India, China, Thailand and Dubai form a distinct focus on the east, with openings by Kempinski, Starwood, Radisson, Hilton and Banyan Tree
Kempinski’s Palm Jumeirah hotel and residences, Dubai
India, China, Thailand and Dubai form a distinct focus on the east, for luxury hospitality titans Kempinski, Starwood, Radisson, Hilton and Banyan Tree
If the numbers are anything to go by, luxury hospitality is having a good year. As recently as last week, the NY Times spoke with Orient-Express and Ritz-Carlton, both of which confirmed business volumes and future bookings were notably ahead of the same time last year, up to 15% in some regions. Many groups have reported significant plans for growth throughout 2011, after an already impressive year of openings as often in Paris, London and New York as Shanghai, New Delhi and Dubai.
The NY Times attributed the resilient performance of luxury hospitality, as reflective of the consumer shift from ‘the joy of accumulating things’ to the joy of accumulating ‘experiences’. A sentiment that seems to have been echoed in the increasing attention to detail in the design of facilities and services in new luxury hotels and spas. This month has been another to focus on the east, as the region continues to lure both business and leisure travellers.
45 Park Lane, London
Dorchester Collection’s latest luxury address has opened in Mayfair this month, comprising 45 contemporary rooms and suites overlooking Hyde Park and a penthouse with panoramic views of London. The hotel has been designed by architect and designer Thierry W. Despont and will open with Wolfgang Puck’s first restaurant in Europe.
Website & Source: 45 Park Lane
Le Meridien Resort & Spa, Koh Samui
Located on Lamai Beach, Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa features an intimate selection of 77 stylish suites and villas, designed in the image of a traditional Asian seaside village. The resort also incorporates a world-class luxury spa, three distinct dining experiences and a 224-metre floating dock that leads to a unique ocean pool.
Website & Source: Le Meridien
Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos VI
Marking the group’s debut in Nigeria, Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel Lagos VI has opened with 170 guestrooms in two unique styles, with all accommodations offering views of Lagos Lagoon or the city. The hotel also incorporates a top-floor business lounge, three restaurants and elaborate wellness area.
Website: www.radissonblu.com
Source: Luxury Hospitality Design
Octavius Tower, Las Vegas
Marking the completion of an $860 million expansion for Caesars Palace, the 668-room Octavius Tower has launched with contemporary luxury guestrooms, suites, and villas, designed by Michael Medeiros of KNA Design. King-sized beds, plush pillow top mattresses, and luxurious Anichini linens compliment decadent living areas with plush velvet sofas, contemporary chairs, and chic stone tables.
Website: www.caesarspalace.com
Source: Hospitality Design
DoubleTree by Hilton, New Delhi
DoubleTree by Hilton has launched in New Delhi-Mayur Vihar, the first upscale, full-service property for the Hilton brand in New Delhi. The 196-room property features wired and wireless Internet access, LCD television, media hub, electronic safe, refrigerated private bar, and iPod docking station in each room. Corporate travellers can benefit from a twenty-four hour business centre, complete with sixteen-seat boardroom.
Website: doubletree1.hilton.com
Source: Luxury Hospitality Daily
88 Xintiandi, Shanghai
Langham Hospitality Group has entered a joint venture with Shui On Land to launch a new luxury brand call 88 Xintiandi, aimed at luxury travellers seeking Asian sophistication and an intimate club-like atmosphere. The British group has taken over the management of an existing luxury executive serviced apartment property, located in the heart of Shanghai. The joint venture is looking to launch serviced apartments, branded residences, and boutique luxury hotels under the 88 Xintiandi brand.
Website: shanghai.88xintiandi.com
Source: Red Luxury
Banyan Tree, Macau
The latest property for Banyan Tree has opened within the $2 billion Galaxy Macau resort complex, with signature villas situated beside the resort’s unique rooftop wave pool. “Banyan Tree Macau is designed for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the excitement of Cotai’s entertainment district, but who still desire their own private sanctuary in which to relax,” said Rudy Oretti, The Banyan Tree Macau’s GM.
Website: www.banyantree.com
Source: Luxuo
Kempinski Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Kempinski’s first beachfront property in Dubai and its fourth property in the UAE has opened on Palm Jumeirah, targeted at high-end travellers and residents for both short and long-term stays. The property consists of 244 exquisite suites, penthouses and villas varying in size between 112 and 894sqm, featuring European-inspired interior design by Godwin Austen Johnson and custom-made furniture, hand-crafted by the Italian company Francesco Molon.
Website: www.kempinski.com
Source: Khaleej Times Online
Movenpick, Bangalore
Launching its first Indian property, Swiss brand Movenpick has launched a hotel & spa in Bangalore. The five-star hotel has been designed as a contemporary business destination whilst also offering exciting leisure opportunities for relaxation, dining and entertainment. Guests can enjoy complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas, and all 182 rooms contain flat screen LCD TV with integrated media systems.
Website: www.moevenpick-hotels.com
Source: Luxury Hospitality Daily
For more in the series of The Latest Hotels, please see our most recent editions as follows:
– The Latest Hotels, Croatia, the Caucasus & Koh Samui
– The Latest Hotels, Paris, Panama, Puerto Rico
– The Latest Hotels, Paris, Amsterdam & Marrakech
