Four Seasons Hotels Announces Nine Planned New Property Openings in 2019

Hotel News - The coming year will mark several significant new openings for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts with the debut of nine new hotels and resorts around the world, plus the continued expansion of its residential portfolio. “Four Seasons is well positioned for continued success in 2019 with the steady and strategic growth of our global portfolio,” says Christian Clerc, President, Worldwide Hotel Operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “Our portfolio continues to grow at a healthy pace, as we focus on projects of the highest quality, in the destinations where our guests want to be. We remain committed to offering the very highest standards of hospitality as we expand with a diverse collection of properties, including our entry in Greece and Spain, our first resort set within a world class vineyard in Napa Valley, and the opening of our first standalone residences in London.” Clerc continues, “With a continued focus on our residential portfolio, we are solidifying our market position as the world leader in luxury branded residential offerings. Eight of the nine new anticipated openings this year include a residential component, affirming the growing importance of branded residences to Four Seasons growth strategy as well as luxury consumers who want to live with our brand and make Four Seasons their home.” Now numbering 111 hotels and resorts in 47 countries – including recent openings in Desroches Island, Seychelles; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and São Paulo, Brazil – Four Seasons is planning to open the following new hotels, resorts and private residences in 2019:

AURORA: THE LUXURY SPACE HOTEL WILL ORBIT EARTH BY 2021

Hotel News - The Orion Span start-up has unveiled images of Aurora Station, its future space station designed to accommodate tourists from 2022 onwards, with the launch of the station programmed for 2021. It promises and incredible experience to its future customers. On the menu: 12 days of an unusual vacation at an altitude of about 320 kilometers. The program of activities includes the observation of 16 sunrises and sunsets in one day, flying over the hometown of travelers, games of ping-pong in the state of weightlessness. Guests will also be able to take part in experiments like growing food while in orbit. They will be able to take samples home as a “souvenir”. In order to be eligible for this stay, however, guests will have to undergo a specific training. But its duration, which is usually two years for a trip in space, has been shortened to three months for the Aurora Station. Orion Space has, therefore, opted for luxurious services, in order to differentiate itself from the competition. Because the start-up faces rivals who also seek to offer space tourism, such as the Texas company Axiom Space or Virgin Galactic, founded by billionaire Richard Branson. To support itself, Orion Space launched a crowdfunding campaign that raised about $230 thousand as of now. The goal of Orion Space is to “make space accessible to all”. However, by “accessible to all”, one should understand “all very wealthy clients”. Indeed, as the price of a 12-day stay in the Aurora Station space hotel is expected to be 9.5 million dollars. 

Hilton Opens Flagship Property in Da Nang

Hotel News - US-based hotel franchiser and hotel management company, Hilton Hotels & Resorts (“Hilton”) has debuted in Da Nang with the opening of 223-key Hilton Da Nang, Vietnam. The property is conveniently located near the Han Bridge and Bach Dang street with access to Da Nang’s main entertainment, shopping and business facilities. The hotel is accessible via a 10-minute drive from Da Nang International Airport and 5-minute drive from Da Nang Beach. The hotel offers rooms and suites ranging from 36 square meters to 202 square meters and a lounge on the 27th floor serving breakfast and drinks. In addition, the property features an all-day dining restaurant, a cafe, a rooftop grill bar, 725 square meters of meeting space, a 24-hour gym and a heated outdoor swimming pool. The new opening represents Hilton third property in Vietnam after Hilton Hanoi Opera and Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi.

Park Hotel Group Debuts in Seoul

Hotel News - Singapore-based hotel owner and operator, Park Hotel Group (“Park Hotel”), has opened its first property in Seoul, South Korea. The newly built Park Hotel Yeongdeungpo, is owned by South Korea-based firm K2 Group (“K2 Group”) and will be managed by Park Hotel. Located in the Yeongdeungpo district, the 14-storey hotel is next to Seonyudo Station, a 10-minute drive to the Yeouido financial hub, and a 50-minute and 25-minute drive from Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport respectively. The 140-key property features five room categories, all with floor-to-ceiling windows or balconies with panoramic views of the city skyline or the Hangang River. It also offers a 24-hour fitness room, a business centre, a meeting room, a banquet hall, and three restaurants. Park Hotel currently manages 15 properties across eight countries including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives and Singapore.

Accor’s innovative new mobile offering in the French Alps

Accor’s innovative new mobile offering in the French Alps

Hotel News - AccorHotels has launched a new concept for accommodation in the Alps. Avoriaz 1800 is a collection of containers decked out in timber that are designed to have as little impact on the landscape as possible and to provide flexible and mobile lodgings for the ski resort. We find out more. FLYING NEST LANDS IN THE ALPS French hotel group Accor has been testing a new concept hotel over the past year at events such as LeMans and the Bordeaux Architecture Biennale, which now, for the first time, will be open for the public to experience. The experiment involves the erection of mobile lodgings, which can be shipped in for conferences, events and now for ski seasons, as required. The concept is called Flying Nest, and features a number of shipping containers that have been given a custom overhaul by renowned designer Ora-ïto, who is based in Marseilles. Flying Nest was conceived of as a form of nomadic architecture which can be transported and installed in various destinations as necessary. But, far from compromising on comfort, the thoughtful design of the containers brings a cosy and comfortable offering to wherever it lands. The latest location of Flying Nest is in the Alpine ski resort of Avoriaz. DESIGN AND VISION Damien Perrot, AccorHotels’ Global SVP Design Multibrand, says Flying Nest is a visionary concept which will gives wings to the future of the industry. “We worked on creating an immersive experience more than just a room.” The idea behind the concept, as well as being mobile, is that the arrangement of containers will have as little impact on their surroundings as possible, enabling them to be installed in areas that are of significant natural beauty and that need to be protected. This also allows guest to have a great connection with the destination, and in the case of Avoriaz, skiers can just step out of the container directly onto the mountain and its slopes. The containers come equipped with individual decks, and are connected to each other by walkways and platforms, allowing guests to mingle with each other as they act as social spaces. The containers have one entire side that is made of glass, giving guests incredible views out towards their environment. Approximately 20 units were installed in the French ski resort, which are propped up on piles that sit into the ground with minimal disruption.

Best Western Hotels Resorts Signs New Seafront Resort in Hua Hin, Thailand

Hotel News - Best Western Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a new seafront property in the popular resort town of Hua Hin, on Thailand's gulf coast. Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Khao Tao will feature 410 guest rooms and an array of leisure amenities for all types of guest, including couples and families. Located close to the beach just south of Hua Hin town center and 2.5 hours' drive from Bangkok, this contemporary resort will provide the perfect destination for locals, expats and international travelers seeking a revitalizing break from the city. The centerpiece of this elegant resort will be a series of freeform lagoon pools, slides, waterfalls and a special children's water play zone, all surrounded by tropical palm trees, sun decks and cozy cabanas. Every room features modern amenities and a balcony overlooking these aquatic attractions, while a series of spacious ground floor rooms offer terraces with direct access to the pools. A sunken pool bar creates an ideal spot to enjoy a cooling daytime drink, while the Beach Bar allows guests to chill out with refreshing drinks and gaze out over the glistening Gulf of Thailand. The hotel also features a restaurant serving breakfast and all-day Thai and international cuisine, a daytime coffee shop and a modern fitness center, and onsite parking will be available. Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Khao Tao is owned by One Place Estate Co., Ltd. The signing ceremony was held on December 17, 2018, and attended by Mr Pongpipat Kanjanasupat (4th right), Mr Suvichai Janethanaarthakij (4th left), CEOs of One Place Estate, and Olivier Berrivin (3rd right), Managing Director of International Operations - Asia, Best Western Hotels & Resorts. "Hua Hin has transformed from a charming coastal town into a thriving international tourism destination that now attracts millions of visitors every year. Newly connected with international flights, it now possesses a wide range of attractions including world-class golf courses, wineries, restaurants and enchanting cultural sites. Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Khao Tao will allow guests to experience the best of this impressive destination in comfort and style, with spacious accommodation and fantastic facilities, most notably its exotic outdoor pools," commented Olivier Berrivin. "Whether guests are seeking a romantic beachfront retreat, a memorable family vacation or a fun-filled getaway for a group of friends, this new resort has something for everyone. We look forward to working with our esteemed partners at One Place Estate as we bring this exciting project to life," he added

IHG® Hotel Booking & Deals

Hotel News - IHG group united more than 5,000 hotels in over 100 countries. Those include outstanding IHG brands like InterContinental, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites Kimpton Hotels etc. So there is nothing strange in the fact that IHG Hotel Booking & Deals app got more than 1 million downloads on Google Play. With its help, travelers can easily take control of booking and managing their hotel stays. How it works: IHG app helps users find a needed hotel just in few taps. It also saves previous stays so next time one doesn’t have to search for the admired hotel. With this app, travelers can manage their complete trip including not only hotel preferences but also transportation (Uber or car rental), dining and visiting local attractions. IHG app gives access to special IHG offers and discounts. With its help, guests can earn special Rewards and later spend them om free nights or Digital Rewards. Cool features: Check reviews. Guests live real reviews about different hotels in the app. It can be really helpful while making a choice. Current charges. During a stay, clients can see their current hotel expenses. User Tip: Turn your phone horizontally to see your IHG Rewards Club or Ambassador card. Also, you can download IHG here

Melia opens it's fourth hotel in Cuba

Hotel News—the fourth Paradisus hotel in the Meliá Hotels International chain in Cuba and the first in Cayo Santa María—opened its doors on 8 December. This eco resort is set in a unique natural environment. Cayo Santa María is surrounded by the Buenavista Biosphere Reserve, which boasts the second most important coral reef on the planet. Elegant, sophisticated and modern, Paradisus Los Cayos defines the essence of an all-inclusive natural luxury experience. Overlooking a fine-sand beach stretching for nearly half a mile and bathed by turquoise waters in one of the most unspoilt spots in the key, the establishment blends harmoniously with the nature surrounding it. Paradisus Los Cayos offers 802 Suites and Junior Suites. A large hotel where the architecture and interior design ensure guests can relax in an exclusive private setting. One aspect that sets this eco resort apart from the rest is its 34 swimming pools. Guests can go for a refreshing dip directly from their Garden Swim-Up rooms. The hotel provides two exclusive areas: The Reserve and Royal Service. Designed for guests seeking personalised attention, The Reserve is suitable for lone travellers or families as it offers the Family Concierge service. The Reserve guests can also enjoy areas and amenities especially designed for the most exacting tastes. If you prefer a luxury adult-only experience, Paradisus Los Cayos has a Royal Service area. Besides exclusive access to hotel bars, the lobby and swimming pools, other highlights include an exceptional butler service. The variety and quality of the food is another differentiating factor. With 12 restaurants and 14 bars to choose from, guests can enjoy a huge variety of tastes and textures. They range from Mediterranean dishes to Latin fusion and include the exotic flavours of Asia, signature cuisine and traditional Cuban fare. Guests can also enjoy diverse bar locations and interiors designed to cater for all tastes. Sipping a drink on the beach or gazing at the sunset while savouring a cocktail specially prepared by Cuban cocktail experts are two of the options available for travellers staying at Paradisus Los Cayos. The facilities for the MICE segment will turn this hotel and Cayo Santa María into a new hub for major events. The establishment provides 959 m² for meetings, with a large ballroom (910 m²) that can hold 910 people in a theatre format and 500 in banquet style. There are also alternative locations: beaches, swimming pools, gardens or terraces. Paradisus Los Cayos is destined to become the company’s flagship in Cayos del Norte de Villa Clara. The hotel’s special features and surrounding natural environment make it a unique place for discovering enchanting landscapes and experiencing memorable moments in this Cuban paradise.

Features of the Hyatt International Hotel Group

Hotel News - Here are the newest elements to the Hyatt Place hotel model.  Design The revamped Hyatt Place brand includes updates in guest connection and customization. Starting with the guestrooms, the space will come with purposeful furniture for keeping guests organized and productive, separating the room into distinct zones to sleep, work and relax. Elements such as new mattresses, black-out shades and warm-colored lighting will be added to enhance sleep quality.  The newly redesigned Hyatt Place bathroom will have larger vanity counter space with multidirectional lighting and greater distance between the mirror and vanity. The remodel will also have a walk-in shower with a footrest and a larger amenity tray.  The updated lobby will aim to drive guests to leave their rooms and socialize.  Dining  The new dining offerings will include a new free breakfast menu, a redesigned coffee bar and coffee program and an evening lounge with a cocktail and dinner menu.  Technology  The Hyatt Place brand will incorporate new technology offerings, including early check-in and mobile entry.  Hyatt Place also is testing a number of collaborations with well-being and fitness apps as part of the brand’s well-being push. These new collaborations, including one with a bike-sharing platform, are set to roll out between 2018 and 2019.  One of the announced collaborations is with Exhale. The partners will offer Exhale-branded fitness and mindfulness video content through Hyatt’s mobile app along with enhanced fitness facilities for guests. Exhale will also extend privileges and rates to Hyatt Place guests in Exhale markets.  

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has revamped the Hyatt Place brand in response to guests’ and owners’ evolving needs

The hotel group used direct owner and guest input to inform the brand’s updates in design, dining, technology and new-found focus on well-being. Hyatt Place aims to boost guest experience through this upcoming remodel. “We are keeping the brand relevant and fresh by focusing on giving our guests more customization and control during their travels, developing deeper relationships with our World of Hyatt members and personalized well-being experiences for our guests," Jim Chu, global head of development and owner relations for Hyatt, said in a statement. "By evolving and elevating the brand’s offerings, we believe that we will create a best-in-class experience that will truly redefine the select service category, just as we did 12 years ago when we launched the Hyatt Place brand.” The Hyatt Place redesign aligns with Hyatt Hotels’ global expansion plans for the brand. The Hyatt Place brand has grown 75 percent during the past five years, with more than 305 hotels open in more than 200 cities around the world.

Introducing the World's Best Ski Resort in 2019 (Part 4)

Pure Resort Ehrwald PURE Resort Ehrwald is one of projects on our list with an opening date that’s fast approaching. This property is under construction now with a debut slated for the second quarter of 2019. in the centre of Ehrwald, in a quiet location at the Florentin Wehnerweg , the luxurious PURE Resort Ehrwald will be established. Until a few years ago the renowned hotel ,Maria Regina’ was located here. PURE Resort Ehrwald is a “full-service” tourist-oriented rental concept in which luxury apartments and chalets are realized along with numerous facilities such as a restaurant, lounge and sun terrace. A fitness room and a high-quality spa/wellness area with swimming pool and outdoor sauna let you relax after an active day in the mountains. The apartments are characterized by a traditional architecture and the use of many natural materials. For example, walls are cladded with natural stone and wood. Typical alpine elements in a contemporary design give the building a warm and exclusive look. Perfectly positioned, the apartments are in an excellent location and partially offer a wonderful view on the Zugspitze. The professional rental, management, and op eration of the apartments is provided by an owner family residing in the -resort. The hosts will make sure that guests feel at home and lack -nothing.