-foot Two Bedroom Central Park West Suite.

Complementing the suites’ modern interiors is a contemporary art collection curated by Rare Culture which draws inspiration from New York City and creates the feeling of a gallery space for suite guests. Original pieces by New York-based and New York-inspired artists, including Steve Wasterval, Per Johannson and Emmanuel Frangeul a.k.a. Blew, are featured throughout the spaces.

Vaughan are pleased to announce the introduction of some new designs to its extensive lighting collection for autumn.
Three glamorous Art Deco style alabaster wall lights create a soft atmospheric glow, perfect for any intimate setting. Hand carved in natural stone, these wall lights have the advantage of LED fittings.

 

The York desk lamp is a classic design with an articulated joint to achieve maximum adjustability. Complete with a linen lampshade, the lamp is available in a brass, bronze or nickel finish.

 

Three new modern ceiling lights have also been launched: the Ripon, Thirsk and Skipton pendants.Thirsk Glass & Nickel Pendant; Ripon Glass & Nickel Pendant & Skipton Pendant in Brass (also available in bronze or nickel)

Opening by the end of 2015 under a franchise agreement with Habro properties Ltd, the 97-room ibis Styles Reading Oxford Road will be managed by Interstate Hotels & Resorts and will be AccorHotels’ fourth property in the City.This agreement is in line with AccorHotel’s stated strategy to streamline, consolidate and manage its asset portfolio whilst strengthening its economy and midscale segments.

After the completion of its renovation programme, the hotel will reflect the brand’s non-standardised design ethos featuring its own distinct personality with a bright and energetic vibe and just a hint of humour. Simplicity, interactivity, quality and conviviality are the brand’s core values.

Thomas Dubaere, Managing Director AccorHotels UK & Ireland said: “We are delighted to announce the opening of the ibis Styles Reading Oxford Road hotel, our fourth hotel in this key gateway city.

“The continued expansion of our ibis network in the UK demonstrates the strength of the design-focused brand with both our guests and franchise partners and is in line with our ongoing strategy to continue to grow our economy offering.”

The new 132-room hotel is located in the fourth-largest city in Ghana and includes 12 two-bedroom apartments as part of its offering.Identified as a potential key property in the city for business travellers, the Protea Hotel Select Takoradi offers conference facilities for a maximum of 150 guests and Wifi connectivity throughout the hotel. The hotel also has a large restaurant, bar and lounge, terrace, entertainment and pool area as well as a gym.

“This opening under the Protea Hotels brand reinforces our focus on continuing to grow the footprint of Marriott International and that of Protea Hotels in strategic growth areas within Africa. It brings to 19 the number of Middle Eastern and African countries that Marriott International operates in,” says Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East & Africa, for Marriott International.

“With its positioning in the moderate and upper moderate tier categories and with properties situated in major primary and secondary business centers and sought-after leisure destinations, Protea Hotels offers accommodation ideal for both business and leisure travelers. The approach we take at Protea Hotels is to offer modern design and consistent amenities with a unique blend of global standards combined with proactive and personal service so every guest feels important and appreciated,” concludes Kyriakidis.

InterContinental Hotels Group has announced the opening of its eighth Holiday Inn hotel in Brazil, the Holiday Inn® Natal.

Lobby/ reception

The new build, 216-room property is ideally located for international and domestic travellers with its close proximity to a variety of local businesses and the city’s top tourist destinations.

Guest Room

Gerardo Murray, Vice President, Distribution and Commercial Marketing, Mexico, Latin America & The Caribbean, IHG, said: “IHG has a long standing history in Brazil dating back to the foundation of the InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts brand in 1946. Since then, we have continued to help forge Brazil’s hospitality industry. We believe that Natal is a market where this new Holiday Inn hotel will thrive and we are confident that our guests will enjoy the amenities that they have come to know and expect from the Holiday Inn brand.”

Restaurant

To book your visit to the Holiday Inn Natal, click here

Situated in the heart of Belgrade in the Republic Square is the Courtyard Belgrade City Centre, a 114-room property which is scheduled to open on 7 September 2015.

Containing 112 standard rooms and two studio rooms, the Courtyard Belgrade City Centre will cater for both business and leisure guests with services including one meeting room, a 24 hour market for refreshments, a restaurant and fitness centre.

The hotel will showcase the brand’s new European design with a striking glass façade that contrasts against the historic surrounding architecture. Rooms will contain 42-inch Smart LED TVs and complimentary Wifi throughout the hotel. An interactive GoBoard® touchscreen in the lobby provides information on the latest news, weather and local attractions so guests are always in touch.

The Box Table Lamp from Chelsom is a sleek and contemporary piece fusing clean and stylish geometric design with the latest technology.Taking inspiration from the simplicity of Japanese design, the Box range features linear steel frames that encase cylindrical shades in a wide variety of fabrics complete with acrylic diffusers designed to project good diffused light without restricting light output.

Available as part of a wider collection including wall, ceiling and floor lighting, the range is offered in a textured black finish which doesn’t compete with the shade fabric although custom finishes can be specified on orders with agreed minimum quantities.

The Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment and now exudes the fashionable designs from two of the greatest cultural capitals. Every detail of the interior design has been carefully matched to create an Art Deco atmosphere with shades of black and white captured by lights touches of green in a style of Paris in the 1920s.Designed by the CBT Boston design team, the property has been completely transformed, perfectly blending the two metropolises of Paris and Washington D.C in a play on the juxtaposition of these two very different worlds. The hotel is also an ode to the elegance of two iconic fashion figures: Jacqueline Kennedy and Marie Antoinette.

Upon entering the lobby, a large baroque style bench seat captures the grace of both the Château de Versailles’ green gardens and the White House’s Green Room.

All 237 rooms have been refurbished and feature a stylish cosmopolitan-chic setting inspired by both capitals whilst the Prestige Suites feature an incredible chaise lounge reminiscent of the White House’s Blue Room, as well as a blue duvet cover inspired by the sublime “French Blue,” or “Blue Diamond of the French Crown” which was the largest diamond of this color ever found to this day, and belonged to Marie Antoinette.

Jacqueline Kennedy, the former First Lady, has also inspired the interior design, with her most famous quotations decoratively scribed on the walls. Her unparalleled sense of vintage fashion can also be seen in the corridors, lifts and library.

“We are excited to reveal the renovation which showcases our history of design and fashion and the connection between Paris and Washington, D.C. and share the love of these two cities with our guests,” declared Mathieu Rivière, General Manager. “Our hotel has always been a luxurious addition to the Washington, D.C. market and this renovation reinforces our positioning”.

In recent years, the global hospitality industry has been marking the steady rise in popularity of the ‘aparthotel’. And looking at the trends, it makes sense. Hotels are experimenting with stripping away some of their services, while serviced apartments are adding services as wide ranging as childcare and in-room spa treatments.

So, as the lines between serviced apartments and hotels become ever-blurred, a previously untapped niche in the market is quickly being filled. Why not combine the two? On the continent, Adagio — part of the Accor Hotel group — has been claiming a considerable portion of this ever-growing market with aparthotel properties across France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. But, here in the UK following a successful launch in Liverpool in 2013, a second Adagio aparthotel has opened in Birmingham.

Located perfectly, being within five minutes’ walk of New Street Station and the Bullring Shopping Centre, I had the chance to take a look at this four-star, new-build aparthotel shortly before it made its grand opening earlier this month. The Adagio is a pioneering part of the proposed major redevelopment of the Digbeth area of the city centre; forming the first phase of the Beorma Quarter development scheme (named for the Anglo Saxon king and founder of the city now known as Birmingham), which will also see the refurbishment of listed buildings to become sustainable, geo-thermal commercial spaces.

And the Adagio pays homage to its historical location by marking – with a brass line embedded into the walls and floor – the 7th century boundaries of the ancient city of Hersum Ditch directly through its reception area. A nice touch, I thought — especially as a history graduate. But, thankfully for the modern traveller, everything else about the Adagio is contemporaneous.

From its choice of furnishings to the bold photographic artwork of locally iconic locations in the apartments, the communal areas and range of suites all ooze modernity. The breakfast dining room and lounge area are spacious, modestly but tastefully decorated and superbly naturally lit thanks to their expansive floor to ceiling windows. The property’s two-person studio and one-bedroom apartments are finished to an excellent standard with warm, neutral tones generously punctuated by bold, red-focussed pieces — no doubt to complement the reddish hue of the wider Adagio colour motif. Many of the furnishings throughout the hotel are imported from Europe and in particular France, which is understandable given Adagio is a joint project between Accor and the Paris-headquartered Pierre & Vacances Center Parcs group.

Space has been utilised well, too, with each apartment containing sizable bathroom space and fold-down beds in the studios. The only small criticism might come with the size of the kitchen areas, which while well-equipped certainly won’t be used for entertaining large groups. The range of services on offer include high-speed WiFi, a fitness suite, laundry and dry cleaning as well as a room cleaning service tailored to varying lengths of stays.

With the potential market of aparthotels as varied as it is – business travellers, university students, contract workers and even long-weekend visitors — it is surprising how few aparthotels there are across the UK. Investment has been slow to take off, especially compared with other key markets such as New York and Hong Kong. But heading into the latter half of the decade, we can expect that to change.

Adagio is definitely using the UK as a growth market, with further aparthotels planned for Edinburgh and London — and if future properties are as well designed, excellently furnished and centrally located as the Birmingham Adagio, the firm will be at the forefront of a growing and increasingly popular market.

Click here for more information or to book the Adagio Aparthotel, Birmingham.

Reviewed just before opening in August, 2015

Crosswater has revamped the brand’s portfolio of brochures featuring new products and inspirational photography with easy to use features. The brochures are the largest produced to date, one dedicated for each brand: Crosswater, Bauhaus and Simpsons.There are new introduction spreads and new dividers for each section, an easy to use feature for retailers. The brochures are also now easy to browse online with the 3D Issue software. They feature a table of contents with a search facility, so that retailers can quickly and easily jump to a section within the brochure. Notes can also be written on the pages too.

To view the entire brochures online, click here

The Spa at Ramside is now open, completing the final phase of a £16m refurbishment and extension programme at the Ramside Hall Hotel near Durham.

In 2014, the hotel added a second championship golf course and earlier this year, a new wing of the hotel opened containing 47 new guest rooms.

Leisure facilities within the new spa area include five pools consisting of a 25 metre swimming pool, outdoor vitality pool, balcony infinity pool and one of the UK’s largest hydrotherapy pools; a thermal suite and a Specialised Sleep Sanctuary retreat with soundwave therapy beds.

The thermal suite includes an Herbal Infusion Sauna, Himalayan Salt Steam, Aroma Steam, Caldarium and a Sunken Amphitheatre Sauna with the spa also home to a Fitness Suite which will offer a programme of more than 40 classes every week.

Other facilities include 14 treatment rooms, a Rasul mud chamber and a beauty snug which can also be booked exclusively for special occasions with use of the pedicure thrones, nail bar and make-up parlour.

The Spa at Ramside also has its own hairdressing salon by Reef and an Asian Fusion restaurant which will offer a variety of snacks and meals throughout the day.

“The interest we have already had in the spa has been phenomenal, and we are so excited to be able to finally show off what is undoubtedly going to be one of the finest spas in the country.” said Jill Russell, Spa Director.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has introduced Sheraton Grand, a new premier tier that recognises exceptional Sheraton hotels and resorts in enticing destinations, with distinguished designs, and excellence in service and guest experiences. Starwood has revealed the first ten Sheraton Grand properties, which span from Bangalore to Beijing, Dubai to Edinburgh, Miyazaki to Seoul, Taipei to Bangkok, and Tokyo to Rio de Janeiro. By the end of the year, Starwood expects to have 50 newly-designated Sheraton Grand hotels around the world with plans for 100 by early 2017.

The Sheraton Grand designation signifies an exemplary hotel offering for both guests and local communities, with hallmarks including:

• Dynamic guestrooms and public spaces exhibiting sophisticated design and elevated finishes
• Resorts, convention properties, and urban hotels that offer unrivalled standards of service and outperform guest satisfaction benchmarks
• Desirable and sought-after locations ranging from primary city settings to spectacular beachfronts
• Impressive hotel amenities, including top-rated restaurant concepts and renowned chefs, superior gyms, unique Sheraton Club lounges, and an array of idyllic spa options
• Inspiring and state-of-the-art function space for events, meetings, and conferences

As Sheraton Grand formally launches worldwide, the tier will also encompass a number of existing properties that historically list Grand or Grande in their title and also demonstrate the best of the brand.

Set among the 365-acre grounds of Rockliffe Hall, the County Durham estate’s new spa garden was officially launched earlier this month.

Rockliffe Hall’s new outdoor spa garden facility

The spa garden, developed following a £1 million investment, has two outdoor hot pools- including one with an infinity edge hydrotherapy pool with massage features and a separate warm jacuzzi, under-floor heated decking, lounging areas, a traditional glass-fronted sauna cabin, a fire pit, a water feature, landscaped gardens with views across Rockliffe Hall’s grounds and heated relaxation loungers.

Work started on the new development in January with local contractors, Wharton Construction in Darlington, managing the project. The original vision was designed by Sparc studio and Rockliffe Hall also worked with architects Xsite.

Rockliffe Hall’s new outdoor spa garden facility

Rockliffe Hall’s spa manager, Victoria Lees, said: “The spa garden was something that we always aspired to have to constantly offer our guests something new. This has been in the planning and development for five years so it’s incredibly exciting to now see it all coming together.

“We are such a popular spa that there was a definite need to expand and clients have always fed back to us that the only thing that we were missing was outdoor hot tubs. As a five star resort, we always strive to exceed expectations and want to stay ahead of the competition and this will certainly set us apart,” she added.

Rockliffe Hall’s new outdoor spa garden facility

The Lyra chair from Gallery Direct’s Hudson Living range is a très chic, scroll back occasional chair, available as a single or 2 seater version. Featuring soft-touch, brushed fabric in a timeless light grey hue, the Lyra would make a stylish feature in either a contemporary or more traditional interior. The single chair is also available in a striking paisley design which could be used as an individual feature piece or to complement the grey chairs.

For more information, please contact Gallery Direct via their website: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

Scheduled to open in December 2015 on the island of Hokkaido, The Westin Rusutsu Resort is located close to a number of mountain ranges, slopes and ski operations and is set to attract skiers and snowboarders looking to visit one of the country’s most popular year-round resorts for winter recreational activities. Featuring 210 guest rooms, including suites that offer up to seven beds for large groups or families, the accommodations will be equipped with the signature Westin amenities including the Heavenly® Bed and the Heavenly® Bath experience.

An extensive range of leisure facilities are also available including the WestinWORKOUT® studio, tennis courts, hot spring, a sauna and outdoor baths.

The Westin Rusutsu Resort will also offer three dining venues and more than 110 square meters of meeting room facilities for hire.

The Westin Rusutsu Resort is a conversion property owned by Kamori Kanko Co., Ltd and managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

“We are excited to partner with Kamori Kanko to debut Westin in Rusutsu and are eager to introduce the region to the brand’s signature wellness programs and amenities, which are perfect for this famed ski location,” said Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President, Acquisition & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. “This signing demonstrates the success of our conversion-strategy that is helping to fuel the growth momentum of Starwood in the region.”

The historic Hotel Alex Johnson has recently joined Curio – A Collection by Hilton sporting a blend of American Western, German and Native American culture.Located in the heart of downtown Rapid City and near Main Street Square, Hotel Alex Johnson Rapid City, Curio Collection by Hilton is a boutique upscale hotel with 143 spacious guest rooms, a newly-renovated 24-hour fitness centre, three dining options, nearly 8,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and a grand ballroom.

Built in 1928 by railroad magnate Alex Johnson, the hotel has a distinct interior style, fusing the unique history of the region with modern flare. The carefully restored bricks in the lobby and ‘four sacred directions’ symbols are a tribute to the area’s Native American culture and beliefs. It also incorporates Johnson’s German heritage and love of the Sioux culture, referenced in the hand-painted Sioux designs in the lobby.

The hotel’s dining options includes a full service Starbucks in the lobby; Paddy O’Neills Pub and Vertex Skybar, an upscale rooftop venue featuring indoor and outdoor seating with sweeping views of the downtown Rapid City skyline and the Black Hills.

“Hotel Alex Johnson combines an ideal location with a historic setting for an authentic guest experience, and has also hosted six U.S. presidents and numerous celebrities and dignitaries,” said Dianna Vaughan, global head, Curio – A Collection by Hilton. “With its location just steps from the popular Art Alley – an iconic tribute to local artists and their creativity – and just a short drive from Mount Rushmore and all the iconic Black Hills have to offer, this beautiful hotel makes a perfect addition as the first Midwest property in our growing global collection of remarkable upscale and luxury hotels.”

Construction is underway on a new Indigo hotel in Yangzhou, China. Mott MacDonald is acting as mechanical, electrical and plumbing consultant on the project on behalf of Yangzhou Wansheng Industry.Designed in the style of the Tang dynasty, the hotel will be operated by InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) and provide 122 guest rooms. It will cover a total floor area of 18,000 square metres, split between a 9142 sq m three storey tower and an 8505 sq m basement. Over 70 parking spaces will also be provided on site.

Mott MacDonald’s scope of works includes schematic, preliminary and fitting out design, construction design, shop drawing, equipment and material reviews, providing technical advice during tender negotiations, site quality inspections and defect checking.

Jie Cheng, Mott MacDonald’s project director, said: “IHG are targeting this project for their green standard, so sustainable features such as energy recycling, LED lighting and ground source heat pumps are to be incorporated into the project’s final design.”

The project is due to be completed in the third quarter of 2017.

The recently refurbished Bovey Castle has now unveiled its new spa – a ‘place of luxury and sheer indulgence’ – to mark the completion of the first phase of its £2 million transformation project.Treatment rooms and public areas have been transformed to offer a country retreat experience with a distinctly Art Deco feel, featuring glamorous black and silver décor, an open-plan waiting area with stunning views over Dartmoor, refurbished oversized showers and a new Champagne Nail Room.

The six treatment rooms now include a dedicated space for men, a feature that is unique to country house hotels. Gents are offered traditional male grooming, including a luxury wet shave, using products from renowned British brand Truefitt & Hill, as well as full massage and body treatments.

Bovey Castle has also launched a new range of ESPA treatments for both men and women, ranging from facials, massages and holistic treatments to waxing, manicures and pedicures.

The spa refurbishment is part of the first phase of a £2m restoration of the country house estate, which also includes an 18-hole championship golf course, country lodges and an outdoor-pursuits centre.

The Eden Hotel Collection, the AA Small Hotel Group of the Year 2014 / 2015, has now renovated the entire ground floor of the hotel, also transforming the restaurant, bistro and public rooms and adding a boutique shop.

Mark Chambers, Managing Director of the Eden Hotel Collection, says: “We’re absolutely delighted with what we have achieved with our spa at Bovey Castle, which has a lovely synergy with the rest of the refurbishment throughout the hotel.

“Our new partnership with ESPA is a great addition to our offering, as is the male-focused section which is a fast-growing market. Early feedback from guests has been hugely positive.”

The spa, housed in the Orangery, also boasts an indoor Art Deco pool overlooking the sun terrace and the River Bovey, a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. The hotel gym is stocked with a full range of Precor, cardiovascular and strength equipment.

The next stage of the Bovey Castle refurbishment programme involves the renovation of the bedrooms and bathrooms in the main house and of the country lodges. There will also be further investment in the championship golf course.

Located just outside central London, the London Marriott Hotel Maida Vale boasts 237 rooms and suites with 32-inch flat screen TVs and high speed internet access. It has recently undergone a small refurbishment and Max International were proud to supply a range of products to the public areas.Working harmoniously with the existing design scheme, Max International were commissioned to manufacture a new concierge desk for the reception area, hi-fi storage cabinet, high tables with stools, bar and lounge chairs for Bar Hermia.

Marriott are a long standing client of Max International and we enjoy a fantastic relationship with the very professional people in the organisation across the UK estate.

Leading bathroom brand Roca is inviting visitors to explore ‘New Horizons. Bathroom. Emotions. Solutions’ when it exhibits at Sleep 2015 in London on 24 – 25 November.Presenting solutions for intelligent and sustainable hotel bathroom design, Roca will showcase new collections and innovations, some marking UK debuts.

Central to the Roca stand within the Design Gallery will be the new Inspira collection, being seen for the first time in the UK. This much-anticipated collection has been developed around a seamless balance between aesthetic aspiration and functionality while encompassing sanitaryware available in the three shapes that respond to modern bathroom trends – Round, Soft and Square.

Visitors to the Sleep event will also be among the first to learn of Modo, a new collection of basins, bathtubs and shower trays made entirely from Roca’s innovative made-to-measure materials Surfex®.

See Roca on Stand DG7 at the Sleep Event, from 24-25 November at the Business Design Centre, London. For more information on Roca products and hotel solutions, visit www.uk.roca.com
Examples from the ‘Inspira’ collection, which will make its UK debut at Sleep 2015

World-renowned carpet manufacturer Brintons has worked in partnership with esteemed Dutch designer Marcel Wanders to supply a unique range of carpets for the spectacular Kameha Grand Zurich. Created by tecArchitecture and designed by Marcel Wanders, the hotel’s interior is inspired by Swiss culture.

Brintons has worked in partnership with esteemed Dutch designer Marcel Wanders to supply a unique range of carpets for the spectacular Kameha Grand Zurich

Chocolate patterned wall panelling combined with door handles and mini bars resembling bank safes are contemporary, iconic Swiss references featured throughout the rooms.

The hotel was a year in development and 8.000,00 m2 of custom Axminster carpet was installed throughout the bedrooms, conference rooms, hallways and even on one of the walls of a premier bedroom. Over 6.000,00 m2 of underlay was also installed to help create a comfortable and stylish finish.

Iconic Swiss references are featured throughout all of the rooms

The hotel incorporates functionality with style, with rooms featuring a working office space alongside decadent furnishings for both business and leisure.

Andrew Howell, designer for Brintons, said: “The luxury and opulence of the hotel is reflected within the rich design of the carpet and range of deep colours used.”

Andrew Howell: “The uniqueness of the carpet adds to the individuality of the whole hotel, you will never find the design in another hotel…”

Opened in March 2015, the hotel features 245 rooms featuring six business suites, 11 themed suites, two Executive Suites , the King Kameha Suite, a Space Suite, the Kameha Spa, two restaurants as well as a convention centre.

Howell added: “The uniqueness of the carpet adds to the individuality of the whole hotel, you will never find the design in another hotel.”

A flurry of Mercure hotels have recently opened across the globe following extensive refurbishments as Accor accelerates its ambitious expansion plans within the four star market. Located in the heart of Devon, the Mercure Exeter Southgate has opened following a redesign of the reception, Gate House restaurant, bar, lounge, terrace and all 156 bedrooms.

The interior design scheme for the hotel draws inspiration from Exeter’s Roman and Medieval history including the Cathedral Library’s Exeter Book, a tenth century Anglo-Saxon poetry anthology, along with inspiration from the Richard Hooker Statue, Custom House and River Exe.

The entrance to the hotel has been designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests using luxurious fabrics and feature furniture complemented with rich tones and delicate historical design references.

The Exeter Book has been a strong source of influence in the design which is evoked in the calligraphy inspired wallpaper, feature page light shades and script collage flooring. An Old English type from the manuscript is woven into carpets in the bar and lounge and is featured on design details throughout the hotel. Lampshades and cushions depict individual gargoyles from the cathedral and a Domesday map has been re-created in the lobby area.

The Gate House Restaurant & Bar has been repositioned and restyled and it now features a variety of private dining and lounge seating areas. A focus on locally sourced food, including a weekly ‘Fish Friday special catch’ supports the weekly seasonal menu along with a new 24-hour menu and specialty wine list.

All 156 bedrooms have been refurbished in stages over the course of the past few years, including three executive suites which now boast a King size bed, living room, dressing area and bathroom with walk-in shower and air conditioning.

84 bathrooms have been re-designed focussing on the importance of soft lighting and incorporating earthly materials representing the sandstone for which the city’s foundations are built.

The Mercure Exeter Southgate features seven multi-functional meeting rooms with conference facilities for up to 180 people. The hotel also offers an 18-metre indoor heated pool, Swedish sauna and gym.

From the chic sophistication of Cassidy to the alluring glamour of Boston, these latest two collections from Newmor certainly create an impact. Cassidy, a tailored stitched-leather block design has been beautifully crafted to simulate the look and feel of fine leather. This handsome collection combines a custom leather texture emboss with the chic shimmer of pearlescent inks in 15 of the most current colours.

Suzanne Edwards, Design Manager at Newmor describes the end result, ‘the distinguished look of Cassidy adds character to interiors wanting a refined aesthetic. From hotels, boardrooms and banks to libraries, lounges and VIP suites, Cassidy brings a new level of chic and sophistication’.

Boston allures us with its glamorous and reflective vertical stripe texture. Available in 25 on-trend colours, this multi-level embossed design encompasses columns of stacked beads between bands of narrow striate. Pearlescent and metallic inks capture the light and add a striking dimensional effect. A contemporary classic, Boston’s versatile design is ideal for a range of interior spaces, including hospitality, corporate and retail.

Suzanne Edwards explains the inspiration behind Boston, ‘the starting point was a piece of art. We liked the unique approach of designing a stripe with columns of carved out beads. We accentuated the effect with metallic and pearlescent inks to add reflection and create the alluring glamour of Boston’.

In partnership with real estate developer, Dubai Properties, Starwood Hotels & Resorts have announced three Aloft and one Element branded hotels are expected to open in 2018, introducing 816 rooms in Dubai ahead of the Dubai World Expo 2020.Naaman Atallah, CEO of Dubai Properties, said: “As Dubai prepares itself to host a memorable World Expo 2020, Dubai Properties is proud to sign a four-hotel deal with Starwood Hotels & Resorts. The hotels under the Aloft and Element brands will offer two new concepts to the existing mid-market category in the Emirate, which will emerge as a vital segment in the run to the exposition. The time is right to launch new hospitality projects as demand for new hotel rooms continues to increase and culminate around this major event. Going forward, Dubai Properties will continue to offer modern, elegant, and cost-effective hospitality solutions for the emirate’s booming tourism industry.”

Aloft Dubai Dubiotech
Featuring 227 guest rooms, Aloft Dubai Dubiotech will be located in the world’s first free zone area dedicated to the life science industry. The hotel is 20km from the Dubai International Airport and 40 km from the new Dubai World Central International Airport. The hotel will also be equipped with three meeting rooms.

Aloft Dubai Studio City
Aloft Dubai Studio City comprises of 200 guests rooms, meeting space of up to 120 sqm and all of Aloft’s signature brand elements. The hotel is located in Dubai Studio City, a part of Dubai Media City that drives business in broadcast, movie, television and music production. Located 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport and the city centre, Dubai Studio City is easily accessible from all areas of Dubai.

Aloft Dubai IMPZ
Aloft Dubai IMPZ is located in Dubai’s dedicated media production zone, International Media Production Zone (IMPZ). The hotel will offer 221 guest rooms and will serve as a hub for the art, printing, publishing and media production businesses in the area.

Element Dubai IMPZ
Element, Starwood’s eco-innovation lab, is designed for today’s healthy, active traveller, with a nature-inspired design philosophy that is clean, modern and bright. Element IMPZ will offer guests 168 studio accommodations and double rooms for guests to relax and recharge from the stress of travelling. Signature amenities range from healthy RISE breakfast and RELAX evening reception to saline swimming pools, spacious fitness centres, bikes-to-borrow and electric vehicle charging stations.

Alton Towers have placed a planning application with Staffordshire planning authorities for the ‘development and extension to an existing hotel’. The plans also cover the demolition of the existing spa conservatory.The specific plans replace the previously approved Alton Towers Hotel extension. While these plans are still classed as an extension it appears to be more of a separate hotel with its own reception area and adjacent parking. The building will link with the existing Alton Towers Hotel building around the current Spa and then run behind the Alton Towers Hotel lake.

Alton Towers hotel expansion plans, set to start construction in February 2016 (Photo from TowersStreet.com)

The extension is to be four storeys high, the same as the current hotel with room access via two lifts. The new extension will have a total of 74 rooms sleeping 5 to 6 people in each.
63 of these will be standard rooms, with a further 3 which will be disabled accessible.

These are planned to consist of:
• A main room with a double bed and small seating area
• A bathroom including a bath with shower
• A separate sleeping area for children that contains a bunk bed with a truckle bed below that can be pulled out if needed.

Alton Towers hotel expansion plans, set to start construction in February 2016 (Photo from TowersStreet.com)

There will also be 6 suites, 2 of which will be disabled accessible. These will also offer the same double and bunk beds as the standard rooms, with the addition sofa bed – therefore potentially sleeping up to 7.

Overall the hotel extension will increase the resorts room offering by 14%. Although there are no extensive details on the interiors of the rooms, the windows of the bedrooms have been made bigger in comparison to the previous application. The planning documents state this is to suit the hotel’s ‘premium’ offering.

Alton Towers hotel expansion plans, set to start construction in February 2016 (Photo from TowersStreet.com)

The building will have two new food and beverage areas: a new buffet restaurant for 204 guests, this will overlook a new ‘sunken’ garden near the lake, and a separate bar/cafe area that includes its own entertainment area. Both of these are to be located on the ground floor level with a double height ceiling.

It is understood that construction of the hotel will commence in February 2016 with expected handover in June 2017. The hotel is then anticipated to be open to the public by the summer of 2017.

Plans for a 224-room dual-branded Aloft and Element hotel have been announced between Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Atlantic Hotels Group and Civitas Capital Group for the Love Field area in Dallas, Texas with a projected cost of over $40 million.The project is the first of several joint hotel projects between Civitas and Atlantic within the DFW Metroplex. The architects for this project is 5G Studios and Clark Contractors is the general contractor. Aloft and Element Dallas Love Field are set to open in December 2016.

Constructed within one multi-storey building, the Aloft and Element Dallas Love Field property will share an entrance point, but will have separate ground-floor public areas and lifts. Shared facilities include 6,500sqft meeting space, outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre.

Aloft Dallas Love Field will include 133 rooms and will include their signature amenities such as: re:fuel, Aloft’s one-stop grab & go food and beverage area, and W XYZ® bar.

Element Dallas Love Field will feature 91 studios with fully equipped kitchens and spa-inspired bathrooms. Signature amenities include the complimentary RISE breakfast and RELAX evening reception.

The building, which is expected to receive the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, will be part of West Love, a 37-acre development that will also feature apartments and more than 24,000 square feet of retail space.

“Aloft and Element will bring new energy to the Dallas Love Field lodging market by offering travellers the choice of two distinct lifestyle brands in close proximity to the airport, the central business district and leading attractions,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “An industry leader in the eco-space, Element fuels a life of balance with its emphasis on wellness and sustainability, while Aloft is designed to meet the needs of the evolving global traveller with its unique design aesthetic and live music scene at the W XYZ® Bar.”

Hilton London Euston has revealed plans to invest more than £8 million increasing the number of rooms within the hotel, refurbishing the existing rooms and creating a brand new fitness centre.
Guest room at the Hilton London Euston

Also on the agenda is the creation of additional bedrooms to cater for the increase in demand for hotel rooms in the area. In total, 17 rooms will be created, some from current space conversion and some through hotel expansion. All 150 guest rooms will also be refurbished to reflect the sophisticated heritage of the local Bloomsbury area including references to the cultural, literary, artistic and social links in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Situated within walking distance of Euston Square tube station and the Euston and King’s Cross St. Pancras railway stations, the Hilton London Euston is perfectly positioned for business and leisure travellers to the capital.

Mark Roth, cluster general manager, Hilton London Euston and Paddington, said, “We are thrilled to be unveiling our renovation plans for our guest rooms and public areas. We have planned this based on our loyal guests’ feedback and our desire to continue to develop our services to meet the requirements of our existing and future guests.

“We hope to start welcoming people to our first refurbished bedrooms by the beginning of September and we are confident that both business and leisure guests will fully enjoy the new facilities”.

Trends in hotel design are on the shift again. With the exponential rise of technology and the seemingly unstoppable march towards a fully integrated digital world – or ‘Internet of Things’ — incorporating this world into the physical space will be the next big challenge for designers.With this in mind, both procurement professionals and hoteliers should be putting the Hotel Summit very near the top of their list of must-attend events this year.

Taking place at the Hilton London Wembley hotel on 14 September, Forum Events is delighted to present this unique, tailor-made event with invaluable networking opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. With specifically chosen, face-to-face meetings with pre-selected suppliers from industries as varied as bathroom fittings, flooring and security; its excellent speakers — including Vanessa Brady OBE and Qbic’s Julie Fawcett – and its opportunities to forge new connections, the Hotel Summit is an opportunity too good to miss. And both delegates and suppliers agree.

A representative from Precor said of last year’s event: “Our first time exhibiting, but found it highly beneficial as we got to discuss the hospitality sector with different levels of contacts – ones that we would not normally meet, very helpful and insightful.” And a delegate from Hinton Firs added: “I was unsure whether to attend but found the Hotel Summit excellent for networking, making new contacts and sharing good practice.”

Avoid making bad budgeting decisions or supplier choices and make time to attend the Hotel Summit with its ‘no-timed-wasted’, limited competition approach, and it will be the best business decision you’ll make all year. A recent attendee from Rogerthorpe Manor said the event was “extremely rewarding and worthy of recommendation”. It’s hard to disagree.

For further information or to book your place for the 2015 Summit please contact Jade Oliver on 01992 374054 or j.oliver@forumevents.co.uk. Alternatively, contact Luke Webster on 01992 374074 or l.webster@forumevents.co.uk.

Visitors to Sleep 2015 (24 – 25 November) at Business Design Centre, London will see some stunning, innovative products from leading Swiss bathroom manufacturer, Laufen.One of the highlights from Laufen at Sleep 2015 will be the UK introduction of Val, designed by the award winning German designer Konstantin Grcic using SaphirKeramik. Featuring simple architectural lines, extremely slim rims and thin walls, combined with a fine surface structure, the Val collection includes washbasins, furniture, storage dishes and a bathtub.

Visitors to Sleep will also be able to see the Ino bathroom collection designed by Toan Nguyen, featuring SaphirKeramik and also including a freestanding bath and matching furniture.

On the Laufen stand, hotel designs can discuss their requirements and customisation options with the Laufen ranges. The Global Projects Team can be found on Stand G21 from 24 – 25 November 2015.

For more information on Laufen products and solutions for hotels visit www.laufen.com.

Located near the southern stretch of the Ural Mountains, in the oil-rich capital of the Republic of Bashkortostan, is the newly developed Sheraton® Ufa Hotel.
Exterior shot of Sheraton Ufa (Photo: Business Wire)

The 150-room Sheraton Ufa has been designed by internationally recognised Christian Lundwall. The hotel also features 11 suites with air conditioning, fully stocked minibar and high-speed internet.

With more than 9,500 square feet of function space which spans a ballroom and 13 meeting rooms, Sheraton Ufa is an ideal choice for meetings and events. Onsite audio-visual technology and an outstanding events team caters for every requirement.

For leisure, Sheraton Ufa contains the Shine Spa for Sheraton™, Sheraton® Fitness Center and Sheraton Club® lounge. The Novum Restaurant features a diverse menu of international fusion dishes à la carte. The lobby provides further space where guests can relax while enjoying unique cocktails and memorable culinary dishes.

“Ufa, as an emerging market, presents another tremendous expansion opportunity for Sheraton, and we are proud to be the first internationally branded upscale property to open in the region,” said Dave Marr, Global Brand Leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. “Sheraton Ufa builds on the brand’s first mover advantage and we are excited to partner with Granelle Real Estate LLC to grow the Sheraton brand in Russia.”

After an eight year break, Tektura Wallcoverings will once again be exhibiting at Decorex International.Launching over 19 new designs for the hotel and high-end residential interiors market, this season’s introductions include many fabric-backed vinyl wallcoverings.

Here’s a glimpse at what’s on offer:

Quartz Block: Combines swirls of colour and shimmering metallic foils with dramatic effect. Reminiscent of artisanal marbled papers, the design comes in five refined colour ways.

Amphora: Is a new iridescent cork tile effect wallcovering available in a range of pearls and metallics. This versatile design embraces the character of cork and distressed plaster whilst retaining a feel of luxury and depth.

Shibori: Is a large scaled ikat stripe design with a classic silk texture. Colours include black and gold, indigo and silver, as well as subtle neutral shades. Also available is a plain coordinate, Shibori Silk.

Alongside these, Tektura are also introducing Rare Finds, a brand new collection of specialist high-end surfaces from around the world. Rare Finds are hand made wallcoverings and tiles using gold, copper and silver leaf, silk threads, resin and glass beads. The range further expands Tektura’s far-reaching product range for the high-end residential and hotel market.

Weaving Loom is just one of the selected designs included in Rare Finds: metal leaf is impressed with a weave texture forming an opulent and luminescent effect.

Visit Tekura on stand H28 to be among the first to see all of the new designs.

Officially opened on the 17th August 2015 by the mayor of Middlesbrough, the 138-room Holiday Inn Express Middlesbrough marks the completion of a landmark regeneration project in the city.

£12.4 million was invested developing the formerly vacant Albert Road property by Ashall Projects, assisted by Middlesbrough Council. It took just over 12 months to complete the renovation with Redefine|BDL Hotels taking on the management of the property.

The Cook and Endeavour House building in central Middlesbrough had lain vacant for more than 15 years before the regeneration project to convert it into the Holiday Inn Express began last year.

Mark Ashall, director of Ashall Projects, said: “We are very pleased to complete this important regeneration project on time and within budget. We are very grateful for the contribution of the professional team, the contractor Bowmer and Kirkland and the Council in achieving this result and are confident that the new hotel will go from strength to strength.”

Facilities at the Holiday Inn Express Middlesbrough includes two bars, two meeting rooms and a variety of guest rooms.

Three more Element hotels are set to open in the next four years in Greater China according to Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.The Chinese government’s commitment to environmental protection means the Element brand is well-positioned to meet growing demands with its sustainable programming and nature-inspired room offerings.

Element Hotels set to open in Greater China by 2019 include:
Element Chongli (2017): Situated in Zhangjiakou, Chongli County, Hebei Province, the 150-room hotel has an ideal setting in Sitaizui Village, a vibrant ski area surrounded by mountains.

Element Sanya Haitang Bay (2018): Surrounded by mountains with breathtaking beach views, the 204-room Element Sanya Haitang Bay will be located in the Haitang Bay District in the southern part of Hainan Island, known as the Hawaii of the East.

Element Tianjin Beichen (2019): The 200 room hotel will overlook the Northern Canal of the Hai River, with sites such as the Tianjin Eye, a 120-meter Ferris wheel, and the 336-meter Tianjin Tower, and a skyscraper with an observation deck.

Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town is located in the heart of Suzhou National New & Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone (SND). Prior to opening its doors in June 2015, Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town was voted the “Most Anticipated Green Hotel of China” at the 10th China Hotel Starlight Awards 2015. Other accolades include the Asia Pacific Property Awards for 5-Star Best Hotel Architecture and, as the highest scoring winner in its category, the hotel will also represent Asia Pacific to compete against other winning projects from around the world at the year-end prestigious International Property Awards.

The Solo furniture collection from Bauhaus is the ideal solution for smaller bathrooms.

Featuring a generously proportioned storage draw, the contemporary wall-hanging design combines functionality and sleek good looks in a space-saving bathroom unit. Finished in a polished high-gloss lacquer, Solo is available in five distinctive colours: Azure, Quartz, Graphite, White Gloss and Calico.

Featuring subtly curved edges and a sleek handless drawer front, Solo also includes a hardwearing inset basin with additional worktop space for storing essentials close to hand.

Teamed with the coordinating Solo back-lit mirror, the Solo Unit will create a functional yet eye-catching focal point in the bathroom.

It’s been one of the most hotly anticipated hotel openings for months and this September, W Hotels – part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts – makes its much buzzed-about arrival in the Dutch capital with W Amsterdam.

The debut of the contemporary design-led lifestyle brand, signature Whatever/Whenever® service philosophy and a full calendar of exclusive W Happenings, showcasing what’s new and next in design, fashion and music has been exciting the hotel design community for weeks.

Housed between two iconic properties — the ‘Exchange’, the former Telephone Exchange building, and the ‘Bank’, originally the KAS Bank, the 238-room W Amsterdam was designed by Office WINHOV, who were responsible for the structural design of the buildings and BK Architects, who imagined and created the interiors. The hotel will mix the individual personalities of both buildings, bringing the historical structures back to their original state while incorporating contemporary and luxurious features.

The Exchange building is a visionary structure made up of interesting lines, integrated spaces and captivating views that echo its previous role of connecting the people of Amsterdam with the rest of the world. The Bank building, opening fully in late 2015, will house 66 guest rooms.

For visitors looking to stay and play, the 238 stylish guest rooms — including 21 suites, two WOW suites and two lavish Extreme WOW suites — the brand’s take on the Presidential suite, are the ultimate in stylish relaxation. Guests will be able to enter their rooms using SPG Keyless, the hospitality industry’s first keyless entry system allowing guests to use their smartphone or Apple watch as a room key.

Taking reference from the iconic Dam Square, the rooms in the Exchange building will provide an elevated sense of space with high ceilings and wide windows. BK Architects has worked with local designers to bring the flavour of Amsterdam to life in every room.

From hand-woven bedspreads designed by Bertjan Pot that depict small stories of Dutch culture, to curtains imprinted with classic Amsterdam canal houses and shower cabins inspired by traditional Dutch phone booths, each room will immerse guests in the city. The rooms and suites in the Bank building will have an exclusive look and feel with black and gold bedspreads inspired by the original bank vaults, and pillows that represent the distinctive Amsterdam windowsills.

Embracing the history of the building, W Lounge will feature over 5km of copper pipes, paying tribute to the telephone wires and electricity lines that exchanged information on a daily basis when the building was home to Telephone Exchange.

Bold gold lines printed on the windows, specially produced by global glass manufacturer Saint Gobain, and a distinctive set of stairs that mimic the steps of Dam Square on the streets below, complete the unique design.

W Amsterdam will be opening its doors on September 21st.

With style, comfort and hygiene in mind, Roca has extended two of its best-selling sanitaryware ranges to include new WCs – the Nexo wall-hung rimless and The Gap comfort height WC.Compatible with all Roca Duplo concealed cisterns, the Nexo rimless WC operates with an ECO flush of 4.5/3 litres, helping to reduce water consumption while always delivering a powerful performance. With the pan mounted securely to the installation system behind the wall, the cistern is neatly concealed for a seamless finish.

The Gap comfort height WC, meanwhile, is available as either back-to-wall or close-coupled, both of which have a seat height of 480mm. Compared to a standard WC with a height of 400mm, The Gap comfort height helps to future-proof the bathroom, ensuring those with mobility issues can use the bathroom as comfortably.

The back-to-wall pan is compatible with Roca’s Basic Tank Compact concealed cistern and operates a 4.5/3litre dual flush for reduced water consumption.

Both the Nexo wall-hung rimless WC and The Gap comfort height can be easily combined with other sanitaryware and furniture in the Roca collection for a co-ordinated finish in the modern bathroom.

The 1st September will see the opening of the Park Plaza Berlin Kudamm in the former building of the art’otel berlin kudamm and within sight of the famous Kurfürstendamm boulevard. 133 rooms will be redeveloped and repositioned in line with Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts branding and will feature new furnishings, modern shower partitions and additional cupboard space in over half of the rooms. In-room equipment will include flat-screen televisions, air-conditioning, mini bar and free WiFi.

For business users, two conference rooms with natural daylight and extensive audio visual presentation technology will be available for hire.

Thomas Borsbach, Regional General Manager PPHE Hotel Group, Germany & Hungary, says: “It’s an extremely exciting time for Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts as we expand with new openings in London and Nuremberg. Berlin is a key market for us, where our hotels are based in key inner-city locations such as Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg. With the opening of Park Plaza Berlin Kudamm, we occupy a popular area around the famous Kurfürstendamm boulevard, which is ideal for business and leisure guests. Along with our collection of two art’otels in Berlin, we have now increased Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts’ presence in Berlin to provide contemporary accommodation in several in-demand and central locations throughout the city.”

Hotel Director for Park Plaza Berlin Kudamm, Ralph Schroedter, comments: “I’m delighted to be able to welcome holidaymakers and business clients to the first Park Plaza & Resorts hotel to be located in Berlin’s western part. With a postcode of this calibre, only a few steps from the Ku’damm, we look forward to further strengthening our presence within Berlin’s vibrant offering.”

The 1920s inspired interior design at the ibis Styles Crewe is a modern tribute to the classic car and vintage steam train heritage of Crewe, once a thriving centre for the transport industry. Guests at the 112-room hotel will discover vintage car seats, 1920s inspired cocktails and a tongue-in-cheek design scheme which tells the unique story of Crewe’s history.
ibis Styles Crewe

Inge Van Ooteghem, SVP Operations Economy and Budget Hotels, comments: “We are delighted to open ibis Styles Crewe – a hotel with a fantastic story to tell and a brilliant product for local, business and leisure guests to enjoy.

“Now is a very exciting time for ibis Styles, with a further three hotels set to open in the coming months in Birmingham, Haydock and Barnsley. As is synonymous with the Styles brand, each will have its own totally unique story and personality. Ibis Styles is a growing economy brand in the UK. It combines all the comfort and quality of the ibis brand with stylish design features that makes every hotel unique and tells a story.”

The art deco theme runs throughout the hotel with furnishings featuring bold geometric shapes and patterns similar to those found on vintage train upholstered seats. For added theme detailing, stacks of weathered suitcases, bright yellow factory stools and real vintage car seats complete the look.

The lobby features leather chesterfield sofas and a large canvas wall scene from the Rolls Royce factory in the 1940s, illuminated by old train carriage lights.

Rooms are similarly decorated with train murals and a railway-inspired headboard, seamlessly joining the whole scheme together.

1 Hotel Central Park, the first New York City location of Starwood Capital Group’s ‘1 Hotel’ brand opened earlier this month, one block south of Central Park.The 111,000-square-foot, 18-storey, 229-room hotel is part of Starwood’s socially conscious brand, 1 Hotels, and has been designed by Gwathmey Siegel Kaufman & Associates Architects (GKSA).

In keeping with the brand’s high-design, low-impact approach, the hotel was created from an existing structure and also has an arresting three-story exterior greenwall of English Ivy. For both the construction and furnishings, natural, reclaimed and repurposed wood, bricks, marble, stone and glass from local suppliers have been used wherever possible. Guestrooms incorporate hewn beams and timbers from New York barns and factories, while the hotel’s façade incorporates redwood staves from New York City water tanks.

Gene Kaufman, principal of Gwathmey Siegel Kaufman said: “This project presented two creative challenges. The first was an existing structure not inherently conducive to commercial use and with a tenant in place on the top floor. The second was the chance to work with legendary hotel developer Barry Sternlicht on a new brand that would have the highest standards and appeal to the hotel market today and in the future.

“Gwathmey Siegel Kaufman met both challenges, designing a building whose architecture speaks for itself and helping to create a brand that will be the benchmark for signature hotels from here on out as W Hotels were before it,” he added.

Nature and the outdoors form the centerpiece of the LEED-certified hotel’s design. In addition to the three-storey exterior greenwall, guests will find kokedamas (a kind of bonsai covered in green moss) hanging in the lobby and terrariums and indoor window planters in the guestrooms.

The hotel’s fixtures continue the eco-friendly theme, with low-flow plumbing fixtures, LED lighting fixtures, and motion sensors to reduce electricity use. Amenities are made of renewable and reclaimed products where possible and eco-friendly dry cleaning is available. JAMS, the 116-seat restaurant and bar of celebrated chef Jonathan Waxman, focuses on farm-to-table cuisine.

In addition to the restaurant and guest accommodations, the hotel offers communal work, meeting and private dining space; a 24-hour fitness centre; and a host of other amenities. Consultants on 1 Hotel Central Park included landscape design firm Harrison Green and the interiors firm AvroKo Hospitality.

The Chilson is a beautifully crafted modern sideboard featuring solid French oak offset with a dramatic concrete resin top. The standard of manufacture and materials used along with the attention to detail of this high quality piece is fantastic, from hand cast bronze hardware to soft close drawer runners and hinges.This dramatic sideboard looks stunning either as an individual feature piece or combined with the coordinating Chilson Trestle Dining Tables which are available in 2 sizes to seat either 6 or 8.

For more information, please contact Gallery Direct via their website: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

Opening in the heart of Downtown Fort Lauderdale, South Florida in spring 2017 is the dual-branded development with the city’s only rooftop bar and 12,000 square feet of premium ground-floor retail space.The 323-room development by The Wurzak Hotel Group and DoveHill will be divided between a 209-room Tribute Portfolio hotel and a 114-room Element hotel. Both hotels will share facilities including a “sky lobby” on the 7th floor with a high-design bar, expanded fitness centre, and an indoor/outdoor pool deck on the 24th floor featuring cabanas, tropical landscaping and sweeping ocean views.

Guests will enter through a shared street-level entrance and take elevators to each hotel’s distinct branded lobby and guestrooms.

The development will also include a three-meal restaurant accessible through the lobby, a variety of ground-floor retail offerings with a separate street-level entrance and a 206-space parking deck.

The 24-story project will begin this autumn with the downtown Ft. Lauderdale property becoming the newest addition to Tribute Portfolio™, Starwood’s 10th brand and second collection of independent hotels. The new Element in downtown Fort Lauderdale will feature light-filled studios with a fluid design of modular furniture, fully equipped kitchens, and spa-inspired bathrooms.

MK Electric, the UK’s leading manufacturer of wiring accessories, now offers a new extended range of combination plates for a complete multimedia solution within their Elements, Aspect and Edge portfolios.
Aspect Combi Plate 2G Socket and 2 x 2 Euro Module

Nadine Deery, Channel Marketing Manager says: “Contractors and electricians serving businesses and residences, from apartments to hotels and offices, are under increasing pressure to provide wiring accessories with total flexibility and easy access to power, all by the side of a bed or integrated into a desk. The problem they come up against is accommodating customer demand for increased functionality while still maintaining the aesthetic of a room.

MK Electric’s extended combination plate offering can accommodate a number of power and data configurations to solve just about any modern specifying dilemma, while fitting the style and expression of a room.”

Designed with versatility in mind, the combination plate offers a comprehensive multimedia solution for interior designers and architects to specify on their projects. The solution offers 5 configurations and can accommodate a number of power and data configurations which are available in 29 standard finishes. For ultimate flexibility, MK’s Design Service also offers bespoke solutions for colour, material and finish.

Elements Combi Plate 2G Socket and 1 x 2 Euro Module

Users can select between MK Electric’s vast euro module portfolio, which could include a collaboration of datacoms, telecoms, plus TV and satellite modules to create bespoke outlet combinations.

MK’s euro module range also includes the award-winning USB charging outlet, which provides 2 Amps of charging capability and is available in either black or white, to match the existing range of MK modules. With energy efficiency an increasingly important concern for any organisation, the module has zero standby power consumption as it automatically disconnects when the plug is removed, saving power.

For ease of installation, pre-configured back boxes for individual plate configurations are available to ensure proper segregation between mains and extra low voltage products is maintained. Mounting boxes align fixing holes and centres for a simple install solution for contractors.

MK Electric’s complete solution of combination plates is made in the UK and backed by a 20 year warranty, for complete peace of mind. For more information please visit www.mkelectric.co.uk.

A controversial hotel project in Edinburgh has been given the go-ahead, despite campaigners against its construction saying it will wreck the city’s world-renowned skyline.Called the ‘Ribbon Hotel’ in reference to its unusual façade, the 12-storey property is expected to open in 2020. Luxury chains W and Four Seasons are rumoured to be among those interested in acquiring the space to move in.

The hotel is seen as a key factor in the wider success of an £850 million investment into the development of the St. James part of Edinburgh. The plans went in front of a planning committee this week and were given the green light, but opponents have said the hotel and its design will have an ‘adverse’ impact on the rest of the city’s World Heritage-listed skyline.

What is clear is the 204 rooms the hotel will offer will add much-needed luxury room space in the city as it bids to attract high-spending tourists. The biggest concerns revolve around the bronze coloured, stainless steel coating, which critics have said could be “too shiny and reflective”.

The criticism might explain why, while the hotel was given the go-ahead, a decision on the material used to form the building’s distinctive ribbon-like swirl has been delayed. JESTICO + Whiles, the architect responsible for the contentious “ribbon” design, has designed a number of high-profile hotels in the past – including London’s One Aldwych.

Based in a converted chapel in Stansted Mountfitchet, just 35 minutes from London Liverpool Street (and 4 miles from Stansted Airport), is home to Leisure Plan and their most stunning showroom of 21st century outdoor furniture. As the exclusive UK distributor of three of the most distinguished brands of outdoor living comfort: Dedon, Ego Paris and Fischer Möbel a visit to their showroom is a must!Experience the variety, the colours and the textures of their furniture up close, play with the diverse materials and see how various pieces work together. Leisure Plan even have a terrace too, so you can enjoy their products in a semi-outdoor setting. What better way to decide on which furniture to select or specify for that special project than by seeing it first hand?

Not content with purely supplying these award winning brands, the company concentrates on providing a level of service unrivalled by its competitors. In addition to holding substantial stocks at their own UK warehouse, Leisure Plan offers a fully bespoke cushion service from their own workshop at Stansted. From a large range of outdoor fabrics, customers can create their own colour themes and stylish finishing touch.

A personalised delivery service extends way beyond mainland UK. A door-to-door shipping service can be arranged for customers with projects anywhere in the world.

For full details of Leisure Plan’s products and services: www.leisureplan.co.uk.

Leisure Plan, Silver Street, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8HD
T: 01279 816001 / E: sales@leisureplan.co.uk

Due for completion by the end of November, Wyboston Lakes Hotel in Bedfordshire is currently undergoing a £1million bedroom refurbishment with the design concept created by Butterscotch Designs.The designers were given a brief earlier in the year to create sample guestrooms that had a luxury feel with comfort and practicality in mind. After receiving 138 guest reviews, re-designs were created and it is hoped the new rooms will offer the best experience when staying at Wyboston Lakes Hotel.

CLC Group have been contracted for the first phase of the refurbishment with a promise of a condensed program of works, so the rollout of the new designs can be experienced by guests sooner.

Wyboston Lakes will remain open throughout the refurbishment, hosting an array of events such as weddings, spa breaks and private functions. The new block will offer a luxury feel to complement their award winning Y Spa.

Plans to refurbish the remaining 40 bedrooms as Executive Suites for the business traveller are also in motion, with sample rooms intended to be completed by autumn 2015 with plans to begin the refurbishment in January 2016. This, along with the planned external upgrades to the cladding on the main building, will help Wyboston Lakes attain its desired 4 star rating.

Wyboston Lakes have also teamed up with Crave, a leading provider of guest-facing Hotel Tablet and App solutions to the hospitality industry. Each new bedroom will be equipped with a tablet featuring exclusive software for Wyboston Lakes. The guest will be able to browse menus and order room service, discover local area information, book spa treatments and so much more at the swipe of a finger.

Wyboston Lakes prides themselves on being eco-friendly and as such, will be recycling a lot of the furnishings to other venues within their collection. They have also donated all old soft furnishings to Emmaus Cambridge charity.

Hamilton Litestat is taking LED dimming to the next level with the introduction of its new Intelligent LED Grid module. The GRID100LED Grid module monitors and programs itself for best dimming performance when used with the same or mixed branded LEDs. Hence it’s designed to be compatible with an extensive range of mains dimmable lamps and luminaires, and can be used with a wide range of grid plate designs, making it ideal for retrofit applications.Gavin Williams, Marketing Manager for Hamilton Litestat explains: “Based on our highly successful Grid-IT range, the GRID 100LED has been designed to deliver ultimate flexibility and is extremely straightforward to install. We have spent a significant amount of time during the research and development process focused on ensuring this new Module fulfills and exceeds the LED dimming control expectations of electrical contractors and installers.”

The GRID100LED Grid Module allows the dimmer mode to be manually selected: ‘Leading Edge’ (Max 75W) or ‘Trailing Edge’ (Max 100W). It can be auto-adjusted to deliver the best dimming performance and minimum/maximum levels can be adjusted without removing the dimmer from wall. For the user’s convenience, it can be used as part of a multi-way dimming operation allowing you to switch and dim the lights from multiple points using Hamilton retractive switches or toggles.

Safety always being a priority for Hamilton, the GRID100LED has an in-built thermal overload protection device, and the soft start feature helps extend lamp life to its maximum.

Additional product information:

• GRID100LED is compatible with the following brands of Grid Plates when used with a Grid Kit: Hamilton, BG, Crabtree, Deta, MK, Hager and GET.
• The Grid Kit comes complete with 1 large and 1 small dimmer knob, grid tops and an installation tool.
• The Grid Kits can be supplied in white or black colour-ways.
• Designed to fit in a 35mm BS4662:2006 flush wall box

The latest creation by Blue Sky Hospitality at the JW Marriott Absheron Baku, Azerbaijan is OroNero; a bar & restaurant inspired by the mineral wealth of Azerbaijan.
Lounge featuring “Window Grazers”; two dozen life-size black rabbits scattered around the space, also doubling up as side lamps.

Similarly styled to a high-fashion private jet, the OroNero lounge exudes the essence of the Italian luxury industries – the couture, jewellery, artisan furniture and fine wines – all blended with a theatrical approach to interior design which has become so synonymous with Henry Chebaane, the French-born celebrated London artist, designer and founder of Blue Sky Hospitality. Gold buffalo leather panels, pink gold snake upholstery, black leather seats and intricate fretwork panels in ebonised timber are just a few highlights from the lounge area.

The restaurant features an innovative take on the show kitchen idea as the cooking area is encased in a translucent golden mosaic screen so only the shadows of the chefs working behind it can be seen by diners.

Restaurant with “EVOO (Extra Volatile Organic Object)”; an installation of mouth-blown drop-shaped glass bottles, some filled with extra virgin oil and others with crude oil: a double entendre on the volatility and interconnection of international commodity markets.

Bespoke timber flooring, created by Blue Sky Hospitality specifically for the restaurant, is an unusual amber colour with black veins which complements the similarly bespoke wool carpet. As a piece of conceptual art, the carpet references the Italian food scene with splashes of coffee, Prosecco, olive oil and fine Balsamico.

Henry Chebaane always include conceptual art installations in his projects so that the space delivers more than aesthetic satisfaction and pleasurable comfort but also ask philosophical questions and engage the imagination of the public (see photos captions for more details).

OroNero restaurant entrance with “Gold Diggers”; a dozen large ravens that are golden instead of black, checking the entrance door

June Highlights
• Amsterdam and Hamburg take the lead
• Rome and Warsaw hotels perform
• Istanbul Lags behind

Based on the coast of the Baltic Sea, two new Mercure hotels have recently opened in Poland with enviable locations within the town centres and just 100 metres from the beach.The 294-room Mercure Gdynia Centrum perfectly blends a city break and beach holiday in one location. With an interior which pays homage to the maritime heritage of the city, guests will be delighted to discover elements of “Dar Pomorza”, the legendary Polish sailboat.

The Gdynia Film Festival has also been a stimulus for the hotel interior and there are subtle references to the film industry’s most iconic settings throughout the hotel.

Inspired by the local architecture of the Gdańsk townhouses, the 151-room Mercure Gdańsk Posejdon has been designed with opulence in mind. Warm amber tones and the use of amber in artwork has been used within the guest rooms to add a touch of colour, also drawing reference to the trade history of Amber, also known as Baltic Gold.

Both hotels are now open to the public and contain a Winestone restaurant, swimming pool, fitness and wellness centre, and a conference centre with fully-equipped conference rooms.

June Highlights
• Strengthening demand in Sharm El Sheikh but summer slowdown for Riyadh
• Falling demand in UAE hotels impacts hotel profitability
• A dramatic fall in occupancy hits Beirut hotel performance

New planning proposals submitted to The City of Edinburgh Council will convert the grade B listed 20th century Charlotte Baptist Chapel on Rose Street into a 22-room boutique hotel and steak & gin bar.Glendola Lesiure Group, in co-operation with its sister company Carlton Hotel Collection, also plans to convert the 16,486 sq ft building into Edinburgh’s first Bar & Beef restaurant. Gordon Street in Glasgow is home to the Group’s first Alston Bar & Beef restaurant, which has received rave reviews since opening earlier this year.

Alexander Salussolia, Managing Director, Glendola Leisure Group said: “We are fully aware of the historic status of the Charlotte Baptist Chapel and we intend to be responsible stewards of that heritage. Through our successful Carlton and Bar & Beef brands, we are bringing a premium hotel and restaurant offering to Rose Street, which we believe will be very attractive to both residents and the City’s expanding tourism population.”

Deirdre McCarthy, Planning Consultant for JLL, said: “Development within the city centre has recently been focused on the east end. The redevelopment of 204 Rose Street is a great opportunity to introduce new vibrancy and activity at the west end of this iconic street in a building which is otherwise due to become vacant when the church community move out to their new premises in March next year. Feedback from the public consultation was positive and the proposals have been broadly welcomed by the local community.”

Proposals for the building were shared at a public consultation in the chapel on 29th July, where community representatives, residents and members of the public were given an opportunity to provide their feedback. Local ward councillors were also in attendance. Planning consultants JLL acting on behalf of Glendola, are due to submit the planning application in the middle of August.

Brintons has announced the acquisition of F.D Agnella, the Polish-based manufacturer and supplier of high quality carpets and rugs.F.D Agnella’s manufacturing expertise and product portfolio will further enhance Brintons’ offering, strengthening the company’s global position as one of the world’s leading carpet suppliers.

Duccio Baldi, Chief Executive at Brintons, commented: “This acquisition further strengthens our commercial position in key European markets and enables us to expand the service we provide our customers across the globe. This is a great opportunity to increase our market share and consolidate our leading position.”

Brintons has built up a reputation for manufacturing the highest quality carpets in the global market. The company designs and supplies custom-made solutions for a wide range of industries; including some of the most prestigious hotels, casinos and cruise liners in the world. Only recently, over 21,000 sq m of custom Brintons Axmister carpet was specified for £473m P&O Britannia, Britain’s biggest ever passenger vessel, which was officially named by Her Majesty The Queen at a glittering ceremony in Southampton earlier this year.

In 2011, Brintons was backed by The Carlyle Group and has since underpinned its position as one of the largest global manufacturers of Axminster woven carpets.

From bold patterns to subtle textures, the PRISM collection from Newmor features over 100 new designs – a wallcovering to suit any style.Digital printing on a mylar substrate allows the emboss to glisten through the fusion of colour in these five fabulous designs. Each pattern takes full advantage of dichroic metals; gold, platinum, bronze and copper simply “melt” into the design surface creating spectacular 3D effects. The expansive palette of nitrous greens, glorious magentas, mercurial blues and inky opals create iconic backdrops for statement interiors.

Linear designs add interest and colour to provide perfect backdrops. Distinctively different, each of the three new designs is available in 12 colours. The spirit of ingenuity is captured in equal parts with a simple elegance and natural appeal. Combinations of colorways and subtle metallic tip printing allows for easy coordination into any design scheme.

From the atomic structure of CRATOS, to the woven construction of BRIGNAC and filigree nature of ANOTOLE each of these three designs build on the natural texture trend by adding the magic of metallic inks. The integration of a simple print with a strategic use of metallic inks creates a striking result that fits with today’s contemporary preference and is widely applicable to multiple end uses such as, hospitality, healthcare or corporate.

Edinburgh is the development capital of the UK at the moment with hotel openings or developments announced on an almost weekly basis. Enjoying an enviable position in the heart of Scotland’s most historic cities, the new-build Mercure Edinburgh Quay is situated within walking distance of Haymarket train station and Princes Street.

The Mercure Edinburgh Quay offers 110 classic and privilege bedrooms with locally inspired design elements throughout the hotel. The brand wall in the lobby for example showcases a landscape view of Edinburgh, framed in local stone.

Mercure is committed to putting the customer’s welcome experience at the heart of its service offering; the main lobby features ‘host’ tables for a more relaxed check-in experience and a monscierge service for those guests looking for a quick, hassle-free check in and check-out.

Other hotel amenities include a gym, restaurant and bar where guests can also enjoy the ‘Flavours from the Cellar’ wine list, which includes three handpicked wines available across Mercure Hotels in the UK, selected by the BBC Saturday Kitchen Masters of Wine, Susie Barrie and Peter Richards.

There is also free high speed Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel.

Ray Chandler, General Manager for Mercure Edinburgh Quay hotel said: “We are delighted with the opening of the new Mercure Edinburgh Quay hotel and are very excited for the year ahead. We are very proud of the hotel’s local heritage and are extremely pleased to have been able to depict this throughout hotel’s interior design.”

Rotana is continuing its ambitious expansion plans with the opening of its first two properties in Istanbul, Turkey.Burgu Arjaan by Rotana and Tango Arjaan by Rotana represent the group’s first foray into the European market.

Burgu Arjaan by Rotana and Tango Arjaan by Rotana

Situated in the Maltepe district on the Asian side of Istanbul, Burgu Arjaan by Rotana and Tango Arjaan by Rotana provide a tranquil haven from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Boasting striking design elements – both architecturally and interiorly – Burgu Arjaan by Rotana and Tango Arjaan by Rotana feature 319 fully furnished hotel apartments divided across two towers.

Suite interior at the Tango Arjaan (Photo from rotana.com)

Offering sleek furnishings and panoramic views, each apartment provides all the modern conveniences of a five star hotel property which make them the perfect option for families and long term guests.

Four food and beverage venues will welcome guests with the incomparable Rotana hospitality and style. These include an all-day dining restaurant, a poolside restaurant, and a bar and café. Both properties share a range of leisure facilities including a state of the art Leisure & Wellness Club with indoor and outdoor swimming pools and landscaped areas.

Suite interior at the Tango Arjaan (Photo from rotana.com)

“We are very excited to be opening our first Turkish properties on the Asian side of Istanbul; Burgu Arjaan by Rotana and Tango Arjaan by Rotana are ideally placed in one of the city’s trendy water-front locations and have an offering that sets them apart from other hotels in the area,” said Omer Kaddouri, President and CEO of Rotana.

“Our emphasis is on comfort and refinement and this is reflected across our premises, facilities and services; from the architectural design and interiors right down to the warm and friendly service that greets our guests,” he added.

Slated to open in March 2016, the Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa will be converted from an existing resort in the heart of the region’s renowned golf valley. The resort is also within easy distance of stunning Mediterranean coastline, chic resorts and the famous “Golden Mile” of prestigious nightclubs, upmarket boutiques, and bars.
“The Westin La Quinta Golf & Spa Resort.” (Photo: Business Wire)

Featuring 172 luxurious guest rooms, five suites and one Presidential Suite, the hotel will offer, once refurbished, the unrivalled luxury service which has become synonymous with the Westin brand.

The hotel will also consist of extensive leisure facilities, including WestinWORKOUT® studio, an outdoor pool and access to an expansive 1,500 square meter Heavenly® Spa.

800 square meters of event space, including a ballroom, three meeting rooms, as well as a 24-hour business centre are available and distinctive dining venues will provide a variety of culinary options—from Mediterranean to international.

For golf lovers, The Westin La Quinta Golf & Spa Resort will encompass a 27-hole Championship course of breath-taking fairways designed by Manuel Piñero.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts signed an agreement for the agreement for The Westin La Quinta Golf & Spa Resort with Phoenix Enterprises, owner of Inversiones Hoteleras La Quinta S.L.U.

“We are delighted to partner with Inversiones Hoteleras La Quinta S.L.U. and welcome back this magnificent resort in the prestigious market of Marbella as the third Westin in Spain,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “Westin has reached a loyal following with its winning approach to well-being and will continue to expand its footprint throughout the region.”

The Firenze “Boxtop” mattress from Hypnos is a two-part sleeping system that offers hoteliers a versatile sleeping solution with the highest levels of comfort. The Firenze has a pocket spring mattress core twinned with a removable zipped “Boxtop” style topper to offer more body support and sumptuous sleeping surface. It also allows the topper to be quickly unzipped, and re-plumped, and can also easily be replaced if a fresh sleeping surface is needed. The topper should therefore help to extend the life of the mattress core.

Along with all Hypnos’ specialist pocket spring hospitality mattresses, the Firenze is treated with HealthGuardTM, a world leading anti-bacterial, anti-allergy and anti-bed bug treatment.

The bed also conforms to Crib 5 Fire Retardancy regulations, in addition to being supplied with housekeeping seasonal turning labels and an industry leading five year guarantee.

Chris Ward, marketing director at Hypnos, comments: “With its unique “Boxtop” topper which includes wool to help regulate body temperature, the Firenze offers not only a flexible sleeping solution for hoteliers and their housekeepers, but an additional level of comfort allowing guests to experience a truly relaxing night’s sleep.

“Furthermore, the Firenze is available in a variety of standard sizes, and with a flexible zip and link option, can easily and quickly turn a double bedroom into a twin bedroom to maximise occupancy and revenues.

“Add one of Hypnos’ boutique-style headboards to complement the Firenze and create a stunning centrepiece with sublime comfort. In addition to design and styling advice, our specialist hospitality team also offers a complete project management solution, including installation as well as an old bed disposal and recycling service, meaning hoteliers can be confident that Hypnos provides tailored and hassle-free solutions suited to each and every business.”

The Contract Chair Company has recently completed another project with the Jupiter Hotels group. Set in the north Bristol countryside among 18 acres of landscaped gardens, the Grange Hotel is an elegant 4-star hotel often cited as one of the best kept secrets in the area.
Examples of the ‘Nina’ barstools and bespoke low stools and character oak tables (Photo: The Contract Chair Company)

The refurbishment was mainly focused on the restaurant, bar, lounge and reception areas.

Creating a stylish and contemporary feel, the interior designers have retained the historical features and used current colours and fabrics to give a modern style.
The restaurant area features Katia side chairs and a selection of various bespoke tables (Photo: Contract Chair Company)

The bar area was supplied with Nina barstools, Isotta lounge chairs, bespoke low stools and bespoke character oak tables on Berlino table bases.
(Photo: Contract Chair Company)

The restaurant area features Katia side chairs and a selection of various bespoke tables, while the lounge will welcome the visitors with the comfort of CCC’s exclusive Juliet lounge chair. Other lounge seating options include: Dakota, Wing, Roy and Ginevra lounge chairs, as well as the Pola sofa.

Bespoke low tables with metal box section frames and glass tops complement the modern but overall rustic feel.
CCC wanted to bring a touch of modernity while keeping an overall rustic feel (Photo: Contract Chair Company)

Chinese investors HK CTS Metropark Hotels has agreed to buy UK hotel chain Kew Green, which operates 44 properties across the country, in a deal understood to be worth more than £400 million.The move ends previous owners Goldman Sachs and TPG Special Situations Partners’ relationship with Kew Green, which started in 2013.

The group owns 44 UK hotels and manages a further ten, more than 40 of which are under the Holiday Inn or Holiday Inn Express brands. Other properties under the Ramada and Crowne Plaza brands are also in its portfolio. HK CTS Metropark is a part of China National Travel Service Group of Hong Kong and operates hotels throughout China, Hong Kong and Macau.

The senior management has been retained with the intention of continuing to grow the business in the UK and throughout Europe. The current portfolio provides HK CTS with national coverage with the franchised hotels spread evenly across the UK. The relationship with the existing franchise partners will remain unchanged.

Furthermore, the acquisition of Kew Green Hotels by HK CTS Metropark does not affect the ownership or operation of the iconic Grand Brighton hotel. The Grand Brighton is owned by Wittington Investments and will continue to be managed by Kew Green as before.

Kew Green properties include the Crowne Plaza Liverpool JLA, Ramada Encore Barnsley and Ramada Encore Birmingham NEC – however the Grand Brighton (bottom right) will still be owned by Wittington Investments and managed by Kew Green

Pratic specialise in outdoor structures to meet many requirements. Whether it be a retractable awning for a dining area and a completely enclosed space for your garden, Pratic offer a solution of stunning design and build quality.

Now available to buy through Encompass Furniture & Accessories, additional optional extras such as remote controlled lighting and automated sliding roofs/ shades can be added and tailored to your needs.

Pratic are the perfect solution for high end residential projects as well as adding a useable dining/ social area to hotels, restaurants. bars etc.

The 350-room Premier Inn Phuket will open its doors in early 2017 in partnership with Rayaburi Group Co., Ltd. It will be the second hotel in Thailand for Premier Inn after the 224-room Premier Inn Bangkok Soi 11 opens by mid-2016.
Premier Inn Phuket rendering

Phuket is a key focus market for Premier Inn in Asia due to it being a popular leisure and MICE destination in the region. In total, the brand has anticipated a further five hotels for the area to open by 2020, adding around 1,250 rooms. Premier Inn expects to further expand in key Thai city and resort locations including Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Koh Samui and Pattaya.

The hotel will feature Premier Inn’s signature quality accommodation offerings. Guest amenities cover all the essentials for a business or leisure stay including an all-day dining restaurant, destination bar, swimming pool, a fully equipped fitness centre and meeting facilities.

Luxury fabric specialist, Kobe, has sponsored the upholstery and soft furnishings student awards at the Wendy Shorter Interiors training centre in St. Albans, Hertfordshire.Students had the opportunity to compete in three different competitions to showcase their design creativity as well as excellence in traditional and modern upholstery skills.

The winning students included Regis Cheval, who won the stage three advance craft upholstery competition. Kobe will be supporting Regis with a variety of activities including marketing and concept books.

Harriet Page and Darryl Perry were both winners of the stage two traditional upholstery competition and were awarded a selection of Kobe fabric to support their stage three course work. Frances Mitchell won the soft furnishings competition and was also awarded a selection of Kobe fabric.

David Harris, MD said: “I would like to congratulate all the students at the training centre and am pleased to be able to recognise all their hard work and commitment shown to their craft.

“We would also like to thank Wendy and her team for all their support and dedication and for passing on their invaluable skills and enthusiasm.”

Capturing the energy of the cosmopolitan city it calls home, W Istanbul recently unveiled its stunning new look – designed by acclaimed Turkish designer, and Geomim co-founder Mahmut Anlar.

Typical of hotels in the W brand, the combination of lighting, artwork as well as interior design quirks all ooze style and class and the layout can best be described as bizarre, but charmingly so.

The jewel in the crown of the revamp is the new entrance ‘tunnel’ leading into the hotel, which has been transformed into a fashion runway of sorts and was a collaboration between Anlar and Thierry Dreyfuss who designed the quite incredible lighting for the feature.

Anlar has successfully juxtaposed interior images of iconic Istanbul landmarks and Turkish traditions with a modern design inspired by Ottoman art and treasures. The Ottoman theme runs throughout the communal spaces, with specialised furniture design and seating areas – domes playing a big role, characteristic of the domed mosques of the period.

Anlar has brilliantly combined an ultra-modern finish with historical touches and used rich textures, colours, fabrics and custom furnitures.

The refresh of the hotel also includes a new spacious and stylish Cool Corner Suite on the third floor. The one-bedroom retreat features a separate living room and spectacular Bosphorus views from the balcony.

The Cool Corner Suite can also be combined with a Studio Suite and a Mega Room to create an exclusive area of more than 158sqm where guests can stretch out in style with friends and family while enjoying the spectacular river and city views.

W Istanbul has also introduced a new W Day Spa with two treatment rooms, a Turkish Bath and hammam. The new FIT® state-of-the-art fitness centre on the third floor offers verdant views and a refreshing space bathed in natural daylight.

“When renovating this historical building, we wanted to continue to reflect its Ottoman past through carefully chosen patterns, furniture and décor while blending this with W Hotels’ cutting-edge identity. That’s why I liked to use the analogy of bringing an American bride to the Ottoman when describing this project,” said Anlar.

Scheduled to open in the second half of 2016, the MGM National Harbor sits on the eastern shore of the Potomac River in Maryland, just a short distance from Washington, D.C. The 308-room resort is expected to feature premier amenities and experiences including a casino; a world-class spa and salon; an entertainment theatre with 3,000 transformable seats; 18,000 square feet of branded retail; 27,000 square feet of meeting space; and restaurants from renowned local and national chefs.Designed with sustainability in mind, MGM National Harbor includes extensive use of natural light, LED lighting and water-saving fixtures to achieve its U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Design (LEED) Gold certification.

A focus on blending the resort’s surrounding location with functional design can be found throughout the interior design scheme, using natural materials to create simple, yet elegant, spaces. The design on this project is down to Studio GAIA who have worked on other luxury projects such as the W Hotel Bogota.

The 234 guest rooms will feature light-coloured wood and monochromatic earth tones; floor-to-ceiling windows; functional desk space and seating along the window wall. Rooms are spacious at 400-square-foot and the 74 suites range in size from 600 – 2,000 square feet, up to the luxurious 3,600-square-foot Presidential Suite.

Energy-saving technology, such as motion sensors in the each room, will automatically adjust temperature and lighting to save energy when guests are not present and will resume the guests’ preferences upon return.

Bathrooms are styled with subtle references to that of a yacht’s interior. The shower becomes a focal feature of the space as it radiates a subtle opaque white light. Guest bathrooms will integrate sustainable features including LED lighting in the oversized mirrors as well as custom polished chrome low-flow, water-saving fixtures.

Just outside each bathroom, a distinctive piece of artwork inspired by the historic Washington, D.C. region will add to the overall ambiance of the room.

John Portman & Associates is pleased to report progress on the construction of the new dual-branded Marriott hotel complex in San Diego.Once completed, the project will extend the public realm vertically, allowing for great views of the San Diego Bay and the events that occur along the waterfront.

The dual-branded Marriott property will open in 2016

As a nod to the history of the site as the former location of the Lane Field ballpark, the retail and terrace spaces step in such a way as to recall the bleachers of old.

On schedule to open in 2016, the project will feature a 253-key SpringHill Suites and a 147-key Residence Inn.

The dual-branded Marriott property will open in 2016 (Photo from PortmanHoldings.com)

John Portman & Associates is an internationally renowned architectural design firm with offices in Atlanta, Georgia and Shanghai, China. Established in 1953, JPA has over 60 years of expertise in designing hotels, residences, offices, universities, exhibition centers and mixed-use urban complexes.

Making it simple for hotels to conform to Building Regulations, specifically addressing disabled access to washrooms, Roca has introduced two dedicated Doc M packs.
The Meridian Access Doc M

The two new unisex Roca Doc M packs, Meridian Access and Laura Access, feature all the components necessary for hotels to comply with Part M of the Building Regulations, in terms of access, usability and layout in washrooms. without compromising on quality or appearance.

Wheelchair access is a huge concern for the hospitality industry, with Doc M regulations stipulating that one in every 20 hotel rooms must be adapted for disabled use. Washrooms must offer different types of cubicles, with at least one being suitable disabled people, and every fourth cubicle must be enlarged, while washrooms with more than one toilet must provide one that is wheelchair accessible.

With a design that will suit any style of washroom, the Meridian Access Doc M Pack from Roca includes a Meridian Access pan and cistern, six grab rails with concealed fittings, and a thermostatic basin mixer, which is WRAS approved. The traditionally styled Laura Access Doc M Pack, meanwhile, is based on one of Roca’s best-selling bathroom collections and comprises a WC, a basin mixer and grab rails with exposed fittings. The seat and grab rails for both packs are available in three colour options, white, blue and grey.

Laura Access Doc M

Both packs also benefit from an anti-vandal bracket on the cistern, a spatula lever to make flushing easier and a hinged grab rail with toilet roll holder. Seat retainers on the WC offer extra stability to the user, while a washbasin with chrome bottle trap, overflow and waste is also included.

Due to the specific design and exact dimensions of the products, the Meridian Access and Laura Access packs ensure the layout of the room complies with Part M of the Building Regulations. In both Doc M packs from Roca, the washbasin can be positioned on either the right or left-hand side, enabling users to wash their hands from the WC, while the lever on the WC can be placed on the left- or right-hand side of the cistern, making it suitable for any Doc M solution.

Gallery Direct’s attention to detail is plain to see and has established them as leaders in the furniture and home décor market for a number of years. Their use of high quality materials, strict manufacturing techniques and rigorous control measures means quality shines, throughout their entire product range. With their award winning design-led ethos, Gallery has always looked forward to the future, predicting trends and continuing to stay ahead of up-and-coming interior styles. Innovative designs, coupled with traditional and modern manufacturing methods, create classic and contemporary furniture and home décor collections, that suit modern-day interiors.

Gallery has grown since 1973 to become a leading British-based designer, manufacturer and worldwide distributor of home décor and furniture. With over 40 years of manufacturing expertise, Gallery has extensive knowledge and experience putting quality central, every time. Couple this with the wealth of expertise brought to the company by the Frank Hudson acquisition, it is easy to see how Gallery now offers such an outstanding range of high quality, yet value focused products.

Mirrors, soft furnishings, home accessories and furniture are all designed and produced to the highest quality and safety standards, whilst painstaking attention to detail ensures they all products stand out from the crowd.
Examples can be seen throughout the 2015 Gallery catalogue.

For example, the Frank Hudson’s furniture collection is beautifully constructed and meticulous hand finished, using traditional skills to create wonderful high quality details. Intricate dovetail jointing is a joy to see when opening drawers and beautiful marquetry inlays are created using the finest selected veneers. Highly skilled craftsmen use the art of precise polishing, hand antiquing and specialist finishing techniques, with future generations learning the skills needed to take them from apprentice to master craftsman.

Cabinet handles are hand-cast using the traditional ‘lost wax’ method to create the mould – this process is used on only the finest handle creations. Hand-woven cane, linen cotton produced on traditional looms and beautiful hand carved wooden bedsteads underlines some of the highest specifications around; quality and attention to detail that is second to none and sets their furniture apart from the norm.

“The Gallery team take quality control extremely seriously; it really is what differentiates Gallery from the competition”, commented Tom Hudson, QA Technical & Compliance Manager. “Gallery have significant quality assurance infrastructure across all our manufacturing sites, warehousing and distribution to deliver fine quality products, well made, and protected with strong packaging.”

“Gallery however wants to continuously improve; the important part of this is to actively listen to customers and act on their feedback, making positive steps and changes, where appropriate. Don’t just give lip service, but deliver real service!”

Gallery’s Hudson Living furniture collection offers design led personality pieces that combine the best of traditional craftsmanship with new technology and exciting materials. Lloyd Loom style chairs are produced in the traditional Lloyd Loom method of weaving paper around wire, whilst the Brooklyn range features solid French Oak with a brushed, dry oiled finish and ground concrete resin tops, each with a unique surface, floated on by hand.

Quality and durability are considered in the design of each piece. Architectural veneers are used on the Hamilton Pedestal dining tables; thicker than conventional veneers, these architectural veneers are used to ensure strength and durability, as well as giving a stunning look. Top grain leather, feather topped seats for ultra comfort, hand beaten copper and soft close drawer runners are just some of the other features found across the range.

Final comment goes to Tom Hudson. “Quality is never by chance; it’s always a result of genuine determination, hard work, intelligent direction and skilful manufacturing performance, and represents an astute choice over many other alternatives.”

Whichever collection you look at from Gallery, the design and quality always shines out.

For more information, please contact Gallery Direct via their website: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

The Corus Hotel Hyde Park, which holds an enviable location at No.1 Lancaster Gate, is currently undergoing a major facelift which will see the façade restored to its former glory. The 200 year old listed Georgian building perfectly epitomises the classic “London” hotel look from the silver screen with its striking white brickwork and symmetrical design, typical of the architectural fashion of the time.The 389 bedroom hotel has also had some internal restoration with 80 recently refurbished Executive guestrooms. The interior design scheme is contemporary with printed silver wallpaper, dove-grey armchairs, stylish chrome mirrors, and enormous super-king beds with high quality linen.

On the 10th floor, the hotel offers two elegant Suites designed in a traditional fashion with royal blue and cream furnishings. Black and white photos of iconic London scenes adorn the walls, and both suites boast separate reception areas, and complimentary soft drinks in the mini bars.

The exterior is expected to be finished by the beginning of October this year, while the interior should be completed by March 2016.

Winner of two prestigious design awards, for its outstanding product design coupled with sophisticated technology, the Geberit AquaClean Mera takes the comfort and convenience of a shower toilet to a whole new level.Picking up the Design Plus Award powered by ISH 2015 and the Red Dot Design Award 2015, the Geberit AquaClean Mera impresses not only with its aesthetic appeal, but also because of its array of intelligent comfort functions that bring spa-like luxury to the bathroom.

Characterised by high-quality materials, smooth lines and a seamless finish, the chrome surfaces on the design cover create an impression of the WC floating in front of the wall. This latest shower toilet from Geberit has the appearance of a standard WC on the outside, while a wealth of technological benefits are neatly concealed within.

The comfort and luxury begin before the shower toilet is even used. With a discreet orientation light activated by a proximity sensor serving as a guide at night, ideal for hotel bedrooms where the glare from an overhead light can disturb a good night’s sleep. Promoting good hygiene levels in the hotel bathroom too, the WC lid opens and the seat begins to warm up automatically on approach.

The shower toilet technology is the very latest patented WhirlSpray from Geberit, which uses two nozzles to provide a targeted, thorough and exceptionally pleasant clean with water at body temperature, delivering a shower spray which is further enhanced by dynamic aeration. The separate lady wash, meanwhile, delivers a particularly soft shower spray when activated. Geberit AquaClean Mera also offers an optimal drying performance, with the airflow temperature gradually reducing as the skin is dried.

Simple to operate, the remote control has four storable user profiles for the perfect cleaning and drying experience at the touch of a button, while TurboFlush technology built-into the rimless ceramic pan guarantees an exceptionally thorough, yet quiet flush. Finally, a low-noise odour extraction unit eliminates unpleasant odours from inside the ceramic pan leaving the room smelling fresh and clean after every flush.

With sophisticated technology and stylish design complementing each other perfectly, the Geberit AquaClean Mera enables spa-like luxury to be seamlessly integrated into any bathroom setting, offering the user an unrivalled level of comfort and wellbeing.

Majorca’s tourism industry has been going through a bit of a renaissance in recent years, with a shift in focus away from the European market to attracting ‘five-star’ visitors from China and the Middle East with five-star propeties.

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is looking to capitalise on this trend by establishing its presence on the Spanish island with a new hotel scheduled for opening in May next year.

Currently under construction, the Grand Hotel Portals Nous will be situated on the Portals Nous cove, just a short distance from Puerto Portals, and will have 63 rooms designed and furnished to five star hotel standards. The building design is the work of leading Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, who is internationally renowned for his architecture and interior design projects.

The hotel will feature all the exclusive services and facilities that characterise The Grand Collection, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts’ premium category.

Grand Hotel Portals Nous will also be an example of sustainability and energy efficiency with an innovative curtain wall system, which will allow automated temperature control in the communal areas. In addition, guests will be able to enjoy a ‘biospa’, complete with a Turkish bath and sauna, and a sustainable luxury wellness centre designed in accordance with sustainable criteria.

The new hotel will bring the chain’s number of The Grand Collection hotels around the world to ten, and will be the first on the island of Majorca. Aurelio Vázquez, Iberostars’s CEO for Europe, Middle East and Africa, added: “We are extremely satisfied with this new project that will enable us to offer the exclusivity of the ‘Grand Collection’ product for the first time ever in Majorca, a key destination in the company’s commercial strategy”.

The Courtyard Waco has just completed a noteworthy top-to-bottom refurbishment inside and out – with the property being completely re-imagined.The hotel façade was completely updated and new landscaping was installed. Outdoor seating areas were expanded. The swimming pool was resurfaced, the deck refinished, with new pool furniture.

Guests will enter a lobby completely redesigned. The public spaces have received new carpeting, furniture, and draperies, and an S Bar in addition to the Bistro Restaurant.

What will matter most to guests, however, is that when they open their guestroom door, they will experience a completely new room/a trendy gray, blue, and white design palette, new granite counter tops, linens, and furniture to make guests feel at home, comfortable, and connected.

The Courtyard Waco now offers the ultimate in comfort and convenience. Guest rooms at the Waco hotel on the banks of the Brazos River now cater for today’s traveller, with modern technologies, complimentary high-speed internet and stylish zones for working.

The state-of-the-art lobby boasts plenty of cozy spaces to meet colleagues or gather with friends before Other amenities include a heated outdoor pool and fitness centre.

The hotel will showcase the new property to the public at their grand re-opening gala to be held in late August, 2015.

A 205-room Courtyard by Marriott has opened in Santiago, Chile and is the brand’s second hotel in South America.The Courtyard by Marriott Santiago Las Condes features The Bistro Restaurant & Bar, five meeting rooms with 278.71m2 of meeting space, business lobby, fitness centre and rooftop pool with a panoramic view of Las Condes.

Guest rooms are designed with style and comfort in mind to help guests stay connected during their stay whilst remaining productive and comfortable. Each room features a functional workspace, spacious bathroom, a separate seating area and free WiFi.

“Santiago has quickly become a premier business hub in Latin America and we’ve seen tremendous success at the Marriott Santiago. With the arrival of the Courtyard by Marriott in Chile, we are excited to début a new brand in the market that combines innovative technology with style and comfort” said Eduardo Yoshimoto, General Manager of the hotel.

The Crosswater Group has appointed a new Director of Logistics, Neil Evans. Joining from SCS, a carpet and furnishing company, where he was previously their Distribution Manager, Neil brings a wealth of experience to the role. Prior to this, he was working in the Middle East managing logistics and distribution operations for a household goods company.

Neil is well poised for the role and brings with him a good combination of front line retail and logistics experience having owned and managed a furniture store in South Wales earlier on in his career.

His notable areas of expertise and knowledge span a wide-ranging skill set that will align well with the excellent logistics team currently in place at the Head Office.

Snoozebox, the award-winning portable hotel company, and Sleep, Europe’s leading hotel design and development event, have announced a collaboration which will give design companies and individuals the chance to put their names in front of the decision makers of the international hotel industry.
Snoozebox accommodation

The competition challenges designers to create a concept for a new Snoozebox guestroom where flexibility is key. Within the footprint of an ISO steel shipping container, the high quality, modern en-suite accommodation must equally lend itself to work, rest and play. The winning concept will then be built and revealed at Sleep in London this November.

The Snoozebox Competition is open to all design companies and designers based in the UK and Europe and involves the design of a floorplan, mood board and a visual. Designers interested in entering the Snoozebox Competition should visit: www.thesleepevent.com/snoozeboxcompetition

The deadline for entries is Friday 11th September and the winner will be announced on Monday 21st September. The judging panel will include directors from Snoozebox, the organisers of Sleep and Tangerine, the design company that created the first Snoozebox interiors in 2011. The winner will then have the benefit of working with Snoozebox and finding out first-hand what it takes to convert a great concept into reality as well as attending Sleep as a VIP guest. Sleep will take place on 24th – 25th November at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London.

“Every year, we reach out to more and to different groups of people in our industry. We see the Snoozebox Competition as offering a way for aspiring hotel designers to make their mark without an outlay beyond the power of their imaginations,” explains Kali Nicholson, Brand Director of Sleep. “In this way, it will perfectly complement our very ambitious and eagerly followed Sleep Set Competition where companies are asked to design and build out a much more conceptual space.”

This will be the second time that Snoozebox’s appearance at Sleep will draw the crowds. Last year, the company revealed the latest version of its guestroom design at Sleep and has since gone on to win the coveted Good Design Awards and become one of just two shortlisted designs in the prestigious international Radical Innovation Awards. Snoozebox has also been named a Bronze winner in the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA)’s 2015 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA).