Elegant Hotel Collection Launches

Elegant Hotel Collection has entered the luxury soft brand market, launching with 25 luxury hotels, and targeting 50 properties globally by summer 2024.

The independently-owned flag will expand on a curated, invitation-only basis, creating a luxury community where individual hotels receive tailored service.

Elegant identified a gap in the luxury market and is designed to reflect a renewed perspective on high-end travel. All Elegant properties have been selected to embody the five elements of the Elegant brand – Hospitality, Authenticity, Inclusivity, Innovation, and Sustainability – echoing the demands of today’s luxury travellers.

Elegant will take a dynamic approach to luxury distribution combining bespoke personalised service and global consumer and trade marketing. The group will operate on a commercial model biased toward results rather than high fixed fees to ensure a quantifiable return.

As part of an elite community of hoteliers, Elegant member hotels will have access to an array of benefits that equip them to thrive in the global competitive landscape utilising the latest technology to adapt to target demographic buying behaviour.

Catt McLeod, Vice President Brand Development, Elegant Hotel Collection said: “We are thrilled to be launching the Elegant Hotel Collection and raising the profile of these exceptional hotels.

“Elegant Hotel Collection offers a compelling alternative to traditional legacy brands, delivering a fresh, dynamic and comprehensive approach to luxury representation. The Elegant Hotel Collection is underpinned by a full suite of global partnerships and marketing solutions along with best-in-class technology.”

Founding members of Elegant Hotel Collection include some of the most highly awarded and regarded properties, featuring: Home House, London; Rosselli AX Privilege, Malta; the Exclusive Collection (Pennyhill Park, South Lodge, Lainston House, The Manor House, Royal Berkshire and Fanhams Hall), Sunborn Hotel Gibraltar; Paresa Resort Phuket, Thailand; La Sultana Oualidia, Morocco; Cresta Palace Hotel, St Moritz; and Stapleford Park

The Rome EDITION Redefines Luxury in the Eternal City

Rome is a city filled with masterpieces. From the paintings of Caravaggio and Raphael to the sculptures of Bernini and the films of Federico Fellini – it is the cradle from which all that is best about Italy has emerged. So, the Eternal City was the perfect fit for the opening of the latest EDITION.

Conceived, concepted, and programmed by the visionary entrepreneur, Ian Schrager, executed and interpreted by the hotel owners, Statuto Group, the intimate 91-room Rome EDITION sets a new standard in the Eternal City. Its sophistication, attention to detail, refinement, and high design aesthetic make it set to become a meeting place for Romans and travellers alike. Positioned in one of the most enviable areas of Rome, the hotel is only a few short steps from Via Veneto, the most sought-after street in all of Italy. It was immortalised in La Dolce Vita and embodies Italian flare in all its glory. Not only that – all the major attractions are within easy reach, including the Piazza Barberini, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the ever-beautiful Borghese Gardens.

Built-in the 1940s and formerly occupied by one of the main Italian banks, the building is a striking example of the rationalist style and was created by Cesare Pascoletti in collaboration with the famed architect Marcello Piacentini. The stunning central staircase of rare cipollino marble from the quarries of Apuane is a testament to their genius. Original features are retained throughout, including the central courtyards and original statues and lamps.

The hotel has three unique bars, a rooftop lounge, bar and pool, a show-kitchen restaurant, a well-appointed urban wellness space with gym and treatment rooms, and a courtyard garden where guests can while away the time sipping their favourite drink or sampling the peerless food menu from adored Roman Chef Paola Colucci, the hotel’s chef partner. The 91 rooms, including 17 suites, have all the design elements the brand is renowned for: the muted tones, the accents of walnut wood and stunning custom-designed furniture.

Global Holdings buys Mondrian Park Avenue....

Global Holdings, the international real estate development and investment firm has snapped up the Mondrian Park Avenue, a 190-key boutique hotel in Manhattan’s NoMad neighbourhood.

“Mondrian Park Avenue is an extraordinary asset, perfectly located in the heart of Manhattan at a time when tourists and local visitors are flooding back into the city,” said Jonathan Ofer, Chief Executive Officer of Global Holdings Management Group. “Moin Development did an incredible job converting this property into one of Park Avenue’s best hotels.”

Global Holdings previously held a senior mortgage loan on the property and completed the acquisition as part of a prior agreement with Moin Development.

Global Holdings’ portfolio includes more than 120 properties globally, totalling 10 million square feet across residential, hotel and commercial assets, including more than 1,500 hotel rooms. Global Holdings is an active player in the New York market, over the past month launching leasing for Anagram Columbus Circle, a first-of-its-kind luxury rental tower located next to the highly acclaimed 15 Central Park West, between Manhattan’s famed Billionaire’s Row and Central Park, and acquiring 51 Irving Place, a mixed-use apartment building located near Gramercy Park.

Don't forget to visit our sister site Air101.co.uk to find out about all things aviation.

Life in plastic is fantastic...... stay at Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse

If you fancy a stay with a difference, definitely something to share on Instagram or your favourite other social media network then why stay in a doll's house.  Yes, you too can be like Barbie or Ken or one of their plastic friends at a life-sized Barbie dreamhouse which is opening its doors for overnight stays prior to the "Barbie" movie being released.

Apparently,  the three-floor mansion in Malibu mansion is an exact replica of the movie set and is available to book for the night on Airbnb and Ken is hosting.   So, maybe while Barbie is away,  the boys come out to play!

Whilst, so termed "Kenergy" is on show here, Barbie’s signature pink remains ever-present throughout the life-size, toy-inspired home, as she’s done her own redecorating since the last time the Malibu DreamHouse was available for guests.

“We all have dreams, and Barbie is lucky enough to have a house full of them,” said Ken. “But now, it’s my turn, and I can’t wait to host guests inside this one-of-a-kind – dare I say, one-of-a-Ken? – digs.”

Ken is adding hosting to one of his passions in celebration of the release of the highly anticipated BARBIE film, directed by Greta Gerwig, written by Gerwig & Noah Baumbach, and starring Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrara, Kate McKinnnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell. 

Located in sunny Malibu, the oceanfront mansion features panoramic views and serves as the perfect backdrop for Ken’s picture-plastic paradise. Fans will be able to request to book Ken’s bedroom in the Malibu DreamHouse for two individual one-night stays** for up to two guests each on July 21 and July 22, 2023. All stays will be free of charge – because Ken couldn’t figure out how to put a price on Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse – after all, Ken’s thing is beach, not math!

Everyone in Barbie Land can request to book Ken’s room in Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse beginning July 17 at 10:00 AM PT at airbnb.com/kendreamhouse. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Malibu.

In celebration of BARBIE hitting theatres on July 21, and to honour girls’ empowerment, Airbnb will make a one-time donation to Save the Children. Save the Children provides learning resources and support to children, families, and communities in 100+ countries to build girls’ confidence and help them excel in school – ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve success.

Don't forget to visit our sister site Air101.co.uk to find out about all things aviation.

Hotel JAL City Bangkok, the 16th property to operate under the Hotel JAL City brand, opens 3rd July

Hotel JAL City Bangkok, the 16th property to operate under the Hotel JAL City brand, which is one of the most renowned hotel brands in Japan, is all set to open on 3rd July.

The official opening had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is the first of the brand to open outside of Japan and is located on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok’s Thonglor tourist and business district. 

Hotel JAL City Bangkok is situated adjacent to Hotel Nikko Bangkok, which opened in January 2019. Thonglor BTS Skytrain station is just a three-minute walk away. Thonglor is an area extending north and south from Soi Sukhumvit 55, commonly known as Thonglor Road, in the Wattana district of central Bangkok. The area has long been home to many Japanese and other expatriates as well as wealthy Thais. The Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) and Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), along with multinational restaurants, bars, community malls and international hospitals, are all nearby, making it a prime location for both business and leisure.

“We are delighted to be able to announce the opening of the first Hotel JAL City property outside Japan,” said Mr Tadashi Kitahara, General Manager of Hotel Nikko Bangkok and Hotel JAL City Bangkok. “We are expecting this to bring broader recognition of our hotel brand in Thailand and we aim to provide the renowned Japanese style omotenashi service, taking full advantage of the convenient and strategic location of the new hotel.”

MCR acquires three hotels in Florida.........The Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt properties are in the Sunshine State’s fastest-growing markets

MCR — the 3rd-largest hotel owner-operator in the U.S. has acquired three hotels in Florida. Totalling 384 rooms, the portfolio includes a Hampton Inn by Hilton, a Courtyard by Marriott and a Hyatt Place in Orlando and Daytona Beach — both among Florida’s fastest-growing markets. With this portfolio acquisition, MCR now has 13 hotels in Florida.

How magical! The 169-room Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Buena Vista is located a few miles from Walt Disney World Resort and in walking distance of the world-class shopping, dining and entertainment offered in the Disney Springs district. It’s also a short drive from iconic destinations like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Studios.

Race to the beach! Located just off State Road A1A and directly on the water, the 111-room Hampton Inn Daytona Shores features a sunny pool deck and direct access to the beach. It’s also conveniently located near numerous dining and golfing options. The Ocean Center convention arena and Daytona Beach Golf Club are both five miles away and the famous Daytona International Speedway is less than 20 minutes from the hotel!

Go, Hatters, go! The newly built, 104-room Courtyard Marriott DeLand Historic Downtown is the only hotel located downtown next to Stetson University, a private university with more than 4,000 students. The hotel is also within walking distance of top local attractions including SkyDive DeLand, Downtown DeLand and the Athens Theatre, as well as plenty of local shops and restaurants.

Hyatt to open a Thompson branded hotel in Palm Springs.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has confirmed it will be bringing its Thompson brand to Palm Springs in California with a 168-room property scheduled to open in late 2023.

Thompson Palm Springs will offer panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the city of Palm Springs and will feature a modern, groundbreaking design in the heart of the city. Unique guestroom bungalows will be surrounded by two outdoor pools, gardens, lounge areas and winding walking paths, immersing visitors in the natural landscape of Palm Springs. 

Additional amenities including a signature restaurant helmed by a world-class chef, sought-after indoor and outdoor bar and lounges, a well-appointed spa and fitness concept, and approximately 8,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space.

Thompson Palm Springs will also offer over 20,000 square feet of ground-level retail and restaurant space along Downtown’s iconic Palm Canyon Drive which will include HALL Napa Valley, a 3,400 square foot tasting room from owners Craig & Kathryn Hall showcasing selections from their family of wines: HALL, WALT and BACA.

Thompson Palm Springs will be led by general manager Jeffrey Miller said:  “We are excited to welcome guests and locals to Thompson Palm Springs, which will bring-to-life the iconic spirit of the destination through striking design, innovative culinary offerings and locally inspired guest experiences.”

Don't forget to visit our sister site Air101.co.uk to find out about all things aviation.

Hilton launches new long-stay brand.

Hilton has released details of a new long-stay brand designed to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding $300 billion workforce travel market. Initially launching in the U.S. under the working title Project H3, the idea is to offer a lower midscale, extended-stay solution for business and working travellers, that provides a reliable and consistent foundation allowing guests to make the most out of every day.

Hilton says it has created a hotel product for a vastly underserved group of travellers looking for apartment-style accommodations for 20 nights or more, built with the staying power of Hilton’s award-winning hospitality.

“Project H3 is perfectly positioned to serve the unique needs of the long-stay traveller, thanks to its innovative design, strong value proposition for our owners and of course, the hospitality our team members offer every day,” said Chris Nassetta, president and CEO, of Hilton. “We aim to serve any guest, anywhere in the world, for any travel need they may have, and this new brand represents a greater opportunity for us to grow our portfolio while providing the reliable and friendly service our customers expect from Hilton.”

Hilton’s research shows that long-stay travellers, including travelling nurses, military personnel, and those experiencing workforce relocations, value the simple things in life, placing quality time and comfort above all else. In addition, those looking for a long stay will book an average of 20 or more nights and desire a reliable home base that allows them to maintain their routines while delivering simplicity, consistency and convenience.

This new extended-stay brand will appeal to the long-stay traveller through signature elements including:

The Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa has officially opened

The Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa has officially opened in Murcia, southeast Spain, following an extensive refurbishment.

Javier Águila, group president EAME, Hyatt, said, "We are grateful for our continued collaboration with Grupo Inversor Hesperia, in making Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa a striking example of the Grand Hyatt brand delivering on its promise of celebrating the iconic in both the small details and magnificent moments."

The CEO of Grupo Inversor Hesperia, Jordi Ferrer, highlights, “The arrival of the Grand Hyatt brand in Spain via La Manga Club is undoubtedly an important step for our company and for the Spanish tourism sector as a whole. We are convinced that with this new hotel, distinguished by the exclusiveness of its services and location, we are going to offer unique experiences to our clients and generate new value for the Murcia Region." 

Mediterranean-inspired Guestrooms

The 192 elegantly appointed guestrooms, including seven signature suites, showcase the hotel’s idyllic location overlooking the rolling hills of Calblanque natural park and the Mediterranean Sea. Each guestroom exudes luxury, elegance and sophistication featuring the latest amenities, colours inspired by the surrounding nature and spa-inspired marble bathrooms.

Recreation and Wellness

Africa’s largest hotel Gets a Grand Opening

Africa’s largest hotel Gets a Grand Opening

Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest aviation group in Africa, holds a grand opening of the largest hotel on the African continent as it inaugurates the second phase of the Ethiopian  Skylight Hotel. Ethiopian Airlines opened the first phase of Ethiopian Skylight Hotel back in January 2019. With the new extension, the hotel now has a total of 1,024 modern rooms and suites with different room types including fully equipped apartments suitable for long and short-staying guests. 

The hotel also incorporates meeting and event facilities which can accommodate from  small to up to 5000 guests, 19 food and beverage outlets including Ethiopian, Italian,  Arabian and Asian restaurants, coffee houses, bars, recreational facilities and spots for  sips or hand-crafted cocktails with a panoramic view of the airport and the city. 

Regarding the grand opening of Ethiopian Skylight Hotel’s second phase, Ethiopian  Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said “We are truly pleased to be standing here today on the grand opening ceremony of Ethiopian Skylight Hotel’s second phase as we will now have an even greater facility to accommodate guests. Above all we are thrilled with the accomplishment as it takes our contribution to Ethiopia’s tourism sector a step higher. The hotel is suitable to accommodate both business and leisure events and stays. Skylight Hotel has been providing a wide range of luxury experiences to its guests and with the completion of the second phase more five-star facilities and experiences will be available. With Skylight Hotel having more than 1000 rooms  and several other facilities, we can now proudly say that we have the largest hotel in the African  continent”

Located in the diplomatic capital of Africa, Addis Ababa, home to UNECA and AU  headquarters, Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, stands within a prime location at just 5 minutes’ walk from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The hotel is built to be a suitable space for both business and social event gatherings.  

Construction of phase two of the project had been ongoing while the hotel’s services were open and available for guests through the first phase of Ethiopian Skylight facility.  It is also to be recalled that Ethiopian inaugurated a Five-Star In-Terminal Hotel which is set to take passengers' transit experience at Ababa Bole International Airport to a whole new level with 97 modern and luxurious rooms, a restaurant, a meeting space, and other facilities within the airport Departure Terminal 2 back in September 2022 which is managed under Ethiopian Skylight Hotel.  

Don't forget to visit our sister site Air101.co.uk to find out about all things aviation.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City Beach Resort Opens

The St. Joe Company and Hilton announce the opening of the 255-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City Beach Resort. The resort is located in the popular Pier Park shopping and entertainment district with unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico available from each of its five floors.

The resort features a Gulf-view pool complex with a waterslide and hot tub, a business center, a fitness center and approximately 15,500 square feet of meeting and event space. Additionally, the resort is home to two restaurants, Blu Bar & Grill serving lunch and dinner with both indoor and outdoor seating, and Fin, which provides guests with complimentary hot breakfast. Vue 55, the fifth-floor, open-air event venue, is available for weddings and group functions and boasts sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Russell-Fields Pier.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City Beach Resort’s 255 suites are a mix of one- and two-bedroom suites, including two-bedroom family suites and multi-room suites with bunkbeds. The resort’s Five Feet to Fitness™ suites enable guests to work out in the privacy of their suite with access to a variety of fitness equipment.

Andaz Nanjing Hexi opens

Hyatt Hotels in association with Sun Hung Kai Properties has confirmed the opening of Andaz Nanjing Hexi, the fourth Andaz property in the region. It is located in the rapidly developing Hexi central business district area and is ideal for exploring the city and local area. 

Andaz Nanjing Hexi boasts stunning views of the city and Yangtze River from its prime position atop Nanjing Metro Yuantong station of Line2 and Line10. As part of the most sought-after landmark Nanjing IFC, the hotel, together with two super grade-A office towers and the luxury shopping mall with top-notch international brands in the complex, create a one-stop destination of premium business, shopping, dining, entertaining and living experiences. With its perfect blend of Nanjing’s eclectic spirit, rich culture, and the vibrant character of the modern neighbourhood the property resides in, Andaz Nanjing Hexi serves as an exciting new destination for curious travellers and locals to explore and experience.

“SHKP has always been committed to developing and operating premium landmark projects. As an integral part of the Group’s flagship project Nanjing IFC, the newly opening Andaz Nanjing Hexi, along with two world-class office towers and the luxury IFC mall in the complex, will further reshape the business dynamics and economic vitality of the city, renewing a sense of glamour to this culturally rich destination,” says Albert Lau, Executive Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties.

“We are very pleased to have an Andaz hotel join our hotel portfolio. It is a new-generation luxury brand created for the young and the young at heart. We believe the hotel will inject color and vibrance to the whole IFC complex and Hexi as we welcome people from all over China and the world to spend a memorable time in Nanjing,” says Tasos Kousloglou, CEO - Hotel division of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited.

“We are thrilled by this introduction of the vibrant Andaz brand to the Hexi CBD area,” said Stephen Ho, president of growth and operations for Asia Pacific, Hyatt. “This location is perfect for our inspiring Andaz brand, providing guests the opportunity to experience Nanjing’s rich culture. We sincerely appreciate our hotel owner, Sun Hung Kai Properties, for their support with entrusting Hyatt for this new hotel.”

Contemporary Design Rooted in Local Culture