JW MARRIOTT AND RITZ-CARLTON SOON-TO-OPEN IN GALAXY MACAU

With both the JW Marriott Hotel Macau and The Ritz-Carlton, Macau set to open on May 27, 2015, Marriott International, Inc. has announced the official launch of bookings on www.jwmarriottmacau.com and www.ritzcarlton.com/macau. Set within one of the world’s most spectacular entertainment and leisure destinations – Galaxy Macau™ – guests have the option of embarking on an urban escape at Asia’s largest JW Marriott – JW Marriott Hotel Macau, or reveling in the finest personal service and best of Asian luxury at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, the brand’s first All-Suite hotel.

“The opening of these two new hotels at the Galaxy Macau™ integrated resort will redefine the standard of luxury in Macau,” said Rauf Malik, Vice President of Operations at JW Marriott Hotel Macau and The Ritz-Carlton, Macau. “Through this carefully crafted range of opening offers, we will give our first guests a holistic taste of the truly exceptional experiences that these hotels will provide. Our guests can choose to indulge in the simple elegance of the JW Marriott Hotel Macau or immerse themselves in the legendary experience that defines The Ritz-Carlton, Macau.”

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NOTHER U HOTEL COMING TO CHIANG MAI

Absolute Hotel Services Group CEO Jonathan Wigley has announced the second member of U Hotels & Resorts in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The hotel will consist of 140 rooms and suites and set to open in late 2016.

U Nimman Chiang Mai is located on Nimmanhemin Road and just minutes away from the shopping and entertainment area, the most hip and trendy area to visit when in Chiang Mai. The hotel will have a total of 140 rooms and suites, which will be well equipped with deluxe amenities. The overall design of the hotel will be industrial modern with a twist of Lanna influences throughout its interiors. Facilities include an all day dining restaurant with terrace bar, a library, a spa with five treatment rooms, a swimming pool, a gym and large garden area. For meeting and events the hotel will also provide a 720 sqm banquet space plus additional 300 sqm function lawn.

Guests can enjoy and experience the U’s unique concept of service including the 24 hour room which will allow guests to enjoy their room for 24 hours from check in as well as breakfast whenever/wherever during the stay, international and local calls at cost, pre-select amenities such as pillow, tea and soap that guests can select from our online U Choose programme and more.

Jonathan Wigley said “We are very excited to add another U hotel in Chiang Mai in such location as Nimman which is quickly become the social hub of Chiang Mai.”

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DUSIT THANI LAUNCHES IN KRABI

Dusit International and MBK Hotel and Resort have announced the launch of the Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort.



Central garden at Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort

At a signing ceremony jointly presided over by Khun Chanin Donavanik, Dusit International’s Managing Director and CEO, and Khun Suvait Theeravachirakul, MBK Group’s Director and CEO, it was announced Dusit will rebrand the property from 1 July 2015.

The Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort, located on a secluded stretch of the beautiful Klong Muang Beach, will boast a fresh, modern-Thai design that capitalises on the surrounding lush, tropical landscape. The resort will offer 240 spacious and inviting guest rooms, 3 restaurants, 1 bar, 2 beachfront swimming pools, meeting facilities, a Spa, a gym, a club lounge and a kid’s club, making it an excellent choice for leisure travelers and bespoke events.

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INTERSTATE EUROPE ANNOUNCES FOUR APPOINTMENTS TO UK MANAGEMENT TEAM

The UK division of Interstate Europe, part of global hotel management company Interstate Hotels & Resorts, has announced a quartet of senior appointments to its UK management team.

Barry Dawson joins the company as Vice President Hotels Finance; Quentin Neville as Vice President Procurement; Clare Snowdon as IT Director and Caroline Michel as Marketing Director.

Dawson joins Interstate from Macdonald Hotels and Resorts, where he has worked throughout his career in a variety of roles stretching back to the late 1990s where he started as a Hotel Financial Controller, before being promoted through the ranks to Hotels Finance Director, the position he has held for the last five years.

Neville is an experienced independent purchasing consultant/interim who has worked across a range of sectors with a proven track record for delivering profitability via cost control, revenue streams, quality and service, from an effective mix of strategic and tactical activity.

Snowdon is a business led, professional IT Consultant with over 25 years’ experience, the last decade of which has seen her lead her own consultancy. Operating within the hospitality industry internationally in both a business and technical capacity, Snowdon has extensive experience of delivering a range of services to hotel sector clients.

Michel joins Interstate from Halfords, where she was Head of Advertising and Digital Media with accountability for advertising, PR and email marketing. Her previous roles have included strategic planning, advertising and campaign management for National Express and FMCG brand management.

Robert Crook, Interstate’s Managing Director for the UK , said: “I’m delighted to welcome Barry, Clare and Caroline to the Interstate management team. This trio of appointments demonstrate that Interstate is enhancing its the central team in advance of exciting times ahead for the company in the UK as we seek to add to our evolving portfolio.

“Barry is an acknowledged visionary with a proven track record in financial management; Quentin is a dynamic and professional Procurement and Supply Chain leader with extensive experience across many sectors; Clare has extensive experience in designing, developing and delivering corporate IT strategies across all disciplines within time and budget and Caroline is a commercial marketer with strong experience in strategic marketing management who is deploying the skills she has developed in the retail and FMCG sectors to bring a fresh perspective to the hospitality sector.”

“All four strengthen our team, and their individual talents bring expertise in their specialist fields that will directly benefit Interstate clients.”

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DAVID BERNAND APPOINTED GM AT FOUR SEASONS WASHINGTON, DC

David Bernand has been appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, the city’s only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond hotel. Bernand, who served previously at the Georgetown hotel for six years and received three promotions starting as Assistant Director of Food and Beverage to Hotel Manager, is called once again to manage the 222-room Hotel, Seasons Restaurant, BOURBON STEAK, M29 LIFESTYLE, and a diverse staff of more than 450 employees. He is the eighth General Manager at the helm of the first Four Seasons hotel to open in the United States 35 years ago.

“Returning to DC is like coming home. All of the best memories I have with the company are here in Washington. From attending to high-profile clientele to working with loyal staff, each aspect of the operation made a difference in my decision to return to this iconic hotel,” says Bernand.

Leading his seventh renovation with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Bernand is eager to continue evolving the Hotel into a destination on par with the luxury hotels coming to the area and maintaining its position among the world’s best hotels as recognized by Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List 2014, Travel + Leisure World’s Best Hotels 2015 and U.S. News and World Report Best Hotels 2015.  He will oversee the Hotel’s USD 13 million guest room renovation set to begin this summer. “Luxury means convenience, reliability and proactive service. I am committed to creating an exquisite product while focusing on the small details and customer experiences that make our guests feel at home,” says Bernand.

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TWO NEW DIRECTORS OF SALES AND MARKETING FOR MONTAGE HOTELS

Montage Hotels has appointed two new Directors of Sales & Marketing with Craig Schoninger at The Inn at Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina, and James Palank at Montage Kapulua Bay in Hawaii.

James Bermingham, Executive Vice President of Operations, Montage Hotels & Resorts, said: “Both Craig and James have impressive backgrounds and a proven track record of success in the hospitality industry. We are excited to have their leadership at their respective resorts as they will assist in the growth of Montage Hotels & Resorts.”

Craig Schoninger joins The Inn at Palmetto Bluff from The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. During his time with The Ritz-Carlton, Schoninger oversaw properties in South Beach, Palm Beach and Amelia Island.

Schoninger also held the Director of Sales position at Amelia Island Plantation and was pre-opening Sales Manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, where he managed the northeast market. He studied hotel, restaurant and travel administration at Georgia State University.

James Palank joins Montage Kapalua Bay from Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where he was most recently the Director of Sales & Marketing for both The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, plus The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas within The Ka’anapali Resort.

Previously, Palank was Director of Sales & Marketing with The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, where he received the ‘Starwood Sales Leader of the Year’ award within the North American Division in 2013. Earlier in his career, he spent four years with the Trump Hotel Collection as Regional Director of Leisure Sales and served as Vice President of Sales & Marketing with The Trump International Hotel and Tower in Las Vegas.

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KARISMA AND VIACOM TO DEVELOP NICKELODEON HOTELS

Karisma Hotels & Resorts and Viacom International Media Networks have announced the signing of an agreement to develop Nickelodeon Hotels1. A Gourmet Inclusive collection of luxurious family-friendly properties, Nickelodeon Hotels will represent the first and only international hotels for Nickelodeon, one of the most globally recognized and widely distributed multimedia brands for kids.

The deal includes plans to debut Nickelodeon Hotels with the opening of Nickelodeon Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic in late 2016. A second Nickelodeon Hotel will open in Mexico shortly thereafter. Karisma Hotels & Resorts is a luxury hotel collection which owns and manages properties in Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe.

“We are ecstatic to partner with Viacom International Media Networks on the creation of Nickelodeon Hotels, a collection that will embody our shared commitment to deliver family-friendly experiences that are as fun as they are unforgettable,” said Mandy Chomat, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Karisma Hotels & Resorts. “Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ focus on elevated carefree vacations and exceptional service combined with the adventurous spirit and playfulness that define Nickelodeon are sure to make Nickelodeon Hotels destinations unlike any other for guests of all ages.”

ASHLEY SMIT APPOINTED FRONT OFFICE MANAGER AT HILTON DURBAN

Hilton Durban has announced the appointment of Ashley Smit as Front Office Manager.

Markus Fritz, general manager, Hilton Durban, said, “We are very pleased to announce Ashley’s appointment as the new Front Office Manager for Hilton Durban and I look forward to the contributions he will undoubtedly make at Hilton Durban.”

Smit brings 10 years of experience to his new role at Hilton Durban. In his former role as the Assistant Front Office Manager at The Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton, he was responsible for overseeing the front office operations such as the service, quality and overall experience of guests.

“I’ve always had a big heart for hospitality. The rewarding part for me is finding opportunities to connect with our guests. I hope to add value so we can create many more memorable experiences every day,” said Smit.

Prior to Michelangelo Hotel, Smit had a year as front office supervisor at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans in U.S., giving him great international experience. Prior to his year in the U.S., he was with Champagne Sports Resort and the Makaranga Garden Lodge in KwaZulu Natal.

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DAVID DE BRITO APPOINTED RESORT MANAGER FOR KEEMALA

David de Brito is the newest addition to the executive level management of the resort set within the lush woodlands of Kamala, Phuket.

Due to open its doors to guests in the latter part of 2015, Keemala is busy appointing the most talented management to ensure its brand message of ‘Beyond Enchanting’ is delivered seamlessly to its guests.

Malaysian national, David de Brito is an experienced hotelier with his most recent role of Director of Food & Beverage for Cheval Blanc Randheli by Louis Vuitton in the Maldives.

His level of understanding of the luxury market and quality control processes make David the perfect candidate to work alongside General Manager, Dominique Rongé. The general manager comments on David’s appointment, “We’re extremely fortunate to have David head up the team of department managers in Phuket’s most exciting new hotel opening”.

Through his 22 years of extensive hospitality experience, David has also worked in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Doha, Bali and East Malaysia. David has a wealth of experience in pre-opening high-end resorts and Keemala will be his eighth in his career.

David is ever keen to develop and continue his education and is currently pursuing a degree in ‘International Business’ from Penn Foster and was awarded a Diploma in Hotel Management from the Hotel and Catering School of Pennsylvania, USA, as well as studying at Cornell University completing the Restaurant certification program.

Keemala Phuket is set to open in late 2015.

OTTO STEENBEEK NAMED NEW GENERAL MANAGER OF ANDAZ LIVERPOOL STREET HOTEL

Otto Steenbeek has been appointed the new General Manager of London’s five-star luxury lifestyle hotel,Andaz Liverpool Street, with effect from January 15, 2015. 

Otto, a Dutch national and graduate of Maastricht Hotel School in the Netherlands, started his career with Hyatt Regency Dubai in 1988. From there he extensively travelled the world for Hyatt and held various F&B Management positions before becoming General Manager of Hyatt Regency Kuantan in Malaysia in 2001. He has since held General Manager positions at Grand Hyatt Amman in Jordan and most recently was General Manager at Hyatt Regency Mainz in Germany.

Otto looks forward to taking the reins of an Andaz property for the first time. Having held the position of Director of F&B at several hotels, Otto’s love of food and beverage will stand him in good stead at Andaz Liverpool Street, which offers guests a wide variety of options in its five dining outlets from fine dining in 1901 Restaurant & Wine Bar, fresh sushi and sashimi in the Japanese restaurant Miyako, to pub ‘grub’ in George. He has plans to revamp the dining concept throughout the hotel to create a unique East End dining experience. He wants to fully promote the diverse culture of the local area within the hotel, offering guests an authentic and intimate experience of the neighbourhood.

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HORNITOS® TEQUILA EXPANDS ITS PORTFOLIO WITH THE LAUNCH OF HORNITOS® SPICED HONEY

Deerfield, IL (March 18, 2015) – Hornitos® Tequila continues to revolutionize the tequila experience with the introduction of the brand’s newest on-trend offering Hornitos® Spiced Honey, which features 100% blue agave Hornitos® Plata Tequila infused with natural honey flavor and a special spice blend. 

Hornitos Spiced Honey serves up a clean tequila flavor with a touch of floral honey, rich vanilla and a lingering spice finish. The warm, spicy and caramel notes of honey paired with a unique spice blend provide the perfect balance to the citrusy, peppery and earthy notes found in tequila. 

“The unique sweet and heat flavor combination sets Hornitos Spiced Honey apart and makes Hornitos Tequila the first major player to debut a honey tequila product,” said Gary Ross, Senior Brand Director of Tequila at Beam Suntory. “The special spice and honey blend is sure to appeal to tequila fans and those seeking an introduction to the spirit.”

Hornitos Spiced Honey is 70 proof and is currently available in 750ml and 1L, with a suggested retail price of $19.99 per 750ml bottle.

The newest addition to the Hornitos Tequila family has an exceptionally smooth and rich flavor, allowing fans to enjoy it neat, on the rocks, as a shot or in a cocktail. For those looking to enjoy Hornitos Spiced Honey cocktails, here’s a recipe for inspiration:

Spiced Honey Ball

• 1 part Hornitos® Spiced Honey
• 3 parts Ginger Ale
• 2 dashes of Angostura® Bitters

Preparation: Build over ice in a tall highball glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon.

For more information, visit www.HornitosTequila.com, like us on Facebook.com/HornitosTequila, or follow us on Twitter @Hornitos and Instagram @HornitosTequila.

Marriott announces water usage decrease in line with 2020 goal

Marriott has announced its water usage throughout its worldwide hotels has decreased in 2014 by 5.3% over 2013, and 16.3% compared to 2007.

The hotel group announced these figures on Sunday 20th March – the eve of World Water Day. Vice President, sustainability and supplier diversity for Marriott, Denise Naguib, said these figures are in line with Marriott decreasing its water usage by 16% towards 2020.

In 2007, the company set  2020 goals to reduce water consumption by 20% as well as energy reductions of 20% across its range of hotels worldwide, as part of a broader global sustainability strategy.

“We are extremely pleased with our 2014 water intensity results,” Naguib added.

“Water conservation is an area of sustainability where hotels, associates, and guests can directly aid the environment by reducing their water usage, whether it is through the fitting of low flow showers and toilets in guest bathrooms, irrigation systems installed on properties, or guests choosing to not have towels changed every day,” she added.

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Autograph Collection adds Boscolo Exedra Nice to portfolio

Autograph Collection has added a third French property to its collection of 24 independent hotels in Europe, the Boscolo Exedra Nice.  The hotel, originally designed by renowned architect Charles Dalmas, is situated on the Riviera and has been fully restored, replicating the beauty of its former glory years in 1913 and the iconic Belle Époque style of the time.

The recent renovations have been crafted by internationally renowned architects and designers; among them Maurizio Papiri, Massimo Iosa Ghini, Sergio Minorello and Simone Micheli. The lobby is steeped in old-world grandeur and contemporary style with marble columns and hints of sweeping glass that echo early 20th century style. The theme throughout is neutral, with pastel hues in white and cream inspiring a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

The 112 rooms include a Presidential Suite, an Executive Suite and a Boscolo Duplex Suite along with six Junior Suites looking out over the lively Boulevard Victor Hugo. All rooms feature a combination of marble and pale parquet flooring, gilding details, furnishings draped in crisp white linens and fragrant fresh flowers. Designed to offer guests a spacious sojourn in the city, some rooms even feature modular systems that allow the room space to increase to surface areas of up to 130m2.

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Shortage of chefs in the UK

New research has found there’s a shortage of skilled chefs across the UK with nearly 47% of vacancies for chefs proving difficult to fill, due to a lack of skilled applicants.

VisitEngland, the country’s national tourist board, has found chefs made up 21% of all skill shortage vacancies for skilled trades, suggesting businesses are struggling to recruit the skilled chefs they need.

Last week was English Tourism Week (14-22 March) so VisitEngland encouraged young people to enter the industry and in particular, urged them to consider being a chef as a career option during the week’s activities.

Emphasising the work already being done by the hospitality sector to attract young people to take up apprenticeships, the board also urged the entire industry to make greater efforts to recruit more chefs.

English tourism is predicted to be one of the biggest drivers of economic growth for the UK over the next decade. Tourism is already worth £106bn (9% of the total GDP) supporting 2.6 million jobs. By 2025, the value of tourism in England is set to double to over £216bn, providing one in every 10 jobs.

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Starwood adds four new hotels in Mexico

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has announced an agreement with GH Pegasus to open Aloft Tijuana, Aloft Coatzacoalcos and Aloft Poza Rica by the end of 2017, and an agreement with Hoteles Real Chihuahua to unveil the Sheraton Chihuahua Soberano Hotel, a strategic conversion, by November 2015. With these new signings, Starwood will further strengthen its footprint across Latin America and Caribbean while significantly bolstering its presence in Mexico, the largest market for the company in the region.

“We are very excited to continue to expand our reach in Latin America with our fast-growing Aloft brand and Sheraton, our largest brand – both of which continue to be sought-after by investors and guests alike,” said Jorge Giannattasio, Senior Vice President and Chief of Operations for Starwood Latin America and the Caribbean. “2015 is off to a great start, and we are seeing strong growth momentum in the region, particularly in Mexico, which continues to be the key driver.”

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New Moxy hotel at Stuttgart Airport

Property developer GBI AG is constructing a hotel with 176 rooms for the hotel chain Moxy located next to Stuttgart Airport and the trade fair grounds which are currently being expanded. The Swiss SV Group will operate the property.

Moxy Stuttgart

Moxy is part of the US Hotel Group Marriott and is primarily aimed at the new generation of travellers and young-at-heart guests, who appreciate a modern lifestyle and an excellent price-performance ratio. For them, the new Moxy in Stuttgart promises to be a special attraction e. g. by it artistic design (generous wall-art areas, stylish design furniture), spacious lounges, snacks and drinks available around the clock plus high-quality technology equipment. The latter includes, inter alia, free computer usage including Wi-Fi, Apple TV, as well as public meeting areas with writing walls and presentation screens.

“For us it is a special honour to implement such an innovative concept in day-to-day operation,” says Beat Kuhn, Managing Director of the Hotel Division of the SV Group. “Moxy combines first-class comfort and a stylish, lively atmosphere, and it creates a special kind of self service. This is tailor-made for travellers who at any time of the day and without delay wish to avail themselves of the services on offer.”

The SV Group already operates in Switzerland and in Munich hotels of the Marriott brands Residence Inn, Courtyard by Marriott and Renaissance.

“The positive experience we have made with the SV Group was ultimately crucial to opt for this cooperation at our Stuttgart project”, explains Markus Lehnert, Regional Vice President International Development at Marriott. The location in the south of Stuttgart is the most dynamic area in this already very strong economic region. There, a hotel with our concept fits perfectly.”

Every third hotel guest in Stuttgart comes from abroad – by far the largest group from the United States. These guests are often on the look-out for hotels that belong to a US brand and offer a corresponding bonus program.

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Hilton to rebrand Hotel Nikko Tokyo

Hilton Worldwide has announced the signing of a management agreement with Tokyo Humania Enterprise Inc. to re-brand Hotel Nikko Tokyo and manage the hotel as Hilton Tokyo Odaiba. On October 1, 2015, the property will be converted and unveiled as a new Hilton hotel, joining Hilton Worldwide’s existing portfolio of 11 operating and pipeline hotels in Japan and expanding the global hospitality brand’s footprint in the country.

To be rebranded as the Hilton Tokyo Odaiba

Rob Palleschi, global head, full service brands, Hilton Worldwide, said, “Japan has always been a key market for us and we are delighted to add Hilton Tokyo Odaiba to our portfolio which now spans across key destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Okinawa and Fukuoka. Hilton is one of the most recognized brands in Japan and we look forward to providing both Japanese and international guests with the perfect stage to form memorable travel experiences with this new addition.”

“This signing underscores both the Hilton brand’s strength in Japan as well as our management capability, borne out of having operated here for more than 50 years, to drive exceptional experiences for both guests and owners,” said Andrew Clough, senior vice president of development, Middle East & Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide. “We look forward to partnering with Tokyo Humania Enterprise Inc. to launch Hilton Tokyo Odaiba as a strong addition to our portfolio. As we look ahead, it is important to add that we are thrilled at being able to play a part in supporting Japan’s efforts to deliver a showcase for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic & Paralympic games.”

A great base for leisure and business travelers, Hilton Tokyo Odaiba is strategically located in the waterfront area of Odaiba. Its immediate vicinity is a popular entertainment and shopping area featuring shopping malls, amusement park, bay cruise and parks with scenic views of the Tokyo Bay area. Hilton Tokyo Odaiba is well served by major roadways and train lines. It enjoys excellent accessibility to key business and commercial districts including Shinagawa and Ginza, and is approximately 8.5 kilometers away from the Marunouchi business district and 16 kilometers away from Tokyo International Airport (Haneda).

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J Peter Lynn promoted to Area General Manager at Hilton

Hilton San Diego Bayfront’s General Manager has been promoted as Area General Manager for San Diego by Hilton Worldwide.

J Peter Lynn began his career in hospitality more than 30 years ago. Lynn has a proven record of driving business at numerous properties and successfully managing multi-million dollar projects. In 2008, Hilton San Diego Bayfront opened under Lynn’s management, and since then the hotel has achieved numerous recognitions and awards. Most recently Hilton San Diego Bayfront was named the ‘#6 Top Meeting Hotel in the US’ by Cvent and one of the ‘Best Places to Work in San Diego’ by the San Diego Business Journal. Prior to his tenure at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Lynn served as General Manager of The Palmer House – A Hilton Hotel, where he spearheaded the property’s $170 million-dollar restoration.

“Along with his many years of experience, J Peter Lynn brings an innovative perspective to every property he has opened or renovated,” says Timothy A. Benolken, senior vice president, hotel operations, Hilton Worldwide. “As San Diego continues to rank as a top destination in the U.S., we are confident Lynn will lead our hotels into being the top choice for every traveler.”

In addition to continuing to be the day-to-day general manager for Hilton San Diego Bayfront, where he was named Sunstone Hotel Investors’ 2012 General Manager of the Year, Lynn will also oversee Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Diego Mission Valley and Embassy Suites La Jolla.

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Nicolas Vienne appointed Executive Chef at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita

With the transfer of Thierry Papillier to the soon-to-open Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca,  award-winning French chef Nicolas Vienne joins the team at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita in the position of Executive Chef.

Previously holding the role of area executive chef with Sofitel in the company’s Guangzhou Sunrich property in China, Chef Vienne has spent the last 15 years developing his career in a variety of increasingly senior positions across three continents, having also penned three international recipe books. Training opportunities under the guidance of Michelin-Starred chefs Alain Ducasse and Eric Briffard at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris allowed Chef Vienne to master complex techniques from a young age, leading to him being awarded a Michelin Star while Head Chef of Café Moderne, Paris in 2004.

Commenting on his appointment, Chef Vienne says: “I am thrilled to be joining Four Seasons, especially in such a wonderful location as Mauritius. Harmonious diversity, of both culture and ethnicity, define the island and this makes for a fascinating food scene. I look forward to discovering more of Mauritius and to leading a great culinary team here at the Resort.”

First appointed as an executive chef in 2001 in Boston, Chef Vienne’s career has taken him to Beirut, Florida and the South Pacific islands of New Caledonia and Bora Bora, before arriving in Asia in 2007. Over the last seven years, Chef Vienne moved across the continent with Sofitel, beginning as the pre-opening executive chef in Shanghai, before accepting the position of culinary designer in Bangkok and subsequently, area executive chef in Guangzhou to oversee five of the company’s hotels in the region.

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Nottingham – Gateway hotel marks DoubleTree’s 25th property in UK

DoubleTree by Hilton has begun welcoming guests at its 25th hotel in the UK – DoubleTree by Hilton Nottingham – Gateway. The hotel is operated under a franchise with Exceptional Resorts and Hotels (UK) Ltd, which will manage the hotel. Renovations began in 2013 with an estimated investment of £5.5 million.

The new hotel houses 105 guestrooms and suites, with 250 parking spaces. The guestrooms include a comfortable bed, modern en suite shower room, and complimentary in-room tea and coffee making facilities, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi and hardwired access. In the morning, guests are invited to a Wake Up DoubleTree BreakfastTM, which offers both healthy and hearty options to start the day.

The guestrooms at DoubleTree by Hilton Nottingham – Gateway include a modern ensuite shower room and complimentary in-room tea and coffee making facilities.

John Greenleaf, Global Head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “Having introduced DoubleTree by Hilton to the strategic UK market in 2008 it is a great pleasure to welcome DoubleTree by Hilton Nottingham – Gateway to our portfolio, marking our 25th trading hotel. Nottingham adds a fantastically diverse location to our portfolio, giving guests the chance to visit a number of attractions, including impressive sports grounds, and explore local literary heritage, before returning to a delicious meal and a warm bed at our newest hotel.”

Guests have the option to enjoy gourmet food at the hotel’s Blossoms restaurant, which offers picturesque views over the moat. Set in the heart of the building, the restaurant is bright and fresh with designs of natural wood, marble and foliage, and serves both a set menu and an a-la-carte option. Guests can unwind in the Topaz Bar, which serves drinks and snacks until late, or order from the in-room dining service. A further option, The Lobby, is designed in the style of a beautiful Victorian conservatory, and serves a charming afternoon tea.

In Nottingham, guests can visit the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest; or visit Newstead Abbey, the ancestral home of Lord Byron. The city is home to popular sports grounds Nottingham Forest Football Club and Trent Bridge cricket ground, as well as the National Watersports Centre, which has seen a boost in popularity since London hosted the Olympics in 2012, and it is now where a number of top Olympic athletes train.

Mandy Goldsmith, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Nottingham – Gateway said, “I am very excited to be opening the doors to the public after two years of renovation. DoubleTree by Hilton is celebrated for its industry-recognized CARE culture, which promises to Create a Rewarding Experience for guests. The hotel is built in a wildlife haven, surrounded by woodland, which offers guests a quiet and restful stay, whilst also remaining central to tourist attractions and travel opportunities.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Nottingham – Gateway, can be found at Nuthall Road, Nottingham, NG8 6AZ.

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