Hotel Designs

January Highlights
• Dublin delivers and Prague performs
• Berlin and Milan miss out
• Paris pares back

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced it will expand its portfolio in Egypt with the new Westin Soma Bay Golf Resort & Spa, marking the entry of the Westin brand to the Soma Bay peninsula, Red Sea and the first operating Westin Hotel in Egypt. The agreement with Cascades Hotel Company Soma Bay, marks the conversion of the existing La Residence Des Cascade to a Westin, anticipated to take place by July 2015.Positioned on the highest point of the Soma Bay peninsula, the year-round resort destination in Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera, the hotel sits at the centre of the 18-hole championship golf course designed by Gary Player, combining the best of links and desert courses.

The Westin Soma Bay will offer 210 beautifully-appointed guest rooms and 39 suites, all featuring the latest in-room technology as well as the renowned Westin Heavenly® Bed, Heavenly® Shower and exclusive White Tea Aloe bath amenities. The hotel will also offer seven restaurant venues, including an all-day dining restaurant, a café, a bar and a lounge. Adjacent to the resort is one of the largest and best equipped Spa and Thalasso centres in the world – The Cascades Spa & Thalasso Soma Bay.

“Westin is enjoying phenomenal global growth due to the success of its distinctive wellness positioning, innovative products and brand-led programs,” said Hassan Ahdab, Regional Vice President of Africa & Indian Ocean, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “We are excited to announce a second Westin hotel in Egypt this year and extend our collaboration with the Cascades Hotel Company Soma Bay by introducing the brand to the Red Sea in 2015.” Chairman of The Cascades Hotel Company Soma Bay, Samer Yaghnam stated: “We are pleased to be entering into this agreement with Starwood with whom we’ve had a long term successful relationship through the Sheraton Soma Bay. Bringing the high quality Westin brand to this area will further enhance Soma Bay’s position as the leading resort development on the Red Sea.” General Manager of Abu Soma Development Company, the master developer of Soma Bay, Ibrahim El Missiri stated: “This is the beginning of the new phase of development for Soma Bay, and I look forward to many more exciting announcements in Soma Bay in 2015.”

The company will re-open Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino in 2015 following an extensive and complete renovation. Starwood will also introduce a new luxury brand into the capital with The St. Regis Cairo in 2016.

Marking his first foray into Singapore, award-winning chef and restaurateur David Myers unveils his newest creation, Adrift, located in the atrium of Marina Bay Sands. Inspired by Myers’ wanderlust outlook, Adrift is a bespoke urban kaleidoscope anchored by the places, faces and flavours of his path, from California to Asia. Pairing a nostalgic spirit with a modern aesthetic, the restaurant is curated to the very last detail by Myers.”I’m thrilled to join the Marina Bay Sands family, with its history of partnership with iconic chefs,” said Chef David Myers. “Adrift is a personal ode to the vibrant experiences I’ve encountered in my many travels. It’s a colourful food culture mashup from both sides of the Pacific, a merging of old and new — small plates you can toast to, and a modern way of dining.”

Led by Executive Chef Dong Choi, the menu at Adrift blends playful snacks with raw items, and artisanal toasts with charcoal-grilled treats in a whimsical approach to East-meets-West. Cheeky nods to American classics take the form of Caramel Popcorn with Togarashi and a King Crab Melt with pimento cheese. Many of the mix-and-match small plates, meant for sharing, feature interpretations of Myers’ most beloved dishes from his travels throughout Asia. More inspirations from Myers’ travels are evident in a section titled “Nomadic”, remixing cultural traditions in dishes like the Preserved Green Papaya Soup with Maine lobster and sago, Buckwheat Battered Chicken with karashi honey mustard sauce and Foie Gras Banh Mi as well as the grilled Lobster Mochi with Ginger Vinaigrette and Cod with Chili Crab Sauce. A Robata section serves bincho-grilled items, from grilled yuba and miso-cured duck breast to Wagyu beef with Onion Jam.

The bar will also feature an East-meets-West approach, perfectly mirroring Myers’ menu.

For its launch, the restaurant has roped in bartender extraordinaire Sam Ross, who has made a mark on the New York bar scene with his venue Attaboy, as its consultant.

The result: refreshing aperitifs like the Pimms Imperial with Pimms No 1, lemon, champagne and local market fruits to reinvented classics such as the Singapore Sling, which interprets the famed drink with both aged and dark rum, Centrepiece, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters. Playful travel tributes are referenced in a section of fruit cocktails, a nod to Tokyo’s Ginza district of cocktail craft, as well as swizzles, dedicated to the notable Caribbean rum drink.

“Marina Bay Sands is excited to collaborate with David Myers on our latest restaurant project. Adrift speaks to the Centrepiece in all of us. With its diverse repertoire of innovative dishes and strong bar programme, Adrift looks set to enhance the celebrity chef programme at Marina Bay Sands. The façade is stunning and the ambience is inviting – Adrift is a must-visit for guests looking to be inspired and recharged, whether they are looking for a quick drink and small bites, or to linger over conversations and a longer meal,” said Tamir Shanel, Vice President of Food & Beverage, Marina Bay Sands.

The intriguing space is designed by Blueplate Studios, Wilson Associates’ speciality food and beverage design studio, to at once evoke the adventure of travel and the comfort of home. A unique sculptural enclosure that juxtaposes the larger-than-life atrium at Marina Bay Sands, Adrift unfolds from an illuminated wrapped wood and copper façade.

Once inside, the expansive 4,000 square foot restaurant houses a collection of spaces that cater to a myriad of dining experiences, from artisanal mixology and delectable snacks at the bar, to a convivial feast of shared plates within the restaurant, and intimate dinners with friends or business partners at the private dining room enclosure.

The Centrepiece cocktail bar nostalgically recalls a vintage Ginza-style, with diffused lighting, leather bar stools, antiqued metal screens and charred timber accents. In the ethereal garden parlour, timber benches hang from the ceiling, while subtle floral accents allude to the wall of greenery outside. The private dining room houses a surrealist library with quirky objets d’art and vintage photographs that serve as an aperitif to intimate conversations. It’s a collection of treasures that tell the story of cultures past and present, a fitting mirror to the narrative behind Chef Myers’ cuisine.

Adrift is open for bar and dinner services till late every day. Lunch service will start next month.

Luxury fabric specialist, Kobe, will be showcasing its Aurora, City Chic, Nomad and Motion collections at the Interiors Design Showcase Summit, on March 11.The one-day event, which takes place at the London Wembley Hilton Hotel, brings together industry experts and suppliers to share ideas and design trends for everything from furnishing fabrics, wallcoverings, traditional and contemporary furniture, lighting, floor coverings, decorative accessories and more.

Contemporary and chic, Aurora is inspired by urban Nordic lifestyles and suitable for window décor and upholstery. Available in an extensive colour palette, it comprises a range of high satins, sumptuous velvets, intricately patterned jacquards and laser cut fabrics.

Inspired by Hollywood’s Golden Age, City Chic reflects the lavish glitz and glamour reminiscent of this style period. The 11-design collection includes opulent velvets, fluid satins, woven jacquards and dobbies plus faux silk and leather, suitable for upholstery and soft furnishings. It also features plains in trendy colours, patterns ranging from traditional pied de poulé to fantasy animal skin and natural fabrics incorporating metallic yarns. The vivacious style lends itself to those who dare to set trends.

Motion accentuates a fresh and contemporary look and feel in interior decoration. This unique collection of room-high window decoration fabrics combines stylish accents with a down-to-earth feel, bringing a casually chic atmosphere grounded by natural elements.

Taking inspiration from across the globe, Nomad features an assortment of rich tones and tribal patterned designs which can be mixed and matched to create an interiors scheme suitable for window decoration, upholstery and contract wallcoverings.

David Harris, managing director of Kobe UK, said: “The collections offer a versatile and timeless elegance to any interior setting and many are 100% Trevira CS, making them suitable for contract interiors.”

GROHE is delighted to reveal its brand new range of introductory level thermostats, taking the concept of a standard thermostat to a new level. The new range is led by the Grohtherm 1000, which is packed with GROHE’s innovative technology. Best in class

The Grohtherm 1000 is packed with advanced technology and delivers optimum functionality. Its stylish looks complement a variety of bathroom decors and coordinates perfectly with numerous GROHE washbasin taps and showers. Featuring a sleek 43 millimetre diameter, the Grohtherm’s slim body is all about stability and safety, and incorporates innovative GROHE CoolTouch® technology to ensure no scalding on hot surfaces.

Highlights of the Grohtherm 1000 include screw fixed handles made of solid metal, which not only enhance the thermostat’s look and feel, but also allow confident operation even with wet and soapy hands. This is ensured by a set of ergonomically shaped, easy-to-grip winglet handles. The temperature control handle features a SafeStop button, which the user has to press in order to increase water temperature to more than 38 degrees Celsius.

The Grohtherm 1000 also boasts a number of sustainability credentials. Its handle that controls the volume flow of water is equipped with an EcoButton, which allows the user to reduce their water consumption by up to 50%. The control handle of the bath thermostat features AquadimmerEco for smooth and economical switching between bath filling and showering. The Grohtherm 1000 also features unique GROHE TurboStat® technology, which allows the water temperature to be adjusted accurately and instantly without wasting water. Once set, the thermostat will maintain the temperature reliably for the duration of the shower by balancing out any pressure fluctuations in the water pipes.

Versions for concealed installation now available

The QuickFix design of the chrome-plated rosettes allows for a quick and easy installation. The concealed shower and bath thermostats are best installed using the GROHE Rapido T universal body, which is designed for a safe and straightforward installation process. The complete Grohtherm 1000 range is available for concealed installation, for bathtub and shower as well as for use as a central thermostat and shut-off valve. All products feature GROHE’s innovative technologies.

Complete range

As well as the Grohtherm 1000, the Grohtherm 800 and Grohtherm 1000 Cosmopolitan M provide exciting alternatives to the range. The Grohtherm 800 delivers solutions for public and commercial projects. The introductory level model is packed with numerous value-added functions and features, including GROHE TurboStat® technology, sustainable GROHE EcoJoy® technology, the GROHE SafeStop button, EasyLogic user guidance and its ergonomic winglet handles. With its pared down design, flowing lines and slender body measuring only 40 millimetres in diameter, it easily coordinates with numerous different decors, offering architects freedom in designing modern bathrooms.

For a more powerful design statement, choose Grohtherm 1000 Cosmopolitan M. While retaining its popular minimalist shape, this thermostat now comes with high-quality metal handles featuring a subtle rim for confident, non-slip operation for added comfort in day-to-day use.

Introducing a unique range of competitively prices, highly functional thermostats: Grohtherm 1000 Cosmopolitan M, Grohtherm 1000 and Grohtherm 800 from GROHE.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announces the opening of the 355-room Crowne Plaza Stamford hotel, following a significant renovation funded by Montreal-based owner, Rosdev Corporation. With a capacity for more than 1,600 guests and over 30,000 square feet of meeting space, this hotel is ideal for hosting a wide range of events including casual meetings, large-scale conferences and gala-style social events. Guests at the newest Stamford hotel will experience the Crowne Plaza brand’s new “Always On” enhancements that are focused on connectivity, wellness and productivity. The 24-hour business centre features U-Connect, the hospitality industry’s leading business centre solution while new technology offers single Internet sign-on, free and reliable Wi-Fi, one-click secure wireless printing and easy access to power outlets and charging cords. The hotel also features an Energy Essentials Wellness Station with healthy snacks and drinks to help guests stay energized and balanced to perform at their best.

“This newest addition to the Crowne Plaza portfolio of hotels will provide guests with the amenities and top-notch services they need to be productive when they’re on the road for work,” said Gina LaBarre, vice president, Americas Brand Management, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, IHG. “Our guests are looking for a hotel that caters to their business needs so it’s important that we provide an environment that enables them to focus on getting their work done.”

Formerly an independent hotel, the Crowne Plaza Stamford hotel has a wide selection of dining options at its two onsite restaurants. With its annex bar serving premium sprints, wine and cocktails, Restaurant 2701 features a variety of American Fusion dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Japanese Sushi restaurant, Soosh, is known for its signature Chilean Sea Bass. The hotel has 23 junior suites as well as one presidential suite which offers an open floor plan with a full kitchen and in-suite dining and living rooms. All standard guest rooms include an iron, ironing board, hair dryer, coffee maker and complimentary high speed internet access is available throughout the entire hotel.

Sekers introduces Structures, a collection of six subtle designs suitable for draperies, bed throws or cushions. Available in a range of 38 elegant, shimmering tones, the designs are an eclectic mix of woven textures and small scale random geometric patterns, providing a flexible, versatile collection easily included in any project. Inherently fire retardant and washable, Structures is ideally suited for the contract market, from hotels to cruise ships, meeting all relevant UK & IMO standards for curtains and bedding as well as German French and U.S. standards.

For more information please view the Sekers web site: www.sekersfabrics.co.uk or contact our sales desk on sales@sekers.co.uk

Provenance Hotels, owner and operator of award-winning independent lifestyle hotels, has partnered with NBP Capital, a privately held investment real estate fund, to purchase the Roosevelt Hotel in Seattle from North Coast Washington, LLC which, in partnership with Provenance Hotels, had owned the property since 1985. The property will continue to be affiliated with Coast Hotels for the next 60 days until Provenance Hotels assumes management. Provenance Hotels and NBP Capital are both headquartered in Portland, Ore. and equal partners in the acquisition. They plan to install a marquee restaurant tenant and bring the iconic hotel property back to its original prominence.Opened in 1930, the 151 room Roosevelt Hotel is located at the intersection of 7th Avenue and Pine Street in downtown Seattle, across the street from the Washington State Convention Center, steps from the central business district, in the heart of the retail core, just a few blocks from Pike Place Market and the waterfront. The acquisition of the Roosevelt Hotel is the second joint acquisition for NBP Capital and Provenance Hotels in two weeks. Earlier this month, they announced their purchase of the historic Woodlark and Cornelius buildings in downtown Portland, Ore. and intent to launch an adaptive reuse project that will renovate the properties into a 150 room hotel.

“We’re delighted to deepen and strengthen our partnership with Provenance Hotels, an owner and operator with an unimpeachable track record in the lifestyle space and expert knowledge of the Seattle market,” said Lauren Noecker Robert, Managing Member of NBP Capital.

“With their history of savvy investment and our shared vision, partnering with NBP Capital to return the Roosevelt Hotel to its rightful place among Seattle’s top hotels is a natural. We have been and continue to be bullish on the Seattle market and we are confident we can lead the Roosevelt to success in the dynamic downtown environment,” said Gordon Sondland, Founder and CEO of Provenance Hotels.

“Sentinel, which we opened last year, has become Portland’s living room – a place where locals and visitors gather and mingle. We aim to create the same experience at the Roosevelt,” added Bashar Wali, Principal and President of Provenance Hotels. “Our first order of business is to bring a restaurant to the space that the city can be proud of – much like we did around the corner with Miller’s Guild at Hotel Max. As with all our hotels, we also plan to incorporate an art component and curate local products to make the Roosevelt truly a Provenance experience that channels the best Seattle has to offer.”

When completed, the project will join Hotel Max and Hotel 1000 as Provenance Hotels’ third owned and operated hotel in Seattle. The company also owns and manages Portland’s Hotel Lucia, Hotel deLuxe and Sentinel as well as Hotel Murano in Tacoma, Wash. and Hotel Preston in Nashville, Tenn. Provenance Hotels is slated to open the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery New Orleans in spring 2015 and is developing a hotel in the Woodlark and Cornelius buildings in Portland with NBP Capital. In addition Provenance Hotels owns the Westin Portland and Paramount Hotel in Seattle.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and GHV Hotel (India) Pvt Ltd have announced the opening of Hyatt Place Pune/Hinjewadi, which is strategically located at the entrance to the fast-growing IT city of Pune, less than 85 miles (143 kilometers) from Mumbai, India. This is the third Hyatt Place hotel to open in India, following the 2012 opening of Hyatt Place Hampi in Southern India and the November 2014 opening of Hyatt Place Gurgaon/Udyog Vihar in Northern India.“The opening of Hyatt Place Pune/Hinjewadi marks a significant milestone for the Hyatt Place brand as it continues to expand throughout India and around the world,” said Pablo Graf, senior vice president of operations for Hyatt, Southwest Asia. “The Hyatt Place brand combines style, innovation and round the clock convenience to create a perfect seamless stay with every modern comfort for the multi-tasking traveler.”

“Today’s opening of Hyatt Place Pune/Hinjewadi marks our foray into the hospitality sector, and furthermore, reflects our excitement about the Indian lodging market and its potential,” said Director Mushtaq Vijapura, GHV Group. “Hyatt is a globally recognized hospitality company with deep roots in India, and we are excited to collaborate with Hyatt in a growing market such as Hinjewadi, Pune. The location, product and the Hyatt Place brand gives us confidence of the hotel’s imminent success.”

“As Hinjewadi, Pune continues to grow and thrive economically, we are excited to add to the momentum by introducing Hyatt Place Pune/Hinjewadi to the area,” said General Manager Swarendra Sahay. “The Hyatt Place brand was designed from the insight of our guest’s appreciation for approachable style, where design and quality are delivered in a very simple and affordable fashion, offering a seamless travel experience for guests. We are confident that both business and leisure travelers will appreciate the hotel’s open, intuitive design and casual atmosphere and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour fresh food offerings.”

ABOUT HYATT PLACE PUNE/HINJEWADI
Strategically located in the heart of Phase 1 of Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjewadi right off the Mumbai-Pune expressway and just 45 min from Pune airport, Hyatt Place Pune/Hinjewadi is an upscale select service hotel designed for the multi-tasking traveler.

For those visiting Hinjewadi for business, the hotel is located in close proximity to major companies like Infosys, Cognizant, Persistent, Wipro, Cisco, 3dPLM, Siemens, IBM, Credit Suisse, among others.

Hyatt Place Pune/Hinjewadi offers:
• 117 roomy rooms, swiveling flat-screen HDTVs, a plush Hyatt Grand Bed and a Cozy Corner sofa sleeper in all guestrooms
• Free Wi-Fi and remote printing everywhere
• 2,660 square feet (248 square meters) of flexible, high-tech meeting and function space
• Free Gallery Kitchen Breakfast for guests, featuring freshly prepared breakfast sandwiches, a variety of fresh fruits, hot and cold cereal, yogurt, breads, premium coffee, and an assortment of juices
• A Gallery Kitchen (24/7 Gallery Café) featuring local and regional specialties, made-to-order entrées and appetizers around the clock
• A Coffee to Cocktails Bar featuring specialty coffee and tea selections, premium role beers, as well as wines and cocktails
• 24-hour Gym featuring cardio equipment with LCD touchscreens
• An outdoor swimming pool

In May 2015, three new addresses will open in Recife, which has been dubbed the “Brazilian Venice”.Recife is a colorful city with many canals, superb religious buildings and a beach stretching for several kilometers. In a few months’ time it will be home to the Mercure Recife Mar Hotels Conventions, the Grand Mercure Recife Atlante Plaza and the Grand Mercure Summerville Resort, which will replace three hotels from the Pontes Hotels & Resorts network.

For Accor, bolstering its already substantial presence in Recife is no coincidence. Indeed, this city boasts the highest average daily rate and the best occupancy rate in the North-East region of Brazil, with more than 85% of travelers on business trips.

These three eagerly awaited openings will add 432 rooms to Accor’s local network, making it the absolute leader in Recife.

The Group claims it strong ambition in North-East Brazil with these three contracts. 24 hotels have already opened in Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Maranhão, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí and Sergipe.

Accor currently operates 210 hotels in Brazil, the world’s fifth largest country.

Second year students on the Textile Practice (Surface Design) course at the University of Huddersfield were invited to create a piece of artwork that could be translated into a wallpaper suitable for inclusion in a Fardis collection. The designs shown at the Surface Design Show, London (10-12 February 2015), took inspiration from different areas – including the natural world, traditional baroque motifs and paint effects.
Students were asked to produce a hand crafted physical piece of artwork (as opposed to a flat CAD print) and evidence of colour and trend research in the form of mood boards and sketch books. The students had six weeks to complete the project.

The winning designer was Hannah Shrigley, who wins a work placement in the Muraspec & Fardis Design Studio.

Matt Hayes, Design Development Manager for the Muraspec Group, comments: “The competition has been a great success due to the effort and enthusiasm of the students. The process challenged participants to create exciting new artworks while encouraging them to become stronger, more commercially aware designers.

“Our winning student, Hannah Shrigley, met every aspect of the brief and her entries displayed a good understanding of design in keeping with the Muraspec Group ethos. We look forward to welcoming her when she carries out her work placement in the Design Studio.”

Louisa Eyles, Muraspec Group’s Marketing Manager, said: “We have always been a supporter of British design and manufacturing, so it’s important we nurture new talent joining the industry. I hope the students have enjoyed the challenge we set them, and look forward to seeing more of their work in the future.”

The Gilinski Group, a leading banking, real estate, and industrial conglomerate in the region, and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, the world leader in luxury hospitality and service, announce plans for the management of two hotels in Bogota. Following meticulous renovations, the historic Hotel Casa Medina Bogota will re-open as Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota and the contemporary Hotel Charleston Bogota will welcome guests as Four Seasons Hotel Bogota. Closed as of 15 December 2014 for renovations, both properties will be ready to welcome guests later in 2015.“We are excited to partner with Four Seasons in these unique hotels and look forward to a long-term relationship,” said Gabriel Gilinski, Principal at The Gilinski Group. “This project would have been unthinkable only ten years ago, and bringing Four Seasons to Bogota is a testament to Colombia’s progress. We feel fortunate to be a part of it.”

“As travel to and within South America for both business and leisure continues to increase among luxury travellers from around the world, we’ve been looking for the right opportunity to enter the Bogota market,” said Allen Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. “This represents a significant step in continuing to grow our footprint in South America and we’re thrilled to be working with The Gilinski Group on the conversion of these two properties and to introduce a truly extraordinary luxury experience in Bogota.”

Four Seasons will be bringing a uniquely global perspective to new dining experiences at both properties – an important part of the guest experience in a city that has built a reputation for being a dynamic culinary destination. From Spanish tapas to Japanese robata, each Four Seasons property will deliver a new and progressive experience to delight the sophisticated palates of guests and locals alike.

Located in the financial and commercial centre of Bogota, the Hotel Casa Medina has long been a preferred choice among luxury travellers to the city. The unique French and Spanish architectural elements of this historic property will be preserved through the renovation while being augmented by contemporary features. Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota will create an authentic experience with all the modern amenities guests have come to expect from Four Seasons including re-imagined room design concepts and meeting facilities.

Hotel Charleston Bogota will re-open as Four Seasons Hotel Bogota and greet guests seeking a new standard of luxury right in the shopping and gastronomic heart of the city. Elevating each element of the property from top to bottom, the renovations will include stylishly redesigned rooms and suites. It will also include a new world class dining experience to complement the eclectic local culinary scene. A Japanese robata concept will offer an authentic menu featuring traditional grilled delicacies, sushi and a large bar stocked with sakes, Japanese beers and cocktails.

Brintons, the world’s leading carpet manufacturer, is showcasing the ‘Best of British’ at the annual Cruise Shipping Event in Miami on the 16th – 19th March.The Royal Warranted carpet manufacturer has been exhibiting at the show for over 15 years, and will be displaying a bespoke marine carpet that has been woven with High Definition Weave Technology that was pioneered at its Kidderminster factory. The weave allows Brintons to create stunning custom made carpets in up to 32 colours, with ultra-precise clarity.

The company has a long track record working with some of the largest ship owners, shipyards and marine designers across the world, to supply both stock and custom solutions.

Brintons’ specialist marine division has supplied carpet to more than 500 vessels, for use in public areas, cabins and corridors, and most recently has carried out an installation on the P&O Britannia, which launches this month (March).

Brintons offers full marine certification for cruise ships, ferries, yachts and other offshore installations, and all products are proven in the most demanding situations around the world.

All Brintons’ marine products are supplied with Wheelmark certification, which shows that the carpet conforms to the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) and SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) requirements.

To learn more about Brintons and its range of marine certified carpets, visit stand 2201 or visit www.brintons.net.

The London Suites at The Marylebone Hotel will be unveiled. A collection of stylish, large and modern suites in the heart of the city, the suites offer unrivalled views over the rooftops and chimney pots of Marylebone and Mayfair all the way to The Shard and beyond. Featuring huge terraces with retractable roofs and luxurious interiors, the new suites encapsulate everything that a modern traveller loves about Marylebone – London’s most glamorous urban village. Located in London’s ultra-fashionable Marylebone village, The Marylebone is a hotel full of character and charm perfectly situated to explore this vibrant area’s unique boutiques, restaurants and buzzing cafes. Located between the beautiful townhouses of Welbeck Street and trendy Marylebone Lane, the hotel comprises 257 guest rooms including 44 suites including the three new London Suites.

In addition there will be a redesign of the hotel’s extensive lobby and public areas following the recent launch of 108 Brasserie – the hotel’s popular restaurant and bar that spills out onto Marylebone Lane. 108 Brasserie, along with 108 Pantry, has been decorated in a subtle and chic style and specialises in British cuisine using fresh produce from local suppliers, served in a contemporary and stylish setting.

The redesign has been undertaken to reflect the changing style of the Marylebone area – a destination that is becoming the place to be seen by those in the know in the capital.

The largest of the suites – The Marylebone – is 860 square feet and is decorated using a sophisticated palette of linens, wools and silks, and finished in limed American oak with polished brass detailing. The dual aspect lounge has a concealed 60” mirrored TV and a separate dining area with access to a private bar. The suite’s spectacular terrace expands to 430 square feet and boasts its own fireplace, outdoor TV and a bespoke retractable roof meaning that it can be used both as an interior and exterior space throughout the year depending on the weather. The beautiful Porta Romana bedside lamps and classic Julian Chichester dining table bring creativity to the suite and complement the interior fabrics while the personally curated book collection creates a sense of home. The Marylebone Suite is ideal for longer stays in the city and with the terrace is the perfect place to entertain for a party or intimate drinks.

The two other suites are named after local streets – the Wimpole and the Harley. Both have contemporary styling with rich hardwood flooring and arabascato marble as well as individually-covered 215 square foot terraces that can be merged together for families or to host private parties. All 3 suites can interconnect via staircase and terrace.

All guests of the London Suites will have in-room registration and a dedicated point of contact available 24 hours a day for their stay. Soft drinks, snacks, chocolates and bespoke pastries (sourced from Marylebone Village patisserie) from the fridge are complimentary; guests can choose from a selection of 20 different teas and coffees from the Rare Tea Company and Nespresso selections. Other complimentary amenities include fresh flowers, a bottle of Champagne on arrival, and newspaper of choice delivered daily. Minibars in the suites will be stocked with London produced Firefly natural drinks, Jax Coco coconut water and other treats from the Dormen Food Company.

The hotel offers extensive conference facilities as well as the Drawing Room – a great venue for a private dinner or a movie. Guests also have complimentary access to the hotel’s Third Space gym offering an extensive programme of fitness classes and 18m heated indoor swimming pool. The hotel is also close to the excitement and buzz of Oxford St, the high octane pulse of Bond Street, and the open green spaces of Regents Park which are just a short jog away.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently announced the opening of IHG’s first hotel in Celaya, Mexico. The 120-room Holiday Inn Express® & Suites Celaya hotel, located in the state of Guanajuato, was developed following a US$10 million investment by ownership.The hotel offers guests a comfortable, yet affordable stay with innovative, preferred guest upgrades to ensure a pleasurable experience. Hotel amenities include a 24-hour fitness centre, complimentary high-speed Internet access and a business centre. An ideal location for meetings, the hotel has two small meeting rooms and one larger ballroom with a maximum capacity for 115 people. The complimentary Desayuno Express™ breakfast bar features a full range of breakfast items, including a rotation of egg and meat selections, pastries, yoghurt, fruit, juices, regional dishes (pasty turnovers) and coffee.

All guest rooms feature contemporary styling, comfortable queen or king-sized beds, a sitting area with a lounge chair and an in-room coffee machine featuring complimentary coffee. The hotel’s 24 suites include a kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator. The SimplySmart™ shower incorporates a proprietary Stay Smart™ Kohler showerhead and a signature shower curtain with curved rod. Upgraded 100 percent cotton terry towels and bath products are also included. Guests will enjoy the SimplySmart™ bedding collection – crisp, fresh bedding that features an attractive decorative throw, a medium-weight duvet blanket, soft, 200 thread-count sheets and pillows that come in two comfort levels: “soft” and “firm.”

The hotel is owned and managed by Hoteles Bidasoa, S.A. de C.V.

Owned and operated by Royal Caribbean International, the ‘Oasis of the Seas’ was launched during October 2009. At a little over 225,000 gross tonnes, 361 metres in length, and costing some $1.4 billion to build, the Oasis, along with her sister ship ‘the Allure’ (of the Seas) are a testament to the ‘big is best’ concept of cruise ship design. With the ability to carry over 6,000 passengers across 16 decks the Oasis provides a floating holiday resort of 20 restaurants, ice cream parlours, 37 bars, 10,000 m2 of retail space, amusements, spas, swimming pools, mini-golf, surfing, rock climbing and a whole lot more – there is literally something for everyone. I was fortunate enough to spend a week on-board Oasis of the Seas and look over the facilities in some detail. In Fort Lauderdale the first thing that hits you as you approach the dock is its sheer size – it is truly a massive ship. On board, the ship initially follows the Royal Caribbean standard by having the Royal Promenade running the length of the ship with guest services at one end and a whole range of shops, bars and eateries to access. There is also a mezzanine floor to the Royal Promenade which hosts the Schooner Bar and allows guests to sit with a drink and observe all the parades and events below. On the main top deck the design departs from anything RC have done before as there is an open useable space down the middle of the top deck containing a real tropical garden called Central Park, a Board Walk area with a carousel and amusement activities such as puppet shows and smaller children’s rides. This split superstructure design means there are now more outside staterooms than ever before and one may have a view of the sea or alternatively overlook Central Park and the Boardwalk.

ENTERTAINMENT ZONES
The ship is actually divided into seven different activity areas which are called ‘neighbourhoods’, each with its own passenger appeal. Many of the themed areas were decorated with murals from Clarissa Parish, an Anglo-Italian muralist.

Central Park features exclusive boutiques, themed restaurants and intimate bars; one of these is the Rising Tide bar, which is raised or lowered using a unique hydraulic system between three different decks. The park itself, which is the first living park at sea, features over 12,000 plants and 56 trees with a dedicated horticulturalist who is only too pleased to answer any questions.

The Pool and Sports Zone features a sloped-entry beach pool and two Flow Rider surf simulators. The ship actually has five pools including the largest freshwater pool at sea.

Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center features a spa for teenagers along with one of the largest gyms on the high seas with more than 160 cardio and resistance machines as well as regular classes, and a range of spa services for pampering yourself during the voyage.

The Boardwalk is a major area of the ship where ‘it all happens’. Here you find a handcrafted carousel, many themed restaurants including Johnny Rockets diner, bars, shops, two rock-climbing walls and a temporary tattoo parlour. One of the most popular features is the outdoor 750-seat AquaTheatre amphitheatre, which hosts some of the most fabulous water shows featuring high-diving, synchronised swimming and aqua aerobics (the pool floor can move to suit different parts of the performance).

The Royal Promenade features a huge number of bars, cafes and shops. There are shops producing and selling cupcakes, whoopie pies and macaroons along with chocolatiers and candy makers. Passengers may also take part in courses to learn these baking/culinary arts. The popular English pub, the Globe and Atlas, is also on the Royal Promenade, which features live music and real ale.

The Youth Zone is obviously out of bounds to older guests but features its own night clubs, amusement and computer game arcades as well as a science lab and basketball court. Teenagers come in all shapes and sizes and most appreciate their own area on-board ship. Other features include a library and quiet area as well as a full service diner and pizza restaurant and a Mocktail bar to provide non-alcoholic drinks (a particularly good area for those with the unlimited soft drinks package and a penchant for sugar).

The Entertainment Place is spread across a good deal of the ship and features a range of activities for all passengers. There include an 82-foot long zip wire (falls over three deck levels), an ice rink, a full casino (Casino Royale in a French style), a miniature golf course, multiple night clubs, Vintages (a connoisseur wine bar), a champagne bar, a Latin bar, a jazz club, a karaoke club, a comedy club, Dazzles (a 1940’s theme club), volleyball and basketball courts, children’s theme park/clubs and nurseries, two massive enclosed whirlpool spa baths cantilevered over the side of the ship, a 1,400 seat main theatre (currently hosting a production of Cats), a 600 seat secondary theatre and a 700 m jogging track around the ship.

Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant in Wark, near Hexham, is proud to announce the opening of its new on-site observatory. Launching in March 2015 the observatory is located within the hotel grounds, sitting at the edge of the Northumberland National Park which gained Dark Sky Park status in December 2013. The Northumberland National Park is the largest protected Dark Sky Park in Europe, offering an unrivalled vantage point from which to admire the county’s dramatic night-time sky.The observatory will be fully accessible throughout the night to guests staying in one of the hotel’s five newly constructed eco-lodges. Facing south, it can accommodate up to 25 budding or seasoned astronomers and is equipped with the latest telescopes chosen for their technical prowess and ease of use. These include a Celestron C11 OTA on a EQ8 mount, an enormous set of 25 x 100 mounted binoculars specifically for guests with wheelchairs, plus a range of smaller telescopes targeted at true beginners.

Under the watchful eye of Roy Alexander, professional astronomer and teacher, Battlesteads will run courses targeted at all levels of stargazer, from introductory ‘Get to know your telescope’ sessions to sessions focussing on identifying and tracking some of the night-sky’s star performers.

Courses will be priced from £15 and the eco-lodges are priced at £165 per night for bed and breakfast based on two people sharing.
Commenting on the Dark Sky Observatory, Richard Slade, owner of Battlesteads, says:

“This marks an exciting new chapter for Battlesteads. We have had a vision to open up our beautiful skies to guests for many years and to see these plans now come alive is out of this world. Astro-tourism is an emerging and growing leisure market. With such a world-class environment for studying the stars on our doorstep it made sense to embrace this and add to the many reasons to visit Battlesteads and the county of Northumberland.”

The observatory has been constructed and developed in accordance with Battlesteads’ ongoing green credentials, using sustainable materials and powered by the hotel’s 36-panel solar PV tracker. Previously awarded a Platinum level rating in TripAdvisor’s GreenLeaders Programme in 2014, a scheme that helps travellers make greener choices when deciding on a hotel trip, Battlesteads also boasts a Three Star Sustainability Champion status from the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA), and was previously voted Considerate Hotel of the Year (Considerate Hotelier) and Green Hotel of the Year (Hotel Cateys) in 2011.

The project is supported by a Rural Economy Grant, North East Small Business Growth Fund, for which the funds are provided by the Rural Development Programme for England. Defra is the Managing Authority, part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas.

Intercontinental has launched Secrets of the City, for the luxury InterContinental® brand. Unveiling a new collection of exclusive Insider Experiences, the hotel group has partnered with carefully-selected artisans and experts across food, culture, art and fashion to provide access to the city’s secrets. As 3 star hotels continually upgrade their offering (as detailed in our article Upward March of the Budget Hotels) it has become clear for some time that they need to offer more – either space or luxury or special treatment for their five star guests.InterContinental Hotels & Resorts’ Secrets of the City campaign will be activated through print, online, hotel marketing channels and social media across Europe and USA, launching first in London, Paris and Tel Aviv with three once-in-a-lifetime Insider Experiences. The brand has created a short vignette directed by Marco Gentile and starring London-based model, Dioni Tabbers to capture the essence of its luxury guest experience and giving a glimpse into the world of its exclusive Insider Experiences.

Tom Rowntree, Vice President for InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Europe said: “InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has 69 years’ experience in providing personalised experiences to guests, and this is very much at the heart of our new campaign. Through our Insider Experiences we’re able to demonstrate our heritage, local knowledge and partnerships that we’ve built over the years, helping guests to unlock the secrets of our cities. We’re delighted to have launched the first three Insider Experiences in London, Paris and Tel Aviv and we’re looking forward to launching more throughout the year across Europe.”

Featured in the film are scenes from London’s bespoke Made in Mayfair Insider Experience, created by InterContinental London Park Lane with London Luxury Quarter ̶ keepers of the prestigious 52 streets of Mayfair, Piccadilly and St. James. The experience is tailored around personalisation and explores the centre of ‘Best of British’ craftsmanship, giving guests a behind-the-scenes tour through Mayfair’s rich history of custom goods.

Alvaro Rey, General Manager of InterContinental London Park Lane, says: “We strive to create unique experiences for our guests and unlock some of the hidden stories of our location. Made in Mayfair Insider Experience is tailored to personal preference and can include a behind-the-scenes tour of Floris, the sole perfumer to Her Majesty The Queen, or a visit to Foster & Son – London’s oldest bespoke shoemaker – where guests can see the original last made for the legendary Clark Gable. The experience is completed with a night in our Royal Suite.”

Another Experience sees InterContinental David Tel Aviv team up with one of Israel’s most renowned chefs and culinary advisor, Yaron Kestenboum to create a Senses of Tel Aviv Insider Experience that explores the local cuisine, culture, design, and vibe. As part of the experience, guests will enjoy a culinary journey of the best food and wine that the city has to offer and exclusive private access to one of the country’s most eclectic homes in Old Jaffa.

InterContinental Paris Le Grand has teamed up with Ladurée, the iconic Macaroon makers, to lift the lid on the best kept secrets of this emblematic patisserie. As part of the experience, guests will visit InterContinental Paris Le Grand’s newly renovated, breath-taking Opera Ballroom – the French capital’s most spectacular reception room which has hosted the city’s most prestigious events for over 150 years and is now a National Heritage Site.

JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its global, luxury collection with the brand new 501-room JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Changfeng Park. Located in Putuo District of the Shanghai city, the hotel will be the second JW Marriott in Shanghai and a world-class addition to its global portfolio of 70 luxury properties. It is poised to become the benchmark of luxury service in the burgeoning west Shanghai area. Originally branded as a Marriott Hotels property under a long-term management agreement with the New Development Group Co., LTD. the hotel has been recognized as the first international five-star establishment in Putuo. Given the hotel’s exceptional services, refined design, unique location and level of sophistication, Marriott International saw an opportunity to brand the property a JW Marriott to further elevate its already established luxury offerings and positioning.

“Since opening in 2010, this gorgeous hotel has been instrumental in bringing sophisticated luxury services to west Shanghai. Its rebranding into JW Marriott will enable guests to experience the quiet luxury they seek in a warmly authentic, relaxed atmosphere lacking in pretense. As second JW Marriott hotel in Shanghai and the tenth in China, the rebranding also speaks to the growing popularity of the JW Marriott brand in China,” said Henry Lee, Chief Operations Officer – Greater China of Marriott International.

“Our hotel has always been a trend setter of luxury hotel services in west Shanghai. The new JW Marriott Changfeng Park will continue to provide guests with memorable experiences, now enriched with the intuitive service, artfully delivered experiences and well-being focus the JW Marriott brand is known for – both in China and around the world,” said Richard Saul, General Manager of JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Changfeng Park.

The JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Changfeng Park is located at the Changfeng Ecology Commercial District in west Shanghai, facing the picturesque Changfeng Park and Suzhou River. It is well positioned, neighboring the Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing and the internationally renowned National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC). The hotel is also adjacent to Changfeng Parkside Plaza, one of the largest shopping malls in west Shanghai.

The hotel is easily accessible, located just a 15-minute drive from the Hongqiao Integrated Transportation Hub, which houses the Hongqiao International Airport, Hongqiao Railway Station and Bus Station.

The property’s 501 spacious guestrooms boast scenic views of either the Changfeng Park or Suzhou Creek. Each guestroom features a full array of modern amenities such as a full-size executive writing desk, flat-screen TV, JW Marriott’s plush signature bedding and signature bath amenity line from partner Aromatherapy Associates.

The JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Changfeng Park has six world-class restaurants including the newly renovated Park Café, Sakitori and The Lobby Lounge, providing versatile and unique culinary experiences. Park Café is an enticing all-day dining restaurant that features healthy and delicious international cuisine. Japanese restaurant Sakitori offers authentic fare prepared by Japanese native chefs while The Lobby Lounge brings classic high tea experience and a treat of stylish delicacies. Upscale Chinese restaurant Pearl offers authentic Cantonese and local Shanghai cuisine while DÔME Steak and Wine brings quality steaks that will rival the best in town. Finally Panorama Bar, located at the top floor, offers a wide selection of wines, whisky and cigars.

The hotel offers more than 1,500 square meters of multi-function event space featuring the state-of-the-art technologies and facilities. Venues include a 770-square meter Grand Ballroom and 13 individual function rooms equipped with wireless high-speed internet access and an LED wall. In addition, the hotel boasts a versatile area that can be turned into an assembly point for MICE guests, group check-in desk, or even a venue for coffee breaks and cocktail receptions, providing great flexibility for guests.

The hotel’s “Quan” Spa offers Asian, Mediterranean and western spa treatments. Other facilities include an indoor swimming pool, as well as a health club with a comprehensive fitness center, sauna, Jacuzzi and steam bath facilities.

New owners are being sought for an exclusive multi-million pound cliff-top resort in Devon. Located on the headland near Salcombe, Gara Rock is a unique investment incorporating a collection of cottages, apartments and duplexes as well as a luxury spa, boutique hotel and a locally-renowned café restaurant.

Gara Rock is being marketed for sale to potential investors with an anticipated price tag exceeding £8.5m by property agent Colliers International.

Director Simon Wells said: “The Gara Rock resort is a unique proposition. Not only does it benefit from a stunning seafront location with breath-taking panoramas but it is surrounded by beautiful beaches, hidden coves and harbours making it an attractive destination to visitors and holiday-makers. Opportunities to invest in a coastal scheme such as Gara Rock are rare and we are excited to be marketing such an exclusive development.”

With a seemingly secluded cliff-top location, Gara Rock sits just a few hundred metres away from the beach below and is nestled between the bustling town of Dartmouth and the village of East Portlemouth which links to Salcombe by a short ferry ride. The area features the South West coastal path and is a second home to the yachting set, with some of the best sailing available in the UK.

Gara Rock’s history dates back to the 19th Century when a remote row of coastguard cottages on the cliff top kept watch over one of the most dramatic sections of the South Devon coastline. In 1909, they were converted into a popular family hotel which became the haunt of the rich and famous during the 1930s. After being requisitioned during the war years, Gara Rock reopened as a small family hotel in 1946 and became a treasured holiday destination for the following decades.

Gara Rock has now had a dramatic transformation and has been completely rebuilt before being offered for sale as a property investment by Colliers. The resort package includes the freehold of the scheme and vacant possession of four high-specification cottages, 11 apartments and duplexes, as well as an 18-bedroom boutique hotel with picture-perfect sea views and a luxurious holistic spa featuring swimming pools, a sauna and steam rooms.

Mr Wells continued: “The Gara Rock complex offers the ideal investment opportunity for its potential new owners as there is the option to either run it as a destination resort or to sell off individual units. What is particularly attractive is that the residential element has an open planning consent rather than a limited holiday-only restriction which is so often the case.”

For more information on Gara Rock, contact Colliers International on 0117 917 2000.

Spa Creators have recently completed market research for a collection of boutique hotels where they are developing a refurbishment programme. Within this research they have looked at new markets and the Hen spa has been identified as a new and growing area due to late bloomers looking for wellness breaks and spa.One site in particular that Spa Creators have been developing in Edinburgh has huge potential and within the business plan a sales target has been set to exploit the Hen Spa market which is strong in the city.

Within their design Spa Creators are creating areas which can be sold for exclusive use [multi use spaces, studio etc.], their idea is venues within the venue. Spa Creators have already done this successfully done with the manicure and pedicure area where they have created a boutique feel with a different vibe to the spa. Hen parties booking for 2hrs and use the space for fun and this will include free treatments and make up sessions, Spa Creators have done this at the Mere Golf Resort & Spa. Within the boutique we have created a play zone for skincare products and therapists will carry out skin analysis and skin workshops to boost retail sales.

Alistair Johnson [director] commented: “it is important to control large groups and having spaces to allocate works very well, we suggest Hen groups should not be more than six people. We have included on a treatment menu the option to have the entire spa as an exclusive use and this has been very popular at the Ellenborough Park Spa. I believe the spa market is maturing and guests visiting spas are wanting group spa experiences, these do not necessarily have to be healthy and a glass of champagne fits well with spa and the social aspect of spa.”

For more details on Spa Creators visit www.spacreators.co.uk

A unique combination of barefoot luxury and rich Maldivian heritage, Loama Resort is proud to announce the opening of their exceptional new hotel on the beautiful island of Maamigili.Loama Resort Maldives at Maamigili is a teardrop-shaped private island that was once the playground of ancient kings; part of the northernmost and largely undiscovered Raa Atoll and representing the final frontier of the Maldives, where absolute seclusion can be secured. Away from many of the other bustling tourist resorts the Maldives are famous for, this is a resort with an accent firmly on privacy. Uncharted reefs harbour treasures and secret beaches await discovery. Loama Resorts are drawing a line in the sand and stepping beyond luxury to offer escapes illuminated by art, culture and heritage on an undiscovered paradise.

The Loama Resort spa experience is sublime, with an iconic blend of timeless traditional secrets and wisdom and the healing heritage of the Maldives with contemporary wellness best practice. Guests can enjoy treatments in either the Beach Villas surrounded by the beauty of Maldivian skyline or in one of the glass-bottomed Ocean Villa rooms offering views into crystal clear waters below during a well deserved massage.

The resort’s over-water villas perch elegantly on poles above the shimmering turquoise shallows of the Indian Ocean, while its beach villas offer contemporary style with charming and authentically Maldivian touches. Each room comes with its own Maldivian name that reflects its heritage, history and significance in the culture of the Maldives. Elaborate roofs of thatched coconut and traditional Maldivian ornamentation help immerse guests in a culturally rich environment, while modern conveniences such as an outdoor deck and rain showers add a touch of contemporary sophistication.

As a tribute to the opulent ancestry found in the Maldives the resort has established the Maldives’ first gallery of contemporary Maldivian art, Loama Art Gallery, in a stunning over-water pavilion near the resort’s main arrival pier and with the blessing of the National Art Gallery of Maldives in Male. It already houses an important collection of artifacts from key periods of Maldivian history, from an extensive collection of 15th Century Chinese porcelain to the discovery of a pair of 11th Century sunken baths on the island.

The resort features six gastronomic havens, each offering a distinct epicurean experience. They include Thundi, a Thai fine dining restaurant where authentic Thai recipes are transformed into culinary masterpieces and Meyzu, a Japanese restaurant with sushi bar and sizzling teppanyaki at the open-air lounge. Fazaa is an all-day dining restaurant offering Western, Asian and Mediterranean cuisine in a vibrant al-fresco setting. For barbecue lovers, Athiri Club’s themed barbecues are the stuff of food fantasy.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has recently announced the opening of Hyatt Place Tijuana in Baja California, Mexico. Hyatt Place Tijuana is the fourth Hyatt Place hotel to open in Mexico, and continues Hyatt’s growth strategy in the country. Hyatt Place Tijuana joins Hyatt Place Cuidad del Carmen, Hyatt Place La Paz and Hyatt Place Los Cabos, which is scheduled to reopen this year, post-Hurricane Odile.

About Hyatt Place Tijuana
Hyatt Place Tijuana is an upscale, select service hotel designed for the multi-tasking traveller. The hotel is situated on Agua Caliente Boulevard, in close proximity to the Zona Rio business and financial district.

Additionally, the hotel is 15 minutes from Tijuana International Airport and 10 minutes from the United States Port of Entry.

Guests will also be within easy access to the Agua Caliente Race Track and Casino, the soccer stadium Estadio Caliente, and the Club Campestre Tijuana country club. Guests may enjoy a wide variety of restaurants within walking distance from the hotel, and shopping at Plaza Rio shopping mall or Las Americas Premium Outlets in San Ysidro, California is only minutes away.

Hyatt Place Tijuana offers guests:
• 145 roomy rooms, all of which feature a swivelling 42-inch TV, the plush Hyatt Grand Bed and a Cozy Corner sectional sofa with sectional sofa-sleeper
• Free Wi-Fi everywhere
• Free hot buffet breakfast for guests
• 24/7 Gallery Menu & Market, which includes an all-day-dining restaurant, freshly prepared entrées and appetizers available around-the-clock, plus on-the-go salads, sandwiches, sweets and bottled beverages
• A Coffee to Cocktails Bar, offering a wide range of speciality coffees, espresso, premium beer and wines
• More than 1,776 square feet of flexible, meeting and function space
• A 24-hour business centre fully equipped with free wireless printers that can be used from anywhere in the hotel
• 24-hour Gym
• Free guest parking

Accor has announced it will open seven new hotels within the ibis brand.

ibis London Canning Town, will be a 196 room hotel situated within the Hallsville Quarter development. The development is part of the Canning Town and Custom House regeneration programme. The hotel is part of the new mixed-use scheme by property development company Bouygues Development.Four ibis Styles properties will be opened in 2015 under a franchise agreement with Carillion plc. The four properties will be located in Crewe, Barnsley, Haydock and Birmingham NEC and will be operated by Kew Green Hotels. The ibis Styles in Barnsley will be a 117 room hotel, Birmingham NEC, a 166 room hotel, Crewe property, with 112 rooms and Haydock, with 102 rooms.

A new build ibis Styles hotel of 47 rooms is currently underway in Greenwich and is expected to open in early 2016. The hotel is signed as a franchise agreement with Conqueror Holdings Limited. In addition, also under a franchise agreement, a 140 room ibis Styles hotel will open at London Heathrow Airport.

The franchise agreement is signed with Acre Heathrow Limited which is part of Acre Hotels and Westcombe Group and is due to open in the summer of 2016.

These ambitious projects prove the continued success of the ibis Styles brand to attract new franchisees due to its flexibility to adapt to any property and the strong personality and design which it gives to each hotel.

Thomas Dubaere, Managing Director, Accor UK & Ireland said: “These new ibis and ibis Styles hotels signal our ambition to strengthen the ibis brands in the UK. The franchise deal for Crewe, Barnsley, Haydock, Birmingham and Greenwich not only reflects the strength of the ibis Styles brand, but recognises our excellent position as a franchise partner. These new signings are in line with our ongoing strategy to grow our economy offering.”

Accor’s leading economy hotel brand, ibis, first opened in 1974. Since then, the ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget brands have expanded rapidly in the UK with a network of 92 hotels and 12,585 rooms. Globally, the three ibis brands have a total of 1738 hotels and 191,725 rooms.

Leading bathroom specialist Roca will be showcasing a variety of new products at ISH 2015 in Frankfurt this March, reflecting the manufacturer’s values of design, innovation, sustainability and wellbeing. Visitors to ISH 2015 will be among the first to hear about Roca’s new ceramic material FineCeramic, characterised by its lightweight and durable properties, plus a new solid surface material Surfex, which combines flexibility, aesthetics, hygiene, sustainability and resistance, offering creativity of design in the bathroom.

A further focus of the Roca stand will be its Global Toilet Expertise, presented in a dedicated area, with new products and extensions to existing ranges on display. Visitors to the Roca stand can learn more about Roca’s rimless toilets, its innovative In-Tank WC with cistern built into the pan, plus a new range of intelligent toilets called In-Wash.

Another highlight of the Roca stand will be the latest addition to its showering line-up, the Rainsense shower head. Offering style and performance in abundance, Rainsense is a large overhead shower head which is available as a square, rectangular or circular version. Combining form and function, Rainsense offers the user a powerful performance and features Roca’s EasyClean system on the rubber jets, acting as a barrier to lime scale for ease of cleaning.

Taking a new approach to how products are selected and combined from within a range, Roca will also present its new Inspira collection, which will be available in the UK later this year. Featuring sanitaryware in three on trend shapes – Round, Soft and Square – Inspira can be combined in a variety of ways to suit individual tastes and needs.

Find Roca in Hall 3.1, Stand C69 at ISH, Frankfurt, from 10 to 14 March.

GROHE is delighted to announce that its GROHE Blue® kitchen tap has been awarded the renowned KitchenInnovation consumer award by the LifeCare Initiative. GROHE’s innovative Blue® water system provides great taste, comfort and sustainability, supplying three different types of filtered and chilled water – sparkling, medium and still – straight from the tap.An independent panel of experts and consumers assessed all award entries in terms of user comfort, practical benefit, innovation, design and sustainability. GROHE Blue® came out on top in the “kitchen furniture and equipment” category.

The award ceremony was held on 14 February at the Ambiente exhibition in Frankfurt. Visitors to the fair had the chance to see the GROHE Blue® tap in Foyer 5.1/6.1, where several professional chefs demonstrated and explained the benefits and USPs of the award-winners in live presentations.

Harbour Hotels, a group of award-winning hotels and restaurants across the South of England, has refreshed its bar space at The Kings Arms, Christchurch, Dorset, to create the town’s most contemporary venue. Re-crafting the space into a vibrant and modern food and drink destination, The Bar is the latest in a series of ambitious upgrades across the group.The existing bar space has been up-sized and re-imagined into a versatile multi-purpose area, designed to re-affirm its status as a destination hotel for premium food and drink experiences and attract local footfall as a meeting space and social spot. The newly refurbished bar joins The Kings Arms’ award-winning restaurant offering, which has scooped a Michelin Bib Gourmand for two consecutive years.

In keeping with The Kings Arms’ philosophy of ‘fresh, seasonal and local’, the reinvigorated bar space is set to roll out the existing 15 Mile Food Menu to The Bar, with an exciting ‘15 Mile Cocktail Menu’ in partnership with local distilleries.

New features of The Bar include a pewter-top bar, custom-made retro Edison lightbox, and Italian fireplaces.

Mike Warren, Managing Director of Harbour Hotels, said; “The Bar signals a new era for food and drink across the South of England and exemplifies the high-end yet welcoming ethos of Harbour Hotels. The new design reflects our ambition to offer a 360 degree experience for our guests, both local and nationwide; from unrivalled locations to award-winning food and dining experiences, rooms and spa facilities.”

The launch of The Bar follows a multi-million pound refurbishment of Salcombe Harbour Hotel, as the group look to invest across the portfolio and refresh its brand identity as an award-winning dining, rooms and spa destination on the south coast. Recently appointing the former Chief Operating Officer at Hotel Du Vin, Mike Warren, as Managing Director, the business is set to expand across the UK alongside upgrades to its existing sites.

The Kings Arms forms part of the Harbour Hotels group, that has 5 hotels across the south coast; including Christchurch, Sidmouth, Salcombe, and St. Ives.

Sekers are pleased to announce the launch of Melford Wools, a collection of three versatile designs suitable for all contract applications including upholstery, drapery and bedding. Available in a range of 36 rich, natural colours, from vibrant blues and reds to classic neutrals, the designs include a classic two colour plain, a refined herringbone and a handsome herringbone with over check, creating a coordinating and flexible collection perfect for any project. Woven in Scotland from an intimate blend of Merino wool and nylon, Melford Wools provides a beautiful drape and luxurious hand, making it eminently suitable for both drapery and bedding applications, and with a high abrasion performance of 50,000 rubs, it is perfect for the most demanding upholstery application.

Inherently fire retardant, Melford Wools is ideal for the contract market, meeting all relevant UK and American standards for upholstery, curtains and bedding and IMO standards for upholstery and bedding.

For more information please see our web site at www.sekersfabrics.co.uk or email sales@sekers.co.uk

Marriott International, Inc. has announced that it will introduce two new properties including its first-ever full service hotel in Al Khobar. The announcement of two properties, Al Khobar Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments Al Khobar, was made following a recent signing agreement with Ali Bin Sultan & Brothers Group Holding Co. Ltd, a leading local organisation with interests in the construction, manufacturing and hotel industries.Due to be completed in 2018, the Al Khobar Marriott Hotel will comprise of a total of 200 rooms. The 80-unit Marriott Executive Apartments in the vicinity is also due to be completed at the same time. Both properties will be managed by Marriott International under a long-term agreement with the owners – Ali Bin Sultan & Brothers Group Holding Co. Ltd.

Commenting on the signing, Alex Kyriakidis, President, Middle East & Africa of Marriott International said: “Growing domestic demand and a strong corporate sector within the oil and gas industry are all fuelling development of Al Khobar’s hotel industry in Saudi Arabia. We see huge potential for growth in the Kingdom and today’s agreement is testament to this.”

“Often regarded as the ‘Bride of the Eastern Province’, Al Khobar is distinguished for its scenic beauty as well as its thriving business centres. The city’s exquisite tourist spots, entertainment centres and widespread beaches have all made it a favoured spot for both local tourists and the inbound business community. In addition to this, with local events such as the ‘Al Khobar Festival’, tourism numbers are expected to further grow and we are proud to respond to this demand by introducing two new properties,” added Kyriakidis.

Al Khobar is home to Saudi Arabia’s oil and petrochemical industry and is a leading corporate and commercial destination in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Both properties will be located at the intersection of King Fahd and Prince Salman Roads, conveniently close to the city’s two largest shopping malls and enjoying easy access to King Fahd International Airport and to the famous King Fahd Causeway, a 26-kilometre road bridge connecting Saudi Arabia with Bahrain.

Commenting on the signing, Mr. Ali Bin Sultan, President of Bin Sultan Holding Group said: “As a home-grown Saudi company with a rich heritage, we are delighted to partner with one of the world’s leading hospitality companies – Marriott International. We look forward to what will be a true exchange of insight and excellence which will ultimately benefit both the local community as well as the increasing number of travellers visiting the Kingdom.”

Marriott International currently operates eight hotels in Saudi Arabia, offering 1,863 units that spans across five brands including Marriott Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, Marriott Executive Apartments, Residence Inn and The Ritz-Carlton. Marriott International had recently announced two new properties in Riyadh’s distinguished Diplomatic Quarter, considered to be Saudi Arabia’s leading corporate, financial and governmental district. The success of these hotels, combined with a further 18 Marriott International projects in Saudi Arabia alone, further reinforces the company’s commitment to support the growth of the Kingdom.

A £4.9million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) will enable The Titanic Foundation Ltd. to restore the derelict Harland and Wolff Drawing Offices where RMS Titanic was designed – unlocking plans to develop a luxury 4* hotel in the shipbuilder’s former headquarters building.The Harland and Wolff Headquarters Building and Drawing Offices on Queen’s Island, Belfast were the control centre for the largest shipyard in the world. It was here that Belfast workers created and designed over 1,000 ships including the White Star Olympic Class Liners – Olympic, Titanic and Britannic and naval warships such as HMS Belfast. The Harland and Wolff building has been vacant since 1989 and has been considered ‘at risk’ for almost a decade.

The restoration of the B+ Listed building into an 84-bedroom boutique hotel has the potential to create over 100 local jobs. The Lottery grant will specifically focus on developing the two historical Drawing Offices as spaces for public use. The boutique hotel will also tell the story of Belfast’s industrial heritage, focusing on the authentic spaces – Board Room, Telephony Room and Entrance Lobby – as well as the fixtures and fittings that relate to the local shipbuilding industry.

The grant has been awarded through HLF’s Heritage Enterprise programme. It is designed to help when the cost of repairing an historic building is so high that restoration simply is not commercially viable. Grants of £100k to £5million bridge the financial gap, funding the vital repairs and conservation work needed to convert derelict, vacant buildings into new, usable commercial spaces that can have a positive impact on local economies.

Paul Mullan, Head of HLF Northern Ireland, said: “This is an exciting project that will see one of Belfast’s most historic buildings reborn as a major tourist destination. This, like many of the city’s historic buildings, has incredible potential to act as a driver of regeneration and economic growth. With Heritage Enterprise, HLF is helping local businesses tap into that potential by covering the high costs of restoring vacant and underused heritage buildings – making them fit-for-purpose as commercial, and therefore sustainable, spaces.”

Kerrie Sweeney, Chief Executive of Titanic Foundation, was delighted with the announcement: “Titanic Foundation in partnership with Titanic Quarter Ltd has been working on this project over the last two years. It has been a long process but worth it. With HLF’s support we will safeguard the Drawing offices for future generations and unlock the commercial potential of the entire building as a boutique hotel with heritage at its core. This is a truly unique and authentic project for Belfast that could not have happened without the support from Heritage Enterprise Scheme.”

Accelerating growth in markets worldwide, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced the opening of Element Vancouver Metrotown – the second Element hotel to open in Canada. Owned by Bosa Properties and managed by Atlific Hotels, Element Vancouver Metrotown is part of Bosa’s new Sovereign building, the tallest tower in Burnaby, British Columbia. Offering picturesque views of the North Shore Mountains and downtown Vancouver, the new Element features 169 light-filled rooms and suites and an atmosphere designed to fuel a life in balance and on the move. Element Vancouver Metrotown joins Element Vaughan Southwest in the greater Toronto region and will be followed by the opening of two more Element hotels in Canada next year. Element Vancouver Metrotown is conveniently located on the northeast corner of Kingsway and Willingdon Avenue within Metropolis at Metrotown – a leading shopping, dining and entertainment complex just steps from the growing Burnaby business district. Home to numerous corporations and high-tech businesses, Burnaby is a quick 20 minute ride from downtown Vancouver via SkyTrain and convenient to Rogers Arena, BC Place and the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Element Vancouver Metrotown features spacious studio guest rooms and suites with a fluid design of modular furniture, swivelling flat-screen televisions, large desks with open shelving and custom-designed closets. Spa-inspired bathrooms are equipped with an invigorating rain shower and dual-flush toilet. Rooms also offer fully equipped kitchens and the signature Heavenly® Bed. Guests can fuel their day with a healthy Rise breakfast and wind down with the Relax evening wine reception – both complimentary. Staying on the move is easy with complimentary bikes to borrow, a state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness centre and an indoor saline swimming pool. A 28,000 square foot Good Life® Fitness gym is also located in the Sovereign Tower.

For the culinary enthusiast, Glowbal Group’s Trattoria will be opening on site in February, offering guests a casual dining option from one of British Columbia’s most popular restaurant groups. The hotel offers more than 6,000 square feet of prime meeting space with modular furnishing, fast & free WiFi throughout and a ChargePoint electric-vehicle charging station for guests and travellers.

Element is the first major hotel brand to mandate that all properties pursue the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for high-performance buildings. It is recognized as an industry leader in the eco-space, and offers travellers a fresh, re-imagined extended stay hotel experience.

One of the signature fittings from Chelsom’s latest collection, the elegant Chicago table lamp is a timeless piece that would look at home in both traditional and contemporary interior schemes.Understated in terms of its design, the Art Deco inspired table lamp features a rectangular up and over arm which joins the circular base with a stepped detail and is completed with a colour co-ordinated push switch housed in the base. A shallow bespoke shade is supported from above surrounding an opal acrylic top diffuser designed to emit a soft, warm ambient light.

Available as part of a wider collection including wall and floor lighting, the Chicago range is offered in four standard colour finishes including Black Bronze as pictured, one of the striking new additions to Chelsom’s range of finishes adding a contemporary twist to the piece.

Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, has announced the first deal for its new contemporary lifestyle hotel brand, Venu™, following the signing of a management agreement with Meraas Holding. The Jumeirah Group will operate the Venu Bluewaters Island Hotel together with adjoining serviced residences, which will be operated under the Venu Living brand. The Venu properties are expected to open in 2017 and will offer close to 300 hotel rooms and 119 serviced apartments. Bluewaters Island is a mixed-use development that will be located off the coast of Dubai. At the heart of the development is Dubai-I, the world’s largest Ferris wheel. The island will also host retail, residential, hospitality and entertainment zones.

Speaking at the signing of the management agreement, Jumeirah Group President and CEO Gerald Lawless said: “Meraas Holding is a respected developer with a bold vision and we are proud to bring our unique hotel experience to Bluewaters Island. Our partnership is strengthened by the synergies between the Jumeirah Group and Meraas, not least for exceptional quality and innovation, and we look forward to working together. Opening our first lifestyle Venu hotel is a significant milestone for the Jumeirah Group and an exciting achievement towards our goals for expansion.”

Cherif Hosny, Chief Hospitality Officer, Meraas Holding, said: “Jumeirah Group has successfully evolved from a home-grown brand into a global and reputed industry player. Bluewaters Island is a unique proposition that will enrich Dubai’s tourism offering. Our partnership with the Jumeirah Group to operate Venu hotel within the island is in line with our objective to grow our portfolio in the hospitality sector to cater to the 20 million projected tourists that Dubai is set to attract by 2020.”

In addition to extensive beachfront access, the Venu Bluewaters Island Hotel will offer a wide range of restaurants, a spa and conference and meeting facilities. Venu is an exciting innovation for the Jumeirah Group. It will operate as an independent brand attracting guests with a passion for simplicity and style, appealing to the modern traveller with its sleek, modern feel. A lifestyle hotel inspired by the spirit of Dubai, Venu offers guests a contemporary experience underpinned by the Jumeirah Group’s reputation for quality and service.

The new management agreement bring the total number of properties in Jumeirah Group’s future hotel pipeline to 26, in addition to the 22 already in operation in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Forbes Group has just added a Smoked Oak finish to its range of dance floors. This means that Forbes is now able to offer its no-tool-assembly dance floor in
• 3 parquet finishes – cherry wood, light or smoked oak
• 4 acrylic finishes, black, white, a combination of the two, or chequeredThe floors come in easy-to-handle sized sections and metal edging that lock together using a unique design eliminating the need for assembly tools.

All floors are supplied with a storage trolley for the panels and edging. So if for this year’s events you want something that’s less ‘looking good on the dance floor’ and more ‘the dance floor’s looking good’, then contact Forbes by

email: info@forbesgroup.eu
website: www.forbesgroup.eu
or by telephone on 01568 616638.

Celebrity hotspot and UK’s Top Romantic Hotel, The Cranleigh Boutique, have expanded their brand by opening “Church Suites”. These four brand new boutique suites are fabulously stylish with stunning interiors and amazing next generation bathrooms which certainly have the wow factor.

The newly renovated Boutique Church Suites are located in Bowness-on-Windermere and they boast individuality, creativity with an incredible modern take and an impeccable eye for detail.

At 350 years old, the building is one of the oldest properties in Bowness and is in the perfect location, placed in the centre of the town overlooking the church, just a stones through from the Lake itself. The Boutique Church Suites feature four state of the art, 5* suites; the Fantasy Suite, Opulence Suite, Indulgence Suite and the Utopia Suite. The names of the suites themselves are not enough to describe the sheer luxury encompassed by the room itself.

Stephen Hargreaves Company Director lead the project alongside his management and project team which encompassed first class local building and specialist trades and all together they designed the entire interior and exterior vision of the suites and made it all happen.

Much thought has been taken into creating the ultimate tailor-made stay. The rooms feature amazing technology whereby everything can be controlled via an iPad such as music being pre-set into genres or played from your own collection in addition to pre–set scenes of mood lighting. The rooms also feature a huge complimentary digital DVD collection to enjoy on the television with two of the suites featuring drop down cinema screens!

Stephen says that he wanted to create the ultimate in accommodation, beyond anything that has been done before in the UK using the latest in technology and plush interior design. The aim was to create a massive ‘WOW’ when you see the suites and the huge luxurious bathrooms all with underwater tranquillity baths for two, he says;

“As luxury Lake District hotels go; these new suites will be on another level and we aim to deliver an unbelievable experience. Currently there is nothing to compare’ these suites to in the UK and it brings a bit of the City into The Lakes “

He is very passionate about his brand and he knows exactly what his customers want thus creating these ultimate fusion boutique suites.

The current hotel, The Cranleigh Boutique is favoured by discerning guests due to the 5* service in addition to the stylistic grandeur of the architecture and interior design; it creates a contemporary hotspot in the rural beauty of the central Lake District.

Accor’s Mercure continues its rolling programme of refurbishments with Mercure Leicester, where the Grand Hotel has undergone a major investment, undergoing a transformation of the city’s most iconic hotel. The extensive refurbishment includes the redesign of the hotel’s bedroom corridors as well as the renovation of the ground floor, including the restaurant, bar, reception and fitness room. The hotel unveiled its new look at an official opening on February 19. Creating a stylish and contemporary feel the refurbishment of the hotel retains its authentic features with the original sweeping Victorian staircase, but uses modern colours and fabrics to give a contemporary style.

Interior designer Helen Hooper of HH Interiors, who has previously worked with Jupiter Hotels on renovation projects across the UK, comments on the project: “Throughout the public areas of the hotel, the interior fuses contemporary fabrics and colours with traditional period features and detail. The hotel is such an iconic part of the city we wanted to embrace and treasure its history and revitalise the Mercure Leicester, The Grand Hotel, keeping its heritage and redesigning it for contemporary audiences.”

The renovation also includes the opening of the brand new Marco‘s New York Italian restaurant. Guests are able to enjoy a varied menu, which includes traditional Italian dishes as well as a variety of meats and fish and a mouth-watering desert menu. The official restaurant opening was on Friday 20th February 2015.

James Conaghan, the hotel’s General Manager Commented: “We are delighted with the investment. We are extremely proud of the hotel’s historical features and feel the new design helps elevate our authentic elements whilst giving the hotel a fresh and modernised look. The addition of Marco Pierre White’s Marco‘s New York Italian restaurant is a fantastic offering for locals and businesses in the city as well as guests travelling to stay with us in Leicester. It’s an exciting new chapter for the city centre hotel.”

Located just a stone’s throw from the newly regenerated Cultural Quarter, Mercure Leicester, The Grand Hotel is the place to be for those looking for a stylish hotel to meet, eat and drink in a central location.

Marriott International, Inc. has recently announced it has sold The Miami Beach EDITION hotel for cash proceeds of $230 million. Today’s sale is the second in a series of three anticipated sales of Marriott-owned EDITION hotels to companies ultimately owned by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). The agreement with ADIA for the sale of these three EDITION hotels was announced when the first, The London EDITION, was sold to ADIA in January 2014. Marriott expects to sell the third, The New York EDITION (5 Madison Avenue) to ADIA in the first quarter of 2015. “The Miami Beach EDITION is a defining example of this extraordinary brand,” said Arne Sorenson, president and chief executive officer of Marriott International. “We look forward to welcoming and delighting many thousands of guests at this spectacular hotel in a world-renowned destination…one that is certain to be known as the next generation urban resort.”

The Miami Beach EDITION is located in “heart of Miami Beach” between South Beach and North Beach—on a three and a half-acre private enclave stretching from Collins Avenue to the ocean shoreline. The property is an elegantly designed complex of structures, spaces, and settings that together offer a new kind of resort environment. With The Miami Beach EDITION, every aspect of the traditional beach hotel has been re-imagined for the needs and desires of a new segment of non-traditional luxury lifestyle consumer, and every thought given to enhancing a guest’s stay: for vacation, for relaxation—and for work.

Just a few months ago, Marriott finalized long-term management agreements with owners who will develop an EDITION hotel and residences in the Los Angeles area. Located on the famed Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, the property is expected to open in 2018.

EDITION Hotels, launched by Marriott in partnership with Ian Schrager, combines the intimate, individualized and unique lodging experience for which Ian Schrager is known, with the global reach, operational expertise and scale of Marriott. In addition to West Hollywood, other EDITION hotels are planned for New York (Times Square); Bangkok, Thailand; Sanya and Wuhan, China; Bali, Indonesia; and Abu Dhabi, UAE with advanced ongoing discussions for other exciting locations.

Marriott Hotels, the signature brand of Marriott International, welcomed Lyon Marriott Hotel Cité International to its portfolio on 30 January 2015. The hotel joins a further 23 Marriott Hotels in France.Situated in the heart of the renowned city, famous for its historical and architectural landmarks, the hotel offers 204 spacious guestrooms and suites along with an extensive wellness zone including a solarium with views over the rolling hills of Caluire. Lyon Saint-Exupery Airport is just 30 minutes from the hotel which is also in easy reach of the Convention Centre and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

A selection of European dishes are served in the hotel’s La Brasserie restaurant, a warm and comforting space clad in warming wood panelling while the restaurant’s expansive terrace looks out over the Parc de la Tête d’Or, the largest urban park in France, The bar – The Spark – welcomes guests into an intimate setting with a delectable cocktail menu.

For business travellers and corporate meetings, the Marriott Lyon offers a 1,100m2 conference centre, including 16 prestigious meeting rooms and a multipurpose 435m2 adaptable space, all with natural daylight.

Plans for a full renovation in 2015 are in progress and will be managed by Les Clés du Luxe, owners of the hotel since July. The new design, envisioned by architects Albert Constantin and Marie Courdouan, will see modernisation of the rooms, meeting spaces, fitness centre and restaurant, as well as the creation of a new bar. The hotel will remain open throughout the renovations with minimum disruption to guests. “Our entry into the Marriott Hotels portfolio marks a new stage in the development of the largest hotel group in the Rhône-Alpes region,” commented Emmanuel Comble, Managing Director, Les Cles du Luxe.

“We are proud to announce the launch of the new Lyon Marriott Hotel Cité International,” says Michel Miserez, Area Vice President, Western Europe. “This major expansion into the international city of Lyon once again demonstrates the remarkable commercial power of our network, owing to a growing number of owners who place their trust in us.”

Renovations are well underway for the debut of Marriott International, Inc.’s third AC Hotels branded property in the United States. The AC Hotel Washington, D.C. at National Harbor brings the European lifestyle brand to the heart of the region’s fastest growing destination and is set to open in March 2015. It will also be the first AC Hotel in the Northeast.The 192-room property is designed with millennials in mind who want a sophisticated experience with style, inspired social spaces and technology. Drawing from the runways and fashion houses of Milan, the AC Hotels brand features simple, clean and crisp lines, with a distinctly modern feel.

At AC Hotels, premium touches are balanced with comfortable service. A signature element of the hotel includes its innovative beverage and food program within its AC Lounge. A twist on the traditional hotel bar, the experience will include craft beers, on-tap wines, handcrafted cocktails and a selection of small ‘tapas-style’ plates served by city-savvy bartenders. These beverage experts will connect AC patrons to the pulse of D.C. with their insider tips and recommendations on the local area, acting as both a mixologist and innovative spin on a concierge.

The 8-story hotel will include outdoor terraces with dramatic views of the Potomac River; the AC Kitchen serving a European-influenced daily breakfast including sweet and savory tarts, freshly baked croissants and a selection of artisan cured meats and cheeses; and the AC Library offering a quiet area for guests to use while still being connected. Additional amenities include a fitness center, 3,700-square-feet of meeting space and complimentary Wi-Fi.

AC Hotel Washington, D.C. at National Harbor is one of more than 50 lifestyle hotels expected to open across the U.S. in the next few years. The brand’s first hotel debuted in New Orleans in November 2014.

Jumeirah Group has signed an agreement with His Highness Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan to operate a luxury Jumeirah resort on Sa’adiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Set in a prime location on the north eastern coast of Sa’adiyat Island, the property will be the most luxurious five-star resort in Abu Dhabi. Expected to open in 2017, the hotel will comprise 294 guest rooms, including spa suites, presidential suites and private high-end villas. Food and beverage outlets will include an all-day dining venue, two signature restaurants, a lobby lounge and bar, a pool and beach bars, retail shops and outdoor beach and pool areas. The architecture, interior design, landscape and master planning will be completed by DBI Design Corporation, who also designed Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi.

Once complete, the Sa’adiyat Island master-plan development will be made up of seven districts which will house and service a population of 150,000 people. The districts will include The Louvre and The Guggenheim museums, a Performing Arts Centre, nine kilometres of beaches, six luxury hotels and resorts, a championship golf course with luxury apartments, the Monte Carlo Beach Club, a promenade, a marina and the Sa’adiyat Retreat where the Jumeirah Sa’adiyat Island Resort will be located.

His Highness Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan said: “At a great seaside setting we have invited Jumeirah to offer their warm, consistently superior service in style. Original architecture and interior design with special touches and attention to detail makes us all feel good. We welcome guests to relax on one of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi.”

Gerald Lawless, President and CEO of Jumeirah Group, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by His Highness Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan to operate his second Jumeirah hotel in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and build on the success of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. Abu Dhabi’s ongoing and impressive development as a tourism destination will be further enhanced by the Sa’adiyat Island project. It’s an exciting and ambitious venture and we look forward to bringing our Jumeirah resort experience to the Island.”

Jumeirah currently operates 22 hotels, resorts and residences, including 11 in the Middle East, six in Europe and five in Asia. A further 26 hotels are in the pipeline.

Shower toilets offer guests the chance to experience spa-like cleanliness and give hoteliers the opportunity to raise the comfort levels above their five-star status. That is why Geberit AquaClean 8000plus was the natural choice for the bathrooms in the luxurious Chedi Andermatt Hotel located in the beautiful Swiss Alps.With luxury and comfort being at the heart of the hotel’s design, the bathrooms feature high quality fittings throughout, with large bathtubs, natural stone floors with underfloor heating and separate rain showers. Completing the spa-like luxury for guests are Geberit’s top-of-the range shower toilets, fitted in each of the hotel’s 106 rooms and suites.

Offering the ultimate in wellness for guests, the Geberit AquaClean 8000plus combines the functions of a toilet and a bidet in one compact unit. At the touch of a button the shower toilet washes the user clean with a gentle, airy water spray at body temperature. The WC also features an integrated warm-air dryer and an automatic odour extraction function, which fills the room with fresh, clean air addressing the important issue of ventilation in the hotel bathroom.

“For us, luxury primarily means ensuring personal comfort for our guests,” explains Senior Vice President of General Hotel Management Lt, Hansjörg Meier. “It goes without saying that the shower toilet is a standard feature in our bathrooms. Our guests are made up of international clientele that are used to a certain lifestyle. Most also have shower toilets at home and certainly won’t want to have to live without them when on vacation.

“The shower toilet from Geberit perfectly fulfils all our requirements with respect to quality, hygiene and comfort. We can therefore rest assured that we are offering our discerning guests the very best.”

Travelodge is capitalising on its strong performance with the 2015 opening of 15 new hotels across the UK, with an investment value of almost £100 million.The new hotels include four London locations, cementing Travelodge’s position as the capital’s biggest hotel brand; a new central Glasgow property and key regional locations including the Thames Valley tech corridor, Southampton and Bristol.

With this expansion Travelodge is expected to create 400 new jobs, including 350 positions in the new hotels and 50 support roles. Following the opening of these new properties, the Company’s portfolio will include 510 hotels and 37,906 rooms in the UK.

Travelodge’s £100m modernisation programme is now almost complete, with 87% of its guest rooms now featuring the brand’s new look and king-size Travelodge Dreamer® bed. Like for like revenue per available room (RevPAR) grew by 17% in 2014, fuelled by demand from families and business customers seeking unbeatable value in travel. This strong growth made Travelodge the fastest growing major UK hotel brand for like for like sales in 2014.

Travelodge has also identified potential for more than 150 further hotels across the UK, with the new hotels expected to support the creation of a further 3000 new jobs. The company announces today the signing of the first three hotels towards its long-term expansion plans, with new properties at London Dagenham, Dover and Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, at a total investment value of £13m.

On the 13th February, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne visited Birmingham Airport Travelodge had welcomed news that Travelodge is set to create more than 3,000 jobs across the UK as it looks to boost its estate by opening more than 150 new hotels over the next eight years.

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said: “Our long-term economic plan for the Midlands is to make the area an Engine for Growth by backing business and supporting growth. The expansion of a great British brand like Travelodge within a growing hotel and leisure industry in the UK, is fantastic news.”

“Travelodge’s expansion is not just reliant however on tourists as increased demand from business customers and families have also boosted growth.”

Peter Gowers, Travelodge Chief Executive said: “We are well underway with our plans to build new Travelodge. We’re investing more than £100m in modernising our hotels for our customers and we now have 87% of guest rooms upgraded to our new look. In 2015 we are opening 15 new hotels, creating 400 new jobs and extending our network still further.

With our modernised hotels and unbeatable value, we are well placed to serve the rapidly growing demand for low-cost travel. We see the potential for more than 150 further hotels across the UK and look forward to creating more great places to stay and thousands more jobs over the years ahead.”

The Chancellor visited Birmingham Airport Travelodge hotel following a speech he made earlier with the Prime Minister where they set out their 6-point long-term economic plan for the Midlands in two major speeches.

There, the pair announced that a key cornerstone of that plan is to make the Midlands an ‘Engine for Growth’ by backing the area’s core strengths, including supporting tourism and visitors to the region, an industry which generated £1.3 billion for the local economy in 2012 and 2013.

GG Hospitality directors and former teammates, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, will open the world’s first Hotel Football on 2 March 2015.Located opposite Manchester United’s OId Trafford stadium, the four star hotel and conference facility will boast a number of unique features making it the go-to destination for fans, families, business users and tourists.

To add to the footballing credentials other members of the Class of ’92 – Philip Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, are also on board.

The hotel will offer the ultimate match day experience, with bespoke corporate hospitality packages, as well as being home to The Old Trafford Supporters Club, making it the place to be for any football fan.

Talking about the new development, Gary Neville said: “Ryan and I have spent so much of our lives playing at Old Trafford and appreciate everyone who supported us there over the years.

“To make sure that the hotel appeals to everyone, not just football fans, we are working with some of the most talented people in the industry to create something unique and inviting – with a focus on excellent customer service.”

SLEEP
Feeding a love of football, the four star hotel will capture that authentic football culture, with hints to the game running throughout the décor.

After a busy day exploring the city, finishing a business meeting or enjoying a long weekend, guests can check in to one of the 133 bedrooms. The interior of the hotel will be stylishly designed to create a relaxed, but totally unique atmosphere.

Rooms will be complete with a 40” smart TV where guests can enjoy a full Sky package, as well as complimentary wi-fi and a fully stocked retro mini bar.

EAT.DRINK
Hotel Football will boast Café Football Manchester, which will serve dishes that have proved popular at its London counterpart.

The menu, designed by two Michelin star chef, Michael Wignall, in collaboration with Café Football’s executive chef, Brendan Fyldes, sees traditional, wholesome produce transformed into something extraordinary.

With signature dishes, like The Boss Burger and Café Football Sausage Roll, a sausage roll that restaurant critic, Jay Rayner described as “shockingly good”, the menu aims to capture the essence of the beautiful game.

To complement the menu, there will be more than 20 wines from 10 different countries to choose from, together with a range of hand-selected international craft beers, including the specially brewed CF Beer.

Visitors to Café Football will also be able to sip signature cocktails designed by expert mixologists. Inspired by football, they are sure to be score points, with delights such as the Red Devil.

OLD TRAFFORD SUPPORTERS CLUB
The Old Trafford Supporters Club will be located inside Hotel Football and it will be the ultimate fan’s hangout. Guests and fans can get involved in the excitement and build up to the game, with live music, pie and peas, betting facilities and a fully stocked bar.

FOOTBALL
Taking the football theme one step further, the hotel will feature its own impressive rooftop football pitch. The ideal event space for parties or a casual kick-about, known simply as ‘Heaven’, the pitch on the 11th floor boasts panoramic views of Manchester. With a fully retractable roof, it can be hired for unique parties and events for up to 200 people.

EVENTS AND CONFERENCING
There will be extensive corporate facilities available for local and national businesses visiting Manchester, with six meeting and event rooms that hold up to 500 people.

Focusing on teamwork and taking inspiration from some of the greatest ever football teams, the conferencing facilities are designed to help users achieve their goal. This includes use to the Players’ Lounge, where food designed by two Michelin Star chef, Michael Wignall, will help refuel and half time treats reward hard work.

Stuart Procter, managing director of GG Hospitality, the hospitality company behind Hotel Football, commented: “The announcement of the official opening date and the sneak peak inside what is one of the UK’s most unique hotel developments, is the next major milestone in this project. I’m looking forward to taking our very first bookings.”

Commenting on bringing employment opportunities to the area, Stuart added: “We have built the foundations of a strong and experienced team to drive forward the opening of the Hotel Football later this year, but the ‘transfer window’ is still open and there is still room for many more recruits.”

Generator, the brand that is transforming the European hostel category with its hip urban design hostels, arrives in Paris in 2015. The property, located in the fashionable 10th Arrondissement, will be the largest Generator to date with 916 beds.Rooms range from en-suite shared rooms from €25 per bed, to private rooms starting at €98 per room. There are also premium twins on the 8th floor with private balconies overlooking the treetops of Place du Colonel Fabien.

“Paris ranks with London and Berlin as one of the top three youth travel city destinations in the world,” said Carl Michel, Generator’s Executive Chairman. “However affordable, centrally located accommodation has always been in short supply. With its 916 beds, Generator Paris will allow visitors to see and experience the best of the city. Our continued emphasis on expanding to iconic locations and cultivating local relationships has been a key focal point for us as we enter Paris. Our customer philosophy is firmly anchored in providing guests with an authentic experience in each of our cities and we proudly welcome Paris as our 10th location.”

Paris, like all other Generators, evolves the hostel concept into a lifestyle experience for discerning travellers who want to explore the real city with style, comfort and the right price tag. Using local produce whenever possible, the food offering includes traditional French dishes alongside Generator classics such as burgers, salads and artisan sandwiches. French wines and local beer Galia feature in the drinks menu with a list of Paris inspired cocktails and mocktails such as The French Cancan and Le Macaron.

“With a shift in values among modern travellers, the micro-chic hotel category is becoming increasingly popular. We’ve seized the opportunity to reinvent the hostel experience by making design, style and personal service more accessible to a wide population,” said Generator’s Chief Strategic Officer, Josh Wyatt. “We strive to create vibrant, memorable environments that foster social serendipity while delivering a superb sleep experience, and we’re excited to bring this concept to Paris where affordable lodgings are often out of reach. This is a major step in the further global expansion of our brand.”

A design, hip urban and contemporary hostel
Generator Paris has a unique design that emphasizes the importance of public areas as the social catalyst, which is so important to the brand’s philosophy. Designed once more by DesignAgency under the supervision under the supervision of Generator’s Creative Director Anwar Mekhayech, the property includes a welcoming lobby, a vibrant bar, a restaurant with garden-facing veranda, a spacious chill out area, and a spectacular rooftop terrace with sunset views of Montmartre and Sacré Coeur. The interiors capture the romance of the locale, with settings that offer a subtle cinematic Parisian experience.

“Each property features a signature décor that reflects the city they are in, with a nod to global youth culture throughout public areas. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in a project of this magnitude in Paris, especially with the expertise of JJ Ory.” said Anwar Mekhayech. “We have also developed our staff to be well connected into the local cultural scenes – whether fashion, art or music – and the local area around the Canal St. Martin in the 10th arrondissement, is increasingly seen as a bohemian and vibrant part of the city with a long tradition of welcoming visitors. We are excited to be a part of the neighbourhood.”

GROHE is committed to both recognising staff achievement and upholding its five core values of respect, commitment, quality, passion and growth that underpin the company, and overall helps GROHE continually strive for innovation. At GROHE’s annual January conference, seven staff were awarded for best embodying these five principles through dedication to their work throughout 2014.The meaning of the core values include demonstrating integrity to all in order to achieve “respect”, while “commitment” is partly reached by dedication to meeting ambitious targets. “Quality” entails ensuring a positive customer experience, as well as delivering high quality products, and “passion” is about pursuing excellence and pushing yourself to exceed expectations. Growth links to GROHE embracing change in a quick but informed way.

During the conference, GROHE also handed out an award for “Rookie of the Year”: an award to commend a new starter. Some of the many qualities the winner demonstrated included a can-do attitude and an ability to get the job done. The “GM Award”- an award for going the extra mile- was also presented to GROHE’s Projects Team, for gaining outstanding customer feedback and continuing to grow the projects side of the business significantly.

GROHE’s winners were:
Respect: Sophie Bishop – National Key Account Manager
Commitment: Sarah Saint –Financial Accountant
Quality: Mike Gray – UK Training Manager
Passion: Kelly Everest – Marketing Communications
Growth: Paul Lewis- Head of National Accounts
Rookie of the Year 2014: Tashfeen Khan – IT Manager
GM Award 2014: Projects Team

Maha El Kharbotly-Opas, GROHE UK Managing Director, comments, “GROHE has an excellent staff who are dedicated to achieving the company’s goals. The awards demonstrate how GROHE both recognises and rewards staff achievement, and the value we place on all our employees”.

http://www.grohe.com/uk/

Crowne Plaza announces the opening of the new Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre, providing the largest and most comprehensive regional conference and exhibition facility north of Sydney.The new Conference and Events Centre will diversify the region’s current business events mix by drawing in larger event markets and industries into the region. After much research into the growing demand for large scale gourmet experiences within Australia, clients now have the opportunity to turn their next event into a gourmet food and wine affair. Bringing the best of the Hunter Valley into the fully integrated Resort, Harvest Hunter is the Resort’s new signature events package. Harvest Hunter brings interactive live cooking stations, live entertainment, locally recognised chef’s sharing their favourite recipes, the region’s greatest wineries showcasing award winning wines and local producers sharing fresh breads, cheeses, chocolates and much more in an outdoor festival affair setting.

Robert Coates, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley says: “The new Conference and Events Centre will position the Hunter Valley as a leading Australian conference and events destination. Offering guests the latest technology and a light-filled design in a state-of-the-art venue with a combined 2,000 square metres of pre-function, meeting and exhibition space coupled with a unique wine country destination. We have already received large scale group bookings for 2015 resulting in 20 percent growth in business events and many in the pipeline for 2016 – it looks set to be a very busy year for us.”

To complement the new development, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley has welcomed one of Australia’s largest providers of audio visual equipment, Scene Change, to manage the growing demand of sophisticated and advanced audio visual needs, putting the Resort in the forefront of business events.

“The technical installation is at the same level as the best of Australia’s convention centres, with high-end Barco projectors and sophisticated digital controls. Clients will get the welcoming, relaxed Hunter conference experience without having to compromise their production values,” said Scene Change co-founder, Ian Whitworth.

Create a luxurious spa ambiance in the bathroom with the glistening new Sparkle and Glitz tap collections at Crosswater. From small cloakrooms to grand master suites, the eye-catching shimmer of the diamante inlays add a sophisticated touch of glitz to any bathroom scheme for a refined five-star hotel finish.Inject instant glamour with the super slim line tap design, Glitter, which displays the finest in modern styling adorned with the highest quality diamante stones. Shining with brilliance, Sparkle is impeccably crafted and beautifully complements luxe décor schemes offering an abundance of pizzazz. For the perfect pampering space, these collections ooze enchanting charisma to transform a bathroom interior into a visual delight.

Opening 2015 is the brand new Roomzzz Aparthotel Liverpool City. Set in the iconic Littlewoods building only five minutes from the vibrant city centre with its fantastic shops and restaurants. Also boasting superb transport links with the arterial road joining the city to the M62.The 108 apartments are the perfect mix of studio, one, and two bedrooms, all providing the space you need for a home from home stay with a luxury feel. Complete with the usual mod cons of stylish fitted kitchens and widescreen TV’s.

Opening within the multi-use complex the development will blend the quality and style expected from a Roomzzz Aparthotel, with a sympathetic restoration of this iconic art deco building.

JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts opened its first property in Austin, approximately two and a half years after the hotel first broke ground. The 34-story JW Marriott Austin is not only the largest hotel in Austin, but also the largest JW Marriott in North America and the second-largest JW Marriott in the world. The JW Marriott Austin employs approximately 800 associates, has achieved a LEED Silver certification and a two-star Austin Energy Green Building rating.The hotel will boast a spectacular fifth-floor pool deck and bar, some of the largest guest rooms in the city with stellar views, a full-service Starbucks and more. A highly anticipated player in Austin’s burgeoning culinary scene, the hotel will also feature three restaurants— Osteria Pronto, Corner and Burger Bar.

Osteria Pronto is a regional Italian restaurant that is driven by a thoughtful approach to cooking from scratch and a sincere commitment to fresh, local ingredients. Osteria Pronto’s menu is designed to offer a twist on classic Italian dishes with simple, distinctive flavors such as burrata campagna, paglia e fieno and bistecca fiorentina. Corner is a lively dining destination that will feature Texas-inspired cuisine using fresh local ingredients and uniquely crafted Tequila cocktails. The menu features a selection of grilled meats and fish, a variety of local craft beers on tap, as well as several Texas wines and spirits.

For those seeking a quick indulgent bite, JW Marriott Austin’s Burger Bar on Congress, has a walk-up food truck-style window on Congress Ave. Burger Bar serves freshly ground flat-top burgers, french fries and shakes at lunchtime and the early evening.

The JW Marriott Austin has a distinct local feel. Key interior design elements were incorporated to celebrate the spirit of Austin and the state of Texas. Unique design features include large columns throughout the hotel and lobby built from Texas limestone; a topographical map of Austin illustrated in the lobby ceiling and floor; illuminated artwork behind the check-in area that resembles a magnified cactus graphic; and a large outline of the state of Texas etched into the bottom of the fifth-floor pool.

The JW Marriott Austin is designed to host large conventions and meetings, with more than 112,000 square feet of event space, 42 meeting rooms and 1,012 guest rooms. More than 520,000 room nights have already been contracted through 2021, with the first guests arriving the day the hotel opens. Several large meetings and conventions have already chosen to host their events at the JW Marriott Austin. Some of the first groups include South by Southwest Festival, 4C Environmental Conference and Abila, among others.

The hotel is located on the square block bounded by Second and Third Streets and Brazos Street and Congress Avenue in downtown Austin and is within walking distance to major attractions, including the Austin Convention Center, the Texas State Capitol, the Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail on Lady Bird Lake, and more. The hotel includes 1,012 guest rooms, three presidential suites, three hospitality suites and 24 executive suites. All guest rooms and suites will feature 48” HD LED Smart TVs, high-speed Internet access and Texas-inspired décor. Guests will also be able to access 24-hour room service, a state-of-the-art fitness center and the 24-hour full-service business center, among other amenities.

NBP Capital, a privately held Portland-based investment real estate fund with a market value of $200 million, and Provenance Hotels, a hotel owner and management company based in Portland, have partnered to purchase two adjacent historic buildings in downtown Portland with plans for a $30 million renovation that will create a 150 room lifestyle hotel. NBP Capital is the majority partner in project and, Arthur Mutal, a development company based in Portland, has invested alongside NBP and Provenance Hotels. Provenance Hotels will manage the hotel when it opens in 2016.”We are thrilled to partner with Provenance Hotels on a new type of hotel experience in Portland that celebrates the historic attributes of both the Cornelius and the Woodlark and incorporates contemporary elements to create a destination not just for visitors, but for the local community alike,” said Lauren Noecker Robert, Managing Member of NBP Capital. “With Provenance’s long track record of success and innovation in the hospitality sector, and our collective expertise in the market, we are confident this project will be a tremendous success.”

“Coming right on the heels of our successful launch of Sentinel in spring 2014, this continued expansion here in our company’s hometown underscores our commitment to and belief in the downtown Portland market,” added Gordon Sondland, Founder and CEO of Provenance Hotels. “Choosing projects like the Woodlark and Cornelius buildings is a direct result of our passion for renovating historic buildings and bringing them back to life.”

“This is the first if several exciting projects we are working on with NBP. It’s always refreshing to partner with like-minded people in hand-crafting the kind of unique destinations we have become known for,” added Bashar Wali President and Principal of Provenance Hotels. “We are already working on assembling a lineup of Portland’s finest artisans to create another truly authentic Portland experience.”

The adaptive reuse will connect the Woodlark Building, built in 1912 and located on the corner of SW Alder and SW Park in downtown Portland, with the adjacent former Cornelius Hotel, built in 1908, and have space for two leased food and beverage outlets. The partners are exploring options for restaurant and bar partners by tapping into Provenance Hotels’ extensive network in Portland and beyond. The purchase of the properties, which are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the first joint acquisition by NBP Capital and Provenance Hotels. It marks a significant expansion into the hospitality sector for NBP Capital, which owns more than 1,500 apartments and 350,000 sq. ft. of commercial assets across forty properties.

R&A Architecture & Design, Inc., Freier Architekt and MCA Architects will oversee architecture on the project. Interior design will be done by Staicoff Design Company of Portland. When completed, the project will be Provenance Hotels’ fifth hotel in Portland. The company owns the Westin Portland and owns and manages Portland’s Hotel Lucia, Hotel deLuxe and Sentinel as well as Hotel Max and Hotel 1000 in Seattle, Hotel Murano in Tacoma, Wash., and Hotel Preston in Nashville, Tenn. Provenance Hotels will also open the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery in New Orleans in spring 2015.

It may be grey and raining outside, but the Morgan showroom in Clerkenwell is fighting back. Kicking off 2015 with an array of beautiful, bold and bright textiles, Morgan has collaborated with Kvadrat to create the latest showroom Installation.Featuring their Divina, Clara, and Steelcut trio collections, the double height gallery space has been transformed by an array of bold fabric banners, which cascade down the 5 metre wall providing a dramatic backdrop for Morgan latest furniture collections.

The installation will also feature a selection of chairs also upholstered in Kvadrat, proving once and for all you really can’t have too much of good thing. Visitors to the showroom can see window displays with the lovely little Lima chairs and Seville high back armchairs in eye-catching Coda and Divina.

Continuing with the ‘beat the winter blues’ theme, large ceramic lights appropriately named ‘Bright things’ by Hand & Eye Studio, are floating in the windows. These are lovingly designed by Tom Housden, and hand crafted with the help of his studio and a select few small British manufacturers.

In addition to these Morgan is delighted to display Rothschild & Bickers’ glass ‘Empire’ pendants, featuring elegant braided metal flex and large filament bulbs. These are hand blown in their studio in Hertford, fully supporting local techniques.

The display only lasts 6 weeks so do not delay.

Swiss bathroom specialist Laufen will be making a return to the halls of ISH in Frankfurt for 2015, showcasing its latest collections in collaboration with two cutting edge designers. Laufen has teamed up with designers Konstantin Grcic and Toan Nguyen to create new solutions that break the boundaries of bathroom design, on display for the first time at ISH from 10 to 14 March.

Munich designer Konstantin Grcic has explored the potential of Laufen’s SaphirKeramik to create a spectacular collection of washbasins, trays and a bathtub. Simple and functional, the new collection rethinks how ceramic as a material is used in the bathroom.

Also new at ISH will be a new bathroom collection designed especially for Laufen by French designer Toan Nguyen. Again exploring the design potential of SaphirKeramik, Nguyen uses the revolutionary material to present washbasins, a bathtub and furniture. The collection also includes the innovative shelf-washbasin, which has already picked up the Design Plus Award 2015 in association with ISH.

Combining all the practical benefits that ceramic has to offer in terms of hygiene and durability with the ability to create very delicate, thin-walled shapes and tight radii, SaphirKeramik blurs the aesthetic lines between ceramic and solid surfaces. Drawing its strength from a compound found in sapphire, SaphirKeramik has been introduced by Laufen after years of research and development.

Other highlights of the Laufen stand at ISH will be the latest addition to the Kartell by Laufen collection – a 1200mm wide washbasin, plus new bathroom furniture and taps.

Visit Laufen in Hall 3.1, stand B51 at ISH Frankfurt from 10-14 March.

UK hotels can save millions of pounds by taking simple measures to save water and energy that pay for themselves within two years, an industry finance leader has said.(See Hotels Going ‘Green’ – Premier Inn takes Gold)

Paul Nisbett, chief financial officer of The Hotel Collection, said the group expects to save £360,000 a year after investing £300,000 in energy and water efficiency projects across its 21 UK hotels.The Hotel Collection worked with SaveMoneyCutCarbon to identify projects which would cover their costs within two years, and has made savings by installing LED lighting, eco-smart showers and tap aerators across its estate, as well as an intelligent heating and cooling management system at The Hinckley Island Hotel in Leicestershire.

Mr Nisbett, who is also finance community chair of HOSPA, The Hospitality Professionals Association for Finance, Revenue Management and IT, said: “Water and energy efficiency should be on every hotel’s agenda as it can generate substantial savings. We are already saving £360,000 a year across the portfolio by implementing simple efficiency measures which do not impact on our guests’ satisfaction.

“These projects pay for themselves swiftly, deliver lasting savings and add value to the business so we are continuing to identify further ways to cut energy and water bills across our portfolio.”

The savings of £360,000 a year work out to £128 for each of its 2,800 rooms. If the UK hotel industry achieved only half that across its 600,000 rooms, it could cut bills by more than £38 million every year, while saving significant amounts of carbon to help meet UK carbon reduction targets.

SaveMoneyCutCarbon works with hotels and other businesses to identify and implement simple measures to cut bills by becoming more energy efficient. It offers a one-stop solution that includes everything from energy auditing, project management and financial modelling, to technology procurement and product installation.

Water
The Hotel Collection began its efficiency programme with the activity that would generate the fastest return on investment – water saving measures across its 21 hotels. It invested £60,000 to reduce the costs associated with the heating and usage of water, which accounts for around 10 per cent of utility bills in many hotels, installing tap aerators and eco-smart shower devices to reduce the flow of water in taps and showers. The group recouped its costs and saved a further £125,000 in just seven months, and the programme is expected to save it £200,000 each full year.

Intelligent heating and cooling management system
Heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) generally accounts for more than half of a hotel’s energy costs. The £122,000 investment in a new HVAC system at the 362-bedroom The Hinckley Island Hotel is set to save the hotel more than £100,000 a year and pay for itself in just 15 months. The Hotel Collection now plans to roll it out to other hotels in the group.

LED lighting in kitchens
The Hotel Collection has begun a programme in hotel kitchens to replace traditional light fittings with LED panels and tubes. The programme will cost £110,000 and is expected to pay for itself within two years, saving £60,000 a year on energy costs.

LED lighting in conference and function rooms
An overhaul of the lighting system at The Hotel Collection’s Daventry Court Hotel has not only saved money but also led to it winning significant new business. SaveMoneyCutCarbon identified and installed a flexible LED solution that delivers bright light for conferences but warmer tones for weddings. The system includes sensors that turn the lights off when the room is unoccupied. The new lighting has a payback period of less than three years.

It has also initiated a major LED installation programme across 32 Radisson Blu and Park Inn hotels – a project that will see 145,000 LED products fitted in restaurants, function rooms and bedrooms, saving more than £250,000 a year and paying for itself within two and half years.

As HotelDesigns has been pointing out with the example of Premier inn to the fore, these savings involve a small capital outlay for major payback over years – surely a ‘no brainer’ for our profligate industry? Premier Inn reputedly saved nearly a million a year on water charges just by using smart meter numbers to work out maximum water usage time leading to modifying housekeeping methodologies. Sometimes it just needs intelligent analysis of what you have already.

IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group) and Carr City Centers announce a new InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts property in Washington, D.C. The 278-room new build hotel will be part of The Wharf, a world-class, mixed-use waterfront development located on the historic Washington Channel. IHG, Carr and Clark Enterprises partnered together to form a joint venture with Wharf Master Developer Hoffman-Madison Waterfront to develop and own the InterContinental. The new InterContinental hotel will complement the iconic Willard InterContinental Washington D.C. hotel – also part of the Carr portfolio – in catering to business and leisure travelers seeking a luxury guest experience. Expected to open in Q2 of 2017, the hotel will feature a signature restaurant, spa, rooftop pool and bar, 17,000 square feet of meeting space with water views, and a sky view lounge with breathtaking views of D.C. and the waterfront.

Joel Eisemann, Chief Development Officer, The Americas at IHG commented: “This new InterContinental hotel will add to and enhance the momentum of the brand’s growth in high profile international cities and resort destinations. Carr Hospitality and IHG have had an extremely successful long-term relationship, and we look forward to continuing to grow and expand our partnership.”

The new IHG-managed hotel will reflect the contemporary style and commitment to sustainable design at the brand’s flagship city destinations – InterContinental New York Times Square and InterContinental San Francisco. The Washington D.C. property will apply for LEED Silver certification, contributing to the overall LEED-ND Gold status of The Wharf.

Austin Flajser, president of Carr Hospitality: “The new InterContinental hotel on the southwest waterfront is an exciting opportunity to develop a marquee property as part of a first-class redevelopment in such a highly visible gateway to the city. We are creating a unique property with waterfront views and amenities unlike anything else offered in Washington, D.C. We currently have several hotel projects with IHG across its portfolio of brands, including the Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo® and Holiday Inn® Hotels & Resorts brands, and this new hotel further strengthens our relationship.”

Monty Hoffman, PN Hoffman CEO and managing member of Hoffman-Madison Waterfront: “We are pleased to be working with Carr, Clark and IHG—best-in-class partners that will create an exhilarating waterfront hotel at The Wharf.”

Coastal hospitality venues can pose particular issues for furniture and equipment. Corrosion by salty sea-air and potential damage to wood by water, for example.The InterContinental Hotel, Tahiti, which knows these issues well, has repeatedly returned to Forbes Group’s equipment over the past decade.

Forbes’ Alu-Lite tables in particular, with an aluminium frame and water –proof laminate top are ideally suited to cope with such conditions. Delivered to Tahiti in both rectangular and round, they are also supremely flexible in use. Initially they were ordered with pleated skirting, then with Taupe conference cloth for meetings, and more recently they’ve been updated with Forbes’ stretch Silcra covers which offer a more contemporary buffet presentation.

Last year, Buffet-Rite table tops, which slot over the Silcra covers, were also ordered, enhancing the Alu-Lite’s flexibility by making it a hot or cold buffet serving station – all spills being immediately wiped away, and reducing laundry costs (on the purse and the environment).

After the Alu-Lite had proved itself to InterContinental in this challenging (if heavenly) location, the group went on to order Forbes’ cocktail tables (also aluminium construction) and covers – once again enabling one item to have multiple uses.

And in the potential damp, a lectern, in acrylic, was another welcome solution from Forbes Group.

If you think that we could help with a particular issue that your venue faces, please get in touch with us on 01568 616638 or by e-mail info@forbesgroup.eu

“Our competition is” said one of the party, “the 800 bedrooms that Premier Inn have in the vicinity”. I made the point in my article on the Upward March of the Budget Hotel that “the position of the disparate mid-market hotels becomes more uncomfortable” under pressure from the burgeoning and increasingly design led budget sector, and this was another confirmation of how competition is felt further up market. Pullman is positioned by Accor above the Premier Inn competitor in the market place. An unabashed four star like many, especially in a recession it is feeling the effect of guests becoming more price conscious and is competing with services and stylish facilities.Here the hotel company is competing with design. Its ground floor public spaces being attractively and functionally designed and as a result, busy. It benefits from being next to, and highly visible from, the British Library and from sharing premises with the Shaw Theatre, whose bars and breakout zone the hotel becomes. On my visit, in the relative quiet time of a late mid-morning, the lobby was busy with a mix of tourists, families and business people.

The emphasis on design is not confined by Accor to the Pullman brand, and you will see evidence of it in the rolling refurbishment programme in their Mercure Hotels (see London Bridge, Milton Keynes and Burford Bridge for instance) but also in their M Gallery. Accor certainly seems to have grasped what I previously identified as the need “For the four and five star market, it is the definition of the experience that counts and how they differentiate themselves through this experience, relating to their local environment, reinforcing the sense of space, sense of place, quality of service, and defining their own differentiating concept of luxury that will determine their survival.” (the Upward march of the Budget Hotels)

Newmor Wallcoverings have always been ahead of the game when it comes developing new products. Their presence at Heimtex 2015 displayed this better than ever before!A number of new products were exhibited this year, Eden, Ashlar Block and Fenn, as well as a number of concept designs and textures.

This year we decided to create a twist to one of our standard ex-stock items. Eden Water colour was designed to enhance and expand on the hand drawn peonies of Eden whilst placing them on a watercolor background. In the highly fashionable colours and tones of indigo, warm purples and soft lavender, the effect proved very popular and created somewhat of a ‘buzz’ on the stand.
On the front of our stand this year, and taking the spotlight, was Ashlar Block. This large scale printed and textured design replicates the precision of dressed stone blocks. The colour palette also encompasses the natural stone colours whilst also offering some strong metallic effects creating a feature design.

In Fenn, our design team captured the subtle colour tones and textures being synonymous with the classic grass-cloth weave. In keeping with the products design a palette was produced containing a number of highly usable innocent shades of, greys off whites and blues.

The most popular, and without question talked about concept product, was our new Sequins texture. As the light reflects off the intricate angled design in every direction it replicates hand sewn sequins. Look out for this in the coming months!

As part of London Marriott Hotel Park Lane’s renovation works, due to be completed for June 2015, newly appointed General Manager Nicolas Kipper took part in the demolition of the last room earlier this month.The hands on GM joined in this landmark stage in the hotel’s renovation as the the final room was demolished, ready to be transformed into the new layout of rooms, featuring entrance lobbies and decorated in soft shades of white, dove grey and lavender.

RPW Design (who designed The Royal Suite at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel) is responsible for the plans for opulent guestroom accommodation befitting of the Park Lane address.

The complete transformation of the London Marriott Hotel Park Lane interiors is part of the repositioning of the hotel to be the hotel of choice in Mayfair.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the locations of its first two HUALUXE® Hotels and Resorts properties in Greater China. HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts is the world’s first international luxury hotel brand specifically designed for Chinese consumers. HUALUXE Nanchang High Tech Zone is located in Nanchang, the capital of the Jiangxi Province and a key catalyst to the economic growth in Southeast China. The hotel is situated in one of the city’s tallest buildings with a sky lobby overlooking the city. Operating on the 39th to 56th floor, the hotel has 281 guest rooms with 21 club rooms and deluxe suites, 3 distinctive restaurants and best-in-class banquet facilities, including an 800m2 pillar-less ballroom. Owned by Shanghai-based Greenland Group, a leading real estate developer in China and one of IHG’s long-standing strategic partners, HUALUXE Nanchang High Tech Zone will open as a new landmark for Nanchang.

HUALUXE Yangjiang City Centre is located in the heart of Yangjiang, a fast developing leisure and business destination in China’s Guangdong Province. With enviable views of Yuanyang Lake, the hotel features 282 deluxe rooms, including 76 club rooms and deluxe suites, the largest pillar-less ballroom in the city and a range of restaurants offering local and international cuisine. The property will also be the coastal city’s first hotel to be operated as part of an international brand family.

Richard Solomons, Chief Executive Officer of IHG commented: “This is a very important milestone for IHG as we announce the locations of the first two HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts properties in China. The brand was built on over three decades of market insight, experience and leadership in China and epitomises the finest elements of China’s world-renowned hospitality. The brand has been well-received in the market since its launch in 2012 and we are on track with our vision of taking it to 100 cities in Greater China over the next 15 to 20 years. The first two hotels, in Nanchang and Yangjiang, are located in China’s heartland and working with our trusted owners, we are confident they will be welcomed by both Chinese and international consumers.”

IHG has ambitious plans for HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts in Greater China and internationally. Since IHG first announced the launch of the brand in 2012, it has signed 24 hotels into the pipeline in 20 cities across China including Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu. All 24 hotels are due to open over the next 3 to 5 years. As Chinese outbound travel continues to grow and gain momentum, IHG also plans to introduce the brand into key international destinations, such as London and New York, to meet the specific requirements of the Chinese travellers wherever they may be.

Woven into every detail of the luxury brand’s service and design is an acknowledgement of Chinese culture and heritage, with particular emphasis on the Chinese values of etiquette, rejuvenation in nature, recognition of status and enabling space. Adhering to these values means that HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts is able to satisfy the demands of Chinese business and social interaction and is the first international hotel brand to do so.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. plans to open its second luxury hotel in Malaysia in one of the fastest growing catchment areas known as the Petaling Jaya Golden Triangle, within a development named Empire City.In a signing ceremony, the agreement was officially sealed by Dato’ Ng Yee Teck (Group Managing Director of Mammoth Empire Holding Sdn Bhd) representing MEH; Mr Kevin Chen for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company; and Ms Natallie Leong for Knight Frank Sdn Bhd.

The development is scheduled to be completed in 2016.

Herve Humler, President and Chief Operating Officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company said; “We are delighted to have been chosen to manage such a unique property in Malaysia. This hotel will be a welcome addition to our growing Asian portfolio.”

Dato’ Ng said “Empire City is a sustainable project that will give a great boost to the Malaysian economy, igniting business and service trade opportunities while offering numerous job opportunities and lifestyle enhancements for Malaysians, particularly those residing in the Klang Valley.” Empire City spans 30 acres and will be built in phases with completion targeted for 2016. The components of the development include over 2.5 million square feet of retail space; 1.2 million square feet of office space; and a world-class Ritz-Carlton hotel.

“Empire City is proud to accommodate one of the most prestigious hotel brands in the world,” said Dato’ Ng. The new Ritz-Carlton will be a 53-storey building located on a 4-acre site. It will be one of the tallest buildings in the area.

The Ritz-Carlton, Petaling Jaya will be designed according to The Ritz-Carlton design standards for which the company is known and will have 288 luxurious guestrooms and suites.

AC Hotels by Marriott welcomed the new AC Hotel Paris Le Bourget to its France portfolio on 2 February 2015. The new hotel follows major global expansion of the brand, aimed at the lifestyle oriented business traveller, with the opening of the first AC by Marriott property in the U.S. – the AC Hotel New Orleans Bourbon – and recent openings in Istanbul and Valencia.AC Hotel Paris Le Bourget opened in the grounds of Paris-Le Bourget airport and is particularly convenient for business travellers in need of easy airport access; Charles de Gaulle Airport is just 15 minutes away. The hotel makes an ideal base for those attending conferences and events at the adjacent Le Bourget Exhibition Park or the nearby Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre. For leisure travellers, AC Hotel Paris Le Bourget is well-situated for those looking to spend a weekend in Paris.

The 4-star hotel will comprise of 122 rooms and suites with sleek contemporary design, modern interiors and clean lines. Combining urban style and comfort, the AC Hotel Paris Le Bourget will retain the authentic French charm, timeless European elegance and excellent service synonymous with the AC Hotels brand. All guestrooms will feature premium bedding, fully equipped bathrooms with AC amenities, high-speed internet access, a spacious desk, a refrigerator and air-conditioning, in addition to personalised service to ensure a pleasant and restful stay.

Whether looking for a quick snack or a romantic dinner, L’envol restaurant serves contemporary French food and wine with a mix of casual and formal dining areas, whilst those on-the-go can make use of the Market, open 24 hours a day. Room service is also available from 6.30am to 10pm for those keen to retire to the comfort of their room. Atmosph’air, the hotel’s stylish rooftop bar and terrace, offers sweeping panoramic views from the Bourget Airport runways over the Paris skyline and out towards the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré-Cœur Cathedral.

For those seeking respite from a long business meeting, a spacious fitness centre is open to guests 24 hours a day, while an indoor pool and steam room is available for use from 7am to 10pm.

SIXTY Hotels – the innovative hotel brand of five luxury lodgings in New York City and Los Angeles, with Miami debuting in 2015, announces the next step in their evolution with a new project in Montreal, Canada. Slated to open late 2016, the collective formed by experienced hospitality leaders Jason Pomeranc, Lawrence Pomeranc, Michael Pomeranc and Stephen Brandman, will open its sixth property – SIXTY Montreal, luxury lifestyle hotel including the city’s first rooftop bar and pool, in the heart of Montreal’s financial and cultural districts as their first international venture.“The cultural and creative sensibility of the city along with its jet-set style makes Montreal an ideal location to open the next SIXTY Hotel” said Jason Pomeranc, co-owner of SIXTY Hotels. “Montreal is filled with eclectic and inspiring neighborhoods and offers fantastic global appeal. Our plan is to build a hotel that takes its inspiration from the local architecture and character of the city, while injecting SIXTY’s flair for hospitality to create a very chic and sophisticated destination hotel.”

To realize SIXTY’s creative vison, the collective engaged ICRAVE, the internally-renowned and New York based design firm, known for their work on both Fortune 500 companies and innovative projects which helped reposition the Meatpacking District, to spearhead the interior design, in collaboration with NEUF architect(e)s, one of the prestigious architecture firms in Canada who designed recognized landmarks such as Mont Tremblant and the CBC Headquarters in Ottawa, who will lead the re-imagination of the property’s footprint.

SIXTY Montreal will be located between Place Des Art and Palais des Congres on René Lévesque Boulevard in the heart of Central Business District, a few blocks from Old Montreal. The project will entail the complete redevelopment of an existing building and will debut 120 stylish guestrooms and suites, expansive event spaces, a signature restaurant and lounge, and 70 branded luxury residences which will reflect the hotel’s aesthetic and service culture. The hotel will also be the home to the city’s first indoor and outdoor rooftop bar and pool with skyline views in the city recently referred to as ‘Canada’s hipster’ capital.

SIXTY Hotels will collaborate on the development of SIXTY Montreal with the Benisti family, owners Point Zero; Canada’s number one leading brand name and the largest manufacturer of women’s, men’s and children’s coordinated sports and street wear, and a unique lifestyle brand unequalled in design, quality and affordability. Today, the company holds offices in Montreal, Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, Dubai, and Australia, supporting product distribution across the globe in small boutiques and large department stores.

“SIXTY is going international” said Stephen Brandman, co-owner of SIXTY Hotels. “This is an exciting, and busy, time for us. In NYC, we’ve completed our head-to-toe renovation of SIXTY SoHo and will debut our new restaurant, Sessanta, in Spring, and we’re reimagining our rooftop bar lounge at SIXTY LES in the Lower East Side. Soon we’ll be debuting Nautilus, a SIXTY hotel in Miami, then embarking on a project at SIXTY Beverly Hills in LA to restyle and revitalize all the rooms and suites while introducing 12 additional guestrooms, and a new, multifunctional event space. Opening SIXTY Montreal in 2016 will be a fantastic next step for our new company, and we’re delighted to be working with a great set of partners to open the first SIXTY Hotel abroad.”

Virgin Hotels, the lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson has revealed its Nashville building designs with local ownership and developer Dean Chase of Construction Management firm D.F. Chase Inc., and architecture firm, BLUR Workshop from Atlanta, Georgia. Expected to open in the autumn of 2016, Virgin Hotels Nashville will be located at the start of the city’s historic and nationally recognised Music Row, with the address One Music Row.Raul Leal, CEO of Virgin Hotels said, “With Virgin Hotels Chicago now open and bustling, we’re thrilled to reveal our plans for our next property, Virgin Hotels Nashville. Partnering with BLUR Workshop and interior design firm, MarkZeff, has enabled us to incorporate our musical heritage and playful tone of voice into this new building, bringing something entirely different to the Nashville hotel scene.”

Virgin Hotels Nashville will feature 240 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites, along with 15 penthouse residential units. The ground floor will include Virgin Hotels’ signature space, The Commons Club, a hybrid, bar/lounge, laidback study and restaurant with the vibe of a membership club but without the fees. A centerpiece bar, live entertainment venue, plus an outside veranda with sweeping views of the city will be among the spaces also featured.

The property will also bring another world class recording space to historic Music Row with a studio designed by Michael Cronin fully integrated into the facility. This facility will truly give the property the “work, play, live” flavour that Nashville is primed for.

Other dining and bar options will be available for hotel guests and locals, including a rooftop pool that will offer an evolving food concept. Guests will also have access to a gym and wellness centre, and 14,000-square-feet of meeting space will be available for events.

SPA, directly translated means Sanitus Per Aqua – ‘healing through water’. As water is a fundamental part of a spa it is important to consider the environmental impacts of water use. Spa Creators have worked on projects where this has been a consideration and Bala Lake Hotel in Snowdonia National Park is a great example of this. Spa Creators worked with the architect to create a water storage area to hold waste water produced in the filtration and backwash process of their pool. This water is then held to de-chlorify prior to using as grey water for uses around the property. Bala Lake also used a Biomas solid fuel wood pellet system to heat the spa pool and other areas of the hotel.

Alistair Johnson, founder of Spa Creators commented: ‘this hotel truly has ECO credentials and shows how spa design can embrace this important area in the design and development process’.

Spa Creators have some very exciting plans for 2015; they are now developing the first low-impact spa project that can be installed into boutique hotels that will use ECO Pods for delivering the spa experience.

SPAshell was launched by Spa Creators at the independent Hotel Show London and the company are hoping to have their first site installed in the spring 2015.

For more details on SPAshell contact Spa Creators or visit www.spacreators.co.uk

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management contract with Claridge Homes for an Andaz hotel in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. When Andaz Ottawa Byward Market opens in mid-2016, it will become the first Andaz-branded hotel in Canada as well as the city’s first hotel under Hyatt’s brand portfolio. Andaz Ottawa Byward Market will join Andaz hotels currently located in world-class cities including London, New York, Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Tokyo. The 200-room Andaz Ottawa Byward Market will be located at 325 Dalhousie Street in Ottawa’s famed Byward Market neighbourhood. The neighbourhood is surrounded by more than two dozen embassies and consulates and is located immediately east of Ottawa’s commercial office core, a short walk from Parliament Hill, and just north of the University of Ottawa campus. The area has become the centre of Ottawa’s nightlife and is surrounded by residential towers, restaurants and bars.

Guests at Andaz Ottawa Byward Market will experience the personal style, comfort and sophistication for which the brand is known in the hotel’s 200 guestrooms, including four two-bay Hyatt suites, two three-bay Junior suites, and a four-bay Executive Suite with a fireplace and large 560 square foot terrace. The hotel will also feature a destination restaurant and a rooftop bar and lounge including an outdoor terrace offering panoramic views of the city. Meeting facilities will feature six Andaz Studios as well as the prefunction and lounge area with an open kitchen totaling approximately 4,500 square feet.

Andaz Ottawa Byward Market will collaborate with local artists, musicians, designers, and other cultural influencers to deliver events and programs on themes unique to its location in Ottawa. The Andaz Salon, the brand’s signature cultural program, features interactive, on-property and virtual events conceived to support and nurture each hotel’s community of emerging talent. The distinctive spaces at Andaz Ottawa Byward Market will stage creative Andaz Salon events, ranging from talks to exhibitions to live performances.

Fameed Khalique are pleased to announce the launch of a brand new addition to the portfolio, a ceramic tile collection. The handmade tiles take inspiration from the 400-year-old Japanese tradition of Mino-yaki earthenware ceramics, popular in the master of tea ceremonies.

The soil of the Mino region is particularly rich in properties required to make beautiful ceramics in which a fine clay is made from adding water to sand.

Each tile is available in both glazed and unglazed options and can be individually arranged in an array of bespoke patterns, suitable for both interior and exterior use.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced the opening of the Holiday Inn Express® Marília hotel in São Paulo State, Brazil. The new-build, 102-room hotel is among the first internationally-branded properties in the city of Marilia. The hotel is centrally situated near Marilia’s industrial district, airport, and less than a mile away from the city’s main shopping centre.

Spanning seven stories, the Holiday Inn Express Marilia hotel boasts a modern design, with a strong focus on sustainability, including energy-efficient systems, wastewater treatment plans, solar panels and LED lighting.

The hotel offers guests a comfortable, yet affordable stay with innovative, preferred guest upgrades to ensure a pleasurable experience with amenities that include a 24-hour fitness centre, complimentary high-speed Internet access, a business centre, meeting spaces and complimentary parking.

Business travellers will find large desks with ergonomic chairs. The complimentary Express Start™ breakfast bar features a full range of breakfast items, including regional and local dishes, a rotation of egg and meat selections, breads, yogurt, juices, fruit, pastries, cereals and coffee.

The hotel is owned by Hotelaria Agisol Ltda., a subsidiary of Grupo Bertim, a prominent construction company in the state of São Paulo, and is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

December Highlights
• Dubai hotels close 2014 with a 4.2% increase in profit margins
• 2014 ‘the year of rebound’ for Abu Dhabi hotels
• Doha hotels witness double-digit growth in TRevPAR
• Beirut hotels report a 4.5% growth in profit margins in 2014
• Manama hotels are buoyed by higher leisure demand in 2014

The Ritz-Carlton, Bali opens today, marking the brand’s grand return to the idyllic island as a unique, luxurious and locally-inspired resort, set amidst the dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches of southern Bali.Located in Sawangan, Nusa Dua, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali is set on 12.7 hectares of expansive and beautifully manicured beach-front and cliff-top land. With 313 hotel rooms, including 34 cliff top and ocean view villas, the luxury resort offers a dramatic location along the sweeping coastline of Nusa Dua’s southern tip. Of its many memorable features, the 180-degree unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean are undeniably a highlight, with a 70 meter high glass elevator providing guests with access to the beach, ensuring views of the lush landscape and exquisite scenery are strikingly omnipresent.

The luxury resort reinforces The Ritz-Carlton’s commitment to inspiring life’s most meaningful journeys, with authentic and harmonious experiences and indigenous design elements. Embracing local symbolism, a central theme to the property is the Tree of Life, known to locals as ‘Kalpataru’, which represents strength, wisdom, and beauty, and is prevalent throughout the resort and grounds, providing the fullest appreciation for the beauty of life. Décor is “Anyaman” style, coupled with design influences from local craftsmen and the surrounding landscape, creating an exceptional environment that is as elegant as it is rustic.

Led by a highly skilled culinary team, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali features six restaurants and lounges, offering an authentic gastronomic journey, combining the finest local ingredients with international influences. Bejana, the property’s soon-to-open Indonesian restaurant, will offer the Culinary Cave – a unique epicurean learning experience with programs personally tailored to suit groups and individuals. The Beach Grill, set along the shore, offers seafood and grill specialties alongside stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The innovative food and beverage portfolio is completed by Raku, a Japanese Lounge & Bar, The Ritz-Carlton Lounge & Bar, which serves the finest selections of premium tea, Senses, an all day dining restaurant, and Breezes Tapas Lounge which serves light snacks and Tapas by the pool.

For an unforgettable family vacation in Bali, Ritz Kids is housed in a dedicated building, delightfully created with young explorers in mind, with play and study spaces as well as a private pool. The Ritz-Carlton Club Level includes a private pool and sun deck exclusively for club guests, whilst The Ritz-Carlton Spa, opening soon, will offer a distinctive wellness experience that is truly Balinese in nature. Surrounded by lush foliage, the spa will consist of 14 serene treatment rooms seamlessly incorporating indoor and outdoor spaces.

A stunning oceanfront wedding chapel makes the property the venue of choice for island weddings, while meeting facilities for up to 200 guests provide for an endless variety of corporate and private events.

Chelsom are pleased to confirm that they will once again be exhibiting at Cruise Shipping Miami, taking place at the Miami Beach Convention Centre in Florida on 16th-19th March 2015. Cruise Shipping Miami is deemed by many as the epicentre of the global marine industry, bringing together every facet of the business including cruise lines, suppliers, designers and partners.

This will be Chelsom’s 5th consecutive year exhibiting at the event where they will be showcasing some of the latest designs from their extensive Edition 24 catalogue which launched to much industry acclaim in summer 2014.

Will Chelsom, Company Director said “Cruise Shipping Miami is the number one global event for the marine industry and we are really pleased to be exhibiting again. Being able to see what the international market is up to is really inspirational and it’s a great environment for companies to showcase their latest product designs and innovations. The event has become a key date in the diaries of many leading professionals from the wider marine industry so it’s a fantastic opportunity to present a selection of our latest designs from what is undoubtedly our most different and design-led collection yet.”

Chelsom has become one of the leading designers, manufacturers and suppliers of decorative lighting to the international marine sector working on a number of significant projects recently, most notable of which include the stunning custom centrepiece fittings created for the public areas of Hapag- Lloyd Cruises 5-star plus ‘MS Europa2’, custom designed fittings onboard P&O Cruises ‘Aurora’ and ‘Britannia’, a trio of Tui Cruises projects supplying products for the cabins of ‘Mein Schiff 3, 4 & 5’ along with the extensive refurbishment programmes of Windstar Cruises ‘Star Pride’ and two of Pullmantur’s most prestigious liners ‘Monarch’ and ‘Zenith’.

For more information on Cruise Shipping Miami and to register to attend, please visit: www.cruiseshippingevents.com/miami

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort in Sanya on Hainan Island, China’s southernmost province widely known as “the Hawaii of China.” The hotel marks the fifth Park Hyatt hotel in China, as well as the 35th Park Hyatt hotel in the world.Situated on a stunning inlet and featuring a private lake and white-sand beach, Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort combines the luxury of privacy and exclusivity with accessibility, being a mere three mile drive from Yalong Bay, the island’s most popular tourist destination.

Design and Guestrooms
Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort was created by Jean-Michel Gathy of the design-consultancy firm, Denniston. The strikingly modernist development comprises six standalone, arch-shaped buildings designed to allow chi, the traditional Chinese notion of energy, to flow unhindered between ocean and mountains. Set amid the lush landscape next to the beautiful Nan Hu Lake, the placement of every building and internal space has been carefully considered to maximize guests’ enjoyment of the breathtaking view. The six buildings are linked by wide walkways and are decorated with paintings and sculptures to create a tranquil and rarefied art-walk experience.

Designed to replicate the feeling of living in a private mansion by the sea, the sophisticated, elegant interiors are residential in style with a subtle Chinese sensibility. As in private homes, the spaces are wholly flexible. Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort features 207 luxurious guestrooms, including 26 suites and 17 villas. At almost 700 square feet, the standard rooms are among the largest on the island, and almost all of the guestrooms enjoy unadulterated views of the South China Sea.

Drinking and Dining
The ethos of the international culinary team at Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort is to offer a range of authentic Chinese and Western dishes that incorporate ingredients of the highest quality, sourced locally wherever possible. In keeping with the residential concept and ambience of a resort setting, guests are welcome to order from the menu or request bespoke dishes as relaxed and freely as they might do at home. The culinary team is primed to create unique and memorable dining experiences for guests, whether it is a champagne breakfast on the beach, a family barbecue in the villa, or a sunset supper on a yacht.

There are eight main drinking and dining venues: Dining Room, Cellar, Pool House, Pool Bar, Bath House, Library, Terrace and Tea House, following the notion of rooms within a large residence. At each establishment, guests can order from the menus of any of the other dining venues.

Meetings and Events
Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort aims to be the most desirable, upscale event venue in Hainan. The hotel features eight unique, residential-style event venues, ranging from 450 square feet to over 3,600 square feet. All venues feature an abundance of natural light, outdoor terraces and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and lighting.

Chamber is the largest indoor event space, measuring just over 3,600 square feet and comprising three separate spaces: a reception area, an open kitchen and a main dining area. Equally unique is Gallery, a long, 3,100 square foot space with paintings and sculptures decorating both sides to resemble an art gallery. The Salons are perfect for smaller, more intimate events. The almost 1,700 square foot Grand Salon with its 36-foot ceiling height and walls lined with wooden lattice, is an ideal venue for a wedding or gala dinner. The 6,500 square foot lawn in front of Pool House is ideal for atmospheric outdoor events.

Recreation and Activities
The recreation team has spent years researching and testing activities to offer guests the most unique and memorable activities during their time at Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort. Five separate pools – a 375 square foot pool, a children’s pool, a family pool, a spa pool and an indoor pool – are available to suit all types of swimmers. While at Camp Hyatt, kids and young adults will be both entertained and educated with activities like cooking classes and eco-activities by availing themselves of the latest toys and video games or simply by reading or resting in the “silent room.”

With a focus on local culture, as well as marine and environmental education, the resort offers myriad outdoor activity options for all ages, include hiking, golfing and stargazing, along with tours to nearby attractions such as Butterfly Valley, Nanshan Temple, Yazhou Ancient City and the Ganzaling Nature Reserve. Water sports enthusiasts will be thrilled with Baifu (Fortune) Bay – a private bay right next to Sunny Bay – renowned for offering some of the best diving conditions in China, as well as being an ideal spot for boating and kayaking.

The Spa at Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort is due to open in late 2015. Located by the lake and accessed by buggy, the spacious, light-filled spa will be built in a traditional Chinese style and will feature a main, two-story building and eight freestanding villas around an open-air courtyard. The semi open-air villas will each include a couple’s treatment room, a private foot treatment room, a freestanding tub, a shower, a walk-in wardrobe and an oversized daybed. Meanwhile, the main spa building will feature four additional treatment rooms; three foot-treatment rooms, a TCM consultancy chamber and a lounge on the first floor. The floor below features a gym, a yoga studio and an outdoor infinity pool. Benefit-driven treatments will be carefully conceived to incorporate proven traditional Chinese practices, as well as the very latest in international spa techniques.

December Highlights
• Year end excellence for Amsterdam and Brussels
• Dry December in Barcelona and Zurich
• St Petersburg profits pale

In 2014, the suites and rooms of the very chic “Lausanne Palace and Spa” underwent an elegant and stylish renovation, much to the delight of the hotel’s loyal customers well acquainted with the beautiful scenery around Lake Geneva.Keen to preserve a traditional and warm ambience, the hotel required perfect harmony between both furnishings and decor, this is why the Lausanne Palace & Spa selected the famous French furniture manufacturer, Collinet Sièges, to produce their sofas and chairs.

The expertise of Collinet Sièges, combined with the sumptuous velvets from the Panaz “Legend” collection suits the décor perfectly.

Featured designs Hepburn (stripe) and co-ordinating Monroe (squares) creating a bright, contemporary look for the chairs and sofa and this is further enhanced by the subtle contrast of Garland (leaf) for the cushions.

AVANI Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa. Following an extensive USD 14 million refurbishment, AVANI Seychelles Barbarons blends all the right ingredients for relaxation with a dash of colourful culture and exotic island life.Just a 25 minute drive from Seychelles International Airport, the resort opens onto tranquil Barbarons Beach along Mahé’s west coast. Much more than a beach lover’s paradise, a contemporary vibe uplifts the resort’s European heritage style, with accommodation, leisure activities and dining options all designed with every age and travel style in mind.

124 guest rooms and suites each feature a balcony or terrace with garden, pool or ocean views, and essential comforts inside. Five room types include options with easy access to the spa and sandy beach. Adjacent and connecting rooms make holidays with family and friends very convenient. Guests who appreciate space and deluxe amenities can opt for the AVANI Ocean View Suite, which boasts double the room size and the extra pleasures of a lounge, and stunning coastal vistas from the large balcony.

Developed with AVANI’s Honest Food ethos at heart, AVANI Seychelles Barbarons understands that the perfect recipe for a satisfying holiday is great dining, and the resort’s two restaurants are accompanied by pool and shisha bars, as well as private dining.

Offering all day home-style dining, Elements dishes up an impressive breakfast buffet, then western classics, seafood delights and Creole specialties for lunch, followed by lively evenings of themed BBQs and market Creole nights with cultural entertainment. Tamarind tantalises the taste buds for lunch and dinner with creative twists on Pan Asian recipes, tamarind and seafood specialties and unique island cocktails that pack a punch with local golden rum, served on a beachfront deck or on the beach. In addition, 24 hour in-room dining lets guests sip, snack, wine and dine in total privacy, whilst for romance and special occasions, a Private Dining concept comes with a personal chef to design the ideal menu, enjoyed when and where guests like.

Relaxing into the rhythm of island life is what it’s all about By the Pool from late morning until early evening, with thirst quenching drinks and classic light bites. Changing to suit the mood from day to night, Gravity Shisha Lounge & Lobby Bar is ideal for quiet time out or socialising; a coffee boost or revitalising juice while reading a book, snacks to keep up energy levels, and in the evening, the chill out lounge on the upper level is the perfect spot to watch the sunset whilst sharing shisha or enjoy classic or infused cocktails after dinner.

Signature to AVANI is a Design for Life living space, and at AVANI Seychelles Barbarons the resort’s lobby area creates this central hub. The Connect zone in the lobby makes it easy to email, chat online, print boarding passes or charge up a device, whilst the Corner is a quiet space to enjoy some time out. Complimentary wifi is offered throughout the resort.

For some “me time” and “we time” pampering, AVANISPA offers three single treatment rooms and a double treatment room, along with a sundeck and plunge pool. Options include beautifying facials, nourishing body treatments and heavenly massages, or exotic pampering such as an Ayurvedic therapy or Turkish hammam ritual.

Making family holidays more enjoyable, youngsters can have their own fun in the children’s pool and make new friends as they engage in arts, crafts and games at the Children’s Club, AVANI Kids.

Pilgrimage to Dartford….

For nearly 20 years Crosswater has been building its position in the supply chain. To the surprise of other professionals in the industry it has grown rapidly over that time to its £51 million plus turnover in 2014, growing strongly in the contract market, becoming a first choice for architects and designers on hotels in the UK and rapidly expanding into export markets.I went to visit their distribution centre and showroom in Dartford, an easy ride from central London, at the invitation of David Balmer, their Hospitality Contracts manager. David had previously invited me to their clutch of units on the south side of Dartford Bridge which the new base replaces.

Their new humungous building is on the north side of the motorway, amidst reeds and pools with ducks a-dabbling just moments away from the M25, visible but almost inaudible. Lake View House is a totally new building custom designed to meet the Groups precise specifications.All 200 employees will be able to work together in a facility that combines efficiency with delightful working conditions that include a café, areas for relaxation, a games room, a playfully themed chill out room called the Man Cave and much more. Designed by Threefold Architects, Lake View House is situated within The Bridge Business Park in Dartford and is conveniently located at the centre of air, road and rail links, opening up products from Crosswater and Bathroom Brands to a growing international customer base.

David showed HotelDesigns around the new showroom with windows into the new highly automated warehouse, which is our focus here, but the building houses conference spaces, the technical services and contract support areas as well as funky staff spaces..

Now well established the company is beginning to compete aggressively for the contract market, with products in hotels as diverse as Hilton, Ampersand and Mondrian. It is beginning to build a higher design profile for itself too, having signed an agreement with designer Kelly Hoppen for an innovative new design range of products that have been well received since their successful launch.

Technical innovation is a driver too as the videos show, with the now familiar colour change electronic controls for taps, shower and baths adding ease of use and visual temperature indicators to products. Some of this is the result of clever electronics driven by the flow of water through the systems. Other units build on using controllers situated outside showers or even outside bathrooms with temperature readouts for users.

Virgin Hotels has recently opened the doors to its first property, Virgin Hotels Chicago. The new hotel brand joins a stellar portfolio of hospitality companies led by Virgin Group and its founder Sir Richard Branson, and offers the same excitement, heartfelt service and smart innovation that Virgin is known for. “It’s been a long held dream to start beautiful, comfortable, fun hotels for guests and give them what they want and need while being gentle on their wallets,” said Richard Branson, Virgin Group Founder. “I’m tremendously proud of the brilliant Virgin Hotels team, and I look forward to hosting our fans and spending more time in Chicago.”

Since the brand’s inception, eliminating fees and surcharges have been top priority, along with creating an experience that allows guests to feel that Virgin Hotels is their place in the city. A champion of the customer, the hotel brand offers free Wi-Fi (at unlimited bandwidth) and has eliminated early check-in fees, late check-out fees, room service delivery charges, business centre transactions, and other services that have caused frustration for travellers.

“Chicago is an exhilarating and historic city, and a place we’re happy to call home for the first-ever Virgin Hotel,” said Raul Leal, CEO of Virgin Hotels. “It’s an exciting time for our team as we get to unveil our new approach to room design, service, and entertainment within the hotel industry. We hope our fans recognise the subtle yet authentic Chicago touches throughout the hotel, and come to think of us as their place away from home whether they’re travelling or a local.”

Virgin Hotels Chicago is located in the heart of Chicago’s Loop district in the historic Old Dearborn Bank Building at 203 N. Wabash Ave. The 26-storey Art Deco building, a Chicago landmark, offers 250 guest rooms, including 40 one-bedroom suites and two Penthouse Suites.

Several of the building’s original features remain intact and are showcased throughout, like a beautiful 1920s oak Cigar Bar that serves as the hotel’s front desk, ornate brass elevator doors, and the original mail slot and chute serving all floors.

At the heart of Virgin Hotels Chicago is The Commons Club, a dynamic space where guests can dine, drink, work and mingle, as well as attend the nightly hosted Social Hour. The vibe is one of a private members club, without the fees, where guests and locals alike are welcome. The two-storey space it occupies was the original bank floor with its beautiful coffered plaster ceiling.

The Commons Club menu, created by Chef Rick Gresh, features a variety of internationally influenced small plates, from Stuffed Potato Tots to a Cauliflower Caesar to Cider Mussels to a Lobster Flatbread. The dinner menus Large Plate options also embody unique and flavourful compositions, like the Fatty Noodles, a delectable combination of lobster, udon noodles, Sriracha, furi spice and rapini or the Eye of the Ribeye, Chef Gresh’s one-of-a-kind black truffle tattoo technique adorned on a Ribeye served with bone marrow mac n cheese. The Commons Club is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The hotel will have four additional dining options, including Miss Ricky’s, a 23-hour, All-American diner and a rooftop bar and lounge, all opening between February and April of this year. Seating from 12 to 108, Virgin Hotels Chicago has three modular spaces on the third floor to accompany any type of social event, dinner or meeting.

Virgin Hotels Chicago will feature a two-chamber room layout, with small touches that make travelling for business or leisure an easier experience. All guest rooms are divided into two spaces by sliding doors, complete with a peephole. The dressing room includes a full vanity, make-up desk and mirror, an extra-large shower with a bench, and his and hers closets designed by Poliform. Slide open the privacy door and guests will enter the lounge with a red SMEG mini-fridge, LG Smart TV, custom designed table that swivels and a Poltrona Frau task chair. Tired of searching for an outlet, guests can look no further than their bedside to find ample outlets for their smartphone, computer or other electronic devices.

Virgin Hotels has also taken working from bed to another level. The brand’s patent pending, ergonomically designed bed is the ideal space for setting up shop whilst on a long business trip, or to pop open the computer and stream a movie. Plush bedding rounds out the experience creating ultimate comfort whether guests are working, recharging or playing.

What’s next?
Virgin Hotels has plans to open a second location in Nashville in the summer of 2016 and a third property in New York City in the fall of 2017. The team will announce two additional locations by the end of 2016, as well, with the brand hoping to have 20 locations by 2025.

Continuing its rapid global expansion, Marriott International, Inc. has announced it has signed definitive agreements to acquire the Delta Hotels and Resorts® brand and management and franchise business from Delta Hotels Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (bcIMC) for C$168 million (approximately $135 million). The Delta brand comprises a diverse range of hotels and resorts with 38 hotels and 10,000 rooms in more than 30 cities across Canada. Delta offers a fresh approach to the guest experience, including its new ModeRoom™ guest room designs, innovative use of new technologies, and new properties, such as its flagship Delta Toronto located at the hub of Canada’s hottest high-rise neighbourhood, South Core. When completed, the transaction will increase Marriott’s distribution in Canada to more than 120 hotels and 27,000 rooms, making Marriott the largest full service hotel company in Canada.

Arne Sorenson, president and chief executive officer of Marriott International, said, “Delta has an impressive portfolio of hotels that are among the most preferred in Canada. With this acquisition, we are continuing our focus on building our brand portfolio and growing in attractive regions outside the U.S. Combining the strong Delta brand with Marriott’s hotel development expertise will accelerate growth of the brand in Canada and in other markets around the world.”

Under terms of the agreement, Marriott is acquiring the Delta management and franchise business, as well as the Delta brand and related intellectual property. At stabilization, after realizing certain operating synergies, Marriott expects the purchase price to be approximately 10 times annualized earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA).

bcIMC-affiliated entities own 13 Delta hotels (and one under development) and will sign new 30-year management agreements with Marriott for these properties. Third parties own the other 25 Delta hotels; 15 are managed by Delta and 10 are franchised. In total, five managed hotels (approximately 1,100 rooms) are under development.

The transaction is subject to receipt of certain third party and governmental consents, including by the Canadian Competition Bureau. Assuming receipt of the necessary approvals, the parties expect to close the transaction in the second quarter of 2015. Marriott does not expect the transaction will have a material impact on its 2015 results, excluding one-time transaction and integration costs.

Avington acted as exclusive financial advisor to bcIMC.

The Hotel Kompetenz-Zentrum in Oberschleissheim, Germany, uses Muraspec wallcoverings to decorate some of their suites, their restaurant and the meeting room.We know this might sound fairly normal, but this is a hotel with a difference.

The HKZ hotel is the winner of the 2014 Gold Key awards, but that’s not all, the concept of this hotel is so good that we can only keep on wondering, as Ron Kollar from Tishman Gotel & Realty said, “Why didn’t someone think of this before?”

The HKZ hotel is a fully operational hotel where owners and developers can see and touch the latest design ideas. A place for hospitality clients to see how a wide range of design solutions look, function and feel in a real hotel setting. The different installations and rooms of the hotel provide a 360-degree tour of forward-looking concepts and products for three to five star properties.

Best-selling hotel designs Khotan and Belmont have been used, alongside standout finishes Prairie, Reflective and Tessai.
All are available worldwide from Muraspec and their distributors.
For samples, please visit www.muraspec.com

First & Foremost Hotels and Resorts, a bespoke hotel asset, development and operations company has joined forces with four-time Major Champion, Ernie Els to launch First & Foremost Family Hotels in partnership with Leading Family Hotels & Resorts.A trend within the travel world currently is community sharing whereby residential accommodation is rented through the likes of AirBnB. This has shaken up the industry and it will be those that can offer a ‘point of difference’ and returns on Investment acceptable to investors that will survive, as Mike Scully, Managing Director of First & Foremost Hotels & Resorts points out:

“To achieve double digit returns, hotels need to have their point of difference. This can be location, hospitality, entertainment and/or leisure. This is key for a strong return on investment for owners.

“First and Foremost Family Hotels will incorporate all of the above. Combined with the Leading Family Hotels ‘Edutainment’ offer – specialising in kids from 0-5 age group – this makes us unique. We’re not reliant on school holidays and we can focus on achieving the highest room rates and occupancy levels all year round.”

The family hospitality sector represents a huge opportunity for investors and developers alike, as it continues to grow into a key economic driver outperforming many other brand concepts.

First & Foremost Family Hotels has partnered with South African golfing legend Ernie Els to launch the concept due to his wealth of expertise within the hospitality industry. Ernie has successful business pursuits off the course in Golf Course Design, academies, hospitality with The Els Clubs and Big Easy Restaurants, and apparel amongst many others.

The hotels will be autism friendly thanks to input from Ernie Els and his foundation Els for Autism. Expertise and the latest systems from The Els Center of Excellence will be utilised to produce highly trained staff.

The new family hotel concept will also offer a unique opportunity of employment for adults on the spectrum across departments such as Accounts, Maintenance, Sport & Play, and Administration amongst others.

“I am delighted to partner First & Foremost to launch Family Hotels”, commented Ernie Els. “Family holiday time has always been a priority for me and I have experienced a lot of 5-star hotels worldwide that do not really offer a complete family holiday experience. You want a fun and relaxing environment for everyone! We are going to provide that with First & Foremost Family Hotels. In addition, we are going to ensure a safe environment for families on the spectrum and also create substantial employment opportunities for adults with autism. Hopefully our lead will encourage other organisations to follow suit.”

Due to their unique partnerships, bespoke approach and the opportunities that exist in the family sector, Mike Scully, who has been instrumental in the development of over 70 hotel openings and food and beverage concepts is confident of ensuring success to owners and developers that work with First & Foremost Family Hotels.

“Through our partnership with Leading Family Hotels and Ernie Els we shall assist owners and developers of resort hotels to achieve higher than average returns on investment while maintaining risk awareness and being unique in product and service quality.”

First and Foremost Family hotels with their partners have a database of over 350,000 active users all offering direct bookings to the hotels thus reducing commission fees of up to 25% making the group one of the highest profit generating brands in the industry.

First & Foremost Family Hotels in partnership with Leading Family Hotels & Resorts was officially launched at an exclusive press event at The Els Club Dubai on Wednesday 28th January 2015.

A brand new Youth Hostel in Northumberland National Park has been given the green light following the award of a grant of £7.8m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).The grant puts the Sill, the country’s first national landscape discovery centre, within £2.2 million of funds to ensure the project reaches its full potential.

The HLF grant has helped secure the future of the ambitious Sill project, and construction is expected to begin on site later this year. The activity programme will start in autumn 2015 and the Sill national landscape discovery building and new YHA will open their doors to the public in June 2017.

The new YHA will replace the current property, YHA Once Brewed, and will be part of the Sill which is located in the heart of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site in Northumberland National Park.

Caroline White, Chief Executive of YHA (England and Wales) said: “The announcement of funding from HLF is a huge step forward for the Sill. The HLF funding, together with that from other providers, has closed the funding gap significantly. It is immensely exciting that we are now within touching distance of transforming the current YHA site at Once Brewed and creating a nationally significant landscape discovery centre which will ensure that young people can continue to enjoy exciting outdoor experiences in Northumberland National Park.”

Since 2011 YHA (England and Wales) has invested more than £25million in its network of properties, creating comfortable, contemporary-styled accommodation, helping put further distance between the outdated public perception of Youth Hostels and the modern reality, which is proving particularly popular with young families looking for great value, child-friendly breaks.

The flagship project is being spearheaded by Northumberland National Park Authority (NNPA) and YHA (England and Wales). Once complete, the Sill will deliver a comprehensive programme of interpretation, education, research and events that will inspire people to celebrate, value and conserve the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Northumberland landscape. It will attract more than 100,000 visitors each year, and will offer an all-weather and year-round facility that provides YHA accommodation, retail facilities and a café.

Northumberland National Park is home to some of England’s darkest skies, cleanest rivers, ancient landscapes, rich culture and heritage and breath-taking scenery. Recent national opinion polls show that 89% of people strongly support National Parks but these polls also show a large decline in visits from young people and less wealthy people who didn’t know as much about national parks and their importance to the nation.

John Riddle, Chairman of Northumberland National Park Authority, said: “We are absolutely delighted by the announcement. To receive such substantial HLF backing is a wonderful boost for the project and marks a very significant day for the North East.”

Tony Gates, Chief Executive of the National Park Authority, claims the project will transform how people will learn about and explore our landscapes. He said: “The great outdoors is important to people, it enriches our lives, it makes us feel alive. The Sill will help people from all walks of life explore and learn about Britain’s finest landscapes. Through this project, we will inspire the next generation of custodians, protecting the legacy of our stunning landscapes for the future. We are particularly keen to ensure young people benefit, with The Sill as our answer to the ipad in helping grab young peoples’ attention.

“We’re very grateful to the organisations and individuals who have supported the project in helping us get this far, it’s been a real team effort and we will need their ongoing support to ensure The Sill delivers to its full potential and the maximum number of people benefit from a connection with our heritage.”

Ivor Crowther, Head of HLF North East, said: “With the famous Hadrian’s Wall and much more besides on the doorstep, this new state-of-the-art discovery centre will become the perfect base from which to explore the national park’s unquestionable beauty. The Heritage Lottery Fund’s investment is also supporting a year-round programme of exhibitions and activities that will ensure that visitors are tempted back to Northumberland again and again, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.”

Paul Hamblin, Executive Director of National Parks England, said: “This is great news for Northumberland, and the north of England. I’m delighted the fantastic Sill project has moved another step closer. This will be another shining example of cross-sector partnerships and how a great environment is good for business.”

Kathryn Cook, UK Director at National Parks UK, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the Sill project and the region as a whole. The Sill will help open up the beautiful landscape of the national park to people from all walks of life and will hopefully inspire people to make the most of the countryside. It will be a welcome addition to UK National Parks.”

To take a virtual tour of a modern YHA Youth Hostel visit www.yha.org.uk/hostel-virtual-tours

Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Worldwide’s award-winning brand of upscale yet affordable hotels, announced today the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Istanbul Airport, representing an addition to the brand’s growing portfolio of more than 600 hotels worldwide.Hilton Garden Inn Istanbul Airport is managed by Hilton Worldwide on behalf of the owner Saray Dokum ve Madeni Aksam Sanayi Turizm A.Ş. It is the brand’s seventh property in Turkey and offers 217 beautiful guest rooms.

The new hotel provides travellers with welcoming social spaces, and high-end amenities ensuring a comfortable stay at a great value. The hotel also features six meeting rooms offering more than 250 square metres of flexible meeting space, as well as a ballroom of 373 square metres which can host receptions with up to 500 people to suit any occasion.

All Hilton Garden Inn guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, 24-hour business centre, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and an indoor pool. The Garden Grille and Bar® offers a full cooked-to-order breakfast and dinner, cocktails, and evening room service. The Pavilion Pantry® is open 24 hours and features a complete selection of salty snacks, sweet treats, cold beverages and frozen items.

Hilton Garden Inn Istanbul Airport is ideally situated for busy modern travellers, close to Istanbul International Ataturk Airport, Gunesli and Ikitelli business district and industrial zones, as well as an easy access to two exhibition centres and the largest mall in Istanbul. We are excited to welcome guests at the Hilton Garden Inn Istanbul Airport.” said Ilter Turkmenoglu, general manager, Hilton Garden Inn Istanbul Airport.

Each guest room boasts the brand’s signature bedding featuring fresh, white duvets and crisp linens; a spacious and clutter-free work desk with an ergonomic desk chair; and an in-room “hospitality centre” with a mini fridge with complimentary water, as well as tea and coffee maker. Guests can also enjoy the hot cooked-to-order breakfast, a meal in the Garden Grille restaurant, in room meal, or sip cocktails and relax in the Garden Bar & Lounge.

The PUB building is one of Stockholm’s oldest department stores and a much-appreciated element of the city skyline. It was here that Greta Garbo started as a shop girl before her Hollywood days. When Scandic transforms the well-known landmark into an international grand hotel, it will draw inspiration from the stylistic ideals of the 1920s complemented by today’s cosmopolitan big city life. The interior will be renovated to recreate the original look and feel of the building. The total area of the hotel will be close to 16,500 m2, divided into approximately 400 hotel rooms and 3,000 m2 of restaurant and meeting facilities. The design of the new hotel is a collaboration between the Nordic region’s leading hotel operator, Scandic, and the property owner, AxFast.With Scandic Haymarket, we want to create a unique grand hotel for both Stockholmers and travelling guests. We will let the grand meet the playful and create an exciting encounter between the past and the present, old and new. We will refine and highlight the building and the area’s unique character and history. The hotel will be a powerful element of a new character in Hötorget square with its concert house, movie theaters, hotel, restaurants and marketplace, says Frank Fiskers, President & CEO of Scandic.

The area between Norrmalm and the west of the city is merging, creating the feeling of a larger, more vibrant downtown. Together with Scandic, we can refine this area further and contribute to a more exciting neighborhood, says Erik Lindvall, CEO of AxFast.

Continued positive growth for the hotel sector in central Stockholm

Today, Scandic is the largest hotel operator in the Stockholm region with nearly 6,100 hotel rooms, of which almost 4,500 rooms in the city. The city continues to be a strong market for Scandic with an expected annual growth rate for number of nights of over 4 percent (HUI: Stockholm Hotel Report), making Scandic Haymarket a welcome addition to Scandic’s hotel operations in Stockholm. During 2014 Scandic has expanded its hotel capacity in the city by approximately 1,200 rooms with the opening of HTL Kungsgatan and the transformation of three Rica hotels into Scandic Gamla Stan, Scandic Klara and Scandic Kungsgatan. Additionally, the launch of Jamie’s Italian at the popular Scandic Anglais at Stureplan has strengthened and consolidated Scandic’s market-leading hotel position in the city.

Marriott International, Inc. has announced the introduction of Moxy Hotels to the U.S. The new and contemporary brand, first launched in Europe, is entering the market in a bold way, with eight identified projects slated for major metropolitan locations, including New York City (Chelsea, Mid-town and Lower Manhattan), San Francisco, Seattle, New Orleans and Chicago. Moxy Hotels was launched in fashion forward Milan last September and more hotels are set to open across Europe in Germany (Munich, Frankfurt and Berlin); Denmark (Copenhagen); and the United Kingdom (London) over the next two years.

Moxy’s first New York property will be created by the world-renowned design firm Yabu Pushelberg. George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg are well known for delivering the unexpected and are dedicated to designs that reflect an imaginative, thoughtful and honest approach. For future Moxy hotels, the design aesthetics will embody the ethos of the brand and the personality of the local market.

Moxy’s inviting lobbies are crafted to be highly social spaces with a high-energy lounge, 24/7 self- service grab and go, ample plug-ins for personal devices, free and furiously-fast Wi-Fi, and the Moxy Digital Guestbook for streaming videos and pictures via Instagram. Each hotel is also equipped with a library and plug-in zones that invite a quiet read or a brief web browse. Guest rooms will offer keyless entry, screen-casting and motion-sensor lighting.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) has announced the opening of Staybridge Suites® London Vauxhall in Spring Mews, just off the Albert Embankment and minutes from Vauxhall tube, bus and rail links.IHG’s 5th Staybridge Suites in the UK is a 93 suite new build hotel, offering a warm, sociable, home-like experience for guests looking for a place for an extended stay on business or leisure. The hotel is superbly located with stunning views of iconic landmarks such as the Palace of Westminster and the London Eye with London’s eclectic Southbank just a short stroll away.

Vauxhall London is a hotbed of development activity and as the most central London Staybridge Suites, the hotel is well positioned to capture demand from long stay customers frequenting the capital. The recently opened 132-room Holiday Inn Express® London – Vauxhall Nine Elms hotel is less than a five minute drive away from Staybridge Suites London Vauxhall and further strengthens IHG’s presence in the area.

The spacious studio and one-bedroom suites are well thought out for apartment living. The suites include fully equipped kitchens, LED TV’s, large work areas, air conditioning and free wireless internet throughout. Guests have use of the fitness room, business centre, laundry room and the brand’s own convenience store, The Pantry, which is open around the clock.

Staybridge Suites London Vauxhall operates under a franchise agreement with IHG and is owned by Spring Mews (Hotel) Ltd, a subsidiary of CLS Holdings plc, a property investment company listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. CLS has been investing in property in Vauxhall for over 20 years. Its vision for revitalising Vauxhall includes a striking, mixed use commercial and community hub; bringing much needed leisure and retail facilities to the area.

Morgans Hotel Group celebrates 15 years in London by unveiling newly designed guestrooms for the iconic Sanderson hotel as created by Tim Andreas of Banjo Ad Inc. Chelsom were commissioned to provide state of the art custom lighting for the project.Firmly establishing itself as central London’s first luxury 5-star boutique hotel and a social hot spot, Sanderson needs little by way of introduction. The landmarked 1950s building was initially transformed by icon Philippe Starck into a surreal dream world, epitomising smart, pared-down luxury tempered with a splash of wit and irony.

Sanderson’s redesigned guestrooms pay homage to the original ethos by marrying concepts of baroque and minimalist, extravagance and luxury while enhancing guest experience by exuding residential comfort and functionality. Chelsom were challenged with creating an entirely bespoke lighting scheme for the 150 guestrooms that elevated the decidedly English decorative approach to modern luxury, comfort and functionality.

Working in collaboration with the interior design team at Banjo Ad Inc, Chelsom’s lighting scheme emanates elegance. The brief stipulated that the lighting products must work seamlessly with all elements of the guestroom design and as such Chelsom collaborated closely with the case goods manufacturer to incorporate the multifunctional bedside reading lights into the glass topped nightstands to create a beautifully designed stand- alone piece. Plated in a bespoke Gold Chrome finish, the bedside fittings feature circular multi-directional LED heads with integral switches and adjustable arms to give directional and ambient light to the bedside. Bespoke pendants were also created to supplement the guestroom and bathroom lighting featuring heavy clear crystal globes with deep spiral hand cutting, lit with eco-friendly halogen lamps whose bright sparkle accentuates the deep cutting whilst adding a touch of old school glamour to the chic and contemporary interior concept.

The first phase of the Bahrain Marina Development in Manama, Bahrain has been announced.The just completed the Concept Masterplan for this luxury scheme which will reinvent the current marina with a 150,000m2 mixed-use design including the prestigious Bahrain Marina Yacht Club.

State-of-the-art facilities across several sectors, comprising Residential, Entertainment, Leisure and Hospitality will further develop this bustling capital city. With a 5-Star hotel, serviced apartments, retail, a cinema and a wide variety of food and beverage options; the Masterplan creates a landmark community anchored by the Bahrain Marina Yacht Club situated at the heart of the project.

Subtle aspects of the design, such as the wide promenade which will encourage meandering through the retail area as visitors enjoy the beautiful water features accenting the vibrant atmosphere, along with more prominent amenities combine to create this new lifestyle icon which will completely transform the current waterside area of Manama into a premier destination reaching far beyond the Gulf Coast region.

Working with the real estate investment arm and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bahrain’s Social Insurance Organisation (SIO), Amlak, Benoy, the international, Architecture, Masterplanning, Interior and Graphic Design firm is proud to visualise their first project for them.

Further commenting on the development, a spokesperson from Amlak stated that, “this Masterplan not only meets our brief of driving further investment into the Kingdom, but the firm’s design brings a world-class development all residents and visitors can thoroughly enjoy. We are very keen to position the Bahrain Marina Development as a National Landmark.”

Paul Priest,Head of MENA Studios, commented that “the Bahrain Marina Masterplan has been inspired by the beautiful natural environment blended with the energy of the Capital.With the support of Amlak on this stunning and diverse project, we are sure it will quickly become an iconic development in the Benoy portfolio,” Paul added.

Bowie, Madonna, Iggy Pop – some of the greatest music icons are masters of reinvention…. so K West Hotel & Spa has decided to follow suit. The hotel has recently undergone a dramatic interior refurbishment designed to reflect its rich music heritage and history of musicians playing and staying at the hotel.Formerly the BBC Building Kensington House in the 60s, an endless list of Rock ‘N’ Roll royalty has stayed, played and misbehaved at K West – Bob Marley and the Wailers, Bowie, The Kinks and Roxy Music to name a few. Since becoming a hotel, the venue has continued to strike a chord with musicians, who often stay whilst playing at nearby music venues O2 Shepherds Bush Empire and the Apollo. The hotel’s redecoration encompasses the new two floor Studio Bar & Kitchen, and multi-functional Library Room, which will pay tribute to the music heritage and golden age of Rock ‘N’ Roll through bold artwork and bookshelves filled with books on iconic musicians and rock bands.

On the ground floor by the entrance, The Studio Bar has been given a moody, music-infused atmosphere come the evenings. Industrial style pendant lamps hang low over raised tables, and textured silver wallpaper by Dixon & Turner gives the bar a modern edge. The polished dark walnut-wood flooring brings warmth to the area, which is opened up with the use of floor-to-ceiling mirrored pillars and relaxed seating arrangements. Up-cycled furniture has been used to create high backed booth seating along the back wall, separated by silver and black voile curtains to create intimate VIP style corners. Chic black and white artwork depicting musicians hangs above each booth, with punchy contrasting accents of colour adding vibrancy. Even the drinks menu has been injected with some Rock ‘N’ Roll swagger, with six signature Bourbon Whiskey Cocktails available, plus the quirky K West special ‘Pickleback’ shot of Jack Daniels whiskey accompanied with a shot of pickle juice.

By day, Studio Bar is a light and airy space for creative media meetings over coffees and laptops. Plugs are fitted conveniently by seats; ensuring meetings never run out of charge, and a ‘Geek Hub’ laptop bar with complimentary iMacs for guests to use can be found tucked into a snug area around the corner from the bar.

Continued on page two…

2015 is set to be a pivotal year for Fameed Khalique with the announcement of a new West London showroom, and confirmation of the company’s relocation from its current Clerkenwell base. This decision follows a year of consolidation that saw the completion of many high-profile global design projects, the launch of several new cutting-edge material surface collections for the interior design industry, and nominations in several prominent international design awards.Awards, Awards, Awards
Fameed Khalique was appointed to join the international panel of expert judges for the Perspective magazine A&D Trophy Awards in Hong Kong, December 2014. Sitting alongside illustrious members of the design industry such as Ilse Crawford, Founder of Studioilse and Sacha Walckhoff, Creative Director of Christian Lacroix, the Awards provided a dynamic meeting of design minds to celebrate excellence in architecture, interior design and product design across Asia-Pacific and beyond.

Fameed Khalique’s acclaimed library of surface collections and exceptional sourcing service were recognised at several prestigious design industry awards including nominations for Support Services at the SBID Awards, Studio of the Year at the ALTO Awards and 100% recycled Aluminium Floor Tiles for the Surfaces category at the FX Awards, 2014.

In addition, a beautiful example of bespoke inlaid wood flooring, created for a Fabled Studio retail design project at the Penhaligon’s flagship store in Hong Kong has just recently been shortlisted for the Surface Design Awards 2015, winners to be announced at the Surface Design Show 12th February.

Global Project News
Working with the world’s leading interior designers and architects, Fameed Khalique has provided some of the most inspiring and cost-effective material solutions in projects at the cutting edge of retail, hotel, bar and restaurant design across the globe. Recent commissions include the The Waldorf Astoria, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, Penhaligon’s flagship store in Hong Kong, and two of London’s hippest hotels, The Hoxton Hotel and the Ace Hotel.

Showroom News
Fameed Khalique is delighted to announce the company’s imminent relocation to a brand new showroom in the heart of Chelsea’s design district. This will be the first non-appointment space occupied by the company and is a strategic launch into the creative hub serviced by the world’s top suppliers and key destination for experts in the interior design field. Watch this space for news of the official launch…

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the opening of the Holiday Inn® Hotel & Suites Scottsdale North-Airpark hotel. Located just 15 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, this 75,000 square-foot hotel, formerly a Wingate by Wyndham, is the newest addition to IHG’s hotels in Arizona. In an effort to create a more contemporary space desirable to today’s travellers, the hotel ownership financed a full renovation of all guestrooms and public areas.The hotel, located at 14255 N 87th Street, has 117 rooms, including 37 suites. Situated in an area that appeals to both business and leisure travelers, guests can enjoy attractions such as Desert Botanical Garden, WestWorld of Scottsdale and Butterfly Wonderland. Businesses located nearby include GoDaddy and JDA Software.

The hotel’s restaurant – Raintree Cafe – serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and also offers the Holiday Inn Best-4-Breakfast menu, with signature items such as Rainforest Alliance™ Certified coffee, Cinnamon Supreme French Toast™ and Skillet Inspirations™. Kids 12 and younger eat free at Holiday Inn hotels when ordering from the kids’ menu in the hotel restaurant and accompanied by a dining adult. Room Service Right … On Time™, also a standard at all Holiday Inn hotels, ensures that guests’ room service orders are accurate and delivered on time, every time. In addition to the restaurant, the hotel includes flexible event space that can accommodate up to 64 people.

The hotel design creates a familiar atmosphere that is warm and comfortable. Guest beds are made using crisp, white bedding with pillows that come in two comfort levels: “soft” and “firm.” The bathrooms include a multifunctional showerhead as well as a signature shower curtain with curved rod and Bath & Body Works® amenities. Guest rooms feature Keurig® Single-Cup Brewing Systems, and executive suites offer luxury tubs, balconies, fireplaces and kitchenettes. The hotel grounds include a two story water feature as well as a putting green.

The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Scottsdale North-Airpark, owned by Northsight Hospitality, LC, and managed by Henderson Hospitality Management, Inc., is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

Openasia, a Hanoi-based investment firm with a growing group of hospitality interests in Vietnam has acquired the 37-cabin Emeraude cruise ship and set about a series of upgrades to enhance the passenger experience on famed Halong Bay.With the acquisition, Openasia initiated the final phase of work on a three-year refurbishment that stripped the baths in every cabin and suite to its infrastructural base and reinvented the space with rain shower heads, new sinks, repositioned toilets and an aesthetic makeover that trades in the old school nautical feel for softer mosaics.

By the time the renovation is complete in April, all of the cabins will feature new beds, new wall coverings and new linens. Onshore, Openasia has moved the vessel’s dock to a new pier in Hon Gai and opened the Emeraude Cafe as a point of embarkation.

Although the boat’s ownership has changed, the management remains the same, with Kurt Walter in place as the ship’s general manager. Walter took charge of the Emeraude in 2004, just one year after the original owner, Eric Merlin, launched the vessel as the first luxury cruise ship on Halong Bay.

“I’ve been cruising the Emeraude every week for 10 years,” said Walter. “If you’d asked me 10 years ago whether I’d still be here in 2015, I’d have told you flat out no. But there is magic on this boat, and on this bay, and the experience is as vibrant and compelling today as it was all those years ago.”

Also with Openasia, the Emeraude has added passage through Luon Grotto by bamboo boat to its cruise itinerary. The 60-meter long, four-meter wide passage slips the ship’s rowboat into an enclosed salt water lake surrounded by precipitous limestone cliffs. The Emeraude will continue to call on Surprise Grotto on the first day of its itinerary.

Along with its acquisition of the Emeraude, Openasia has also taken charge of The Press Club Hanoi. First opened in 1997, the Press Clubs recently hired its first new executive chef in a decade, took on new food and beverage management and is planning the most significant renovation in its history from May to August of this year.

Part of an impressive renovation to Derby County’s iPro Stadium, Wilton Carpets Commercial has taken the club’s facilities to the next level with stunning bespoke carpet laid throughout its corporate areas.The club is now involved in wide-ranging commercial activity, and with facility requirements more important than ever, the call was made to interior specialists White Design of Sheffield. Its designers were tasked with this extensive revamp, spanning both the bar area and Igor’s restaurant.

White Design’s brief to Wilton stated that fresh and contemporary was order of the day, creating a space where guests could gather for matches and functions. The 400 square metres of carpet would have to embrace this modern feel throughout the rooms specified.

The team at White Design were excited by their vision, “We knew contemporary styling would work well in a newer build stadium such as this, but one thing we didn’t want to lose was the softer, relaxing feel. We met with Wilton to pick a design that would work with our overall scheme, adjusting the colour to match, and the whole process was easy to manage.”

The colour chosen featured neutral shades of grey and black complemented by accents of vibrant green, the end result modern, unique and hitting White Design’s brief: “We always get great service from Wilton from design to completion, the design bank is vast and they will change and adapt wherever necessary.”

Reception to the carpet has been wholly positive, from managers and bar staff to guests and supporters. The team at White Design were equally impressed with the way in which this bespoke option fitted their scheme.

“We had a very tight deadline but we knew we could trust Wilton to pull through without any problems. Everyone was happy with the scheme and the carpet looked fantastic; we’re sure it will be down for years to come, with an on-trend look that is set to stand the test of time.”

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

Autograph Collection has added a new Netherlands-based hotel to its portfolio: Hotel van Oranje in Noordwijk. The hotel complements Autograph Collection’s continually growing portfolio of upscale and independent hotels as the collection expands across Europe and beyond. As the first hotel in the Benelux to form a partnership with Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, Hotel van Oranje enjoys a prime location on the Dutch coast. Situated just steps from Amsterdam’s beaches and the lively Noordwijk shopping boulevard, Hotel van Oranje has been recently refurbished with newly modernised rooms. The five restaurants, three bars and an onsite beach club have al fresco terraces looking out to sea across the promenade.

Spanning over five storeys, 174 guestrooms including six suites are dressed with Dutch furniture, colourful textiles and quirky design features. In-room amenities include complimentary wireless Internet and mini-bars, with a number of guestrooms offering views out to sea through panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows.

With a strong focus on wellbeing, the hotel offers 1500m2 of dedicated wellness facilities, including an expansive tropical wave pool, sauna facilities and a state-of-the-art beauty centre. For those looking to combine activities with wellness, there are a variety of outdoor options within easy access of the hotel, such as kite surfing, horseback riding, hiking, biking, golf and Vespa rentals.

Five hotel restaurants give guests the opportunity to vary their dining, from traditional fare at Restaurant DUTCH! to seafood specials at the Grand Café ‘t Elfde Gebod and the Steakhouse De Harmonie, which boasts the best spareribs in town. In-house bars include Imperial Bar and The Bentley Bar, with a cosy fireplace and a sunlit terrace fronting the boulevard. Conveniently situated by the indoor pool, the Sports bar gives parents the chance to enjoy live football and tennis while watching over their children. For the ultimate Dutch seaside experience, Beachclub O invites guests to recline with a cocktail and watch kite surfers take to the waves.

Hotel van Oranje is also well suited to business travellers, taking the title for the biggest conference centre on the Dutch coast with just under 3000m2 of dedicated meeting spaces and 39 multifunctional conference rooms.

BAGNODESIGN has made a key new appointment at its European headquarters in Leeds, with Paul Sackley joining the company as General Manager.Based in Birstall, Paul will be responsible for optimising the supply chain out of the 175,000 square feet facility, ensuring customer satisfaction and increasing awareness of the BAGNODESIGN brand across the UK and Europe.

Previously living in Dubai, Paul joined the Sanipex Group, BAGNODESIGN’s parent company, five and a half years ago, initially in a consulting role to highlight areas for improvement within the supply chain. Following his appointment as Warehouse and Distribution Manager in the global distribution centre, Paul has spent the last 18 months working with all departments to implement best practice and business processes across the company.

Commenting on his new role in Leeds, Paul said: “During my time with Sanipex in Dubai I learnt a great deal in terms of distribution into different markets, and am really excited about putting these skills into practice here in the UK.

“There is a real difference between the UK and UAE markets and shifting the dynamics of the supply chain to cope with these changes is an exciting prospect. I’m also very much looking forward to meeting with customers, suppliers and franchises in order to better understand their challenges so that together we can overcome them.”

For more details visit www.bagnodesign.co.uk or call 01924 233977.

A landmark of luxury on Hawaii Island, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, joins the exclusive portfolio of Autograph Collection hotels as the group’s first Hawaiian property and the 75th in its global portfolio. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel was founded by venture capitalist and passionate conservationist Laurance S. Rockefeller as the first resort built on the raw and stunning Kohala Coast, and the hotel still boasts an extensive collection of Asian and Pacific Rim art today.The striking mid-century modern style that earned the resort a place in the American Institute of Architects (AIA) top 150 “America’s Favorite Architecture” list is newly refreshed throughout, returning all 252 guest rooms and suites in two buildings to original condition. Designed to blend into the natural environment, the resort boasts corridor-less floors that appear to float over an ocean-facing atrium, complete with suspended airways rising throughout, with each guest room overlooking the natural white sand of Kauna‘oa Beach – rated the best beach in the Hawaiian Islands by top travel authorities.

With a timeless tradition of aloha, the beachfront Mauna Kea Beach Hotel welcomes guests to be inspired by the past, embraced by the moment, enchanted by warm tropical days and exciting possibilities ahead.

Accommodations
Believing that less is indeed more, everywhere possible three rooms have been re-mastered to become two, allowing each of the 252 newly refreshed guest rooms to feature a spacious floor plan. Today nearly one-third of the guestrooms feature a full-length bath inclusive of spacious ante-room with separate vanity areas fronting the personal spa. Inside, the soaking tub and rain-shower are bathed in natural light.

The new, contemporary furnishings boast crisp, clean lines, cloud white and bold sunset colours, along with the unchanged wow of wonderful views from the wide lānai, all supported by hi-tech bells and whistles such as large flat screen TVs, media hubs, bedside iPod dock with clock radios, updated bedding, and L’Occitane amenities, to produce a luxury guestroom experience that is both ultra-high quality and ultimately comfortable.

Dining
With a delicious mix of steadfast tradition and new attitude, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel restaurants are designed with a creative combination of cultured international cuisine and fresh, local Kohala Coast ingredients prepared with “lokomaika‘i” (sharing with kindness from within). Restaurants include: Manta & Pavilion Wine Bar, Hau Tree, Number 3, Kauna`oa Bar & Grill, Mauna Kea Lu`au and Clambake at the beach.

Events
With 252 updated guestrooms and unique meeting spaces for executive retreats to the Big Island or an energetic incentive group vacation, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel offers even the busiest of meeting planners a little beach time. From traditional to exotic, Mauna Kea Resort offers twelve different spaces for meetings from intimate indoor conference rooms to idyllic outdoor locations such as mature tropical gardens and a canopy of trees create natural outdoor theatres, which are enriched by soft trade winds and golden sunsets. In addition, three of the dining options feature amazing ocean views alongside Hawaii-inspired cuisine with international flair.

Golf
Since 1964, the award-winning Mauna Kea Golf Course has led the way in standards of course beauty and design, solidifying its place in Hawaii’s history as one of the most scenic and favoured golf courses for its signature par-2-over-the-ocean third hole. Avid golfers and guests of Mauna Kea Resort continue to enjoy this Robert Trent Jones, Sr.’s golf course and its recent restoration and beautification by Rees Jones. Guests can take advantage of the golf course’s superior amenities including world-class practice facilities that feature a driving range and putting green with epic views of the Kohala Coast’s rolling waves.

RHA Furniture has recently custom made banquette seating for a number of high profile hotel restaurant and bar projects.

A recent project, working with designers at Sedley Place, involved the production of an impressive banquette unit specially made for the new bar on the ground floor of Diageo’s London HQ.The impressive UK made banquette features an elegantly curved structure with 360-degree seating, a built-in subwoofer and wooden shelf fitted with stainless steel power sockets. Beautifully upholstered in a chic woven fabric by Sekers.

RHA Furniture custom made over 30 beautifully crafted items and supplied over 100 items from well-known contract furniture collections, including designs from Carlo Colombo for Nube and Margie Walraven for Porada.

Contact RHA Furniture for more information or to discuss custom made furniture for a project you are currently working on.

Invigorated by their recent wins in the 2014 MATATO and TripAdvisor Awards, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is set to a launch a new category of guest room, which will be called “Sunset Ocean Pool Villas”. They have also committed to an ongoing program of extensive refurbishments across the entire resort. During the first phase of the renovation program, all of the Luxury Sunset Water Villas will be completely refurbished and redesigned and will reopen to the public in July 2015. Twenty of the existing inventory will be re-imagined as ‘Sunset Ocean Pool Villas’ while the balance of 14 villas will be renamed ‘Ocean Water Villas’.

During phase 2, the current ‘Beach Suites’ on the south side of the island, together with the Deluxe Family Water Villas and the resort’s one-and-two Bedroom Pool Villas, will be closed for renovations from the 20th of June until the end of August 2015. Renovations on the resort’s Deluxe Water Villas and north-facing Beach Suites will be carried out later in 2016. All villas will receive a brand-new design, structural enhancements, all-new furniture and a new light and inviting color palette.

Available to the public on July 1st, 2015, the new Sunset Ocean Pool Villas will have received a completely new, contemporary interior make-over, with brand-new furniture, doors and decking. The upper sun deck will be removed completely and the outdoor area will be extended to incorporate a 12-metre square plunge pool, looking directly out over the Indian Ocean.

These 20 new villas will command spectacular sunset views and guests here will be eligible for full ‘Club’ access. Club guests enjoy the resort’s “Ultimate All Inclusive” cash-free plan, under which guests will find everything they desire already paid for – including champagne breakfasts, a choice of three lunch and dinner venues with themed international buffets and an open bar service which provides a scintillating array of cocktails, beers, wines and spirits.

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is located in the South Ari Atoll, about 25 minutes by seaplane from Male International Airport, or 15 minutes by speedboat from the domestic Maamigili Airport. Surrounded by a glorious white sandy beach, it is the only resort in the Maldives designed in a colonial style, with whitewashed timber buildings and meandering boardwalks.

Continuing its trajectory of rapid global growth and creating opportunity, Marriott International, Inc. said that it expects its portfolio of hotels either open or under development to surpass 1 million rooms by the end of 2015. When open, the hotels under development will have generated more than $50 billion in real estate investment globally by Marriott’s owner partners and created over 150,000 anticipated new hotel jobs.Arne Sorenson, Marriott’s president and chief executive officer, said, “An important focus of the World Economic Forum in Davos is creating new jobs and economic growth. In partnership with our owners in more than 100 countries and territories where we operate or have new hotels in development, Marriott is making a meaningful contribution to economic opportunity. The growth in Marriott’s portfolio is truly a global trend, with strong expansion in the US and in many markets around the world.

“In 2014 alone, Marriott signed agreements for more than 650 hotels and 100,000 rooms to be added to its worldwide system over the next few years, a signing pace of nearly two new hotel deals a day. This anticipated investment by our owner partners in Marriott-affiliated hotels will show their confidence in our brands, which reflects the preference our brands have with customers. Together, our growth fuels economic development in communities around the globe, boosting construction and direct employment at the hotels, as well as incremental commerce that emerges around this growth,” said Sorenson.

A study by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) researched the economic and community benefit of hotels and found in its initial study of the JW Marriott Lima Hotel in Peru, which employs 350 associates and features 300 guestrooms and 10 meeting rooms, that the hotel contributes more than $10 million annually to the Peruvian economy through expenditures on salaries, supplies and services.

In developing regions such as Haiti and Africa, Marriott is working closely with hotel owners and non-governmental organizations to prepare and then hire local residents to manage and operate new hotels. The new Marriott Port-au-Prince in Haiti will open in February having added more than 200 new local jobs.

“With nearly 1 billion people moving upward into the middle class across the globe, the incentives to travel, both for business and to see the world, are powerful and are building in momentum. The doors to travel are increasingly open, as seen in the recent landmark agreement between China and the United States for mutual 10-year visas. Since that policy change was announced there has been a nearly 39 percent increase in applications for U.S. visas for Chinese visitors, who spend on average, seven thousand dollars per trip. The potential for new travel and economic growth is huge,” said Sorenson

“Clearly efforts to grow, generate economic opportunity and encourage travel can pay big dividends, not just for companies involved, but for communities around the world,” he said.

Tony Capuano, Marriott’s executive vice president and chief development officer, said that the company’s dramatic growth profile has been building steadily.

“We achieved record growth across the board in 2014, as we opened more than 46,000 rooms worldwide. Having signed agreements in 2014 for over 650 new hotels and 100,000 rooms, we boosted our record pipeline of new hotel development to nearly 240,000 rooms. When opened over the next few years, these new hotels will expand Marriott’s presence from 80 countries and territories today to more than 100. This continues an historic four-year surge in demand for new Marriott hotels that drives a bullish growth outlook.

“Our success has been boosted by a number of factors, including our continental leadership structure that connects our local development teams with development partners and lenders, the continuity of our senior development team, and the introduction of new brands which accounted for nearly 40% of our new room openings this past year. We and our hotel owners are excited about our new brands, including Moxy, AC by Marriott, Autograph and EDITION, and our newly acquired Protea brand in Africa.

Marriott’s growth is significant on a regional basis. In North America, the company is entering new secondary and tertiary markets as well as adding to its strength in the largest cities. In Asia, the company expects to more than double its distribution as hotel projects in the current pipeline open, more than doubling Marriott’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The company also expects its robust growth will continue in the Middle East and Africa, where Marriott’s portfolio could expand by more than 75 percent, and the Caribbean and Latin America, where its system size could increase by nearly 50 percent. In Europe, the company’s aggressive growth plans will leverage a broad portfolio of brands, including Moxy, a new stylish budget alternative for travelers with a millennial mindset.

With the deadline for entries to the sixth edition of design contest jumpthegap now just a few weeks away, Roca is urging young designers and architects in the UK to show off their talent and apply before the 25th February cut-off point. Providing a platform for new generations of designers to demonstrate their talent and visions for the bathroom of the future, jumpthegap is an international competition promoted by Roca and aimed at students, young designers and architects who are under 35.

With the competition aiming to seek out new, innovative and sustainable concepts for the bathroom, this latest edition of jumpthegap will offer three prizes: two winning projects and one Special Sustainability Prize, presented by the Roca We Are Water Foundation. With sustainability being one of the most important principles of bathroom design and integral to the Roca philosophy, the We Are Water Foundation would like to recognise works that support their objective to create a new culture for water. The two winning projects will each receive €4,000 in prize money, with the Sustainability prize winner receiving €1000.

Once the application deadline passes on the 25th February it will be down to the prestigious panel of judges, made up of established architects and designers from around the world, to decide on a winner. The 2015 jury includes Tom Dyckhoff, journalist, architecture critic and presenter of The Great Interior Design Challenge on BBC2.

Previous jumpthegap winners include an ‘elder-friendly’ toilet, a shower unit that can be used in the garden and a ‘breathing bathtub’ which is energy and water efficient.

For more information on jumpthegap and how to enter visit www.jumpthegap.net or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jumpthegap