Hotel Designs

Wandsworth Group, the world’s leading design and manufacturing company of luxury electrical lighting accessories, has announced the launch of its Tronix range of intelligent lighting controls. Tronix is aimed at designers who want the latest lighting controls and automation but also demand the elegance and ‘front end’ design quality that Wandsworth delivers.Market research revealed a unique six issues that Tronix™ had to answer:

1. To provide lighting controls that worked consistently with dimming LED lights and no ‘flicker’. So, Tronix™ halogen dimmers can control most LED lamps and Tronix fluorescent dimmers can control single LED lamps and LED arrays. Plus, Tronix enables colour selection, cycling and sequencing for strip lighting within the overall package

2. To provide a ‘front end’ design aesthetic to match high-end luxury interiors schemes including largest range of finishes and designs. So, the entire Wandsworth range is available with Tronix ensuring the best combination of intelligence and beauty

3. To provide the largest range of retractive switches, toggles, bell push and multi-button plates. Wandsworth has now developed all its switches to operate the controls easily with added flexibitlity of look and feel.

4. To provide remote access via intelligent smart phone app. The iTronix app has been developed to control lighting from iPhone/Pad allowing users to change levels, set timed events, turn lights on at dusk or open the gates automatically as you approach the house for example

5. To lower the cost and complexity of the controls compared to other more complex solutions currently used. Tronix has been 100% British designed and built with new technology to drive down costs and deliver a modular approach to reduce costs and over-specification

6. Provide an in house pre-sales design service to help designers plan and configure lighting controls from simple rooms to large multi-room and projects. Our new team is on call to answer queries on lighting controls provide a free pre-sales service.

Adam Sherry, Managing Director commented, ‘Tronix has been launched to answer market demands to provide a unique combination of lower prices, ease of use and installation coupled with the most luxurious electrical accessories which we’ve been making in the UK since 1904. We’ve now added an upfront design and planning service to ensure customers receive the best controls intelligence and designs to fit in with the overall look and feel of the interiors.’

Edwardian Group London has announced the appointment of design firm Yabu Pushelberg for its new hotel development in London’s Leicester Square.The design firm will work with the hospitality group to develop a unique ‘Luxury Lifestyle’ concept for the recently consented scheme in the heart of London’s West End.

“Over many years we have built up our business, with a focus on London and the capital has been very good to us. My ambition has always been to build a new hotel in an iconic location benefiting not only our company and customers, but Londoners alike. We believe our Leicester Square development will achieve that,” says Jasminder Singh, CEO of Edwardian Group London.

“We see this project as transformational for the whole of Edwardian Group London, in that we intend to compete with the global stable of top lifestyle and business hotels with a bespoke brand and guest experience. The appointment of Yabu Pushelberg reinforces our professional design team and commitment to reaching ‘best in class’ for this new hotel. They will ensure our product stands out in a crowded market and will retain its value for our guests and the city for years to come.”

The hotel, which will revive the south west corner of Leicester Square, will have 360 guest rooms; a range of restaurant, lounge, and bar areas, as well as a ‘resort style’ spa and pool club.

It will sensitively reflect its location in the centre of Theatreland; with room views capturing the iconic streetscape of Westminster and Whitehall, the London Eye and a bird’s eye view of Nelson’s column in Trafalgar Square.

“We are very excited about the potential for this project and developing the brief given to us by Edwardian Group London. We have a real opportunity to tell stories through our design of this development, utterly reflecting its key position in London’s West End. Our hope is to create an environment that people won’t want to leave!” says designer Glenn Pushelberg.

The Edwardian Group London and Yabu Pushelberg partnership is for the duration of the Leicester Square hotel project and starts with immediate effect.

The official opening of Thomson’s sixth five star Sensatori Resort in Jamaica took place in April with a spectacular opening event. Located in one of the Caribbean’s most sought after postcodes and set on the beautiful seven mile beach in Negril, the luxurious hotel offers swim-up rooms, fine dining and tranquil massage huts on the beach.Sensatori Resort Jamaica, a property owned by Karisma Hotels & Resorts and operated for Thomson, remains true to its surroundings and retains its laid-back Caribbean feel, whilst providing contemporary accommodation.

With four restaurants and a Gourmet Inclusive dining programme, it offers unlimited food and drink around the clock. Other highlights include swim-up rooms with over-the-water daybeds, a laid back reggae lounge with an impressive collection of rum, plus everything else Thomson customers have come to expect from these beautiful hotels, such as great children’s facilities, sports and activities.

In an industry first, Thomson became the first UK holiday company to create a stunning water projection on the sea at Sensatori Resort Jamaica. A 3D projection of model Nadja Giramata enjoying the Sensatori Resort experience was broadcast onto the Caribbean Sea on Negril beach, to showcase the spectacular hotel features.

As an addition to the opening celebrations marking the opening of this much anticipated resort, Thomson teamed up with renowned British fashion designer, Jonathan Saunders, to create a range of limited edition beach wear for men and women. In an interior design first for Saunders, the fashion designer has also designed, accessorised and named the bespoke Amber pool and beach area.

Image credit: (c) Thomson

Leading UK shower designer and manufacturer, Roman, has introduced an elegant new range of 8mm thick glass Bath Screens to their Lumin8 range. The Lumin8 range incorporates a Frameless Bath Screen and a Frameless Hinged Bath Screen, which both present a very on-trend minimalistic look and will create a stylish feature in any bathroom. The Frameless Hinged Bath Screen features stylish chromed hinges for a designer look and the Frameless Bath Screen presents a truly minimalistic design.

Bath Screens continue to be a very popular choice as around 65% of UK bathrooms have showering facilities over the bath, due to the shrinking size of the UK bathroom and the growing popularity of multiple bathrooms in the family home. Many homes in the UK now have two or three bathrooms, which tend to be smaller and more compact as opposed to a spacious family bathroom. Due to this Bath Screens have increased in popularity as they are often specified for the main family bathroom to give an additional showering facility, which helps to overcome the morning rush to the shower.

Combi-boilers and higher pressure plumbing systems have now created a demand for power shower approved bath screens. The Lumin8 Bath Screens are power shower approved, incorporating a unique seal system, to present you with an indulgent showering experience which doesn’t compromise on style or performance, which can still be achieved over the bath. These truly offer the water integrity of a good Shower Enclosure.

The outward opening nature of the Lumin8 Bath Screens makes the bath easy to access for cleaning and it is practically designed to fit around your existing bathroom fixtures and fittings.

These stylish Bath Screens are 1500mm high, feature a bright silver frame and include 25mm of vertical adjustment in each profile for installation flexibility.

As with all Roman Enclosures and Bath Screens, the Lumin8 Bath Screens will be manufactured in the UK at the Roman Headquarters in the North East. The Bath Screens also incorporate Ultra Care pre-coated glass protection as standard, for easy cleaning and long lasting sparkle and clarity. For complete peace of mind when purchasing a Roman product, they also carry Roman’s service backed Truelife Lifetime Guarantee.

David Osborne, Managing Director of Roman, commented: “With Bath Screens still in great demand in the UK we are delighted to extend our large collection of over the bath showering solutions with our 8mm thick glass Lumin8 Bath Screens. Showering over the bath is not restricted to the price sensitive end of the market, but is important for all sectors. The Lumin8 Bath Screens are minimalist and stylish in their design, whilst also being extremely competitively priced. This further extends and enhances our unrivalled range of Bath Screens.”

The hotly anticipated Dirty Habit, previously Fifth Floor restaurant, has officially opened in the Hotel Palomar at 12 Fourth Street in San Francisco. Helmed by the Fifth Floor’s Chef David Bazirgan and Bar Manager Brian Means, the new bar-centric concept plays host to a vivid social scene and creative craft cocktail menu with an emphasis on rare brown spirits. In a prime location perched five floors above the streets of the developing high-tech start-up epicenter in SOMA, Dirty Habit serves as an intimate hideaway for locals seeking inventive offerings and a sociable dining atmosphere, both inside the restaurant and on the spacious, heated outdoor patio. Design and Atmosphere
Designed by Seattle-based Dawson Design Associates, Dirty Habit represents the “dark side” that comes out when the lights go down and the city comes to life. Stylish and provocative, Dirty Habit was inspired by “film noir” to create an atmosphere laced with danger and seduction. The space features concrete, exposed pipes, black steel, and a stone bar with dramatic black veins, juxtaposed by rich, warm wood, oriental rugs, and soft blends of purples, greens and greys. A focal point of the bar and restaurant is the fully-heated 50-seat outdoor patio with 10-foot long fire fixture, where guests can mix and mingle in a private hideaway off the main space. The indoor dining spaces accommodate up to 90 guests seated and 120 for a standing reception. Dirty Habit has also partnered with Los Angeles-based The Playlist Generation to curate a variety of music playlists that capture the restaurant and bar’s unique sonic identity.

Market-Driven Share Plates
Chef Bazirgan’s thoughtful menu focuses on social interaction and shareable small plates with gastro-inspired seasonal cuisine served with whimsical tableside flair, equally suited to happy hours and late night bites as to sit down dinners and drinks.

Private Dining
The perfect setting for intimate parties, dinners, and happy hours steeped in an air of mystery, the private dining rooms at Dirty Habit feature collapsible walls for flexible planning. Room names are inspired by the workers involved in the process of making whiskey, with names like Cooper, Blender, and Mashman, and can accommodate up to 150 guests. Partial and full buyouts are available.

Fashion-forward Uniforms with Designer Melissa Fleis
An innovative, exciting component of the new restaurant and bar is the fashion-forward, dramatic collection of staff uniforms designed exclusively for Dirty Habit by “Project Runway” finalist and San Francisco-based fashion designer, Melissa Fleis. As collaborator and style ambassador, Fleis created custom-design uniforms for Chef Bazirgan, Means and the restaurant, bar and kitchen staff, incorporating classic elements with a modern, “tech noir”-inspired twist. Fleis also designed a variety of accessories for the staff to pick from each day to complement their uniforms, including arm bands, necklaces and belts, and produced a comprehensive “Style Guide,” giving ideas and expert tips for staff on how to accessorize uniforms with their own pieces throughout the year. The Dirty Habit uniform collection by Melissa Fleis and brand partnership is a unique creative collaboration between a high-profile fashion figure and culinary team.

More images on page two…

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. will double its presence in Malaysia with a new agreement with AJ Resorts SDN BHD to open an ocean front Ritz-Carlton resort on the tropical island of Langkawi, Malaysia in 2015.The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, fringed by lush tropical rainforests, enjoys its own private cove and beach overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea on the island’s south west corner. Known as the Legendary Island and Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi has long been famed for its dive sites, beaches and relaxed local culture, offering a rich trove of memories for travellers.

The 132-room luxury resort, including 42 villas, sensitively blends in with its surroundings with design elements that reflect the traditional kampong village with interiors by Strickland and Burega Farnell.

The property offers a serene escape among the curated tropical gardens. The resort also offers a family-friendly escape with three swimming pools, including one specially created for children, and a specially-designed Ritz-Kids Club. The resort also serves as a base from which to explore curated authentic local experiences such as Pulau Payar marine national park.

Restaurants reflect the diversity of Asia including Malay, Chinese, Thai and Indian, mirroring the depth of Malaysian culture that can be found in Langkawi. Completing the dining experience are a French fine dining venue and an international beach grill.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa will offer signature treatments and rejuvenating experiences, including a hammam that will mark Langkawi as a new spa destination. The spa resort experience will be fully worthy of jet setting spa devotees seeking cultural life experiences that transcend wellness.

The resort also offers three dedicated event venues for small to medium sized events, including destination weddings and banquets seeking a venue in an idyllic natural paradise.

The FloorTwo Lounge, located on the 2nd floor of the Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva, is the perfect setting for both business lunches and informal meet ups. All through the day guests can enjoy the warm hospitality and the perfect service. The FloorTwo Lounge proposes a tasty and fine cuisine based on seasonal and local products combined with a panoramic view over the Lake Geneva.For the refurbishment of the FloorTwo Lounge, Baulmann Leuchten from Sundern produced these elegant ceiling luminaires according to the specifications given by the Interior designers from Living Design Sweden.

Besides the pure visual aspects, the custom-made luminaires from Baulmann also had to cover the positions of the former lamps and to adapt to the special ceiling-system in that area.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently announced the opening of its first EVEN™ Hotels property in Norwalk, Connecticut. Launched in 2012 and based in the US, EVEN Hotels is IHG’s newest lifestyle and wellness hotel brand. It is designed to meet the large and growing demand for wellness-minded travellers to maintain their balance on the road.The brand was developed as part of IHG’s extensive and industry-leading consumer insight and segmentation work. This has equipped IHG with a deep understanding of guest needs and the occasions they travel for allowing us to identify further opportunities for growth. It also reflects IHG’s commitment to innovation to ensure the ever changing needs of our guests are met. The announcement comes ahead of the opening of our first HUALUXE™ Hotels & Resorts, the first luxury international hotel brand designed specifically for the Chinese guest.

As at 31st March 2014, there were 4 other EVEN Hotels in the pipeline (excluding the Norwalk property). The pipeline includes two properties in midtown Manhattan; one in Brooklyn, New York; and one in Rockville, Maryland, which is expected to open before the end of Q2 2014. The brand’s key markets include the Tri-state area, the Washington, D.C. area, San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, Portland, Seattle and Los Angeles.

The EVEN brand gives travellers the tools and the encouragement to make healthier choices that impact every aspect of their personal wellness. This is something no other hotel brand does. The brand is focused on ensuring guests Eat Well, Rest Easy, Keep Active and Accomplish More:

Eat Well
 A Simple.Natural.Good. food and beverage promise
 A menu of freshly prepared menu items that guests can tailor based on their preference
 Healthy grab-and-go items with clear nutritional and ingredient labelling

Rest Easy
 Guestroom flow and designed to reduce clutter and promote relaxation
 A Premium Sleep System featuring natural eucalyptus linens offering a cooler sleep
 Adjustable LED mood lighting
 Revitalizing showers with all natural EO bath products

Keep Active
 An In-Room Training Zone workout using the EVEN Hotels Trainer
 Natural light filled three-zone Athletic Studio
 Spin and yoga classes help
 Regular General Manager-led morning community runs

Accomplish More
 Comfortable, ergonomically designed movable work spaces configured to integrate with their working preferences
 Fast and free Wi-Fi
 Easily accessible multi-media ports both in rooms and throughout common spaces
 Tablet-based digital programming
 40-inch HDTV.

Outside the hotel, EVEN Hotels supports the needs of travellers through wellwellwell.com, a website and go-to source for travellers, designed to help them travel well wherever they are on the road.

Hilton Southampton has recently refurbished their lounge bar areas with bespoke tables and stylish seating.RHA Furniture made the beautiful solid wood coffee and dining tables from their UK factory. All in solid wood with high quality Walnut laminate tops and solid wood lipping.

Custom made high back chairs and chesterfield sofas sit elegantly alongside a selection of popular Italian designs, including the stylish Albert-One SCL.

RHA have been supplying furniture to Hilton hotels for over 20 years now. Other recent projects include Hilton Warsaw, Hilton London Kensington and Hilton Astana.

Accor has announced it will open a 78 room hotel under its Mercure brand in Talbot Square, London. The hotel is situated in a prime location close to Hyde Park and Paddington Station (the main central London terminus for express trains to Heathrow Airport). Mercure London Hyde Park hotel will be operated under a franchise agreement with the property owner, London Town Hotels Group, which is extensively renovating the property ahead of its scheduled opening later this year. The new four star hotel will re-open under the Mercure hotel brand within the next four months. Mercure London Hyde Park will give the hotel brand a foothold in both Paddington and London’s iconic Hyde Park.

Accor and London Town Group already have a very successful partnership with Mercure London Paddington, Mercure London Kensington and Mercure Nottingham already trading with impressive results.

Koolesh Shah, Managing Director of London Town Hotels Group added, “Mercure is a strong global brand which perfectly complements and exemplifies London Town Hotels’ ethos of four star city centre hotels. I am keen to expand our four star offering within key city centre destinations and this deal achieves a part of this vision which will greatly benefit our customers. It is really exciting to build upon our flourishing relationship with Accor and the Mercure brand.”

Mercure prides itself in being the only 4-star hotel brand that combines the strength of an international network, with a strong quality commitment and individualised local touches. The Mercure London Hyde Park hotel joins a network of 74 Mercure hotels in the UK and 725 Mercure hotels worldwide.

Jonathan Sheard, SVP Operations Luxury, Upscale and Midscale Brands, Accor UK and Ireland said, “We are very happy to add another Mercure hotel to Accor’s expanding portfolio, especially since it represents the further growth of a successful franchise relationship with London Town Hotels. This deal is a clear reaffirmation that the Mercure brand can deliver great performance even in competitive markets like London.”

An awarding-winning brand deemed, “The Best Midscale Hotel Group” by the British Travel Awards 2013 and the Business Travel Awards 2014, Mercure continually proves its popularity to consumers and the business community.

Thomas Dubaere, Managing Director, Accor UK & Ireland concluded: “We’re pleased to see the Accor network growing in the UK and this announcement is especially good news for our midscale business. This is a clear demonstration that independent hotels continue to be attracted to Accor’s brands and the strength of our distribution services.”

The Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons, the first globally branded hotel in more than a decade to enter Ljubljana, is officially open as of the 18th June. Following an extensive renovation, the hotel features refreshed guest rooms, a new lobby/bar area and updated fitness centre. Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons is conveniently located 20 minutes from the national airport and 10 minutes from the old town of Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital. Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons features 114 guest rooms, including an all-day dining restaurant and bar. Ideal for corporate and social events, the hotel has 850 square meters of meeting and event space including a conference centre with six meeting rooms and a large banquet area that can accommodate more than 600 people. Hotel amenities include free Wi-Fi in all public areas and guest rooms, complimentary bottled water and weekly barbecues inspired by Balkan cuisine and American barbecue specialities – all at a great value. To make each stay a memorable experience, guests will be able to enjoy signature services including a Four ComfortTM bed, beer with Best BrewsTM and tasty bar snacks.

Following a conversion, comprehensive renovation and re-branding process, Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons is a strategic addition to the Four Points by Sheraton portfolio and is part of Starwood’s development plan to convert hotels throughout key locations across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Selfridge’s On The Roof with Q – an extraordinary dining experience brought to you by Des McDonald.

Alexander Waterworth Interiors inspired designs made real by Style Matters – bespoke furniture experts.

Stylish retro 70’s chairs, complementary bar stools centered around bespoke fixed seating in the rooftop conservatory setting.BESPOKE FURNITURE FROM STYLE MATTERS – THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR THIS REALLY UNIQUE SETTING

The Q collection is a blend of design and natural materials, which elevates the look above raw, new product. Robust and striking, yet with a fun and sophisticated character.

Alexander Waterworth wanted a 70’s retro buzz combined with an outdoor, rustic feel. They commissioned Style Matters to produce the furniture shown to achieve their objective 100%.

Meaning ‘a place of beauty’ the new Lowanna collection by Skopos evokes an exotic, tranquil and serene tone through 5 different printed designs. Including a splintered stripe, a multi-coloured Gingko leaf, a tribal diamond, a geometric and a dramatic 2 colour leaf, the designs have been developed to bring contract interiors to life in an uplifting palette. Providing ultimate flexibility, this printed collection, is offered on a variety of flame retardant base-cloths, including bedding weights, curtain options and a waterproof upholstery quality. With broad appeal the designs can be printed on perfect, fit for purpose fabrics, for each individual project.

This collection has a wide target market with designs that create a calm, tranquil tone, perfect for hotel interiors or an inspirational choice for Care.

Presented in the pattern book with the new Chamonix, Peru and Mezzanotte Accents collections, Lowanna provides a design statement for beautiful, enchanting interiors. Lowanna lead-times are short with small minimums.

Customer feedback prior to the official launch has been extremely positive.

Skopos is an ISO9001 accredited company and has over 35 year’s specialist experience in the design and manufacture of high performance FR contract fabrics for the healthcare and hospitality sectors.

The four-star Cedar Court Hotel, Wakefield is celebrating the completion of a major re-development plan which has seen its facilities modernised, with increased comfort and style for guests. In the latest stage of the £500,000 investment, which has previously seen the refurbishment and upgrading of 66 bedrooms and two of the hotel’s conference rooms, the lounge area has been extensively re-styled. Employing a palette of modern colours and trends, the hotel has created a versatile, contemporary space in which guests can enjoy casual dining as well as daily tea and coffee servings.

With the removal of a small meeting room providing easier access to the grounds at the rear of the property and an increased number of windows to both the front and back letting in more natural light, the new lounge layout is already a hit with both corporate visitors and guests enjoying a Yorkshire getaway with their families.

Beyond the physical transformation, Cedar Court Hotel, Wakefield is committed to forging further links with its locality and history – with the use of rhubarb in its menu one of many local connections promoted by the hotel.

Jonathan Pritchard, General Manager of Cedar Court Hotel, Wakefield commented:

“With numerous areas of the hotel already benefiting from improvements and re-design, it is fantastic to see the new lounge area now open and in use. Visitors have always enjoyed our high levels of customer care and now their stays will be further enhanced by these exciting changes”.

The development demonstrates the on-going commitment of Cedar Court Hotels, Yorkshire largest independent hotel collection, to ensuring all visitors receive the best of Yorkshire hospitality in hotels that are modern, well equipped and welcoming.

As the Moroccan city of Casablanca gears up for growth in tourism, its midscale and budget hotel segments remain undersupplied with demand continuing to exceed supply.

A new report from global hotel consultancy HVS outlines the fact that from 2006-2013 hotel supply in Casablanca grew at a compound rate of 6.6%, with both room and bed capacity expanding at a similar pace. Four- and five-star hotels make up over 50% of the total room capacity, leaving the economy segment, particularly branded budget hotels, under-represented. Demand for one- and three-star properties grew by over 15% from 2006-2013, while supply grew at less than 5%.

“The three-star segment in Casablanca has seen the fastest growth in terms of rooms capacity, of almost 12%, while the two-star segment makes up just under 7% of the total room capacity,” said report co-author Veronica Waldthausen, associate, HVS London.

“The situation is likely to improve somewhat as new supply comes on-stream, but there is still significant development opportunity in the economy sector in Casablanca,” she added.

Strong growth in tourism was experienced by the city in 2010 but this was hampered in 2011 as the Arab Spring affected the image of Northern Africa.
However, as a financial and economic hub rather than a prime leisure destination, Casablanca recovered at a faster pace than other destinations in Morocco.

Ambitious plans for the future, laid down in the country’s Vision 2020 project, include that of doubling tourism levels to 16-20 million by 2020.
Investment in the city’s infrastructure includes the construction of Casanearshore, with a hotel and office space for 100 multinational companies. Next year will see the completion of a 350km high-speed rail line from Casablanca to Tangier, the first of its kind in Africa. In addition the $500-million development of the waterfront into a luxury complex will include high-end retail space, a business centre, hotels and luxury apartments. Conference business has been further boosted by the opening of the 5,000-delegate Palais des Congres.

Report co-author Sophie Perret, director, HVS London, commented: “Overall, the outlook for Casablanca remains positive and growth in most hotel segments is expected. It is one of the most established countries in North Africa, and as such, the hotel sector should be able to reap the benefits from its stable image and close proximity to Europe.”

To download a copy of In Focus: Casablanca – A Look At Hotel Performance in the Economic Capital of Morocco, by Veronica Waldthausen and Sophie Perret click here.

Renaissance Hotels has announced its latest addition in France. The 110-room Renaissance Paris Hippodrome de St Cloud Hotel opened on 24 June 2014 and is located in the grounds of Paris’ most prestigious private leisure club, the Paris Country Club. Surrounded by lush green and tranquil countryside and just 15 minutes by car from downtown Paris, the hotel is also close to the St Cloud Hippodrome horse racing track and offers an ideal escape from city life.The country house style hotel has been designed to emulate the Paris Country Club’s traditional Normandy architecture with its timber and thatch frame. This is complemented by the Feng Shui inspired interior design by renowned French designer, Jean-Philippe Nuel who has created uncluttered, open spaces that are welcoming and inviting. The colour palette features natural cream and beige tones which complement the modern lighting, while the specially commissioned equestrian themed artwork and leather furnishings reflect the countryside surroundings.

In addition to the hippodrome, the hotel offers an abundance of activities, lending itself perfectly to both weekend escapes and business travel. Guests can play a round of golf on the 9-hole golf course or relax at the fitness centre and wellness area boasting outdoor pool, treatment cabins and steam room. The hotel also offers the Renaissance Hotels’ Navigator concierge programme which helps guests to discover local cultural experiences such as the Chateau de La Malmaison, a beautiful 18th century manor house, once the home of Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Joséphine.

Classic French dishes can be enjoyed at the hotel restaurant, ‘H’ – named in honour of the nearby hippodrome. Split into two different sections, guests can choose from a more formal dining experience or a relaxed, laid back ambience with comfortable seating and low tables. Signature dishes include lobster ravioli with vegetable minestrone and lobster salad with potatoes from the French island of Noirmoutier.

For meeting and events, the hotel offers six meeting spaces across 540 square metres, all with natural light and state-of-the-art technology. These can be combined with 12 meeting rooms at the Paris Country Club, increasing available meeting space to 2,600 square metres. For special events, the sun-kissed terraces or huge garden can host many different event types from cocktail parties to weddings.

Total renovation of the 105-room Hampton Inn & Suites Legacy Park-Frisco has been completed, announced Larry Daniels, Vice President/General Manager of HRI Lodging (HRIL), the hotel management firm previously retained by new owners Carey Watermark Investors Incorporated (CWI) earlier this year. The Dallas-area hotel is part of a five-hotel package that CWI purchased within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of brands. Following the acquisition of the Hampton Inn & Suites Legacy Park-Frisco, HRI Lodging and its construction affiliate completed the renovation program already underway, renewing all public areas of the hotel and its guestrooms.

All guestrooms were completely refurbished, with new carpet, furniture, wall coverings, vanities, artwork, closet doors and plumbing fixtures. Bedding in every guestroom was upgraded to Hampton Inn’s exclusive Cloud Nine® sleep package.

“Carey Watermark and HRI Lodging are committed to meeting the very highest standards of comfort and service for every guest of every hotel we operate,” said Daniels. “The extensive renovation of this property demonstrates that our two firms back their promises with actions that benefit every one of our guests and associates,” Daniels added.

The first phase of the renovation focused on the public areas to create Hampton Inn’s Perfect Mix® lobby concept. The initial effort also incorporated the Jump Start® fitness center and meeting rooms.

The Hampton Inn & Suite Legacy Park-Frisco is located in an affluent north Dallas neighborhood centrally located to shopping, sports venues, local businesses and corporations. The hotel offers free high-speed Internet access, a free hot breakfast and a complimentary manager’s reception including appetizers and beverages Monday through Wednesday evenings.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) has announced the signing of the first internationally branded hotel in Borjomi, Georgia: Crowne Plaza® Borjomi. The hotel will operate under a franchise agreement with Park Hotel LLC and will be managed by T&T Consulting. Set to open in 2015, the property will be converted from an existing building into an 84-room hotel featuring 16 club rooms, a spa and fitness studio, six meeting rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a fine dining restaurant and a cocktail lounge.

The Crowne Plaza® Resort will be situated in the heart of Borjomi, a picturesque Georgian spa and resort town well known for its artesian natural springs. Located on Baratshvili Street nearby Borjomi Parki Railway Station, the hotel is well placed to welcome both leisure and corporate travellers.

Aron Libinson, Associate Vice President of Development, Russia, CIS & Georgia commented: “We’re delighted and very proud to be the first international hotel company to develop a hotel in Borjomi. Georgia is a priority market for us and we will soon be opening our second hotel here and have another two in the pipeline. We look forward to working with Park Hotel LLC and continuing to grow our brands here.”

Oliver Thiele, Owner of T&T Consulting commented: “We’re thrilled to be opening the first internationally branded hotel here. The hotel’s world class spa and conference facilities are set to become a destination in their own right. Borjomi is a fantastic meeting and resort destination that perfectly balances business with pleasure and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming a great mix of guests when we open our doors next year.”

Lampshades come in all shapes, sizes and varieties, with sometimes exotic names, sometimes finished in exotic materials. They can be plain ‘drum’ or ‘coolie’ or perhaps drip with embroidered beads. They can be strictly functional or match the designers’ wildest dreams (and possible the housekeepers worst nightmares…). Whatever it is then the workshops of A Shade Above in Portslade in England’s sunny south coast can produce them to your specification.Unknown to the many holiday makers in Brighton a hop skip and a jump along the sea front, Portslade is the industrial zone that edges Shoreham harbour and helps keep the economy of this area alive with manufacturing, an alternative to the tourist and education industries that otherwise dominate. The workshops and studio of A Shade Above are housed in an unromantic industrial building with their design offices and workrooms. Alongside is their own small photographic studio as well as the manufacturing and despatch areas. With sensitive development plans underway some areas were off limits for photography, but I was none-the-less fascinated by watching the skilled staff manufacturing their latest designer orders.

A family business, the company has been making lampshades for nearly 30 years and has built up a considerable repertoire of shapes and sizes alongside their manufacturing expertise. The company have supplied the grandest of British and European hotels including the Dorchester and Claridge’s in London as well as to projects such as The Royal Opera House, restaurants, clubs, pubs, luxury developments, superyachts and National Trust properties.

The Ritz-Carlton flag has officially been raised in Tenerife, Spain, marking the re-naming of one of the island’s unforgettable luxury resorts. Abama Golf & Spa Resort has been managed by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company since 2007 and has been officially re-named The Ritz-Carlton, Abama. As The Ritz-Carlton continues to forge ahead with significant global growth and awareness of the iconic luxury brand, the renaming of the luxury resort is very timely.The resort will undergo a guest room renovation and later this year, the addition of the signature Ritz-Carlton Club services. The Ritz-Carlton Club offers guests an exclusive secluded haven within the resort and will be located on the 10th floor. The personal service provided by The Club’s Concierge team will deliver a curated guest experience to ensure an unforgettable stay in Tenerife. The spacious Club Lounge will have panoramic views over the golf course and iconic Teide Mountain and an outdoor terrace to enjoy the Canary Islands’ year round temperate climate.

In addition, the brand’s unique, fun and experiential children’s programme ‘Ritz Kids’ is launching at the family-friendly resort. The Ritz Kids signature program will go live this summer at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama. The menu of activities was developed with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society to provide interactive learning experiences based on four pillars of Land, Water, Culture and Environment. Activities are now available at the resort on a daily basis for children between the ages of 4 and 12 years old.

The team at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama will continue in their efforts to contribute to the local community through the ‘Succeed Through Service’ initiative as part of The Ritz-Carlton Community Footprints, environmental and social responsibility platform. In a partnership with a local school, the ladies and gentlemen of the hotel are involved in this skills based mentoring program to engage and inspire young students.

The destination resort is located on the Guía de Isora coast of Tenerife, the island of “Eternal Spring” set in an exuberant natural paradise with views over the Atlantic Ocean. The Ritz-Carlton, Abama is a fascinating destination for both couples and families, with Michelin starred dining experiences, golf and tennis available onsite and close to whale watching in the Atlantic and star gazing at the nearby Teide National Park.

Global operator, Aparthotel Adagio, the European leader in aparthotels, has announced the signing of a new property in Edinburgh. The 146-apartment property is due to open early 2017 as part of New Waverly the former Caltongate area at the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.With frontages onto both the Royal Mile and the Canongate, the design of the four-storey aparthotel will reflect its setting, sensitively designed to integrate with the style of the area. Built behind an existing façade facing onto the Royal Mile, the aparthotel links to the Canongate and a new public square using a newly created pedestrian walkway inspired by the Old Town’s historic “Wynds”.

The £150 million development, undertaken by Artisan Real Estate Investors, is to create a brand new city centre district for Edinburgh called New Waverley – a name reflecting both the area’s rich cultural heritage and its proximity to the Waverley Valley and capital’s main railway station.

The Adagio aparthotel will form an integral part of the new £6.5 million public square at the heart of the New Waverly development. The square will feature cafes, restaurants and shops and will welcome guests to the city and Edinburgh residents.

Adagio’s innovative aparthotel concept has been successfully rolled-out across Europe and is now being applied to some of the UK’s premier city-centre destinations, following the UK launch in Liverpool in April 2013. It is aimed primarily at long-stay visitors and provides hotel services and fully-furnished studios and one and two-bedroom apartments, complete with kitchens and bathrooms, to provide high quality self-catering accommodation. Aparthotels Adagio has a proven track-record of sensitive historic developments, following the successful launch of Adagio Liverpool in the city’s iconic Lewis’ Building, a building known and loved by generations of Liverpudlians.

Commenting on the opening in Edinburgh, Vangelis Porikis, Aparthotels Adagio Director, Central & Northern Europe, said: “The Aparthotel Adagio offers an innovative solution for urban tourism and one we are particularly excited to launch in Edinburgh, a fantastic city of history, culture, business and thriving tourism. Aparthotels Adagio represent a travel concept for “city breakers” that is smart, economical and immersed in the heart of the city. We are working hard with Artisan to ensure our new aparthotel is itself immersed in the history and culture of the city and gives our guests a base from which to enjoy this fantastic city and surrounding area.”

Welcoming the Adagio 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 Adagio’s stature and pedigree has chosen to invest in the city.

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

Commenting on the Adagio concept, Porikis added: ““Today’s new generation of tourist is looking to stay in a convivial and comfortable space that offers hotel services, amenities and 24-hour reception plus all of the facilities people need in order to be self-sufficient – an equipped kitchen, Internet connection. Travellers want all this in the heart of Europe’s finest cities and we’re thrilled to bring this concept to Edinburgh, a city of great culture and personality.”

Adagio is an exciting and integral part of the new development. New Waverley’s design will retain many facets of the area’s unique Old Town setting to preserve the historic character of the development – including the retention of the Canongate Venture building and the façade of the Old Sailor’s Ark. The Jeffrey Street arches are set to be opened up as small, individual ‘artisan’ units and historic views of Calton Hill from the Royal Mile will be preserved.

The Edinburgh announcement follows further international growth, with seven Aparthotels Adagio opening in Brazil this year and openings in Italy and Russia towards the end of 2013. Continued expansion is planned across EMEA throughout 2014. Aparthotels Adagio now has 100 properties in eight countries.

Global Hotel Alliance (“GHA”) has announced California-based Meritage Collection as its latest member brand, bringing its presence in the United States to 60 hotels, making it GHA’s largest single market, both in terms of hotel coverage and its significant customer base.Meritage Collection is a life and style collection from Pacific Hospitality Group and includes four distinctive properties in legendary California destinations: The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley, Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara, Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach and Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa in La Jolla.

Chris Hartley, GHA’s CEO, is excited about extending the alliance’s footprint in the United States: “California is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and we’ve now got four more amazing hotels for our 4.5 million customers to choose from. Our loyalty programme, GHA Discovery, is all about creating local experiences; and with world-class golf, wine-country and the unique pacific coast all nearby, these hotels offer exactly the sort of amazing experiences that our customers are looking for, and so further enrich our offering.”

Steve Arnold, president of Pacific Hospitality Group, feels that GHA membership will provide his hotels a window to the world: “California is not just about attracting the US market, we want and need to reach a global audience, and it’s difficult to do that cost-effectively, being a small and young brand. Through GHA, our hotels are immediately going to be in front of the customers of all the other alliance brands. But most importantly, now that we share a common technology platform with all these other hotels, we’ll be able to recognize and reward these customers when they stay with us, and make them feel immediately part of the Meritage Collection family”.

Meritage Collection is set to become a full GHA member brand upon the completion of its integration in the coming months

Further to the news that Ilya Pukhaev has joined Chelsom as their exclusive Russian agent, the international Chelsom expansion continues with the appointment of Roberto Granda as their official representative for the United Arab Emirates.Roberto has an extensive background within both the hospitality and contract furnishings market spanning 18 years, the last 8 of which he has spent in the Middle East mainly as part of the team at Richmond Enterprises, an FF&E company based in Dubai covering the Middle Eastern market for a number of European contract companies. The new appointment accompanies a significant growth period for Chelsom within the UAE and a series of high profile hospitality projects including Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa, Sheraton Creek Dubai, Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Langham Seaview Club Dubai.

Roberto brings with him an impressive knowledge of the international hospitality marketplace where he has specialised in implementing successful sales networks, in particular across the UAE with his recent portfolio including exclusive projects such as Royal Mirage, Ritz Carlton in Dubai, Yas Rotana in Abu Dhabi and Novotel in Makkah. Roberto says “I am extremely pleased to be joining the Chelsom team and to be adding lighting to my contract knowledge. During my career in the hospitality marketplace I have understood that providing first class client service is paramount to any business relationship. I want to add that first class service to Chelsom’s ever growing reputation for superior design and quality out here in the UAE. Having had a preview of the 2014 collection I am even more excited about working with one of the leading global hospitality lighting suppliers.”

Sales Director Philip Macaulay said: “We are delighted that Roberto has accepted the position of Chelsom’s principal representative for the UAE. He may be new to the lighting industry but is extremely knowledgeable about the worldwide contract furnishings sector, and in particular the UAE marketplace and I am sure he will be extremely successful in this role. He is certainly joining us at what is pivotal time for the company with a rebrand and the launch of our new collection weeks away and a number of significant projects in production across the UAE.”

KH ZERO 6 is the latest addition to leading designer Kelly Hoppen MBE’s brassware collection for Crosswater. Known for her signature cool, contemporary look, the renowned interior designer has created another beautifully minimalist range that combines linear designs with gentle curves.Launched June 1st 2014, Kelly Hoppen MBE, who has designed five exclusive ranges for Crosswater, has fashioned three pieces in this latest KH Zero 6 collection – a monobloc basin filler, a two hole bath filler and a bath shower mixer complete with a sleek pencil handset. All feature a flat topped spout finished with a sleek slimline handle.

“The entire KH ZERO collection presents retailers with the opportunity to attract consumers who appreciate the importance of individual style and the creative input of an increasingly renowned designer,” said David Hance, Group Chairman for the Crosswater Group which includes Crosswater’s brassware and showers, Bauhaus bathroom furniture and Simpsons enclosures.

“The Crosswater Kelly Hoppen MBE collection has been an overwhelming success along with a number of new products from our sister brands. The total package of compelling design from Crosswater that runs right through our ranges has played an important part in our continued success.”

There are a lot of potentially great artists; especially in Africa who, due to a lack of opportunities, help and support, have remained undiscovered. Africa generally has been under-represented on the Art scene, as witnessed by the little to no space occupied by African art on the international sales circuit.However, the richness and authenticity of African art can neither be denied nor ignored. The past few years have ushered in a new interest in African art by collectors from all over the world.

With the new-found appetite of collectors for the refreshing uniqueness of African art and the creativity of the artists being at an all-time high, it seems that a revolution is about to take place in the history of African art. With Mille Arts right there at the centre of latest developments, passionately championing the cause of African arts, one thing is inadvertent: The future is bright for Mille Arts!

JOI-Design has recently renovated the public areas of the Hotel Landhaus Wachtelhof, a fivestar superior hotel nestled amongst green forests, flowing rivers and wild meadows in the heart of the German state, Niedersachsen.A modern-day castle originally constructed in the 1980s, for over a quarter of a century this family-run grand hotel close to the hub of Rotenburg has been warmly welcoming guests with its personalised and sophisticated touch. Now it presents itself in a new light, with every nook inviting guests to feel at home within the luxurious and exquisitely comfortable and setting.

The picturesque landscape, the quails which inspired the namesake of this country estate and the provenance of its site – a former tannery – all influenced the designer’s concept for the new interiors. An intricate tapestry of the traditional and the modern translates the quiet beauty of the surrounding forests with a meticulous attention to detail.

The bright, open lobby and reception form a welcoming area for guests to gather and ‘kick back’ in comfort. A calm palette of warm earthy hues and finely textured surfaces evokes the hotel’s pastoral locale and sets the mood – here is a place intended for relaxed enjoyment away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Smart new sofas, club chairs and poufs accommodate guests varied seating preferences and are complemented by occasional tables fashioned from burnished metal tops and tinted glass bases, all of which are placed on strié carpeting with delicate tone-on-tone floral motifs.

A fireside bar located between the lobby and restaurant has at its heart an impressive rustic stone fireplace with logs stacked below and sumptuous armchairs arranged in readiness for cosy indoor evenings. Accent lighting from tall floor lamps and artfully arranged candles adds to the inviting ambience.

The restaurant ‘Die Wachtelei’, or ‘The Quail Egg’, is an attractive light-filled space serving seasonal cuisine with regional accents that draws gourmands from near and far. The designers have refreshed the décor, transforming the restaurant into a stylish dining room with contemporary furnishings chosen to complement the classic interior style. Modern glass lamps reflect the shimmering sunlight, while artwork that alludes to the destination’s avian muse and woodlands encourages diners to linger over a leisurely meal.

Leading UK shower designer and manufacturer, Roman, are proud to announce they have become a member of the British Contract Furnishing Association (BCFA). Roman has joined the BCFA, which is a global business association for the contract furnishing industry, covering the full spectrum of interior products and services. Its members include leading manufacturers, suppliers and designers of furnishing services for commercial buildings throughout the UK and in many world markets.

David Osborne, Managing Director of Roman, commented: “We are very happy to announce that we are now a member of the BCFA. We joined this active association to have the opportunity to network with the furniture and commercial interiors industry and receive valuable advice and information. We look forward to the future meetings and events and hope membership of the BCFA brings a real benefit to Roman and to the association.”

Dominvs Hospitality, the Hospitality arm of the Dominvs Group, has announced the opening of its Holiday Inn Dumfries Hotel.

The hotel is the second Holiday Inn branded hotel in the Dominvs Hospitality portfolio, the first being that of their Open Lobby Holiday Inn Darlington North. With its location a mere mile away from the Dumfries Town Centre and on the doorstep of the picturesque 100 acre Crichton Estate, Holiday Inn Dumfries offers its guests 71 spacious guest rooms; conference and event facilities, making it a perfect choice for leisure and business users alike.

The Holiday Inn brand offers today’s business and leisure traveller’s dependability, friendly service and modern attractive facilities at excellent value. The Holiday Inn Dumfries.

Mel Darwell, General Manager at Holiday Inn Dumfries says: “The Holiday Inn brand is one of the world’s most recognised hotel brands with a global reputation for service, comfort and value. These are the 3 core foundations that our hotel team strive for, focus on, and continually deliver”.

The hew Holiday Inn Dumfries will offer a casual, unpretentious space designed to make everyone feel welcome whether travelling alone or with a group, with kids or with colleagues.

The Holiday Inn Dumfries opened to the public on Monday the 16th of June 2014.

Hilton Worldwide has announced that Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort will open on Wednesday, July 2, 2014. Managed by Hilton Worldwide and owned by Orix Real Estate Corporation, the nine-story Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort will be the 11th Hilton Worldwide property in Japan. Ideally located next to the popular Mihama Town Resort American Village, one of the Okinawa’s largest entertainment, retail and dining precincts, most of Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort’s 346 contemporary rooms offer stunning ocean views. Guests at the resort can engage in the many nearby local marine and leisure activities including snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing, or indulge in a movie, a game of bowling or shopping. Major attractions such as Naha city, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and a number of World Heritage sites are easily accessible from this central Chatan location.

Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort will offer a wide range of facilities including three swimming pools – a lagoon pool that incorporates a baby and children’s pool with two fun waterslides, a pool featuring a cascading waterfall and bar where guests can enjoy a refreshing drink or a light snack as well as a 17-meter heated indoor pool.

Guests can look forward to enjoying traditional Okinawan cuisine made with local ingredients at the SHINKA restaurant and authentic Italian cuisine at CORRENTE. The MAHRU lobby lounge, with its relaxed atmosphere, offers a tempting array of light refreshments and a range of fine cocktails.

For meetings and events, the hotel’s 450 square meter Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 400 guests and is ideal for special occasions or large conferences. Five other function rooms provide versatile options for varying events and occasions. In addition the hotel also offers a 24-hour fitness centre as well as a spa.

Making installing wall-mounted sanitaryware a quick and simple process, Laufen has launched EasyFit, a revolutionary new wall fixation systems for WCs.The invisible, easy to mount system reduces installation time while enabling fitters to fix the WC securely to the wall, resulting in a clean, flawless finish.

Laufen’s Easyfit system, which has a patent pending, uses plastic cylinders and bayonet fittings which enable the pipes to be simply pushed together, making connecting the plumbing work a really quick and easy task. The connections are simply inserted into the wall fixation and tightened.

The installation process is virtually self-explanatory, with no lengthy or complicated instructions to follow, saving installers valuable time and effort.

Hidden fixings for wall-mounted WCs are not only visually appealing, but they have hygiene benefits too, as with no protective covers, the smooth ceramic surface can be effortlessly wiped clean, with nowhere for dirt and bacteria to hide.

Laufen’s EasyFit system can now be used to fit many of its WCs, including the new rectangular wall-hung WC from the Laufen Pro S series.

Renaissance Hotels has announced the opening of the Renaissance Minsk Hotel, representing the first Marriott International hotel to open in Belarus. Centrally located in Minsk’s thriving business district, the modern new hotel is a short walking distance to the city’s cultural treasures including the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre. The hotel is operated by an affiliate of U.S. based Interstate Hotels & Resorts.The 267 comfortably appointed guestrooms, many with balconies overlooking the city, are elegantly designed with wood floors and panelling, and a neutral colour palette of cream and beige. Modern lighting and leather furniture complete a contemporary and sophisticated look. The spacious Penthouse Suite offers two bedrooms, a living room and a private terrace whilst the luxurious Presidential Suite features a kitchen, a private dining area and a Jacuzzi.

Welcoming public areas offer comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi and areas to work and socialise alongside two dining options: the “Arborea” restaurant and the Lobby Bar, which serve a variety of European, Belarusian and signature dishes. Additional facilities include a state-of-the art fitness centre with indoor pool, and a spa featuring Russian and Finnish saunas. Meetings and special events may be hosted in any of the ten spacious meeting rooms which offer 940 square metres of space, or the hotel’s expansive Grand Ballroom, which is the largest in the city.

Renaissance Hotels’ onsite Navigators are on hand to help guests discover the best of Minsk including bars, restaurants and historical sites such as Troitsky Suburb, an old town rebuilt in 19th century style on the Svisloch River.

There’s a series of famous scenes in the iconic Sofia Coppola movie Lost in Translation where Bill Murray – playing a sell-out actor Bob Harris – and Scarlett Johansson – playing young philosophy graduate Charlotte – bump into each other in various parts of a large, luxury Tokyo hotel. Suffering from acute jetlag, the characters meet by chance in the small hours of the morning outside the hotel’s plush swimming pool and its beautiful sky bar. It’s the perfect illustration of the challenge facing hoteliers today; namely, hotels are buildings that never sleep.The Money
It sounds romantic, and to an extent it is. However, ensuring an ‘always-on’ building like a hotel is adequately lit 24/7/365 can be an expensive undertaking. Statistics published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change show that across a broad selection of non-domestic applications, lighting represents on average 21 per cent of a building’s total energy consumption. That’s a lot of energy, and with UK power prices on the rise, it’s also potentially plenty of pound coins.

For hotels across the country that are trying to light a range of different types of space – bars, bedrooms, bathrooms, restaurants, bars, stairwells – cost effectively, combining LED lighting with the MK LED Dimmer can significantly reduce energy bills. However, not all hotels have yet embraced LED lighting, much less LED dimming. With energy prices at such high levels, now is the perfect time for hotels to take the plunge.

The Ambience
Hotels pride themselves on creating an ambience that embodies their brand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A sleek, white, minimalist reception area with flat screen TVs and built-in check in terminals. A grand, imposing mahogany and brass lobby with wood panelled walls and luxurious leather armchairs. But décor aside, lighting is arguably the most important tool for creating – or indeed ruining – ambience. Low lights in the honeymoon suite, bright lights in the stairwells, soft lights in the bar. Visually impactful, sure, but hotels must have the right technology to make it happen.

Again, that’s why an essential investment for hotels is the MK Elements LED dimmer; taken from Honeywell’s design-led Elements Collection of wiring accessories. These products are aesthetically stylish in addition to allowing hospitality professionals to adjust light levels to achieve the perfect ambience for their target guests. Examples include a warm and intimate for a candle-lit dinner in the dining room or a lobby bathed in bright, bold light as guests check in or check out. LED dimming allows hoteliers to achieve these high-impact aesthetic and lighting effects without spending a fortune on inefficient bulbs and missing out on the energy savings offered by LED lighting. No compromises.

An exciting innovation for hoteliers is the emergence of wireless, batteryless and self-powered light switches and controls which use ambient energy in the room to operate. This is particularly useful when it comes to serving multi-purpose spaces like conference or function rooms. Normally hoteliers would need to compromise between unsightly extension cables or extended wiring and having the space poorly lit during certain usage calibrations. With Echo, a light switch can be added just about anywhere without damaging any aesthetic impact. Indeed, with the Elements Collection frontplates, Echo can actually add to the overall ambience. It is also capable of driving significant energy savings.

Another way hoteliers can rise to the challenge of using lighting to create ambience in different ways across different parts of their building is investing in a wireless lighting control system. MK astral™ , the advanced lighting system from MK Electric, brings out the best in your environment and is the ideal lighting control solution if you are looking to enhance the ambience and atmosphere in any room or residence. It works with a smart interface that allows guests and staff to control lights via the simplicity and intuitiveness of the iPod, iPod touch and iPhone with a new application which is free to download.

The power of lighting
In summary, hotels – in some ways, more than any other type of building – must provide services for their guests hour after hour, day after day, month after month. This puts incredible strain on lighting, both in terms of managing energy efficiency to keep bills low and in creating and sustaining an appropriate ambience. Investing in LED dimming and lighting controls from a trusted manufacturer is one of the best decisions hoteliers can make.

Brintons has redefined the detail and colour that can be woven into carpet having engineered a unique specification of loom, that can weave up to 32 colours at any one time. Photorealistic, three-dimensional definition is now achievable as well as infinite design possibilities and greater service flexibility.Brintons celebrates its extraordinary High Definition Weave capability with an exciting range of new collections. Each of the new High Definition Weave collections features a mix of broadloom designs and much larger one-off concepts, which can be rescaled to suit individual projects. Whichever direction you choose our design team can work with you to creatively and cohesively adapt the concepts to distinctive commercial spaces

Developed by Brinton’s global design team, the collection draws inspiration from all regions of the world. The collection is divided into four design chapters with a style to suit every discerning client and inspire designers for years to come.

The designs are complex and diverse. For the first time, Brintons’ patented High Definition Weave technology is fully realized in these inspirational designs weaving up to 32 colours and creating stunning effects.

The four chapters in the collection draw on inspiration from all walks of life:

Expressions are interpretations of a life less ordinary, an eclectic mix inspired by what we feel as much as what we see.

New Classics sees traditional fabrics and motifs juxtaposed through progressive reinterpretations.

Skulduggery is a melting pot of graphical styles screaming with metallic, edgy, hedonistic designs each telling its own story.

Zuzunaga, the latest from Cristian Zuzunaga, features squared, pixel-based designs and brightly coloured palettes of contrasting colours evident in weaving and wool dying dating back centuries.

The Regent Porto Montenegro Hotel and Residences, the newest member of The Regent Hotels & Resorts collection, will be welcoming guests for the first time on the coast of the Adriatic Sea this summer. With rooms starting from €250 (aprox. £200) per night, the highly anticipated hotel will feature 35 hotel rooms and 51 one to three-bedroom residences as well as three on-site restaurants and a signature spa catering to the needs of affluent travellers from around the world.The Regent Porto Montenegro is the first Regent property to encompass not only hotel rooms but luxury residences featuring up to three bedrooms. Designed to evoke the feeling of being on a luxury ship, the accommodation is a tribute to the hotel`s location in the heart of Porto Montenegro. The establishment’s masterpiece, however, is The Regent Residence offering the ultimate in luxury living. Owners can enjoy 402 Sqm of indoor space and 200 Sqm of terrace space as well as three bedrooms all with king-sized beds, a fully equipped kitchen, spacious dining and living rooms, a study, four bathrooms, not to mention unrivalled panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor and a private outdoor Jacuzzi.

Aside from the abundance of dining options in the nearby Village, The Regent Porto Montenegro will feature a selection of restaurants onsite. The Gourmet Corner, a quintessential patisserie and deli, will offer guests a range of light bites made from organic ingredients. Alternatively, guests can enjoy Mediterranean and Asian-inspired tapas at The Library Bar or try the Regent signature tea in the afternoon. An evening at the elegant Regent Lounge provides a selection of premier cru and grand cru Champagnes, cognacs and the finest Scotch whiskies, which can be enjoyed in the exclusive Cigar Lounge.

The Signature Regent Spa maintains a holistic approach to rejuvenation, providing wellness offerings from ancient traditions from around the world, as well as modern equipment to nurture the mind and body. The Regent Spa also features four individual treatment rooms, relaxation rooms, a hammam and a juice bar. The indoor pool, which is directly connected to the Regent Spa for extra privacy and convenience, connects to the 20-metre infinity-edge outdoor pool with magnificent views of the marina. Additionally, the hotel is enhanced with a private beach which is for the exclusive use of Regent Porto Montenegro guests and solely accessible by boat.

The picturesque surroundings of The Regent Porto Montenegro make it the perfect venue for various functions and events. The Ballroom Teodo with its pool deck, Salon Boka, two foyers and the Regent Lounge can accommodate up to 200 guests, accommodating large and small events.

Speaking of the forthcoming opening, the hotel’s General Manager, Michael Posch said, “The opening of The Regent Porto Montenegro and its introduction of residences into a hotel concept is undoubtedly exciting, especially in an area where tourism has just begun to pick up.” He continues by adding, “We are confident that our magnificent accommodation and bespoke Regent services, along with the sheer beauty of this region, will make a tremendous impact in the area”.

Officially launched during Clerkenwell Design Week, the new Morgan London showroom is a stunning gallery style space with double height curved glazing that fronts no. 1 Dallington Street, Clerkenwell, London.A highly respected and long-established brand for the hospitality sector, Morgan furniture collections are ideally suited to the developing workplace culture – one of the many strategic reasons for choosing to establish a base in Clerkenwell. The company offers a fresh approach to workplace using comfortable, boutique hotel design.

The brief for the design of the new showroom was to create a space that was welcoming for customers to meet and also for use as an event venue and exhibition space. This was successfully put to the test during Clerkenwell Design Week when hundreds of visitors, customers and partners dropped by; visitors ranged from event-goers who wandered in to relax in a comfortable chair with a coffee, through to busy designers who were keen to meet the new Morgan Clerkenwell team and see the latest furniture launches.

The 2500sq ft of office and display space, including a mezzanine level with views down onto the main showroom floor, proved to be a fabulous venue for an evening drinks party when guests officially helped Morgan to warm their new London home.

With a striking appearance, the showroom exterior references Art Deco architecture. The curved façade features large windows of glass bricks alongside new clear glazed panels and door that now proudly carry the Morgan logo.

Previously a photograher’s studio, the showroom refurbishment balances three elements: clean contemporary lines, existing industrial features and beautiful craftsmanship. Douglas Fir was selected for the solid wood flooring and, for a contemporary twist, has been finished with clean white soap. Functional lighting has been combined with feature lighting, including statement Butterfly pendant lights from British designer Tom Raffield, which hang above the new product showcase area just inside the entrance. A new collaboration with London-based design practice Craig Jones + Partners was on display here for the launch called Tokyo. This striking collection of lounge chairs with a layered design effect is currently under development for future production at the Morgan Hampshire-based factory.

Among the many products on display are Brompton and Pimlico, the two latest seating collections from Morgan to be awarded Design Guild Marks for 2014.

Marriott International, (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced plans to significantly grow its global portfolio of luxury and lifestyle brands. Accounting for nearly 25 percent of the company’s system-wide pipeline, Marriott expects to add more than 200 luxury and lifestyle hotel projects over the next several years, reflecting over $15 billion of investment by the company’s owners and franchisees.“The luxury and lifestyle category is stronger than ever and we see demand continuing to rise worldwide,” said Arne Sorenson, president and CEO. “Next generation travelers are poised to comprise more than 60 percent of our business over the next four years, and already represent a broad spectrum of diverse cultures and lifestyles that view travel as an important way to enrich their lives. Our approach to the luxury and lifestyle segment embraces this trend and is shaping our development strategy.”

“The company’s current luxury and lifestyle portfolio totals 449 hotels across eight brands, each offering its own unique personality and distinctive guest experience. We have put the power of Marriott behind the growth of iconic brands such as The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, as well as newer brands including EDITION, Autograph Collection and AC Hotels by Marriott. At the same time, the company continues to introduce new brands such as Moxy Hotels, and continues to evolve its Renaissance Hotels brand globally. We are delighted with the success of these tremendous brands, part of our aggressive strategy to lead in the luxury and lifestyle category.”

The breadth of the company’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio is largely represented by the following brands globally:

The Ritz-Carlton opened six properties in 2013, including hotels in Chengdu and Tianjin in China; Aruba; Herzliya, Israel; Almaty, Kazakhstan and Bangalore, India. Most recently, The Ritz-Carlton opened its first hotel in the U.S. since 2010 with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage in Palm Springs, California. Growth plans call for 15 additional hotels between now and by year-end 2016 including in Nanjing, China; Rabat, Morocco; Cairo, Egypt; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Los Cabos, Mexico; Tunis, Tunisia; Haikou, China; Panama City, Panama; Bali, Indonesia and Macao.

Through an acclaimed partnership with legendary hotelier Ian Schrager, EDITION hotels are stunning microcosms of the world’s top cities. EDITION combines the best in service, food, beverage and entertainment which Ian Schrager is known for with the global reach and operational expertise of Marriott International. Following the highly successful debut of The London EDITION last September, the brand is on target to open in Miami Beach this fall and will debut in New York City’s landmark Clock Tower building in the spring of 2015. Future hotels are also planned for Abu Dhabi (2015), Gurgaon, India (2015), Sanya, China (2015), Bangkok (2016) and West Hollywood (2017), as well as the recently announced Times Square EDITION in New York City (2017).

JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts will debut in Italy in early 2015 on the private island of Sacca Sessola, a short boat ride from the stunning city of Venice. In addition, the brand is on schedule to open 23 new hotels in the next two years, growing from 64 to 87 hotels in 29 countries by the end of 2016. Centered in the idea of well-being, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts offers a collection of partnerships with leading luxury brands in nutrition, culinary, art, culture, and wellness as part of the brand’s commitment to delivering a deeper and more meaningful luxury guest experience at each of its hotels worldwide.

Autograph Collection continues to grow rapidly having reached its 60th hotel milestone in less than three years. Exactly like nothing else and the fastest brand launch in the history of the industry, the unique collection allows independent hotels the opportunity to tap into Marriott International’s powerful sales and marketing platforms including Marriott.com and the award winning Marriott Rewards guest loyalty program. With twenty hotels expected to join this year, the portfolio is an evolving group of passionately independent hotel experiences ranging from iconic properties such as The Algonquin Hotel in New York City to the luxurious 15 room Kessler Canyon hunting lodge in the mountains of Colorado.

Making its debut in world class destinations including Santiago, Chile and the south of France, Renaissance Hotels is on track to open nine hotels in 2014. With five hotels launched thus far and four additional locations on schedule to open, the portfolio plans to celebrate more than 160 hotels in 37 countries by year-end. Renaissance Hotels is designed around making business travel fun again and helping its guests to discover unexpected surprises with every stay, whether it’s listening to live music in the lobbies, taking in a pop-up art exhibit or simply enjoying handcrafted cocktails and locally inspired foods. It is a sophisticated hotel brand whose mission is to encourage today’s modern business traveler to Live Life to DiscoverSM and make every business trip an opportunity to experience a new story that can be shared.

AC Hotels by Marriott, a brand concept launched in Europe in 2011 as a joint venture with Spanish hotelier Antonio Catalan, plans to open its first hotel in the U.S. this fall at the Cotton Exchange Building in New Orleans, quickly followed by locations in Kansas City and Miami in early 2015. AC Hotels by Marriott currently offers a portfolio of more than 72 hotels in Spain, Italy, Portugal and France. Inspired by the runways and fashion houses of Milan, the brand features simple, clean and crisp lines, marrying sophisticated European style with approachable design for a distinctly urban feel. A sleek and modern approach to design combined with unique elements which embody the character of each destination; growth plans for the brand include more than 30 hotels set to open within the next three years throughout the U.S. and Latin America.

Developed following extensive research and created with the next generation traveler in mind, Moxy Hotels expects to debut in Europe this September at Milan’s Malpensa Airport in Italy. A fresh and innovative lifestyle hotel brand combining stylish design and approachable service at a reasonable price, Moxy Hotels is one of the newest and most exciting brands within the category. The brand is set to open additional locations in key cities throughout Europe by the end of 2016 including Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt in Germany; Oslo, Norway; London, United Kingdom and Aberdeen, Scotland. Early growth estimates predict the brand could reach 150 hotels within the next ten years.

*Marriott International’s total luxury and lifestyle portfolio currently includes 449 hotels representing The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company (89), Bulgari Hotels (3), EDITION (2), JW Marriott Hotels (64), Autograph Collection (60), Renaissance (157), AC Hotels by Marriott (72), and Protea Fire & Ice Hotels (2). The category will officially expand to nine brands following the debut of Moxy Hotels in Milan this fall.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) has announced the signing of Holiday Inn Express Istanbul – Airport. The hotel, due to open in 2014, will be the first internationally branded limited service hotel near Istanbul International Airport. The 110-room hotel will operate under a franchise agreement with Liv Yapi Gayrimenkul Yatirim. The property, overlooking the main street on the Basin Express Highway, will feature a number of meeting rooms and the brand’s signature Great Room, where guests can enjoy a complimentary Express Start® breakfast.

The hotel’s excellent location near Istanbul International Airport is easily accessible to both business and leisure guests looking for a comfortable yet affordable night’s stay. The hotel is also well placed to receive guests from the CNR Expo, International World Trade Centre and Olympic stadium located nearby.

Yalin Yaltiraki, Director of Development, Turkey, IHG commented: “The Holiday Inn Express brand is designed to be the smart choice for value-conscious travellers. This hotel is the only one of its kind in the airport’s vicinity and, together with its prime location, is set to receive a steady stream of guests visiting Turkey. We are delighted to be working with Liv Yapi Gayrimenkul Yatirim and welcome this hotel into our portfolio.”

Seda Aydın, board member of Liv Yapi Gayrimenkul Yatirim AS said: “This is the start of a great relationship with IHG. We’re very proud to be bringing a Holiday Inn Express hotel to Istanbul’s International Airport. We look forward to giving business and leisure travellers, airline crew and passengers a warm welcome when we open our doors.”

Pullman continues to revolutionise the architecture and design of its five Paris establishments in collaboration with eight renowned designers. Following the Pullman Paris La Défense in March 2013, the Pullman Paris Bercy in October 2013, and the Pullman Paris Charles de Gaulle in May, the Pullman Paris Montparnasse will now unveil its new look. In July, the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel will complete this unique project: 30 months of renovation work, 2,510 rooms revamped and 26,000 m2 of public areas redesigned.A privileged location on the Left Bank

Ideally located just a stone’s throw from Montparnasse train station and at a crossroads between three arrondissements (6th, 14th and 15th), the Pullman Paris Montparnasse unveils its new look after eighteen months of renovations (started on November 14, 2011).

The hotel offers guests a cosmopolitan, vibrant and stylish experience in the heart of Montparnasse, a district steeped in “rive gauche” atmosphere.

A top meetings address with the largest conference centre in Europe

The Pullman Paris Montparnasse boasts 4,000 m2 of entirely renovated meeting space. The hotel’s 49 meeting rooms are modular and can be adapted for any circumstances (they can host up to 2,000 people).

The brand’s Co-Meeting concept allows each participant to focus on the essentials, cohesion and commitment through an innovative approach to the organisation of meetings, conventions or incentive events: dedicated spaces, cutting-edge equipment, innovative breaks and a team of specialists (Event Manager, IT Solutions Manager).

Pullman is an expert in event organisation and offers a unique meeting experience with the “Business Playground by Pullman” boardroom created exclusively for the brand by designer Mathieu Lehanneur. This room reflects the brand’s “Work hard, Play hard” motto as well as its guests’ lifestyle. It combines performance and pleasure with a fresh take on the traditional aspects of a meeting: a meeting table designed like a poker table, a private area for informal conversations or breaks and a cabinet of curiosities…

Gastronomy at the Pullman Paris Montparnasse: an upscale and cosmopolitan culinary experience

The hotel’s restaurant Just’in has become one of the Left Bank’s business lunch hot spots. It offers a large and varied buffet lunch combining freshness and diversity. Behind these colourful and tasty French and international dishes, is Chef Eric Sanchez who manages one of the largest hotel kitchens in Europe (2,000 m2), catering amply for its business and leisure guests.

To perfect the culinary experience, pastry chef Gérard Biscaut revisits the great French pastry classics: Baba au rhum, Saint-Honoré, Paris-Brest, etc.

On Sundays, from September to June, the Baby Brunch served at restaurant Just’in allows parents to enjoy an exceptional buffet while their children are entertained with amusing activities and games.

The Power Lunch by Pullman guarantees business guests a full course lunch served in or under 45 minutes from the moment the order is taken to the moment the bill settled.

The Vinoteca by Pullman offers a genuine wine-tasting experience with a wide selection of international grands crus as well as local wines served by the glass or bottle. The list was put together and signed by Olivier Poussier elected the World’s Best Sommelier in 2000.

A stylish, designer hotel

A lobby and bar designed by Didier Gomez
These 2 spaces at the centre of the hotel were entirely redone by interior designer Didier Gomez. He created a colourful, bright open space lobby with intimate areas that guests can enjoy to work or unwind.

The “Café Atlantic” bar plays on transparency to offer a cosy, bright space that is both roomy and intimate. The hushed atmosphere makes this an ideal place to discuss business or enjoy a moment’s relaxation.

The lobby is decorated with the monumental globe created by designer Mathieu Lehanneur. This iconic Pullman object symbolises travel and the brand’s cosmopolitan personality.

The Pullman Paris Montparnasse offers all the brand’s “signature services”: the Welcomer, the Pullman bed, free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, the Connectivity by Pullman concept, the Co-Meeting offer for the organisation of business events, Nespresso® services, Vinoteca by Pullman, the Fit Lounge, etc.

Modern, elegant rooms and suites
The Pullman Paris Montparnasse’s 957 rooms and suites were created by designers Didier Rey and Mila Stokic, and feature a monochrome atmosphere highlighted with touches of colour. They offer guests the best of the Pullman experience: a large desk and armchair, the Pullman bed with memory foam pillows, a rain shower, etc.
The rooms located on the higher floors carry guests away thanks to their breathtaking view of Paris.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announces the completion of a multimillion-dollar renovation and redesign of Donovan House, a Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants’ property. The renovation of the stylish downtown Washington, D.C. hotel encompasses all 193 guestrooms and suites, lifts and corridors and features a cosmopolitan look and new business-friendly amenities.CBT, a Boston-based multidisciplinary interior, architecture and urban design firm specialising in luxury hospitality design and interior architecture, was hired to reinvent Donovan House’s ultra-modern design to better accommodate business travellers.
A primary focus of the renovation was the addition of a desk in every guestroom, as previously only select rooms had dedicated workspace. Donovan House’s new standard five-foot dark oak finished desks feature built-in, flip-up outlets with standard power and USB sockets.

In addition to the new functional additions for business travellers, Donovan House’s rooms also feature stylish new décor with a sophisticated colour palette of contemporary grey and purple with rust accents. Clean lines abound with new faux leather headboards, sleek black and white side tables, and the addition of a custom rust-colored faux crocodile bench, a pattern which is echoed on the room’s grey carpet. Travellers can relax in canopy beds swathed in Kimpton’s signature zebra print Frette sheets while watching a new 55-inch inset television. The décor is minimalistic and adorned with a single circular black and white print of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Ten of Donovan House’s King Suites also received an upgrade with the addition of a pull-out grey chenille sofa bed and an oak-finished executive table with built-in outlets and gold winged chairs that can comfortably seat up to six people for a meeting. The hotel’s principle suite with sweeping views of Thomas Circle, the Donovan Suite, also received a stylish update including a new sectional sofa, patterned accent rug, and hardwood floors in the living room area. The bedroom area mirrors the other guestrooms with the addition of a pull-out grey chenille sofa bed and an extra workspace.

Several of the hotel’s signature design elements, originally conceived by Studio GAIA, remain, such as the cocoon spiral showers, futuristic club chairs, and floor-to-ceiling windows in most rooms.

Budget design hotel chain Motel One has rolled out yet another turquoise carpet for the opening of their first hotel in Brussels. The new Motel One Brussels is situated alongside the picture-perfect Rue Royale in the city centre and delivers stylish accommodation from as little as €79 per night, in the city known for its historic heritage, chocolate and lace.As always with Motel One location is key and Motel One Brussels stays true to its promise providing city centre accommodation convenient for leisure and business travellers alike. Located in the city centre on the Rue Royale 120, this stylish 490 bedroom hotel is a short stroll away from St. Michael’s Cathedral and The Grote Markt.

The furniture at Motel One Brussels has been exclusively designed and produced for the One Lounge; large, elegant sofas by Baxter are finished with Brussels’ lace. A key visual at all Motel One hotels are the iconic Egg Chairs, originally by the Danish designer Arne Jacobsen, they have been given a Belgian-facelift with a touch of lace.

Living up to its location on the Rue Royale, Motel One Brussels displays artistic designs of the first Belgian king Leopold I and queen Louise d’Orléans, providing a striking image in the One Lounge. Belgian chocolate is displayed with the history of the cocoa bean told in art on the surrounding wall. If beer is more to your taste there is a special selection of Belgian beers served from the bar that can be enjoyed in the hotel’s sunny courtyard garden.

The bedrooms are well equipped with everything you could possibly require including air conditioning and flat screen TV. The en suite bathrooms are designed in dark granite and fitted with Dornbracht washbasins and a deluxe Monsoon shower. Guests of the hotel can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and one of the One Lounge iPads.

The thriving chain currently has 50 hotels in Germany, Austria, Belgium and UK with around 11,540 rooms. Its goal is to grow its portfolio to 74 hotels and 18,000 rooms by 2016 – no easy feat but an achievable one. The opening of Edinburgh-Princes marked the start of a whole string of new openings in 2014 (review coming soon). These include: Berlin, Bremen, Cologne, Leipzig, Magdeburg, Vienna and most notably the first opening in London.

Centara Hotels & Resorts of Thailand staged the grand opening of Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa Sri Lanka on 29 May 2014, with the ceremony presided over by His Excellency Mr Mahinda Rajapksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.The resort is located on the Bentota Peninsula, at the southwest of the island, with the Bentota River on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other.

The resort’s arrival lounge is situated at Aluthgama, on the inland side of the river, with guests travelling across the water by barge, a journey that takes two minutes.

“The opening of this beautiful new resort, set in one of Sri Lanka’s most outstanding tourism destinations, is a proud moment for us,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, chief executive officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts.

“We view Sri Lanka as being of great potential for us, and the island is part of our strategy for developing our market in the Indian Ocean region.”

Marking a milestone in the city where it all began, Marriott Hotels, the flagship brand of Marriott International, Inc. officially celebrated the highly anticipated grand opening of the company’s 4,000th hotel – the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC.The day kicked off with the official dedication led by J.W. Marriott, Jr., executive chairman, along with city officials and other dignitaries who helped welcome the 1,175-room hotel to the company and city. The hotel is located not far from where founders J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott opened a nine seat A&W Root Beer stand 87 years ago. In a salute to the company’s origins, the ceremony featured a root beer toast and a performance by the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir. Members of the Marriott family also surprised Mr. Marriott by unveiling a plaque on the mezzanine level that reads, “Honoring J.W. “Bill” Marriott, Jr. for His Exemplary Leadership and Commitment to ‘Put People First’- Dedicated at the Grand Opening of the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC, June 10, 2014”.

“It is fitting that our 4,000th hotel is located here in our nation’s capital, because it is the birthplace of our company and represents the future of the Marriott Hotels brand,” said, J.W. “Bill” Marriott, Jr. “The Marquis will also be an economic boost to the city, creating job and career opportunities for hundreds of District residents and attracting major meetings from around the world.”

Marriott Marquis Washington, DC opened May 1, 2014 with 1,175 rooms, which includes 49 suites, and over 105,000 square feet of function space, including a 30,600 square-foot Marquis Ballroom and two 10,800 square-foot ballrooms. Marriott Marquis Washington, DC is conveniently located next door to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center–and connected via an underground concourse. An epicenter of downtown DC, the hotel has transformed its neighborhood and introduced a new, exciting venue for local social gatherings, business travelers and meetings and conventions. The property features a grand atrium lobby with a 56-foot sculpture, a state-of-the-art bi-level fitness center, and five ground-floor dining outlets. The hotel’s design is innovative, incorporating the site’s original historic Samuel Gompers AFL-CIO headquarters and designed to earn LEED® Silver accreditations (one of the largest hotels in the country to earn this eco-friendly distinction).

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world’s largest hotel companies, has announced the signing of the first Holiday Inn® hotel in Belarus: Holiday Inn® Minsk. Due to open in 2016, the new build property will operate under a franchise agreement with Hospitality Group LLC.Holiday Inn Minsk will also feature the brand’s signature Open Lobby. The Holiday Inn Open Lobby takes a unique approach to the in-hotel experience for guests, which has transformed the traditional hotel lobby format by combining the front desk, lobby, restaurant, bar, lounge area and business centre into one open, cohesive space, while refreshing the design to give it a more contemporary feel. The Open Lobby has been established by understanding how people use space at home in order to give guests the most flexibility, whether they’re looking to eat, relax, work, or have fun in one integrated space.

The205-room hotel will also feature nine suites, a gym, parking for 35 vehicles, four meeting rooms and breakout rooms, and a restaurant and lounge area. The hotel’s design creates an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming for guests.

Occupying a prime city centre spot in Belarus’s capital, the hotel is located near a number of government offices and company headquarters, making it easily accessible for both business and leisure travellers frequenting the city.

Indigo Art have recently added significant new artwork from talented artists and photographers from across the globe to their exclusive Indigo Collection and are launching a new campaign to add new talent to their growing international artists ‘community’.Speaking about their recent additions to the Indigo Collection, James Bertram, Director of Indigo Art said “We have always been immensely proud of the talent and creativity that existed within the Indigo Collection and felt that the time was right to add to our portfolio. We are continually sourcing art from some of the best, most creative artists and photographers across the globe and this could not be a better time for them to work in partnership with us.”

Based in the Northwest, Indigo Art creates and designs bespoke artwork projects for clients including large international hotel and leisure groups, boutique venues, bars and large commercial office developments to name a few.

James continues, “Artists are continually adding new work to their portfolios and it is incredibly exciting to be able to showcase this talent, sometimes before anyone else has seen it. Commercially it has also opened up new avenues for growth and our next step is to add even more artwork to the collection. We are looking for talented artists and photographers who need a platform to showcase their work nationally and internationally and who ultimately want to secure a future just by simply doing what they love most.”

How we perceive colour is dependent of the strength and quality of the pigment and light reflection. This is why our winning paint formulas, with just the right balance of both, have stood the test of time and are the preferred choice of many interior designers, architects and specifiers.Currently the fastest growing product category of the range, the Zoffany paint line is enhanced this spring by a robust and resilient new finish: Zoffany Elite Emulsion.

Perfect for high frequency areas such as hallways, kitchens and children’s rooms, Elite Emulsion will be available in all existing 128 colours. Following extensive R&D and by listening to our decorating partners, this dynamic paint has been specially developed for maximum performance, whilst achieving the lowest sheen aesthetic as technically possible.

Our latest shoot showcases our colours of the moment.

Fennel is just right for a fresh and dynamic look. For a suave and sophisticated setting, Fig Grey is the discerning choice. For an updated feel, why not combine the subtle tones of Pebble with a bold accent colour such as Russet. For a contemporary edge, try colour blocking horizontal stripes in tones of La Seine.

All Zoffany paints are produced in the UK from eco-friendly ingredients and the finest pigments to deliver a great finish & superb coverage.

Hotel Okura Co., Ltd. will reconstruct the Main Building of its flagship, Hotel Okura Tokyo. The reconstruction, to be finished by spring 2019, before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will add cutting-edge facilities while maintaining Hotel Okura Tokyo’s famous traditional Japanese architectural style. It will cost more than ¥100 billion ($980 million).The new high-rise complex will feature the latest technologies for the ultimate convenience, comfort and functionality. The Main Building’s 408 guest rooms will be increased to approximately 550. The new complex will also have 18 floors of office space. At the center, a lush garden will serve as a green oasis in Tokyo.

The Main Building will close for reconstruction at the end of August 2015. Some facilities will be relocated to the South Wing, which will remain open during reconstruction.

“The plans for renovating our flagship Hotel Okura Tokyo will assure its top position in Japan and Asia-wide,” said Mr. Toshihiro Ogita, president of Hotel Okura Co., Ltd. “The hotel will continue to welcome international VIPs and guests with the very best, most modern conveniences while retaining its traditional Japanese aesthetics. The garden, to occupy 60 percent of the hotel’s 6.4-acres [26,200 square meters], will provide our guests a serene, beautiful haven in the middle of Tokyo.”

Hotel Okura Tokyo
Hotel Okura Tokyo, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, opened 52 years ago and quickly became Japan’s most famous luxury hotel. The 796-room hotel has a rich history of providing the highest quality hospitality to heads of state and other distinguished guests from around the world. It has hosted prestigious conferences such as the International Monetary Fund’s General Assembly, and has catered to big events such as the Nagano Olympics.

Due to open in October later this year, beds at the new YHA Brighton have now gone on sale at www.yha.org.uk.

Earlier this year YHA (England and Wales) received planning permission to transform Brighton’s former four-star Royal York Hotel on Old Steine into a 51 bedroom, 176-bed Youth Hostel.The historic building is currently undergoing a sympathetic refurbishment that recognises the iconic building’s history as well as the YHA brand.

Once complete, the former Royal York Hotel will boast a fully refurbished ground floor and social spaces, conference and meeting room and redesigned reception and bar area. As well as a restaurant, YHA Brighton will also offer self-catering facilities with a dedicated dining area.

All bedrooms will have en suites, with the third floor of the building all being maintained as double bedrooms, suitable for families. The room configuration will ensure that YHA Brighton provides the great value, friendly accommodation for young people, families, groups and individuals that is synonymous with the YHA brand. Two-bed rooms start from as little as £45, four-bed family rooms are from as little as £65 per night and beds in shared rooms are from £14.50 per night.

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

“YHA is transforming the feel and energy of the Royal York Hotel building whilst ensuring its history is fully respected. Our refurbishment not only maintains the building’s heritage but brings it back into use for many more generations of local people and tourists to enjoy.

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

The investment in YHA Brighton is part of YHA (England and Wales) capital investment plan. Since 2011 YHA has invested more than £22 million in its network, helping put further distance between the outdated public perception of Youth Hostels and the modern reality, which is proving particularly popular with young families looking for great value, child-friendly breaks.

Against fierce competition, Chelsom are delighted to announce that they have been appointed as the main lighting supplier for the much coveted refurbishment programme of the 4- star Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel.Following hot on the heels of their successful involvement in numerous National large scale refurbishment schemes including LRG/Realstar Holiday Inn UK, Travelodge, Holiday Inn Express and Center Parcs, Chelsom have been awarded the contract to supply the lighting for the guestrooms and public areas, featuring both standard products from their current collection and custom made pieces predominantly for the public areas at the specification of the designers.

Located on the perimeter of Heathrow Airport with spectacular views of the main runway, the Renaissance Heathrow has become one of the leading Heathrow hotels. Bought by Arora Hotels in 2012 and operated by Marriott, the design element of the bedroom refurbishment programme was led by Martin Farrow who has succeeded in devising a completely fresh interior scheme for the hotel marrying contemporary design and functionality to accommodate the needs of both business and leisure guests.

Chelsom’s Director, Will Chelsom says, “We are extremely proud to have been commissioned to work on this project as we were up against some tough competition. At over 700 guestrooms, the refurbishment of the Renaissance Heathrow will certainly be a great opportunity to reflect the scope of work we can and do deliver. The scale of the refit and timings involved mean that it certainly isn’t without its challenges, the logistics involved in order to deliver large volumes of product on time are instrumental to its success. It’s testament to Chelsom that we are able to maintain our revered quality levels whilst achieving the competitive price points required on a project of this size.”

The latest major Hotel refurbishment project by The Contract Chair Company has been the result of their long standing relationship with Helen Hooper Design and Jupiter Hotels. Mercure Newbury Elcot Park Hotel is a country retreat developed in a Georgian Manor house. Surrounded by 16 acres of landscaped garden, this property was once owned by the family of Percy Shelley, a famous poet of early 19 century. The hotel at the moment houses 73 bedrooms, wedding & banqueting suite, conference centre, orangery bar and restaurant overlooking picturesque Kennet Valley.

The tasteful design concept developed by Helen Hooper has provided the Hotel Division at Contract Chair Co. with exactly the type of challenge they love to take on. The refurbishment has seen the Lounge, bar, event room, library, reception and of course the Orangery receive a glamorous face-lift.

Lounge furniture specified included bespoke sofas and pouffes, Isotta and Dakota Lounge chairs, Luis Miguel Sofa, scatter cushions and bespoke tables. The combination of the fabrics and finishes used to upholster the chairs and the focus on comfort has created an incredibly welcoming atmosphere in this area. Desiree Barstools supplied for the bar area, complement the slightly modest, but classy feeling that designer has decided to give to this space.

The Ultras Side Chair and bespoke room dividers used to decorate the event room have been selected with practicality and durability in mind, but as you can see on the image the luxurious feeling has been kept and enhanced.

The Orangery, perhaps the most iconic area of this hotel has been supplied with medallion back A-0951 and Kim side chairs as well as Berlino Table Bases and Character Oak Table Tops.

Hilton Worldwide today announced the launch of Curio – A Collection by Hilton, including plans for the first hotels to join the new brand.Created for travelers who seek local discovery and authentic experiences, Curio will be a carefully selected, global collection of distinctive four to five star hotels. Just as the word “curio” can refer to something of interest, unique or even rare, each Curio hotel will be different from the next, with individuality being a common thread, along with the quiet reassurance of the Hilton name behind every location. Letters of intent have been signed for the following properties: SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino; The Sam Houston Hotel in Houston, Texas; Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City, S.D.; The Franklin Hotel in Chapel Hill, N.C.; and a soon to be named hotel development in downtown Portland, Ore.

“Our customers and owners have expressed strong interest in a brand from us that includes hotels that can retain their unique identity but also deliver the many benefits of our system, including our Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton Worldwide. “That desire, combined with the current size of the independent hotel market and demand for differentiated hotel stays around the world, made for the right timing for this launch. Curio is an exciting new brand for us – one of two unique concepts we’ll introduce this year.”

Jim Holthouser, executive vice president, global brands, Hilton Worldwide, said, “Curio expands our portfolio to a total of eleven exceptional brands and creates additional opportunities to serve our existing customers even better, attract new customers and grow our pipeline. With Curio, we can help owners leverage our scale, scope and expertise while keeping intact each hotel’s individual character.”

SLS Las Vegas, owned and operated by SBE, is located on the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip at the site of the former Sahara Hotel & Resort – a location steeped in Las Vegas history. The hotel and casino will open following a three-year, $415 million renovation, which includes the total redevelopment of three existing Sahara towers. Billed as a high-style collaboration between SBE Chief Executive Officer Sam Nazarian, renowned design icon Philippe Starck and James Beard Foundation award-winning chef José Andrés, the re-imagination of this 2.5 million square foot development will feature an all-encompassing, mixed-use resort and casino with more than 1,620 guest rooms and suites, 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and a collection of SBE’s acclaimed dining and nightlife brands when it opens later this year in time for the September U.S. Labor Day holiday weekend.

Nazarian said of SLS Las Vegas being one of the first Curio hotels, “Today’s announcement marks the beginning of an important relationship between SBE and Hilton Worldwide and an opportunity for me to work alongside a mentor and good friend in Chris Nassetta. Our mission to redefine excellence in hospitality to our guests at SLS Las Vegas aligns perfectly with the Hilton Worldwide vision for Curio. We have a proven record of creating brands that provide memorable guest experiences, whether in the hospitality, dining, nightlife or real estate sectors. Partnering with Hilton and Curio allows us to maintain the SLS brand identity while offering the benefits of Hilton Worldwide’s commercial engines and the strength of the Hilton HHonors loyalty program.”

Additional Details for Planned Curio Hotels
• Originally opened in 1924, The Sam Houston Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For 90 years, “The Sam” has treated guests to an authentic Texas hospitality experience in downtown Houston. American Liberty Hospitality will maintain management of the hotel when it joins the brand later this year.
• Located near the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Hotel Alex Johnson is also on the National Register of Historic Places and has been a well-known fixture in downtown Rapid City since 1928. Prior to joining Curio next year, the hotel will update its guest rooms, public areas and meeting rooms as part of a multi-million dollar renovation. Hotel Alex Johnson is owned by Cortez LLC, and operated by Isis Hospitality LLC.
• Owned and operated by Wintergreen Hospitality, The Franklin Hotel is located in downtown Chapel Hill, one block from the University of North Carolina campus. It is expected to join the brand in late 2014.
• Construction is planned to begin in early 2015 on a hotel development by The Widewaters Group Inc., in downtown Portland, Ore. The hotel is anticipated to debut as part of the collection in late 2016.

Brintons is excited to announce The Curator, its sixth Axminster Carpet collection with designer Stacy Garcia. A contemporary take on a well-travelled aesthetic, The Curator takes influence in everything from the Arts & Crafts motifs, to menswear foulards and plaids, to Eastern culture. “Characterized by an eclectic and eccentric design offering, The Curator collection has a well-travelled appeal,” says Stacy Garcia. “Thanks to Brintons’ technical expertise when working with Axminster, I have been able to incorporate depth & detail into the designs, achieving authenticity and character.”

This collection is an eccentric gallery of wonderfully mastered traditional design elements, propelled into the future through the use of colour, scale, and pattern play.

Brintons’ Design Director Nadia Burton says, “The Curator blends historic textile influence with modern, contemporary over-dyed textures in rich and quirky colour combinations. The Result is a luxurious collection to complement any installation.”

“It’s been developed in line with current trends, so I know it will inspire designers for years to come,” says Burton.

Taking inspiration from Victorian era but with a contemporary twist, the interior of The County Hotel, Lytham St Annes, is now resplendent in carpet from Wilton Carpets Commercial.Four different carpet designs have been created for The County Hotel, using various images of tiles, carpets and textures as inspiration. Traditional tile patterns and damasks have been given a modern lift without forgetting that public house roots of The County Hotel.

“We wanted The County Hotel to retain that ‘homely’ feel of a favourite pub, but without looking dated,” says Rob Matthews, design director, MatthewsMee. “Our modern interpretation of tradition was reflected in the carpet, using four unique carpet designs to create zones for the various areas of the pub.”

Wilton Carpets Commercial presented several concepts for the 200 square metres of bar area at The County Hotel, with MatthewsMee selecting two bespoke tile designs and two damask patterns. Drawing inspiration from Victorian tiled floors and traditional carpet designs updated with scale and colour, all used the Flexiweave Elements colour palette, helping to create unity through the changing landscape of the bar.

Featuring metallic hues complemented by rich accent colours and as part of the Flexiweave concept, the Elements palette allowed MatthewsMee to commission bespoke designs for The County Hotel while meeting the cost and time restraints of the project.

“We use Wilton Carpets Commercial because of the flexibility, service and fast turnaround it provides,” continues Rob Matthews. “Using the Flexiweave Elements palette allowed us to commission bespoke carpets with warm and rich colours to give a ‘homely’ feel to the space while also meeting the cost considerations of the client.”

The carpets were manufactured at Wilton Carpets Commercial’s Wiltshire production facility in a high performance blend of 80% wool 20% nylon, providing longevity and helping the carpet to be easy to maintain for staff.

Geberit, the market-leading manufacturer of piping and drainage solutions has introduced a flow-optimised fitting specially designed for high rise buildings.Overcoming the often difficult problem and side-effects of rapidly changing pressure situations in conventional discharge stacks, the new Geberit Sovent fitting is a simple yet very effective drainage innovation, which causes water to rotate in the discharge stack, creating a continuous column of air in the centre.

With pressure compensation optimised, the discharge rate is increased enabling water to drain away effectively. In fact, the patented flow technology increases the discharge rate by a very significant 40 per cent.

As well as being an extremely effective, reliable drainage method for high rise buildings, this clever solution also enables relatively small discharge stacks to be used, even in very high buildings, helping to keep costs to a minimum. Furthermore, the Geberit Sovent fitting eradicates the need to install a ventilating pipe – a measure that would otherwise be standard practice – thereby improving efficiency during installation too.

Geberit Sovent is available for discharge stacks with a diameter of 110mm or 160 mm. The fitting is manufactured from the resistant plastic HDPE and can be combined with Geberit Silent-db20 discharge pipes for optimum performance.

A selection of opulent suites will occupy the entire sixth floor of the Hotel Royal at Evian Resort when it re-opens its doors following a major multi-million Euro refurbishment in July 2014. Seven suites in total, ranging in size from the Junior Suite Rotonde which is 58 m2 up to the magnificent, Suite Royale which is an impressively spacious 207 m2 will occupy the sixth floor of the newly renovated hotel. Each suite offers an array of fineries, which include such luxuries as virgin lamb’s wool pillows and duvets, marble bathrooms and personalised welcome amenities. Many of the suites offer stunning panoramic views over Lake Geneva. Each of the suites have been expertly designed by celebrated designer François Champsaur, who is renowned for his ability to intelligently rework space, playing with light and volume, and compliments this with both elegant and contemporary furniture and fabrics. He is also notorious for simultaneously being able to develop two parallel activities: interior design and structural design.

Suite guests will enjoy the following amenities, which are standard in every suite occupying the sixth floor. These include, but are not limited to: a selection of virgin lamb’s wool pillows and duvets, welcome tray with tea and coffee machine, fully equipped desk area, personalised welcome amenities, bespoke floral arrangement.

A brief summary of each suite is listed below:
JUNIOR SUITE ROTONDE
Located in the centre of the Hôtel Royal the suite comprises a double room connecting with a sitting room, marble bathroom with natural daylight, balcony and views of Lake Geneva.

JUNIOR SUITE EXCLUSIVE
Located on the 6th floor, with private access, a double room that connects with a separate sitting room, marble bathroom, terrace, sun beds. The suite offers panoramic views of Lake Geneva.

SUITE BELLE EPOQUE
A spacious double room connected with a separate sitting room, marble bathroom with natural daylight, balcony and views of Lake Geneva.

SUITE PARC
Comprises of a double room with separate sitting room, marble bathroom with natural daylight and a balcony with views of the hotel’s private grounds.

SUITE PRESIDENT
Located on the 5th floor, this suite comprises a spacious double room connecting with a separate sitting room, marble bathroom with natural daylight, balcony and panoramic views of Lake Geneva.

SUITE PRESIDENT EXCLUSIVE
Located on the 6th floor, with private access, this suite comprises a spacious double room connecting with a separate sitting room, marble bathroom, private balcony and terrace offering panoramic views of Lake Geneva.

SUITE ROYALE
Located on the hotel’s 6th floor, with private access. The finest and largest suite at the hotel, Suite Royale has two large double rooms, each with marble bathroom, natural daylight, a vast sitting room, 60m2 private terrace with sun beds. Panoramic views of Lake Geneva complete the opulence of this accommodation.

Located on the Bank of Lake Geneva, France, Evian Resort consists of Hotel Royal and Hotel Ermitage. Hotel Royal is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and Hotel Ermitage, received the Certificate of Excellence from Tripadvisor.

A new collection of flowing beautiful plain dyed fabrics has been launched by Skopos Design. As part of the Accents range, exotic, neutral, bold or bright, the choice of 34 colours make this flame retardant collection a flexible choice for drapery and bedding across a number of sectors.Peru is a light-weight sateen useable both sides, giving the option of a lustrous reflective finish, or a more natural matt option. Peru works well as a standalone product and as a simple choice for edges and trims. Colours for this collection reflect market trends and have been carefully selected to work well with contract schemes to provide a fresh, contemporary lift to a broad cross-section of interiors.

Peru can also be washed at 71°C to meet the requirements for thermal disinfection if required.

Free samples of the Peru collection are available now. Please call 01924 436 666 for more details or visit our website www.skoposdesignltd.com to view the collection.

Skopos is an ISO9001 accredited company and has over 35 year’s specialist experience in the design and manufacture of high performance FR contract fabrics for hospitality/ leisure, education, care and nursing and the healthcare sector.

Fresh, modern and flexible, with patterns inspired by pop art in polka dots and geometrics and a palette influenced by the seaside, in soft ice-cream shades. The range comprises designs including spot, houndstooth, point and gingham designs, with 11 colourways across the collection from candy to spearmint.

These chic, playful patterns create an uplifting mood and the variety of colours allow the designs to work in any area.

www.Brintons.co.uk / 0800 505055.