SBE recently announced plans for the launch of its new luxury hotel concept, to be called SLS Hotels. The first SLS property will be operated under a management agreement with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT). As part of the agreement, The Le Meridien at Beverly Hills will undergo a complete transformation and emerge as SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills, part of The Luxury Collection in fall 2008, which will offer guests exceptional experiences indigenous to Los Angeles. The luxury SLS group will ultimately include hotels and resorts in the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. The announcement was made by SBE CEO Sam Nazarian.

Little Gordon's on a personal mission to rid the world of rubbish food and pathetic service. So no excuses, yeah?

In 1998, the light in Harlingen Lighthouse was extinguished after three quarters of a century of faithful service. For a moment the future of this landmark monument seemed uncertain. Uncertain, that is, until a private individual used it to fulfil a dream: create a unique place offering panoramic views, comfort and a bed for the night. Doesn't this sound tantalising? There is more...

propeller island - this means aesthetic sensation for the eye and the ear. propeller island is a pseudonym used by the german artist lars stroschen to publish his audio-visual creations. unlimited diversity, repeating nothing and copying nothing are the guiding principles here. the most popular result: the CITY LODGE, a habitable work of art in the heart of berlin, whose wealth of ideas never fails to attract everyone into its gravitational field and to continue inspiring guests long afterwards. a magnet for creative individuals, those weary of consumption, those who see things differently, philosophers and seekers of perspective and vision. frequented by personalities from around the globe, this vision machine is a much-desired shooting site for photo sessions and video clips. is that perhaps the reason these rooms seem so familiar to you...?

Chocolate is one of life's pleasures. That's fine for the chocoholics, who defend chocolate from all kind of accusations coming from all the diet fanatic. Calories, irritation, inflammation? That's all lies. Chocolate has got thousands of merits and unending possible ways to be used. Chocolate cheers up: flops, betrayals, unfairness of life, sadness for lost love and never had relationships, chocolate works out everything. In the greedy hearts clear comes again. Chocolate is exciting: it's like caffeine, but knowbody knows...

The concept of a Beatles themed hotel in Liverpool had been prevalent amongst Beatles enthusiasts in the city since the late 1980's. The choice of a suitable location and the finance to make the vision a reality only came together in 2004 when plans were finalised to convert one of Liverpool's classic city centre buildings into a luxurious 4 star hotel. From an early stage the objective was to create a unique environment that offered high quality hotel facilities with an exciting and interesting 'twist' in the clever presentation of a theme that would be both subtle yet challenging in the way the incredible story of the Beatles was told. Located in the 'Beatles Quarter' of the city adjacent to the world famous Cavern Club, the Hard Days Night Hotel will feature visually stunning specially commissioned artwork covering key events in the lives of four lads from Liverpool whose fame knows no boundaries.

It's the Bravo channel's Welcome to the Parker, a behind-the-scenes peek at the real-life Parker Palm Springs in California. It's fun to read the Bravo message board where viewers react to the show. Some are questioning the realism of such happenings as a food critic with a name that can't be found by Googling shows up -- announced -- and pigs out free, or staffers who sit on the floor while they polish glasses. In the episode I saw last night, the hotel comes off as a fun and funky playpen, with staffers who let down their hair for the camera.

Any hotel designed by a posse of world-famous architects and interior designers will be either brilliant or cringingly gimmicky. Happily, the 342-room Puerta América falls squarely into the brilliant category, since it offers a way to inhabit some of Europe's most avant-garde spaces. The lineup of talent, each responsible for an entire level, from the basement parking garage to the thirteenth floor: Teresa Sapey, John Pawson, Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster, David Chipperfield, Plasma Studio, Victorio & Lucchino, Ron Arad, Marc Newson, Kathryn Findlay, Richard Gluckman, Arata Isozaki, Estudio Mariscal, and Jean Nouvel, along with Christian Liaigre, who designed the excellent restaurant. The most popular floor is Hadid's: Her all-white fiberglass rooms create the impression that you're inside a nautilus shell. A top-floor swimming pool, health club, and lounge deck offer the design maven guests who stay here a place to sweat or chill.

Imagine having the power to turn your guest room into your own personal digital command center for work and relaxation? At Marriott Hotels & Resorts, it will be as easy as check-in and plug-in to a whole new level of guest room technology, with 32-inch LCD high-definition televisions and the industry's only digital plug-in panel. The related and integrated ad campaign is designed to pique the curiosity of travelers and encourage them to visit plugintomarriott.com, where they can learn about the features of the high-definition LCD televisions and plug-in panel, and interact virtually with the technology.

Whitepod is inspired by a desire to create a haven of beauty and tranquillity for those seeking to restore tired bodies and jaded spirits. Guests can look forward to traditional food prepared by the resident chef... numerous activities with experienced guides... a deep tissue massage in the Spa... and a peaceful night's sleep in their very own white pod. Above all, they can look forward to being immersed in the silence of unspoilt nature - utterly still, unbelievably beautiful. Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Whitepod consists of eight pods (or dome shaped tents).

Kick back and relax in our hip, modish lobby, grab a bite to eat at our restaurants, or soak up the city from above on our beautiful rooftop garden. You can also plug into the Pod community before you even arrive on our customized PodBlog. Swap stories, trade itineraries and ideas, and get to know your fellow Pod mates. There’s a Pod for every person, and an endless range of possibilities. You can set your music and your mood with our iPod docking stations and our dimmer control lighting system, plug into the Internet with free WiFi access, and catch your favorite shows on LCD TVs. Each Pod is climate controlled and equipped with efficient, stylish furniture that’s designed to maximize your comfort and your living space.

J.W. Marriott Jr., who will soon be 75 years old, is not a computer enthusiast. He takes notes on legal pads during meetings. While visiting some 250 hotels around the world each year he jots down his thoughts on note cards, then slips them in his jacket pocket. Not that long ago, if someone would have used the word "blog" around him, he wouldn't have known what they meant. But even after five decades in the hotel business -- he opened the company's first hotel with his parents exactly 50 years ago -- the chief executive of Marriott International is ready for some new responsibilities. Fifty years after Bill Marriott opened his first hotel, the CEO is taking on a new role: blogger. Topics for his blog are expected to include riffs on trips he takes, how he runs the company, his thoughts on customer service, and what he learns from his employees. Today he becomes Bill Marriott, blogger.

Everything is different! The PROPELLER ISLAND CITY LODGE is a - truly - VERY extraordinary location. All rooms and objects were created by the German artist Lars Stroschen. Much more appropriate than "hotel" is the designation "living in a work of art". 30 rooms with an absolutely unique and personal ambience. "Unique" is meant literally, for the entirety of all furnishings and other objects you will discover here are custom-made, individual handiwork. None can be found anywhere else on this planet - one could consider the CITY LODGE to be a MUSEUM with guest accomodations or a stay-in work of SCULPTURE.

This September, aloft, A Vision Of W Hotels(SM), will become the world's first hotel brand to place a 3-D computer generated replica inside a virtual world when it debuts an aloft hotel inside the popular online game Second Life. A virtual environment in which players create digital alter egos and exchange virtual currency for digitally rendered goods and services, the Second Life metaverse is currently inhabited by more than 350,000 people worldwide.

Welcome to our global neighborhood, where you can read and share travel stories everyday. Because we care about your whole travel experience, we"ve built a global neighborhood where you can share your stories with other world-travelers and get tips on places you"d like to visit. Plus, if you share a story, it could be featured on Sheraton.com later this summer.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and its SPG program, introduced a new online blog on April 12th, 2006. TheLobby.com is a content-rich daily travel blog designed to create an emotional connection and foster a sense of belonging among the uber travelers that participate in Starwood Preferred Guest, as well as all travelers in search of exclusive, insider information on travel, destinations and more. With a focus less on the transactional and more on lifestyle and experience, TheLobby.com is meant to capture people's passion for traveling and hotels, as well as the unique camaraderie among globe trotting travelers who spend the better part of their life on the road.

From the Ice hotel through to the art hotel, the trend for theme-ing up the world's finest accommodation has become quite a sensation. The Kube hotel in Paris follows this trend, but in a league of it's own. As it's name suggests, the cube is the theme de jour. Comprised of cube shaped rooms, foyers, lifts and exterior spaces, the hotel also uses glass and the idea of transparency to compliment its overall look. With its fusion of future meets retro style, the hotel runs with its theme right through to its restaurants and bars, where the tables through to all seating is positively cubic.

Carrying the DNA of W Hotels, aloft hotels, Starwood's much-anticipated new brand in the select-service hotel category, delivers stylish design, accessible technology and a hip urban attitude to another outdated hotel segment. Starwood anticipates the first aloft hotels to open in early 2007, with 500 properties worldwide expected by 2012.

There’s no shortage of luxurious offerings in Las Vegas, but Skylofts at MGM Grand has taken lavish living to an entirely new level. These 51 two-story suites, ranging from one to three bedrooms, sit 30 floors above the Las Vegas skyline, offering dazzling views with their floor-to-ceiling windows. VIPs will feel more than at home here, since these spacious bi-level suites range from 1,400 to 6,000 square feet in size, and offer a chic, contemporary design provided by the world famous designer, Tony Chi.

21 international artists from the fields of graphic design, urban art and illustration have turned the former Park Hotel, a regular 3-star hotel in central Copenhagen, into the world’s most exciting and creative lifestyle hotel. Also see article in Guardian Newspaper.

The Hotel Room of the Future Appeals to All the Senses | For the first time, all of the five senses can fully blossom in a hotel room. At the international hotel convention “ sleep 05 ” ( London, 8 and 9 November 2005 ) and subsequently at the gallery WorkplaceArt in London (14 to 18 November 2005 ), „ Titel Messe London “ (Laufzeit) architect and designer Yasmine Mahmoudieh (Berlin/London) will introduce her project to an international audience: the hotel room of the future as a partner to the individual personality of each guest.

Global Hyatt Corporation's new entry into the select service segment, is releasing more details and unveiling the first prototype guest room featuring the exciting design elements of the new product. The first prototype is at AmeriSuites in Scottsdale, AZ, with additional model rooms to follow in Lombard, IL (outside Chicago), Atlanta, GA and Dallas, TX.

Starting August 2005, travelers can experience the luxurious comforts of the Hilton guestroom even after check-out. For the first time in its 80-year history, the hotel chain is making its custom-designed, luxury in-room items available for purchase, offering guests the opportunity to re-create the experience of a Hilton guestroom at home. The new Hilton to Home(TM) program provides a vehicle for consumers to purchase, via the Internet and printed in-room collateral, plush Hilton guestroom items, including the ultra-comfortable Hilton Suite Dreams(R) mattress and box spring, luxury Hilton Serenity Collection(TM) bedding items, Crabtree & Evelyn La Source(R) bath product line and the exclusive Hilton Family clock radio.

Thistle Hotels, the full service UK hotel group and London’s leading hotelier, is launching its new deluxe global brand offering, Guoman Hotels. The newly refurbished Cumberland hotel is the perfect flagship for the new Guoman brand and has set the Guoman standard in its first four months of operation. Located at London’s Marble Arch and on the doorstep of some of the capital’s premium hotel offerings, it acts as the Guoman benchmark for exceptional comfort, superior service and contemporary design – all underpinned with the latest technology.

Rising out of the Arabian Gulf with incredible speed, 'The World' has quickly taken shape with up to 10 dredgers working daily. The scale of the logistics operation is immense: more than three million cubic metres of sand is moved every week, which amounts to more than 181 million cubic meters of sand deposited to date. A fleet of up to 14 barges transports rock to the site, with more than 5.5 million tons of rock placed to date. When completed, 'The World' comprises some 321 million cubic metres of sand and 31 million metric tons of rock.

At first glance, this lobby looks like any other in a decent hotel chain - except that there's a bunny suit-clad girl who brings to mind a character from a 1980s video game. Oh, and each month the hotel has about 3.6 million visitors, mostly teen-agers, but a staff of only 180. It's all part of an elaborate Internet role-playing game run by Finnish software company Sulake Labs, which has "hotels" in 16 countries, including the UK, Japan and Australia.

In September 2004 DEBEOS, a company of DaimlerChrysler AG, opened the international 4-star [mo.hotel] with 134 comfortable designer rooms on 2 floors, one of which is reserved for non-smokers. The [mo.hotel] lies in the center of the “SchwabenGalerie”, in the heart of Stuttgart-Vaihingen. Its proximity to the Global Training Center of DaimlerChrysler AG, renowned research institutions and international companies makes it a prime location.

Revolutionizing the way vital information and research is available and accessed, HSMAI debuts the new eConnect today as the first one-stop portal to global information and resources on hospitality sales and marketing topics.

In the rush to distil all the ancient wisdom of the Eastern world into Occidental wellbeing, it seems the best of the West has been forgotten. Vigilius, a glorious retreat set 1,500m above sea level in the South Tyrolean Dolomites, serves to remind us just how health-giving a break in Europe's loftier regions can be. Mattheo Thun's design is uncompromisingly modern but totally synergistic with the locale, thanks to its organic form, use of native materials such as larch wood, and the installation of state-of-the-art, ecologically sound heating and plumbing systems.

This February, celebrate 24 hours of romance for $14.00/hr* with W LOVE. Your sinful room rate starts at $336*, and your 3pm check out will let you sleep in late after you stay up all night. So come and get swept away in a world of romance. Includes 3 PM Checkout and 'Position of the Day' - a wildly funny and surprisingly useful guide book.

Poseidon Undersea Resort, expected to open in early 2006 off Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, will give non-scuba divers the chance to experience life underwater without air tanks or wet suits. The $ 40 million project will be submerged 50 feet below the surface, depressurized to sea level, and connected with an onshore reception area via a tunnel. Guests will sleep in 22 underwater rooms made of transparent acrylic, providing panoramic views of the ocean (with dividers for privacy). Each 550-square-foot room will offer a view of a coral garden, a device to feed the fish outside, and underwater lights. Back onshore will be a dive shop, swimming pool, tennis courts, cafe, and 22 more rooms.

The Emirates Palace, is set to be one of the most impressive resort and conference venues ever to be built in the Middle East, showcasing the beauty of Arabian culture, adhering to traditional themes and providing an affinity with the national identity of the United Arab Emirates. Hotel to be managed by Kempinski Hotels & Resorts.

True accounts of the Holiday Inn brand's iconic green-striped towels come to life in About the towels, we forgive you: Absorbing Tales of Borrowed Towels -- a full-color coffee table book that traces a 52-year history of Holiday Inn through stories from guests who have "borrowed" its towels. Proceeds from the book sales will benefit Give Kids The World, a non-profit resort for children with life-threatening illnesses, which was founded in 1986 by Holiday Inn franchisee Henry Landwirth.

"Kimpton Life is an extension of the fine hospitality served at Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants. We know our guests enjoy the finest in food, wine and accommodations. They live their lives to the fullest and want to spend their time surrounded by beautiful design in an environment that is soothing and memorable. We urge you to participate in Kimpton Life and all that it has to offer."

Not satisfied with turning the UK restaurant industry upside down with YO! Sushi and its healthy, elegant fast food concept, YO! is turning its attention to hotels with the launch of YOTEL at 100% Design this September. With the signature YO! combination of radical change and entertainment, .

W Hotels invites you to let your imagination run wild with its newest innovation in style and sensuality, "Wonderland." Wonderland, a complete experiential retreat for the senses, will come to life online and at each of the 19 W Hotels properties worldwide. In addition to a national advertising campaign, the hotels will implement a number of on-property changes to reflect the next phase of W Hotels -- an evolution to a global lifestyle affinity.

easyHotel will represent the easyGroup entry into the budget hotel sector and will be found in the centre of international cities. Customers will book their rooms at www.easyHotel.com with a credit card on the basis of the earlier you book, the less you pay and periods of high demand will cost more than less popular periods. For clarity, the working title of this project used to be easyDorm, but easyHotel was finally chosen as the name as both the sleeping and bathroom facilities are private. The word 'dorm' implied shared facilities.

The Thomson Future Holiday Forum brought together experts in sociology, health, architecture, technology and the environment to discuss the ways in which our holidays are set to change over the next twenty years. This digital press kit provides you with a copy of the Future Holiday Forum report and a press release summarizing the key findings and predictions. You can also download images of future holiday destinations and the hotel of the future.

Base hotels will set new standards in safety, cleanliness, food and beverage and facilities. Typical services will include themed bars with chill-out areas, games lounges regular entertainment, state-of-the-art security. modern shared cooking facilities, travel advice, and assistance with visas, banking, employment and more. Rates at the New Zealand hostels start from NZ$20-23 for dormitory accommodation. base backpackers was conceived and developed by Accor, who retain a major shareholding in the group. A separate specialist backpacking division has been established to manage and operate the base backpacker network in New Zealand and Australia.

Jamie Oliver gave himself nine months to take a team of unemployed 16 to 24-year-olds, with virtually no previous experience of cooking, and transform them into top class chefs to staff his new restaurant in east London, Fifteen. Oh, and he has also had to adapt to his other new role, as a dad. Return to Jamie's Kitchen finds out how the restaurant and trainees have fared since the opening, and as Jamie selects the next recruits, he looks back at the lessons he has learnt.

Yotel! will provide accommodation that is a modelled on a Japanese "capsule" hotel which offers "box-size" rooms. There will, however, be significant differences to make an overnight stay more comfortable than for those who stay in the Japanese hotels.

Who says staying at a hotel has to be boring for kids? Not Wyndham. The SpongeBob SquarePants Sleepover Party is bringing lots of wacky and spongerific gifts - including FREE SpongeBob plush toys and activity books, along with FREE breakfast for kids under 12. Enjoy a special SpongeBob kid's menu and great rates now through December 31, 2003.

The medium WATER as a basic aetiological elixir of life is of great significance. Simply the fact that man himself consists to 75% of water, and that his well-being requires regeneration of his basic substance "water" makes this element so significant. "Sanus per aquam" (health through water), commonly abbreviated as SPA, is therefore not a trend, but rather an expression of health-consciousness, a synonym for well-feeling, and of harmony of body, mind, and spirit.

Joie de Vivre Hospitality (JDV) is the first hotel company to offer this level of customization online, creating a web experience as uniquely memorable as an actual hotel stay. Historically, online hotel shopping has been molded after the other two leading travel categories: airlines and car rental, which as commodities are well-suited to the current template-based model of spec/price-driven websites.

Set your sights on beautiful Hamburg from this 12-story tower of glass and natural stone, its newest 5-star hotel. The SIDE emerges skyward from the heart of the city, inspired by the sea and minimalist design. After a day of sailing on Lake Alster or big spending in nearby boutiques, walk into the atrium and feel SIDE's open space.

UniqueStay may not want its name to change but it certainly intends that its first hotel, in the Estonian capital Tallinn, will not remain unique for long, as the company plots to expand the brand, and a superior brand called BoutiqueStay, throughout the Baltic region. Indeed, this initial 17-room, three-star hotel will have a second for company by the end of 2003, with a third UniqueStay set to open next year in the Latvian capital Riga. According to UniqueStay director David Heir, Lithuania will be the next country to be targeted.

LADY'S FIRST hotel & wellness Zürich is for women exclusively and the first such city hotel in Switzerland. The foremost aim of the hotel's owning company and management is the successful operation of the hotel. At the same time a number of jobs is reserved for unemployed women who join our team. We strive to create a special 'joy of life' atmosphere in our attitude towards both guests and staff. We hope to exceed our guests' expectations.

Each hip hotel features unique and diverse personalities, but with several common denominators; they're fun, high-energy and usually, the design and staff are a little wacky and offbeat, always full of pleasant surprises. One surprise to travelers who may not be totally familiar with the concept is that a Hip Hotel is full-service ... with a twist.

Brilliant contemporary interiors - Two fabulous restaurants, Axis and Indigo - The happening Lobby Bar - Stunning lap swimming pool - Luxurious private screening room - Thoughtful unpretentious service - 100% pure and natural products - Cutting edge technology - Exciting private contemporary art collection (over 400 pieces) - Great location bang in the middle of London in Covent Garden... just some of the many reasons to stay at the privately owned, passionately run One Aldwych

In Maastricht, Burgundian tradition meets refreshing modernism at Hotel La Bergère, Netherland's first design hotel. A single red tulip may point the way through an iron gate to the hotel's entrance. It depends, for as the seasons change, so does La Bergere's inner ambience: furnishings of greens and yellows are displayed in spring and change to rust and ochre as winter approaches.

When completed in 2010 MOON will be the world's most spectacular resort and real estate development. The project is a tribute to earth's closest celestial partner and as such is built on an enormous scale never before attempted. MOON will comprise of five man made islands which will house the Casino, Hotel, Resort, Real Estate and Sports attractions. MOON will be brought to life by the worlds "Best of the Best" and when opened will truly represent "the first wonder out of this world."

Designed by Jean Nouvel Paris. Jean Nouvel's work is innovating and provocative, drawing on the entire range of sources offered by the modern world. The Hotel's rooms feature film scenes from Nouvel's private collection which he 'projects' onto the guest-room ceilings using an image-transfer system. Viewed from outside at night, these illuminated scenes create a fascinating mosaic.

Your home away from home? That's what Barry Sternlicht wants us to experience. Starwood's W Hotels now brings the style & design experience of your hotel room to your home. Log on to whotels-hotelsathome to buy a W-Bed, W-Furniture, W-Gumball Machine, Tic Tac Toe and even the The W CD. It's W Hotels lifestyle - comfortable & chic.

Responding to frequent requests from hotel guests for an Internet presence, Ian Schrager is launching the website IanSchragerHotels.com this summer, on August 5th, with the expected attention to design and total functionality.

Designed by Manser Associates / Conran & Partner. Operated in a partnership between Conran Holdings and Wyndham International. Very nice designed web site!

Located on West 56th Street Manhattan, The Chambers has become one of the city's most alluring and chic hotels. Property created by Ira Drukier and Richard Born , designed by famous architect David S. Rockwell.

Lifestyle Hospitality starting at only $99/night

When U2's front man Bono isn't traveling through Africa with Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill, he can often be found hanging out in his Dublin hotel, The Clarence.

The history of the Palafitte Hotel lies in the future. Great Web Site!

Discover the talent of our specialised artists when they bring you a glimpse of the magical decor planned for the 2004 season of the unique North American Ice Hotel. The absolutely spectacular display crafted from 15 tons of ice will amaze everyone. The Ice Hotel Room, Ice Juice Bar, sculptures, and of course a musical atmosphere filled with holiday spirit is sure to be a great treat!