Hotel Designs

The Crowne Plaza London-Battersea has had an interesting start to life. The hotel was built in 2010 and was originally part of the Von Essen group before the company was put into administration back in 2012. It was then bought by the Rhombus group and turned into Hotel Verta by Rhombus – London until the end of 2014. Fabiano Hotels LTD has recently bought the property with management from IHG. Now under the Crowne Plaza brand, IHG mean business – and they’re bringing it south of the river.With only a ten-minute walk from Clapham Junction train station and the close proximity of the Heliport to the hotel, accessing London is just a short ride away. It’s also just across the river from Chelsea Harbour, home to the showrooms of many of the companies we feature within our Directory of suppliers.

Finding the hotel can be tricky as Google maps wasn’t, at the time of visit, recognising the hotel name as it’s still listed as Hotel Verta. It’s also not particularly identifiable (as the hotel) from the main road (no visible exterior signage) and is located behind two car showrooms so if you’re travelling from Clapham Junction train station, it’s advisable to jump in a taxi for the short journey. However, once you reach the hotel, the views over the Thames are just spectacular and the theatrical element of watching helicopters taking to the skies from the port next door turns it into a hidden gem.

Walking into Reception there is a long reception desk to the left, lift lobby ahead and a staircase to the Verta bar on the mezzanine level on the right. Beyond the staircase is a small seating area and bar with the restaurant. The open-plan layout enables light to fill the space and creates the feeling of more space. The building is lined with floor to ceiling windows which again enables guests and visitors to view the helicopters and take in the views across the Thames.

A large bronze map of the local area hangs behind the reception desk as functional artwork with gold, yellow and dark wood finishes creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The interior has not been altered since the hotel opened in 2010 and the general design throughout the hotel has an Asian style to it which is more noticeable in the restaurant area.

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Forbes Group’s innovative Silcra covers bring an instant update to buffet or registration tables.

Made-to-measure covers stretch over the table and are fixed under the legs, creating a contemporary, sculpted silhouette.Silcra covers are designed to fit any table size (round or rectangular), come in a range of colours and are all machine washable. They are also available for cocktail tables.

Order your Silcra cover in Premier fabric and we can personalise it with any graphic or your company logo for a particularly sleek finish.

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Bluebelt Hospitality has acquired the leasehold of The Elephant Hotel, taking its portfolio of properties to four. The historic hotel had been marketed by leisure property specialist Fleurets on behalf of Hillbrooke Hotels. Opened in the late 1800’s, The Elephant Hotel has been through a major refurbishment and today features 22 themed guestrooms, a 70-cover restaurant, bar, three flexible banqueting spaces which can accommodate a total of 110 guests, and a spacious garden with 150 covers between the alfresco area and the cover marquee, which make the property ideal for wedding ceremonies and celebrations.

“We suspected The Elephant Hotel would generate a good deal of interest as the M4 corridor continues to be an area of high demand. The property was in good condition throughout and typically the type of business that would appeal to many of the newly expanding operator groups” – says Will Thomas of Fleurets. “I have no doubt that the Elephant will fit well within Bluebelt’s operations and will assist the group in establishing themselves as high end hospitality operators.”

Accor has pledged to double the number of its UK apprentices, bringing the total to 300 by the end of 2016. Accor has provided apprenticeships in the UK for the past ten years. During that time, over 500 apprentices have completed their training. Since 2012, Accor has invested over £2.5 million in training and development in the UK, and in addition to the 150 apprentices currently employed; the group offers 300 work placements every year.

Later today, Accor is hosting an Apprentice Day at its state-of-the-art London training Académie. The aim of the event is to inspire young people to begin a career within the hospitality industry and encourage them to consider an apprenticeship as the route into the sector.

As part of the event, attendees will take part in ‘The Big Hospitality Conversation’. The purpose is to bring young people, Accor apprentices and Accor business leaders together to have a unique conversation about the hospitality sector and apprenticeships.

Throughout, attendees will hear from Thomas Dubaere, Managing Director, Accor UK & Ireland; Philip Addison, VP of Human Resources of Accor; The Springboard Charity and training providers.

Thomas Dubaere, Managing Director, Accor UK & Ireland said, “We believe in the value of apprenticeships, which is why we are committed to growing the number that we have in the UK.

“One of the biggest challenges we face in the UK is that young people aren’t always aware of what careers are available to them and there is a myth that apprenticeships are not a viable route into a career. I believe that apprenticeships are vital as they offer young people an alternative to further education, allowing them to earn whilst they learn and helping them to reach their career goals. Through our conversations today, we hope to educate and share experiences between some potential apprentices and our current apprentices.”

RAZZMATAZZ : conceived and designed by Henry Chebaane of Blue Sky Hospitality based on the idea that you don’t fly on top of a magic carpet – you fly inside it, to another dimension in time and space, transported to a magical realm where not everything is what it seems.Razzmatazz is the ultimate immersive brand experience, inspired by Persian and Azeri rugs and related elements. Oriental rugs were used traditionally as story books: into it were woven patterns, colours and symbols full of meaning, often poetic or extraordinary… All this content is magnified within the interiors as physical and emotional sensations: instead of looking at a single rug on a floor, Razzmatazz is experienced as being INSIDE the rug universe: a woollen geometric surface covers the whole floor, then its patterns (a stylised flower cross between a Persian rose and an Azeri pomegranate) pop out onto the walls and ceiling, colours are within the materials but also leach out through glowing lights. The bar and wooden wall panels contain angular lines that trace the threads of a giant imaginary loom into space…

So now, what is the STORY?
This late night speakeasy cocktail bar is about Ed Razzle and Tom Dazzle.

Two entertainer adventurers originally from London, they arrived in Long Island, USA in 1925 where they played along the beach an unusual combination of percussion, juggling, magic and singing… One day they met the Great Gatsby who was amazed at the entertainment potential these two guys could bring to his (in)famous underground parties. He offered them shelter in exchange to performing their act exclusively for his guests in his own private club. They learned the art of cocktail making and had a blast. Eventually, they got bored of all that partying and wanted to travel again.

One night, they met one of the guests who was a wealthy tea merchant just arrived from the Far East. He had some samples with him that were tasted. They all thought it was a very aromatic drink but lacking in fun… So R & D decided to spike it up a bit by adding all the left overs from opened bottles after the party: vodka, gin, tequila and rum as well as lemon and cola. Over several nights they perfected the mix and created new versions. It became the most popular drink as it could easily be shared by several guests at one table. They called it the Long Island Ice Tea.

After a few seasons, R&D grew restless yearning for adventure. They met the tea merchant again who was going back on his journey East and accepted a ship ride with him in 1930. They stopped in Istanbul, learned about coffee, sugar and spices…then went through Suez along the Arabian Coast, arrived in Ormuz and travelled through Persia.

They joined a camel caravan transporting dates, cane sugar and perfumes, going north to the Caspian Sea. En route they learned about the fruits, flowers, music, arts and scents of the region by stopping along the way to ancient cities like Shiraz and Ispahan. They eventually reached the cosmopolitan Baku.

Ruled by the Soviet, the place was no fun but its ancient culture was intriguing, exciting and inspiring to R&D. Having gained experience of running an underground party and drinking club during the prohibition in the USA, they decided to create the first (and only) speakeasy in Baku.

The location was so secret that no one revealed its existence or spoke about it… To this day no one knows for sure where it was. Some say in a hidden cellar under the house of parliament, other say somewhere in the old city behind the caravansaray, entrance concealed by one of the carpets… The club membership was strictly by personal recommendation that members of the remaining merchant class, artists and intelligentsia passed to each other under the code name: RAZZMATAZZ.

This was the word that one had to murmur at the door after knocking 1, 2, 3.

For many years the legendary club was a refuge to play western music, taste drinks and food that was banned by the soviets as signs of decadence.

In the turmoil that followed WW2 and Stalinism, no one knows what happened to R&D and to the club. Some say they married locally, changed their names and disappeared into one of the villages in the Absheron peninsula. Other claimed to have caught sight of them in Cairo, Mumbai or even Macao. There was also a strange report in the New York Daily Mirror circa 1960, of an avant-garde underground jazz and comedy club in Brooklyn decorated wall to wall in Persian carpets and run by two eccentric dudes, their exotic looking wives and a pet “whatnot” called Gonzo.

The mystery lives on forever but inspired by this tale, we are reinstating the legendary RAZZMATAZZ @ the Absheron.

According to research one quarter (25 per cent) of European businesses are risking employee safety due to poor maintenance of their building’s fire or emergency lighting systems. In a survey of European fire equipment installers, one third (34 per cent) also state that emergency lighting performance is not accurately monitored using a logbook in accordance with the law.

Similar levels of apathy to accurate logbook recordings were found in relation to fire safety efficiency with one third (33 per cent) of installers’ customers not possessing up to date fire detection records on site.

Legislation such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 dictates that all businesses adhere to prescriptive standards which comprise the quality of products adopted, maintenance of all safety systems and shared responsibility to protect the workforce.

Low adoption of technology
Despite the environmental and total cost of ownership benefits, only 15 per cent of installers’ customers use LED technology and just nine per cent have self-testing emergency lighting systems which can reduce valuable resource spent by businesses on maintenance.

To support businesses in accurate self-assessment of existing security equipment, Hochiki Europe has developed an online tool which quizzes the user on the performance status of a building’s current solution as well as providing guidance on methods of improving it.

David Brown, Product Manager, said: “It is crucial that businesses do not fall short when it comes to the assessment and maintenance of safety provision which is designed to protect employees and prevent accidents that may not be legislated for.

“We’ve partnered with skilled installers to determine where businesses and their building owners can be better supported and developed a simple online tool which directs them to solutions that promote efficiency and optimum safety in accordance with the very latest regulations.”

Data from a representative sample of European fire and lighting system installers during January 2015

Marriott International has recently announced plans to open 2,700 Moxy hotel rooms in key cities throughout Europe by end 2016. With a goal of 150 Moxy hotels and 25,000 rooms by 2020, the company expects to sign at least 4,200 rooms in 2015 alone. The announcement follows the successful debut of Moxy Milan Malpensa, Italy in September 2014 and the news that the brand is entering the U.S market with eight identified properties slated for major metropolitan locations, including three in New York City (Chelsea, Mid-town and Lower Manhattan), San Francisco, Seattle, New Orleans and Chicago.

In partnership with Vastint Hospitality as the owner and developer and franchise partners, Nordic Hospitality and ZLEEP Hotels for Moxy Copenhagen, the following Moxy hotels are expected to open by end 2016:

Moxy Munich Airport, Germany – located five minutes from the main terminal – winter 2015
Moxy Eschborn, Germany – located 10 minutes from downtown Frankfurt and 15 minutes from Frankfurt Airport – early 2016
Moxy Frankfurt Gateway Gardens, Germany – located in the campus of Gateway Gardens , walking distance to Frankfurt Airport terminal 2 – summer 2016
Moxy Aberdeen Airport, UK – mid 2016
Moxy Berlin Ostbahnhof, Germany – near Alexanderplatz, Prenzlauer Berg and the River Spree – early 2016
Moxy London Royal Docks, UK – close to the ExCel Exhibition Areas and Canary Wharf – autumn 2016
Moxy London Stratford, UK – next to Europe’s largest Shopping Center and adjacent to the Olympic Park – summer 2016
Moxy Oslo Exporama, Norway – next to one of the largest exhibition grounds between Oslo and Oslo Airport – summer 2016
Moxy Copenhagen, Denmark – close to Scandiagade which has seen much development in recent years for offices, retail and residential developments – summer 2016
Moxy Essen, Germany – located right in the city centre of the West German City of Essen, a short walk from one of the busiest train stations in Germany – winter 2016
Moxy London Heathrow Airport, UK – located on Bath Road with quick access to Heathrow’s Terminals – winter 2016

Defined by attitude rather than affordability, Moxy Hotels redesigns the traditional economy hotel experience, allowing guests to work, play, connect and enjoy whilst surrounded by bold design and contemporary style. With its vibrant lobby spaces, 24/7 self-service grab and go, ample plug-ins for personal devices and free Wi-Fi, Moxy aims to surprise budget-conscious travellers with a thoughtful, spirited and fun guest experience.

Moxy Hotels is the latest addition in a growing luxury and lifestyle brand portfolio at Marriott International. Each brand is positioned to serve today’s savvy traveller by delivering high design and technology forward experiences at every price point. Marriott International’s luxury and lifestyle brands portfolio currently includes The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, EDITION, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, the Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott, Bulgari and Moxy Hotels. Accounting for 25 percent of the company’s system wide pipeline, Marriott expects to add more than 200 luxury and lifestyle hotel projects over the next several years, reflecting over $15 billion of investment by the company’s owners and franchisees. Across Marriott’s entire portfolio of brands, the company expects to surpass one million rooms open or in development by the end of 2015.

MAS SALAGROS, BARCELONA is an exciting new opening which we are thrilled to welcome into the Workham family. Opening on 15th May 2015, this brand new eco resort is situated in the middle of the countryside in Vallromanes, just 20 minutes north east of Barcelona.

The property enjoys the benefit of the beautiful Aire Ancient Baths – a spa concept where you can be immersed and relax mind, body and soul and the natural extent of Mas Salagros does not stop there – a farm and a gourmet restaurant all add to the ecological theme.

Mas Salagros is an ideal spot for a family holiday, encompassing nature, relaxation, the culture of nearby Barcelona and a full menu of activities. For romantic weekends, the hotel and baths are idyllic and for groups, Mas Salagros is a perfect option.

To mark World Water Day 2015 Roca is hosting a special event at the Roca London Gallery on Monday 23 March, in order to highlight the role that designers and architects play in responding to the risks of extreme weather, such as flooding, in the UK.The theme for World Water Day 2015 is ‘Water and Sustainable Development’. As a manufacturer with strong sustainability and environmental values, this is a particularly important topic for Roca.

Entitled ‘Designing for Climate Change’, the event at Roca London Gallery will see leading experts from the fields of architecture and landscape architecture sharing ideas about how we can work with water when designing homes and public spaces, and how we can inspire future designers.

Organised by the We Are Water Foundation and supported by Roca and the Landscape Institute, the World Water Day event looks to raise awareness about water, weather and the importance of good design. Guests will hear from speakers including Sue Ilman, Managing Director of Ilman Young Landscape Design and Andrew Scarce from Baca Architects.

Through the We Are Water Foundation, an initiative of Roca’s, the charitable organisation aims to mitigate the negative effects associated with the lack of adequate water resources, raising overall awareness and supporting projects in some of the world’s most deprived areas.

Designing for Climate Change – a World Water Day 2015 event
Monday 23 March at Roca London Gallery, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
To RSVP visit this link

To learn more about World Water Day, visit www.unwater.org/worldwaterday

The Mercure London Watford Hotel has announced the refurbishment of 100 of its 218 bedrooms. The extensive renovation includes the redesign of 100 classic bedrooms. Work on the renovation is well underway and is set to be complete by the end of March. The four star hotel’s bedroom renovation will cater well for the demand from the local corporate and consumer markets. Classic bedrooms include flat screen TV, complimentary high-speed WiFi, new beds with a Kayfoam King Koil mattress, and en-suite bathrooms with toiletries. In addition, there are also 20 Privilege Bedrooms, which feature everything guests could wish for to relax and unwind in style including complimentary unlimited movies, a Nespresso coffee machine, newspaper, robe and slippers.

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 of the new bedrooms delivers a better hotel experience for guests. We’ve added in some local touches, such as the printed headboard, which is of an old scene taken in 1936 of the construction of the pedestrian subway under the Watford bypass where the hotel is situated. The colour scheme is based on an elegant and stylish grey palate to refresh the room making it more inviting and comfortable.”

The hotel has a vast selection of event space on offer, with 12 meeting rooms available, and space for up to 200 delegates. Each offer complimentary high speed WiFi and there is parking available for up to 300 cars on site.

Allan Porter the hotel’s General Manager commented: “We are incredibly excited about this project and the timing could not be more ideal, with a host of impressive events taking place over the next few months. This project will help elevate our quality offering to guests, as well as helping us to meet the demand for rooms in the town.”

Situated close to Watford town centre and ideally located for the towns of St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Elstree, Borehamwood and Radlett, the Mercure London Watford Hotel offers the perfect location for leisure and business travellers. Watford Junction station is two miles form the hotel, offering fast and easy access within 20 minutes of London.

A major milestone in the transformation of Edinburgh’s Old Town will be reached this month (March 2015) when the city’s New Waverley development starts construction work linking it to the Capital’s iconic Royal Mile.Work on Artisan Real Estates Investors’ £150 million site, which lies at the heart of Edinburgh’s historic city centre, is continuing with a146-apartment Adagio Aparthotel which will face directly on to the Royal Mile, behind a retained façade of the C-listed Sailors Ark building.

This significant development phase also includes retail, restaurant and bar opportunities on the ground floor of the Aparthotel. When complete, the Aparthotel will overlook a new £6.5 million public square, also delivered as part of this phase of works, creating a vibrant central hub for New Waverley.

Construction work on the initial development phase of two Whitbread hotels with frontages on to East Market Street and Cranston Street is currently underway – identified by twin tower cranes on site. Work on the two hotels – a 127-room Premier Inn and a 121-room Hub by Premier Inn – began in November 2014 with a completion date set for mid-2016.

Welcoming this development milestone, Clive Wilding, Artisan’s Project Director, says: “The breakthrough to the Royal Mile marks a significant stage in the evolution of New Waverley, and its transformation of Edinburgh’s Old Town and the entire city centre area.

“We are now seeing New Waverley’s true scope and potential being delivered before us – a broad sweep of an historic part of the city integrating Edinburgh’s busy New Street and Market Street with Waverley Station and the Royal Mile.

“The new public square, with stunning views over Calton Hill, will form a vibrant hub for this flagship mixed-use development and its surrounding area, creating an entirely new destination for Edinburgh. With it, we are creating the very heart of our development – a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly urban centre mixing open public spaces with high quality homes and offices, as well as restaurants, shops and hotels linking directly to one of the most iconic streets anywhere in the world.”

He added: “We are working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council to create a community partnership to breathe new life into the area, using recently released funding. This includes arts projects such as the graffiti-based artworks on site hoardings and community events throughout the year.”

The British Contract Furnishing Association (BCFA) has spoken out about the importance of complying with fire standards for upholstered outdoor furniture and issued guidance on the regulations to its members, after feedback showed many were confused about the standards and others assumed outdoor furniture simply carried no risk. The warning comes ahead of the Summer, when outdoor furniture is used more frequently in the commercial hospitality industry. Colin Watson, Managing Director of the BCFA said; ‘We are urging all companies to become acquainted with the regulations for outdoor furniture and to carry out a fire safety risk assessment. The UK fire regulations for furnishing products are among the most stringent in the world, but have helped save countless lives.’

Chris McCormack; BCFA member and Managing Director of Leisure Plan is keen to emphasise the importance of the correct specifications saying; ‘The advice from the BCFA about this is excellent and as a company is something we always emphasise to our own clients’.

Foam, fabric and all other cover material should all meet the BS 7176: 2007 medium risk; also referred to as passing the test at ‘crib 5’. Further details on the fire standards can be obtained from the Fire Regulations section of the BCFA website. BCFA members can also contact the BCFA for further clarification.

Photos from the Contract Chair Company

Boasting one of the Thai capital’s most prestigious addresses, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel offers a sophisticated retreat for guests who appreciate life’s finer pleasures and the intrigue of original experiences. Redefining luxury, traditional Thai architecture and glorious gardens exude elegant simplicity and create a sense of serene exclusivity that feels far removed from the bustling city, matched by the convenience of being well connected to everything Bangkok has to offer.Strategically located in the heart of central Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong district, opposite the Royal Bangkok Sports Club and right next to a sky train station, Anantara Siam Bangkok is within close proximity to the main business, nightlife and shopping districts, Lumphini Park, and many of the city’s key cultural attractions, providing the ideal base for the business or leisure traveller.

Luxury accommodation comprises of 354 rooms and suites designed in traditional Thai and contemporary style with authentic Thai artefacts, teak furnishings and silk fabrics, overlooking tropical gardens, the pool, prestigious neighbourhood streets or the Royal Bangkok Sports Club.

Four room types each offer 42 square metres of beautifully appointed space, a marble bathroom with a deep tub and separate shower, and some also a private entrance graced with white columns and Thai statues, as well as a dining patio amidst landscaped gardens overlooking the pool and an exotic lotus pond.

Six suite categories ranging from 72 to 344 square metres offer unique indulgences, such as a dressing room, massage suite, whirlpool, an office library and elegant spaces to host private dinner parties. Kasara Lounge guests receive a range of exclusive leisure and business privileges, including an express check-in and check-out at the Kasara Lounge, all day snacks and refreshments, and use of a private meeting room.

Impressive leisure facilities tempt guests to swim at the outdoor pool and sunbathe on the sundeck surrounded by tropical garden scenery, a waterfall and lotus ponds. Those with energy or city stress to burn can work-out at the 24 hour health club’s gym and squash court, or in the yoga, aerobics and spinning studio, then relax afterwards in the steam room and whirlpool. For the ultimate in pampering indulgence, award winning Anantara Spa journeys offer Thailand’s exotic wellness traditions, trusted ancient therapies from across Asia and advanced western spa wisdom.

The hotel’s highly acclaimed culinary experiences offer some of the city’s very best dining. 10 dining options include award winning restaurants, the much raved about Sunday Brunch, speciality Japanese, Thai and Italian restaurants serving authentic flavours in atmospheric settings, as well as refreshments under the lobby’s magnificent frescoed ceiling, and leisurely wine and charcuterie evenings.

Family friendly services keep youngsters entertained and give parents a stress free stay. Little ones enjoy a welcome amenity, their own bathrobes, toiletries and bedtime treats, as well as children’s menus at every hotel restaurant. While the concierge can be called upon to arrange action packed days out, book a babysitter or a special family dinner.

Business guests experience the art of perfect meetings and events at one of Bangkok’s most sophisticated hotels, within close proximity of the city’s business district. Extensive facilities cater for every kind of social and corporate function, from stylish boardrooms and meeting rooms, to a grand ballroom for up to 1,000 guests. Dedicated business and event co-ordinators ensure that every element flows seamlessly, from VIP welcome gifts to tailoring the ideal music, themed décor and entertainment, as well as impeccably executed culinary experiences.

For weddings, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel specialises in Indian celebrations and The Wedding Galleria offers a one stop shop for everything wedding related. Wedding dress, flower, table setting and cake displays provide plenty of inspiration, and the Galleria’s theme changes every two months to showcase upcoming trends. Couples can book a personal consultation to discuss gifts and transport for guests, pre-wedding celebrations and tailored arrangements for the big day itself, a wedding photo shoot, menu tastings and even honeymoon ideas.

Suvarnabhumi International Airport is a 45 minute drive from the hotel and Don Mueang International Airport just 25 minutes. The hotel’s fast track greeting service helps smooth the customs process upon arrival at the airport and offers WiFi enabled limousines into the city.

Anantara Siam Bangkok offers guests the full luxurious authentic Thai experience right in the heart of the kingdom’s capital.

JD Wetherspoon’s latest pub to open is The Twelve Tellers in Preston named because the site was formerly a bank back in the 1930s. KD Paine & Associates was responsible for the building’s redesign and refurbishment and, while they were keen to make it a contemporary environment, they wanted to give due regard to the building’s history.

When it came to the lighting they used historic photography of the building’s former incarnation to influence the styling of the pub’s chandeliers and wall lights and called on Dernier & Hamlyn to design and manufacture lighting to suit their interior design.

The end results are 35 light fittings that echo the shape of the original fittings but with a modern interpretation achieved by removing floral flourishes and fussy framework and replacing it with sweeping nickel lines and opal glass globe shades.

David Carrington from KD Paine & Associates says:
“We had seen Dernier & Hamlyn’s work in many other hotels and restaurants and were confident they would be able to fulfil our requirements in terms of design, timescales and budget. We and our client are delighted with the results and look forward to working with them on more projects in the future.”

Autograph Collection, Marriott International’s exclusive portfolio of hotels recognized for celebrating individuality, will welcome a new boutique property to its collection. The Press Hotel, located in Portland, Maine, is housed in the historic Portland Press Herald newspaper building and will be Portland’s first lifestyle, boutique hotel when it is scheduled to open in May 2015. Driven by the vision and passion of local developer Jim Brady, The Press Hotel will capture the essence of Portland by getting under the city’s cultural skin and showcasing Maine artisans, craftsmen and local culinary talent. A front-desk “letterpress art wall” sculpture will welcome guests in the main lobby. There will also be a “Mainer” art gallery, open to the public, for moments of quiet repose or cocktail sipping. The gallery’s signature piece will be a stunning installation made from antique typewriters. The hotel will also celebrate the city’s local authors and arts community, and has commissioned all of the artwork for the hotel to local painters, textile makers and wood-workers.

“We are excited to welcome The Press Hotel to Autograph Collection, which was selected for its bold originality, rich character and uncommon details,” said Julius Robinson, Vice President, Autograph Collection. “Autograph Collection is known for delivering extraordinary hotel experiences that are Exactly Like Nothing Else, and we believe that The Press Hotel will deliver on this promise.”

Located at the corner of Exchange and Congress Streets in the Old Port neighborhood, the hotel’s brand identity and ethos stem from its location in the historic Portland Press Herald building. Referencing the building’s history, architecture group Stonehill & Taylor, responsible for the hotel’s design, worked closely with Portland Press Herald editors to select content from the newspaper’s pages to incorporate into various aspects of the design.

The hotel’s 110 thoughtfully appointed guestrooms include a Penthouse Suite with exclusive rooftop access and 360-degree views of the city; four private function rooms will also be available for groups and special events. The guestroom design is inspired by a 1920s writer’s office including a vintage-style journalist desk and playful newsroom references throughout. Each bathroom will feature a reeded glass door similar to those in historic newspaper offices. Wood floors with herringbone area rugs give a residential feel and prints by Portland-area artists will decorate the walls. A woven wall tapestry by renowned local artist Angela Adams has been designed exclusively for the hotel.

In line with Autograph Collection’s overall specialized consumer offerings, guests of The Press Hotel can expect surprising and playful touches like customizable ‘do not disturb’ signs, “Hot off the Press” French-pressed coffee, and typewriter-key shaped coasters. Thought-provoking author’s quotes will also be delightful discoveries at unexpected turns – from closet walls and in-room safes, to meeting spaces and the lobby bar.

Aiming to enhance the already vibrant and booming Portland dining scene, The Press Hotel will be home to the 65-seat restaurant M.C. UNION, by highly acclaimed James Beard Award-winning chefs Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier. The two 26-year Maine restaurant veterans, widely regarded as the originators of farm-to-table sustainable cuisine before it was mainstream, will stay true to their passion for the classics. Menu details will be available later this spring and will feature creative takes on recognizable ‘Americana’ favorites from coast to coast, that will highlight the chefs’ California and Maine backgrounds. The lobby bar, The Inkwell, will feature handcrafted vintage cocktails.

The Press Hotel will partner with Portland institutions including MECA (Maine College of Art), The Telling Room, the Portland Public Library and The Salt Institute to offer guests exclusive insider access to some of the city’s most unique entertainment, art programs, creative community gatherings and trade workshops through partnerships and a lecture series at the hotel itself.

The Press Hotel is the 79th property to be added to Autograph Collection’s portfolio of worldwide hotels. The Collection’s vision is to offer an evolving group of passionately independent hotels, ranging from a 15-room boutique hunting lodge in the mountains of Colorado to a 19th century neoclassical palace in Prague. Exactly like nothing else, each hotel is thoughtfully chosen for its quality, originality, bold character and capacity to offer today’s modern traveler a range of unique experiences suited to their individual sense of style and adventure. While still relatively new, Autograph Collection’s portfolio has proven to be a highly successful venture because of its discerning selection process, the unique travel experiences offered by its hotels and the Collection’s membership benefits.

The Press Hotel is a member of the Autograph Collection™ and managed by Trust Hospitality.

Stratta is a range of tactile furniture – durable yet soft-to-the-touch.

Created from coated polyurethane foam, this unique composition gives Stratta products the highest benefits in comfort and versatility of vanguard design.

A collection inspired by innovation and modernity, for both indoor & outdoor use available from Encompass Furniture & Accessories.A fun mix of modern and “tweaked” traditional design, Stratta furniture is always soft, warm and inviting.

The availability of many colour finishes gives the furniture an exclusive and individual skin.

Moreover, the furniture can be upholstered in Kvadrat or COM fabric for interiors.

Modularity

Many of the Stratta collections can be used in a modular fashion to create endless configurations of soft comfortable seating, lending the furniture to a host of commercial and residential installations.

More Than Just Furniture

Configurations of Stratta furniture can be enhanced and customised with the use of planters and tables to make a unique, functional furniture system.

For Indoors

Indoor furniture pieces boast details of simple design with tactile materials.

These finishing touches embellish the simple designs – a characteristic which gives these durable products a homely, interior feel.

Visit the website for Encompass Furniture & Accessories here.

The latest phase of a multi-million pound development is set to be unveiled at Ramside Hall Hotel this spring – with the promise it will be fit for a president.The hotel, located near Durham, is set to open its new accommodation wing in April, which will feature 47 premier rooms.

And the hotel is also creating what is believed to be the largest and most luxurious Presidential Suite in the region, complete with a seven feet wide bed and a free standing copper bath.

The suite, which will have windows with panoramic views across the surrounding area, will feature a large dining and bedroom area, a dressing room, the copper bath and an additional bathroom.

“It will be something very special for the North East,” said hotel owner, John Adamson.

The new wing will also include two family rooms and two junior suites, giving guests a wide variety of options.

The 47 premier rooms can be configured as either doubles or twins, some with Juliet balconies overlooking Ramside’s championship golf course.

All of them have luxury bathrooms with a walk-in shower and free standing baths and are furnished with Hypnos beds, favoured by royalty and widely regarded as the most comfortable beds in the world.

“We have done everything possible to ensure our guests have a memorable and comfortable stay in luxurious surroundings,” said Mr Adamson.

The new wing is part of a £16m development at Ramside Hall, which includes the creation of a second championship golf course which opened last year.

The final stage will be the opening of the Spa at Ramside Hall in July, which will make the hotel one of the top destination hotels in the region.

The state-of-the-art facilities include a 25m pool, a vitality pool, external infinity pool and a spa garden along with a variety of steam rooms, saunas and a Rasul mud chamber.

It also includes a gym, aerobics and dance studio, hair salon, Asian restaurant and bar and a 12 treatment rooms using ESPA products.

Marriott International, Inc. and Noble Investment Group debut the first AC Hotels Marriott property in Kansas City’s Westport District. It is also the second AC Hotels by Marriott branded property to open in the U.S. Located in the heart of Westport, the region’s oldest established community and popular shopping and entertainment destination, the 123-room lifestyle hotel embodies a sleek European look and feel coupled with unique local design elements.Guestrooms and suites at AC Hotel Kansas City Westport feature clean and sophisticated design elements, plush seating furnishings and multifunctional workspaces.

The AC Kitchen, open for breakfast daily, serves a fresh European influenced breakfast, and the AC Lounge features signature cocktails, regional beers, draft wines and small plates.

The AC Library, a collaborative space with a communal table, boasts individual reading areas and a carefully curated selection of books, magazines and guides to all that Kansas City has to offer.

High-tech amenities include mobile check-in, “media salons” with Bluetooth technology and USB charging stations, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

Other amenities include 1,000 square feet of flexible, high-tech meeting/function space; a 24-hour, fully equipped business center and fitness center; and complimentary shuttle within a three-mile radius.

Step into the customised world of quality switch plate and socket design with Hamilton Litestat at the May Design Series, 17 – 19 May, London ExCeL. At this leading international interiors event, Hamilton is showcasing its ‘Bespoke’ design and production service, Savile Row.Anything on a plate
When it comes to the exceptional or something unique for that special project, Hamilton is the natural choice, offering non-standard plates in a special finish or colour, made to client’s own design requirements. Using Hamilton’s bespoke design and manufacturing service, Savile Row, Hamilton can create tailor-made prototypes to a highly finished standard to show clients exactly how the interior designer’s ideas will look, and work as a custom-built electrical accessory.

Ian Hamilton, Managing Director of Hamilton says: “We are seeing a growing trend among interior designers for ‘exclusivity’, especially within the boutique hotel sector. Interiors professionals appreciate our consultative approach. Simply tell us what functionality you need, what style and finish you are leaning towards, and our in-house team of experts will design and manufacture a unique personalised solution that will match your exact requirements.”

Boutique, bronze with a touch of Boleyn
Hamilton’s numerous finishes include 4 sophisticated shades of bronze. One of which is featured in a recent ‘Boutique’ project, within Hever Castle’s luxury Bed and Breakfast accommodation – The ‘Anne Boleyn Wing’, comprising a series of 9 new suites and a breakfast room. Here Hamilton advised and fulfilled a bespoke brief. Designing and producing individual plates to meet the needs of the interior designer and the project installation.

Hever Castle Project interior designer Sarah Clark of Interiors at Nine to Eleven says: “I was initially drawn to Hamilton for its Mercury® Lighting Control system and range of stunning switch plates & sockets which perfectly suited the needs of this project. However I soon came to appreciate and value the fabulous personal service and consultative approach provided by the Hamilton Team. I know we achieved the best system we could for the space. Hamilton was outstanding and a pleasure to work with. Everyone I came in contact with gave huge attention to detail. The price was cost effective too and worked within our budget.”

Setting the mood
Mercury’s programmable multi-scene lighting control is ideal for projects that require changing ambient lighting. Control plates are available from the Hamilton collections, for that co-ordinated look.

Everything on a plate
Hamilton’s product range of high quality switch plates & sockets encompass 18 unique plate collections available in metal, plastic, wood and glass. A British company established in 1968, Hamilton Litestat has an eye for design and concern for quality within the interiors fashion industry. The company offers a complete consultative service across every type of interiors projects, regardless of scope and scale.

Contact Hamilton Litestat via their website for more details.

Embassy Suites Hotels, the Hilton Worldwide brand of upscale all-suite hotels, has announced the opening of their first property in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.As the premier full-service hotel in the market, Embassy Suites Tuscaloosa Downtown, AL boasts 154 spacious suites and features the brand’s latest design concept, Design Option III, and a new on-site restaurant, The Side by Side, led by James Beard award-winning chef, Chris Hastings. Embassy Suites Tuscaloosa Downtown, AL is owned by Tuscaloosa Hotel Partners, LLC and proudly managed by Wilson Hotel Management, LLC.

“Embassy Suites’ upscale accommodations, contemporary design and signature offerings will bring a solid option for travellers visiting this growing metropolitan area,” said John Rogers, global head, Embassy Suites Hotels. “The innovative Design Option III prototype will enhance the guest experience by offering guests more natural light in guest rooms and public areas like the atrium, while maintaining Embassy’s signature amenities.”

Situated in a lively retail and entertainment district, hotel guests and locals alike will enjoy the modern culinary offerings at the hotel’s restaurant, The Side by Side. James Beard award-winning chef, Chris Hastings, blends French, Southern and California-styles of cooking to create a bold menu of flavourful options. Taking cues from Alabama’s regional harvest and other fresh offerings by local artisans, the seasonal dishes and cocktails are served in the airy dining room featuring an open kitchen.

With 7,000 square feet of flexible meeting space comprising an executive boardroom and a divisible ballroom with 16 foot ceilings, Embassy Suites Tuscaloosa Downtown, AL can accommodate events for up to 500 people. The creative catering services, dedicated staff and state-of-the-art A/V technology will ensure the success of any conference, training seminar or celebration.

The new hotel features the brand’s signature amenities including its free made-to-order breakfast, a two-hour complimentary Evening Reception* with snacks and beverages, two-room suites with a separate living area, private bedroom, WiFi, 42-inch HDTV’s, a wet bar fitted with a microwave, a mini-fridge and a coffee maker. Guests also have access to the 24-hour Embassy BusinessLink™ Business Centre, an indoor swimming pool and a 24-hour fitness centre.

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas has announced that it will develop a resort in the southwest of Bali at Uluwatu, a 35-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. The resort is set atop a rugged cliff, sharing the spectacular ocean views with the island’s famed Uluwatu Temple.Drawing upon the renowned Six Senses commitment of providing top-tier facilities wedded to environmental responsibility, the resort and spa has been brilliantly designed and when combined with the innovative spirit of the owners, PT Cahaya Warna Prima, it will result in a rare development.

True to Six Senses inimitable style, Six Senses Bali will include 28 sky villas, 62 one–bedroom villas and seven two-bedroom villas that draw upon the local culture, embrace nature and offer every creature comfort. The ultimate in Six Senses accommodations, the expansive and beautifully-appointed Retreat Villa, sits on a prominent knoll with sweeping views of the ocean and overall resort. Two restaurants, a pool bar and a specialty restaurant with chef’s table, cooking school and extensive organic garden are planned.

Situated on a 30-acre (12-hectare) site, the project will be completed in two stages. The first phase includes the resort which rests on 16 acres (6.5 hectares) while phase two includes 60 residential villas available for purchase including luxurious three-bedroom family retreats.

“Six Senses is delighted to work with PT Cahaya Warna Prima on the Uluwatu development. The location is incredible and the design approach perfect for our brand. Innovative and fresh, this project will offer a new dimension in wellness for active and health-minded travellers,” said President Bernhard Bohnenberger of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.

In a famed island environment so deeply rooted with wellness and personal care, Six Senses Spa will be right in its element. The spa will feature locally-inspired specialty treatments together with an extensive menu of signature therapies. There will be something for everyone, from multi-day wellness programs to rejuvenation therapies and detox, as well as a selection of activities and complimentary morning yoga.

In addition to the Six Senses Spa, on-site activities will include a vast central pool and a gym. An event lawn will enhance the facilities of a beautiful ballroom, two meeting rooms and a wedding pavilion. The resort’s own Balinese temple will create a tranquil setting and present the true essence of the island’s deep cultural beliefs.

Six Senses Bali will include an Experiences Center that can arrange visits to everything that this legendary island has to offer, from sightseeing excursions, to cultural events plus over and underwater activities. This coastline is also one of the top places on the island see spectacular sunsets with sweeping panoramas out to the Indian Ocean.

Uluwatu is perhaps best known for Pura Luhur Uluwatu, one of the six key temples believed to be Bali’s spiritual pillars, renowned for its magnificent location, perched on top of a steep cliff approximately 250 feet (70 meters) above the sea. Ulu means top or tip and watu means stone or rock in Bahasa Indonesia. Several archaeological remains found here prove the temple to be of megalithic origin, dating back to around the 10th century.

Six Senses Bali is scheduled for completion by the end of 2017.

GROHE has recently launched its new website, with lots of new features and customer-friendly additions.Pinterest-style image galleries will act as mood boards to fire your imagination and encourage further exploration of products. Users can search by product name – with a smart-search function offering a dropdown of options as they type or browse by category and use the filters to include potential products that are most relevant to them.

This wish list of potential products can then be shortlisted to the notepad function, and favourites can be saved as a PDF to consult later or pass on to a showroom or architect.

A further improvement is that viewers will see every page on the new site optimized to whatever tablet, smartphone or PC they happen to be using.

There’s also a great new showroom locator with enhanced navigation to find your local GROHE showroom.

The 2015 specifiers guide is available online for download as well as other literature.

Royal warranted carpet manufacturer Brintons has recently designed and supplied a custom made carpet as part of a renovation works at the prestigious Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel in Bahrain.Owners of the hotel, National Hotels Company, commissioned the Kidderminster based manufacturer to supply a custom Axminster carpet and underlay for its newly renovated Grand Ambassador Ballroom.

Brintons worked in partnership with Design practice ASI and local representative Details Trading W.L.L. to help refurbish areas of the hotel, and the custom Axminster carpet features a beautiful contemporary design with an intricate scroll pattern, using an ochre colour palette.

The Diplomat Radisson Blu specified over 2,700 sqm2 of carpet for the ballroom, which is located on the ground and first floors and offers stunning views of the Bahrain skyline, accommodating up to 1,800 guests for functions.

Panos Panagis, General Manager at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, said: “The designers’ objective was to achieve a contemporary Arabic theme throughout the ballroom complemented by the carpet. The attention to detail and support offered by the Brintons’ team offered us the possibility to look at various options and appreciate the vision of the final product. The Ballroom’s success is proven by the great demand since it’s reopening is a testament to Britons’ expert quality of manufacturing and team quality.

“We chose Brintons on the basis of their long tradition in creating custom made solutions for carpeting in the luxury hospitality segment. The quality of the products is renowned in addition to the ability to manufacture specifications according to our needs. These two reasons were paramount in our choice of Brintons as our carpet supplier.”

The meeting and event facilities have been in operation for six months, and thousands of guests have enjoyed the services offered by Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa.

Panos added: “A substantial increase in demand shows that our choice of renovation material was well received in the market. Comments about the quality, feel and appearance of the carpet indicates to our correct approach in choosing Brintons as our carpet supplier.”

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) debuts its first boutique Hotel Indigo property in Scandinavia with the opening of Hotel Indigo® Helsinki – Boulevard. Opening on Bulevardi, the hotel is situated on one of the city’s most elegant, historic and diverse streets, connecting two contrasting worlds of design.As IHG’s boutique brand, every Hotel Indigo property is designed to reflect the local neighbourhood. From the hotel’s design and artwork, to the locally inspired menus, every Hotel Indigo is unique to its surroundings and so no two hotels are the same. Hotel Indigo Helsinki – Boulevard truly reflects the fabric of this design orientated neighbourhood right down to the murals on the walls – two of which were created by young Finnish graphic designers, Linda Linko and Pietari Posti.

To the east of the hotel, guests will find themselves immersed in the heart of the design district, Esplanadi — a community of galleries, Finnish designers such as Marimekko and Vuokko, and jewellery makers. To the west lies the Baltic Sea and the Hietalahti Shipyard, the core area for industrial design which has been responsible for developing the design of icebreaker ships for the last 150 years. Bulevardi, a Parisian-esque Boulevard lined with trees, shops and cafes lies in the middle of these two distinct areas and provides the perfect inspiration for the hotel’s premium aesthetic.

After a day of exploring the city’s charms, guests can head back to the hotel for a drink or bite to eat. The hotel will play host to two dining offers; Bröd, an 80-seater restaurant serving a selection of Finnish specialities, and Soup & Juice, a deli that will sit just inside the hotel providing a place for guests and locals to enjoy a fresh salad, sandwich or soup. Soup & Juice is the perfect example of Hotel Indigo’s new food and beverage philosophy that aims to create a local landmark by bringing the best food and drink artisans from the community into the hotels.

The 120 room hotel is very well connected with tram six, one of the oldest electrified tram networks in the world built in 1900, just outside the hotel and the airport and just a 30 minute drive away. All guestrooms have a complimentary minibar, Nespresso coffee machine maker and WiFi included in the room rate. What’s more, there is a 24/7 Body, Soul & Mind studio with gym, yoga room and Finnish Sauna & Steam Bath. For those travelling on business, the hotel offers a boardroom and 24/7 Business Corner.

New Myriad fabric from Forbes Group, made up into Contemporary table covers, won the company an order from the prestigious ClubLounge39 private members’ club on the 39th floor of One Canada Square, Canary Wharf.Myriad is available in an enormous eighty-colour range. In upholstery rub tests, it meets contract standards so it can certainly handle restaurant table usage. It is, like all Forbes fabrics, machine-washable and extremely durable.

The Contemporary table covers ordered by ClubLounge39 consist of a table topper and flat side panels assembled into a single piece to drop over dining tables without the need for fixings. The panelled construction at the sides makes them comfortable for diners to sit at and the neat design makes for only marginal loss of presentation standards while linen top cloths are changed between covers.

The elegant chic of the covers is an ideal match for a modern streamlined interior like that at ClubLounge39. Contemporary covers can be made up in bespoke combinations of Myriad colours, as required. They can also be supplied with table protectors to slip beneath, giving a slightly padded table top surface for noise reduction and luxury dining.

For further information, contact Forbes Group via info@forbesgroup.eu, www.forbesgroup.eu or by telephone on: 01568 616638

Hampton by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide’s global brand of more than 2,000 mid-priced hotels, has announced the official opening of the 160-room Hampton by Hilton Newcastle, located on Neville Street in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne. The hotel, which is managed by Interstate Hotels & Resorts on behalf of Baron House Hotel Limited is the first Hampton by Hilton property in Newcastle.

Hampton by Hilton Newcastle is located opposite Newcastle Central Station, ideal for travellers from major cities, such as Edinburgh, Manchester or London. The hotel is also conveniently close to Newcastle International Airport, which serves over 70 destinations, including direct flights to New York.

“Newcastle is renowned for its entertainment industry, bringing thousands of people to the city every year. We are located within a walking distance from the biggest attractions, such as Metro Arena, the Sage Gateshead and Newcastle United Football Club’s St James’ Park,” said Paolo Franchi, general manager, Hampton by Hilton Newcastle. “To be in line with that cheerful atmosphere, the hotel staff and I are bringing the Hamptonality spirit to Newcastle.”

The hotel offers the brand’s complimentary signature hot breakfast and Wi-Fi, available throughout the property. Guests can also enjoy 24-hour facilities such as fully equipped business and fitness centres, snack area and a bar. All rooms are equipped with HDTV, in-room coffee and tea maker and the brand’s signature Clean and fresh Hampton bed® to ensure complete guest comfort during their stay.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking the fifth Hyatt-branded hotel in the city. A sixth Hyatt-branded hotel, Hyatt Place Dubai/Baniyas Square, is expected to open in Dubai later this year. Each of the six properties is developed by wasl Hospitality, a subsidiary of wasl Asset Management, reflecting the strong and long-lasting relationship between the developer and Hyatt.With its two iconic high-rise towers piercing the sky at 164 meters/538 feet, Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights is ideally located next to the resurgent Dubai Creek, providing elaborate views across the water and stunning city skyline. The hotel offers easy access to Dubai International Airport, which is only 10 minutes away. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Wafi City, The Dubai Mall and the cultural heritage districts are easily accessible by all means of transportation, and Dubai Healthcare City metro station is located a short walk from the hotel.

The 464-room hotel offers distinctive design features, including a spacious lobby filled with 1,000 square meters/more than 3,200 square feet of plant walls, flowers and greenery, along with soothing water features and a towering glass ceiling embossed with Swarovski crystals. The open-to-the-sky view helps to bring the outdoor space into the heart of the hotel and illuminates the interior with the city’s year-round sunshine.

The hotel also features 76 luxury suites, including two Royal Suites, each stretching the entire length of the hotel’s top two stories. One of the suites features a wrap-around outdoor terrace with a 360-degree view, and the other is designed to include a 7-meter-/23-feet-high dome ceiling and skylights. All suites include access to the exclusive Regency Club lounge on the 32nd floor, providing views of the historic Dubai creek. The Regency Club embodies Hyatt Regency’s ‘hotel within a hotel’ concept, offering an exclusive and elegant space for distinguished guests to gather, relax and enjoy complimentary breakfast and cocktails.

Meetings and Events
With business travellers in focus, the hotel includes 3,200 square meters/10,500 square feet of conferencing facilities, including 13 meeting suites and two interchangeable ballrooms to host a range of events: weddings, conferences or meetings. For more private and intimate events, guest can choose Al Manzil, an exclusive residential-style, multi-event enclave or select one of the Royal Suites, perfect for luxurious private events.

Wellness
Offering the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation, hotel guests and visitors can unwind in the extensive NYSA Spa, featuring the Water Temple, a traditional Hammam, state-of-the-art male and female gymnasiums and workout studios. An outdoor pool and eight spa treatment rooms, including two couple suites, complete the wellness facilities. NYSA Spa also offers an innovative business-oriented express spa menu.

Dining
The hotel will open with Sufra, a buffet-style restaurant providing a culinary journey through the areas surrounding the Levant region. Sufra will feature an interior garden theme extended from the lobby. For gourmet grab-and-go options any time of day or night, guests will enjoy Market24, a 24-hour deli offering an authentic and modern approach to the classic pastry and coffee shop. The Lobby Lounge provides a comfortable and welcoming sense of arrival to the hotel, offering the perfect place for a business meeting, an afternoon snack or to catch up with friends. The Pool Bar offers an al fresco setting, allowing guests to unwind by the poolside. For added flexibility and convenience, the hotel also provides 24-hour in-room dining service.

La Tablita, expected to open in summer 2015, is a fun and exciting Mexican-themed restaurant filled with vibrant colours. The restaurant will offer home-style cuisine and reflect the kindness, hospitality and lively festive spirit for which Mexico is renowned.

Leonardo Hotels opens its first UK hotel. The group has agreed a new 25-year lease with The Standard Life Investments Pooled Pension Property Fund.Opening on 16 March in the former Holiday Inn on Bath Road, Heathrow, the 230-room hotel has been re-branded as the Leonardo Hotel London Heathrow Airport. It will benefit from a substantial refurbishment bringing it in line with the distinctive Leonardo Hotels ‘look and feel’ that is already well established in a growing number of key European cities, such as Antwerp, Berlin, Bruges, Budapest, Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, and Zurich, as well as across Israel.

Saar Sharon, CEO of Leonardo Hotels UK, is leading the group’s expansion in the UK – with Heathrow being the first opening.

David Stewart, Fund Manager of the Standard Life Investments Pooled Pension Property Fund said: “We’re delighted to have completed the deal with Leonardo Hotels, which is fast becoming a key player in the European hotels market. Bath Road is a prime asset for the fund and securing a new lease with such a strong covenant is a significant achievement.”

Daniel Roger, Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Europe, added: “We are pleased to announce that with this exciting hotel opening we are now poised for growth in the UK market. London Heathrow is a global hub where we can offer our guests an attractive hotel stay, build our UK business and continue to pursue our rigorous commitment to offer additional European destinations.”

Standard Life Investments was advised by CBRE.

Leonardo Hotel London Heathrow Airport will join the Fattal Hotels family with over 90 hotels and over 16,500 rooms in over 30 destinations in Europe and Israel. The refurbished Leonardo Airport Hotel London Heathrow will be the first Leonardo Hotel within the UK and the group has significant growth plans for the brand in the UK.

The elegant fully licensed three-star Westcliff Hotel in Westcliff, South Essex has been sold in an off market deal by leisure property specialist Fleurets. The hotel has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by MGM Muthu Hotels, part of M.G Muthu Group from India. Last December, Fleurets was instructed by the vendor on a confidential basis to put the hotel up for sale with an asking price of £1.8 million.

Fleurets Director Bob Whittle said “the Westcliff Hotel is a charming, well maintained and long-established hotel business with 55 en-suite letting bedrooms, many with sea views. There is also a spacious reception lounge, split level bar, 70-cover restaurant, two function suites and three syndicate rooms.”

Commanding a unique clifftop position, the Westcliff Hotel in Westcliff-on-Sea enjoys superb views across the Thames Estuary and is just a short walk from the popular Cliff’s Pavilion live theatre and within ½ mile of two railway stations providing a link to central London in just over 30 minutes. London Southend Airport is within a 15-minute drive.

The hotel represents the second UK asset of MGM Muthu Hotels, as Mr Kailayapillai Ranjan of Highgate Asset Management – who exclusively represents MGM Muthu Hotels in acquiring assets across UK and Europe – facilitated the acquisition through Fleurets of the Belstead Brook Muthu Hotel earlier in the year.

MGM Muthu Hotels, a Global Hotels group operates a total of 15 other properties in Portugal, Spain, India, Singapore, UK and the Caribbean, also has interests in other sectors including logistics, mining, construction and restaurants.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announces the debut of Sunset Key Cottages as a Luxury Collection resort on an island off the coast of Florida’s cool and eclectic Key West. Introducing unparalleled luxury and personalized service to one of the country’s most coveted destinations, Sunset Key Cottages joins The Luxury Collection’s portfolio of 15 diverse hotels in North America, ranging from the iconic Palace Hotel in San Francisco to the modern, art-deco Chatwal hotel in New York. Poised on the secluded 27-acre island of Sunset Key, the alluring resort embraces the island’s stunning natural beauty, breathtaking ocean views and 40 luxuriously appointed two-, three- and four-bedroom cottages with quaint foot paths that lead guests through the resort’s lush tropical landscape. Guests are first greeted at the resort’s mainland porte-cochère and whisked away via private boat for a short cruise to Sunset Key Island. Guests are then welcomed by the resort’s signature cocktail, frozen-sweet treats and The Luxury Collection brand’s signature concierge service, who serve as a portal for travelers to discover the intriguing and less explored adventures of Key West.

Sunset Key Cottages features an exquisite epicurean experience at Latitudes, the resort’s waterfront all-day dining restaurant with seating on the water’s edge where guests are surrounded by gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico. The secluded resort also features an intimate spa with spacious treatment suites, a relaxation room, and private verandas for guests to relax after locally-inspired treatments including wraps, scrubs, facials, and massages. Destined to set new standards of luxury in South Florida, Sunset Key Cottages offers its discerning guests access to a state-of-the-art fitness center, two tennis courts, a basketball court, and signature ‘tropical free-form, zero-degree entry pool’.

As the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum prepares to open for its first full season, Scape Design Associates, the practice responsible for the resort’s stunning landscape design, has revealed its vision for this high profile project. It was, they say, the creation of a seamless flow between indoors and out where little bits of discovery as well as the big views all make for stunning memory-making moments.The Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is the hotel group’s first resort in Europe and is located on a 60 hectare site on the northern side of a peninsula offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Built over a series of levels nestled in the landscaped hillside, the resort comprises 109 luxurious guestrooms and suites, all with sun-decks, terraces or balconies and many with a private garden and infinity edged pool. There are numerous restaurants and bars, an extensive spa and a wide range of leisure facilities, each painstakingly located between the hotel at the summit and two beautifully crafted beaches on the shoreline.

Working with the topography of the site and the existing olive groves, pine forest and natural water courses, the landscape designers was responsible for creating and siting the main public landscape areas, from arrival court to stepped swimming pools and spa gardens as well as external terraces to the main restaurants. The firm also designed the landscape to each villa. The challenge was to weave the landscape around the buildings, creating the sense that they both might have been there for years, naturally growing together over time like an ancient settlement on the shores of the sea.

The journey along the entry road winds through a forest where carefully selected and located trees frame views of the Aegean Sea below. The main lobby building sits astride a hillside spur surrounded by terraces of olive trees. A frame of fig trees and bougainvillea herald arrival at the hotel. Stone paths lead guests through the stepped landscape to the many pockets of amenities and on down to the beaches while an abundance of natural hillside planting and native grasses grow around and over local stone walls. Importantly, the landscape story cannot be seen in one view but rather is a series of interlocking spaces, some open, some intimate, that unfold along the journey. Although the overall site is quite compact, it feels large and offers much to discover thanks to its tiers and many secluded spaces.

Each built facility has its individually crafted location. The main pool deck, for example, benefits from tiered infinity edged pools; private cabanas dot the landscape under old trees, each one perfectly placed to capture stunning views and the speciality restaurant and beach bar are sited in the best waterfront location creating a unique entertainment venue hidden from the main hotel. The tranquil spa garden is a very special destination with a dramatic water feature carved through it, spilling into pools and secluded areas such as the outdoor sauna. The garden also offers up a tranquil tea lounge surrounded by water, while groupings of sculptural cypress trees and jasmine creepers fill the air with scent around the entrance to the treatment rooms.

Planting was key in blending buildings and landform. The retention and additional planting of large pine and olive trees was combined with a ground layer palette offering seasonal colour and fragrance. More than 500 semi-mature trees were purchased from Turkey and Italy and thousands of plants, mainly from local nurseries, were introduced. As a result, the gardens are full of Mediterranean colour and rich texture.

Other members of the design team included: architecture and interior design studio Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partners from Milan, lighting designers Metis Lighting, also from Milan, and local interiors practice Metex Design from Istanbul.

January Highlights
• Dubai and Abu Dhabi: a different tale for two cities
• A robust January for Cairo and Doha
• The tides have turned for Kuwait hotels

The new Marriott Port-au-Prince Hotel has opened its doors to guests. Among the 200 new Haitian hotel workers who welcomed them were young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and Haitian-Americans who want to share their hospitality skills to help boost Haiti’s tourism economy. The stories of these new associates include Luccardo, who was recruited to work at the hotel’s front desk from the Nos Petits Frères et Soeurs orphanage, and Hermine, who was part of the hotel’s intern program and will be an entry-level supervisor. In addition to members of a Haitian-American executive team, the Haiti Marriott is led by a veteran Marriott general manager who was previously at the Marriott Champs Elysees in Paris. Joined by Haiti President Michel Martelly and former U.S. President Bill Clinton at a celebration ceremony, Digicel Group Chairman and Founder Denis O’Brien and Marriott International President – Caribbean & Latin America Region Craig S. Smith thanked the Kier Construction Company workers, sub-contractors and skilled Haitian construction workers who built the hotel and the Marriott associates who will host its guests. The hotel officially opened on March 1st. A formal grand opening event is planned for June.

The journey to build the Marriott Port-au-Prince began four years ago when Marriott International reached out to the Clinton Foundation to propose a new hotel to help Haiti rebuild its tourism industry after the devastating 2010 earthquake. The company found an eager partner in Digicel Group, which has invested US$45 million to build the 175-room hotel.

The Clinton Foundation worked closely with Marriott and Digicel Group to develop the hotel project. The Foundation visited proposed construction sites with the parties, facilitated introductions to the Haitian government and the Haitian Tourism Association, and encouraged all parties to use the hotel as an opportunity to create an economic anchor for the community. In addition to creating good, sustainable jobs for Haitians, the hotel incorporates Haitian art and artisan products into the hotel’s design and integrates green technologies such as solar to reduce the hotel’s environmental footprint. The Clinton Foundation also worked closely with Marriott and Digicel Group to identify and contract with Haitian entrepreneurs, small businesses and agricultural cooperatives that could provide goods and services to the hotel. This local procurement component has been an important aspect of the hotel’s development for all parties.

TDSA, the development company established by Digicel, managed the design/build contract and chose Marriott International’s flagship Marriott Hotels brand as its operating partner under a long-term management agreement. The hotel created more than 1,100 jobs throughout the construction stage.

Marriott’s interest in investing in Haiti was inspired in part by its associates, including thousands of Haitian-Americans who, after the earthquake, urged the company to help Haiti rebuild by planting the Marriott flag. Said Arne Sorenson, Marriott International President and CEO, “We believe we can make a difference in Haiti by promoting tourism, and developing local talent that can help lift this country, over time, back to being one of the top travel destinations in the Caribbean.”

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The curtain will soon go up again at the Vasateatern theatre in Stockholm. After having stood empty since 2009, the classic private theatre will live once more in a new guise. A vibrant cultural scene for theatre and music will become a reality when the splendid building is joined to Scandic Grand Central to create a one-of- a-kind hotel with restaurants and bars. The design of Vasateatern is a cooperation between the leading hotel operator in the Nordic region, Scandic, and the owner of the property, KLP Fastigheter.One of Sweden’s oldest theatres dating from the 1890s – and whose foyer is already part of Scandic Grand Central – will finally be in the spotlight again. Visitors will be able to step directly from the hotel’s bistro into the historic and beautifully ornamented auditorium where legendary theatre directors such as Gösta Ekman senior and Karl Gerhard have performed, as well as contemporary actors like Mikael Persbrandt and Suzanne Reuter.

Scandic Grand Central has already distinguished itself as an ambitious venue for concerts and clubbing. With Vasateatern’s spacious and majestic stage, the hotel will be able to accommodate a larger audience. The theatre will be rented to production companies that put on smaller musical, theatrical and dance performances. Scandic Grand Central will also be able to arrange and host conferences for up to 1,000 people.

“Scandic has great plans for Vasateatern. We want to create a new type of meeting place and a cultural and entertainment scene at the same time as we contribute to maintaining and refining a valuable part of Swedish culture”, says Frank Fiskers, President & CEO, Scandic Hotels.

“KLP’s intention has been to restore Vasateatern to its original glory so that it will become a vibrant and diverse meeting place with cultural ambitions. We are now very happy to be able to realize this vision together with Scandic”, says Anette von Mentzer, who is responsible for KLP’s Swedish operations.

Vasateatern is a designated National Heritage Building and it will undergo a complete antiquarian restoration under the guidance of antique experts. Depending on the length of the renovation, the theatre is expected to reopen spring/summer 2016.

RHA furniture were proud to work with Hilton Birmingham Metropole last year on the re-design of their 24hr Lounge Bar.

For this project, RHA Furniture custom made over 150 beautifully crafted items and supplied over 100 items from contract furniture collections.The Lounge officially opened on the 30th January 2015, with a new furniture layout and carefully orchestrated design scheme; achieving a warm, welcoming home-from-home feel for the daytime, and a chic upmarket feel for the evening.

Overall seating capacity has been increased across the lounge, and the space offers multi-functional areas for dining, drinking, working and relaxing.

With over 20 years experience working with Hilton as an Approved Supplier, RHA Furniture were able to work closely with Hilton Head Office and General Manager, Patrick Stapleton, from the early stages of the project; providing a valuable contribution right through from the design and specification stage, to the final installation and after sales support.

Highlights include bespoke banquettes and high back chairs upholstered in luxurious velvet fabrics; coffee tables made with special bronze laminate tops; drum side tables with special bronze back painted glass tops, elegantly wrapped in Vinyl; a Connectivity Table in beautiful Walnut laminate finish, offering a practical space for guests to work or read in comfort.

The Lounge, Hilton Birmingham Metropole: Chairs and tables feature a mixture of custom made and Italian designs supplied by RHA Furniture. Many coffee tables were made with special finishes RHA’s UK factory. Silhouette Dusk carpet from The Mix collection by Ulster.

Custom made Connectivity Table: UK made by RHA Furniture in an oak frame with Walnut laminate finish, built-in power sockets and ultra slim desk lighting. Custom made armchairs in a Walnut finish with Teal coloured faux leather upholstery from Sekers.

Custom made coffee tables finished in a Walnut laminate with a bronze laminate top. Contour unit chairs from an Italian manufacturer, upholstered in fabric from Sinclaire.

Custom made coffee tables finished in a Walnut laminate with a bronze laminate top. Custom made high sofas upholstered in an Aubergine fabric from Sekers.

Custom made drum side tables with special bronze back painted glass top and base elegantly wrapped in Espresso coloured Vinyl from Panaz.

Custom made banquettes with rolled fluted backs, upholstered in a teal velvet from Sekers resulting in a luxurious sheen.

Dining tables with Walnut laminate tops and attractive bronze powder coated bases from Pedrali. Custom made dining chairs and wing back chairs by RHA Furniture, upholstered in a selection of fabric from Sekers, Sunbury and Sinclaire.

Custom made armchairs and high back armchairs by RHA Furniture, upholstered in luxurious velvet fabrics from Sekers.

Credits: Photography courtesy of Hilton Birmingham Metropole.
Design by Hilton Head Office.
Lighting by Chelsom

The Georgian House captured the world’s attention with the launch of its first Wizard Chambers in 2013. Now two years on Serena von der Heyde, owner, general manager and great great granddaughter of the hotel’s builder has invested £35,000 into developing a further two themed bedrooms, to meet rising demand. First launched in 2013, the two existing themed bedrooms have received interest on an international scale and are completely booked out three to four months in advance for weekend stays. The original Wizard Chambers were so sought after when opening that the money invested into their development was returned within just four months, inspiring Serena to add another two rooms to her hotel’s magical portfolio.

A part of its unique offering, guests have to pass through a passageway hidden inconspicuously behind a bookcase to reach the world renowned Wizard Chambers. With their stained glass windows, wood burners, pewter cookware, curious artefacts and four-poster beds draped with velvet curtains, these rooms see guests travel from across the globe for a magical overnight experience. The two new rooms have been designed to offer a more sophisticated feel especially for couples, not just families.

Owner Serena von der Heyde is the brains behind the Wizard Chambers. Inspired by the tales of sorcery and magic that she read to her children, she was keen to create rooms that would offer people visiting the city an enchanting experience.

Her imagination became reality with interior designer Diana Holmes transforming four of the 60 bedrooms within the 19th century family-run hotel. Each room offers an atmospheric escape with gothic-style features, cauldrons, potion bottles and spell books giving the impression of staying in a magical dormitory.

Serena commented on the further development saying, “The popularity of our Wizard Chambers has been incredible and we now have guests coming from all over the world to experience them. Following the launch of the first two bedrooms we have found that the revenue generated from each of the Wizard Chambers is almost three times more than that of one of our other boutique bedrooms.

“We have also seen the hotel’s occupancy rate rise to 91% and the average room rate throughout the hotel has risen by 120% since the Wizard Chambers’ launch. The feedback from review websites like TripAdvisor has been consistently high with the majority of guests rating the Wizard Chambers 5 out of 5. With such high demand we wanted to extend our offering even further and have created two new rooms that will retain the same magical charm whilst providing a sophisticated twist for a slightly more mature audience.

“We still want The Georgian House to be recognised for its exceptional standards, boutique style and home-from-home atmosphere found throughout the hotel. We are currently renovating six of our beautiful Belgravia Rooms and will continue to invest over the next few months, adding new features such as a freestanding beaten aluminium bath tub.”

Situated only a few minutes’ walk from Victoria station, the hotel adds to the South East’s already thriving wizarding experiences, ranging from the Warner Brothers Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter, in Hertfordshire to the popular Muggle Walking Tours in London.

Investment into the hotel sector will reach a peak in 2015, according to the latest European Hotel Market Survey launched today by international law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP). The report brings together the views of over 300 hotel industry professionals.Karen Friebe, BLP Hotels Group Partner unveiled the results of the survey as Berlin’s annual International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) kicked off today, 2 March 2015.

The survey found that well over two thirds (70 per cent) of respondents believe that hotels continue to outperform more traditional commercial property investments. A number of factors are thought to be behind this, including an increase in available capital and lending and investors diversifying.

Additionally, global transaction volumes have rocketed to levels not seen since the boom years prior to 2008. Over half (55 per cent) of respondents predict that Western Europe will benefit from the majority of global investment this year due to the stable geopolitical environment it offers. Supporting this, the flow of funds coming in from the Middle East, China and the USA into the Western European economy will likely continue.

Other key findings include:
• 88 per cent of survey respondents expect to see more restructuring or debt and refinancing deals this year with banks predicted to be the top debt providers, closely followed by debt funds.
• Franchising is ranked as the most important growth model followed by asset ownership and joint ventures.
• Private equity is leading the way as the top equity investor in the industry, with investment into Europe from North American groups set to continue in 2015.

Karen Friebe said: “Our survey reveals a strong and optimistic feeling around the hotel industry this year with investors being advised to capitalise on the current boom. It seems that the levels of activity and increased availability of debt and equity in the industry will be sustainable for at least the next 12 months.

“However, it is also fair to say that confidence in continued growth was much lower with this year’s survey respondents than with last year’s – an indicator that we are probably climbing closer to the top of the current cycle. In addition, hotels are still perceived by many as a risky asset class – meaning that the wider investment community could miss some attractive opportunities this year.”

European Hotel Market Survey 2015: Top Ten Trends
1. 70 per cent believe that hotels will continue to outperform “traditional” commercial property investments.
2. 80 per cent say hotels are becoming more of a valued asset class for investors, but are still perceived by many as risky.
3. Almost two thirds (62 per cent) think more hotels are taking on the franchising model for growth.
4. Hotels continue to face new distribution channels, causing a greater loss of control over room rates
5. 89 per cent foresaw increased competition from the residential market with short term lets.
6. 91 per cent of hotel professionals plan on increased spending into social media to help improve communications with clients.
7. There will be an increase in spending on technology within hotels (better Wi-Fi and in-room entertainment).
8. The past year has seen private equity displace other equity investors in the hotel sector
9. High net worth individuals are also heavily investing in trophy assets with markets such as London and Paris viewed as safe havens for investors.
10. Employee turnover rates are still higher than in the rest of the private sector.

BLP acts for clients across the entire lifecycle of hotel-related projects, including investment and development, lending, mergers and acquisitions, management agreements, franchising, operations, health and safety, licensing, tax, intellectual property and litigation. Its specialist hotels lawyers acted on over £1bn of hotel-related transactions last year.

Worldhotels expands its portfolio of branded hotels with the addition of Worldhotel Wings. The brand-new business hotel, which is located right at Rotterdam The Hague Airport and between Rotterdam city centre and The Hague, will welcome guests on March 21st, 2015. It will be the first branded hotel for Worldhotels in Rotterdam – and the third in the Netherlands. The Worldhotel Wings is a perfect base for local and international guests. It boasts 125 standard and business rooms, nine suites and eight apartments for extended stays. It is also perfectly suited for conferences and events, offering a wide variety of meeting and board rooms, a video conference room as well a 900 square metre event hall for large gatherings. A 24/7 fitness centre spread over two floors rounds off the hotel’s offering.

Worldhotels’ strong footprint in the market as well as its’ international brand exposure, are the reasons why Berry Gerretsen, General Manager of Worldhotel Wings, chose the group for his hotel: “We were looking for a strong partner who could position us internationally and Worldhotels was the perfect fit. Whilst leaving us full freedom to operate in line with our own strategies, the brand allows us to capitalize on Worldhotels’ commercial strength and its international reach.”

With this high-quality addition, Worldhotels is strengthening its presence in the Benelux market, where it currently represents 23 hotels, including three branded hotels: Worldhotel Grand Winston The Hague – Rijswijk, Worldhotel Bel Air The Hague and now Worldhotel Wings.

Rob van der Beek, Senior Director Hotel Development at Worldhotels, says: “The desire of the hotel to stay operationally independent, while receiving the support of a global brand, is a text book example why Worldhotels introduced its branded solution a few years ago.”

“We are very pleased to welcome Worldhotel Wings to our global portfolio”, adds Robert van der Graaf, Vice President Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Worldhotel Wings is our 7th Worldhotel in Europe, Middle East and Africa and the 20th worldwide. Our branded hotels rely on Worldhotels’ sales strength and our Net RevPAR* driving support which goes beyond traditional system delivery business. Due to its moderate variable costs that are based on total room revenue, the model is being recognized as a high return on investment solution – and an ideal alternative to other franchise models in the market.”

* Revenue per available room minus distribution costs.

Wilton Carpets Commercial has launched a stunning new ‘Bespoke Installations’ brochure cataloguing just a small selection of its custom carpets created for hospitality, heritage, sports and leisure venues across the globe. Focusing on the stunning carpets that have been created for venues such as Ireland’s Patrick Guilbaud Restaurant, Bath’s iconic Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, the magnificent Leeds Civic Hall and London’s Imperial Hotel, as well as cinemas, bowling alleys, public houses and sports centres; the brochure is a fascinating insight into Wilton’s wealth of successful projects.

From stunning boldly coloured contemporary creations to reimagined traditional designs and faithful reproductions, Wilton Carpets Commercial has become one of the UK’s foremost bespoke carpet manufacturers, a fact only highlighted by the projects and locations featured over 20 pages. Detailing complex and intricate layouts, designer feedback and packed full of stunning installation photography, this is literature sure to inspire and inform in equal measure.

The Wiltshire-based manufacturer has also revealed a new Colour Swatch Guide book detailing all the house colours available. Similar to colour books from referencing systems such as Pantone®, this fan-style collection gives a precise indication as the exact colour, helping designers to create perfect matches to colours found within their scheme. Showing the closest printed possible colour to the yarn found within the manufacturer’s tuft box, the handy format will become an invaluable desktop reference tool for interior designers.

“We simply love the creative and bespoke process here at Wilton Carpets Commercial and relish the challenges that such work often brings,” comments Suna Jones, marketing manager, Wilton Carpets. “Having completed some truly outstanding projects over the last few years, we really wanted to show just how adaptable our bespoke service is working on all manner of scale and style of project and always with fabulous end results. The Bespoke Installations brochure and Colour Swatch Guide book are just two ways we can help to make the process simpler and more inclusive for all.”

Noisy rooms are still the No. 1 complaint among hotel guests world wide. Now that their reviews have a serious impact on hotel policies, hotels will increasingly feel the need to create quiet rooms. And now there is a truly objective measuring system for quiet hotel rooms: the Quiet Room® label. The Quiet Room® label aims to stimulate the creation of quiet hotel rooms and provide information for travellers looking for quiet hotel rooms. Hotels interested in acquiring the Quiet Room® label have to meet severe standards and are thoroughly tested.The Quiet Room® label provides a classification for silent hotel rooms with 3 categories. Rooms that meet the standards are by definition well built and sound insulated. Travellers looking for a quiet hotel room van visit the label’s website at www.quiethotelroom.org/en/

Dutch hotels will now start using the system of the Hotelstars Union which is used by Germany, Denmark and the Benelux countries among others. But here is the catch: hotels are free to join in or not. In fact they are free to award themselves as many stars as they want. Strange?

Yes and no. Yes, because the star rating system pretends to be a help to travellers and offer some indication of the standards and services of hotels. Well, that is now really a thing of the past. No, because hotel stars have lately been losing their importance: traveller’s reviews and their impact on hotels’ reputations have become much more important.

This is a welcome development, because after all it’s the travellers who pay for the services. It forces hotels to listen even more carefully to their guests. And it will also help to correct a blatant omission in the star rating system: the absence of noise and sound insulation as a criterion in the grading of hotels.

Marriott International continues its dynamic growth in India with the latest opening of the Courtyard by Marriott Agra. Located in the beautiful city of Agra, home to the world renowned “Taj Mahal”, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Courtyard by Marriott Agra is the 12th property for the brand in India. The hotel endeavour’s to be a preferred getaway destination offering Indian hospitality with an international flair. Well-appointed rooms, varied F&B options and expansive indoor and outdoor event spaces ensure that every stay is truly memorable, be it dedicated to work or family. The 189-room property is designed to anticipate guests’ basic needs—functionality, safety, consistency, comfort and value—providing a warm, sophisticated environment and a variety of options that allow guests to stay connected, productive and refreshed during their stay.

With the Taj Mahal in close proximity, the hotel boasts the largest suite inventory in the city – ideal for long stay business or leisure alike. The elegantly structured architecture with 189 well-appointed guest rooms and 18 exquisite suites offers a sense of warmth and comfort. The thoughtfully designed rooms provide the optimum balance between work and relaxation, with state of the art amenities and wonderful views of the landscaped gardens or the pool, perfectly complemented by a selection of dining options, recreation and wellness facilities.

The hotel also offers large conference and banquet facilities, with more than 30,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor banquet space, which can accommodate up to 1200 guests.Magnificent lawn and extensive banqueting spaces make a perfect setting for social or business engagements. An on-site events team will ensure flawless coordination and execution, be it a lavish wedding or social event.

Guests are invited to explore three unique restaurants on property. MoMo Cafe, a chic all day dining restaurant which is contemporary, warm, welcoming and offers a gastronomic à la carte and the largest buffet spread in Agra, with a menu featuring fresh ingredients and international flavors. MoMo 2 Go, the coffee shop certifies the best bakery in town while MoMo To You, a round-the-clock in-room dining menu offers guests the option of dining in the comfort of their rooms. Onyx Bar at the hotel serves a selection of spirits, wines and cocktails with delectable finger-foods to go, giving our patrons and guests, that perfect backdrop to just sit back and unwind, at close of day.

Councillor Jim Broadhead was joined by Gary Steele, Travelodge Regional Director, to officially open the town’s first branded budget hotel, Egham Travelodge on March 3rd.The 80-room property, which is the Company’s 517th hotel, is situated in the heart of the town centre and is close to some of the UK’s top attractions such as Thorpe Park and Legoland. The new hotel represents an investment of £5.2 million and has created 15 new jobs within the community.

With the new addition of Egham Travelodge, the company now operates 18 hotels across Surrey and as part of its ongoing commitment to grow its business in the area, Travelodge has recently invested £1.5 million modernising 13 of its hotels with its new brand design. Currently Leatherhead Travelodge is undergoing a brand make-over at an investment cost of £300,000.

Gary Steele, Travelodge Regional Director said: “We are delighted to open the first branded budget hotel in Egham town centre. There is a growing demand for good value accommodation within the area and our new hotel is a great base for business and leisure travellers visiting Egham. By offering great quality rooms at unbeatable value we will help attract new vistors to the area. This will help to boost the local economy by £2 million annually and cement our position as the county’s favourite hotel brand for value.

“Surrey is a key growth area for us and as part of our development strategy we are looking to grow our portfolio of 18 hotels in the county. We are looking for new hotel sites in Guildford, Shepperton and Molesley.”

Egham Travelodge is being managed by Ewa Sniegula, who started her career as a guest room cleaner at Langley Travelodge in 2010. In 2012 Ewa completed the company’s Gaining Entry into Management (GEM) programme, which fast tracks entry level staff into management, and she took over her first management post at Twickenham Travelodge in 2013.

Ewa used the Company’s partnership with the Job Centre Plus Scheme – which helps the long term unemployed back into work – to recruit her team of 15.

The hotel has been designed in the Company’s new contemporary brand design and features the new Travelodge room which has been created by business and leisure customers (see page two for full details).

Egham Travelodge offers a range of rooms which includes: family, double and accessible. A Travelodge family room caters for either two adults and two children or three adults. The room features two space saving comfy truckle beds, providing an enhanced service for families staying in the room. When the beds are in use the base can be used for storing luggage, providing extra space in the room.

Each room has en-suite facilities with eco-friendly showers, in-room toiletries including liquid soap, a flat screen TV with 18 free digital channels, free tea and coffee making facilities, and Wi-Fi for 30 minutes and then £3 for up to 24 hours.

Having made a significant impact on the design world since the launch of his eponymous surfaces portfolio, Fameed Khalique is now taking his discerning eye for unique materials to create KHALIQUE – a lifestyle and homeware brand that takes the company into the realm of product design for the first time.This beautifully crafted and created collection for the retail interiors market marks the unveiling of the first KHALIQUE branded products that will give design-lovers easy access to the quality and aesthetic of the company’s unrivalled materials library and its bespoke creations. The collection opens up a wealth of distinctive and unexpected materials, including metallic woven leathers, peacock feathers, hand-embroidery and tactile suede and hide offering exquisite finishes ‘prêt à porter’.

With over 40 individual cushion designs, each piece is crafted to appreciate and celebrate the unique texture and detail of the material leading to a complete collection that is sometimes playful and frivolous and at other times deeply masculine and bold.

Diverse and striking, the cushions celebrate key elements of the Fameed Khalique design ethos, incorporating high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship with unusual and specialist techniques to create timeless designs. Inspiration has been drawn from within the company’s own portfolio – bronze metallic leathers, romantic pale pink feathers, silk appliqué and delicate ribbon embroidery showcase a small section of fabulous materials translated into simple, elegant pieces that create a final layer of detail.

Metallics
A combination of otherworldliness with the underlying strength of Greek mythology inspired this collection of glamorous yet understated metallics. Layers of copper, gunmetal grey and silvery hues alongside the luminous forest green of real peacock feathers woven meld to inject a contemporary edge to a variety of settings.

Textures
Fameed’s background in fashion is an important influence throughout his work and the tailored craftsmanship of a Savile Row couturier characterises this range of masculine pieces. Woven leathers sit beside bold geometric-designs and textured hides in a strong colour palette of charcoal, graphite, teal and scarlet to create an inviting collection of cushions to update a pared-back scheme.

This range is an effortless statement with inspiration taken from the best of fashion and design combined with an insider’s eye for quality.

Salon
Delicate embroidery, beading and intricate sequin detailing celebrate the end of minimalism in the home. This is a softer more feminine range, embracing the glitz and glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood and the revival of a confident adornment of our living spaces.

A palette of berry colours, blush pinks and sorbet shades combined with feather detailing, hand screen-printed velvet and mother-of-pearl hand-embroidery showcase the possibilities achievable by combining high-quality materials with specialist techniques.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that it is expanding its footprint in Germany with the signing of the Sheraton Berlin Grand Hotel Esplanade. The franchise agreement with Esplanade Operation GmbH, a subsidiary of Host Hotels & Resorts’ European joint venture, marks the conversion of the existing Grand Hotel Esplanade to a Sheraton hotel. The hotel continues to be operated by EVENT Hotel Group, which also holds a minority interest in the property. “We look forward to partnering with Esplanade Operation GmbH on this major conversion as we launch our iconic Sheraton brand in a vibrant metropolis such as Berlin. Furthermore, we are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with EVENT Hotel Group which also operates our other hotel in the city, The Westin Grand, Berlin,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “Becoming the 11th Sheraton in Germany, we are confident that Sheraton Berlin Grand Hotel Esplanade will reinforce the brand’s position as an unparalleled global leader in the hospitality sector.”

“We are excited to extend our partnership with Starwood in Europe by converting this historic hotel to a Sheraton property under a franchise agreement,” said James F. Risoleo, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Europe of Host Hotels & Resorts. “We believe in the power of the Sheraton brand as well as in Starwood’s global expertise and systems. Together with Starwood and EVENT Hotel Group, this winning combination will create substantial value for this hotel.”

The 394-room Sheraton Berlin Grand Hotel Esplanade has an all-day dining restaurant and a German-specialty restaurant, as well as Harry’s New York Bar and a lobby bar. Other facilities include a swimming pool and 12 meeting rooms.

Over the next several months, the hotel will unveil the Sheraton brand’s signature offerings including a Sheraton Club lounge, Link@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft® where guests can come together to meet, connect and relax, and the revolutionary health and fitness program, Sheraton Fitness.

“There are many conversion opportunities for new Starwood hotels throughout Europe in both established and emerging destinations, through both managed and franchised deals,” said Bart Carnahan, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “Berlin is the gateway to Central and Eastern Europe and this signing underscores our commitment to growth in the region.”

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., has announced the opening of the Sheraton McKinney Hotel and Conference Center in McKinney, Texas. Owned by Gateway Hotel One, Ltd., the hotel offers 186 guest rooms and suites, ample meeting facilities and all of Sheraton’s signature services and amenities. The property will celebrate its opening today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and private reception attended by McKinney Mayor Brian Loughmiller and members of the McKinney Chamber of Commerce. “We are delighted to welcome travelers to Sheraton McKinney and to one of the fastest growing cities in the United States,” said Ryan Miyamoto, General Manager, Sheraton McKinney. “We look forward to bringing the brand to life and are eager to witness the impact that this hotel will have on the community. As Sheraton embarks on another year of record-breaking growth, the opening of Sheraton McKinney will further reinforce Sheraton as the most global hotel brand.”

“The whole city has been looking forward to the opening of this Sheraton hotel, and we’re excited that the day is here,” said McKinney Mayor Brian Loughmiller. “The meeting space and the hotel accommodations in this high-profile development in the city’s gateway will expand our ability to market the city to new corporate clients and visitors.”

Sheraton McKinney features more than 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. The hotel features an outdoor pool, contemporary dining at Sweetwater Bar & Grill and a fully equipped fitness facility featuring the brand’s revolutionary new health and fitness program, Sheraton Fitness by Core® Performance.

“The Sheraton McKinney Hotel and Conference Center was designed to provide hospitality, conference and meeting spaces that are all in demand from residents, businesses and visitors to our city,” said MCDC Board Chair Scott Elliott. “We’re excited and looking forward to opening day, and the continuing expansion of the city’s vision for McKinney’s ‘front door’.”

On 3rd February 2015 the fulfilment of all conditions for the acquisition of the Sanitec Group by Geberit was announced. As part of the integration of the two groups, Geberit is delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Larden as new Managing Director for the integrated companies of Geberit and Twyford in the UK / Ireland. Mark Larden will start his new role as of 7th April – until then, the current management teams continue to lead the business as usual.Geberit thanks Brent Hudson for his successes with Twyford and is pleased to announce that he will take on a new role within the management of the combined business. Brent’s new role will be communicated along with the announcement of the new UK / Ireland management team.

The new management team of the integrated companies will be announced by 7th April at which date the new roles become effective. From this day there will be no changes to the day-to-day operations as the breadth of the combined organisation will continue in parallel until further notice. Any changes to existing contact points within Geberit and Twyford will be communicated directly to all customers and stakeholders as they become effective.

Business continuity and uninterrupted service remain our highest priority as we prepare to integrate the two companies.

LaGare Hotel Milano Centrale welcomes its guests in a contemporary and modern style, offering them maximum comfort and convenience. The pleasant combination of design, high-level furniture and the great attention towards the guests’ needs leads up to a personalized, impeccable service and recreates a refined atmosphere.The implementation of the eco-friendly philosophy, during all the construction phases, allowed us to achieve the LEED Gold Certification. In addition, the most modern systems with zero impact have been used to provide the necessary energy for the daily needs and the environmental impact will be limited due to the use of the principles of geothermal energy. All this, combined with the proximity of the most important travel facilities, will make your stay memorable.

A high standard service ensuring that guests live an unforgettable experience in a relaxed and luxurious atmosphere.

• Restaurants and Bars
The hotel offers two restaurants: LaGare Bistrot, at the 4th floor, which proposes, also on its splendid terrace, an exclusive menu à la carte in an elegant and refined atmosphere; LaGare Rooftop, located at the 13th floor, with its breathtaking view on the skyline of the New District of Porta Nuova, is an ideal place to enjoy high quality gastronomy and drinks. At the ground floor, the LaGare Café, offers smart courses as well as quick and tasty snacks.
• Roof garden
The roof garden located on the 13th floor is perfect for the organization of Food & Beverage services for your events in addition to the restaurant on the 4th floor with its beautiful terrace.
• Meetings and conferences
The LaGare Hotel Milano Centrale is a reference point in the proposal of spaces for meetings and conferences. With 400 square meters (4.300 sq.ft) of flexible rooms with natural daylight, equipped with the latest audio and video technologies.
• Spa
With an area of 400 square meters (4.300 sq.ft), our SPA is the ideal place to enjoy a moment of pure relax and relieve the stress of the tasks of the day. With sauna, turkish bath, emotional showers with chromo and aroma therapy and a gym equipped with
the most modern machines.
• Free internet WI-FI
• Laundry
• Garage

The 141 rooms (Superior, Deluxe, Junior Suite, Suite), all spacious, are furnished in a modern and functional style. The precious materials, the wood floors and the sophisticated colour palette of the furniture and textiles create a warm atmosphere, without leaving aside indispensable services: free wi-fi, air conditioned, desk station with a direct telephone, satellite TV with free SKY TV channels.

In the new pulsating heart of Milan, near the Porta Nuova’s skyscrapers and the high-speed railway, LaGare Hotel Milano Centrale is the ideal starting point for discovering the city with its tourist destinations and a privileged access to the nightlife of Garibaldi District. Two underground stations are at 2 minuts walking distance as well as the Central railway Station with direct connection to the exhibition center in Rho-Pero (home of the most important fairs in Milan included Expo2015).

Surrey’s stylish Brooklands Hotel, a contemporary, design-led property located on the site of the historic Brooklands motor racing track, has announced the opening of 11 additional bedrooms and the renaming of four of the hotel’s super suites.Previously a 120 bedroom property, the hotel now offers 131. Brooklands Hotel is home to some of the largest rooms of any UK hotel, with guests’ enjoying an abundance of natural light, thanks to floor to ceiling windows in all rooms, and many of the rooms benefit from panoramic views of the neighbouring Mercedes-Benz World race track.

The additional guest rooms have taken the tally to 62 ‘Deluxe’, 45 ‘Deluxe Front Facing’, nine ‘Executive’, three ‘Executive Front Facing’, five ‘Family’, four ‘Super Suite with Balcony’ and three ‘Panoramic Suite with Balcony’, including the renowned ‘319’ suite.

A recent announcement that £4.68million has been awarded to the neighbouring Brooklands Museum for its long-term ‘Brooklands Aircraft Factory & Race Track Revival Project’, means an exciting new attraction is on the horizon for the area which will increase demand on the already very popular hotel.

References to the hotel’s location on the iconic former Brooklands race track, the birthplace of British motor racing, are found in many architectural and design details which have been inspired by the early racing scene’s heyday of the 1920s and 1930s. A quartz and granite contour of the original track runs through the reception, art-deco patterns have been brought up to date with a modern interpretation and a Charlie Whinny wood sculpture in the atrium echoes the curves of the race track.

In keeping with the history and theme of its location, Brooklands Hotel has announced new names for four of the super suites:

• The ‘Kay Petre’ Suite
Legendary female racer Kay Petre was a star at the legendary Brooklands track and the exploits of this 4’ 10″ woman caused a media sensation at the time. The abiding image of Kay is a tiny woman seated in a huge 10.5 litre V12 Delage, the car in which she battled for the Women’s Outer Circuit Record with Gwenda Stewart. Kay gained the upper hand on 26 October 1934 with a 129.58 mph lap.

• The ‘Noel Pope’ Suite
Noel B. Pope had a successful career as a motor-cycle racer at Brooklands during the 1930s. He raced Broughs and is remembered for holding the ultimate track record for solo and sidecar laps on a supercharged Brough Superior, 106.6mph with a sidecar in 1937 and 124.51mph on a solo machine in 1939.

• The ‘Selwyn Edge’ Suite
In June 1907, Edge broke the 24-hour distance record, driving a 60 hp (44.7 kW) Napier six, at the newly opened Brooklands track, accompanied by riding-mechanic Joseph H Blackburn. In 1922 Edge returned to Brooklands in a Spyker setting a new “Double 12” world record covering 1,782 miles 1,066 yards (2,868 km 693 m) at an average speed of 74.27 mph (119.53 km/h) for the aggregate 24 hours.

• The ‘Percy Lambert’ Suite
Percy first raced at Brooklands in 1910, driving a Streamlined Austin called ‘Pearly III’. Lambert became the first person to cover a hundred miles in an hour, a record set on 15 February 1913 when driving his 4.5 litre side valve Talbot. He actually covered 103 miles and 1470 yards in sixty minutes. However, Lambert was killed at Brooklands on 21 October 1913, while trying to regain his land speed record from Peugeot.

Brooklands Hotel is home to many excellent facilities, including the AA Rosette-winning ‘1907 Restaurant Bar & Grill’ headed up by critically acclaimed chef Norman Farquharson, luxurious BSpa with treatment rooms and outdoor hot tub, state-of-the-art fitness facilities and extensive multi-purpose conference and event spaces.

Hotel owner and operator, Somerston Hotels announces that it is changing its company name to Atlas Hotels, with effect from 27 February 2015. The change of name has been triggered by the recent acquisition of Somerston Hotels by private equity firm Lone Star. This acquisition now puts the former Morethan Hotels portfolio (previously managed for Lone Star by Somerston Hotels) and the Somerston Hotels portfolio under the same ownership, complete with a new name and identity.

Atlas Hotels will continue to be operated by the former Somerston Hotels management team, led by Managing Director, Keith Griffiths. While the Somerston Group is no longer a shareholder in Atlas Hotels, the heritage and strength of the relationship between the two organisations means that Somerston Capital, led by its Managing Director, Shaun Robinson, will continue as strategic advisor on the portfolio.

Atlas Hotels, in conjunction with Somerston Capital, has signed a Multiple Development Agreement with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), which extends the life of the current franchise agreements by a further 15 years and also sets out the joint plan to develop a minimum of 1,000 additional IHG® bedrooms by the end of 2018.

Atlas Hotels also plans to continue to develop additional Hampton by Hilton hotels with Hilton Worldwide.

Somerston Capital will be the developer of new build projects with responsibility for site acquisition and the provision of development management services to Atlas Hotels. In excess of 850 rooms are currently under contract or in advanced negotiation.

Atlas Hotels currently owns and operates 47 Holiday Inn Express and one Hampton by Hilton hotel; the 48 hotels have 5,725 bedrooms and are located in key business and leisure destinations throughout the United Kingdom.

These growth plans will lead to a portfolio of in excess of 60 hotels with some 7,500 rooms within the next few years.

Keith Griffiths, Atlas Hotels’ Managing Director, commented: “We are delighted to be combining the portfolios under the Atlas Hotels name. The values and identity of the company will remain as strong and clear as they have always been and our mission continues to be one of achieving success by putting guest experience and satisfaction at the heart of our business.

“2014 was an exciting year for the company with significant financial growth, above-market RevPar increase for the third consecutive year, record levels of guest and employee satisfaction and a big increase in the size of the company.

“We will now embark on further growth through building out our substantial development pipeline, whilst also keeping a look out for acquisition opportunities. We can’t wait to get started on the next phase of the company’s growth and development.”

Shaun Robinson, Managing Director at Somerston Capital, also commented: “We are excited to continue to work with Atlas Hotels to grow the portfolio through both development and acquisition to help to achieve the objectives of the enlarged group.”

Chair covers from Forbes Group can be a useful and cost-effective tool in ringing the changes in your venue. They freshen up a room, change the season or convey a sense of occasion – all giving your clients a reason to book with you again.When Spring’s here, the wedding season can’t be far behind. Being able to dress your room for such a special event may well give you the competitive edge with brides (and their parents).

And since Forbes’ seamstresses are making them especially for your chairs you’re free to specify your own personal touch – matching or contrasting bow, organza sash, or classic design with either centre front or corner pleats? With over 250 colours in the Forbes range of fabrics, there will be something to suit your venue.

Forbes’ sales team will be happy to visit and advise if it would help. They’ll also organise getting one of your chairs to the Herefordshire factory to make you a sample cover so that you can see it on your own chair before you buy.

For further information, contact Forbes Group: info@forbesgroup.eu | www.forbesgroup.eu | +44 (0)1568 616638

We are delighted to announce the launch of the newly redesigned Brintons EMEA Stocked Range brochure. With a fresh and modern format, it features both new products and existing favourites.The new Brochure also gives an exciting preview of a forthcoming Brintons range which will be available from May; City Plaids a collection of 5 modern designs in soft antique hues play alongside cool blues and soft greys and have been jazzed up with a hint of hot pink. The subtle colour palette of City Plaids gives a fashionable edge to this iconic design.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has announced the signing Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta with PT Umah Benesari. Located in the suburb of Kuta, one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island of Bali, the new-build hotel is scheduled to open in May 2015. Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta joins Starwood’s already dynamic and robust portfolio in Indonesia. The company currently operates 14 properties nationwide under its Sheraton, Westin, Le Méridien, St. Regis, W Hotels and The Luxury Collection brand flags. In the next four years, Starwood will continue to ramp up its growth in Indonesia, with plans to open 12 additional hotels across the country. Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta marks Starwood’s seventh property in Bali, with another two, The Westin Ubud and The Saraswati, a Luxury Collection Resort, Bali, slated for opening by 2016.

Located on Jalan Benesari, Banjar Pengabetan, Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta occupies a serene area of Kuta. The hotel is just minutes away from the famous Kuta Beach and its nightlife, shops and restaurants. Just a half-hour drive north of Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta will feature 186 stylish and contemporary guest rooms, ranging from 28 to 55 square meters in size. Each room will sport thoughtful touches that contribute to an unencumbered, comfortable stay, including the Four Points Signature Bed, consisting of a plush mattress, down pillows, cozy duvet, and crisp 250-thread-count sheets. Food and beverage venues will include an all-day dining restaurant, rooftop club, lobby bar and beer garden café. The latter will feature the brand’s signature Best Brews™ program, highlighting the best local draft beers. Other hotel facilities will include a fitness centre, 180 square meters of meeting space and a Kids’ Club. In addition, guests will enjoy complimentary Internet access in all public spaces, bottled water, and signature breakfast with fresh coffee.

January Highlights
• Provinces perform; London lags
• Aberdeen profits follow oil price drop
• Glad all over Liverpool

Pro Auction of Bath announces an auction of the entire contents of Walton Cottage Hotel & Suites in Marlow Road, Maidenhead, West Berkshire SL6 7LT. The entire contents will go under the gavel over a two day auction and will encompass everything at the premises, from the 72 superbly appointed rooms and suites, all guest areas, including the bar, foyer areas, restaurant, full commercial kitchens, on site laundry and the gardens and open spaces on the 8th & 9th April 2015.The sale will be live from The Hotel premises and webcast over the internet via the BidSpotter platform. Viewing is available to the public on the 7th April 2015 and prior to the sale commencing each day at 10.30am on Tuesday and Wednesday.

McCarthy & Stone, following consultation with local residents, community representatives and Windsor & Maidenhead Council’s planning officers has submitted a planning application to the Council to redevelop the site with a development consisting of 61 Assisted Living (Extra Care) apartments. In addition, the proposals will include attractive landscaping and planting on the site with a high-quality landscape plan.

The event offers both the hospitality industry and individual buyers an unrivalled opportunity to purchase the contents of this first class hotel at a fraction of new replacement cost. The property, has recently had an extensive led refurbishment and the lots offered are in impeccable order. Items of note include the contents of the quality 72 hotel rooms and suites and the contents of lobbies, offices, modern fully equipped kitchens, together with crockery, cutlery, soft furnishings, boilers , laundry equipment, housekeeping and back of house are to be included within the sale. In total, there are over 1,300 lots – constantly upgraded to meet the requirements of a hotel of the Waltons position, and follows the sale of the land to developers McCarthy & Stone.

The two day auction takes place over two days commencing 8th April 2015 at Marlow Road, Maidenhead, West Berkshire SL6 7LT at 10:30am. The auction will also be available via a live webcast. The viewing takes place from 8.30am-4.30pm on 7th April 2015. Online bidding is possible through www.bidSpotter.co.uk. Catalogues are available by calling (44) 01761 414000 or via a download from the auctioneers website.

Mark Flynn of Pro Auction comments: “The sale presents a rare opportunity to acquire quality assets quickly and cost effectively given such a large quality hotel, It is possible for bidders to buy the entire contents of the bedrooms with three types of accommodation schemes to attract a variety of buyers and scales of purchase, accommodating the quality of a classic hotel, given we are selling everything within the hotel we expect the sale to be of interest to a wide base of other hoteliers and people in the hospitality industry generally.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announces the launch of its game-changing Aloft® brand in Detroit, following the completion of an adaptive re-use project that has transformed the historic David Whitney building. Located at One Park Avenue, Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney features 136 spacious, loft-like rooms, forward-thinking design and an energetic, social atmosphere – all at an affordable price point. The hotel is owned and developed by Whitey Partners, LLC, a joint venture between The Roxbury Group and VOS Hospitality, the lifestyle/boutique division of Trans Inns Management, Inc. Listed on the National Historic Register, the David Whitney building was built in 1915 to anchor the northern end of the Grand Circus Park shopping district. The adaptive re-use project restored the decorative exterior elements that were removed in 1959, as well as the four-story lobby with glass atrium, while thoroughly renovating all floors of the building. Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney is walking distance to Comerica Park, the Arts & Entertainment District and Detroit Opera House, and convenient to Ford Field, Fox Theatre, Joe Louis Arena, several casinos, and the headquarters of General Motors, Ford Motor Company and other Fortune 500 companies.

Amenities at Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney include the brand’s signature W XYZ® bar with live music performances by emerging artists, a 24-hour fitness center and 6,670 square feet of flexible meeting space. The hotel’s bright and airy guestrooms feature the ultra-comfortable signature Aloft bed, Bliss® Bath amenities, a 42-inch LCD television and a plug & play station for electronics.

The Aloft brand’s innovative and exclusive initiatives set it apart. Aloft Hotels, the tech-forward, innovation hub for millennial-minded travelers, recently announced the appointment of A.L.O. as the hotel brand’s first Botlr™ (robotic butler) at its Cupertino property. This forward thinking innovation makes Aloft the first major hotel brand to hire a robot for both front and back of house duties. Additionally, every Aloft Hotel around the world offers live, free access to local emerging artists as well as some of the hottest bands with Live at Aloft Hotels programming at the W XYZ bars.

Set to open in early summer 2015, Six Senses Spa Marbella is located at the charming Puente Romano Beach Resort situated in the Costa del Sol on the southern coast of Spain. The spa has been beautifully created to complement the hotel’s charming and peaceful Andalusia beachfront village character.Taking the cue from Six Senses’ philosophy, the spa’s design combines indigenous features such as whitewashed walls and hand-painted tiles together with natural stone and locally sourced materials, evoking a strong sense of place wedded to environmental commitment.

Local architecture and craftsmanship have provided inspiration for interior features which include six ground floor treatment rooms. Their contemporary wall designs created from blue and white painted tiles are complemented by natural oak timber floors, arched doorways and vaulted ceilings, creating a warm and inviting ambience.

The reception and lounge area features a beautifully-crafted, floor-to-ceiling timber walls with cosy seats and retail displays. From here, guests enter a relaxation lounge with a nail bar featuring glorious views out to the stunning Mediterranean Sea and to the elegantly vaulted corridors which lead to the changing rooms. An oval-shaped waiting area is designed in a cocoon-like style, providing a welcoming respite before and between treatments.

A highlight of this Andalusia-inspired architecture is the wet area featuring a hydrotherapy pool; a cold plunge pool; heat and ice experience showers with different types of water flow and mood lighting; herbal steam room; sauna and hammam. Elegant columns and high-arched ceilings evoke a strong yet graceful Moorish character complemented by the use of crema marfil stone and intricately woven screens that filter the sunlight creating playful reflections in the blue-tiled pool.

On the first floor, an outdoor area features an additional three treatment rooms with canopied roofs and swing cabanas overlooking the sea and providing a perfect place for guests to reconnect with the abundant nature and surrounding environment.

The creative diversity and spa design embody Six Senses ability to adapt seamlessly to different cultures creating environments conceived to revitalise and replenish. Guests will chose from a wide selection of Six Senses signature massages, facials and body treatments, wellness therapies and rituals as well as beauty and fitness treatments. Locally-inspired options combine indigenous herbs with sea salt, olive oil and rich minerals to offer authentic Mediterranean experiences.

QMS Medicosmetics and The Organic Pharmacy have been confirmed as product partners, offering a range of result-driven face and body treatments. Six Senses Spas also plans to introduce a series of yogic programs and integrated wellness retreats, delivering highly personalised solutions to guests looking to achieve specific health goals.

Puente Romano Beach Resort is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and lies within the magnificent Golden Mile between Marbella and Puerto Banus, just 35 minutes drive from Málaga Airport. Resembling an Andalusian village, the 264 luxurious Mediterranean-style guest rooms are spread in 27 three–story villas amid lush, sub-tropical gardens, cascading down to the Mediterranean Sea. The resort features spectacular designs by acclaimed interior designer Andrew Martin, seven restaurants, including the two-star Michelin Dani García restaurant, sea front and garden pools, a world-renowned tennis club, 18-hole golf course and an equestrian center.

Developed in conjunction with design professionals, the new ‘Next Generation’ guest experience for the Holiday Inn brand in Europe has been based entirely on guest input.

To meet the needs of the ‘Smart Traveller’, the design reflects the technological demands of the modern guest with changes to how guests check-in, plug in and connect to the cyber and physical world. Smart TVs in rooms enables guests to stream their content from tablets, laptops or mobile phones, and USB charging points feature in the bed side units as well as regular plug sockets. IHG Rewards Club members will be able to check in through the IHG App or online prior to arrival and shown their room location via tablet screens. Wi-Fi will also be included as part of the room cost.

It’s not a disconnection from hospitality though, as guest feedback indicated a strong need for a more personal checking-in experience, breaking down the physical barrier of a desk and opting for individual “pods” instead.

The Guest room
The room features a larger, more comfortable bed dressed with four pillows; two soft and two firm. Drawing inspiration from the airline industry, the new headboards are padded and noise-reducing, upholstered in a light grey fabric which complements the peaceful blue tones chosen for the new room colour scheme. There’s a dark orange zest of colour that lifts the room from being too ‘business class’ and injects a little more fun into the design. The traditional work desk has been replaced with a movable laptop desk which can be used from the comfort of the flexible work/rest area, close to multiple USB ports and charge points.

Mike Greenup, Vice President, Brand Management, Holiday Inn Brand Family, Europe, IHG said: “A hotel room is no longer just a place to sleep and our approach to technology and service starts with understanding our guests and their needs across the entire guest journey. This investment in guest insight and innovation is enabling us to stay ahead of the game.”

The Express Café & Bar
This is the integrated food and beverage experience in Holiday Inn Express. There is the option to stay in the café/bar for the Express Start™ breakfast or to have it ‘to go’ by grabbing a take away bag. This better fits guests’ needs for fast and tasty food on the go.

IHG worked with IDEO, a global design and innovation consultancy, and Forpeople, an environments design agency, to develop the ‘next generation’ guest experience.

Chris Grantham, Brand Experience Portfolio Director from IDEO London said: “From the outset we were excited by IHG’s ambition to create a hotel experience that was entirely based on guest insight. We put the Smart Traveller at the centre of the innovation process to learn about their digital, space service and food preferences – ultimately developing a signature ‘smart’ travel experience that is distinctive and valuable to travellers.”

Guest feedback put into action
This new guest experience is a direct reflection of guest feedback. As well as hotel staff, owners and hotel experts, IDEO interviewed a variety of business and leisure travellers who travelled solo, in pairs or in groups, not just within the IHG branded hotels, but in its competitors too. They spent time in guests’ homes observing what they packed for a long and short stay. The team walked guests through a full-sized mock-up of the new guest experience which included acted-out service roles, digital touch screens, and food and beverage offerings. As guests imagined themselves in the hotel – checking in, or eating at the café, for example – IDEO quickly zeroed in on the areas that felt both signature to the brand and of greatest value to the guest. During each walkthrough, guests were invited to give feedback that IDEO incorporated to refine the experience.

“We are aiming for at least one in every four of our European hotels to feature the latest Holiday Inn Express ‘next generation’ guest experience within the next three years, with the first hotel opening towards the end of this year,” said Mike Greenup. Launched in Europe, the ‘next generation’ for Holiday Inn Express will be adapted for forthcoming new builds and those properties earmarked for renovation.

W® Hotels Worldwide, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., has debuted in Colombia with the unveiling of W Bogota. The new hotel electrifies Bogota’s hospitality scene by mixing the W brand’s 24/7 attitude, distinct interpretation of modern luxury, and unprecedented insider access to what’s new and next in design, fashion and music in South America’s new capital of cool. Located in the heart of the city, steps from the fashionable Usaquen district, between the city’s mountains and financial center, W Bogota provides guests and locals with a cutting-edge and modern design interpretation of the Legend of El Rey Dorado (the golden king). The myth’s ancient rituals and precious elements are brought to life throughout the hotel’s luxurious and stylish guestrooms, public spaces, and buzzing bars and restaurant. This contemporary design and lifestyle approach has been combined with the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever® service philosophy, inspiring guests to live the legend every time they visit the hotel.

W Bogota’s 168 stylish guestrooms and suites, inspired by the lavish ceremonies of the ancient tribe and the rafts that floated on Lake Guatavita in another era, feature views of the mountain range and the city and are appointed with modern touches and locally-inspired furnishings covered in bright leathers, vinyl, and white sheers. All guestrooms include the signature W Bed, sumptuous Bliss® bath amenities, well-equipped MixBar™ (the W brand’s reinterpretation of the staid mini bar), and a 360° floor to ceiling mirror to get a glimpse of every angle before heading out to wherever the day or night may take you. The Extreme WOW Suite™ (the W take on the Presidential Suite) is equally inspired by the Legend and features the green of the Colombian emeralds and the deep blue of the great lagoon of Guatavita. Ideal for hosting 20 of your closest friends or for intimate moments, the E-WOW Suite boasts multiple lounge spaces, a central bar, oversized bathtub and truly iconic bed.

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Centara Hotels & Resort’s latest venture is a brand-new property now being built in Sriracha, Chonburi. The Centara Sonrisa Residence and Suites Sriracha, currently being developed by Smile Condo (2011) Co. Ltd, will operate as a family-friendly four-star residence. The hotel is now in the design phase and the Centara Group expects that it will open on schedule in the first quarter of 2017. Mr. Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels & Resorts, comments that the addition of a new property in this location, close to both Bangkok and booming Pattaya, makes strategic sense. “I am happy to see that we are developing yet another unique facility so that we can continue to build our brand in Thailand.”

The new hotel will contain 150 comfortable, modern rooms, each of approximately 32 square metres. On the premises will also be a full-service restaurant, a fitness centre, a generous swimming pool and outdoor leisure area, children’s facilities, and an ‘E-Room’ business centre along with two meeting rooms suitable for 30 to fifty people. Centara properties are also known for their award-winning spa facilities, and this hotel will be no exception, as it will be home to another of the group’s luxurious and inviting spa destinations.

Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing at Centara Hotels and Resorts, Chris Bailey, says that he is confident that the hotel will be successful, “as we have a clear target market, which fits very well with the facilities and location”.

The overall investment figure, encompassing both land and construction costs, will be approximately 3.5 THB mn/per key.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Versions for concealed installation now available

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

Complete range

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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