News From Accor Hotels

News from Accor Hotels
News from Accor Hotels

We had a visit from Accor last month and they told us about their plans for the future and updated us on the latest new from their hotels.  They have about 3,500 properties worldwide and are building/acquiring an additional 800 new hotels over the new two years.  Most of this growth will be in Asia, but some will bein Europe and roughly 100 of these will be in the UK.

  • The 4-star Pullman Liverpool Hotel will open in January 2016.  The hotel has great transport links and is located at Kings Dock on Liverpool’s waterfront and is connected to ACC Liverpool. It is a new build hotel with  216 bedrooms.  The maximum capacity of the meeting space is 130 people theatre-style or 150 for a drinks reception.
  • The Mercure Sheffield and the Mercure Mercure Cardiff have just been refurbed
  • The Mercure Hyde Park is due to open in Oct 2015
  • A new MGallery in Leicester Square is currently being build at will openin 2016
  • The Novotel Canary Wharf is a new build, opening date to be confirmed
  • Accor has built The Trocadero in Piccadilly and is going to be made into an Ibis
  • The Novotel Madrid will be opening in November 2015 with 790 bedrooms and 21 meeting rooms.

We will write full report on the hotels when they open, so come back to The Word, for more information in due course.

Venue And Event Security – Download Venuefinders White Paper Now

Venue and Event Security - download venuefinder.com's white paper now
Venue and Event Security – download venuefinder.com's white paper now

Venuefinder.com has published a white paper on Venue and Event Security, which of course is vital to the event industry.  As the threat level in the UK from international terrorism is severe, security and safety at events have never been so important. 


You can download this white paper, which covers a wide array of issues, with advice from ExCeL’s Chief Operating Officer Brian Cole, Showsec Director Simon Battersby, Tactical Support Group, Director Dave Boswell and the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NACTSO).


The topics covered include:

Three Simple Steps to Securing your Venue

Talking Venue Security with ExCeL, Chief Operating Officer, Brian Cole

Outdoor Event Safety & Security A case study: Pickering Traction Engine Rally

Talking Event Security with Showsec Director Simon Battersby

A case study: Camp Bestival

Opinion: Are you in control of your accreditation security?  By Peder Berg, Managing Director of Event Advantage Solutions (EAS)

Rotana Opens Two New Hotels In Istanbul


For meetings and events both new hotels offer a range of event spaces a capacities for a whole host of events. Tango Arjaan by Rotana has five meeting rooms including a ballroom which will open during the last quarter of 2015. The maximum capacity will be 350.  The Burgu Arjaan by Rotana has 4 multifunctional and flexible meeting rooms with a  pre-function area.  The Pool Garden is a venue for outdoor events.


The Tango Arjaan by Rotana has 156 hotel apartments, ranging from studios to two bedroom suites. Guests can enjoy 4 dining outlets from the inter-linked Burgu Arjaan by Rotana. The Burgu Arjaan by Rotana also offers 163 hotel apartments.


For meetings and events both new hotels offer a range of event spaces a capacities for a whole host of events. Tango Arjaan by Rotana has five meeting rooms including a ballroom which will open during the last quarter of 2015. The maximum capacity will be 350.  The Burgu Arjaan by Rotana has 4 multifunctional and flexible meeting rooms with a  pre-function area.  The Pool Garden is a venue for outdoor events.

Situated in the Maltepe district on the Asian side of Istanbul, Burgu Arjaan by Rotana and Tango Arjaan by Rotana provide a tranquil haven from the hustle and bustle of the city center. They are located on Turkey’s longest coastal lane.  Boasting striking design elements, the two hotels have 319 fully furnished hotel apartments divided across two towers. Offering sleek furnishings and panoramic views, each apartment provides all the modern conveniences of a five star hotel property.


The Tango Arjaan by Rotana has 156 hotel apartments, ranging from studios to two bedroom suites. Guests can enjoy 4 dining outlets from the inter-linked Burgu Arjaan by Rotana. The Burgu Arjaan by Rotana also offers 163 hotel apartments.


For meetings and events both new hotels offer a range of event spaces a capacities for a whole host of events. Tango Arjaan by Rotana has five meeting rooms including a ballroom which will open during the last quarter of 2015. The maximum capacity will be 350.  The Burgu Arjaan by Rotana has 4 multifunctional and flexible meeting rooms with a  pre-function area.  The Pool Garden is a venue for outdoor events.


Situated in the Maltepe district on the Asian side of Istanbul, Burgu Arjaan by Rotana and Tango Arjaan by Rotana provide a tranquil haven from the hustle and bustle of the city center. They are located on Turkey’s longest coastal lane.  Boasting striking design elements, the two hotels have 319 fully furnished hotel apartments divided across two towers. Offering sleek furnishings and panoramic views, each apartment provides all the modern conveniences of a five star hotel property.


The Tango Arjaan by Rotana has 156 hotel apartments, ranging from studios to two bedroom suites. Guests can enjoy 4 dining outlets from the inter-linked Burgu Arjaan by Rotana. The Burgu Arjaan by Rotana also offers 163 hotel apartments.


For meetings and events both new hotels offer a range of event spaces a capacities for a whole host of events. Tango Arjaan by Rotana has five meeting rooms including a ballroom which will open during the last quarter of 2015. The maximum capacity will be 350.  The Burgu Arjaan by Rotana has 4 multifunctional and flexible meeting rooms with a  pre-function area.  The Pool Garden is a venue for outdoor events.

The Rotana hotel group has recently opened two new hotels in Istanbul, the Tango Arjaan by Rotana and Burgu Arjaan.  Rotana, is a leading hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa and this will be its first foray into Turkey.


Situated in the Maltepe district on the Asian side of Istanbul, Burgu Arjaan by Rotana and Tango Arjaan by Rotana provide a tranquil haven from the hustle and bustle of the city center. They are located on Turkey’s longest coastal lane.  Boasting striking design elements, the two hotels have 319 fully furnished hotel apartments divided across two towers. Offering sleek furnishings and panoramic views, each apartment provides all the modern conveniences of a five star hotel property.


The Tango Arjaan by Rotana has 156 hotel apartments, ranging from studios to two bedroom suites. Guests can enjoy 4 dining outlets from the inter-linked Burgu Arjaan by Rotana. The Burgu Arjaan by Rotana also offers 163 hotel apartments.


For meetings and events both new hotels offer a range of event spaces a capacities for a whole host of events. Tango Arjaan by Rotana has five meeting rooms including a ballroom which will open during the last quarter of 2015. The maximum capacity will be 350.  The Burgu Arjaan by Rotana has 4 multifunctional and flexible meeting rooms with a  pre-function area.  The Pool Garden is a venue for outdoor events.

The Rotana hotel group has recently opened two new hotels in Istanbul, the Tango Arjaan by Rotana and Burgu Arjaan.  Rotana, is a leading hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa and this will be its first foray into Turkey.


Situated in the Maltepe district on the Asian side of Istanbul, Burgu Arjaan by Rotana and Tango Arjaan by Rotana provide a tranquil haven from the hustle and bustle of the city center. They are located on Turkey’s longest coastal lane.  Boasting striking design elements, the two hotels have 319 fully furnished hotel apartments divided across two towers. Offering sleek furnishings and panoramic views, each apartment provides all the modern conveniences of a five star hotel property.


The Tango Arjaan by Rotana has 156 hotel apartments, ranging from studios to two bedroom suites. Guests can enjoy 4 dining outlets from the inter-linked Burgu Arjaan by Rotana. The Burgu Arjaan by Rotana also offers 163 hotel apartments.


For meetings and events both new hotels offer a range of event spaces a capacities for a whole host of events. Tango Arjaan by Rotana has five meeting rooms including a ballroom which will open during the last quarter of 2015. The maximum capacity will be 350.  The Burgu Arjaan by Rotana has 4 multifunctional and flexible meeting rooms with a  pre-function area.  The Pool Garden is a venue for outdoor events.

Rotana opens two new hotels in Istanbul
Rotana opens two new hotels in Istanbul

The Rotana hotel group has recently opened two new hotels in Istanbul, the Tango Arjaan by Rotana and Burgu Arjaan.  Rotana, is a leading hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa and this will be its first foray into Turkey.


Situated in the Maltepe district on the Asian side of Istanbul, Burgu Arjaan by Rotana and Tango Arjaan by Rotana provide a tranquil haven from the hustle and bustle of the city center. They are located on Turkey’s longest coastal lane.  Boasting striking design elements, the two hotels have 319 fully furnished hotel apartments divided across two towers. Offering sleek furnishings and panoramic views, each apartment provides all the modern conveniences of a five star hotel property.


The Tango Arjaan by Rotana has 156 hotel apartments, ranging from studios to two bedroom suites. Guests can enjoy 4 dining outlets from the inter-linked Burgu Arjaan by Rotana. The Burgu Arjaan by Rotana also offers 163 hotel apartments.


For meetings and events both new hotels offer a range of event spaces a capacities for a whole host of events. Tango Arjaan by Rotana has five meeting rooms including a ballroom which will open during the last quarter of 2015. The maximum capacity will be 350.  The Burgu Arjaan by Rotana has 4 multifunctional and flexible meeting rooms with a  pre-function area.  The Pool Garden is a venue for outdoor events.

Hilton Malta Announces Major Refurbishment

Hilton Malta has announced a major refurbishment programme. All 293 of the hotels deluxe bedrooms will be taking on a fresh new look and a large terrace overlooking the Mediterranean sea will also be added to extend the lobby area. The main restaurant and the Quarterdeck Bar will also reflect the new look of the hotel.The hotel will be closed for 10 weeks between the 6th February and the 10th April 2016 for the refurbishments to be carried out. Hilton Malta looks forward to hosting events within the refreshed property during the second quarter of 2016.

Hilton Malta announces major refurbishment
Hilton Malta announces major refurbishment

Hilton Malta has announced a major refurbishment programme. All 293 of the hotels deluxe bedrooms will be taking on a fresh new look and a large terrace overlooking the Mediterranean sea will also be added to extend the lobby area. The main restaurant and the Quarterdeck Bar will also reflect the new look of the hotel.The hotel will be closed for 10 weeks between the 6th February and the 10th April 2016 for the refurbishments to be carried out. Hilton Malta looks forward to hosting events within the refreshed property during the second quarter of 2016.

Best Western International Launch New Soft Brand

Best Western International launch new soft brand
Best Western International launch new soft brand

Best Western International have launched a new brand, called BW Premier Collection. This is for independent hotels to retain their own identity, while using the power of Best Western. The BW Premier Collection will consist of four-star hotels that share a commitment to delivering a quality and unique experience.  First on board is Winchester Royal Hotel and more BWPC Hotels will join the group in the next coming weeks. 

Leicester Venue Refurbishment

Leicester venue refurbishment
Leicester venue refurbishment

Leicester City Football Club has newly refurbished their venue, with over £3 million spent on transforming the club’s conference and event space. Boasting a number of flexible spaces, for 2 to 650 people, the site now has large function suites (500 & 650 delegates), a connecting reception, and 7 lounges – alongside 43 executive boxes, and free Wi-Fi throughout all of the rooms. Alongside these spaces, the club has a central location, close to the M1 and M69, with easy access from all main transport links; 2 miles from Leicester Train Station, 22 miles from East Midlands Airport, and 37 miles to Birmingham Airport.



There are seasonal delegate offers available throughout the year, starting from as little as £22.50.


The Welsh Rugby Union – Millennium Stadium In Cardiff

The Welsh Rugby Union - Millennium Stadium in Cardiff
The Welsh Rugby Union – Millennium Stadium in Cardiff

The Welsh Rugby Union has unveiled its 2019 strategic plan for the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. If approved, the Westgate Plaza project will see a 100-bedroom luxury hotel with conference centre, offices and apartments built overlooking a new walkway into the iconic rugby ground. The WRU is planning 240,000 sq ft of commercial developments on the land it owns around the Westgate Street entrance of the stadium. Welsh rugby’s governing body is promising the scheme will help regenerate a forgotten area of Cardiff city centre – which includes historic and listed buildings such as the former Post Office, the Civil Courts and Cardiff and County Club. If approved, the project will be designed by Alan Francis of Cardiff and London architectural practice Gaunt Francis and could be completed before the end of 2018. The WRU is planning a new walkway into the Millennium Stadium from Quay Street which could be used for events on non-match days and a restaurant beneath the offices. 

York Hotel Refurbishment

York Hotel Refurbishment
York Hotel Refurbishment
This year, the Grand York Hotel has celebrated their 5th birthday alongside recently having been bought by The Splendid Hospitality Group. This change in hands has led to the announcement that they have bought Roman House – next door to the hotel – and plan to extend the hotel, doubling its size. The hotel rooms themselves are one of seven types, ranging from the classic room up to the penthouse; also, thanks to the grade II listing of the building, each bedroom is unique. For events held at the hotel, there are seven meeting rooms of varying size, with facilities such as coffee machines, flat screen televisions and free Wi-Fi. A unique feature to the hotel is the whiskey lounge, which offers over 120 whiskies. Located alongside York’s historic wall, the Grand has a great central location, and enables you to spend your time in the city itself alongside your visit.

Heythrop Park Resort Refurbishment

Heythrop Park Resort Refurbishment
Heythrop Park Resort Refurbishment
Set in 440 acres of the Oxfordshire countryside, the Heythrop Park Resort has two unique hotels on its resort. The recently refurbished manor house, Heythrop Park Hotel, now has 63 new bedrooms, as well as a conference space. In the other hotel, the Crowne Plaza, a state of the art auditorium gives a space that aims to be unique, with ‘wow’ factor. The two hotels together give the resort a total capacity of 360 bedrooms, with 25 meeting rooms, a purpose built conference theatre for up to 400 delegates, a dedicated training wing with six training rooms and five syndicate rooms, and the grade II listened mansion house at its central; plus, Wi-Fi is available throughout all the meeting rooms. Over the resort, there is capacity for 350 pax for residential conferences, and glorious grounds for team building and outdoor areas for creative events. The two venues sit side by side, so the two can easily be combined for events that need more space. Just 12 miles from Oxford, and located near to Blenheim Palace and close to Bicester Village Shopping, Heythrop Park aims to be as convenient as possible.

New Crowne Plaza Opening In Newcastle

New Crowne Plaza opening in Newcastle
New Crowne Plaza opening in Newcastle

The Crowne Plaza Newcastle Stephenson Quarter is due to open on the 1st September 2015, after a £42 million investment. Aiming to be the newest and most stylish upmarket hotel in the City, located next to the Central Railway station and Metro, with direct access to Newcastle International airport.

The hotel has a great position with St James’ Park, home of Newcastle United Football Club, the Centre for Life, the Metro Radio Newcastle Arena and the City’s attractions, shops, theatres and nightlife, all within walking distance. The Quayside, Sage, Tyne Bridge and Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art are also close by. The hotel offers nine state of the art, flexible conference and banqueting rooms with the uniquely shaped Stephenson Suite accommodating over 400 people. The Crowne Plaza Newcastle Stephenson Quarter has 251 bedrooms and suites and a Club Lounge. 



The hotel anchors the up and coming Stephenson Quarter, home of the world’s first passenger train. The Quarter has been developed as a new business and leisure hub in the heart of Newcastle, and will host an exhibition on the key role the area has played in rail transport. The area will also include function space outside the hotel for private hire, giving bookers a great choice for dinners and receptions next to the hotel.