Hotel Designs

Balfour Beatty has reached an important milestone in the creation of Europe’s largest ballroom this month.It has installed the trusses that will support the roof covering a 3000m² space in the £121m prestigious hotel and residential scheme being built on the Greenwich Peninsula in London for Grove Developments, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Arora Group.

Due to their size, measuring 42m in length and weighing over 40 tonnes, each of the nine trusses, containing hundreds of welds and over 500 bolts, was lifted into place in four sections in a complex process lasting several weeks.

To reduce the installation time, supply chain partner Apex Structural Steel utilised five different workshops across the country. The project will be completed in the autumn 2015.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) has recently announced the signing of two InterContinental Hotels in two focus markets in Europe. InterContinental® Dublin will bring iconic luxury to Ireland, and InterContinental® Baku represents the brand’s debut in Azerbaijan. From 1 January, 2015 InterContinental Dublin will operate under a franchise agreement with Ballsbridge Hotel Limited, an affiliate of London & Regional Properties. It will be located in the former Four Seasons Hotel Dublin, one of Ireland’s top-rated hotels.

Situated in Dublin’s prestigious neighbourhood Ballsbridge, the hotel features 197 guest rooms inclusive of 58 suites, an indoor swimming pool, spa & fitness centre, two restaurants and two bars. It also boasts impressive meeting and event space with two ballrooms totalling more than 15,000 square feet (over 1,400 square meters).

Meanwhile InterContinental Baku, due to open in 2016, will operate under a franchise agreement with AZ-ORS LLC. The hotel will be managed by The Ceylan Group – owners and managers of the highly successful InterContinental® Istanbul, Turkey.

The new build hotel will include a total of 105 rooms featuring a number of junior and executive suites and one presidential suite. InterContinental Baku will be located in the heart of the Azerbaijani capital’s shopping district on BulBul Avenue and Zarifa Aliyeva Street, near the famous seaside promenade Baku Boulevard.

Robert Shepherd, Chief Development Officer, Europe, IHG said: “We are thrilled to have signed two flagship InterContinental hotels in two important markets; and both properties are going to be fantastic additions to our portfolio. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts continues to remain relevant to owners and guests as it expands across Europe, further cementing its position as the largest luxury global hotel brand.”

Scandic Hotels continues to expand in the Norwegian hotel market by acquiring hotel operations in Bergen from owner Bergen Hotel Gruppen AS. Scandic will take over three hotels: Scandic Neptun, Scandic Bergen City and Scandic Strand with a total of 630 hotel rooms and some 40 conference rooms. Scandic will then operate six hotels in one of Norway’s most expansive hotel markets, which is also the second largest hotel market in Norway.The hotels have been Scandic branded since 2000 under a long-term franchise contract between Bergen Hotel Group and Scandic.

Today, the three hotels have distinct positions within the conference, leisure and business travel sectors, providing an excellent platform for future synergies and growth with good profitability. Scandic Neptun is Bergen’s most popular weekend hotel, with a focus on food, art and culture. Scandic Bergen City is one of Bergen’s largest conference hotels, and Scandic Strand is a very popular hotel among business travellers.

The seller of these hotel operations is the current franchisee, Erling Falch Monsen, who will continue as property owner of Scandic Neptun and Scandic City. The operations of the three hotels will be taken over officially by Scandic on February 1st, 2015. The transaction is conditioned upon approval by the Norwegian anti-trust authorities.

“Norway is an important home market for Scandic. During this year, mainly as a result of the acquisition of Rica Hotels, we have increased from 19 to 86 hotels in Norway, from Kristiansand in the south to Svalbard in northern Norway. With the acquisition of these three hotels, Scandic will further solidify our position as the absolutely leading player in the Bergen market,” says Frank Fiskers, President & CEO of Scandic.

Bergen is Norway’s most expansive hotel market

Today, Scandic is the largest hotel operator in the Nordic countries with close to 42,000 hotel rooms, of which 14,700 are in Norway. Of these, 1,300 rooms are located in Bergen, and 630 of them have been added through the acquisition of Scandic Neptun, Scandic Bergen City and Scandic Strand. During the year, Scandic also opened Bergen’s largest hotel, Scandic Ørnen, and in 2017 Scandic will open another hotel at the airport, Scandic Bergen Flesland. Scandic thereby continues to fortify its market-leading position in the hotel industry in Bergen, Norway, and in the Nordic countries.

Positioned in the very heart of Tech City, M by Montcalm, Shoreditch is the perfect location from which to conduct business, pleasure or both in the capital. Being located in the heart of London’s trendiest area, Shoreditch, the hotel is in close proximity to many of London’s coolest boutiques, restaurants, bar and markets.

The hotel has a dedicated events floor with an abundance of natural daylight and a maximum capacity of 250 persons.

Guests of the hotel have access to a range of F&B outlets from private members bar & restaurant “City Social”, to a Sky Bar & Restaurant with breathtaking views across the buzzing city and Shoreditch area.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announces the opening of the Holiday Inn Express® Hotel & Suites Bogotá Zona Financiera. The new-build, 99-room hotel is a LEED Gold certified property and is located in the heart of Bogotá’s financial district at Carrera 7 N. 67-39. The hotel is part of a mixed-use development comprised of two towers, one of which houses the hotel and a second offices and retail stores. The new Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bogotá Zona Financiera hotel is the fifth IHG-branded hotel in Bogotá and is 15 miles from El Dorado International Airport. Conveniently located near local businesses, embassies, various multinational companies such as Baker Hughes, Cisco System, World Bank and Microsoft and the G Zone, an exclusive area in northern Bogotá home to the fanciest gourmet restaurants. “It is a great accomplishment to open a second Holiday Inn Express hotel in Bogotá,” said Alvaro Diago, chief operating officer, Latin America and Caribbean, Americas, IHG. “We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Grupo Contempo and thank them for supporting our presence in the country and maintaining our pledge to offer guests the highest quality hotel accommodations and services.”

“We are proud to welcome this hotel into the Holiday Inn Portfolio of Brands as it is ideal for meeting the needs of the growing business and leisure travel markets in Bogotá,” said Gerardo Murray, regional vice president, Distribution and Commercial Marketing, Mexico, Latin America and Caribbean, IHG. “And as a LEED Gold certified property, this hotel is a model of sustainability and provides both business and leisure guests with a new eco-friendly option in Bogotá’s thriving financial district.”

Marriott International, Inc Autograph Collection, an exclusive portfolio of hotels recognised for championing independence, is delighted to announce its entry into Azerbaijan, welcoming two luxurious hotels from the Shahdag Mountain Resort into the collection this December, 2014. Two further hotels located in the enigmatic capital of Baku will join the collection in June, 2015.Pik Palace Shahdag, Park Chalet Shahdag, Boulevard Hotel Baku and Intourist Hotel Baku epitomise Autograph Collection’s dedication to strikingly independent hotels found in remarkable destinations.

John Licence, brand leader for Autograph Collection in Europe, commented: “We are thrilled to be entering a destination as exciting as Azerbaijan; a destination that has seen outstanding developments to its tourism infrastructure in recent years.” He continued: “Autograph Collection is known for creating authentic experiences for travellers that are nothing less than unique, nothing short of exceptional – which is why Azerbaijan and the four properties are the perfect fit for the brand.”

Welcoming multiple hotels from a destination that’s pioneering an emerging tourism market is symbolic of what Autograph Collection represents: a bold originality and a uniquely innovative approach to the hospitality industry.

Pik Palace Shahdag (December 2014)
Autograph Collection is proud to introduce the stunning 167-room property, Pik Palace Shahdag. Nestled amid the majestic mountains of the Shahdag Mountain Resort, Pik Palace is just a short drive from Gusar, which has been known since ancient times as one of the important gateways of Azerbaijan – and a historical interlink between Europe, Russia, the Middle East and Central Asia.

Designed by ReardonSmith Architects and inspired by the magnificent beauty of the mountains, Pik Palace Shahdag offers the ultimate recreational experience complete with panoramic views and exceptional service. Each of the property’s spacious bedrooms and suites features a king-size bed and gorgeous marble bathroom, with an oversized bathtub and walk-in shower. Additionally, each room offers floor-to-ceiling windows with a French balcony, taking advantage of the breathtaking backdrop.

Pik Palace hotel’s restaurants, bars and lounges provide a variety of unique settings for an enjoyable dining experience in the mountains, including the Chocolat patisserie and Alpina Brasserie & Wine Bar. Guests looking for ultimate indulgence need look no further than The Club Fitness & Spa, which offers a range of aromatherapy treatments and rejuvenating spa rituals.

Park Chalet Shahdag (December, 2014)
Redefining the mountain retreat, Park Chalet Shahdag brings to Autograph Collection the first Alpine-style luxury property in the Shahdag Mountain Resort. The 164-room hotel is located 230 kilometers north from Baku, the elegant capital city of Azerbaijan.

Park Chalet is modeled on European Alpine architecture, with additional stylistic influences from Aspen ski lodge developments in the USA. The hotel offers beautifully appointed country-style guest rooms and suites, featuring washed oak paneling and the perfect mix of rustic yet luxurious furnishings.

Being one of Shahdag Mountain Resort’s premier gourmet destinations, Park Chalet serves up delectable menus at Aspen Grill – the striking rooftop restaurant & lounge bar – along with warming hot beverages at the Mocca Café. The steam rooms and sauna are perfectly poised for guests to unwind in, after soaking up the beautiful mountain vistas.

Boulevard Hotel Baku (June, 2015)
Named after the eponymous seafront walking promenade and set right at the Baku Bay towards the east of the city center, Boulevard Hotel offers 818 charming rooms.

Located in the heart of Baku White City district, along one of the main routes connecting the city centre with Heydar Aliyev International Airport, this hotel is set to provide fantastic conference facilities, with the largest space on offer in Azerbaijan.

Boulevard Hotel features three restaurants, an executive lounge, and a magnificent 1,300 square metre ballroom – which provides natural daylight and unobstructed views over the Caspian Sea. The conference centre features six multi-functional meeting rooms all equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment. Boulevard Hotel’s wellness centre and gymnasium will ensure that guest can relax after a stimulating conference.

Intourist Hotel Baku (June, 2015)
Located in the heart of Baku city and overlooking the waterfront boulevard, known as the National Park, this boutique hotel offers 150 alluring guest rooms and suites. With close proximity to major attractions, the hotel offers superb connections throughout the city.

Intourist Hotel Baku revives an 80-year-old legacy, while bringing in the best of modern hospitality experience with its elegant rooms and suites and unique dining facilities.

Grecotel Hotels & Resorts, the leading and largest hotel group in Greece with 30 luxury properties, is delighted to officially launch two stunning resorts in Rethymno, Crete, for the 2015 summer season.The company, owned by the Daskalantonakis family, originates from the island, making these developments particularly significant.

The White Palace by Grecotel – The Cretan Riviera
The White Palace appeals to design savvy travellers seeking authentic Cretan hospitality. The food is locally sourced and delicious and the service impeccable, but relaxed.

A warm welcome awaits everyone – from singles and couples, to families of five – in the brand new guestrooms, bungalows and suites. The stylish decoration with aqua-coloured mosaics and fabrics in shades of ivory, cream and turquoise
with sea-mist green accents make every room a seaside escape.

166 Guestrooms, 64 Bungalows and 33 Suites are framed by mature gardens with tropical plants, palm trees, bougainvillea and jasmine. The Yali Exclusive Collection is a new concept of luxury holiday living: the waterfront ‘Yali’ suites, are named after the Greek word “yalos” meaning seaside. Walk straight off the terrace of a Yali Luxe suite into a private infinity pool.

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The St. Regis Chengdu, Southwest China’s newest address for unparalleled luxury, celebrated its debut with a magnificent opening ceremony and gala event, as well as the unveiling of the St. Regis Chengdu mural. The elegant evening welcomed a bevy of international and local celebrities, influencers and tastemakers including Chinese actress Li Bingbing, President of Sichuan culinary association Li Shuren, and Paul James, Global Brand Leader of St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, and W Hotels Worldwide. The Pursuit of Art – Unveiling of the St. Regis Chengdu Mural
The evening began in Decanter, St. Regis Chengdu’s gourmet wine bar, with the unveiling of the St. Regis Chengdu mural by artist Chris Buissa’s. The mural, which reflects the Brazilian artist’s interpretation of ancient and modern Chengdu, takes center stage in Decanter’s refined setting. The seductive space invites guests to sample a wide selection of the world’s best champagnes, and red and white wines, carefully curated by St. Regis Chengdu’s master wine sommelier Tong Zhu.

A Modern Legacy of Storied Luxury
Opening exactly 110 years after the iconic St. Regis New York and situated in the first City of Gastronomy in Asia recognized by UNESCO, The St. Regis Chengdu took guests on a progressive culinary journey of New York and Sichuan cuisine from 1904 to present during an exclusive gala dinner that beautifully blended classic and contemporary cuisine.

To represent the jazz legacy of storied luxury brand, the entertainment included a jazz band performing songs from iconic jazz artists from the 1920’s to modern day, as well as Charleston Dancers, who dazzled the crowd with a choreography mixing traditional Charleston and contemporary dance. To infuse the rich heritage and local culture of Chengdu, a fashion show unveiled modern Shu Brocade designs by Ms. Xue Mei Pan.

About The St. Regis Chengdu
Located in the heart of Chengdu’s business district just steps away from Tianfu Square and the Chun Xi Road upscale retail area, The St. Regis Chengdu sets a new standard of bespoke service, refined elegance, and timeless sophistication in Southwest China. The St. Regis Chengdu boasts 279 carefully appointed guestrooms and suites that are the largest in the city, 1,200 sqm of exceptional event and meeting spaces, the exclusive Iridium Spa featuring a menu of customized experiences, and the legendary St. Regis Butler Service.

The St. Regis Chengdu offers an array of epicurean experiences including six restaurants and bars. Social, an all-day dining restaurant, offers a wide selection of international cuisine; Yan Ting is the hotel’s signature Chinese restaurant specializing in Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine; Yun Fu has four distinct private dining rooms located on the 27th floor which offers tailored dining experiences. Decanter, Chengdu’s only dedicated wine bar, offers an extensive selection of fine wines, liquors and cigars; Vantage XXVII is a rooftop bar offering specialty cocktails with views of the spectacular city skyline. Drawing Room offers the signature St. Regis afternoon tea and champagne sabering ritual as well as the Chuan Mary, a spicier version of the world famous St. Regis Bloody Mary, re-imagined for The St. Regis Chengdu.

The Iridium Spa, exclusive to St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, offers a blissful experience including nine treatment rooms, sauna and steam rooms, and a modern fitness center. The tranquil spa offers a customized indulgence that surpasses the discerning tastes of St. Regis guests. The St. Regis Chengdu is the only luxury hotel in the city to offer both indoor and outdoor swimming pools for in-house guests and St. Regis Athletic Club members.

Marriott International and Aberdeen City Council have today signed an agreement to deliver a brand new Residence Inn by Marriott hotel on the new Marischal Square development in the centre of Aberdeen. Work on the hotel, which is aimed at the extended-stay business and leisure markets, will begin in January 2015 and is expected to be completed by summer 2017. The 126-room Residence Inn Aberdeen is part of the multi-million pound Marischal Square project which Aberdeen City Council is developing in partnership with urban regeneration and property specialist Muse Developments. The hotel is the first Residence Inn by Marriott in the city and joins seven other Marriott International properties in Scotland including Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott hotels in the Dyce area of Aberdeen and a 107-room Residence Inn by Marriott hotel in the centre of Edinburgh.

Residence Inn by Marriott hotels are designed to meet the needs of extended-stay guests (five nights or more) and the new Marischal Square hotel will comprise 114 studios and 12 one bedroom suites – each with a fully equipped kitchen and separate areas for living and sleeping. The expansive public areas will feature a Lounge Bar, Grab and Go Market, fitness centre and business centre.

Tim Walton, Vice President International Development, Marriott International, was in Aberdeen to view the hotel site and said that he was delighted to be in a position to add Aberdeen to the list of major European cities in which Residence Inn by Marriott has a presence.

“We are thrilled to be part of the exciting development plans for Marischal Square as we continue to expand our Residence Inn by Marriott brand in Scotland. The brand prides itself on giving guests everything they need to thrive on longer stays, and we are confident that the modern and stylish design of the hotel combined with the excellent location at the heart of Aberdeen will offer a dynamic hotel experience in the city,” said Mr Walton.

Aberdeen City Council leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: “This agreement is a major boost for the city and highlights the strong appeal of both Aberdeen and the new Marischal Square development to top-flight international businesses. Marriott International is one of the world’s leading hotel companies and to see them developing a four-star hotel on the site is a huge vote of confidence in the continuing regeneration of our city centre.”

Marischal Square, which is fully funded by Aviva Investors, will deliver a vibrant new mixed-use quarter for the city and include the new Residence Inn by Marriott hotel, Grade ‘A’ office space with associated car parking, retail, cafes, restaurants and civic space, along with public access, landscaping and public realm improvements around a site once dominated by the former Aberdeen City Council headquarters building St. Nicholas House.

Chelsom have once again enjoyed another busy stint at Sleep celebrating what was their 8th consecutive year exhibiting at the event. This year’s stand showcased an exclusive selection of signature pieces from the latest collection, Edition 24, Chelsom’s most exciting and well received product range yet which launched in the summer.The pieces shown on the stand this year have been designed in- house by Robert and Will Chelsom and demonstrate the latest developments in LED technology along with incorporating up and coming trends in terms of the overall product design. Beautifully designed desk, table and floor lamps all used integral LED light sources allowing streamlined product heads and shades to be created ensuring the fittings were true show stoppers at Sleep. All products on display were finished in the contrasting Black Bronze and English Brass combination, a striking new addition to Chelsom’s range of colour finishes which has proved hugely popular since launching earlier this year.

One of the most talked about lighting pieces at the show was Chelsom’s dramatic custom pendant featuring a cascade of 12 oversized squirrel cage lamps exclusively available through Chelsom in the UK for the contract market. Taking inspiration from the custom Filament range, the fitting was understated in terms of design with the decorative impact coming from the striking gold tinted 100W filament lamps suspended from a Matt Black steel frame by gold twisted flex creating a magnificent centerpiece whilst providing warm ambient lighting.

Director, Will Chelsom, commented on the success of the exhibition “We had a fantastic two days at Sleep promoting a selection of some of the most popular pieces from our latest collection and are incredibly proud of what we have achieved since the launch back in June. Sleep is the number one UK show in terms of interior design for the hospitality market and this year certainly didn’t disappoint with footfall to the stand the highest it’s been and as ever it was wonderful to meet with many of our existing and new customers and to be able to personally show them our new designs. The feedback from designers and hoteliers alike has been fantastic with many claiming that our new products were some of the best they had seen from us and it’s comments like this along with the corresponding volume of quotes and specifications we are seeing come in that make all the hard work involved in designing and producing Edition 24 more than worth it.”

Benoy, the international firm of Architects, Masterplanners, Interior and Graphic Designers, is delighted to announce that its project, Victoria Square, has secured unanimous detailed planning approval from Woking Borough Council. Permission allows for the next stage of this exciting redevelopment to move forward.The truly mixed-use, retail-led development will bring new life and energy to the heart of Woking. Creating a gateway to the town and significantly improving the public realm, Victoria Square is the first new external public space for a generation. The scheme will include an almost 6,000m2 Marks & Spencer store, a 4-Star hotel with conference facilities set within a 21-storey tower, residential apartments housed within a 34-storey tower and a third 30-storey tower, a medical centre and two new public plazas.

“It is always an important moment when a project receives approval; it signals the start of the hard work and the beginning of the realisation of the vision for Woking”, said David Ellis, Director and London Studio Head.

He continued, “the Victoria Square development is an exciting project with a multitude of retail, entertainment and food and beverage options which we believe will entice residents and visitors to Woking and encourage them to shop, explore and enjoy the heart of the town”.

The Victoria Square scheme is a key part of the wider Town Centre Masterplan. Being designed over several phases, the company is also responsible for the on-going re-configuration projects within both the Peacock Centre and Wolsey Place.

The GROHE Sensia® redefines the “shower toilet” experience. Delivering optimum hygiene levels to your bathroom, the Sensia® shower toilet is much more than just a bidet and WC combined, and is packed with state-of-the-art features, such as a touchscreen remote control allowing you to save your favourite cleansing settings. Built with high quality, hard wearing and hygienic materials, including Duraplast, the Sensia® IGS demonstrates GROHE’s ability to combine form and function at their best. The temperature, strength and position of the cleansing jet have 7 different settings, including a power and massage cleanse and a separate feminine cleansing function to suit the individual user’s needs. Before and after each use, the cleansing nozzle is automatically rinsed with fresh water. The device also automatically performs thermal disinfection at regular intervals, ensuring excellent hygiene levels are maintained. As soon as you have selected the water temperature, jet strength and cleansing mode, GROHE Sensia® IGS saves your personal profile for your next use.

Integrated hygiene functions ensure reliable cleanliness so you always feel good – not just during the cleansing process but all day long. Smooth surfaces and a specially enamelled all-ceramic body of the WC make upkeep quick and easy. The Sensia® also features a gentle and warm drying function.

The GROHE Sensia® IGS has been designed to be gentle on the environment. The toilet has an optional energy saving mode, ensuring that the water is only heated when it is needed. And if you‘re out and about for long periods of time, the holiday program can be activated when your WC isn’t being used.

The GROHE Sensia® IGS also features:
• An innovative controller with a rotation and pressure function
• Touchscreen remote control
• LED display with subtle night-lighting
• 4 individually adjustable user profiles
• Integrated odour extraction
• Automatic user recognition upon sitting
• Soft close seat and lid
• Service hatch for straightforward maintenance

www.grohe.com/uk

“Location, location, location” said Mr Hilton. Morgan’s Mondrian London does certainly have that. Always I have thought that the views from the South Bank of the Thames looking north are far more interesting than those from the Embankment looking south. For years in the mid-20th Century hotels were reluctant to move into the areas south of the river. Maybe the historical use of Southwark as a dumping ground for criminals in the City, maybe the fact that London’s last gibbet was in Walworth Road, or maybe the lack of transport system South of the River contributed to this aversion. Whatever the reason, like sheep, the hotel brands flocked together in the West End. It was left to overseas chains to start developing hotels on the South Bank.Mondrian London is the latest to realise that the views from bedrooms and public areas alike can be spectacular looking north. The views of St. Paul’s from here are some of the best you’ll ever see, as looking north from here the skyline is as yet untrammelled by new architect ego-porn buildings.

The building itself is the old Sea Containers building, notable from the Thames for its spectacular graphic identity and the golden balls that decorated each corner. The building has lost most of its balls, and the glorious graphics of the sixties have been dumped in favour of some anaemic and facile typographic labelling asymmetrically arranged on top of the building. Given that one of the main tenants for the building (for the hotel only has about 40% of the space) is advertising giant Ogilvy and Mather the signage gives no-one any credit.

Similarly the entrance is also in my view a major design flaw, as the lobby is dominated by large ramp systems. To comply with regulation on slope etc. these ramps occupy most of the lobby area, robbing the hotel of otherwise commercially usable space. That they are not the only access solution was amply demonstrated by the Indigo Liverpool with its innovative stair lift solution. Mind you maybe the skate boarders from under the Hayward could move in here and bring some life into the space?

2014 turned out to be an extremely busy one for Dernier & Hamlyn. It saw the London based bespoke lighting designer and manufacturer produce probably the most varied types of light fittings for the widest range of sites in its 126 year history.From beautiful chandeliers for Corbin & King’s first hotel The Beaumont and their fantastic 1920s styled Austrian café Fischer’s in Marylebone to the very atmospheric Anglo Russian restaurant Bob Bob Ricard they have worked on some really challenging projects that utilised virtually the whole gamut of its highly experienced technical, engineering and manufacturing teams’ skills.

Its royal connections were further strengthened with a recently completed programme for the Tudor chapel at The Tower of London while in complete contrast they produced ultra modern lighting for the Thames side residential development Cheval Three Quays as well as fantastic refurbished offices in the City of London.

And, continuing a long tradition, of inspired art deco influenced lighting at Claridge’s they manufactured chandeliers and table lamps for the Michelin starred Fera as well as an amazing chandelier for the hotel’s private dining room that was inspired by a fitting they originally produced back in the 1930s and painstakingly recorded in their extensive archive.

This year also marked a first in their production of a beautiful book A Source of Inspiration – highlighting some of their most inspiring fittings and photographs taken over their many years in business. It is available free of charge to interior designers. To order a copy simply email your details to info@dernier-hamlyn.com.

The 265-room Ace Hotel in Shoreditch, London, is the boutique hotel’s fifth property under the Ace Hotel brand and is focused on traditional yet modern British craftsmanship. Turner & Townsend had been appointed by Atelier Ace in New York, to carry out the Project Management, Cost Management and CDM Co-ordination of the £12 million refurbishment of the former Crowne Plaza hotel.The first phase of works on the project were completed in September 2013 allowing the vast majority of the hotel to be operational (except 7th floor), including all guest rooms, lobby, cafe, restaurant, bars and flower shop. The second phase (7th floor) completed in July 2014 opening the 7th floor meeting rooms, event spaces and rooftop bar.

The team carried out intensive management of all work processes, which required a multitude of workshops for various areas and works packages, so as to ensure that the clients brief was met and the unique brand and design of Ace complemented the local area’s identity, as well as meeting the extremely demanding project delivery programme.

Turner & Townsend look forward to continuing their relationship with Atelier Ace on future projects.

Jon White, UK Managing Director commented: “The successful delivery of this landmark project in the capital’s East End is a result of our desire to properly understand our client’s needs and implement robust project management procedures to ensure that the demanding delivery standards were met.”

InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG) Hotel Indigo® brand has opened its third hotel in the New York Metro area, the 108-room Hotel Indigo Newark Downtown. Located at 810 Broad Street, this unique hotel is in the historic National State Bank Building and sits on one of the busiest corners in New Jersey, at the intersection of business, retail and culture – making it easy to walk around the neighbourhood and discover the local scene. The boutique hotel celebrates Newark’s rich history of innovation and commerce, telling the story of modern innovation over time, including a young Thomas Edison’s work to invent the stock ticker. The hotel is helping to further the revitalization efforts of the area as it continues to develop as a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination. The Newark neighbourhood story is brought to life within the hotel through art, photography and architecture incorporated into the hotel’s design, bringing local character to guests at every touch point. For example, the mosaic tile mural of Edison’s ticker tape writer displayed in the lobby was created by local artists from Glass Roots, a local community organization dedicated to promoting youth development through the arts. Additionally, the historic nature of the building, which dates back to 1912, is preserved through the exposed brick visible in guestrooms and public areas, with the furniture and upholstery embodying a vintage feel.

The Hotel Indigo Newark Downtown features restaurant ALVA and café Workshop, which offers guests and locals the opportunity to enjoy seasonal and locally sourced food from local vendors like the Military Park Farmer’s Market, and a special blend of coffee made exclusively for the hotel by TM Ward Coffee, a brand that has been in Newark for the last 145 years – bringing a taste of the neighbourhood into the hotel for guests. The restaurant helps preserve the historic nature of the building with unique touches including the conversion of the original bank vault into a pizza oven. The hotel also features Skylab, the only rooftop bar in Downtown Newark, providing guests beautiful panoramic views of the New York City skyline and locally inspired cocktails.

Guestrooms feature plush bedding, hard-surface flooring with area rugs and spa-inspired bathrooms. Each room also features an iPad with options to browse the internet, window shade and temperature setting controls, order room service and make service requests. Guests have access to a 24-hour fitness center and meeting space for up to 45 people in the Edison Room. The Newark hotel will feature the brand’s new Neighbourhood Guide, an innovative touchscreen display that connects guests to each other, the local neighbourhood and to Hotel Indigo locations around the world. Hotel team members, many of whom are locals themselves, will share their favourite hidden gems with guests looking to explore and discover the neighbourhood.

The Hotel Indigo Newark Downtown hotel is owned by The Hanini Group, LLC, and managed by Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Marriott International continues its dynamic growth in Thailand with the opening of the Courtyard by Marriott South Pattaya. Located in South Pattaya city area within walking distance to Pattaya Beach and Walking Street, the 7-storey with 132-room hotel is the exciting new addition to the Courtyard by Marriott brand in Asia – making it the 2nd Courtyard branded hotel in Thailand and the 32nd Courtyard branded hotel in Asia Pacific.Courtyard by Marriott South Pattaya offers a choice of 132 rooms with natural lighting and contemporary décor, from spacious rooms, to upgraded pool view rooms and two-bedroom Suites. Each guestroom is thoughtfully designed, complete with a flat screen LCD TV, satellite TV with international channels and electronic personal safe. All rooms and suites feature flexible areas for work and relaxation, including free Wi-Fi that helps guests stay connected and productive.

The hotel’s state-of-the-art lobby is designed to welcome guests for all occasions, from relaxation to socializing. Complimentary Wi-Fi is also available throughout all public areas of the hotels. Other facilities that make this hotel the ideal rejuvenation spot includes an outdoor swimming pool, a 24-hour Gym and Ananya Massage that opens in 2015.

MoMo café, located on the 1st floor, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet, featuring the freshest local ingredients and offering a combination of Western delicacies as well as Thai specialties. With contemporary design and décor, all day dining MoMo Café is ideal for business or casual gatherings. Alternately, MoMo Bar serves refreshing signature drinks, snacks and light music in the evening, creating a relaxed ambience for chill-out.

Tamnak Hill and Multi-function room, fully equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment and Wi-Fi access, comfortably accommodate up to 150 guests. A dedicated events team, well-appointed venues and comprehensive facilities make the new Courtyard the perfect choice for stylish social galas, business meetings, conferences and events.

The UK and Ireland’s Best Commercial Installer Team, Best Domestic Installer and the Best Apprentice are celebrating becoming winners of the Geberit Awards 2014, in association with PHAM News. Throughout 2014 Geberit has been hunting for the country’s best installers and the nominations flooded in for each of the three categories. The calibre of entries was extremely high, with installers throughout the UK and Ireland quite rightly taking a great pride in their work.

The judges of the Geberit Awards had a tough job on their hands, selecting the worthy winners, each of whom had to demonstrate why they are the best in the business, whether that be by embracing new products and techniques, by being a quick learner or by simply going above and beyond to translate the bathroom of their customers’ dreams into a reality.

The Best Commercial Installer Team Award went to J L Phillips Renewable Energy, headed up by Jason Phillips, who demonstrated outstanding teamwork when using Geberit Mapress fittings and pipes to install renewable energy systems at four poultry sites in Nottinghamshire. Working together, the team completed installation at each of the sites within two days, using more than 5,500 Geberit components in the process. “With the help of Geberit products, we achieved successful installations, finished on time and had a happy client. Winning the Geberit Award is the perfect way to round off a successful year,“ commented J L Philliips‘ Annabel Vince.

It was another large project reliant on Geberit products that won Christopher Lemons the accolade of Best Apprentice in this year’s Awards. Showing initiative and an eagerness to learn, 20-year-old Christopher took it upon himself to contact the Geberit technical team while installing a new heating system at a school, using Geberit Mapress carbon steel. “I’m always pushing to learn more and do the best I can on every job I work on,“ comments Christopher, who is in his third year of his apprenticeship with Derbyshire County Council. “I’m overwhelmed to win the Geberit Award to be honest. It will help me quite a bit in my career I should think, impressing bosses and looking really good on my CV.“

The same level of commitment and pride in his work was demonstrated by the winner of the Best Domestic Installer in the Geberit Awards, Jonathan Terry. Nominated by one of his customers who describe him as a ‘one of a kind installer‘, Jonathan heads up the installation team at Jonathan Terry Bathrooms and uses Geberit products as a matter of course when it comes to concealed parts or wall-hung applications, priding himself on always achieving a high-end finish. Justine Bullock from Taylors Etc Design, who nominated Jonathan for the Award, said: “The combination of excellent quality products and superb installation means our customers are blown away by the results.“

“I’ve always taken a great deal of pride in my work and aim for a quality finish on every job, that’s just the way I am,“ said Jonathan. “It’s nice to be recognised with the Geberit Award, particularly after being nominated by a customer, it just shows I must be doing a good job!“

Each of the Award winners drove away on new wheels, with the lease of a brand new VW Transporter Van to help them get around.

Raffaela De Vittorio, Geberit Marketing Director, commented: “We’re delighted with the success of the first ever Geberit Awards. “All of the entrants, without a single exception, demonstrated that they are at the top of their game and should all be rightly proud of their high standards of work. It’s good to see so many installers throughout the country taking pride in what they do.“

Silvertown was once one of the most important trade centres of the British Empire; it was the hub for both imports and exports, from grain to meat, to all variety of spices and foodstuffs. It is also home to one of London’s most notable buildings, the former flour mill, Millennium Mills. The ambition is for Silvertown to once more become a thriving, economic centre, but this time for new technology and the creative industries. It is destined to become an aspiring and attainable place to live, work and play.

Benoy is advising the Silvertown Partnership on the development of their Architectural Brand Strategy; a crucial component in generating the high level of commercial interest for which this major venture is aiming to attract.

Working alongside the developer, a plan is being devised which will entice globally celebrated brands to an enterprising and exciting environment, uniting civic, cultural and commercial components.

Director and London Studio Head David Ellis, who is working on the Silvertown project, sees this development as indicative of the future of Leisure and Mixed-Use; “schemes such as this are truly multi-functional. With our role as an advisor, we can see the full raft of opportunities available and guide our client on how best to infuse their personality and character into the development”.

Tom Cartledge, Global Operations Director at the company, explained that this new business offer allows the use of its expertise in even more creative and beneficial ways because “in addition to delivering award-winning architecture, we are now able to operate in an advisory capacity, providing unique intelligence and insight.”

“Projects such as Silvertown are the next generation of design and we understand the future of Retail, Mixed-Use, Leisure and Luxury developments. We have an extensive portfolio of design-led and highly successful schemes, proof of the Team’s ability to combine its real passion for creativity with its very clear commercial expertise”, Tom said on appointment to this important London regeneration project.

Hilton London Paddington, one of London’s grandest Victorian Hotels, has been a leader in offering the best services in an unrivalled location since 1854. Consistent upgrades to our product, including the £5 million full refurbishment of our bedrooms in 2012-2013, has ensured our valued guests are provided the very best service and amenities in this iconic London Hotel.The latest example of this comes with the opening of our spacious and luxurious GWR Tower Rooms and Tower Lounge @ Paddington in January 2015.

Located in an exclusive wing, the GWR Tower Rooms offer elegant and unrivalled luxury accommodation to all guests. Their high standard of quality extends to the smallest detail providing a perfect setting for an unforgettable experience and a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle in this vibrant city.

The name, GWR Tower Rooms, reflects the original name of the Hotel when it first opened in 1854 as the Great Western Royal (GWR); a tribute to the rich history associated with this iconic building. The rooms will incorporate all the facilities associated with a premium product as well as access to Hilton London Paddington’s first class lounge; the Tower Lounge @ Paddington.

Located on the top floor of this exclusive wing, the Tower Lounge @ Paddington will offer unrivalled service including individual check-in, check-out, made to order breakfast, light snacks throughout the day and cocktails and canapés during the evening.

Oded Lifschitz, UK area vice president, Hilton Worldwide said “Paddington’s character is defined by its proud heritage as the gateway to London. Brunel’s Great Western Railway (GWR) and the Heathrow Express make it one of the best connected locations in the UK. The arrival of Cross rail in 2018 will lead the further evolution of Paddington into one of the most desirable places to do business, visit and live: a destination in its own right.

The investment by Hilton London Paddington to create the stunning new GWR Tower Wing is inspired and perfectly placed, adding luxury capacity within the hotel sector and providing a fitting continuation of Brunel’s great vision.”

The Modern Garden Company offers a selection of beautiful and contemporary exterior furniture for Hotels and Spas worldwide, creating luxurious, timeless and perfectly finished spaces.As part of Sleep 2014, The Modern Garden Company were excited to showcase Paola Lenti’s Smile collection. With a relaxing sofa, armchair and ottoman pouf with a lid for storage, Smile is crafted using sophisticated and inventive techniques to create a piece of furniture which is both highly durable and exceptionally comfortable.

Paola Lenti’s cutting edge, innovative use of Aero fabric creates an inviting aesthetic with soft curves. Fabric is stretched over Smile’s structure seamlessly, creating the feeling of a soft, tactile knit. Neatly tucked away inside are multiple layers of three-dimensional, stress resistant foam padding along with a layer of water repellent polyester to ensure a product which is truly built to withstand the elements, without sacrificing style or comfort.

Paolo Lenti – The Key of Colour
Devised by Paola Lenti in 2012, ‘In the Key of Colour’ is a chromatic revolution in exterior fabrics, offering a choice of more than 500 soft and clear shades together with bright and vibrant hues.

The solid colours of the exclusive Rope technical yarn are resistant to light and atmospheric agents. Used in the production of upholstery fabrics, cords and rugs, ‘In the Key of Colour’ presents a completely unique design solution placing Paola Lenti Collections firmly at the fore -front of exterior furniture, undeterred by time or fashion.

Sunderland’s brand-new Hilton Hotel moved a step closer, as a ground-breaking ceremony took place at the city’s Stadium Park site earlier this month.The ceremony marked the commencement of work on the development, with the 141-bed hotel set to open in the spring of 2016.

The construction period will create up to 180 jobs, along with a boost to employment within the supply chain.

Once completed the hotel, part of the world famous Hilton group, will boast a feature bar and destination restaurant, meeting spaces and private dining areas and create work for more than 100 full and part-time staff, bringing a much-needed boost to Sunderland’s economy.

Cllr Harry Trueman, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s great to see this project get started, it is a fantastic development for Sunderland.”

“The city welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, to a wide range of major events, and new high-quality hotel provision like this will hopefully encourage more of those visitors to stay in Sunderland, providing an additional boost to the local economy.”

The hotel development is being built by North East-based Tolent Construction Limited. Its chairman, John Wood said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work on this very prestigious development, which will add to the ever increasing profile of Sunderland and the region.

“Our own locally-based workforce will be employed on the project and wherever possible we will resource local suppliers and subcontractors to ensure that we reinvest in the local economy.”

Leading British manufacturer of wallcoverings Muraspec, has recently launched Élan its newest range of 20oz Type II fabric-backed, vinyl wallcoverings for hotel and hospitality environments.Visitors to the Muraspec stand at the recent Sleep Event saw the debut of ten new wallcovering designs; their subtle colour palette, sumptuous textures, fabric-style embosses and weave prints, making them ideal for use in contract and commercial environments.

Élan’s understated textile backgrounds are specifically designed and manufactured for the growing interior design needs of the hospitality sector. The collection offers a sophisticated neutral look with a range of colours in matt and lustre finishes including on-trend shades of pink and grey.

In addition, the stand featured two of the well-known designs that have made Muraspec the leading supplier of commercial wallcoverings, including Vita from the Meteor collection and Utopia from the Astoria collection.

Premium bathroom fitting manufacturer, Dorbracht, also exhibited at Sleep and featured Muraspec’s Optic wallcovering at their stand. The eye-catching geometric design was selected as the ideal backdrop for their stand.

The Hotel Continental Oslo, one of Norway’s most sought after five-star hotels, has recently undergone a complete re-design.Hotel Continental Oslo is Norway’s only member of the Leading Hotels of the World Group. The hotel is over 100 years old, first opening in 1900, and has been in the same family for over four generations.

The refurbishment of the interiors comprises a sensitive re-design of the hotel’s public areas and 155 guestrooms, bringing the interiors into the 21st century whilst respecting the style of the historic property.

As Jan Wilson, Managing Director of RPW, explains “Our design bridges the gap between the much valued historic, traditional architecture and the client aspiration for a clean, contemporary and very Scandinavian concept.”

“The light palette of colours, textures and fabrics were all carefully selected to reflect this aspiration. The use of metallic, silver and pearl tones gives the interiors the lightness so necessary in dark northern latitudes whilst also creating a sense of tranquillity and warmth.”

This concept has been continued through to the public areas with the addition of yellow and gold feature fabrics and wall finishes on a light pearl palette whose elements complement the stylish grandeur of the building. The design also makes use of the Continental’s existing collection of antique furniture and art that has been acquired through the generations of owners.

“The hotel has been the venue of choice for important events in so many Norwegian lives since 1900 and we were keen to ensure that our design and choice of materials reflected the gravitas of the spaces and their use” adds Elizabeth Lane, Director or Projects at RPW.

“We wanted to reinforce the hotel’s prestige as a Nordic jewel with emphasis on luxury and individual finishing touches which would complement the existing quality of this 5-star property. The elegance that is lacking in so much contemporary design was the key objective from start to finish.”

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The Three Horseshoes Inn & Country Hotel in Blackshaw Moor, Leek, on the edge of the Staffordshire Peak District, will be opening an innovative new spa, The Mill Wheel Spa, in spring 2015. The Three Horseshoes in Blackshaw Moor was granted planning permission last October to build a substantial extension to the premises which would provide 222 square metre spa facilities, an entrance canopy and five hot tubs outside bedrooms making The Mill Wheel Spa a true destination spa.

Director Steve Kirk says of the development:
“The new building is being constructed adjacent to our present building. We have been working on the project since February 2014 and work will be complete March 2015. It will be a unique spa with lots of equipment and innovations. These are exciting times for the business and this will also bring in more leisure guests and attract more weddings. This will also help with tourism in the Staffordshire Moorlands. We will also be helping local businesses as local contractors have been employed in the construction scheme.”

The project has received help from Staffordshire Moorlands MP Karen Bradley, leader of the district council Sybil Ralphs and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Mrs Bradley said: “One of the best things about being an MP is being able to use my connections to benefit constituents and local businesses, and I’m really pleased that I’ve been able to help in this way. “It’s great news that The Three Horseshoes has been awarded money from the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Fund as it will create jobs and bring tourism to Blackshaw Moor. I know that the new spa will be a huge success and I hope to be among the first visitors when it’s complete!”

Leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Sybil Ralphs, said: “The Kirk family have a proven record for only delivering the best for their clientèle, and this latest venture is no exception.

“It will be a sophisticated and unique attraction, and a first for the Moorlands, and I wish them every success in this their latest venture.”

Morgan, the British furniture designer and manufacturer, has recently unveiled a new collection of tables.Made from walnut and oak, the new Oslo and Lucca tables are designed by Morgan Studio, and complement the wide array of original Morgan seating collections. Characterised by freeform shapes and a delicate organic structure, the designs subtly reference the style of the 1950’s. Available as coffee tables and console tables, classic materials are used in a modern way, including marble top options and brass detailing.

The timeless shapes and high value material options, make the new tables perfect for hospitality environments to be enjoyed by discerning guests.

Built in 1879 to a traditional proscenium arch design, the Lyceum is the only surviving theatre outside London designed by the famous theatre architect W.G.R. Sprague and the last example of an Edwardian auditorium in Sheffield. The grade II Listed theatre has 1068 seats and is part of the Sheffield Theatres complex with the neighbouring Crucible Theatre and the Crucible Studio. The building has changed ownership many times over the years, being used variously as a rock concert venue and a bingo hall. By the 1980s, the interior was in a state of disrepair. Two local businessmen bought the theatre in 1985, with financial support from Sheffield City Council, and between 1988 and 1990 the Lyceum was completely restored at a cost of £12 million. The theatre now serves as a venue for touring West End productions and operas as well as locally produced shows.

The Theatre closed its doors in July 2014 to undergo a £1.9 million refurbishment, thanks to funding from Arts Council England, Sheffield City Council, several trusts and foundations, the local business community and theatre audiences. Over the ten-week project, the Lyceum was transformed, creating a more comfortable experience for audiences and significantly improving the technical and operational equipment. Brintons worked with John Bates, Sheffield Theatres Trust, Buildings Manager and Johnson Wright ltd to identify a carpet that would marry both the original part of the building with the newer extension. A design from Brintons archive was chosen and the inspiration was taken from the original artwork of Japanese Shin Bijutsukai dating back to 1896. Brintons Designer Jane Bradley-Bain then recoloured the archive design using a warm and tonal colour palette, which complemented the new interior colour scheme at the theatre.

John Bates Sheffield Theatres Trust – Buildings Manager said “Brintons’ expertise in design resulted in us having a carpet that truly compliments the theatres architecture. It was planned and installed to a first class standard by Johnson Wright flooring Ltd. The project has been a great success and we give our thanks to the team involved.”

One of the signature fittings from Chelsom’s custom range, the Custom Filament is a true statement piece that is sure to create impact in any interior space.Available in two standard configurations, the size and shape can also be adapted dependent on client specifications enabling creative freedom to suit any project.

Understated in terms of its design, the decorative impact of Filament comes from the dimmable 35W 240V striking filament lamps suspended from a Penny Bronze steel frame creating a magnificent centrepiece whilst providing excellent ambient lighting.

With its stunning peacock inspired creation gracefully curving from floor to ceiling, Wilton Carpets Commercial once again caused visitors at Sleep to stop in their tracks, admiring the design creativity of the Wiltshire-based hospitality specialist. “We always look to the Sleep event as the chance to really showcase our creativity and once again, our design manager has created something very special and it has certainly been a real head turner,” said Alan Whittle, sales director, Wilton Carpets Commercial. “With brand new launches too, this has been one of our most successful Sleep events ever and it is nice to see our brand recognition growing year on year.”

Along with the stunning 210cm tall peacock feather showstopper, its graduated spectrum ranging from black and dark ruby through to lime and orange, Wilton also introduced new Link and Heritage Ready to Go ranges, expanding the manufacturer’s from stock tufted library. Link delivers a contemporary geometric in an 80/20 tufted quality, four-metre width and seven colourways, it is ideal for hospitality environments looking for a modern design. Meanwhile, Heritage offers a more classical diamond geometric in the same four-metre wide tufted specification, using seven colours suited to both classic and contemporary interiors.

Wilton also lifted the lid on the new Classical Dimensions 3 FastTrack collection, providing a fresh look at classical design in 40 axminster references that draw inspiration from classical architecture and period detail. With each design in three or more colourways, including Wilton’s popular Melrose tartan adapted to incorporate jewel-like tones, Classical Dimensions 3 promises new creative possibilities for hospitality environments.

Marriott International, Inc. is proud to announce the opening of its third hotel under the flagship Marriott Hotels brand in Hainan Province, China – Sanya Marriott Hotel Dadonghai Bay. The 458-room resort hotel sits at the foot of the picturesque Luhuitou Mountain and overlooks the beachfront and ocean. The hotel features two iconic buildings landscaped around four outdoor pools including one infinity-edged pool, luxuriant tropical gardens and a grand seafront lawn, plus the debut of an exciting new Marriott dining concept in China.Sanya Marriott Hotel Dadonghai Bay was designed by internationally acclaimed architecture firm John Portman & Associates, and comprises a stunning new building plus a refurbished Executive Wing (to be opened in first quarter of 2016), formerly the Shanhaitian Hotel. The hotel is just a short drive from the attractions of downtown Sanya, plus popular tourist sites including Nanshan Temple, Luhuitou Park and Ya No Da Tropical Rainforest Park.

Overlooking the ocean at the base of a mountain blanketed by tropical rainforest, Sanya Marriott Hotel Dadonghai Bay combines modern luxury and easy access to pristine natural beauty. The master design concept conceived by US-based architecture studio AECOM and vibrant interiors by renowned design specialists HBA, drew inspiration from the natural surroundings, and are designed to provide guests with optimal views of the splendid sunsets and sunrises over Dadonghai Bay.

The New Wing offers 292 elegant and spacious rooms and suites, each showcasing scenic mountain or ocean vistas. A large bathroom accessorized with Thann amenities invites guests to linger and spoil themselves. The opening of the refurbished Executive Wing in the first quarter of 2016 will add a further 166 oversized rooms and suites with private balconies starting from 56 sqm.

With more than 1,747 sqm of functional meeting space including a pillar-less Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 880 people, plus an outdoor terrace and an expansive seafront lawn, this will be an ideal venue for conferences, meetings and other memorable events. Sanya is increasingly popular for weddings and honeymoons, and the hotel’s wedding pavilion on the seafront lawn with backdrops of the tropical shoreline make it perfect for a dream destination wedding.

Hotel guests can enjoy a diversity of local and international dining and leisure options at five restaurants, a lounge bar and pastry shop and pastry shop, including the first Goji Kitchen in Southern China. This flexible micro-concept incorporates the latest design and technology to enable variations to its walls and partitions that alter the look and feel of the venue to suit different dining needs and moods. The Lounge is a relaxing place to enjoy locally inspired cocktails, specialty drinks and Chinese teas, and The China Baking Company is a modern adaptation of a traditional Hong Kong bakery. Opening in early 2016, Man Ho Chinese Restaurant will serve authentic Shandong cuisine, and Smoki Moto will be a specialty Korean barbeque and Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant with a fresh, cosmopolitan ambience.

The two buildings of Sanya Marriott Hotel Dadonghai Bay feature four outdoor swimming pools stylishly arranged around the beachfront gardens. The infinity pool is part of a natural break between the two buildings, and includes shaded swimming areas with poolside palm trees and tropical foliage. In addition, a lap pool merges into the longest water feature in Sanya that runs along the seafront. Families will enjoy a dedicated kids pool connected to the adult pool at the lower level beside the beach and ocean.

Junior guests can spend quality time at the largest indoor Kids Club of any hotel in Sanya. Offering more than 700 sqm of naturally lit playing and education spaces for young guests plus an active space with an exhilarating slide ride and an exterior kids’ corner. When fully completed, the hotel will also offer a deluxe Health Club, with a 24-hour Fitness Center offering superb ocean views, male and female dry sauna rooms, snooker room and table tennis room, a full-service SPA and a Water Sports Center.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has signed an agreement with Bari Gruppe GmbH & Co. KG to open the first Element hotel in The Netherlands. Offering bright, modern design and green-minded sensibilities, Element Amsterdam will offer both business and leisure travellers a bright, stylish atmosphere to fuel a life in balance and on the move. An adaptive re-use project, Element Amsterdam will be developed by Kroonenberg Groep B.V. who will transform a former office building in the Gelderlandplein shopping centre into the sleek, new hotel. Element Amsterdam’s 160 light-filled studios and one-bedroom suites will be stylish and designed for comfort. Each will feature a fluid design of modular furniture, swivelling flat-screen televisions, large desks with open shelving and custom-designed closets. Bathrooms will be spa-inspired, with an invigorating rain shower and dual-flush toilet. Rooms will also feature fully equipped energy-efficient kitchens and the signature Heavenly® Bed to ensure a good night’s rest.

Furthermore, the hotel will offer guests Motion, a state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness centre, two meeting rooms with modular furnishings, a flexible layout and state-of-the-art technology that can be customised to meet any business or social needs and a fully equipped business centre. In addition, Element Amsterdam will offer a signature all-day dining restaurant and bar.

Al Rayyan Tourism and Investment Company (“ARTIC”), the international hospitality subsidiary of Al Faisal Holding Company, one of Qatar’s largest private diversified industry groups, has recently announced that it has acquired 97% of The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel in New York.Built in 1962, The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel is located at the heart of Mid-Town and combines the age-old glamour of New York and classic Art Deco detailing with a coveted Times Square location. The 22 storey property features 689 rooms and suites, commercial space and is within easy reach of numerous New York landmarks. The Hotel covers an entire block of 44,100sqm and is situated at 790 Seventh Avenue.
ARTIC’s acquisition of The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel is another significant step forward in the global expansion of its investment portfolio and its strategy of buying high quality assets in prime locations to which it can add value.

H.E. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman of ARTIC, commented on the acquisition: “Since the creation of ARTIC in 2003, our objective has been to have a presence in major cities around the world through high quality investments.

ARTIC’s success and sustainable growth stems from its balanced, long term investment strategy and I am delighted with this acquisition which represents an important addition, bringing our current portfolio to 24 premium hotels and resorts. The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel has a superb location; at the very heart of the City and meets our uncompromising investment focus on asset quality, location and architectural design. We will continue to enhance ARTIC’s portfolio of premium hotels in line with the Company’s medium-term plans for a flotation on one of the international stock exchanges. This is our third hotel investment in the US and I am confident that there will be more to come.”

Mr. Tarek M. El Sayed, Executive Board Member, said: “As the US economic recovery accelerates, the hospitality sector is seeing the highest occupancy rates in decades. The US is a key market for our geographic expansion and this acquisition is an important milestone in ARTIC’s development. The Hotel’s enviable location, sizeable plot and scope for further development provide the opportunity to significantly upgrade the property. In that respect we are planning a major renovation which will include additional retail space. Upon the completion of the renovation, the hotel will be managed by a leading international hotel company. We entered the US market in 2012 and now have a presence in three key cities – Chicago, Miami and New York. We look forward to further enhancing our US presence with a particular focus on the West Coast as the economy continues to recover and more opportunities arise”.

Mr. Rutger Smits, CEO of ARTIC, added: “As a leading global hospitality real estate investment company with a long-term strategic investment approach, this acquisition fits perfectly with our strategy. The potential of this property is considerable and we have the know-how, successful track record and financial strength to support its development plans. ARTIC does not simply look to acquire trophy assets, we also look to buy assets that we can upgrade and to which we can add real value. As we expand our geographical presence, we remain committed to our core values and in particular the three elements on which we never compromise when buying or developing any property: quality, location and architectural design.”

GROHE’s innovative technology uses the tap’s own water flow to drive a turbine, concealed in a small box installed below the basin. This converts the energy from the flowing water into storable electrical energy which then powers the tap’s infrared function. Just 60 seconds of running water delivers and stores enough energy to power the mixer for 24 hours- saving water, energy and money for your project.The Powerbox’s simple design means its positive benefits can be applied to a wide number of applications. It’s especially suited to busy public facilities, from airports and hotels to offices and public institutions. Its self-sustaining power model and low maintenance design also makes it perfect for projects where mains electricity is absent or unreliable, and is a great choice for projects emphasising sustainability and eco-efficiency.

The PowerBox maintains GROHE’s standards of design excellence, and can be used with three different tap designs – GROHE’s Europlus E, Eurosmart Cosmopolitan E for mixed water and the Euroeco Cosmopolitan E for a cold water only fitting.

Raj Mistry, GROHE UK Marketing Director, comments: “We’re delighted to unveil the new PowerBox from GROHE, which will be able to deliver an energy efficient and money saving solution to a wide variety of sanitary projects”.

www.grohe.com/uk

GA Design International won a European Hotel Design Award for their excellent redesign of The Rosebery Room at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park.

The Rosebery’s elegantly designed interior features custom made seating, tables and credenzas by RHA Furniture.“Every item we supplied was custom made in amazing materials with special finishes. Custom made tables and credenzas were made in the UK by our factory based in Leamington Spa.”
Richard Hunt, Managing Director of RHA Furniture.

Another 2014 award winner also features RHA Furniture; since opening earlier this year, The House Spa at Dormy House Hotel has received great industry reviews and awards that include Best Spa Hotel, The Smith Hotel Awards and Best Destination Hotel, Condé Nast Johansens.

RHA Furniture worked with award-winning spa designers Sparcstudio to supplied a mixture of iconic furniture designs and high quality bespoke pieces.

“It was designed to reflect the Danish origins of the lovely family that have owned the Hotel for many years and the style could be described as ‘Cotswold Chic’ with a touch of ‘Copenhagen Cool’.” Beverley Bayes, Director of Sparcstudio.

Contact RHA Furniture for more information or to discuss a project.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ is delighted to welcome Hunas Falls by Amaya to its wide range of luxury boutique hotels in Sri Lanka. Seated by the foot of the Hunasgiriya Mountain, the hotel overlooks the breathtaking Hunas Falls and is surrounded by stunning scenery of mountains and lakes. The hotel is 16 miles from the city of Kandy, a three hour drive from Bandaranaike International Airport to a world of serenity.Equipped with 31 lavish rooms and suites which offer spectacular views of the surrounding gardens and stunning mountain ranges, guests are removed from the hustle and bustle of city life as they step into this tranquil oasis. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a mini golf course, a tennis court and a restaurant.

Guests are invited to explore exotic flora and fauna, lush forests and magnificent landscapes on the cultural and nature tours hosted by the hotel’s expert naturalist. If guests prefer to stay onsite, they can also participate in bird watching within the premises of the hotel’s garden and enjoy spotting a diverse range of species. Tip: visit during the migratory period and guests will be treated to unique migratory bird species.

The hotel is undergoing renovations to upgrade its facilities and will be opened for booking from tomorrow (15 December 2014). Reservations can be made for stays after this date.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announces the opening of the newly renovated 91 room Holiday Inn Express® & Suites Fredericton. Formerly a Lakeview Inns & Suites hotel, the property is located in the growing business area of uptown Fredericton. The hotel offers easy access to the TransCanada Highway 2, Princess Margaret Bridge and Regent Mall. Near the hotel are the Fredericton Golf Club, Fredericton International Airport and St. John River, where guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, breathtaking views and local cuisine. Located at 665 Prospect St., the newest addition to IHG’s hotels in New Brunswick features a completely renovated lobby with modern open-concept and sophisticated décor. The hotel offers unique guestrooms, two of which feature quality Artika laminate flooring for guests who have environmental sensitivities and allergies. All rooms have been completely remodeled with new beds, furniture, window treatments, paint scheme, artwork and light fixtures to deliver the consistent and enjoyable travel experience Holiday Inn Express hotel guests have come to expect.

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fredericton, owned and managed by D.P. Murphy Inc., is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

Internationally renowned hospitality interiors studio JOI-Design has received top honours in two prestigious design competitions. The creative team was presented with a 2014 Gold Key Award in the “So Cool” category for their design of the Hotel-Kompetenz-Zentrum (HKZ), or centre for hotel design excellence, in Oberschleißheim near Munich. The designers have also won in the “Restaurant, Bar and Lounge” and “Floor Architecture” categories of the newly launched Finest Interior Award competition for their renovation of the JW Marriott Cannes.“We are thrilled to have been honoured on a global scale with awards that recognise high quality interior design ‘Made in Germany’”, says Peter Joehnk, co-managing director of JOI-Design. “I want to emphasise that this success is shared by the team of ‘JOI-Design’, with Wiebke Biss as Project Manager for the JW Marriott Cannes and Heinrich Böhm for the Hotel-Kompetenz-Zentrum.”

Gold Key Award
For the 34th Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design, sponsored by Boutique Design and HOTELS magazines and part of the annual BDNY and IHMRS trade fairs in NYC, a panel of nine industry experts considered entries from around the world and conferred the “So Cool” accolade upon the Hamburg-based studio.

The prize was bestowed for the team’s innovative transformation of over 1000m² of floor space into HKZ, a curated gallery of ideas for hotel design from which professionals such as hotel developers, operators and managers can “shop” amongst diverse concepts and test a range of products for guestrooms, corridors, and public areas. In addition to spaceplanning the overall flow and coordination of the permanent exhibition, JOI-Design developed each space’s design from concept through to installation. The gallery floor reveals eleven diverse guestroom scenarios ranging from a comfortable three-star setting to an opulent five-star suite, as well as a large reception area plus a working bar and café.

The ability to compare so many different set-ups side-by-side helps hoteliers discover what is best for their own properties. An extensive library of materials enables an array of patterns, palettes and innovations in carpeting, wallpaper, tiles, etc… to not only be seen and touched, but to be instantly trialled in situ whilst exploring a wealth of combinations. This mix of diversity and ease guarantees an optimal decision-making method for investors, operators and hoteliers.

Finest Interior Award
The Finest Interior Award competition was launched this year by Danish furnishing company
BoConcept to recognise creativity in planning and implementing new or revitalised designs. During the inaugural ceremony at the Royal Danish Embassy in Berlin, JOI-Design was honoured with the “Restaurant, Bar and Lounge” and “Floor Architecture” awards for their stylish modernisation of the JW Marriott Cannes.

JOI-Design was charged with re-establishing this hotel’s reputation as the place to see and be seen amongst the international jet-set in this glamorous destination. Located on the famed Promenade de la Croisette, the site is the former home of the Palais des Festivals, which was originally constructed in 1949 to host the Cannes International Film Festival. The clean lines of the current building’s 1980s architecture have been carried into the new interior design. Tasteful elegance is expressed through pure materials, expert craftsmanship, refined details, intriguing finishes and an understated palette of greys, chocolate, charcoal and ivory accented with warm golden tones. The bar itself is a statement piece of sculptural curves finished in Macassar Ebony timber and burnished gold, with glass pendant lights above adding a flattering ambience. Plush white leather seating at the high-gloss Champagne tables contrasts with the dark grey marble flooring, and an adjacent wall displays am imaginatively designed wine rack feature with bottles suspended within delicate rose-gold mesh. The bar and lobby’s shared seating area opens onto an impressive five-storey “temple” of glamour, a dramatic, illuminated sculpture made from delicate gold leaves that cascade 20 metres into the centre.

The “Floor Architecture” award was bestowed for the designers’ clever use of flooring materials. Enlivened by a pattern of golden palm fronds, chocolate brown carpet defines the seating space. Inlaid bronze “meridian lines” sweep through the carpeting and the surrounding polished marble floor to strengthen the sense of connection between the areas.

“Designing the JW Marriott Cannes was such a joy”, explains Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk, comanaging director of JOI-Design. “In a locale where seeing and being seen is an activity in itself, we have shaped its atmosphere so that both the glitterati and the star-gazers will feel cared for and immersed in luxury. We are delighted that our accomplishment has been honoured with two Finest Interior Awards.”

JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts plans to open its first Italian hotel in Venice and first resort in Europe in March 2015. The 266-room property, created in collaboration with award-winning Italian architect firm Matteo Thun & Partners, has an exceptional lagoon location on its own island, with stunning views of St Mark’s Square and La Serenissima.JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa will combine the very best in contemporary hotel design with the heritage and elegance of its location, bringing the historic buildings and parklands of Isola delle Rose (Rose Island) back to life as a world-class urban resort. The hotel buildings have been sensitively refurbished by Matteo Thun & Partners to incorporate sustainable, modern and elegant design within the historic building. Tranquil bedrooms and suites, some with private pools, are simply decorated with locally made bricks, glass and tiles to reflect the artisanal talent and styles of the region.

With over 16 acres to explore, guests will experience unparalleled levels of privacy and space. Among the numerous gardens and outdoor areas are landscaped spots for quiet contemplation, as well as fruit arbours, olive groves and cultivated plots to provide fresh ingredients for the property’s diverse food and drink offerings, including four restaurants and five bars and a cooking school and wine academy. Restored outbuildings scattered around the island house a range of facilities including a picturesque function space in an old church and the spa.

In keeping with JW Marriott’s refined but informal ethos and personal service, the 1,750-metre spa, operated by GOCO Hospitality, is the largest in Venice, offering both bespoke treatments and a range of classic spa rituals from product houses including !QMS Medicosmetics and Amala. It also has an indoor and outdoor aqua-tonic pool, a health club, eight treatment rooms, a hammam and luxury spa suite.

Additional hotel facilities will include a kid’s club and dedicated family pool, water sports such as canoeing and sailing, and a sensational rooftop pool offering dramatic views across the lagoon to St. Mark’s Square, which can be reached by private boat in just fifteen minutes. Guests will also be able to try authentic Murano Glass and Venetian Mask making with weekly workshops led by local artisans.

When innovative new house builder Christian Staunskjaer decided to try and build a ultra low energy Passivhaus in The Surrey Hills, every consideration was made as to the carbon footprint of the building. From the materials used in its construction to the eventual running costs of the finished house, no stone was left unturned in search for the most energy efficient and lowest carbon options.Passivhaus sets the standard for energy performance

Passivhaus or ‘Passive House’ is the fastest growing energy performance standard in the world with 30,000 buildings realised to date with the majority of those since the turn of the century. This robust approach to building design allows the designer to minimise the ‘Heating Demand’ of the building and heat can then be recovered and circulated by a Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) unit.

The Passivhaus standard was developed in Germany in the early 1990s by Professors Bo Adamson of Sweden and Wolfgang Feist of Germany and the first dwellings to be completed to the Passivhaus Standard were constructed in Darmstadt in 1991.

UK manufacturers combine to offer beautiful interiors

As the developer, Low Energy Developments built the 4 bedroom house to strict Passivhaus standards and designed all the interiors for the project. The lower floors of the building used Wandsworth’s Classic Collection, featuring twin switched sockets and toggle light switches, in Satin Nickel to give a contemporary feel to the living areas.

Upstairs, where the designs were more ornate, the Crystal Collection was used with toggle switches so as to show off the range of wallpapers from the UK’s Cole & Son and lighting by another UK manufacturer Jim Lawrence.

British manufactured switches and sockets

Likewise, Wandsworth’s accessories were chosen for the project as they are 100% manufactured and assembled in the UK and not imported from China like so many other options available. This ensured that the electrical accessories were sourced locally thus adding both luxury and quality to the project whist keeping the carbon footprint to a minimum.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announces the opening of the Holiday Inn Express® hotel in Yopal, Colombia. Located approximately 200 miles from Bogota in the northeastern region of Colombia, the new-build, 89-room hotel is situated in downtown Yopal, the capital city of the Department of Casanare. Well-situation to meet the needs of travellers to the area, the Holiday Inn Express Yopal is located near four major international oil refineries and processing plants: Halliburton, Perenco, Equion and Ecopetrol. The Holiday Inn Express Yopal hotel offers guests a comfortable, yet affordable stay with innovative, guest- preferred upgrades to ensure a pleasurable experience with amenities that include an outdoor swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness center, complimentary high-speed Internet access and a business center and 1,200 square feet of meeting space capable of transforming into three smaller meetings rooms. Business travelers will find large desks with ergonomic chairs and free local and toll free phone calls with voicemail. Additionally, guests can enjoy complimentary parking.

Guestrooms feature contemporary styling, a 32-inch HD LED TV, comfortable twin, queen or king-sized beds, a sitting area with a lounge chair and an in-room coffee machine. 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.

Owned and managed by Antares S.A., a construction and real estate company based in Bogota, the Holiday Inn Express® hotel in Yopal is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

“Yopal has experienced a significant increase in business travellers due to the recent boom in the local oil industry, and the Holiday Inn Express brand is ideal to meet the growing demand of these travellers,” said Gerardo Murray, regional vice president, Distribution and Commercial Marketing, Mexico, Latin America and Caribbean, IHG. “The hotel’s convenient location near restaurants and local attractions also makes it a perfect destination for leisure travellers.”

“It is very exciting to expand IHG’s Holiday Inn Express brand in new cities,” said Alvaro Diago, chief operating officer, Latin America and Caribbean, Americas, IHG. “IHG already has a vast portfolio of internationally recognized brands in Colombia, and opening this hotel in Yopal is in line with IHG’s growth strategy in the country.”

Marriott International continues to expand in Eastern Europe with the opening of its first hotel in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the 75-suite Residence Inn Sarajevo. The hotel, operated by an affiliate of U.S.-based Interstate Hotels & Resorts, is the first internationally-branded hotel in the country and fills a gap in the extended stay market with spacious suites and studios that enable guests to thrive on long stays.Ideal for stays of five nights or more, the Residence Inn Sarajevo comprises 62 studios and 13 suites, each with a fully-equipped kitchen and separate areas for eating, working and relaxing. The well-designed rooms promote productivity with large, well-lit work desks, ergonomic chairs and complimentary high-speed Internet. A welcoming and restorative feel is created throughout with warm, earthy colours and light wood fixtures and fittings. Natural light floods the rooms through floor to ceiling windows and each suite has its own private terrace.

Designed to meet the needs of extended-stay guests, the inviting public spaces feature flexible seating for working or relaxing and a 24-hour Market selling drinks, snacks and meals. Additional facilities at the Residence Inn Sarajevo include free grocery delivery, airport pick up and drop off (at additional charge) and a fitness centre with sauna.

Ideally located just twenty minutes from the airport and near the old city, the Residence Inn Sarajevo provides convenient access to the city’s historical and cultural attractions as well as restaurants, cafes and shops. An attractive year-round destination, Sarajevo is known for its variety of summer festivals and skiing throughout the winter months.

Luxury fabric specialist, Kobe, has been chosen to showcase its products at the prestigious Paris Déco Off event, taking place in the city for the sixth consecutive year in January.The exclusive five-day event, open to professionals and the general public, is one of the most esteemed in Europe, hosting the crème de la crème of textile houses – selected by invitation only.

David Harris, managing director of Kobe UK, said: “We were delighted to be chosen to take part in this internationally renowned event. It’s an opportunity to reinforce our brand with over 21,000 professionals from all over the world who visit Paris to inspire and update themselves on the latest in the world of interiors.”

During the show, the company will be launching its newest introductions for 2015, City Chic and Brissac.

Inspired by the Hollywood’s Golden Age, known for its lavish glitz and glamour, City Chic brings together a rich array of interior fabrics, providing endless creative opportunities. From opulent velvets to fluid satins, plains in trendy colours, patterns ranging from traditional pied de poulé to fantasy animal skin and natural fabrics incorporating metallic yarns, its vivacious style lends itself to those who dare to set trends.

Brissac pays homage to the French Napoleonic Empire style period, featuring sumptuous printed metallic velvets in a range of intricate patterns including toile de jouy florals, medallions and Greek and Roman inspired ornaments. The colour palette is also reminiscent of the Empire period, ranging from ecru and beige to pastel tints and shades of gold and brown.

The two new collections complement Kobe’s existing portfolio of luxurious fabrics and follow the recent launch of Aurora – a range of high satins, sumptuous velvets and intricately patterned jacquards, capturing the essence of Nordic light tones.

Kobe UK is part of the Dutch-based Kobefab International company which supplies more than 8,000 interior design and soft furnishing customers in over 60 countries with more than 7,000 products from its headquarters in Valkenswaard, Holland. More than 90% of its products are developed in-house and 95% of all sourcing is done in Europe. Kobe’s Contract Sales hold a gold membership with Trevira CS and has a wide range of 100% Trevira CS fabrics – which are Oekoteks 100 certified and are regarded as the highest quality in FR inherent fabrics. Kobe’s vinyl wall coverings are also FR inherent, durable and demand minimal maintenance. They contain recycled materials and are printed using water based inks making them environmentally sound. Kobe wallcoverings can also contribute to a building achieving LEED credits.

The UK operation is based in Crowthorne, Berkshire.

With the introduction of Perspex® Naturals, a new collection of acrylics replicating the earthy tones found in natural stone, the design team at Signbox has been busy revamping our exclusive range of pictograms.The Matt Design range is available in 8 standard colours and sized at 150mm x 150mm x 5mm. Graphics are digitally screenprinted to the surface, using the on-trend, no-frills FF Netto typeface by Daniel Utz.

Pictograms are based upon the most popular symbols used for wayfinding with 15 options available from stock. If a particular design is required, please contact our sales team for advice.

From hospitality to workplace, education to healthcare, the Perspex® Naturals Matt Design range will suit both traditional or contemporary interiors. Its double sided matt surface meets the desire for simple, natural looking materials that perform to high standards in demanding environments.

The Matt Design collection is manufactured from the new Perspex Naturals range of material and you can find more information on our eshop, here.

The second stage of refurbishment at the Holiday Inn Darlington North is now under way with work focusing on the remaining 56 guest rooms, public areas and décor at the Holiday Inn Darlington North due. A project set to complete mid-December 2014.Both existing and new hotel guests will be able to experience a completely revitalised and energetic ambiance, the 56 rooms will be undergoing an extensive aesthetic overhaul with new flooring, carpets, painted feature wall and upgraded amenities giving the bedroom a fresh and modern feel, one that echoes the ever popular open lobby hotel space below.

To ensure total brand and product reinforcement, the team have focussed on every area that the guests experiences. This transformation will include uplift of the corridor carpets, walls, ceilings, hallways and stairwells leading to the guest rooms to ensure the consistency of quality throughout the hotel.

“We are delighted to announce the refurbishment works have begun at our hotel and we are very excited to welcome guests to experience the soon be completely refurbished hotels new look. The renovation symbolises another milestone for our hotels history, with this makeover set to ensure that the hotel maintains its rightful position in the local, national and international market” Says Patricia MacInnes General Manager of Holiday Inn Darlington North.

Seltex has recently revamped their website, www.seltex.co.uk, and invite you to take a moment to explore the new areas.A direct link to their interactive app in the App Store (iTunes) means it’s even easier to visualise beautiful wallcoverings in your project.

The newly designed site features a digital/ bespoke area where you can search over 40 million photo and vector images to create stunning wallcoverings, perfect for creating feature walls.

We hope you enjoy the new site – if there’s anything you’d like to ask us, just get in touch!

Marriott International, Inc. has recently announced the opening of the AC Hotel New Orleans Bourbon, celebrating the official entrée of AC Hotels by Marriott into North America. Originally founded in 1998 by renowned Spanish hotelier Antonio Catalan, AC Hotels is one of the most well-known hotel brands in Spain. Following its success in Europe, a joint venture was formed with Marriott International in 2011 establishing AC Hotels by Marriott as a lifestyle brand within the company’s global portfolio.Opened in November, the new AC Hotel New Orleans Bourbon rests on Carondelet Street on the cusp of the French Quarter in the city’s historic cotton exchange building. The iconic building is a National Historic Landmark which first opened in 1871 as a centralized forum for the trade of cotton. Gracious and chic, many of the 220 hotel rooms offer stunning views of the city. The hotel will operate under a franchise agreement with NewcrestImage, a Texas-based hotel development, construction and management company.

AC Hotels by Marriott is the antidote to this modern age of multi-tasking and over-stimulation with its purposeful European design, which edits away the superfluous in order to create moments of pause for travellers.

Each new AC Hotels location will feature signature amenities and culinary elements including the AC Lounge experience, the AC Library and the AC Kitchen.

The AC Lounge experience is inspired by the idea of “draft and craft,” a place within the hotel where guests can work during the day and relax after hours with a perfectly made cocktail and thoughtfully curated menu of small bites ordered right from the bartender. The AC Lounge will also offer wines on tap and craft beers unique to the area. The AC Library provides a quiet space to linger and be inspired.

Open uniquely for breakfast, the AC Kitchen is grounded in the idea of a European home, welcoming guests with buttery croissants and breakfast delights including an artisan slicer allows for guests to experience a taste of Europe each morning with Iberico inspired artisanal Prosciutto Americain. The kitchen will also feature AC Hotels by Marriott signature Iced Coffee.

When I started my own practice in 1982, one of the first companies we specified was Chelsom. Whilst other big names in the lighting industry have struggled to develop, or even ceased trading, Robert Chelsom and his son Will have led the development of the family business steadily, taking it to its current position as one of the stalwarts of the interior design supply industry that HotelDesigns is proud to represent to the world.
Regular readers of our Industry columns will have seen many articles on hotels supplied by the company as they continue to expand their range and reach. I first visited the company in their offices in Lancashire some dozen years ago, and they continue to work from the now much busier location, but have built a strong custom manufacturing service in Lancashire whilst developing their high quality manufacturing plant in China.

Whilst other companies complain about quality and bring manufacturing back into Britain, Robert is passionate in defending the quality of their Chinese manufacturing plant. The company has invested heavily in building relationship and quality control systems and now their product quality is unmatched (and, says Robert, cannot be matched in the UK) whilst the Chinese plant has enabled the company to extend its supply into the enormously growing S.E. Asia market with minimal transport costs.

The design and prototyping work is carried out and refined in the UK prior to manufacturing, most of it carried out in Lancashire by the father and son team. Robert talked about the criteria for manufacturing for Hospitality in a recent well received article on Hotel Designs (see Designing Hotel Lighting)

Accor is proud to announce two new hotels in Scotland, bringing its total in the country to 20. These new hotels demonstrate Accor’s commitment to growing its business in Scotland, where it currently employs nearly 1,000 people. In Glasgow Accor has signed a franchise agreement with MCTH Trading Limited to open an ibis Styles on Miller Street in the current Telfer House, which is undergoing extensive refurbishment. This is the city’s first ibis Styles, which will be managed and operated by the Glasgow based hotel management company, Redefine|BDL Hotels.

ibis Styles hotels provide guests with a comfortable stay in a stylishly designed environment at a budget all inclusive price-point, and the peace of mind that comes from staying with Europe’s largest hotel brand. The ibis family of brands is already proving successful in Scotland, with three opening in Edinburgh this year alone.

Like all ibis Styles, the new Glasgow hotel will have its own individual personality, drawing inspiration from local surroundings and culture, providing guests with a unique experience wherever they stay. Management company, Redefine|BDL Hotels, will take on a new team to operate the 101 room, eight storey hotel, creating 25 jobs ahead of the scheduled opening in autumn 2015.

In Edinburgh, Accor has signed a deal to open a stylish, brand new Mercure hotel at 38 Gardner’s Crescent in central Edinburgh. The 110 room, midscale hotel will be opened with a franchise partner; Edinburgh City Hotels Limited, in Spring 2015. All bedrooms boast Apple TV’s and there will be high speed internet throughout the hotel.

Mercure prides itself on being the only 4-star hotel brand that combines the strength of an international network, with a strong quality commitment and individualised local touches.

Thomas Dubaere, Managing Director, Accor UK & Ireland said: “These new hotels will help us to expand the Accor brands in Scotland, where our business is already enjoying great success. We’re especially pleased to be working with franchise partners for these economy and midscale hotels, as these are segments where we see a lot of growth potential. Scotland is an important region for us, with its enviable tourism industry and flourishing business ecosystem, so we continue to seek new opportunities to grow and participate in the local economy.”

With the opening of the Miami Beach EDITION, a spectacular next-generation urban resort by Ian Schrager in partnership with Marriott International, the city not only gains a unique oceanfront complex designed for 21st century recreation, socializing, networking, and business, but also takes its next great leap into the future.In many ways, the new EDITION represents the most important step forward for the city since the moment when Schrager’s last Miami hotel, the Delano, opened in 1992—and changed everything. “Up till then there hadn’t been a new hotel built in Miami Beach in almost forty years,” Schrager recalls. For decades, the great mid-20th century resort city and its hotels had slipped into stasis and decline, as the jet age allowed vacationing Americans to flock to Europe and the Caribbean in place of their old Florida standby. But in the early 1990s, Schrager sensed that something exciting and fresh was emerging in the historic Art Deco blocks of South Beach: a new population, and new kind of cultural energy. Building on that realization, he created the Delano—and suddenly Miami Beach was on the map again, the hotel’s cutting-edge design and stylish atmosphere drawing sophisticated travelers back to the city for the first time in a generation. “The fundamentals were always there: the ocean, the beach, the weather, the frequent flights,” Schrager notes. “All one had to do, it seemed to me, was create something special and comfortable; it was an example of ‘build it and people will come.’”

Two decades later, the Miami Beach EDITION represents the next great seminal event in the life of the city. Like its predecessor, it is built upon a realization about the profound shifts and changes that have transformed Miami in the years since the Delano opened. No longer merely a getaway spot for people seeking a break from winter, or the place, as Lenny Bruce put it, “where neon goes to die,” Miami has emerged in the last two decades as world-class capital, a 24-hour gateway city whose cultural scenes— in art, architecture, music, fashion, cuisine, design—now rival any of the world’s urban centers, and attract people from every corner of the globe. The explosive growth of Art Basel Miami has made the city a focal

point of the international art world, while the rise of lively new areas such as the Biscayne Boulevard corridor, Wynwood, the Design District—along with downtown Miami itself—have given it the kind of resurgent, bustling, creative districts that cities like New York, Los Angeles, Paris and London have long enjoyed.

Above all, a tectonic shift is placing Miami at the fulcrum of 21st century culture, as the longtime cultural primacy of East and West Coasts, built in part on their ties with, respectively, Europe and Asia, is now being supplemented by the emergence of a third great “coast,” looking south, and energized by its links to the vibrant energies of Latin America—in music, fashion, art, design, food, entertainment—energies which are being funneled through Miami as nowhere else, and turning it into a new kind of global capital. “The old ‘bicoastal’ cultural model,” Schrager notes, “is really now more ‘tricoastal’: a kind of golden triangle of New York, L.A., and Miami.” The arrival of the new EDITION, like the Delano two decades ago, will at once ratify the city’s new stature—and propel its evolution even further.

Continued on page two…

The 162-room Courtyard by Marriott Recife has officially opened its doors in the beautiful city of Recife in the north-eastern state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The hotel is only a short walk to the beach and has convenient access to the city’s best restaurants, shopping and cultural attractions.“The Courtyard brand is expanding across the world at a rapid pace and we’re thrilled to introduce this innovative brand to Brazil,” said Craig S. Smith, president of the Caribbean and Latin America at Marriott International. “With the opening of the Courtyard by Marriott in Recife, the brand now has a portfolio of 24 hotels in 11 countries in the Caribbean and Latin America, and we look forward to receiving more and more Brazilian guests as we expand our footprint in the country in the next few years.”

The Courtyard by Marriott Recife offers complimentary high-speed Internet in guest rooms and public areas, so guests can stay connected while travelling, as well as large work desks in each room for a more peaceful work environment.

One of the key elements of the Courtyard “refreshing business” lobby is the GoBoard®, which presents local information such as maps, weather, and news on a 55-inch LCD touch screen. Guests can utilize the screen for instant access to flight information, local airports, entertainment and local event information, as well as walking directions and have it all sent to their smart phones.

The Courtyard by Marriott Recife will feature the brand’s signature “Bistro” that offers healthy food choices and a variety of International options. As part of the Bistro, the hotel will also have an evening bar with speciality beverages. The hotel will also feature a complete fitness centre, a 24 hour Market and four spacious meeting rooms totalling over 3.000 square feet of meeting space.

The Photon SpaceTM provides a new hospitality and well-being experience combining the latest in all-glass technology with sophisticated design; to let the benefits of natural light in.

Launched on Crowdcube (UK, 27th November), this revolutionary architectural structure is the first of its kind to address every day issues such as stress, low energy, jet-lag and broader health problems by allowing natural daylight into the space to balance essential body rhythms. This exciting project combines years of research, glass innovation, engineering and architecture to provide a new way to restore, relax and rejuvenate.

In our modern lives we spend too much time indoors, despite the fact that scientific research shows that daylight has profound benefits for our health, mood and productivity. We have ignored the fact that we still require exposure to natural light for psychological and physiological reasons to stay in tune with our biological clocks and to keep us healthy and happy.

Engineered with the latest advances in nano-technology, The Photon SpaceTM is a luxury daylight suite constructed entirely from intelligent glass to allow the maximum amount of natural light into a comfortable living environment. Within a 45m2 footprint, this all-glass structure provides 360 degree views, which contribute to the acute sense of space and greater connectivity with the natural surrounding environment.

The suite is designed as a compact living solution, incorporating a furnished sitting room and double bedroom with a modular integrated kitchen and bathroom.

The Photon SpaceTM design is supported by long-term studies from Oxford University led by Professor Russell Foster into the non-visual photoreceptor (our built-in mechanism that adjusts to external cues) and circadian rhythms dedicated to setting our natural 24 hour body clock. He has confirmed that natural light provides the critical input for synchronising our body clocks in accordance with environmental time

“After five years of research and technological advances in the glass systems we work with, we are very excited to be able to manufacture this revolutionary suite. As a group of experts in the glass and architecture industry, we are very passionate about bringing its’ benefits to the market,” explains Charlie Sharman, Managing Director, The Photon Project.

The multi-layered, high-performance glass walls are bonded to curved glass beams and allow for total transparency and temperate climate control to create a safe, relaxing and harmonious environment. The Photon SpaceTM can be set to reduce stress levels and regulate sleep patterns by accessing more of the blue light spectrum and allowing daylight to flood into the suite. This is done with the latest in nanotechnology, as the space can be darkened for privacy to provide a perfect night-time setting to regulate sleep when you need it most – even during the day.

The Photon SpaceTM is a modular construction so it can be erected and finished quickly in around 4 weeks. It has an integrated steel sub-frame so it can be built in virtually all locations – it “touches the earth lightly” and can therefore be removed with minor local impact on the surroundings. The suites are especially relevant for hospitality destinations like spas, health retreats, hotels and resorts, high-rise roof–tops, medical centres and safari lodges.

Visit www.crowdcube.com to see our full pitch, video and Business Plan- for even more details about the science, the technology and the people involved go to www.thephotonproject.org

“We believe that bringing the Newmor brand to our UK customers will ultimately deliver unrivalled service and cost savings for the project,” says Toby Morris, Managing Director of Newmor Wallcoverings.Formally known in the UK as Dixon Tuner, Newmor has grown to become one of the largest independent contract wallcovering manufacturers in the UK. Since its conception in 1967 by john Morris, the company is proud to be able to hold the same business ethos with his Grandsons running the company today.

Currently operating in over 60 countries worldwide, the company offers global support from its well established distribution network and regional sales offices based in Poland, Germany, Dubai, Singapore & Hong Kong.

Newmor’s International growth can in many ways be attributed to its flexibility. Utilizing the skills of our in-house design team clients have the opportunity to work with our Studio to develop a unique wallcovering that fits perfectly with the needs of the project both aesthetically and commercially.

Newmor Studio not only offers a bespoke/custom design service to clients but also works tirelessly to create new product ideas for Newmor Group.

Significant investment has been made in our CAD systems and digital printing hardware within the studio giving the flexibility to produce large samples for customer approval, as well as trial room quantities and test hangs.

The Studio is integrated into the company manufacturing plant allowing the designers and colourists to work closely with the production printing team. This gives a great sense of continuity to any design, from initial design concepts right through to bulk production.

Coupled with our design developments, Newmor strives to ensure all of its products are made to the highest quality standards. All of Newmor wallcoverings comply with International fire ratings and quality standards for commercial installations, are produced with an active bio stabilizer to prevent the growth of bacteria, and are available for next day shipping.

Above all else Newmor produce’s and develops products around the needs of its clients. We offer unparalleled support through our experienced Customer Service team, in-house Design Studio and flexible manufacturing plant. Over the course of the last 50 years the Newmor has been able to stand the test of time by delivering time and time again to most of the largest hospitality and corporate organizations around the world.

For further information, visit www.newmor.com

Marriott International has announced plans to open a 130 room Fairfield by Marriott in El Salvador. Located adjacent to the upscale La Gran Via shopping mall and in close proximity to large corporations such as Xerox, Citibank, the World Bank, Bayers and Siemens, the hotel will serve as an excellent lodging option for the frequent business travellers. The property will be developed by Dueñas Hermanos Ltda. (d.b.a. Urbanica Desarrollos Inmobiliarios), Caribe Hospitality and Terranum Hotels, the same the companies that own the existing Courtyard by Marriott San Salvador. The hotel will be managed by Marriott International under a long term agreement.“As Central America continues to develop, the region’s middle class continues to grow and travel more and more, requiring reliable, high quality accommodations to cater to their lodging needs,” said Craig S. Smith, President of the Caribbean and Latin America at Marriott International. “This new property reaffirms the company’s commitment to Central America and marks the continuation of our aggressive growth plans in the region.”

“We are fortunate to have such excellent regional partners in Latin America with a progressive mindset, with whom we look forward to continue to grow many successful hotels within the region” says Laurent de Kousemaeker, chief development officer for Marriott International, Inc. in the Caribbean & Latin America “El Salvador is among the top Central American markets we are targeting for our select service brands.”

The 130-room Fairfield by Marriott hotel in San Salvador, scheduled to open in 2016, will feature a modern design, a casual dining restaurant, meeting space and a state of the art fitness center.

The new InterContinental® London – The O2 is scheduled to open in late 2015, providing extensive facilities for leisure and business travellers visiting the capital.The luxury 453-bedroom 18-storey hotel and conference centre currently in construction as part of a 7.6 acre development scheme on the Greenwich Peninsula, a destination enjoying a huge surge in visitors following the 2012 Olympic regeneration project.

Designed to the highest sustainability standards and located immediately adjacent to The O2, the InterContinental London – The O2 will feature a dedicated conference centre complete with 20 multi-functional meeting rooms and an impressive 3000sqm pillar-free ballroom, one of the largest single event spaces in any European hotel. Accommodating as many as 3000 delegates, the hotel’s ballroom will rival many of its current London counterparts, attracting a range of events from congresses, exhibitions to banquets and award ceremonies as part of its full service offering.

With its enviable position on the banks of the River Thames, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the water and neighbouring Canary Wharf. The hotel’s location also benefits from easy riverboat access into Greenwich Pier and is only 400m from North Greenwich tube station where guests can reach London’s West End within 15 minutes. London City Airport, carrying more than 3 million visitors each year and serving the many business travellers into Canary Wharf and the City of London, is within six miles of the hotel.

Facilities at the InterContinental London – The O2 include a luxury spa, hotel bar, two restaurants – comprising a fine dining and all-day dining experience – as well as a 18th floor Sky Bar boasting an uninterrupted, panoramic view across the water to Canary Wharf and beyond.

Raj Shah, Arora Group’s Commercial Director, commented: “We are excited to be opening the largest and most luxurious hotel in Greenwich with the largest single pillar free ballroom within a London hotel. With the Olympics, this area of London has undergone a dramatic transformation and we are delighted to be part of that ongoing regeneration that renders this area one of the most visited destinations in the city. This hotel will bring a new dimension of leisure and business facilities to Greenwich and Canary Wharf and we believe a welcome new option for meeting planners looking to place large events in the capital with a globally recognised hotel brand.”

InterContinental London – The O2 is managed and operated by The Arora Group under a franchise agreement with the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®).

Located in heart of Bogota’s financial district and walking distance to the city’s best shopping and dining, the newly built 64-room Artisan DC Hotel is thrilled to announce its official affiliation with the Autograph Collection. The Artisan DC Hotel is the first to become a part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection in Colombia, and the second in Latin America after the Hotel & Spa do Vinho located in the southern wine country of Brazil. The beautifully designed Artisan DC Hotel is the ultimate urban boutique hotel, offering a unique, tailored experience for every guest that walks through the door. The hotel is comprised of two buildings, each one with a distinctive style; one designed with warm and vibrant colours and the other designed with a more serene and calming palette. The entire hotel is rich in textures and eclectic details including exposed brick walls throughout the property.

Under the careful watch of the talented Chef Adam Bustos, the hotel’s featured restaurant, OSAKI, offers a modern Asian inspired menu served up in an impressive “internal” patio dining space.

“We are very excited about The Artisan DC Hotel’s affiliation with the Autograph Collection,” said Juan Carlos Galindo, President of OXO Hotels, operator of the Artisan DC Hotel. “We take pride in providing our guests with the authentic, cultural and unique Bogota experience. Through our partnership with the Autograph Collection, we can offer our guests even more –– including Marriott Rewards points for stays and an affiliation with other similar independent hotels throughout the world.”

“The Artisan DC Hotel a truly unique experience in the heart of Bogota,” said Craig S. Smith, President, and Caribbean & Latin America at Marriott International. “We are excited to welcome the hotel to the Autograph Collection, which delivers the power of our world-class sales engines while maintaining the property’s unique identity in the centre of one of Latin America’s most important cities.”

Centara Hotels & Resorts has announced that it will further expand its presence in Krabi by the addition of a Centra value brand hotel in the province – Centra Phu Pano Resort, Krabi. Centara, Thailand’s largest operator of hotels will thereafter feature three of its brands in Krabi, extending its reach across a range of tourism market segments.

The management contract was signed at the Centara head office in Bangkok on October 29th 2014 with owning company Chok Dee Suk who beside their hotel interest are the family who own the Vogue Department Store which has been operating more than 20 years. Centra Phu Pano Resort is expected to open in mid 2016.

“With its location in Ao Nang close to shops and entertainment spaces this resort sits in a unique location for our guests” says Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts.

“The area of Ao Nang is very popular with visitors, and we are delighted to be opening another hotel here.

“Since we opened our 5 star resort in Krabi in 2006 we have built an excellent reputation and have a strong customer base allowing us to so to expand and add more resorts including Pelican Bay earlier this year. I’m very proud that Centara Hotels & Resorts is trusted by investors and we believe this newest property will also be very successful.”

Chris Bailey, Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Centara Hotels & Resorts, says that “Centara has a strategic expansion plan for the south of Thailand, with currently three different brands across the region to cater for specific market segments”

“Opening a new resort in Krabi gives us extra strength in the Southern Thailand market, and extends our range in the value sector.”

Centra Phu Pano Resort will have 158 rooms featuring a series of Family Rooms and connecting rooms especially designed and suitable for the Family market – all day restaurant with bar – a Meeting Room of 150m2 – a Fitness Centre and Swimming pool with separate children’s pool. The resort is conveniently located in Ao Nang and is just a short drive from the beach, shops and restaurants and is where many boats are available to take guests to the Islands.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the opening of the Holiday Inn® Staten Island hotel. With over 50 IHG-branded hotels open in the New York metropolitan area and nearly 15 additional hotels in the pipeline, this five-story, 105-room property is expected to generate nearly 20 jobs on Staten Island. The Holiday Inn brand was conceived as a way to bring the joy of travel to families in a fun, affordable and comfortable way. The brand’s innovative approach changed the way millions of people travel and ended up bringing the whole world together. Now, over 62 years later, the brand continues to evolve to meet the demands of today’s traveller. That’s why IHG invested in the $1 billion Holiday Inn global brand relaunch, the largest in hospitality history. The relaunch continues to drive increased quality and consistency across the global portfolio, and new hotels feature a contemporary image with emphasis on arrival and welcome services, guest room and guest bath comfort and a redesigned logo and signage.

The hotel’s restaurant – Lillies – serves breakfast and dinner and also offers the Holiday Inn Best-4-Breakfastâ 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. The hotel includes flexible event space that can accommodate up to 30 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 comfortable double, queen or king-sized beds and modern décor. In addition, each room has a sitting area with a lounge chair, hairdryer, micro fridge, coffee maker, iron and ironing board. The guest rooms include business-focused necessities such as an ergonomic workstation, free high-speed wireless Internet and complimentary USA TODAY® newspapers.

ISG has reached a key construction milestone at its £66+ million Exhibition Centre Liverpool and Pullman hotel development. A ceremonial event held at the prominent ACC Liverpool waterfront site, which is already home to BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena, saw the signing and installation of a specially commissioned steel beam at the highest point on the striking building – acknowledging the key roles of the major project stakeholders. ISG has reached a key construction milestone at its £66+ million Exhibition Centre Liverpool and Pullman hotel development. A ceremonial event held at the prominent ACC Liverpool waterfront site, which is already home to BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena, saw the signing and installation of a specially commissioned steel beam at the highest point on the striking building – acknowledging the key roles of the major project stakeholders.

To mark this important project milestone, the Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson was joined by David McDonnell, chairman of ACC Liverpool, along with representatives from contractor ISG, hotel operator Branded Hotel Management and Pullman. The steel beam, signed by the VIP guests, also features individual plaques representing Liverpool City Council, ACC Liverpool, ISG and Pullman Hotel and Resorts, and as part of the ceremony was lifted into place by the site’s 70m tower crane.

Scheduled to open in September 2015, Exhibition Centre Liverpool will more than double the existing 7,125 sq m capacity at ACC Liverpool to 15,225 sq m of flexible exhibition space. It will link to the existing arena and convention centre, making the building the only purpose-built arena, convention and exhibition centre in Europe. The centre, designed by architects Denton Corker Marshall, features a glazed atrium which offers stunning vistas looking out across the River Mersey and the city’s UNESCO World Heritage site. The integrated 216 room four star upscale hotel features an off-set, rectangular ‘tube’ design, which includes extensive glazing and a spacious double height atrium at its lower levels.

Frank Joyce, ISG’s project director, commented: “Reaching this milestone on one of Liverpool’s largest construction projects is a key moment to celebrate and reflect on the long-term legacy of this important development. The economic benefit derived from our focus on using regional supply chain partners, allied to the creation of our Social Investment Group has resulted in a project that will create and support job opportunities and growth in the region for years to come.”

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “The new exhibition centre will help secure Liverpool’s place as one of the top visitor destinations in the UK. This great new facility will become the jewel in Liverpool’s expo crown and will further enhance the city’s global events and conference reputation. It will bring a huge economic boost to our city and create jobs. It’s a great example of how we are investing to earn to grow demand for the benefit of the people of Liverpool and the businesses which depend on the visitor economy.”

David McDonnell, chairman of ACC Liverpool, said: “Exhibition Centre Liverpool marks the continued progression of ACC Liverpool and topping out represents the next major milestone in our development. We are now less than a year from opening and are pleased with how the project, which is on time and on budget, is gathering pace. Our teams are working hard to ensure that we have a busy calendar of exhibitions, conferences and entertainment events for visitors.”

Jonathan Sheard, SVP operations, luxury, upscale and midscale brands, Accor UK and Ireland, commented: “Today marks another step to us achieving our goal – to open a brand new vibrant and cosmopolitan Pullman hotel which will welcome many guests in Liverpool.”

Marriott International Inc. continues to expand its AC Hotels by Marriott brand, with three new properties in Valencia, Spain; Istanbul, Turkey; and Tel Aviv, Israel, bringing the total to 80 opened or signed hotels in Europe. The new additions exemplify the brand’s urban aesthetic with modern interiors and clean, crisp lines.AC Hotel Colón Valencia, Spain
The 91-room AC Hotel Colón Valencia, Spain, has opened as the brand’s second property in the city and sixtieth in Spain. Run under a management contract with AC Hotel La Carolina SL, the hotel is located in the commercial and financial district, surrounded by bars and restaurants, and a short distance from the bullring, medieval centre and the Carmen quarter, a lively tourist area.

The hotel boasts an AC Lounge & Bistro restaurant, three meeting rooms, Fitness Centre, business centre and a terrace. There are excellent public transport links to the airport, industrial suburbs and port, and the hotel is within walking distance of North Valencia rail station and just ten minutes by car from the Palacio de Congressos and fifteen minutes from the beach.

AC Hotel Istanbul Maçka, Turkey
AC Hotels by Marriott made its debut in Turkey with the opening of the 98-room AC Hotel Istanbul Maçka, operated under a franchise agreement with Tans Turizm ve Otelcilik A.S. In the upmarket Akaretler residential neighbourhood, one kilometre from Taksim Square, the property is located on the European side of the city, close to Maçka Park and the Istanbul Congress Centre, making it well placed for both leisure and corporate guests.

Facilities include an AC Lounge & Bistro restaurant, three meeting rooms, Fitness Centre, sauna and two treatment rooms; and The Market, which is open 24/7 and sells drinks, snacks and sundries such as toothpaste.

AC Hotel Herzliya, Israel
Still under construction and projected to open in January 2016, the AC Hotel Herzliya is in the central business district of Herzliya, a short drive from Tel Aviv, and adjacent to the Herzliya Business Park, which is home to multinational organisations such as Siemens and Microsoft. The property is also just metres away from Herzliya Marina and the beach.

Facilities include an AC Lounge with a sea view, Bistro restaurant, separate bar, lobby with library wall and 23m ceilings, outdoor pool and pool bar overlooking the beach, plus two meeting rooms (largest room, 250 people cabaret style).

The unique design concept created by Dana Oberson architects draws inspiration from the hotel’s location in Herzliya – a city that combines an urban business centre with marina and beach life. A combination of beige and blue, terrazzo and concrete flooring, iron, brass and wood elements create an urban marina atmosphere in the public spaces that continues through to the guest rooms. Interesting, hand-picked ornaments and furniture enrich the design and create a warm and eclectic feel throughout the hotel.

The Mercure Inverness Hotel, set on the banks of the River Ness in the heart of the city, has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment to transform its biggest event room, providing the ideal location to cater for all occasions.The hotel’s recent renovation also includes the creation of twelve brand new Privilege Bedrooms, which feature everything guests could wish for to relax and unwind in style from plush dressing gowns to Nespresso coffee machines.

Interior designer Helen Hooper of HH Interiors, who has previously worked with Jupiter Hotels on renovation projects across the UK, comments on the project: “The design in the new bedrooms is fresh and modern. We used bold splashes of colour against an elegant and stylish grey palate. In each room, there is a highland influenced painting positioned on the ceiling over the bed, to add a locally inspired touch to the design. Each room has a bespoke wardrobe and the bathrooms include large walk-in showers. The Inverness Suite has a unique Scottish thistle carpet design, with contemporary tartan wallpaper and deep purples and greys, to give a perfect setting for a wedding.”

The Inverness Suite caters for those looking for an ideal wedding or event venue. The suite accommodates up to 180 guests and with its own private bar, also provides the perfect space for Christmas parties. This year the festive theme is Mistletoe Masquerade, where guests will experience a night of mystery, charm and intrigue. For those looking for a venue to host an intimate sit down meal for the family, there are also additional rooms to accommodate for a smaller function.

Commenting on the refurbishment, hotel General Manager Fraser Peterkin said: “We are delighted with the transformation of the Inverness Suite, which has been completed in perfect time for those looking for a venue for their Christmas party. Our hotel is situated in an ideal central location, with fantastic transport links all within walking distance.”

Located with the dramatic Highland backdrop, the hotel also creates the perfect romantic setting for a wedding. From an intimate gathering to an extraordinary affair, the hotel has experts on hand to create bespoke packages to suit every guest. Plus, there is an array of colour schemes to choose from and tailored menu choices.

Shane Harris, CEO Jupiter Hotels, added: “The investment demonstrates our continued commitment to the growth and transformation of our portfolio in the UK. It’s an exciting time for the midscale hotel market and with the right investment, hotels like the Mercure Inverness Hotel can be given a new lease of life.”

The Inverness Suite can also host up to 200 conference delegates and offers complimentary high speed WiFi.

Local attractions include Loch Ness, the Eden Court theatre, plus a selection of Championship Golf courses. The airport is approximately 20 minutes away.

Motel One is now open in the UK’s capital with the opening of Motel One London-Tower Hill. The 291 room hotel on Minories Road, between Aldgate and Tower Hill tube station is within walking distance of many of the city’s main tourist attractions. With every Motel One boasting their own individual style unique to their location, Motel One London-Tower Hill is no different with their own royal flair throughout the new hotel. Images of the Crown Jewels, glamorous Swarowski crystals and contemporary candelabra brings a regal feel to the hotel’s sparkling One Lounge. Leather armchairs, Chesterfield Sofas, tweed and velvet covered armchairs and a fireplace all radiate traditional English charm for every occasion, be it for a cup of English tea or if you prefer something stronger the hotel has a good range of Gin on offer.

For business or for pleasure Motel One London-Tower Hill guarantees sweet dreams with 100% Egyptian cotton bed linen. The bathrooms are all elegantly fitted with granite and glass Dornbracht washbasin fittings, as well as a monsoon rain shower. Complemented with exclusive Artemide Tolomeo lighting and LOEWE flat screen TV, each room provides a peaceful escape from the city outside. Clever functional design ensures there is plenty of storage space for luggage and hanging space for those all important party or business dresses and suits.

With free WiFi access throughout the hotel and I-pads available from the One Lounge, Motel One London-Tower Hill is ideally situated for business travellers in the city and those looking to stay well connected on their travels.

Chelsom bolster their Head Office team with the appointment of Andrew Fitton as Business Development Manager as they consolidate their position as a leading suppliers of decorative lighting to the international contract marketplace.Marking the end of what has been a successful year, Chelsom have recently appointed an experienced Business Development Manager as a critical part of the Sales team to enhance the continued expansion of the brand both in the UK and further afield. The new appointment accompanies a series of high profile projects and a corresponding increase in sales across the international hotel, cruise and leisure sectors.

With a strong background in sales spanning more than 20 years, Andrew Fitton has significant industry experience having spent the last 10 years working in the contract interior market. An experienced Business Development Manager, his career to date has provided him with a thorough understanding of the demands of the position within the context of the interior contract market specifically coupled with a thorough understanding of the specification process. Andrew brings with him an extensive knowledge of the key industry players along with an impressive track record of identifying, securing and developing emerging new business opportunities and sectors.

Sales Director, Philip Macaulay says: “We have been very diligent in our search for the right person to join the Chelsom team. Andrew not only has a wealth of valuable experience in the contract industry but he understands the Chelsom ethos and all that we are looking to achieve from both a business and brand perspective. He is certainly coming on board at a very exciting time ready to tackle the opportunities ahead in 2015 and I am confident that he will be an invaluable resource to both the Sales team and company alike, enabling Chelsom to grow further still.”

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Fu Wah New Zealand for a Park Hyatt hotel in Auckland, New Zealand. Expected to open in 2017, Park Hyatt Auckland will mark Hyatt’s return to New Zealand, and the first Park Hyatt-branded hotel to open in Auckland.Park Hyatt Auckland will feature 190 luxurious guestrooms, three restaurants and bars, event spaces, a spa, a 25-meter pool, and a fitness center. Park Hyatt Auckland will be nestled in a prime waterfront location on Auckland Harbour, which is expected to undergo a major revitalization to turn the area into a world-class leisure, entertainment, culture, and dining destination.

“This has been an exciting year for the Park Hyatt brand, and we are honored to collaborate with Fu Wah New Zealand on this landmark luxury development,” said Ratnesh Verma, senior vice president, real estate and development, Asia Pacific, Hyatt. “Fu Wah New Zealand believes in the Park Hyatt brand, having recently purchased Park Hyatt Melbourne, and we are confident Park Hyatt Auckland will provide guests with the luxurious accommodations, culinary expertise and high-quality service for which the Park Hyatt brand is known. We remain committed to growing the brand in culturally rich cities like Auckland.”

Elite bathroom furniture from Bauhaus is one of those magic ranges that will lift a bathroom from functional to fabulous. Now available in a smart wood grain textured Anthracite finish, the geometric Elite basin unit is wall hung and available in 50, 70 and 100 cm sizes, all complete with a pre-drilled one tap hole high gloss white cast mineral resin basin. The finishing touch is added by the Elite back lit mirror which is also available in a choice of 400 or 500 x 800 mm or 700 x 1000 mm sizes. Where a WC is required, there is a matching furniture unit to conceal the cistern and frame. For additional elegant storage, Bauhaus has included a choice of wall hung half-tower and full-tower units both providing hidden push-to-open mechanisms and adjustable internal shelving.

“Elite is the perfect choice for either new or refurbishment installations,” commented Marten Baker, Marketing Manager for Bauhaus, Crosswater and Simpsons. “The styling is smart and uncluttered, installation is simple as units come assembled and the basin comes with a pre-drilled tap hole. Perfect for a makeover miracle in a day or a complete bathroom redesign. The range is fully supported for a full ten years so we are seeing early take up from landlords, B&Bs and bespoke hotels looking for business peace of mind.”

Hilton Hotels & Resorts has opened its newest hotel, Hilton Brussels Grand Place. The landmark building in the city centre of Brussels is now welcoming guests, signalling the start of an exciting era of transformation for the hotel, with significant refurbishments commencing in the coming months.”We’re excited to bring the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand to this increasingly popular – and important – part of Brussels,” said Rob Palleschi, global head, full service brands, Hilton Worldwide. “Hilton Brussels Grand Palace is an exciting addition to a country with continuing growth that is not only host to millions of tourists and the European Parliament, but also several diverse multinational and governmental institutions.”

The hotel will offer 123 guest rooms, two accessible guest rooms, 34 deluxe rooms, nine family rooms, 29 executive rooms, 20 junior suites, six one bedroom suites and one presidential suite, conference facilities to host up to 200 attendees, an executive lounge, fitness centre, restaurant, bar and private dining rooms. The hotel is centrally located, in close proximity to the Grand Place and the Square Brussels Meeting Centre, and well connected with the metro and bus networks, airports and international rail services, which is ideal for both business and leisure guests.

“I am delighted to welcome our first guests to Hilton Brussels Grand Place today. I look forward to the hotel’s journey of rejuvenation, transforming the hotel to become a pre-eminent and vibrant venue, not only for our guests but also our neighbours and the community,” said Egbert Buursink, general manager, Hilton Brussels Grand Place.

Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, November 18, 2014- Kempinski Hotels and KSK Group Berhad (KSK Group), via its property development arm KSK Land Sdn Bhd (KSK Land) announce the signing of a management agreement for the high profile, large-scale luxury development, 8 Conlay, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle. The approximately 260-key Kempinski hotel and the branded Kempinski Residences with 403 units will anchor the development in the hotel tower, together with up to 1,092 units of 8 Conlay Residences serviced by Kempinski in two adjoining towers, all linked via a central retail podium. KSK Land has selected the design collective YOO for the interior design of the first residential tower and RSP Architects to master plan the development. Kempinski will operate and service all three components of the project. The ground breaking is scheduled to take place early next year and the striking project is expected to be completed in 2020. Residences comprising the first residential tower are scheduled to become available for sale from March 2015 onward. Show units will be available for viewing at the exclusive sales gallery located on the site.Located on 8 Jalan Conlay in the heart of the Golden Triangle, between the city centre and a few minutes’ walk from Bukit Bintang shopping district and the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur mall, the development is only a five minute drive from the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX). Kuala Lumpur International airport is easily accessible by car within 50 minutes. The central four-storey retail podium will offer high end boutiques and fine dining restaurants and will complement the current offering in the Bukit Bintang area.

8 Conlay’s architecture by award-winning architect Hud Bakar, Principal of RSP Architects, emphasises livable architecture – with a focus on local context and the human aspects of buildings. The iconic design takes a visual cue from the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang whereby opposing forces serve to complement one another. Showcased as modified fragments of the Yin and Yang emblem, the three towers also give poetic form to the Chinese symbol for the number “eight,” paying tribute to the development’s illustrious address while simultaneously asserting its place as an alluring platform for premium city living.

The hotel and residences will benefit from facilities such as a Kempinski The Spa, a wellness concept which offers herbal treatments inspired by the seasons, a gym, swimming pool and a variety of restaurants and bars inside the hotel complementing the offering of the central podium.

The Residences (tower A & B) can expect to be equipped with a range of facilities accompanied with standard and a-la-carte services by the Kempinski Hotel such as concierge, butler and maid services, 24-hour room service and a private chef, housekeeping and laundry, limousine service, arrival preparation service, and residence unit maintenance packages so that residents at 8 Conlay can enjoy services similar to a guest of the hotel, every day of the year. The breadth of five-star luxury facilities and services on offer befit the grandeur of the development at 8 Conlay, enabling guests and residents to entirely customise their stay and ‘write their own story’ captured in the tagline ‘Your Place, Your Story’.

The modern four-star, 319-bedroom Hyatt Regency Birmingham has recently undergone a major £6 million refurbishment. All the bedrooms and public areas of the hotel have been overhauled during the refurbishment, including eight meeting and conference rooms, the Symphony ballroom and reception, alongside the creation of a new tavern-style bistro pub, the Gentleman & Scholar. Located adjacent to Centenary Square with a bridge link to the city’s International Convention Centre, the 24-storey, glass-fronted hotel is close to Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, the National Indoor Arena and the Mailbox and Bull Ring shopping centres. The hotel also hosts the major political parties for their annual conferences.

Brintons was commissioned by Hyatt to supply 13,000 sqm2 of custom carpets and rugs for the refurbishment programme. Contemporary geometric designs were created in tonal greys with accent red hues and warm neutral tones.

Situated in the heart of Tel Aviv, The Norman will bring unprecedented sophistication and boutique character to the historic Mediterranean city. Opening its doors on the 2nd December, The Norman Tel Aviv will redefine the art of hospitality, capturing the timeless elegance of the 1920s matched with the comforts of a world class luxury hotel. The Norman is located close to popular Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv’s first boulevard. By day, Rothschild is a commercial hub with key financial institutions lining the street, whilst at night it buzzes with diners and party-goers and is a place to see and be seen in.

Converted from two historic buildings in the heart of the ‘White City’, Tel Aviv’s UNESCO heritage site, the elegant Norman will comprise of 30 bedrooms and 20 suites, including two penthouse suites.

As commented by Managing Director, Olivier Heuchenne: “The Norman is a fusion of 1920s grandeur and contemporary elegance, comprised of two iconic buildings superbly restored to their former glory. International travelers will experience personal attention to the finest details alongside world-class services and facilities. It is truly an exciting project for all involved and an unprecedented international opening“.

The architecture has been conceived by visionary Yoav Messer and will preserve the original building while remaining true to the area’s Bauhaus character, with interior design by David d’Almada of SAGRADA. Original Israeli artwork will feature throughout its public areas, guest rooms and suites ranging from classic oil paintings, unique sculptures and one-of-a-kind prints that David defines as “bringing the essence of Israel and its unique culture to life through multiple mediums”.

A resident curator will also be on hand to offer insights into the artwork displayed throughout the building. In addition, the hotel will offer bespoke tours of local galleries and artists’ studios, incorporating regular art showings and events taking place around Tel Aviv.

The Norman will feature two dining outlets, The Norman Restaurant, a brasserie style restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine throughout the day – and Dinings, the Japanese tapas restaurant currently ranked the third best restaurant in Zagat’s London guide, featuring outdoor dining as well as private dining for up to 20 diners. As part of the design, Dinings will also feature a live sushi counter and partially open kitchen, adding to the interactive experience for guests. In addition, The Library Bar will recreate a quintessentially English lounge and serve cocktails into the early hours.

A 24-hour concierge team will be on hand to share their unique knowledge advising on tailored experiences such as hot air balloon and vineyard tours, private art gallery visits and experiential dining. This will allow guests to experience the true sense of Israel and provide an insight into this unique destination.

The rooftop at the Norman will provide an oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Guests can enjoy the charm and beauty of Tel Aviv whilst relaxing in the infinity pool or indulge in a relaxing massage at the third floor Spa. Guests of the hotels Suites will also have the option of in-room treatments to create their very own haven of relaxation.

Photo Credit: Sivan Aksayo

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® has announced its rapidly expanding Aloft brand will soon debut in Columbia, South Carolina. Aloft Columbia Downtown is scheduled to open in January 2016 in The Vista, the city’s recently revitalized epicenter for the arts, entertainment, shopping and dining. Owned by Lady Vista, LLC, and managed by Lexington Hospitality, the new Aloft hotel will feature 108 spacious, loft-like rooms, forward-thinking technology and a lively, social atmosphere. Located at the corner of Lady and Lincoln Streets, Aloft Columbia Downtown will be part of a new mixed-use development in The Vista that will include 4,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. Once a bustling cotton warehouse district and commercial railroad terminal, The Vista has been redeveloped into the city’s premier arts and entertainment district, with more than 60 restaurants and bars, live entertainment including jazz and blues, numerous art galleries and specialty shops. Walking distance from the University of South Carolina, the new Aloft will also be close to Colonial Center Arena, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Publix Market and Columbia Museum of Art.

Hotel amenities at Aloft Columbia Downtown will include an outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center and 800 square feet of flexible meeting space, ideal for both business meetings and social gatherings. Guests and area residents will also enjoy live music performances featuring emerging local artists at the hotel’s W XYZ bar.

Active holiday specialist Neilson has announced the launch of its latest ski property located in Belle Plagne – one of the 10 villages which make up La Plagne in France. Opening on 7 February 2015, Neilson Hotel Turquoise is now taking bookings and is a new addition to the Neilson Mountain Collection – a portfolio of properties that are wholly managed and operated by the Neilson hospitality team. Prices start from just £649 per person, including flights, transfers and half board accommodation. Neilson Hotel Turquoise is located directly on the piste in Belle Plagne, giving guests ski-in-ski-out access as well as great views across the surrounding mountains from all 25 rooms. The hotel also boasts a bar and lounge area, perfect for après ski. Set at 2,050m and completely car-free, Belle Plagne is a popular choice with families and beginners – relaxed and with excellent facilities. For experienced skiers, it’s location at the heart of the immense Paradiski area offers unrivalled access to 425km of groomed runs, some spectacular off-piste opportunities and awe-inspiring views.

The nearest ski lifts are just 75m away from the hotel, which alongside sitting within the Paradiski area, also provide access to 50 miles of cross country slopes, good sized nursery slopes, six children’s snowy play areas and the Bellecote glacier.

Pete Tyler, managing director at Neilson commented: “The Neilson Hotel Turquoise was previously owned by TUI/Skibound but it is currently undergoing a major refurbishment to bring it up to Neilson Mountain Collection standards before its launch in February next year. We are delighted to add it to our portfolio of properties in Belle Plagne and look forward to welcoming guests in 2015 and beyond.”

FibraHotel (BMV:FIHO 12), the first real estate investment trust specialized in urban business-class hotels in Mexico, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., has announced the sale of the Sheraton® Ambassador Monterrey hotel to FibraHotel, adding 229 rooms to FibraHotel’s portfolio. The transaction will represent a total investment of US$13.5 million by FibraHotel, including a comprehensive property renovation over the next two years. The hotel will be operated by Starwood through a long-term management agreement. FibraHotel and Starwood also announced that they will collaborate to expand the number of hotels they work on together in Mexico as FibraHotel looks to grow its hotel portfolio. FibraHotel recently signed an agreement with local developers for five business hotels in the country, and will work with Starwood to open those hotels under Starwood’s vibrant Aloft® brand with Starwood as the operator.

Sheraton Ambassador Hotel is ideally located at Ave. Hidalgo 310 Oriente in the heart of downtown Monterrey – one of Mexico’s largest cities and an important industrial and global business hub. The hotel currently features 229 guest rooms, over 13,000 square feet of meeting space, full-service dining at Los Vitrales Restaurant, a lobby bar, a health club, an outdoor pool and tennis court, and a Sheraton Club Lounge. The hotel is walking distance to the restaurants, shops and museums of historic downtown Monterrey and just 30 minutes from Monterrey International Airport (MTY).

With this acquisition, FibraHotel´s portfolio consists of 66 hotels and 9,098 rooms, of which 53 hotels are in operation (7,334 rooms), 12 in different stages of development, and a hotel under expansion and remodeling.

GROHE BestMatch™ matches taps with basins to guarantee a perfect, stylish combination in just a few clicks.

With thousands of combinations of taps and basin, picking the right tap for the right wash basin isn’t always easy. If the tap is placed too low, there is no room for your hands and water may splash out when it hits the basin. If it doesn’t extend over the basin for the correct distance, you can end up with water flowing down the outside. Or you can simply end up with a mismatching tap/ basin set which spoils the look of your bathroom. Now, with GROHE’s new app, you can find your BestMatch™ in terms of comfort, style and water delivery, in just a few clicks. Choosing the perfect basin and tap combination has never been so easy!

Raj Mistry, Marketing Director, comments “Only pairings which comply with GROHE’s high demands regarding water delivery, fit, comfort and design make it to the GROHE BestMatch™. BestMatch™ guarantees peace of mind that you’re making the right choices for your bathroom”.

Following a £1.3 million renovation, the London Marriott Hotel Kensington has relaunched meeting and events spaces that meet the needs of today’s bookers and travellers with inspiring and versatile facilities. Featuring modern design and the latest wireless technology, the hotel’s nine flexible and interchangeable rooms can host a total of 235 delegates over two floors, or up to 100 delegates in the largest meeting space.Marriott Hotels is revolutionising the guest experience throughout its properties, tailoring technology and design to the expectations of Gen X and Gen Y travellers. The renovation at the London Marriott Hotel Kensington – the group’s third European hotel to host Marriott Hotels’ next generation meeting spaces, after Amsterdam Marriott and Munich Marriott – brings secure internet connectivity, wireless enabled LED screens and projectors, and the BARCO Click Share system that allows multiple laptops and tablets to connect to screens wirelessly. In addition, a Meeting Services App called Red Coat Direct gives event planners immediate communication with the hotel team, prompting an instant response without the organiser having to leave the meeting room.

The space is designed to inspire social and collaborative meetings and delegates can enjoy interactive meeting room features such as the ability to write on walls and breakout tables to allow creative thinking. The adaptable rooms can be set up in conventional boardroom or theatre style, or delegates can take advantage of a mixture of high and low tables and chairs to create different layouts to reflect the meeting purpose. In brief, the new spaces can be moulded to needs of organisers and participants alike to ensure every meeting achieves its desired objectives and goals.

The non-traditional breakout areas are light and spacious with comfortable and versatile seating options to allow working and networking with equal ease, and a central food and beverage station where delegates can enjoy delicious and energising food and beverage experiences. The area includes intimate cabin seating with multiple electrical outlets to inspire collaboration both in and out of the meeting room and help bring meetings to life.

These new spaces reflect the larger transformation of Marriott Hotels that is informing how Marriott interacts with guests. Evidence of this is in the Greatroom lobby, an open space that can be put to social or business use, with free Wi-Fi connectivity, plus all-day menus that cater for all requirements from snacks to meals. This has been adopted in approximately half Marriott Hotels’ portfolio in Europe and is expected to take up residence in all properties by the end of 2015.

The transformation has also touched the arrival and departure experience with mobile check-in and check-out now available to Marriott Rewards members at all 500 Marriott Hotels globally and at 1,200 hotels in total within the company’s worldwide portfolio. By the end of the year, the service with be rolled out to all 4,000 properties, providing guests with added convenience and greater choice. Mobile service requests, such as additional towels and pillows and valet service, are also being tested in 15 hotels in the U.S., enabling guests to chat with the hotel’s hosts in real time.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced it has sold Sheraton® on the Park in Sydney, Australia to Sunshine Insurance Group Corporation (SIG) for AUS$463.0 million [US$399.0 million]. Starwood will continue to operate the hotel as a Sheraton under a long-term management contract. “We are pleased to advance our asset-light strategy with the sale of the iconic Sheraton on the Park hotel and look forward to working closely with SIG to ensure its continued success,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood. “The terms of this sale underscore the strength of the Sheraton brand and the success of this hotel, as well as the tremendous value of this property in a high barrier to entry market.”

Turner added: “We’re continuing to see strong investor interest around the world for our remaining assets, and remain committed to finding the right owners and partners while securing long-term management contracts in order to create value for our shareholders.”

Ideally located opposite Hyde Park, Sheraton on the Park has won numerous accolades including New South Wales Tourism’s Hall of Fame awards for Best Luxury Accommodation; Australia’s Leading Hotel awards from World Travel Awards; and HM Awards for Best Meetings & Conference Property. The hotel features 557 guest rooms, full-service dining, a Sheraton Club Lounge, rooftop health club, indoor heated pool, and spa with spectacular city views. At the heart of the lobby, the signature Link@Sheraton® offers a relaxed space with complimentary wireless broadband where guests can socialize and connect with friends.

“Sheraton on the Park will help diversify our holdings by giving us a trophy asset in Sydney – a leading travel destination and an important financial center in Asia Pacific,” said the executive director of SIG’s acquisition team. “As Starwood’s largest and most global brand, Sheraton has cultivated a loyal following by offering travelers a stylish, comfortable atmosphere and a social guest experience.”

Starwood continues to expand its portfolio in Australia and the Pacific through management and franchise agreements. The company currently operates 14 hotels in Australia, including the recently opened Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane and Sheraton Melbourne Hotel. Upcoming openings include Aloft Perth Rivervale, The Westin Perth and W Brisbane in 2017, marking the brand’s reentry into the Pacific region.

Including this sale and the recent sales of The St. Regis® Rome, the Sheraton® Ambassador Monterrey hotel, and The St. Regis® Bal Harbour, Starwood has completed over US $1.5 billion of hotel asset sales over the last three years.

The European Hotel Design Awards, which celebrate exceptional hotel design and architecture and honour the work of industry-leading architects, designers and hotel operators, has revealed its roll call of winners and commended projects. Announced on Wednesday night (26th November) at a dinner and ceremony attended by over 800 guests from across Europe, they are:Architecture – Adaptive Re-use
Fontevraud L’Hôtel, France – By Gabor Mester De Parajd

Architecture – Newbuild
Lanserhof Tegernsee, Marienstein, Germany – By Ingenhoven Architects

Architecture – Renovation
Ace Hotel London, UK – By EPR Architects

Interior Design – Lobby, Lounge & Public Areas
Generator Venice, Italy – By DesignAgency

Interior Design – Bar
Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London, UK – By Martin Brudnizki Design Studio

Interior Design – Café Bar or All Day Dining
The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental London, UK – By GA Design International

Interior Design – Restaurant
Berners Tavern and Punch Room at The London EDITION, UK – By Yabu Pushelberg in collaboration with I.S.C
Design Studio

Interior Design – Bedrooms & Bathrooms
The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland – By Denniston

Interior Design – Suite
The Suites at Aman Canal Grande, Venice, Italy – By Denniston

Interior Design – Spa & Wellness
Lanserhof Tegernsee Marienstein, Germany – By Ingenhoven Architects

The European Hotel Design of the Year Award
Lanserhof Tegernsee Marienstein, Germany – By Ingenhoven Architects

Outstanding Contribution Award
Posthumously awarded to Alex Calderwood, Co-founder of Ace Hotel

Tomorrow’s Hotel
The Edible Hotel – By Dexter Moren Associates

COMMENDED
Architecture – Adaptive Re-use
Waldorf Astoria, Amsterdam, The Netherlands – By OeverZaaijer Architecture & Urbanism

Interior Design – Lobby, Lounge & Public Areas
The London EDITION, UK – By Yabu Pushelberg in collaboration with I.S.C Design Studio

Interior Design – Bar
Monkey Bar at 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin, Germany – By Studio Aisslinger

Interior Design – Suite
The Barcelona Suite at The Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, Spain – By Patricia Urquiola

Members of this year’s judging panel included industry leaders such as: Javier Hortal, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group; Ellen van der Wal, Mecanoo Architecten; Eugene Staal, Rezidor; Caroline Cundall, GA Design; Caterina Molén-Runnäs, Nordic Property Management; Robbie Bargh, Gorgeous Group; Inge Moore, The Gallery HBA; Sören Jullberg, Story Hotels; Sarah Camilleri, European Spa Magazine; Matt Turner, Sleeper Magazine and Chair of the Judges, Celia Geyer from Hilton Worldwide.

Commenting on this year’s award, Matt Turner, Editor-in-chief of Sleeper Magazine, said: “Once again, the European Hotel Design Awards have recognised the incredible diversity of talent and the ingenuity of the hospitality sector today. Our overall winner, Lanserhof Tegernsee beat off intense competition from runners up such as EDITION London, Aman Canal Grande and the Chedi Andermatt. The panel agreed that the design had created a new paradigm in hospitality, combining hotel, wellness resort and healthcare facility. On a personal note, it was particularly gratifying to see Ace Hotel London triumph and that we were able to honour the memory of its creator, Alex Calderwood. This is another genuinely innovative project that has moved the industry forward, reinvented the hospitality experience and contributed to its local community.”

The 2014 European Hotel Design Awards dinner was held in London’s Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, hosted by BBC arts programme presenter, Katie Derham and Sleeper Magazine Editor-at-Large, Guy Dittrich.

The Headline Sponsor was GROHE and the Official Partner was Sleep.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has recently announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with Songy HighRoads, a commercial real estate development firm based in Atlanta, Ga., to develop Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria. The hotel will be managed by Aimbridge Hospitality and is scheduled to open in fall 2015. Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria is being built near the Houston Galleria shopping mall at 2626 Sage Road, on the northwest corner of Sage Road and West Alabama Street. It is part of the 7.6-acre, mixed use development, Galleria Plaza, which includes a Whole Foods Market, multiple high-end retail and specialty stores, luxury apartments, and multiple recently completed office towers. The 325-room, 14-story hotel will feature more than 12,000 square feet of meeting and conference space as well as a large fitness center overlooking the pool deck.

“We began construction of Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria in December 2013, and are looking forward to a fall 2015 opening,” stated Todd Nocerini, Chief Operating Officer, Songy HighRoads. “The Galleria area is one of Houston’s most important commercial sub-markets, and we are delighted to be bringing the Hyatt Regency brand, in tandem with Aimbridge Hospitality as our hotel manager, to business and leisure travelers visiting the area,”

“The Galleria area of Houston offers an incredible opportunity to interface with the formidable office and retail population in the vicinity. We are pleased to add Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria to our portfolio, and look forward to working with the great team at Songy HighRoads,” stated Dave Johnson, president and Chief Executive Officer of Aimbridge Hospitality.

David Tarr, senior vice president, real estate and development for Hyatt, stated, “Finding a suitable opportunity to introduce the Hyatt Regency brand has been a high priority for the company, as we seek to thoughtfully expand our brand presence in the Houston metropolitan area. We are excited to be a part of this project with the very accomplished team of Songy Highroads and Aimbridge Hospitality, and look forward to giving our guests a terrific new lodging option at the Galleria.”

Planners have approved Swinton Park’s application for a major 2,700m2 extension to comprise a full-service Country Club and Spa.The only of its kind in the area, the £5.5 million project will create 25 new full-time jobs and will include an indoor swimming pool and full spa and fitness facilities. The spa and health club will be open to Swinton Park and Swinton Bivouac guests, treatment and spa day visitors and club members.

The development combines the sympathetic restoration of traditional workshops and garden buildings that are adjacent to the Grade 2 listed castle, along with the creation of a new, contemporary wing to be built within the walled garden. Carbon neutral wood chip boilers, using redundant timber from the estate, will generate heat and hot water for the whole site.

In addition, there will be a 40-seat conservatory restaurant, coffee shop and Swinton Estate shop, whose patrons can also enjoy the 200 acres of surrounding parkland, lakes and gardens. The Country Club will afford access to activities on the wider 20,000 acre Swinton Estate including cycling, walking, fishing, clay pigeon shooting, golf, falconry and riding.

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Proprietor of Swinton Park says, “We are thrilled to be able to move forward with this project, which will be a valuable asset to local businesses, communities and visitors alike. We hope it will enable Swinton Park to realise its full potential within the tourism industry.”

My grandparents on both sides of my family were farmers. It was drummed into me at an early age that money was earned and that the way to earn it was to work hard. It was also drummed into me that ‘the labourer is worthy of his hire’ and that you ‘don’t get owt for nowt’. In later years as I ordered millions of pounds worth of product for hotels on behalf of our clients I came to realise there is truth in clichés, and that indeed one does get what one pays for – in other words there is a relationship between price and product quality. It is indeed true that there is no such thing as a free lunch and those companies using ‘cheap manufacturing’ in China are finding it is not cheap as their wages and social costs rise and the transport costs leap. UK based companies such as Casegood manufactuirers may well become more competitive, but we and the USA have thrown away much of our manufacturing systems for a short term vision of getting something for next to nothing….So it is with design. A good designer will use their knowledge and experience to save the client money – often saving more than their fee. Certainly the cost of not using an experienced designer can be paid by the operator for years through increase maintenance and staff costs, and difficulty in selling their product. Good Design adds to the bottom line.

There are a number of patterns of payment for design fees, and I would outline these, with their advantages and disadvantages, below. I would caution all designers to get a written instruction before proceeding with any work, and caution all hotel groups to control line managers so that they do not dishonestly appoint designers to do work with when they don’t have authority to do so. Unfortunately at least two UK hotel groups ‘innocently’ allow junior or regional managers to do this in order to avoid paying for work. Designers should be aware that there are dishonest companies out there and should be formal in their relationships as Terry Addison points out in our ‘Ask the Experts’ columns in the DesignClubto avoid being defrauded.

Commissioning of design seems to go in cycles with each of the following being favoured over the others at one time or another as each has advantages and disadvantages for the client. The three major ways in which design is commissioned in hotel sector are:-

1. Design and Build.
• In this it may well be that the Hotel operator nominates a designer to produce schemes, but chooses to pay them through the building contractor, so that there is only one set of bills. The designer is ‘novated’ to the contractor, which means the contractor is responsible for paying the designer and the designer’s contract is with the builder. Designers generally dislike this because their responsibility is to whom their contract is with, in this case the builder. Thus they may find that the materials they would like to use, or the layout of the space, may be changed for cheaper solutions that contribute to the builder’s bottom line.

In my experience the major drawback with this approach is that the Client loses a productive relationship with the designer, and has a relationship with the builder instead. The relative benefits depend very much on the qualities of the individuals concerned.

Advantages are that the process is transparent, professional and controllable by the Client, but only as effective as the Clients experience and management abilities. Weak management can lead to buildings that have operational problems built in, or create conflict between the aims of the designer in serving their paymaster or the Client.

2. Design and Supply
• Here the design will be provided by the company supplying the FF&E*, maybe on a ‘turnkey’ basis, i.e. the Client sets a budget and gets a hotel finished with all the FF&E in place so that it can be operated from the moment the keys are handed over and the Client turns them in the lock. Here the supplier provides a professional
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Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, Japanese hospitality company Fujita Kanko’s iconic five-star flagship property, announced that it has begun a major renovation to upgrade and refurbish all 260 guest rooms. The renovation takes place in three phases: 66 rooms during August-November 2014, 99 rooms during January-March 2015, and 95 rooms during January-March 2016. The two key themes in the renovation are ‘home away from home’ and ‘Japonesque.’ The new interior design, timeless elegance, will emphasize Japanese elements and art pieces such as traditional Japanese color themes, Arita ceramics, Nishijin-ori throws, Ukiyo-e and Japanese woodblock prints.

To make guests feel truly at home, each room will offer a sofa to relax, a 50-inch TV, Japanese and Western tableware such as plates, chopsticks and tea pot, coffee machine and more. The mini-bar area will be more spacious and functional. The other upgraded amenities will include: Hansgrohe’s innovative shower heads that give invigorating massages; a full-set of skincare products; and a set of toiletries per guest, not per room.

Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo was re-flagged in 2013 after 20 years as Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Chinzan-so, offering 12 restaurants; 36 meeting and banquet rooms, Tokyo’s most extensive meeting/banquet facilities; and Yu, The Spa, Tokyo’s largest hotel spa. Fujita Kanko’s rebranding plans include investing over $80 million in renovations. New facilities have also been added, including a one-of-a-kind rooftop event space, Serenity Garden.

Formerly the residence of Prince Aritomo Yamagata, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is known for its historic heritage and its majestic Japanese botanical garden with numerous botanical species, birds and insects, a majestic green oasis in the middle of Tokyo. Its unique services include kimono rentals and fittings and traditional Japanese tea ceremony performed at the hotel’s authentic tea house.

The hotel is currently taking reservations for the renovated rooms that will be available on November 15th.

JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Pearl Hospitality, one of Texas’ leading hotel development and management companies, has officially opened the 328-room JW Marriott Houston Downtown. Located on 806 Main Street, the hotel is housed in the historic, 104-year-old Samuel F. Carter Building and is the JW Marriott brand’s first adaptive reuse project in Texas and its second property in Houston.Artfully designed by Gensler, the hotel is inspired by Houston’s rich heritage and modern attitude. It beautifully incorporates the building’s original design elements, including the hot-riveted steel beams, into sleek, welcoming spaces. The luxurious guest rooms, exquisitely crafted cuisine, the first Spa by JW worldwide, a curated art collection and its central location on Main Street, make JW Marriott Houston Downtown the new heart of downtown Houston’s hospitality.

Interior spaces, conceptualized by Wilson and Associates and MBCM Incorporated, are a dynamic fusion of old and new, past and present. Eighteen original works of art by Texan, national and international artists, including the iconic 13-foot griffin sculpture and the first augmented sculpture by URBANSCREEN in North America, are displayed throughout the hotel, paying homage to Houston’s thriving arts community.

JWMHD Guestroom2JW Marriott Houston Downtown offers 328 luxurious rooms including executive and presidential suites, long-term apartment suites and four wellness-inspired spa suites. Each guestroom has a 55-inch LCD TV, an iPod station, Nespresso coffee machine, wireless internet and touch screen room controls. Rooms are also equipped with iPads featuring the award-winning, multi-lingual iRiSÒ app, which will allow guests to access and book all facilities and services offered at JW Marriott Houston Downtown including dining, spa, room service, concierge and valet services, travel information and more.

JWMHD Main KitchenIn a city recognized for its thriving culinary scene, JW Marriott Houston Downtown’s Main Kitchen is set to become a new dining destination. The restaurant offers an uncomplicated yet elegant menu inspired by the unique melting pot of Houston’s culinary cultures. Award-winning chefs Erin Smith and Sharon Gofreed develop globally inspired, seasonal menus based on locally sourced ingredients. The 806 Bar & Lounge connects to Main Kitchen for a seamless dining experience. Guests can enjoy delectable small bites, classic and contemporary cocktails, craft beers and carefully selected domestic and South American wines.

JW Marriott Houston Downtown redefines the concept of a hotel event venue with its gallery-inspired meeting spaces. The eclectic curated art collection displayed throughout more than 16,000 square feet of event space features works by local and national artists, adding sophistication to any event. Flexibly designed and beautifully decorated spaces can be combined or separated depending on event needs to accommodate all types of gatherings, from society galas to business meetings, making every event personal and distinctively special.

JW Marriott Houston Downtown is proud to be the first hotel worldwide to feature Spa by JW, a new spa concept by the JW Marriott brand developed in collaboration with JW Marriott brand partner and spa industry leader Aromatherapy Associates. Created to re-imagine the spa experience, Spa by JW offers guests an intuitive experience that is luxurious yet purposeful with treatments and products designed to address four core benefit states: Calm, Indulge, Invigorate and Renew. Services vary from a selection of 12- to 25-minute express treatments for guests on the go to 60- to 90-minute full-service spa services.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world’s largest hotel companies, has announced the opening of Holiday Inn® Ankara Çukurambar; the first Holiday Inn® hotel in Turkey to implement the brand’s trend setting Open Lobby. IHG unveiled its inaugural Open Lobby – at Holiday Inn® London – Brentford Lock in November 2012 and this innovative public space now features in a total of nine Holiday Inn hotels across Europe.

Operating under a franchise agreement with Aska Otomotiv ve Petrol Urunleri Tic A.S. the 140 – room Holiday Inn Ankara Çukurambar officially opened its doors on 4 November. Facilities include a 660m2 banquet room and multiple meeting rooms, a relaxing spa, gym, bar and restaurant. The hotel is perfectly positioned close to ministerial offices and government headquarters in Çukurambar; the business district of the Turkish capital Ankara.

This opening is the latest step forward for IHG in Turkey where, so far in 2014, IHG has signed two hotels and opened a further three*.
The Holiday Inn Open Lobby takes a unique approach to the in-hotel experience for guests, which has transformed the traditional hotel lobby format by combining the front desk, lobby, restaurant, bar, lounge area and business centre into one open, cohesive space, while refreshing the design to give it a more contemporary feel. The Open Lobby has been established by understanding how people use space at home in order to give guests the most flexibility, whether they’re looking to eat, relax, work, or have fun in one integrated space.

The Holiday Inn Open Lobby reflects the findings of the 2013 IHG Trends Report1, which revealed the emergence of a new breed of business travellers who are not constrained by traditional office working routines and don’t necessarily work the typical 9-5 hours. Dubbed the ‘laptop and latte’ workers, they prefer creative coffee-house-style environments where they can be inspired by meeting other travellers while they work on their own laptops and smart phones. The 24/7 To Go Café (proudly serving Lavazza coffee in Turkey) forms part of the Open Lobby, and has been designed to give guests the flexibility to eat in, eat out or enjoy take-away items in their rooms.

Historic Bristol mansion, Clevedon Hall in North Somerset, has opened today following an exciting three-year refurbishment.The 150-year-old mansion has had over £3 million spent on transforming and restoring the venue to its former glory, lining it up to become one of the top luxury hospitality venues in the UK. Over 200 guests are expected to attend the launch event where Dr.Liam Fox MP will be cutting the ribbon.

Foster and Wood, a local firm of Bristol Architects, who have previously designed other landmarks in the surrounding area including the Grammar School Hall, originally designed Clevedon Hall. Formally named Frankfurt Hall, the house was built for Conrad Finzel, who owned the UK’s largest sugar-refining business in the Counterslip Factory, Bristol.

The current owners, Peter and Sally McCarthy bought the hall 1991 from St Brandon’s girl school and created their business headquarters there. When an opportunity was created in 2010 to revitalise the build and estate with the idea of holding wonderful luxury events the McCarthys were keen to start immediately.

As well as maintaining the upper two floors and creating 25 bedrooms and suites, the owners were also set on restoring many of the original features including the windows and wood, the Victorian fireplaces, the extensive carved oak panelling and grand staircase.

John McCarthy, General Manager of Clevedon Hall, said: “We have restored as much of Clevedon Hall’s history as possible and have worked closely with English Heritage and the local conservation officer to ensure the designs are just right”.

Childs & Sulzmann Architects, John Perkins Construction and Jane Clayton & Company Ltd are the teams responsible for bringing the Clevedon Hall back to life, injecting modern comforts, whilst taking care to preserve the wealth of interesting period features already in place.

Restoration and redecoration were carried out in the Grand Library and adjoining orangery, as well as the Dame Rosa Burden room. Renovations began by removing all of the office furniture and carpets from the bottom floor. The ground floor then had the paint and wallpaper restored or replaced.

When looking at the fixtures and fittings, the current owners were keen to keep the charm of the building in place. The brand new bedrooms and suites are in keeping with the traditional values of the property and include many antique pieces in addition to high quality reproductions.

John added: “We told our teams that we wanted the bedrooms and suites to feel like a home away from home, with a traditional finish, whereby the bedrooms and suites all embody the same English country house theme throughout. The house has kept its historic character, however we have just added in a contemporary twist, which runs throughout the whole property.”

The exclusive venue offers it all, from Christenings to conferences based on creating a completely unique event for each client. Available to hire out on an exclusive basis, their concierge can help organise décor, music, food, drinks and much more.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Grupo Eco have recently announced the opening of Hyatt Place Ciudad del Carmen in Campeche, Mexico. Hyatt Place Ciudad del Carmen is the third Hyatt Place hotel to open in Mexico, and marks the continuation of Hyatt’s growth strategy in the country. Hyatt Place Ciudad del Carmen is an upscale, select service hotel designed for the multi-tasking traveller. The hotel is strategically situated next to Palmira Shopping Mall and a short distance from the Pemex offices, as well as other national and international petroleum and energy company headquarters. In addition, the hotel is conveniently located three miles from Ciudad del Carmen International Airport and four miles from Playa Norte, making this hotel a great place for business travel or leisure.

Hyatt Place Ciudad del Carmen offers guests:
• 140 roomy rooms, with higher floors offering views of the Gulf of Mexico or Terminos Lagoon
• All rooms feature a swivelling 42-inch TV, the plush Hyatt Grand Bed and a Cosy Corner sectional sofa with sectional sofa-sleeper
• Free Wi-Fi everywhere
• Complimentary hot breakfast for hotel guests
• 24/7 Gallery Menu serving made-to-order entrees and appetizers available around the clock
• A Coffee to Cocktails Bar, offering a wide range of speciality coffees, espresso, premium beer, and wines
• 1,420 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
• Outdoor pool

“We are delighted with the opening of the third Hyatt Place hotel in Mexico with Hyatt Place Ciudad del Carmen,” said Myles McGourty, senior vice president, Latin America and Caribbean for Hyatt. “The Hyatt Place brand has been well received in Mexico and in other parts of the region by travellers seeking its quality and unique offerings. Campeche is such a dynamic centre of business, and we believe the hotel will bring a new standard to the area, providing a perfect mix of style, service and amenities that will exceed guest expectations,”

The Hyatt Place brand is rapidly growing throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Hyatt Place is currently represented in San Jose, Costa Rica; Santiago, Chile; La Paz, Mexico; Panama City, Panama; and Bayamón and Manatí, Puerto Rico. Previously announced Hyatt Place hotels are under development in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Brazil.

InterContinental® Paris Le Grande’s famous ballroom- the Salon Opera, has hosted thousands of suitably grand events in its time. The Grande Dame of Parisian ballrooms has recently undergone a huge restoration to return it to its former glory. A work of art and labour of love by some of the finest craftsmen helped restore this jewel in the capital’s crown.The restoration of InterContinental Paris – Le Grand’s Salon Opera had been years in the planning. A great deal of care was required to address the underlying causes behind the refurbishment: the metro vibrating underneath, the moisture in the atmosphere from hosting up to 800 guests at a time and the building’s great age. Admired since the Napoleonic palace style hotel opened in 1862, the team decided to close Salon Opera for six months and restore the fortunes of this World Heritage Site.

A meeting room of similar size and in much need of a make-over called Salon Berlioz; lay directly beneath the Salon Opera ballroom. In order to stem losses from the closure of the grand Salon Opera, Salon Berlioz was also renovated, challenging IHG’s design and engineering team with further budget and time constraints.

50 of the finest craftsmen from across Europe were enlisted to carry out the work which involved re-working paintings, sculptures and adorning the walls and features of the Salon Opera with 70 kilos worth of gold leaf. Historical décor artists worked meticulously alongside gilding specialists, woodworkers and a master glassworker to begin the historic renovation.

Upon its re- opening earlier this summer, Salon Opera immediately played host to some of the capital’s most prestigious and glamorous events, notably the Maison Balmain show at Paris Fashion Week in September. The superb renovation has ensured the legacy of this unique site, with its famous Café de la Paix and La Verriere Restaurant, will remain.

Fameed Khalique has been called upon to source and provide outstanding material solutions from his curated collection of inspiring surfaces for a number of notable commercial projects worldwide. Working with the world’s leading interior designers and architects, materials from Fameed’s collections can be found across the globe in the most exciting retail spaces, hotels, bars and restaurants including the debut Penhaligon’s flagship store in Hong Kong, By Appointment VIP Shopping Lounge at Harrods, The Four Seasons Baku, Azerbaijan, and two of London’s hippest hotels, The Hoxton Hotel and the Ace Hotel, both situated in vibrant Shoreditch.The Ace Hotel, Shoreditch London

The Brief, To source a vegetable tanned nude leather that is very difficult to find, to be used throughout the hotel and restaurant to enhance the modern minimalist design scheme masterminded by Universal Design Studio. The public spaces were envisioned as an interactive hub for hotel guests as well as a destination for creatives in the local area.

The Solution, Fameed Khalique sourced eye-catching petrol blue leather that met the budget constraints to create the headboards in addition to high-quality chestnut brown leather to enhance the simple chair design with a luxurious finish, in keeping with the edgy urban design of the hotel.

The Ace Hotel, Shoreditch London

The Brief, To source a vegetable tanned nude leather that is very difficult to find, to be used throughout the hotel and restaurant to enhance the modern minimalist design scheme masterminded by Universal Design Studio. The public spaces were envisioned as an interactive hub for hotel guests as well as a destination for creatives in the local area.

The Solution, Fameed Khalique worked closely to provide specialist leather in an array of colours and finishes for the public spaces at the Ace London. The leather banquettes in Hoi Polloi stand out against the natural stone surfaces and Iroko timber wall panels creating an edgy aesthetic in the contemporary British take on the traditional brasserie. Additionally, leather was sourced for a number of different items of furniture including tables and chairs in meetings rooms, sofas in public spaces, and bar stools to create practical design highlights to meet the brief. Fameed worked directly with contacts at the world’s best tanneries to develop the exact colouration and finish to create the raw, ‘undone’ look demanded by the brief. The hands-on, collaborative approach adopted by Fameed Khalique and team alleviated the pressure on the design team resulting in a seamless sourcing process and a successful result.

The Waldorf Astoria, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

The Brief, To create the feature lighting installations in the hotel’s Mirage bar, and provide unique wall coverings in the hotel’s restaurant, the Lexington Grill, to create a bold statement in luxury design, highlighting the grandeur of the hotel.

The Solution, Fameed Khalique worked with Hirsch Bedner Associates to source the copper mesh panels installed in the Lexington Grill and sourced a custom glass ball chandelier along with the mirrored glass ball walls in the Mirage Bar to provide the appearance of effervescent champagne bubbles achieving the element of glamour requested in the brief.

Contemporary Swiss design paired with technological advancements is what characterises the stylish new lobby of Swissôtel Zurich. Guests of the tallest hotel in town can expect modern Swissness in the form of a compelling amalgamation of tradition and the modern: a successful combination of design items and the latest technology. In the wake of a complete renovation, the heart of Swissôtel Zurich has been transformed from a classic reception hall into a living room with a feel-good atmosphere. Torsten Pinter, General Manager of Swissôtel Zurich, proudly describes its individuality: “The new lobby offers us the opportunity to welcome our guests in a unique atmosphere. Modern design and newly created zones such as the library or working area for business travellers are an absolute added value for guests.”

For Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, the lobby is more than just a general thoroughfare, it’s where the heart of the hotel truly beats, and it’s part of the hotel that makes the first and leaves the last impression on the guest. A comfortable, homelike atmosphere, but also the level of efficiency within the processes to make every single stay run smoothly are the key requirements here. And then there’s also the moment of pleasant surprise that makes a lasting impression on guests upon arrival. The fact that customer orientation was the clear focus of the project is reflected in every detail of the lobby and comes into play through the use of technological innovations. The iPad check-in allows front office staff to be even closer to guests and better meet their needs. This new flexibility makes it possible to serve guests directly in the seated oasis, thus saving lots of time – the lobby’s Emotions Managers, who are extremely engaged and highly valued by regular guests, are also on hand to accommodate individual requests. While the new, large tables are ideal for small meetings or a fun chat over a coffee, the new lounge and seating area offer a comfortable view of the lobby’s bustling activity.

The new lobby at Swissôtel Zurich is a prime example of the Swissôtel design philosophy, uniting contemporary Swiss design with local charm and the latest technology with traditional craftsmanship. The characteristic “Swiss Circles”, carved in Swiss pine behind the modern check-in cubes, are especially eye-catching. They consist of a combination of graphic elements and symbols that come from the traditional, 17th century art of Swiss paper cutting, building a bridge to time-honoured Swiss design in a playful, poetic way.

In addition to the progressive designer furniture made from natural raw materials, another special feature of the new lobby has to be the artistically inspired installation on the theme of snow, which covers the whole ceiling and consists of hanging chrome elements engraved with snowflakes. The video installation, which is projected onto the ceiling in the middle of the room, is also an exciting feature: “SNOW-emotion switzerland” was created by internationally active interior designer Karsten Schmidt and his IDA14 firm, who were responsible for the entire interior design of the lobby and also work with snow as a metaphor for Switzerland that is understood world-wide. “Swissôtel stands for Swissness and represents the values and image of Switzerland”, says Karsten Schmidt. “What’s very exciting for me is the way that Switzerland’s roots in both modernity and tradition are expressed here in the lobby through the state-of-the-art elements under the ceiling: a Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich start-up product from the architect Oskar Zieta in combination with the faint smell of Swiss pine that meets you on arrival.”

The renovation contractors included CS Asset Management, founded in 1938, and the construction project fully met their aims of creating lasting values with sustainability.

One of the signature fittings from Chelsom’s latest collection, the elegant Hub Cap desk lamp, is a timeless piece that would look at home in both traditional and contemporary interiors.Understated in terms of its design, the Art Deco inspired desk lamp features a beautifully curved shallow canopy complete with acrylic diffuser designed to project good diffused light whilst preventing any reflection in the base. The curve of the canopy is further emphasised by the sweeping arm shown in a contrasting finish to complement the co-ordinated push switch housed in the base.

Hub Cap is available in two standard colour finishes including Polished Chrome and Black Bronze with English Brass as pictured, one of the striking new additions to Chelsom’s range of finishes adding a contemporary twist to the piece.

Marriott International has announced plans to open the first Courtyard by Marriott brand hotel in the bustling Guatemala City. The hotel project was signed with Grupo Azur, a family owned company that invests in real estate, hospitality and restaurants. The 147-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel, scheduled to open in 2016, will be located in the middle of Guatemala City’s Zona 10, also known as Zona Viva, an area known for leisure and business travel.

The hotel will feature the brand’s refreshing business lobby, lobby bar, a casual dining restaurant, flexible meeting space and recreational facilities including a state of the art gym. Additionally, it will include the brand’s new modern guestroom design.

The Courtyard by Marriott brand features hotels with a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced while travelling. Intuitive services and design accommodate guests’ desire for choice and control and allow them to use the public space and guest rooms to meet all of their needs while on the road. With more than 900 locations in 37 countries, Courtyard has more locations than any other Marriott International brand.

Sekers launch their new three pass Taffeta Blackout curtain fabric available in both standard and wide width. FION comes in 15 scintillating colours ranging from Parchment through to Ruby and is flame retardant to British, German, French, US and I.M.O. standards.WYOMING LEATHER

Following hot on the heels of Montana leather, WYOMING offers the market all the aesthetics of luxurious Nu-Buck leather but with the benefit of a micro fibre top coat that adds a stain repellent treatment allowing the designer to specify in high traffic areas. Available in 15 colours from Ivory through to Midnight Navy with Hot Pink and Satsuma giving it a contemporary twist! WYOMING is available by the hide with an average of 3.5 sq.m per hide and is flame retardant to British, American and I.M.O. standards.

Sekers will also be at The Sleep Event on the 26th and 27th November on stand M7.

For all sampling and sales enquiries please contact us at sales@sekers.co.uk or visit our web site www.sekersfabrics.co.uk where the full range can be viewed and samples ordered.

Kempinski Hotels and The Stafford Hotel Ltd. has recently announced that they have mutually and amicably agreed to end the management agreement for The Stafford London by Kempinski. Reservations for the property can continue to be made via Kempinski’s sales channels until 10th September, 2014. Existing reservations will be honoured and staff, who are employed by The Stafford Hotel Ltd., will not be affected. This decision has been made in the best interests of all parties, who have ensured a smooth transition; the property was handed over by Kempinski to The Stafford Hotel Ltd. today, and the hotel is now branded as The Stafford London.The Stafford London is a London institution with the famous American Bar and The Stafford Wine Cellars, and was founded in 1912. The Hotel has achieved a slew of awards including, in 2013, Travel + Leisure Magazine’s ‘World’s Best Business Hotel Awards’ taking first place in London and fifth worldwide, as well as their ‘World’s Best Awards’ placing third in Europe and 33rd worldwide, Condé Nast Traveller US’s ‘Gold List Europe’, Andrew Harper’s ‘Reader’s Choice Awards’ ninth place in Top City Hotels, and Forbes Travel Guide ‘4 Stars Award, among the Top Hotels in London’.

The management and staff remain at the hotel without change, and look forward to welcoming all guests loyal and new, to the hotel.

Old Town Chambers, operated by Lateral City, is to add another 14 serviced apartments to its offering, making it the biggest collection of five-star serviced apartments in Edinburgh.
Comprising a mix of studios and one bedrooms, the luxury apartments will be completed in May 2015, less than two years since Old Town Chambers was launched.

The expansion, at a cost of £1.5 million by the award-winning Chris Stewart Group, will take the total number of luxury serviced apartments up to 50, which will sleep up to 200 guests at 100% occupancy.

The apartments, set in the capital’s historic Old Town, will contain double smoked French oak wooden flooring and Italian tiling, alongside the latest home entertainment system and a 24 hour concierge service, making it one of the most exclusive places to stay in Scotland.

Julie Grieve, CEO of Lateral City, said:

“We’re delighted to be expanding in such a short space of time. To have the largest five-star collection in Edinburgh in the space of two years is testament to the success of the brand.

“Our occupancy level remains consistently high throughout the year with it reaching 100% throughout key events, such as Hogmanay, rugby Internationals and Six Nations and the Edinburgh Marathon. The demand from our visitors has spurred us to expand.

“In addition, the location itself is second to none. Being right in the heart of the historic Old Town with views over Princes Street, coupled with state-of-the-art facilities, makes it a very special place to stay in the city.”

The Old Town Chambers currently contains 36 apartments comprising of studio, one, two and three bedrooms, as well as three stunning penthouses and a 15th century townhouse.

Unique features include original period wall paintings, exposed brick, through to bluetooth Bose sound systems, Smart TVs and a multi-zone heating system in every room. Entry is via a keypad for which every guest has a specific code.

Luxury fabric specialist, Kobe, mixes the timeless stripe with sumptuous jacquard woven velvet to create its latest collection – Gabra.Available in 21 colourways and suitable for window decoration and upholstery, the lustrous viscose pile sits on an elegant matt background to create a strong, clean design classic.

Offering exceptional durability, the fabric is suitable for severe contract usage, scoring 50,000 on the Martindale Rub Test.

Said David Harris, managing director of Kobe UK: “Gabra was previously available in three colours as part of the Nomad collection. Due to its success, we have significantly extended the range – offering a total of 21 shades – from vibrant statement tones to subtle, neutral hues.

“The stripe is one of the most versatile patterns in interior design, sitting well with both patterns and plains and Gabra can be complemented with many of Kobe’s luxurious velvets in the Aries, Beja and Inuk ranges.”

Kobe UK, is part of the Dutch-based Kobefab International company which supplies more than 8,000 Interior Design & Soft Furnishing customers in over 60 countries with more than 7,000 products from its headquarters in Valkenswaard , Holland. More than 90% of its products are developed in-house and 95% of all sourcing is done in Europe. Kobe’s Contract Sales hold a gold membership with Trevira CS and has a wide range of 100% Trevira CS fabrics – which are Oekoteks 100 certified and are regarded as the highest quality in FR inherent fabrics. Kobe’s vinyl wall coverings are also FR inherent, durable and demand minimal maintenance. They contain recycled materials and are printed using water based inks making them environmentally sound. Kobe wallcoverings can also contribute to a building achieving LEED credits.

Kobe will be introducing its Gabra Collection at:
Sleep 2014, Hotel Show, 26-27th November, Business Design Centre, London. Stand M32

For further information visit www.en.kobe.eu

Vaughan are exhibiting at Sleep – Islington Business Centre on 26th and 27th November on stand M23. The Vaughan stand is designed with a modern classic theme showing a hand-picked selection of lighting, furniture and textiles from the Vaughan collection.

The all-new 2014/15 Vaughan catalogues will also be available to view. The three new catalogues incorporate new products and stunning lifestyle photography in easy-to-read, bound books. Volume 1 contains the entire Wall Light collection, Volume 2 the Ceiling Light collection and Volume 3 the Floor & Table Lamp collection.

The Art Series hotels, originating in Melbourne, are a group of six hotels with an expansion programme underway. Each hotel showcases an individual contemporary Australian artist, and the presentation of the hotel is themed around the work of the artist. One of the first hotels of this group to be built outside of Melbourne is in the Victorian gold rush town of Bendigo (the second outside Melbourne is the newly opened Watson, using the art of the outstanding Aboriginal artist Yannima Pirkarli Tommy Watson). The artist featured in the Bendigo property is Melbourne artist Mark Schaller one of the founding members of Roar Studios, a studio and gallery space started in 1982 to help emerging young artists with a perceived bias against them in the Victorian art scene, particularly the minorities, i.e. women and Koories (Indigenous Australians of Victoria).

This hotel brings a more boutique feel than most hotels that I have encountered in Australia. The contemporary building itself is rather austere architecturally, aside from addition of colour at the balconies. Upon approach, you are greeted by one of Schaller’s large sculptures standing adjacent to the main entrance, like a kind of giant wooden doorman waiting to greet you. The presence of a smart car and colourful bicycles is also apparent, which are all hireable from the hotel.

Featuring beautiful surface-even styling for a seamless finish in the contemporary bathroom, Geberit has launched the Omega60 flush plate, for a beautiful finishing touch to wall-hung sanitaryware.Available in three on-trend glass colours of white, black or umber, or in a high quality brushed chrome finish if preferred, the Geberit Omega60 measures just 184mm x 114mm ensuring it will fit seamlessly into any bathroom design in more ways than one.

Opening up new design options, the compact nature of the Geberit Omega60 flush plate, coupled with its surface even format, gives designers and architects the opportunity to create luxurious, high-end bathroom spaces. Featuring an innovative installation technique, Omega60 also enables architects to include a surface even flush plate as part of a retrofit project for the very first time.

The flush plate is the perfect partner for Geberit’s newest concealed cistern, the Geberit Duofix Omega, which has a super slim profile of just 12cm, enabling it to fit neatly under a windowsill or a sloping roof. Depending on the construction situation, the flush plate can be attached to the top or front of the cistern for greater flexibility and with no special tools required to install the cistern or the flush plate, fitting time and disruption are kept to an absolute minimum on all projects.

The Geberit Omega range gives architects and designers exclusive access to a whole new world of creativity in the modern bathroom.

Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa has announced the re-opening of its newly renovated resort, after the completion of major renovations since its opening in 2001. The renovation work throughout the property includes upgrades of the resort guest rooms with creation of new Grand Deluxe rooms category, redesign of three restaurants and three bars concepts, laying new flooring in the main pool, redesign lobby area with new modern look with three dynamic desks and fresh appeal reflecting a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for guests, the addition of central air conditioning system, enhancement of internet network for better Wi-Fi access and many other back of the house improvements.

The refurbishment project, which started in June 2014, focused mainly on the creation of the new room category, Grand Deluxe, which have been totally refurbished with new contemporary furniture, and modern fixtures. The new Grand Deluxe rooms have been carefully redesigned to elevate the guest experience, adding soft touches, such as warm inviting colours and furniture to ensure a sophisticated and comfortable stay. Also featuring redesigned bathrooms that include a separate bathtub and a separate shower area, where the guests can enjoy the magnificent sea view. Amenities in rooms include mini-bar, flat screen television, DVD player, TV cable, personal electronic safe, telephone in the bathroom, hair dryer, complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee maker and complimentary bottled water as well as Wi-Fi connection.

Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa offers an array of dining experiences, which has also undergone improvement. The resort now features three restaurants and three bars. La Pomme d’Amour restaurant now offers guests an added seating capacity by integrating the former Melanzane restaurant. The restaurant features daily sumptuous breakfast and daily international buffet dinner with a local Creole touch. Guests can also choose from Ginger Thai restaurant, serving typical Thai cuisine with an increasing seating capacity also following the extension of its terrace. Les Coquillages restaurant, located on the beach edge is ideal for enjoying a lunch feet in the sands or a dinner under the stars. Aqua Bar, also totally refurbished is situated between the swimming pool and the beach offering cool drinks and snacks in a relaxing lounge environment.

As experience is at the heart of Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa, the resort has also taken advantage of this renovation to give more than 11,500 hours of training to all its valued team members. These trainings are part of the resort’s vision “to be the first choice for guests and team members alike.” The flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide continues to build upon its legacy of innovation by developing products and services to meet the needs of tomorrow’s savvy global travellers while thousands of Team Members shape experiences in which every guest feels cared for, valued and respected.

Wilton Carpets Commercial will use the Sleep event to announce the launch of brand new Link and Heritage tufted ranges – from the Ready to Go collection; as well as the Classical Dimensions 3 brochure, featuring 40 FastTrack designs in three or more colourways. Link delivers a contemporary geometric in an 80% wool 20% nylon mix, tufted in a four-metre width. In seven colourways, including the tonal brown of Chain, graphite grey of Braid and the rich rust reds of Anchor, Link is ideal for hospitality environments looking for a modern design with a multitude of uses. Meanwhile, Heritage offers a more classical diamond geometric in the same four-metre wide tufted specification, using seven colourways suited to both classic and contemporary interiors with the tonal beige of Radford and naturals of Mowbray, as well as the grey and graphite of Castlebourne and Durlston.

Part of the Ready to Go collection, both Link and Heritage are available from stock and so ideal for hospitality environments demanding versatility and a Heavy Contract rating within short timescales. As tufted carpets, these new designs are also exceptional value.

The new Classical Dimensions 3 FastTrack collection provides a fresh look at classical design, with 40 woven axminster designs that draw inspiration from and reference classic architecture and period detail. With each design in three or more colourways, including Wilton’s popular Melrose tartan adapted to incorporate jewel-like tones, the brochure promises new design possibilities for hospitality environments. From a minimum order of just 100 square metres, FastTrack carpets are a cost-effective way to achieve a more individual look to the design of interiors.

This year’s stand showcases the creative possibilities of bespoke carpet from Wilton Carpets Commercial, with the Wiltshire-based manufacturer creating a stunning peacock feather design on the wall and floor of the stand. With feathers up to 210cm, the breath-taking design features a graduated colour scheme selected from the Optimum Flexiweave palette. Black, jade, cyclamen and dark ruby transition through to cyclamen, ruby and lime with orange foreground highlights in a creation that demonstrates the design capabilities of one of the UK’s best hospitality carpet manufacturers.

Find Wilton Carpets Commercial on Stand G36.

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

Hyatt Hotels Corporation and SAMHI have announced the opening of Hyatt Place Gurgaon/Udyog Vihar in the state of Haryana, India. This is the first Hyatt Place hotel in the gateway city of Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) and the second Hyatt Place hotel in India, following the 2012 opening of Hyatt Place Hampi.Strategically located in Gurgaon, Hyatt Place Gurgaon/Udyog Vihar is a 20-minute drive from DLF Cyber City, MG Road, City Centre, and major commercial hubs in Gurgaon, including NH8. Situated on Old Delhi Gurgaon Road, next to Maruti Udyog Vihar, and the hotel is just 20 minutes from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

The hotel offers convenient access to Gurgaon’s most famous sites and attractions, including Appu Ghar and Kingdom of Dreams, which is an ideal place to experience a perfect blend of India’s art, culture and heritage in the form of cinematic and theatrical musicals, all under one roof. The hotel is also nearby Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary and Sohna Lake.

Hyatt Place Gurgaon/Udyog Vihar offers:
• 176 roomy rooms, featuring a 42-inch HDTV, a plush Hyatt Grand Bed and a Cozy Corner sofa sleeper in select guestrooms
• Free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel
• 2,720 square feet (253 square meters) of flexible, high-tech meeting and function space
• Complimentary Gallery Kitchen Breakfast, 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 coffees and premium role beers, as well as wines and cocktails
• A 24-hour StayFit Gym, offering advanced cardiovascular and strengthening equipment’s
• Relax and unwind at the outdoor swimming pool, while enjoying the pleasant weather and green surrounding
• Free public computers with internet access and remote printing

As winter approaches in Russia’s capital city, a warm respite beckons just a few steps from Red Square. Closed for many years, a grand set of doors has just been thrown open, revealing luxurious accommodations, five inviting dining and drinking establishments, and an unparalleled international standard of personalised service: welcome to the new Four Seasons Hotel Moscow.”After years of meticulous planning, the old Hotel Moskva is now reborn as Four Seasons Hotel Moscow with fashion forward style and modern comforts on Manezhnaya Square,” says General Manager Max Musto, who oversees a handpicked, highly trained staff. “It is our mission to write the next exciting chapter in the storied history of this building, and this city.”

Originally built in the 1930s, Hotel Moskva hosted many of the key figures in the Russian saga. As an unofficial home base for the Soviet Union’s political and cultural power players, the Hotel’s clientèle also included a star-studded cast of international guests. Now, with immense respect for architect Alexei Shchusev’s original vision, interior designers Richmond International have created a contemporary homage to history that is firmly positioned in the 21st century. The exterior façade has been replicated in meticulous detail, including the distinctive asymmetry between the two wings that surround a new glass-topped atrium. A birch motif is woven throughout the interior décor, and echoes of the past are seen in decorative details such as the column capitals and scalloped rosette surrounding the main ballroom’s chandelier, and the handcrafted mosaic tiles in the glass-enclosed pool area.

Moscow’s Finest Accommodations

Offering the city’s most spacious accommodations, the Hotel’s 180 rooms and suites are naturally lit through floor-to-ceiling windows, and many have step-out balconies. In addition to the new, fully customizable Four Seasons Bed, up-to-the-minute features include iHome docking stations, media hub with international socket options, high speed internet access, and an iPad in each room for easy access to in-room dining, Spa appointments and more. Marble bathrooms include separate showers, with complimentary custom amenities by Roberto Cavalli.

The Hotel’s top accommodations are the palatial 7th floor Pozharsky Royal Suite at 520 square metres (5,600 square feet), which opens on to an expansive terrace offering views of Manezhnaya Square and Alexandrovsky Garden. Equally impressive is the stately Minin Presidential Suite at 468 square metres (5,000 square feet).

For business travellers, in-room conveniences include ergonomic furnishings and large working desks, in-room Nespresso machines, and high definition televisions that swivel to show a mirror on the opposite side when not in use. The multi-lingual concierge team is ready to assist in maximizing one’s stay in Moscow, and along with the 24-hour business centre, guests also have access to the Hotel’s fleet of BMW 7 Series house cars, each equipped with complimentary wi-fi and iPad.

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