February 2015
Hotelier & Hotel Design Magazine
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Boutique luxury on the wild side The Mansion at Port Lympne Reserve has opened its doors to guests as a new boutique hotel. Located in beautiful grounds which are home to many rare and endangered species, this will be the only hotel to be found inside a wild animal park, offering guests a truly unique experience. The Edwardian Mansion is also steeped in history, having once been a private home visited by the likes of Sir Winston Churchill, Prince Edward and Mrs Simpson and Lawrence of Arabia. The living quarters have now been transformed into six individually decorated bedrooms and suites for visitors to relax in while enjoying unrivalled views across the Romney Marsh and English Channel, before waking to the sounds of exotic wildlife. Inspired by their unique settings, the suites include: Rex Whistler Room Named after the artist, designer and illustrator who decorated the Tent Room in the 1920s (which can still be seen today), this bedroom above the entrance enjoys charming views across the unique hippo water feature. original built-in wardrobes and en-suite bathroom, the room includes a king size sleigh bed. Chaplin Bridal Suite Indulge in a stay in this romantic bridal suite, with private sitting room, original luxurious marble bathroom and king size bed. With a colour scheme to compliment the indulgent bathroom and views of the sunrise, couples are sure to adore this beautiful suite on the night of their wedding. Charlie Chaplin was a regular guest at the Mansion in the 1920s, when he would enjoy parties and himself entertain fellow visits. Sir Herbert Baker Room A beautiful twin bedroom with views across the south terrace and Romney Marsh and extending to the English Channel, this room is inspired by the man who designed the original house, taking inspiration from the Dutch colonial style. Guests can relax in their own en-suite or doze on their individual sleigh beds.
Sir Herbert Baker Room A beautiful twin bedroom with views across the south terrace and Romney Marsh and extending to the English Channel, this room is inspired by the man who designed the original house, taking inspiration from the Dutch colonial style. Guests can relax in their own en-suite or doze on their individual sleigh beds. Sir Winston Churchill Room A regular guest at the Mansion – indeed within the Churchill Collection are many paintings of the grounds by the great man – it is only right this famous leader is celebrated in the name of a room. With a colour scheme inspired by the vibrancy of the southern terrace, this bedroom looks out over the grand pond and cascading fountain. It also includes a king size bed and en-suite. TE Lawrence Room Another famous visitor, Lawrence of Arabia names this bedroom to the west side, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy evening sun from the king size four poster bed (without canopy). With a colour scheme prompted by the evening autumnal light, the room overlooks the famous Lime Tree Avenue, Trojan Steps and West Terrace. with other guests – cheered on by residents who had never before seen aeroplanes. Sir Philip Sassoon Bridal Suite This politician and art collector was the original owner of the Mansion, having commissioned its creation shortly before the First World War because he needed a home in his constituency where he could live for two months of the year during the is named in his honour. Couples can indulge in beautiful sunsets and enjoy the comfort of a four-poster canopy super king size bed. The suite also includes private bathroom and dressing room. The renovation of these rooms and suites has helped restore the grand building to its original purpose, providing an elegant and luxurious escape. Sam Lloyd, Hospitality and Events Manager at Port Lympne Reserve, explains: “I’m very excited about the renovated Mansion as it starts its life as a hotel, weddings and events venue for the people of Kent and beyond. “The Mansion’s early life was as a home where parties were thrown and guests could then spend the night, so I am particularly proud to be able to return the property to its original use.” opportunity to combine a relaxing and luxurious retreat with a wild day of safaris and animal experiences as the package includes entrance to Howletts Wild Animal Park as well as Port Lympne Reserve. In addition, afternoon tea or picnics will be offered on selected weekdays and Sundays, as the perfect way to relax after a day exploring. The transformation of the Mansion into a boutique hotel was the ultimate step in Port Lymnpe Reserve’s plans to create a truly unique safari resort, which already offers family glamping at Elephant Lodge, VIP luxury at Livingstone Cottage and an authentic African safari at Livingstone Lodge. This is soon to be followed up with plans to create a new Tree House Hotel, a luxurious treetop retreat offering breathtaking views across the park; and Pinewood, an immersive overnight experience for school children. The latter will be in close proximity to the animal enclosures, giving guests the real feeling of camping in the wild. In addition, a new restaurant that allows guests to take freshly made pizzas and a selection of other delicious food to their tents was opened for the 2014 season.
For further information and to book please visit www.aspinallfoundation.org/short-breaks or call 0844 855 0274.
Oscar Wilde Bar
As you walk in to the Oscar Wilde Bar you feel like you have been transported back in time with the architecture of the room with its rich deep reds and gold with mirrors round the entire room. The room its self is small but the mirroring giving it a much bigger feel so much so you are in a French revolutionary period grand ball room. The main features in the centre of the room are the bar area and on the other side a marvellous Grand piano which is used for acts and part of the black cat cabaret. We were shown to our seat by the very attentive front of house staff and made to feel at easy and very welcome. The menu is a lovely small selection of foods that caters for everyone’s taste. Sea food, meat and vegetarian options are all available. The drinks and wine list are also very extensive. The lobster cocktail was for starters the tail meat served in the shell on a bed of lettuce with lemon dressing topped with Mary Rose impeccably with the lobster head also on display. The Course that followed was succulent lamb skewers served accompanied the lamb was like a satay but was very light and not over powering. This was not too sweet or nutty it was just right and fusion style dish. The last course was recommended to me by our waiter. The summer fruits cheese cake. From what I was told by the waiter the cafÊ royal kitchen is known for the cheese cake as the seasons the summer, strawberry and passion fruit. This dish is truly amazing, From the biscuit base, the light sweet moose like top and the lemon sorbet served on the side gave the right balance of sweet of the moose and acidity of the lemon which you need to get right. Needless to say the chef again blew us away with this dish. This was a truly unforgettable dining experience with the atmosphere of the room, the great front of house staff and the sensational food all contributing to a truly amazing evening.
www.hotelcaferoyal.com
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, Paris 1896 - PALAIS IÉNA: A STEP BACK IN TIME
neighbourhood. Located between the statue of George Washington and the Eiffel Tower, the site was selected by the prince for its proximity to the Seine and its strategic
Originally built in 1896 as the home of French imperial Prince Roland Bonaparte, the most historic areas of the former Palais Iéna were listed in 2009 with French institution Monuments Historiques, an initiative undertaken by the Shangri-La group. Today, the iconic building once again welcomes Parisians and world travellers within its
and social scenes. The prince commissioned architect Ernest Janty, renowned for his reconstruction work at the Louvre and Tuileries palaces for Napoleon III, to design an elegant home and reception areas for receiving notable guests.
his residential palace to Parisian society. Palais Iéna: The Private Residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte
Throughout the four years of construction from 1892-1896, Parisians, since it was a blend of architectural styles from both the 17th and 19th centuries, known simply as “eclectic style.”
The rediscovered history of the building and its cultural all began in May 1891, when Prince Roland Bonaparte bought nearly 3,000 square metres (33,000 square feet)
Steiner and Houguenade, who also rose to fame for their craftsmanship on the Louvre and the Tuileries Palaces, featuring the family coat of arms (lion heads and antlers).
The palace was divided into two distinct wings: The Iéna wing comprised the family residence and reception halls, accessed from 10 avenue d’Iéna, facing north. The ground level featured a two-storey ceiling and mansard roof with bullseye glass windows to draw in light, and a courtyard entryway and ornate gates ensured a private, residential feel to the expansive palace, a characteristic the building retains even today despite its bustling location. carriages, followed by meticulous reception in one of the three reception salons, which included a fumoir and a billiard room styled in Greco-Roman design. The foyer, whose alcoves today compose the hotel lobby, the Pyrenees, the Alps and Tuscany. Guests entered in the centre of a rotunda whose vaulted ceiling featured zodiac symbols, which still remain today. The Fresnel wing comprised the prince’s extensive library, study, and collections of art, accessed from rue Fresnel,
facing south. As in a private castle, the building’s two wings are joined together by a vestibule and a secondary staircase in addition to a Staircase of Honour. Designed by Ernest Janty and crafted from forged steel and polished brass by the Moreau brothers of the Château of Chantilly fame, the staircase embodies the grandeur of the estate. A bronze statue of a child holding a torch still stands today before the staircase, which leads to the residential salons and the prince’s library on the upper level. Past the library, entering from the rue Fresnel, one notes a superb arcade of masonry, specially crafted to house the prince’s stables.
www.shangri-la.com/paris
Venue Profile
ALIVAR, HARD ROCK HOTEL & IBIZA
Hotelier & Hotel Design
A perfect combination!
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A successful partnership, the perfect combination that brings together ALIVAR exclusive furniture and the legendary Hard Rock Hotels and Cafes brand, all with the incredible island of Ibiza as the backdrop. >>
Hotelier & Hotel Design
www.alivar.com 11
Venue Profile << This is a five-star hotel that is the result of close collaboration between ALIVAR and a high-end Spanish hotel group that manages a large number of hotels around the world. The views from the hotel are incredible and the rooms provide a sensory experience bolstered by the comfort and elegance of the furnishings. ALIVAR takes great pride and satisfaction at having been able to contribute to the dreams of so many guests: to be able to relax and enjoy the unique and fascinating style of the hotel while immersing themselves in the magical atmosphere of the island. In fact, every corner of the hotel has been designed to ensure that guests have a memorable stay. The exclusive rooms, decorated with the famous collection of personal and original items from legendary music icons, match perfectly with ALIVAR furniture. The products selected for this prestigious collaboration include: the PORTOFINO sectional sofa, the T-GONG and HARPA side tables and the RADAR table, all designed by architect Giuseppe Bavuso. Internationally renowned, ALIVAR has brought significant projects to fruition all over the world through its Contract Division. It has furnished public buildings, banks, museums, theatres, cruise ships, and even bars, restaurants, hotels, residences and more.
Hotelier & Hotel Design
The quality of its production, its productive flexibility and its efficient organisation are the strengths that allow ALIVAR to make such Contracts. ALIVAR draws on the resources of its region and environment as the source of its exquisite leather goods and workmanship, based on artisan values while staying innovative and cutting-edge. This is why ALIVAR has the honour of being "100% Made in Italy", a prestigious certification that only few Italian companies are awarded, and which certifies all of the raw materials and semifinished products as all being of Italian origin, products that are the result of 12 traditional artisan craftsmanship.
www.alivar.com
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, AT THE SHARD, LONDON OPENS The doors to London’s most anticipated hotel opened today with the unveiling of Shangri-La Kingdom – Shard, London.
Shangri-La Hotel, At The
Celebrating Shangri-La’s Asian heritage, the hotel’s opening ceremony began with the traditional ‘awakening of the lion’ and a colourful dance procession, which was by Mayor of London Boris Johnson. The Mayor was joined by Lord and Lady Coe and international dignitaries. Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London is the Hong Kong-based hotel group’s 83rd hotel and third in Europe, following the openings of Shangri-La Hotel, Paris and ShangriLa Bosphorus, Istanbul in 2010 and 2013, respectively.
Hotelier & Hotel Design - August 2014
Located in the tallest building in Western
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hotel. It offers unrivalled views of London in every direction, overlooking such landmarks as the Houses of Parliament, Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The hotel is also River Thames and is conveniently positioned minutes from The City of London. “The sweeping views from Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard provide an entirely new perspective on London. It is a spectacular setting in which to introduce our signature said Shangri-La President and CEO Greg Dogan. “The master architect Renzo Piano had amazing vision with his design of The Shard. We’ve created a unique hotel that complements the iconic building and makes
The spire-shaped, glass-clad Shard is a 306-metre-high “vertical city” located on the historic South Bank of the River Thames. The modern building provides the perfect foil for the hotel’s elegant, contemporary design, which drew inspiration from the rich cultural offerings of London’s vibrant art, fashion and entertainment scene and Shangri-La’s Asian heritage. Every one of the hotel’s 202 guestrooms and suites has a view, and the rooms are amongst the largest in London, averaging more than 42 square metres (452 square feet). They feature Chinese art reinterpreted in a modern, abstract way alongside a soothing colour scheme and mood lighting. All offer the exclusive “Shangri-La Bed” featuring patented body-contouring technology, marble-
highest and Acqua di Parma amenities. Complimentary Internet access, one of Shangri-La’s signature offerings worldwide, is available throughout the hotel, and butler service is offered in all suites.
champagne
and
cocktail
takes its name from 'dougong' – an ancient Chinese structural element of interlocking wooden brackets that will be a component of the bar’s interior. is also home to the 24-hour gym and
The hotel’s Asian touches extend to its three wining and dining destinations. for a living room) serves locally sourced the restaurant and authentic Asian specialities and two unique afternoon teas in the lounge. Láng (the Chinese word for 'pathway') is a patisserie showcasing a selection of Shangri-La signature cakes and savouries for eatin or take-away along with seasonal
will open this summer. For intimate celebrations, private cocktail gatherings and luxury product launches, the hotel’s three river-facing event spaces offer a London event experience like no other. Located on Level 34, they are connected to the sky lobby by a grand staircase with a vista of St. Paul’s Cathedral and beyond.
A triangular site between Old Compton Street and Moor Street in the beating heart of Soho: tricky to top for the whole West End experience. Twelve Soho townhouses connected across a central well by aerial walkways of glass and steel. It’s early days – the hotel only opened in November 2011 – but rather harsh lighting and severe willing service. There are 85 in total, ship’s cabin-sized and as ingeniously designed: natural pillows and mattresses from Devon, triple glazing – urban life unrolls outside like a silent movie – HD TV, computer and Apple connection, kettle, hairdryer, neat all impress; frosted glass doors lead into monochrome wet rooms with Thierry Mugler shower gel and soap. If skint, go
Z
Who needs a restaurant in this barrio?
Compton Street and serves unusually wholesome hot and cold food for midnight munchies: Mediterranean/charcuterie platters, good coffee and tea. A regular courtyard buffet and barbecue start this summer. At Z Soho, we have designed a new class of hotel accommodation for guests looking for a 1-2 night stay in central London locations - we call it compact luxury. Our room sizes start at 8m2 for a Single, and increase to 13m2 for a Queen room. All rooms include the
Samsung TVs, en suite shower rooms and complimentary Wi-Fi. With rooms starting from under £100, this is designer label without the designer price tag. Situated in the heart of Soho, you
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club are only a minute’s walk from the hotel, and Leicester Square Underground Station can be reached within 3 minutes on foot
soho
New Gourmet Lunch Menu at The Ba Renowned brasserie The Balcon has launched a new all-day lunch menu featuring a selection of playful small plates, a dedicated list of croque monsieurs and options of Market Specials. Perfect for foodies tight on time, the new menu will also provide a ‘Tray Rapide’ option - a gourmet threecourse lunch served in less than 45 minutes. Created by Head Chef Vincent Ménager, the new menu utilises the best of seasonal British ingredients from hand-picked suppliers, transforming them into classic dishes with a French twist. Signature dishes include small plates of Grilled squid and Jersey Royal potato salad, with a parsley lemon pesto (£5); and Braised Angus beef short ribs and carrot bourguignon (£7). Main courses include Native lobster, coquillettes pasta, with clams and an asparagus gratin (£21), and brasserie favourites such as the Cheddar cheese Scottish beef burger, with bacon jam, shallots, and mushroom ketchup (£14). Desserts will once again draw on modern classics such as a Baba, made with Dalmore single malt 12 year old whisky instead of rum (£6). The addition of Small Plates to the menu is ideal for those looking for a lighter meal, and dishes such as the Tart Flammekueche (£5/£10) are perfect for sharing. The list of Croque Monsieurs, include Morbier and asparagus rump with aged cheddar and mustard (£11). The restaurant’s Charcuterie Bar greets guests as they enter the dining room and, with bar stools overlooking the action, it is the perfect place to stop in for a quick bite and a glass of champagne. Recently appointed General Manager Nicolas Pesty said: “The Balcon has always been a place where the traditions of Paris are brought to life in the heart of London, and the new menu which Vincent and the team have created delivers this on a whole new level. We have kept the tradition of classic dishes, but tried to have a bit of fun with it all, whilst the addition of small plates and croque monsieurs will accommodate London’s appreciation for great food, in a relaxed atmosphere.” The new menu is available at The Balcon now, served between 11am – 11pm. The ‘Tray Rapide’ lunch menu is available between 11am – 2.30pm, Monday to Friday and priced at £18. The Balcon takes its inspiration from a Parisian brasserie with a
www.thebalconlondon.com
alcon Featuring ‘Tray Rapide’ Option
January 2015
Hotelier & Hotel Design Magazine
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