Hotel Designs

Artisan Real Estate Investors, the international development consortium behind the transformation of Edinburgh’s former Caltongate area, has agreed a major hotel deal with Whitbread PLC.Artisan has submitted detailed plans for much of the commercial and leisure provision for the proposed £150 million development, which seamlessly links the capital’s New Street/East Market Street area and Waverley Station with the historic Royal Mile.

A deal has now been agreed to bring two Whitbread hotels to the five-acre site. This includes a 127-room Premier Inn and a 130-room Hub by Premier Inn, Whitbread’s innovative new ‘compact’ hotel format which will be the first of its kind outside of London.

Both hotels will sit next to each other with frontages on to East Market Street and Cranston Street. They are set to form an integral part of the overall development which includes a pedestrian-friendly urban centre mixing open public spaces with independent retailers, restaurants, and leisure offerings – as well as new homes and offices.

Welcoming the deal, Lukas Nakos, Artisan’s managing director said: “There has been huge interest in the site from hotel operators around the world, and I am pleased that an operator of Whitbread’s stature and pedigree has chosen to significantly invest in the city.

“High quality hotel provision will be the cornerstone of our development, and it’s great to see how innovative leisure concepts such as the Hub will add vibrancy, excitement and colour to our plans. We will be placing strong emphasis on the quality of design and materials to ensure both hotels reflect their historic Royal Mile setting – as well as ensuring that the wider area benefits from the increased visitor spend.”

Centred around a new £6.5 million civic square, Artisan’s new development will create around 16,500 sq. metres of high quality grade A office space and 28 new retail businesses, as well as the hotel and leisure space. There are also plans for a new community facility, together with 145 residential units and 40 affordable homes.

Latest research shows that the completed development will generate an approximate annual turnover for the area of £84 million, contributing some £43 million of Gross Value Added (GVA) to the local economy each year.*

John Bates, Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants’ Head of Acquisitions for UK & Ireland added: “This is another outstanding deal for Premier Inn. It gives us more than 257 new bedrooms in central Edinburgh and also our first new Hub by Premier Inn outside London.

“We are now set to have two great Premier Inn products side-by-side in a superb new development in the heart of the Old Town – and close to Waverley Station. It is more exciting growth for us in Scotland and another big result for our customers.”

Following the submission of detailed planning application by Artisan to the City of Edinburgh Council in August 2013, it is anticipated that, following a January 2014 committee hearing, work on the development could start as soon as mid-2014.

Colliers International acted on behalf of Artisan Real Estate Investors for the hotel deal.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Operadora ALRO, announced the opening of the 143-room Holiday Inn® Mexico Buenavista hotel in Mexico City to expand IHG’s family hotels in Mexico.The scale and diversity of the IHG family of brands means that our hotels can meet our guests’ needs whatever the occasion. The modern and avant-garde design was created by architects Enrique Belmont and Luis Enrique Becerra, also responsible for construction. The hotel is located in Mariano Azuela 12, just a short distance from The Chopo Museum and the Palace of Fine Arts in downtown Mexico City and opens following $9 million in renovations by the ownership. Further renovation plans include the addition of a new building adjacent to the hotel featuring two meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 300 people each. The new building is slated to open before mid-2014.

Holiday Inn hotels feature a residential atmosphere that is warm, trend forward and comfortable. Guest beds are made using crisp, white bedding with pillows that come in two comfort levels: “soft” and “firm.” The residential design includes business-focused necessities such as an ergonomic workstation and data ports with the bathrooms including a multifunctional showerhead, as well as a signature shower curtain with curved rod, and Bath and Body Works White Citrus bath products. Additionally, each room has standard Holiday Inn guestroom accommodations – comfortable double, queen or king-sized beds, a sitting area with a lounge chair, hairdryer, micro fridge, coffee maker, iron and ironing board. The hotel is equipped with complimentary wireless internet access, 32” flat screen television and a radio-alarm clock with support for audio. Other amenities include a restaurant with a terrace featuring international and Mexican specialty cuisine and a lobby bar. Room Service Right … On Time™, at all Holiday Inn hotels, ensures that guests’ room service orders are accurate and delivered on time, every time. The fifth floor is exclusively reserved for IHG® Rewards Club members and will offer direct access to the swimming pool and fitness center.

The Holiday Inn Mexico Buenavista hotel has been designed with the Holiday Inn brand family’s $1 billion global brand relaunch in mind, the largest of its kind in hospitality history. The relaunch continues to drive increased quality and consistency across the global portfolio. The new hotel will feature a contemporary image with emphasis on arrival and welcome services, guestroom and guest bath comfort and a redesigned logo and signage.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announces the opening of the Holiday Inn Express® Hotel & Suites Denver East – Peoria Street. The five-story 81-room hotel is located at 12140 E. 45th Ave. Denver is often considered the gateway to a number of world-class ski resorts and the Rocky Mountain National Park, offering various outdoor activities ranging from biking to rock climbing to numerous hiking trails. The “Mile High City” boasts a variety of historical sites, museums and entertainment options such as the Red Rocks Amphitheatre as well as a diverse night life. In addition to the Sports Authority Field at Mile High – home to the Denver Broncos, the area has an array of golf courses, softball fields and the Colorado National Speedway, part of the NASCAR circuit. The hotel is also conveniently located near Coors Field, home to Denver’s baseball team, the Colorado Rockies.

The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Denver East – Peoria Street, owned and managed by 4470 Peoria HIX LLC is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

IHG Opens Holiday Inn Express® Hotel in Mountain View Close To South Palo Alto

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announces the opening of the Holiday Inn Express® Hotel Mountain View – S Palo Alto. The three-story 46-room hotel adds to the IHG portfolio in the Mountain View and Palo Alto areas and is opening after significant investments of over $1 million in renovations by the ownership.

The hotel is located just a mile and a half from numerous prominent technology companies. Nearby attractions also include the Levi’s Stadium – the new home of the San Francisco 49ers – and the aptly-named Computer History Museum, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The Holiday Inn Express Mountain View – S Palo Alto, owned and managed by RPK Investment is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

The Alexandra Barcelona, a DoubleTree by Hilton, began welcoming guests with all the hallmarks of the award winning upscale hotel brand on the 18th December 2013. Opening in the exclusive Paseo de Gracia area, the hotel offers the perfect base for romantic getaways, family holidays or business trips with convenient connections to all parts of the city.The full-service hotel’s opening marks the Barcelona debut for the upscale DoubleTree by Hilton brand, and the property’s location on Calle Mallorca places it within walking distance of the celebrated Rambla de Catalunya, as well as famous icons such as Gaudi’s Casa Batlló and Casa Milá. The 116 guestroom hotel will continue to be managed by Diagonal Hotels, which operates a number of hotels in Barcelona, as part of an agreement with Hilton Worldwide.

Following a substantial renovation prior to opening, Alexandra Barcelona, a DoubleTree by Hilton, now includes the Da Luca, serving Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, high quality ingredients. Dishes include authentic specialties from the Liguria region in North Western Italy. Guests wishing to unwind at the hotel can relax in the designated ‘wellbeing area’, which features a dry Finnish Sauna and a soothing massage room.

Hilton Worldwide has recently announced the official opening of the 30-room DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles-Allamanda Resort & Spa, its third resort in the Republic of The Seychelles Islands. From its prime beach-facing location on the South East coast of Mahe, Seychelles largest and best known island, DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles-Allamanda Resort & Spa is a true paradise escape. Surrounded by 2.5 hectares of picturesque, indigenous landscaped gardens and boasting breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, the hotel is an enchanting island resort of barefoot indulgence.

Nestled against a spectacular backdrop of mountains and ocean, DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles – Allamanda Resort & Spa features a tempting array of amenities and facilities. Guests will appreciate the complimentary Wi-Fi access from the internet lounge, the newly installed Technogym together with the refined simplicity and quality of the ocean-facing resort restaurant and separate bar.

The 30 spacious rooms and suites all enjoy superb ocean views and, for total relaxation, guests can luxuriate in the hotel’s signature spa, uniquely perched on a large granite boulder and surrounded by tropical foliage. The more energetic can enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving while nature lovers can discover Seychelles’ mountain treasure by exploring the many nearby nature walks. The charm and intimacy of DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles-Allamanda Resort & Spa has also proven the property’s romantic credentials with many couples already seeking the hotel’s exclusive paradise setting as the idyllic wedding destination.

The Seychelles archipelago of 115 islands is known for their unspoiled tranquility, textbook pristine beaches, extraordinary national parks and authentic and unique eco-tourism. Lying around 1000km from the East Africa coastline, the country’s economy is dominated by tourism which accounts for *25% of GDP, 70% of foreign exchange earnings and up to 30% local employment.

*Source: World Bank 2013

Mebe Development has recently announced that architectural practice, John McAslan + Partners (UK), and Kitzig Interior Design Architecture Group (Germany) have been appointed to design the 4-star 232 room elegant Mercure hotel in Khimki, near Sheremetyevo International Airport.Located on Leningradskoye Shosse, the new $50 million hotel will offer excellent transport links to Moscow city centre. Construction is slated to start in early 2014 and due to open in the first quarter of 2016.

The 14,000 sqm hotel will include a fitness area with swimming pool, restaurants, conference and function halls, as well as parking. Kitzig Interior Design Architecture Group will design contemporary interiors specifically tailored to the requirements of the 21st-century traveller. Managed by international hotel operator Accor, the world ‘s leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, the Khimki hotel will be the third Mercure hotel in the Moscow region.

Alexis Delaroff, Accor Chief Operating Officer for Russia, CIS and Georgia, said: “Accor would like to thank Mebe Development and its President Mustafa Bilek for the confidence given. We are sure that under our management the Mercure hotel will take a leading position in the Moscow hotel market. We will use our long experience, the strong professionalism and experience of our teams, and the good location of the Mercure hotel to create a successful project.”

Mebe Development, the developer of the project. is part of Mebe Group, which has been operating in the Russian real estate market since 1995 and has delivered over 1 million sqm of residential and commercial real estate properties in many Russian regions over this time. The hotel will become the Group’s second development project in the commercial real estate segment, along with the A-class LEED ‘Gold’ certified sustainable office building Mebe One Khimki Plaza located nearby, also designed by John McAslan +Partners. The new hotel will achieve the same sustainability standards as Mebe One Khimki Plaza which is designed to international specifications and has established new standards for energy-efficient design in Russia.

Mustafa Bilek, President of Mebe Group, said, “This project, along with Mebe One Khimki Plaza, will raise the quality of commercial building construction in Russia to a new level. No less than six international hotel chains expressed an interest in the development and particularly in Mebe’s sustainable aspiration for the project. It is our intention that the hotel’s recreational and business facilities will be of significant benefit not only to guests, but also the tenants of Mebe One Khimki Plaza, as well as local residents.

Aidan Potter, Project Director for both the Mercure Hotel and Mebe One Khimki Plaza, added: “We are delighted to have the opportunity of designing this new hotel, which it is intended will complement the restrained elegance of its neighbour: these two structures will create a distinctive civic presence on Leningradskoye Shosse.”

Located adjacent to the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre athletic complex, the Hotel Kapok, designed by Goettsch Partners (GP), is a 19-story boutique hotel with 242 rooms. The hotel opened in July 2012 but has not yet been featured on HotelDesigns; we hope you enjoy the photography.The design attempts to provide the guest with a unique spatial quality that eliminates the cloistered and disorienting nature of typical hotel corridors. In response, a pin-wheel plan was developed, allowing for corridors that end in vision glass with a punctuation of light and views.

Additionally, four three-story atriums rhythmically ascend up and around the hotel core to drive light deeper into the floor plans while strategically organizing amenity areas vertically throughout the building. Each atrium is located to celebrate views that are best by direction and height: south and low, to the adjacent pedestrian plaza; east and high, to distant Hong Kong Bay; and north and west in the middle, for views of the surrounding athletic venues.

The hotel’s exterior expression is unique, clad entirely in high-performance glazing that is overlaid with a perforated metal scrim that provides shading and references the similar diamond-shaped pattern on the enclosure of the adjacent sports centre. The four atrium façades are highly transparent, all-glass structures that reveal themselves on the outside as large voids in the scrim.

A rooftop garden and restaurant offer expansive views of the city, bay and Hong Kong beyond, while the recessed entry court provides an intimate setting distinctly scaled for privacy from the neighbouring sports arena.

Photos: © 1st Image
Drawings: © Goettsch Partners

After two years of extensive refurbishment, the InterContinental Hotel Marseille opened its doors again in the summer of 2013 and is now the most exclusive hotels in town. Located close to one of the oldest districts of Marseille, Le Panier, the property is part of the national heritage. Just around the corner the guests can explore the harbour of the city and the famous cathedral Notre Dame de la Garde Basilika.

Hidden behind the historical facade of the listed building from the 18th century, the hotel offers 172 luxury rooms and 22 exclusive suites in a rather contemporary style, including bespoke luminaires supplied by Baulmann Leuchten of Sundern.

All pictures are copyright by Hotel Intercontinental Marseille/photos: Eric Cuvillier.

Accor is delighted to announce the signing of the Novotel London Wembley. The hotel will be operated under a management contract and is due to open by April 2014.The 235-room Novotel London Wembley is strategically positioned close to Wembley Stadium, the sporting and concert venue, which hosts a variety of world-class events year round. The hotel is also located just minutes from Wembley Park Underground, allowing guests easy access to central London and its attractions via the Jubilee and Metropolitan tube lines. In addition, the hotel will offer 12 long-stay apartments, two meeting rooms and an In Balance Fitness facility to ensure that every guest has the perfect stay.

Thomas Dubaere, Managing Director, Accor UK & Ireland said: ‘I am pleased to welcome the Novotel London Wembley to our midscale portfolio in the UK. Like all of our hotels, the Novotel London Wembley will open in a strategic location and has been specially developed to cater to the needs of every guest, whether they are staying for business or leisure. The signing of this hotel particularly strengthens our presence across the capital, and the hotel is ideally located for our guests to take advantage of all that Wembley Stadium and the Greater London area have to offer.’

Novotel hotels are positioned in key locations in the heart of major cities, business districts and tourist destinations, offering efficiency and comfort to business customers while also satisfying leisure travellers through contemporary design, up-to-date technology and a flexible approach. The brand’s UK flagship opened in Blackfriars in 2012, and since then Accor has also announced the signing of a new-build Novotel at Canary Wharf as well as the signing of the Novotel Brentford, which are due to open in 2015 and 2014 respectively.

Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG (VI) once again reports an increased full-year profit for the current 2013 financial year. A decisive contribution to this result came, among other things, from the Arcadia hotel purchases and the associated growth on the German market.Thanks to the successful management and the implementation of the announced growth, in particular through the acquisition of owner-operated hotels, the expected earnings of Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG for 2013 will once again surpass that of the previous year. The hotels currently under management by VI generated expected annualised revenue of € 174 million from 2.3 million bed nights in 2013. The number of hotels rose from 29 to 35 managed operations.

Investment in property
The Austrian hotel group acquired six Arcadia Hotels in Germany in 2013. These hotel purchases, made in a favourable interest environment, were one factor contributing positively to the year-end result. CEO Dr. Andreas Karsten expects to see earnings before taxes of € 3.7 million, which would correspond to an increase of about 26 % versus the previous year.

“It was our goal to strategically expand our strong economic basis in Germany in the field of owner-operated hotels and to continue to grow on this market. And we succeeded. Within the last year, we have increased our presence from two operations in Munich and Berlin to 9 hotels at this point. The total number of managed hotels rose to 35 operations,” says Dr. Karsten. Also in Germany, Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG in January 2013 opened the angelo Hotel Munich Westpark in cooperation with UBM Realitätenentwicklung AG. Due to the good business development of the two angelo hotels in Munich, an expansion of the first angelo Hotel Munich Leuchtenbergring is currently being planned. “The growth in Germany has allowed us to increase our presence on this market four-fold within one year. Still, we continue to see untapped potential in the area of city and conference hotels,” Dr. Karsten is convinced.

Projects for 2014
The group intends to add even more hotels to its portfolio in the year to come. Dr. Karsten is driving forward the growth and is remaining faithful to his past announcements: “An IPO in the medium to long term remains an integral part of the growth strategy of Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG.” In Shelkovo near Moscow, the 5-star Astrum Spa & Conference luxury hotel will open in cooperation with Shelkowskij Holding in the summer of next year.

Motel One is set to hit the ground running in the new year with an array of impressive expansion plans and new openings across Germany, Austria, and the much anticipated UK arrivals, lined up for 2014 and beyond. Their ever expanding, eye catching portfolio and innovative budget design brand message are both a potential investor and guest’s dream.Following the opening of new properties in Dresden (288 rooms) and Dusseldorf (244 rooms), impressive 2nd quarter results saw occupancy rates jump to 79%. In addition, having added five new hotels to the portfolio in the last year, the Motel One offering now stands at 45 hotels, bringing the chain’s total room capacity to a significant 9,935. But Motel One have no plans to stop there, with new contracts signed in Manchester and Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt, showing that the chain looks set to grow and grow.

Into the future
Motel One are due to launch several new hotels within the UK including one in Manchester Piccadilly and one in London, Tower Hill.

In a recent interview with Mrs Ursula Schelle-Mueller, Marketing & PR Director of Motel One, the question of where they see the brand resting within the industry was raised. As they market the brand as a budget hotel with style, I asked if there was a particular hotel group they wanted to rival and of course, it was Premier Inn and Travelodge. Whilst Travelodge and Premier Inn are budget brands, they don’t offer the style with it. Motel One takes a step closer to offering affordable style and raising the bar for budget hotels.

Hotels rooms for the London property are set to be around £89 a night as a standard rate. Unless there’s a major event going on in the city the prices will not alter. No discounts, no inflation, just one price so you know where you stand.

We’re keeping our eye on Motel One as it looks like the budget hotel market is in for a bit of a shake up.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. announced the addition of The Equus to its upscale Ascend Hotel Collection, a network of more than 116 unique, boutique or historic independent hotels that offer guests a distinctive, one-of-a-kind local experience.Located in the fashionable upperwest side of Waikiki in Honolulu at 1696 Ala Moana Boulevard, The Equus is just steps from Ala Moana Shopping Center, Oahu’s largest shopping mall, as well as a wide range of restaurants and lounges. This attractive hotel is also within easy access to Hawai’i attractions such as Waikiki Beach and the Honolulu Zoo.

The ten-story Equus has a total of 67 guestrooms, all finely appointed with personal touches and indulgent amenities such as cozy pillow-top beds, flat screen TVs, mini fridges, Keurig coffee makers with complimentary organic coffee and tea and complimentary high-speed internet access. Rooms with city views and lanai (balconies) are available in addition to upgraded, higher floor rooms. Room rates start at $129.00 for a standard Deluxe Double, up to $289.00 for a One Bedroom Suite.

As is customary with each exclusive hotel within Ascend Hotel Collection, The Equus provides a unique reflection of the distinct character of its host city, while providing guests with the highest standards of hospitality and comfort.

Owned and operated by a family deeply rooted in the sport of polo, The Equus is the only hotel in Waikiki that offers guests a direct connection to the North Shore, home of the Hawaii Polo Club. Rooms stay true to its Hawaiian horseback and sporting theme with equestrian inspired touches evident throughout.

You can fly into Upington and hire a car there. Upington airstrip is long – so long it was an emergency landing ground for the Space Shuttle. You would still be 200 miles from the Transnational Frontier Park there, which as its name suggests straddles 3 countries (South Africa, Namibia and Botswana)and is basically the Kgalagadi(Kalahari). You could hire a tent and trailer there if you fancy camping on the National Park Camps sites – and definitely not outside them as it is verboten unless you want an over close encounter of the terminal kind with lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena or any one of the other potentially killer beasts that are the adrenalin attractions of the Park. We drove of course, the whole 750 miles from Hout Bay the length of South Africa and stayed in the Park hotel units. We left early, with the morning sun painting Chapmans Peak pink. Once through the urban sprawl of the Western Cape the roads stretch out – we would joke of roads straight like this in Europe that ‘the Romans were here’. As we get into the Northern Cape the telegraph poles and power lines start to be decorated with the huge nests of social weaver birds. Stopping overnight on the Orange River we arrived the next day at the entrance to the Transnational Frontier Park. Two entrances side by side share the same reception, one for Botswana passport and Customs the other for South Africa.

The entrance building itself is a striking example of South African vernacular in a contemporary interpretation, cool and functional. Inside the gate is almost the only petrol station in the National Park, so filling up is required. To the camp from inside the gate is still some distance, but as with the weavers on the poles outside the camp, it pays to travel slowly and watch where other drivers stop to see the wild life. Here visitors are self drive so by definition are without guides. The guiding system is great because not only do guides understand the patterns of movement (and dangers) of wildlife in the parks, they also tell each other via radio where they are seeing beasts so that they can guide people to them. When self driving sharp eyes, going slowly and seeing where other vehicles are concentrated is the best way to spot the game. Binoculars are essential.

Mott MacDonald has been appointed by Star Estates as building services and cost consultant on the development of a 5 star Hilton hotel in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.The 280 room hotel covers approximately 26,000 sq m over 12 levels. Facilities will include a pool, spa, sauna, health centre and ballroom below ground, along with retail, bars, restaurants and meeting rooms above ground. A skybar and executive lounge at roof level are also included in the design.

Mott MacDonald will provide mechanical, electrical and public health engineering and cost consultancy services. The consultancy will also assist with procurement, cost management and quantity surveying throughout the project’s lifespan.

Paul Jenkins, Mott MacDonald’s project director, said: “This is a very challenging project due to the climate of Ulaanbaatar, which suffers extremely harsh winters and temperatures as low as -40°C at night. Many systems, such as cooling plants, require special heating and protection to avoid freezing of the system. For this project, two heating systems are included in the design to ensure service during the winter months.”

The project is due to be completed by the middle of 2015.

New research from Jones Lang LaSalle’s Hotels & Hospitality team highlights the surge of development activity in the serviced apartment sector since the Olympic Games, and the growth in appetite for the sector in central London from the investor and development markets. Many apartments are either part of residential, hotel or mixed use developments, and while London is the most mature market in Europe, it is one of the smallest internationally.

There has been a surge of new openings due to high demand for short and long term accommodation and scarcity of serviced apartment accommodation stock, with five confirmed projects in 2013 and 377 units in the development pipeline. The conversion of secondary offices to serviced apartments could provide attractive opportunities for developers given that occupancy levels for serviced apartments stands at 85 per cent, higher than the hotel market level at around 81 per cent.

The research shows that trading performance is forecast to improve as better economic conditions drive corporate demand. Serviced apartments also tend to be more profitable from a management perspective due to less intensive levels of service and staffing which leads to lower payroll costs.

The sector is still at an early stage so development has been the primary way for investors and operators to gain a foothold in the market. However, a couple of recent acquisitions have shown attractive yields compared to other classes. Recent notable transactions include the sale of the Grand Plaza Serviced Apartments in Bayswater for £98 million in September for an yield of approximately 5.5%, and the Staybridge Suites Stratford which (including the Holiday Inn Stratford) sold for an estimated £64 million to Singapore based M&L Offshore Investments. The Circus Apartments, Canary Wharf, located adjacent to the Four Seasons are currently on the market, with offers invited in excess of £30 million.

Global hotel operators are focusing on growing their serviced apartment sector brands with examples such as Staybridge Suites by InterContinental Hotels Group and Residence Inn by Marriott.

Adam Wilson, Vice President in Jones Lang LaSalle’s Hotels & Hospitality team commented: “The outlook for the sector is positive because of limited supply, good profitability and high yields. Institutional and traditional residential investors have historically been the primary buyers of serviced apartments, but we are now witnessing specialist serviced apartment operators move into acquisition mode such as Ascott, Frazers and Cheval, which is driving pricing further.”

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the most dynamic and largest hotel groups worldwide, announces two new hotels in Saudi Arabia: The Park Inn by Radisson Riyadh Olaya (168 rooms) will open in Q1 2014; the Radisson Blu Resort Jizan (160 rooms) will welcome the first guests in Q1 2015. Both properties are joint projects between Carlson Rezidor as the operator and the Saudi Arabian Al Hokair Group as the owner. The existing hotel in Riyadh will undergo a renovation programme.The mid-market Park Inn by Radisson Riyadh Olaya is located in the heart of the Kingdom’s capital, between the main King Fahed and Olaya Roads; 35km south of King Khaled International Airport, Saudi Arabia’s largest air facility. The hotel is within close proximity to major offices, ministries and landmarks, as well as the high-end retail and commercial district of Olaya. As well as 164 comfortable rooms (including 50 suites), the property offers 340m² of bar and restaurant facilities, 700m² of meeting space, as well as a 300m² wellness and gym area.

The upper upscale Radisson Blu Resort Jizan is Carlson Rezidor’s first project in Jizan, one of Saudi Arabia’s major shipping ports on the Red Sea. The full service hotel will be located on the Jizan Waterfront, off the Makkah and Corniche Roads Roundabout. It will be only 3km away from the city centre and 5km from Jizan’s regional airport. The area surrounding the hotel and the entire city are witnessing major developments, including an oil refinery development spear-headed by Aramco, Saudi Arabia’s national oil and gas company. The Radisson Blu Resort Jizan will include 150 contemporary rooms with signature services such as free high speed internet access, a 250m² all-day dining restaurant, a 100m² lobby cafe, almost 3,000m² of meeting and event facilities including two ballrooms, as well as wellness facilities with an outdoor pool.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announced its continued expansion in South Florida with the management of The Angler’s boutique hotel in Miami, Florida, effective from 21 November 2013.Originally constructed in 1931 and later restored in 2007, The Angler’s hotel now features 48 rooms split amongst four separate buildings. The distinctively relaxed, yet sophisticated hotel also includes a restaurant, board room, pool and seven spa suites. From 2014 the property will begin development on a new tower that will add 83 rooms, bringing the total number of suites and rooms to 131, as well a new living room style lobby and new rooftop pool.

With an urban yet tropical feel, The Angler’s – located just steps away from some of the greatest beaches in South Beach – celebrates Miami Beach’s historic architecture whilst also bringing a fresh approach that is reminiscent of old Florida.

The new South Beach hotel strengthens Kimpton’s presence in South Florida with a total of four hotels, joining the EPIC, in downtown Miami; Surfcomber, Miami, South Beach; and Vero Beach Hotel and Spa. The new project also emphasises Kimpton’s continued expansion with nine new projects announced this year, including new hotels in Austin, Grand Cayman, Milwaukee, Palm Springs, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, Savannah, Sedona, and Seattle.

“South Florida has been an especially integral part of Kimpton’s growth story over the last five years as a market with high demand among our most loyal guests. We look forward to continuing our success here,” said Kimpton CEO and President Mike Depatie. “This is also an exciting addition for us as it further strengthens our portfolio in popular leisure markets, joining hotels we already have in Scottsdale, Aspen, Vero Beach and Santa Barbara.”

New entry-level five-star resort Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives offers a holiday haven for families, with spacious villas and a daily programme of entertainment and activities for all ages packaged up in its affordable and luxurious all-inclusive Platinum Plus plan. Opening on 15 December 2013, the 90m wide resort’s 2km stretch of uninterrupted, white sandy beaches, lush green vegetation and expansive turquoise lagoon provide a picturesque backdrop as well as a safe base for kids to explore. What’s more, with the resort’s Platinum Plus plan, food, beverages, excursions and activities are paid for before arrival, so parents can look forward to a fun and stress-free holiday without the worry of children incurring extra costs at the resort.

Each of the 150 detached sunset view villas are ideally suited for families, from the entry-level 100m2 Sunset Beach villas which easily accommodate two adults and one child, to the spacious 200m2 Sunset Family Villa which has plenty of space for six people. Stocked with handy amenities such as sun cream, insect repellent and minibars which are replenished twice daily, the villas’ complimentary Wi-Fi access, DVD player, satellite TV and iPod docks can entertain the kids if they tire of the outdoors.

The first resort in the Maldives to focus completely on the entertainment and activity segment, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives’ daily programme of activities caters to every member of the family, offering guided nature trails, fitness and dance classes, local arts and crafts making, talks about the history and culture of the Maldives, live musical performances, Dhivehi lessons, off island excursions and sunset fishing.

For children aged 4 to 11, the Kid’s Club offers a range of exciting and diverse activities from 9am to 9pm, including mask making, fish feeding, water balloon fights, juggling lessons, face painting and quizzes. For young adults aged 12 to 16, the resort also offers a weekly variety of activities specially catered to the age group, including pool tournaments, beach soccer, special island excursions, sushi making classes, fitness classes, learning to spin with the in house DJ and special disco nights. In addition to daily activities, family friendly facilities also include the first full-sized 50m swimming pool in the Maldives, a sports complex and a selection of non-motorised water sports.

Jumeirah Group, the global hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, has signed a management agreement with Saraya Bandar Jissah SAOH to operate a luxury resort in Muscat, Oman. The resort is currently under development and is expected to open in 2017.When complete the resort will consist of two hotel components, one consisting of 206 rooms and the other of 106 rooms, located in the picturesque cove of Bandar Jissah, near Qantab, nestled between the Hajjar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman. The resort lies 15 minutes south of the city centre and 40 minutes from Seeb International Airport.

The overall development will include a 1,200 m2 Talise spa, a dive centre, a wide range of sports and leisure facilities, a selection of restaurants, bars and cafes and a kids club. The resort will also include conference and banquet facilities to cater for Oman’s growing attraction as a destination for conferences, meetings and large scale events. The resort forms part of a larger development that includes high-end residential townhouses and villas, taking advantage of some of the most beautiful, unspoilt coastline in the Middle East.

Hamood Sultan Alhosni, Chief Executive Officer of Saraya Bandar Jissah SAOH, said: “This luxury resort will be a major contribution to the high-end hotel market. Given the reputation that Jumeirah has in the region, we are confident that, when complete, the property will attract discerning travellers who are familiar with the level of luxury that Jumeirah offers throughout its current portfolio of hotels.”

Gerald Lawless, President and CEO of Jumeirah Group, said: “We are delighted to have been selected by Saraya Bandar Jissah to operate this resort in one of the most beautiful parts of Oman. As we continue to expand the JUMEIRAH™ brand across the Middle East, we bring our exceptional quality of service to loyal guests in new markets, helping them to discover the very best in luxury hospitality and the beauty of emerging destinations like the Omani coastline.”

Jumeirah Group currently operates 22 luxury hotels and serviced apartments, including 11 in the Gulf region, six in Europe and five in Asia. A further 15 hotels are now under development.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced the debut of its world-renowned Westin® brand in Portland, Maine following the strategic conversion of a landmark property in the heart of the city’s Arts District. Owned by Rockbridge and managed by New Castle Hotels & Resorts, The Westin Portland Harborview is the state’s first Westin hotel, featuring 289 guest rooms and suites, two dining outlets, a day spa and all of the brand’s distinctive signature amenities. Formerly known as the Eastland Hotel, The Westin Portland Harborview completed an 18-month, $50 million restoration and renovation project prior to raising the Westin flag. Built in 1927 and widely considered to be Portland’s “grand dame,” The Westin Portland Harborview was stripped to its earliest “bones” of concrete, bricks and steel and restored with an eye toward preserving the historical integrity of the hotel and its façade, while incorporating all the Westin brand’s distinctive services and amenities. The project was financed, in part, through historic tax credits provided by U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation.

As part of the renovation project, the public spaces at The Westin Portland Harborview were redesigned to reflect their earliest incarnation. The ballroom, host to the city’s most prestigious events and social occasions, has been restored right up to its soaring vaulted ceiling and mezzanine spaces. The famed Top of the East rooftop lounge, with its panoramic views of the harbor and downtown Portland has been restored and expanded to so it can reclaim its position as the top local gathering spot. Even the hotel’s iconic, oversized lobby chandelier has been reimagined for the present.

The sensory-rich environment at The Westin Portland Harborview offers a respite from the rigors of travel and sets a welcoming tone. The Westin brand’s innovative programs and instinctive service transform every aspect of a guest’s stay into a revitalizing experience. All guestrooms and suites reflect the elegance of the original, while embracing contemporary comforts including the world-renowned Westin Heavenly® Bed and the Heavenly® Bath enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly® Shower, Heavenly® Robe and White Tea by Westin® Aloe bath amenities, in-room and high-speed Internet access. The hotel also will offer the Westin brand’s signature SuperFoodsRX® menu, which includes nutrient-rich and delicious options to tempt every palate.

The Westin Portland Harborview is home to the city’s newest day spa, Akari, as well as a signature a WestinWORKOUT® gym, complete with New Balance gear lending and running maps. The hotel offers two restaurants including C2, named for the hotel’s Congress Square location and the historic significance of the neighborhood, and Top of the East, the highest point in the city, open nightly for cocktails and light fare.

Located at 157 High Street in the heart of Portland’s vibrant art district and directly across the street from the Portland Museum of Art, The Westin Portland Harborview is within easy walking distance of the city’s best dining, shopping, and art galleries, as well as the Old Port District. Recently ranked the fifth hippest city in the U.S. by Travel & Leisure magazine readers and the #1 Foodiest small town by Bon Appetit, Portland is celebrated for its live music scene, fine dining, independent boutiques and eco-friendly lifestyle.

Centara Hotels & Resorts has soft-opened its second property in Mauritius, Centara Grand Azuri Resort & Spa Mauritius, a five-star resort located directly on the beach at the new Azuri oceanfront village complex on the northeast coast of the island.Along with the hotel property, Centara will be managing luxury residences in the same complex, under the company’s Centara Grand Residence & Suites brand.

Centara Grand Azuri Resort & Spa Mauritius is part of the Azuri oceanfront village, a 420-acre development that is home to luxury residences, retail outlets and sports and marine services.
The resort enjoys a beachfront setting, with a lagoon for swimming and water sports.

Accommodation at Centara Grand Azuri Resort & Spa Mauritius is a combination of 100 rooms and thatched villas, a combination of sculpted garden view rooms and ocean facing rooms and villas with the latter each having its own private plunge pool.

Family friendly facilities include a large number of the rooms and villas being equipped with two double beds, comfortably sleeping a family of four, and there is a supervised kids’ club that has two separate zones, with a Pirates’ Cove for the youngsters and an E-Zone for the teens.

Leisure facilities include two swimming pools, while non-motorised water sports are offered free of charge and include windsurfing, snorkelling, kayaking, sailing and use of pedal boats, catamarans and glass-bottom boats.

The resort has an adventure centre with complimentary access to a wide range of facilities including trampolines, rock climbing, archery and badminton equipment, zip-lines, skate park, cycling trails, fly fishing lessons and bush craft activities.

Spa Cenvaree offers a full spa menu with therapeutic treatments including Ayurvedic applications and holistic experiences, and there is also a fully equipped fitness centre.

A variety of dining options are available, and the resort offers a choice of meal plans with the Half Board Plus concept for guests who may be planning to spend days out exploring the island, and the All-Inclusive experience for a totally carefree holiday.

Le Comptoir is the all-day restaurant and will serve colourful buffets, a menu of internationally inspired dishes along with the best of local Mauritius cuisine and an eclectic selection of Asian fare, and will have live cooking stations. Lazuli will be an evening venue serving Mediterranean inspired cuisine, and Black Pepper will feature beach barbecues, themed dinners, and light meals served al-fresco in a convivial ambience.

Multi-disciplinary construction consultancy, Edmond Shipway, has recently begun work as cost manager, CDM co-ordinator and employers’ agent on the £13.9 million development of a new Novotel Hotel in the Great West Quarter, Brentford following their appointment by Brentford Hotels Ltd. The new 10,397m2 Novotel, which is part of the Accor Group, will incorporate 202 bedrooms over eight floors and forms part of a larger, five hectare mixed-use site being developed by Barratt Homes. The hotel itself will offer two high-specification suites as well as a restaurant, meeting spaces, swimming pool and a gymnasium.

Commenting on the appointment, David Stevenson, Managing Director for Edmond Shipway said; “We are delighted to have been appointed in a number of complimentary roles on this interesting and challenging scheme. It is located in an area which is currently benefitting from an extensive programme of highly sustainable development and our experience in the hotels sector gives us a great insight into the project. We are confident in our ability to deliver above and beyond the clients’ expectation.”

Speaking on behalf of Brentford Hotels Ltd, Director, Francois Nairac, said “For Brentford Hotels, this new project represents the best in high specification hotel accommodation and as a result we are highly selective of those with whom we wish to work. The Edmond Shipway team has a proven track record in the leisure sector and we are delighted to have them on board”.

The Novotel Hotel, Brentford, is anticipated to be complete by April 2014.

WATG, together with development consortium Agung Podomoro Land (APL) and French hotelier Sofitel, is delighted to announce the opening of the 415-key Sofitel Nusa Dua Beach Resort in Bali. The comfort and elegance the industry has come to expect from WATG’s projects was achieved in record time on a challenging site.The extraordinary speed it was completed in was driven by an extremely tight deadline. In 2011, it was announced that Indonesia was to be the host country for the APEC Conference in October 2013, with Nusa Dua as the venue. The hotel—yet to be designed, let alone built—was to accommodate the Indonesian President and his ministers and to be the venue for the Heads of State meetings that would culminate the Conference. A 2,300-square meter Retreat Center was designed to host these meetings.

Other unique features are responses to challenges posed by the site. For over two decades, it had been an eyesore occupied by a half-finished project—more than a hundred partially completed villas. The design brief required retaining some of these, on a site with a narrow beach frontage and limited ocean-view opportunities. In the end, 17 of the villas were retained, while ocean views were achieved for 60 percent of the guest rooms. Still more unusual aspects of the hotel are characteristic WATG touches of celebrating and integrating the local culture into the project.

The design of the Sofitel was WATG’s first project with APL, which has since commissioned WATG to design two additional five-star hotels in West Java and Bali and to consult on the consortium’s mixed-use project in Bandung.

The hotel management group that gave travellers The Nam Hai, The Legian Bali and The Chedi Muscat has revealed plans for its latest luxury offering: an all-villa enclave set at Jimbaran on Bali.GHM last week announced The Chedi Club Jimbaran is on track to welcome its first guests in the third quarter of 2014.

Encompassing 34 butler-serviced pool villas nestled within a 22,000-square-metre estate, the hotel’s spaces are the creation of Robert Nation, principal of Nation Architects, and Jaya Ibrahim, one of Indonesia’s foremost interior decorators.

GHM’s fourth property on the Island of the Gods is expected to set a new precedent for privacy in Jimbaran Bay. Each pool villa will feature round-the-clock butler and in-room dining services, a full kitchen and a Balinese pavilion for al fresco meals and barbecues.

The intimacy of the hotel’s villa design will be complemented by GHM’s signature five-star facilities, including a 25-metre U-shaped swimming pool, a restaurant specialising in contemporary Asian and Indonesian cuisine, a cigar lounge and library, spa and health club.

The intimacy of the hotel’s villa design will be complemented by GHM’s signature five-star facilities, including a 25-metre U-shaped swimming pool, a restaurant specialising in contemporary Asian and Indonesian cuisine, a cigar lounge and library, spa and health club.

The Chedi Club Jimbaran will be GHM’s third property to debut over the course of a half-year period, following the opening of The Chedi Sakala in November 2013 and The Chedi Andermatt on December 20, 2013.

The Chedi Club Jimbaran is located 5.5 kilometres or a 20-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport; and a 30-minute drive from the dining and entertainment district of Seminyak.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts has recently announced the opening of Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai in Guangdong province. Strategically situated in the business district and ideal for business and leisure travellers alike, the 16-story hotel features 323 contemporary guest rooms, including 16 suites, six restaurants and 2,900 square meters of meeting space, including the 1,260 square meter pillar-free SeaWorld Grand Ballroom. Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai is operated by Hilton Worldwide and owned by China Merchants Property Development Co., Ltd.Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai is situated in a key area of Shenzhen’s western coastal city belt, on the Shenzhen Nantou Peninsula. The hotel faces Shenzhen Bay on the west, Pearl River Estuary on the east and Hong Kong across the sea. Located less than one kilometer from the Shekou Ferry Terminal, guests have convenient access to Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Central, Macau and Zhuhai Airports. Guests can also enjoy easy access to SeaWorld, the most dynamic commercial and recreational block in western Shenzhen. Designed to resemble the sail of a ship overlooking the Shenzhen Bay, Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai features a broad range of modern amenities, including generous work surfaces, luxurious Hilton Serenity BedsTM and Wi-Fi access, as well as stunning Shenzhen Bay views. Guests who stay in one of the hotel’s magnificent suites or executive rooms can enjoy exclusive access to the 15th floor Executive Lounge, offering complimentary breakfast, refreshments and cocktail hour.

The hotel’s 2,900 square meters of meeting space is fully equipped to handle the most elaborate of conventions, corporate meetings and banquet events. The 1,260 square meter pillar-free SeaWorld Grand Ballroom features a 10-meter high ceiling and can accommodate up to 1,200 people in style. The hotel’s business center provides full corporate facilities and services to meet guests’ business needs, including computers, copy machines, printers, printing services, telephones and postal services.

Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai presents six tantalizing food and beverage outlets. Guests can enjoy authentic Cantonese cuisine in the Sui Xuan Restaurant, premium grilled meats and seafood at The Grill, delicious all-day dining at OPEN restaurant and a refreshing drink or casual lunch in the Pool Bar. In the evening, guests can also enjoy popular music mixed by top DJs at the sophisticated Eden Garden bar, and sip signature cocktails or meet with friends over tea and light bites at the Lobby Lounge. Room service is available 24 hours a day, featuring a selection of snacks, three-course dinners and sumptuous suppers.

International value hotel group Tune Hotels is celebrating the opening of two new properties in time for the Christmas and New Year period. Tune Hotel Davao in the Philippines opened on Tuesday 17th December, while Tune Hotel Bekasi in Indonesia opened on the 19th December. The 155 bedroom Tune Hotel Davao, Philippines is located at J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City, just five minutes from the local shopping malls and convention centres.

Tune Hotel Bekasi, Indonesia has 157 bedrooms and is situated at Blu Plaza, Jl. Chairil Anwar 27-36 in Bekasi Timur.

Mark Lankester, Group CEO of Tune Hotels said: “What a celebration! We have two hotels opening just days apart in two of the most vibrant economies in Asean and this surely is a big cause to celebrate for Tune Hotels. Both Indonesia and Philippines are great markets for us and our rapid expansion in both countries signifies their importance.”

Tune Hotels now has seven hotels in operation in the Philippines and six in Indonesia.

2013 has been an exciting year for Tune Hotels. Including the newly-opened Tune Hotel Davao and Tune Hotel Bekasi, the group has launched three new hotels in both the Philippines and Indonesia this year alone. By early 2014 three more properties are set to open in Indonesia, with a further property opening in the Philippines.

Tune Hotels’ expansion in 2014 and beyond will also see the opening of new hotels in the UK.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc has recently announced that it has signed definitive management agreements to operate the Aggie Grey’s Hotel & Bungalows and Aggie Grey’s Lagoon, Beach Resort & Spa on the island of Upolu Samoa. The hotels will join the Starwood Hotels & Resorts group immediately, and will relaunch as the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel and the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort, respectively, by mid-2014 following extensive renovations. The signings mark Starwood’s debut into the region, with Sheraton once again the first international hotel brand to enter the market. Owned by the Grey family, who also have an association with Starwood on the Le Meridien Resort in Tahiti, the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel and the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort, will undergo multi-million dollar renovations to bring them up to Sheraton brand standards.

Aggie Grey’s Hotel & Bungalows has been closed since December 2012 and will reopen in 2014 as Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel after a complete redevelopment. One of the most famous hotels in the South Pacific, the iconic Aggie Grey’s Hotel & Bungalows was founded by Aggie Grey in 1933 and is steeped in rich history. The property has always been a popular choice among the elite, from best-selling authors to members of the glamorous Hollywood scene.

The Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel will feature 198 guest rooms and suites, situated in a stunning waterfront location in the centre of Apia, Samoa’s largest commercial hub and capital. Located 45 minutes from the airport, the hotel will also offer over 17,000 square feet of meeting space making it an enticing option for business travellers.

The Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort is conveniently positioned five minutes from the airport, and will feature 140 guest rooms and suites all set on stunning lagoon beachfront on the west coast of Upolu. Each guest room will offer white sand beach and ocean views. The resort will have tennis courts and offer nearby golf facilities.

Both properties will offer Sheraton Fitness Programmed by Core Performance, LINK @ Sheraton experienced with Microsoft, a signature restaurant and bar, full service casino, and a large outdoor resort style fantasy pool and pool bar.

Marriott International announces the opening of the Tokyo Marriott Hotel on a hilltop address known locally as Gotenyama.This represents the global hospitality company’s 12th hotel in Japan, and the third under its flagship Marriott Hotels brand, which comprises 500 properties in nearly 60 countries. Just minutes from the capital’s bullet-train serviced Shinagawa Station, the 249-room hotel enables direct easy access to the Tokaido bullet train as well as Haneda Airport and the Yamanote Line circling central Tokyo.

With the opening of Tokyo Marriott Hotel, Marriott International is poised to meet the growing demand for quality hospitality experiences in the country ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympics – as well as UNESCO’s imminent announcement, expected early this month, recognising Japanese cuisine as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Tokyo Marriott Hotel offers superb access to the two main zones where the majority of the Olympic competition venues will be located, and two of its three restaurants specialise in traditional Japanese cuisine. A rebranding of the former Gotenyama Garden Hotel Laforet Tokyo, the extensively refurbished and renovated property is operated by Mori Trust Hotels & Resorts, which entered into a management agreement with Marriott International in February of this year.

Tokyo Marriott Hotel shares its hilltop location with Gotenyama Garden, a 6,800-square-meter oasis of green and the former site of the residential villa of Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu (1604–1651). Steeped in history, and yet less than 20 minutes from the luxury shops of Ginza and the nightlife of Roppongi, its location offers both first-time and repeat visitors plenty to explore.

Marriott Hotels has been ‘re-imagining’ the guest experience, transforming lobbies and public spaces by designing them for a new generation of business travellers who blend work and play, demand style and substance and desire high-tech and high-touch. Marriott is introducing new concepts designed for the way younger travellers work today.

Those traveling for business or leisure or both will find fluid, tech-enabled meeting spaces, intuitively designed guest rooms, dynamic dining and drinking venues, and the polished service for which Marriott is known throughout the world. With a garden tea house designed by architect Arata Isozaki and two chapels (one slated for completion in February 2014) on site, this urban oasis also offers attractive celebratory opportunities for prospective brides and grooms.

Malmaison has recently re-opened their London property following a major refurbishment to the guest rooms and restaurant. The relaunch party in November had a number of celebrities in attendance and by all accounts it was an event not to be missed. I could not attend the event due to illness so it shall forever haunt me as a missed opportunity to introduce hoteldesigns to the likes of Jamelia and Freddie Flintoff, who I’m sure would have become dedicated readers should I have been there…

The newly designed interiors of the suites and restaurant almost feel like they have been designed with the theme of “celebrity” in mind, mixed with a sort of grunge/basement/underground edge. So you’ll have Egyptian cotton sheets and an enormous Samsung flatscreen TV in the guest rooms with industrial style light fittings, exposed bulbs, feature walls with exposed brickwork (vinyl wallcovering) and wooden floors.

It’s definitely not your average “business” hotel.

The reception area features murals by street artist Xenz, in partnership with the Lazarides gallery, who has taken inspiration from the hotel’s surroundings to create the beautiful Asian-style tree wallcovering you can see as you enter the hotel. The striking blue really helps to lift the area from the earthy colour scheme.

The wall behind reception was a particularly lovely feature and provides soft texture to an area dominated with hard surfaces such as the marble flooring and metal handrail.

Continued on page two…

Situated in the heart of Tel Aviv, The Norman will bring unprecedented sophistication and boutique character to the historic Mediterranean city. Due to launch during the first quarter of 2014, The Norman Tel Aviv will redefine the art of hospitality, capturing the timeless elegance of the 1920s matched with the comforts of a world class luxury hotel. The Norman is located close to popular Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv’s first boulevard. By day, Rothschild is a commercial hub with key financial institutions lining the street, whilst at night it buzzes with diners and party-goers and is a place to see and be seen in.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marriott International, Inc. has announced plans to open the first Courtyard by Marriott brand hotel in the capital city of Chihuahua, Mexico, the twelfth largest city in the country and home to large brand name manufacturing facilities such as Ford Motor Co., Sumitomo Electrical, Honeywell, Hallmark, and LG Electronics. The hotel project was signed with a group of local, prominent investors from Chihuahua with over 36 years of experience and a portfolio that includes over 7 local hotels. The 138-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel, scheduled to open in April 2015, will be located inside of the highly anticipated Citadela Life Style Center – Distrito Uno complex, a 65,000 SM mixed-use development that includes prime office space, residences, a casino, shops and over 20 restaurants.

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

The five-star Centara Grand Modus Resort Pattaya soft-opened on 1 December 2013, welcoming as its first guests Privy Councillor Mom Rajawongse Thepkamol Devakula and his wife Khunying Kwanta Devakula.His Excellency Mom Rajawongse Thepkamol Devakula is a former Thai Ambassador to France, has served as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was a member of the Senate before being appointed to the Privy Council.

The resort, the third property under the premium Grand brand of Centara Hotels & Resorts, is located on the bay neighbouring the Sanctuary of Truth, one of Pattaya’s most famous landmarks.

The exterior and interior design is the work of celebrated Thai architect Ratchavit Namthep, who has taken an abstract vision of an ocean-going liner for the exterior, and for the interiors has utilised a bold combination by maintaining the industrial character of the building’s natural finishes while blending elements from the classical past.

Furnishings include antique wooden tables, club-style leather sofas and chairs, nautical objects and fittings, vintage detailing, and elements from the ancient world.

“Exploring the design of our resort is rather like a voyage of discovery,” says general manager Panas Jureeratana. “This is completely unlike any other resort hotel in Thailand, and in design terms the only thing you can expect is the unexpected. “We believe that this highly creative approach launches a whole new era in resort design for Pattaya.”

Another major factor for the resort is that it is one of the few in Pattaya that are directly on the beach, occupying a bay that is closed off by rocky headlands from the other parts of Wong Amat Beach, lending a feeling of privacy and exclusivity to the resort.

There is a choice of 252 guestrooms. The 122 one, two-bedroom suites and penthouses are designed in an elegant, lofty fashion and offer ample living space, while the spacious Deluxe Family Residences include a children’s area with bunk beds and an airy living room offering self-catering facilities and excellent ocean views.

There are three swimming pools with a children’s pool, a Spa Cenvaree, a fitness centre, and a Kids’ Club with separate zones for the young ones and the teens.

Dining facilities include Modus Bistro, designed in trattoria style and serving Italian cuisine along with Asian and international favourites, while Breeze Beach Club is a versatile dining venue that serves comfort food during the day and becomes a lively beach club in the evenings.

Boscolo Hotels and the exclusive portfolio of independent hotels, the Autograph Collection, has announced the news that two additional luxury Boscolo Hotels in Italy will join its ensemble this fall. The Boscolo Milano will be the first to join the collection, followed by the Boscolo Exedra Roma in early December. Boscolo began its partnership with Autograph Collection in 2011 with the inauguration of its first hotels in the portfolio in four of Europe’s most exciting cities, including the Boscolo Palace in Rome, Boscolo Venezia in Venice, Boscolo Prague in the Czech Republic and the Boscolo Budapest in Hungary.Exactly like nothing else, each Autograph Collection 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

Boscolo Milano
Boscolo Milano is a distinctive, contemporary, iconic hotel, full of Italian style and perfectly situated in the heart of the famous fashion shopping district, ‘Quadrilatero della Moda.’

Innovative in its design, the hotel expresses the creative spirit of Milan and the lifestyle of the city. The Boscolo Milano provides a memorable reference point for visitors and local residents alike. The beautiful rooftop terrace provides magnificent views of the illuminated Duomo spires making it the perfect place to end the day with an aperitif in the bar or a candlelight dinner in the a la carte restaurant.

The redesign of this historic building from the twenties is by the famous architect Italo Rota. It harmonizes an eclectic mix of avant-garde design in an atmosphere of unconventional elegance. The unique, fascinating style of the hotel is expressed in the public areas and in the 154 guest rooms and suites. The hotel also features one of the largest hotel spas in Milan with 600 m² of luxury relaxation.

BOSCOLO EXEDRA ROMA
One of the most elegant places to stay in Rome, the Boscolo Exedra is a magnificent five star luxury hotel of classic design created through the tasteful and meticulous restoration of a late XIX-century palace. A unique design feature of the hotel is an area with a plate glass floor where you can view illuminated excavations of ancient Roman baths underneath the property.

Perfectly situated, the hotel offers 238 spacious guest rooms, including a number of rooms offering panoramic views of the Piazza Della Repubblica. The hotel also features two restaurants offering the finest in Italian cuisine and a superb summer terrace.

The spa offers a range to massage treatments and an outdoor swimming pool with amazing panoramic views overlooking the Eternal city. For meetings and special events the hotel features facilities for small and medium size gatherings.

Marriott International marks a milestone in its expansion into Southeast Asia with the unveiling of JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi. The property is the JW Marriott brand’s third to open in Asia within the past two months (others in Bengaluru and New Delhi), reflective of a significant investment in the region by the rapidly growing luxury hotel brand. The 450-room, 75,000 square meter (800,000 square foot) JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi is a ‘reverse skyscraper’ designed by acclaimed architecture practice Carlos Zapata Studio. The impressive structure was inspired by the country’s magnificent coastline and evokes characteristics of a dragon – a modern interpretation of a symbol from Vietnam’s past.

JW Marriott Hanoi – Lifestyle_ao daiLocated in Hanoi’s new central business district and adjacent to the National Convention Center, the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi is poised to become a key player for leisure and business within the city’s growing and dynamic hotel industry.

JW Marriott Hanoi is set to impress with a wide array of culinary and nightlife experiences. A total of six restaurant and bar outlets will cater to travelers with a passion for exceptional food, wine and crafted cocktails. Dining venues include the French Grill, a French inspired outlet serving fresh seafood and prime cuts of steaks along with a variety of premium wines and spirits; and a Chinese restaurant specializing in Cantonese fare (open in January 2014). Guests are also invited to sample fare from across the globe throughout the day at JW Café. Meanwhile, Antidote Bar is set to become one of the most sought after nightspots in the city.

JW Marriott Hanoi – The LoungeWith over 3,600 sqm (38,750 sq ft) of flexible meeting space built for large corporate and association events, JW Marriott Hanoi is well placed to cater to the flourishing market for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) in Vietnam. The hotel has a total of 17 meeting rooms including two Ballrooms of 1,000 sqm (10,763 sq ft) and 480 sqm (5,166 sq ft) with extensive public foyers. All meeting facilities are conveniently located on the ground floor with a dedicated entrance and parking.

October Highlights
• Abu Dhabi witnesses strong hotel performance due to high-profile events
• Negative hotel performance in Cairo is caused by political strife

The St. Regis New York is proud to announce the hotel is concluding an extensive renovation to culminate in a striking reveal this month. With renovated and redesigned guestrooms, suites and public spaces and the debut of the new King Cole Bar & Salon under renowned New York chef and restaurateur, John DeLucie, The St. Regis New York will unveil a bold new era of glamour at Manhattan’s best address. The renovation will reflect the hotel’s enduring legacy while infusing the timeless allure which has defined the Fifth Avenue icon since its founding by John Jacob Astor IV over a century ago. The multi-million dollar, comprehensive renovation at The St. Regis New York culminated this November 2013, with redesigned guest rooms, suites, hallways and public spaces. HDC, the renowned interior design firm that transformed The St. Regis Florence, has created an aesthetic based on a “timeless is modern” philosophy, embracing the design legacy of the hotel while infusing contemporary style. This fresh and sophisticated approach will marry original design elements, such as the crystal Waterford chandeliers and elegant crown moldings, with beautiful, large-format photographic artwork, vibrant-hued fabrics and stunning beveled mirrors.

The treasured King Cole Bar, Manhattan’s most storied meeting place, will see expansion into the King Cole Bar & Salon, where an extensive lounge will feature a dramatic open fireplace. Uptown sophistication meets downtown chic in this reimagined space where The St. Regis New York will also debut a new culinary partnership with renowned New York chef and restaurateur, John DeLucie. With the debut of John DeLucie at The King Cole Bar & Salon, the hotel will offer an unrivaled dining experience that is quintessentially Manhattan. The new restaurant will feature modern American cuisine with an international twist, reflecting the rich cultural mix that is New York City. The menu will offer a tailored selection of small plates including new creations, DeLucie’s celebrated specialties and reimagined classics from the hotel’s early days. Infusing contemporary glamour into the landmark hotel’s rich culinary heritage, John DeLucie will create a dynamic epicurean experience for New York’s social elite and a new generation of luxury travelers.

The Fifth Avenue landmark will reveal a new vision for its public spaces as well. In the iconic lobby of The St. Regis New York, the renovation will reincorporate lost architectural elements, including opening up oval windows above the front desk which were part of the original design of the hotel, while simultaneously infusing fresh touches through updated furnishings and amenities. Following the 2013 renovation, the beloved classic elements of the lobby and salon spaces will shine brighter in a contemporary context.

The guestroom floors will feature chic, black-lacquer painted doors, textured fabric walls and five distinct color palettes in the entryway on each floor. Guestrooms will be updated to include marble tiled entryways, rich color schemes with bold accent colors, sumptuous fabrics and luxe leather details, custom furnishings and state of the art technologies. An extensive art program, with emphasis on New York City photography by Janet Arsdale and Hampton Hall, will be integrated into every guestroom and suite. Additionally, every bathroom in the entire hotel will be renovated, refurbished, and updated to create a spa-like atmosphere paired with the latest technology.

The St. Regis’ master suites will undergo remarkable redesign and extensive renovation complementing the reimagined guestrooms. The dramatic Imperial Suite will feature European Chinoiserie and East Asian furnishings set against alluring red tones with crystal and gold leaf accents. Mixed stylistic influences and a reinvented open floor plan will lend a residential flow to the space, while plush new window seats will offer both stunning views of Manhattan to Central Park, and serve as cozy havens for retreat. The Royal Suite will embody the perfect mix of European style and American spirit. The suite will feature a rich color palette, gilded moldings, exotic prints and an eclectic art collection. The Presidential Suite has been reimagined as a sumptuous collector’s suite where sophisticated global luxury travelers will surround themselves with the art and treasures of their travels. Furniture styles range from contemporary to classic and blend seamlessly with chic accents, making it the ideal locale for both stylish entertaining and relaxation. The renovation will bring new luster to the hotel’s exclusive collection of designer suites: Bentley, Tiffany and Dior Suites while maintaining their unique and beloved bespoke décor.

The St. Regis brand’s ongoing legacy comes to life through continued traditions including jazz, signature Bloody Mary cocktails and Maxfield Parrish’s “Old King Cole” mural casting its watchful eye as New York society meets, entertains and celebrates in the beloved space. Throughout the renovation, the hotel has remained committed not only to the preservation of the St. Regis’ legacy, but to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service, delivered flawlessly by the brand’s signature St. Regis Butlers, who have traded in their silver trays for smartphones and are as adept formatting spreadsheets as they are shining shoes.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently announced the newest addition to its Latin America portfolio with the opening of the 196-room Holiday Inn Express® Panama Distrito Financiero hotel located in Panama City, Panama. The new-build hotel is a franchise agreement that is owned by Latin American Hospitality Group, and is the first Holiday Inn Express in the city. The new hotel features complimentary high-speed Internet access, an outdoor swimming pool and sundeck, business center, fitness center and more than 2,500 sq ft of meeting space, equipped with the latest technology and audiovisual equipment. The new hotel offers guests a comfortable, yet affordable, stay to ensure a pleasurable experience. All guestrooms offer a spacious, modern and well equipped interior, work desk with ergonomic chair, 37-inch flat screen TV, iPhone® and iPod® dock alarm clock, free local calls, in-room complimentary coffee, safe deposit facilities and choice of soft or firm pillows.

The Holiday Inn Express Panama Distrito Financiero hotel is located within walking distance from a variety of restaurants, international companies and the Punta Pacifica Hospital – the first hospital in Latin America affiliated with the prestigious Johns Hopkins Medicine International. Costa del Este Business Park and shopping malls, such as Multiplaza Pacific and Multicentro are also close by.

“Panama City is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Panama,” said Gerardo Murray, vice president, Marketing Strategic Services for Mexico, Latin America and Caribbean, IHG. “It is a very strategic fit as we continue to grow the Holiday Inn Express brand in Central America. The hotel’s location within the city’s financial district and near the airport also makes it conveniently accessible to travelers.”

Discover the World, the world’s leading ICEHOTEL specialist, has unveiled a new MINI themed suite – the largest at this year’s ICEHOTEL currently under construction in Swedish Lapland. The new suite will be available from 20th December 2013 and throughout the 2013/4 winter season until it melts away next spring (from April 2014) and will be one of the most luxurious the hotel has offered guests. It has been designed through a unique collaboration between car manufacturer, MINI, and the architects of ICEHOTEL.

The new suite, which will measure almost 50m², will be called Deluxe by MINI. The MINI design team, through DesignworksUSA and the architects of ICEHOTEL are currently working on the suite which is made entirely of ice, snow and snice. The suite contains 20 tonnes more ice than other rooms and the ceilings are a metre higher. It also includes an en-suite sauna and heated relaxation area with shower, washbasin and toilet.

The design of the new suite is called MINI Evolution and offers visitors a dreamlike world where MINI-relatable design forms are given a life of their own. The result is an upscale hotel and design experience, which combines MINI’s familiar forms, the ICEHOTEL environment and the evolutionary transformation of housing from ancient cave to modern rooms.

In addition to this new Deluxe by MINI suite, there will be a selection of other individual art-suites which feature designs such as a London Underground inspired tube-carriage, a Frankenstein-esque science lab, a rooftop Montmartre setting and pole dancing polar bears, as well as Northern Lights suites (with special light installations), or the more simple snow* or ice rooms.

Details on how to book the experience can be discovered here.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is set to open in the former Chinese capital of Nanjing in the first quarter of 2015, marking the luxury hospitality operator’s continued drive to bring its brand of iconic luxury experiences to China’s vibrant and important cities, in addition to current locations throughout Asia PacificNanjing, in Jiangsu Province, sits astride the Yangtze River basin and has enjoyed a reputation as a vital commerce center for Eastern China. The city of eight million people is home to many UNESCO heritage sites, including tombs from the Ming dynasty. The name Nanjing means “southern capital,” (Beijing means northern capital) and gave the city pre-eminent status until 1927 when the capital of the country moved.

The agreement with Nanjing New Universe Real Estate Development Co, Limited will see The Ritz-Carlton, Nanjing open in the heart of a designated central business district called Xiejiekou, just 30 minutes from the airport. The district also enjoys a reputation as the region’s cosmopolitan powerhouse and is home to several department stores and luxury fashion houses.

Featuring 297 rooms and 32 suites, the grand property will also enjoy extensive meeting spaces including a ballroom and seven function rooms. Four restaurants and bars will include a Chinese restaurant serving renowned local Nanjing cuisine. A luxury Spa by ESPA will also form a central part of the well-being experience, alongside the indoor pool and fitness center.

I like to drive everywhere on the Continent. This time I’d been to Dusseldorf, and whilst it is possible to get there in one go, I always try to take it in a relaxed way and find places to stay along the road. It is possible to drive to, for example, Brussels, including the Channel crossing, from the south of England faster than getting to Manchester, and with considerably more pleasure in the driving experience. The travel time too is less than the time to fly, as there is no hanging around for hours in a shopping centre – err airport terminal, nor is there any need to strip to your knickers to get through security.Coming back to catch a ferry we decided to stay in the Hotel Meurice in Calais. Picked with a pin – and assistance from TripAdvisor – it was going to be a simple French hotel after two nights in the gorgeous luxury of the Steinberger Park in Dusseldorf, which will be a Review soon. So we drew up outside this unremarkable, typically French post war building. The hotel has an underground garage but there was plenty of parking in the very quiet rue, so we left the car on the road. The front door was unpromising with a cracked pane of glass, but the interior – well the interior was straight out of a Maigret story from the 1950’s, probably 1953 I think.

There is a great deal of rubbish talked about the origins of ‘boutique’ hotels, especially from uninformed industry commentators who follow the self publicising hype of some designers, but much of the origins of ‘boutique’ can be traced back to the pre-chain post war years when many hotels in Europe were being redeveloped after WW2. In the States bland ruled as the chains dominated the market but in Europe small owners recovering from the total destruction of their properties and rebuilt. Using supply chains only slowly recovering from wartime manufacturing programmes where furniture manufacturers for example switch to producing plywood aeroplanes like the Mosquito or the Hamilcar creativity and invention drove the creation of often very individual properties.

Meurice was rebuilt in a Calais where British and French troops fought the invaders to a standstill until they ran out ammunition and were evacuated or captured. In the process much of the town was damaged. Meurice was no exception. As a major entry point for British tourists to the continent by car, coach and in the 1950’s by rail, Calais is still a stopping off point for Brits. No longer the destination for masses of ‘booze cruisers’ since the European Union has removed the differences in prices on most wines it is still a good place to overnight before onward journey especially if combating the awful overcrowded and poorly planned British road system. Meurice is a popular small hotel, and retains an idiosyncratic sense of style.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently announced the opening of the Holiday Inn® Orizaba hotel. The hotel is located at Avenue Oriente 6 No. 892 Col. Centro, near local attractions such as the Iron Palace and the Mier y Pesado Castle. Decorated in a contemporary style, the hotel conversion, overseen by Constructora Guraieb and Associates, generated more than 370 employment opportunities.

Holiday Inn hotels feature a residential atmosphere that is warm, trend forward and comfortable. Guest beds are made using crisp, white bedding with pillows that come in two comfort levels: “soft” and “firm.” The residential design includes business-focused necessities such as an ergonomic workstation and data ports with the bathrooms including a multifunctional showerhead, as well as a signature shower curtain with curved rod, and Bath & Body Works bath products. Additionally, each room features comfortable double, queen or king-sized beds, a sitting area with a lounge chair, hairdryer, micro fridge, coffee maker, iron and ironing board. The 103-room property which also includes a junior suite has one floor exclusively reserved for Platinum Elite IHG Rewards® Club members – IHG’s award-winning loyalty program.

Other amenities include three meeting rooms that can hold up to 180 people, a fully equipped fitness centre, a heated swimming pool and covered parking with valet service. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s restaurant Los Ameyales which features a variety of cuisines and dining options from breakfast to dinner. Room Service Right … On Time™, at all Holiday Inn hotels, ensures that guests’ room service orders are accurate and delivered on time, every time.

Owned and managed by Operadora Decori Orizaba SA de CV., the Holiday Inn Orizaba hotel is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

A total remodelling of the lobby area at Centara Villas Samui has now been completed. The new design uses lighter tones that complement the natural setting and the traditional Thai design of the resort. The remodelling is part of ongoing upgrades designed to enhance the guest’s holiday experience with the new lobby providing a warm and welcoming arrival.“As our lobby faces out over the landscaped gardens to the ocean we selected a lighter look to enhance the vibrant colours of the sea, sky and tropical surroundings. The new custom-built furniture and feature lighting now make our lobby and bar area a beautiful place to gather and relax at any time of the day or night” says Scott Bowen, General Manager of Centara Villas Samui.

Centara Villas Samui is set on the southern tip of the island, near the traditional fishing village of Hua Tanon, and has its own frontage on Natien Beach. There are 102 Southern Thai style villas, of which 60 have were renovated in late 2011. Each villa has its own private terrace, and many offering private swimming pools or outdoor Jacuzzis.

The resort is just 15 minutes from Lamai Beach, and 30 minutes from Chaweng Beach.
Other than relaxing on the beach, the resort’s leisure activities include three freshwater swimming pools, and a Spa Cenvaree tucked away in a rainforest setting.

Alila Hotels & Resorts, a leading Asian boutique hotelier, is to add three new properties to its lifestyle collection in 2014. Marking the group’s entry into the Middle East, Alila Jabal Akhdar Oman will open in March, followed by Alila Seminyak Bali and Alila Fort Bishangarh Jaipur- India in late 2014.ALILA JABAL AKHDAR – ALILA’S FIRST RESORT IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Alila Jabal Akhdar will be the first luxury resort in the stunning mountainous region of Jabal Akhdar in Oman. Set 2000 metres above sea level, under two hours’ drive from Muscat, the resort will provide access to one of Oman’s most spectacular and untapped areas.

Overlooking a dramatic gorge with views of the Al Hajar Mountains, Alila Jabal Akhdar, which means ‘Green Mountain’ in Arabic, will be a haven for the adventurous, nature lovers and those seeking an escape from the desert heat. The resort will feature 78 rooms, six loft suites, a cliff-side restaurant, pool, Spa Alila, fitness centre and two Jabal Villas, with two bedrooms, its own pool, Jacuzzi and steam room.

The design of the resort is richly inspired by the Omani culture, evident in its traditional artisanal craftsmanship and the use of locally sourced materials. The Rose is the inspiration for much of the interior design, as the Jabal Akhdar region is famous for its fragrant pink roses that blanket the mountainside in springtime. The area is also renowned for its fresh fruits, in particular pomegranates, which during September and October transform the area into a fruit paradise. The fruit will feature as a staple ingredient in Spa Alila Jabal Akhdar signature treatments.

New ‘Alila Experiences’ will be crafted especially for the resort, centred upon five themes covering cultural learning, conscious living, active spirits, culinary arts and couple celebration, enticing guests to discover the history and culture of the region. The Alila Experience strives to create ‘surprisingly different’ authentic destination experiences – from palm-shadowed picnics in remote Wadis to 1001 Stars-lit-dinners at the edge of the mountains.

Continued on page two…

The interiors of one of the Capital’s best located luxury hotels, London Marriott Hotel Park Lane, are to undergo a complete transformation with a new interior design scheme for all 151 guestrooms including five new suites, by RPW Design.RPW’s role in the complete repositioning of the five-star hotel which is housed within a Grade II listed property right in the heart of London’s Mayfair will also include the redesign of the lobby, executive lounge and meeting rooms. Work is due to begin next March and be completed by September 2014.

The London Marriott Park Lane’s sensitive makeover will bring out the historic building’s more intimate character, with ‘townhouse’ inspired spaces which will offer a more residential feel and interventions such as replacing the traditional ‘counter’ style reception desk with two seated desks enabling the delivery of a more personal service. The two sets of stairs leading from the main entrance to the reception area will also be replaced with a single central stairway and additional informal but far more luxurious seating.

The new guestroom concept marks a departure from the traditional corporate hotel room design towards something that feels more like a high end ‘home from home’. The new guestroom layouts all have entrance lobbies, thus improving the sense of arrival and the sense of space will be enhanced by a soft pastel colour palette of white, dove grey and shades of lavender. Materials such as leather, taupe silk, solid wood and marble have been used throughout so that the room exudes luxury and comfort.

The new design has been trialled as a mock-up room and warmly received by brand representatives and guests from around the world including the Middle East, Russia and China, with their feedback suggesting minor design tweaks to be made which enhance the overall guest experience.

“The redesign of the London Marriott Hotel Park Lane will return the interiors back in line with the exterior architecture, in some ways giving the building back to itself,” says RPW Design’s Managing Director Jan Wilson. “We will be bringing out the hotel’s inherent townhouse ambience with elegantly designed rooms and public spaces which have all the facilities expected in a traditional five-star hotel, and create a far warmer and more intimate atmosphere than what exists at the moment.”

Mamounia Lounge in Mayfair has reopened its doors to a new space that transforms the heart of Mayfair into a Middle Eastern world of exotic cocktails, authentic Lebanese and Moroccan dishes and Middle Eastern live entertainment.Completely redesigned, the space consists of 200 square metres over two floors. The refurbishment included the ground floor and basement bars and restaurants, WC’s and outdoor terrace area as well as a complete overhaul of the kitchens.

The ground floor features a centralised feature bar with soft zonal seating and modern furnishings to provide a warm, contemporary Arabic dining experience whilst a paneled, églomisé mirrored ceiling creates a sense of volume by way of reflections and redirect light.

The space also benefits from the relocation of the original dark narrow stairs which have been completely transformed into a feature staircase, borrowing light from the full height glazing to the external elevation.

Meanwhile downstairs, feature timber floors are elevated upwards to provide the wall cladding behind sumptuous banquette seating and handmade crystal chandeliers, which compliment copper covered walls and traditional Middle Eastern plaster work.

Aedas Interiors has designed an environment to both entice a new generation of guests whilst paying homage to an already established clientele by creating a traditional, warm, spiced-colour palette on beautifully detailed modern furniture and fittings.

Whisking you away from the bustle of central London to a Middle Eastern sanctuary of elegance and sophistication, Mamounia pulls out all the stops with an array of entertainment from belly dancers to live singers.

Mott MacDonald has completed the design for the refurbishment and expansion of Harlech Castle Hotel in Wales, UK on behalf of Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service. The development is one of 24 schemes to benefit from Cadw’s £19 million Heritage Tourism Project, funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.The project includes a new state-of-the-art visitor centre, café and interpretation and presentation areas, as well as luxury apartments on the upper floors of the hotel and a landmark pedestrian bridge link to the castle.

Mott MacDonald carried out the full civil and structural detailed design of the hotel refurbishment and developed the footbridge design. Building information modelling (BIM) was used to plan the design of the complicated split level building profile and associated interconnections between the new building and the existing historic structural remains.

Hycinth Hettiarachchi, Mott MacDonald’s project manager, said: “We have worked closely and collaboratively with Cadw over a number of months to reach this stage of the project. The use of BIM was helpful in developing the various design iterations during the development stage and seamlessly integrating the designs from the various disciplines involved.”

The hotel is located in the Harlech conservation area adjacent to the Grade I listed Harlech Castle, a scheduled ancient monument which forms part of the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd World Heritage Site. The castle is recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation as one of the finest examples of late 13th to early 14th century military architecture in Europe.

Construction has begun on site and works are expected to be completed by the end of 2014.

February 2014 will see the opening of BLOC Gatwick, a 245 room hotel which marks a step change in contemporary affordable accommodation and features a level of technological innovation never seen before in a UK hotel. BLOC rooms fuse the design values of a boutique hotel with honest pricing, as rooms lead in at £59 per night, negating the need for a costly early morning taxi to make that flight or have a comfortable bed for the night. BLOC hotels are based on fresh thinking to solve the equation of form, function and price in hotels. There are four key areas of where they differ from any of their competitors:

Technology. For the first time ever in the UK, booking a room and door entry can be achieved by guests using their own NFC-enabled smart phone. Once in the room, BLOC’s mobile app will allow smart phone users to control room features such as multi layered lighting, Samsung air conditioning, electric blackout blinds, Samsung Smart LED TV. Alternatively they can use the Samsung Galaxy 2 10.1 tablet present in every room to do the same. This integrated technology offering is the most advanced of any hotel in the UK. A super fast broadband connection and free WiFi complete the picture.

Design. BLOC hotels combine British brains with the pick of international design partners. All rooms feature the highest specification finishes; king-sized beds with luxurious Egyptian cotton bed-linen, Spanish Roca monsoon drench showers, Missoni-designed Swedish Bolon flooring, Italian lighting by Artemide, wet rooms with Italian tiles and with Roca fittings. A Premium Floor and a Business Floor in turn provide addition design features and optimized conditions for the frequent international traveller.

Location. BLOC Gatwick hotel could not be more convenient. The building sits on top of the South Terminal and its reception area and lifts are steps from the departure security gates. Travellers will now waste no time going from the comfort of their bed to through to Departures. BLOC rooms offer the shortest distance available from bed through to departure gate of any European airport hotel.

Price. Ground breaking technology, engineered comfort, and sleek design do not mean elevated prices with BLOC hotels. Rooms start at BLOC Gatwick start from £59 per room, per night – and this price is available every night of the year. BLOC has also negotiated special rates for its guests in all sorts of aspects of the airport such as parking, restaurants, airport lounges and duty free goods.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) is thrilled to announce that it has opened Hotel Indigo® Düsseldorf – Victoriaplatz at the centre of this fashion-forward German city, renowned for its style credentials. Hotel Indigo Düsseldorf-Victoriaplatz will operate under a franchise agreement with LFPI Hotels Management Germany GmbH. The hotel will be the third Hotel Indigo property in Germany, alongside Hotel Indigo Berlin – Alexanderplatz and Hotel Indigo Berlin – Ku’Damm.

As IHG’s boutique brand, every Hotel Indigo property is designed to reflect the local neighbourhood. From the building design to the hotel’s artwork and locally-inspired menus, each Hotel Indigo hotel is unique to its surroundings.

Hotel Indigo Düsseldorf – Victoriaplatz’s 126 individually designed bedrooms take inspiration from the local area with statement furniture, luxurious bedding and vibrant colours. Each floor pays tribute to a different decade of fashion from the 50s through to the 2000s, illustrated through the fabrics and patterns used. Murals, shot by fashion photographer and stylist Armin Morbach, are visible throughout the hotel, showcasing iconic designs from the relevant decades, depicting the fashion industry’s growth from the 50s to present day.

Guests can enjoy the city’s glamorous lifestyle lounging in the hotel’s idyllic garden terrace or enjoy a famous Altbier (a local ale and a must-try in Düsseldorf) in the sumptuous cocktail lounge. A dress kitchen and bar uses seasonal ingredients to create their fashion-focused menu with dishes from the Rhine region and an eclectic wine and cocktail list. Guests can make use of the free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and enjoy their own selection of music through the iPod docking station in their bedroom. All bedrooms will be provided with a minibar, 32 inch LCD TV and high comfort mattress.

Located amongst the glamour and charm of the fashion capital, Hotel Indigo Düsseldorf – Victoriaplatz provides an ideal base for exploring this stylish city. The hotel is situated amongst some of the city’s most iconic fashion exhibitions including the NRW Forum, where the first Igedo fashion fair was launched in the 50s, just a short walk away from two of the biggest fashion trade shows and The Gallery which showcases the latest fashion-related products and designs.

Hilton Worldwide has recently signed an agreement with Pekah Hotels Sdn. Bhd. to manage Hilton Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia. The ninth Hilton Worldwide property in Malaysia, the 313-room Hilton Kota Kinabalu will also be the fifth Hilton Hotels & Resorts branded hotel in the country, scheduled to open in 2015.The 12-story Hilton Kota Kinabalu is strategically located in the central business district of Kota Kinabalu along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and boasts 313 spacious guest rooms, including 17 suites with views overlooking lush greenery and city views of Kota Kinabalu. “We have been operating in Malaysia for more than 30 years, and Hilton Kota Kinabalu will be our ninth property in this great country. As the capital city of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu acts as the main industrial and commercial center for the state. With a strong partner like Pekah Hotels Sdn. Bhd., we are confident that Hilton Kota Kinabalu will set the benchmark for quality hospitality experiences catering to both domestic and international travelers,” said Andrew Clough, senior vice president, development, Middle East & Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.

Hilton Kota Kinabalu will offer an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty rooftop restaurant adjacent to the rooftop pool and a lounge bar. Offering a total of 2,500 square meters of event space including a 1,000-square meter ballroom, the hotel will have an 8-story car park, which offers convenient parking for patrons. It will also have a business center, a health club and a spa.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently announced the opening of the 187-room Holiday Inn® hotel in the northeastern city of Bucaramanga, Colombia. The 18-story new-build property is located in one of the most upscale areas of Bucaramanga and just minutes from the city’s financial district of Cabecera, private and public sports venues, as well as ecological parks offering adventure sports like rafting, mountain climbing, mountain biking and motocross, among others.

The Holiday Inn Bucaramanga Cacique, owned by Hoteles Cacique Internacional S.A.S., a division of MARVAL, S.A., is franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

Hotel Nikol’skaya Kempinski Moscow is located at the corner of Nikol’skaya Street and Lubyanka Square in the very centre of Russia’s capital. Built in the 1870s, the building has a wonderfully rich history: until the early years of the 20th century it was the residence of Count Orlov-Davydov. The exclusive retail frontage was well known for the Koeller perfumery business, and the many fine chocolate shops it hosted. Six years of careful restoration and interior construction by Leo International Design Group unveiled the historical façade in its original glory.On seven floors, Nikol’skaya Kempinski accommodates 211 spacious rooms and suites including two Presidential suites, as well as six restaurants and bars, L. Raphael Spa, a fitness centre and five conference halls.

The hotel is offering views of the capital’s historical downtown area, including major landmarks such as the Red Square and the Kremlin. In addition, guests are only a few minutes’ walk from the Bolshoi Theatre, Duma and the famous GUM department store.

An abundance of light meets guests when they first step inside and palatial chandeliers feature prominently throughout the Nikol’skaya Kempinski. Like an old-world ocean liner with an upper deck and curved staircases, the lobby area welcomes guests with a multi-coloured stained glass dome and art deco furniture.

The 157 Deluxe and Superior rooms, many of them with their original high ceilings, are decorated in pale brown and muted beige, giving them a contemporary feel. All the technical facilities are cutting edge: each room offers complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a 42-inch flat-screen interactive TV and a smart control pad. A number of rooms will have a view of the interior courtyard patio, which offers natural light, peace and quiet.

Junior suites (55 sqm) are laid out in a studio style, with both city and courtyard views. Executive suites (55 sqm to 75 sqm) have two spacious rooms – a bedroom and a living room – and great views of the city. The unique Orlov Suite (83 sqm) has a view of Lubyanka Square and is decorated in a style reminiscent of the Belle Époque. The two Presidential Suites, decorated in a palette of gold, white and beige, each measure 250 sqm in size and have panoramic views over Lubyanka Square and the Historical Museum.

One of the main discoveries awaiting the guests of Hotel Nikol’skaya Kempinski Moscow is the hotel’s overall passion to provide an exquisite and innovative culinary experience. Executive Chef Marco Alban atMosaiK creates a culinary medley in an open kitchen. Guests are invited to enjoy seafood and grill as well as dishes from traditional Russian cuisine.

Italian Bistro A Tavola offers guests a comfortable and lively atmosphere with cosy seating arrangements. Acknowledging the principle that ‘simplicity is the new elegance’, A Tavola presents a seasonal menu inspired by different Italian regions.

Orlov Lobby Lounge and Bar bears the name of the first owner of the building. Day and night, Orlov is the beating heart of Hotel Nikol’skaya Kempinski. Relaxed and casual, this bar is a tempting showcase of the good things in life: chocolate fountains, freshly made cakes, Blue Peak tea and Masala Chai.

At Robusto Cigar Club, connoisseurs will enjoy after-dinner spirits in a contemporary club. Soft background jazz music, high-quality robusto cigars and a sophisticated environment make for an experience to remember.

The Parisien Café Vendome which will open its doors at the end of this year, brings the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore to Moscow, featuring tempting home-made cakes, mousses, tarts and eclairs. Café Vendome will also sell selected cheeses, as well as home-made baguettes and other breads for customized sandwiches

The laidback Latin Mojito Lounge boasts a rooftop terrace with a panoramic 180-degree view of downtown Moscow. This venue which will welcome its first guests at the beginning of December, blends delicate cocktails with a genuine city vibe. The bar’s outdoor summer terrace and cosy indoor lounge make the breath-taking views of Moscow available year-round.

The hotel’s conference facilities accommodate up to 180 people and feature an abundance of natural light and contemporary chandeliers. Highlights include Kandinsky grand ballroom, with an area of 200 sq m, designed for receptions, cocktail events and important celebrations, as well as Malevich boardroom, which overlooks Lubyanka Square.

The Spa at the Nikol’skaya is operated by L.RAPHAEL, coming from Geneva, Switzerland to Russia for the first time. Facilities include an indoor 10 sqm swimming pool and a fitness centre.

Today Marriott International has announced plans to operate 20 hotels expected to be developed by FibraHotel, the largest and first publicly traded Mexican lodging REIT, across key Mexican cities by 2016. The first six hotels, whose development contracts were signed this week, will add approximately 800 rooms to the Mexican market and create well over 400 jobs for Mexican nationals.FibraHotel is one of the largest hotel owners in Mexico, with a portfolio of 49 business hotels representing more than 6,500 rooms in 22 states, and with plans to develop 100 hotels in the next few years.

Marriott’s strong focus on hotel development in Mexico prompted the company to open a development office in Mexico City, spearheaded by Alonso Burgos, Director of Development for Mexico.

Marriott is currently represented in Mexico with The Ritz-Carlton Cancun, JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City, JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Santa Fe, JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort, CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, Marriott Puebla Real Hotel, Torreon Marriott Hotel, Ixtapan de la Sal Marriott Hotel, Tijuana Marriott Hotel, Mexico City Marriott Hotel Reforma, Aguascalientes Marriott Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Monterrey, Courtyard by Marriott Toluca Airport, Courtyard by Marriott Monterrey San Jeronimo, Courtyard by Marriott Cancun Airport Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott San Luis Potosi, Courtyard by Marriott Puebla, Courtyard by Marriott Mexico City Airport, Courtyard by Marriott Toluca Tollocan, Courtyard by Marriott Leon at The Poliforum, Fairfield Inn Los Cabos and Fairfield Inn Monterrey Airport.

The pipeline of properties for Mexico includes the 124-room Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve; the 300-room JW Marriott Cabo San Lucas Resort; the 130-room Courtyard by Marriott Hermosillo; the 130-room Courtyard by Marriott Los Cabos; the 120-room Fairfield Inn Queretaro; the 140-room Courtyard by Marriott Queretaro; and the 160-room AC Hotel Mexico City.

Radisson Blu® proudly announces the completion of a US$20 million renovation and conversion of the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel, Philadelphia. The hotel marks the third Radisson Blu hotel in the United States, joining the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago and the Radisson Blu Mall of America near Minneapolis. The 301-room historic hotel, situated in the prestigious Rittenhouse Square district of Philadelphia, has completed a renovation that includes a redesign of all guestrooms and corridors, a new Business Class floor with a private lounge, as well as the hotel’s grand lobby to reflect the signature, contemporary style of Radisson Blu, while maintaining the charm and heritage of the landmark hotel.

Radisson Blu again called upon Graven Images’ Jim Hamilton, the international designer who conceived the interior plans for the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago and the Radisson Blu Mall of America. With the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel, Philadelphia, Hamilton looked to create a design that speaks to the landscape, history and culture of the city, ensuring it is relevant while keeping in mind the brand’s edgy and upper upscale characteristics.

Ideal for business and leisure travel alike, the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel, Philadelphia offers rooms catering to all types of travellers. The 189 Superior Rooms feature an “Urban” style – a colour-splashed edgy and modern atmosphere. The 46 Deluxe Rooms offer additional seating areas and a more spacious layout. The 31 Executive Rooms have upgraded features including a Nespresso® machine, complimentary bottled water, bathrobe, slippers and added bathroom amenities.

Sleep Concept Hotel, part of Sleep, invited designers to plan and build a life sized hotel room following the brief composed by our influential judging panel. This year’s brief was inspired by the nostalgia for the 1960s: transforming our catwalk of hotel design into a radical contemporary Pop Art experience.

The winning design by Cullinan Interior & Infinite Architecture, whose room featured inspiration from Ken Adams’ set design for Kubrick’s Dr Strangelove, and included elements of surprise such as interstellar fractal-inspired artwork.

Baulmann Leuchten from Sundern supplied several custom made luminaires according to the design given by Cullinan Interior and Infinite Architecture.

Accor Vacation Club has announced that their prestigious apartment hotel in Flinders Lane Melbourne is now to be known as The Sebel Melbourne Flinders Lane, part of a group of properties that offer superb facilities and individual service in the most desirable locations.Two years ago the hotel underwent a $4.3 million makeover, of the hotels suites and public areas, to bring the property back to its glamorous glory, so well known by stars of stage and screen over the past two decades.

Now, staff trained in discretion and top flight service, and will be dressed in new uniforms designed by David Lawrence, Country Road and Sportscraft will host guests in Sebel style – sophisticated elegance.

The all suite apartment hotel is a market leading boutique product, consistently rating highly on Trip Advisor and other forums, popular with Accor Vacation Club Members and the general public due to its central location in the heart of the CBD.

Suite sizes vary from 46sqm to 64sqm and all are generously appointed, including a designer urban kitchenette, a dining area with stone top dining table, a leather chaise lounge with sofa bed, a work desk with cow hide chair, large screen LCD TVs in both the lounge and bedroom, media hub connectivity, iPod docking station and a luxurious bedroom with oversized fully upholstered bed head. All courtyard view rooms have faux European styled balconies that overlook the Parisian styled, private green oasis.

The Signature Suites offer an increased level of luxury. Providing 95sqm of pure opulence, the Signature Suites provide all standard suite features with the addition of a cocktail bar with glass fronted wine fridge, 55” LED TV, separate office area, large bathroom with free standing bath tub and the ability to interconnect to a second bedroom.

The Sebel Melbourne Flinders Lane’s location is set perfectly amongst the blocks of department stores, boutiques, outlet shopping and rag-traders, five star restaurants & bars and cafes.

The Hotel is ideally located between Elizabeth and Queen Street, in close proximity to all of Melbourne’s shopping, and entertainment district, with the added benefit of being in the heart of Melbourne’s famous laneway culture and the bonus of the iconic Flinders Street Station only one block away.

The building, which is located at 321 Flinders Lane, was built in 1921 on the former Dr. Jaeger’s Sanitary Woollen System Co. Ltd site, the company later evolving in to the internationally renowned Jaeger fashion House. The building was first tenanted in 1923 and housed various textile and fashion retailers including Wallace Buck & Goodes Pty Ltd, the founder of Henry Bucks & Co Pty Ltd.

Multi-disciplinary construction consultancy, Edmond Shipway, have reached a key milestone with the delivery of the final timber frame wall panel to the site of the new Center Parcs resort, Woburn Forest, which is currently under construction. As quantity surveyors for the scheme the company has overseen the construction of 625 lodges at Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire, due to open spring 2014. The scale of the project has been equated to the building of a large village.The construction of the lodges, coupled with a new hotel, is a big part of the new Center Parcs Village. As overall Project Managers of what will be the fifth Center Parcs in the UK, the construction company have also overseen the building of 40,000m2 of central facilities including a state of the art Subtropical Swimming Paradise. The ongoing development of Woburn Forest illustrates the successful partnership formed between the construction company and Center Parcs with the multi-disciplinary firm recently completing the successful construction of the Tropical Cyclone and Venture Cove attraction at the Elveden Forest Village.

The £61 million lodge development sees the construction of three types of accommodation, Woodland Lodges, Executive Lodges and the Exclusive Lodges. The project is being created with guests at the heart of the design and will see the accommodation in the Executive (split level) Lodges designed in an inverted style, with the living room on the first floor to allow for a panoramic view of the forest.

A large part of Edmond Shipway’s role in the project involves them commercially managing the manufacture and construction of the lodge timber frames, one of the major sub-contractor packages on the 365 acre site. As part of this process the final timber frame wall panel was delivered in August 2013, whilst the final roof truss was constructed in September 2013, midway through the 59 week development. Tuesday September 17th saw a topping out ceremony take place on site for reaching the milestone. Edmond Shipway joined timber frame suppliers Kingspan Timber Solutions and main contractors ISG PLC for the celebrations.

Designed by The Gallery HBA London

Alpina Gstaad has been awarded European Hotel Design of the Year following awards for Interior Design of the Year: Lobby, Lounge and Public Areas and Interior Design of the Year: Bedrooms and Bathrooms.The Alpina Gstaad is the first new luxury hotel in Gstaad for over 100 years. The objective was to create an authentic, captivating and luxurious alpine experience – celebrating the beauty of all the seasons in this region.

As part of the interior design, Vaughan Designs were asked to supply the Penthouse Suite with various products from their lighting collection including the Rock Table Lamp in Bronze, Twig Wall lights in Bronze, Long Arm Long Wall Lights in Bronze and Zaragoza Table Lamps.

Vaughan, who exhibited at The Sleep Event in November, are delighted to have been involved with the project and that it has been awarded Interior Design of the Year.

Anantara is once again welcoming story collecting travellers back to the white sands of Bophut Bay, as one of Koh Samui’s favourite resorts, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort & Spa reopens after an extensive refurbishment programme which saw the resort’s arched doorway closed for the last six months. The ever popular resort is quite unlike any other, from Bill Bensley designed tropical gardens which complement the charms of Fisherman’s Cove, to southern Thai architecture which reflects the local cultural heritage, and world class amenities enhanced by Anantara’s unique design touches.

Of the 106 guest rooms, the wide ranging overhaul has seen the previous six room and suite categories increased to eight, and most categories changed. The Deluxe Garden View and Deluxe Sea View rooms have been expanded from 32 to 36 square metres, thereby affording sufficient space for extra guest bed requests. With direct access to the beautifully landscaped indigenous gardens, the revamped 44 square metre Junior Garden View Suites are ideal for family holidays, accommodating up to three adults and a child. The suite categories are now increased to five, with two new Garden View and Royal Garden View suite types offering spacious accommodation at 70 and 75 square metres respectively. The popular 80 square metre Anantara Beachfront Pool Suites’ facelift includes a new 20 square metre private pool with superb beach and sea views and, as the name suggests, allows guests to step directly onto soft golden sands that are lapped by the warm waters of the Gulf of Siam.

Guests arriving prior to check-in time or who need somewhere to relax and refresh before departing to the airport for an evening flight, are well looked after in a brand new hospitality room with shower facilities and offering complimentary beverages and light snacks.

The restaurants and bars have also received a facelift, with the al fresco Full Moon restaurant switching Italian fare for contemporary Koh Samuian style char grill fusion cuisine, and Eclipse Bar taking on a more open, pub like ambience. Casual Asian fusion snacks and sushi are served poolside at a new cocktail bar, complete with bean bags, shisha pipes and sweeping views across to Phangan Island.

The “catch of the day” gets a whole new personalised meaning at the refurbished Anantara Bophut Resort, as guests are invited to meet local fishermen on Bophut Beach at the end of a day of harvesting the ocean, to choose their favourite fish from the catch. From here the culinary team takes over to prepare the catch to perfection in a variety of ways, for the guests to savour at dinner.

Koh Samui is a paradise for kids and the new purpose built Baan Ling Noi (Thai for little monkey) Children’s Club offers a terrific range of unforgettably fun activities designed to motivate, develop skills and make new friends. Here pizza cooking classes, building sandcastles, playing mini garden soccer, hunting for treasures, trampoline jumping or making coconut paintings all keep the little treasures safely entertained for hours on end, leaving parents free to unwind.

At the award winning Anantara Spa, world-class health and beauty treatments are delivered in private pavilions set in their own walled courtyard. Set within 3,100 square metres of landscaped grounds, the six treatment suites are individually encased in glass with a mirrored back wall, designed to accentuate the feeling of floating. Ambient lighting and funky butterfly-style roofs lend an emphatic dimension to the design. These sensual suites feature alfresco showers and terrazzo bathtubs, all made for two. The Anantara Spa is also home to a separate beauty salon and herbal steam room.

The resort’s impressive lobby, ballroom, meeting facilities and public spaces were also refreshed and updated to meet the needs of today’s sophisticated travellers in a fast-paced world.

With its winning combination of luxurious surroundings, contemporary facilities and warmly welcoming Thai hospitality, the Anantara Bophut Koh Samui experience is not to be missed.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced the groundbreaking of The St. Regis Jakarta in Indonesia’s dynamic capital. Set to open in 2016, the all-suite hotel brings the St. Regis brand’s enduring legacy of uncompromising luxury and sophisticated service to Jakarta, elevating the city’s ultra-luxury hospitality offerings in a mixed-use development.Located in Jakarta’s central business district along Jalan Gatot Subroto, near Jakarta’s Sudirman Central Business District and the Mega Kuningan area, the integrated 141,000 square metre development encompasses a 124 room hotel, a premium 47-story office tower, and a food and beverage and retail component. Designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, who also designed The St. Regis Mexico City, the development joins the architecture firm’s distinguished portfolio, which includes some of the tallest buildings and major urban landmarks around the world. The development will also feature the work of renowned New York interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud, and tropical urban landscape designer Bill Bensley, named by TIME Magazine as one of the top five hospitality designers worldwide.

The announcement is in partnership with the Rajawali Group, one of the largest investment companies in Indonesia. The agreement strengthens a 20-year strategic partnership between Rajawali and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide with The St. Regis Bali Resort, which has been named among the world’s best hotels by International Hotel Awards and named Asia’s Leading Luxury Resort by World Travel Awards 2011.

Adding to the hotel’s highly anticipated debut, the commercial office tower is poised to become the premium address for multi-national corporations, local conglomerates, and financial institutions, filling the void in international standard and grade-A commercial facilities. Upon completion, the office tower will be acquired by Singapore-based GIC as part of its real estate portfolio.

The opening of the St. Regis Jakarta will be the St. Regis brand’s second hotel in Indonesia, joining The St. Regis Bali Resort in Nusa Dua. The St. Regis will be Starwood’s fourth brand to open in Jakarta alongside Le Méridien, Sheraton and Luxury Collection and is part of an aggressive expansion plan in the city that will see the Aloft, W and Westin brands all debuting properties by 2016.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced the opening of The Westin Singapore, marking the brand’s return to Southeast Asia’s financial and lifestyle hub. As Singapore’s first-ever integrated hotel located within an office building, The Westin Singapore occupies levels 32 to 46 of the brand new Asia Square Tower 2 commercial development in Marina Bay, the heart of Singapore’s bustling financial district. The hotel enjoys a high profile status with the highest lobby in Singapore, while providing the premium Westin experience with signature amenities and services designed to inspire balance and well-being.

Located on the 32nd floor, the lobby features 11 meter tall floor-to-ceiling windows with plenty of natural light and expansive views of Marina Bay – a renewal experience for the senses. Guests are also greeted to a palette of harmonious nature-inspired colors, streamlined décor, and distinctive pendant lights designed to complement the cityscape, leaving guests feeling “on top of the world.”

Each of the hotel’s 305 guestrooms and suites, including Executive Club rooms, Sea View Suites, Harbor View Suites and a Presidential Suite, feature floor-to-ceiling windows, soothing tones and signature amenities that are designed to create an intuitive feeling of home, with all the conveniences and comfort to maintain a healthy balance of work and pleasure.

To further inspire well-being, The Westin Singapore offers an infinity pool with a stunning view over Singapore’s south coast; a WestinWORKOUT® fitness studio; the New Balance Gear Lending program, which provides guests with athletic shoes and apparel during their stay; and RunWESTIN™ with maps that feature 5-kilometer and 8-kilometer jogging/walking routes from the hotel.

Additionally, the Heavenly Spa by Westin™ provides six private treatment rooms and a range of facilities including a whirlpool and Steam Room, designed to indulge guests with rejuvenating treatments. The hotel also features the brand’s signature SuperFoodsRx™ menu, which includes nutrient-rich and delicious options made from ingredients that provide guests with the focused energy they need to meet the challenges of their day.

To help guests stay productive on the road, The Westin Singapore features thoughtful spaces designed especially for work. In addition to ergonomic in-room workspaces, the Westin Executive Club Lounge offers Executive Club guests an exclusive space to organize meetings with wireless high-speed Internet access and private meeting rooms.

Exuding a rich yet relaxed environment, the hotel’s state-of-the-art function facilities encompass 1,350 square meters of versatile meeting rooms, a pre-function area and a ballroom. The entire space is fitted with the latest in-meeting technology and high-speed Internet access for more productive off-site sessions. The space is also ideal for weddings, social galas and other business functions.

The Westin Singapore presents a variety of compelling epicurean experiences. On the 33rd floor, gastro-bar Cook & Brew offers classic bar favorites alongside local comfort food, and a meticulously curated list of fine wines and over 100 different types of beer from 17 countries. An Enomatic® wine system allows guests to sample their wines using a convenient stored-value card.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Seasonal Tastes, maintains five interactive kitchens for a truly personalized dining experience, complete with panoramic views of Singapore’s garden city. From breakfast to dinner, the buffets encompass a generous selection of classic international dishes, local favorites and wholesome choices. Additionally, the Lobby Lounge provides a cozy environment for afternoon tea or after-work business discussions, while Daily Treats, a gourmet market located on the ground floor, showcase unique food and beverages from around the world.

Ascend Hotel Collection from Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world’s largest hotel companies, adds Downtown Grand Las Vegas to its impressive list of upscale hotels. On October 27, a small group of guests wined, dined and gambled at the new hotel and casino. Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn and his wife Andrea showed their support by placing the first bets. On November 12, 2013, the hotel’s two towers and casino hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Mayor of Las Vegas and other local dignitaries, and on November 16, local residents and visitors continued the celebration with a street party “Downtown 3rd presents: Rock the Block” which included five diverse musical acts on 3rd street and inside the hotel.

This 634-room hotel is the largest member in the Ascend Hotel Collection, a network of one-of-a-kind upscale properties. Each Ascend hotel is a unique reflection of the distinct character of its host city, yet all offer the same high standards of hospitality and comfort. Downtown Grand Las Vegas Hotel and Casino does all that and more.

The guest rooms at Downtown Grand Las Vegas set an entirely new standard. All five room types – Deluxe, Premium, One-Bedroom Suite, City Suite and Grand Suite – offer spacious accommodations, high-definition flat screen televisions, presidential pillow top mattresses, luxurious bed linens, plush lounge chairs and stylish custom furnishings.

Should guests feel the need to wind up for a big day or wind down from a busy night, Downtown Grand Las Vegas has the perfect place for everyone, from the barfly to the cocktail connoisseur. At Art Bar, the staff invites guests to stay a little longer and enjoy craft drinks and light eats while exploring mini-art exhibits and collections from local artists. MOB Bar allows guests to enjoy a modern-day speakeasy featuring handcrafted cocktails and live music, while Ninth Island lets them embrace their inner child with a convenient indoor/outdoor counter serving authentic Hawaiian shave ice or grown-up daiquiris. Furnace, Downtown Grand Las Vegas’ casino bar, is perfect for guests who want to see and be seen in the center of the action.

Unlike the majority of Las Vegas hotels, Downtown Grand offers a wide variety of small, intimate dining options. Guests are sure to please their palate at one of many comfortable dining options including such notables as, Stewart + Ogden diner bistro, a three-meal restaurant featuring a menu designed by award-winning restaurateurs Elizabeth Blau and Kim Canteenwalla, Red Mansion Chinese Restaurant and Triple George Grill, an award-winning San Francisco-style steakhouse. For business travelers and special occasions, Downtown Grand Las Vegas also offers 2,500 square feet of indoor meeting space and 35,000 square feet of space at PICNIC, the urban rooftop pool retreat, to host perfectly executed corporate meetings, dazzling events and memorable weddings.

© 2013 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved.
SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.

HVS London, in association with Zolfo Cooper and AM:PM, has published its quarterly Hotel Bulletin, outlining the performance of the UK’s hotel sector.Findings show that regional performance in Q3 has been particularly strong, with all but two cities reviewed showing RevPAR (rooms revenue per available room) gains, with an average of 8% increases. This converts to a profit rise of 3% year-on-year.

“We are now confident enough to say that the recession in the UK’s hotel sector is effectively now over based on year on year growth to both revenue and profitability. Performance has been strong in the regions, with hotels in Aberdeen, Bath, Belfast and Edinburgh recording double digit RevPAR increases in Q3,” commented HVS London director Tim Smith.

“The most encouraging fact about regional performance is that improvements have been quite broad based, in contrast with pockets of good performance recorded in recent years.

“Performance in London is also positive, as while hotels have recorded a 3% decline in RevPAR, demand has grown at a greater rate than supply and it is only average rates that have failed to match the one-off levels seen during the Olympics.

“The key issue is that confidence has returned to the market, because trading and profits have risen. That confidence is shown by more bank debt available, more transactions and an improved trading situation at the hotels. Therefore, we are definitely out of the worst and in a period of recovery,” added Smith.

Rather than seeing tourist volume slump post Olympics, as other host cities have done, early signs are that the UK has benefitted from the worldwide exposure created by the Games with the number of overseas visitors stabilising, and then accelerating this summer.

In terms of new hotel openings in the UK, it is still budget hotels and limited service operations that are being favoured by developers, accounting for 67% of total new openings in Q3.