Hotel Designs: Industry News

Turnberry Isle Miami Joins Autograph Collection

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Autograph Collection has announced that Turnberry Isle Miami, a landmark luxury resort in South Florida, has joined the brand�s exclusively curated portfolio of independently owned and operated hotels. Located in Aventura, Turnberry Isle Miami is the third South Florida hotel to join the collection and the 32nd property added to the brand�s expanding roster. Built in 1971, the award-winning Mediterranean-style luxury retreat spans over 300 acres of lush landscaped gardens and golf courses, with 408 deluxe guest rooms and suites.

IFX Market Report for 17/05/2012

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

UK The UK started the day on a positive note after Jobless claims fell by 13,700 from March, this was the largest drop since July 2010, which saw sterling move up to around 1.5985 against the US dollar and hold at 3 ½ year highs of 1.2550 against the euro.

Axminster standing proud at Orkney hotel

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

In a high-contrast colourway, the bold Natural Plaid by Axminster Carpets Commercial now makes a splendid statement at Standing Stones Hotel, Orkney, taking pride of place in the reception area and residents� lounge.

New �Astra� Sheers from Sekers

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

These colourful 'Astra' sheers from Sekers will add the finishing touch to any room.

IFX Market Report for 16/05/2012

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

UK GBPEUR had an erratic session yesterday, falling temporarily to a low of 1.2476 due to better-than-expected German growth data. The drop was short-lived and GBPEUR recovered to hit a session high of 1.2563, a level not seen since Nov 2008. Trading opened this morning at 1.2557 The recent highs seen in GBPUSD over the last month continued to fall away as USD gained momentum from the increased risk in Europe but also from strong data from the US. The session high was 1.6113 but the pair fell steadily to the 3-week low of 1.6011. Trading opened today at 1.5932.

MORGAN at Clerkenwell Design Week

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Morgan are delighted to be exhibiting at Clerkenwell Design Week 22-24th May for the third year in a row and, once again, will be located under the elegant Victorian roofs of the Farmiloe Buildings.

Meet-U� Wins Coveted Design Guild Mark

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers states that �The Furniture Makers Company has introduced the Design Guild Mark to reward excellence in the design of furniture in volume production.

Go-ahead given for Royal Insurance building conversion

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A landmark building in Liverpool is set to undergo a significant refit as a city centre hotel in a £12m scheme.

IFX Market Report for 15/05/2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

UK GBPUSD opened the week�s trading at 1.6071, with the Greek situation creating a flight to quality, sterling performed well against a strong USD reaching a high of 1.6123 before eventually closing at 1.6107. The GBPUSD could track higher tomorrow if the Bank of England highlight an improved outlook for the U.K in the inflation report.

Focus SB Fittings Receive Seal Of Approval From The National Trust

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A shepherd�s hut from the Goodlife company fitted out with Focus SB�s Deckle Edge slate-finished lighting plates has been chosen by the National Trust as a base for its volunteers at Canons Ashby House, near Daventry, Northamptonshire.

Hilton Hotels and Resorts Opens First Hotel in Qatar

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Hilton Hotels & Resorts has recently expanded its global portfolio to 80 countries with the opening of Hilton Doha, its first hotel in Qatar.

Managing a Design Firm

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Managing a design firm can feel a little like being on a treadmill. Running in one place is necessary to keep the wheel turning, and having started the wheel, the practitioner needs to recruit more designers to keep the wheel turning as it gets bigger. Finding the right stride takes work to get everyone�s steps synchronised.

IFX Market Report for 14/05/2012

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

UK On Friday, UK PPI Input Month on month came out worst then expected at -1.5% against a forecast of -0.9% with output PPI rising 0.7% against 0.4% GBPUSD started Friday�s session trading at 1.6123 before seeing a sharp drop mid-afternoon to the low of the day at 1.6066. After a brief spell back over 1.61 in afternoon trading the pair fell back again and is currently trading around 1.6060. A close below support at 1.6050 will confirm the drop towards 1.58 but there will be strong support on the way at the 1.60 level.

Holiday Inn Express� Set To Open In Harrisburg

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has recently announced that a newly renovated 80-room Holiday Inn Express in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is expected to open this month.

Andy Thornton at the London Marriott Hotel, County Hall

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Centrally located on London's vibrant South Bank, the luxury 5 star London Marriott Hotel, County Hall has breathtaking views of many of London�s famous sights, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Palace of Westminster.

Use and Abuse of Colour 2

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The use of colour in interiors has, of course, never really gone away. There has been an emphasis on 'minimalism' that has not really been minimalist, simply bleak. Minimalism was all about balancing empty against intense, purity of shape and form and a specific kind of aesthetic. In hotels it was reduced to cheap - less is less as it were. Now an era of colour and pattern is upon us, with the digitisation of the production of wallpapers and fabrics allowing full creative freedom for designers. There is a return of the idea that hotel interiors should create drama, and a sense of place (as well as a return to sixties designs unfortunately).

eforea: spa at Hilton Continues Global Expansion with First Opening in Middle East

Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

eforea: spa at Hilton continues its rapid global expansion with the opening of its first location in the Middle East. Located at Hilton Doha in Qatar, the 600-square-meter eforea: spa at Hilton offers an exclusive treatment menu, innovative design features and carefully selected product partners that appeal to today�s savvy global travellers.

Debut of the St. Regis Doha in Qatar

Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced the debut of The St. Regis Doha as the St. Regis brand continues its dynamic global growth and nearly triples its portfolio in just five years.

Boutique Hotel Summit 2012, Altitude London, May 21 and 22

Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

There�s just five working days to go to discover, share and learn about the current boutique hotel marketplace with the professionals behind some of today�s most successful brands. We look forward to welcoming confirmed delegates from USA, Dubai, Qatar, Hong Kong, Ghana, Lebanon, Switzerland, France and other European countries.

Starwood Hotels to Open Its First Dual-Branded Ski Resort Complex in China

Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced it will open its first dual-branded ski resort complex in Changbaishan, China later this year. The Westin Changbaishan and Sheraton Changbaishan Resort will open in August 2012, adjacent to the slopes of Changbai Mountains, one of Chinas leading ski areas. The highly anticipated resort complex will lengthen Starwoods lead as the largest international luxury and upper upscale hotel operator in China.

IFX Market Report for 11/05/2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

UK The BoE refrained from providing a further cash boost to the recession-struck UK economy as the decision was apparently weighed down by higher inflation. The 9 member MPC left the size of the QE program unchanged at £325bn, marking an end to the second round of stimulus.

Decoratif Design Case Study:Beauty � On A Grand Scale

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Decoratif Design team love a challenge. In fact, the bigger and the more creative the brief, the better. So when a respected interior design company got in touch, we couldn�t have been more enthused.

Provenance and Woodbine form Partnership to Purchase Portland�s Governor Hotel

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Provenance Hotels of Portland and Woodbine Development Corporation of Dallas today announced their joint acquisition of The Governor Hotel in Portland from The Royal Bank of Scotland for an undisclosed purchase price. Provenance, an expert in the region�s boutique hotel market, will become operator of the hotel, effective immediately. Woodbine will serve as developer and asset manager for the partnership, which plans to update/renovate the hotel and transition it into the Provenance Hotels collection. Acquisition financing is being provided by Morgan Stanley Mortgage Capital Holdings, LLC. Hunt Realty Investments, Inc., Woodbine�s financial partner, also is participating in the capitalization of the project.

Hard Rock Hotel to Open In Aruba

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A 310-room oceanfront Hard Rock Hotel and Casino will be the latest addition to Aruba�s growing portfolio of luxury accommodation.

IFX Market Report for 10/05/2012

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

UK David Cameron was quoted as saying the Liberal Democrats are "holding back" Conservative ambitions in areas including tax policy and reforming human rights law. This revelation came just hours before the governing coalition were due to set out their legislative program for the year yesterday.

Volga Linen Introduces Drawn Thread Curtains

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Drawn thread curtains adds style and elegance to any room and are now available to order through Volga Linen.

Marina � seemingly endless picnic table

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Available to purchase from exterior-interior is Marina Beach, the newest Marina Collection by Bruno Fattorini & Partners for Extremis. This collaboration comes to no surprise: Extremis-founder Dirk Wynants and Bruno Fattorini have been friends for years. Fattorini even has Extremis furniture on his own terrace.

Marriott Hotels and Resorts Open Second Hotel in Colombia

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Marriott Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to open a new 170-room Marriott Hotel in Cali in 2014, under an agreement with Real Hotels and Resorts, S.A. and Grupo Poma.

IFX Market Report for 09/05/2012

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

UK Yesterday, UK BRC Retail Sales Monitor data fell to -3.3% in April y/y. The April RICS House Price Balance also fell 19% versus an expected drop of 11%.

Customisable design from Laufen

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

With the bathroom playing a deciding factor in a guest�s judgement in whether a hotel meets their expectations or not, the onus is on the designer to get the look and feel of the space just right. Choosing sanitaryware from a respected high-quality brand such as Laufen not only ensures that there will be ample choice and flexibility, but also means that pieces can be customised to fit the space available. This attention to detail will not be forgotten by the discerning hotel guest and will do wonders for the hotel�s reputation.

Renaissance Hotels Opens New Gem In The Heart Of Barcelona

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Marriott International has announced the opening of the Renaissance Barcelona Hotel, located just steps away from the Paseo de Gracia, the premier shopping and architectural district of Barcelona.

IFX Market Report for 08/05/2012

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

UK Last week, the backlash against European austerity packages put pressure on the UK�s coalition government, the Conservative's losses were slightly lessened by the fact that Boris Johnson, the current mayor of London, narrowly won his bid for re-election.

Leading Artwork Suppliers on the Move

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Indigo Art Ltd, have announced they are re-locating. From Monday 21st May 2012 they will be operational from the following address:

Hotel Opening: Sofitel Agadir Thalassa sea and spa

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This new establishment is only a 3-hour flight away from the main European capitals and is the ideal place for a relaxing and revitalising break. Sofitel Agadir Thalassa is the brand�s second hotel in the bay of Agadir alongside the Sofitel Agadir Royal Bay Resort.

A Winning Combination

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

On The Level, the UK�s leading manufacturer of concealed wet floor shower trays, has been working alongside Geberit to produce a unique and complete wet room system.

Impressions from the LIGHT and BUILDING Frankfurt 2012

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The world�s largest exhibition for lighting and building-services, the �Light & Building� in Frankfurt, closed its doors on April 20th. More than 196,000 visitors took the chance to visit the show which is an increase of almost 7% compared with 2010.

Green light for Bennetts Associates� Queen Hithe Hotel

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Plans for Bennetts Associates Architects� new 5-star Queen Hithe Hotel were approved by the City of London last week. The project for Resolution Properties will redevelop a historic, riverside site southeast of St Paul�s Cathedral, replacing a disparate group of buildings with a new, elegant piece of architecture.

The use and abuse of colour

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

There are basic design and aesthetic rules on the use of colour. With the move back to pattern and colour from the off-white minimalism of the last decade or so, it seems appropriate to take a fresh look at some of these rules. Artists revel in colour and its power. You only have to sit in front of a Monet to realize the powerful emotional tug colour can have. His abstracted use of colour through his 'Water Lilies' series and the observational changes he records through series such as the 'Haystacks' show the power of colour to change perceptions. This work has continued to be exploited and extended through the work of artists such as Bridget Riley and Dan Flavin.

Swiss�tel Hotels and Resorts Continuing Its Expansion in India with Swiss�tel Grand Mumbai

Sun, 06 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Having successfully opened its first hotel in India � Swissôtel Kolkata � in July 2010, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, the international hotel group of Swiss origin signed a management contract for a flagship project in India: Swissôtel Grand Mumbai. This is in addition to one more hotel under development for the brand in Bangalore.

Cambria Suites Breaks Ground in Miami, Florida

Sat, 05 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Sunflower Hospitality LLC, Delant Construction Co. and Choice Hotels International, Inc. have recently celebrated the official groundbreaking of a new Cambria Suites hotel in Miami, Fla. The Miami property signifies the continued expansion of the Cambria Suites brand into major urban markets, following the recent announcement of two new development deals in New York City and one in Washington, D.C. Additionally, Choice Hotels has acquired land parcels in five other major markets for potential future development.

Three Holiday Inn Express Hotels in Colombia Signed

Sat, 05 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) announces the signing of three new Holiday Inn Express hotels in Colombia. The hotels, owned and managed by Grupo Contempo S.A., under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group, will be located in the key cities of Bogota, Cartagena and Barranquilla. IHG�s relationship with Grupo Contempo began in 2008 with the signing and opening of the Holiday Inn Express Bogota in the vibrant neighbourhood of �Parque de la 93.�

IFX Market Report for 04/05/2012

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

UK Governor King said yesterday the UK economy is not yet back to health and needs the support of low interest rates. Bank of England officials are preparing for a decision next week on whether to extend their QE program to lift the economy from its first double-dip recession since 1975.

Andy Thornton furniture at L�on de Bruxelles

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Léon de Bruxelles is the first of a Belgian-style brasserie franchise to open in the UK, with a prestigious location on Cambridge Circus in Soho, London, and furniture sourced almost entirely from leading hospitality furniture supplier Andy Thornton Ltd. The restaurant serves a whole range of typical Belgian dishes, including the signature mussels, frites and waffles.

Snowmass Resort Undergoes Multi-Million Dollar Transformation

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced the launch of a multi-million dollar renovation to a premier Snowmass resort in preparation for its re-opening under the Westin flag in time for the 2012-2013 ski season. Formerly known as the Silvertree Hotel & Conference Center, the 254-room resort will fully renovate all guest rooms and public areas in order to implement the full suite of Westin signature amenities, designed to inspire wellbeing. Owned by a joint venture between Starwood Capital Group and Wasserman Real Estate, The Westin Snowmass Resort boasts an unbeatable location at the heart of Snowmass Village, adjacent to the ski slopes of Snowmass, one of Colorados most prestigious ski mountains.

IFX Market Report for 03/05/2012

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

UK The pound rose to the highest level in 22 months against a broadly weaker euro reaching a high of 1.2325 helped by reports which showed UK PMI construction rose to 55.8 in April against expectations of 54.0 and UK mortgage approvals unexpectedly rose in March to 49.86k.

Award-winning hotel lets guests feel like royalty

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

An award-winning hotel in Chester has recently completed a £400,000 refurbishment on a conceptual bar and restaurant which aims to emulate the pomp and pageantry of the Queen�s Jubilee celebrations.

The launch of a new era in lighting � Edition 23

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Edition 23, the latest 300 page lighting catalogue from Chelsom has arrived. The culmination of two years of research into worldwide lighting trends, the catalogue brings together an eclectic mix from handmade shell mosaic to cutting edge designs in brushed steel and chrome.

New Luxury Boutique Hotel Opens Summer 2012 in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Like a jewel in a crown, the new luxury boutique hotel Casa San Agustín will open in Cartagena de Indias in Summer 2012 after a complete renovation. Simply elegant and uniquely authentic, the property features 22 rooms and 9 suites and is destined to set a new standard of luxury in Colombia. The hotel creates an architecturally unique atmosphere by preserving 3 Colonial buildings and an ancient aqueduct. Casa San Agustín sits within the walled city of Cartagena, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site which is rich in palaces, gardens, convents and churches, conserving all the enchantment of the Colonial period. The narrow streets are flanked by beautiful doors and projecting balconies with trailing blooms mimicking the romantic Andalusian style, leaving an indelible mark on this beautiful city nestled on a bay on the Caribbean Sea.

The Modern Garden Company Launches New Outdoor Accessories Collection

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Modern Garden Company have launched ESSENTIALS, a stunning collection of accessories for outdoors including, pots, lighting, rugs and occasional tables.

Great Hotels of the World announces new hotel opening in Brussels

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Great Hotels of the World are pleased to announce the opening of a brand new hotel, Thon Hotel EU, which will officially open on 26 April 2012, following a 24-month development.