Month: January 2019

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Hospitality bucks December consumer spending trend

Spend dropped 1.0% overall, yet hotels, restaurants & bars boosted by 7.6% increase.

Visa’s UK Consumer Spending Index, compiled by IHS Markit, showed that overall expenditure continued to decline at the end of 2018. The -1.0% year-on-year reduction seen in December was the fastest seen since April, having accelerated from a -0.7% decline in November.

Looking over 2018 as a whole, expenditure has fallen in eight months of the year, underscoring a relatively weak overall picture of household spending. Lower expenditure was largely driven by a disappointing performance by the High Street, as Face-to-Face spending fell -1.6% on an annual basis in December.

This confidence in the currently resilient hospitality sector confirms previous reports of strong spending.

Speaking specifically about the sector’s spending increase from consumers, Adolfo Laurenti, European Principal Economist, Visa, commented:

“An acceleration in spending at hotels, restaurants and bars (+7.6% year-on-year) suggests that some categories of discretionary spending are holding up better than the market as a whole. And the modest pickup in ecommerce point to the resilience of digital channels of distribution, a favorable long-term trend that recent woes have not derailed.”

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Mondrian London, now known as the Sea Containers London

As of today, the South Bank design hotel, Mondrian London will officially become Sea Containers London. Paying homage to the history of the iconic building in which the hotel sits, the new name will also mark the hotel’s independent status, as it will now be managed by Lore Group, as part of its collection of independent hotels.

Sea Containers London will continue to house riverside eatery, Sea Containers Restaurant, as well as the award-winning Dandelyan bar from Ryan Chetiyawardana (AKA Mr Lyan). The hotel also offers a rooftop bar, 12th Knot (formally Rumpus Room), featuring an outdoor terrace providing unparalleled views of the River Thames. The hotel’s acclaimed spa, agua, and Curzon cinema will continue to operate within the hotel as normal.

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Confex partners with Meeting Needs charity

International Confex has confirmed it will be partnering with Meeting Needs in 2019. The event industry charity was founded by leading figures in the meetings and events industry.

Meeting Needs aspires to raise funds for charitable causes relevant to the events industry.

“Meeting Needs is a fantastic charity supporting some extremely worthy causes and it is always great to see the event industry unite, leaving aside all thoughts of competition, to achieve great things.” Liz Agostini, event director of International Confex, owned by Mash Media Group.

The Meeting Needs activation will be based on the incentivised walkway at International Confex where those who wish to support will be required to gather stamps on their Confex ‘passport’.

International Confex has supported Meeting Needs in the past with the pedometer challenge where a donation was made to the charity for every visitor who walked more than 5,000 steps.

International Confex takes place at Olympia London, 26-27 February. Visit www.international-confex.com to register.

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Multimillion-pound refurbishment begins at the Strand Palace

The Strand Palace – one of London’s largest hotels with 785 bedrooms – has started a multimillion-pound refurbishment. Work on the ground floor of the property on the Strand, including the reception, restaurant, bar and tea room, has just begun and is expected to be completed in the summer, these spaces will operate as flexible lifestyle areas

The bedrooms will then be decorated, with completion expected by April 2020.

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2.4% increase for UK Hotels in November

UK hotels saw an increase in both room occupancy and average room rates in November.

Occupancy grew by 0.6 per cent to 79.1 per cent, while there was a 2.4 per cent increase in room rate to £120.03 for the month, according to the latest data tracking full-service hotels from HotStats.

Hotels in the UK have fought back to profitability following a 4.9 per cent year-on-year decline recorded in Q1 2018. The growth in November was led by increases across all revenue centres, including rooms (3.1 per cent), food and beverage (3 per cent) and conference and banqueting (3.2 per cent).

“Whilst other other investment sectors, particularly retail, appeared to wobble ahead of the Christmas break and the unknowns of 2019, the UK hotel market is remaining resilient. The stronger performance in the second half of 2018 means hotel owners and operators in the UK are all set for another year of profit growth following the 5.1 per cent increase in 2017.”

Michael Grove, director of intelligence and customer solutions, EMEA, HotStats

In line with growth across the UK, properties in the challenging Aberdeen market recorded a slight 0.8 per cent increase in profit per room in November.

Hotels in the city saw a 2.8 per cent increase in room occupancy, which grew to 72.5 per cent, as volume in the city maintains its recovery. This was accompanied by a 7.3 per cent drop in room rates to £59.04.

The increase in volume in November helped to drive ancillary revenues, with a 48.7 per cent increase in conference and banqueting.

“It has been a very tough few years of trading for hotels in Aberdeen due to the fall out of demand, as well as increases in supply, illustrated by the poor rate performance this month, which was ahead of only August, However, the fact that hoteliers have managed to generate a profit increase from a fairly substantial RevPAR decline is highly commendable.”

In contrast, properties at the other end of the UK in Bournemouth saw an 8.1 per cent increase in achieved average room rate to £79.72.

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Accor Hotels tell us about their brands

Accor logo

AccorHotels has 35 brands that range from luxury to economy, offering a ‘full suite’ of choice when it comes to hospitality and conference and events venues offering a wide selection of properties to accommodate customers of all budgets.

Within the portfolio there are brands that will meet the needs of big budget events, such as Raffles and Sofitel, to the more modest budget, with ibis allowing for a vibrant and carefree environment to host functions.

Raffles

True luxury is not just about what you do, it’s about how you feel
Guests staying at any of the 12 Raffles properties worldwide will experience illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting guests with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Each Raffles property, be it Paris, Istanbul, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where delegates arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family.

Sofitel – Life is Magnifique

Sofitel St James

Sofitel is an ambassador of modern French style, culture and art-de-vivre around the world. Established in 1964, Sofitel is the first international luxury hotel brand to originate from France with over 120 remarkable hotels in the world’s most sought after destinations. Sofitel exudes a refined and understated sense of modern luxury, always blending a touch of French decadence with the very best of the locale. The Sofitel collection includes notable hotels as Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg, Sofitel London St James, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost, Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema, Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour and Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort.

Fairmont

Turning moments into memories for our guests
Fairmont’s landmark hotels with unrivalled presence, authentic experiences and unforgettable moments have attracted visitors to its destinations since 1907. The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai are but a few of these iconic luxury hotels, forever linked to the special places where they reside. Famous for its engaging service, grand public spaces, locally inspired cuisine and celebrated bars and lounges, Fairmont promises a special brand of thoughtful luxury that will be remembered long after any visit. With a worldwide portfolio of more than 75 hotels, Fairmont also takes great pride in its deep community roots and leadership in sustainability.

Mercure London Bridge

Pullman – Our World is Your Playground

Pullman delivers an experience that is upscale, upbeat and perfectly in tempo with today’s global trends. Against the backdrop of everyday fast paced life, Pullman aims to offer the very best hospitality experience to guests, whether they are leisure or corporate travelers, enabling them to seamlessly explore the locale. Pullman is where the new nomads find inspiration and make connections. Retaining the values of exploration, comfort and dependability that drove it to become a pioneering travel brand over 150 years ago, Pullman today features more than 120 worldwide properties including Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel, Pullman Park Lane Hong Kong, Pullman Shanghai South, Pullman London St Pancras and Pullman Sao Paulo Vila Olimpia.

Novotel – Modern easy living, full service

Providing a multi-service offer for both business and leisure guests Novotel boasts of spacious, modular rooms, 24/7 catering offers with balanced meals, meeting rooms, attentive and proactive staff, kid areas, a multi-purpose lobby and fitness centers. With over 500 hotels and resorts in 59 countries, Novotel properties are ideally located in the heart of major international cities, business districts and tourist destinations.

Mercure – In harmony with people and places

Novotel Heathrow

Mercure is the only midscale hotel brand that combines the strength of an international network with a strong quality commitment and the warm experience of hotels inspired by their local community. Mercure hotels are managed by enthusiastic hoteliers and welcome business and leisure travellers across the world. Present in 63 countries, Mercure has over 790 properties located in city centers such as Mercure London Bridge. Ideal for corporate travellers in London, this property is also the perfect venue for meetings and events offering four flexible meeting rooms for up to 60 people with AV equipment and a dedicated host.

ibis – Well-being at the best price

ibis innovates constantly to offer its guests modernity, comfort and availability. It created the revolutionary bedding concept Sweet BedTM by ibis; welcoming, designer common areas and the modern food and beverage offer, ibis kitchen. It also cultivates the spirit of service that drives each of its employees. Ibis is recognised across the world for its quality, reliability and commitment to the environment. Created in 1974, ibis is now the European leader in economy hotels and the fourth hotel chain in its category worldwide with over 1,150 hotels and 147,000 rooms in 67 countries.

Ibis Hotel Canning Town
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Park Hyatt Mallorca, Michelin Star

As of this coming spring, the five-star Park Hyatt Mallorca Resort located in Canyamel will be offering a new and exquisite menu by the hand of the prestigious chef Álvaro Salazar, who was recently awarded a Michelin Star for his third consecutive year.

This represents a new stage and a new challenge for Salazar, which he says he is anticipating with great excitement and commitment: “The demands I place on myself are my greatest commitment of all, and that’s what brought about the decision to move into the Hyatt. A daring and motivating change that is definitely up to our expectations”.

Salazar, who began his career at prestigious restaurants including Echaurren, Tragabuches, and Sergi Arola Gastro and who was hailed Cook of the Year in Spain and Cook of the Year in Mallorca in 2018, will be landing at the Park Hyatt Mallorca with the team that has been accompanying him for the past few years at Argos: Mario Wolgast as maître d’ and host; María Cano as sous chef; and Sela Priego, who is in charge of baking and desserts.

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Protur Naisa Palma

On 2 January, Protur Hotels will be opening its first urban hotel, the Protur Naisa Palma. A four-star hotel located in the heart of Palma, just a 5-minute walk from the city’s seafront promenade, the Paseo Marítimo, and equally close to the Jaime III shopping district and the cosmopolitan district of Santa Catalina. 

The 99 comfortable, modern rooms of this establishment are soundproof and fully equipped with heating, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and smart TVs, amenities, safes and minibars.

Particularly worthy of mention are the Gastrobar, with an assortment of food; two conference halls furnished with cutting-edge audiovisual equipment; and the Living Room on the 5th floor, a multi-purpose space with views overlooking the city. The upper terrace of the Protur Naisa boasts its SkyBar with an outdoor pool and a chill-out area — a very special gathering place for events and afterwork drinks.

Finally, the Protur Naisa Palma Spa features a wellness centre including a steam room and sauna, a heated pool with jacuzzi and a fitness gym.

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Events under the Moon at The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum will host Museum of the Moon from 17th May 2019, giving event planners the chance to let guests spend an evening under artist Luke Jerram’s illuminated moon.

The art installation, features detailed NASA imagery to perfectly recreate the moon’s surface and has toured the world since its launch in Bristol in 2016 and has been enjoyed at festivals, sporting events and in public spaces.

From 17 May until 8 September, the art installation will be part of the Museum’s temporary exhibitions in the Jerwood Gallery, which can cater for up to 300 for dinner and after hours, event guests can dance the night away underneath the mesmerising lunar glow.