• Covid-19 – click here for the latest updates from Forum Events & Media Group Ltd

Posts Tagged :

aparthotels

Living area

Hotel group unveils new social hotel concept in Aparthotels

 800 534 Hamish Kilburn
By:
0

Hospitality is one of the fastest-changing businesses in the world and companies involved need to react quickly to changing tastes and demands. In that environment Adagio reveals “The Circle” in Aparthotels…

After months of research, “The Circle” is now being launched throughout Aparthotels Adagio. The objective of the new concept is to redefine the aparthotel spaces based on customer desire and usage, bringing a modern and flexible style available at different times of the day.

The Circle ensures that all guests can enjoy both shared and private space at their own convenience and as they desire.

A unique concept based on three dimensions

Deliberately called “The Circle” to symbolise the spirit of community it creates, the new generation of the friendly spirit of Aparthotels Adagio generates an open and welcoming feeling of togetherness based on three pillars:

  • Redesigned spaces that create new functions (a library of objects to borrow, shared kitchen, grocery store, etc) original or simply useful.
  • Events such as weekly aperitifs or Dinner@Adagio, which all guests can enjoy.
  • Shared guest experiences led by the Adagio team, designed to generate “moments to remember” when strangers meet to enjoy the events and each other.
  • A public space totally redesigned to encourage meetings and friendship.

The public areas have been completely redesigned by the Adagio team putting clients and employees at the centre of their planning. The original Circle concept has been guest-tested and developed further at the Adagio Paris Bercy Village where guests and visiting neighbours were invited to enjoy the premises and give feedback which was used for further improvements.

LOBBY/RECEPTION Adagio Paris Bercy Village

Lobby/reception Adagio Paris Bercy Village

With The Circle, each Aparthotel Adagio now offers many complimentary services to encourage interaction between guests but also between those guests and our hotel staff. From leisure to cooking, these are all activities that allow travellers to discover a new way to create their individual stay.

  • Shared kitchen. A true multi-function meeting place, a large shared kitchen allows guests to cook throughout the day in a friendly atmosphere and benefit from all the equipment to prepare a meal that they will then have the freedom to share with other guests. This kitchen can also be booked to employ a chef to prepare something for that special occasion.
  • Library of objects. To personalise their apartment and help create “their own space” guests have access to a free library with three types of objects:
    • Iconic, local trinkets and memorabilia which allow guests to bring their own focus and design taste to their space.
    • Emotional, which allows guests to personalise their apartment with unique decoration items and sentiment – plants, picture frames, books, home-from-home items.
    • Functional, which can be practical in everyday life – a chair of choice, a cushion of colour, kitchen equipment of preference and loved brands.

The Circle library serves as a place to exchange books: everyone can deposit and take the book of their choice and can therefore help to develop the shared experience and growing repository of fictional fun and no-fictional enjoyment.

  • Fun and practical services. To offer a complete experience The Circle ideal offers additional services in public areas such as a grocery store where everyone can find practical or gourmet products
  • Reception. A new reception style makes the guest welcome warmer, informal and personalised thanks to a large table d’hôtes. Employees wear a new more relaxed outfit and guests have the option to check in at different places in the lobby.
  • Entertainment. The public areas have been completely re-designed so that guests can enjoy relaxing moments
  • Co-working. Some Aparthotels benefit from co-working spaces, allowing business travellers to benefit from a friendly and functional working environment

“Our primary goal was to put the benefit sand opportunities of each unique location at the heart of the customer experience,” said Karim Malak, Adagio’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

“The process undertaken to create ‘The Circle’ was above everything listening to our customer, in order to offer them a service and a living environment more attuned to their expectations as they arrive and throughout their stay.

“Thanks to this new concept, we now offer our guests a complete and unique experience with an apartment that remains their own personal space but with public areas. Guess can now dip in or out according to their own needs. They can now enjoy a unique and customisable hosting experience in a more user-friendly living space, allowing them to meet new travellers should they desire.”

This new concept will be deployed with several interior design agencies. Already six Adagio Aparthotels are now fully in operation and 23 establishments will have been re-designed by the end of 2018.

Lamington Group to open first room2 ‘hometel’ in Southampton

 1024 683 Katy Phillips
By:
0

June debut for ‘completely different approach to staying away from home’

Lamington Group has launched room2 – a new brand specialising in what it’s pitching as a ‘completely different approach to staying away from home’.

The company is set to open the first fully-fledged hometel in Southampton in June, following a pilot in Hammersmith in 2016, and says it offers a design-centric alternative to the established aparthotel market.

It’s in an unused office building in Southampton and has been designed by Project Orange, a Shoreditch-based architectural firm specialising in unique concepts.

The ground floor features what’s described as a spacious, flexible space for guests to work, socialise or relax day and night.

The area – which room2 is calling The Living Room – also features a coffee bar where guests or visitors can buy drinks and snacks. There’s also a bar selling a range of beers, wines, spirits and cocktails and a gym/workout studio.

There’s also a pantry-style shop for guests who want to cook in the hometel’s rooms.

Lamington Group Founder and Managing Director Robert Godwin said: “This space is one of the key elements that makes our hometel different from the current aparthotels on the market. Many of them lack comfort and personality. They’re too impersonal and structured, making guests feel like a number. Our ground floor space has been created to reflect our approach; flexible and unique through well-considered design. We want our guests to create the experiences they want – we won’t prescribe what they do.”

Guest accommodation occupies the remaining four floors of the building, with 71 rooms in total.

A selection of rooms feature mezzanine top levels for flexible stays accommodating families, children and sharers.

Lamington Group says plans are afoot to take the room2 concept to others locations around the UK.

AVANI Broadbeach

AVANI Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences opens on Surf Parade

 708 350 Daniel Fountain
By:
0

Dive into Broadbeach’s stylish coastal scene at the newly opened AVANI Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences. Occupying a prime beachside address on Surf Parade, the Residences connect guests with the city’s most popular attractions and experiences.

All AVANI Residences offer travellers an upscale hotel experience served in a private apartment and at AVANI Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences guests can enjoy all the comforts of home in a brand new One or Two-Bedroom Suite, with the choice of hinterland, ocean facing or premier sky-high ocean views, which sweep across the glittering skyline and golden coastline beyond.

AVANI Broadbeach’s maritime spirit extends to each suite, all of which have a liberating sense of space. Each suite has been decorated with tactile textures, fabrics and furnishings and are equipped with all the best and most desirable features any guest could want. The spacious open-plan layout is modern, stylish and functional with a fully equipped kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and laundry facilities. A relaxing lounge and dining area comes complete with a Smart TV, private balcony and complimentary WiFi.

When it comes to kicking back, chilling out or meeting up, AVANI Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences offer guests a mix of onsite facilities, from a landscaped terrace, to a private resident’s lounge, well-equipped gymnasium, to an outdoor 25m swimming pool and sundeck. An expansive ground-floor bar and restaurant will open in the first quarter of next year.

www.minorhotels.com/en/avani/broadbeach

Supercity Aparthotels makes Manchester acquisition

 1000 666 Daniel Fountain
By:
0

Serviced apartment specialists, Supercity Aparthotels has purchased ‘The Light Aparthotel’ – an 81,000sqft site in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter. This is the latest addition to their current portfolio of three London aparthotels with openings planned for 2018 in London and Brighton.

Supercity have acquired the landmark aparthotel as a going concern, and will continue to operate with plans to refurbish and re-launch in 2018. The property is a mixed-use development of 172 apartments, 62 of which are operated as The Light Aparthotel.

This move further supports Supercity’s growth ambitions to achieve presence in major city locations, providing a nationwide aparthotel network. Supercity is delighted to welcome the entire team and a new General Manager is to be appointed shortly.

Supercity ManchesterAcross 19 floors, the new property offers large fully equipped studio, one and two bedroom apartments and a range of penthouse suites including the Platinum Penthouse Suite with private roof terrace & hot tub, all offering the flexibility of serviced apartment living with the traditional hotel-style service. Supercity will refurbish the Light in 2018 ensuring that quality and service are consistent across the portfolio, and therefore maintaining the standards that they have become known for.

Located in the fashionable Northern Quarter, The Light Aparthotel enjoys unrivalled views of the city and beyond. Manchester continues to enjoy strong international visitor growth with new routes complemented by great transport links to and from central London and many UK airports further demonstrating Manchester’s position as a leading UK business and leisure destination.

“I’m truly delighted to announce that The Light Aparthotel will be our first venture outside of London and our fourth aparthotel. Manchester has rightly cemented its position as a key destination which continues to enjoy increased visitors for business and leisure trips with many guests now multi centring with London. Manchester continues to grow its appeal with first class shopping, conference and meeting venues, an incredible arts and music scene, local and innovative eateries and of course home to two of the country’s best known football clubs,” said Dean Madge, managing director of Supercity.

Supercity Manchester“We’re encouraged with the recent visitor numbers published and the increased international flights which is establishing Manchester as a dual centre destination for those visiting the UK. We believe that The Light is perfectly placed to be part of this great city’s renowned friendliness and hospitality. We are very much looking forward to working with the team to continue building on the business success and great guest recognition they have achieved,” he added.

In addition to the stylish and sophisticated apartments other facilities include a fitness centre, a lounge, car and bicycle parking facilities, complimentary WiFi, housekeeping service and a friendly, dedicated team providing a tailored service as standard.

The aparthotel is surrounded by leading retailers, restaurants and nightlife venues and is within easy walking distance of both mainline train stations. Manchester Arena, Market Street (main shopping street) and the Arndale Centre are also close by. Manchester was a natural choice for the future of Supercity Aparthotels and further supports their ambitious plans to grow their presence in leading cities.

Homewood Suites Las Vegas City Center now open

Homewood Suites Las Vegas City Center now open

 505 305 Daniel Fountain
By:
0

Homewood Suites by Hilton has annoubnced its newest property, Homewood Suites by Hilton Las Vegas City Center.

Designed for guests who want to travel on their own terms, Homewood Suites by Hilton Las Vegas City Center offers guests all the comforts of home, whether they are travelling for work or enjoying a well-earned getaway. With 158 new suites, the hotel will cater to the estimated 43 million people visiting Las Vegas annually.

Developed and owned by Heritage Inn and Suites of Las Vegas and managed by Tharaldson Hospitality Management Company, Homewood Suites by Hilton Las Vegas City Center offers a combination of studio, one and two-bedroom accommodations, featuring fully equipped kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas.

Homewood Suites Las Vegas City Center now openGuests are provided all the essentials needed for a smart, reliable and convenient stay including complimentary daily full-hot breakfast, evening social Monday-Thursday, Wi-Fi, covered control access parking garage and a grocery shopping service.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Las Vegas City Center makes it easy for travelers to unwind with a fitness centre and outdoor pool with waterfall feature and whirlpool tub. The property also offers 660 square feet of flexible space that is ideal for meetings and social events.

homewoodsuites3.hilton.com

AVANI Hotels & Resorts has announced the acquisition of the Metro Suites business in Auckland, New Zealand in a deal worth over NZ$ 11 million (£5.8 million)

AVANI Metropolis Auckland Residences opens its doors

 640 380 Daniel Fountain
By:
0

The introduction of residences to AVANI Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio redefines hospitality as it appeals to both leisure and business travellers looking for an international upscale hotel experience served in a private apartment.

Now open, AVANI Metropolis Residences offer a stylish city retreat with 65 contemporary, upscale residences available in one and two bedroom configurations. Guests can enjoy all the comforts of home in the heart of Auckland.

AVANI Metropolis Auckland Residences take urban living to a new level, featuring an open plan well equipped kitchen, lounge and dining room, laundry facilities, complimentary WiFi, grocery delivery services and a thoughtful selection of high-tech comforts.

Several residences also boast private balconies. When it comes to recharging, relaxing and working out, the property has a superb range of leisure facilities including, a 22 metre heated indoor swimming pool & Jacuzzi, sauna and high-class fitness centre.

In addition, the group will also be opening Broadbeach Residences on Australia’s Gold Coast in December 2017.

www.minorhotels.com/en/avani/metropolis-auckland

Hyatt House Dusseldorf

Europe’s first Hyatt House opens its doors in Dusseldorf

 700 426 Daniel Fountain
By:
0

Hyatt has announced the opening of Hyatt House Dusseldorf / Andreas Quartier, marking the entry of the Hyatt House brand into the European market, and the fourth Hyatt House branded hotel to open outside the US in 2017.

The Hyatt House brand offers casual, authentic hospitality and purposeful service in a smartly designed, high-tech and contemporary environment. It allows guests to feel at home, whether they are staying for a night or a month. The design is rooted in extensive consumer insights which indicate that guests seek stylish, comfortable and seamless experiences that accommodate their lifestyles and familiar routines.

——
RELATED: HYATT HOUSE-BRANDED PROPERTY ANNOUNCED FOR FRANKFURT
——

Hyatt House Dusseldorf/Andreas Quartier is operated by In Town Hospitality under a franchise agreement. The hotel is a part of Andreas Quartier, a former courthouse being redeveloped by Frankonia Eurobau Andreasquartier.

Providing a comfortable environment for guests, the hotel boasts spacious guestrooms and suites with fully equipped kitchens and open living areas, offering all of the neccesities of home. The interior has been designed by Jan Wichers, a renowned German designer whose portfolio includes hotels, restaurants and golfhouses worldwide.

dusseldorf.house.hyatt.com

Edinburgh St James aerial shot

Roomzzz aparthotel £1 billion expansion into Scotland

 850 607 Daniel Fountain
By:
0

Luxury aparthotel brand, Roomzzz, is set to expand into Scotland with a brand-new aparthotel confirmed within the £1bn Edinburgh St James development, scheduled to open in 2021.

The new Roomzzz Edinburgh aparthotel will take prime position within the 1.7 million-sq-ft Edinburgh St James development in the heart of the city. With 73 luxury apartments planned, from smart studios to luxury penthouses, Roomzzz Edinburgh will give guests the luxury of a boutique hotel with the convenience and home comforts of a serviced apartment.

The development will become Edinburgh’s most popular retail hub, with a line-up of 86 new shops over four floors, 20 restaurants and a flagship Everyman Cinema, guests to Roomzzz Edinburgh will benefit from unrivalled local amenities. The new aparthotel will be ideally situated within a close proximity of tram and bus transport links and just a short, three-minute walk from Waverley Station.

Featuring a rooftop terrace and balconies to every apartment, guests will appreciate breath-taking views of the city’s historical landscape, including Edinburgh’s highest peak, Arthur’s Seat. Each apartment is individually designed to create a comfortable and spacious living area to give a home-from-home experience. Catering for everyday living, Roomzzz’ apartments feature fitted kitchens, widescreen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, free UK nationwide calls, ultimate comfort bed, 24-hour concierge, around the clock fresh coffee and grab and go breakfast.

Edinburgh St James aerial shotMark Walton, Chief Operating Officer of Roomzzz, adds: “We were the first in the UK to launch the aparthotel concept back in 2006 in Leeds and the Roomzzz Aparthotel brand has experienced phenomenal growth ever since. We have aspirations to expand our offering throughout the UK and internationally, developing our existing aparthotel brand. In addition to our expansion into Scotland, we look forward to opening our first aparthotel in London later this year, as well as three additional sites planned for Liverpool, Manchester Corn Exchange and York.”

Roomzzz Aparthotels are conveniently located in the UKʼs most vibrant city centres, including Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Chester, and appeal to both corporate and leisure travellers alike with guests staying for one night to a year.

Roomzzz Aparthotels has appointed Christie & Co to spearhead their expansion plans and grow their portfolio of Aparthotels across the UK, with national law firm, Shoosmiths, handling legal proceedings.

www.roomzzz.com

Residence Inn London - London Bridge bedroom suite

A look behind the scenes at Residence Inn London Bridge

 1000 666 Daniel Fountain
By:
0

Marriott International recently announced the expansion of its extended-stay brand, Residence Inn by Marriott, with the signing of two new properties in London. With additional openings in Amsterdam and Aberdeen this year, Residence Inn expects to more than double its European portfolio in 2017.

The opening of Residence Inn London – London Bridge in Q2 2017 will mark the debut of the company’s industry-leading extended-stay brand in the capital, and the opening of Residence Inn London – Kensington will follow in Q4. Both properties, owned by a controlled affiliate of Starwood Capital Group, will be operated under a franchise agreement with hotel management company and specialists in the extended-stay market, Cycas Hospitality – London’s second largest operator of serviced apartment and aparthotels.

Editor’s Opinion: The extended-stay market has definitely been on an upward trajectory in this country for a few years now, catching up with our continental cousins at a rate of knots. I have been invited to (and visited) several of these sites around the UK in the last couple of years, and I can only see this market expanding in the coming decade. With Marriott having been a major player in this sector for four decades, with its Residence Inn brand, it is certainly exciting to see their expertise being brought to these two London properties, and further afield in the near future.

Located on Long Lane in Southwark, Residence Inn London – London Bridge will offer 87 generous suites. Well-connected with good transport links, and a short walk from some of the city’s main historic attractions such as Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral, it is ideally situated for leisure and business travellers alike.

Residence Inn London – Kensington will be situated on Warwick Road in Earls Court, with 307 suites. The Kensington Olympia Exhibition Centre is a 10-minute walk away, while cultural attractions such as The Victoria and Albert museum, the Science Museum, Royal Albert Hall, and the Natural History museum can be reached within 10 minutes by car. Both properties will cater to guests looking for longer stays with spacious suites and separate living, working and sleeping areas featuring upscale design and amenities.

Editor’s Opinion: Speaking to Diane Mayer, Residence Inn VP and global brand manager, during a hard-hat tour around the soon-to-open site, she tells me the brand ethos of Residence Inn – a slightly upmarket home-away-from-home – fits in perfectly with the London neighbourhoods selected to host the new developments. Becoming part of the locale is an important factor in Residence Inn properties, and the London Bridge property will be no different. Considering the length of a guest’s stay at the property, allowing them to feel part of the community is a unique selling point for the brand. There is no doubt the ‘public areas’ of this property will go a long way to achieving that goal.

The interiors have a very clean feel, with studio apartment-esque finishes and muted colour schemes, of varying greens, browns and blues. The separation of living and sleeping spaces has been well done in both the smaller and larger offerings. I have no doubt, that these two properties certainly will mark a very good debut for the brand in the UK capital.

Fully functional kitchens; grocery delivery service; fitness facilities; 24-hour markets; complimentary breakfasts and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel help guests maximise their time and thrive on long stays. Staying fit is made easier at Residence Inn properties courtesy of custom running routes that guests can access via MapMyFitness, thanks to the brand’s global partnership with Under Armour Connected Fitness.

Carlton Ervin, Chief Development Officer Europe, Marriott International said: “Residence Inn is already the global leader in the extended-stay lodging segment, and we’re excited that 2017 is set to be a pivotal year for the brand in Europe. We see these latest signings as a fantastic opportunity to grow the brand in such a strategic global destination, and we’re excited to be working with Cycas Hospitality, which has a strong history of hospitality expertise.”

Residence Inn London - London Bridge receptionJohn Wagner, Founding Partner of Cycas Hospitality said: “We are thrilled to welcome the world class Residence Inn brand to the extended-stay sector in London and to our own expanding hotel portfolio. We look forward to creating memorable moments for all our guests visiting these two new Residence Inn properties. Delivering a first-rate guest experience is in the DNA of all our Cycas Hospitality staff and we have an excellent track record to prove it.”

The two London properties will be joined by new openings in Aberdeen and Amsterdam this year, growing the European portfolio from three to seven hotels. The four additions planned for 2017 will see almost 600 rooms added to the Residence Inn portfolio, and there are a further eight properties anticipated by the end of 2019.

www.residenceinn.marriott.com