The Crowne Plaza Hamburg – City Alster after its extensive renovation. (Photos: Crowne Plaza)

After renovation worth a whopping €12.5 million, the Crowne Plaza Hamburg – City Alster is the brand’s first flagship hotel in Europe.

Since late 2018, the well-known Hamburg business hotel has been undergoing an extensive €12.5 million ($13.8 million) renovation all while remaining in operation.

Selected as the European flagship hotel for IHG’s Crowne Plaza brand, the Crowne Plaza  Hamburg – City Alster now presents its new global design concept.

In addition to the public areas, the guest rooms, the F&B venues, the hotel’s tech infrastructure and even various elements of the hotel’s signature service underwent a transformation to now reflect Crowne Plaza’s latest global brand standards.

The new Crowne Plaza

Today the four-star superior hotel at Hamburg’s Außenalster offers 291 renovated guest rooms as well as 525 square metres of meeting and events space created in its so-called “New Modern Design Style”.

The hotel’s new epicentre is the lobby’s all-day-bar, The Workspace Plaza. Here, the idea is that guests will meet with friends or business partners, linger over food and drinks, relax or work.

The contemporary meeting and events concept includes nine daylight flooded rooms between 20 and 205 square meters with state-of-the-art technology.

Set in a quiet residential area, the Crowne Plaza Hamburg – City Alster is well-connected to the city centre, the main train station and the airport.

A new hotel hotspot in Hamburg

The hotel in Hamburg is Europe’s first Crowne Plaza flagship with newly designed guest rooms featuring the unique and patented WorkLife range which offers specially designed areas for work, relaxation and sleep.

Sophisticated interior design creates a comfortable ergonomic experience and improved soundproofing and comfortable beds bring a relaxed night’s sleep.

“With this complete transformation, we are entering a new era. We have successfully operated the hotel so far and with this comeback, we have become Hamburg’s new hotel hotspot and are highly competitive once again,” says Hannes Dreher, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Hamburg – City Alster.

Let’s take a look at a few more upcoming hotel projects by Crowne Plaza in Europe:

Remco Gerritsen, the newly appointed General Manager at nhow Amsterdam RAI.

NH Hotel Group appoints GM for the nhow Amsterdam RAI, one of their most ambitious projects to date.

NH Hotel Group has appointed Remco Gerritsen as General Manager of nhow Amsterdam RAI to set up the creative hotel brand in Amsterdam for its 2020 launch.

nhow Amsterdam RAI is the second nhow hotel in the Netherlands and, with 650 rooms and 25 floors, the largest new-build hotel in the Benelux region.

An international industry veteran for the job

Remco Gerritsen, born in the Netherlands, studied Hotel Management at Stenden University in Leeuwarden.

After his studies, he started at KLM as Party & Location Manager, where his career path quickly led to his first position in operations and led him to work for the Golden Tulip hotel brand.

Gerritsen’s international career has taken him to Europe and Asia with PPHE Hotels, Azimut Hotels, IHG Hotels and Maritim Hotels.

After his last position as Director of Operations at Maritim, he now takes the position of General Manager of nhow Amsterdam RAI at NH Hotel Group.

The out-of-the-box work attitude and drive for innovation and continuous improvement have been key factors in the appointment of Remco Gerritsen who is looking forward to expanding the lifestyle hotel brand in the Netherlands.

An eye-catching hub in the centre of Amsterdam

“Nobody can walk past the building and miss it, thanks to the fantastic design by the architectural firm OMA. The interior is also a feast for the eyes. The “The Culture’s Hub” theme lives throughout the hotel – from the lobby to the guest rooms,” Gerritsen says about the new hotel.

“In addition to being a new hotspot for tourists, business travellers and Amsterdam’s residents, the hotel also serves as a headquarter hotel for RAI Amsterdam conferences. My favourite place is the triangular terrace on the 17th floor. From one corner I enjoy the magnificent view of the city, from the other I see the traffic on the A10 passing the Zuidas. The third even offers a view of Zandvoort aan Zee in clear weather. “

Herman Klok, Regional Director of Operations at NH Hotel Group is convinced he has found a good match with Remco Gerritsen as General Manager for nhow Amsterdam RAI.

“With Remco we have brought in a strong leader. In previous positions, he has proven to work well with different partners, a must in this role at a hotel with many different stakeholders. In addition, his hospitality experience in different countries and cultures will contribute to the guests’ experience at the hotel,” Klok said.

The nhow Amsterdam RAI from the inside. (Photos: NH Hotels)

Hilton has now brought Anna Kendrick on board to promote its direct booking campaign. (Photo: Hilton)

“Expect Better, Expect Hilton” campaign with Anna Kendrick continues in 2019 as Hilton reports more guests willing to ditch OTAs and book directly from them.

In recent years, a trend has taken hold within the hospitality industry which has seen hotel groups working hard to woo clients away from OTAs and get them to book directly with them.

This trend has come as a result of a sea change within the industry, as booking online has moved from a novelty two or three decades ago, to the primary means through which guests find and book stays at hotels. This change has meant that the money these guests spend has also moved online.

Where once the fees paid to OTAs for facilitating travel bookings online may have seemed insignificant, this perception has now changed, and, as a result, hotels are working to create a culture of guests booking directly with them.

Hilton’s ‘Expect Better, Expect Hilton’ program

The ways hotel companies are seeking to make these changes are disparate. One which stands out, is Hilton’s “Expect Better, Expect Hilton” program.

This is essentially a marketing campaign which lets guests know more about the extra benefits they receive when they book directly through Hilton’s large family of 17 brands.

Perhaps more importantly, however, Hilton has reached consumers with this message through the help of its first-ever celebrity-focused ad campaign, which stars the actress and singer, Anna Kendrick.

Savvy marketing with Anna Kendrick

What exactly does that campaign look like?

Well, it’s a cheeky marketing campaign, to be sure, one which puts Anna’s personality and multi-generational appeal at the forefront.

It brings the innovative Hilton brand to life and has spurred double-digit growth among leisure travellers who saw the ads and went directly to Hilton’s site or app to book accommodations for their next trip.

“Expect Better. Expect Hilton.” is a campaign to bring the innovative Hilton brand to life.

A success which is likely to spur imitation

How successful has it been? Since the launch of Hilton’s “Expect Better. Expect Hilton” campaign in September 2018 — which lets guests know about a wide range of direct booking benefits, including choosing your room, free Wi-Fi, digital keys, price matching, and more — the consumer response has been significant and positive.

Recent data also shows a significant increase in consumer perception that they are getting the best price when they book directly with Hilton, and, even better, the company has seen a significant uptick in new guests who have not previously stayed with the brand.

Membership in the free-to-join, award-winning Hilton Honors rewards program has at the same time grown to more than 94 million members, a 20% increase over the previous year.

Furthermore, booking intent has increased nearly 10% among people who would normally book through third-party travel companies.

In other words, this campaign has been effective. While there’s only one Anna Kendrick and she’s already working with Hilton, it seems likely that other major hospitality companies will be rolling out similar campaigns soon, potentially with their own celebrity spokespeople attached.

Let’s take a look at a few more Hotel projects by Hilton: 

The US is the leader in global hotel constructions. One exciting project is the W Los Angeles, due to open in 2021.

Over 4,000 hotels are set to open in the coming years… Time to find out more about the hottest hospitality markets!

In the next few years, thousands of new hotels and resorts will open worldwide.

This article reveals which properties deserve special attention and which markets are the most happening.

Continents with solid growth forecasts

Asia continues to grow rapidly with 2,667 projects and 690,917 rooms in the pipeline. Almost half of them are expected to open in China.

North America is in second place with 1,728 new hotels and Europe takes third place with 1,504 openings.

Africa is progressing at a slower pace with 289 projects. Oceania will welcome 233 hotels while 217 hotels will be launched in South America.

According to the TOPHOTELCONSTRUCTION online database 6,632 hotel projects are currently worldwide in progress:

The fastest-growing countries and cities

The United States tops the list with 1,384 projects and 277,837 rooms, followed closely by China with 1,132 new hotels with 275,601 rooms.

In China, especially in Chengdu (54), Shanghai (49) and Hangzhou (39) are growth hubs.

Rather far behind China and the US in terms of the absolute number of properties, Germany and the United Kingdom are in third and fourth place with 380 and 308 hotels in their pipelines, which is remarkable growth for these established markets. As expected, London recorded the largest increase in the UK with 78 projects.

The United Arab Emirates are also expanding strongly with 196 new hotels and 59,056 rooms and are growing their already well-developed market with 140 new hotels in Dubai alone.

In emerging areas such as India, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, 158, 148 and 141 new hotels respectively meet the ever-increasing demand for quality accommodation.

The Saudi capital Riad, for example, is to receive 43 new hotels in the next few years.

The world’s top hotel brands

Marriott International is the world leader with 940 new hotels and resorts and 1,467,539 rooms coming into the market. Hilton Worldwide plans 677 properties with 136,013 rooms.

InterContinental Hotels Group and Accor are also growing steadily with 456 and 407 openings worldwide.

Radisson trails behind its global counterparts with 192 projects in the pipeline.

A closer look at some interesting projects

By 2022, an Eco-Resort complex with several hotels and leisure centres is to be built in Mui Dinh, Vietnam.

This project will have up to 7,500 rooms, be environmentally friendly and bring an economic upswing to a currently less developed region of Vietnam.

In Cairo, preparations for the opening of the new St. Regis Cairo are in the final round. 366 luxurious rooms with views over the Nile and a prime location in the city centre make this hotel unique.

In West Hollywood Marriott is finalising an impressive new property for its lifestyle brand EDITION, set to launch in December 2019. Offering luxury at the highest level, the hotel will feature a rooftop pool, a spacious spa and a restaurant with a Michelin-star chef.

Let’s take a look at a few more hotel projects:

The victim Peter Lalor and the world’s most expensive beer! (Photos: Peter Lalor)

Australian journalist mistakenly charged £55k for one single beer in Manchester

An Australian journalist was left wide-eyed after getting a £55k for one beer at the Malmaison Hotel in Manchester.

We find out what happened with this pricey mistake.

Malmaison mistakenly goes for broke

It’s no secret that prices continue to soar for food and drink across Britain, but one hotel in Manchester takes the cake when it comes to overpriced bevies.

Peter Lalor, an Australian journalist in town to cover the Ashes, almost choked on his beer when he realized that it had set him back more than £55,000.

Lalor, understandably, was gobsmacked, commenting, “Australians find England pretty expensive usually, but this takes the cake. That’s a lot of money. I’m just a cricket writer, I don’t earn big bucks and it’s costing me in interest.”

However, the Malmaison Hotel cannot really take credit for serving what could possibly be deemed as the most expensive beer in history, as the incorrect amount was charged to Lalor’s card.

The beer, a Deuchers IPA, should have cost £5.50, but the bartender inadvertently tapped a few extra zeros into the machine when charging the journalist, who got a bill for £55,315.12 instead.

Investigation and apologies

Lalor had to have his wits about him to catch the mistake, as it wasn’t immediately picked up by bar staff. He said he had a “sixth sense” that something was awry and asked the barmaid to confirm the amount once the payment had gone through.

The manager was called, and although attempts were made to refund the payment, the money had already left the account, along with a £1,000 transaction fee.

Lalor was assured the money would be back in his account within ten days, but he says, “Until the money comes back, I won’t rest easy.”

The hotel’s management has taken the matter seriously and launched an investigation into the incident.

A hotel spokesman said, “We are currently carrying out an investigation into what took place. We have been in contact with Peter to apologise and ensure this is resolved as quickly as possible.”

Luckily, the beer itself was worth it, with Lalor tweeting, “It’s a good beer. The original version of it won a heap of awards, including the Supreme Champion Beer of Britain, but if you are thinking that no beer is worth the best part of 100,000 dollars, then I am inclined to agree with you.”

Der europäische Markt bleibt auch in Zukunft Anlaufstelle für internationale Marken.

Internationale Marken sehen in Europa nach wie vor einen starken Markt und setzen mit vielen Projekten auf weiteres Wachstum.

In Europas Hotelindustrie geht es in den nächsten Jahren stets vorwärts. Über 1.500 neue Projekte sind derzeit in Planung und sollen über 265.000 neue Zimmer bringen.

Die größten Gewinner: Europas Top 10 Länder

Deutschland und Großbritannien stehen in Sachen Wachstum klar an der Spitze. Mit 370 Hotelprojekten wächst die Bundesrepublik am stärksten, dicht gefolgt vom Königreich mit 315.

Frankreich liegt weit abgeschlagen auf dem dritten Platz mit 89 neuen Hotels. Darauf folgen Spanien (76), Russland (70) und die Schweiz (62). Österreich und Italien wollen je 60 neue Hotels eröffnen und Polen und Irland haben 54 bzw. 51 Häuser in der Pipeline.

Große Städte, rasantes Wachstum

Die britische Hauptstadt liegt auf dem ersten Platz, mit 85 Projekten, die über 15.000 neue Zimmer bringen sollen. Im benachbarten Irland wächst der Markt in Dublin um 34 Hotels und knapp 5.000 Zimmer. Paris ist mit 30 Häusern in der Pipeline auf dem dritten Platz.

Großbritannien hat außer London noch Manchester mit 21 Hotels und Liverpool mit 18 Hotels auf Europas Liste der Top Ten Städte für Hoteleröffnungen.

Hamburg (23), Frankfurt (20) und Berlin (18) repräsentieren Deutschland. Wien und Budapest sind mit je 17 Projekten die Schlusslichter der Top Ten.

Internationale Marken im europäischen Markt

Hampton by Hilton legt mit 43 geplanten Hotels und 7.010 Zimmern europaweit am stärksten zu. Das neue Hampton by Hilton Sakarya mit 140 Zimmern soll zum Beispiel in der türkischen Universitätsstadt, unweit der Hochschule und des Industrieparks von Sakarya entstehen.

Holiday Inn Express wächst mit 39 Projekten und 6.286 Zimmern auch stetig weiter. Eines dieser Häuser soll in Warschau eröffnen. Das Holiday Inn Express Warsaw Hub soll durch seine zentrale Lage nahe der Altstadt, des Nationalmuseums und des Zoos punkten.

Marriott erweitert seine Courtyard by Marriott Marke mit 22 Projekten und 4.254 Zimmern. Eines davon, das Courtyard by Marriott Szczecin, soll in der polnisch-deutschen Grenzstadt entstehen und als Dual-Brand Hotel sowohl ein Moxy als auch ein Courtyard haben.

InterContinental Hotels Group baut drei seiner Marken weiter aus. Holiday Garden Inn wächst um 18 Projekte, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts um 20, und Hotel Indigo um 17.

Auch kleinere Gruppen wie Scandic und InterCity Hotels wachsen weiter und richten ihr Augenmerk vor allem auf Sekundärstädte.

Weitere interessante Hotelprojekte, die in Europa eröffnet werden sollen:

TOPHOTELPROJECTS verwendet die Informationen, die Sie uns zur Verfügung stellen, um Sie über unsere relevanten Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu informieren. Sie können diese Mitteilungen jederzeit abbestellen. Weitere Informationen finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklärung.

Gen Z are the true digital natives and hotels will do well to recognise that.

Hotel groups still talking about millennials in 2019 are going to be left behind, writes Allie Miller from HBA DNA.

For years, industries have spent time learning and understanding the millennial mindset, even creating new lifestyle hotel brands and experiences based off of them, but now the time has come to shift that focus over to Generation Z as this new group is finally coming of age. Paying attention to the generational differences between Millennials and Generation Z (and hello Generation Alpha!) will help companies better cater to and design with these new demographics in mind.

They may be young, but don’t underestimate their impact.

The oldest of the Gen Z are currently in their 20s, and the youngest are 4 years old; while they might seem “too young” it’s important to not dismiss them as such. The twenty something year olds are just out of college and entering the workforce, starting to make their own money, find their own autonomy and travel. The younger Gen Zer’s are highly influential and impactful on family vacation decisions, even though they aren’t paying the bill. According to the Gen Z study from Cassandra Report, “when it comes to family vacations and travel, 32 percent of parents say their kids hold a lot of influence on vacation spending, and 54 percent of parents say kids have some influence.”

What do they really want?

If you thought millennials were all about “me”, wait until you meet Generation Z. This new group is all about the idea of creating individual identity. Personalization is crucial to them, but individualization is more significant. While they like the chocolates on the pillow, it’s the personally tailored, organic, gluten free menu that really ticks the box. Brands that speak directly to their young consumers, recognize them as individuals, and invite them to be a part of the creative process are often the most successful.

An ethical approach to consumerism

They are a generation that defines itself more by values, experiences and beliefs than material objects and things. By 2025, Gen Z will represent more than 40% of the luxury goods market however, it is not luxury as we currently know it. “For them, luxury has to be meaningful; luxury brands must then align with Gen Z’s concerns over inclusivity, transparency and sustainability” says Charlie Gilbert for Stylus.

Gen Zers are more likely to look at the back of a bottle rather than the front. They want to know what’s in it, where it’s from, what it stands for, etc. They don’t care as much about the brand name or the label. As long as it is aligned with their values, they are interested.

How do we capture them?

With an average attention span of 8 seconds, visual content is key in attracting Gen Z. Most Gen Z travelers are inspired by a post or picture they saw on social media. Many up to date brands are switching to campaigns that utilize “minimercials”, which are, as you guessed it- around 8 seconds long. This new form of advertising conveys information quickly and coherently and is uploaded to social media platforms (Snapchat, Instagram and YouTube) to capture the attention of Gen Zers.

Brand loyalty?

As an individualistic generation, it’s unlikely they are loyal to one brand. They either shop with brands they feel understand and reflect their values OR they shop a brand based on affordability and price. Individualization and memorable experiences are critical for brand loyalty and “the more hospitality brands treat members of Generation Z like individuals- the more likely they’ll remember you” (Jeff Fromm, Future Cast)… and potentially pay a bit extra. This attraction to cost makes them less loyal to brands, however they will also support a company whose ethics and actions align with their beliefs.

The needs of Millennials vs. Generation Z

Millennials were okay with trading off smaller guest rooms for larger, more informal, more programmed public areas. While this still remains the same for Gen Z today, it’s all about taking it further.

Generation Z members are more likely to seek alternative accommodation options, look for experiential special event offerings and hotels that offer social change and ethical programs (Eaton Workshop in Hong Kong and Washington D.C. is a great example of this), and stay in a hotel with sustainable materials and eco-friendly design that supports causes that they believe in.

Gen Z: The True Digital Natives

Gen Z travelers are likely to see straight through any “cutting-edge” technology that is designed to woo them. In fact, it is more likely to send them in the opposite direction. While the above may have appealed to millennials, Gen Z travelers aren’t impressed by upgraded tech (which are the norms these days) and are looking for something else.

They are interested in how this technology can improve their daily lives and hotel stays on a wellness level: personalized lighting to help align ones circadian rhythm and prevent jet lag while traveling, or beds that morph to support bad backs, healing muscular pain and sensing the changing needs throughout the guest’s sleep cycle, using intelligent sensors to ensure a fully refreshing night’s sleep (Hotel Technology News- Hilton 2119).

What is the new luxury worth?

For Gen Z, travel is not a luxury but a necessity. They love traveling to new places, engaging in new experiences and look for places in incredible locations that not only offer all the latest trends (nicely plated dishes and hand crafted cocktails, elevated designs, and of course, the destination specific Instagram shot) but they also look for brands that really connect the surrounding community and local culture to the guest experience.

However, unlike the preceding generation, they prioritize frugality. This younger, cost-conscious generation practices totally different spending habits than their predecessors and are more aware of how they spend their money.

It’s time to rename the minibar and rethink room service.

If an overpriced bottle of Jack Daniels didn’t work for millennials, it’s not going to work for Gen Z. With room service on its way to becoming obsolete and more guests utilizing food app delivery services, hotels need to calibrate their offerings to this individualistic generation. Whether it’s replacing the minibar for complimentary organic fruits and locally sourced snacks, providing daily prepared treats from the kitchen and garden, or making room in the fridge for guests’ own food, hotels need to get inside the minds (or stomachs) of Gen Z to win their vote.

One company taking note is Onyx Hospitality with their new Shama Hub lifestyle brand, created together with HBA DNA. One way this brand addresses the next-gen traveler is by allowing them to customize their room to sleep either 2-4 people, noting the desire for multiple occupancy and shared experiences. Another is in addressing the external food app delivery phenomena- by creating a dedicated food drop locker in reception (like an amazon locker) that is accessible from both the outside and inside of the building. This allows travelers to have their food delivered and avoids the reception desk being inundated with food deliveries.

To truly capture this new generation, the hospitality industry has to stop assuming they’re simply a younger Millennial and come up with fresh, relevant and future-proofed solutions that really address the needs and beliefs of these future travelers.

Reasonable rents could prove an irresistible benefit for hotel staff.

The owner of Park Plaza UK hotels is now making the first of potentially many apartment block purchases, planning to offer staff discounted rents.

The owner of Park Plaza UK hotels has made the first of potentially many apartment block purchases in London, aiming to offer staff there heavily discounted rates on housing.

This move ties into the ongoing issue of Britain leaving the European Union. In fact, in recent interviews, the company’s leadership has pointed out that there could be a coming exodus of its European staffers once Britain leaves the EU.

PPHE Hotel Group’s finance chief Daniel Kos said: “We are aware there could be an exodus of European staff once Britain leaves the EU, so we are trying to think of ways to attract and retain hospitality workers One method is by providing cheap rents for nice accommodation.”

Discounted housing rates: a rare find in London

The discounted housing rates for staff is certainly a novel approach here.

To accomplish it, the firm acquired property in Chiswick that has room for roughly 30 people, all of whom will commute to PPHE’s South bank hotels.

As this program gets underway, the company is also eyeing more new digs for London staff. Part of the reason PPHE can do this is that 2019 is shaping up to be a major success for the company.

PPHE’s comparable revenue per room rose by 7.5% to £93.04 in the first half of the year. On a like-for-like basis, total revenue increased by 6.3% to £155.2 million.

The firm, which has a £1.7 billion property portfolio, expects the full-year performance to be in line with previous forecasts.

Lets take a look at a few more upcoming hotel projects in London:

State-of-the-art gyms are becoming more common in the UAE’s luxury hotels. (Photo: Jumeirah’s Peak Health Club & Spa)

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi launches fitness programs while Jumeirah inaugurates a health club as UAE hotels jump on the wellness bandwagon.

Hotels in the UAE are getting in on the action by focusing on fitness, as are many of their international counterparts.

Wellness and keeping fit are very much at the top of many travelers’ agendas these days, so it’s no wonder hotels are putting these offerings front and centre.

We find out more.

At Jumeirah, health is wealth with The J Club

Dubai hotel group Jumeirah has partnered with Embody Fitness to create The J Club, a lifestyle and wellness facility which boasts state-of-the-art amenities for body and mind.

The health club will draw on Embody Fitness’s expertise in the health and wellness industry and marry their knowledge with Jumeirah’s hospitality experience to bring guests a complete wellness centre, fully equipped to cater to all their needs.

This club boasts a 1000-sqm indoor workout area fully kitted out with high-tech gym equipment, as well as several exercise studios for classes, tennis and squash courts, as well as an outdoor gym and training pool.

The club’s Talise Spa will have ten treatment rooms and a VIP suite, along with a hammam. An F&B concept is yet to be disclosed but is due to be revealed later in the year.

José Silva, chief executive officer, Jumeirah Group said, “We are thrilled to have partnered with Embody Fitness to launch this wellness destination, leveraging Embody’s industry expertise to bring together best-in-class health and wellness facilities and services for our Dubai-resident members and valued Jumeirah Beach Hotel guests.”

Park Hyatt Dubai launches new fitness programs

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas has launched a new high-tech fitness regime which assesses a client’s lifestyle and physical make up to determine the right health goal for them.

A specifically curated fitness program is then designed by the in-house fitness team to allow the client to reach their goal.

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas’ lifestyle and wellness manager, Reteif Vermeulen said, “In the past, finding a place for an early morning workout—often a subterranean gym without windows—might have been enough. But now, the growing focus on health and wellness has given birth to a new generation of fitness enthusiasts who have upped the ante with their fitness routines.”

The program incorporates a variety of elements, including nutrition, exercise, recovery and wellness activities and relaxation treatments.

This program uses the InBody770 body composition assessment technology to come up with the plan, and Vermeulen spoke of this angle, saying, “Body composition is a method of describing what the body is made of. It includes fat, protein, minerals and body water. It also describes weight more accurately than BMI (Body Mass Index- where a person’s BMI is measured only by their height and weight). Body composition analysis can correctly show changes in fat mass, muscle mass, and body fat percentage. This can help validate services like personal training, patient care and corporate wellness”.

Lets take a look at a few more upcoming hotel projects in the United Arab Emirates region:

The luxurious Langley is ready to welcome guests. (Photos: Mariott International)

A former hunting lodge belonging to the Duke of Marlborough has taken on a new life as The Langley in Buckinghamshire.

Aristocratic opulence abounds in this transformed stately home, a Palladian-style palace which now welcomes guests as The Langley, a Luxury Collection Hotel.

We take a look inside at the regal renovations that have taken place.

Grade II listed palace restored to new glory

Everyone loves a comeback story, and perhaps there is no greater tale than the restoration of a place of fading grandeur.

Such is the case with a newly opened exclusive hotel, once the haunt of the rich and the royal, it now welcomes paying guests.

The Langley, A Luxury Collection Hotel, is a Grade II listed structure in Buckinghamshire which was once home to the third Duke of Marlborough.

Following an extensive six-year restoration which costs millions of dollars, the Palladian-style villa has been transformed into a luxurious five-star boutique hotel which channels the charm of an English country estate while at the same time soaring past the standards of a typical hotel.

On-site is also a listed Brew House and immaculately landscaped gardens, which were designed by Lancelot “Capability” Brown, a famous landscape architect and gardener from the 18th century.

Design fit for a king

Overhauling the property, which was close to dereliction, was no easy task, but the designers at Dennis Irvine Studio were more than up to the challenge.

The firm is known for their careful and thoughtful execution of high-end residences and super-yacht interiors, so they were able to bring their extensive knowledge to the table.

Dennis Irvine spoke of the design challenges he faced in conceiving of The Langley, saying, “Because the property is Grade II star listed, heritage and planning societies were involved every step of the way and had to approve and permit many of the works.”

This collaborative effort has resulted in a seamless recreation and maintenance of period details, from plasterwork to masonry.

The exterior stonework has been preserved and enhanced, while fireplaces, mosaic inlays and bronze Venetian doors have all been restored to their former glory.

This 41-room property oozes style and charm at every turn, and luxurious new elements and features such as a Turkish hammam, a Himalayan salt room and the marble swimming pool take their places alongside traditional aristocratic spaces such as a cigar and cognac bar, a Victorian rock garden and the afternoon tea room.

The overall effect is one of opulence and elegance, done in a way that only the British can do.