Hotel Designs

As a part of their ongoing role at Center Parcs new resort in Woburn Forest Bedfordshire, construction consultancy, Edmond Shipway, have been appointed as project managers on the creation of the latest Aqua Sana Spa. A unique facility which will be the first of its kind in the UK.The state-of-the-art spa encompasses a range of different approaches used in many of the leading European therapy centres all gathered under one roof. The spa will be divided into six nature specific sections; Fire and Ice, Mineral and Gemstone, Blossom, Herbal, Sensory and Salt. Each section will provide a range of multi-sensory experience rooms for guests, two of which (the Sensory Experience and Mineral Room) are the first of their kind in the world.

Commenting on the Aqua Sana Spa, David Stevenson, Managing Director of Edmond Shipway said; “We are delighted to be working on such a creative and innovative scheme utilising products and technologies from across the globe. When complete the Aqua Sana Spa will reset the benchmark in the UK spa market. We are delighted to have been a part of it.”

The construction company have played the lead role in ensuring that the construction of Center Parcs Village at Woburn meets both budgetary targets and a demanding time schedule and the spa is just one of a series of new ground breaking leisure features to be unveiled by the Center Parcs team before the spring opening.

Pullman hotels has recently announced plans for further growth in Asia Pacific.

According to the 2013 UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, tourist arrivals in South-East, North-East and Southern Asia grew significantly (about 7%).

This trend should continue over the next few years.Pullman will add 47 new addresses to its Asian portfolio by 2018, including 38 in China, three in India and two in Indonesia, as well as openings in other major Asian destinations.

The announcement follows the opening of Pullman Shanghai South. The hotel has 338 rooms and suites, an indoor pool, eight meeting rooms, four bars and restaurants and offers the brand’s top signature services.

The Pullman network expanded at an unprecedented pace in 2012 and 2013, with major hotels opened in key international capitals like London, Brussels, Bangkok, Jakarta and Sydney. In Asia, for example, the brand opened 15 addresses in two years, the most recent of which include the Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar (Malaysia), the Pullman Saigon Centre and Pullman Danang Beach Resort (Vietnam) and the Pullman Phuket Arcadia (Thailand). Over half the brand’s establishments are now located in Asia Pacific. Pullman is present in Asia Pacific’s main business hubs and tourist destinations including Bali in Indonesia, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam, and 11 hotels across Australia, making it that country’s number one upscale brand.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the opening of the new Holiday Inn Express North Hollywood hotel. With the addition of this 80-room property, IHG now has five Holiday Inn Express hotels in the Los Angeles and Hollywood areas with an additional 19 Holiday Inn Express hotels in the pipeline for California.Located at 11350 Burbank Blvd., the five-story hotel features 80 guest rooms and is close to the historical North Hollywood Arts District. The hotel is also just a short drive away from premier entertainment and shopping destinations such as Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Bros Entertainment, Beverly Hills and The J. Paul Getty Museum, as well as key businesses such as the American Broadcasting Company, The Walt Disney Company and the National Broadcasting Company. Notable Hollywood attractions such as the Dolby Theatre – home to the annual Academy Awards®, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the world-famous TCL Chinese Theatre are also easily accessible.

“We are excited to be part of the Holiday Inn Express brand and grow the brand here in Hollywood,” said Ben Hipoloto, general manager, Holiday Inn Express North Hollywood hotel. “This is such a vibrant entertainment destination with many attractions, so this location is popular with travellers, and perfect for both business and leisure guests needs.”

The Holiday Inn Express North Hollywood hotel, owned by Rajesh Patel and managed by Hollywood Stay Hotel, LLC, is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that its Element brand is gaining momentum in Florida with plans for a second hotel in the Miami metropolitan area. A ground breaking ceremony for Element Miami Doral took place on March 11 with Doral Mayor Luigi Boria and other local officials in attendance, as well as several Starwood executives. The new Element is expected to open in July of 2015 as part of a dual-hotel development, joining Aloft Miami Doral which opened in March 2013. Owned by Eurocon, LLC, Element Miami Doral will offer a smart, new lodging option for travellers with 139 stylish, sustainable rooms and an atmosphere designed to fuel a life in balance and on the move. Element Miami Doral will offer global travelers easy access to a variety of premier shopping destinations including the Miami Free Zone, Dolphin & International Mall and Mall of the Americas. Guests will also be close to major visitor attractions such as Miami Zoo, Miami Sea Aquarium, the word-famous South Beach, several premier golf courses, and the restaurants and nightclubs of downtown Miami. One of the fastest growing cities in Miami-Dade County, Doral is home to many of the region’s largest companies and government institutions, including the US Federal Reserve Bank, US Southern Command and Carnival Corporation. Element Miami Doral will be the second Element hotel in greater Miami, joining Element Miami International Airport.

Element Miami Doral will boast light-filled studios as well as one bedroom suites featuring a fluid design of modular furniture, swiveling flat-screen televisions, large desks with open shelving and custom-designed closets. Rooms will also offer fully equipped kitchens and the signature Heavenly® Bed, and spa-inspired bathrooms will feature an invigorating rain shower and dual-flush toilet. Other brand signatures will include a state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness center, an outdoor saline swimming pool, a 1,500 square-foot meeting room with modular furnishings, a flexible layout and state-of-the-art technology that can be customized to meet any business or social needs. Guests can stay on the move with the Element brand’s bikes to borrow program and enjoy fun and free extras including complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, the signature RISE breakfast, RELAX evening reception, and salon bar carts stocked with premium wines and beers, soft drinks and snacks, available after hours.

Never one to stand still, Motel One has big plans for the UK in 2014 starting off with their brand new opening in Edinburgh this spring. Boasting a prime position in the Scottish capital Motel One Edinburgh-Princes will provide stylish accommodation from as little as £69 per night.Located just off Princes Street, the new 140 bedroom hotel will be within easy walking distance of all the major city attractions including the National Gallery of Scotland, Royal Museum and Edinburgh Castle. With Waverly Station a short walk away no time will be wasted sitting in transit, allowing visitors to maximise time in this great city. Whether site-seeing, partying the weekend away with friends, having a romantic escape or even travelling on business, Motel One Edinburgh-Princes caters to all travellers and is the perfect choice for those who like to travel in style but on a budget.

Quality is key and this is reflected in everything from the superb service, to the interior design and furnishings in the rooms. Budget doesn’t mean boring in Motel One’s case where each hotel has it‘s own individual style to reflect the surrounding environment and city heritage. In this case, Motel One Edinburgh-Princes‘ One Lounge will have a distinctive Royal theme with a contemporary twist, serving as the perfect area to kick start the day with a traditional continental breakfast or to sit back and enjoy a drink or two after a busy day exploring.

This will be the second hotel opening in Edinburgh for the German budget brand, having opened at the start of 2013 Motel One Edinburgh-Royal the brand has been growing from strength to strength and being embraced by travellers looking for city centre accommodation without the high price tag.

The thriving chain currently has 48 hotels in Germany, Austria and UK with around 10,900 rooms. Its goal is to grow its portfolio to 74 hotels and 18,000 rooms by 2016 – no easy feat but an achievable one. Edinburgh-Royal marks the start of a European takeover for the brand and a whole string of new openings in 2014. These include; Berlin, Bremen, Brussels, Cologne, Leipzig, Magdeburg, Vienna and most notably the first opening in London.

Watch this space for a Motel One opening in a city centre near you!

Roomzzz Aparthotel have announced their first international location will be in Dubai. This news comes after the confirmation that Roomzzz have launched their international head quarters in the UAE marking their intention to be a serious contender within a global marketplace. Mark Walton, Head of Roomzzz comments ‘the brand has expanded quickly and successfully in the UK. We have had a lot of interest from key players in the international hotel community looking for opportunities to be connected with the Roomzzz brand, we feel the UAE is the ideal springboard for Roomzzz to debut on a global scale. We are currently considering a number of sites in Dubai’.

The group have recently announced their sixth UK site will be a 63 apartment and suites conversion of an existing building in the City Centre of Chester, following that in 2015 with a seventh location in Liverpool with 108 apartments. Roomzzz London Stratford leads the way in the brand’s first southern site and the eighth UK location with a 82 apartment scheme on the doorstep of the Westfield Centre. Multiple City central sites in the UAE will see the Roomzzz brand reach double figures by the end of 2015.

The Roomzzz fast track expansion has been bolstered by franchise partners ready to jump on the ever powerful Roomzzz machine. Walton comments ‘investors are keen to be involved as franchise partners, there has been a well documented success story surrounding our franchise opportunities – investors are seeing measurable fast track growth year on year and are keen to be part of the brand which has shone through in the darkest moments of a challenging economic climate’.

Originating in Leeds in 2006 the group have dominated major northern cities from the start with their ‘new generation Aparthotel’ concept. Roomzzz have been reaping the rewards and recently announced that they are running at 90% occupancy over 5 sites and 3 key Cities in the North. When questioned on the success of the brand, Walton comments ‘our Aparthotel model is not the same as a hotel, Roomzzz guests are typically professionals and international guests looking for a longer term stay than a hotel can reasonably offer. Guests are encouraged to stay longer term with the convenience of a kitchen, living and dining rooms within the apartments making for a home from home environment’.

Roomzzz sites are successful showcases of how this breed of new generation Aparthotels can benefit a City by attracting high spend and longer staying visitors. Walton comments ‘the vision for our global expansion has been years in the making with the UK proving to be very receptive our concept. As a brand we maintain innovation at all costs and our move to the UAE reflects this desire to move the brand on into other exciting locations.’

The group have confirmed that the ‘evolution of Roomzzz’ will be reflected in their Dubai scheme whilst maintaining their values on improving customer experience and championing transparency on rates and pricing.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) has announced the opening of Hotel Indigo St. Petersburg – Tchaikovskogo. The hotel marks the debut of its boutique brand, Hotel Indigo®, in Russia. Located amongst the stunning architecture and historical prestige of Russia’s capital of culture, Hotel Indigo St. Petersburg – Tchaikovskogo is in the heart of the historic centre between the Neva and Fontanka rivers, the Summer Garden and Tavricheskiy Garden – an ideal spot for guests wanting to explore the city. The Fontanka River with its palaces and parks is said to be one of the most beautiful rivers in St Petersburg and the main street of Nevskiy Prospect is just ten minutes away.

As IHG’s boutique brand, every Hotel Indigo property is designed to reflect the local neighbourhood. From the building’s design to the hotel’s artwork and locally inspired menus, every Hotel Indigo is unique to its surroundings. Hotel Indigo St. Petersburg – Tchaikovskogo’s 119 bedrooms feature floor-to-ceiling murals inspired by the neighbouring Summer Garden, the Foundry metal works and river embankments. The street, Tchaikovskogo, was renamed in 1923 after the famous ballet and opera author, Tchaikovsky who was a student nearby and his influence is evident in the hotel through the décor of the hotel suites and corridors. These spacious hotel suites provide breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the river Neva. To reinforce the local neighbourhood feel, the interior décor of the hotel’s wellness studio and pool is derived from the mansions that line the Tchaikovskogo street and the splendid Summer Garden.

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Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced from the Sheraton Hotels General Manager Summit in Seattle that its largest and most global brand is poised for record-breaking growth over the next 12 months with 35 new hotels expected to open. Nearly half of the new Sheraton hotels will open in China, widening Starwood’s lead as the largest upper-upscale global hotel operator in Asia Pacific. Enhancing its reputation as a global powerhouse, Sheraton will also enter numerous new markets including Samoa, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, and return to Iraq. Demand for Sheraton Surges across Asia Pacific
After topping 100 hotels in Asia Pacific in 2013, Sheraton continues to build momentum in the region with 23 openings expected over the next 12 months. Sheraton will open approximately one hotel every three weeks in China alone, reflecting the brand’s aggressive growth primarily in the country’s secondary and tertiary markets. The brand will launch in Wuhan, Shaoxing, Nanchang, Zhengzhou, and Qingdao, while adding its third hotel in Beijing and fifth in Shanghai. More than 13 additional Sheraton hotels are slated to open in China by 2017.

Sheraton is also gaining momentum in India, where it will add three additional hotels to its portfolio over the course of this year and 2015, with openings slated for Bengaluru, Noida and Chandigarh. In addition, the global powerhouse will enter several other new markets in Asia Pacific in the next 12 months including New Caledonia, Samoa and Sri Lanka.

Sheraton Expands Footprint in Diverse Emerging Markets
Sheraton will add two new hotels in key emerging markets across Europe over the next 12 months. Openings will include Sheraton Rostov-On-Don Hotel in Russia and the Sheraton Ismayilli Resort & Spa in Azerbaijan. Last month, Sheraton opened Sheraton Zurich Hotel, marking the brand’s second hotel in the financial capital of Switzerland.

In the Middle East, Sheraton will open seven new hotels, increasing its portfolio to 23 hotels by February 2015. Highlights include the Sheraton brand’s debut in both Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, and its return to Iraq with the opening of Sheraton Dohuk Hotel in 2014, followed by Sheraton Erbil Hotel in early 2015. Other openings include the brand’s fourth hotel in Saudi Arabia (Sheraton Medina Hotel) and fifth in Dubai – the 660-room Sheraton Dubai Tower Sheikh Zayed Road Hotel.

In Africa, Sheraton continues to strengthen Starwood’s position as a leading global hotel operator with new hotels slated to open in Mauritania, Guinea and South Sudan by 2017. These recent signings increase the Sheraton pipeline in Africa to six new hotels.

“Sheraton is truly a global pioneer with a long legacy of reaching new markets first and building meaningful relationships with owners and developers,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood. “The result is that Sheraton is leading Starwood’s global pipeline growth and creating opportunities for the further development of all our brands in diverse markets worldwide.”

Starwood Gains Momentum in the Americas
Within Latin America, Brazil is one of Starwood’s most promising growth markets as the country accelerates infrastructure development ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics. This year, Sheraton will open its seventh hotel in Brazil — Sheraton Reserva do Paiva Hotel and Convention Center, following last year’s opening of Sheraton da Bahia Hotel in Salvador, Brazil. Next month, Sheraton will mark its return to the Dominican Republic with the opening of Sheraton Santo Domingo Hotel, ideally located on Avenida George Washington, the city’s luxurious waterfront avenue lined with palm trees and casinos.

Turley, acting on behalf of Roomzzz Aparthotel, has secured permission for a new four-star 64-bed aparthotel in Chester.Permission was granted by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Planning Committee on 4 March and will see Roomzzz Aparthotel convert the former DVLA offices in Chester city centre.

Turley provided planning and specialist heritage advice, with the building located within a conservation area, adjacent to the city’s historic walls and a number of listed buildings. The site is also located close to Chester Racecourse.

Anna Noble, a Planner in Turley’s Manchester office, said: “This was a complex application with Roomzzz Aparthotel wanting to add an additional storey to the building. We worked closely with the Council’s conservation team to ensure a successful design and English Heritage supported the proposals.”

Roomzzz already operates six successful aparthotels in Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle. As well as Chester, it will soon offer accommodation in Liverpool and London.

Paul Manku, Head of Construction and Development, Roomzzz Aparthotels, said: “Chester is bursting with history and is one of the top tourist destinations in England, making it the perfect location for our new aparthotel. We operate in the same way as a hotel, but with greater in-room living and kitchen amenities provide guests with a much more private and flexible staying experience – a home from home. We are delighted with the council’s decision and would like to extend our thanks to Turley.”

Work on the Chester Roomzzz Aparthotel will begin immediately with the hotel expected to be opened in the Autumn.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. will beckon guests to re-discover one of Southern California’s most scenic havens in Rancho Mirage, opening on May 15, 2014. Less than two hours from the world-renowned destinations of Los Angeles and San Diego – with direct flights from the East Coast – the luxury desert resort is beautifully enveloped by the Santa Rosa Mountain range, on a 650-foot bluff overlooking Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley.The prominently-situated Palm Springs hotel will feature 244 resort rooms and suites, residences, a two-story luxury spa, more than 30,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting space and destination dining with sweeping valley views.

The stunning architectural approach translates to an aesthetic that springs from the region, celebrates the spectacular site and honors the area’s cultural history. Designed to complement its desert setting by featuring natural elements of stone, wood and fire to reflect the local landscape, colors and culture — the result is contemporary, contextual luxury.

Throughout the resort, there is an embrace of indoor/outdoor living, an emphasis on muted natural hues and tactile materials, and a stylized interpretation of the desert environment will create a more harmonious transition between the luxury hotel and its surroundings. Dining venues will include a visually dynamic exhibition kitchen at State Fare Bar + Kitchen and a restaurant specializing in steak, seafood and fine wine, The Edge. Perched bluff-side with unparalleled views of the Palm Springs valley, The Edge will offer the perfect gathering place for year-round cocktails, celebrations and stargazing.

Inviting resort amenities will offer cliff-side swimming and serenity pools and an alluring, artfully-designed destination spa unrivaled in the Palm Springs Valley. Guests will also be availed access to the desert’s finest curated golf and tennis experiences with exclusive arrangements at premier courses and clubs, accentuated by close proximity to a wide array of cultural and recreational activities – including more than 20 miles of hiking/biking trails, polo grounds, world-class shopping and more.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® has recently announced that its Aloft brand will soon expand its reach to Secaucus, New Jersey. Owned by Sun Development and Management, Aloft Secaucus will open in mid-2016 within the Plaza at Harmon Meadow, featuring 172 spacious, loft-like rooms, leading-edge technology and a lively, social atmosphere. Just six miles from midtown Manhattan, Aloft Secaucus will be walking distance to all the shops, restaurants, and businesses in the Plaza at Harmon Meadow mixed-use, complex, including the Meadowlands Exposition Center and the Mall at Mill Creek. The eight-story hotel will be close to local restaurants and leading attractions including the Meadowlands Entertainment Complex, which houses MetLife Stadium, home of the NY Jets and NY Giants Professional football teams, the IZOD Center and the site of the American Dream Meadowlands Mall and Complex, which opens in late 2015. A 20-minute drive from Newark International Airport (EWR), the new Aloft hotel will feature 3,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space, an indoor Splash pool and fitness center.

“Aloft Secaucus will draw both visitors and local professionals who will appreciate the hotel’s modern, urban design and vibrant social scene as well as its proximity to New York City,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty Select Brands for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “Aloft is always on the forefront of new markets, fueled by the enthusiasm of savvy travelers across the globe.”

“Aloft Secaucus will be an exciting, new addition to the Plaza at Harmon Meadow and will help accelerate the brand’s rapid expansion in dynamic markets across North America,” said Allison Reid, Senior Vice President of America Development for Starwood. “We’re seeing strong owner and developer interest in Aloft, given its following by savvy travelers and flexibility for mixed-use developments.”

Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Worldwide has announced the opening of Hilton Zhengzhou. The opening marks the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Henan Province. Strategically situated in the center of Zhengzhou, the 39-story hotel features 448 contemporary guestrooms and suites and is operated by Hilton Worldwide and owned by Henan Sheng Long Real Estate Co. Ltd.Conveniently located in the city’s central business district, Hilton Zhengzhou is only 30 kilometers from Zhengzhou International Airport and seven kilometers from Zhengzhou high-speed railway station, which provides easy access to nearby cities such as Beijing and Xi’an. The hotel is within walking distance of Yanzhuang Subway Station, where guests have convenient access to shopping malls, restaurants and tourist destinations around the city, making the hotel an ideal choice for both business and leisure guests.

Guests at Hilton Zhengzhou can indulge in a wide assortment of delicious local cuisines without ever having to leave the hotel as four uniquely-themed restaurants serve both Chinese and international flavors. Guests can meet with friends over drinks and a light menu at the Lobby Lounge or enjoy an authentic taste of China, including the exquisite Cantonese, Sichuan and local Henan cuisines, at the Yu Garden Chinese Restaurant. Open for all-day dining, family-friendly Eight Elements is a cozy and casual spot offering an international breakfast buffet. The elegant Amici Restaurant offers the finest Italian pizzas and at Amici Bar, guests will be able to enjoy a selection of cocktails and fine spirits.

A perfect destination to host corporate meetings and conferences, private social events and celebrations, the hotel boasts Zhengzhou’s largest pillarless ballroom with more than 2,000 square meters of state-of-the-art meeting and banquet space and a conference service team who will ensure that every event detail is taken care of with the highest quality of service. A 24-hour business center allows for guests to stay connected and productive throughout their visit.

Hilton Zhengzhou features a broad range of modern amenities, including generous work surfaces, an in-room iPod® docking station and Wi-Fi access. In addition, Hilton Zhengzhou offers an indoor swimming pool and a spa center allowing guests to indulge in a range of luxury treatments.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) has announced the signing of Holiday Inn Express® Moscow – Sheremetyevo Airport. The hotel will operate under a management agreement with Palmira LLC.Holiday Inn Express Moscow – Sheremetyevo Airport will be a new build property with 192 rooms and will open in 2017. The hotel is perfectly positioned adjacent to terminals D, E and F at Sheremetyevo Airport, Russia’s second largest airport serving the capital and surrounding regions. The hotel is set to attract demand from domestic and international travelers as well as airline crew.

The signing comes only months before Russia’s first Holiday Inn Express hotel is due to open – Holiday Inn Express Voronezh.

Aron Libinson, Associate Vice President of Development, Russia & CIS said, “We’re delighted to have signed our first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Russia’s capital. This hotel is going to be a fantastic representation of the Holiday Inn Express brand and we couldn’t have asked for a better location at one of Moscow’s two international airports.”

Co-owner of Palmira LLC, Sergey Tarasov said, “This hotel, boasting state of the art facilities in a prime airport location, is just what guests’ need.” Co-owner of Palmira LLC, Boris Minakhi added, “We are anticipating high demand as tourism and business travel in Russia continues to rise. We are looking forward to opening the hotel’s doors in 2017.”

Hilton Worldwide has announced the opening of Hilton Suites Makkah First Tower at the heartland of Saudi Arabia. The 480-room contemporary luxury hotel split into two towers, boasts a fabulous location overlooking the Kaaba and Holy Haram.Just 100 kilometers from Jeddah International Airport, many of the city’s holy sites and popular Makkah attractions are just a short distance from the hotel. Pilgrims and guests can visit the Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba, drink water from ZamZam Well, hike to the peak of Jabal al-Nour – the Mountain of Light, admire the fascinating exhibits on display at Makkah Museum and shop in one of the many stores at the extensive Makkah Mall.

Hilton Suites Makkah features a range of amenities designed for both the business and religious guest. Guest rooms are designed to convey a sense of balance, space, luxury, comfort and symmetry, featuring a unique color scheme based on the five times of prayers throughout the day – sunrise, noon, late afternoon, sunset and nighttime – in addition to generous work areas and WiFi access. Ideal for families and groups, the hotels offers spacious suites with superior views of either the city or the Holy Haram, a separate living area and several amenities including a 24-hour fitness center, a 24-hour business center, 24-hour car parking and an in-house clinic onsite for instant medical care. Guests can chose to dine at one of the five distinct outlets: Al-Khalil café, Al-Falak lounge, Al-Kawkab lounge, The Orchid Asian Restaurant and Al-Qandeel All Day Dining Restaurant. The hotels also boast two flexible meeting spaces and the latest A/V equipment.

In addition, this regional growth will allow Hilton Worldwide to support the Saudization employment plan.

Hilton Worldwide is set to add the city of Al Ahsa to its Saudi Arabia portfolio, following a signing agreement with Al Jazeera Group, owned by H.E. Sheikh Dr. Jassim bin Nasser bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani.The 180-room Hilton Al Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is expected to open in 2016 and will be strategically located in the downtown area of Al Ahsa in an upcoming district surrounded by a growing number of residential, retail and commercial developments. The hotel will have direct access to the city’s main thoroughfares and also enjoy close proximity to Al Ahsa Regional Airport.

As Al Ahsa continues to develop, Hilton Al Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be well equipped to cater to the growing numbers of travellers. The hotel will feature a wide variety of restaurants and lounges as well as a wealth of conference and event facilities including a large multi-function room, two boardrooms, four meeting rooms and a business centre. Leisure amenities will include an outdoor pool as well as a separate male and female health club and spa.

As one of the largest oasis regions in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, Al Ahsa is famous for its fertile agricultural business and the abundance of date palms, served by the plentiful reserves of underground water, for which the city is famous. Al Ahsa also lays claim to many archaeological sites and, as an early trading route stop between the West and the Orient, was celebrated as a significant early centre for commerce. Modern-day Al Ahsa, located in close proximity to the world’s largest oil field at Ghawar, continues the city’s rich commercial legacy.

Following the successful opening of The Nadler Soho and the re-branding of our Kensington hotel as The Nadler Kensington last year, base2stay Liverpool is set to follow suit, being re-named The Nadler Liverpool as of 17th March 2014.The same management team and staff, led by General Manager Andrew Marsh, will remain in place following the re-branding, ensuring that The Nadler Liverpool continues to offer guests the same impeccable service as base2stay Liverpool has been proud to provide.

As part of the re-branding, and in keeping with the standards set by our two London hotels, our front desk team are being trained to provide an even higher level of personalised service as our unique ‘Local Ambassadors’. With an increasing number of hotel guests seeking the best local experience when they visit a city like Liverpool, our aim is to encourage our guests to explore their surroundings and take advantage of the many exclusive offers and discounts that are available to our guests at some of the city’s best independent restaurants, bars and clubs. As an alternative to the usual hotel restaurant or bar, this concept is proving more popular than ever.

The Nadler Liverpool’s Local Ambassadors are available 24/7 to make recommendations and reservations, and share their insider knowledge on where to go and what to do in the city. Our guests can be confident that we will help them make the most of their time in the wonderful city of Liverpool. In addition, we are shortly planning to upgrade to the latest VDA ONAIR entertainment system to offer an even better in-room experience.

With exciting events planned over the coming year in Liverpool, including the International Festival for Business 2014, the Liverpool Biennial, and Liverpool Sound City, The Nadler Liverpool remains the ideal city centre hotel, continuing to offer exceptional service at amazingly competitive prices.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has signed an agreement with Cevahir Yapi Sanayi Turizm ve Ticaret A.S. to open a new Sheraton hotel in Istanbul. Set to open next year, Sheraton Istanbul Atasehir will reinforce the global growth of the Sheraton brand as it remains on track to open its 500th hotel by 2015. Sheraton Istanbul Atasehir will be located in the Atasehir district, a business and trading centre located eight kilometres from the Asian trading port at the intersection of two main highways, connecting the Asian and European sides of Istanbul. Featuring 160 guest rooms with scenic views of either the Marmara Sea or the bustling city, the hotel will occupy the top section of a new multi-purpose building from the 18th to 27th stories. Developed by Varyap Meridian Otel & Ofis, the hotel is designed by international architectural firm RMJM together with Istanbul-based interior designer, Kreatif Design.

Sheraton Istanbul Atasehir is set to become the gathering place for business travellers, offering extensive modern meeting and event space, including a grand ballroom, a junior ballroom, 12 meeting rooms and a business centre. The hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby bar, the signature Sheraton Shine Spa with five treatment rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and retail shops.

Signature Sheraton experiences will include the all-white Sweet Sleeper® beds, the Sheraton Club Rooms and Lounge, the Link@Sheraton® experienced with Microsoft® and Sheraton Fitness® by Core Performance™, designed exclusively for Sheraton guests through its partner Core Performance.

In 2014, Starwood will debut the St. Regis brand in Turkey with The St. Regis Istanbul in the second quarter, followed by the launch of Sheraton Istanbul Atasehir by the end of the year. In 2015, Starwood will enter the emerging coastal city of Samsun with Sheraton Samsun Hotel, reinforcing Turkey’s position as one of the largest markets in Europe for the Sheraton brand. Starwood will also introduce the rapidly expanding Four Points by Sheraton brand into Turkey in 2015 with the new Four Points by Sheraton Istanbul Batisehir Hotel, further expanding the company’s presence to seven hotels in the dynamic gateway city.

Since the opening of its first hotel in Winchester, Hotel du Vin created and defined the boutique experience in the UK. Now, 20 years later, the group once again proves that it has not slowed down – and will celebrate the past two decades brilliantly – with the opening of their 15th hotel on the iconic golf greens of St Andrews. On 1 April 2014 Hotel du Vin St Andrews will be the first luxury hotel within St Andrews’ Old Town, perfectly positioned, just in time for the summer’s most prestigious golf tournaments. Hotel du Vin is already an integral part of the town’s community and history, offering an unbeatable location in the historic town of St Andrews. Only moments from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews’ 1st tee, the Old Town and the famous golden West Sands beach, the traditional stone and slate hotel provides guests with the best views of St Andrews – be it from the Bistro, bar or bedrooms.

Dark leathers and subtle patterns adorn the 22 spacious bedrooms and the same custom-made, Egyptian cotton beds, flat screen TVs and Lavazza coffee machines that are expected of Hotel du Vin welcome guests in St Andrews. En suites, made even more special by Miller Harris exclusive ‘Terre du Vin’ products, feature large, monsoon showers while some boast the much-loved freestanding, roll top bathtubs.

Continuing the ‘restaurant with rooms’ concept, the heart of Hotel du Vin St Andrews will be its Bistro. Overlooking the crashing waves of St Andrews Bay, the Bistro will serve Hotel du Vin’s signature French-inspired menu for lunch and dinner with an emphasis on quality wine. An extensive list of Champagnes and wines will be carefully selected by Hotel du Vin St Andrews’ expert sommelier, and each will be closely matched with the items on the Bistro’s seasonally changing menus. Located just a few steps away is the hotel’s cosy bar, where afternoon tea and pre or post dinner drinks can be enjoyed in great company.

Sensitively merging traditional and contemporary styles – which Hotel du Vin has shown to do well in each of their previous refurbishments – the St Andrews property will refresh the interiors of next-door Ma Bells public house. The pub has been a long-standing feature in the town, having served countless students, golfers, locals and visitors since its inception. Over the coming months, Hotel du Vin will develop a menu of traditional pub fayre worthy of the large selection of beers, ales and Scottish whiskies served throughout the day.

YHA (England and Wales) has received planning to permission to transform Brighton’s former Royal York Hotel on Old Steine into a 180-bed Youth Hostel.Following a refurbishment of the historic building, YHA Brighton will open later this year and will join YHA’s 160-strong network of Youth Hostels throughout England and Wales which provide great value, friendly accommodation for young people, families and individuals.

Caroline White, Chief Executive of YHA (England and Wales), said: “We have considerable experience of running successful hostels some of which are heritage and listed buildings. The transformation of the Royal York Hotel building into a Youth Hostel not only brings it back into use but is an excellent use for such an historic and beautiful building. It brings life to the former hotel ensuring its long-term viability in Brighton.

The latest hostel will give YHA a much-needed presence in Brighton and enhances the charity’s presence in the South East further. Last year it opened the popular £5 million YHA South Downs at Southease following a sympathetic refurbishment of the historic 13th century Itford Farm.

Caroline added: “YHA will transform the feel and energy of the Royal York Hotel building whilst ensuring its history is fully respected. Our refurbishment will maintain the building’s heritage and bring it back into use for many more generations of local people and tourists to enjoy.

“We want to make sure that we continue to have world class hostels in fantastic locations and to make sure that as many people as possible know about what a great time they can have when they stay with us. We expect hundreds of young people to experience this Youth Hostel and the City of Brighton every year.”

The investment in YHA Brighton is part of YHA (England and Wales) capital investment plan. In 2013, YHA invested more than £13 million in its network helping put further distance between the outdated public perception of Youth Hostels and the modern reality, which is proving particularly popular with young families looking for great value, child-friendly breaks. The modern reality led to the charity being ranked in the top 5 luxury chain hotels, alongside Malmaison, Sofitel and Hotel Du Vin in the Guardian, Observer and guardian.co.uk Readers’ Travel Awards 2012.

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

Hilton Worldwide has announced expansion plans in Qatar with the signing of a management agreement with First Qatar Real Estate Development Company to open Hilton Doha The Pearl Residences, Qatar.The new 445-room hotel will be located in Qatar’s capital Doha at the upscale and exclusive man-made island, Pearl-Qatar. Pearl-Qatar is regarded as one of the most prestigious areas of the city and Hilton Doha The Pearl Residences, Qatar will be ideally positioned at the entrance directly on the main pearl Expressway and surrounded by upscale and stylish cafes, shops and restaurants. The hotel is expected to open early 2017.

The 41-storey Hilton Doha The Pearl Residences, Qatar is the second residences style property planned by Hilton Worldwide for the capital and will comprise a wide mix of quality serviced apartments from small studio units to expansive three-bedroom apartments, penthouses and townhouses. Designed to attract the leisure and business traveller, the hotel will feature a comprehensive range of amenities including three boardrooms, a business centre, a large health club and outdoor swimming pool. Dining options will include a lobby lounge, all-day dining outlet, a speciality restaurant and a pool bar.

Adding over 32 kilometres to the country’s coastline and located 350 metres offshore from Doha’s West Bay Lagoon area, the Pearl-Qatar will feature 10 themed districts and, once fully completed, is expected to be home to over 30,000 residents. Constructed on a reclaimed pearl diving reef, and designed to resemble a string of pearls, the name of the iconic island pays tribute to Qatar’s rich past as a major pearl producer. Pearl-Qatar is located a convenient 20 kilometres from Doha International Airport.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG® has announced the signing of two more hotels in Germany under two existing multiple development agreements (MDA’s) in place with long standing partners.Holiday Inn Express® Siegen will be a newly constructed 120-room hotel operating under a franchise agreement with existing MDA partner Tristar Hotel & Management GmbH. The property will be the first IHG hotel to open in Siegen, a popular university town in Germany with a population in excess of 100,000. Due to open towards the end of 2015, the hotel is centrally located on an intersection in the heart of the city; and within walking distance of the main rail station.

Meanwhile the newly constructed 213-room Holiday Inn® Düsseldorf – Toulouser Allee will mark the Holiday Inn brand’s return to Düsseldorf. The hotel, which is due to open in 2016, will operate under a franchise agreement with existing MDA partner Arcadia Hotelbetriebs GmbH which currently operates Holiday Inn Munich South, Holiday Inn Express Gütersloh, Holiday Inn Express Osnabrück and Holiday Inn Salzburg. Featuring Holiday Inn’s innovative Open Lobby; the hotel is located in the attractive redeveloped area “Le Quartier Central“ close to the city centre and is a ten-minute drive from Düsseldorf Airport.

Robert Shepherd, Chief Development Officer, Europe IHG said, “Tristar and Arcadia are among the most reputable and successful hotel operators in Germany and we are delighted to see our Holiday Inn brand family continue to expand in this priority market. Our multiple development agreements are proving very effective in accelerating the pace of development growth for our owner partners and for IHG.”

Today, Peter Gowers, Travelodge Chief Executive was joined by the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Naeem Ul Hassan and the President of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Phil Cusack, to officially open a new flagship Travelodge hotel, which is located in the heart of Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens district.The new 157-room hotel represents an £11 million investment, bringing the company’s portfolio to 16 hotels in Greater Manchester and 513 in total. The company is creating 31 new jobs with this latest opening.

The hotel is one of 15 new hotels that the brand will open this year, as part of a £100 million programme into extending the chain.

The hotel is designed in the new modern Travelodge look and feel, which was designed by customers. Every room features the king size Travelodge Dreamer bed, designed exclusively for Travelodge by royal warrant holders Sleepeezee, and the hotel also has a full service Bar Café, where customers can relax in comfortable surroundings and enjoy a drink from the bar or try out the dinner and breakfast menu.

The Manchester Piccadilly Travelodge hotel is part of a mixed scheme that secures the regeneration of the former Woolworths building, originally constructed in 1927. The development of the hotel has been led by Associated Property Investors (API). Travelodge occupies six floors of the building with the ground floor providing further restaurants and retail units.

In addition to this new flagship hotel, Travelodge is investing a further £2 million into the city with the refurbishment of ten of its existing hotels in its new brand look and feel – so that more customers can experience the new fresh, modern Travelodge in Greater Manchester. Seven properties have already been refurbished across the city at Manchester Arena, Trafford Park, Salford Quays, Upper Brook Street, Bury, Altrincham and Ashton under Lyne. Work will be starting in the coming months at hotels at Ancoats, Sportscity, and Oldham Travelodge.

To meet the growing demand from business and leisure visitors looking for good value accommodation whilst visiting Manchester, Travelodge has also announced that it is looking for new sites across the city to build more Travelodge hotels.

Peter Gowers, Travelodge Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to open our new Manchester flagship hotel in the heart of the city centre at Piccadilly Gardens. This extends our network of city centre properties and marks another step on our journey to build a new Travelodge that is Britain’s favourite hotel for value.

Travelodge opened its first hotel in Manchester in 1987 and during the last 27 years, the UK’s first budget hotel brand has invested £75 million into the city with the opening of 16 hotels, creating 315 jobs.

Travelodge continued its investment in the city throughout the economic downturn, investing £43.6 million into five new hotels since 2007, doubling its room stock from 790 in 2007 to 1,498 today.

Manchester Piccadilly Travelodge is being managed by Lisa Readett, who has been working for the company within the Manchester area for the last nine years. Lisa started her Travelodge career as a supervisor at Manchester Sportcity and was appointed as an assistant hotel manager within a year. She has since managed hotels at Manchester Ancoats and Manchester Central, and has now been given the keys to this Manchester flagship hotel to manage.

Lisa’s team of 30 staff members have all been recruited via Travelodge’s partnership with the Job Centre Plus Scheme – which helps the long term unemployed back into work. (Travelodge received 1,000 applications from local residents to join the new hotel team at Piccadilly Gardens).

Hampton by Hilton has announced the opening of its latest UK hotel, Hampton by Hilton Sheffield, which joins Hilton Worldwide’s global value brand of more than 1,900 mid-priced hotels.Located in a former police station, the 142 guest room hotel, which is on Sheffield’s West Bar Green, has undergone an extensive multi-million renovation to offer guests comfortable, and affordable accommodations, as well as a complimentary 24-hour fitness centre, a 24/7 snack area and two meeting rooms that can seat up to 12 delegates each.

Located less than 30 kilometres from the international Doncaster Sheffield Airport, in Sheffield’s city centre, the hotel provides guests with the opportunity to enjoy a city break within easy reach of some of South Yorkshire’s most well-known historic places of interest, music and sport venues and family attractions, including the renowned Crucible Theatre, the International Sports Centre, Ponds Forge, and the area’s top free attraction, Millennium Gallery*.

Ranging from standard doubles, twin and family rooms, to mobility accessible rooms, all accommodation at Hampton by Hilton Sheffield includes a 32″ LCD TV, air conditioning, coffee and tea maker, an iron and ironing board, a Hampton clock radio, a work desk with task chair, a lap desk and a spacious well-lit bathroom with walk-in shower.

Peter Hendry has been appointed as general manager of the hotel, bringing a wealth of industry experience to the role. Peter said, “The new Hampton by Hilton Sheffield hotel is a fantastic addition to Hilton Worldwide’s UK portfolio. Sheffield is a wonderful city which I’m now proud to call my home. As the UK’s first ever City of Culture it has great range of things to do and attractions to see, no matter what kind of break our guests are after.”

*According to VisitEngland Attractions Survey, 2011

Marriott International has recently celebrated the re-launch of its landmark property, the Riyadh Marriott Hotel. Opened in 1980, located in the heart of Riyadh, and operating under the flagship Marriott Hotels brand, the Riyadh Marriott Hotel was the company’s first property in the Middle East and Africa. With the completion of the extensive, 1.5-year brand refresh the Riyadh Marriott Hotel has been taken to a new level of style and sophistication.

The newly refurbished Riyadh Marriott Hotel features one of Marriott Hotels’ signature new innovations – the ‘Greatroom Lobby’ – which is being rolled out across all hotels in the region.

Other new features and amenities at the Riyadh Marriott Hotel include:

• 418 newly-remodeled rooms incorporating modern furnishings with a contemporary look, neutral colours and accents of the brand’s iconic red. Smart lighting and high-tech facilities including jack-pack technology are also provided.
• The Atrium Café in the Greatroom Lobby for relaxed meals and drinks throughout the day.
• A newly-designed contemporary executive lounge for dining, relaxing and working with a skyline view of the city of Riyadh. The lounge offers complimentary food and beverages throughout the day. Fully equipped business center facilities, a private meeting room and high-speed Internet are also free of charge for guests staying on the executive floors.
• Introduction of a ladies-only gym, where our female guests can workout on the latest LifeFitness equipment.
• Bodyline, Riyadh’s largest hotel gym with LifeFitness equipment overlooking the impressive heated, indoor swimming pool and luxurious jacuzzi. This builds on the existing spa treatment zone and, squash and rooftop tennis court facilities.
• Stunning new Royal Suite and exclusive airline crew lounge.
• Terrace Grill fine-dining steakhouse. A MENA Travel Award winner and the only restaurant in Riyadh specializing in “Angus Beef”.
• MENA Travel Award winning Makarim Conventions Center with grand ballrooms to facilitate business conferences, weddings and other social events.
• At present, there are 500 Marriott Hotels in nearly 60 countries around the world. Marriott Hotels currently operates 16 hotels in 7 countries in the Middle East and Africa with a total 5,397 rooms. By 2017, there will be a further 13 properties across the region, raising the room count by nearly 3,000 rooms.

In Saudi Arabia, the Marriott Hotels brand is represented with locations in Riyadh, Jeddah and Madinah, with a new property in Makkah scheduled to open by Q4 of this year. This new five-star property is located near the Grand Mosque in the Jabal Omar development.

Marriott International operates under four lodging brands across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Marriott Hotels, Marriott Executive Apartments, Courtyard by Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton, and currently has seven properties in Riyadh, Jeddah, Madina and Jazan with 1,651 rooms. There are a further seven properties scheduled to join Marriott International’s portfolio in the Kingdom by 2017, bringing in new brands and new cities, bringing the total room count to 4,125:

83-unit Residence Inn by Marriott Jazan (2014)
540-room Makkah Marriott Hotel (2014)
210-room Courtyard by Marriott Riyadh Olaya Street (2015)
639-room JW Marriott Hotel Makkah (2016)
370-room JW Marriott Hotel Jeddah (2016)
432-room Courtyard by Marriott Makkah (2017)
200-room Courtyard by Marriott Riyadh North (2017)

Marriott Hotels and Miyako Hotels & Resorts announces the highly anticipated opening of the Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel, the first property for the brand in Osaka and the fourth in Japan.Marriott Hotels has partnered with Miyako Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of the Kintetsu Corporation, to create the new co-branded hotel in Kintetsu’s “Abeno Harukas”, a brand new 300-meter ultra-high rise complex with 60 stories above ground and five stories underground, making it the tallest building in Japan.

All 360 guest rooms and the hotel’s signature ZK restaurant are located on the top floors of the building, boasting breathtaking views of Osaka from every angle and positioning the hotel as the new landmark of this dynamic city.

With a prime location in front of Osaka Abenobashi Station, the Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel offers the most direct service to Kansai International Airport, in just 30 minutes, as well as providing convenient access to all other points in Osaka, the Kansai region and beyond.

Simon Cooper, Marriott International’s president and managing director for Asia Pacific, commented: “Marriott International’s model for growth around the world is to work with local partners who have the right local expertise, knowledge and skills, and who share our own values and culture. In Miyako Hotels & Resorts we have found an excellent partner to work with here in Japan and we are excited to open the first Marriott Hotels property in this very important city.”

Offering spectacular views of the city, the hotel’s 360 spacious rooms (each an average of 38 sq meters) are located on the 38th to 55th floors, and include six suites and 33 premium rooms. The executive floor rooms are served by a dedicated executive lounge, the largest of its kind in Japan, with a 10 meter high ceiling and floor to ceiling windows. It provides an open, airy and relaxing space to unwind and enjoy the view while enjoying light refreshments and snacks.

The hotel’s meeting room facilities are high tech and Wi-Fi enabled throughout, ideal for handling all kinds of meetings. There is one larger meeting room (230 sq. meters) and six small meeting rooms (32 sq. meters), which are perfect for intimate parties and family events.

The Greatroom lobby, lobby lounge and bar are located on the 19th floor. In addition, the bright open kitchen buffet restaurant, Cooka, offers a wide variety of Japanese and international dishes for all tastes in a casual dining environment. Taking over the entire 57th floor is ZK, a modern, sophisticated restaurant with floor to ceiling windows, serving both authentic Japanese and Western cuisine. All dishes are made from carefully selected and freshly prepared ingredients, and guests at the counter seats can watch their meals made right in front of them. There is also a teppanyaki grill table with two additional counters.

As a part of Marriott Hotel’s transformation, the iconic brand has been innovating throughout its hotels globally. Re-designed lobbies and public spaces known as Greatrooms are being rapidly deployed for the next generation of travellers who blend work and play, demand style and substance, and require technology.

With the opening of Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel, Marriott International is poised to meet the growing demand for quality hospitality experiences in Japan ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympics – as well as UNESCO’s announcement in December 2013 recognizing Japanese cuisine as an Intangible Cultural Heritage asset.

St James’s Hotel Group Limited is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition of 14 hotels across England from Forestdale Hotels Limited (in administration).The 14 hotels are unbranded three star hotels well situated in strongly performing locations, such as Bath, Cambridge, Bristol, and Winchester, the New Forest and the Cotswolds. The Group employs 600 people and has annual revenue of around £18 million.

The hotels have suffered from a prolonged period of under-investment with Forestdale struggling to service a large debt burden and recently went into administration. St James’s Hotels has the financial strength and the development capability required to invest in the estate and to improve the quality of the portfolio.

Shaun Robinson, managing director of St James’s Hotels, said: “We are very excited to have acquired this portfolio and while it will require significant investment in both time and money, we believe we are well placed to maximise the potential of these well located properties. This is the first of a series of acquisitions that we hope to make for St. James’s Hotels.”

Roca London Gallery will be celebrating World Water Day by hosting a presentation with two speakers from Architecture Sans Frontières UK (ASF-UK) on Wednesday 26 March.The UN’s focus for this year’s World Water Day (22 March) is on raising awareness of the links between water and energy and highlighting the need for solutions that can achieve greater economic and social impacts.

ASF-UK is therefore the ideal charity to help Roca London Gallery mark World Water Day, as the role of water and energy is intrinsic to their work. The charity challenges students and professionals to consider the best methods and practices of working with disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, in order to change the culture of architecture to be more sustainable.

Likewise, Roca works constantly on developing and promoting technologies and initiatives to help protect the environment, through its We Are Water Foundation (www.wearewater.org), aimed at highlighting the role the bathroom industry can take in water saving. The We Are Water Foundation aims to mitigate the negative effects associated with the lack of adequate water resources, raising overall awareness and motivating people to donate funds to be used in relevant projects. This event is organised in collaboration with the Foundation.

The two speakers from ASF-UK will each discuss prevalent issues around this theme. Beatrice De Carli will present ‘Change by Design, Articulating new spatial imaginations’. The talk will explore the importance of strengthening slum communities and engaging citizens in a process of deepening democracy, framing participation as a means to challenge the structural conditions that perpetuate urban poverty and exclusion from urban planning, design and governance.

The second talk, ‘Resilience by Design, Inhabiting fragile territories’ presented by ASF-UK’s Sarah Ernst, will expand on the work the charity has been doing in partnership with SEEDs India within the Himalayan region. The programme specifically addresses disaster risk reduction, recovery preparedness and post-disaster reconstruction. Sarah will explain how ASF-UK critically examined local heritage and vernacular, and how this can inform innovative green technology solutions, which draw on global and local experience to facilitate long-term resilience.

The event takes place from 6.30pm – 8.30pm on Wednesday 26 March at Roca London Gallery. To RSVP visit: http://bit.ly/1gwB9cm.

For more details on World Water Day, visit www.unwater.org/worldwaterday

Worldhotels announces its strategic partnership with yoo2, the exciting new lifestyle hotel brand from yoo, the leading design company founded by international property entrepreneur John Hitchcox and renowned designer Philippe Starck. yoo2 creates original stories through iconic design, with innovative and vibrant destination-led hotels, and has selected Worldhotels as its ideal partner. The first yoo2 hotel to join Worldhotels’ exclusive portfolio is Yoo2 Taksim Square in Istanbul. Yoo2 Taksim Square is located within walking distance of central Istanbul attractions such as the Taksim Gezi Park and the Atatürk Cultural Centre, and offers 59 exclusively designed guest rooms with views over the Bosphorus. Guests can enjoy traditional and modern Turkish cuisine, as well as international dishes, at the hotel’s renowned restaurant.

The new partnership reflects Worldhotels’ ambition to expand its global portfolio with unique high-quality hotels in key destinations worldwide. Yoo2 Taksim Square complements the Worldhotels offering in Istanbul, which includes ten hotels.

yoo Hotel’s Chief Operating Officer, Marco Nijhof says: “With its tagline ‘Where Discovery Starts’ and its aim to offer modern travellers unique and authentic experiences, Worldhotels is the ideal partner to represent our yoo2 brand. The group offers the best in class distribution technology, sales and marketing tools and will drive maximum results for our yoo2 hotels.”

“We are proud to tie up with one of the most innovative design boutique hotel groups”, comments Paulo Salvador, Worldhotels’ Chief Marketing Officer. “The global partnership with the yoo2 brand is an important milestone, enabling us to expand our network with more unique and authentic hotels worldwide. Istanbul is a strategically important destination and the Yoo2 Taksim Square an ideal addition to our portfolio in the city. We are looking forward to working with the yoo2 team to accelerate our mutual growth and strengthen our brand positioning.”

Whitbread Hotels & Restaurants acquired a record 1.6 million sq ft of hotel and restaurant space across 48 new hotels during its financial year ending Feb 2014. The scale of acquisitions – which exceeds the total footprint of Westfield’s gigantic Stratford shopping centre in East London – included space for 5,020 new bedrooms across 48 new hotels, with 2,000 of the new bedrooms within the M25.It has also announced planning permissions for two new sites including Farnham, Hampshire and Malvern, Worcestershire, kick starting its 2014 expansion of its secured development pipeline.

Together, these two sites will add an additional 126 new bedrooms to Premier Inn’s secured development pipeline which now stands at more than 10,500 bedrooms.

– Farnham is a 60-bedroom Premier Inn with Beefeater Grill restaurant on Guildford Road.
– Malvern is a 66 bedroom Premier Inn on Townsend Way.

John Bates, Head of Acquisitions UK & Ireland for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, said: “Premier Inn is growing and our property team is really packing a punch in terms of acquiring new space. To have secured total hotel and restaurant space during 2013 that’s actually larger than Westfield Stratford is powerful stuff and might surprise a few people. We’re not slowing down though and, with our new hub by Premier Inn compact format, we now have two outstanding property propositions for the market. We want to do more, to deliver against our national network plan and to continue doing value-creating deals with excellent property partners.”

Total Premier Inn expansion over five years is equally compelling: 20,000 new bedrooms opened, 176 new hotels, 38 new restaurants (under the Beefeater Grill, Brewers Fayre, Table Table and Taybarns brands) and a total of approximately 7 million sq ft of total new space.

Whitbread Hotels & Restaurants currently has more than 54,000 UK Premier Inn bedrooms open and trading. It has a target to increase the number of Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn bedrooms across the UK to 75,000 by 2018.

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, the privately owned Scottish hotel group with 45 properties nationwide has recently announced its Q2 investment programme which will further position the group as leaders in the healthy hotel category, catering specifically for residential and leisure visitors’ health and wellbeing.This £2 million plus investment comprises new developments at selected sites including the substantial redevelopment of a new Club and spa in the North West, the installation of new fitness technology and equipment and upgrades to spa and leisure facilities at other key properties.

Heading the investment is the £1.4 million investment at the Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel in Chester which will see the Vital Health & Wellbeing Club undergo a full upgrade and spa extension for launch in June 2014. The new club will boast an 18 metre refurbished swimming pool, a poolside sauna and steam room, 12 spa treatment rooms, full spa thermal suite including, aroma steam room, rock sauna, ice fountain, experience shower, two foot spas, salt infusion room, RASUL mud therapy, dark and light relaxation areas, a Zen garden, a Spa Café, a dedicated nail and aroma bar area, and a state of the art gymnasium with a private consultation area and a studio. This development will further position Macdonald Craxton Wood as one of the North West’s Premier 4 star hotels.

£450,000 will be invested in the upgrade and replacement of Technogym equipment at eight Vital Health & Wellbeing Clubs including: Macdonald Berystede, Macdonald Bath Spa, Macdonald Marine, Macdonald Cardrona, Macdonald Alveston Manor, Macdonald Houstoun, Macdonald Crutherland and Macdonald Craxton Wood. This will enable Macdonald Hotels & Resorts to offer its leisure club members the highest standard of fitness equipment to help motivate and achieve their own fitness and wellbeing goals.

A further £240,000 investment has been committed to a full refit of the leisure and spa changing rooms at Macdonald Holyrood and an upgrade to the leisure and spa changing areas at Macdonald Houstoun.

Announcing the investment and development programme, Managing Director Leisure & Spa, Jeanette Jones says: “Our spa and wellbeing facilities have become an integral part of the Macdonald Hotels & Resorts brand and one which our guests are becoming increasingly more knowledgeable about. Whether our guest is a resident, day spa visitor or leisure club member, we want to make sure they have the appropriate level of services and facilities available to them to achieve their own health, fitness and wellbeing goals. We are committing a serious amount of investment ongoing to this area of our business in order to further position ourselves as leading hotels in spa and wellbeing.”

AVANI Hotels & Resorts, the vibrant upscale brand launched by Thailand-based Minor Hotel Group in 2011, has added its fifth property – AVANI Sepang GoldCoast Resort in Malaysia. The resort is located on the country’s west coast in the state of Selangor, close to Sepang International Circuit – home to the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix – and 45 minutes’ drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The resort has a distinctive design in the shape of a palm tree and has relaunched under the AVANI flag following the completion of the first of two phases of a significant refurbishment programme. Now offering a refreshingly different beach resort experience, facilities include five restaurants and two bars, an AVANI Spa and an extensive selection of activities.

Set along Sepang GoldCoast’s 22 kilometre shore, the resort has a mainland beachfront setting with lush gardens and a palm structure built on stilts which extends over warm shallow waters. The overwater palm features 392 contemporary Polynesian-inspired guest rooms and one, two and three bedroom villas, all with a sea view. Guests staying in a Three Bedroom Villa also experience first class butler service including welcome drinks and a special check-in service, before being taken to their villa by private buggy. So that all guests can enhance their resort experience, this exclusive butler service can be booked for all accommodation types.

The resort has an impressive selection of dining options for guests to enjoy. The five restaurants include Sepoi Sepoi which entices guests with a café ambience and a Malaysia-Chinese coffee shop menu of freshly brewed coffee, casual lunches, afternoon snacks and laid back dinners. Two restaurants are located in the central area of the palm and have both been fully refurbished. Aptly translating as “anytime”, Bila Bila’s all day international buffet and a la carte offerings can be enjoyed in air conditioned indoor comfort or on an outdoor deck with a sea breeze, whilst Hai Sang Lou is the resort’s Chinese fine dining specialty restaurant serving both lunch and dinner. The beachfront restaurant Perahu boasts a superb sundowner experience from the deck and imaginative local and global flavours, including Malay barbeque delights, with the mood picking up at night when a live band hits the stage. Offering another great sunset spot and evening dining, Stimbot impresses with artfully prepared oriental specialties.

For poolside refreshments, the refurbished Buloh Bar offers extensive beverages and light bites and after sundown kicks up a notch with live entertainment. Selat Bar on Sunset Beach serves tropical drinks with waves breaking just a few steps away and offers karaoke, billiards and pool. In addition, an ideal meeting place is Bayu Lounge, a contemporary lobby venue which has been completely refreshed with a touch of Malaysian design and serves snacks, pastries, cakes and desserts.

A resort designed for every age and interest, the kids’ club offers an action packed daily programme, including beach and garden activities, a trampoline and bouncing castle, pool fun, swimming lessons and arts and crafts. Activities for all the family include croquet, petanque and ping pong, beach soccer, volleyball and cart sailing, yoga and zumba classes, as well as bicycle tours around the local area. In addition, at Extreme Park, the on-site activity centre, guests can enjoy some competitive action on the go karting or paint balling courses. Those who simply want to unwind can sunbathe to their heart’s content and take refreshing dips in the resort’s swimming pool. Taking relaxation to a whole new level, AVANI SPA pampers guests in a calm environment with a choice of results-driven treatments for total wellbeing and a gourmet spa menu of personalised packages.

Marriott International, Inc. and South Africa’s Protea Hospitality Holdings have announced that they have signed definitive agreements for the purchase by Marriott of Protea’s three brands and management company. Under terms of the agreements Marriott will pay approximately 2.02 billion rand, or approximately US $186 million at current exchange rates, subject to normal closing adjustments. The purchase price represents approximately 10 times anticipated pro forma 2014 calendar year EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) excluding transaction costs.

Marriott and Protea plan to close the transaction on April 1, 2014. Marriott does not expect the transaction will have a material impact on its 2014 results.

Protea has 116 hotels with 10,148 rooms in seven African countries including South Africa. At closing, Marriott will become the largest hotel company in the Middle East & Africa region, nearly doubling its distribution there to more than 23,000 rooms.

As part of the transaction, Protea Hospitality Holdings will create a property ownership company to retain ownership of the hotels it currently owns, entering into long-term management and lease agreements with Marriott for such hotels. The property ownership company will also retain a number of minority interests in other Protea-managed hotels. At closing Marriott will manage approximately 45 percent of the rooms, franchise approximately 39 percent of the rooms, and lease approximately 16 percent of the rooms.

Marriott and Protea announced on November 7, 2013 their intent to enter into this transaction.

Editors Note: 20 March 2014. I am currently in South Africa with the intention of looking at examples of the Protea brand here. Personally I welcome this involvement by another major brand in the African market, growing variously up to 23% a year. Protea is geographically represented across the whole continent but is strongest in what was its home market of South Africa