Hotel Designs

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

Here’s a glimpse at what’s on offer:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional product information:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Burgu Arjaan by Rotana and Tango Arjaan by Rotana

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The dual-branded Marriott property will open in 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Laura Access Doc M

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go surfing on the high seas, take a bumper car for a spin, enjoy the fantastic views, indulge in countless culinary delights or simply relax – all in the middle of the ocean. Quantum of the Seas makes it all possible. Quantum of the Seas is the largest ship, of its kind, to have ever been built in Germany. Quantum of the Seas accommodates more than 4000 passengers at a time, and it definitely raises the bar for modern ocean cruises. The cruise experience is enriched by an array of amenities, as well as exceptional technical innovations. The luxury liner exudes a stylish and elegant ambiance in the public areas, as well as in the cabins. This sense of refinement extends even to the bathrooms where Allure taps from the GROHE SPA® range add style and elegance to this exceptional cruise liner.The future of cruising can be seen in the cabins of Quantum of the Seas, which resemble upmarket hotel rooms. High-quality natural materials, subtle colour schemes and tasteful designer furniture make all of the cabins comfortable and relaxing retreats. The ship offers luxurious loft suits, elegant junior suites and comfortable exterior cabins, as well as cabins with interconnected vestibules perfect for families. On board the ship, all interior cabins feature “virtual balconies” in the form of large LCD screens showing exactly what passengers in exterior cabins see through their windows in real time.

The floating hotel experience continues in the stylish bathrooms where décor combines mosaic tiles with marble in various colours for a sophisticated look. To match the geometric lines of the washstands, showers and tubs, the interior designers selected Allure taps from the GROHE SPA® collection. The taps are characterised by their stylish cylindrical bodies which are perfectly proportioned and coordinated. The taps feature a small mousseur which means that the flowing water forms a small waterfall, creating both a striking look and ensuring user comfort. All taps benefit from GROHE SilkMove® technology which ensures that their silky smooth lever action is maintained over many years. As a result, future passengers will enjoy the same consistently superior water experience aboard Quantum of the Seas.

For stockist information please visit www.grohe.com/uk

Under the management of the Oetker Collection, Fregate Island Private has completed a major refurbishment of the public areas, marina, Banyan Hill Estate and the resorts’ 16 private pool villas.The renovation took 24 months to complete under the supervision of Fregate’s Managing Director Wayne Kafcsak – a hugely respected resort professional who has managed luxury hotels around the world including Peter Island and Raffles Canouan Island.

The villas have been given a modern island feel with white linen fabrics to complement the natural African hardwood interiors. Each villa has been modernised, adding new air conditioning systems, high speed wireless internet, TV systems and mini bars. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the villas each have their own private pools and Jacuzzi and these have all been renovated.

The Presidential Villa, Banyan Hill, has had its three separate villas and the core entertainment building completely renewed to the standard of the rest of the resort’s villas. The commanding view of the Indian Ocean and the privacy of this amazing location sets it apart.

Home to 2,200 free-roaming Giant Aldabra Tortoises as well as numerous other endangered animal and bird species, the island is made up of two square kilometres of pure and pristine wilderness with seven private white sand beaches. Conservation is therefore important to Fregate Island Private and they have significantly improved its Magpie Robin, sea turtle and land tortoise projects.

The Island has installed new, state-of-the-art fuel-efficient generators to power the island and a wastewater plant that converts wastewater to 95% pure usable water for irrigation. Their fleet of novel golf carts are powered by hybrid technology, as well as new Cummins ultra-fuel saving boat engines. LED and CFC lighting have also been installed throughout the property. Finally, major pruning and landscaping improvements completed in several locations on the island have significantly assisted pest control.

To meet the advanced requirements of their clients Baulmann Leuchten has now upgraded their successful range of LED luminaires with flexarms: new design meets functionality and robustness.The new luminaires have already been available as table lamps, floor lamps and wall mounted LED reading lights. An essential element is a black fabric cover which increases the stability of the flexarm and prevents damages due to inappropriate handling.

As an option, Baulmann Leuchten does also offer this complete range of luminaires with a velvet-finish; the standard colours available in this finish are green, orange and purple.

By means of new high-quality glass lenses the light-distribution of the LED has been improved impressively.

The latest update of this range is a new table lamp which is suitable to be mounted directly to the desktop or other furniture. For easy handling the solid base of this lamp also includes a micro-switch. As a standard for the Baulmann range, all items can easily be modified to meet the requirements of different applications.

AccorHotels continues the rapid expansion of its upscale Pullman brand with the announcement of key rebrandings in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, adding a further 927 rooms to the network in Asia.
The new hotels are the Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre (formerly the Prince Hotel & Residence), which joined the network on 1 August and the Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit (formerly the Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok), which joined on 3 August 2015.

Perfectly located in the heart of the trendy Bukit Bintang district, the Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre offers 445 spacious hotel rooms and 157 serviced apartments, boasting spectacular views of the city skyline.

The Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre Hotel & Residences boasts a superb location and excellent facilities, modern rooms, panoramic views, fitness centre, kids club and outdoor pool. The Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit features a highly visible sail-shaped glass façade, a range of room styles from deluxe rooms to executive suites and a presidential suite as well as 2 restaurants, a deli lounge, a cocktail bar, outdoor pool, well-equipped gym and extensive spa.

In Asia Pacific alone, Pullman has a strong pipeline of over 40 hotels in the next few years and will continue to expand aggressively. Pullman is now the largest five-star hotel brand in Australia and the fastest-growing AccorHotels brand in China, reflecting its popularity in the region.

The addition of these two hotels will bring the Pullman network to 57 hotels in Asia Pacific, joining a global network which aims to reach 100 hotels by the end of the year.

A second management agreement has been signed between Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts and Panzhihua Pulongda Real Estate Development Co. Ltd. The 150-room Dusit Princess Resort in Panzhihua City, Sichuan Province will be the city’s first international resort featuring 112 well-appointed rooms with beautiful outdoor gardens.

Due to open in 2016, the Dusit Princess Resort Panzhihua, Sichuan also offers an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge and 3 function rooms. For recreation, guests can choose from a range of facilities including a gymnasium, dance studio, kids’ club and activity room. A medical centre within the resort also offers therapeutic Traditional Chinese Medicine services.

Located within a sprawling mixed-use complex, the hotel is ideally suited for leisure travellers as it sits in close proximity to hot springs facilities, sports venues, a golf course, luxury residential blocks, a hospital, school and theme park. The theme park is inspired by mango orchards and will make a perfect escape for families, offering an amusement garden, kids’ playground, BBQ facilities, a water park, a brewery and shops.

June Highlights
• A cloud over London while the sun shines on the South West
• Aberdeen aches…
• …Whereas Glasgow grins during the month of June

An elegant and captivating design inspired by the powerful imagery of nature has lifted the lounge area of The Glendower Hotel to new heights in a beautiful bespoke woven floor from Wilton Carpets Commercial. Striking in its sheer size, the intertwining peacock feather creation with a radiant vivid blue at its heart suits the atmospheric interior of The Glendower to perfection. Reworked to form a feature element, the feather’s large scale is fused with a myriad of overlay effects and textures that fade and flow, in colours that complement the furniture and furnishings. The result is a carpet beautifully in-tune with the interior’s period detailing and furnishings, while remaining undeniably modern.

Situated in Lytham St Annes with views of the Irish Sea, the Great Western establishment called upon the experienced hand of APM Design to realise a fresh look for its lounge. Design Director, Andy McClusky, decided a bespoke carpet was the only way forward to realise the ambitions of the specialist’s initial concept:

“Nature was the inspiration for the design. We felt strongly that only a bespoke carpet solution would work for the project, as we wanted to use the feature design inner panel within the carpet to define the transition between circulation and seating areas in a subtle yet effective way. We drafted our initial concept and worked on the required colours, before meeting with Wilton to turn the concept into a finished design.”

The design team at Wilton were able to interpret APM’s conceptual work into a wool-rich bespoke axminster, working with the Flexiweave colour palette to deliver a base hue of beige accompanied by accent colours of royal blue and burgundy for a truly stunning creation. Covering some 350 square metres of lounge space, the design threads its way through the different areas of the lounge, bringing a sense of continuity and flow to the layout.

Installed by Kendal Quality Carpets, the carpet proves luxurious without dominating its surroundings, benefitting from clever colour combinations and intricate styling. Standing up to heavy traffic and resilient enough to retain its fabulous looks, this high quality woven axminster is sure to provide The Glendower with a beautiful carpet for years to come.

As Andy concludes, “This is not the first successful project we have undertaken with Wilton and we will be working with them again in the future. We would certainly recommend the company as we enjoy working with the creative team, developing our ideas and creating where possible a unique bespoke product.”

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

Working with Design Research Studio under the creative direction of renowned British designer Tom Dixon, Laufen products have been chosen to help give a modern twist to Mondrian London at Sea Containers. The new urban boutique hotel from the Morgans Group is an iconic building on London’s South Bank, offering guests the opportunity to relax in luxury and comfort throughout. Exuding 1920s cruise ship glamour, the guest bathrooms have been fitted with Laufen sanitaryware.

Exuding 1920s cruise ship glamour, the guest bathrooms have been fitted with Laufen sanitaryware

Fitted to a very high standard and drawing design inspiration from the building’s transatlantic narrative, Laufen Pro wall-hung WC pans have been selected for each of the hotel’s 359 rooms and public washrooms.

Offering a simplistic yet stylish design, the Laufen Pro WC fits seamlessly into the hotel bathrooms, offering guests an unrivalled level of comfort.

Exuding 1920s cruise ship glamour, the guest bathrooms have been fitted with Laufen sanitaryware

“With the Sea Containers building being such an iconic structure and of such historical importance to the city, it is essential that the interior of the hotel also lives up to expectation,” commented Ilker Hussein, Laufen Bathrooms’ commercial director.

“We were delighted to work with Tom Dixon and his team in order to help create beautiful bathroom spaces that help cement the hotel’s reputation as a luxurious destination in which to stay while visiting London,” he added.

Part of the Morgans Hotel Group, the Mondrial London at Sea Containers is located on the city’s fashionable South Bank district

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of an agreement with Qingdao Conson Haitian Centre Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Qingdao Conson Development (Group) Co., Ltd., to debut the St. Regis brand in Qingdao. Scheduled for completion early in 2020, The St. Regis Qingdao will be located in the city’s exclusive business district. Spanning across the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 52nd to 70th floors of a mixed-use development, The St. Regis Qingdao will be part of the city’s tallest building, offering unparalleled views of the Yellow Sea. It will feature approximately 242 luxuriously appointed guestrooms with a minimum room size of 600 sq. feet, including 43 suites. There will be an array of world-class culinary experiences with five restaurants and bars and over 18,000 sq. feet of meeting space.

In addition, guests can look forward to wellness facilities such as a heated indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and luxury spa. Guests will also experience the famed hallmarks of St. Regis hotels, including the legendary St. Regis Butler Service offered in all rooms.

A national tourism destination known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful scenery and beaches, Qingdao enjoys the designation as one of China’s Top Ten Most Livable Cities according to the China Institute of City Competitiveness. As a regional economic hub, industrial base and major port city, Qingdao also houses some of China’s most well-known brand headquarters. Every year, the city welcomes millions of travellers from around the world to high-profile events, including the Qingdao International Beer Festival, Qingdao International Motor Show, and Qingdao International Fashion Week. Moreover, the Qingdao Bureau of Commerce plans to transform Qingdao into a luxury shopping destination by 2020.

The Precision Concept from Lano Flooring Solutions redefining axminster carpet with 12 patterns in one of four pre-determined colourways available in just 15-days from orders of just 50 square metres.
The Precision Concept from Lano Flooring Solutions

And now designers can make the most of the concept with the sample kit that demonstrates the immense flexibility and versatility of this three-ply wool-rich axminster. In a striking presentation box, each sample demonstrates the pinpoint reproduction of designs by the high-tech looms used for the manufacturing of Precision Concept carpets.

On the theme of ‘a woven story’, the high quality kit shows the beginning of the Precision Concept journey, with designers able to select each pattern in any of four colours in just 15-days, explaining all in a beautiful and inspirational brochure. Ideal for smaller projects thanks to the low 50 square metre order, designers can choose coordinated background colours for a sense of flow throughout the space.

The Precision Concept can be viewed on the new website, www.lano.com, where each design can be seen in hospitality environments thanks to the clever use of 3D rendering technology. The new sample kit is now available from Lano Flooring Solutions.

For further information, freephone 00800 5266 5266, kevin.beasant@lano.com, www.lano.com

Officially opened by Team GB sprinter and former BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who began his athletics career in Kingston, and Simon Jones, Managing Director of Premier Inn UK, the 700th Premier Inn hotel was officially opened on the 1st July in Kingston upon Thames.
Team GB sprinter and former BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, with team members at the Premier Inn Kingston upon Thames and Simon Jones, Managing Director of Premier Inn UK

Tanja Kuveljiic, the Chief Executive of Believe in Young People (BiYP), a charity committed to helping young people find the right career destination, also spoke at the event about BiYP’s and Premier Inn’s dedication to encouraging school leavers into the hospitality industry. Some local schoolchildren were also invited to attend the opening to meet Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.

Councillor Roy Arora, Mayor for Kingston upon Thames and Surbiton, and his wife supported the ceremony.

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Team GB sprinter and former BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year, commented:
“To have the opportunity to come back to Kingston to celebrate the opening of Premier Inn’s 700th hotel was fantastic. I grew up training at Kingsmeadow Athletics centre – not far from this hotel – and Kingston has always been a town close to my heart so it’s great to see a new hotel that will allow more people to come and enjoy their stay in the area.”

Situated on Wheatfield Way in Kingston upon Thames, the new Premier Inn features an en-suite bathroom, king size Hypnos bed and spacious work desk with free WiFi (for 30 minutes). An on-site Thyme restaurant serves the All You Can Eat ‘Premier Breakfast’ and a mix of contemporary and classic dishes.

The Hypnos kingsize bed

Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds has undergone a £3.5 million investment project to transform the hotel into a contemporary and stylish space. The building once served as the main office of the Leeds Permanent Building Society and was artfully restored to house the Radisson Blu hotel.Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds has undergone a £3.5 million investment project to transform the hotel into a contemporary and stylish space. The building once served as the main office of the Leeds Permanent Building Society and was artfully restored to house the hotel.

To date, 72 guest bedrooms, meeting rooms, breakout areas and public areas have all been renovated to reflect the Radisson Blu brand whilst ensuring that the design suits the property and location. Throughout the renovation, the designers attempted to retain the building’s original Art Deco style, reflected in the corridors’ dark and moody atmosphere.

The designers have used contrasting warm and cool tones, with accents of black and white, and the addition of stylish new furnishings in the 72 bedrooms, creating two modern styles: Naturally Cool and Permanently Blu.

The hotel’s ground floor space has also been completely remodelled, with the hotel entrance boasting a new zinc and leather panelled bar. This has created a striking impression upon arrival through the use of industrial materials to create an urban design. Through the entrance, guests will now find the stunning new Fire Lake Grill House and Cocktail Bar – a stand-alone venue within the hotel.

This industrial chic venue boasts an eclectic range of furniture and several drinking and dining spaces. The hotel’s design is finished to high standard with bold artwork dotted around the hotel. The vision behind the artwork was to pay homage to the heritage and roots of the city. The rooms and corridors have been accentuated with various nods to Leeds and Yorkshire on prints and walls; including the dramatic imprint of Leeds legend Peter O’Toole on a brick wall in the new Fire Lake bar and restaurant.

It is not only the artwork that has been carefully selected but the furniture as well. Modern Gervasoni pieces have been placed alongside traditional sixties styles and cosy leather booths. All materials used are raw and genuine, from leathers, zinc, stone, handmade floor titles and reclaimed scaffold boards used as wall cladding.

All of these additional features bring the vision behind the design together to create a bespoke hotel but still keeping within the Radisson Blu brand. The refurbishment is being carried out in two phases, with the first phase, the largest and most significant; now complete. The second phase, which begins in January 2016, will complete the hotel’s transformation by refurbishing the remaining 75 guest bedrooms.

Scheduled to open in mid-2016, Conrad Hotels & Resorts and Inmobiliaria Canels, SA de CV, have announced plans to operate a new build property in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
Located near high-end retail, residential, and corporate offices, the site for Conrad San Luis Potosi is a short distance to the city’s state-of-the-art convention center, attractions and historic center – listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site within Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, the Royal Road of the Interior Land. Credit: Conrad Hotels & Resorts.

The nine-storey steel building with glass curtain wall has been designed by Ochoa Arquitectos and Profettional Design and will feature a signature restaurant and bar, more than 10,000 square feet of flexible meetings space, a fourth floor outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre. The 135-room property will offer signature Conrad amenities such as plush bedding and spacious bathrooms.

“The Conrad brand has seen exceptional growth in cities worldwide, attaining a portfolio of 24 properties across five continents,” said John T.A. Vanderslice, global head, Conrad Hotels & Resorts. “San Luis Potosi is a sought-after destination which is experiencing tremendous economic growth. This new hotel confirms our commitment to connecting global travelers to inspired destinations and granting them access the best the city has to offer.”

Encompass Furniture & Doors are pleased to offer two new fire pit designs to their range of outdoor furniture and accessories.

ARTU
Artu is the new monstrously sized fire pit from the Italian fire pit gurus – Ak47.

At 3m across, Artu is made from reclaimed teak and oxidised steel. Artu demands a space where its warmth can be shared by many.

TOAST
Constructed from heavy steel sections, Toast is a formidable fireplace of character and allure, as well as boasting practical features such as incorporated log storage.

Its modern, geometric design coupled with its natural colour, lend Toast to a wide variety of outdoor spaces. Whether it be an uber modern, clean project or a more traditional environment, Toast will add a focal point and warmth long into the summer evening.

Built on the former site of Microsoft’s Head Quarters, the Winnersh Triangle Travelodge hotel is a bespoke 93-room property featuring a Bar Café. It is ideally suited for business and leisure travellers as it is located just a few minutes away from the train station which offers a direct service to London Paddington and Waterloo stations.
Exterior

Guests staying at the Winnersh Triangle Travelodge will experience the new interior design scheme Travelodge introduced in January this year. Family rooms are now equipped with two space saving comfy truckle beds for younger guests. When the beds are in use, the base can be used for storing luggage, providing extra space in the room.

Reception

The Bar Café offers traditional English favourites such as fish & chips and sausage & mash as well as the full English breakfast buffet.

Julia Rosamond, Travelodge Human Resource Director said: “We have been looking for a prominent site in Winnersh for some time and we are delighted to open the first branded budget hotel at Winnersh Triangle.

Triangle Bar Cafe

“There is a growing demand for good value accommodation within the area and our new hotel is a great base for business and leisure travellers visiting Winnersh Triangle. By offering great quality rooms at unbeatable value we will help attract new visitors to the area. This will help to boost the local economy by £1.6million annually and cement our position as the county’s favourite hotel brand for value.

“Berkshire is a key growth area for us and as part of our development strategy we are looking to open a further six hotels across the county and are looking for sites in: Ascot, Slough, Sandhurst, Reading, Windsor and Wokingham.”

Red Lion Hotels Corporation announced on Monday the debut of its new brand, Hotel RL, with the opening of the 130-room Hotel RL Baltimore Inner Harbor. Inspired by the company’s roots and adventurous spirit of the Pacific Northwest, the flagship hotel is set in a historic, adaptive reuse building. All aspects of the hotel brand were conceived by PULSE by Gettys, a leading global hospitality design firm. To meet the desire for more casual, central meeting space, Hotel RL placed special emphasis on its hotel lobby giving guests a place to plug in to work or unwind with a beverage.

The lobby features a unique seating concept called The Steps, which reproduce the feeling of a typical Pacific Northwestern coffee house, serving complimentary espresso to guests by the award-winning Victrola Coffee. In addition to food & beverage service from the lobby bar and grill, The Steps will serve as the focal point for live entertainment and interactive talks which will eventually be broadcast to other Hotel RL locations.

Among its many technological offerings, Hotel RL offers an app with airport-style check-in experience (available in the app store), which allows guests to choose their specific room, check in and download an electronic key. The typical hotel front desk is replaced by roving greeters with tablets. A kiosk in the lobby is available for guests in need of a physical room key.

Guest rooms incorporate plush seating and hard work surfaces, with hardwood floors throughout and large, flat-screen televisions. In lieu of standard closets, the rooms have a retail-inspired changing area with a gear drop. The hotel also offers ample meeting space.

Situated in downtown Baltimore, the Hotel RL Baltimore Inner Harbor, is an adaptive reuse of the former Keyser Building, a 10-storey historic property with a cut-stone façade. The hotel is within walking distance of Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium, just two blocks from the famous Inner Harbor, which has water taxis that ferry passengers to Fells Point, Canton and Fort McHenry.

“Hotel RL is an urban lifestyle brand that will offer visitors a uniquely local experience and Baltimore is the perfect place to unveil this concept,” said RLHC President & CEO Greg Mount. “We have been embracing the Baltimore community and already feel an integral part of it. We know our guests will enjoy the location and the experience Hotel RL Baltimore offers.

“The new Hotel RL concept is geared to meet the changing needs of today’s traveller with innovative spaces that are not only functional but also encourage interaction and communal gathering,” said Jackson Thilenius, Senior Design Director for PULSE by Gettys. “Our design focused on how we could evoke a sense of community and social connection while also meeting the workspace needs of hotel guests.

To commemorate the grand opening, RLHC has launched Project Wake Up Call, a social responsibility effort aimed at raising funds and awareness to help combat homelessness by showcasing pictures taken by professional and amateur homeless photographers. Hotel RL will launch a similar, city-wide initiative in each new city where it opens a hotel. For Baltimore, the brand has partnered with Health Care for the Homeless which works to prevent and end homelessness for vulnerable individuals and families by providing quality, integrated health care and promoting access to affordable housing and sustainable incomes through direct service, advocacy and community engagement.

With a donation of $100 or more, guests will receive a trial offer for a one night stay at the Hotel RL Baltimore Inner Harbor. The one night trial-offer is available for stays from August 1– October 31, 2015.

Under a management agreement with Financière Immobilière Bordelaise, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the signing of the InterContinental® Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel, France.

Opening later in 2015, the Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa will be refurbished over the next few months and, once opened, will cement IHG’s position as the largest luxury hotel brand in Europe. InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand will join InterContinental® Paris – Le Grand, InterContinental® Paris – Avenue Marceau, InterContinental® Marseille – Hotel Dieu, InterContinental® Carlton Cannes, and most recently InterContinental® Lyon – Hotel Dieu.

The historic 130 bedroom property dates back to 1776 and occupies a prime location on Place de la Comédie, Bordeaux’s central square.

Le Pressoir D’Argent, the hotel’s food and beverage offering, will be overseen by the Gordon Ramsay Group as it makes its first foray into Bordeaux. The fine dining restaurant will serve only the finest seasonal ingredients, along with expertly matched wines from the region.

The hotel is well equipped to meet the needs of business and leisure guests travelling to the city, offering seven meeting rooms, an indoor pool as well as fitness, spa and hammam facilities will be available.

Luxury fabric specialist, Kobe, has strengthened its contracts division with the promotion of Sophie Meager into the role of contract sales representative.Sophie, who began her career at Kobe as part of the retail sales and service team, before progressing through internal contracts said: “I am delighted to be advancing my career within the Kobe contracts team.

“I have a real passion for design and am looking forward to meeting clients and using my knowledge and experience to help guide them in creating inspirational interiors,” said Sophie.

Sophie, who has recently returned from travelling in New Zealand, Australia and Thailand, also has a passion for football, as she is a big Crystal Palace fan.

Kobe’s contract sales holds a gold membership with Trevira CS and has a wide range of 100 per cent Trevira CS fabrics – which are Oekoteks 100 certified and are regarded as the highest quality in FR inherent fabrics.

Kobe’s UK operation is based in Crowthorne, Berkshire.

The last twelve months have been good for Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and the firm is continuing to accelerate its growth in Turkey with the opening of Four Points Istanbul Dudullu, the brand’s milestone entry into the country.Located on the Asian side of the city, the hotel is in the heart of Dudullu — Istanbul’s largest and up-and-coming industrial zone.

Owned by Ever Group, the new Four Points hotel features 182 guest rooms, casual dining at The Restaurant, seven meeting spaces and a fitness centre. Guests will enjoy all of the brand’s popular amenities including fast and free WiFi throughout the hotel, complimentary bottled water, and a chance to sample authentic local craft beers as part of the signature Best Brews™ program.

The hotel has received the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) green building certification for its superior environmental responsibility in design.

“We’re proud to introduce the Four Points brand to our rapidly expanding portfolio in Turkey, now home to seven of our 10 distinctive brands” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, EMEA. “Istanbul’s combination of rich culture and booming commerce will be the ideal setting for guests looking to experience stylish comfort and genuine service at an honest value.”

Selen Ersü, Chairman of the Board at Ever Group said: “The hotel strengthens our partnership with Starwood and I’m thrilled that by the end of the year we will be introducing a second Four Points to Istanbul in the thriving area of Batisehir.”

Starwood signed 50 new hotel deals in 2014 — the most in company history – and the brand will surpass 200 hotels in 2015. Starwood currently has 13 hotels in Turkey including five in Istanbul. This year, Starwood will open two more hotels in the country – Four Points by Sheraton Istanbul Batisehir and Sheraton Istanbul Atasehir bringing the company’s footprint in Turkey to 15 hotels under seven of its distinct lifestyle brands.

Hilton Worldwide has announced a third DoubleTree by Hilton property will be opening in Perth at a ground-breaking ceremony for its Perth-Northbridge hotel, which is set for completion in early 2017.Once built, the 205-room Northbridge hotel will be the first DoubleTree by Hilton to open in Western Australia.

The hotel will form a third of the partnership between Hilton Worldwide and SKS Group, who last year announced their partnership for two additional hotels in the Perth region – the DoubleTree by Hilton Perth – Waterfront and the DoubleTree by Hilton Perth – Fremantle.

Positioned immediately north of the Perth Central Business District, Northbridge is home to Perth’s entertainment district. The hotel will feature 205 rooms including four suites, a restaurant and bar, 400m² of event space, business centre, gym and outdoor pool.

At DoubleTree by Hilton Perth-Northbridge, guests will enjoy all of the hallmarks of a DoubleTree by Hilton stay that create a rewarding hotel experience, from the signature chocolate-chip cookie to an array of upscale services and amenities.

Marking the seventh property on the island of Bali for Starwood, the Four Points Bali, Kuta has opened in a serene area of Kuta – on Jalan Benesari Banjar Pengabetan with a total of 185 guest rooms.

“The opening of Four Points Bali, Kuta is set to meet the increasing demands for mid-market accommodations especially in Bali, given its approachable brand positioning of travel that suits your style,” said Charlie Dang, Regional Vice President, Southeast Asia, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific.

Amenities at the hotel include The Eatery, where guests will enjoy full-service dining; a 24-hour fitness centre; kids club and free WiFi throughout the hotel.

The Four Points Bali, Kuta is owned by PT. Umah Benesari.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott®, designed by Gene Kaufman Architect (GKA) for the McSam Hotel Group, will be breaking ground in August at 324 West 44th Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues. Marriott chose 2015, the strongest period in history for new-hotel development; Times Square, the strongest hospitality arena in the United States; and Gene Kaufman, the most prolific hotel architect in New York and, possibly, the US for the New York City debut of its TownePlace Suites brand.

The 44,500-square-foot, 114-room hotel will have two seven-story wings connected by light-filled landscaped courtyard, with a striking grey-brick façade which features oversized windows and an eye-catching crisscross overlay. Amenities will include a fitness centre and meeting space.

NYC TownePlace Suites by Marriott is breaking ground in August

The design of the new TownePlace Suites reflects the brand’s’ positioning as the hospitality option for guests contemplating a long stay and seeking a setting more reminiscent of a comfortable apartment than a hotel. Many of the guest rooms will have private yards or terraces and all of the outdoor spaces, including the landscaped courtyard, will feature trees, planters, country-like paving stones, and privacy fences.

Gene Kaufman, GKA principal: “This Marriott project builds on the success of the adjacent InterContinental at 300 West 44th Street, which has transformed a pocket near Times Square into an upscale hotel location. With its low-scale, residential character, this TownePlace Suites will be unlike anything else in the area, an oasis of calm in one of the busiest and most action-packed parts of the city.”

VLDG will be designing the interiors.

The Holiday Inn Express® & Suites Chihuahua Juventud has now opened following a US$9 million investment. The new-build joins three other properties managed by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) which include the Holiday Inn® Hotel & Suites Chihuahua, the Holiday Inn Express Chihuahua hotel, and the recently opened Staybridge Suites® Chihuahua hotel. The 132-room hotel will serve the booming industries in Chihuahua, bringing business travel to the area for its aerospace, agribusiness, automotive, forestry and mining industries. Chihuahua is also a popular tourist destination for travellers visiting the Copper Canyon, Basaseachic National Park and the Archaeological Complex of Paquime, one of the most important pre-Hispanic legacies in northern Mexico.

Features of the hotel include two meeting rooms with a capacity for up to 60 people, 24-hour fitness centre, an indoor pool and Jacuzzi and the complimentary Desayuno Express™ bar for breakfast.

Guest rooms are available with queen, king-size or two double beds and sitting area and the hotels’ 21 suites are further equipped with a microwave, fridge and sofa.

The hotel is owned and managed by Tinga S.A. de C.V.

The Hamilton Pedestal Table from Gallery Direct would look equally at home in a traditional or contemporary setting. This large, statement refectory table has a classic parquet top and is made using mindy ash solids and architectural veneers to achieve a truly stunning look.

Using architectural veneer, which is thicker than conventional veneers, ensures strength and durability.

The Hamilton has a beautiful weathered, hand polished finish and is available in two sizes, to comfortably seat up to 10 guests.

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

Environmental benefits of the world’s most popular tap

Taps are crucial to the functionality of any modern bathroom. Whether it is on the washbasin, over the tub or in the shower, the tap controls the volume and temperature of the water at the draw-off point and makes a major contribution to the consumers’ wellbeing and comfort. The most common type of tap is the single-lever mixer, and one of the world’s best-selling models is the Eurosmart from GROHE. Combining low water consumption with a comfortable user experience, GROHE single-lever mixers come in a wide range of designs suitable for bathrooms of all types, sizes and decors. An instrument of sustainability
Single-lever mixers offer many benefits in everyday use. They are intuitive and easy to operate, further enhanced with GROHE’s SilkMove® technology ensuring long-lasting smooth operation of the lever. Users can set the amount and temperature of the water precisely and effortlessly. Quick adjustment of the water volume and temperature means a more economical use of valuable resources and ensures that a single-lever mixer operates much more sustainably than a two-handle mixer, for instance. The water always flows in the desired quantity and temperature without lengthy testing and readjusting.

Even more water and, hence, money can be saved by the use of a flow limiter, which is pre-installed in many GROHE taps. Single-lever mixers equipped with GROHE EcoJoy® guarantee a defined flow volume of only 5.7 litres per minute, regardless of any pressure fluctuations. Taps featuring GROHE SilkMove® ES are special in that the default centre position is actually the “cold” setting. This design reliably prevents water from being heated unintentionally by opening the lever from its standard centre position in situations where cold water is perfectly fine – a simple but effective step forward towards a greener future without compromising on water enjoyment.

GROHE’s EcoJoy Technology
Products featuring resource-efficient GROHE EcoJoy® technology meet the requirements of national building energy efficiency labels and can therefore be specified by planners and architects without requiring additional local certification. In addition, many GROHE EcoJoy® products bear the Water Efficiency Label (WELL) of the European sanitary valve industry. This certification confirms maximum sustainability and helps operators identify the right taps for their specific properties.

Single-lever mixer variants for washbasins, bathtubs and showers
Single-lever mixers for washbasins are available in many different shapes and sizes. GROHE offers a vast range – from compact to extra-large, from cylindrical to oval to square – to meet all space requirements, environments and tastes. The form and height of the spout are dictated by the shape and type of the washbasin, in order to avoid splashing and to provide sufficient room for the hands in the case of freestanding vessels or especially flat basins. Finding the perfect combination is made easy by the GROHE BestMatch™ configurator, which is available online or as an app. Needless to say, single-lever mixers are installed not only on washbasins but also – in the form of on-the-wall or concealed fittings – over bathtubs and in showers, allowing designers and consumers to create bathrooms that are sustainable, highly functional and design-coordinated at the same time.

A £30 million restoration project for Doddington Hall and its surrounding buildings and park area has been approved, which will provide a five-star country house hotel and spa near Nantwich in Cheshire.
The site was designed in 1776 by Samuel Wyatt. (Image from thedoddingtonestate.co.uk)

Assael Architecture has been appointed to design the scheme, which will consist of a 120-room hotel, restaurant, bars, function rooms and the integration of the hall’s old stables. A modern three-storey extension will include additional rooms and a spa.

Assael’s design has been driven by the requirement to create an ‘elegant and sensitive addition’ to the 1770s-built site whilst enhancing the character of the hall and surrounding area. The brief maintained that minimal changes were to be imposed upon the internal layout of the hall. The Piano Noblie level, an area of high heritage sensitivity, retains function rooms with historic decorative finishes that will be restored to their former grandeur.

A rendering of how the new site will look

Conversion of the first floor into hotel suites requires some of the smaller family rooms to be combined, with en-suite layouts in a ‘pod’ format, to minimise the impact on the existing fabric. Rooms at the lower ground floor and basement level of the hall will be configured for ancillary and back of house functions for the hotel; typically in harmony with their original conception and use.

Niall Cairns, Director at Assael Architecture said: “We took a fresh approach to the design of the scheme to help bring the estate back to life, whilst protecting the future of Doddington Hall and its surroundings. We placed particular emphasis on sympathetically introducing new buildings into the historic setting, careful conversion of the heritage buildings and retention of the original features of the Grade l listed hall.”

The scheme also includes the sensitive restoration of the Grade ll park and garden by Barnes Walker Landscape Architects.

A rendering of how the new site will look

In the centre of Northern California’s largest city, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced the opening of The Westin San Jose.

The historic 171-room hotel has undergone a guestroom, corridor, lobby and public space transformation, encompassing modern features with historical elements.

In the lobby, original mouldings on the ceilings have been preserved to highlight the early 1900s architecture whilst the subtle Westin branding offers a soft colour palate and vertical garden.

Located adjacent to the lobby, the Il Fornaio restaurant offers private dining room space for small groups, making it convenient for both business and social gatherings. Il Fornaio also features award-winning catering options, making The Westin San Jose a superior wedding venue.

Each of the 171 luxurious rooms and suites feature The Westin Heavenly Bed® and Bath, complimentary high speed Internet access and large flat screen TVs.

The hotel is equipped with 10,000 square feet of meeting space, including the Grande Ballroom which features vintage 1920s chandeliers, complemented by wall sconces, mirrored walls, crown moulding and wooden borders. Connecting French doors lead to the covered atrium, where food can be catered by the on-site restaurant.

Operating under a franchise agreement with Sojourn Hotels, InterContinental Hotels Group are pleased to announce the opening of Hotel Indigo® York.Located on Walmgate, a thriving foodie destination and the birthplace of York’s chocolate making empire, the 101-room hotel is perfectly situated for guests looking to immerse themselves in the city’s outstanding restaurants and bars, boutiques, artisan shops, famous tea-rooms, museums and galleries.

Hotel Indigo properties draws influences from its surrounding location and to celebrate the true flavours of Yorkshire, Hotel Indigo York has teamed up with the Yorkshire Meatball Co., the UK’s only speciality meatball restaurants offering guests unique and tasty dishes using locally sourced produce. The restaurant serves meat, fish, vegetarian and sweet balls all hand-rolled in-house as well as a wide selection of Yorkshire craft beers.

Guestroom interiors hint at Walmgate’s chocolate heritage, including Rowntrees (the famous English confectioner started life in this neighbourhood in 1725).

Mike Sweeting, Hotel Manager, Hotel Indigo York commented: “The neighbourhood of Walmgate provides the perfect base for exploring York’s rich cultural heritage. With our chocolate inspired décor and emphasis on real local flavours we are ready to give guests an authentic Yorkshire welcome.”

The classic elegance of the Boston table lamp from Chelsom makes it a timeless piece that would look at home in either traditional or contemporary settings suitable for both guestroom and public area interior schemes.Understated in terms of its design, the Art Deco inspired table lamp features design intricacies such as a circular stepped base with integral coordinated push switch along with turned and grooved cylindrical detailing to the end of the column arms.

Available as part of a wider collection including wall and floor lighting, the Boston range is offered in two standard colour finishes to provide two completely different looks including Polished Chrome and Black Bronze and English Brass as pictured, one of the striking new additions to Chelsom’s range of finishes adding a contemporary twist to the piece.

The Government’s new five point plan to boost UK tourism has been announced by Prime Minister, David Cameron (see this note we published for the BHA on Facebook earlier this month). Culture Secretary, John Whittingdale identifies five key points to encourage the growth of the tourism industry as follows:

1. A better co-ordinated sector: the sector is too fragmented – we want to see local attractions and tourism organisations collaborating to grow the sector for everyone not competing.
2. Skills and jobs: Driving and retaining talent in the sector to encourage growth
3. Common sense regulation: Reforming regulation sensibly to drive competition and improve the tourism offer for visitors
4. Transport: Forging innovative links between the transport and tourism sectors to help visitors travel outside of the capital
5. An improved welcome: Delivering a world class welcome at the Border

Although recognising tourism as one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK, Cameron does not support the cut to VAT within the industry – as campaigned by Cut Tourism VAT and supported by big names such as Dermot King, Managing Director of Butlin’s. Reducing the rate of VAT aims to stimulate investment, creates employment and boosts growth. Staycationing in the UK would therefore be a more attractive proposition for families who would normally book a holiday abroad – on occasion, a cheaper alternative.

We have also seen efforts to encourage Chinese visitors through the creation of new visas, but some worry that the focus on UK tourism is still London-heavy and that more needs to be done to promote other areas within the UK if the government is to create the jobs it requires to rebalance the economy and get more people into work.

Travelodge has recently announced its summer recruitment drive, advertising 750 new jobs ranging from maintenance staff to managerial roles and admin staff at their head office in Oxfordshire. This is a fantastic boost to the economy and an encouraging step in the right direction.

Peter Osborne, General Manager of both the Brudenell and White Lion Hotels in Aldeburgh, hopes the plan will help develop Suffolk’s potential as a top tourism destination:

“Suffolk, and in particular the stunning Heritage Coast, has a huge amount to offer the visitor and is under two hours from central London. Here in Aldeburgh we have a thriving arts and cultural scene, wide beaches with some of the finest fish and seafood landed on the seashore, and a delightful mix of independent boutiques, galleries and places to eat.

“We look forward to working closely with local and national tourism associations to raise awareness of our stunning destination and maximise its potential. It’s vital to ensure visitor have the best possible experience every time so that they tell others, which in turn will create more visitors, and more jobs, strengthening local economies to the benefit of all society”, added Peter.

What are your thoughts on the new Five Point Plan? Do you think a London-based government scheme can drive a UK-wide tourism plan effectively? Tweet your responses to Lorraine @hoteldesigns.

Crowne Plaza Gerrards Cross Hotel has announced its new bar and dining destination 1269 Restaurant & Bar, specialising in livestock, game, butcher-style preparation and whisky. It will be opening its doors to diners this Autumn.
Artist’s rendering of 1269 – the new dining destination at Crowne Plaza Gerrards Cross

1269, the year the neighbouring town of Beaconsfield was first given a charter allowing an annual market for trading livestock, will also provide the name and inspiration for this new epicurean experience.

Designed by SuperFutures, the interior design agency behind Chotto Matte and Barrafina, the statement pieces of the restaurant and bar will be a transparent meat ageing room, a whisky vault and a bourbon focused drinks menu – stocking over 69 whiskys – set to rival any London bar.

Artist’s rendering of 1269 – the new dining destination at Crowne Plaza Gerrards Cross

The local livestock heritage will be further evoked through the space’s unique design. Ben Webb, Director of Superfutures, said: “Our research revealed there were no meat specialists in the local area, despite the area’s rich livestock heritage, so we saw an opportunity to create a fun and fresh offering that would turn the restaurant into a destination and a place to be seen. Our brief was to create a space that would provide an open and relaxing atmosphere that would bring to life the dining experience.

“One of the design challenges we faced, was the long space within which to install the restaurant and bar areas.” Ben continued. “Thematically the perfect bed-fellow to the restaurant’s livestock theme had to be Bourbon, but the areas needed to blend, as well as retain their independent identity. Our solution is to add gradient lighting. Upon entry into either area the guest is greeted in bright light, which then gets darker as they move across the room and creates a buzzy atmosphere.”

In the bar area an onyx panel which glows orange will be installed and a glass whisky vault will adorn one of the walls so that guests who have purchased a special bottle of whisky can store it and drink it, as and when the moment presents itself.

Artist’s rendering of 1269 – the new dining destination at Crowne Plaza Gerrards Cross

If you’ve always wanted to have a genuine safari experience, but have never quite been able to stretch to two weeks in Kenya – a stay at the Treehouse Hotel at the Port Lympne Reserve is most definitely the next best thing.Ensconced in the canopy of the trees, high above the 600-acre wild animal and safari reserve, the Treehouse Hotel opened a matter of weeks ago.

Here at HotelDesigns, we had the pleasure of sampling authentic African tree-top accommodation at the Teniqua Treetops in Knysna, South Africa in May last year; and early indications are that designer Tara Bernerd has done a fine job of recreating that experience in the Kent countryside with the Treehouse Hotel.

However, to use the word ‘treehouse’ does offer up certain connotations, which are far removed from the bespoke, beautifully designed and luxurious lodges that Tara Bernerd and her team have created.

Tara Bernerd and Parnters does have pedigree with this type of accommodation. Having successfully designed the now iconic interiors of 4,000 lodges across Center Parcs’ five UK locations, the group were comissioned to design Center Parcs’ four-bedroom luxury lodges.

Given a brief, however, to create something different to the Center Parcs project the interiors are simple but chic while offering a natural retreat using unique colours, textures and materials – not to mention the beautiful black and white wildlife photos that bedeck the walls – that all perfectly complement the environment and ethos of the Port Lympne Reserve.

The lodges are perfect for four people with two bedrooms, a bathroom and an expansive open planned sitting room and kitchen, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead out onto a private balcony. An ideal place to watch glorious sunsets and listen to the sounds of the reserve below.

Guests staying in the treehouses get their own golf buggies and can also choose to book a VIP safari, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feed a family of gorillas.

An idyllic gathering place for business and leisure, The Sheraton Sharjah Beach Hotel Resort & Spa comprises modern rooms, upscale restaurants, and ample event space. It is set to open on 15th September 2015. The hotel will feature 349 guest rooms and suites with views over the sea or city, free WiFi, Sheraton Fitness centre, two outdoor infinity pools, Shine Spa for Sheraton™, which features a hammam (closed until November 2015) and Kids Club.

Dining options at the hotel are extensive and include the Al Mahattah Cigar & Coffee Lounge, Fish Market, Sa’ba, Gusti, Link@Sheraton Café, Pool Bar and Al Qubtan.

For business guests, the Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa has more than 2,100 square metres of function space, two ballrooms and nine additional meeting rooms.

Editor’s note: This hotel was originally announced back in 2011 with a proposed opening date in early 2013. Read the archived article, here.