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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Martin Chetty appointed Executive Chef at Hilton Durban

Hilton Durban has announced the appointment of Martin Chetty as executive chef.

Markus Fritz, general manager, Hilton Durban, said, “We are excited to see what Martin can bring to our culinary team. His versatility and passion for food will undoubtedly reflect positively on his peers and his extensive experience throughout Southern Africa will provide new twists and innovation to our food offering.”

Chetty brings more than a decade of local and international experience to his new role at Hilton Durban. In his former role as executive chef at Southern Sun, Waterfront in Cape Town, he was responsible for all food outlets, including banqueting and room service.

“I love working with different ingredients that create new and exciting dishes. Cooking is about creating an experience and I hope that my new flavors and approach will create memorable moments for all our guests,” says Martin Chetty.

Prior to Southern Sun Waterfront, Chetty’s experience has taken him to Sun International Gaborone, The Vineyard and The Bay Hotel in Cape Town. His impressive career includes working at five-star hotels and restaurants around South Africa.

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Timothy Wolfe new General Manger of Revere Hotel Boston Common

Pyramid Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Timothy Wolfe as General Manger of Revere Hotel Boston Common. A Pyramid veteran with more than a quarter century of experience in the upscale levels of the hotel industry, Wolfe is responsible for all operations at the landmark boutique hotel on Boston Common, including overseeing sales and marketing efforts and assuring all the comforts of a second home-style experience for guests.

“Tim is a seasoned veteran of Pyramid Hotel Group and a strong industry leader with extensive experience, and I am pleased to have a leader of his caliber overseeing the Revere Hotel Boston Common,” said Jim Dina, Chief Operating Officer of Pyramid Hotel Group, which manages the property.

Wolfe has spent the past three years as Area Managing Director for Pyramid, responsible for 750 guest rooms and $38.5 million in annual sales through the hotel group’s Colorado properties including Denver Renaissance, Antlers Hilton in Colorado Springs, and The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the dedicated team of associates at the Revere Hotel Boston Common,” said Timothy Wolfe, General Manager of the Revere Hotel Boston Common.

Among many accolades received during his career, Wolfe was the Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association’s Hotelier of the Year in 2011. He has also been deeply involved in communities throughout his career, including serving as Chairman of the Board for Colorado Tourism from 2012-2013 and acting as co-founder of the post-adoption resource Journey to Me.

A native of Dayton, Ohio, Wolfe earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management from Ohio State University.

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Former Sala Baï instructor wins award for Best Restaurant in Cambodia

Owner-chef Joannes Riviere collected an award in Singapore on Monday night when his restaurant – Cuisine Wat Damnak – was named the Best Restaurant in Cambodia and at the same time it entered the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list at number 50.

Joannes Riviere is a former culinary instructor at Sala Baï hospitality school in Siem Reap and he maintains a close affiliation with the school.

It’s the first time a Cambodian restaurant has been included on this prestigious list. On collecting the award at a gala party at Capella resort on Monday night, Riviere said: “I’m honoured, it’s really a great achievement.”

“It’s going to be great for Siem Reap,” Riviere added. “It definitely puts Siem Reap on the culinary map internationally. It’s good for Siem Reap, but it’s also good for Cambodia.”

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants is the regional edition of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, which was launched in 2002 by the UK’s Restaurant magazine.

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list is voted on by members of regional panels and together these form an academy of almost 1,000 industry experts, including chefs, restaurateurs, gourmands and food media.

“There’s no reason why Vietnam and Thailand are culinary destinations and Cambodia is not,” Rivière said. “But it’s always the same: you think about everything you read about Asia …and they never mention Cambodia. It’s like there is a big black hole on the map in Asia.”

“But I think that’s changing,” he added. “Cambodia is definitely worth visiting when it comes to food. We have the products. We have the culinary culture. We have everything people could want. I just think we’re not the best at promoting ourselves here in Cambodia, especially in Siem Reap.”

Rivière originally came to Cambodia in 2003 to volunteer as a cooking instructor at Siem Reap’s Sala Baï i Hotel School before becoming the executive chef at Hotel de la Paix (now the Park Hyatt). He was born in France in a region called Roanne which is known for its cooking and his family were organic vegetable growers who supplied their produce to some of the area’s better restaurants.

Growing up in this environment has obviously influenced Rivière and he now demonstrates an authentic Cambodian cuisine where he focusses on local produce and creates dishes which use traditional Cambodian flavours.

“I’d like to see the award as a message to Cambodian chefs,” Rivière said. “This proves that you don’t have to use imported products like foie gras and so on; that it’s possible to have a world-class restaurant with a menu based on local products.”

“Young Cambodian chefs need to start to pay attention to their grandmother’s cooking and the products around them,” he said. “The government should also support farmers to grow local produce and, in restaurant schools, there should be a Cambodian culinary curriculum controlled by the government. Otherwise, in 20 years’ time it will be lost.”

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VOILÀ Hotel Rewards and GuestCentric partner to increase customer loyalty for independent hotels

VOILÀ Hotel Rewards, the world’s number one loyalty program for independent hotels, has partnered with GuestCentric to dramatically increase customer loyalty in select independent hotels and hotel groups.

Many independent hotels still rely heavily on OTAs and the commissions they demand cut into profit margins. In addition to driving longer and more frequent stays, loyalty programs are proven to motivate guests to “shift channels” away from OTAs to direct bookings on hotel websites, allowing independent hotels to compete more effectively with the global chains. Furthermore, loyalty programs attract the corporate market, which is generally very difficult for independent hotels to penetrate without a robust loyalty program.

GuestCentric is a cloud provider of all-in-one digital marketing software designed specifically to help hotels protect their brands, drive bookings and connect to their customers on all digital platforms. The company provides a booking engine and channel management connectivity, which, when combined with the VOILÀ Hotel Rewards white-labeled loyalty platform, integrates directly into several hundred hotel systems, including SiteMinder’s Channel Manager and more than 50 Property Management Systems (PMS), including Opera PMS.

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Bartech to showcase latest minibar innovation

Bartech, one of the leaders in automatic minibar solutions for the global hospitality industry, will introduce its latest concepts in minibar innovation at the upcoming HI Connect Design 2015.The three-day show will take place at Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort from March 25-27.

Bartech says it will showcase its latest products at the show in nine specialty design ‘vignettes’created by some of the industry’s top design firms. The customisable Bartech minibars are created to maximise revenue and save hoteliers time and money through increased efficiency. Enhancing the ambience of each room setting, Bartech’s automatic minibars will furnish designers with the latest in minibar style and functionality.

All feature tailored design options, along with a choice of five methods of central server communication between the minibars and hotel’s property management system. To streamline hotel operations, simplify inventory control and minimise loss, Bartech’s automatic minibars feature infrared, magnetic or micro-switch sensor technology that notifies the PMS when an item has been removed.

The fully customisable Bartech minibars are created to maximise revenue and save hoteliers time and money through increased efficiency. Enhancing the ambiance of each room setting, Bartech’s automatic minibars will furnish designers with the latest in minibar style and functionality. All feature tailored design options, along with a choice of five methods of central server communication between the minibars and hotel’s property management system. To streamline hotel operations, simplify inventory control and minimize loss, Bartech’s automatic minibars feature infrared, magnetic or micro-switch sensor technology that notifies the PMS when an item has been removed.

“Bartech remains committed to providing hoteliers with the leading and most innovative automatic minibar solutions available within the hospitality market today”,said Bruno Agrario, Bartech’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. ” We are honored to take part in HI Connect Design each year, in order to demonstrate how the ability to enhance the style and environment of a hotel property can go hand-in-hand with increased revenues, convenience and efficiency, through the use of automatic minibars.”

Bartech is the only automatic minibar vendor to offer fully customizable design options. Models can be built to any size and specification to blend with guestroom décor and can be customized with choice of wooden or glass door with the hotel’s logo.Bartech products are also widely recognized for their advanced technology features, including the use of micro-switch sensors that can detect an item’s weight, and web based minibar management software that can keep track of guest room purchases from any location.

For more information about Bartech’s range of automatic minibar solutions, contact Bruno Agrario at +1-702-335-2318, email bruno@bartech.com or visit www.bartech.com.

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Resense Spa offers Elemental Herbology products

Global spa management company, Resense Spa, will offer guests of the Kempinski hotel suites a new spa experience with the exclusive launch of the Elemental Herbology Suite line of products.

The new range of products, all labelled ‘prescribed by Resense,’ are designed to pamper guests with detoxifying bath salts and purifying botanical soaps.

In keeping with Elemental Herbology’s core philosophy, the products are packed with nutrients and natural therapeutic plant oils and botanical extracts. As well, they are all 100 per cent free from synthetic fragrance and colours, parabens, sulphates and mineral oil.

Samples of the new range are available for review, so if you are interested in receiving a collection to sample, email to Sophia Davies at sdavies@prco.com or call on +44 (0)20 7259 1100  For more information visit www.prco.com/uk

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Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach welcomes new Executive Chef Tory Martindale

The veteran Four Seasons chef Tory Martindale is the new Executive Chef of Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, overseeing all of the Resort’s culinary operations including three distinct restaurants as well as the resort’s weddings, meetings and special events business.

Coming to Palm Beach from Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler, where he was Executive Chef for the past five years, Chef Martindale has a more than 20 year illustrious career with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Having worked his way up through the ranks and gaining experience in Santa Barbara, Nevis, Vancouver and Dublin, the British Columbia-born chef headed to Whistler on task force for the 2010 Winter Olympics and it wasn’t long before his talent earned him the Executive Chef role.

Just a few highlights of his accomplishments in Whistler that will fit in perfectly within Palm Beach include building a 2,200 square foot (186 square metre) rooftop garden, a separate mushroom garden, growing micro greens in the kitchen, launching and branding Sidecut steak house, creating a hugely successful summer BBQ and music series and leading the charge on a variety of charity events.

To sum up Chef Martindale’s eclectic cooking style, the food he loves to create is that which provides a true eating experience, with flavours that are full and exciting. He enjoys creating healthy clean food, but also loves making heavy indulgent food. From a beautiful thin crust Italian style pizza to a killer grilled clubhouse sandwich, a Japanese noodle hot pot, a veal tenderloin with foie gras or a scallop and truffle ravioli, his goal is to create truly amazing and fun food for guests to enjoy.

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Ilija Manevski named Director of Food and Beverage at The Hotel Zamora

The Mediterranean-inspired The Hotel Zamora, which debuted last summer as St. Pete Beach’s first new hotel in more than 20 years, welcomes Ilija Manevski as Director of Food & Beverage. In his role, Manevski will oversee daily operations of the hotel’s food and beverage division, including Castile Restaurant, named one of Tampa Bay Times’ “Top 50 Restaurants” for 2015.



Manevski brings more than 21 years of hospitality industry experience to The Hotel Zamora, adding a whole new level of dining, room service and wine knowledge to the St. Pete Beach community. Having worked in some of the finest venues in Chicago and northeast Florida, Manevski elevates dining to an art form, where service, atmosphere, food and wine intermingle to form a feast for all the senses.

“Joining a hospitality concept as progressive and fresh as The Hotel Zamora is a very exciting career move,” said Manevski. “Every day brings an opportunity to be creative, and I hope that my vision, experience and passion for this industry will inspire our culinary team to create memorable experiences for all guests and friends who dine with us.”

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Heidi Bergos new DoSM at Hotel Irvine

Heidi Bergos, previous director of sales & marketing for Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa, has been named the new director of sales and marketing at Hotel Irvine, a recently reopened and renovated 536-room Orange County hotel owned and operated by The Irvine Company.

With nearly 25 years of experience in the hotel industry, Bergos has worked in sales and marketing, with expertise in group and transient sales, team building and productivity and performance management as well as generating and leveraging revenue.

In her new position, she will head up all sales and marketing activities for this new lifestyle hotel located in the heart of coastal Orange County – developing and overseeing group and leisure sales and marketing initiatives including advertising, collateral, social media and public relations.

“Heidi is a seasoned hospitality and travel industry professional, and we are thrilled to have her join our team,” General Manager J.D. Shafer says. “She has a stellar track record in hotel sales and marketing and will be a key addition to our staff as we continue to raise brand awareness of Hotel Irvine as a modern, tech savvy and community friendly spot to stay and do business.”

Bergos comes to Hotel Irvine with an extensive background in the hotel industry, with a lengthy resume including executive level positions at The Charles Hotel in Cambridge, Mass.; Le Meriden Cambridge, Cambridge, Mass.; and Stonebridge Companies in Englewood, Colo., where she directed sales and marketing efforts for ten full-service hotels. In addition, she was a director of sales and marketing for Starwood Hotels, working with such brands as Westin and Sheraton. She started her career at Hyatt Hotels & Resorts as a sales manager for The Hyatt Regency DTC in Denver and The Hyatt Regency Chicago

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Mehdi Eftekari appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel New York

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has announced the appointment of Mehdi Eftekari as General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel New York. Eftekari arrives at the IM Pei landmark and Four Seasons flagship at an opportune moment, amid a hotel-wide renovation including the opening of the new TY Bar and the recent the launch of the Hotel’s new event space FIFTY7.

A 27-year veteran of Four Seasons, Eftekari originally joined the company as Food & Beverage Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills shortly after the property opened in 1988. In 1992 he relocated an hour south to become Hotel Manager of the former Four Seasons Hotel Newport Beach, and four years later was named General Manager. In 2004, Eftekari rejoined the Los Angeles hotel as General Manager, and from there headed cross-country to take the helm at East 57th Street on the edge of Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

“I always told myself if I ever left California it would be for New York City,” says Eftakari. “When the opportunity presented itself, I raised my hand.”

Eftekari’s appointed to New York came just a few days short of this 30th year in the hotel industry in Southern California. A native of Tehran, Iran, he arrived in the United States to study first English at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, then business management and marketing at Louisville University, Kentucky, from which he earned a bachelor’s degree. Unable to break into management in the corporate sector, he followed his lifelong passion for food and beverage to become assistant manager of a hotel restaurant at the Louisville address of an international hotel group in 1980. Soon enough, he was relocated to the Pacific Coast – and there he stayed.

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Ritz-Carlton coming to Melbourne

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. and Fast Consortium (FEC), an Asian property developer, have signed an agreement for the development of The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne located at 250 Spencer Street in the UNESCO city of literature.

The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne will be the centrepiece of an urban mixed-use project in the central business district which will include residential apartments and retail shopping.  With 250 rooms, the statuesque luxury hotel will be the highest in Australia, with floors located from level 64 to 77 of the building with dramatic views from all sides. The project will commence construction next year and is designed to include restaurants and a host of services and facilities for which The Ritz-Carlton is known.

Vibrant and multicultural, Melbourne brims with galleries, cafes, restaurants and a lifestyle that give Australia’s second-largest city a distinctly European feel. There is an active music and arts scene and Melbourne is home to the Festival for International Arts, the International Comedy Festival, Fringe Festival, Food and Wine Festival and the Indigenous Arts Festival.    

A unique feature of the city center is Melbourne’s famed laneways – designed for horses and carts in the Victorian era – but since the 1990’s they have undergone a renaissance. Today, they offer a wide variety of pedestrian experiences ranging from urban art, fashion boutiques, hidden lounges, rooftop bars and live music.

Last year, FEC announced that it is developing a Ritz-Carlton at Elizabeth Quay in Perth, Australia.  Today’s announcement marks the second luxury hotel slated for The Ritz-Carlton in the country and demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing exceptional hotel experiences in the major cosmopolitan cities of Australia.

“We are honored to partner once again with Fast Consortium on a second, spectacular project in Australia,” said Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton. “We look forward to welcoming Ritz-Carlton guests from around the world to a sensational high-rise hotel in Melbourne, a rich and intriguing city.”

FEC Chairman, David Chiu commented “We believe Australia has plenty of opportunities in the tourism industry.  The country has many unique offerings which are driving the growth in tourist arrivals.  We are delighted to bring this international luxury brand to Perth and now Melbourne.”

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TripAdvisor launches Guide to Writing Helpful Reviews

TripAdvisor has unveiled an online travel review guide with useful review-writing tips based on a survey of over 100,000 travelers and hospitality business owners*.

“Reviews have become a powerful tool; travellers around the world rely on reviews to help them plan and book their holidays. In fact, more than half will not make a booking decision without reading reviews from others**, says Barbara Messing, Chief Marketing Officer, TripAdvisor. “And hospitality businesses are listening – 70% of businesses have taken steps to improve their quality of service thanks to reviews left by travellers.”

“With more than 200 million reviews and opinions and growing on TripAdvisor, we wanted to provide new and seasoned reviewers with insights from our passionate community – from what motivates them to contribute, to the top tips for writing helpful reviews,” she adds.

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Glass of wine trumps sex and social media among global travelers

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts has revealed the results of a newly commissioned survey on global wine and travel trends as part of the brand’s signature premium wine program, Sheraton Selects Wine program. The survey found that after a long day, one out of every two people would reach for a glass of wine (48%), rather than their smartphone/tablet (15%) or even their spouse (15%).

The research was conducted by market research firm, StudyLogic and surveyed respondents from the United States, Germany, China, Chile, and Argentina. The study is timed with the next installment of the ongoing Sheraton North American wine series, Sheraton Selects Spotlight on Pinot Noir, which launches this week.

The survey took a closer look at the wine habits, taste preferences, spending habits and social influences of today’s global traveler. The results not only provided valuable insights into the close relationship between wine and travel, but also uncovered some surprising statistics showing where wine stacks up among life’s other indulgences—such as sex, social media, smartphones, the spa, and the gym.

‘Unwined’

Wine plays an important role in relaxation both at home and while traveling.

• Respondents would be most likely to give up their smartphone for a day (29%), sex for a week (23%), or their social media accounts for a week (23%), in return for a premium highly rated glass of wine
• After a long day, one out of every two people would reach for a glass of wine (48%), rather than their smartphone/tablet (15%) or even their spouse (15%)
• Wine is the most desirable way to unwind while traveling (57%), beating out the spa (23%) and the gym (12%)

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Manathai Khao Lak resort officially opened

Independent Thai hospitality group Manathai Hotels & Resorts‘ ability to tap a deeper, authentic Thai experience is embodied in Manathai Khao Lak – the latest addition to a beachfront collection of inimitable boutique resorts which held its grand opening on February 27, 2015.

The opening follows the launch of the Manathai Hotels & Resorts group in November 2014 at World Travel Market and the opening of a worldwide-centralized sales office in Bangkok, with Manathai Khao Lak joining Manathai Hua Hin and Manathai Surin Phuket in the unique collection, with Manathai Koh Samui set to open in the second quarter of this year.

Manathai Khao Lak

Like the other Manathai-managed properties, Manathai Khao Lak introduces guests to a visually captivating and culturally vibrant destination, as well as a stylish and charming resort inspired by the surrounds and flavours.

“Manathai Hotels & Resorts understands that individual travellers, families and couples want to engage with a destination on their own terms,” Manathai Hotels & Resorts Chief Operations Officer, Christoph Berger said. “They crave individuality, choice and authenticity – and that’s what we deliver.”

Located on a pristine coastline overlooking the Andaman Sea and 90-minutes drive from Phuket International Airport, Manathai Khao Lak is a window to nature at its finest: cave kayaking in Phang Nga Bay, diving at the world renown Similan Islands and trekking in Khao Sok National Park, featuring the world’s oldest evergreen forest. It has 158 beautifully appointed and spacious rooms, starting at 48sqm in size.

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Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul Golden Horn opens March 31

For centuries Istanbul’s famous Golden Horn has captivated traders, invaders and travellers from all over the world with its photogenic panoramas, vibrant culture and dramatic history. Now celebrating the wonder of this glorious past is the 136-room Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul Golden Horn, which opens on March 31 offering travellers a contemporary comfort zone in the heart of the city.

The hotel is located on Istanbul’s historic peninsula just 10 minutes away from the Old City’s famous historic highlights, 10 minutes from the Haliç Congress Centre, 16 km from Atatürk International Airport and is convenient for Istanbul’s most important business districts and shopping areas.

“Turkey has an ambitious future vision and that is why we are always looking for fresh opportunities in this dynamic country,” says Jean Gabriel Pérès, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. “Our brand of Swiss upscale hospitality resonates strongly with customers here and we see Turkey as playing a key role in the continued success of our company’s global expansion.”

The new Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul Golden Horn enjoys a privileged parkland position – with stunning views of the famous water-front and city – as well as boasting contemporary design flourishes that reflect the area’s rich history. “This location is not only rich with history but also perfectly located for the needs of contemporary travellers whether they are travelling for business or leisure,” says Ola Ivarsson, Chief Operating Officer, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts in Europe. “I’m proud to say the Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul Golden Horn is our second hotel in Istanbul and our fourth hotel in Turkey following the success of our award-winning 5-star Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul and our properties in the capital of Ankara and the port city of Izmir.”

- See more at: http://ehotelier.com/news/properties/2015/03/17/movenpick-hotel-istanbul-golden-horn-opens-march-31/#sthash.uwnqshk8.dpufa

Hilton expands in Canada

Hilton Hotels & Resorts today announced the reflagging and reopening of the former Delta Meadowvale Hotel and Conference Centre® in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada as the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale.  The hotel was recently acquired by a private Canadian real estate investment group with the sale brokered by the Toronto office of CBRE Limited, a global real estate advisory firm.  The hotel will be managed by Hilton.

The hotel, located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada’s sixth largest city will be renamed as Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale.  Nestled on 15 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland of the Meadowvale Business Park, the hotel is only 15 minutes from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, one of North America’s busiest Hubs.

“We are thrilled to expand our presence in Canada with the addition of Hilton Mississauga/ Meadowvale, and we welcome this spectacular new property to our growing global portfolio,” said Rob Palleschi, global head, full service brands, Hilton Worldwide.  “Its superb location within Meadowvale Business Park and close proximity to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport enhances its existing reputation as Mississauga’s premier convention hotel.  Along with its sister properties, Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa, Hilton Toronto and Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel, the new Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale will bolster the brand’s presence in the Greater Toronto Area.”

Post copied from: See more at: http://ehotelier.com/news/properties/2015/03/18/hilton-expands-in-canada/#sthash.8znmdtoD.dpuf

Ruwan Peiris takes Regional GM role for IHG in Australia

nterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has appointed Ruwan Peiris as Regional General Manager for New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Victoria. In his new role, Ruwan will be responsible for the management of thirteen IHG hotels, the National Convention Centre Canberra and Parliament House Catering by IHG.

Ruwan, who holds an Associate Diploma in Hotel Management, joins IHG with over 20 years of experience in Australia’s hospitality industry. He was most recently Area General Manager with Accor Hotels, where he was responsible for the operational performance of hotels across New South Wales, the ACT and the company’s properties in Darling Harbour. During that time Ruwan also played a key role in integrating Mirvac Hotels & Resorts into the group whilst driving the company’s reputational growth on a national level.

Having started his career overseeing food and beverage (F&B) operations, Ruwan’s experience in F&B comes at a strategic time for IHG which is focused on enhancing dining experiences for its guests and customers.

Karin Sheppard, Chief Operating Officer, Australasia, Japan & Korea, and Franchising for AMEA, said: 

“Ruwan has a stellar reputation in the industry as an engaging and authentic leader who delivers outstanding operational performance and prides himself on developing strong owner relationships. We’re thrilled Ruwan is joining our Australasia team – he is one of the first new leadership hires I’ve made since taking on the role of Chief Operating Officer and I know he will be a key part of IHG’s story in the market going forward.”

Post copied from: See more at: http://ehotelier.com/news/people/2015/03/17/ruwan-peiris-takes-regional-gm-role-for-ihg-in-australia/#sthash.VkbnDYKf.dpuf