Hotel Designs

NEWS AND ANALYSIS FOR HOTELIERS, DESIGNERS AND INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS
Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

Westin makes debut in Qatar with Doha Hotel & Spa

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Starwood Hotels & Resorts has opened The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, in partnership with Ghanem Al Thani Holdings, in the heart of Qatar’s rapidly growing capital.

The opening marks Westin’s debut in the country, reinforcing the brand’s growth in the region, with hotels opening in the UAE, Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia within the next three years, which will double its presence in the Middle East.

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa features 365 thoughtfully-designed guestrooms and suites, including five expansive pool villas and an impressive presidential suite.

Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

Photos: starwoodhotels.com

The nine-story hotel’s crisp limestone and glass façade floods the space with natural light, while a custom art installation anchors the atrium-like foyer to create a modern sense of arrival.

Featured throughout the hotel, meandering paths and lush botanicals reinforce Westin’s biophilic design principles, which suggest a connection to nature enhances wellbeing.

Hotel Indigo Atlanta

Architect John Portman converting offices for Hotel Indigo Atlanta Downtown

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Architect and developer John C. Portman has converted an office block he once designed in Atlanta into a multi-use building which houses Hotel Indigo Atlanta Downtown as well as his fine-dining restaurant JP Atlanta.

“It is a unique experience to be able to revisit a building designed at the beginning of one’s career,” says architect and developer John C. Portman, Jr: “I feel quite fortunate to once again be able to contribute to the evolution of downtown Atlanta. This building with its revitalised plaza and one-of-a-kind connection to AmericasMart will serve so many people coming into the heart of our city.”

The Hotel Indigo Atlanta Downtown lobby welcomes guests with a spiral glass staircase accented with sleek, steel railings. The Portman style is incorporated into each element of the guestroom aesthetic, while area rugs are custom made from digitised images of Portman’s designs and murals depict the unique shape and structure of the overall building (230 Peachtree). The rooms are painted in a rich, clean Portman White hue.

Guest rooms feature plush bedding with contrasting hard-surface flooring and area rugs, whilst incorporating spa-inspired bathrooms. The hotel also offers two spacious suites. Guests have access to a 24-hour health club facility featuring state of the art equipment and 1,750ft² of meeting space.

The Atlanta hotel features the brand’s Neighbourhood Guide, an innovative touchscreen display that connects guests to each other, the locale and to Hotel Indigo locations around the world. Hotel team members, many of whom are locals themselves, will share recommendations with guests looking to explore and discover the neighbourhood.

230 Peachtree is connected to AmericasMart’s 7.1million ft² campus by a skylight corridor and adjacent to the Peachtree Center MARTA Station. It is the latest in the aesthetic continuum from Portman, who also designed and built Hyatt Regency Atlanta, the Westin Peachtree Plaza and the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, over a 48-year span.

Chelsom to exhibit at HD Expo 2016 in Las Vegas

Chelsom to exhibit once again at HD Expo 2016 in Las Vegas

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Chelsom are delighted to once again be exhibiting at HD Expo 2016 which takes place at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas on 4th-6th May. HD Expo is the USA’s premier trade show and conference for the international hospitality industry, remaining at the forefront by offering the newest and most innovative products and services, providing inspiration and connecting hospitality professionals from all facets of the business.

This will be Chelsom’s 5th consecutive year exhibiting at the event and this year will mark the international launch of their exciting new lighting collections, Edition 25.

Designed by Robert and Will Chelsom, the collections harness and refine the latest trends in finishes and materials and have been created with the requirements of the international hospitality marketplace at their core. The Edition 25 collections are the company’s most distinctive to date both in terms of design and technology with nearly all pieces having an integral LED light source or available with a LED option.

Chelsom to exhibit at the HD Expo 2016 in Las Vegas
“HD Expo is the number one show in terms of interior design for the hospitality market in the USA and we are very pleased to be exhibiting again. As part of our expanding export division we have focussed our efforts on the US market over the last couple of years and HD Expo is a key date in the diaries of many leading hospitality professionals so it’s incredibly exciting to be launching what is undoubtedly our most different and design-led collection yet.” Commented Philip Macaulay,Sales Director.

Chelsom has become one of the leading designers, manufacturers and suppliers of decorative contract lighting to the international hospitality sector working on a number of significant projects in the last 18months including The Beekman and Grace Hotel in New York, a trio of central London Morgans Hotel Group projects including Mondrian at Sea Containers, The Sanderson and St. Martin’s Lane, Four Seasons Bahrain and Six Senses Douro Valley. Supplying both standard and custom designed lighting products, Chelsom has the expertise to enhance any hotel interior, whether 2-star or 6-star, from cutting edge contemporary to period buildings, guestroom to corridor to public spaces.

Chelsom will be on Stand 12100. For more information on HD Expo and to register to attend please click here. . .

Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort

Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort reopens following refurbishment

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Secluded on a pristine private island in the Quirimbas Archipelago off the northern coast of Mozambique, Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort has reopened following an extensive refurbishment.

The 12-villa, adults-only African island hideaway now features refreshed décor, luxury villa upgrades and new signature experiences, including a Robinson Crusoe-style star bed for the ultimate romantic escape.

Now, with a host of enhancements, the resort has reopened to offer more unique signature experiences and natural attractions and will soon be the only African island resort to use 100% solar energy.

Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort
Refreshed décor gives Anantara Medjumbe a distinctive African island identity. The resort has been extensively restyled using colourful patterns to depict the vibrancy of local culture. Shades of blue and aqua reflect the evolving hues of the Indian Ocean. All of the 12 thatched Beach Pool Villas, which open onto soft powdery sands, exude a sense of natural luxury, including newly designed private splash pools with an aqua mosaic finish, and a built-in Champagne step to sip bubbles while admiring the Indian Ocean view.

In the guest villas and public areas, the majority of furniture and lighting was custom designed by interior designers, Savile Row, and produced in Indonesia and South Africa with incredible attention to detail. Various accessories were sourced from around the African continent and framed artworks were created using traditional wax printed capulana fabrics that were sourced from local markets.

Photos: anantara.com
The Liberty Boston

Iconic Boston hotel The Liberty completes multi-million dollar renovation

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The Liberty, an icon of the Boston hospitality scene, has completed its $11 million (£7.8 million) guest room renovation. The former jail and now architectural gem features 298 newly-designed accommodations, reimagined by acclaimed interior designer Bill Rooney.

Rooted in history and fortified with contemporary design, the completely transformed guestrooms evoke a quintessential Boston atmosphere. Custom furniture and fixtures, tailor-made accents and artwork, herringbone wall coverings, wide-plank hardwood floors, library-style club chairs, and leather headboards create a warm and luxurious New England feel. Bathrooms offer four-fixture floating granite vanities, sleek glass showers and large soaking tubs. Many of the newly-appointed guestrooms offer spectacular views of Beacon Hill and the sailboat strewn waters of the Charles River.

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In addition to the refurbished guestrooms, The Liberty’s renovation project included the redesign of some of Boston’s top suites, including the Ebersol Suite and the Charles River Suites. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap the 2,220 square-foot Ebersol Suite, which includes an expansive living room, dining room and butler pantry, library, master bedroom and bathroom, and a 300 square-foot outdoor patio. The Charles River Suites also boast floor-to-ceiling windows, featuring sweeping views of the Boston skyline.

“The Liberty’s renovation project is a cornerstone in The Luxury Collection brand’s $300 million dollar investment effort to renovate and reopen some of the most iconic hotels in North America,” stated Hoyt H. Harper II, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts. “We are thrilled to deliver enhanced accommodations while still allowing guests to experience the authenticity of one of Boston’s most notable landmarks.”

Photos: libertyhotel.com

Hotel Seattle Brighton

Hotel Seattle Brighton to become a Malmaison

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Malmaison has announced that its recently acquired Hotel Seattle Brighton will be transformed into a Malmaison hotel – taking the total number of Malmaison hotels in the UK to 14.

The Hotel Seattle was acquired in November 2015, as part of a larger acquisition by the Malmaison Hotel du Vin Group of a portfolio of four hotels in the UK. The fast-growing and ever-popular Malmaison and Hotel du Vin Group portfolio now comprises of 33 leading boutique lifestyle hotels across the UK.

With improvements being made to the day to day booking activities for rooms and dining through Malmaison.com, a focus on improving the already high levels of service, guests of Malmaison Brighton will soon see the emergence of the iconic Malmaison signature touches as works starts at the hotel immediately.

Scott Harper, COO Malmaison, said, ‘We are delighted to reveal that the Seattle Hotel Brighton will re-brand as a Malmaison. The vibrant setting of Brighton’s marina and wider Brighton and Hove area community is an ideal fit for our famous lifestyle brand. We can’t wait to get started.”

Renaissance New York Midtown

Miniview: Jeffrey Beers’ ‘Fearlessly Chic’ design at Renaissance New York Midtown

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Renaissance Hotels’ new US flagship property, the Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel, which opened in Manhattan on March 21, 2016, is leading the way for the brand in its ‘Fearlessly Chic’ global design philosophy and ‘Business Unusual’ outlook.

Award-winning design studio Jeffrey Beers International (JBI) has captured the authenticity and glamour of the city through innovative technology never before showcased in a New York hotel.

To bring the design to life, Beers himself collaborated with Roger Parent of interdisciplinary technology firm Réalisations Inc. The city’s first ‘living’ hotel is comprised of sensational, ever-changing digital experiences inspired by the fashion and artistic industries in the neighbourhood which are an integral and informative element of the design.

Renaissance New York Midtown
Specifically designed to interact with visitors from the moment they enter the hotel, the property features ambient intelligent corridors that respond to human movement, digitally enhanced elevator banks, and a never-before-seen Discovery Portal Powered by Time Out that showcases neighbourhood guides on a user-friendly digital alcove to be accessed with the point of a finger or tap of a toe. A four-story LED digital clock at the top of the building will also bring the hotel to life and will add a beacon of light to the city’s skyline for all to enjoy.
Renaissance New York Midtown
Using New York City as his muse, Beers’ vision was to capture the energy of the locale by juxtaposing high-low design components, such as smooth millwork and polished marble against the rough texture of exposed concrete walls, to create elegant yet edgy public spaces and guest rooms. The purposeful disparity of materials was new to Beers, known for his work at properties around the world including Miami’s Fontainebleau, Daniel Boulud’s db Bistro Moderne in New York and Singapore, and the One&Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas, making the Renaissance New York Midtown unlike any project he has worked on.
Renaissance New York Midtown
“Having grown up in New York, I thrive on the fast-paced rhythm of the lifestyle here. I wanted the design of this hotel to capture the vibrancy and creative energy of the city; to immerse visitors in the real New York,” said Beers. “There are a number of elements throughout the design that are meant to provide an unexpected moment of enjoyment and playfulness — inspired by Renaissance’s ‘look and look again’ philosophy. The artwork, for example, might appear to be a two-dimensional painting from afar, but as visitors get closer they will see that it is actually composed of pins or pencils.”
Renaissance New York Midtown
Surprising design elements are found throughout the hotel, from flirtatious graphics at the back of each guestroom closet, to inspiring quotes in the bathrooms. Life-size images are etched on the back walls of the elevator cabs and each time the elevator doors open on the ground floor, guests will be treated to specially-curated digital imagery showcasing local artists and neighbourhood experiences. Timed to mirror the opening and closing of the elevators, the projected digital displays will always be evolving and the hotel will be visually different on each and every visit.

Renaissance New York Midtown
Located on 35th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, the hotel boasts 348 guest rooms, including seven Executive Suites and one Empire Suite. Each guest room offers a sophisticated neutral palette with pops of purple or grey throughout the bedding and upholstery. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the spacious rooms use pale finishes, maximise natural light, and adhere to an uncluttered aesthetic. A gradient frosted-glass shower wall separates the all-white Italian marble en-suite bathroom from the sleeping area.
Renaissance New York Midtown
On the sixth floor guests will find a sleek Lobby Bar, Library Lounge, a clandestine DJ booth and Club Lounge for Elite Marriott Rewards members and preferred guests. The hotel offers 4,500 square-feet of meeting space which can be separated into smaller conference rooms with glass air walls. Floor-to-ceiling windows will offer magnificent views of the city, while stylised inspirational quotes from fashion greats such as Coco Chanel and Oscar de la Renta painted onto the raw concrete back wall, pay homage to the surroundings.

Photos: newyorkrenaissance.com

Minor Hotel Group - Jebel Dhanna project

Minor Hotel Group continues expansion in the UAE

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Minor Hotel Groups has announced it will be adding to its 145-property portfolio with the addition of two new hotels in the UAE; Anantara Jebel Dhanna and AVANI Jebel Dhanna in Abu Dhbai. Development is set to begin shortly and both are scheduled to open in 2018. Aecom has been appointed as the lead architecture and interior design consultant for the project.

Jebel Dhanna is located along the coastal area of the Al Gharbia region in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, close to the ferry departure point for Sir Bani Yas Island. Anantara Jebel Dhanna Villas will have a total of 60 keys across three villa types: 20 One-Bedroom Villas, 38 Two-Bedroom Villas and two impressive Three-Bedroom Villas. The new Anantara will offer two restaurants and a pool bar, a gym, a swimming pool and an Anantara Spa.

The neighbouring AVANI Jebel Dhanna Hotel will have 230 keys across two different room types: 170 Deluxe Rooms and 60 Superior Rooms including a kitchenette. Facilities at the AVANI will include multiple dining options, a gym and a swimming pool. Shared facilities will include flexible meeting and banqueting space, a kid’s club and outdoor recreation areas.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotel Group, commented, “Minor Hotel Group is already well established in Abu Dhabi through our existing Anantara portfolio in the city, desert and on Sir Bani Yas Island and we are excited to today announce the first AVANI in Abu Dhabi, to be developed alongside what will be our sixth Anantara. We are looking forward to partnering with Dhabi Contracting in this exciting new project.”

Bathroom Lighting

Bathroom Accessory Focus: Lighting fixtures

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Pitching the lighting of various spaces within a hotel is a challenging but rewarding experience for designers. The impact a well-appointed fixture can bring to a space or the mood created by just the right light levels can make or break a guest’s experience of a room.

Yet, one of the hardest and probably the least-considered rooms is the bathroom. Owners on a budget will often divert money for lighting to areas deemed more important – the lobby, the restaurant, the corridors. But the bathroom is one of the key areas to concentrate on as a designer. Aside from the bedroom, the bathroom is going to be one of the most-scrutinised rooms by a guest; especially as they will most likely begin and end their days in this room.

From positioning vanity lighting correctly to pitching the right mood for ambient lighting, there are various facets to consider. Choosing the right fixture is one such consideration; and Hotel Designs Directory members Vaughan has a wide array of bathroom light fixtures for both the EU and American markets – such as the Arras Bathroom Wall Light (pictured below).

The Arras bathroom wall light is available in chrome and nickel, has a special bulb fitting to ensure the light is IP44 rated while retaining a lampshade which can be made up in any colour or fabric to add a decorative touch to the fitting.

For more information on this and other products within the Vaughan range, please click here. . .
Main Photo: pope24 on Flickr

Manchester's Hotel Football

Manchester’s Hotel Football ‘top of the league’ with business guests

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Despite its name, it appears Manchester’s Hotel Football is not just for avid football fans – it is celebrating a hat-trick of awards this week as Laterooms.com declared Hotel Football as the ‘Best Hotel for Business’ in its Simply the Guest awards. This follows its ‘Guest Review Award’ from Booking.com and the hotel securing a ‘Stellar Stay’ award win from HotelsCombined.

Open for just over a year, these latest accolades add to the hotel’s national and regional hospitality credentials, following nine consecutive months at the #1 spot of ‘Manchester Hotels’ on TripAdvisor.

The Laterooms.com ‘Best Hotel for Business’ award saw Hotel Football top the table for business travellers. The awards, which recognise excellent service, are decided solely on customer reviews over the past 12 months. While the ‘Guest Review Award’ from Booking.com and ‘Stellar Stay’ award win recognises the hotel’s ongoing delivery of outstanding hospitality experiences for consumer guests.

Manchester's Hotel Football

Paul Walsh, general manager at Hotel Football, said: “The recent award wins are testament to the hard work from our team and the passion they have for offering world class customer service for guests, whether visiting for business or leisure.

“Since opening, we have strived to create a hotel that appeals to everyone, not just football fans. It’s a completely unique experience and it’s great to see our guests coming back for repeat visits, whatever the event.”

Located opposite Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, the four-star 133 bedroom hotel, event and conference facility boasts a number of unique features making it the go-to destination for fans, families, business users and tourists.

Harbour Hotel Guildford

Guildford hotel converts from Radisson Blu Edwardian to Harbour hotel

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Harbour Hotels has announced that from Monday 4th April, The Radisson Blu Edwardian Guildford Hotel will convert to the Guildford Harbour Hotel.

The hotel has been managed by Edwardian Hotels London on behalf of the owners for the past four years, who have mutually worked together to successfully establish the deluxe four-star hotel within Guildford and the surrounding area, winning a number of prestigious awards.

Harbour Hotel Guildford
With a prime position in the heart of Guildford, this 183-bedroom hotel features a stylish restaurant, vibrant bar and alfresco dining terrace, as well as an accompanying spa. The Harbour Hotels Group will now expand on its offerings; introducing its award-winning concepts to the hotel and town.

Mike Warren, Managing Director Harbour Hotels, said: “We are very excited to be taking the Harbour Hotels brand to Guildford; with a principal position in the heart of the town, we plan to maximise on this popular location with a full refurbishment programme – to include our award-winning restaurant and bar concepts.”

Standard Hotel at old Camden Town Hall

Work to begin on André Balazs’ first Standard Hotel outside USA

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Charismatic hotelier André Balazs’ plans for a first Standard Hotel outside of the US are well and truly under way as work has begun on converting the 150,000-square-foot Camden Town Hall annexe (pictured) into a 250-bedroom hotel.

Balazs, who has built his reputation with iconic hotels across the United States and the Chartered Firehouse in London, entered into an agreement with Crosstree Real Estate Partners.

The site is perfectly located on the Euston Road, in the up-and-coming district of King’s Cross where property prices have rocketed in the last five years. Plans for the site include a lobby on the ground floor with 10 floors above. It will include a rooftop bar and restaurant with a terrace.

Balazs is hoping to repeat the success he has had with the properties in Miami, Los Angeles and New York.

Photo: Camden Photos

Hilton's newest hotel in Downtown Houston

Hilton opens dual-branded property in Downtown Houston

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Hilton’s newest hotel opened last week as the dual-branded Hampton Inn & Suites and Homewood Suites by Hilton Houston Downtown started welcoming guests through the doors. The opening brings 300 rooms to the heart of the Texan city and further establishes Hilton Worldwide’s presence in the market.

“This latest opening adds to the growing Hilton Worldwide portfolio and continues to provide unique lodging options for travelers,” said Phil Cordell, global head, Focused Service and Hampton Brand Management, Hilton Worldwide.

“Opening in one of America’s largest cities, the dual-branded Hampton Inn & Suites and Homewood Suites welcomes business and leisure travelers alike,” he added.

Both properties are located at 710 Crawford Street, offering guests a central location and convenient access to local attractions like the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Minute Maid Park, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Space Center Houston, just a short drive away.

The dual-brand concept creates enhanced and larger communal areas than what would be standard at a stand-alone property, benefitting both business and leisure travelers. The hotel has two distinct lobbies and dining areas – each catering to the needs of their respective guests – while sharing one registration desk, fitness center, and roof-top pool. The hotel also offers 5,000 square feet of flexible meeting space that can accommodate up to 225 people.

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort

AccorHotels reveals 2016 openings, future projects in Asia Pacific

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Last year AccorHotels opened more than 70 hotels across Asia Pacific, meaning the group launched at least one new hotel per week in the region. This year the group is on target to reach 700 hotels in APAC. Here are some of the most exciting recent and upcoming openings to entice travellers from all corners of the globe.

New hotels
SO SOFITEL HUA HIN, THAILAND
SO Sofitel Hua Hin offers an imaginative beachside escape for guests seeking a luxurious, playful retreat. Featuring private access to Cha-am Beach, it is located 2.5 hours’ drive from Bangkok. It acknowledges the growing market of travellers seeking a fun and design-led atmosphere with a distinct style and attitude. Hua Hin has long been a retreat for Thailand’s aristocracy and the resort blends a nostalgic sense of seaside charm with the trendiest design. Drawing inspiration from the ‘Evolution of Life’ guests will be surprised by animal statues hiding in the gardens and rooms that are either themed ‘So Arty’ or ‘So Nature’. The resort brings four innovative food and beverage outlets designed to spark the local scene including White Oven, the Hi-So rooftop bar and Beach Society, a lively lifestyle club which hosts amazing parties on a monthly basis. Other facilities include the SoSpa and SoFit as well as an adults-only solarium pool and a family-friendly SO pool. The So Ballroom is equipped with cutting-edge equipment and is perfect for company events or lavish weddings for up to 150 guests.

SO Sofitel Hua Hin
SOFITEL SINGAPORE SENTOSA RESORT & SPA, SINGAPORE
Located just ten minutes from the city centre and yet seemingly worlds away on Singapore’s ‘entertainment island’ the Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa is set on 27 acres of tropical woodlands. The Sofitel features 215 spacious rooms and private villas, outstanding MICE facilities with 13 meeting rooms and two ballrooms, and the largest SO Spa in the world, with 20 treatment rooms, six outdoor spa pavilions, a float pool and Singapore’s only mud pool. The resort’s leisure facilities include two pools, tennis, volleyball and badminton courts. The Sofitel also offers some of Singapore’s best dining including the famous Il Lido at the Cliff, its signature Italian restaurant overlooking the sea and Kwee Zeen for amazing Sunday brunches and all-day dining. With a bold, elegant design themed around Paris’ Jardin du Luxembourg, the resort creates a sense of flow from inside and out for the perfect urban oasis.

Sofitel Singapore Sentosa
NOVOTEL MANILA ARANETA, PHILIPPINES
A new Novotel has opened in Araneta Centre, the premier lifestyle hub of Quezon City in the Philippines. The 24-storey hotel features 401 contemporary rooms, plus an executive sky lounge with 360-degree views of the city. The hotel is part of a massive development of the area, which is bustling with life and activities including weekend night markets, food festivals and street performances. Its vibrant décor and facilities contribute to the well-being of guests including an In Balance Wellness Centre with gym, spa and pool, a Gymboree kids’ area plus two new dining concepts – the Food Exchange Manila and Gourmet Bar by Novotel, which showcases organic and local produce. The hotel is a few steps away from the light rail and metro stations providing easy access to all the city’s best attractions. For meetings there is a 2500sqm landscaped outdoor garden area and a ballroom for up to 1200 guests.

ELEMENTS OF BYRON, MGALLERY BY SOFITEL, AUSTRALIA
Byron Bay’s first world-class beachfront resort, Elements of Byron, MGallery by Sofitel opened its doors in February 2016. Situated on 50 acres of rainforest and natural ponds and lakes, the $100 million resort boasts two kilometres of beach frontage and provides the perfect natural setting for relaxation, with just 94 villas. Three separate pavilions make up the central leisure facilities including a signature restaurant and lobby bar, poolside bar and kiosk, gym and five-suite garden spa. Weaving throughout the resort is a luxurious infinity lagoon pool area complete with sunken fire pit. The design of the resort references the four ecological systems in place in the area – rainforest, dunal, eucalypt and wetland, with specific native landscaping and furnishings as well as works by local artists to create a true sense of place. Along with conferencing facilities for up to 450 delegates, the resort features a range of dining options including Graze at Elements, Drift Bar and the Barefoot Bar and Kiosk, with another restaurant opening in the next few months, along with a private beach club.

Elements of Byron MGallery by Sofitel

PULLMAN & NOVOTEL NEW DELHI AEROCITY, INDIA
AccorHotels has opened a combined Pullman & Novotel New Delhi Aerocity project which adds 670 international-standard rooms at the gateway to India. The 270-room Pullman and 400-room Novotel are located in close proximity to Indira Ghandi International Airport and offer easy access to the prominent business hubs of Gurgaon and New Delhi. Set around a central garden and outdoor heated pool, guests can enjoy the facilities of both during their stay including a spa, with a wide range of Ayurverdic, Thai and Swedish treatments, plus a fully equipped health club and heated pool. The Pullman was launched as the brand’s 100th hotel globally and features a gorgeous design themed around a peacock, while the adjoining Novotel is one of the best examples of the brand’s classic blend of modernity, design, simplicity and efficiency.

Pullman Aerocity New Delhi
NOVOTEL PHU QUOC, VIETNAM
Located on one of the island’s most beautiful white-sand beaches, Novotel Phu Quoc offers an unforgettable resort experience with views of turquoise waters, lush vegetation and a wide-range of hotel amenities, eco- tourism activities and attractions for guests of all ages. The resort is conveniently located near Duong Dong town and close to many of the island’s top attractions, such as Sao beach, Ham Ninh fishing village and various pearl farms. There are 366 rooms including private pool villas and there is also 650 square metres of meeting and event space. Dining options include Food Exchange, featuring international a la carte and buffet and guests can also enjoy a selection of cocktails with spectacular views over the Gulf of Thailand from the resort’s Lounge Bar, Pool Bar and Beach Pool Bar. Leisure facilities including a fitness centre, two tennis courts, spa treatments, an outdoor pool, a separate kids’ pool and a kids club, make it an especially great retreat for families.

Upcoming hotels

SOFITEL CITY CENTRE SINGAPORE
The 222-room Sofitel Singapore City Centre will be part of the upcoming multi-billion dollar Tanjong Pagar Centre, which will redefine mixed use developments in Singapore. Located between historic Chinatown and the vibrant CBD, Tanjong Pagar Centre will feature Singapore’s tallest building at 290 metres, a prestigious residential and office tower, premier retail and event spaces and the luxury Sofitel hotel, all set around beautifully landscaped parklands and with direct MRT station access. Guests at Sofitel Singapore City Centre will appreciate the unique, state-of-the-art equipment and programmes offered at the Virgin Active gym, as well as a host of health and fitness-related public activities and events at Tanjong Pagar Centre’s Urban Park which can accommodate up to 2,000 people. The 150,000 sq ft Urban Park will be an ideal location to host public fitness events, such as Zumba and yoga, for the broader community, including hotel guests. Positioned as an ‘Integrated Vertical City,’ Tanjong Pagar Centre will provide a holistic, end-to-end hospitality service for hotel guests. Opening late 2016.

Sofitel City Centre Singapore
SOFITEL SYDNEY DARLING HARBOUR, AUSTRALIA
As the city’s newest conference and entertainment precinct gets ready to launch its multi-billion dollar transformation, the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is set to open in 2017. The 35-storey luxury hotel will boast a rooftop pool with stunning views over the harbour city, several dining outlets and 600 beautifully appointed rooms. Darling Harbour will become the most vibrant entertainment hub in Sydney, just ten minutes from the central business district and providing easy access to Star City Casino, Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Wildlife World plus the Chinese Garden of Friendship and National Maritime Museum. Opening 2017.

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
MERCURE DANANG BANA HILLS FRENCH VILLAGE, VIETNAM
Mercure Bana Hills French Village in Vietnam is truly a unique destination, perched atop a hill reached by a cable car that holds two World Records – for both the longest and highest non-stop single track cable car. The entire village is modelled on 19th century France. The hotel currently features 162 guest rooms with a second phase to finish mid-year, which will bring the total to 455, seven dining outlets, a spa, pool and fitness centre. Fantasy Park provides fun for the whole family and is themed around Jules Verne’s novels Journey to the Centre of the Earth and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with lots of rides and games. There is also a separate Alpine Coaster which winds down the mountains in a stunning course and for more cultural pursuits there is the Linh Ung Pagoda, which is an impressive sight amongst the hills. Bana Hills is located 25 minutes outside of Danang and offers a great base for exploring nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as three golf courses, the Cham Ruins in MySon, Pagodas and Marble Mountain, as well as the charming town of Hoi An. Opening March 2016.

Danang French Hills Mercure

MERCURE MALDIVES KOODDOO RESORT, MALDIVES
The Maldives is renowned for being high-end and quite expensive, but the new Mercure Maldives Koodoo Resort is set to change that when it opens late 2016, offering visitors to this pristine paradise one of the best-value accommodation options in the area. The Mercure will open in the south of the Maldives in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, a spectacular lagoon teeming with colourful marine life and unmatched diving and snorkelling options. It will feature 68 villas (43 overwater), and will be built using local materials, bright colours and stylish furniture, with the interiors designed to reflect the Maldivian culture and the spirit of travel. It will be the only Maldives beach resort directly accessible by domestic plane, without the need of an additional speedboat journey. Facilities will include an all-day restaurant, lobby lounge, pool and pool bar, sunset bar, spa and gym as well as a range of watersports including a dive centre. AccorHotels is also developing a 120-villa Pullman Resort in the Maldives, which will open in 2018. Mercure opening late 2016.
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort

Hilton London Wembley

Hilton London Wembley

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The transformation of the Wembley area of north-west London in the last 15 years has been nothing short of incredible. The most obvious and celebrated symbol of that regeneration is of course England’s new national stadium. Indeed, tales abound of how run-down the antiquated-yet-iconic Empire Stadium at Wembley had become by the time it was unceremoniously bulldozed to the ground after an acrimonious send-off in 2000 — a depressing 1-0 England defeat to the Germans in the driving September rain.

A decade-and-a-half on and very much like the game of today it plays host to, the new stadium is a gleaming beacon of sanitised modernity and corporate hospitality heaven. The surrounding area has benefited from this gentrification too, which is most probably why hotel chains are queuing up to set up shop on the doorstep of a much-improved, internationally-renowned venue.

Hilton London Wembley Executive Lounge

Hilton London Wembley Executive Lounge

One such chain was Hilton; its London Wembley hotel has slotted into that business-like vibe surrounding the stadium perfectly since opening its doors in 2012. And make no mistake, this hotel is geared up unashamedly for hosting corporate guests and large-scale business get-togethers. Having spent a morning being shown around this 321-room hotel, it’s clear to see that it does it well.

From its exterior with its striking corner-point catching the eye as soon as you walk up to the hotel to the seemingly ceiling-less lobby with its bold use of greys and browns, this Hilton makes a statement-filled first impression. The neutral tonality of the lobby interior is broken up somewhat by the splash of colour brought about by beautiful light fixtures, an array of sporting shirts and jerseys plastered on a wall at the far end and by the wallpaper accompanying the escalator ride up to the second-cum-mezzanine level which depicts all the great sporting events held at Wembley — both old and new.

London Hilton Wembley Lobby

London Hilton Wembley Lobby

The second floor houses a fitness centre replete with a fantastic indoor pool, an added bonus for guests especially considering the locale and the restriction of space in such a built-up area. Aside from this, however, there is nothing else contained on the level except lift wells and another escalator going up to the Ballroom, Association Restaurant and Icons bar. My guide for the day, Gemma, assures me the space is used for overspill during conference registrations but I can’t help feel the space is somewhat wasted and a blip on what is otherwise a brilliantly designed and decorated hotel.

Indeed, the third floor bears all the hallmarks of a savvy designer throughout. The Grand Ballroom, where the majority of the conferences and meetings held at the hotel take place, is a fine example of an event space and is one of the better designed ones I’ve seen in the capital; the space has a feel of luxury about it thanks to lush carpets and grand light fixtures. With enough room for 900 delegates, the flexibility to be laid out in a variety of set-ups depending on the function as well as cleverly-placed exits and entrances to the restaurant and bar to keep delegates within the event space rather than wandering off elsewhere — this is an example of canny design.

Hilton London Wembley Pool

The Association Restaurant itself also contains pleasing touches of design; in a bid to remove the feeling of eating in a canteen it has been broken up into sections through good use of walls and dividers. And a London-themed wall display made up of custom-made plates marking major landmarks throughout the city was a particular favourite of mine. Again, the neutrality of the lobby’s colour scheme has been used in the Icons bar with browns, whites and pale greens dominating with the occasional accentuation of colour added by bright red, high-backed armchairs.

Hilton London Wembley meeting room

I’m next shown a more intimate meetings and events space on the fourth floor, which comes with guest rooms on the same level — all of which can be hired out by smaller groups looking to keep an element of privacy or exclusivity to their events. All meeting rooms have excellent AV capabilities and are decorated slightly more sumptuously than the Ballroom below, with well-appointed carpets and furnishings.

Guest rooms are a very generous size; their walls and carpets decorated with muted browns, deep purples and subtle yellows. Stunningly simple headboards above the beds frame the rooms perfectly on entry. As with the rest of the hotel’s spaces, the bedrooms are well-lit thanks to the large floor-to-ceiling windows which are simply dressed with delicate mesh and two-tone fabric curtains. In the suites, an extra living room also benefits from the generous natural light, and those built into the building’s pointed façade (often a nightmare for interior designers ‘gifted’ by the architects) have dealt with this issue by placing a prominent pillar to keep the space contained.

Hilton London Wembley guest room

The bathrooms I saw were tiled in brilliant black-and-white, with beautiful plain white ceramics and bold, statement taps. A very good-sized, LED-bordered mirror sits above the basin offering a reflection of the entire space.

The last spot on my whistle-stop tour is the executive lounge and Sky Bar 9 — appropriately located on the ninth floor — with both offering incredible views of Wembley Stadium and the cityscape beyond, especially from the outdoor terrace. These are stylish and elegant spaces, as expected from a Hilton property located in a capital. In the lounge, I particularly love the copper, fish bowl-shaped pendant lampshades and photographs of iconic artists who have performed at the nearby arena and stadium. And in the Sky Bar 9 I’m instantly drawn to the striking, gregarious yellow upholstery and cladding.

Where the designers may have had to work with an element of restraint in decorating the corporate spaces within the hotel, they were clearly given a lot more freedom to play with on the ninth floor. It’s the best designed and pleasingly decorated space in the whole hotel and marks the high-point of a fine piece of work by both design and architectural teams. From my lofty viewpoint, it was impossible to avoid seeing the numerous construction projects going up left-right-and-centre in the Wembley area and beyond. It won’t be long before this Hilton is entirely encircled by commercial and residential properties all around, but many will have a long way to go if they are to deliver a finished article as elegantly functional as this…

Hilton London Wembley executive lounge

Hilton London Wembley Sky Bar 9

Based on a visit in February 2016
Photos by Daniel Fountain // Hilton Media Centre (hilton.com)
www.hilton.com

Pullman Hotel Liverpool - Quadriga

Millennials are on the move – can hoteliers keep up?

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Over the last few years we have seen a new type of guest evolve – they’re knowledgeable, savvy and will rarely be caught without their smartphone in hand. Whether it’s looking up the local hot spots, using maps to navigate around a new city or trying to book a table at the hotel restaurant, millennials will be doing it digitally. Mark Brooks-Belcher, Global Sales Director at Quadriga, explains…

Millennials are looking for a quick, flexible and efficient service, all in real-time. They also expect this to be tailored specifically to their preferences, meaning any form of communication needs to be as instant and effortless as possible. While this may seem like a lot, it’s actually just a combination of things that hoteliers should already be implementing and if not, certainly planning towards.

Hoteliers should be making digital a part of everything they do – taking it beyond traditional interactions such as self-check in and in-room entertainment, to the power of digital marketing, personalisation and real-time information delivery.

Hotel Kamp - Quadriga

Photo: hotelkamp.com

Guests are becoming more demanding for interactive platforms that have the ability to self-serve and provide information at their fingertips. Hotels that implement digital signage solutions across the board will not only be projecting a stronger, more unified brand image, but ensuring any millennials staying with you aren’t greeted by A4 paper signs in Times New Roman font.

marriott.co.uk

marriott.co.uk

With technology only set to advance, hoteliers need to ensure they’re catering for the digital demand that their millennial guests are searching for, all the while providing a streamline experience. This new generation of jet-setters not only expect, but demand a quick, flexible and efficient service, soon becoming aggravated or confused by limited access to information, and the inability to use digital platforms throughout their stay.

Recent examples of Quadriga’s solutions at hotels include designing and installing a converged solution offering high quality WiFi and wired internet access across all the rooms at the Pullman Liverpool as well as a TV system offering a ‘better-than-home experience’. At the various hotels of the Kämp Group in Finland Quadriga integrated several technological services under one umbrella; and at the Renaissance Malmo was tasked with updating the listed building’s internet access without damaging the aesthetics of the highly-rated hotel.

 

 

Skyline Serviced Apartment - Lincoln Plaza

Skyline unveils newest Canary Wharf serviced apartment development

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The swiftly expanding serviced apartment provider Skyline recently announced the opening of its latest acquisition; the newest building located in the prestigious Canary Wharf and Docklands area.

Lincoln Plaza by Skyline is a serviced apartment development offering stylish, sophisticated accommodation for family, leisure or corporate travellers in a location boasting an international reputation and status.

Comprised of two principal apartment towers, Duckman Tower and Jackson Tower, the development is divided into units of studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, all designed to offer spaciousness, as well as modern lifestyle facilities, all finished to the highest of standards. Skyline is currently servicing 40 of these units. This will increase to over 80 by April this year.

Skyline Logo
Lincoln Plaza is within easy walking distance of Canary Wharf Station and will, by the end of the year, have further amenities added, including a swimming pool, gym, cinema room and residents’ lounge. Skyline is already the leading provider of serviced apartments in the Canary Wharf area, and this latest acquisition will serve to firmly consolidate that position.

Skyline’s founder, CEO and Director, Thiago Hahn, said: “This chic, sophisticated and spacious new addition to the Skyline portfolio is a key aspect of our London expansion and constitutes another major step forward in our business development plans for 2016.”

During the first half of 2016, Skyline is planning to expand its London portfolio still further by offering two more properties; Providence Tower in Canary Wharf and Euston Reach in the King’s Cross area, to add to over 350 Skyline serviced apartments throughout London.

Park Regis Birmingham

Park Regis Birmingham welcomes first guests

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Park Regis Birmingham, the city’s newest four-star hotel and the brand’s first in Europe welcomed its first guests on Tuesday 29th March.

The £50 million development at Five Ways has undergone a vast transformation, with 1960s office tower ‘Auchinleck House’ having been converted into the sleek and modern upscale hotel. With 253 bedrooms, two junior suites and the largest presidential suite in the city, Park Regis Birmingham is set to become a destination for both leisure and business travellers.

Park Regis Birmingham

Photo: parkregisbirmingham.co.uk

The hotel plays host to two restaurants; the fourth-floor ‘1565’ restaurant and bar will feature signature dishes, grills and classics, as well as be home to one of the city’s largest outdoor terrace spaces. ‘Rofuto’, its 16th-floor Japanese eatery, is a concept by former Ivy head chef Des McDonald. At 137-ft in the air, Rofuto and its accompanying cocktail lounge and Sake bar ‘Kurabu’ will provide panoramic views across the city.

The hotel also boasts an executive level complete with conference and meeting spaces and a business lounge with check-in facilities. In addition, Park Regis is also home to ‘Shakina’ Urban Dry Spa, offering indulgent treatments in its state of the art therapy rooms, as well as a gym for hotel residents.

Mercure Chester North

Mercure seeking to sell six properties through Christies & Co

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Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has been appointed to sell and is inviting offers for six Mercure-Branded Hotels.

All six properties are available free and clear of the current management but with the benefit of a franchise agreement with Accor under their Mercure brand. The hotels are available on a whole, sub-group or single asset basis…

  • Mercure Bowdon Altrincham Hotel – This freehold hotel is located in one of Cheshire’s most affluent suburbs close to many key commercial and leisure attractions. The property comprises 87 en-suite bedrooms, restaurant, bar and a variety of meeting rooms. The leisure facilities include a gym, swimming pool, sauna and steam room.
  • Mercure Chester North Woodhey House Hotel – This freehold hotel ccomprises 75 en-suite bedrooms arranged over 3 floors on an extensive freehold site. The property has on-site leisure club facilities with mini gym, sauna, steam room and swimming pool. Large conferencing facilities allow for a maximum capacity of 250 guests in addition to a restaurant, bar and 200 car parking spaces.
  • Mercure Hatfield Oak Hotel – This property is located close to the A1M motorway and comprises 76 en-suite bedrooms, restaurant, bar and a range of meeting facilities.
  • Mercure Telford Madeley Court Hotel – This freehold Grade II listed country house property also includes modern detached bedroom blocks and function suites on site. The hotel’s location and large function space means it benefits from commercial, leisure and wedding demand. Enjoying a lake setting in extensive grounds, the hotel’s main building dates back to 1544 and comprises 17 en-suite bedrooms, a selection of small function spaces, restaurant, bar and wine cellar which can host up to 60 guests.
  • Mercure Wolverhampton Goldthorn Hotel – This freehold hotel comprises 74 en-suite bedrooms arranged over 2 buildings. The accommodation consists of a restaurant, 2 bars, a variety of meeting rooms and leisure facilities including a gym, swimming pool, sauna and steam room.
  • Mercure Wigan Oak Hotel – This hotel is available as a long leasehold. This is a purpose-built property comprising 88 en-suite bedrooms arranged over 5 floors served by a single passenger lift. There are a variety of function rooms, large restaurant, bar and a terrace area adjoining the main function suite. The hotel is within walking distance of the main shopping attractions of Wigan and a short drive from the DW Stadium, home to Wigan Athletic FC and Wigan Warriors RLFC.

Jeremy Jones, Head of Brokerage – Hotels, at Christie & Co commented: “These hotels are each located within vibrant regional UK trading markets. Initial interest has been very encouraging on a group, sub-group and single asset basis.”

Areen Hospitality completes first renovation phase at Westin Palace Madrid

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Award-winning design practice Areen Hospitality has completed the first phase of the 467 guest room renovation of the iconic Westin Palace Madrid, one of the oldest and most prestigious hotels in Spain.

This latest appointment adds to Areen’s growing reputation within the international hospitality sector, offering clients both interior design and procurement on an integrated basis from a single supplier.

The design concepts allowed a fresh interpretation of the hotel’s classic heritage and location, alongside a more contemporary and revitalising ambience to be created for the interiors of its guest rooms and suites.

Westin Palace Madrid Guestroom
As Andrew Linwood, Head of Design, Areen Hospitality, explains: “Leading international hotels, such as the Westin Palace Madrid, are increasingly looking at renovation opportunities to maintain brand values and provide guests with the standard expected. Their investment provides a great return, in terms of both customer experience and building brand loyalty.

“We’re delighted to have been appointed on this latest renovation project which follows on from our success on the refurbishment of Sheraton hotels in Zagreb, Bucharest and Stockholm.”

Deer Park Hotel

Devon’s Deer Park Hotel reveals new additions

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East Devon’s Deer Park has revealed its new additions at its estate – including the Orangery, which will boost the hotel’s wedding offering.

The owners have also revamped several main bedrooms as well as the estate’s gardens. Deer Park Hotel has also unveiled its new luxury thatched tree house. Designed by Blue Forest, the one-bedroom offering has a lounge with log burner and tree-top balcony.

In addition, the new three-bedroom CEO House accommodation adds to the corporate offering at Deer Park.

Commenting on these new developments at the Deer Park, managing director, Mark Godfrey says: “I know we’re bound to be bias, but to say the new Orangery is exquisite is an understatement. The craft and skill which has gone into its design is outstanding.”

Hotel Designs Summit announces date change

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The Hotel Designs Summit has announced a date change from May to September to accommodate the needs of all those designers, hoteliers and developers interested in coming along.

HD Publisher Katy Phillips said: “Research in to the market has shown us that the latter part of the year is favourable with this audience and in order to deliver the best event possible we need to respond to the views expressed by this market.”

Supported by partner HotelDesigns.net, the Summit will now take place on September 12th – 13th 2016 at the Radisson Blu, London Stansted.

The main aim of the event remains; to bring together suppliers and buyers from across the industry by supporting new and existing client relationships. In addition, we’ll look forward to welcoming first class speakers from within this truly vast sector.

Campaign For Wool Awards - Brintons

Prestigious award for Brintons at Wool Floor Show

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Royal Warrant holder, Brintons, has been awarded the prestigious Woven Carpet Design Installation of the Year award for its Art Deco inspired carpets at Quaglino’s.

Celebrating quality, style and innovation, Campaign for Wool’s International Wool Carpet and Rug awards was launched for the first time at this year’s Wool Floor Show in London.

Hosted on the 23rd March at Stamford Bridge in London, the awards included 14 different categories, some of which were sponsored by leading interiors magazines.

Ranging from Rug Design of the Year to the award for Innovation in Yarn Development, Brintons was awarded Woven Carpet Design Installation of the Year award for its 1930s inspired designs that it created for the renowned Mayfair based restaurant and late night venue, Quaglino’s.

Brintons supplied a striking custom carpet featuring geometric designs for the restaurant to compliment the period’s style of its multimillion pound refurbishment project. The carpet was installed throughout the restaurant and staircase, featuring a dramatic linear style to reflect the Art Deco influence of the interiors.

Sarah Draper, Commercial Marketing Manager for Brintons, said: “We are really honoured to have received such a fantastic award from such a renowned industry figure, Campaign for Wool.

“Our range of designers utilise our 230 year old archive to create bespoke creations that truly reflect a commercial interiors specific identity. Working with Quaglino’s to create such a stunning Art Deco design was a fantastic experience and we are delighted for our work to have been recognised with such a prestigious award.”

Brintons was at the Wool Floor Show with its latest commercial collection, QuickWeave, which offers a shorter turnaround time and is ideal for clients who are working on projects where timing is of the essence.

For more information on Brintons and its range of products and services for the commercial sector, visit www.brintons.net or call 01562 635665.

The Beach Club Sky View ME Cabo

ME Cabo reopens after $16 million renovation

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ME Cabo has officially reopened following an extensive $16 million renovation. All of the hotel’s rooms, suites and public spaces have been revamped to elevate the overall guest experience and cement its place as one of the destination’s most popular resorts. Architects, Patricia Rios and Leonardo Díaz Borioli, have worked alongside renowned interior designer Alejandra Contreras to completely transform the property.

The resort features 162 guest rooms, including 62 ME+ Suites, which combine Mexican culture and design with modern resort amenities to create a luxurious beachfront experience. ME Cabo offers exclusive custom-designed furniture and décor pieces handcrafted by Mexican masons, carpenters and craftsmen, and new custom-designed wallpaper. The Lobby and Rose Bar are decorated with brightly coloured fabrics, while contrasting shades of grey and white provide an elegant and soothing vibe in the guestrooms, as well as a re-tiled pool deck and new beach club.

ME Cabo Lobby Overview
ME Cabo’s culturally traditional artwork was curated to complement the modern re-design of the hotel. The property showcases unique paintings and sculptures by celebrated Mexican artist Yuri Zatarain, which are displayed in guestrooms and public spaces, as well as contemporary images by Portland, Oregon-based photographer Kineo.

Alvaro Tejeda, Regional Vice President of The Americas at Meliá Hotels International said: “The unveiling of ME Cabo’s highly anticipated property renovations is a thrilling time for our brand and this property. Guests will be welcomed by a new level of luxury and entertainment that is sure to facilitate memorable ME experiences for even the most discerning travellers.”

Marriott-Starwood merger

More twists and turns in Marriott-Starwood merger

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A consortium led by Anbang Insurance has increased its all-cash offer to acquire Starwood Hotels & Resorts to $82.75 per share for $13.9 billion. The revised, non-binding offer is “reasonably likely to lead to a superior proposal” than one from Marriott, allowing the company to engage in discussions with the Beijing-based group, according to a statement from Starwood.

This new offer comes after a bidding war between Marriott International and Anbang. Marriott had struck a $12.2 billion deal to acquire Starwood Hotels & Resorts in November, creating the world’s largest hotel company. But a consortium led by China’s Anbang Insurance Group offered $13.2 billion for the company at $78 per share. Marriott countered by raising its offer to $21 per share, valuing the total bid at $13.6 billion or $79.43 per share.

According to a Marriott statement, it is committed to completing the deal with Starwood but has not yet raised its current offer. “Starwood stockholders should give serious consideration to the question of whether the Anbang-led consortium will be able to close the proposed transaction, with a particular focus on the certainty of the consortium’s financing and the timing of any required regulatory approvals.”

“The Starwood board will carefully consider the outcome of its discussions with the consortium in order to determine the course of action that is in the best interest of Starwood and its stockholders,” Starwood said in a statement.

Under the terms of the consortium’s current, revised proposal, it would acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Starwood for $82.75 per share in cash, an increase of $4.75 per share from the consortium’s prior binding proposal on March 18th, 2016 for $81 per share.

ME Miami

ME Miami opening in April

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ME by Meliá is set to launch its first luxury lifestyle hotel in the United States in vibrant Downtown Miami in April 2016.

ME Miami will be located in the epicentre of the city’s cultural hotspots, such as Pérez Art Museum, Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center and the highly anticipated Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, which will open in summer 2016. It will also be within close proximity to the thriving Miami Design District, Midtown and the Arts & Entertainment community.

The luxury lifestyle hotel will boast 129 rooms across 14 floors, including three ME+ suites, many of which feature their own private balcony with views overlooking Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami. Situated on the 11th floor, the signature Suite ME will offer guests tropical floor-to-ceiling vistas, as well as a private bar. Additionally, a luxurious Personality Suite and Style Suite will be located on the 14th floor.

ME Miami

ME Miami’s interiors will be a fusion of contemporary and innovative design with cream and grey hues, accompanied by bursts of gold and silver to reflect the city’s energy and vibrant personality. Upcoming global fashion photographer, Alberto Van Stokkum, has been commissioned by the brand to create a bespoke collection of artworks exclusively for ME Miami that will be showcased throughout the hotel.

ME by Meliá hotels are renowned for their breathtaking rooftop spaces, with the brand’s flagship hotel ME London and ME Milan Il Duca featuring rooftop bars with impressive, panoramic skyline views. Located on the 14th floor terrace, ME Miami will feature two swimming pools; a main pool and infinity pool. It will also offer a bar and lounge area, surrounded by sunbeds and cabanas, so that guests can take in the views of Miami’s skyline, whilst relaxing to laidback beats from the hottest DJs.

ME Miami

ME Miami is a key addition to Meliá Hotels International’s expanding hotel portfolio and the company, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, already has a strong presence in Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The opening of ME Miami follows closely in the footsteps of ME Milan Il Duca, which opened in May 2015; ME Mallorca and ME Ibiza launched in 2014; and the flagship hotel, ME London, opened in 2013 and ME Madrid, the first ME by Meliá hotel, launched in 2006. The brand will continue to expand with openings in key markets including ME Caracas in 2016, ME Barcelona in 2017 and ME Dubai, which has been designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, is set to launch in 2018

Hyatt Rio de Janiero

Hyatt announces second Brazilian property in Rio de Janeiro

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Hyatt Hotels has announced the opening of Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro combines the brand’s effortless luxury experience with a Brazilian design and hospitality in an urban resort setting. Guests can enjoy its prime beachfront location in the exclusive Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood and access to world-class shopping, dining, cultural and outdoor activities.

As the second Grand Hyatt hotel in Brazil, Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro is a significant addition to Hyatt’s existing portfolio in South America and the growing brand portfolio. The hotel is meticulously designed to exemplify the Grand Hyatt brand’s signature level of grandeur with an abundance of options for creating spectacular experiences. Every aspect of the hotel, from simple delights to elaborate gatherings, embodies the brand mantra of Living Grand, an expression of the ways in which Grand Hyatt hotels deliver extraordinary experiences and infuse care into every encounter.

Hyatt Rio de Janiero

“We are delighted to open our first hotel in Rio de Janeiro, a vibrant destination known for its natural beauty and hospitality. Expanding Hyatt’s brand presence in South America is critical to our global expansion strategy as we bring more quality experiences to our loyal guests in destinations where they want to travel to,” said Pete Sears, group president – Americas for Hyatt. “With much attention on Brazil this summer, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome travelers from around the world to Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro.”

Designed by internationally acclaimed interior designer Yabu Pushelberg and with the local assistance of Brazilian designer firm Anastassiadis Arquitetos, the hotel provides a relaxed, care-free coastal living experience with large balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, along with stones and fabrics authentic to Brazil.

The 436 guestrooms include 40 suites, two 1,561 square foot Presidential Suites, and one 2,100 square foot Penthouse Suite with a 1,248 square feet terrace including a lounge area and a plunge pool. The stunning beachfront location affords all of the guestrooms views of the blue-green Atlantic Ocean or the magnificent Marapendi Lagoon that surrounds the hotel. Among the special local touches, each guestroom has Brazilian flip-flop sandals, and in the botanical tradition of Brazil’s oldest pharmacy, Granado bath amenities.

Hansgrohe opens ‘The Water Studio’ in Clerkenwell

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Award-winning German bathroom specialist Hansgrohe launched a brand new concept ‘Water Studio’ in the heart of London’s design district on 1st March.

Marking the latest chapter in their remarkable story, The Water Studio specification centre will act as a hub of inspiration, resource and a collaborative space for those serious about creating show-stopping bathrooms. Situated at 12-16 on the bustling Clerkenwell Road and spread over two floors totaling 262m2, The Water Studio is a true brand experience and brings water to life through the Hansgrohe SE values of innovation, sustainability, quality, design and expertise.

UK Managing Director, Martin Mongan, comments, “Customer intimacy has been a key driver for us in the UK over the past few years and this new London home allows us to get even closer to the talented A&D community. This means offering both practical project support and building stronger professional relationships.”

Hansgrohe - The Water Studio
Share, Explore and Learn
Unlike conventional ‘showrooms’, The Water Studio is all about interaction. In addition to four working water stations and more than 200 products, other features include podiums with ‘Quick Connectors’ that allow easy exchange of products to showcase function and a ‘Behind the Wall’ area for installation tips. The first of its kind globally from Hansgrohe, the ‘Test Rig’ allows measurement and comparison of different products’ flow rates using sensors.

Come Together and be Inspired
Visitors to The Water Studio can become acquainted with Hansgrohe’s unique interactive online tool, iSpecify, which is accessible through screens within the space. Designed to make specifying as simple and user-friendly as possible, iSpecify provides inspiration with a growing library of global reference projects and can highlight exact product details to generate a Hansgrohe or Axor specification. For meetings, a large open design table faces out to the bustling Clerkenwell Road where customers: professional specifier, retailer or end consumer can discuss their project requirements over coffee.

Hansgrohe_The Water Studio_85_med
Experience the Art of Moving Water
Water is evident throughout the studio in more abstract, artistic expressions, such as the central ‘cascade’ feature. Here, working showerheads and mixers are set against the backdrop of a 4D-mapped ‘digital waterfall’ animated artwork, inspired by the power of water harnessed and engineered by Hansgrohe. Further artistic water-statements are the window display which features billowing fabric evocative of water flowing from an Axor Starck V mixer tap and the Axor WaterDream installation sculpture (by Front) hangs above the staircase.

Part of the Hansgrohe Global Family
Designed by international Experiential Design Agency, I-AM, The Water Studio’s strategic location will serve as a project base for professionals specifying bathrooms both in the UK and overseas. It will also act as an important global hub for the Hansgrohe family, for launches, events and for overseas subsidiaries to meet and visit with their customers.
Hansgrohe retail partners are encouraged to use the space with their customers and experience the brand first-hand. They will be introduced to the world of Hansgrohe, whilst being supported and advised by the Clerkenwell expert team where they can refine and agree their personal Hansgrohe requirements.

 

The Water Studio is a B2B showroom, and can be experienced here:
12-16 Clerkenwell Road, EC1M 5PQ

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Floral design expert Elizabeth Marsh to speak at Hotel Designs Summit

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Another week, and another fascinating speaker announced for the Hotel Designs Summit (12th-13th September, 2016 at Radisson Blu, London Stansted) – this time; the founder of the eponymous Elizabeth Marsh Floral Design.

Elizabeth MarshElizabeth is one of the last independent artists to design and install the window displays at Harvey Nicholls. She spent 20 years working at the top of the London floral scene working with Le Caprice and the Ivy back in their heyday and still working closely with the Corbin and King group today.

And Elizabeth has now extended her repertoire as the company has grown to help top retail companies such as Rolex, Mappin & Webb and Montblanc to not only protect but also galvanise their brand through the use of flowers.

She is fast developing a reputation for state-of-the-art Christmas decorations and was recently commissioned to create an avant-garde art installation for the Top Drawer giftware exhibition at Olympia.

In her book, Petal Performance: the Art and Economics of Floral Design, she talks about her philosophy on flowers and floral décor: aimed at helping managers and individuals alike to achieve the maximum value from their floral décor.

At the Summit, Elizabeth will be speaking about the economics of floral design in the hotel industry and how to get the best out of investing in it.

Previously known as the Hotel Summit and rebranded as part of Forum Events’ acquisition of Hotel Designs, the HD Summit can help you find the perfect match and can save time sourcing suppliers through a proven concept of meeting and negotiating supplier contracts.

For more information, contact Jade Oliver on j.oliver@forumevents.co.uk or 01992 374054

New room at Lea Marston Hotel

Lea Marston Hotel reveals 30 new bedrooms and suites

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Lea Marston Hotel, in the heart of the Midlands, has revealed 30 new bedrooms and suites as part of its near £2 million investment.

Set in 75 acres of North Warwickshire countryside, the award-winning hotel now boasts an impressive 118 luxury ensuite rooms, as well as extensive wedding, spa, conferencing and event facilities. The additional superior, executive and luxury suites have been provided in a brand new extension to the hotel, spanning two floors and overlooking the golf course.

RELATED: Sutton Coldfield’s Lea Marston starting £2m expansion

All 30 air-conditioned rooms have been styled by local designer Ilze Reinke, based in No Mans Heath, and feature warm contemporary interiors, cutting edge technology and the little luxuries that are in keeping with Lea Marston Hotel’s ethos of providing a warm welcome.

As well as the new build, the hotel has been given a brand new look with extensive refurbishment throughout. An additional 30 members of staff have been taken on to help keep day-to-day operations running smoothly as the business goes through this latest phase of growth.

Lea Marston Hotel
The new look and new rooms were unveiled at a special launch party last week attended by 100 guests and visitors, including suppliers, corporate customers and the hotel’s long-standing health club members.

Lea Marston Hotel sales and marketing director, Phillip Allsopp, said: “As a family-run hotel group, we are always looking to grow and expand our offering in order to maintain our reputation as one of the best independent hotels in the Midlands.

“With so much to offer here at Lea Marston Hotel and in the wider surrounding area, demand is always high and the new rooms represent one of our most significant investments to date. Although the additional facilities have only been available for a few weeks, we have already had nights where we have been sold-out across the hotel, which is fantastic news for the area.”

Morgan RIO metallic

Art and environment the focus for Morgan at Clerkenwell Design Week

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There are just two months to go to Clerkenwell Design Week, 24 – 26 May 2016. In addition to inspirational product launches, the central theme for Morgan at this year’s event in their 1, Dallington Street showroom is wellness in the workplace.

Relaxing music, an indoor garden and alternatives to spending 6 hours at a desk will be ideas that are explored as ways of improving the working environment.

A programme of events will include an art installation, talk and workshop by Remi Rough that considers the effect of art in our environment and colouring in ‘therapy’.

Three key product launches will include additions to the Manhattan collection and a new Lucca meeting bench with stools that are ideal for informal meetings and break-out areas. Visitors who were wowed last year by the 3D printed RIO seating collection, can anticipate occasional tables also using 3D printing that will be unveiled during the event.

Rotana Bahrain

Rotana expands its Bahrain portfolio with the opening of Downtown Rotana, Manama

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Downtown Rotana, Manama, BahrainDowntown Rotana, Manama has officially opened its doors and is welcoming guests to its slick-city property in the heart of the Bahraini capital. Set against the iconic backdrop of the Manama ‘souq’ and the city’s central business and financial district skyline, the new 26-storey property is the third new property opening in Bahrain for Rotana, the leading hotel management company in the MENA, South Asia and Eastern European regions.

Boasting striking design elements and panoramic city views, the hotel is a perfect blend of contemporary minimalism and understated elegance; designed to complement the quality and sophistication of Bahrain’s hospitality scene.

The new hotel sits in downtown Manama, and is walking distance from the historical Bab Al Bahrain and traditional local market; key corporate hubs such as the Bahrain Financial Harbour and the World Trade Centre; and a short drive from the country’s largest retail and entertainment outlets.

With flourishing development being made in its growth strategy, Rotana is set to continue its ambitious expansion plans across the globe. Mr. Omer Kaddouri, President and CEO of Rotana spoke regarding future prospects: “This year we will roll out 10 new properties across different markets including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, DR Congo, Jordan and Iraq. With the opening of Downtown Rotana, our company’s inventory in the Kingdom [of Bahrain] has increased to more than 680 rooms.”

The resort offers 249 rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, high-speed internet connection, and 48inch flat screen TVs, in addition to Club Rotana Executive Rooms and Lounge. Downtown Rotana is also home to seven state-of-the-art meeting rooms and a spacious and elegantly-designed ballroom. The new hotel also offers four new dining concepts, including the award-winning ‘Teatro Downtown’ and ‘Flavours on 2’; a relaxed setting serving international flavours.

Leisure facilities include a rooftop swimming pool, a Bodylines Fitness and Wellness Club with professional instructors and a fully-equipped gym, as well as a sauna, steam-room, Jacuzzi and treatment rooms.

Sorrento - Newmor Wallcoverings

Product Spotlight: Two new designs from Newmor Wallcoverings

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Newmor Wallcoverings launched two new designs this month which add raw tiled textures and intricate herringbone weaves to their collection of commercial quality fabric-backed vinyl wallcoverings.

Sorrento (pictured above) is a burnished tile effect available in 19 lustrous metallic and buffed matte tones. The deeply embossed surface catches the light, and metallic inks create a dramatic ever-changing effect. In contrast, the matte colourways have an attractive rough plaster quality.

Suzanne Edwards, Newmor Design Manager, gave us an insight into the development of the design: “This sumptuous design draws on trends which are evolving in commercial interiors – weathered metals, raw surfaces and textured etched surfaces. Don’t miss the copper, petrol and putty tones.”

Herringbone (pictured below) is a tactile tweed design inspired by British tailoring and traditional artisanal weaving techniques. This faithful representation of the much loved textile is available in 16 versatile colours, from cotton whites, to cognac browns and contemporary teals.

Herringbone - Newmor

Moray Forrest, International Sales Director of Newmor, explains: “We see the design becoming a modern classic in our range. The considered palette has something for every market sector, and the design is distinctive and on-trend while remaining versatile for use in all sectors – from hotels to healthcare.”

Newmor have also extended the Write ‘n’ Wipe range to include dry-wipe surfacing on a roll. As easy to install as standard wide-width wallcovering, this can be used straight after installation and is available by the meter for next day dispatch. Cover any area large or small, including curved walls and folding doors.

For further information, visit www.newmor.com

Henfaes Lane
Welshpool
Montgomeryshire
SY21 7BE
WALES

T: 01938 551990
E: enquiries@newmor.com

Foxhills Club and Resort - Deluxe Suite

Surrey resort unveils elegant new Deluxe Suites

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After a two-year, £1.7 million revitalisation project Foxhills Club & Resort in Surrey has unveiled its two new double-storey, 200-square-metre Deluxe Suites.

The Deluxe Suites are situated in the heart of the resort, close to the health spa and first tee of the Longcross Championship golf course. Interior designers Parker Liddell have drawn inspiration from Foxhills’ quintessential English country setting to meticulously create two elegant interiors, using mainly bespoke British furniture to retain the air of a country cottage.

Foxhills Club and Resort - Deluxe Suite

The soothing hues selected for the ground floor sitting rooms are a neutral palette of soft grey and deep blue in one suite, with olive green and taupe in the other. These colours are accented throughout each suite in the L-shape sofa and footstool from the Sofa Studio of Romsey, Hampshire. The wooden dining table from Bampton Design of Witney is complemented by a well-equipped drinks bar, whilst bespoke woollen carpets have been commissioned and woven in Denmark by Hammer Carpets.

Stairs lead up to the mezzanine level bedroom where the exposed beams and the original king truss ceiling scape are preserved. Wallpapered in a restful Bellflower design by Colefax & Fowler, with a super-king size Hypnos bed, the bedroom area features mirrors and pictures supplied by Quintessa Art in North London. Windows are adorned with handmade rick silk drapes in Harlequin fabric and Sanderson braids for a smart, contemporary touch.

Foxhills Club and Resort - Deluxe Suite

The sumptuous bathroom features a freestanding stone bath, separate shower with over-sized shower head, and an elegant double vanity unit.

Foxhills’ General Manager, Jason Adams commented: “Our new Deluxe Suites are a fitting enhancement to our 70 well-appointed bedrooms, taking the standard of accommodation to yet another level. We expect them to be particularly popular with couples celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a luxurious golf or spa break.”

Kobe Elegance Collection

Product Spotlight: Kobe’s ‘Elegance’ Collection for pure luxury

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Inspired by Art Deco, the most fashionable international design movement in modern art from 1925 until the 1940s, luxury fabric specialist Kobe is launching its Elegance collection of opulent curtain and upholstery fabrics.

Providing endless creative opportunities, this rich array of innovative fabrics features statement pieces, combined with timeless plains and semi plains in sumptuous velvet, woven jacquard, cool linen and soft silk and satin appearance.

Reflecting the lavish glamour reminiscent of this style period, a palette of soft and sumptuous shades ranging from metallic tones to gentle graceful hues, complements the distinct and intricate designs of geometric, floral, medallion and trellis patterns,

David Harris, managing director of Kobe UK, said: “The Elegance collection is inspired by the Art Deco era to create a range of fabrics that make a statement of elegance and grandeur. The collection uses a blend of rich velvets and soft satins to create an ambience of pure luxury in any interior.”

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

Kobe’s UK operation is based in Crowthorne, Berkshire
T: 01344 771653
F: 01344 771663
E: salesuk@kobe.eu

Arcade Nickel

Product Spotlight: Arcade Nickel range from Simpsons

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Simpsons is proud to announce the new Arcade Nickel range, an elegant range of shower enclosures to suit the most exquisite of tastes.

Arcade comes exclusively in a tasteful nickel finish, exuding traditional flair. Also included in the range is a bath screen, so any bathroom size or set-up is catered for.

To see this and all the other ranges in the Crosswater portfolio, click here…

Chelsom strengthens sales team with new appointment

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Chelsom bolsters its Sales team with the appointment of Karen Brennan as Sales Consultant for the South of England as the company consolidates its position as a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of decorative lighting to the international hospitality and marine markets.

Cementing what has been a particularly successful eighteen months for the company, Chelsom has recently appointed a highly experienced new team member to further enhance the continued expansion of the Chelsom brand. The new appointment accompanies a series of high profile international project wins and a significant increase in sales across the global hotel, marine and leisure sectors.

Chelsom Swing Reading Lamp

Chelsom Swing Reading Lamp

With a professional background in the interior design market spanning more than 20 years in both the UK and UAE, Karen Brennan has spent the last 8 years specialising in the contract hospitality marketplace. Her career to date has provided her with a thorough understanding of the decorative contract market and she brings with her a wealth of experience from her previous roles with companies including Decca Furniture, JAB Furnishings and Skopos Design. During her time in these positions Karen has developed a large number of key relationships within the hospitality industry and has completed projects across a wide client base including Langham Hotels, Monaco Yacht Club, IHG Group, Accor, Hilton Worldwide and St. Regis Hotels to name a few.

Chelsom - Esprit Cove Lounge

Chelsom – Esprit Cove Lounge

Brennan says “During my career in the contract market and within the hospitality environment specifically, I have understood that providing first class client service is the corner stone of any business relationship. I want to add that first class service to Chelsom’s enviable reputation for superior design and quality. Having had a sneak preview of the 2016 collection I am even more excited about joining the UK’s leading hospitality lighting specialist.”

Sales Director, Philip Macaulay says: “We have been very diligent in our search for the right person to join the Sales team. Karen understands the Chelsom ethos and all we are looking to achieve and is well respected within the industry. We are delighted to welcome Karen to the team, she’s certainly coming on board at a very exciting time ready to tackle the opportunities ahead in 2016 with the launch of our new lighting collections, Edition 25, around the corner in May.”

Hamilton Litestat at BIID

Hamilton Litestat to showcase ‘designer’ collections at BIID Conference

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Hamilton Litestat is confirmed as one of just eight exhibitors to showcase its product range at the annual conference for the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID). Set to explore the theme of ‘interior identities’ this year, the BIID Conference will take place on 16th June 2016 at Royal Geographical Society in London.

British designer and manufacturer Hamilton Litestat will display its high quality decorative electrical wiring accessories, lighting control and multi-room audio systems at the event. With its design-led collection of products created to meet the exacting project demands of architects, interior designers and interior specifiers, Hamilton is a trusted partner and solutions provider to the sector.

Gavin Williams, Marketing Manager of Hamilton Litestat, says: “The interior design industry is extremely important to Hamilton and we’re delighted that our commitment and strong working relationship with interior designers and specifiers will be reinforced by attending such a central show as the British Institute of Interior Design Conference.”

Rex Liddiard, Marketing & Events Exec at the BIID, adds: “Since joining the British Institute of Interior Design in June last year, Hamilton has shown dedication and commitment to creativity and interior design, making it a valued ‘Industry Partner’ to the BIID. We look forward to welcoming Hamilton and its innovative, style-led collection of products to our conference.”

Hamilton Litestat will showcase its portfolio of 18 designer switch plate and socket collections that span current trends and classic designs. Manufactured in metal, plastic, wood and glass, the collections are available in a variety of finishes, including four new shades of bronze.

Its in-house design and manufacturing service allows Hamilton Litestat to also produce bespoke non-standard size plates in a special finish or colour to meet the requirements of any design project. One-of-a-kind electrical accessory solutions are created, with highly finished prototypes provided as standard to ensure the bespoke solution is exactly right for the interior environment.

Come and meet the Hamilton Litestat team on Stand: E

Guy Ritchie Ashcombe House hotel

Hollywood director Guy Ritchie planning hotel on Ashcombe House estate

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Hollywood director Guy Ritchie is set to convert a barn on his Ashcombe House estate into a luxury hotel and spa resort, according to media reports.

The 12-room hotel and spa, with indoor pool, cinema and library, will be built amongst a shooting retreat on his 1,200-acre estate. Ritchie has reportedly submitted planning permission papers for the property, which have been approved.

A source, speaking to The Sun newspaper, said: “Guy loves shooting and knows that there’s a gap in the market to provide a world-class retreat for it. He knows that tourists from America and Japan will pay thousands to hunt pheasants in England but they also demand luxury accommodation.”

There is already a USP on the site, as a micro-brewery sits on the estate.

 

Wilton Oulton Hall

Project Spotlight: Classic and modern crossover in stylish carpet at Oulton Hall

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Fusing contemporary and classical influences in a striking bespoke design, Wilton Carpets Commercial has continued its partnership with QHotels, bringing elegance and poise to the carpets at the luxurious Oulton Hall Hotel and Spa.

The interior’s classical architectural features of the 18th century former family mansion work perfectly with the scroll and floral motifs in highlighted with gold accents, while the modern luxury of the four-star hotel is embraced with a contemporary 3D design in charcoal greys that flow through the reception, the design is then simplified for stairs, while in meeting rooms a lighter version of the effect is worked beneath a complimentary motif.

“The classical elegance of Oulton Hall and its status as a four-star destination meant that the carpet had not only to achieve a look befitting of its surroundings, but also reflect the hotel’s position as a destination offering modern levels of luxury and relaxation,” comments Trudi Purtill, director of group development, QHotels. “Wilton Carpets Commercial has once again fulfilled our ambitions with the carpet’s striking and on-point design, the colours working perfectly with the fabrics and furnishings we had chosen for Oulton Hall.”

Some 900 square metres of the bespoke nine-row woven axminster carpet were installed by Pocklington Carpets through the main reception, staircase and gallery, as well as meeting rooms of the hotel. Situated close to Leeds and featuring a luxurious spa and golf course, the 152-room Oulton Hall is set in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. It is one of 26 premium four-star hotels in the award-winning QHotels group.

For further information contact Wilton Carpets Commercial on 01722 746000 or sales@wiltoncarpets.com

Morgan - Brompton

Product Spotlight: The ‘London Look’ gets versatile with Morgan’s Brompton sofa

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The new modular Brompton sofas by Morgan offer versatile seating arrangement and the highest standards of luxurious lounging.

Designed by Katerina Zachariades, the latest two seat and three seat sofas, two and three seat daybeds and a corner modular sofa have a deeper and softer sit, wider arm and generous loose back cushions.

First launched in 2013, Brompton was designed as a contemporary collection with a traditional touch. The resulting, timeless lounge chairs and sofas were awarded a Design Guild Mark in 2014.

Showcasing Morgan’s expertise in fine upholstery and beautiful timber detailing, the pieces all have a square form with fitted seat cushion, and the lounge chair has an optional, elegant walnut frame.

www.morganfurniture.co.uk
www.morganlondon.uk

Tru By Hilton ground breaking

Hilton breaks ground on very first Tru by Hilton property

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Hilton Worldwide last week broke ground on its very first Tru by Hilton property located in McDonough, Georgia. The celebration came just eight weeks after its public unveiling, which marks the fastest brand announcement to groundbreaking in Hilton history.

Demonstrating Tru’s promise to ‘break the mould’ at every occasion, the milestone event tossed traditional hard hats and shovels aside, treating guests to an unveiling of 3D chalk paintings created of the hotel’s exterior and guest room design that allowed attendees to feel as though they were part of the hotel.

In addition, attendees had some fun in an interactive photo booth that placed them right inside the lobby of the 98-room, 4-storey hotel. It is expected to be completed in summer of 2017.

The value proposition continues to drive developer interest. Hilton Worldwide announced today that it has 189 Tru hotel deals in process to date, up from 130 hotels in January when the brand launched at The Americas Lodging Investment Summit. When completed, the new Tru by Hilton McDonough will provide guests with smart and efficiently designed guest rooms and reimagined public spaces, including an open lobby with four distinct zones for lounging, working, eating or playing.

F-digital Deluxe - GROHE

Project Spotlight: The rise of technology in bathrooms

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It’s fair to say our daily lives are in the midst of an ongoing ‘digital revolution’. So many day-to-day aspects of our lives have now been digitised — no more so than in our homes where technology plays a considerable role in how we do simple, everyday tasks. So it figures, we expect the same if we’re staying at a hotel when travelling — essentially a ‘home away from home’.

This has definitely begun in a whole host of areas ranging from check-in to temperature control. And one such area that is benefitting from the rise of technology is the bathroom. And these innovations aren’t just making life easier and more convenient, but can now offer a personalised, luxurious touch as well.

Digital technology has arrived in the bathroom and it is here to stay. The next step will be to enable even more efficient networking between the different types of digital products and create truly comprehensive digital solutions for the smart home of tomorrow. Hotel Designs Directory members GROHE are pioneering digitisation in sanitary technology and have been at the forefront of industry progress for more than a decade, with products like the GROHE Ondus beginning major design trends…

Intuitive operation for enhanced comfort
What all digital GROHE products have in common is that they can be operated intuitively – their user interfaces are simple to understand and self-explanatory, designed to make life easier for the user. At the same time, they incorporate modern technologies to create unique water experiences, which users can enjoy time after time.

F-Digital Deluxe - GROHE

F-Digital Deluxe – GROHE

Technologies for personalised luxury
GROHE F-digital Deluxe takes the concept of luxurious and personalised showering to the next level. A user can simply select a coloured lighting to suit the mood, favourite music and the right amount of steam to enhance the shower experience. All the individual modules of GROHE F-digital Deluxe can be controlled from a variety of mobile digital devices via an app for ease and convenience.


GROHE Sensia® shower toilets also offer high levels of user comfort. Their cleansing functions can be set and activated via a remote control unit or, for the Arena model, via an app. Simple, intuitive symbols on the keys or touchscreen provide direct access to all functions. All settings – including the temperature of the water, the pressure of the spray and the position of the shower arm – can be personalised to meet each user’s individual needs and preferences.

GROHE Sensia IGS

GROHE Sensia® shower toilets

All digital products from GROHE are designed to enhance their users’ daily lives and create distinctive and enjoyable experiences. In addition, many digital functions also help to save water and energy, allowing users to enjoy a deeply relaxing shower, while also feeling good about saving water and energy.

www.grohe.co.uk

Trevira CS Club Gold Award 2016 - for Kobe

Kobe wins fifth consecutive Trevira Gold membership award

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Kobe won its fifth consecutive Trevira Gold membership award at the annual Trevira CS Club ceremony, in Frankfurt, Germany earlier this month.

The award was presented to the luxury fabric specialist at the Heimtextil International Trade fair and reinforces the company’s continued successful partnership between the Trevira brand and its contract collections. Trevira’s focus on innovation and quality complements the company’s passion for fabrics which reflect the very latest trends for today’s high-end domestic and contract markets.

Many of Kobe’s collections feature a wide range of 100% Trevira CS fabrics, regarded as the highest quality in FR and are enjoyed by the company’s partners, customers and contract projects worldwide.

Trevira is a global supplier of a complete range of polyester products for residential and contract markets, apparel, automotive interiors, hygiene textiles and technical applications.

Kobe’s UK operation is based in Crowthorne, Berkshire. The company has been supplying UK interior design and soft furnishing customers for 20 years and has a first class reputation for outstanding quality, innovative design and excellent customer service.

T: 0844 7420 800 (Lo-Call Rate)
E: salesuk@kobe.euwww.kobe.eu

Great Northern Hotel

Great Northern Hotel owner launches new boutique collection

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Jeremy Robson, owner of the Great Northern Hotel in King’s Cross London, has launched a new boutique hotel collection called Aries Hotels and appointed three new members of senior management to support the new venture.

Anthony Lee will be CEO at the GNH as well as spearheading the operational leadership of the new group, Iain Duncan as the group’s marketing director and Andrew Wheal as revenue director.

Jeremy Robson, Owner of Great Northern Hotel and Aries Hotels said: “All three appointments mark a deliberate plan I have put in place to bring extremely strong operational and strategic expertise to Great Northern Hotel and the wider Aries Hotels group, as we strive to become a leading developer and operator of upscale boutique hotels. Following our exciting news of Great Northern Hotel becoming part of Starwood’s Tribute Brand in Q4 of 2015 I am delighted to welcome Anthony, Iain and Andrew to our team to continue our growth and success”.

Congham Hall Hotel

Norfolk’s Congham Hall Hotel refurbishment nears completion

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Congham Hall Hotel in Norfolk has almost completed its latest phase of refurbishment, and some of the refreshed rooms will be available to book from Easter.

Five of the new-look rooms will be ready to book from the Easter period, a further three will be available from the end of April and the final three, including one suite, refurbished in January 2017.

The refurb features a contemporary palette, which complements the manor house’s classic Georgian style, including feature wallpapers by Jane Churchill, paint by Farrow & Ball and Little Greene, elegant illuminations supplied by Jim Lawrence Lighting, fabrics by Hotel Designs Directory members Sanderson and Zoffany and luxurious carpets by fellow HD Directory members Wilton.

Among the stand-out rooms that have been redesigned are the Dandelion, a new honeymoon suite with its own sitting room and private balcony overlooking the parkland and the Writing Room, which is available for meetings, events, private dinners and wedding celebrations.

The changes are the work of the new management who took over and relaunched the hotel in 2013.

Photos: Congham Hall Hotel Facebook // Twitter

Interior designer Yasmin Chopin latest speaker confirmed for Hotel Designs Summit

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Yasmin Chopin Hotel Designs SummitAfter announcing Natalie Gardner and Andrew Linwood in recent weeks, the Hotel Designs Summit is pleased to welcome interior designer Yasmin Chopin to the event at Radisson Blu, London Stansted on 12th-13th September 2016 as a speaker.

Yasmin lives in Cambridgeshire and her practical advice and quirky colourful style is popular with clients across the county and further afield. She is keen to promote sourcing from UK based businesses whenever possible and supports the maker community. To help her clients find a suitable maker, and to provide a service to the interior design profession, Yasmin set up Select a Maker Ltd in 2015.

This is an online directory of UK designer-makers who accept commissions in the interiors and gardens sector. With the aim to support and grow the UK’s bespoke market the site is quickly establishing itself as a comprehensive resource.

Yasmin is regularly engaged as a speaker and writes a monthly column for HouzzUK. Her online activity has gained her a number of accolades and she is listed in the Top 100 Design Influencers by Decorex International.

At the Summit, Yasmin will be presenting on blogging and how it can help your business; where your resources should be going, how to get the most out of it and how it can open doors to new revenue streams.

Previously known as the Hotel Summit and rebranded as part of Forum Events’ acquisition of Hotel Designs, the HD Summit can help you find the perfect match and can save time sourcing suppliers through a proven concept of meeting and negotiating supplier contracts.

For more information, contact Jade Oliver on j.oliver@forumevents.co.uk or 01992 374054

Hilton Garden Inn Muscat, Oman

Hilton signs agreement to open Garden Inn in Muscat, Oman

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Oman’s continued hotel construction boom got an additional boost this week after it was announced that Hilton have signed an agreement with local investors to open a Garden Inn hotel in Muscat. It would be Hilton’s first in the Omani capital and the second in the country.

Carlos Khneisser, vice president of development, Middle East and North Africa for Hilton Worldwide, said: “With a well-established tourism industry and historic reputation as a trading hub, Muscat is continuing to develop its infrastucture in response to steady increases in business and leisure arrivals. Oman welcomes almost 3.5 million visitors each year and with Muscat’s expanding airport capacity, as well as the expected opening of the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre this year, we look forward to supporting this growth and developing Hilton’s presence here.”

Hilton Garden Inn Muscat will feature 232 guest rooms and occupy a prime position in the centre of the city. Visitors will be in close proximity to Muscat International Airport (16 kilometres) as well as sites of interest including the renowned Royal Opera House and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

Hilton Garden Inn Dubai

An example of a Hilton Garden Inn in neighbouring UAE (Dubai)

Expected to open in early 2019, guests will also have access to a 24-hour business center, complimentary Wi-Fi and benefit from more than 147-square-metres of meeting space. Food and beverage options at the hotel will include the signature 24-hour Pavilion Pantry.

John Greenleaf, global head, Hilton Garden Inn, said: “As we continue to expand our presence in the Middle East, travellers to Oman will soon be able to experience the very best in mid-market accomodation as we expand Hilton Garden Inn to the country. We have recently established the brand in the UAE and grown its presence in Saudi Arabia. With 16 hotels either trading or under development in the Middle East, our global footprint of 650 Hilton Garden Inn properties will continue to expand to include a growing list of exciting destinations.”

Hilton Worldwide has operated in Oman since 1999, when it opened the upscale Hilton Salalah Resort, located in the south of the country. Hilton Garden Inn has grown rapidly in the Middle East over the last 12 months, with properties now open at Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates; Al Mina and Al Muraqabat – as well as in Riyadh and Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.

AC Hotels by Marriott - Marseille

AC Hotels by Marriott opens in Marseille

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AC Hotels by Marriott has opened its fifth property in France, the AC Hotel Marseille Velodrome, in the heart of the city’s business district.

The 126-room hotel offers close proximity to key locations – such as Calanques National Park, Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, the historic district and the Vieux Port. The property is 30 minutes from the International Marseille Provence airport and 10 minutes from the Saint Charles train station.

Reflecting the contemporary architecture of the city, the guestrooms incorporate an urban colour-scheme with hints of bright colour, clean lines and hardwood floors. Furniture is lifted from the ground to create a sense of space and white linens are used to craft a look that is both refined and elegant.

Hotel AC by Marriott Marseille – ARCHIPEL Design Marseille from a’t render on Vimeo.

The hotel’s Oh Massalia restaurant serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine amid a landscaped garden. For small meetings and events, the hotel features one versatile space for up to 12 people featuring the latest technology. The hotel offers complimentary WiFi throughout all rooms and public spaces.

The new hotel joins AC Hotel Ambassadeur Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, AC Hotel Nice, AC Hotel Paris Porte Maillot and AC Hotel Paris Le Bourget in France. Marriott will bring 22 new AC hotels slated to open in 2016.

Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland

New north-east hotel Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland nears completion

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The North East’s newest hotel is nearing completion, marking a Northern landmark for one of hospitality’s biggest brands. The Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland will open adjacent to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light later this spring.

It will be the first Hilton Garden Inn property to launch in Northern England and the only one to date between Birmingham and Glasgow.

“It is a real coup for us to be bringing the Hilton Garden Inn brand to such an exciting location just opposite the Stadium of Light,” said Kim Kelso, Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland’s General Manager. “The new hotel will help to fill a gap in the market catering for the growing number of people coming to work and play in Sunderland.”

The Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland, created by Gateshead-based architects, Redbox Design Group, will offer high quality, good value accommodation, with two wings housing 141 en-suite guest rooms.

Construction on the H-shaped property, which began in summer 2015, is being managed by professional service provider, Turner & Townsend and led by Tolent Construction Ltd. Key contractors include Opus Building Services, based in Sunderland, Walker Modular, based in Yorkshire and Swandene Specialist Contract Interiors, based at Washington, Tyne and Wear.

The Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland, which is expected to launch in early May, is already accepting bookings and looking ahead to a busy first quarter.

“Once completed, we’re confident that the Hilton Garden Inn will make an ideal base for tourists exploring the sites of Sunderland and the surrounding area,” said Kim Kelso. “It will also offer an accommodation option for those attending events at the Stadium of Light, including football, weddings, corporate events and the performance by Beyonce in June.”

PICTURES: St. Regis’ Langkawi Resort – rainforest meets the riviera

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St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has announced the brand’s debut property in Malaysia. Scheduled to open on April 6, 2016, The St. Regis Langkawi Resort will become the first luxury resort to open within the last decade in Malaysia’s coveted “Island Jewel of Southeast Asia”.

Located in the 99-island archipelago of Langkawi, a UNESCO’s World First Geopark, the resort is composed of resplendent architecture, landscape, and interior design and is a masterpiece of the Rajawali Property Group and the St. Regis brand.

St. Regis Langkawi - Hotel Lobby

Envisioned by a group of world-class designers and architects—including San Francisco-based Gensler, Bangkok-based landscape architect Bill Bensley, and UK-based hospitality design specialists, GA Design—The St. Regis Langkawi Resort weaves a compelling story of discovery and is designed around the concept: Paradise Found and Refined: Rainforest Meets Riviera Lifestyle. The resort embodies a harmony of contrasts where tropical splendour blends seamlessly with the style and energy of a European mansion, thoughtfully accented by Middle Eastern finishes.

“Expanding on the concept of a paradise found and refined, the design team sought to provide a resort to strengthen Langkawi’s position in the luxury tourist market. Our compelling architectural vision for The St. Regis Langkawi defines the entire resort experience as a journey of discovery—of sanctuary, of vistas, of wellness, of cuisine, of fresh water, and of salt water.” said Tom Lindblom, Principal Architect at Gensler.

Paradise Refined
Tucked away in an exclusive enclave in its own tranquil, private cove on Langkawi’s southern tip, The St. Regis Langkawi is fringed by a 600-metre private white sand beach overlooking the emerald green waters of a 100,000-square-metre natural salt, private swimming lagoon, and integrates with the shimmering Andaman Sea. Blue lights, cooling mists and a dramatic garden oasis are wrapped in lush ferns and surrounded by villas with azure tiled plunge pools and airy cabanas.

The architectural footprint of the resort closely adheres to that of a luxurious private residential palace nestled within steep rocky hills forming two small peninsulas along a sandy shore. In keeping with the design concept, the resort thoughtfully blends indoor spaces naturally with the outdoors, and consists of a six-storey central mansion with two lagoon suite wings cascading outwards towards the shorelines.

Rainforest Meets Riviera
Capitalising on its expansive lagoon, The St. Regis Langkawi is the first luxury all-suite resort on the islands, offering four overwater villas and 85 suites, including 20 private pool suites with cabanas. A four-bedroom overwater villa and three one-bedroom overwater villas offer unrivalled sunset views. A fresh, light colour scheme inspired by the island’s brilliant corals, emerald green sea, and lush jungles along with bold, precious metallic accents and local artwork underscore the island’s rich heritage and natural surroundings.

Flush plate showroom - Geberit

Product Spotlight: Geberit’s online flush plate showroom makes selection easy

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With flush plate design growing ever-more diverse, the online Geberit Flush plate Showroom provides end users with an at-a-glance reference tool for the brand‘s wide range of styles, finishes and innovative technology.

Sales of wall-hung sanitaryware are on the rise, and with this comes a consumer desire to choose the perfect finishing touch, in the form of a stylish flush plate.

From the smallest flush plates on the market, to remote flush buttons, those with infra-red sensor technology and even bespoke models, Geberit has a solution for practically every situation. With so many options to choose from, the Flush plate Showroom, online at www.geberit.co.uk/flushplateshowroom is a handy reference guide for retailers to use when putting the finishing touches to their bathroom designs and to share with potential customers.

Making flush plate selection simple, the website acts as a virtual showroom, with all the benefits of each and every Geberit flush plate clearly detailed, alongside full-colour photography. As well as making it simple to choose between the various styles in the Geberit Sigma, Omega and Kappa ranges, the showroom also works as an aid for retailers to point out the advantages of the technology hidden behind the wall to the end user, to assist the selling process.

Visit geberit.co.uk/flushplateshowroom and have a browse. . .

The Guest House at Graceland

Elvis-inspired The Guest House at Graceland taking reservations

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Design elements for the Guest House at Graceland, a 450-room hotel located a stone’s throw from Elvis Presley’s iconic mansion home, have been revealed by designers Hnedak Bobo Group (HBG) – who worked closely with Priscilla Presley on the project. It is set to open in October with interiors said to be inspired by Elvis’ personal style and his home.

Speaking to the media, HBG’s principal designer Mark Weaver said: “We all recognise Graceland almost as a time-capsule of 1970s design, but if Elvis was here today, he most likely wouldn’t design his new guest house to look like it was still 1975.

The Guest House at Graceland
“So, we took cues from his design style using contemporary pieces to pull it all together. We focused on creating a sense of intimacy between the guest and the property – creating a way for visitors to have an informal and personal experience as a true guest of Graceland that has previously not been possible – an experience that we think would make Elvis proud,” he added.

Reservations are now being taken for the October opening.

Cachet Resort Wanfeng Valley

‘Vertical forest’ resort to be built in China by Cachet group

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With sustainability being the key issue it is today, it’s fantastic to see projects like the Cachet Resort Wanfeng Valley in the pipeline. Cachet’s first resort development in Asia and located in the relatively unvisited Guizhou Province, the project is set to open in October 2016.

Designed by world-class Milan-based architect Stefano Boeri with Chinese artist Simon Ma – one of China’s most well-known and acclaimed artists as Art Director – the resort complex will feature a 182-room Cachet Resort Hotel and a 71-room URBN hotel. The lifestyle destination will also offer two restaurants and lounges. These will include a signature all-day dining venue and a specialty restaurant that will offer distinct culinary experiences for both guests and locals alike. Recreation facilities on property are set to include a swimming pool, spa and fully equipped fitness centre.

Cachet Resort Wanfeng Valley
As can be seen from the images, balconies all around the building will be planted with dozens of trees to create a ‘vertical forest’, hiding much of the concrete exterior. There will also be green roofs and forests in the surrounding area.

Boeri has worked on similar projects, and he is perhaps best known for mixing nature with architecture as he did with the Vertical Forest skyscrapers in Milan.

Caesars Palace

Caesars plans thousands of room enhancements in Vegas, regional locations

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Caesars Entertainment Corporation has announced plans to upgrade more than 4,800 of its hotel rooms this year at four of its Las Vegas resorts, and more than 900 rooms at three regional casinos – at Atlantic City, Biloxi and Tunica – totalling more than 5,700 owned or managed rooms across the enterprise.

This renovation effort represents approximately 20% of rooms in Las Vegas and 15% of total rooms throughout the company. At the end of 2016, following the completion of this series of room renovations, Caesars Entertainment will have updated more than 10,000 hotel rooms in the last three years.

These resort upgrades include the transformation of the original tower at Caesars Palace to create the 586-room Julius Tower as well as the refurbishment of the resort’s 948-room Augustus Tower. Additional room upgrades will include Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Paris Las Vegas and Harrah’s Las Vegas. In the regional markets Harrah’s Gulf Coast, Caesars Atlantic City and Horseshoe Tunica will complete room upgrades.

Caesars Palace
This year of room renovations and upgrades began with the already underway transformation of the roughly 586-room original tower at Caesars Palace, newly branded as the Julius Tower, and the planned full refresh of the approximately 948-room Augustus Tower. Planet Hollywood will reimagine more than 1,294 rooms and suites; Harrah’s Las Vegas plans to overhaul approximately 672 rooms of the hotel’s south tower and Paris Las Vegas plans to transform approximately 1,320 rooms and suites. Caesars Atlantic City is expected to renovate nearly 274 rooms; Harrah’s Gulf Coast plans to renovate 499 rooms and Horseshoe Tunica will refresh 193 rooms.

The room and suite upgrades at all four Las Vegas hotels will include modern room designs, enhanced in-room electronics, new furnishings, and soft goods. All rooms will feature large, 50″ TVs or more complete with fully refurbished bathrooms along with elevated in-room amenities and services. For example, the suites at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will offer a fresh design complete with retro round sleeping beds and hanging daybeds.

At Harrah’s Gulf Coast and Horseshoe Tunica these room renovations will feature a fresh and new room design complete with modern wall coverings, lighting and wood finishes.

Canopy by Hilton, London

Hilton to open Canopy hotel in London’s east end

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Hilton Worldwide, currently with 35 properties across London, has announced its plans to open a £76 million hotel development in Aldgate in the east of the city.

The company will join forces with site owners 4C Hotel Group to open a Canopy property – its lifestyle brand – next to the train station in 2018. The hotel will form part of a wider residential and office development, which will also have a public garden and public square.

According to the developers, the interior design will draw its inspiration from the ‘legacy of the Whitechapel Gallery and the melting pot of cultures in the area’.
“Aldgate was chosen for its proximity to both the stylish City of London and the more edgy and energetic East End,” said Gary Steffen, global head, Canopy by Hilton.

Canopy by Hilton, London

Budget 2016

BHA: What George Osborne’s Budget 2016 means for British hospitality

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The BHA is pleased to see the abolition of the Carbon Reduction Commitment energy efficiency scheme in George Osborne’s Budget 2016 which was very bureaucratic and cumbersome and caused difficulties for franchise arrangements.

Devolved powers to regions to improve transport and connectivity will support job creation and local tourism. We are pleased that English counties and regions will get elected mayors. Tourism should be a top priority for these mayors especially in coastal and rural areas.

We were also pleased to see the support for tourism and cultural activity with the announcement of cathedral investment, tax breaks for museums and travelling exhibitions.

We were disappointed not to see a reduction in National Insurance and a delay in the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy which would have been helpful in reducing the total impact of the National Minimum Wage and the introduction of National Living Wage in April this year.

Small businesses will be pleased to see the business rates reductions.

Despite the catastrophic effects of recent flooding, our industry has – and continues to – rally together to support local communities and the people living in them. The BHA welcomes the Chancellor’s announcement to support flood struck businesses with the investment in flood defence and resilience measures.

Morgan - Boston and Metro

Product Spotlight: Morgan reacting to rise of laptop tables with two new examples

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Laptop tables are growing in popularity as interior spaces are designed to be more multi-functional. Hotels are responding to the requirement for guests to work anywhere, whether in the lobby area, cafe or their bedroom.

While many offices are creating more informal spaces for working and interacting with colleagues, in favour of traditional fixed desks. Whether for work or pleasure, so many people now have mobile devices that it makes sense for the combination of seating and table to facilitate this in a comfortable way.

The latest Metro laptop table from Morgan is inspired by the form of a boomerang. The foot of the metal base is shaped and scaled for ease of use and the table top is a geometric form based loosely on a triangle with squared corners. Offered with a solid wood lipped detail and a variety of laminates, this laptop table offers a lightweight and versatile solution.

Morgan Metro laptop table

Morgan’s Metro laptop table

The Boston laptop table with circular top and cantilever base looks attractive in traditional all timber finish, but is also offered in a versatile range of materials. Bases can be powder coated metal in any colour and the top can be sandblasted or coloured glass, laminate or patterned glass to suit individual design briefs.

Morgan Boston

Morgan’s Boston laptop table

Both tables are 620mm high and can be pulled toward the user with the foot sliding under the seat to allow an ergonomic seated position.

For more information about Morgan, visit

www.morganfurniture.co.uk / www.morganlondon.uk

Morgan, 1 Dallington Street
Clerkenwell
London
EC1V0BH

01243 388001

elizabeth@morganfurniture.co.uk

Hansgrohe Warehouse

Hansgrohe expands warehouse space to cater for future growth

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Hansgrohe UK has transformed its warehouse facility in Woking, Surrey to create 35% additional capacity to cater for future planned growth.

Led by Logistics Manager, Steve Court, the 1,200m2 warehouse has been entirely re-organised and upgraded. Additional racking, new packing bays and a revised layout allow for more efficient work processes and provide extra storage space equivalent to 8 articulated lorry loads.

All the work was carried out during evenings and weekends to ensure that daily operations were not affected. Woking is the logistics centre and warehouse facility for Hansgrohe UK, where goods are dispatched out daily to customers across the country.

Helen Kronheim, Director of Finance and Operations, says: “This planned investment forms part of our ongoing drive to deliver our customer intimacy strategy. With this project we needed to maintain optimum service levels during the upgrade whilst re-organising for our forecasted growth. Customers were not impacted by the change and, crucially, are now assured of receiving the same excellent levels of service and delivery lead times as the business continues to grow.”

www.pro.hansgrohe.co.uk

Hansgrohe Limited
Units D1 and D2
Sandown Park Trading Estate
Royal Mills, Esher, Surrey
KT10 8BL
UK

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

Oman Anantara

Anantara to open second resort in Oman by mid-2016

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Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas has announced the opening of a second luxury resort in Oman by the middle of this year – the Al Jabal Al Akhdar, which will join the Al Baleed Resort Salalah.

Set in the Saiq Plateau on Oman’s fabled Green Mountain, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar is perched some 2,000-metres above sea level on the curving rim of a great canyon, making it the highest five star resort in the Middle East and one of the highest in the world.

Designed to reflect traditional Omani and Middle Eastern architecture, the resort blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, offering panoramic canyon views. A scenic two-hour drive from Muscat International Airport and a four and a half hour drive from Dubai, passing date plantations, valleys or ‘wadis’ and historical forts, the resort will offer an exhilarating escape for adrenalin-junkies as well as culture and history enthusiasts, with the ancient city of Nizwa only a 30-minute drive from the hotel.

The 82 Premier and Deluxe rooms, overlooking either the spectacular canyon or tranquil gardens, will each feature private balconies or terraces, whilst the 33 one, two or three bedroom villas complete with private swimming pools, separate living spaces and personal butler services, offer the epitome of luxury.

Both resorts will boast a world-acclaimed Anantara Spa, which will harness the essence of Arabia with ancient hammam rituals as well as treatment rooms offering signature spa treatments using indigenous ingredients and traditions. In addition, the resorts will each feature extensive meeting and banqueting facilities to host weddings, events, conferences and team building activities.

Carpet Design

Carpet Focus: 2016 trends to make impact on carpet design

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Much like paintwork or wallcoverings, carpets are one of the best and easiest ways to convey a theme and add a touch of ‘personality’ to a room or space. They can form a ‘neutral’ foundation for the rest of the room’s design in the background. Or, alternatively, a brightly coloured or vibrantly patterned carpet can form the focal point of an interior.

Brintons

Brintons’ work in the Ramada Encore Dar Es Salaamel, Tanzania (Photo: brintons.net)

Indeed, manufacturing techniques and technology allow manufacturers – like HD Directory members Brintons, Wilton, Interface and Lano – to create carpets and rugs with patterns and textures such as swirls, bows, lattices, plaids, dots and fleur-de-lis.

Wilton Carpets

Wilton’s 1970s-inspired designs at Cranfield Management Development Centre (Photo: wiltoncarpets.com)

This year, there are a few design trends that will impact carpets and their implementation in spaces in the months ahead. Wider trends such as the emergence of warm minimalism, the rise and rise of Scandinavian design and rustic simplicity – which incorporates Mediterranean style with ‘contemporary country’ will all have an impact on carpet and rug design.

Interface

The ‘Over the Edge’ range from Interface Hospitality (Photo: interfacehospitality.com)

More specifically to carpets, and those with a more conservative approach, new neutral colours – like soft greens, pale yellows and subtle blues – are more likely to be used if the standard tans, beiges and creams aren’t used. Furthermore, flecks of colour will be incorporated into these schemes. Textures and patterns are becoming more popular because vacuum marks are less likely to show up on these carpets. Additionally, these textures also give guests an impression of high quality and can contrast perfectly with smoother surfaces such as counters, wardrobes and walls.

Lano

Lano’s pale yellow carpets in the Fraser Suites, Le Claridge Champs-Elysees (Photo: lano.com/en)

For designers wanting to make a bit more of a statement, attention-seeking carpets with bold colours and patterns can work when set against neutral wallcoverings. Also, 1970s-inspired design will play a big role in the year ahead and we could see elements of this make its way into carpet design.

Wycombe Table Gallery Direct

Product Spotlight: Wycombe Nest of Tables by Gallery Direct

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The Wycombe Nest of 2 Tables is part of the new Wycombe Collection from Gallery Direct. Made from the finest solid oak with a beautiful washed finish, the nest of tables offers both practicality and style.

The Wycombe collection features an inspired range of living, dining and bedroom furniture which offers great value and flexibility. With its quality materials and craftsmanship, competitive pricing and universal appeal across different generations, it offers a range of coordinating products to suit all interiors.

www.gallerydirect.co.uk
01795 439159
sales@gallerydirect.co.uk

Boclair House

Boclair House Hotel ready to welcome wedding guests after £3 million transformation

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Manorview Hotels, an independent Scottish hotel group, is unveiling a new look for its Boclair House Hotel in Bearsden after a £3 million investment.

The Tudor mansion is opening its doors at the end of the month and already has bookings across the next 12 months. The two-storey listed building features a castellated tower and a series of arches to the front of the building, reminiscent of Romantic Italian cloisters.

It has 12 individually-styled suites, a restaurant and a grand ballroom which will host weddings, special occasion dining and private celebrations.

Steve Graham, managing director, Manorview Hotels & Leisure Group said: “We are delighted to be opening Boclair House Hotel. It is a stunning venue and we expect to host many happy occasions over the years. The fact that we already have bookings for 67 weddings and special occasions shows the level of interest in this stunning new venue.

Skopos Blackouts

New textured blackouts and prints unveiled by Skopos

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Launching this Spring, Nocturne is a collection of textured blackout fabrics, perfect for contract drapery solutions. Nocturne sits within the Skopos Accents portfolio, offering 17 colours, ranging from flexible neutrals to rich statement tones. This collection can be used alone, unlined for best value, or with other fabrics to dress contract windows and block out light, facilitating a good night’s rest.

Alongside Nocturne as a textured plain, Skopos is also launching a new print collection called Enchant. A collection of 30 skus, Enchant is a printed collection of semi-plains and small scale designs. Printed on our FR blackout quality, it offers a cost effective alternative for blackout drapery. In-line with Skopos’ other print collections, Enchant will be available on 9 basecloths including drapery, bedding and upholstery qualities.

Nocturne is available in both narrow and wide width, Enchant will be available as 137cm width as standard.

Sitting alongside Skopos’ other Accents, including Mezzanotte dimouts, the response to both collections has already been extremely positive. Samples of both collections are available immediately.

Please contact sales@skopos.co.uk for further information or visit our website www.skoposfabrics.com.

Head of Areen Hospitality Andrew Linwood speaking at Hotel Designs Summit

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Andrew Linwood Areen HospitalityThe next speaker at the Hotel Designs Summit – 12th-13th September 2016 – has been confirmed, and we are delighted to announce the Head of Areen Hospitality, Andrew Linwood will be joining us at Radisson Blu, London Stansted. Andrew is involved in and monitors all aspects of a project: from initial client contact, brief and concept development through to documentation and site installation.

Andrew has designed interiors for many of the world’s leading hotel operators including Hilton, Marriott, Radisson, Raffles, Swissôtel and Starwood.

After gaining a degree in Interior Design in London and working in the UK and Europe, Andrew became Managing Director of regional Interiors group GTD in Hong Kong and Singapore. He went on to become Senior Project Designer with globally-renowned hospitality specialists Hirsch Bedner Associates in Singapore and London, designing luxury projects in Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Russia and Thailand.

On his return to the UK he was invited to become an Associate at Richmond International – part of the Areen Group – and in 2008 he established Areen Hospitality Design.

As well as regularly featuring in hospitality publications, Andrew is a seasoned public speaker, frequently invited to leading industry events and exhibitions to share his unparalleled insight into design and the challenges facing developers and operators.

Andrew will be speaking at the Summit about the importance of ‘place and cultural context’ and ‘localisation’ in hotel interior design.

Areen Hospitality Design is currently working on projects in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, Central Asia and China.

Previously known as the Hotel Summit and rebranded as part of Forum Events’ acquisition of Hotel Designs, the HD Summit can help you find the perfect match and can save time sourcing suppliers through a proven concept of meeting and negotiating supplier contracts.

For more information, contact Jade Oliver on j.oliver@forumevents.co.uk or 01992 374054.

Geberit - New build sit

Building work begins on new Geberit headquarters

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Following its acquisition of Twyford Bathrooms last year and as part of Geberit’s ambitious growth plans, building work has begun on the manufacturer‘s new 22,500-square-foot headquarters.

Geberit moved to its current bespoke built offices just seven years ago and is now building a premises twice the size. A significant investment for the company, the new head office is conveniently situated on the Tournament Fields business park, adjacent to the company’s current building, just off Junction 15 of the M40 motorway in Warwick.

The ground floor of the new building will be home to the Geberit and TwyfordTraining Academy where customers attend free workshops to gain hands on experience with the latest plumbing and piping systems. There will also be a 400 square metre showroom featuring the latest bathroom designs and technology, while the second floor will host Geberit’s central operations.

The new development, designed by Warwick based Corstorphine Wright Architects, will see the creation of 30 new jobs across marketing, customer service, finance and technical support areas of the business. An official groundbreaking ceremony took place at the site of the new building in February, with the new headquarters due for completion in January 2017.

“The building work on the new Geberit and Twyford headquarters marks an exciting and important milestone for the new business,“ comments Geberit UK Managing Director Mark Larden. “As a centrally based location it makes good sense to choose the existing Geberit site in Warwick for the development. Doing so means we are able to remain accessible to our customer base, with good transport links close by and with excellent facilities that will futureproof the company and support our significant growth plans in the UK.“

Geberit – 01926 516800 / www.geberit.co.uk

Chester Residence Edinburgh

Luxury Edinburgh hotel The Chester Residence to undergo £1m refurbishment

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Luxury, five-star Edinburgh hotel, The Chester Residence, is undergoing a £1 million refurbishment.

The refurbishment is being carried out by Aberdeen-based firms Ambiance Interior Design and Bentleys, a bespoke joinery manufacturer and interior fit out specialist, and is due to be completed in May 2016.

Many apartments will be newly decorated with chic, contemporary décor including accent patterns with geometric prints to complement the current more muted palette. A combination of Elitis and Armani Casa wallpapers have been specially chosen by leading interior designer Karen McKimmie, and key furnishings will be updated with luxury fabric from companies such as Mulberry Home. The technology upgrade includes faster Wi-Fi, and new 55-inch Smart TVs. Blu-ray DVD players will also be standard throughout. Aberdeen social enterprise company Glencraft are supplying new luxury beds throughout the hotel.

Owner of The Chester Residence, Graham Wood, said: “Maintaining a first class product and creating that ‘wow’ factor for guests when they arrive is key to ensuring an enjoyable stay. Great service needs to be complemented with impressive, yet comfortable surroundings if we are to maintain our number one position in Edinburgh, as voted by our guests on Tripadvisor.

“We use only the highest quality suppliers and try to source local products and tradespeople where possible.”

Designer Karen McKimmie, said: “The feedback we received from guests is that they really enjoy the essence of what The Chester Residence is, so we wanted to update the apartments without compromising that. We’ve added a range of on-trend patterns and geometric pieces to complement the timeless décor of the apartments.”

The refurbishment is due to finish at the end of May 2016 and the hotel remains open throughout.

Photo from www.chester-residence.com

Palace Hotel Manchester

Manchester’s iconic Palace Hotel to get multi-million pound revamp

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Manchester’s iconic Palace Hotel is set to be renovated in a multi-million pound project which aims to ‘rediscover the soul’ of the building.

Starwood Capital, the American investors who bought the property last year, have claimed in the media that the property has become ‘corporate and lifeless’ in recent times and have submitted plans for the overhaul.

Guest bedrooms, suites, wining and dining areas will all get a full-scale upgrade under the masterplan.

General manager Richard Morrell said to the Manchester Evening News: “This is a significant investment which was needed for an iconic building – and it’s an exciting time to see it being replenished into one of the greatest hotels in the north of England.”

Originally finished in 1895, the Palace was designed by Alfred Waterhouse – the renowned architect behind both the city’s (then) town hall and Manchester University – as a home for insurance firm Refuge Assurance.

palacehotelmanchestercity.co.uk

Melia International - Iran

Melia International announces surprise move into Iranian market

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Meliá Hotels International has made the surprising announcement that it is to enter into the Iranian market with the Gran Melia Ghoo Hotel.

Developed by Iranian businessmen and investor, Ahad Azim Zadeh, the hotel will be situated in the largest mixed residential, commercial and hotel complex to be developed in Iran – currently being built in Salman Shahr, a popular holiday destination on the Caspian Sea.

Referred to as the “Ghoo Middle East Diamond”, this new development is set to be a year-round business and holiday destination, featuring two residential towers, a sports centre, parking and a retail mall – all within an area of 180,000 square metres. The Gran Meliá Ghoo Hotel itself will occupy a 130-metre high tower, with 319 deluxe rooms of different types, including a Presidential Suite measuring more than 500-square-metres

“We have always been pioneers in the development of new markets in the travel and tourism industry, so it is a fantastic challenge for us to be involved in a project which is so important for the future of the industry in this country, in a historic moment for the international relations within the area,” says Gabriel Escarrer, Vice Chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International. “We firmly believe in Iran’s tourism potential and I am also very proud to have earned the trust of our partners in the management of this hotel, a further demonstration that we are a significant international player for the most prestigious hotel projects anywhere in the world,” he added.

Trunki - Copyright infringement law

Verdict in Trunki design infringement case a warning for UK designers

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It’s been an enlightening – and some might say worrying – week for designers across the UK after it was revealed Magmatic, the parent company of luggage design firm Trunki, lost its infringement case against PMS International at the Supreme Court last week. It’s a verdict that further highlights the need for clearer and more defined design infringement law.

In a judgment handed down on 9th March, the court ruled that the European design registration of Trunki, Magmatic’s award-winning ride-on suitcase, was not infringed by PMS’s lookalike product. During the last three years PMS had produced their own very similar design which they had admitted was inspired by Trunki. The judgment follows a three year campaign by Trunki to uphold a July 2013 High Court ruling that Trunki’s European design registration was infringed after it was reversed by the Court of Appeal in March 2014.

Trunki CEO and founder Rob Law said: “We are devastated and bewildered by this judgment, not just for ourselves but for the huge wave of uncertainty it brings to designers across Britain. We created an original product in Trunki and protected it by computer generated registered design – a process used to protect a third of designs across Europe. In my honest opinion, the Trunki was wilfully ripped off. We stood up to this behaviour, held it to account and took our case all the way to the highest court in the land – only for the judges to rule that we are not protected against the copy.

Dids Macdonald, OBE, CEO of Hotel Designs partner ACID said: “This plunges design law into an abyss and will foster widespread confusion for UK designers. The ability to rely on clearly defined and enforceable intellectual property rights, and in this case, a registered Community design right, has been denied and will contribute to design law chaos, allowing those who produce lookalikes a free rein. The Supreme Court’s decision is a sad day for justice and for UK designers.”

Rob Law added, “We’ve now reached the end of the legal process. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported us along the way. Despite all the time, expense and anguish of the past four years, I would do it again as I believe protecting British designers is an essential right if we’re to continue to be pioneers on a world stage. I’m just sorry this view isn’t shared by our country’s Supreme Court.”

For more information about design and copyright infringement law visit acid.uk.com

Moxy Hotels to open 5 properties in Europe by end of 2016

Moxy Hotels to open 5 properties in key European cities by year-end

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Marriott International announced earlier this week that it plans to open an additional five Moxy Hotels in key European cities in 2016, including Munich, Eschborn and Berlin in Germany, Oslo in Norway and Aberdeen in the UK.

As previously reported by Hotel Designs, in addition to the five European openings there will be two new openings in the United States in Tempe, Arizona in March 2016 and New Orleans in April 2016. The brand expects to offer a portfolio of nearly 150 hotels around the world within the next ten years.

Moxy Hotels to open 5 properties in Europe by end of 2016
Amy McPherson, president and managing director of Marriott International, Europe, said: “This is an exciting and pivotal moment for the Moxy brand as we move into the second phase of development with five new hotel openings this year and nine more expected in 2017. In 2014, Moxy Milan hit the market with a bang, as the first budget-savvy hotel brand to shake up the industry with a fun, stylish, and unexpected hospitality experience.

“We are so pleased to be able to offer this game-changing experience to more travellers in more major cities. This is just the beginning of a sensational journey for Moxy in Europe.”

In partnership with Vastint Hospitality as the owner and developer and franchise partner, Nordic Hospitality, the following Moxy hotels are expected to open by year-end 2016:
– Moxy Munich Airport, Germany — 252 rooms – located five minutes from the main terminal — March 2016
– Moxy Eschborn, Germany — 176 rooms – located 10 minutes from downtown Frankfurt and 15 minutes from Frankfurt Airport — July 2016
– Moxy Berlin Ostbahnhof, Germany — 210 rooms – located in Berlin city centre five minutes walk from Ostbahnhof train station — October 2016
– Moxy Oslo Exporama, Norway — 276 rooms – located at the Exporama exhibition and conference centre — November 2016
– Moxy Aberdeen Airport, UK — 200 rooms – located seven minutes from the main terminal — December 2016

Geberit - Sleep 2016

Geberit’s ‘next-level’ bathroom technology on show at Ideal Home Show

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With shower toilets being the latest must-have technology for the bathroom, a visit to the Geberit stand at Ideal Home Show London this March is a must for anyone looking to raise the comfort levels to spa-like proportions in their family bathroom or en-suite.

Not only will Ideal Home Show visitors be able to learn about the many benefits of the market-leading Geberit AquaClean shower toilets and see the products in action, anyone dropping by Stand H319 throughout the show will also have the chance to win one. The shower toilet that looks just like a normal WC, Geberit AquaClean Sela has a streamlined design which is guaranteed to fit discreetly in any bathroom. At the touch of a button, it washes the user clean with a gentle, airy water spray at body temperature. Simple to use by all the family the AquaClean Sela can even be pre-programmed and operated via a remote control.

Geberit - Ideal Home Show
Sure to be a talking point at the show will be the latest model to join the line-up, Geberit AquaClean Mera, which takes toilet technology to the next level. Behind its elegant design lies patented TurboFlush technology, an orientation light, automatic lid function, seat heating and integrated odour extraction, making this the ultimate WC for the 21st Century bathroom.

Several models from the Geberit AquaClean range will also be on display at the Ideal Home Show, from the Geberit AquaClean 4000 and 5000 enhancement sets which make upgrading an existing WC easy, through to the designer Geberit AquaClean Sela, and top-of-the-range Geberit AquaClean 8000plus.

0800 032 9629
www.geberit-aquaclean.co.uk

Frank Hudson Maine Wing Bed with bespoke Vermont - Muckrach Country House

Gallery Direct partnership helps Muckrach Country House win TripAdvisor award

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Gallery Direct delivered 12 rooms of furniture and mirrors to the Muckrach Country House Hotel in February 2015, as part of the hotel’s refurbishment. The Muckrach re-opened in April 2015 after their 14 month renovation project. Following on from this, it was recently announced that they have been ranked as 3rd best in the UK and 11th best in Europe in the Best Small Hotel category of the 2016 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for hotels.

Keith Clarke, Contract Sales & Development Manager for Gallery, worked with the Muckrach to select and deliver the furniture and mirrors for the refurbishment, which included the stunning Alexandria, Maine and Spire bedsteads from Gallery’s Frank Hudson brand.

Frank Hudson Spire Collection - Muckrach Country House
As a luxury, boutique hotel, Muckrach Country House Hotel requires only the finest furniture and mirrors, and they recognise the quality of Gallery Direct’s products. Following the refurbishment, Phil and Ed Cowap, the owners of Muckrach, commented that it had been a pleasure to work with Keith from Gallery Direct, adding “His attention to detail and vast knowledge of the industry has been invaluable in the refurbishment process. Keith has helped us to create stunning and fabulous bedroom sets which create an immediate impression of luxury and charm.”

Keith has many years’ experience in the furniture industry, and has travelled extensively and designed products and projects all over the world, from individual bespoke heirloom pieces for the finest homes, to production collections of furniture, to total commercial interiors for some of the best known 5* and boutique hotels.

Gallery’s superb range of high quality furniture and furnishings and their ability to offer a bespoke service, combined with Keith’s skill and experience, means they are the perfect solution for hotel refurbishment projects.

For further information, please email Keith at Keith.Clarke@gallerydirect.co.uk

Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce

Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce, Bruges

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I still consider the historic centre of Bruges (or to use its correct, local name; ‘Brugge’) to be a relatively ‘hidden gem’. Of the numerous locations around Europe deemed appropriate for a city break, Bruges somehow still features low down on the lists of many people. Yet – and I say rather selfishly, ‘unfortunately’ – I figure it won’t stay this way for long as more and more people discover and fall as hopelessly in love with this beautifully quaint city as I have.

Be it summer or winter, there is an effortlessly relaxed vibe about Bruges; it’s a city comfortable with and yet nonchalant about its appeal, as if it doesn’t quite know how remarkable it is – which adds to its lure even more. Befitting a city oozing class and character, its countless independent hotels hidden at the ends of the famous ‘alcoves’ offer the visitor a delightful blend of understated luxury, old-world charm and homely service. Chain hotels can be found dotted around, as modernity begins to encroach, but even they must try to fit in with the city’s medieval aesthetic or set up shop further afield from the historic centre.

Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce

The timbered facade of the ‘canal’ side of the Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce

Back in December I boarded the Eurostar headed for this ‘Venice of the North’ to revel in the joys of the city’s Christmas markets and had the pleasure of staying at the four-star, boutique Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce. My companion and I were in good company – it’s rumoured to be a favourite of the-now King and Queen of Belgium as well as the location for filming of the movie ‘In Bruges’ (cue all of those ‘ze alcoves’ jokes…) whose stars Ralph Fiennes and Colin Farrell called the hotel home during the shoot.

The building is made up of four medieval houses that were joined together in the 1720s. Its roots as a focal point of the city’s old business district are clear to see from the exterior, with its half-timbered façade and wooden, canal-side double doors guarding a store where stock used to be traded from. The timbered side of the hotel is also part of a ‘picture-perfect’ image of Bruges emblazoned all over the postcards available around the city, as it overlooks a famous scenic viewpoint on a bend in the main canal (see main image).

The building is set back from the tourist-heavy Woolestraat on a pedestrianised jetty which juts out over the canal. With this in mind, expect to see throngs of tourists using the jetty to take photographs overlooking the canal if you’re staying in one of the 11 ‘courtyard view’ rooms. These 11 make up the majority of the hotel’s 16 bedrooms; the other five offering ‘canal views’.

As soon as we enter the Bourgondisch Cruyce, we’re met with sumptuously elegant and indulgent interiors that hit us immediately. It doesn’t take me long to notice the rustic, wooden floorboards and lime wash wood furnishings set against rather garish light fixtures and Louis Vuitton chests. It’s an odd mix, but an oddly pleasing one. I’m also delighted to see the artwork (original, as I later find out…) scattered on the walls around the ground floor – the owner is clearly a serious collector – with works from the likes of Klimt, Matisse and amazingly Botero.

Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce
Our Superior Deluxe room is a ‘courtyard view’ offering and the bedroom is rustically but comfortably decorated. Antique items adorn the walls and surfaces and a beautiful, Persian-style rug dominates the majority of the floor. Despite the relatively small gap between the building housing the hotel and its neighbouring building (such were medieval architectural trends…), natural light still pours into the room through stylishly dressed double casement windows.

Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce

The lime wash look from the ground level makes its way into the rooms as the doors of the ample-sized wardrobes sport the look as well. It’s in the bathroom, however, where the biggest surprise and most interesting design choice can be found. Decadent, copper-hued marble dominating the walls, more wooden floorboards and ornate lampshades all add a touch of luxury to this well-laid out space – not to mention the superb Damana Earth and Sun toiletries set in a hamper-like basket. It’s at this point my companion sums up the feeling of the room perfectly – “homely, warm luxury,” she says. I couldn’t have put it better myself.

And that feeling is mirrored, if not accentuated, by the hotel’s public spaces. The lounge/bar area sits in an alcove (sorry, I couldn’t resist…) between the reception and lift area up to the rooms above. But it’s the dining room that wins the award for the hotel’s most sumptuous room. Built in an L-shape, its outer walls are all windowed, looking out over the canal, the inner bedecked with antique artworks, clocks and even a floor-to-ceiling tapestry on one of the sides and the floors smothered with more beautiful, detailed rugs. An open (albeit gas-powered) fire sits at one end within an ornate, wooden frame and under a rather sinister-looking Christ-on-Crucifix, a reminder of the very entrenched and deeply-rooted Christian identity of the city. The kitchen fills the rest of the L-shape and allows for easy access for the service team to the 24-cover dining area.

Allow me here an aside from the design elements for a brief moment; and tell you that it’s one of the best settings for breakfast I’ve experienced in my years of staying in hotels. And this, as evidenced by the public spaces and the bedrooms, is why this hotel works so well on so many levels. The owners have pitched the décor to fit in with the romanticism and history of Bruges perfectly, without it being too kitsch or trying too hard. Yet this has been done with an eye for luxury, detail and a guest’s every requirement in mind. It helps, too, that the owners have a well-oiled and professional team working for them throughout the hotel.

Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce

Photo: Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce, TripAdvisor

I’ve stayed in many ‘city hotels’ around Europe. I’ve also stayed elsewhere in Bruges. And yes, there are more salubrious properties to be found in the city – think Duke’s Palace, Hotel de Orangerie and Hotel Prinsenhof – but the family-owned Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce is as close to the perfect city hotel as I’ve found. The owners have a gem of a hotel, an example for others to follow and boutique owners across the continent could learn a thing or two from this superb property. As they’d say in Flemish – ‘prachtig’…

Based on stay in December 2015
relaisbourgondischcruyce.be

Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Hyatt building independent hotel portfolio with ‘Unbound Collection’

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Hyatt is the latest hotel group to get in on the ‘independent hotel’ action after it announced it is launching the Unbound Collection – an exclusive portfolio of upscale properties – which will include historic properties, contemporary boutiques as well as resorts.

According to the group, each property will be ‘story-worthy’; be it an interesting historic past, an exclusive build with a famous architect or designer or with an award-winning dining experience.

Speaking about the new collection, Mark Hoplamazian, president of Hyatt Hotels, said: “The Unbound Collection by Hyatt provides us with a myriad of opportunities to grow, not only in new markets, but also in places we know our guests want to go.

The Unbound Collection by Hyatt launches with properties around the world, including The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas; the Hôtel du Louvre in Paris, France; the Carmelo Resort & Spa in Carmelo, Uruguay; and the Coco Palms Resort in Kauai, Hawaii.

Aloft Dubai Palm Jumeirah

Starwood announces Aloft hotel for Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah

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Starwood has announced its plans to open a 192-room Aloft hotel on Dubai’s iconic man-made island – the Palm Jumeirah.

Scheduled to open in 2017, Aloft Dubai, The Palm will be the brand’s first resort in the Middle East, complete with beach access, when it opens its doors as the first mid-market hotel brand on the island.

Featuring an urban-influenced design, Aloft Dubai, The Palm will have 192 guest rooms, including 10 suites, with plush platform beds, large walk-in showers and complimentary Bliss amenities.

The Palm Jumeirah is the world’s largest man-made island and one of the most ambitious developments in the world, and the Aloft resort will be located on the right side of the Palm’s crescent. Dynamic lifestyle programming being part of the brand’s DNA, the hotel will set a buzzing social scene within The Palm, offering guests and locals live, free access to the hottest emerging musicians.

“Aloft hotels continues to gain momentum around the world and is expected to quadruple its portfolio in the Middle East by 2019,” says Neil George, Senior Vice President Acquisitions & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Africa & Middle East.

“The signing of Aloft Dubai, The Palm marks a milestone for the brand as its first resort-style property in the Middle East in one of the world’s most iconic destinations, The Palm Jumeirah.”

Edition hotel Barcelona

EDITION hotel planned for Barcelona to open in 2017

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Marriott International in conjunction with Ian Scharger and KKH Property Investors have announced their plans to open a new EDITION hotel in Barcelona in 2017. The 100-room hotel will be in the Ciutat Vella district, close to the Cathedral of Barcelona and nearly adjacent to the iconic Santa Caterina Market.

“We are delighted to announce what will be our third EDITION Hotel in Europe, debuting in one of the most sophisticated and vibrant cities in the region,” said Dan Flannery, global managing director of EDITION.

“EDITION continues to thrive following the recent and iconic openings of London, Miami Beach and New York City, and we couldn’t be more excited about the potential for the brand throughout Europe,” said Mr. Flannery.
Ian Schrager, chairman and chief executive officer of Ian Schrager Company, commented, “I am proud to further the global expansion of the brand with this incredibly exciting project in Barcelona. The city represents a great, cultural epicentre of Europe, making it an ideal location for the region’s newest EDITION.”

The unique project will encompass a total transformation by Office of Architecture in Barcelona – OAB (Carlos Ferrater Studio), of an existing office building into a modern and contemporary luxury-lifestyle hotel with a casual yet timeless feel co-created by Ian Schrager and famed Spanish designer, Lázaro Rosa-Violán. The space will include three distinct restaurant experiences, along with an activated lobby space, club and rooftop bar area.

Now open in New York, London, Miami and Istanbul, EDITION Hotels has marked the next chapter in the lifestyle hotel story. This delicate balancing act encompasses, for the very first time, not only great design and true innovation, but also great personal, friendly, modern service as well as outstanding, one-of-a-kind food, beverage and entertainment offerings “all under one roof”. The authenticity and originality that Ian Schrager brings to this new brand coupled with the global reach of Marriott International results in a truly distinct product that sets itself apart from anything else currently in the marketplace.

Each hotel with its rare individuality, authenticity, originality and unique ethos reflects the best of the cultural and social milieu of its location and of the time. Although all of the hotels look completely different from each other, the brand’s unifying aesthetic is in its approach and attitude to the modern lifestyle rather than its appearance.

Future hotels are planned for Sanya, China (2016), Bangkok (2017), Abu Dhabi (2017), Shanghai (2017), Times Square (2018), West Hollywood (2018), Reykjavik, Iceland (2018), Bali, Indonesia (2018) and Dubai (2019).

Park Hyatt Vienna exterior

Five-star luxury at the touch of a button for Park Hyatt Vienna guests

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With comfort and luxury at every turn, Geberit AquaClean 8000plus shower toilets were the natural choice for the five-star Park Hyatt Vienna Hotel.

Park Hyatt Vienna - GeberitSituated in the heart of Vienna’s old town, the hotel has been converted from a 100-year-old bank building. Geberit AquaClean shower toilets were chosen for the guest bathrooms to help designers achieve a contemporary finish in a building steeped in history.

When furnishing the 143 spacious hotel rooms, the interior designers combined timeless, elegant design with local Viennese flair. The market-leading Geberit AquaClean shower toilets are a feature of the 108 luxurious and spacious hotel rooms, plus 35 suites, offering guests the opportunity to indulge in spa-like comfort throughout their stay.

The Geberit AquaClean 8000plus combines the functions of a toilet and a bidet in one compact unit. At the touch of a button the shower toilet washes the user clean with a gentle, airy water spray at body temperature. The intensity of the water can be adjusted to one of five levels, while the oscillating spray provides a particularly beneficial clean.

The Geberit AquaClean 8000plus also offers many pampering functions in addition to the shower function, including an adjustable spray temperature and intensity, a pulsating massage function has an invigorating effect, an integrated warm-air dryer and an automatic odour extraction function, which fills the room with fresh, clean air.

“Shower toilets are a standard feature at the Park Hyatt Vienna because they offer unparalleled comfort and are also expected by international guests,” explains Dietmar Ploberger, Project Manager at Signa Development, the company responsible for the conversion.

Contact Geberit on 01926 5161800
www.geberit-aquaclean.co.uk

Princes Street Suites

Major refurbishment for Edinburgh’s Princes Street Suites

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A major refurbishment project will soon get underway at a serviced apartment complex in the heart of Scotland’s capital city.

Princes Street Suites will undergo a £350,000 makeover over the coming weeks, with each apartment given new décor and furniture.

Each of the building’s 37 apartments will be fitted with new furnishings. New bathrooms, carpets and artwork will also be installed across the apartments, which are managed by the UK’s largest independent hotel management company, Redefine|BDL Hotels.

The refurbishment will be the first major project undertaken by Princes Street Suites’ new General Manager, Fiona Mackenzie (pictured above), who took over the role last July. The work is expected to be completed by the end of March this year.

Fiona said: “This is an exciting project that will give Princes Street Suites a modern and refreshed look, meaning that the comfort and style our guests have always enjoyed will be enhanced.

“Our location is absolutely first class, and by investing in the property, we will continue to provide our guests with the perfect location for exploring Edinburgh.

“This, coupled with our dedication to maintaining high standards of service at the apartments, will ensure that we continue to provide an unforgettable stay for all of our guests.”

Situated in the heart of Edinburgh, the high-end apartments are perfectly located for exploring Edinburgh’s historic landmarks and attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile and Princes Street.

www.princesstreetsuites.co.uk

Marriott infographic

Marriott International set to double its offering in Europe after Starwood acquisition

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Marriott International in Europe announced on Tuesday that it will double in size once its parent company completes its acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is complete.

When Marriott’s 61,000 open rooms join with Starwood’s 40,500 open rooms and the combined pipeline of 21,500 rooms, the company will reach over 123,000 opened or signed rooms in Europe.

Starwood’s luxury brands, including St. Regis, Luxury Collection and W Hotels, are set to complement Marriott’s luxury brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, EDITION and JW Marriott. The newly acquired luxury brands will complement Marriott’s existing offering in the economy and mid-tier sector, including Moxy Hotels, AC Hotels and Courtyard Hotels, yielding 22 lodging brands across Europe from economy to luxury.

“It’s been an extraordinary time for Marriott,” says Amy McPherson, president and managing director, Marriott International, Europe. “We signed over 10,000 new rooms in 2015 for the first time in our history, doubling in size since 2010. Added to this unprecedented growth was the announcement of our Starwood acquisition which is expected to close in mid-2016. Our momentum is incredible.”

Marriott’s Autograph Collection is also set to open four hotels in 2016 including two Roomers hotels in Germany. AC Hotels, the urban European design hotel brand, which has recently been introduced to the US to positive reviews, is expected to open 22 hotels globally and will launch in the UK for the first time in Manchester and Birmingham later this year.

Axor One shower detail - Hansgrohe

Eight ‘iF’ awards for Hansgrohe and Axor products

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Hansgrohe received not one but eight “iF”awards this year. The mixer and shower manufacturer from the Black Forest currently holds eleventh place in the iF company ranking list, taking the lead over its competition in the sanitation industry.

Hansgrohe SE outperformed some 2,000 companies, beating even top brands such as Daimler, Volkswagen and Adidas. The award-winning Axor products are its new all-in-one Axor One shower control unit, the Axor ShowerSelect thermostats, and the Axor Citterio Select kitchen mixer.

Axor One shower detail - Hansgrohe
The premium brand Hansgrohe impressed the jury with its Talis E washbasin mixer, its range of Croma Select overhead showers, the Crometta S 240 showerpipe, the Crometta E 240 overhead shower and the Crometta hand shower.

Hansgrohe Limited
Units D1 and D2
Sandown Park Trading Estate
Royal Mills, Esher, Surrey
KT10 8BL
UK

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

Gallery Direct - Carson leather armchair

Product Spotlight: Gallery Direct’s Carson leather armchair

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The Carson Ebony Leather Armchair from Gallery Direct offers an uber-cool design. With its sleek curves and dark ebony leather upholstery, this luxury armchair brings simple elegance to a room while offering practicality and comfort.

To give a deco glitz look, combine the Carson chair with the Banbury Mirror for a perfect on trend interior. The Banbury is a sophisticated window style mirror that offers cool sophisticated design. With individual mirror panels and a metal frame with a burnished brass finish, it would suit a range of interiors.

www.gallerydirect.co.uk
01795 439159
sales@gallerydirect.co.uk

Chelsom - Esprit Cove Lounge

Project Spotlight: Chelsom supply custom lighting for luxury super yacht Crystal Esprit

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Chelsom was recently commissioned to supply bespoke public area lighting on-board Crystal Cruises’ newest addition to the fleet, the luxury 5- star plus Crystal Esprit. The ship marks Crystal Cruises first foray in to the super yacht market as part of a major growth plan for the company.

Chelsom worked closely with the design team at AD Associates to create a unique lighting scheme designed to enhance the striking contemporary interior concept whilst demonstrating not only their ability to bring a designer’s vision to reality but above all else showcasing their superb engineering capabilities.

Chelsom - Esprit Cove Lounge
Stand out fittings include a magnificent ceiling fixture for the Cove Lounge consisting of multiple rows of triedri crystal drops suspended from an Antique Brass rectangular frame and illuminated by LED retrofit lamps to create a truly eye-catching centrepiece. Along a similar design aesthetic, a configuration of nine rings of varying sizes were designed to adorn the ceiling of the contemporary Patio Café, featuring triedri crystal drops suspended from Antique Brass frames and illuminated by LED light sources.

Chelsom - Esprit Yacht Club
Chelsom created a dramatic waterfall effect statement lighting installation for the Yacht Club which comprised of Antique Brass rods fitted to an Antique Brass frame interspersed with crystal rods of varying heights to create a striking wave aesthetic. Chelsom also created the main lighting feature for the reception area featuring decorative Antique Brass rods from which hang teardrop shaped illuminations positioned at random to emanate a cascade of water.

E: marketing@chelsom.co.uk
T: 01253 831401
W: chelsom.co.uk

Park Plaza Nuremberg

Park Plaza Nuremberg introduces contemporary sophistication to Bavaria’s newest hotspot

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Nuremberg, Germany; home to an eclectic blend of Medieval and Renaissance architecture is welcoming the best-connected, contemporary 177-roomed Park Plaza Nuremberg in spring 2016. Bringing a fresh energy to the vibrant Bavarian city, the striking Albrecht Dürer and Martin Behaim-inspired hotel will open in an enviable location opposite Nuremberg Central Railway Station in the former home of the Bavarian-American Hotel.

Park Plaza Nuremberg has taken its inspiration from the Renaissance Nuremberg artist and theorist Albrecht Dürer and Martin Behaim, a German mariner and astronomer. All bedrooms feature Park Plaza’s bespoke beds complemented by luxurious linens and pillow sets; a modern, contemporary design feel with flat screen TV’s, large work desks, in-room entertainment systems, mood lighting and Elemis amenities throughout. The hotel also features a fitness centre and seven meeting rooms, in which a selection benefit from natural daylight, designed to connect up to 80 business minds with a video conferencing facility.

Park Plaza Nuremberg
Park Plaza Nuremberg is also pleased to announce Carsten Baumann as General Manager, appointed February 2016. Bauman brings with him a wealth of international experience with seven years in the luxury hospitality industry with roles across the United Kingdom, United States, China, Hungary, Germany and Austria.

Baumann added: “My first task was to ensure that we recruit the best team members in the business and this was achieved by running a recruitment day at the hotel on Saturday 27 February. Potential team members visited the best-connected Park Plaza Nuremberg and met with myself and Thomas Borsbach, our Regional General Manager Germany & Hungary and we’re both excited to have seen first-hand a range of new talent that will ensure our hotel and outlets exceed the highest of standards and guest experience.”

Park Plaza Nuremberg will join Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte, Park Plaza Prenzlauer Berg Berlin, Park Plaza Berlin Kudamm and Park Plaza Trier in Germany, with the Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts brand recently having added Park Plaza Arena Pula in Croatia to its portfolio and with additional openings planned in 2016 across London.

Tahoe velvet added to Skopos Accents

Product Spotlight: Skopos adds Tahoe velvet to its Accents portfolio

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This Spring sees a new velvet welcomed into the Skopos Accents portfolio. Tahoe, a deep-pile upholstery velvet has the added interest of a delicate strié and an elegant distressed crush.

Offered to the contract market in 15 colours, the palette ranges from pearl neutrals through to deep exotic tones. The effects within the fabric provide texture and dimension, creating a dramatic statement for contract interiors.

Tahoe velvet added to Skopos Accents
Tahoe comes with Crib 5 FR backing as standard, meets IMO requirements and achieves over 100,000 martindale rubs, providing a durable as well as stylish solution. Tahoe presents fantastic opportunities for the contract hotel, cruise and leisure sectors and demonstrates versatility for use across Europe, Middle East and America, complying with contract FR and technical requirements.

Tahoe velvet added to Skopos Accents
Skopos launch new fabric collections each year across drapery, bedding and upholstery qualities, reflecting trends in the marketplace. Skopos is an ISO9001 accredited company and has approximately 40 year’s specialist experience in the design and manufacture of high performance FR contract fabrics for the hospitality sector.

To view the Tahoe collection and the full range of Skopos products please visit their website at www.skoposfabrics.com or speak to their sales team on 01924 436666. Free samples of the collection are available immediately and shade cards are available from Account Managers.

Hilton Amsterdam Schiphol

Hilton’s Amsterdam Schiphol shifting ‘airport hotel’ perceptions

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It’s fair to say that until relatively recently, airport hotels didn’t have the best of reputations. Seen as merely a necessary concession for ease of access to terminals, guests have generally viewed them with apathy. And this attitude hasn’t been helped by all-far-too-often lazy approaches to design and interiors on the hotels’ part. But this is now beginning to change.

In light of its recent opening of the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol hotel, Hilton commissioned a study of global travellers, and discovered what we’ve known for a while – that the majority of people use airport hotels purely out of convenience, often for business and missed/inconvenient flights. Some travellers had no intention of staying again at airport hotels, describing them as “boring, expensive and crowded.”

Yet, given how frequently airport hotels are used, particularly for business travellers, clearly this negative perception must to shift to meet customer’s needs, especially as the survey revealed:
• The majority of business travelers (between 56% and 88%) feel that there is a connection between their satisfaction with their hotel stay and their ability to perform their job well.
• While business travelers are away from home, they still want their hotel to feel like it is their home (63%+), with amenities available that will help them to relax or otherwise enjoy their stay.
• A majority (61%+) say they “always try to use hotel amenities like bars and spas as a way to relax when traveling for work.”

Hilton Amsterdam Schiphol
Inspiring design, updated amenities, unique F&B offerings and wellness options that you’d expect of a top city hotel, rather than a traditional airport hotel – Hilton is incorporating these features into their next-gen airport hotels. The recently opened Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a key example of a next-gen Hilton airport hotel.

DESIGN
o Hotel has a distinct cubic design that features a 42-metre high glazed roof.
o Spanish artist Israel Páez has created a wide range of bespoke pieces for the hotel such as story-telling tile walls in the open kitchens and a series of headboards for the guest rooms representing the Dutch landscape.
o Hotel showcases Hilton’s new lobby concept which brings together, in a single open-plan area, unique ‘islands’ which serve as multi-functional spaces, including a reception area, lounge and bar.

Hilton Amsterdam Schiphol
M&E
o Hotel is the largest conference hotel near Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, boasting 23 flexible meeting spaces, including a ballroom with a capacity of up to 640 delegates and offers state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment.

F&B
o In the lobby and cocktail bar, guests can star gaze within the atrium whilst being able to choose from a large bar selection of gins and jenevers in The Netherlands.
o The Bowery restaurant features three live cooking stations and offers authentic grill and Asian dishes inspired by its Dutch heritage and made with fresh ingredients sourced from local suppliers and farmers.
o The Vine Room, seating up to 20 guests, serves as a private, intimate event space.

WELLNESS
o The hotel is home to Hilton’s global spa concept, eforea spa, alongside a 24-hour fitness centre.

Hilton Amsterdam Schiphol
After seeing images of next-gen hotels similar to the above, travellers attitudes change dramatically.
• In the U.S., 72% of those surveyed shifted their viewpoint from “boring” to “modern,” and 71% to “luxurious.”
• 74% who were unlikely to stay at an airport hotel said they are now likely

Given that nearly seven out of 10 travellers would only consider staying at airport hotels for missed or inconvenient flights, the vast majority of travellers are yet to be won over with new concepts, enhanced amenities and a better overall understanding of what next-gen airport hotels have to offer.

The full study can be found here…

Hilton Amsterdam Schiphol

JW Marriott Monterrey

JW Marriott Monterrey to open in 2019

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Marriott International has announced its 250-room, luxury JW Marriott Monterrey property will open in 2019.

The LEED certified hotel will feature guest rooms and suites with its renowned JW luxury, a striking rooftop pool and bar with sweeping views of the city and the Sierra Madre Mountains, a 3,200-square-foot, state-of-the-art fitness centre, a 2,100 square-foot Executive Lounge, two restaurants, a lobby bar and more than 18,000 square feet of modern meeting and event space.

Monterrey, often referred to as the “City of Mountains”, is the third largest city in Mexico and serves at the country’s High Tech capital. The city is a key industrial and business hub – home to an array of Mexican companies as well as international companies such as Sony, Toshiba, Samsung, Dell, among others.

Vintro Hotel South Beach, Florida joins Hilton’s Curio collection

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Located on Miami’s historic Collins Canal, Vintro Hotel South Beach has joined Curio – A Collection by Hilton as the brand’s second hotel in Florida. The brand’s other Florida location is The Diplomat Resort & Spa Hollywood, which joined the Collection in 2014.

Welcoming guests to the Art Deco-styled hotel is a large mosaic wall in the lobby, which embodies the relaxed vintage personality of the area. Other unique features include a large rooftop sundeck with a jetted infinity pool, a library and pop-up art galleries.

The hotel’s deep history dates back to 1934 when it opened as The Park Avenue Hotel and housed approximately 50,000 troops training for the Air Corps Service during World War II. After the war, The Park Avenue Hotel added a restaurant and became one of the hot spots for Miami’s elite. The hotel later closed for many years until – exactly 80 years to the day from the original building’s debut – it reopened as the Vintro Hotel South Beach, bringing back its historic charm and quickly becoming one of the top hotel destinations in Miami Beach.

Today, Curio – along with the hotel’s ownership group, ENCOTEL, LLC – is proud to celebrate the hotel’s heritage as it joins the growing Collection. Guest rooms – emblematic of the hotel’s unique décor – feature original artwork, bright furnishings and a voyeur shower. Each of the 50 guest rooms and suites includes Wi-Fi, a 46-inch HDTV with media hub and two mini bars.

“Vintro Hotel South Beach truly captures the essence of the emerging cultural center of the ‘new’ South Beach, due in large part to its large rotating collection of local artwork,” said Enrique Colmenares, owner and president of Vintro Hotel.

Newmor Wallcoverings new website

Newmor Wallcoverings launch new, redesigned website

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Hotel Designs Directory members Newmor Wallcoverings has announced the launch of a new, redesigned version of its website, www.newmor.com.

Key features of the site include a fresher and more intuitive design, search by colour, style and backing, case studies arranged by market sector, a blog featuring trends updates, product launches, videos and industry news, samples ordering for same day dispatch and an update on their YouChoose custom colouring tool.

“We are excited to launch this fantastic new site and we believe it will be a useful resource for our customers and the commercial interior design community. We will be regularly updating the site with new products, our latest case studies from all over the world, trade show round-ups, industry news and trend reports,” said Eleanor Cardwell, PR & Marketing Manager. “The design is intuitive, contemporary and really brings the products to life.”

The new site, designed by Birmingham based web design company, Lightbox, is now live. The latest blog posts include a trends round-up of the Surface Design Show, a video tour of the factory in Wales and details of the newest collection — Textile Effects. New content will be published regularly and there is an ongoing plan to develop user-friendly features for specifiers and contractors.

For further information email eleanor.cardwell@newmor.com or contact our customer service team on 01938 551990
www.newmor.com

Soho House

Luxury property group Soho House marks out Manchester site

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Private members club – and favourite with London’s celebrity scene – Soho House is planning to open its first hotel in northern England with a Manchester property, according to reports.

The group has sites across Europe, North America and in the south of England and would look to move into the Old Granada Studios as part of the ongoing £1.2 billion regeneration of the Quay Street site by Allied London.

According to reports in the Manchester Evening News, the project will take up the space currently occupied by Granada TV’s Studio 4 (famously where The Beatles made their first TV appearance in 1962) and will boast 150 bedrooms as well as the city’s first rooftop swimming pool.

Group founder Nick Jones, husband of Desert Island Discs host Kirsty Young, has previously been vocal about his desire to open a northern hotel in Manchester or Leeds.

Fife Arms

Major renovation for Braemar’s Fife Arms Hotel given go-ahead

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The historic Braemar’s Fife Arms Hotel will undergo a major renovation and upgrade after planning permissions was granted by the Cairngorms National Park Authority.

The refurbishment project on the B-listed building is expected to take around two years to complete and is scheduled to reopen in early 2018.

According to the planning application, major internal and external alterations to the property will be made, which will see the demolition of 20th century extensions. A heather roofed courtyard has also been included in the plans and will be added to the hotel.

The Fife Arms is currently a 78-bedroom property and contains a bar, lounge and restaurant, as well as a coffee shop. The lounge also houses the original coat of arms of the Duke of Fife above its open fire place.

The Hague Marriott

Marriott adds The Hague property to its portfolio following 4-month refurb

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Marriott Hotels – Marriott International’s signature brand – has welcomed The Hague Marriott to its portfolio following an extensive four-month refurbishment.

The hotel, situated in the Netherlands’ diplomatic capital, now boasts an array of new facilities and design features; including 306 rooms and suites inspired by the city’s coastline, the ‘Greatroom’ lobby and the Garden Terrace social space.

The Hague Marriott
The Executive Lounge on the ninth floor – home to an all-day cocktail bar – showcases views over the sea and cityscape. The hotel has a lean towards business travellers with flexible and stylish meeting spaces, with the largest accommodating up to 700 people.

The move comes as part of Marriott’s latest marketing campaign, which urges guests to ‘Travel Brilliantly’. The campaign allows mobile check-in/check-out and room-ready alerts as well as a pilot scheme for keyless entry with mobile devices – currently being tested at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel.

Gallery Direct

Gallery Direct launches three new exciting ranges

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Gallery Direct are never standing still. They recently released their Spring/Summer 2016 Lookbook, which features the stunning new Kielder, Marlow and Wycombe furniture collections, along with a selection of mirrors and soft furnishings to add to their already extensive collections. There are new products across Gallery’s Frank Hudson, Gallery Home, Hudson Living and Parisian House brands.

Named after a unique British forest, the Kielder collection is an understated range that offers simple, contemporary and fresh design. Crafted from beautiful solid oak, using the planked and jointed build method, the range creates defined lines for a stylish design solution. The collection is finished with hand crafted brass handles, which are made using the traditional ‘lost wax casting’ method. The range is enhanced by the mellowed oak with white hues, to induce a sense of calm and serenity. With a wide selection of dining, living and bedroom furniture, Kielder offers strong forms and high quality.

KIELDER Bed and Bedside Table - Gallery Direct

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Marlow, with its modern lines, classic appeal and hint of rustic charm, offers an easy to live with range which will enhance any interior from country chic to contemporary city living. This new collection of stylish furniture offers the up to date contrast of soft grey paint and solid mellow oak tops with a subtle hint of white in the grain.

Bringing simple elegance to any room, be it dining, living or bedroom, Marlow offers a stunning range of furniture. The bedroom collection includes the softly painted, classic design of the panelled bedstead and the contemporary solid oak slatted bed. With the selection of coordinating furniture, this collection has a sophisticated allure, making it perfect for any interior, modern or traditional.

MARLOW Console Table - Gallery Direct—–

High Wycombe has a long history of furniture making with iconic designs coming out of the town, including the famous Windsor chair. Gallery Direct have decided to name their third new collection after the town to reflect Wycombe’s furniture making history, whilst also paying tribute to Frank Hudson’s heritage.

Designed to embrace the craftsmanship and style of the Windsor chair era, the new Wycombe furniture collection has been updated with on trend design details and a washed finish to give a wide appeal. Made from a combination of the finest solid oak and veneers for practicality and functionality, this dining, living and bedroom collection adds simple understated elegance to a room, and offers a design solution to any interior.

WYCOMBE 7 Drawer Chest - Gallery Direct
Adding a touch of individual boldness to today’s contemporary style, Gallery Direct’s new collection of mirrors, lighting and accessories can bring a room to life. Why not combine the new furniture collections with elegant, traditional or geometrically modern mirrors and decorate with brightly coloured cushions and sumptuous textured fabrics.

www.gallerydirect.co.uk
T 01795 439159
  sales@gallerydirect.co.uk

One Warwick Place

One Warwick Park opening its doors to guests in June 2016

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One Warwick Park, an elegant 39-room hotel, will open in Tunbridge Wells’ historic Pantiles district this June. The new property designed by HMY architects in collaboration with interior architects KTB and Interior designer Envy London will offer stylish and contemporary interior design as well as a carefully curated experience in each of its rooms, suites and entertainment spaces.

The hotel will inhabit a creatively reimagined brew house and schoolhouse, taking the previously unconnected structures and creating a unified building, filled with light. A feature gallery space will link the two buildings and promises to surprise with a stylish, shifting canvas of showcases from local, national and international artists.

One Warwick Place
“Our biggest challenge, is now our greatest achievement,” said Melanie Ellis Director of Envy London. “Creating the gallery space has been a true feat of engineering with builders BJBabb taking the building down to basement level, and then sub-basement level – no easy accomplishment in a busy town centre – creating an unique link connecting buildings old and new.

“The task of marrying the new with the period building and its features has been a success. We embraced the irregularities of the period architecture to create a very special property, full of charm.”

Bedrooms and suites at One Warwick Park will focus on comfort, with no detail of the guest experience overlooked from lighting, to linen, to intuitive power-point positioning. “We started with a list of everything that irritated us about staying at a hotel from poor lighting and badly designed bathrooms, to sockets in the wrong place and confusing directions” continued Ms Ellis.

One Warwick Place
“We then analysed a guest’s practical requirements ensuring we created a comfortable, functional and relaxing environment, where guests would feel calm and cosseted. It is this level of attention to detail which makes One Warwick Park different to the usual ‘identikit’ hotels.”

Each room will be individually styled to make the most of the space, ensuring intrigue in every area. A neutral palette of five different colour schemes and the use of bespoke furnishings sourced from local ateliers adds to the distinctive and contemporary style.

The three Deluxe Balcony rooms offer a private landscaped terrace with views over Tunbridge Wells’ tapestry of assorted architecture. All bedrooms will feature a King or Super King bed with locally, hand-finished furnishings, large flat screen TVs, luxurious Temple Spa toiletries, complimentary refreshments and WiFi.

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A double height Atrium will be at the heart of the hotel; a light, flexible space for entertainment and celebration. The Duplex Suite overlooking the quaint Kent cobbles, pairs period features such as a listed staircase, with a fresh, elegant design perfect for bridal parties or families. The three Deluxe Balcony rooms offer a private landscaped terrace with views over Tunbridge Wells’ tapestry of assorted architecture.

Louise Clark, MD of Markerstudy Leisure, owner-operators of One Warwick Park said: “We’re incredibly excited about opening our doors in June. Every element of the hotel has been carefully crafted and curated, we want our guests to feel like it’s their home from home, where comfort, ease and beauty are priorities.

One Warwick Park will welcome guests from June 2016.

Hotelympia Innovation Awards

Hotelympia 2016: Innovation Awards winners revealed

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A multi-functional piece of equipment, boasting an output of up to 400 ice cream cones and 250 milkshakes per hour; a queue-busting smartphone app and compostable cutlery made from trees, sugarcane and corn are the big winners in Hotelympia’s 2016 Innovation Awards.

‘Multiple Choice’ by Carpigiani UK (Catering Equipment) ‘Wi-Q’ by Wi-Q Limited (Technology) and ‘Recycled Compostable Black Cutlery’ by Vegware (Interiors) were unveiled during a ceremony hosted by highly respected chef Cyrus Todiwala OBE in front of a packed audience on Hotelympia’s Stage.

The three innovations were whittled down from hundreds of paper entries to just 18 finalists, with the process culminating yesterday in a behind-closed-doors pitch to a panel of respected judges including journalists, industry figureheads and buyers.

‘Multiple Choice’ by Carpigiani UK

An innovative machine which can produce ice cream with three different types of variegato and four different flavours of milkshake, boasting an impressive output of up to 400 cones and 250 milkshakes per hour. The space-saving machine eliminates the need to purchase multiple pieces of equipment while significantly reducing energy usage and accompanying expenditure. Multiple Choice also boasts an innovative self-pasteurisation system, meaning the machine only requires a deep clean every six weeks, saving significant amounts of labour and downtime, while also reducing the amount of stock wastage during the cleaning process.

Catering Equipment Innovation Award Winner - Carpigiani UK
‘Recycled Compostable Black Cutlery’ by Vegware

Vegware’s ‘Recycled compostable black cutlery’ is made from 100% recycled plant material, with 90% less carbon than plastic, certified compostable, and heatproof to 85ºC, the cutlery is practical, stylish and eco-friendly. The only recycled compostable black cutlery on the market, Vegware allows brands to meet sustainability targets without compromising on style.

Vegware_group_cutlery_VR-SPFKKN6.5_1504_straight_800x

‘Wi-Q’ by Wi-Q Limited

Wi-Q allows customers to order and pay for their food and drinks via any device, with no apps needed to be downloaded, no passwords, no updates and no roaming charges. Rather than focusing on managing queues, operators can focus on providing customers with the highest levels of service. Customers can pre-order and collect at their specified time, to beat the queue, have their favourite orders on repeat, or simply pull down their bill, when ready.

2016 header image wi-q

InterContinental Sofia

IHG signs first InterContinental hotel in Bulgaria – InterContinental Sofia

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InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the signing of InterContinental® Sofia, the first for the brand in Bulgaria.

The hotel will operate under a management agreement with InterHotel Grand – Hotel Sofia AD. The existing hotel will undergo a refurbishment and emerge as a 182-room luxury InterContinental hotel in 2017. The hotel will feature seven meeting rooms and five boardrooms, a lobby bar, a spa and fitness centre as well as a rooftop restaurant overlooking the main square.

Robert Shepherd, Chief Development Officer, Europe, IHG said: “We’re delighted to have signed our first InterContinental Hotel in Bulgaria, in the very heart of Sofia’s city centre. The signing of this hotel demonstrates the momentum of our iconic luxury brand in key international cities and resorts. InterContinental Sofia will be a fantastic addition to our European portfolio.”

With 184 InterContinental Hotels & Resorts open worldwide and 52 hotels in the global development pipeline, IHG continues to expand the brand’s portfolio in the most sought-after destinations around the world. There are currently 32 InterContinental Hotels & Resorts properties in Europe and five in the pipeline.

(Photo: Borislav Dimitrov (Flickr, 2009))

Laufen

Product Spotlight: Laufen’s Sentec – a material for individual bath designs

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The Swiss bathroom specialist Laufen continues to innovate, now presenting Sentec, a mineral material which can be used for bathtubs and shower trays, as well as for the realisation of individual designs created by architects or designers.

Sentec is a new mineral composite material from Laufen, combining a multitude of product properties, which make the material predestined for use in bathrooms. The name, which is a combination of the words ‘sensual’ and ‘technical’, perfectly captures the advantages of the material: Since Sentec is polished again and again in multiple work sequences, its velvety shiny surface feels warm and pleasant to the touch – a real pleasure for the skin when bathing, for example.

Under the shower, too, the surface demonstrates its strengths with the material’s non-slip properties, which give the user a secure feeling. Optically Sentec provides a sensual impression, because it can be produced in numerous colour variations – although until now Laufen has concentrated completely on white in its collections, for example Val, Ino, Il Bagno Alessi One, Kartell by Laufen and the Palomba Collection. In addition, the Sentec surface is anti-bacterial, easy-to-clean, resistant to chemicals, UV-resistant and robust even when temperatures vary greatly.

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Angular corners and demanding shapes are possible. The technical advantages of Sentec become clear when we take a look at the production of the material: During a fast production process a homogeneous mixture of different minerals is cast in a mould under high pressure, and then heated in a furnace until it hardens. Thus even sharp-angled corners and demanding shapes without joints, which would be impossible in ceramics, are possible – for example for freestanding bathtubs.

A further advantage of Sentec is that the bathtub has a single wall, and can be created in one casting, instead of with a double wall as is usual in the case of bathtubs produced using conventional materials. The Sentec bathtubs from Laufen, for example from the new Val or Ino bathroom collections, thus weigh far less, yet feature an integrated overflow and are installed in a conventional way.

A further advantage of Sentec is the possibility of reworking products made of the material at a later date: Thus surfaces made of the material can be cut to size individually, or the fitter can make holes for faucets using conventional tools. With the assistance of a repair kit even light damage, scratches or stains can easily be repaired.

Steigenberger Alcazar Resort

Steigenberger Alcazar Resort to open in Sharm El Sheikh in May

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The new five-star Steigenberger Alcazar Resort, set in a beach location directly on the Red Sea coast, will be ready to receive its first guests from mid-May. This will be Steigenberger’s eighth venture in Egypt. Three contracts have been signed during the last three years.

The hotel will offer 610 rooms, including seven Junior Suites and two villas as well as five different restaurants and four bars. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the benefits of a modern conference area able to stage meetings and events as well as being able to access spa and gym facilities.

“Egypt is an important location for the Steigenberger Hotel Group,” said Puneet Chhatwal, CEO of Steigenberger Hotels AG. “The new resort in Sharm El Sheikh fits seamlessly into our existing portfolio and strengthens our position on the market. Together with the opening of the Steigenberger Tahrir Square in July we are well set.”

The Alcazar Resort is situated in the Bay of Nabq on the Sinai Peninsula and offers hotel guests the use of a 3,000 m2 private beach. The area features an extensive underwater environment which is ideal for diving and snorkelling.

Mori Trust and Marriott

Marriott International expands in Japan with Five Mori Trust hotels

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Marriott International and Japan’s leading lodging company Mori Trust Group have announced the signing of five hotels in Japan under the Marriott Hotels brand.

The agreements for five Mori Trust hotels will see Marriott International double its footprint of its flagship Marriott Hotels brand in Japan, and will increase its Japanese presence by one-third as the company reaches its 20th property, upon completion of the rebranding of all hotels.

Over the next two years, Mori Trust Group will renovate five existing Laforet properties and rebrand them as Marriott Hotels, offering approximately 840 rooms. The agreements between the two companies extend a relationship that has seen the successful opening of the Tokyo Marriott Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Station Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station Hotel.

Mori Trust and Marriott

Mori Trust and Marriott have worked together on several projects including the Tokyo Marriott Hotel

The five rebranded hotels – Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel, Nanki-Shirahama Marriott Hotel, Fuji Marriott Hotel, Izu Marriott Hotel Shuzenji, and Karuizawa Marriott Hotel – are all located in Japan’s most scenic destinations. They are part of the large-scale hotel renovation plan announced by Mori Trust Group in October 2015 and an investment of approximately JPY16 billion (£101 million).

Marriott International currently runs 15 hotels in Japan spanning five brands, The Ritz-Carlton, Marriott Hotels, Renaissance, Courtyard, and Autograph Collection Hotels.