Hotel Designs

Leading hotel company Meliá Hotels International, today announce a new milestone for its cutting edge, lifestyle brand ME by Meliá as the name continues to grow globally. ME by Meliá, specialising in modern and high energy hotels at the heart of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, will open its Milan doors near to the famous “fashion quadrilateral”, at the Piazza della Repubblica. The hotel will be close to the Corso Como, one of the chicest areas of the city. The new ME Milan, which will be housed in a building by renowned architect Aldo Rossi, will be completely renovated to the style of the late architect. It will have 132 rooms, including 34 suites – amongst which will be the signature penthouse “Suite ME” – Lounge-Bar and Restaurant, and ultra-modern conference rooms.

The rooftop bar, another hallmark of ME hotels will be an impressive 600 square metres in size and will boast panoramic views over the city, showing off sights including the Garibaldi towers.

ME by Meliá is for cultured, fashionable guests who are driven by new experiences and opportunities. The brand has been built on first-rate service, and ME Milan will be no exception. Each guest’s stay will be orchestrated by the dedicated Aura Manager, whose job it is to know the city back-to-front and use this knowledge to make the hotel’s service truly bespoke.

Gabriel Escarrer, CEO and Vice Chairman of Meliá Hotels International, said “The economic and industrial capital of Italy has been awaiting a hotel such as this. The announcement of a new ME in Milan, prior to the imminent openings of ME Ibiza and ME Mallorca, constitutes the next step in the international positioning of the ME by Meliá brand as providing revered hotels for modern and discerning travellers, combining business and pleasure with authentic lifestyle experiences. If each ME hotel is unique because of its design, its energy and its power to become a social epicentre, ME Milan will undoubtedly make a mark in the hotel, culinary and leisure offerings of the city”.

ME Milan is set to launch in 2015. The news follows the exciting announcements of ME Ibiza (2014), ME Mallorca (2014) and Zaha Hadid’s ME Dubai (2016).It will be the first ME hotel in Italy, where Meliá already manages successful hotels including Gran Meliá Rome, Meliá Villa Capri and Meliá Genoa.

Accor has entered into two franchise agreements with Think Options Limited to create two ibis budget hotels in Warrington and Knutsford.ibis budgetWarrington Lymm Services and ibis budgetKnutsford will be operated by the Signature Management Services and join the 86-strong ibis hotel family network in the UK.

ibis budgetis the nifty, comfortable economy brand from Accor with a network of 46,547 rooms in 16 countries. As a member of the ibis family it shares the key values: modernity, simplicity and well-being. ibis budgethotels offer large comfortable cosy beds and free WiFi all at a budget price.

ibis budgetWarrington Lymm Services has 61 rooms and is located on the M6 motorway service station at Junction 20. ibis budgetKnutsford will offer 32 rooms and is also situated on the M6 motorway towards Manchester. Both hotels are currently going through a refurbishment programme to bring the hotels in line with ibis budget’s essential comfort at a budget price offer for guests.

Thomas Dubaere, Managing Director, Accor UK & Ireland said: “We are delighted to add the ibis budgetWarrington Lymm Services and the ibis budget Knutsford to the rapidly growing Accor network.

In joining the Accor Group, these two economy hotels will benefit from our robust distribution services, strong awareness of the ibis brand and expert support from our Hotel Services team.”

Stephen Gaunt, CEO of Signature Management said: “We are excited about becoming part of the Accor Group and are looking forward to the opening of both hotels in May”.

ibis family includes ibis budget hotels, ibis hotels and ibis styles hotels

Vail’s most historic hotel that celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, The Lodge at Vail, A RockResort announces it will undergo significant renovations this fall to debut for the 2014-15 winter season. The property will remain open for business during the renovations, starting in August and completing in December, with all hotel amenities accessible to guests including spa, restaurants and other public areas. The Lodge at Vail’s International Wing of hotel rooms underwent renovations in 2008, and now the alpine inspired hotel’s remaining 56 hotel rooms will be completely renovated. The scope of this renovation includes interior finishes, furnishings, soft goods, lighting and the installation of air conditioning. Additionally, the hotel’s corridors, main stairways and lobby will receive upgrades as well. The lobby’s refresh will include new furnishings, textiles, paint, artwork and lighting designed to maintain the authentic character and cozy ambiance for which the boutique hotel is known.

Last summer, the hotel’s popular pool area was renovated including two large side-by-side, in-ground hot tubs with a gas fireplace; furnishings; stonework and landscaping; two additional gas fire pits; a sound system with the ability to cater music to guests’ needs; heating for year-round access; and a full-service bar and commercial kitchen.

This past winter one of the two on-site restaurants, Cucina at The Lodge at Vail, also received a facelift to its bar area. Cucina is famous for its hearty breakfast buffet and après ski by its outdoor fire pit. In 2011 Elway’s Vail opened at The Lodge at Vail. Named for former Denver Bronco quarterback and NFL Hall of Fame Inductee John Elway, Elway’s Vail is the restaurant’s first location outside of Denver and the third location in the collection.

The renovation of The Lodge at Vail marks the latest investment in Vail by Vail Resorts. In 2012 Vail celebrated its 50th anniversary with a momentous birthday present located just steps from The Lodge at Vail – Gondola One, a 10-passenger gondola with heated, cushioned seats and Wi-Fi access, and this season Vail Resorts installed the new Chair 4, a high speed, six-person chairlift.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently announced the latest addition to the growing Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts portfolio with the signing of the Crowne Plaza Panama Airport hotel. The new-build, 126-room hotel is expected to open in February 2015 and will be the second Crowne Plaza hotel in Panama. Located conveniently near Tocumen International Airport, the Crowne Plaza Panama Airport hotel will be part of the Global Business Terminal, a 520,000 square foot modern complex with eight office towers, an exhibition hall, a conference centre and parking facilities for more than 700 vehicles. Maintaining the Crowne Plaza brand’s reputation as the ideal choice for meetings and events, the hotel will offer 3,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, as well as a restaurant, bar, business centre, two retail shops and an outdoor swimming pool.

The Crowne Plaza Panama Airport hotel is a franchise agreement with Bern Hotels & Resorts, which owns the existing InterContinental Miramar Panama, InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa, Crowne Plaza Panama and Holiday Inn Panama Canal hotels. IHG currently has five hotels and 971 rooms open in Panama, with another two hotels (248 rooms) in the pipeline (as of Dec.31, 2013).

Jupiter Hotels, leading UK hotel management company, has signed a management contract to operate The Talbot Hotel in Ripley.

The announcement follows weeks after Jupiter Hotels signed five Choice Hotels out of administration under a management contract.One of England’s finest coaching inns, the 43-bedroom Talbot Hotel extends Jupiter’s collection of historic hotels. The 4* hotel offers guests a luxurious stay in well appointed and beautifully furnished bedrooms, featuring Flat screen plasma TV with Freeview and free hi-speed wireless internet access. The hotel caters for meetings and weddings up to 120 guests and offers smaller meeting solutions for more intimate events. The hotel restaurant offers modern British cuisine in historic coaching inn surroundings.

Built in the 15th Century, The Talbot, with its stunning features, quirky characteristics, original oak beams and warm atmosphere is a popular hotel for weddings, all of which will be managed with Jupiter Hotel’s expertise and care.

Shane Harris, CEO of Jupiter Hotels commented: “We are delighted to announce the addition of The Talbot hotel to our growing portfolio. This is the sixth hotel we have signed in three weeks increasing our portfolio to 32 owned and managed hotels.

“The signing of this hotel is proof of the confidence our partners have in our ability to successfully manage hotels. The continued growth of our portfolio in the midscale hotel sector is reflective of our commitment and expertise in managing successful mid market hotels in the UK. We will continue to work with hotels across the UK to develop the sector, champion the mid market segment and strengthen and develop our portfolio.”

The Talbot is conveniently located on Ripley High Street, just off the A3, less than 2 miles from J10 of the M25 and only half an hour from central London. It is also just 20 minutes from both Heathrow and Gatwick international airports.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] and Maplewood Hotels & Resorts today announced plans to develop 15 new-build Candlewood Suites® properties in target markets throughout Canada over the next few years. Formed in 2013, Maplewood is a joint venture between Driftwood Hospitality Management and Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc. “Driftwood is eager to continue our expansion in Canada through our strategic partnership with Pacrim,” said Carlos Rodriguez, EVP for Driftwood. “We’re also keen on strengthening our relationship with IHG, which is why the development of new Candlewood Suites hotels through Maplewood is a perfect fit.”

“We believe that the extended stay business model is largely under-represented in Canada, and our agreement with IHG presents a significant opportunity to introduce extended stay properties across the country,” stated Glenn Squires, CEO of Pacrim.

In 2007, Pacrim opened the first Candlewood Suites hotel for Canada in Montreal and currently owns or operates 11 IHG®-branded hotels in Canada and two in the United States. Driftwood has 12 IHG-branded hotels in its portfolio, through management and franchise agreements with affiliates of IHG, across the United States in markets including Chicago, Denver and Orlando.

“Canada is a key market for growth for IHG,” said Joel Eisemann, Chief Development Officer, IHG. “Both Pacrim and Driftwood are long-time strategic partners for us in Canada and the U.S. They are proven industry leaders. We are proud that they already own and operate a number of IHG-branded hotels. We are excited that the Candlewood Suites brand and IHG are an integral part of Pacrim’s and Driftwood’s growth plans in Canada.”

IHG continues to expand the portfolio of Candlewood Suites hotels in Canada through this relationship and other valued owners.

Candlewood Suites hotels offer travelers, who spend weeks and sometimes months away from home, a relaxed, casual and home-like hotel experience. The brand achieves this by providing a comfortable space guests can make their own and through friendly, but non-intrusive service that offers guests an extended stay experience entirely on their terms.

All Candlewood Suites hotels feature a combination of studio and one-bedroom suite floor plans with a fully equipped kitchen, executive desk, DVD player, recliner in all suites and sofa bed in one-bedroom suites as well as complimentary high-speed Internet access.

Kimpton’s Hotel Vintage Park has transformed into the Hotel Vintage, with a multi-million dollar renovation and top-to-bottom redesign. Each of the 125 newly re-imagined guest rooms are named after a Washington winery, highlighting a strong partnership with local vintners.

Guests will feel this dramatic change when stepping into the lobby, now reminiscent of a tasting room, emphasising Washington as one of the top wine-producing states in the country, including two wall-to-wall wine racks housing bottles of the best Washington wines.

“We couldn’t be more proud to raise a glass to this transformation,” said Tom Waithe, regional director of operations for Kimpton Hotels of the Pacific Northwest. “The new look and feel really embraces our position as the gateway to Washington wine. Our guests will have the true wine experience from the moment they walk through our doors.”

Seattle-based Dawson Design Associates transformed the hotel, using the European history of wine as inspiration, and blending it with a casual, Northwest look and feel. Quotes about wine from notable people decorate the walls of the hotel and guestrooms embody the spirit of wine with rich colours and textures.

More than 88,000 recycled wine corks in a variety of colours make up one-of-a-kind cork board art behind each guestroom bed. To satisfy the most technically advanced guests, each room also houses an Obsess system, allowing movies, music and more to go from a smartphone right to the room’s LCD TV.

The Hotel Vintage has partnered with 12 of the leading wineries in the state, highlighting their prominence by featuring their wines in each respective dedicated guest room and on the in-room dining menu. Each of the 12 partners, known as the ‘Grand Cru’ collection, will visit at least twice a year, to serve at the nightly wine hour.

The wineries include Alexandria Nicole Cellars, Chateau Ste. Michelle, DeLille Cellars, Dunham Cellars, Kestrel, L’Ecole, Long Shadows, Pepper Bridge, Sparkman Cellars, VaPiano, Waters Winery, and Woodhouse Wine Estates.

Through guest and hotel owner insights, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently announced the next evolution of the prototype for its Holiday Inn Express® brand. Developed for the brand’s portfolio of hotels in the U.S. and Canada, the updated prototype design is designed to further position the Holiday Inn Express brand as the “smart” choice for guests and owners. This next generation prototype is expected to deliver even better on meeting guests’ changing needs, and driving value for owners. Over the past 14 years, the Holiday Inn Express brand has become one of the largest and fastest-growing hotel brands in the industry. The newly-evolved prototype will build on this successful track record and accelerate growth in the key markets where our target guests travel.

“Our guests are at the heart of what we do, and the updates we’ve made to our already successful prototype design are deeply rooted in guest insight,” said Jennifer Gribble, Director, Head of Americas Holiday Inn Express Brand, IHG. “The Holiday Inn Express® brand target guest travels for both business and leisure, values efficiency and simplicity, and wants a great ‘base camp’ when they travel, and the updated prototype includes purposeful design features to deliver on those needs.”

The Holiday Inn Express brand worked with an owner advisory board, conducted focus groups with guests, and completed competitive analysis and research to develop the updates to its prototype design. It embodies an appealing combination of fresh, dynamic, and focused design features that enable an efficient and engaging stay, creating a distinctive style that is evident at every touch point of the Holiday Inn Express brand experience. The guest room provides a revitalized, contemporary space with comforts and features that allow guests to be productive during their stay and allow for a great night’s sleep including:

• Functional and flexible work space allowing for maximum productivity
• Functional storage units providing horizontal luggage storage that allows guests to maximize their space
• Moveable seating allowing guests to use the space in ways that work best for them
• New décor for both the guest room and public area feature neutral colors and interesting textural combinations
The Great Room, a multi-purpose area in the lobby of the hotel, encompasses the Holiday Inn Express brand’s Express Start™ breakfast bar, dining area and additional seating areas. The room provides an environment where guests can tailor their experience, whether interacting with an individual or group, working or taking a break. The Great Room provides the right mix of useful spaces and comfortable furnishings to accommodate a wide range of needs and functions simultaneously, including:
• An inviting and flexible space featuring a business center and 24/7 market
• Individual check-in pods in the front lobby of the hotel increases interaction between hotel staff and guests. In addition, staff members at check-in pods have a view of the entire great room, enabling responsive service when needed
• Stylish and welcoming areas conveying spacious, comfortable seating with a dedicated area for the Holiday Inn Express brand’s Express Start™ breakfast bar
• Meeting space that is businesslike and uncluttered, utilizing both functional and natural light

“We worked very closely with a number of our key owners to develop the updated prototype design for Holiday Inn Express to ensure that it is efficient to build and operate and will deliver strong financial returns,” said Joel Eisemann, Chief Development Officer, IHG. “Engaging with both our owners and our guests is a key part of our strategy as we evolve our brands.”

To create greater efficiencies and optimize return on investment for new and existing Holiday Inn Express hotel owners, the updated prototype design will also provide owners with a full set of architecture, engineering and interior design construction documents for the first time, which will be available late Q2 2014. Additionally, some of the operating efficiencies for the evolved prototype include a modular design, durable materials and finishes with low/easy maintenance, flexible use of space in great room, and LED lighting to reduce energy costs. For both new construction and renovations, a complete design solution to drive consistency and guest satisfaction will be available.

Together with Orange Lake Resorts, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announces its Holiday Inn Club Vacations® brand has added an 11th location to its portfolio of vacation resorts, a 130-unit resort located near historic Colonial Williamsburg, Va. As with all Holiday Inn Club Vacations resorts, the Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Williamsburg Resort offers one and two-bedroom villas ranging from 704 square feet to 1,100 square feet.

The resort will offer many amenities for guests including: an activity center, game room, indoor pool, two outdoor pools, patio area with grills, bowling lanes, mini golf course, and a fitness center. There will also be a market offering grab-and-go food choices as well as Starbucks® coffee.

“The leisure market continues to grow twice as fast as the business market, and we’re able to capitalize on this by further expanding the Holiday Inn Club Vacations brand in top leisure destinations across the U.S.,” said Heather Balsley, senior vice president, Americas Holiday Inn® Brand Family. “The Holiday Inn Club Vacations Williamsburg Resort property offers spacious villa accommodations with access to many local attractions making it a strong addition to the growing Holiday Inn Club Vacations brand portfolio.”

Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) has announced two new member brands, both from the Nordic region, namely Thon Hotels headquartered in Oslo, Norway, and GLO Hotels based in Helsinki, Finland. Together with existing GHA member First Hotels, GHA now has 120 hotels across Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark, giving it significant coverage of these important travel markets. Thon Hotels is part of the Olav Thon Group, and was established in 1989. It is Norway’s third largest hotel chain and has 9,300 rooms and over 64 hotels in Norway, five hotels in Belgium one in the Netherlands and one in Sweden. Intra-regional business travel is Thon Hotels’ strength, with hotels designed specifically for the business and convention traveller. Thon Hotels also has properties in some of Norway’s most spectacular locations in the Arctic Circle, which is a hugely popular destination for leisure travellers, especially during the summer months. Thon Hotels’ membership of GHA will commence officially in the coming months.

Morten Thorvaldsen, Thon Hotels’ CEO is excited about joining GHA: “we’ve had a fruitful marketing partnership with First Hotels for many years, and we’ve witnessed their successful membership of GHA; and so it made a lot of sense for us to join the alliance. Norway has one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world, and we love travelling as a nation, so GHA membership gives our customers a fabulous choice of hotels, where they’ll be recognised around the world.”

GLO Hotels is part of The Kämp Group, and has four hotels in Helsinki, three of which are downtown and one at the airport. GLO completes GHA’s presence in the region with its first hotels in Finland. Aarne Hallama, CEO of The Kämp Group, sees not only additional choice for GLO’s outbound customers, but the opportunity to gain market share in Helsinki: “we are a well-known, local Finnish lifestyle brand and we need access to our key feeder markets in Sweden, Russia the UK and Germany: GHA membership will help us enormously to reach customers in these markets, which we cannot do effectively alone”.

Chris Hartley, GHA’s CEO is thrilled about adding these two new brands to GHA’s growing portfolio: “we recently celebrated our 10th Anniversary, and so this is further cause to reflect positively on what the alliance has achieved over the last decade. These two new brands bring the alliance to 425 hotels, and we are gradually gaining strength and recognition in key regional markets, such as the Nordics. This in turn is helping us drive more business to our member brands, so everyone in the alliance benefits from our growth because of the collaborative nature of our business, and in particular our sharing 4 million customers through our loyalty programme, GHA Discovery.”

“It’s an exciting year for the alliance, and we expect more brands to join in the coming months, as independent players continue to look at how they can compete for market share with the mega-chains; and we’re providing that solution” concluded Hartley.

EXTREME Hotels, a ground breaking hotel management and licensing company, and “Rosa Khutor” Ski Resort Development Company LLC, have appointed London hotel specialist architects and interior designers Dexter Moren Associates to design the EXTREME Hotel in Sochi. The 209 bedroom EXTREME Hotel and resort will open in 2015 for domestic and international travellers alike. Strategically located at the foot of the Alpine Ski slopes and adjacent to the Rosa Khutor EXTREME Park, both developed for the Winter Olympic Games 2014, the EXTREME Hotel will deliver the ultimate adventure playground for even the most demanding guests.

The new EXTREME Hotel is inspired by sports, fashion, art and music. Al Gosling, CEO of EXTREME and founder of the Extreme Sports Channel says, “We are creating an original hotel offering that resonates with travellers who crave a getaway geared to their high-octane pursuits and the lifestyle. Once delivered we will have created a great destination to not only do the sports but everything else that makes your stay unforgettable, the people, the party, the experience. You may not remember but you will never forget.”

Director at DMA Jacqui Kirk explains “Our brief is to translate the globally renowned EXTREME brand and bring it to life within a hotel context. Working together we are creating a completely immersive space which pushes the boundaries of a conventional hotel towards a much more dynamic offering. Within the hotel the user can define their stay and the way they use the space.”

Guests won’t enter into a traditional hotel lobby, but instead will become immediately immersed in the brand, with the entrance being open plan to the café zone, bar and dance floor – flexibility will be central to this area creating a very different vibe from day to night. Juxtaposing the energy from here to the Après Snow area will provide outdoor & indoor spaces with big open fireplaces, DJs, bar to party in straight after skiing. Adjacent to this the gaming area includes a range of experiences that connect with our guests way of life. When guests are ready to kick back and switch off, the rooms will provide the perfect crash pad. Beds will be mounted on casters so they can be moved around at will doubling to form partitions which can create a private cocooned space.

Recognising that the world presently holds more than 165 million Extreme Sports participants worldwide, and that Extreme Sports are the fastest growing market sector in the sports arena, EXTREME Hotels has a clear market positioning and a community craving this product.
Future EXTREME hotels are being planned in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Nadler Hotels has recently become one of the first 100 companies across the UK to be awarded a new Chartermark declaring it is fit to welcome Chinese visitors.The GREAT China Welcome Charter is a new initiative from VisitBritain to make Britain the destination of choice for the rapidly-growing Chinese market. Visitors from China have doubled in the last five years and tourism bosses hope they will treble again by 2020.

The new Charter will help Chinese visitors easily identify hotels, attractions, retailers and tour operators that are making themselves ‘China-ready’ by providing information in Chinese and adapting their products for the market.

Nadler Hotels qualified as one of the first Charter members because we have had our website translated into Mandarin, as well as translating in-house material such as welcome letters and registration cards. Chinese guests can also enjoy our in-room entertainment system in Mandarin.

Robert Nadler, CEO, said, “We pride ourselves on providing very high standards of service to all our customers and the Chinese are no exception. We are experiencing strong interest from China who seem to particularly enjoy our innovative concept of affordable luxury.”

Sandie Dawe, Chief Executive of VisitBritain, said, “There is strong evidence that businesses who go the extra mile in catering for certain nationalities quickly reap the benefits. Nadler Hotels is a great example of a boutique hotel group which has been quick to recognise the massive potential of the Chinese market and invested accordingly. We’re delighted to be able to count them as one of our first 100 members and hope that many more British tourism and hospitality businesses will follow their example.”

For more information about the Charter please see www.greatchinawelcome.com

Membership of the GREAT China Welcome Charter is completely free but is only open to organisations which can prove they are ‘China-ready’ by providing evidence of one or more of the following:

• A product or a service that is of genuine interest to potential Chinese visitors and meets their distinct cultural needs and expectations
• First-hand experience of welcoming Chinese visitors within the past two years
• Mandarin speaking staff
• Translated websites, apps or literature
• Visitor information or signage in Mandarin
• Visitor-facing staff who have undergone training about Chinese culture and etiquette
• Facilities for customers to pay using China UnionPay
• Some form of formal collaboration with a peer organisation in China

The Austrian hotel operator VI Hotels & Resort is taking over two further hotels effective 1 April 2014. With the Arcadia hotels in Landsberg am Lech and in Bad Oeynhausen, the group’s portfolio now includes 12 hotels in Germany. VI Hotels & Resorts is vigorously pursuing its expansion strategy with further acquisitions in Germany as announced. VI, the largest Austrian hotel operator, will take over the two Arcadia hotels in Landsberg am Lech and in Bad Oeynhausen with no interruption to service effective 1 April 2014. The parties have agreed to keep the purchase price confidential.

Dr. Andreas Karsten, CEO of the Austrian hotel group, is certain of the investment in the two hotels in Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia: “The transfer of the Arcadia hotels in Landsberg and Bad Oeynhausen are a further indication of the trust in our management style and our asset strategy. We are delighted to be able to deepen our cooperation with the Arcadia Group.” Dr. h.c. Reinhard Baumhögger, owner of the Arcadia Group, also sees this as a win-win situation for both hotel groups: “Thanks to the synergy effects in sales, both groups benefit greatly from the transaction. I am very pleased that in VI Hotels I have found an experienced and successful hotel operator for both properties.”

Arcadia Hotel Landsberg
The 103-room 3-star Arcadia Hotel Landsberg is situated 2 km from the historic old town centre of Landsberg am Lech in Upper Bavaria, about 55 km west of Munich. The city has a population of around 30,000.

Arcadia Hotel Bad Oeynhausen
The Arcadia Hotel Bad Oeynhausen, with 144 rooms and an event area for around 60 people, is situated at the edge of the spa gardens in the heart of the spa town of Bad Oeynhausen (pop. 50,000). Located about 39 km southwest of Bielefeld, Bad Oeynhausen is known both nationally and internationally for its health and rehabilitation centres.

Marriott International, Inc. has recently announced the opening of the Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Station. Located in the Kyobashi commercial district, the 150-room hotel is just four minutes on foot from the bullet-train-serviced Yaesu side of Tokyo Station. It occupies the first four floors of the newly built Kyobashi Trust Tower, a 21-storey building conveniently situated on the Chuo-dori thoroughfare between Ginza and Nihonbashi, both renowned for their flagship boutiques and centuries-old shops. The Tokyo Metro Ginza Line is one minute from the front door.For business travellers who seek a distinctive experience, Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Station offers four thoughtfully designed room types ranging in size from 16 to 33 square metres, inviting public spaces in which to unwind and a mix of services that help guests stay connected, productive and balanced. Self-service kiosks expedite check-in and check-out, and for the first time ever in Japan, keyless entry allows guests to use their smartphone to access their room. Women-only rooms provide enhanced privacy and amenities for female guests, while 24-hour gym access and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the premises enable all guests to make the most of their time in this dynamic capital, whether working or relaxing.

Guests and locals can take full advantage of the mild spring weather at GG Co., a first-floor café and bakery with terrace seating. The adjacent Lavarock restaurant, named for its lava-rock grill, serves contemporary bistro fare and grilled specialities from breakfast through bar time and offers semi-private seating. For registered guests, a library bar on the fourth floor provides casual space for impromptu meetings, while private gatherings and conferences of up to 130 people may be accommodated in four separate and fully equipped meeting venues on site.

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s largest operator of hotels, is continuing its expansion into the Middle East with the opening of a hotel in Muscat, Oman.Centara Muscat Hotel will be operated under a management contract and is scheduled to open on 1 June 2015.

Irfan International Hotel Limited Liability Company owns the property.

The hotel marks Centara’s second step into the Middle East, the first property, in Qatar, having been announced in February.

“The Middle East region is a strategic one for us, and we are delighted to be announcing the opening of Centara Muscat Hotel,” says Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts.

“Oman becomes our tenth overseas destination, and we deeply appreciate the trust that international investors are placing in our unique Thai style of hotel management.”

Centara’s overseas expansion began in 2009, and along with Oman the company now has properties either open or under development in Vietnam, Indonesia (Bali), China (Shanghai), Laos, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Ethiopia and Qatar.

“We have a strong marketing organisation within the Middle East, along with a very large customer base, and having a hotel in Oman is a strategic advantage for us,” says Chris Bailey, Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Centara Hotels & Resorts.

“Our guest mix will be both leisure and business, and the hotel facilities will reflect this.”

Centara Muscat Hotel will have approximately 154 guestrooms, with two food and beverage outlets, a swimming pool, a spa and a fitness centre. The hotel will also include extensive meeting facilities.

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading operator of hotels, with 46 deluxe and first-class properties covering all the major tourist destinations in the Kingdom.

The signing took place at Lotus 12, Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld.

Leading luxury boutique operator Eden Hotel Collection has announced a £12 million investment in South Sands, Salcombe following the recent purchase of the 35 bedroom Tides Reach Hotel.

Eden Hotel Collection is a privately-owned group comprising of eight luxury hotels across the Midlands and the South West. It acquired Tides Reach in January 2014 from the Edwards family, who have owned the hotel for 47 years. The group have confirmed that the hotel will remain closed while an extensive redevelopment takes place to create a 50 bedroom property on the existing plot. The new waterfront hotel, complete with spa, private beach and an extensive terrace with sea views, will offer high quality and contemporary dining and luxury stays on this beautiful section of British coastline.

Eden Hotel Collection’s Managing Director Mark Chambers said: “We are delighted to expand further into the South West, where our parent company, The Rigby Group plc, already has strong business links through its ownership of Exeter Airport and British International Helicopters.

“Tides Reach will add to our existing luxury hotels in Somerset and Kingsbridge, establishing a firm presence for Eden Hotel Collection in the region. The new Tides Reach is an exciting development and we very much look forward to being part of the Salcombe community.”

Mark said that a core value of Eden Hotel Collection is to integrate into the community, building links with local businesses, suppliers and people and the group are keen to make a positive impact on the local economy in Salcombe. Around 100 jobs will be created as a result of this investment.

The company is well-known for its commitment to seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers and for their dedication to the guest experience, which has resulted in a host of awards and accolades for the group.

Eden Hotel Collection is part of The Rigby Group plc, which has recently won ‘Family Business of the Year’ at the 2013 Private Business Awards. The Rigby Group has significant business interests across technology, aviation, property, hotels and investments and currently operates a number of businesses in the South West, including Exeter Airport and British International Helicopters which has a base in Newquay and operates flag officer sea training for the Ministry of Defence in Plymouth.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® has announced that its Aloft brand will soon debut in Greenville, South Carolina. Aloft Greenville will open in early 2015 in a prime downtown location, featuring 144 spacious, loft-like rooms, leading-edge technology and a lively, social atmosphere. It will be the brand’s second hotel in South Carolina and the third Aloft hotel developed by McKibbon Hotel Group, joining Aloft Asheville Downtown and Aloft Tallahassee. Located next to Greenville’s ONE Building, Aloft Greenville will sit atop a new 470-space, $11.8 million dollar public garage. Part of the city’s downtown revitalization, the sleek, new development will also include retail shops and office space. Plans call for the development to be adjacent to a recently completed $4 million public plaza on Main Street.

The hotel will offer 2,800 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space and rooftop amenities including a Splash outdoor pool as well as the brand’s signature W XYZ® bar. The hotel is close to numerous shops and restaurants, as well as the Peace Center for the Performing arts, the Bon Secours Wellness Arena and the offices of BMW, Michelin and Fluor.

InterContinental® Hotels Group has recently announced the completion of a US $22.25 million renovation of the iconic, Morris Lapidus-designed InterContinental San Juan, one of the Caribbean’s most recognized properties. IHG is one of Puerto Rico’s pioneering international hotel companies and first had a presence on the island in 1960. The hotel’s improvements will provide an outstanding experience and setting for both business and leisure travellers. While guest rooms reflect a harmonious combination of different tones of beige and blue symbolizing sand and sea, the decorative accents and wood details evoke the emblematic colours and architectural characteristics of Old San Juan. The public space areas provide a warm and modern ambience for business meetings and leisure, and all meeting rooms were refreshed with a look and feel consistent with the rest of the resort featuring the newest digital signage with sleek design and sophistication.

The AAA Four-Diamond InterContinental San Juan hotel’s renovation included upgrades to its elegantly-appointed guest rooms and suites, lobby, meeting rooms and the property’s common areas, bringing a fresh, new look to the globally-renowned hotel. The property is located on two miles of pristine white sand beach on Puerto Rico’s northern coast of Isla Verde, just minutes from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

Featuring 398 luxurious guest rooms with breathtaking ocean or city views, the resort offers a variety of fine dining options to choose from and a myriad of beach front recreational activities and amenities, along with a lagoon-shaped, cascade swimming pool, a beach front full-service spa and fitness centre, and an 8,500 square foot casino. The property also features 12 meeting rooms consisting of 18,000 square feet with a capacity for up to 600 guests.

Renaissance Hotels, a hotel brand recognized for inspiring travellers to Live Life to DiscoverSM, announced today the opening of the 181-room Renaissance Santiago Hotel, marking the third Renaissance Hotel to open in South America. The new hotel establishes a bold presence in the upscale neighbourhood of Vitacura, surrounded by stylish boutiques and some of Santiago’s finest restaurants.With a commitment to local sustainability, the Renaissance Santiago Hotel is also actively pursuing official LEED ™ certification from the United States Green Building Council, an organization promoting environmentally responsible residential and commercial buildings.

Each of hotel’s 181 guest rooms and suites feature modern and stylish design including luxury bedding and high tech amenities, especially created to meet the needs of today’s modern business and leisure travellers.

Culinary options abound throughout the hotel including the property’s signature Catae restaurant, headed by award winning local Chef Mariano Cid de la Paz, who studied under world renowned Spanish Chef Ferrán Adriá.

Additional dining and entertainment venues include D-bar & Lounge, offering a variety of small plates, speciality cocktails, local beers and a large selection of Chilean wines, as well as Kaitek Café Bar which includes a menu of 29 coffees and an exclusive tea list. Lastly, guests may enjoy full menu of speciality cocktails and appetizers at the hotel’s pool bar or snacks at El Cofa Bar, located on the sixteenth floor terrace offering breathtaking views of the city.

The property is owned by Altamira Grupo Inmobiliario and will be operated by Administraciones y Operaciones Hoteleras Hotech S.A.

For R.E.N meetings and special events, the hotel boasts nearly 12,000 square feet of impressive conference space. The hotel also includes a state-of-the-art Elential Fitness Centre & Spa, outdoor pool and whirlpool.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Fairmont Chengdu Residences, the luxury hotel brand’s first residential project in China. Building on Fairmont’s growing presence in Asia Pacific, the residences are part of a mixed-use development that will also include Fairmont Chengdu, a new luxury hotel scheduled to open in 2015. Located in the capital of Sichuan province, Fairmont Chengdu Residences is the first branded residential offering in Chengdu, combining privately owned, luxury apartments with the 5-star services of a leading luxury hotel brand. Fairmont has over a century’s experience welcoming guests, with a portfolio of iconic properties around the globe that includes Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, London’s The Savoy, The Plaza in New York City and Quebec City’s Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.

Fairmont Chengdu Residences adds to the brand’s exclusive and growing collection of private residences, which are operating or in development in locations around the world including Vancouver, Istanbul, Makkah and Fujairah. Fairmont offers proven experience in integrating a luxury residential component with its leading hotels, and real estate options are an increasingly integral part of the brand’s robust development plans.

The Fairmont Chengdu Residences development is located in two 36-story towers and features 382 luxury residences adjacent to the soon-to-open 347-room Fairmont hotel, which will also include 52 serviced apartments. Owners enjoy a choice of three elegant residence designs including 2-bedroom suites offering over 89 square meters (950 square feet) of living space and luxurious 3-bedroom suites with over 129 square meters (1,390 square feet). Residence services include a dedicated owner services team, a 24-hour concierge, doormen and security as well as an exclusive Resident’s Lounge, private gym and a children’s club. The public and residential areas are all exquisitely designed with elegance, attention to detail and comfort in mind.

Renaissance Hotels, a hotel brand recognized for encouraging guests and travellers to Live Life to DiscoverSM, proudly announces the opening of the 348-room Renaissance Chengdu Hotel in South west China. The opening represents the début of Renaissance Hotel in Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province known as the “Storehouse of Heaven” due to its abundance of natural, economic and cultural resources. The hotel is operated under a management agreement with Sichuan Master Investment Group.The hotel is located nearby to the city’s main commercial, entertainment and shopping areas, and north of the Tianfu Interchange Bridge, providing quick and easy access to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.

Featuring an artistic and contemporary interior with touches of whimsy in warm and vibrant colours, the hotel offers 348 bright and spacious high-ceiling rooms that feature panoramic city views, including 29 suites and two luxurious Presidential and Chief Executive Officer suites. The hotel features seven club floors which offer an exclusive array of amenities via the 29th floor club lounge including a daily buffet breakfast with live cooking stations, afternoon high tea and speciality cocktails in the evening. Club members may also enjoy luxury business services including complimentary use of executive meeting space.

Renaissance Chengdu Hotel offers guests with a variety of opportunities for culinary discovery including BLD Café which features buffet and a la carte culinary delights; up scale Chinese restaurant, Wan Li, featuring a menu of authentic Cantonese and Sichuanese cuisine. The R Bar is the centrepiece of the lobby where guests may enjoy an energizing cup of coffee, Chinese afternoon tea, fine wines or a speciality “R” cocktail in the evenings.

Renaissance Chengdu Hotel features 1,322 square meters of meeting space across nine rooms, including a grand ballroom with a nearly seven meter ceiling. The meeting space offers a range of space configuration, making the hotel a perfect fit for all kinds of gatherings, conferences and special events. All meeting rooms are equipped with the very latest in state-of-the-art audio visual technologies. A host of other amenities can be found at the hotel including a full service business centre, a 24-hour fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool.

Sofitel continues to grow its impressive portfolio in the Middle East with the opening of Sofitel Dubai, 7th brand hotel in the region, on May 1st. Set in a prime location, the hotel has amazing views of the Burj Khalifa tower — the world’s tallest building — and the Arabian coast. Two major new launches are upcoming in Jeddah and Riyadh in 2015.At the crossroads of East and West, Dubai is a top destination for business and leisure travellers. In the heart of the city, on the famed Sheikh Zayed Road, Sofitel Dubai Downtown is just minutes from The Dubai Mall, the world’s biggest shopping centre, connected via an air-conditioned glass bridge.

The hotel targets business visitors who can benefit from its close proximity to the Burj Khalifa, Dubai International Conference centre and business district. Its luxurious facilities feature 14 meeting rooms and a 600-person ballroom with a carved wooden ceiling that recalls traditional pirogues. It boasts a full-service business centre with top sound and video systems and Inspired Meeting™ planners to create an exceptional event by attending to every detail.

Sofitel wanted to create a hotel that was different to the other luxury hotels in Dubai. In terms of design, Sofitel Dubai Downtown is very interesting, directly inspired by 20th century artist Victor Vasarely’s Op Art movement: geometric chic in an oasis of art. Standing 31 storeys high, it boasts 350 spacious rooms with Op Art décor, including 76 suites with panoramic views. All feature marble bathrooms, deluxe French amenities by Lanvin and Hermès, Nespresso machine, free Wifi and naturally, Sofitel’s exclusive MyBed™ concept, an all-feather bed and extra-light down duvet.

Innovative Thai cuisine or French-inspired meats are on offer at The Green Spices and The Red Grill. All-day international dining is available at Les Cuisines and guests can sample delicious French treats at the Lobby Patisserie. By day, the Op Art Lobby Bar Lounge is ideal for meetings followed by chill-time at the Arabic Lounge Bar or the Mosaic Pool bar beside the 60 metre infinity pool. By night, guests can savor cocktails and stunning views at the panoramic 31st Bar or hit hotel hotspot, the Lebanese Lounge.

Guests can relax or workout at the So SPA and So FIT, which feature a full range of state-of-the-art equipment, including treatment rooms, two hammams with private baths and deep relaxation room plus dry sauna and steam rooms. Sofitel Dubai Downtown is a small piece of France in Dubai, for discerning luxury travellers, that blends French art de vivre with local culture.

Adler Resorts is a bijou collection of three Italian properties owned and managed by the Sanoner family. On 9 January 1810, Josef Anton Sanoner acquired the first property – a small tavern called Daverda, which he renamed Gasthof zum Adler (Eagle’s Inn). That property has been passed down through the family, and is currently managed by the seventh generation, though the sixth generation is still represented by the sprightly 90-year-old Elly, who is often to be found greeting guests when they check into the hotel. The Gasthof zum Adler, which has been extended over the years, is now known as the Adler Dolomiti and is located in the stunning mountain resort of Ortisei in Val Gardena, surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Dolomites. A 120-room hotel, it stands in the heart of this traditional mountain resort, which has a rich history having been an important trading centre through the ages. The five-star Dolomiti is set in 9000 square metres of its own private parkland within the town’s pedestrianised zone, but less than a 5-minute walk from lifts that quickly transport guests up to an extensive nature playground for skiing/cross-country skiing/snowshoe hiking in winter, and walking/mountain biking/horse riding in summer. The hotel is home to the largest wellness facility in the Dolomites, with three distinct zones: Dolasilla for beauty & vitality, Aguana where the pools, including thermals are located, and AdlerFit for sport & fitness.

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On the 10th anniversary of the former J Plus Boutique Hotel, the HK$10 million refurbishment presents a dramatic new image for the iconic address in Causeway Bay. The yoo Studio has created a brand new look for a new decade, building on the legacy of Philippe Starck’s original groundbreaking design, styled for fast living professionals and style-conscious travellers.Starting from the outside, the globally recognised brand yoo has created a new-look façade that “pulls back the curtains” to reveal the buzzing street-level lobby. The main entrance for the JPlus is given greater prominence, highlighting its position in the city. The large format Renaissance-style portrait (pictured) shows playfully symbolises the hotel’s own rebirth.

Mathew Dalby, Design Director, YOO said:

“The JPlus by YOO is an iconic establishment within the hotel world, and we are proud to be part of its design history. Originally designed by Philippe Starck – who along with entrepreneur John Hitchcox founded YOO in 1999 – the JPlus by YOO has been reimagined by the YOO Studio giving it a fresh new look for 2014.”

The full refresh will be revealed in Mid-May.

Taking influences from the local 1970’s architecture and where British eccentricity meets Parisienne chic, the Eclectic Restaurant by Fabienne and Philippe Amzalak and Jean-Louis Costes is situated in Paris’ newest retail experience, Beaugranelle, on the banks of the river Seine in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.On the back of Chelsom’s ongoing work with Tom Dixon Design Research Studio on the Mondrian London project and utilising their wealth of experience in lighting, they were commissioned by Tom Dixon Design Research Studio to produce numerous acoustic lighting features and collaborate with the team to make a stunning centrepiece chandelier for this exciting design led restaurant project.

The 3.5m central chandelier is undoubtedly the focal point of the restaurant. 124 gold Tom Dixon cell pendants are suspended from a black, powder coated steel frame for ultimate visual impact, orbited by a series of 10 grey flocked acoustic panels of varying sizes hanging from the open plan ceiling. These noise reducing acoustic foam panels are custom made in keeping with the wider interior scheme and feature LED uplighters with a select number of the panels featuring the same gold cell pendants as the main centrepiece fitting.

Director Will Chelsom said, “We are incredibly proud to have been commissioned by Maison & Objet’s Desginer of the Year 2014, Tom Dixon, to be part of yet another fantastic high profile commission such as the Eclectic Restaurant. The team at Tom Dixon Design Research Studio have an ingenious capabilities when it comes to creating high concept interior schemes and large scale installations resulting in a fantastic client portfolio to show for it and we look forward to our continuing partnership with them as fellow lighting specialists”.

With forests covering more than 50% of the country’s territory, it is hardly surprising that furniture manufacturing and design is one of the oldest and most traditional crafts in the Baltic country. In the most recent years, most of Latvian furniture exports have gone to Denmark (around 12%), but it appears that UK (around 7%) is stepping on the toes and soon will replace Denmark as a key foreign market for the Latvian furniture makers. Thus far Latvian companies have successfully sold their products in various UK stores like John Lewis, but this time they will arrive to explore further opportunities and meet new cooperation partners, specifically within the hotel and shop fitting segments. On Tuesday, April 29th Investment and Development Agency of Latvia organizes a seminar and networking lunch with 5 Latvian furniture manufacturers at the Embassy of Latvia in London. The next day on Wednesday, April 30th they will attend the Hotelympia exhibition where the Latvian company Maffam Freeform, one of the finalists for Innovation Award, will have its own stand (nr. 3040).

If you would like to join us for the seminar and networking lunch or meet Latvian manufacturers individually call us on 02072298173 or drop an email uk@liaa.gov.lv.

Participating companies from Latvia are following:

ROUG

Products/Services: Company specializes in retail, hotel and office furniture production as well as develops interior design for public spaces.
References: G-star, Levis, H&M, Scotch&Soda etc.
Existing co-operation partners: Shop fitting companies

RAUKO

Products/Services: The Company RAUKO is furniture producer that specializes in the production and offering of interior solutions for hotel and retail sector. Thorough knowledge of the furniture industry and market requirements has helped us to develop unique solutions that correspond to the needs of today’s clients: from interior design and production to installation of the finished furniture and after service.
Existing co-operation partners: Architects and project developers – Sweden, Denmark. Partner names are confidential according to our cooperation agreements.

Wood ART.LV

Products/Services: Company “Wood ART.lv” specializes in manufacturing joinery products of any kind for individual projects by private clients, as well as for public edifices- hotels, banks, libraries, using modern technologies and machinery. The company has long-term experience with the restoration of wood works.
Existing co-operation partners: Building companies in Latvia: Reℜ Velve; Skonto buve; Arcers. Hotels: Dome hotel & Spa; Hotel Monika. MONUMENT Development company in Moscow.

NOVEMBRI

Products/Services: Company specializes in the production of the cabinet-type (case) furniture for offices and hotels. We render all the complex services:
– the technical solutions by the designing of furniture,
– the manufacturing of furniture,
– delivery and assembly of furniture on the site.
Existing co-operation partners: Rezidor, Accor, Starwood, Hilton, Marriott

Maffam Freeform

Products/Services: Company specializes in hand-crafted basalt fibre furniture for indoors and outdoors. Currently they are the only manufacturer in the world using such technique in furniture production. Both – material use and design are innovation.
References: Products can be found at Mozilla and Google offices in the US, a public park in Moscow, in several Alpine resorts in EU and many other places; recently short-listed as finalist for Design Week Award, category: furniture and short- Hotelympia Innovation award, category: design.
Existing co-operation partners: Agents in the USA, Russia, Germany, Spain, Italy, Lithuania, Scandinavia

Hilton Worldwide have recently signed a multi-unit management agreement with SKS Group to manage two hotels, located in Perth and Fremantle, Western Australia. The hotels will be branded DoubleTree by Hilton and will join Hilton Worldwide’s existing portfolio of 20 hotels in Australasia.DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront will be located at 351 Riverside Drive, Perth adjoining Barrack Square and fronting the Swan River. The 241-room hotel will boast stunning panoramic views of the Swan River and will include a restaurant, bar, executive lounge, business centre, gym, pool and event spaces. Construction is expected to commence in mid- 2014, with an anticipated opening date in mid-2016.

DoubleTree by Hilton Fremantle will be located at Point Street, Fremantle, overlooking Princess May Park and central to the “Cappuccino Strip” of South Terrace. This 150-room hotel will feature a restaurant, bar, business centre, gym, pool and event spaces. Construction of this hotel is expected to commence in 2014, with an anticipated opening date in 2017.

John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “Our continued growth around the world adds locations for our guests to experience our award-winning CARE culture – which stands for ‘Create A Rewarding Experience’ for guests, team members and the community. We remain dedicated to tailoring our service offerings and product to the needs of business and leisure travellers who seek an upscale, full-service hotel experience in the market.”

“Hilton Worldwide has had a strong presence in Australia for over 40 years with the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, and we are very committed to further expanding our brand portfolio in the region. These two exciting new DoubleTree by Hilton developments will join our three existing DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels in the Northern Territory and are part of our growth strategy for this powerful brand in Australia,” said Martin Rinck, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.

Guests will enjoy the characteristic qualities found at more than 370 DoubleTree by Hilton locations across six continents, including the signature warm chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest upon arrival, an array of upscale amenities and guest services, the rewards of the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty programme and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community.

SKS Group is the Perth-based overseas investment arm of MB Group, based in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. MB Group has a 30-year track record in real estate development, property construction, building materials trading, hotel development and hospitality management, and credit financing in Malaysia. Alan Sim, principal of SKS Group said, “I am very excited to undertake these two projects which has a combined Gross Development Value of over AUD$160 Million with Hilton Worldwide, and to bring the world-renowned DoubleTree by Hilton brand to Perth and Fremantle.”

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading operator of hotels, is to have its first hotel in Laos in 2017 with the opening of the luxurious five-star Centara Grand Hotel Vientiane.Located in the downtown district of the Laotian capital of Vientiane, the hotel will be designed to a French colonial style.

Centara will manage the new-build property under a management contract.

The hotel is owned by Simuong Group and is being developed under an investment of Baht 1.5 billion (USD 46.2 million).

“We are very proud of the fact that our top-tier Grand brand is expanding even further overseas,” says Thirayuth Chirathivat, chief executive officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts.

An historic hotel, which has been a popular destination with visitors to the Peak District National Park, is to reopen its doors to guests almost a year after entering liquidation.The Izaak Walton Hotel, in Dovedale, near Ashbourne, closed last May after its owner company failed, with debts of £1m to unsecured creditors.

Joint liquidators Peter Blair and Richard Saville, of business rescue and recovery specialists Begbies Traynor, Nottingham, have now sold the property with the assistance of property specialists Fleurets.

The new owners are Shropshire businessmen James Keay and Andy Jeneson, who will be refreshing the hotel ahead of it reopening at the end of May, with further sympathetic refurbishment to follow during the course of the year.

Peter Blair said: “We’re really pleased to announce the sale of the Izaak Walton Hotel and that it is going to continue to be a fantastic resort for tourists to the Peak District. It’s great news for the local economy.”

The hotel, which has also been a popular wedding venue, boasts 40 individual en-suite guest bedrooms, two bars, a restaurant, function room, detached five bedroom domestic living quarters and staff lodge.

Sitting on grounds of more than three acres, the hotel is located in a picturesque and tranquil setting and takes its name from the 17th century author of “The Compleat Angler”.

The hotel’s modern-day links with fishing are demonstrated by its exclusive fishing rights to a stretch of the Staffordshire bank of the nearby River Dove.

Hilton Worldwide is introducing its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand in Busan, South Korea’s second largest city and top trading port following a signing of a new management agreement with Emerson Pacific, Inc. Scheduled to open in 2016, the 306-room Hilton Busan will be part of the East Busan Tourism Complex, one of 10 major development projects in Busan.Set on the coastline in the East of Busan, Hilton Busan will offer superb panoramic views of the Korea Straits. Situated within the East Busan Tourism Complex development, the hotel’s immediate vicinity will become a prime address for various residences, a golf course, a theme park and numerous other tourist attractions. Hilton Busan is well served by major roadways, and as a result, it enjoys excellent accessibility to all areas of Busan and is approximately 8 kilometres away from the city centre.

The 10-story Hilton Busan will span over 75,000 square meters and offer 306 guest rooms and suites with a spacious minimum room size of 56 square meters. The hotel will have an all-day dining restaurant and a bar. Hilton Busan will also have meeting facilities including a ballroom, Executive Floors, an outdoor pool, spa, health club, business centre and onsite parking facility.

Busan, located on the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula, is the primary port in Korea and the world’s fifth largest container port. Its geographical location also boasts a coastline featuring superb beaches, as well as scenic cliffs and mountains that provide spectacular views, and hot springs. Busan today is fast gaining recognition as a world class city destination due to its natural endowments and rich cultural heritage.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. and Fast Consortium, a leading Asian residential apartment developer, have signed an agreement for the development of The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, heralding the much-anticipated return of the luxury hotel operator to Australia.Working closely with the Western Australian Government and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA), Far East Consortium will build the 204-room Ritz-Carlton, in addition to residential apartments in the heart of the riverside Elizabeth Quay development on Perth’s waterfront.

The Ritz-Carlton, Perth will be the city’s first international luxury hotel in the city, bringing its unique benchmark service culture, with luxurious accommodations and experiences to Western Australia. Its commanding waterfront position features a sweeping view over the Swan River, and the nearby attractions of Kings Park and the Botanical Garden.

Located in the commercial and business district adjacent to the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, Elizabeth Quay is the centre-piece of Perth’s drive to reinforce its position as an international and contemporary destination for the global affluent traveller. When completed, the project will also feature 1.5kms of continuous promenades to create a destination experience that will attract an estimated four million visitors a year.

Perth is the capital city of Western Australia and is recognized by the Economist Intelligence Unit as the 9th most liveable city in the world. It enjoys a reputation as Australia’s sunniest city and tourism arrivals are robust as the state enjoys 7 million overnight visitors a year. Perth is also close to the scenic Swan Valley, known as Western Australia’s oldest wine growing region as well as the America’s Cup port city of Fremantle. The regional economy also remains one of Australia’s most buoyant and accounts for almost 50% of all exports.

The ground-breaking for The Ritz-Carlton, Perth is expected during 2015. The project will also encompass ground floor retail space, waterfront fine dining experiences, and luxury 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) has announced the signing of two further hotels in London with the Hotel Indigo® London – Barbican and Holiday Inn® – Watford Junction. As a result, over the last nine months IHG signed all six of its current European brands into its Greater London pipeline, further reinforcing IHG’s presence in the UK’s capital. Due to open this summer, Holiday Inn Watford Junction will be a 92 -room property operating under a franchise agreement with Nine Hospitality Ltd. Featuring the Holiday Inn Open Lobby, the hotel’s excellent location is anticipated to attract a healthy mix of leisure and corporate guests.

Meanwhile IHG continues to build momentum in East London with the addition of another Hotel Indigo property – Hotel Indigo – London Barbican. The newly constructed 101-room hotel will operate under a franchise agreement with long standing Owner Partner Sanguine who currently have six IHG hotels open in the UK and two under construction. Situated in a vibrant area in the heart of one of London’s business hubs, the hotel is well placed to receive a steady stream of business travellers as well as leisure guests drawn to the local cultural and arts attractions. The hotel is due to open in 2016.

The Botany Bay Hotel at Kingsgate near Broadstairs has reopened following a £1.4 million refurbishment by Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame.Formerly known as the Fayreness Hotel, it is situated in one of the most picturesque spots on the British coast, overlooking the spectacular Botany Bay.

The building has been remodelled to make the most of its breathtaking views, with two elegant orangeries replacing UPVC conservatories at the front, and the addition of a wrap-around deck to allow guests to sit outside.

Its brick exterior has been clad in traditional Kentish weatherboarding, with a new area for walkers to wash their boots and a bicycle park.

All 30 en-suite bedrooms, many offering sea views of the eponymous bay, have been refurbished, using natural sand and blue-green colours, artefacts and artwork of local scenes to reflect the coastal setting.

The main bar area also boasts a fresh new look, and has been divided into comfortable seating areas, including the introduction of a coffee lounge and cosy fireplace.

Visitors can choose from a selection of tasty snacks and traditional pub meals in the bar, or enjoy á la carte dining in the panoramic-view restaurant. It offers classic British cuisine with a contemporary twist, and as one might expect from the hotel’s unique coastal location, seafood is a speciality. The chefs use only the finest locally sourced, seasonal produce, from Romney Marsh lamb to Whitstable oysters and Dover sole, along with the fresh produce for which the Garden of England is renowned.

And the contemporary coastal hotel is the perfect choice for any type of function, from conferences and professional meetings to group get-togethers and parties.

It has two stylish function rooms available; the intimate Club Room, which can accommodate up to 40 guests, or the Kingsgate Suite, which can cater for up to 100. The ground floor Kingsgate Suite, which boasts panoramic sea views, has a private bar and dance floor and is licensed for civil wedding ceremonies.

Consideration has also been given to guests with disabilities, with level access to most trading areas including the front terrace, and the introduction of ramp access and a powered door adjacent to the main entrance. There is a wheelchair accessible toilet off the main bar, and a lowered bar counter has been installed. The hotel also has a bedroom with enhanced accessibility, including a wide door, large floor space, grab rails in the bathroom and a lowered bath, and two dedicated parking spaces for disabled guests.

As a result of the brewery’s investment, 15 new roles have been created at the hotel, taking the total to more than 50, and more employees are expected to be taken on in the next few months to cope with increased demand during the summer season.

Visitors to the hotel won’t want to miss the opportunity to explore Botany Bay, just a minute’s stroll from its entrance. The Blue Flag quality beach, offering more than 200 metres of golden sands, stunning cliffs and rock pools, has been made famous by a whole host of TV and film productions.

The hotel is also ideal for a golfing break in Kent as it sits next to the famous North Foreland Golf Club, and is within a few miles of the Open Championship links courses of Prince’s Golf Club and Royal St. George’s in Sandwich.

If you’re not a fan of golf, you might prefer to explore the unique heritage of nearby Broadstairs. Stroll around the seaside town’s cobbled streets to discover visitor attractions including Bleak House, once the summer home of Victorian author Charles Dickens; the Dickens House Museum; and the Crampton Tower Museum, offering an insight into the waterworks and railways of Victorian engineers.

Art lovers are in for a treat with the Turner Contemporary gallery just three miles away in Margate.

And in addition to the year-round attractions, there is always something going on in Broadstairs, from the week-long Dickens Festival each June, to Broadstairs Folk Week in mid-August and the three-day Broadstairs Food Festival in October.

Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “We are thrilled to unveil this exciting new development overlooking Botany Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in Britain.
“This significant refurbishment is not just about investing in the hotel, but the coastal area of East Kent. Not only have we have created a significant number of new hospitality and catering roles, but the presence of a stylish destination hotel will provide a boost for the local tourism market.

“We are confident that with its new look, and new name, the Botany Bay Hotel will prove a popular choice for local residents to enjoy a drink or meal, and also an attractive venue for short breaks, weddings and functions.”

Hospitality interior design practice RPW Design has completed the renovation of Hilton Rotterdam, bringing the interiors of this 50-year-old modernist architectural icon into the 21st century. Built in 1963 by one of the foremost architects of the post-war modernism in the Netherlands, Hugh Maaskant, Hilton Rotterdam was one of the first upscale hotels to welcome visitors to the city centre. Its exterior exemplifies the glamour, sophistication and forward-looking excitement of the Dutch society of the 50s and 60s, a time when Rotterdam began to reinvent itself as a modern, vibrant and multicultural metropolis.

Fifty years on, this Grand Lady of Rotterdam has been given a new lease of life after a €36 million two-phase refurbishment of the entire hotel, including its 254 guestrooms and suites, meeting space and all public areas.

One of the most significant changes was to re-site the main entrance, which has moved from one side of the building to the other, not only for practical reasons but for a greater sense of arrival. The new entrance features a visible five-metre-wide canopy and new porte cochère, whilst the old entrance facing the main square has been retained for pedestrians.

The lobby, now more spacious, has been designed around the original grand sculptural staircase, which has been restored and complimented with new timber and bronze finishes. A light feature descending alongside the staircase and a source of fluorescent light concealed in the ceiling further above add a dramatic, luxury touch to the space.

Offering a high-end, residential environment, the lobby comprises a new, stylish coffee/tea lounge and furniture pieces arranged in small seating groups enhanced with bespoke rugs, a feature fireplace and a calming palette evocative of Rotterdam’s light colours and patterns.

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InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has recently announced that a Holiday Inn Resort® hotel in Jekyll Island, Ga., will be joining the brand’s growing portfolio of vacation destinations once it completes a $20 million renovation later this year.The latest addition to the portfolio will be located on 1200 sq. ft. of unobstructed prime beach front space on Jekyll Island, and is expected to have 157-rooms including 40 suites. Previously an independent hotel – the Oceanside Inn and Suites – the property is poised to be a major player in the overall revitalization of Jekyll Island, a historic East Coast destination. Once open, guests will enjoy a variety of amenities including multiple food and beverage venues, outdoor pool, Kids Club, KidSuite® Rooms, nightly entertainment, fitness centre, business centre and 10,000 sq.ft. of on-site meeting space. Additional guest amenities include access to numerous outdoor land and sea-based activities.

“We are excited to open a Holiday Inn Resort hotel in Jekyll Island, especially given the destination’s revitalization,” said Jason Smith, general manager. “The property is less than a mile away from the Jekyll Island Convention Centre so we are able to cater to business and leisure guests and ensure we are helping them make the most of their stay here.”

Visitors to Ucluelet with a taste for high-end living can now stay cosy and comfortable in the lap of modern luxury. Way Point Resort has completed construction on the final five of its lavish lodges.These one and two bedroom accommodations nestled at the southern tip of Vancouver Island were consciously designed with guests in mind. Each lodge features upscale amenities such as breath-taking ocean views, open-concept kitchens, cosy fireplaces, private decks and direct beach access. And each interior’s design pays homage to Ucluelet First Nations culture and craftsmanship with unique house posts carved by resident artist Clifford George that lend each lodge its name (Eagle, Otter, Sea Lion, Salmon, Gray Whale, Raven, Thunderbird, Killer Whale and Harmony).

Wya Point’s lodges are also eco-friendly, as the resort is entirely “off the grid” and meet all Platinum LEED certifications with environmentally conscious touches such as low-flush toilets and low-wattage LED lights. All the timber was also harvested locally from traditional territory from western red cedar and was expertly carved by local craftsman.

The one and two bedroom lodges can accommodate two to six guests comfortably, each with square footage ranging from 650 to 2,100 square feet. Some additional resort perks include in-room executive chef services upon request, in-room massages and stand-up paddle board lessons just steps outside each lodge’s door.

About Wya Point Resort
Nestled in the coastal forest just outside Ucluelet and within minutes of the world-famous Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Wya Point Resort is an ideal retreat for individuals, couples, families and groups seeking a luxurious eco getaway by the sea. With its broad range of accommodation and amenities-including the Wya Welcome Centre, Surf Shop, Way Point Campground, Yurts and the Lodges at Wya Point – Wya Point Resort draws every type of traveller. The resort is located on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, a region renowned for year-round storm watching, surfing, kayaking, hiking, fishing and captivating wildlife.

Photos courtesy of Wya Point Resort

Magnuson Hotels, the world’s largest independent hotel group, announced today the complete rebranding of the Magnuson Hotel Calumet Park.Formerly the Motel 6 Calumet Park, the hotel has rebranded with the Magnuson Hotels brand collection to upgrade its market niche via an affiliation with Magnuson Hotels’ global portfolio of 2,000 hotels.

Corporate, educational, government, and leisure travellers will appreciate this 85-room facility located just 17 miles from downtown Chicago, with easy access Standard Bank Stadium, US Cellular, Soldier Field Stadium, Brookfile, and Chicagoland Speedway.

The Magnuson Hotel Calumet Park will receive complete global brand representation via an affiliation with the fastest growing hotel brand in history. A top 10 global hotel chain, Magnuson Hotels has added more hotels in the past 11 years than 8 of the top 10 chains.

Alila Hotels & Resorts, one of the most innovative boutique hotel groups renowned for their architecture, design and strict eco credentials, is to launch Alila Seminyak, Bali in late 2014.Cocooned on an undeveloped stretch of beach on Bali’s south west coast, the resort has been designed as a tropical haven, connected by garden corridors creating an extensive labyrinth of vertical greens, leafy shrubs and blossoming plants, which are naturally ventilated by sea breezes. Roof gardens feature throughout the property along with roof top pools and hidden nooks, giving an air of secrecy and a hideaway feeling while helping to reduce its impact on the environment.

Alila Seminyak is the first resort in Indonesia to surpass the rigorous EarthCheck standards, achieving a 44 point best practice score against the industry norm of five points. The entire development has been designed and built to follow strict sustainable guidelines that will ensure that once the resort is in full operation, its environmental footprint will be kept to a minimum.

The resort’s eco and energy solutions include the use of local, recycled and reclaimed building materials. 100% of materials used have been locally sourced, including architectural, landscape and interior finishes. In addition, low energy light fixtures, rainwater harvesting, solar energy, environmental and building management systems have been implemented. A commitment to building a productive and sustainable relationship with the local community will also be an ongoing focus.

Comprising 240 rooms, the resort will combine a calm and restful atmosphere, a serene retreat away from cosmopolitan Seminyak. Alila Seminyak will feature contemporary styled rooms ranging from 46 to 177 square metres, all embracing laid back sophistication, as well as one spectacular 811 square metre penthouse. A portion of rooms are also available to buy.

For those who want to experience the buzz of Bali Alila Seminyak is both a world apart yet close to all the hottest destinations on the island – from high-end designer boutiques, art and antique galleries and trendy nightspots such as Ku De Ta, La Lucciola, and Potato Head, to fine dining establishments and uber-chic cafes.

February Highlights
• RevPAR growth flatters to deceive in Brussels and St Petersburg
• Cologne and Zurich registered revenue and profit growth
• Poor trading performance for Munich

February Highlights
• Profits soared in Dubai hotels as occupancy levels exceeded 87 percent
• Abu Dhabi hotels experienced a 20 percent drop in bottom line performance
• Kuwait hotels reported low performance
• Hotels in Sharm El Sheikh hit hard by militant insurgency
• Jeddah hotels registered positive performance

Washington Marriott Georgetown, situated at 1221 22nd Street at M Street, NW, near Washington, DC’s historic Georgetown, recently unveiled its new vibrant Greatroom lobby. The reimagined Greatroom is part of Marriott Hotels brand initiative to transform lobbies from a formal living room into a local destination where people spend time, by themselves or with friends or colleagues, to relax, socialize or get work done. The renovation is an investment by the hotel’s owners, Highgate Holdings, Inc.Whitespace Interiors, of Chicago, Ill., re-envisioned the lobby to capture the essence of Georgetown’s historic character. The furnishings complement this new aesthetic with tailored and comfortable forms that are rooted in tradition. Custom hand-woven area rugs that depict the streets and cobblestones of old Georgetown line the floor as a reminder of the hotel’s vibrant and cosmopolitan location.

“The hotel had a need for a more current and collaborative gathering area for the hotel’s guests,” said Heather O’Sullivan, principal, Whitespace Interiors. “The design delivers a compelling balance between functional and visual qualities—using warm, honest and timeless materials.”

Washington Marriott Georgetown’s Greatroom features a new “5/10/20” menu designed by Executive Chef Lauren Uthenwoldt, which consists of locally sourced small bites, shareable plates and lounge friendly entrees. In addition, the Greatroom features a welcoming reception area designed to make it easier for guests and hotel staff to interact. With free Wi-Fi and power outlets throughout, guests and locals can boot up and work on their laptops or kick back and relax with their own tablets.

One of the most iconic buildings in Liverpool, which has remained unused for the past 10 years, has opened its doors once more after being transformed into a luxury hotel which gives a stylish nod to its famous history. 30 James Street – The Home of the Titanic welcomed its first guests on the 4th April, as it completes the first stage of the £7m development which has transformed the former White Star Line headquarters into an 11 storey hotel which will eventually accommodate up to 310 guests.

100 guests stayed in 20 of the completed suites – each of which has been designed to capture a different aspect of the building’s fascinating history – on Friday and Saturday night.

The rooms are the first of 65 luxury suites, which can sleep from two to nine people, to be made available to the public. The remaining rooms will be fully completed by the end of the summer. Each suite will feature unique designer fixtures and finishes and guests will be able to take advantage of the Jacuzzi baths.

The centre piece of the hotel will be its Carpathia Champagne Bar, which will be the city’s first roof terrace champagne bar, allowing guests to enjoy drinks on one of two 100ft balconies, while taking in the stunning view of the Liverpool skyline and the three graces.

Lawrence Kenwright, Director of Signature Living, said: “This is by far the most exciting project we have worked on so far and it’s been thrilling to see the building transform from its dilapidated state into the luxury hotel we have now. Every single room tells a different part of the building’s history, so every guest will have an experience which is unique to them.

“And then of course there is our stunning champagne bar, which has breath taking views of the city’s most iconic buildings – the three graces. Our aim to create a hotel which has never been created before, a hotel which has perfectly encapsulated the history and character of its surroundings, while offering guests unrivalled luxury.”

Click to book the Titanic Hotel

InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG) Hotel Indigo® brand has signed its fifth location in New York City in the financial district, bringing guests together with another of the city’s distinct neighbourhoods. This hotel will pay homage to how time has shaped the precision work done in the area, from its roots in engraving, jewellery and watch-making to the meticulous trading on today’s Wall Street. The Hotel Indigo NYC Financial District hotel, set to open in 2016, will be located on one of New York’s oldest streets, Maiden Lane, whose history includes the race to build the world’s most legendary watch, which was heavily reliant on the street’s many skilled watchmakers. Maiden Lane is also known for having a clock embedded in the side walk in front of William Barthman Jeweler, to this day the only jewellery store in the area. Over time, the area has evolved into the global financial epicentre humming today.

The 76,500 square-foot new-build hotel will be a block from the new One World Trade Centre, designated as the tallest building in America and expected to be a significant anchor for Lower Manhattan’s business and leisure visitors. The hotel’s ownership is investing $32 million in the 25-story, 190-room hotel, situated on Maiden Lane between Nassau Street and Broadway. The hotel will offer a unique spin on the idea of time, from the food and drinks served in the restaurant and bar to the art, photography and architecture that will be incorporated into the hotel’s design.

The hotel will have approximately 1,450 square-feet of meeting space, a fitness centre and a rooftop lounge. Guest rooms will feature plush bedding, hard-surface flooring with area rugs, and spa-inspired bathrooms. Guests and locals will enjoy a great neighbourhood bar with seasonal and locally sourced food in a stylish environment. The hotel will feature the brand’s new Neighbourhood Guide, an innovative touch screen display that connects guests to each other, the local neighbourhood and to Hotel Indigo locations around the world. Hotel team members, many of whom are locals themselves, will share their favourite hidden gems with guests looking to explore and discover the neighbourhood.

The Hotel Indigo NYC Financial District, owned by 10-12 MLane, LLC, will be franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

JOI-Design has recently renovated the public areas of the Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvédère, one of Switzerland’s most celebrated Grand Hotels. The transformation reaffirms the property’s reputation as an acclaimed mountain resort by enhancing its elegant historical features whilst introducing modern comforts. Originally built in 1875 in a Belle Époque style, the Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvédère is located in Davos, a municipality in the Swiss Alps renowned not only for its winter sports but also, during warmer months, as an outstanding holiday destination for outdoor activities where hiking, biking and ski trails meander through dense forests and wild romantic valleys that offer breath-taking mountain vistas. This untamed natural environment clearly shapes local life and was a major influence upon the interior designer’s concept for the stylish refurbishment of the hotel’s public spaces.

Along with regional references, the design was also inspired by nostalgic notions of exclusive Grand Hotels. Fine details, such as the dark, fishbone-patterned veneer in the joinery of the front desk suggest the craftsmanship of past eras.

Redesigned spaces blend the traditional charm of an established grand dame with the first class amenities of a modern building, so guests can retreat to the luxurious comfort of the hotel to recount their adventures after a day skiing or hiking. The public areas are expansive yet configured to accommodate all guest scenarios, whether a lone traveller, a couple, or a group of family and friends.

Flowing seamlessly from one to another, the lounge, café, and bar areas were envisioned as a harmonious sanctuary underlined by a subtle palette and intimate nooks with supremely comfortable furnishings throughout. The designers took their cues from the earthy tones and verdant landscape of the mountain ranges. In the lounge, the interiors emphasise original features while instilling a renewed and contemporary feel. Here, as well as in the café, original mouldings on the ceilings and walls were retained and refreshed with a crisp white finish that highlights their elegant ornate detailing.

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Marriott International strengthens its presence in Central India with the introduction of its Courtyard by Marriott brand – a premium business hotel strategically located in the commercial district of Bilaspur, which will cater to discerning business visitors and locals alike.The Courtyard by Marriott, Bilaspur officially opened its doors in the presence of Dr. Raman Singh, Honorable Chief Minister of Chattisgarh making it the 11th Courtyard in India. The brand is already present in Mumbai, Chennai, three in Pune, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Gurgaon, Kochi and Bhopal.

Courtyard by Marriott, Bilaspur offers a choice of 106 (including 70 deluxe rooms, 30 superior rooms, 2 junior suites and 4 courtyard suites) well lit spacious rooms with natural lighting and contemporary décor. All the rooms are amongst the most spacious one will find in the city and are thoroughly equipped with state-of-the-art modern amenities.

Guests will be captivated with a wide and exciting array of international and regional cuisines at the hotel. It offers an incredible gourmet experience with its trademark restaurant, MoMo Café. In addition, the property has MoMo 2 Go for those on the move; MoMo 2 You for a dining experience in the comfort of one’s own room and Bar Thirty Six to relax and unwind over refreshing drinks.

The Courtyard by Marriott, Bilaspur features the only banquet space in the city with a pre-function area and largest indoor halls that comfortably accommodate over 1000 people thereby making it the preferred choice for a professional business activity or a personal celebration for friends and family. One-on-one business meetings will be a seamless and smooth experience thanks to the range of facilities that each of the meeting rooms offer to guests.

Sofitel’s new flagship in West Africa, the iconic Hôtel Ivoire in Abidjan, was launched in January 2014. Emblematic across the entire African continent, the Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire reinforces the presence of the Accor Group in the region. After the reopening of the Sofitel Jardin des Roses, Sofitel’s prize North African hotel in Rabat (Morocco), the brand is betting on a new flagship establishment in West Africa, geared towards a business clientèle. This prestigious 5 star property on the Ivory Coast was built by Moshe Mayer in 1963, and beautifully revamped in 2011.

In an idyllic setting overlooking the Ebrie lagoon and the Plateau, the hotel has a contemporary atmosphere and fiery colours that combine French luxury with exotic African charm. Sofitel signed a management contract for this property in July 2012. 18 months later, following a transitional period of adaptation to bring the hotel in line with brand standards, the Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire opened in January this year. The hotel draws on the expertise and synergies of the Sofitel Rabat in terms of human resources and training.

Today, the hotel offers 209 guest rooms including two presidential suites, and 40 junior suites, a Fitness centre and two restaurants, the Pili Pili and the panoramic Toit d’Abidjan on the 23rd floor for business dinners or romantic evenings. The hotel also has four modern conference rooms fitted with high-tech audiovisual equipment and the nearby Abidjan Conference Centre hosts a range of events and offers a range of high-quality services to ensure successful meetings as well as an auditorium seating 1,650 people.

A second wave of renovations is scheduled, starting early 2015, to create 217 guest rooms, including 84 suites and 31 service apartments, a Millésime Club, a 1,200 m2 So SPA, two restaurants and lounge bar, a cinema, nine meetings rooms, a business centre, plus ten boutiques and a casino.

InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG) Hotel Indigo® brand has signed its third location in Miami, bringing guests together with another of the city’s distinct neighbourhoods. This hotel will delve into the story of the Brickell neighbourhood, once known as Miami’s “Millionaire’s Row” and now considered a living cultural mosaic. With a rich multicultural heritage of Latin, Spanish and Native American influences, Brickell today serves as the heart of the U.S. international finance community as well as one of the largest financial districts in the country. The Hotel Indigo Miami Brickell, expected to open in late 2016, will be located at 145 SW 11th St., blocks from historic Brickell Avenue and Downtown Miami. The new-build $48 million property will have approximately 2,000 sq. feet of meeting space, a full restaurant, fitness centre, and an outdoor pool with its own bar and grill. Guest rooms will feature plush bedding, hard-surface flooring with area rugs, and spa-inspired bathrooms. Guests and locals will enjoy a great neighbourhood bar with seasonal and locally sourced food in a stylish environment. The hotel will feature the brand’s new Neighbourhood Guide, an innovative touch screen display that connects guests to each other, the local neighbourhood, and to Hotel Indigo locations around the world. Hotel team members, many of whom are locals themselves, will share their favourite hidden gems with guests looking to explore and discover the neighbourhood.

The 24-story, 140-room hotel is a joint-venture by HES Group and Sunview Companies, and will be franchised by an affiliate of IHG.

Officials with New Castle Hotels and Resorts, Southwest Properties and Marriott International, Inc. unveiled the greatly anticipated renovation to New Brunswick’s landmark Algonquin Resort. The iconic resort is the nation’s first Autograph Collection hotel, Marriott International’s exclusive portfolio of independent hotels. The Southwest/New Castle team purchased the hotel from the provincial government in 2012 to undertake the “rafters to registration” refurbishment.The Algonquin’s guest rooms and public spaces were completely re imagined by Toronto designer, Robynne Moncur of Moncur Design. The hotel’s décor reflects, without recreating, its Victorian origins, with a gracious, living room-style lobby that invites lingering around the two-sided fireplace. The lounge and newly-inspired Braxton’s restaurant now open to an outdoor patio that allows guests the chance to take in the spectacular nightly sunsets.

With the renovation, the Algonquin is now more welcoming to year round visitors. Guest baths now feature radiant heat flooring to increase guest comfort in the winter and the hotel’s brand new Natatorium includes a three-story water slide and fitness centre. The luxurious spa has been expanded to include a salon.

The 233-room Algonquin Resort overlooks the picturesque Passamaquoddy Bay from St. Andrews-by-the Sea, New Brunswick, Canada. Each guest room and suite was carefully renovated to reflect The Algonquin’s original Victorian style. Modern conveniences and amenities include luxurious pillow-top mattresses, plush bathrobes, MP3 players, 32-inch flat screen televisions, in-room coffee and complimentary, in-room movies and WiFi. The 17 suites provide a separate, private seating area, and select guest rooms and suites feature a spacious balcony or patio.

The resort features two restaurants, Braxton’s Restaurant and Bar and the Clubhouse, as well as in-room and anyplace dining, 19,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, a lounge with outdoor patio, fire pits with loaner guitars, an indoor pool and water slide, outdoor pool and hot tub. Now in its second century of service, the Algonquin also is home to the award-winning seaside Algonquin Golf Course, opening in April. Ranked among Canada’s top 100 courses and adjacent to the Bay of Fundy, the Algonquin Golf Course is home to two of the top ten golf tees in Canada.

“The Algonquin served visitors for more than a century, and with this renovation, it’s legacy going forward is assured,” said Trevor Holder, New Brunswick’s culture, tourism and healthy living minister. “Our beloved landmark is in excellent hands as it pursues the next chapter in its far-reaching history.”

“This has been a tremendous undertaking on the part of so many; the Province, hundreds of crafts and tradespeople, the town of St. Andrews, and of course the new owners, and the results are spectacular,” said Curtis Malloch, MLA, Charlotte-Campobello.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Worldwide has announced the opening of Hilton Foshan in China’s southern province of Guangdong. Strategically situated in Chancheng District of Foshan, the 27-story hotel features 600 contemporary guest rooms and suites. Hilton Foshan is operated by Hilton Worldwide and owned by Country Garden Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.Located next to the Foshan’s Central Business District, Hilton Foshan is only 2.5 kilometres from Guangfo metro station, providing easy access to Guangzhou city. The hotel is 60 kilometres from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport shuttle bus station, 40 kilometres from Shunde Pier which has regular ferry boats to Hong Kong and 120 kilometres from Shenzhen, making the hotel an ideal choice for business and leisure travellers alike.

Hilton Foshan presents five tantalizing food and beverage outlets. Guests can enjoy authentic Cantonese cuisine at Yuxi Restaurant, a variety of Japanese cuisines such as teppanyaki, robatayaki and sushi at Yuu and other local and international food and beverages at OPEN Foshan. Guests can also relax and enjoy a drink at Lu Bar or meet with friends over tea and light bites at the Lobby Lounge.

Hilton Foshan features a broad range of modern amenities, including generous work surfaces, luxurious Hilton Serenity BedsTM and Wi-Fi access. A 24-hour fitness centre features the latest generation of cardiovascular and strength training equipment. In addition, Hilton Foshan offers a heated indoor and two outdoor swimming pools and a spa centre to accommodate spacious single or double treatment and foot massage rooms for guests to indulge in a range of services.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced that its trailblazing, eco-wise Element brand is picking up momentum in Florida with plans for an Orlando debut. Built green from the ground up, Element Orlando North is scheduled to open in July 2015 as part of the redevelopment of Orlando Fashion Square on Colonial Drive. It will be the brand’s third hotel in Florida following Element Miami International Airport and Element Miami Doral. Owned by a joint venture between UP Development, StaySharpe and LBK Hotel Ventures, Element Orlando North will offer a smart, new lodging option for travellers with 151 stylish, sustainable rooms and an atmosphere designed to fuel a life in balance and on the move. Element Orlando North will rise eight stories, built above remodeled shops and restaurants at Orlando Fashion Square on Colonial Drive. Just 20 minutes from Universal Orlando Resort and less than 30 minutes from Walt Disney World Resort, the new Element is across the street from Orlando Executive Airport and three miles from the central business district of downtown Orlando and the Amway Center. Also nearby are the upscale neighborhoods of Baldwin Park, Thornton Park, Audubon Park, College Park, Winter Park and the historic Mills & 50 District, as well as numerous golf courses.

The hotel will boast light-filled studios as well as one bedroom suites and feature fluid design of modular furniture, swiveling flat-screen televisions, large desks with open shelving and custom-designed closets. Bathrooms will be spa-inspired, with an invigorating rain shower and dual-flush toilet. Rooms will also offer fully equipped kitchens and the signature Heavenly® Bed. Other brand signatures will include a state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness center, an outdoor saline swimming pool, and a 977 square-foot meeting room with modular furnishings, a flexible layout and state-of-the-art technology that can be customized to meet any business or social needs.

Hilton Worldwide, in partnership with Redefine|BDL Hotels, has unveiled its newest DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Scotland and the brand’s first in the country’s dynamic capital with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre. Located on Bread Street, the former St Cuthbert’s Co-Operative building, which dates back to 1892 and went on to become The Point Hotel, has been transformed, following a £4.2 million renovation managed by Scottish-based hotel management company, Redefine|BDL Hotels. The new hotel joins 21 DoubleTree by Hilton properties currently trading in the UK and will be operated by Redefine|BDL Hotels.

The 138 guestroom property is located in Edinburgh’s historic old town, within easy walking distance of the famous tourist attractions and shopping hotspots of the Royal Mile and Princes Street. With its magnificent domed roof, brasserie style restaurant and exclusive, top floor penthouse, offering views of Edinburgh Castle, the newly renovated hotel is set to become one of the city’s most sought after destination venues.

Dining options include the intimate “Monboddo” bar, and the “Bread Street Brasserie”, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant which serves a range of dishes with an emphasis on freshness and flavour. In addition, on the first Thursday of every month, the hotel transforms its Penthouse venue into a Skybar, Edinburgh’s best kept secret, where guests and locals can marvel at the panoramic views of the city, cocktail in hand. The hotel also has a 24-hour fitness centre with cardio equipment and free weights.

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In the heart of Portland’s revitalized West End, the Governor Hotel has been reborn with a fresh new name, attitude and design. Dubbed Sentinel, after the robotic architectural sculptures that look out across the city from the top of the historic building, it serves as a luxurious urban retreat and meeting place for the visionary thinkers, makers and doers who flock to this verdant, rain-soaked Pacific Northwest city for entrepreneurial and artistic inspiration.Provenance Hotels, the Portland-based hotel company that owns and operates the city’s critically acclaimed Hotel Lucia and Hotel deLuxe, purchased the Governor Hotel in April 2012 in partnership with Woodbine Development Corporation of Dallas, TX. Together, they have invested $6 million in an extensive renovation of the historic 100-room hotel. Aimed at reinventing the property for the future, it included the reinvigoration of all guest rooms, four floors of meeting space and the lobby. Jackknife, a new destination for craft cocktails, wine and beer, is located in Sentinel’s lobby.

The Sentinel project is the first collaboration between Provenance Hotels and Woodbine, a company that has been developing, renovating and repositioning hotels since the 1970s. “Transforming historic properties has been one of our specialities, and this hotel afforded us a great opportunity to apply our skills,” said Woodbine’s managing director Dupree Scovell. “The physical transformation called for a new name that tied back to the buildings’ architecture and origins.”

“Sentinels look around, look out and look back if it helps them look forward,” added Bashar Wali, President of Provenance Hotels. “We felt, as we returned the two historic buildings that make up Sentinel to their original grandeur, it was appropriate to name the hotel in their honour.”

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Accor has entered into a franchise agreement with Dominvs Hospitality to open the Mercure Sheffield Parkway hotel. Formerly the Aston Sheffield hotel, the 78-room hotel is located in the heart of the Sheffield Business District, just 4 miles from Sheffield city centre and within a stone’s throw of Meadow Hall Shopping Centre. The hotel is well equipped with a bar and restaurant, event and meeting facilities, secure parking and free Wifi.Thomas Dubaere, Chief Operating Officer Hotel Services, Accor UK & Ireland said: “We are very pleased to welcome the Mercure Sheffield Parkway hotel into the rapidly growing Accor network. The signing of this hotel is proof of the confidence in our Hotel Services offer as brand franchisor and proves that independent hotels are attracted to the strength of our distribution services and brands.”

Mercure prides itself in being the only midscale hotel brand that combines the strength of an international network, with a strong quality commitment and individualised local touches. The Mercure Sheffield Parkway hotel joins a network of 74 Mercure hotels in the UK and 758 Mercure hotels worldwide.

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

Jonathan Sheard, SVP Operations Luxury, Upscale & Midscale Hotels, Accor UK & Ireland added: “The Mercure Sheffield Parkway hotel is a great hotel with fantastic services for business and leisure guests in a prime location in the UK. This is why we know it will be a glowing example of the Mercure brand which has many exciting developments to follow this year.”

Marriott International, Inc. has recently become the largest hotel company in Africa according to published information, and nearly doubled its presence in its Middle East and Africa region to more than 160 hotels and 23,000 rooms as it completed its acquisition of the 116-hotel Protea Hospitality Group (PHG), based in South Africa on the 1st April 2014. Marriott now operates or franchises more than 4,000 hotels in 79 countries.At the same time, Marriott said that its pipeline of new hotels in the Middle East and Africa, including Protea’s pipeline, is now more than 65 hotels and 14,300 rooms, including more than 20 hotels and 3,000 rooms in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Marriott’s new Protea portfolio consists of 10,148 rooms in seven African countries including South Africa. The company now manages, franchises and leases hotels across the Protea Hotels brand (103 hotels), comprising a full and diverse range of outstanding hotels and resorts; the award-winning lifestyle boutique Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! (2 hotels); and the superior deluxe African Pride Hotels collection (11 hotels). In addition to its industry-leading 79 hotels in South Africa, Marriott’s Protea portfolio also has 37 hotels in Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Arne Sorenson, Marriott International’s president and chief executive officer, said, “Today marks a new beginning. We can now officially say ‘molweni!’ {Xhosa}, ‘sawubona!’ {Zulu} and ‘hello!’ to South Africa and ‘welcome!’ to our approximately 15,000 new associates at both managed and franchised hotels across Protea’s portfolio. We look forward to integrating the superb Protea team into the Marriott International family, and together, to work toward new opportunities for growth and advancement throughout South Africa and the continent.”

Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director of Marriott International’s Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, said, “Today is the culmination of months of highly productive collaboration between Protea and Marriott International teams. We are delighted that such a tremendously dedicated, talented and effective team, which has been so well-led by Protea Chief Executive Officer Arthur Gillis, is now joining the Marriott International family. With the addition of Protea’s regional knowledge, expertise and infrastructure, we are incredibly well-positioned to continue growing in one of the fastest expanding economic markets in the world.”

According to the World Bank, Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to grow at a more than 5 percent pace through 2015.

Mr. Kyriakidis said that Mr. Gillis will become Non-Executive Chairman, Africa Development for Marriott International, focusing on exploring opportunities for new African hotel growth for all of Marriott International’s brands. In addition, Mark Satterfield, currently chief operations officer for Marriott International’s MEA region, will relocate to Cape Town, Protea’s headquarters, to act as business leader overseeing the integration of the two companies. He will continue to report to Mr. Kyriakidis.

As previously disclosed, Marriott paid approximately 2.02 billion rand, or approximately US $200 million at current exchange rates, which represents roughly 10 times anticipated pro forma 2014 calendar year EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) excluding transaction costs.

As part of the transaction, the previous owners of Protea Hospitality Group created an independent property ownership company that retained ownership of the hotels PHG formerly owned, and entered into long-term management and lease agreements with Marriott for those hotels. The property ownership company also retained a number of minority interests in other Protea hotels. Marriott now manages approximately 45 percent of Protea’s rooms, franchises approximately 39 percent, and leases approximately 16 percent.

Editors Note: I have spent two weeks this March/April looking at Marriott properties in South Africa, most of which are recently refurbished. Staff are well trained and efficient and very positive about being part of the Marriott family, whilst the properties look in very good condition as well as good locations.

In a market which will grow 10% a year Marriott seem well placed to take profitable advantage of the growing internal and external tourism expansion on the Continent

Motel One is entering the city of culture, heritage and for some, most importantly chocolate and waffles! The new 490 room hotel located in the city centre is set to open its doors this spring. Double rooms start from €79, making Motel One Brussels the perfect city break accommodation choice for travellers looking for design, style and quality all on a budget.The positioning of the new hotel in Belgium’s capital city couldn’t be any more perfect or central; with St Michael’s Cathedral, Town Hall and Grand Place all within easy walking distance of the hotel. Sightseeing visitors will be spoilt for choice in the city with an abundance of trademark landmarks to visit right on the hotel’s doorstep.

The designer touches which distinguish Motel One from the budget travel crowd, range from the iconic Arne Jacobsen turquoise egg chairs to the striking, oversized ARCO lamp by Achille Castiglioni and will all feature in the new edition to the Motel One portfolio but with their own unique Belgium twist. Each Motel One is one of a kind, with the signature One Lounge; rest area and bar, interior decorated to reflect the city surroundings. The One Lounge is a space for guests to enjoy breakfast in the morning and unwind in good company, with a drink in hand in the evening.

Business travellers to the city can make the most of the free WiFi throughout the hotel and even use the complimentary One Lounge I-pads to check out the latest news and catch up on those important emails. Motel One Brussels has everything guests need for a comfortable, stress free work trip to the city.

Great design for little money has always been Motel One‘s key message and this is exactly what this new hotel will provide, all with the service and quality you would expect in a five star property. Motel One Brussels opens this spring welcoming guests to the inspiring city which has so much more to offer than delicious sweet treats.

Marriott International’s respected Courtyard by Marriott brand is opening its second new-look hotel in Cologne, Germany, on 31 March 2014, taking the brand to 45 hotels throughout Europe. Delivering a whole new hotel experience for business travellers, Courtyard’s new European design, introduced at Courtyard Aberdeen Airport Hotel in 2013, is designed to enhance productivity with a greater focus on technology and style. The Courtyard Cologne is prominently located in the heart of the Kunibertsviertel neighbourhood on the former Afri-Cola® grounds, with Cologne Cathedral, the Rhine River and a range of shops and restaurants nearby. Its spacious guest rooms include multiple, accessible power outlets making plugging in easy whilst the design of the hotel is fresh and contemporary with locally inspired furnishings.

The dynamic lobby space features free Wi-Fi, flexible seating for working, meeting or socialising and an interactive GoBoard® screen with the latest news, weather and local information. A 24-hour market and “Eat.Drink.Connect” Bistro offer a range of meals, snacks and drinks.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants recently announced that it will expand its Colorado profile through the management of a newly constructed four star hotel. This hotel has been planned in conjunction with the city’s historic Union Station, which is currently undergoing a major revitalisation and redevelopment effort.Scheduled for a late 2015 opening, and located in the up and coming “LoDo” (Lower Downtown) neighbourhood, adjacent to Denver’s iconic Union Station, the new 200-room hotel will be part of a larger redevelopment project that is currently underway by Continuum Partners, in collaboration with East West Partners in the Union Station Neighbourhood Company. They are the master developers of Union Station neighbourhood and they aim to revitalise and restore the historic area and central transit hub. Once completed, the Union Station Neighbourhood will include office, commercial, retail and residential space, as well as several public squares. It will also function as a central transportation hub, serving as a main transport link for trains, buses and bikes into and out of the city.

The new hotel will feature 8,300 square feet of meeting space, including an outdoor and a rooftop patio, a 2,000 square-foot fitness centre and two locally-inspired, chef-driven restaurants and bars.

“Denver’s Union Station Neighbourhood and the revitalisation efforts underway by Continuum Partners and Union Station Neighbourhood Company, are creating a world-class destination for the city, and we are thrilled for Kimpton to be a part of that,” said Kimpton Chief Executive Officer Mike Depatie. “We have plenty of expertise in bringing the signature Kimpton boutique experience to new and emerging urban neighbourhoods and this looks to be a perfect fit for what we offer both business and leisure travellers.”

The new Union Station hotel will be Kimpton’s third property in Colorado, joining the already present Hotel Monaco Denver and the Sky Hotel in Aspen.

Colorado-based Semple Brown Design and BOKA Powell have been nominated as the Design Architect and Record Architect respectively for this new project.

“Kimpton has a proven track record and reputation for establishing stylish, unique and well-managed hotels, as in the case of the local Hotel Monaco Denver, as well as experience in historic revitalisation projects such as Union Station,” said Continuum Partners’ Mark Falcone, CEO and Founder. “Working with them was a natural choice for us, and we are thrilled to partner with them as they expand their profile in Denver.”

Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva has added three exceptional suites to its celebrated Presidential Collection. Each has undergone a year of renovation and an investment between £350,000 (CHF 500,000) and £680,000 (CHF 1million) per suite. Designed by award winning interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, the interiors of the Collection combine contemporary and traditional influences while his pupil Paul Robida solely designed the new Presidential Suites with Lake View. All are luxuriously designed with unparalleled attention to detail, and take advantage of the light from floor to ceiling windows and lake views.

Within the Presidential Suite – Bergues, Rochon has created a high ceilinged space with large windows and sunny, contemporary cream interiors alongside a touch of classic old-world finishes. The space can be transformed into a two- or four-bedroom suite by connecting to a Deluxe Room and two further rooms, and its secluded bedrooms allow privacy for business and entertaining.

Set on the sixth floor, the Presidential Suite – Loft offers a bright and airy apartment with high ceilings and large windows. The suite has been designed in a contemporary style with a working fireplace and private hammam.

The two Presidential Suite – Lake View, designed by Robida, offer lofty views across Lac Léman or the city. Robida has created contemporary apartments with a soothing cream and violet colour palette that is accented by natural wood throughout the one-bedroom residences, featuring comfortable living and elegant dining areas. The lavish marble bathrooms include European soaking tubs, oversized rain shower, and the Lake Suite boasts a private hammam. It can also be converted into a two-bedroom suite when connected to a Deluxe Room.

The Presidential Suite Collection at Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues comprises of six Presidential Suites in five categories, which include the Presidential Suite – Genève and one Royal Suite that were both unveiled in 2008. These renovations come at an exciting time for the Hotel, with the recent opening of Spa Mont Blanc and Michelin star award for Il Lago.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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