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Kimpton Sylvan Hotel Opens in Atlanta’s Buckhead Neighborhood

The highly anticipated Kimpton Sylvan Hotel in Atlanta is now officially open. Tucked away in the elegant neighborhood of Buckhead, The Sylvan Hotel is a 1950s-era adaptive reuse boutique hotel with a mid-century modern design scheme, complimented by a splash of understated sophistication and heartfelt Southern hospitality. The hotel includes 217 guest rooms, a vibrant living room lobby, a refreshing private pool, and over 4,000 square feet of meetings and events space. Aptly inspired by Atlanta’s nickname of “the city in a forest” and the arboreal abundance in the hotel’s own backyard, the name “Sylvan” is derived from the Latin term “silva,” meaning “forest.” Themes of trees, greenery, and nature resonate throughout the hotel, from the guest rooms to the lobby and beyond. FOOD & BEVERAGE:The crown jewels of The Sylvan are its three unique indoor and outdoor dining and drinking concepts: The Betty, Willow Bar, and St. Julep. The Betty features an elegant, old-Hollywood atmosphere and Continental cuisine from Executive Chef Brandon Chavannes. Seamlessly blending intimate sophistication and Southern hospitality, the menus nod to mid-century supper clubs, but with modern twists. The lavish restaurant features 175 seats throughout its interior dining room, bar, and a 1,100-square-foot outdoor patio – creating the perfect gathering place for Atlantans and visitors alike. Willow Bar, a dreamy, tucked away outdoor garden bar, and St Julep, a funky rooftop bar and restaurant with panoramic Buckhead views, will both open later this spring. THE DESIGN:Throughout the entire property – from the guest rooms to the restaurants and bars – one of the primary intentions of The Sylvan Hotel’s design team was to work with the inspiring bones of the mid-century building and create a series of intimate spaces visually connected to one another with a subtle shift of identity and vibe as you move through them. Each space connects to the property’s surrounding greenery and allows natural light to filter in and highlight a beautifully edited palette that’s bright and precisely executed with original furniture pieces. The focus of the lobby living room is an oversized, curved fireplace wall accented with glazed tile and stone, and afternoon light from the lobby-adjacent Willow Bar filters through a stained-glass wall composed of sweet, gentle pastels that add a spectacular glow to the living room’s clean palette. As they move through the space, guests will find that each of the restaurant and bar venues maintains its own personality: The Betty is dark and moody with a charming nostalgic nod; Willow Bar transports guests through meandering pathways to a delightful garden appointed with one-of-a-kind vintage pieces and a series of tucked-away spaces that can be made private or communal; and St. Julep showcases an unexpected combination of color and pattern that’s accentuated by a combination of funky furniture finds. The Sylvan also boasts a highly curated and eccentric art collection. Selected in conjunction with Soho Myriad Art Consulting, the hotel’s art display ranges from contemporary to vintage pieces featuring artists from Atlanta and beyond. Led by Matthew Goodrich of New York City’s award-winning design firm Goodrich and Kimpton’s Global SVP of Design, Ave Bradley, the property has been transformed into a mid-century dream as The Kimpton Sylvan Hotel welcomes guests into the glamorous world of days-gone-by. THE ROOMS:Featuring 217 spectacularly appointed spaces, the guestrooms at The Sylvan Hotel are incomparably en vogue, designed with simple lines, intriguing textures, and contemporary comforts like apothecary bath potions, Frette linens, cozy bathrobes, and skyline or garden views. And the hotel’s past life as a luxury community has laid the groundwork for an abundance of guest amenities, including: State-of-the-art fitness centerCruiser bikes for breezy ridesSpecial comforts for your petsHosted evening social hourMorning coffee + tea serviceIn-room yoga matsSame-day dry cleaning and laundryPremium Bluetooth speakersDaily newspapers delivered electronicallyFor guests interested in little extra space and flair, the Magnolia Hospitality Suite features unfettered access to the charms of privacy and poolside living. Guests may host gatherings of up to 50 friends amid a modern-meets-retro design, a living room of stylish furnishings and modern technology, and a dining table for ten. A spacious bathroom and queen-size Murphy bed round out the conveniences. For open-air festivities, guests may simply step out onto the adjoining poolside patio and enjoy the Georgia breeze. MEETINGS, WEDDINGS, AND EVENTS:The Sylvan Hotel has over 4,000 square feet of sophisticated meeting and event space – each aptly named for a tree or flower that can be found in Buckhead – built for guests who place a premium on personal service and boutique design. The beautiful 1,900-square-foot Camellia Ballroom – perfect for weddings and large events – accommodates groups of up to 225 reception-style or 125 banquet-style, while two smaller meeting rooms – the intimate Dogwood, with a capacity of 14 people, and the Gingko, which can hold 25-70 – are ideal for board meetings, private dinners or receptions, and small group off-sites. When it’s time for a team gathering — or simply a break from all-day meetings — the hotel has curated a number of local experiences to allow meeting groups to get a feel for the unique culture and flavors of Atlanta. KIMPTON’S APPROACH TO CLEAN:The Sylvan Hotel team is continuing to monitor developments and follow guidance provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Word Health Organization (WHO), and the State of Georgia. In addition to their rigorous standard housekeeping routines, frequency of cleanings has been increased and the team is performing enhanced disinfection protocols in the hotel and all restaurants. Please read more about the hotel’s safety protocols and Kimpton’s Approach to Clean here.

Create: Feb 13, 2021 Edit: Feb 13, 2021 International News

Japan 2020 travel surplus down 79% as pandemic hits inbound tourism

Japan's travel surplus in 2020 shrank to nearly one-fifth of the previous year, the first drop since the balance turned into the black in 2015, as international travel bans amid the coronavirus pandemic had a huge impact on the number of inbound visitors, government data showed Monday. The travel balance, which reflects the amount of money foreign visitors spend in Japan versus Japanese spending abroad, tumbled 79.2 percent to 562.1 billion yen ($5.3 billion) from a record 2.70 trillion yen in 2019 since annual comparable data became available in 1996, the Finance Ministry said in a preliminary report. Still, Japan's travel balance in 2020 logged black ink for the sixth straight year. In 2015, the balance saw its first black ink of 1.09 trillion yen since data compilation began in 1996, following a 44.4 billion yen deficit marked in 2014. Since 2011, when a massive earthquake, tsunami and the subsequent Fukushima nuclear crisis in northeastern Japan helped slightly widen a travel deficit to 1.30 trillion yen, the country's annual travel balance had continued to improve until 2019 with a steady increase in the number of foreign visitors. The reporting year's surplus in the current account, one of the widest gauges of international trade, fell 13.8 percent from 2019 to 17.70 trillion yen, its lowest level since 16.52 trillion yen recorded in 2015. It had increased 5.8 percent the previous year. In 2020, the goods trade balance saw a surplus for the fifth consecutive year, jumping almost eight-fold from the previous year to 3.05 trillion yen. The impact of a 15.0 percent decline in imports due to falls in prices of crude oil and other energy resources surpassed that of an 11.4 percent slip in exports amid sluggish demand for Japanese products such as cars and auto parts due to the pandemic. With the poor performance of the travel balance, services trade, which also includes cargo shipping, marked a 3.54 trillion yen deficit, following the first-ever surplus of 124.8 billion yen in 2019. It was the biggest red ink since the 3.81 trillion yen logged in 2012. The primary income balance, which reflects returns on overseas investments, showed a surplus of 20.72 trillion yen, the fourth largest since 1996, despite a 3.2 percent dip from a record 21.40 trillion yen in 2019, the first decline in four years. Many countries have imposed sweeping travel restrictions in response to the global spread of infections after the virus was first detected in China in late 2019. In 2020, 4.12 million foreigners visited Japan, which has promoted inbound tourism as a pillar of its growth strategy for revitalizing regional economies in recent years, plummeting a record 87.1 percent from 31.88 million in the previous year, according to the Japan Tourism Agency. Japan was originally scheduled to host the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games last summer, but they were postponed for a year amid the pandemic. Largely consisting of tourists from China, South Korea and Taiwan, foreign visitors had kept expanding until 2019, when the figure hit a record high for the seventh year in a row. In December alone, Japan posted a current account surplus of 1.17 trillion yen, more than double the previous year's 544.9 billion yen to mark the 78th straight month of black ink. In the month, the country had a goods trade surplus of 965.1 billion yen and a services trade deficit of 343.5 billion yen. Primary income registered a surplus of 649.2 billion yen.

Create: Feb 8, 2021 Edit: Feb 8, 2021 International News

Rey’s first hotel inaugurated

The first-ever hotel in the city of Rey, southeast of Tehran, was inaugurated on Tuesday on the occasion of Ten-Day Dawn (Jan. 31- Feb. 10, marking the victory anniversary of the Islamic Revolution), ISNA reported. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mohammad Mohammadi Reyshahri, the custodian of the Holy Shrine of Shah Abdol Azim, and Anushiravan Mohseni Bandpey, the governor-general of Tehran province, and several local officials and tourism insiders. A budget of 800 billion rials (about $19 million at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) has been allocated to the project which adds 42 rooms and 108 beds to the hospitality sector of the city, the provincial tourism chief Parham Janfeshan announced on the sidelines of the ceremony. The construction and inauguration of this hotel will lead to the development of religious tourism infrastructure in the city, which will bring more welfare to the pilgrims of the Holy Shrine of Shah Abdol Azim, Janfeshan said. Construction work of the hotel took four years in a piece of land covering more than eight hectares, he added. The history of settlement in Rey dates from the 3rd millennium BC. It is featured in the Avesta (the original document of Zoroastrianism, an Iranian religion) as a sacred place, and it is also mentioned in the book of Tobit, of the biblical Apocrypha, and by classical authors. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Rey was one of the capital cities of the Parthian empire (3rd century BC–3rd century CE). It was captured by the Muslim Arabs in 641 CE. During the reign of the Muslim caliph al-Mahdi in the 8th century, the city grew in importance until it was rivaled in western Asia only by Damascus and Baghdad. Islamic writers described it as a city of extraordinary beauty, built largely of fired brick and brilliantly ornamented with blue faience (glazed earthenware). It continued to be an important city and was briefly a capital under the rule of the Seljuqs, but in the 12th century, it was weakened by the fierce quarrels of rival religious sects. In 1220 the city was almost entirely destroyed by the Mongols, and its inhabitants were massacred. Most of the survivors of the massacre moved to nearby Tehran, and the deserted remnants of Rey soon fell into complete ruin. Rey, however, retains enough history to give it a different sensibility, its key sight is the elaborately decorated Shah Abdol Azim Shrine. Beside the shrine complex is a lively bazaar, while further afield are a couple of minor historical attractions.

Create: Feb 5, 2021 Edit: Feb 6, 2021 Regional News

Iran ready to help restore al-Biruni’s mausoleum in Afghanistan

Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts on Sunday said that the Islamic Republic is ready to cooperate with Afghanistan to restore and renovate the mausoleum of Persian scholar and polymath Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, which is located in the city of Ghazni. Furthermore, Mounesan tasked his deputy for cultural heritage affairs to make the necessary arrangements with Afghanistan for the reconstruction of the mausoleum as soon as possible, CHTN reported. “As the mausoleum has been destroyed and is in a bad condition. And Iranian restorers and experts could soon start the reconstruction and restoration of the historical structure,” the minister added. He also noted that Iranian experts have a worthy knowledge in the field of restoration of the historical and aging monuments and structures; therefore they could be a good asset to their Afghan counterparts. Born in the 10th century in Iran’s Khorasan, Al-Biruni was a Muslim astronomer, mathematician, ethnographist, anthropologist, historian, and geographer. He became the most original polymath the Islamic world had ever known. The top scholar wrote tens of books, most of which were on astronomical and mathematical subjects. His book on Indian culture is by far the most important of his encyclopedic works. Listing his works is relatively easy, for he himself produced an index of his works up to when he was about 60 years old. However, he lived well into his seventies, and, since some of his surviving works are not mentioned in this index, the index is a partial list at best. Adding all the titles in the index, as well as those found later, brings his total production to 146 titles, each averaging about 90 folios. Almost half of the titles were on astronomical and mathematical subjects. Only a minuscule number of his output, 22 titles, has survived, and only about half of that has been published.

Create: Feb 3, 2021 Edit: Feb 3, 2021 Regional News

Hyatt Expands Luxury Alila Brand in the U.S. With Alila Napa Valley

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today an expansion of the luxury lifestyle Alila brand in the United States with the addition of Alila Napa Valley in St. Helena, Calif. Slated to join Hyatt’s portfolio on March 1, 2021, and at this time, scheduled to resume operations on March 15, 2021, the exclusive 68-room adults-only retreat will feature personalized hospitality that celebrates the authenticity of one of the world’s most famous wine regions. Alila Napa Valley will add to Hyatt’s growing Alila brand portfolio, joining Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort, and Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, which is slated to open in March 2021. With 14 distinct properties across six countries worldwide, the Alila brand features luxury hotels and resorts in unique locations, distinguished by innovative design, a strong commitment to sustainable tourism, as well as rare and intimate destination experiences. Surrounded by the pristine home vineyards of the Beringer Estate, Alila Napa Valley will offer guests an exclusive, curated and truly luxury travel experience in the heart of California’s Wine Country. The hotel features award-winning design by renowned design team Yabu Pushelberg using natural materials and a soothing neutral palette that well-complement the unobstructed vineyard and mountain views that face west for idyllic sunsets. The hotel’s 68 guest rooms, including seven suites are appointed with automation controls, marble bathrooms, custom-designed furniture. All guestrooms have oversized balconies or wrap-around terraces with fireplaces and some with an outdoor bathtub. Alila Napa Valley will feature a newly rebranded Spa Alila and Fitness Center, a dramatic outdoor pool that overlooks adjacent vineyards and distant mountains, as well as a seasonally driven restaurant and bar – Acacia House, led by Chef Chris Cosentino – which will feature a local, sustainable menu that reflects the bounty of Napa Valley. The hotel is walking distance from the quaint shops and restaurants in downtown St. Helena and has nearby access to more than 400 wineries, hot air ballooning, the Culinary Institute of America at the Greystone and a variety of experiences curated by the concierge team. “Growing the Alila brand remains a priority for Hyatt and we’re so thrilled to offer guests and World of Hyatt members new, immersive experiences set in the remarkable beauty of California’s exceptional Napa Valley wine country,” said Crystal Vinisse Thomas, Hyatt global brand leader, lifestyle and luxury brands. “As the third Alila destination in California, Alila Napa Valley is poised to provide a personalized approach that will help discerning guests discover what makes the Napa Valley region so special. As a leader in crafted luxury, responsible tourism and transformative experiences, the Alila brand will deliver a refreshing guest experience that is all its own, while embodying a brand ethos that feels right at home in California.” Previously known as Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Napa Valley, the hotel is built around a stately, Georgian-style guesthouse that was originally constructed in 1907 and is now used to house the restaurant, bar and seven guest rooms. The welcoming dining space offers a half horseshoe-shaped bar for sipping and tastings as well as indoor and outdoor seating on a beautiful, covered terrace with towering columns. The hotel’s transformed Spa Alila will invite guests to relax and rejuvenate with transformative and customized therapies and treatments that are reflective of its wine country location. Guests will be able to enjoy various wellness offerings such as daily yoga classes, creative fitness programming, complimentary bicycles and uniquely local offerings such as “mindful wine tastings.” Spa services will be offered within a unique contemporary farmhouse including a lap pool, steam room, couples massage suite and more. Meanwhile, a premium fitness center will be open to guests around the clock with state-of-the-art equipment from TRX and Life Fitness, as well as a yoga studio. Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today an expansion of the luxury lifestyle Alila brand in the United States with the addition of Alila Napa Valley in St. Helena, Calif. Slated to join Hyatt’s portfolio on March 1, 2021, and at this time, scheduled to resume operations on March 15, 2021, the exclusive 68-room adults-only retreat will feature personalized hospitality that celebrates the authenticity of one of the world’s most famous wine regions. Alila Napa Valley will add to Hyatt’s growing Alila brand portfolio, joining Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort, and Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, which is slated to open in March 2021. With 14 distinct properties across six countries worldwide, the Alila brand features luxury hotels and resorts in unique locations, distinguished by innovative design, a strong commitment to sustainable tourism, as well as rare and intimate destination experiences. Surrounded by the pristine home vineyards of the Beringer Estate, Alila Napa Valley will offer guests an exclusive, curated and truly luxury travel experience in the heart of California’s Wine Country. The hotel features award-winning design by renowned design team Yabu Pushelberg using natural materials and a soothing neutral palette that well-complement the unobstructed vineyard and mountain views that face west for idyllic sunsets. The hotel’s 68 guest rooms, including seven suites are appointed with automation controls, marble bathrooms, custom-designed furniture. All guestrooms have oversized balconies or wrap-around terraces with fireplaces and some with an outdoor bathtub. Alila Napa Valley will feature a newly rebranded Spa Alila and Fitness Center, a dramatic outdoor pool that overlooks adjacent vineyards and distant mountains, as well as a seasonally driven restaurant and bar – Acacia House, led by Chef Chris Cosentino – which will feature a local, sustainable menu that reflects the bounty of Napa Valley. The hotel is walking distance from the quaint shops and restaurants in downtown St. Helena and has nearby access to more than 400 wineries, hot air ballooning, the Culinary Institute of America at the Greystone and a variety of experiences curated by the concierge team. “Growing the Alila brand remains a priority for Hyatt and we’re so thrilled to offer guests and World of Hyatt members new, immersive experiences set in the remarkable beauty of California’s exceptional Napa Valley wine country,” said Crystal Vinisse Thomas, Hyatt global brand leader, lifestyle and luxury brands. “As the third Alila destination in California, Alila Napa Valley is poised to provide a personalized approach that will help discerning guests discover what makes the Napa Valley region so special. As a leader in crafted luxury, responsible tourism and transformative experiences, the Alila brand will deliver a refreshing guest experience that is all its own, while embodying a brand ethos that feels right at home in California.” Previously known as Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Napa Valley, the hotel is built around a stately, Georgian-style guesthouse that was originally constructed in 1907 and is now used to house the restaurant, bar and seven guest rooms. The welcoming dining space offers a half horseshoe-shaped bar for sipping and tastings as well as indoor and outdoor seating on a beautiful, covered terrace with towering columns. The hotel’s transformed Spa Alila will invite guests to relax and rejuvenate with transformative and customized therapies and treatments that are reflective of its wine country location. Guests will be able to enjoy various wellness offerings such as daily yoga classes, creative fitness programming, complimentary bicycles and uniquely local offerings such as “mindful wine tastings.” Spa services will be offered within a unique contemporary farmhouse including a lap pool, steam room, couples massage suite and more. Meanwhile, a premium fitness center will be open to guests around the clock with state-of-the-art equipment from TRX and Life Fitness, as well as a yoga studio.

Create: Feb 3, 2021 Edit: Feb 3, 2021 International News

United Arab Emirates travellers banned from UK

The government banned travel to the UK from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Burundi and Rwanda. Officials said the move was to prevent the spread of the new variant originally identified in South Africa into the UK. From 13:00 on Friday, passengers who have been in or transited through the United Arab Emirates, Burundi and Rwanda in the last ten days will no longer be granted access to the UK. This does not include British and Irish nationals, or third-country nationals with residence rights in the UK, who will be able to enter the UK but are required to self-isolate for ten days at home, along with their household. Passengers returning from these countries cannot be released from self-isolation through test to release. There will also be a flight ban on direct passenger flights from the United Arab Emirates. The decision to ban travel from these destinations follows the discovery of a new coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa, that may have spread to other countries, including the UAE, Burundi and Rwanda. Any exemptions usually in place will not apply, including for business travel. British nationals currently in the UAE should make use of the commercial options available if they wish to return to the UK. Indirect commercial routes that will enable British and Irish nationals and residents to return to the UK continue to operate. British nationals should check Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice and follow local guidance. Emirates Following confirmation, Emirates, one of the largest carriers between the United Arab Emirates and the UK, said it remained committed to the market in the long-term. An Emirates spokesperson said: “As directed by the UK government, Emirates will be suspending passenger services between Dubai and all our UK points – Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester - effective 13:00 today, until further notice. “We regret the inconvenience caused, and affected customers should contact their booking agent or Emirates call centre for rebooking. “Emirates remains committed to serving our customers in the UK. “We look forward to resuming passenger services when conditions allow, and will continue to work closely with all relevant authorities in this regard.”

Create: Jan 30, 2021 Edit: Jan 31, 2021 International News

LOT Polish Looks To Boost Tourism With 787 Dreamliner Charters

LOT Polish Airlines, the flag carrier of Poland, aims to drive forward its recovery by placing an even larger focus on tourism in the upcoming months. It is hoping to boost ticket sales via its “Lot na wakacje” (“vacation flight”, with “LOT” meaning “flight”) promotion, but it is also launching cooperation agreements with travel agencies. The pandemic changed LOT Polish’s business model Up until its entire business model came to a standstill last year, LOT Polish Airlines was consistently solidifying its position as a transfer airline in Eastern Europe. It did so via its primary hub in the Polish capital, Warsaw Chopin Airport, and its secondary hub in the capital of Hungary, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. A fundamental feature of this model was LOT’s reliance on passengers who traveled on its services into and out of Warsaw, and to a lesser extent Budapest, but whose journeys did not actually originate or end in either of these two cities. The transfer model looked promising: LOT Polish was profitable, expanding continuously for several years, and it even intended to buy German airline Condor.

Create: Jan 30, 2021 Edit: Jan 30, 2021 International News

Hyatt Announces Plans for the Addition of Three Story Hotels in Sweden

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into franchise agreements with Story Hotels Holding AB to bring three hotels in Sweden under the JDV Hotel brand, helping to grow Hyatt's independent collection brand in Europe. The three boutique hotels – Story Hotel Riddargatan and Story Hotel Signalfabriken in Stockholm, as well as Story Hotel Studio Malmö, Sweden – will all retain their individual hotel names and unique identities. The three Story Hotels will be available for reservation through Hyatt's booking channels and for World of Hyatt members to earn and redeem points for stays starting April 1, 2021. Hyatt's independent collection portfolio is a collection of brands that not only embrace the locations in which each hotel resides, but serve as a gateway to some of the most sought-after destinations worldwide. Each property brings a sense of place to the guest experience in new and unforgettable ways. "We are very excited to bring these three Story Hotels in Europe under Hyatt's JDV Hotel brand portfolio and at the same time grow the Hyatt hotel footprint in Sweden," said Felicity Black-Roberts, vice president development for Europe at Hyatt. "We are focused on thoughtful growth in locations that meet our guests and members needs, and the upcoming addition of three Story Hotels help us fuel this growth in markets like Scandinavia, as we collaborate with owners who want to maintain each property's unique identity. With their strong design focus and neighborhood feel, Story Hotels will be the perfect representation of Hyatt's independent collection in Europe." Story Hotel Riddargatan, Story Hotel Signalfabriken and Story Hotel Studio Malmö are ideally located at the heart of their destinations and each will celebrate the unique neighborhoods in which the properties reside. With modern, Scandinavian design that reflects the edgy nature of both cities, the hotels will offer amenities for both business and leisure travelers. "It was clear at an early stage that Hyatt and Story Hotels had a very similar vision of how modern upscale living should look and feel," said Staffan Åkerlind, CEO Story Hotels. "We are thrilled to introduce the JDV Hotel brand to Europe and Scandinavia and, we are proud to be working with such an experienced, international hospitality company like Hyatt. We look forward to leveraging their experience to offer excellent service to our guests and benefit from their global scale and distribution platform." All three hotels will feature individually designed boutique guestrooms, vibrant public spaces and food and beverage offerings popular with both visitors and locals alike. Boutique in size as a reflection of their urban locations, each hotel will offer complimentary access to local gyms during their stay. Story Hotel Riddargatan, Stockholm An 83-room property widely believed to be one of Stockholm's original boutique hotels, the Story Hotel Riddargatan will have an industrial design to represent the building's former life as an apartment complex, barber shop and garage. The property is centrally located in the Östermalm area with easy access to vibrant neighborhood restaurants, cafés and bars as well as the high-end shopping district. The hotel will also feature a restaurant, Ling Long, specializing in Southeast Asian cuisine, and one indoor and one outdoor bar. Story Hotel Signalfabriken, Stockholm Story Hotel Signalfabriken will feature 83 individually designed guestrooms and a vibrant bar and restaurant, which will host regular DJ performances. Formerly a fire station and town hall, this listed property in Sundbyberg's Torg neighborhood will attract business travelers with meetings in the surrounding areas of Solna, Bromma and Kista. Leisure guests will enjoy the small town feel and abundance of restaurants nearby with quick access to Stockholm's city center in less than ten minutes via the nearby tram, bus and subway lines. Story Hotel Studio Malmö Story Hotel Studio Malmö will feature 95 unique guestrooms, all creative and playful in their design to reflect the young and vibrant population of the city. Situated on the top floors of a high-rise building, the hotel offers spectacular views overlooking the city and water. The hotel is part of the mixed-use STUDIO building, which also houses conference and meeting facilities, corporate offices, retail outlets, several restaurants and a café. With its unique waterside location at Universitetsholmen, and close proximity to Malmö's central station, guests can easily explore the city, and nearby Copenhagen via a 35-minute train ride. The hotel's restaurant and cocktail bar, Kasai in the Sky, will deliver food and drink on Malmö's highest outdoor terrace with views of the ocean and city skyline. Story Hotel Riddargatan, Story Hotel Signalfabriken and Story Hotel Studio Malmö are expected to increase the number of Hyatt hotels in Sweden to four, following the 2020 opening of Stockholm's Hotell Reisen, which is part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand. Fueled by guests' growing desire for unique, differentiated experiences that foster genuine connections with people and cultures, Hyatt recently announced its intention to grow by more than 30 percent in Europe, with a significant focus on developing the footprint of its lifestyle brands.

Create: Jan 29, 2021 Edit: Jan 29, 2021 International News

Wyndham Partners With The Thrash Group to Add Seven Hotels Managed by Charlestowne Hotels

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,000 hotels across 90 countries, today announced plans for further growth with seven new hotel franchise agreements for its namesake, upscale, Wyndham :registered: brand in the U.S. The hotels are owned by national hotel development company, The Thrash Group, and managed by Charlestowne Hotels. The properties include The Thrash Group’s Origin Hotel Collection, consisting of five lifestyle hotels as well as one historic hotel and a brand new construction hotel all of which will operate under the Wyndham umbrella. “We are thrilled to welcome the Thrash Group to Wyndham. Now more than ever hotels can benefit by working with a brand that travelers know and trust that can generate more visitors to an owner’s property,” said Chip Ohlsson, chief development officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Our global sales, marketing and loyalty teams are looking forward to helping more travelers discover these award-winning hotels in historic and sought-after leisure destinations across the country.” “Uniting these hotels under the Wyndham name will help us simplify the operations of our hotels, reduce our costs by leveraging Wyndham’s negotiated discounts with suppliers, and connect us to the award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program,” said Ike Thrash, founding partner, The Thrash Group.

Create: Jan 27, 2021 Edit: Jan 27, 2021 International News

AC Hotel Scottsdale North Opens in Arizona

AC Hotels by Marriott:registered: , the design-led lifestyle brand from Marriott International, announced today the opening of the 165-room AC Hotel Scottsdale North, inviting travelers to experience a stylish hotel adjacent to world-class shopping at Kierland Commons and palm lined storefronts of the Scottsdale Quarter. Located in a desirable shopping and entertainment district in Scottsdale, the anticipated new hotel embodies AC Hotels’ brand promise of going beyond the conventions of travel to create experiences that strike the perfect balance of details that guests want and the services they need.Developed by Host Hotels and Resorts and managed by OTO Development, the hotel introduces purposeful, curated, and elevated style along with AC Hotels’ signature beverage and food programming. Built by general contractor DPR with architecture and interior design services by DLR Group, the design of AC Hotels’ first hotel in Scottsdale draws from the surrounding desert landscape offering reprieve from the sun and evoking the shadow of surrounding mountains. Crisp white accents contrasting the dark architectural backdrop creates a contemporary palette enhancing the European aesthetic of the AC Hotel by Marriott brand. The project is striving for LEED Silver certification.AC Hotel Scottsdale North takes shape with sophisticated and clean-lined interiors offering a respite to the arid desert environment outside. Inspired by the desert at night, the public space celebrates an active and invigorated setting for guests to explore. Black wood tambour walls, and dark chestnut millwork connects the design narrative inside out and reinforces the native desert inspiration. Quality sourced art and timeless, modern touches evoke the feeling of a well-curated gallery. Embracing AC Hotels’ focus on harmonious design and tailored style, the hotel features minimalist guest rooms that allow travelers to use the space in whatever way they see fit.A signature offering of the brand includes an innovative beverage and food program at the hotel’s AC Kitchen, where European-inspired breakfast features signature butter croissants imported from France, artisan cured meats, such as thinly sliced Italian Prosciutto from AC’s iconic Berkel slicing machine, an international selection of cheeses, as well as yogurts and cereals, seasonal fruits and local specialties.The hotel’s AC Lounge:registered: invites travelers and locals to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, local craft beers and wines, and a concise food menu inspired by the tapas of Spain. Of particular note is the hotel’s signature cocktail, the Scottsdale Spire, named for the iconic 125-foot steel and glass spire originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Crafted with vodka, dry vermouth and blue curacao, this specialty cocktail is topped with a sugar “fire” float, creating an entertaining and delicious experience.

Create: Jan 26, 2021 Edit: Jan 26, 2021 International News

Kimpton St Honoré Paris Set for Spring Opening in France

Unveiling a new chapter in its European expansion, IHG:registered: Hotels & Resorts’ boutique luxury brand, Kimpton:registered: Hotels & Restaurants, will open its first property in France this spring. The opening of Kimpton St Honoré Paris will see the brand’s playful and sophisticated design, innovative approach to restaurants and bars, and immersive guest experiences that foster genuine human connections, offer a fresh perspective on hospitality in the City of Light.Kimpton St Honoré Paris will breathe new life into a heritage building which once housed the much-loved luxury department store “Samaritaine de Luxe”. Located on the Boulevard des Capucines in Paris’ Opéra district, the hotel will infuse true Kimpton style, harmoniously blending luxury and creativity across 149 stylish guest rooms (including 24 suites), an indoor swimming pool, gym and a Spa with luxury treatment rooms. Its landmark original 1917 Art Nouveau façade, distinctive staircase and unique elevator will all be thoughtfully restored and celebrated French interior designer Charles Zana is transforming the spaces to bring Kimpton’s elegant and playful design to life within. Hotel interiors will be inspired by 1930’s Art Deco and each guest room will have the feel of a chic, modern, design-centric Parisian apartment, with balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows and thoughtfully-selected works of art.Culinary and cocktail experiences at Kimpton St Honoré Paris will bring a refreshing light-heartedness and authenticity in its service to the neighbourhood, with exciting outlets and Kimpton’s famed daily Social Hour offering the opportunity for guests to enjoy interesting, locally inspired drinks and swap stories. The light-filled ground-floor will see a Californian-inspired restaurant and bar designed by Humbert & Poyet set to combine light, seaside-inspired recipes infused with American generosity. On the tenth-floor rooftop, a terrace bar with 360-degree views of the city will welcome guests for unique cocktails and bites cleverly paired with social moments in mind, set to become as popular with locals as with visitors to Paris.With 25 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Jean-Paul Dantil, who has been appointed General Manager of Kimpton St Honoré Paris, comments: “France is famed for its hospitality, and Paris for its art, design, culture and admiration of originality, so we are thrilled to be delivering Kimpton’s philosophy of relaxed, stylish and uniquely personal service with this magnificent new flagship hotel. The opening of Kimpton St Honoré will bring with it a refreshing sense of joie de vivre, reinvigorating a building associated with traditional luxury and infusing it with a modern approach to indulgence which welcomes, acknowledges and celebrates the individual without the fuss.”Founded in 1981 in San Francisco by Bill Kimpton, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ heartfelt approach to hospitality has translated to unique, design-led hotels across city centres, beachside resorts, and mountain getaways around the world. Kimpton’s recent notable new openings include Kimpton:registered: Maa-Lai Bangkok, Kimpton:registered: Shinjuku Tokyo, Kimpton:registered: Clocktower Hotel in Manchester, UK and Kimpton:registered: Vividora Hotel in Barcelona. The brand is also set to make its debut in Bali this year, and more hotels are in the pipeline for Germany, Mexico, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong and the Netherlands in the next 2-5 years.

Create: Jan 26, 2021 Edit: Jan 26, 2021 International News

Obtaining a health certificate was required for applicants to enter Iran

The Ministry of Health announced; All travelers applying to enter the country from air, sea and land destinations are required to present a health certificate, certified by the competent health authorities of the country of origin in English. If you do not have a health certificate at the destination airport, if you are a foreign passenger, you will not be allowed to enter the country. If the passenger is Iranian, he will be guided to quarantine determined by the Ministry of Health for 14 days at his own expense.

Create: Aug 5, 2020 Edit: Aug 5, 2020 Regional News