Hotel Designs

Exclusive new waterside penthouses boasting glorious views of Northern England’s largest inland marina will be welcoming their first guests from January 2014. Part of a £3.5million investment in Windermere Marina Village, the newly unveiled properties are nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park on a quiet inlet just off England’s longest lake.The thirteen individually-styled properties, which suit groups of between two and ten people, are now taking bookings for the New Year. All have spacious, southerly-facing balconies or terraces looking out across the marina. So, as well as enjoying a light airy outlook, guests can watch a unique selection of luxury yachts and sports boats gently glide across the water against an iconic Lakeland backdrop.

The shining star of the new development is an impressive 2,250sq foot penthouse, which comes complete with an additional 1,000sq foot den / games room on the top floor.
To give all the properties added personality, they’ve been carefully styled around three themes: funky’, ‘contemporary’ and ‘traditional’. The décor in each strikes a balance between relaxed luxury and practical home comforts, with plush interiors and the highest quality fixture and fittings – sourced locally wherever possible. Take the sleek kitchen worktops, which are made from Broughton Moor Slate, natural stone laid down in the Lakes 450 million years ago.

That means there are plenty of options to suit couples and small groups, as well as catering for the emerging trend of extended family and groups of friends coming away together.

Each new apartment has its own parking space, and guests can also enjoy complimentary use of the nearby Old England Leisure Club for the ultimate in pampering and relaxation.
Windermere Marina Village has previously invested £3million in modernising its existing 54 lakeside self-catering cottages and apartments to four star standards. Unlike the majority of self-catering properties, the Marina offers the flexibility for guests to choose two night weekend stays, instead of the traditional three. Alternatively they can opt for four-day mid-week breaks or full week getaways.

Holidaymakers don’t have to own a boat to stay or visit the Marina, but with 400 moorings providing a safe and secure environment for motor cruisers and sailing boats all year round, it’s an ideal destination for the nautically-minded. The Marina can accommodate sports boats, leisure cruisers and yachts up to a maximum length of 50 feet and maximum draft of 3’ 6.

Marriott International, Inc. has recently said it has signed a letter of intent with Protea Hospitality Holdings of Cape Town, South Africa to acquire Protea Hotels’ brands and its management business that operates or franchises 116 hotels across three brands with 10,184 rooms in South Africa and six other Sub-Saharan African countries. The transaction would nearly double Marriott’s distribution in Africa to more than 23,000 rooms, and would also provide Marriott with a proven operational platform and leadership team to accelerate Marriott’s expansion plans and solidify its leadership position in the dynamic and growing African hotel market. Protea Hotels, founded in 1984, manages, franchises and leases hotels across the Protea Hotels brand (104 hotels), comprising a full and diverse range of outstanding hotels and resorts; the award-winning lifestyle boutique Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! brand (2 hotels); and the superior deluxe African Pride Hotels collection (10 hotels). In addition to its industry-leading 80 hotels in South Africa, Protea Hotels has a significant presence in Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria,Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

As part of the transaction, Protea Hospitality Holdings would create a property ownership company to retain ownership of the hotels it currently owns (and enter into long-term management and lease agreements with Marriott for these hotels). It would also retain a number of minority interests in other Protea managed hotels. At closing Marriott would manage approximately 46 percent of the rooms, franchise approximately 40 percent of the rooms, and lease approximately 14 percent of the rooms.

Arne Sorenson, president and chief executive officer of Marriott International, said, “Africa has significant untapped potential for travel and tourism, both as a destination and source of new global travellers. The continent’s GDP is anticipated to grow at over five percent annually over the next several years which we expect will raise more people into the emerging middle class. With the Protea Hotels acquisition, our expanded footprint should allow us to become the first choice of Africa’s rapidly growing population of young, sophisticated travelers, and drive loyalty to our Marriott Rewards program both within Africa and globally. Protea Hotels enjoys unparalleled brand recognition in Africa, and our combined portfolio of Protea Hotels and current Marriott International brands would create a platform for accelerated growth and new job growth in South Africa and across the continent.”

Alex Kyriakidis, president of Marriott International for the Middle East and Africa, said, “The development cycle for opening new hotels in Africa is typically long due to the challenges posed by emerging infrastructure, so joining forces with Protea Hotels and their highly respected management team is the strongest way to jumpstart Marriott’s footprint in Africa. The Marriott Middle East and Africa management team can deliver value and greater growth for Protea’s hotel owners by leveraging these terrific brands, represented by 116 hotels and more than 10,000 rooms in seven countries, with Marriott’s global sales, marketing and development infrastructure. We believe this would also result in more job creation in South Africa and across the continent.”

Arthur Gillis, chief executive officer of Protea Hospitality Group, said “Protea Hotels has grown organically to become the largest and leading hotel group in Sub-Saharan Africa. Aligning with a global giant such as Marriott ensures we can realise the Group’s full potential for all of our stakeholders. In Marriott we have found a perfect fit across culture, values and commitment to industry leadership which will ensure that we remain at the forefront of African hospitality.”

The otherwise non-binding letter of intent includes provisions that the parties will negotiate exclusively with each other. The transaction is subject to completion of due diligence, negotiation and execution of definitive documents, receipt of customary third party and governmental consents and approvals and satisfaction of other customary conditions for transactions of this kind that the parties expect will be included in the definitive transaction documents.

The proposed terms of the transaction are not being disclosed at this time. The parties stated that they plan to sign definitive agreements by year-end 2013 and the transaction could close in the first three months of 2014. In any event, Marriott does not expect the transaction would have a material impact on its 2014 results.

Great Hotels of the World, the London-based hotel sales and marketing alliance, has acquired five new member properties to its collection.Shamana Hotel & Spa Bodrum, Mugla Turkey
Shamana Hotel & Spa is located in Torba Bay in the beautiful region of Bodrum.

Café de Oliva serves modern Mediterranean cuisine in an authentic and casual atmosphere where guests can enjoy the Turkish and international wines and liqueurs. The Beach Club offers drink and a light menu to enjoy on the seaside, with entertaining music. Alternatively guests can sample a selection of appetisers inspired by Turkish cuisine at the Vodka-Caviar bar. The spacious lounge terrace is perfect to relax and enjoy stunning views over the gardens and the private beach. Set in the very heart of Shamana Bodrum, the spa brings therapeutic traditions of Ottoman hammam culture together with Indonesian massage.

Cavalieri Hotel, St. Julians, Malta
Cavalieri Hotel is located in a quiet area directly overlooking the popular and picturesque St. Julian’s Bay. The 258 rooms are modern and stylish, with comfortable furnishings, and most of them have balconies where guests can enjoy the open sea views.

The hotel offers a variety of high quality dining and catering options. Ottocento is a panoramic restaurant which serves a variety of cuisines ranging from Maltese and Caribbean to Italian in a unique atmosphere. During the warmer months, Pommarola restaurant offers an original à la carte menu with the essential fresh ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine, on the pool deck. The Baconoir lounge bar is the ideal venue for a special night out. It brings together a unique setting, cocktails and an amazing wine menu. Cavalieri Hotel has its own private lido with a large outdoor swimming pool as well as large sundeck with sun beds, parasols and a children’s padding pool. An indoor swimming pool is heated during winter and a sauna and solarium are available.

Hotel Santos Porta Fira, Barcelona, Spain
Situated in one of Barcelona’s areas of greatest economic expansion, Hotel Santos Porta Fira is considered the best skyscraper in the world and has been awarded the prestigious “Emporis Award 2010” architectural award. Designed by the famous Japanese architect Toyo Ito, the modern and cutting-edge building has 24 floors and a height of 110 metres, making it one of the architectural icons of the city.

The 320 rooms and suites are modern and equipped with the latest technology. The Spiral Restaurant offers a menu designed specifically for each diner in an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. An exclusive Wellness Centre is located on the 17th floor offering impressive views over the city. With two sensation showers, a gym, a sauna, an ice fountain and two treatment cubicles, guests will have a chance to relax and rejuvenate. The hotel also features a Japanese garden where private events can be organised.

Iberostar Son Antem Golf Resort & Spa, Majorca, Spain
Majorca’s south coast is the setting for the sublime Iberostar Son Antem Golf Resort & Spa. Built in a traditional Mediterranean style, and imbued with a peaceful atmosphere, this resort has it all. Facilities include two golf courses, a beauty parlour, kids’ pools and playgrounds, an indoor pool, a spa with massage therapies, watersports and more. The El Olivar restaurant serves delicious local and international dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there are two bars.

Iberostar Mencey Hotel, Tenerife, Spain
Old school glamour and modern luxury live side-by-side at the Iberostar Mencey Hotel. Located in Santa Cruz on the popular island of Tenerife, the Iberostar Mencey has been a favourite with celebrities and high fliers since the 1950s. There is a spa with a range of treatments to pamper and relax, and the hotel offers cookery lessons and other entertainment.
There are two renowned restaurants, a casino, and three bars.

Grace Hotels, the privately owned luxury boutique hotel group, has recently announced the official opening of the latest addition to its portfolio, Grace Cafayate, a hotel, spa and residential villas development located in the Salta province of north west Argentina. Marking the group’s first hotel opening in Latin America, Grace Cafayate lies high in Argentina’s Calchaquí Valley, famed for its spectacular backdrop of The Andes and for some of the finest wines South America has to offer.Situated on La Estancia de Cafayate, an exclusive golf, equestrian and residential estate, the hotel comprises 52 elegantly appointed rooms and suites within the hotel’s main building and its 20 residential villas. Each villa features two bedrooms with large en-suite bathrooms, dressing room, living room with an integrated kitchen, cellar and fireplace, plus outdoor hot tub, terrace and grill. Villas can be occupied as one-bedroom or two-bedroom suites. The architecture throughout the development draws inspiration from local traditions.

Grace Cafayate offers exquisite gastronomy with flavours, textures, colours and aromas that harmoniously combine the best of international cuisine with characteristic local traditions. Outdoor dining is offered at the Pool Bar & Grill whilst Muse by Jonathan Cartwright sees modern European cuisine pay homage to Argentine culinary traditions, together with carefully selected wines. The menu has been created by Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux Jonathan Cartwright, who has been in charge of the culinary offering across Grace Hotels since 2011. This is the second ‘Muse’ restaurant for the group, following its success at The Vanderbilt Grace in Rhode Island, United States.

Wellbeing and relaxation form an integral part of the guest experience. In addition to the outdoor heated pool there is a spa with five treatment rooms and an innovative wellness menu that calls upon local therapeutic traditions. The heated indoor pool with integrated whirlpool offers views of the mountains and a gym with Life Fitness equipment is ideal for an early morning workout while sunrise illuminates the vineyards and the mountains.

Guests can also enjoy the facilities of La Estancia de Cafayate, including an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Bob Cupp, two polo fields, the Clubhouse and the magnificent Athletic Club & Spa that features an indoor counter-current heated swimming pool, a 300 m² gym, three tennis courts and a squash court. Cycle and hiking trails along the extensive paths around the valley provide an added recreation.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) is gaining an increased foothold in the UK’s extended stay hotel market with the signing of its second property in the capital – Staybridge Suites London Vauxhall. The hotel is due to open early in 2015.Operating under a franchise agreement with new owner Spring Mews Ltd; a subsidiary of CLS Holdings plc, the 93 suite new build hotel will be managed by Cycas Hospitality, extended stay hotel specialists, who also manage Staybridge Suites London Stratford City and Staybridge Suites Liverpool.

Part of the Spring Mews development project, the hotel will be situated on Albert Embankment, one of London’s key regeneration areas. The hotel has excellent transport links with major rail stations: Vauxhall Station, Waterloo Station and Victoria Station are all located within a two mile radius.

In a city dominated by short-stay hotels, Staybridge Suites aims to provide guests with a home away from home. The spacious apartment-style suites feature fully equipped kitchens, LED TV’s, large work areas and free Wi-Fi. Guests have use of the fitness room, business centre, laundry room (an industry first) and The Pantry, the brand’s own convenience store that is open around the clock. Staybridge Suites Hotels also offer a complimentary full breakfast buffet and a social evening reception three days a week.

Robert Shepherd, IHG Chief Development Officer, Europe said: “We’re seeing increasing demand for extended stay properties in a market driven by corporate business. Staybridge Suites is a distinctive part of our growth story in Europe and we’re delighted to be working with our new owner partner Spring Mews on this project.”

Sten Mortstedt, Executive Chairman of CLS Holdings plc commented: “IHG is one of the top hotel companies in the world and its Staybridge Suites brand perfectly meets our aspirations for a hotel in this area. We very much look forward to working together with IHG.”

“Extended stay hotels are beginning to make their mark in the UK and the Staybridge Suites concept from IHG is proving very popular,” reports John Wagner, Director of Cycas Hospitality. The homely Staybridge Suites experience appeals to both public sector and corporate business travellers working on projects and longer-term assignments.”

Staybridge Suites London Vauxhall will be the fourth Staybridge Suites property in the UK alongside Liverpool, Newcastle and London Stratford which opened in 2008, 2009 and 2012 respectively. Staybridge Suites Birmingham opens later this year.

Not content with cementing its position as one of the fastest growing budget hotel brands in the UK, earlier this year Travelodge embarked on a £57m refurbishment across the estate to be carried out in just 18 months. The refurbishment programme is set to transform the look and feel of more than 30,000 rooms as part of a wider company investment to further grow the business and strengthen the Travelodge brand.Along with changes to the restaurants and public areas, a key part of the refit is a brand new guestroom created by Travelodge customers following an extensive research project. The in- house design team led by Francis Whitley were tasked with creating a stylish, relaxing and functional environment and a customised version of the Chelsom ‘discus’ desk light was commissioned as part of the interior scheme. Finished in soft white for a clean contemporary look, the shallow curved weighted base and integrated rocker switch of the standard ‘discus’ fitting have been replaced with a flat circular alternative featuring an inline switch located on the cable. The base shape is mirrored in the stamped flat cylindrical head which contains a fluorescent GU 10 lamp providing excellent light level sustainability and efficiency.

Chelsom has worked closely with the Travelodge design team from the outset to value engineer the standard version of the product to ensure it met the exacting design requirements and budget limitations involved without compromising the overall design aesthetic. Given the scale of the refurbishment and limited time frame in which it is to be completed, the logistical practicalities are critical and all product has been stocked at Chelsom’s warehouse in Lancashire to maximise efficiency of despatch and help regulate stock control for the duration.

Company Director, Will Chelsom said: “Travelodge is without question one of the UK’s most recognisable hotel brands and to be associated with such an extensive refurbishment programme is a great opportunity and one which reflects the scope of work we can and do deliver. The sheer scale of the refit means that it certainly isn’t without its challenges, the logistics involved in order to deliver such large volumes of product on time are instrumental to its success especially given the ambitious 18 month project window. It’s testament to Chelsom that we are able to maintain such high quality levels whilst achieving the competitive price points required on such a large scale project”.

Travelodge plans to have refitted more than 50% of all its rooms by the end of the year. By autumn 2014, almost 90% of Travelodge’s hotels will incorporate the new room design, meaning the makeover will see an average of more than 50 rooms refurbished every day for the next 18 months.

IHG announces the opening of the Crowne Plaza® Lansing West hotel following conversion renovations to the guest rooms, reception and entrances, funded by the hotel’s ownership. The opening of the Deadwood Mountain Grand, a Holiday Inn Resort® hotel located in Deadwood, S.D., follows an approximately $50 million renovation by the ownership to the sprawling over 245,000 sq. feet property. Crowne Plaza® Lansing West
The hotel has 212 guest rooms, including two Junior and two Premium suites. Additionally, travelers can take advantage of more than 17,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space which includes 15meeting rooms and an 8,600-square-foot Royale Ballroom that can further be partitioned into additional meeting spaces to suit different occasions.

Guests can take advantage of complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms and public spaces as well as varied food and beverage options. The hotel has a new, vibrant dining experience in “Bordeaux,” a full service restaurant with a wine room, full bar and three private dining areas, serving dishes with global influences, and “Cravings,” a coffee and snack shop with a variety of locally-made snacks and beverages.

Holiday Inn Resort Deadwood
Formerly an historical mining building, the hotel includes nine floors comprising 98 guest rooms and five beautifully appointed suites. The casino and event center, as well as the hotel itself have an overall theme focused on an upscale Western atmosphere and décor, and with historic Deadwood artwork featured in the guest rooms.

The hotel has a well-equipped fitness center, business center, and meeting facilities, as well as an indoor pool, spa, casino, and event center that can accommodate over 2,000 people.

Additionally, the property’s Kids Club – “Seth’s Lil’ Sheriffs Club” – features activities themed around the town’s historical roots and its Wild West past. Formerly an independent property with strong roots in show business and entertainment, the hotel will continue offering a diverse comedy and music line-up at its Event Center. Guests can enjoy an upscale dining experience at the Aught Six Grille and live entertainment at the Slime Plant Bar & Lounge.

Jumeirah Group, the global hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, has signed a management agreement with IFG Basis Proect LLC to manage a luxury hotel on Nevsky Prospect in St. Petersburg, Russia. The hotel is currently under development and is expected to open within the next three years.The hotel will be developed within the structure of Wavelberg House, a building of national cultural importance built in 1912, which stands on the corner of Nevsky Prospect and Malaya Morskaya Street, one of the most exclusive addresses in St Petersburg, close to the Hermitage and just 30 minutes from the city’s Pulkovo airport. The interior design by The Gallery, HBA London office, preserves many of the original features of the building, including its distinctive façade and marble floored banking hall. When completed the hotel will consist of 74 rooms, including 18 suites, three bars and restaurants, meeting facilities, a spa and rooftop hydrotherapy pool and prestige retail space fronting onto Nevsky Prospect.

Ilya Sokolov, Director General, IFG-Basis-Proect LLC, said: “We are very proud to be transforming this historic building into a luxury hotel and especially pleased that Jumeirah Group will manage it when it opens. The demand for high-end luxury hotel accommodation in St. Petersburg is strong and we are confident that this new property will capture the imagination of discerning travellers coming to the city.”

Gerald Lawless, President and CEO of Jumeirah Group, said: “Jumeirah’s hotels and resorts in Dubai have always been so popular with Russian visitors that we are delighted now to be able to bring the brand to Russia itself. The good news is that our first hotel in the Russian market is in such a prestigious location at the heart of St. Petersburg in a building that has such a rich heritage. We look forward to working with IFG to ensure a successful completion of the project and a spectacular launch of Jumeirah in Russia.”

Amari Coral Beach Phuket has been a favourite for holidaymakers since it opened 29 years ago. Following an 18 month enhancement period, the popular family resort is proud to introduce its new look guest rooms, public areas, spa and restaurants. The property has also changed its name to ‘Amari Phuket’.Guests visiting the property from November 2013 onwards will be able to see the new contemporary design in all areas. The changes include a fresh look for all superior and deluxe guest rooms and suites and a new design for the lobby. The restaurants have also received a makeover; La Gritta, Amari Phuket’s fine dining Italian always boasted an impressive position overlooking Patong Bay but has been reimagined to become a chic destination restaurant sure to wow the senses. La Gritta Terrace has come to be a stylish venue for enjoying creative cocktails, premium wines, and accompanying tapas. Whilst, Rim Talay all day dining restaurant and Breeze Spa have also undergone the makeover treatment and are showcasing their new fresh design. A new guest lounge, Voyager has also been introduced offering snacks and light refreshments, wash and change area, library and selection of games to keep minds active.

General Manager, Warakorn Jarusirikul said:

“We are very proud that our resort attracts a large number of repeat visitors year after year. We recognised that it was important to reinvest into the physical product we offer, and provide an enhanced overall experience for our guests. The finished look is fantastic, very contemporary and above all comfortable and functional. Amari is about offering guests warm and friendly service and quality accommodation, I hope we exceed at doing both.”

In 2015, in conjunction with the property’s 30th birthday, a further 160 units, comprising 148 residences and 12 pool villas will be added to Amari Phuket, bringing the total inventory to 357 rooms. The additional 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units will also offer an investment opportunity to buyers who will have private use of the residences but also the option to pool the units back into the hotel inventory, generating a rental return.

Travelodge has recently started work constructing six new hotels (579 rooms) across the UK. These development projects represent an investment of £41.5 million and will create 500 new jobs, which equates to 405 construction jobs and 95 Travelodge hotel team member positions.Anglo Holt is the contractor for four of the properties that are being constructed.

These six properties will boost Travelodge’s portfolio to 517 hotels and 38,359 rooms.

The largest hotel development in today’s announcement is being built in the heart of Glasgow city centre on Queen’s Street. The 171 room hotel is being funded by Business Premises Renovation Fund and represents an investment of £12 million. This development is an office conversion of the former Charlotte House building. Anglo Holt are aiming to have the hotel ready for the start of the Commonwealth Games in July 2014. This opening is also Travelodge’s biggest hotel in Glasgow and will boost its portfolio to six properties in Scotland’s biggest city.

The second property is a 104 room hotel in Greenwich, London. This is the Company’s second hotel to open in Greenwich within the last 18 months. This hotel will form part of Cathedral Group’s ‘The Movement’ development. It is being funded by R&D LLC and the contractor is Anglo Holt. The hotel represents an investment of £8.3 million and is scheduled to be opened in September 2014.

The third development is an 86 room hotel in Raynes Park, London. Located in Raynes Park Village and yards from the station, this hotel will be Travelodge’s second property in the London Borough of Merton. It is being funded by a private investor and the contractor is Anglo Holt. The hotel represents an investment of £6.9 million and is scheduled to open in September 2014.

Greenwich and Raynes Park Travelodge hotels will ensure the company maintains its title as London’s biggest hotelier with 62 hotels.

The fourth property is a 41 room hotel in Ryde. It is Travelodge’s second hotel on the Isle of Wight and is ideally located on Lind Hill with easy access to the ferry terminal. The hotel has been funded by Barclays Bank and represents an investment of £2.3 million. The hotel is scheduled to open in April 2014.

The fifth hotel is an 84 room property in the heart of Southampton’s city centre. It is Travelodge’s second hotel in the city centre and represents an investment of £5.5 million. The development is a converted office block previously occupied by Lloyds Bank. The hotel is being funded by Downing Finance and the contractor is Anglo Holt. It is scheduled to open in July 2014.

The sixth property is a 93 room hotel in Winnersh and represents a £6.5 million investment. It is located adjacent to Segro’s large HQ Winnersh office development and is perfectly located for the Thames Valley business community. Parks Trust has purchased the site and will fund the development. The contractor is Marshall Building Construction. The hotel is scheduled to open in December 2014.

All of the hotel rooms in the six properties will incorporate Travelodge’s new room design which is currently being rolled out across the estate. This is part of a £223 million brand refresh programme to help the Company grow its business, strengthen its product offering and make Travelodge the best value hotel chain in the UK.

The refit programme kicked off in March 2013 and to date 153 hotels and 13,331 rooms have been refitted.

Paul Harvey, Travelodge Managing Director for Property, said: “We are very excited to be starting on site to build six hotels today in prime locations across the UK. These developments represent a total investment of £41.5 million and will create 500 new jobs. They will be a great addition to the Travelodge portfolio and offer consumers more choice for good value accommodation.

“All of these six hotels are scheduled to open throughout next year and we are hopeful that our Glasgow hotel which is our largest hotel in the city will be ready for the Commonwealth Games.”

Andy Elwell, Managing Director at Anglo Holt said: “Anglo Holt has worked with Travelodge for over a decade now and during this time we have built 64 hotels for the company across the UK.

“We are delighted to be starting on site to help build four more Travelodge hotels today and be creating lots of new jobs in local communities for bricklayers, plumbers and electricians.”

Travelodge, the UK’s leading budget hotel chain, has today announced the appointment of Peter Gowers (41) as its new Chief Executive Officer to succeed Grant Hearn. Peter will start on the 25th of November 2013.Peter Gowers joins Travelodge from Safestore Holdings plc, the UK’s largest self-storage operator, where he has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2011. Previously he held the role of Chief Executive, Asia-Pacific for InterContinental Hotels Group (“IHG”) where he oversaw more than 250 hotels with more than $1.5bn in annual hotel turnover and 60,000 hotel employees. Prior to being CEO of Asia-Pacific Peter was Chief Marketing Officer of IHG from 2005-2007 where he led the worldwide marketing and sales team.

Peter spent his early career at Bass PLC and has gained a broad experience in the leisure industry holding senior positions at IHG as well as its predecessor, Six Continents Hotels.

Brian Wallace, Chairman of Travelodge, said; “I am delighted to welcome Peter as the new CEO of Travelodge. Peter is a highly regarded senior executive, with extensive industry and market experience and expertise. His skills and knowledge will be a great asset in helping to further grow our business and to make Travelodge the best value hotel chain in the UK.

He added: “Since joining Travelodge in 2003, Grant has done a tremendous job in more than doubling the size of the Company’s portfolio and establishing the brand as a household name with an exceptional digital presence. Grant has built a remarkable team that, led by Peter, will now take the business on to even greater levels of success driven by meeting and exceeding guest expectations. On a personal level, I am extremely grateful for Grant’s support since I became Chairman earlier this year.”

Peter Gowers said: “Travelodge is an iconic hotel brand and I am hugely excited by the opportunity to lead such a great business. I am delighted to be returning to the hotel industry and I look forward to working with the excellent team already in place to build on our current momentum and further grow the Travelodge brand.”

Peter is married and has two children. His hobbies include playing goal keeper for the Beaconsfield Strollers and he is currently learning to fly a light aircraft.

Grant Hearn will remain in the post for a further two weeks to assist the changeover.

Korn Ferry handled the executive search.

With 400 hotels in 60 countries under its belt, Novotel continues to rise in the Asia Pacific with the unveiling of a hotel in Phuket, Thailand – its 100th in the region.

The history of Novotel in this part of the world began in 1982 in Singapore, where Novotel immediately attracted many travellers. Thirty years later, a quarter of the brand’s hotels are in the Asia Pacific region.The Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach boasts unobstructed views of the azure Andaman Sea. The resort, located on the idyllic island off the west coast, has 166 rooms, suites and villas, as well as a lush garden. Its three restaurants and bars, fitness centre, spa and swimming pool will delight travellers in search of relaxation. The hotel is ideally located, just a 10-minute walk from the epicentre of the Phuket scene: Patong Beach.

This is just the beginning of plans for the brand. Over the next five years, Novotel intends to open 50 new hotels in the Asia Pacific region.

Raag Hotels Limited, which has a strategic franchise partnership to operate international value hotel brand Tune Hotels in Central London, announces the formation of a new Joint Venture with the Wellcome Trust and the acquisition of a site for a new Tune Hotel in Canary Wharf.The Wellcome Trust has acquired a 50% shareholding in Raag Hotels alongside the remaining shareholders, a company associated with the Jivraj Family and a company owned by Naguib Kheraj. The shareholders have committed additional equity to fund the future roll out of more Tune Hotels in London, taking the portfolio from the current 616 rooms to a target of 1500 rooms.

Having provided the majority of the capital to back the initial start-up and successful development of the business over the past three years, Mountgrange Real Estate Opportunity Fund is realising its investment in full as part of the transaction.

Raag Hotels has also acquired a site in Canary Wharf which has planning consent for the development of a 130 room hotel. The Tune Hotel Canary Wharf is expected to open in early 2015.

Raag Hotels was set up in 2010 as a joint venture between interests associated with the Jivraj Family, Naguib Kheraj and Mountgrange, to develop a portfolio of Tune Hotels in London. Tune Hotels are operating in key business and leisure locations in Westminster, Liverpool Street, Paddington and Kings Cross. Under the management of Queensway Hotels, part of the Jivraj family interests, the Tune Hotels brand has established a fast growing presence in the London market, providing high quality accommodation at affordable prices. Customer response to this innovative concept has been very positive resulting in very strong occupancy levels. The hotels have won wide recognition including the Sunday Times Magazine award for London Budget Hotel of the year in 2012.

Bank finance for the development of the Raag Hotels business has been provided by HSBC and RBS.

Naushad Jivraj, CEO of Queensway Hotels said:
“We are delighted to form this new joint venture with the Wellcome Trust, an institution which has a most distinguished track record and reputation as a long term investor. Mountgrange have been an excellent partner to work with and we are pleased that the confidence they showed in backing the start-up of this business has produced a successful outcome for their investors.”

Peter Pereira Gray, Managing Director of the Investment Division of the Wellcome Trust said:
“The Tune Hotels concept is innovative and provides consumers with an offering which is high quality and very good value for money. The business produces an attractive cashflow profile with the potential for long term capital appreciation. We see the opportunity to expand this business and add to its portfolio of well-located properties in London.”

Mark Lankester, CEO of Tune Hotels Group said:
“London has been a fabulous market for Tune Hotels and with this new investment by the Wellcome Trust in the Raag business, the wheels are in motion for the exciting times that we know lie ahead.”

Manish Chande, Senior Partner of Mountgrange commented:
“We are delighted with the performance of this venture and our operating partner Queensway Hotels. Having supported the early stage development of this business, now is the right time for a new investor to be part of the next stage of growth. We look forward to repeating the formula of applying our property expertise to other sectors in the future.”

A new Cense by Spa Cenvaree has opened at Centra Central Station Bangkok, the Centara Hotels & Resorts property that has recently soft-opened near to the city’s Hua Lamphong mainline railway terminus.Cense by Spa Cenvaree is Centara’s own spa brand, designed for busy people who may not have time for a full-scale spa programme, and complements the Centra brand of value hotels.

An urban escape spa that will be greatly appreciated by travellers and also by guests who have been shopping or sightseeing at Chinatown, for which the hotel is also perfectly located, Cense by Spa Cenvaree has four multi-function therapy rooms, a Thai massage room, and a foot massage salon.

Signature treatments include the Chrysanthemum Soothing and Sweet Almond Massage, the Goji Berry Body Scrub, Centella Asiatica Body Scrub, and Black Dragon Tea Body Wrap. A full-day Cense Blissful Day Spa Package is also available.

Cense by Spa Cenvaree is operational from 10.00 to 21.00 hrs daily.

The newly built Centra Central Station Hotel Bangkok features 150 stylishly appointed rooms and suites catering to the needs of individual travellers, small families and groups of friends. Located only a short walk away from Hua Lamphong mainline railway station and MRT underground, the hotel provides easy access to Bangkok’s Chinatown district.

Following the success of the Panaz Premiere in recent years, Panaz will again be introducing their new luxury, contract flame retardant drapery, furnishings and upholstery collections on 20th and 21st November from 10.00am each day at the Hilton Islington, 53 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 0QH adjacent to the Business Design Centre.For more information about the event or to book an appointment, please contact Panaz on panazpremiere@panaz.co.uk.

Details of the new collections launched at the Premiere will appear after the event on the Panaz website www.panaz.com.

IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group) is proud to announce the groundbreaking on a 20-story, 225-room InterContinental® hotel located in the Piantini neighborhood of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. Real Hotels & Resorts, a hotel division of Salvadorian-based Grupo Poma, will own the new development and invest US$70 million in the project. Scheduled to open in 2015, the Real InterContinental® Santo Domingo hotel will be located on the Avenida Winston Churchill next to the Acropolis, a popular shopping center with luxury restaurants, shops and a sophisticated nightlife district. An upscale residential neighborhood with several apartments and office towers are also nearby. The hotel will appeal to local residents and international travelers alike with a stylish lobby bar atmosphere and various restaurants, meetings rooms, business center, an outdoor pool, fitness center and spa.

This development further strengthens IHG’s relationship with Grupo Poma, owner of seven InterContinental hotels throughout El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica and the InterContinental at Doral Miami. The Real InterContinental Santo Domingo will be the third IHG-branded property in Santo Domingo already home to a Crowne Plaza® hotel and a Holiday Inn® hotel.

The St. Regis Bangkok has unveiled a new Penthouse Suite located on the hotel’s highest floor, 44 storeys above street level. The space combines signature St. Regis bespoke services and elegant Asian décor with floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a double-storey three-bedroom residence with unparalleled panoramic views of the city.Throughout both floors, unique memorabilia from The King And I, the famed Broadway musical set in Bangkok, adorns the walls, including costumes worn by Yul Brynner. This and the elegant decor creates a subtle expression of east meets west and a sense of stateliness for suite guests.

On the balcony, a private 7-metre infinity pool overlooks the greenery of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club and the magnificent city skyline, while a private home theatre includes a 65-inch high definition television and larger pull-down projector screen amongst the host of state-of-the-art equipment.

A private dining room overlooking Bangkok’s famous Sukhumvit stretch is perfect for private dinner parties, accommodating up to 16 guests and is adjacent to a fully equipped kitchen, which can be stocked with the freshest produce and choicest ingredients to order. A wine room offers a fine selection of old and new world vintages, specially chosen by the house sommelier from the hotel’s cellar.

The bespoke 24-hour St. Regis Butler service is redefined to offer two personal butlers ready to cater to a guest’s every need. From packing and unpacking services to serving in-residence breakfast or assisting with arrangements for a fully-catered dinner party, no request is too big or too small.

In the three bedrooms, a signature St. Regis king-sized bed is layered in 300-thread-count linens, a down comforter, plush pillows, and a sumptuous throw blanket. The master bedroom with lush green parkland views also incorporates a study area with a generously sized desk that provides a comfortable place for crafting a letter or catching up on email via the residence’s High Speed Internet Access and Wi-Fi. An en-suite walk-in closet leads to the lavish marble bathroom, where double vanities reside alongside a large freestanding bathtub and separate custom shower with Remède bath amenities.

For those not wishing to stray from their usual fitness regime, a private exercise room outfitted with TechnoGym® equipment and a full range of free weights will ensure guests can enjoy their exercise session while taking in the far-stretching city views. Adjacent to this, a private spa therapy area with two treatment beds offers guests the opportunity to indulge in a pampering Elemis Spa treatment from the comforts of their lavish accommodation.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that its Le Méridien brand is picking up even more momentum in North America with a new hotel planned for Cleveland, Ohio. Le Méridien Cleveland will open in January 2016 following the completion of a highly anticipated, adaptive re-use project that will join together and transform two adjacent, historic buildings on Euclid Avenue. Owned by JHB Hotel, LLC, Le Méridien Cleveland will be the brand’s third historic adaptive re-use project in North America, following Le Méridien Philadelphia and Le Méridien Tampa, showcasing a timeless chic design ethos that juxtaposes traditional architecture with contemporary style. Formerly known as “Millionaire’s Row,” Euclid Avenue was home to the city’s most affluent citizens and a must-see destination for European travellers in the early 1900s when Cleveland was a major manufacturing hub. The new Le Méridien Cleveland will be developed at 1001-1101 Euclid Avenue as part of a visionary project that will connect and transform two adjacent buildings – the John Hartness Brown Building (JHB Building), originally constructed in 1901 as a multi-story office building with retail space, and 1101 Euclid Avenue, built in 1915 as an office building. The development will also include 10,500 square feet of ground-floor retail space and a 125-space parking garage.

Situated in the heart of the city’s bustling theatre district, Le Méridien Cleveland will be adjacent to Playhouse Square, the second largest theatre complex in the United States, and walking distance to the newly developed Horseshoe Casino and Cleveland Convention Center. Nearby attractions include the city’s vibrant East 4th Street entertainment district, Progressive Field and Cleveland Browns Stadium. Guests will enjoy easy access to the rest of the city via the HealthLine Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and Cleveland’s RTA Free E-Line Trolley.

In addition to 206 modern guest rooms and suites, Le Méridien Cleveland will feature a full-service restaurant, signature bar, 3,000 square-foot lounge, indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and more than 12,000 feet of state-of-the-art meeting and event space, perfect for social occasions and business functions.
Le Méridien Cleveland will feature the brand’s signature Le Méridien Hub™ experience, which re-interprets the traditional lobby into a social gathering place for creative people to converse, debate, and exchange. Le Méridien Hub further builds on the brand’s award-winning arrival experience and coffee culture. Le Méridien arrival consists of four elements: large-scale artwork in high impact areas to reset the mind and stimulate dialogue and curiosity; the sensory experience, illustrated through Le Méridien signature scent, sound and use of light, creating a unique and distinctive atmosphere; UNLOCK ART™ programme, featuring LM100 ™ artist designed key card collections that not only offer access to the guestroom but also to Le Méridien affiliated contemporary cultural centers in the city; and a 24-hour curated soundtrack. The Hub at Le Méridien Cleveland will also feature the signature Master Barista, a recently launched initiative to meet the growing demands of coffee lovers at every Le Méridien hotel worldwide. Master Baristas lead coffee-related initiatives at each hotel, serve as a coffee cultural ambassador, and maintain knowledge of current coffee trends within the destination.

When I was in Hamburg to create the Review of Accor’s Sofitel the adjacent Steigenberger was pointed out to me as belonging to the brand that was the leading German five star hotel group. It was described as an old fashioned Sleeping Beauty waiting awakening. Steigenberger found their prince in Puneet Chhatwal, one of Kurt Ritter’s so successful team who drove the expansion of SAS Hotels through various liaisons of increasing passion and intensity until consummated with US suitor Carlson. Taking a dozen 1990’s SAS Hotels through Radisson into Rezidor now to the full embrace of Carlson, Ritter fell a little short of his self – proclaimed target of 700 hotels by the end of 2012, but he came damn close, and instrumental in realising his targets as his Director of Development from 1998 was Puneet Chhatwal.
Chhatwal speaks fondly of Ritter, who he still sees on a regular basis. The whirlwind development of the group is not on the cards for Steigenberger though, he says. Steigenberger is a part of the group of hotels which includes 35 Intercity Hotels and 3 cruise vessels operating on the Nile and Nasser Sea. The 49 individual luxury hotels that are the Steigenberger’s face change, but defined by Chhatwal as defining themselves around those parameters that epitomise German engineering vis-a-vis BMW and Mercedes – quality, leadership, reliability. Steigenberger will be a purely management group, and will remain German based. However as it has a former finance director of Thomas Cook on the board I would expect to see major overseas expansion from their German homeland.

Whilst staying German based the group will seek to keep the best of German qualities whilst developing an international character. Chhatwal will look to the international design community much as Rezidor did, remembering with affection Joseph Ransley of the now alas defunct Ransley Associates (see NH Brussels as an example of his work, one of my very early Reviews) but also speaking well of Peter Joehnk of the eponymous Frankfurt JOI interior design practice.

There are ten or so Steigenberger’s that Chhatwal sees as the equivalent within the group of the Mercedes ‘S’ class within the car groups portfolio, and is grappling with how to differentiate them. Rezidor always in my view had a problem differentiating the Missoni and Regent brands as up-market brands within their portfolio and never really got their minds around the issues of this up-market differentiation, indeed I don’t think Radisson management grasp 5 star. Chhatwal has identified this as an issue to be resolved in Steigenberger and it will be interesting to watch the group development to see how he applies his solutions.

Like Sternlicht did when in charge of Starwoods in growing the ‘W’ brand out of Westin, Chhatwal sees an opportunity in the differentiation, but, as he says “it is a different world from when Sternlicht did ‘W’”. Agreed but that is the nature of opportunity and as we come out of recession and look ahead to a possible six years of growth, now is the time to be doing it.

I will watch with interest how Chhatwal addresses the issues, develops design identities and moves the group ahead. The first of the new and refurbished hotels competed on his watch have now been completed and I am off to Dusseldorf to see the refurbished Steigenberger Park in my first look at the new iteration of the brand. Watch this space…

©Patrick Goff Interviewed Puneet Chhatwal at the WTM on the 4th November 2013

Hotel Indigo continues to expand in top-tier U.S. markets, with plans for a hotel in the Chicago suburb of Naperville. The hotel, planned on the Naperville Riverwalk, an award-winning riverfront walkway and park, is expected to be a significant anchor for the mixed-use retail, restaurant and office development on the south end of Naperville’s central business district. This is the second Hotel Indigo signing in the Chicago market this year, with a hotel expected to open in the Millennium Park area in late 2014. Slated to open in 2015, the hotel will be located in the Water Street District, a vibrant neighborhood with a variety of restaurants and shops. It will be conveniently accessible to downtown Naperville businesses and will benefit from planned expansions to the Riverwalk that will include an art wall and a staircase patterned after the Spanish Steps in Rome. A large public and private parking facility with more than 500 spaces will be adjacent to the hotel, providing parking for the Water Street district and additional downtown visitor parking.

The Hotel Indigo Naperville hotel will have 160 rooms, including Riverfront King Suites and Honeymoon Suites. The second floor lobby will feature a great room with fireplace, a bistro-style dining area and wine bar. The hotel will offer a well-equipped fitness center, banquet accommodations, three meeting rooms that can accommodate from 15 to 60 people, and a rooftop restaurant that overlooks the river and extraordinary panoramic views of downtown Naperville.

Marquette Companies plans to involve the Naperville Heritage Society in bringing the area’s history and culture to life within the hotel space via unique interior designs and signature murals. The Hotel Indigo Naperville hotel, owned by Marquette Companies LLC, will be managed by IHG.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., has recently announced its iconic Sheraton brand has reached the 100th hotel milestone in Asia Pacific with the opening of Sheraton Shantou Hotel in China, owned by Logan Group. Sheraton Shantou Hotel features 306 guestrooms, as well as 24 suites with views of the South China Sea. Rooms are equipped with all the brand’s signature amenities and services including the plush Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed, rainforest shower, ergonomic work area, High Speed Internet Access, and LCD flat panel television. The heart of the lobby is the Link@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft®, – a relaxed space with complimentary wireless broadband where guests can socialize and connect with friends, both old and new.

Additional facilities include a gym, an outdoor swimming pool and Shine Spa for Sheraton™.

Sheraton Shantou Hotel also offers three distinctive dining venues, a Sheraton Club Lounge, and 1,800-square meters of versatile, state-of-the-art function space.

Jumeirah Group (‘Jumeirah’), the global luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, announced today that it has successfully raised a US$1.4 billion unsecured syndicated loan priced at 2.75% above LIBOR due 2019.The facility was lead arranged by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, HSBC, Mashreq and Standard Chartered. Jumeirah Group was advised by Rothschild on the transaction.

The loan will be used for expansion plans as Jumeirah continues to grow in the years ahead as well as for general corporate purposes, at the parent level, for Dubai Holding Commercial Operations Group.

Gerald Lawless, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Jumeirah Group said; “The pricing we have been able to achieve for this syndicated loan is a testament to the Company’s financial strength and future prospects. This financing will support our focus on driving profitable revenues from the existing portfolio while giving us the headroom to continue our local and international expansion. This is the first time we have raised funds through a syndicated loan and we are pleased to be supported by the highest calibre of international and local banks.”

Year to date September 2013, average occupancy in Jumeirah’s portfolio of hotels has increased by 8% globally, compared to the same period in 2012. In the same period the revenue per available room, an industry standard for measuring performance, rose by 15%. The performance data is based on hotels that had more than 18 months of operations under the Jumeirah brand.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced its sizzling Aloft brand has made its debut in Orlando, Florida. Aloft Orlando Downtown is located in the former OUC building and sits adjacent to Orlando City Hall. Owned by GDC Properties and operated by Yedla Management Company, this new hotel offers a prime location in the revitalized downtown business district. Featuring Aloft’s signature W XYZ bar, with a buzzing, social atmosphere, significant outdoor dining space and urban-influenced, modern design, Aloft Downtown Orlando is a welcome addition for guests and locals alike.Design innovation is key to Aloft Orlando Downtown’s architecture, as some of the original building’s features have been preserved in the lobby such as the terrazzo flooring, marble walls and teak wood paneling. An L.E.D. backlit staircase leads from the lobby to the lower level where the meeting space is located and there are seven boardrooms located on floors 2 to 8. The spacious loft-like meeting rooms feature 10 ft. ceilings with floor to ceiling windows that offer fabulous views of downtown Orlando. The building’s exterior illuminates at night with its vibrant L.E.D. lighting.

The Aloft Orlando Downtown follows the opening of three other adaptive re-use projects including Aloft Miami Brickell, Aloft Tulsa Downtown and the award-winning Aloft Dallas Downtown, which transformed a historic railroad depot into an Aloft hotel. Aloft will complete two more adaptive re-use projects in 2014 – Aloft Detroit Downtown and Aloft Tampa Downtown. Looking toward 2015, Aloft New Orleans Downtown and Aloft Amsterdam Airport will also open as adaptive re-use hotels.

The last weekend in October had the Steigenberger Hotel Group celebrating the completion of the renovation works at the Steigenberger Parkhotel in Düsseldorf on the Königsallee 1a with 600 invited guests.Since 2011 more than ten million euros have been invested in the reconstruction and conversion of the lobby, terrace, winter garden, restaurants, rooms and suites.

“For us, the Steigenberger Parkhotel in Düsseldorf is a showpiece, which combines both, the classic elegance of a Grand Hotel with a rich tradition and the luxury of a modern Five Star Hotel”, says Puneet Chhatwal, CEO of the Steigenberger Hotels AG.

“Its prime location on Düsseldorf’s glamorous grand boulevard, the ‘Königsallee’, directly opposite to the so-called “Kö-Bogen” underlines the individuality and exclusiveness of the object, and we are very proud that it shines in new splendour now”, Chhatwal adds.

That is the reason, why the “Grand Opening” became such a shining, varied and exclusive event. According to the motto “Steigenberger Parkhotel Düsseldorf in its new look” guests from economy, politics, the show-biz and the entertainment industry ambled through the new premises.

During individual tours, the invited guests could get a personal impression of the newly designed rooms and suites.

An event for all senses – The outdoor multimedia show arranged by Frank Alexander (Paranoid-Art) with lasers, beamers and flame throwers, projected on water surfaces, and the illumination of the outer facade of the Parkhotel provided a spectacular performance and left a lasting impression on the guests and hundreds of spectators.

The chef de cuisine of the Steigenberger Parkhotel in Düsseldorf, Michael Görres, his colleague and starred-chef, Patrick Bittner, from the Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof and the starred-chefs Yoshizumi Nagaya and Jean Claude Borgueil (“Im Schiffchen”, Kaiserwerth) were responsible for the culinary delights. Show-chef René Kalobius impressed with his molecular kitchen.

The revenue of the charity activities of 5,000 Euro were donated to a project of the German Red Cross called “Herzwerk”, brought into being by actress Jenny Jürgens. During the presentation ceremony, she thanked the organizers and guests personally for the excellent result.

“The evening was a full success for us, as our guests enjoyed it and they are all impressed by our “new look”. It was an eventful and successful start and we are looking forward to a bright future”, as Michael Kain, Director of the Steigenberger Parkhotel in Düsseldorf puts it.

Hilton Worldwide has recently announced the introduction of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand into New Caledonia with the signing of a franchise agreement with GLP Hotels New Caledonia and the opening of Hilton Noumea La Promenade Residences. Hilton Noumea La Promenade Residences features 154 spacious and modern, self-catering apartments, that offer uninterrupted water views over the New Caledonia lagoon, which is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO.The three tower Hilton Noumea La Promenade Residences is located on Anse Vata Beach in the centre of the main tourism and accommodation district in Noumea and is an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel’s 154 apartments range from King Studios to one, two and three-bedroom apartments – all of which come equipped with a kitchen and laundry.

The hotel will open with a newly renovated main entrance and lobby area which will include a dedicated Hilton HHonors desk, as well as a library and a spacious and welcoming lounge area. Facilities at the hotel include a heated swimming pool, restaurant serving Pacific Rim cuisine, a business centre, gym and wellbeing centre for women.

A glass-walled chapel located in the gardens of the hotel with panoramic views over Anse Vata Bay has recently been inaugurated for intimate and unforgettable wedding celebrations. Numerous boutiques, cafés and tourist attractions are within walking distance of the hotel.

Business guests and conference delegates can plan their meetings in the conference room located on the first floor of the hotel, or for larger groups, at the conference facilities located at the hotel’s sister property.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced its Sheraton brand will expand its portfolio in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area with a new hotel planned for McKinney, Texas. The City of McKinney and the McKinney Community Development Corporation (MCDC) are teaming up with Champ Hospitality and Beck Development to build the $38 million Sheraton McKinney Hotel at the corner of Highway 75 and the Sam Rayburn Tollway. The 186-room Sheraton will be McKinney’s first upscale, full-service hotel and will be connected to a 20,000 square-foot events center, both slated to open in February 2015. The hotel will be developed by Champ Beck Development, a joint venture between Champ Hospitality and The Beck Group which brings together Champ Hospitality’s 30 years of hospitality experience and Beck’s reputation as a leading designer and builder in the Dallas area for the past 100 years.

Funding for the project includes funds from the City of McKinney, private equity and bank financing. The City of McKinney will pay for the cost of the conference center which the City will own once it is open.

W Hotels Worldwide, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc., will make its debut in Switzerland on 1st December 2013 with the opening of W Verbier and The Residences at W Verbier. Owned by Les Trois Rocs, the W brand’s first alpine and ski retreat is ideally situated at the foot of the slopes beside the Médran gondola. Featuring four traditional wooden chalet-style buildings, each connected by a contemporary glass atrium, the retreat will offer global jetsetters and Verbier enthusiasts immediate ski-in, ski-out access to all of the exciting alpine action. Dutch design agency, Concrete Architectural Associates, has created a design ethos for W Verbier inspired by the dynamic carve of the ski through the snow. Introducing a completely new concept to Switzerland and Verbier – one of the world’s hottest ski destinations – W Verbier’s innovative interiors will juxtapose New York’s urban cool against traditional Swiss design and the stunning mountainscape. The design also brings to life the energy of the alpine sporting world, whose presence is so strongly felt in Verbier, with the interiors allowing guests to carve their own trail of experiences through the hotel.

“For the first W alpine retreat, we wanted to provide guests with an unforgettable experience using interiors that complement the breathtaking scenery surrounding the hotel”, said Rob Wagemans, founder and creative director, Concrete Architectural Associates. “Our design introduces smooth lines that carve through the spaces with contrasting materials reflecting the simplicity, beauty and energy of Verbier and the contemporary cool of New York”.

In the public spaces and guest rooms, natural materials will be juxtaposed against sporty synthetics and contemporary fabrics. Seating areas will be carved out of solid wood blocks; climbing ropes will be used to hang lamps; local stone will clad walls and Welcome desks; upholstery and soft furnishings will be covered in leather, nylon, fur and lycra. Cosy fireplaces will appear throughout the public spaces and will be a key feature in each of the hotel’s 123 stylish guest rooms and suites, including one Extreme WOW Suite (W’s interpretation of the Presidential Suite). In the guest rooms, rustic wooden, chalet-style features will provide a warm contrast to sleek furnishings and contemporary lighting with mischievous animal footprints in the corridor carpets leading a pathway to the rooms. All guest rooms and suites will boast balconies, many offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountainscape.

Continued on page two…

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is expanding its collection of Reserve hotels with plans to open a luxury sanctuary on Pearl Island, a private island situated 45 miles south of Panama City. An exclusive leisure experience that blends intuitive individual service, exquisite indigenous design, and luxuriously relaxed ambiance, the resort is the sixth planned Reserve property, joining current locations in Phulay Bay in Thailand and Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico, and upcoming locations including Molasses Reef in Turks and Caicos, Tamuda Bay, Morocco and Cabos San Lucas, Mexico, among several projects slated for the near future.Surrounded by pristine beaches, one of the most bio-diverse marine environments on the planet, sublime azure waters and virgin tropical forests, and enlivened by hundreds of species of indigenous flora and fauna, the centrepiece of the Reserve will feature an open-air resort offering 80 intimate rooms, and a range of select luxury amenities and exceptional services to include a lavish spa, private beach club, three swimming pools and three restaurants, as well as access to a world-class marina, dive and fishing village and equestrian centre. The spa will include outdoor treatment pavilions and separate tree-top villas, all of which will incorporate indigenous treatments in a lush remote setting.

Capturing the striking character of Pearl Island, one-and two-story villas situated on the beach reveal ocean front views, all boasting oversized guest rooms with private plunge pools, spacious outdoor private terraces, and the expansive Signature Suite, a standalone private oasis spread along the coastline. For executive retreats, the property will feature a 1,800-square-foot function pavilion and boardroom with ocean views.

Reachable by boat, helicopter or plane through a private airstrip, Pearl Island is a virtually untouched paradise featuring an extensive private natural reserve with over half of the island undisturbed. Located in the Gulf of Panama on the Pacific Ocean, minutes from Panama City, the 3,500 acre private island is the third largest in the Archipelago of Las Perlas. Co-owned by Dolphin Capital Investors and Grupo Eleta, the island is one of approximately 250 different islands inhabited by fishing communities throughout the archipelago.

To ensure the island remains unspoiled, approximately 70 percent of the acreage will stay permanently undisturbed. Stringent development guidelines will result in minimal environmental impact through state-of-the-art engineering and environmental sciences, as well as sustainable practices for water, energy, waste, and transportation. The architectural integrity of the island will be maintained through a series low low-density villages and distinctive sustainable architecture showcasing a harmonious blend of location, style and finishes.

The developers of the Reserve are also creating a collection of Ritz-Carlton Reserve branded Residences which will be available for sale during the construction phase. Designed in the same unique architectural style of the resort, each privately owned three to four bedroom Residence will offer exquisite design and a one-of-a-kind luxury experience for owners.

The Rezidor Hotel Group has signed 8 agreements for new hotels with a total of 1,400 rooms in the third quarter of 2013. 5 of these signings represent projects in Saudi Arabia, a key focus country for Rezidor. “Saudi Arabia has experienced continuous economic growth and offers considerable potential for our core brands Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson. In line with our development strategy targeting a profitable, sustainable and asset-light growth in Emerging Markets and selected focus countries, we aim to further strengthen our presence in Saudi Arabia together with powerful regional partners”, commented Wolfgang M. Neumann, President & CEO at Rezidor. Besides Saudi Arabia, the group’s focus country list includes Russia, Nigeria and Turkey. Rezidor has also added a new country to its portfolio and signed the first Radisson Blu Hotel in Algiers, Algeria. The upper upscale property with 137 rooms in scheduled to open in Q1 2015. “We are delighted to arrive in Algeria where we are actively seeking further projects. This signing underlines the importance Africa has for us; across the continent we have 51 hotels with more than 11,300 rooms in operation or under development; in Northern Africa alone (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya) we have14 hotels with more than 4,500 rooms”, said Elie Younes, Senior Vice President & Head of Group Development at Rezidor. In Northern Africa, Rezidor also opened the Radisson Blu Resort & Thalasso Hammamet in Tunisia in Q3 2013 with 274 rooms and a 1,400sqm spa.

The impact of Rezidor’s Asset Management focus is evident in mature European markets; especially in the Nordics where the group secured 20 years extensions for two of its most strategic and profitable hotels: The Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen and the Radisson Blu Royal Copenhagen which was Rezidor’s very first hotel and designed by Arne Jacobsen. The properties are currently under management agreements, but will be converted to lease agreements (from the beginning of 2014) which are prevalent in Copenhagen and the Nordics. The Radisson Blu SkyCity Hotel at Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport has added 30 guest rooms and 36 state-of-the-art meeting rooms, which were negotiated as part of the 2012 lease extension. In addition, the MEUR 13 renovation of the Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel, Trondheim is proceeding and scheduled to be completed in mid 2014. The renovation, which is jointly funded by Rezidor and the property owner, is designed to reposition the hotel at the top of the local market, and is in line with Rezidor’s focus of renovating profitable assets in conjunction with contract extensions.

“Such results show our continued success in constantly upgrading our leased hotels and improving the financial performance – a core element of our Route 2015 turnaround programme”, added Wolfgang M. Neumann. Through Route 2015, Rezidor aims to reach an EBITDA margin increase of 6-8% by the year 2015. In 2012, the programme already led to an EBITDA margin impact of 2.1%. Besides accelerated Asset Management projects, Route 2015 comprises Revenue Generation activities, a focus on fee based growth, cost savings, and cap utilization.

Marriott International, Inc.’s global luxury brand JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts is continuing to grow its India portfolio with the opening of two new hotels – in Bengaluru and New Delhi – within weeks of each other. These will be JW Marriott brand’s fourth and fifth hotels in India, and 61st and 62nd properties worldwide.JW Marriott Bengaluru opened its doors on September 12, redefining luxury for the modern business and leisure traveller. Overlooking the plush 300-acre Cubbon Park, the five-star hotel boasts 297 rooms and suites, including one Presidential Suite, and features a collection of Indian artwork curated by Geetu Hinduja, director of The Fine Art Company, an art consultancy located in Mumbai. Guests are invited to indulge in six different dining options, including wine, antipasti and prohibition cocktails at Bar Uno; rustic Tuscan fare at Alba; authentic Indian cuisine at Spice Terrace; delectable baked goods and gourmet products at grab-and-go patisserie Bengaluru Baking Company (BBC). Tired travellers are invited to relax and unwind in the luxury Spa by JW, offering six different treatment rooms, a heated outdoor pool, casual Pool Bar and cabanas, and state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio. JW Marriott Bengaluru features more than 1,000 square meters (10,000 square feet) of indoor and outdoor event space.

Offering 523 guest rooms including a luxurious Presidential Suite, JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity (left), which debuted on October 18, provides discerning international and domestic travellers with a front row seat to Aerocity, the area’s emerging upscale business and leisure district. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with a larger-than-life lobby installation comprised of numerous glass tubes from commissioned artist Nikolas Weinstein Studio.

The hotel also offers an enticing array of six restaurants and lounges, including the signature Japanese restaurant Akira Back; grab-and-go patisserie and retail shop Delhi Baking Company (DBC); K3, one of the largest restaurants in New Delhi, offering North Indian, Cantonese, and Tuscan cuisines; and the stunning JW Lounge, a casual space offering cocktails and coffee. JW Marriott New Delhi also features the Quan Spa, offering signature spa treatments, a cutting edge fitness club, and an outdoor swimming pool. Located within driving distance of prominent business hubs in Delhi and Gurgaon, the hotel includes one of the city’s largest meeting and conference facilities, featuring eight separate meeting rooms and 2,323 square meters (25,000 square feet) of meeting space.

Europe’s most impressive and innovative new spa will open in spring 2014 at Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, Baden-Baden – the flagship property of the Oetker Collection. The new spa, housed in the historic Villa Stéphanie adjacent to the existing hotel, will offer an integrated approach to health combining beauty, wellbeing and medical needs. The new ultra deluxe extension to Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa will focus on four distinct areas combining beauty, detox, emotional and medical care.Over the last two years, Brenners has embarked on a project to create Europe’s most refined spa concept for the 21st century. Villa Stéphanie is made up over five floors and will comprise a 500 sqm sauna, kneipping baths, plunge pool for recovery, private fitness center, physio and spinal treatments, hammam, Ladies Spa, private park and sunken garden. Villa Stéphanie also will be connected to ‘Haus Julius’, a 1700 sq metre property dedicated solely to Brenners Medical Care. The twelve oversized double rooms and three impressive corner suites are designed for guests who wish to remain in this unique and timeless atmosphere for an even more intense spa experience.

“Brenners is one of the founders of the Spa movement in Europe and we have carried the name ‘Spa’ in our name since 1983. With over 30 years of experience, we feel it is the right time to bring the subject to a completely new level. Addressing the character of a big private house, we will create a highly individualized approach to health and wellbeing” says Frank Marrenbach, Managing Director Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa and CEO Oetker Collection.

Villa Stéphanie will be designed in an elegant and contemporary style by Bergit Countess Douglas, who is also responsible for the continuous refurbishment of Brenners for over the past 25 years. The overall concept is to create a homely atmosphere in elegant surroundings. ‘Le Salon’, will feature an impressive library, and as an ‘encore’ a beautiful private terrace facing the Brenner’s park.

Originally erected in 1890, Villa Stéphanie was created as a residence for royalty. It bears witness to a woman whose name still stands over the house like a guiding star: Stéphanie de Beauharnais, Grand Duchess of Baden and adoptive daughter of Napoleon I. The history of this building is just one aspect of the 2000 year heritage of the spa town of Baden-Baden. Known for centuries as ‘Europe’s summer capital’, this is where royalty came to take the waters for months at a time to ensure good health. Located in the foothills of the Black Forest, the town is also famous for its opera house, parks and gardens including the world famous ‘Lichtentaler Allee’ – where both Brenners-Park and Villa Stéphanie are located.

“The design of Villa Stéphanie will be seeped in history. The colours will be fresh, the room furnishings distinct, the wooden panelling light, the atmosphere young and the art modern. In terms of quality, the furnishings will be consistent with the standards set by Brenners Park-Hotel, yet the atmosphere of the spa will be one step more contemporary” comments Countess Douglas.

Connected to Villa Stéphanie, ‘Haus Julius’ will offer a variety of services from some of Germany’s top experts including dermatology, gynaecology, ophthalmology, multi-functional dentistry, a laboratory, GP, cardiology, psychology, physiotherapy and nutritional coaching. The medical partners will work closely with top national practices to assure after care and recuperation as well as health check-ups for those guests who seek to maintain optimal wellbeing.

With the promise to bestow an overall experience on guests’ needs, a private host with a strong medical and spa background will be allocated upon arrival to guests. Comparable to a private home, the host will remain the one and only person of contact throughout a stay at Villa Stéphanie ensuring simplicity and continuity to the experience. Frank Marrenbach: “For all those who devote all their energy to their families and businesses all year round, Villa Stéphanie represents a place to regain strengths, focus and health to master their demanding lives even better”.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that its Westin brand will soon inspire wellbeing in Wilmington, Delaware. Opening in March 2014, The Westin Wilmington will be connected to the Chase Center right at the heart of the city’s recently revitalized waterfront district. Owned by a joint venture between The Buccini/Pollin Group and Westport Capital, and managed by PM Hospitality Strategies, Inc., the newly constructed Westin hotel will provide 180 spacious rooms, the River Rock Kitchen restaurant, ample meeting space and spectacular views of the downtown Wilmington skyline and the entire Delaware Valley. The Westin Wilmington will provide 100,000 square feet of market-leading meeting space, ideal for weddings, social galas and business functions. Additional facilities will include a Legal Center serving law firms needing secure space while trying cases in Delaware, the full-service River Rock Kitchen restaurant, a WestinWORKOUT® Gym, indoor pool and 24-hour Business Center.

The sensory-rich environment at Westin offers a respite from the rigors of travel and sets a welcoming tone. The Westin brand’s innovative programs and instinctive service transform every aspect of a guest’s stay into a revitalizing experience. All guestrooms and suites at The Westin Wilmington will feature the world-renowned Westin Heavenly® Bed – featuring lush sheets, down cushioning and a patented pillow-top mattress, which cradles and contours to the body for complete comfort. Guests will revive in the Heavenly® Bath enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly® Shower, Heavenly® Robe and White Tea Aloe bath amenities, in-room and high-speed Internet access. The hotel will also offer the Westin brand’s signature SuperFoodsRX® menu, which includes nutrient-rich and delicious options to tempt every palate.

Opening for Easter 2014, Hotel Son Ametler offers a luxurious and tranquil holiday experience at the base of Majorca’s Tramuntana Mountains. Recently restored for deluxe farm stays, it’s an elegant and friendly hotel on 25,000 square metres of private guest space and just 35 minutes from Palma Airport.Hotel Son Ametler is the second deluxe “Agroturismo” retreat of British / Italian couple James Hiscock and Paola Cassini. Their first rural retreat, Finca Es Castell, was recently voted Majorca’s best hotel by ReviewPro’s Global Index and it consistently ranks as a favourite hotel in Majorca on TripAdvisor.com .

Nestled in private almond and olive orchards, Hotel Son Ametler perfectly blends rustic relaxation with attentive luxury. In the eight renovated double rooms, comforts include jacuzzi baths, Italian stucco bathrooms, air-conditioning and walk-in power showers. Organic toiletries, velvety towels and memory foam beds make relaxing a breeze. Guests can connect to free high-speed wifi, or switch off and relax.

Hotelier James Hiscock says, “We are extremely proud to present Son Ametler. It’s a hidden Majorcan gem. Our guests can relax, eat, drink, explore and recharge, in a converted 18th century farmhouse, where the only sounds are cicadas and sheep bells. This is a boutique style hotel without the boutique attitude”. Bookings for short and long stays during summer 2014 have commenced. Whilst the area is popular for rural stays, beaches like Pollenca and Alducia are only 20 and Palma just 35 minutes away.

The property’s farm provides ingredients for tasty and fresh local dishes. With a top-notch breakfast buffet, light lunches and ‘a la carte’ dinners, Son Ametler brings an authentic flavour to hotel cuisine. A full-service night bar awaits and daytime sippers will love the relaxed “country house” honesty bar atmosphere. A huge swimming pool and private terrace overlook mountains and fields in full privacy.

With ongoing economic challenges impacting Spanish tourism, rural hideaways like this continue to be popular with British guests. The creation of Hotel Son Ametler is a boutique expansion by their Owners. “Living here’s a dream. Spain’s economy has huge potential. With the success of Finca Es Castell and our loyal guests, we’re confident that Son Ametler will also impress”, says James Hiscock.

The Evian Resort continues its major renovation project on the Hôtel Royal in Evian. This 5-star hotel will undergo extensive work to enhance both its heritage and modernity, scheduled to open in July 2014. A makeover that will provide both the very best of modern-day comfort with the Belle Epoque spirit of this legendary place visited by famous personalities*. The creation at garden level of a new conference centre will leave the 6th floor free to create private suites that will offer exceptional panoramic views of Lake Geneva and will delight the most demanding of clients.

The common areas, including bars, restaurants, shops and lounges, will also be renovated, along with 75 rooms and suites, with the other half of the rooms to be refurbished in 2015, a total of 150 rooms and suites.

This project has been entrusted to interior designer François Champsaur and head architect of historic monuments François Châtillon. Many specialised craftspeople will also be called upon to ensure that history and heritage are respected. The soul and identity of this palace dating back to the early 20th century will remain intact via the restoration of its frescoes and collection of period furniture. Luxury and tradition make a perfect match with the final touches added to a new style of living, in order to meet the demands of the guests staying at this 5-star hotel.

All the staff at this wonderful property have been provided with a support system, some are being redeployed to other areas of the Evian Resort, while others are taking advantage of this opportunity to improve their skills on training schemes.

[*The Aga Khan, Diaghilev, Nijinsky, Sacha Guitry, Queen Elizabeth II, Errol Flynn and Ludmilla Tchérina, present during the fire in August 1958 that destroyed the roof of the Royal, plus many heads of state]

Europe’s leading hospitality design show is less than a month away and is promising an impressive array of product innovations from new and established exhibitors alike. This year’s Sleep exhibition, which is free to attend for all delegates including those attending the conference who pre-register on-line, includes a raft of stand-out features introduced for the first time, and is sure to be packed with ideas and inspiration aplenty for architects and designers, specifiers, hotel operators, owners and developers attending from across the globe.A particularly exciting new addition to the exhibition is Tech Hub, a platform profiling the cutting-edge technology companies whose products and services are transforming the hotel experience. Boxbuild, the driving force behind Bloc Hotels, in collaboration with Sky and Samsung, will be demonstrating how smartphone and tablet technology can be used by guests to effortlessly book, check-in and control their in-room environment.

Sleep sets out to attract fresh content each year to ensure it represents the newest perspectives in the world of hotel design. This year almost a third of the participating companies will be showcasing their products and services for the first time at Sleep, with many from the United States and Hong Kong as well as across Europe.

Leading the field with hi-tech advances in hotel bathroom design will be some of the industry’s finest suppliers launching new products designed to enhance functionality and, ultimately, the guest experience.

This year also sees the introduction of Newcomers Gallery, a platform highlighting emerging companies at the forefront of contemporary design.

For several years now, Sleep has been recognised as the event where business is done, contacts are made and orders placed. This year, there will be the chance to do this party-style. A late night opening, until 8pm on 20th November, will give visitors the chance to take in the show and enjoy a complimentary drink or two while Michaelangelo L’Acqua, CEO and Chief Creative Officer, Soniq, and Global Music Director at W Hotels Group, performs a live DJ set from 6-8pm on the slickly designed Evoni DJ table in the main exhibition hall.

On the same evening, the winner of Sleep Hotel will be announced at 7pm. The competition to create concept room sets has now been joined by a sixth contestant in the stellar line-up: Infinite Architecture, a young practice based in the UAE, and their partners Cullinan Interior. A much-anticipated highlight of the Sleep Hotel rooms will be the opportunity to see how Purpose Design is exploring 3-D printing in its room set.

Also on display will be a gallery of the winners of the European Hotel Design Awards, revealed at the awards dinner on Tuesday 19th November, at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge, London.

Please see the Sleep website for a comprehensive list of exhibitors and their latest product news as well as information on the conference that runs alongside the show.

Timeless luxury arrived in Almaty, Kazakhstan when The Ritz-Carlton opened its first hotel in the country. The most highly anticipated hotel in Central Asia was unveiled by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. and international real estate developer Capital Partners. The new 145-room luxury hotel offers unsurpassed levels of elegance and is the latest collaboration between Capital Partners and The Ritz-Carlton, following their successful partnership with The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow.

The hotel sits atop the 37 storey Esentai Tower, one of the tallest buildings in Central Asia. With Club and Suite accommodations and more than 10,000 square feet of meeting facilities, it is part of the Capital Partners’ Esentai Park development, which also includes an extensive shopping mall and residential complexes.

One of Birmingham’s greenest venues is celebrating today after maintaining a British Standard accolade for their environmental credentials.Conference Aston, Birmingham city centre’s premier conference, hotel and event venue, has had its ISO14001 accreditation reaffirmed following the refurbishment of 53 bedrooms as part of a £5.4m redevelopment of the Aston University site.

The bedrooms, which are now all of 4* equivalent quality as a minimum, were the final phase of the 163 rooms on site to be refurbished. As part of the renovation, the remaining rooms have been fitted with a wide range of environmentally-friendly appliances, including the use of thermostatic mixing valves to control water temperature, LED and energy saving lighting, split flushing toilets and facilities for easier recycling.

All paper, plastic and battery waste is to be recycled once rooms are cleaned, whilst the donation of old furniture to a variety of organisations in the region is an initiative that will continue. So far, beneficiaries have included Hillcrest school; Age Concern, 1st Sheldon Scout Group; Inter-Action MK; Child Education Development and Empowerment (CEDE) trust fund and the EFA Foundation.

Lucy Talbot, director at Conference Aston, said: “Conference Aston was the first academic venue in the UK to be given this rating and our green credentials are something that we take very seriously, so we are very proud to have retained our British Standard rating for our environmental management systems.

“When we were looking at the refurbishment of the bedrooms, it was imperative that whilst we raised the quality of the rooms, we didn’t forget that they needed to be energy efficient too. It’s been a tough balancing act, but one we feel is very worthwhile.

“For example, we have reduced the amount of water that our showers use per minute by five litres, but have not compromised the quality of the shower which is a key requirement for any hotel user.

“Things such as the removal of bottled water from bedrooms to decrease plastic waste have been offset by the installation of water coolers on bedroom landings. These steps may not seem like big deals, but when factored in to the grand scheme of things, it can make a real difference.”

The Brook Green Hotel is now complete, from top to toe. Featuring 17 fully refurbished boutique-style bedrooms, a pub and dining area and a stylish cocktail bar, expect friendly, personal and unpretentious service at this West London gem.THE LOCATION
Set opposite leafy Brook Green on the Shepherd’s Bush Road, the hotel is conveniently located within walking distance from Hammersmith underground station and a short journey from Shepherd’s Bush, including the buzzing Westfield London shopping complex.

THE BEDROOMS
The Brook Green Hotel’s design-led bedrooms provide guests with a modern, sleek and comfortable place to rest their heads. Bold designs, bespoke furniture and textured fabrics add to the luxury, especially in the two slightly larger and uniquely themed feature rooms.

In-room features include high-end bed linen, flat screen TVs with Sky on Demand, walk-in showers, iPhone docks, complimentary Wi-Fi and mini-bars as standard. Extra details might include ‘rain’ showers, large bathtubs and double basins. What’s more, every guest at the hotel receives a complimentary pass to the local Virgin Active gym.

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InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) has concluded a multi-development franchise agreement with Bierwirth & Kluth Hotelmanagement GmbH to develop five hotels across Germany. The first hotel under the agreement – Holiday Inn Hamburg – City Nord – has already been signed. This is IHG’s sixth multiple development agreement (MDA) with a partner in Germany, continuing the momentum of the growth of its brands in Europe. The hotels signed under this agreement will include up to four of IHG’s hotel brands – Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza®, Holiday Inn® and Holiday Inn Express®, giving the franchisee the flexibility to match the right brand with the right location.

The first hotel in the portfolio will be Holiday Inn Hamburg – City Nord, a newly constructed 297-room hotel featuring IHG’s Open Lobby Concept which is scheduled to open in quarter three of 2016. As the first IHG hotel to serve Hamburg Airport, Holiday Inn Hamburg – City Nord is set to attract a mix of leisure and business guests due to its prime location in one of Hamburg’s best-known business parks.

Robert Shepherd, Chief Development Officer for Europe said: “Germany is a priority market for IHG and we see significant headroom for growth there. MDA agreements are proving to be a success in Germany and we’re really excited to be working with Bierwirth & Kluth Hotel management GmbH for the first time on this latest deal. We remain committed to working with experienced and reputable investor and owner partners for the long-term in order to achieve high-quality, sustainable growth.”

The Belvedere Hotel in Clapham, London, is set to sign a franchise agreement with Accor to be branded as an Ibis Styles after securing a £4.45 million finance package with Santander Corporate & Commercial. The Belvedere Hotel will undergo a significant refurbishment programme to meet the Accor brand standards, including renovating the bedrooms and public areas and the installation of two lifts. The work starts in November and is set for completion by February.

Gauhar Nawab founded the Eurohotel Group, the operator of The Belvedere Hotel. He established the business in 1970, and today owns and operates nine budget tourist hotels in Greater London. The day to day running of the business is now managed by Gauhar’s son, Meher Nawab. Meher is driving the group’s franchise strategy with Accor, with two of the group’s portfolio already operating under the Ibis Styles brand, and a further four in the pipeline.

Meher Nawab, Managing Director of the Eurohotel Group, said: “We are really pleased that we have been able to gain the funding to be able to move the business forward. By refurbishing the hotel we have the opportunity to raise its rating to three stars and bring in a wider clientele.”

Keith Wilkinson, Relationship Director for Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Gauhar and Meher on their venture to turn this hotel into a major, recognised brand and we are confident that the refurbishment of the hotel will be a great success. It is wonderful to be able to assist the growth and development of the group as they look to franchise further hotels.”

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® has recently announced that its fast-growing Aloft brand will make its debut in College Station, Texas in October 2015. Designed for the next generation of travelers, Aloft College Station will be ideally located just minutes from the Texas A&M University campus. Owned by Lodging America, the new-build hotel will feature 102 spacious, loft-like rooms, 1,500 square feet of flexible meeting space, accessible technology and a buzzing, social atmosphere. Aloft College Station will be located at the corner of University Drive West and Lincoln Avenue, close to both Texas A&M and Blinn College, as well as the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Post Oak Mall, Grand Station Entertainment Center and the restaurants, bars and music venues in the popular Northgate district. The new Aloft will also be convenient to the Business Center at College Station, home to numerous technology and telecommunications companies.

The Tobaco Hotel is located in the centre of Łódź among historic tenement houses and old factory buildings. Karol Kretschmer had operated a wool textile factory there since 1895 and in 1932, the National Cigarette Factory opened on the former textile factory premises. Nowadays, the whole building complex has been modernised and adapted to housing and hotel purposes.The hotel’s interior has been designed by the “EC-5” studio and reflects the spirit of the 50s and 60s. The dominant colours, both in hotel rooms and communal areas, are steel grey and vivid blue, violet and green. The yellow colour constitutes the leitmotiv of the whole complex, appearing in the corporate identity and in the decoration. Many interior furnishings, as well as most furniture, have been made of walnut veneer, the finishing of which is high gloss and matt. Dark and vivid colours have been confronted with white walls, floor and window decoration. Thanks to this technique, the effect of bright and spacious interiors has been achieved.

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art’otel amsterdam, the city’s newest luxury hotel fusing contemporary style with innovative art and design, has opened to guests. Housed within the former iconic headquarters of Dutch shipping line the Koninkijke Hollandsche Lloyd, art’otel amsterdam demonstrate a bold meeting of charming, historical architecture with a dramatic, daringly modern interior offering minimalist style with modern-day twists and a sense of open space. Art in all its forms is central to the art’otel concept with each art’otel paying homage to a selected signature artist infusing their vision and style into every inch of the hotel. art’otel amsterdam bears the signature of contemporary Dutch artist Atelier Van Lieshout, one of the country’s top 5 most recognised creatives, and showcases a unique collection of the artist’s pieces, all inspired by the theme of the Course of Life.

Neighbouring the hotel is 5&33; an exciting new dining and cultural venue incorporating an all-day and late-night kitchen, cocktail bar, library, lounge and multi-functional, public gallery. Pitching itself as a new playground for culture vultures in Amsterdam, 5&33 will host a vibrant social and cultural calendar of happenings throughout the year, from exhibitions to pop-up artist residencies and live music performances. Dominating 5&33 is Europe’s largest, permanent, interactive art installations.

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glh., the London-based global hotel subsidiary of the Singapore-listed GuocoLeisure Group, has recently announced the launch of a new contemporary 4-star hotel brand, Amba.• Amba will be Europe’s largest four-star hotel brand launch with 2088 rooms by 2015 Amba is launching with four hotels, situated just a few paces from world famous landmarks, in London’s most prestigious locations: Marble Arch, Tower Bridge, Charing Cross and Buckingham Palace Road.
• glh will be investing a further £70 million into the chosen four-star hotels
• The launch is driven by our extensive and industry shaping market research which shows there is a significant opportunity to develop the four star market
• The design of Amba’s new hotel rooms has been driven by the voice of the global customer
• At Amba everything works – from intuitive service to the fastest, free, reliable Wi-Fi available
• Amba provides the best environment to refresh and recharge
• glh.is targeting 30 key cities in the UK for the Amba brand and will expand the brand internationally in China, the USA and Europe across the best locations

Amba, a global owner and operator of contemporary hotels, will be Europe’s largest four- star brand launch with 2088 rooms in London by 2015. glh. will invest a further £70 million into the chosen four-star hotels to provide the best environment for the discerning business and leisure traveller*.

Amba is launching with four hotels, situated just a few paces from world famous landmarks, in London’s most prestigious locations: Marble Arch, Tower Bridge, Charing Cross and Buckingham Palace Road. The four hotels will re-open following major refurbishments, with Buckingham Palace Road the first Amba hotel to launch in June 2014.

The launch of Amba is driven by extensive market research which shows there is a significant opportunity to address unmet client needs in the four-star sector; better and more personalised service, seamless technology that actually works and authentic experiences in the best locations around the world.

At Amba, every room has been designed by the voice of the global customer and the highly knowledgeable staff – empowered by glh’s new entrepreneurial management model – will unearth hidden gems like a local and deliver the best guest-centred experience in the industry.

Amba sees technology as an enabler and every hotel in the brand is underpinned by seamless technology, from a Smart TV in every room to the behind-the-scenes operations that ensure staying in an Amba is an effortless experience. Wi-Fi isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. That’s why Amba has invested in the fastest, free, reliable Wi-Fi for all guests.

Amba will attract the global conference market using its fantastic locations across London combined with seamless technology to deliver the best conference experience available in the world.

The ambition is to grow the Amba brand in the UK to around 30 properties with further growth internationally in China, Malaysia, and the USA.

September’s Highlights
• London back on track thanks to rate increase
• Provinces hotels continue to shine

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® has recently announced it will introduce its fast growing Aloft brand to Durham, North Carolina. Aloft Durham Downtown will break ground later this year with an opening scheduled for May 2015 in the revitalized American Tobacco Historic District, which celebrates its 10th anniversary next year. Owned by Davidson & Jones, the newly constructed Aloft hotel will cater to the next generation of travelers with 134 spacious, loft-like rooms, techforward innovation and a buzzing, social atmosphere in a prime downtown location between the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Aloft Durham Downtown will be ideally located at the intersection of Blackwell and Vivian Streets, offering direct access to Durham Bulls’ baseball games and top theater performances at DPAC.

The new Aloft will be a key component of the American Tobacco Historic District, which launched a massive redevelopment and restoration project in 2004 to transform the iconic American Tobacco Company’s campus into a unique mixed-use development complex with local and national corporations, restaurants and event venues.

The hotel will also be convenient to the Durham Convention Center, Duke University and Medical Center and Research Triangle Park – one of the nation’s most prestigious high-tech and biotech hubs.

Just five miles from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), Aloft Durham Downtown will offer amenities including an outdoor Splash pool, W XYZsm bar, Re:charge 24-hour gym, private parking and approximately 2,230 square feet of flexible meeting space for both business meetings and social gatherings.

After much anticipation, The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin, the newest luxury hotel in North East China opened its doors officially today to bring unparalleled luxury service and accommodation to Tianjin – ‘The Port of the Emperor’. The art deco style property is a landmark 10th property in China for the luxury hotel operator.The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin sits at the historical heart of the former British concession and modern downtown business district by the Haihe River. The property takes its architectural inspiration from the neo-classical style of the early 20th century with stately hotel rooms arranged around an expansive courtyard in the European tradition.

Featuring 277 luxurious art deco guestrooms and 53 suites created by luxury hospitality designer, Pierre-Yves Rochon, leisure and business travelers alike will enjoy the refined elegance of the comfortable chandeliered rooms, many complete with buttressed stone outdoor balconies and charming views of downtown Tianjin.

The stunning interiors with high ceilings and expanses of marble mirror many of the palaces of Europe. The walls feature hand painted murals of traditional European scenes and Chinese imperial paintings with elegant soft furnishings that create a sense of history and place.

The city center property also introduces a new Ritz-Carlton Club designed as a residential concept which features an open kitchen serving five food and beverage offerings throughout the day, including a traditional English Afternoon Tea, a private dining room, a lounge boasting intimate spaces and a dedicated bar. The Ritz-Carlton Club Level service includes a dedicated concierge and private check-ins.

Four indulgent restaurants have been designed to create destination experiences in their own right. In addition to classically-styled Lobby Lounge serving cocktails and a traditional Afternoon Tea, Zest all day dining celebrates world cuisine with its lively open kitchens while Tian Tai Xuan, serves authentic, contemporary Cantonese creations. Meanwhile, the stylish Flair lifestyle bar and lounge with live DJs features private wine and cigar rooms, serving fine wines, cocktails, sushi and South Asian-inspired snacks.

Tianjin’s newest luxury sanctuary, The Ritz-Carlton Spa pampers with a collection of therapeutic treatments including specially-created signatures based around Tianjin’s famous China rose.

With a 1,050 square meter versatile Grand Ballroom and a unique courtyard in the tradition of Europe’s palaces, corporate meetings, events and weddings can be crafted into unique experiences that guests will benchmark with.

Marking a major milestone for Washington, D.C., J.W. Marriott, Jr., executive chairman of Marriott International, Mayor Vincent C. Gray, District of Columbia, and dignitaries celebrated the topping off of the Marriott Marquis Washington DC on September 25th, signifying that the 15-story property has reached its final construction height. Located across the street from Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the 1,175-room property will help the city attract additional convention business by giving the facility an anchor hotel. The company will operate the hotel under its flagship Marriott Hotels brand with 500 properties in 60 countries.

Unveiling its new name and logo for the first time officially, the Marriott Marquis Washington DC will be one of only five Marriott Marquis properties in the country. After the ceremony, Mr. Marriott hosted invited guests for a sneak peek of the hotel’s lobby atrium area where the soon-to-be iconic centerpiece of the hotel – a 56-foot sculpture named “The Birth of the America Flag” created by Baltimore-based artist Rodney Carroll is located. When completed, the sculpture will reach the fifth floor of the 15-floor building, viewable from the ground-floor lobby, mezzanine, and the interior-facing guestrooms. Carroll’s sculpture will be the largest piece of art in any Marriott hotel.

All interiors to the hotel are being overseen by US architecture and interiors practice BBG-BBGM

When it opens on May 1, 2014 the $520-million, four-star hotel will have 1,175 rooms including 49 suites, and over 105,000 square feet of function space, as well as five separate restaurant spaces. Connected directly via underground concourse to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy, the convention center hotel is poised to become the dynamic epicenter and social hub of DC’s downtown neighborhood introducing new venues for meetings, conventions, social gatherings and business travelers.

Meeting space will include a 30,000-square-foot Marquis Ballroom, two 10,800-square-foot ballrooms, more than 53,000 square feet of superior meeting rooms, an 18,800-square-foot indoor event terrace and a 5,200-square-foot rooftop terrace. Unique to this hotel, the below-grade meeting space has been thoughtfully designed to incorporate natural light that will filter into the meeting space from the open spaces above.

The Marriott Marquis Washington DC was also designed to earn LEED ® Silver (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, registered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The hotel will be one of the largest hotels in the country to earn Silver certification, verifying that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.

The hotel is being developed by Quadrangle Development Corporation and Capstone Development and will be operated by Marriott International. Designed by Cooper Carry Architects, Atlanta, and TVS Architects, Atlanta, in a joint-venture collaboration, the building features an innovative top-down construction method, with 15 stories above ground and 94 feet below – nearly as deep as the hotel will be tall.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced its world-renowned Sheraton brand has expanded its footprint in Thailand with the opening of Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas in Prachuap Khirikhan, a province famed for its sandy coastline and popular resort towns of Hua Hin and Pranburi. The converted and rebranded 55-villa property is owned by Honor Business Company Limited, a Bangkok-based property development firm that also owns the 240-room Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. Guests can choose between one-bedroom Pool Villas, Pool Villa Suites with an additional living room, and Duplex Pool Villa Suites with a ground-floor living room and bedroom on the first floor. For larger groups, the hotel also offers the Pranburi two-bedroom Pool Villa Suite. All Villas boast a private swimming pool, sun lounge, wall garden and the service of professional villa butlers. Rooms are equipped with the king-sized Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed with a plush mattress and cozy duvet; sunken outdoor bathtub surrounded by serene lotus ponds and a rain shower in the garden; LCD flat panel television; DVD player, including a I-Home docking station; spacious work area; and High Speed Internet Access.

Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas features all the Sheraton brand’s popular amenities and services including the signature Link@Sheraton® experienced with Microsoft® and a Link Café. Guests can enjoy spa services by the private pool and a range of personalized regimens based on an “East meets West” technique, a soothing philosophy that harnesses elements of the natural environment to augment massage treatments.

Dalah Restaurant and Bar, the hotel’s signature all-day eatery, offers Thai, Asian and western dishes in a rustic and airy pavilion with garden and pond views The seasonal menu includes premium organic produce and healthy options from Color your PlateTM. For relaxing evenings amid good company, the Dalah Bar presents the Sheraton Social HourSM wine tasting event three times a week. In late 2014, the property will open an additional food and beverage venue, the main swimming pool, a Kids’ Club, and a well-equipped gym with the brand’s revolutionary health and fitness program, Sheraton® Fitness by Core Performance™.

Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas also offers a shuttle service to Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa should guests wish to utilize the Resort’s existing facilities, including the Shine Spa for SheratonTM and several restaurants. Guests will enjoy the convenience of signing privileges at such venues, charging their account at the Villas. Other Resort amenities, including the fitness center, swimming pool and Kids’ Club, are also available to the Villas’ guests without any additional charge.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) is delighted to announce three new additions to the Holiday Inn® brand family in the UK: Holiday Inn Express® Edinburgh Airport, Holiday Inn Darlington – North A1M, Jct.59 and Holiday Inn Express London – Ealing, reflecting the company’s strong position in the midscale market in Europe. A franchise agreement with one of IHG’s longest standing partners, Chardon Trading, will see Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Airport open in the spring of 2014. During the same period, Holiday Inn Darlington – North A1M, Jct. 59 will open under a franchise agreement with Dominvs Living Ltd. Holiday Inn Express London – Ealing is due to open in spring 2015 under a franchise agreement with Chart Forte Court (West Ealing) Limited.

The 80 room Holiday Inn Darlington – North A1M, Jct. 59 features the Holiday Inn brand open lobby concept, numerous meeting rooms, a gym, bar and restaurant. The 95 room Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Airport and the 75 room Holiday Inn Express London – Ealing both have a ‘Great Room’ combining the hotel reception and bar, breakfast room and comfortable seating for guests.

All three hotels are conveniently located with excellent transport links. Situated in a prime location on Ealing Broadway close to tube and overground train services, Holiday Inn Express London – Ealing is the first Holiday Inn Express in the area. Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Airport is perfectly located to take advantage of the 23% increase in terminal passengers over the past 10 years*. Meanwhile Holiday Inn Darlington – North A1M, Jct.59 is very close to the A1 Motorway and located in the Tees Valley economic area; home to companies such as EE and Cummins.

*www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/12/17120002/112

Accor, the world’s leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, is delighted to report on the progress made across the business in the UK and Ireland in 2013, including network development, HR initiatives and sustainability strategy. Network development

The Group’s strong portfolio of brands has continued to gain traction across the UK. Most recently ibis was ranked as one of Britain’s top three budget hotel brands, while Mercure saw the largest increase in prompted brand awareness according to the BDRC guest survey.

In 2013 Accor has so far opened:
• Ibis Styles, London Excel (07.01.2013)
• Mercure, Milton Keynes (22.01.2013)
• Ibis Styles, Blackpool (26.03.2013)
• Adagio, Liverpool Central Village (26.03.2013)
• Ibis, Brighton (15.07.2013)
• Ibis Styles, Birmingham (16.09.2013)

In September, Accor was pleased to announce the signing of the Novotel London Brentford. The hotel will be operated under an agreement with Brentford Hotels Limited, a subsidiary of the Pedersen Group, and is due to open in 2015, the same year as the new-build Novotel in Canary Wharf.

The Group continues to have a healthy UK development pipeline, and there are a number of new hotel openings on the horizon, including Belfast; Ibis Styles, Enfield; Ibis Styles, Liverpool; Ibis Styles Edinburgh, two Ibis hotels also in the city and ibis Cambridge.

HR initiatives

Accor is committed to investing in new talent and developing careers across the business, and in June, the group was recognised by The Great Place To Work® Institute as one of the UK’s best workplaces.

The Accor Academie in London is a first-of-its-kind professional training centre offering exceptional teaching facilities to ensure staff development and career progression. So far this year, the facility has trained more than 2000 delegates through 161 courses.

In March, Accor was pleased to announce the expansion of its popular UK Apprenticeship scheme, which provides young people aged 18 to 24 with on-the-job training and a national qualification. The group has also recently re-launched its successful Hospitality Futures programme in conjunction with Springboard. This programme helps those who are unemployed find placements in the hospitality industry with the long-term view of securing them a permanent job.

Sustainability

Accor is dedicated to operating a responsible and environmentally conscious business. We are delighted to have been named the Eco Hotel Group of the Year at the AA Hospitality Awards 2013. This accolade reflects the success of Planet 21, Accor’s sustainable development strategy which defines 21 commitments and ambitious goals, including a program to inform guests and employees and encourage them to contribute to reinventing hotels, sustainably. In May 2013, Accor launched its agro-forestry partnership with Pur Project to mark the first anniversary of Planet 21. This Plant for the Planet program will fund 200,000 trees in the United Kingdom in a pioneering project designed to promote sustainable food production and nurture links between hotels, guests and farms.

Thomas Dubaere, Managing Director, Accor UK & Ireland said: “The progress we have made this year has been very encouraging, and the recognition we have received from the AA and BDRC, amongst others, reflects the on-going success of a number of initiatives across the business. We continue to open hotels in key locations, strengthening our network across the UK and Ireland, and we are committed to investing in our employees and their development. Through our sustainability programme, we are proud to focus our efforts on protecting the planet, its people and the environment. I am confident that this success will continue into 2014 and beyond.”

DoubleTree by Hilton has recently announced the rebranding of one of Dublin’s most renowned hotels, formerly The Burlington, to become DoubleTree by Hilton Dublin – Burlington Road. A phased programme of investment is underway to renovate the hotel, expected to complete by spring 2014, rejuvenating it with all the hallmarks of the upscale DoubleTree by Hilton brand. DoubleTree by Hilton Dublin – Burlington Road is the largest hotel in the M50 belt, with 2,100 square metres of banqueting, ballroom space and conference facilities for up to 1,400 delegates. The introduction of a dedicated floor comprising of 18 state-of-the-art conference suites and meeting rooms, each facilitating up to 100 delegates, underlines its credentials as the city’s best in class provider of meetings and events.

All 501 guestrooms are being upgraded with the addition of 42” flat screen TVs, with DoubleTree by Hilton amenities including an assortment of in-room coffee and tea, collection of CITRON Honey & Coriander Crabtree & Evelyn Bath Products and the Sweet Dreams by DoubleTree sleep experience.

The hotel’s restaurant options have undergone a complete overhaul with the new Sussex restaurant forming an open, spacious dining area created for the service of the brand’s Wake up DoubleTree Breakfast. Executive chef, Tony O’Donnell, is devising a new culinary vision that will be modern, with a strong emphasis on the use of local produce. Future conversion plans for the Mespil Bar will see it transformed into an executive lounge and the famous Bellini’s Bar will be renamed the B Bar, in homage to the hotel’s history.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently announced that the Holiday Inn Express® brand is expanding in Brazil with the openings of the Holiday Inn Express® Belem-Ananindeua hotel, the Holiday Inn Express® Porto Velho hotel and the Holiday Inn Express® Marilia hotel expected to open later this year. IHG also has plans for a new-build Holiday Inn Express® Manaus hotel, scheduled to open in 2014. The 156-room new build Holiday Inn Express Belem-Ananindeua hotel is located in the industrial district of Ananindeua and within close proximity to the Hangar Convention and Fair Centre, one of the region’s most well-equipped meetings and convention spaces. The hotel is seven miles from Belem’s international airport, and will also serve the region’s thriving port industry, one of the largest and busiest in Brazil. Belem has long been renowned as the gateway to the Amazon River basin, in the country’s northeastern corridor. Guests staying at the hotel can choose between well-appointed spacious guest rooms and suites, all boasting a fresh contemporary design throughout. Additional amenities include a 24-hour business center and fitness center. The modern property offers flat screen TVs, mini bar access and complimentary high-speed Internet.

The 174-room Holiday Inn Express Porto Velho hotel is located less than two miles from the city’s airport, and just minutes from the city center, accessible to numerous shopping and entertainment options. The hotel will feature complementary high-speed Internet, a business center, a fitness center and three meeting rooms. The city of Porto Velho is located in the western part of Brazil, and is an important mining town, as well as a strategic transportation and communications center.

Scheduled to open toward the end of this year, the 102-room Holiday Inn Express Marilia hotel will be among the first global hotel brands in the city of Marilia. The hotel will be located in the state of São Paulo, and its location offers easy access to major thoroughfares, industrial district and airport. The new build hotel will boast a modern design, with a strong focus on sustainability, including energy-efficient systems, effluent wastewater treatment plans, solar panels and LED lighting.

Opening in early 2014, the 110-room Holiday Inn Express Rio Branco will be located downtown, in the city’s business center. Rio Branco has seen incredible growth in recent years due to its strategic location – it is in close and proximity to the Peru and Bolivia borders, accessible to the Transoceanica Highway and two key Peruvian ports, thus providing Brazil with its connection to the Pacific Ocean.

Slated to open in 2015, the 180-room Holiday Inn Express Manaus hotel will be located adjacent to the city’s expansive convention center. With more than two million residents, Manaus is Brazil’s second largest metropolitan area in northern Brazil and is recognized for its duty-free zone as well as a thriving eco-tourism industry. The Holiday Inn Express Manaus hotel will include a business center, fitness center and meeting rooms.

Ancient Sands, a brand new luxury resort and residential project based in the Red Sea town of El Gouna, will begin welcoming guests to its first five-star apartment hotel in April 2014. Offering an oasis of luxury, Ancient Sands Golf Resort will combine the best of Egyptian tradition with western style comfort.Located in the Hilltop Village, Ancient Sands Golf Resort will consist of five individual buildings, each with its own garden and swimming pool and will comprise a range of one, two and three bedroom apartments. The hotel complex, which will open in two phases, will initially offer 114 apartments in April 2014, 91 of which will be reserved for holidaymakers visiting El Gouna. The second phase is set for operation in 2016 and will bring the total number of units to 261.

Each apartment will feature a living room, a fully-equipped kitchen and modern bathroom facilities and provide either lagoon, Red Sea or mountain views. Guests will also enjoy full concierge, house-keeping and room service amenities in addition to communal areas including a large main pool, a children’s pool, a piazza of bars, restaurants, cafes, boutique and convenience shops and a souk market nestled among the buildings.

Jens Freise, Senior Director Marketing & Sales for Destinations & Hotels in Orascom Development, says “Ancient Sands is an exciting prospect for us. With El Gouna an already well-established year-round destination on Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera offering a range of hotels to suit all budgets, the new five-star apartment hotel is the first of its kind here and will add an air of opulence to this private town. Unique additions such as these as are intrinsic to maintaining the rich variety of the El Gouna community.”

The completed Ancient Sands Golf Resort will incorporate a Golf Club Estate House, an 18-hole Karl Litten designed championship golf course, three tennis courts, water sports facilities, an outdoor playground and a tranquil spa offering a wide variety of treatments as well as access to a steam bath, sauna and gymnasium.

Berlin’s elegant business hotel in the centre of West-Berlin just had a facelift in the public areas. The new style seamlessly blends Swiss tradition and a contemporary lush colour palette, high-quality materials and a cunning light-concept. The combination both complements the cutting-edge design of Gerkan Marg & Partner architects, yet lends the space a harmonious, cosy feeling. It’s been nipped, tucked and stylishly reshaped into one of the city’s most smart and spacious stays.The light flooded room deftly balances currents and Swiss sustainability. Authentic materials like leather, solid walnut- and cedar wood, as well as wool fabrics, styled to pay tribute Swiss felt, effortlessly blends the artefacts displayed throughout the hotel. „Our new lobby is more of a contemporary living room, than a merely functional public area. The space is intended for locals and design-savvy travellers, who embrace the new luxuries of time and ease. The key to relaxing here is feeling at home“, explains Bettina Schütt, General Manager of Swissôtel Berlin. The diverse mix of furniture cultivates a luxury-apartment feel with an artful vibe, while it yet enjoys a laid-back ambience. Mixed seating-accommodations and differing table heights are tailored to individual needs. Three high tables by Riva 1920 made of solid walnut are providing the perfect platform for unconventional gatherings. Sassy modern aluminium high chairs by Gervasoni contrast strikingly with the matt wooden tables.

The raw wood communal table, also by Riva 1920, is 95 cm high and works a cool vibe as the lobby’s centrepiece with a massive walnut top and natural brink. Various high chairs by Cassina, Arper and Cappellini are smartly added as a colourful juxtaposition. A place destined for team dialogues or joint coffee breaks. The adjacent five-piece suites of furniture with celestially sleek tables by Studio Cappellini, offer the perfect place for coffee, snacks and delicious dining. The sophisticated and timeless pieces come courtesy of Piero Lissoni and are counted among modern design classics.

Design devotees will adore the lounge area with sofas by Emaf Progetti for Zanotta, granting the space an intimate vibe throughout. This is reinforced by a rich combination of contemporary design and a relaxing, informal space decorated with an eclectic mix of warm colours, rich upholstery and, above all, comfort.Three „Tulip Chairs” by design genius Marcel Wanders are cleverly put in front of the futuristic glass elevators, adding modernist precision. The upholstered swivel armchairs with high backs and sides are mimicking a tulip blossom which creates a cocoon-like atmosphere, perfect for undisturbed telephone conversations and privacy.

The intimate library, where quiet moments and private conversations find the perfect surroundings, is a welcoming new space that surprises and delights. The custom-made walnut bookshelves by architect David Chipperfield are filled with books on art and history for studious visitors looking to explore nearby sites. A homely approach set in the context of a sophisticated and modern pied-à-terre. The sultry bar shines in red where comfortable chairs by Moroso and jaw-dropping views from the floor-to-ceiling windows beckon guests to linger over a drink. The new public spaces promise to make for an experience that is – like the city itself – a vibrant mix of cultures, traditions and modern elements.

Kempinski Hotels, Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, has announced plans to expand its portfolio of luxury hotels in Africa. With two new properties opened in Kenya in 2013, Kempinski looks to add five more hotels to its African portfolio in the next year. Upcoming openings in Africa in 2014 include the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, Ghana and the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski in Cairo, Egypt set to open early in the year, as well as a newly signed hotel and golf resort in the future capital of Equatorial Guinea, Oyala. Additional plans are moving forward to open hotels in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo by the end of the year.

At a press conference at the new Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi this week, President and CEO of Kempinski Hotels, Mr. Reto Wittwer told reporters that following the company’s success expanding into the Middle East and China over the past twenty years, Kempinski expects its growing portfolio in key destinations across the African continent to become a major source of revenue for the company, as well as provide new sources for talent and talent development across the company.

Recent and upcoming openings in Africa:
The five-star Villa Rosa Kempinski is located on Chiromo road, within the Westlands area in the heart of Nairobi. It is only a half-hour drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and five minute drive to the Nairobi Central Business District. The new luxury hotel will consist of 200 spacious rooms and suites distributed over ten floors, including two Presidential Suites on the top floor. The hotel will feature three concept restaurants in addition to an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, and a cigar lounge.

Olare Mara Kempinski luxury camp is located in the beautiful Olare Orok Conservancy, which is home to some of the Mara’s largest lion prides. The property features twelve spacious luxury tents, which are built on elevated decks with private balconies that offer unhindered views of the Mara Plains and the Ntiakitiak River.

Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra set to open in early 2014 will offer 269 rooms, including 22 suites and two Presidential Suites and will feature include two restaurants, a lobby café with outdoor seating, a cocktail bar and lounge and 6,000 square metres of retail space. The 3,000 square metre Resense Spa (the first branded Resense spa in Africa) will offer 10 treatment rooms, a beauty parlour, a fitness centre, a yoga studio, an organic food bar, a 25-metre outdoor pool, two table tennis courts and two tennis courts. It will set new standards for luxury, quality and service across all of West Africa.

Set atop the budding desert hills of New Cairo and just minutes away from Cairo International Airport, the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski will be beacon of grandeur and luxurious hospitality. Guests will enjoy cool breezes of desert evenings in lush open spaces, the aromatic flavors of signature restaurants, as well as the serenity of 244 spacious, stylish rooms and suites. Housing the largest ballroom in the Middle East the hotel is set to become the most sought after venue in the city for conventions and celebrations.

Making its debut this month in China’s third largest city is Langham Place, Guangzhou, strategically located in the new central business district on Pazhou Island at the southeastern part of the city. The hotel is a mere two-minute stroll from the China Import and Export Fair Complex, home to the renowned annual Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in the world. The 500-room Langham Place, Guangzhou stakes its place as the eighth hotel for the group in mainland China and the 20th in its global portfolio. To underscore its ideal location for corporate travellers, conference attendees, and holiday makers, Langham Place, Guangzhou is situated next to the Xingangdong metro station, and the shopping and commercial hub of Tian He is just10 minutes away; the hotel is a half-hour drive from Guangzhou South High Speed Railway station, and only 40 minutes from Guangzhou International Airport.

Designed by global award-winning architects Aedas, Langham Place, Guangzhou is an urban architectural icon; the exterior of the 22-storey hotel conjures the vivid imagery of the unfolding of wings, evoking a sense of freedom and space. Exclusively curated contemporary art by local and international artists feature in all the guest rooms and public spaces throughout the hotel.

As befitting its events-centric location, Langham Place, Guangzhou boasts the largest ballroom in the city with a combined meeting and event space of nearly 5,000 square metres. Perfect for conferences, exhibitions and social galas, The Great Hall is a 2,800 square-metre, pillar-free ballroom with an eight metre high ceiling and a dedicated 560 square-metre reception area, ideal for pre-conference cocktails or wedding assemblies. Adding to this impressive space is another 20,000 square metres spanning three floors of the Nanfung International Conference and Exhibition Centre directly below the hotel. Meeting and social planners will also appreciate the hotel’s outdoor promenade that is surrounded by lush greenery and flowers, lined with marbled paths and water features, with the Pearl River and vibrant city view as a backdrop, making it a perfect venue for outdoor events.

A gourmet destination, locals and guests of the hotel can look forward to a wide variety of innovative dining and entertainment options at Langham Place, Guangzhou. The Open Kitchen, an all-day dining restaurant will offer buffet and a la carte specialties; Ming Court, the fine dining Cantonese restaurant is inspired by its two Michelin-starred namesake at Langham Place, Hong Kong; a flamed grilled seafood and steak restaurant at Alfresco will satisfy Western palates; the open-air Sky Bar will be where guests may enjoy the panoramic views of the city and sample handcrafted cocktails and exclusive seasonal drinks; Portal is a clever hybrid of the lounge and business centre which serves refreshments and also offer secretarial services to multi-tasking guests.

Ranging in size starting from 42 square metres, all guest rooms and suites at Langham Place are tastefully furnished in a contemporary style with clean lines and muted hues. Spanning a generous 260 square metres on the top floor of the hotel, The Penthouse showcases an elegantly appointed bedroom, a spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchenette, and dining room that seats six guests comfortably. All guests staying on the executive floors will have access to Club L, a private lounge where they will have attentive round the clock services which include complimentary breakfast, snacks, canapés, afternoon tea and use of the boardroom. A standout unique feature of this lounge is the alfresco terrace which features panoramic views of the city.

In keeping with the group’s award winning spa concepts, the Chuan Spa at Langham Place, Guangzhou will feature six treatment rooms including two dedicated for couples, as well as the signature Contemplation Lounge and Dream Room as additional relaxation spaces. Treatments will incorporate the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in a tranquil setting. Other recreational facilities include a fully-equipped fitness centre with steam and sauna rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and two mini golf courses.

Great Hotels of the World, the London-based hotel sales and marketing alliance, is pleased to announce that its member, Barcelona Princess redecorated their rooms and created a themed Loft with the creative brand Desigual living. Located on Barcelona’s world-famous Avinguda Diagonal, Barcelona Princess is a stylish and contemporary hotel that is constantly looking for new ideas.

18 rooms and two junior suites on the 23th and 24th floor have been redecorated and every room is unique, colourful and displays concepts and messages to make guests feel special. Bedspreads, large pillows, plaids, die-cut blankets with oriental motifs and patchworks jacquard cushions can be found in every room. The bathroom is surrounded by optimistic and motivational phrases and special details such as dental kits, tissues and shower caps have added a touch of fun to the room.

Found between floors 23 and 24, the Loft has been totally transformed and is now known as the “Life is Cool” Desigual Loft. It features a bar with amazing views of Barcelona’s Skyline, a mural with colourful floral background, pouffes, low round tables and countless traditional patchwork rugs. This meeting point is the ideal place to relax, have a cocktail or hold an informal meeting in a calm and cosy atmosphere.

In the pool area, the 4×5 metre wall has been hand painted and can be seen from the sea or the air. Beach towels are provided to guests so they can relax and take a sun bath.

Watch the video to see the whole transformation:

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) one of the world’s largest hotel companies has announced the signing of Crowne Plaza® London – Albert Embankment, a first for the brand in London’s Embankment. The hotel is due to open in the spring of 2015. Operating under a franchise agreement with Cannon Corporate UK Ltd, the upscale hotel is a new build property featuring in excess of 130 guest rooms and a restaurant overlooking the River Thames.

Albert Embankment is undergoing significant regeneration and due to its close proximity to Lambeth Palace, the Houses of Parliament and the corporate centres of Waterloo and Westminster, the Crowne Plaza London – Albert Embankment is set to become a hub for meetings, conferences and events in London.

Mudhar Shawkat, Owner and Director of Cannon Corporate UK Ltd said: “Crowne Plaza London –Albert Embankment will be an asset to London. The need for fully equipped business minded hotels is ever increasing and we’re looking forward to providing a wonderful hotel experience to our guests.”

With over 50 IHG branded hotels in London including the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts®, Holiday Inn® and Holiday Inn Express® brands, IHG’s broad family of brands meets the needs of guests, whatever the occasion – whether an overnight getaway, a business trip, a family celebration or a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Centra Central Station Hotel Bangkok, which soft-opened in July this year, is fully operational as of 24 October 2013.The newly-built hotel, the star of the Centra value brand of Centara Hotels & Resorts, is located within a few minutes’ walking distance of the Hua Lamphong mainline railway terminus, and is at the beginning of Chinatown’s main thoroughfare of Yaowaraj.

“Our Centra value brand, which we launched in 2010, is proving to be very successful and we are proud to be opening the star property in this brand at such a prominent location in Bangkok,” says Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts.

“The hotel is ideally located for anyone travelling by rail to anywhere in Thailand, or who is using the MRT Metro, or who is exploring and shopping in the historic Chinatown district.

“Initial response during the soft-opening phase has been extremely favourable, and we are very happy indeed now to be announcing the date at which the hotel will become fully operational.”

Centra brand properties are design to provide Centara’s distinctive service and standards but not to over-deliver on facilities that may not be required by guests.

Other Centra brand hotels open to date are at Government Complex in Bangkok’s Chaeng Watthana district, Patong in Phuket, Thong Tanote Beach on the southwestern tip of Samui, and Seminyak in Bali.

Centra Central Station Bangkok has 150 rooms and suites, all designed in a light and modern décor, and is designed for individual travellers, small families, and groups of friends.

The Superior and Premium category rooms are equipped with twin beds for the convenience of families or those sharing, while the Suites provide both a king bed and two twin beds.

The hotel’s all-day restaurant is Station Café, serving Thai and international dishes from an open kitchen and with views directly across to Hua Lamphong railway terminus.

Chyna, which will serve authentic Cantonese cuisine in a contemporary fashion, with an extensive list of creative desserts and a Tea Bar with a large array of Chinese teas, will become operational with the full opening of the hotel.

Gler serves light refreshments to guests in the hotel’s tranquil relaxation area.

Guests can relax at Cense by Spa Cevaree, which has a menu of traditional massage and therapeutic treatments, and workout at Cenfit, the hotel’s fitness centre, which has a sauna and steam rooms.

Centra Central Station Bangkok is also well located for business meetings, seminars, receptions and other events, and the hotel has five meeting rooms fully supported by conference and presentation equipment such as LCD projectors and screens, together with wireless internet access.

Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world’s largest hotel companies, and O’Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC, a prominent hotel and restaurant developer and management company based in Springfield, Mo., has recently announced the expansion of the upscale hotel brand, Cambria Suites, into the Phoenix market. The four-story, 121-room Cambria Suites Phoenix-Desert Ridge is the first of the brand in Arizona, and is the second of two Cambria Suites to be developed and managed by O’Reilly Hospitality Management. The announcement also revealed that Cambria Suites Phoenix-Desert Ridge will be home to the brand’s national training kitchen and provided a first look at newly crafted banquet and events menus, both overseen by acclaimed celebrity Chef Michael DeMaria.Noted for an award-winning design, all Cambria Suites are new-construction properties featuring a variety of public spaces for guests to refresh, refill and reflect. From a state-of-the-art fitness center and a relaxing pool to a 24-7 sundry shop and a welcoming dining area, Cambria Suites blends style, form and function.

Conveniently located in one of the largest master-planned communities in Arizona, Cambria Suites Phoenix-Desert Ridge is just minutes from the popular shopping and entertainment destination of Desert Ridge Marketplace, major employers, the Mayo Clinic and Choice Hotels International Western Corporate Headquarters.

Choice Hotels International selected award-winning chef, and 2002 inductee to the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame, Chef Michael DeMaria to develop and manage the culinary program for the Cambria Suites brand. In this role, Chef DeMaria will create appealing cuisine for all Cambria Suites core and urban core a la carte menus, approve all local and regional additions to individual property menus, lead the instruction of future Cambria Suites’ culinary teams in the national training kitchen and manage the revitalized banquet and events culinary program.

Spurred on by faster than expected economic growth in the Philippines, international hotel brand Tune Hotels has continued its investment in the country by opening its sixth hotel there this month. The 140-bedroom Tune Hotel Quezon City opened its doors for business on the 8th October 2013. The property is located at Timog Avenue and is the hotel group’s third hotel in Metro Manila.

Mark Lankester, Group CEO, Tune Hotels, said “This is a great market for us to do business in. In less than two years we already have six hotels in operation in the Philippines, including the newly opened Tune Hotel Quezon City in Manila. Not to mention four more to come in Ortigas, Davao, Aseana City and Ayala Avenue in Metro Manila within the next nine months.”

The first Tune Hotel in the Philippines opened at Angeles City in Pampanga in February 2012, followed by Ermita and Makati in Metro Manila, Cebu City and Cagayan De Oro.

Tune Hotels’ decision to continue investing in the Philippines is due to its strengthening economy. Tourism to the Philippines is expanding massively, backed by a successful government marketing campaigns. The recent lifting of European flights is likely to contribute further to the tourism economy.

The Philippines has set a target of 10 million international tourist arrivals by 2016, more than double the 4.3 million tourists it received in 2012.

Lankester commented on this saying “We are very pleased with the commitment shown by the department of tourism and the government. They have not only set strong targets but have also undertaken firm initiatives to facilitate further growth of the tourism and travel industry in the Philippines. The country has a lot to offer and will become a favourite destination in the region.”

By offering international standard accommodation at highly affordable rates, Tune Hotels hopes to positively contribute towards this effort, ensuring ‘more fun in the Philippines’ with Tune Hotels.