RateGain, a leading technology company dedicated to providing solutions catering to pricing, brand intelligence & eDistribution (Channel Management) for customers in the travel and hospitality industry , today announced the opening of their new office in London to further reinforce their presence in Europe and showcase their growing customer base in the region.
A fantastic night was had by all at the European Hospitality Awards 2012! The event, which was held at London's luxurious Landmark Hotel, saw over 300 hospitality professionals come together to celebrate the achievements within the industry over the past 12 months.A total of 13 awards were presented during the course of the evening with the winners being selected by our expert panel of judges. This year's panel included a variety of CEOs, Presidents and a Michelin Star Chef from the hospitality industry, all of whom were extremely impressed by the standard of this year's shortlist and gave some glowing feedback to those victorious entries. The winners of the European Hospitality Awards 2012 were; Green Hotel of the Year (Sponsored by Airangel) - Hotels van Oranje, NetherlandsJudges Comments: "We were impressed by the manner in which the operators have clearly recognised that a fully integrated sustainability programme must do more than just improve hotel performance. While achieving considerable reductions in energy consumption, considerable efforts have also been made to educate staff and reach out into the wider community, creating a property clearly committed to both personal responsibility and informing, empowering and improving its surrounding environment." New Build of the Year - Construction (Sponsored by Virgin Roof Gardens) - Palais Namaskar, Marrakech Judges Comments: "We felt that Palais Namaskar showcased a wonderful marriage of modern flourishes with a true sense of place and heritage that completely avoids any pitfalls of pastiche. Its architecture, interiors, location, amenities and overall service philosophy combine to create an escapist's paradise and a model for culturally sensitive developments worldwide." New Build of the Year - Refurbishment & Renovation (Sponsored by Crown Outdoor) - Ballyfin Demesne, Ballyfin, Ireland Judges Comments: "A painstaking restoration process lasting more than a decade has created a deserved and popular winner. We felt that the sheer amount of research, work and refinement invested into this project has successfully brought what was once Ireland's most lavish Regency mansion back to its former glories, creating a hotel experience like no other." International Hotel of the Year (Sponsored by TV5Monde) - Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel, Shanghai Judges Comments: "It was agreed that this was a great all-rounder: a hotel equally adept at servicing business and leisure guests, offering both outstanding conference facilities and a wide range of personalised services and amenities. The fusion of iconic architecture and successful implementation of the "Stay Different" philosophy has created a flagship property that sets extremely high standards ahead of a period of extensive growth in China for the Jumeirah brand." Best Hotel Suite (Sponsored by Teleadapt) - Dorchester Collection - 45 Park Lane, London Judges Comments: "A popular winner and proof that, when it comes to rolling out the five star treatment, the Dorchester Collection has few equals. Thierry W Despont has helped create a suite with the most distinctive of characters: a warm, intimate celebration of its central London setting boasting the finest in personalised service and hi-tech wizardry." Interior Design of the Year (Sponsored by Porcelanosa) - Hotel TOPAZZ, Lenikus Group, Vienna Judges Comments: "Judges were impressed by the sheer amount of design packed into this smallest of footprints. Unconventional lines, natural tones, ecologically sound furnishings, dark wooden paneling and cream textures combine to generate a much grander, more spacious feel than one could have any right to expect of a 153 square-meter site." Hotel Technology of the Year (Sponsored by CNN Partner Hotels) - Blow up Hall 50 50, PolandJudges Comments: "Beyond featuring the latest in technological innovations, judges were particularly impressed by the manner in which technology has been integrated across every aspect of this project, heightening the guest experience and underpinning its core philosophies. A great example of the transformational potential intelligent use of high-tech wizardry can have within the hospitality space." Hotelier of the Year (Sponsored by RT & CCTV) - Mrs. Beatrice Tollman, LondonJudges Comments: "Personifying the value of having a genuine hotelier running the show, judges cited the fact that Beatrice Tollman has never lost sight of the guiding principle of hospitality: service. After five decades in the industry, Beatrice's ongoing involvement on front line of her hotels is an inspiration, setting the standards for the next generations to follow." Hotel Spa of the Year (Sponsored by Dornbracht) - Hotel Le Bristol Paris, Epicure, ParisJudges Comments: "Equipped with the latest in amenities and treatments, judges were particularly impressed with Le Bristol's recognition of the growing number of demographics entering the hotel spa, specifically its services for families and children. A truly innovative state of the art wellness centre that caters for all tastes and ages." Best Hotel Restaurant (Sponsored by Franke Coffee Systems) - Hotel Le Bristol Paris, Epicure, ParisJudges Comments: "Judges felt that the combination of lavish interiors from Pierre-Yves Rochon, Eric Frechon and his brigade's mastery of haute cuisine and a front of house team with an exemplary eye for detail has seen Epicure not only equal but surpass the phenomenally high standards set prior to the hotel's extensive refurbishment." Hotel Service of the Year - Best for Service (Sponsored by Pacific Direct) - Hotel Hessischer Hof, FrankfurtJudges Comments: "An unrelenting focus on all details of service, large and small, made this a popular winner among our panel of judges. It was felt that the length of employment undertaken by a large proportion of the hotel's staff in what can be such a transient industry is both indicative of a fine working environment and a fundamental ingredient in creating the most welcoming of hotels." Lifetime Achievement Award - Kurt Ritter, CEO Rezidor Hotel GroupJudges Comments: "Kurt Ritter was literally born into the industry, at his parents' hotel in Interlaken, joined his present employers as general manager in 1976 and finally steps down at the end of this year. The remarkable rise of Rezidor is inseparable from his own and it is difficult to think of anyone in the business today who has dedicated more of his or her life to the hospitality industry."
The UK and other western economies are going through a prolonged period of structural adjustment and relatively low growth and volatility is likely to persist through the mid-2010s. Against this disappointing backdrop, the London hotel market has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Revenue per room dipped by 5% in 2009, but has since rebounded by 25% to reach a record high. This has been helped by one-off events such as the Olympics, but it also reveals a more fundamental strength: that London's status as one of leading global cities means it can attract people from all around the world, including those from emerging markets whose economies continue to proper. We do expect a weaker hotel market in 2013, as the inevitable Olympic hangover kicks in. The surge in new supply during 2012 and 2013 may bring down occupancy but we do not expect these temporary factors to hold London back for long.
Australian born, Dreverman has extensive experience within international luxury hotel environments, joining from his most recent position as head of events and groups at The Berkeley. Previous roles include human resources management, as well as floor manager at Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney. In his new role at Coworth Park, Dreverman will oversee all food and beverage outlets on the estate with responsibility for two restaurants and bars, private and in-room dining, and the Spatisserie. Restaurant Coworth Park showcases modern British dishes and a commitment to quality ingredients and depth of flavour, offered in a contemporary elegant setting.
Reporting to Roland Fasel, general manager of The Dorchester and regional director UK, Christophe joins from his most recent position as director of hotel operations at One Aldwych, London and brings with him a wealth of experience at luxury hotel properties across both Europe and America. Spanning a 13 year career Christophe’s previous luxury hotel positions have included director of rooms in both the Seychelles and Park Lane, London, assistant director of rooms in Los Angeles, and front office manager in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fluent in French, German, English and Italian, Christophe is a native of France, and attended the European University in Brussels where he attained a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. Commenting on his appointment, Christophe said: “45 Park Lane has made a huge impact on London’s hospitality market since it opened last year. I am delighted to be joining such a state-of-the-art property, and a company with the reputation of Dorchester Collection.”
InterContinental London Westminster, which opens its doors at the end of November 2012, has announced the appointment of Jon Ingram as Executive Head Chef. With over 15 years’ experience working in some of London’s most prestigious hotels and restaurants, Jon, who brings a set of excellent credentials, will oversee the hotel’s food and beverage offering, including the destination bar and restaurant, Blue Boar Smokehouse and Bar. Jon has honed his skills at several 5-star establishments, including most notably serving five years at The Grove, one of London’s most exclusive, luxury country estates. In his role as Executive Sous Chef, Jon was instrumental in overhauling the in-room menu and maintaining an overall high culinary standard across all outlets in the hotel. Prior to this, Jon gained valuable experience working further afield as Sous Chef at the Burj –al-Arabin Dubai, widely regarded as the world’s only 7 star hotel.
Following the past success of the Association’s ‘Career Development Investment Scholarships’, HOSPA is once again offering an unique opportunity to provide career development for five upcoming young people working in Finance, Revenue Management or IT within the UK hospitality industry.
The Annual Hotel Conference took place 3rd and 4th October at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate. Presentations from The AHC 2012 are now available to view on our website. Please click here to be taken to the relevant page.
Hotels across the UK saw a return to 'business as usual' in September after an Olympic-fuelled summer, according to preliminary figures released today by PKF Hotel Consultancy Services. Hotels in London recorded a 0.7% decline in rooms yield to £124.38, compared with £125.31 in September 2011. Occupancy in the capital increased by 0.8% from 87.8% to 88.6%, but this was more than offset by a 1.5% drop in room rate to £140.46 from £142.63 a year ago.
'Taking the Investment Forward – Making the Most of the Investment in Your People and Business to Create Value' is the title of HOSPACE 2012, HOSPA's Annual Conference and Exhibition for Hospitality Finance, Revenue Management, IT and Commercial Professionals to be held on 22 November
The Oxford School of Hospitality Management (OSHM) at Oxford Brookes University launched a new strategic risk management course in collaboration with InterContinental Hotels Group, the global hotel organization with nine hotel brands including InterContinental Hotels and Holiday Inn. OSHM faculty and IHG's risk executives have co-developed the content for P58908: Tourism Industry Dynamics and Strategy, which is offered in OSHM's MSc in International Hotel and Tourism Management and MSc in International Hotel and Tourism Marketing.
According to the latest Hotel Confidence Monitor – UK Regions by HotStats, the state of the UK economy and the continuing financial turmoil in the Eurozone will be the most critical factors impacting hotel demand in 2013. These two factors were prevalent concerns for 50.9% of general managers surveyed in London and 34.6% of provincial hoteliers. Other major concerns for hoteliers in the UK included the strength of sterling damaging domestic tourism levels and inbound visitors, and for 7.7% of London a post-Olympics slump was a real concern.
Grosvenor House Apartments by Jumeirah Living in London has appointed Steve Thorne as Director of Sales & Marketing. A British national with over twenty years of experience in the hotel, lettings and serviced residence sectors, Steve brings a wealth of experience to the role. Prior to his appointment, Steve held numerous senior leadership positions at high-profile global residence operators such as Oakwood, IHG and Ascott. He has also honed his expertise as a brand director, working on several brand launches, strategic repositioning and commercial strategies for widely-acclaimed residence brands such as Citadines, Staybridge Suites, Somerset and Ascott. Steve will be tasked with further developing the Sales & Marketing strategy for this new and unique concept in luxury accommodation in London’s exclusive Mayfair.
US TV channel Fox has commissioned a second series of Hotel Hell, the reality TV show in which chef Gordon Ramsay takes on under-performing hotels. It’s fascinating viewing, particularly for a hotel blogger – but are there any lessons for London hotels?
FastBooking co-Founder and Executive President, Richard Kefs, will address hoteliers at the opening session of Independent Hotel 12, a new UK tradeshow focusing specifically on the concerns of independent, luxury and boutique hotels. FastBooking is one of the world's leading e-marketing and online technology solutions providers for the hospitality industry.
After last month’s dramatic increase in hotel prices, figures have finally fallen across the UK and Europe. An overnight stay in October will now cost an average of 99 pounds, compared to 105 pounds last month. These are the findings of the trivago Hotel Price Index (tHPI) reported monthly by www.trivago.co.uk.
The latest Jones Lang LaSalle Hotel Investment Highlights report shows hotel development constricting, with the supply of new bedrooms increasing by only 5.6% of existing stock between 2012-2014.
While many companies in the hospitality sector are beginning to boost the number of women at senior level, much more still needs to be done to encourage and fulfill the boardroom ambitions of female senior managers. HVS Executive Search held a briefing in London on the issue of encouraging more women into senior roles in the industry. A panel of high profile speakers including Deborah Dhugga, General Manager of Dukes Hotel in London, Alison Frith, Managing Director of Artizian Catering and Jillian MacLean, Managing Director of Drake & Morgan highlighted the issues women faced while attempting to achieve board-room success, but also suggested that women need to take a lead from their male counterparts by drawing more attention to their successes.
Reporting directly to Area Director of Sales Victoria Batten, Michelle Stephens is responsible for the meetings and incentives, corporate and leisure business from the surrounding Southern England territory. Stephens is part of Dorchester Collection’s UK area Sales and Marketing team with key focus on Coworth Park, while also supporting sales from this region for The Dorchester and 45 Park Lane. Stephen’s career includes in-depth experience in sales, marketing, communications, event planning and customer service processes. She joins from Chic Outlet Shopping by Value Retail PLC as part of the sales and marketing team for the nine Villages, overseeing all pan-European travel and tourism partnerships. Stephens earlier career roles include Director of Sales and Marketing for Blenheim Palace Hospitality where she was later promoted to Catering Services Director, responsible for the production of high profile corporate events and weddings. Previous experience also includes Sales and Marketing Manager for The Feathers and The Lords of the Manor hotels and Bespoke Hotels Ltd.
With the nights fast drawing in and London’s busy summer beginning to fade into memory, you might be forgiven for thinking that things are quietening down. But as our news roundup from the UK capital’s boutique hotel sector shows, that’s simply not the case… One Aldwych in Covent Garden launched its brand new guests-only lounge in September. Lounge at One is an elegantly-designed haven with modern decor, iPads for guests’ use, food and cocktails. It also has free WiFi unlike many other 5 star London hotels with hefty internet charges.