Looking for a lavish resort to relax in, or a stay somewhere offering scintillating scenery? Here's a list of some notable new hotels to keep an eye on.
Quirk Hotel Opens In Richmond’s Art District
Quirk Hotel, A Destination Hotel, has recently opened in Richmond's Art District.
The property, which comprises 74 rooms and is owned by husband and wife duo Ted and Katie Ukrop, is inspired by Katie's 10-year-old nearby art gallery.
The hotel’s lobby restaurant, Maple & Pine, is headed by Chef David Dunlap, while the rooftop terrace bar and lounge both serve as gathering spots for locals. Originally constructed in 1916, the building is an historic Richmond landmark and previously served as the city’s department store, J.B. Mosby & Co.
The structure’s overhaul and design was led by its owners, and focused on capturing the building’s original purpose by honoring its history through unique architectural elements. The Ukrops commissioned Richmond-based architectural firm 3north and Connecticut-based interior design firm Poesis Design to lead the renovation.
Details such as the lobby’s segmental arches, groin vault ceiling and ornamental ironwork staircase have been preserved throughout the structure. To honor the property’s historic department store days, specially-designed glass cases are used as decoration throughout the lobby, showcasing museum-like collections such as vintage hats. The lobby’s focal point is a major art installation titled “Pile,” created by local artist Susie Ganch. The creation is made entirely of white coffee lids collected from Richmond’s coffee shops, which aims to exude a feeling of community, honoring the old, embracing the new and finding beauty in the unexpected.
For art mavens, Quirk Gallery offers an easily accessible entrance to the hotel once it relocates in September to an adjacent building. The gallery, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this month, displays works of many local, regional and national artists and sparked the idea for an art-driven, eclectic and engaging hotel. Additionally, a landscaped courtyard separates the adjacent building from the main hotel.
The Quirk Artist in Residence program provides artists with a studio apartment one block east of the hotel in order to support the local Richmond arts community. The hotel’s first artist in residence is Leigh Suggs, a 2015 VCU Craft Materials MFA graduate with a concentration in textiles, who will be in residence until January 2016.
For culinary options, guests will enjoy services led by Chef David Dunlap (previously of The Inn at Little Washington, The Ashby Inn in North Carolina and Plume at The Jefferson, DC), with a focus on artisan cuisine, sourced locally with an emphasis on regional culinary traditions.
Associated Luxury Hotels International Opens 76 New Properties
Associated Luxury Hotels (ALHI) International recently announced a major expansion with the addition of 76 properties outside of North America.
The hotels and resorts, all owned and/or operated by Kempinski Hotels, are located in 31 countries outside of the U.S., including 17 hotels in Western Europe, 13 hotels in Eastern Europe, 26 hotels in Asia, 10 hotels in Africa, and 10 hotels in the Middle East.
The addition of these properties brings ALHI’s portfolio to over 250 hotels and resorts around the world, all of which serve the meetings and incentive marketplace. Additions include the Hotel Adlon Kempinski opposite the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, the Ciragan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul (the palace of the last Ottoman ruler), and the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok (the former summer palace of King Mongkuk, who was the protagonist in the story and film “The King and I”).
The 17 Kempinski hotel additions to ALHI’s GSO portfolio in Western Europe are located in Austria, Germany, Malta, Spain, and Switzerland.
The 13 Eastern Europe hotel additions are situated in Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Lithuania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Turkey. The 10 hotels in the Middle East are located in Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates (UAE). The 26 hotels in Asia are situated in China, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Among the new global options in ALHI’s portfolio are: Kempinski Hotel Frankfurt Gravenbruch (Frankfurt, Germany); Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai, China); Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva (Geneva, Switzerland); Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Dubai (Dubai, United Arab Emirates); Kempinski Hotel Bahia Marbella Estepona (Estepona, Spain); Kempinski Palace Portoroz (Portoroz, Slovenia); Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow (Moscow, Russia); Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains St. Moritz (St. Moritz, Switzerland); Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest (Budapest, Hungary); Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol (Jochberg/Kitzbuehel, Austria); and Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna (Vienna, Austria).
Many of the 76 Kempinski hotels and resorts also will become new options in ALHI’s “Level 5 Collection” luxury brand segment.
The Joseph Opens New Spa Suites in Columbus
Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph, has announced the opening of new Spa Suites, which are available to both overnight and non-overnight guests of the hotel.
The two new, 520 square foot suites offer ESPA spa amenities, customized consultations and a variety of facial and body treatments that appeal to individual needs. Highlights include Le Méridien’s Signature Treatment, a body brush and polish and an aromatic full body massage followed by an aromatherapy bath, and a Pumpkin Enzyme Facial Peel, a powerful yet gentle exfoliating treatment.
The suite design also combines custom stone and marble décor, stone tiled rain shower with seven sprayer heads, steam room, soaking tub and a flatscreen TV embedded behind mirrored walls.
Four Seasons Oahu Now Accepting Reservations
The new Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, slated to debut early next year, is now accepting reservations for travel beginning June 1, 2016.
Coinciding with the opening of reservations, the resort has also debuted a new website with details on the resort's 358 guestrooms and suites, five restaurants and lounges, four pools plus white sand beaches, multi-level Spa and Wellness Centre, tennis facilities and watersports, and preferred access to the Ko Olina Golf Club.
With the resort’s "Introductory Offer - Fourth Night Free" package, guests can reserve a stay with an average rate beginning at $447 per night. Travelers may also book any number of nights at rates beginning at $595.
Lausanne’s Royal Savoy Hotel To Reopen After Extensive Renovation
Katara Hospitality recently embarked on a major renovation project of Hotel Royal Savoy in Lausanne.
The building will be expanded with a new modern addition. Situated on a sprawling park overlooking Lake Geneva, the historic Grande Dame has welcomed guests since 1909.
The property, slated to open in October 2015, comprises 196 guest rooms, several meeting facilities, a large ballroom, cigar lounge and a rooftop terrace named the Sky Lounge affording panoramic views. There is also a brasserie and lounge bar.
Sprawling over more than 16,000 square feet, the hotel’s destination spa, Spa du Royal, will be equipped with eight treatment rooms, a 24/7 fitness facility, and an indoor and outdoor pool. The facility will focus on well-being with treatments customized by Clinic Lemanic with products by La Vallée.