W HOTELS UNVEILS A BOLD DUALITY IN HUNGARY’S HISTORIC CAPITAL WITH THE DEBUT OF W BUDAPEST

 

 

W Hotels has unveiled the latest addition to its growing portfolio with the highly anticipated debut of W Budapest, marking the brand’s first property in Hungary. Housed in the iconic Drechsler Palace on Andrássy Avenue, once home to the Institute of Ballet, W Budapest brings visionary design, eclectic gastronomy and a socially driven spirit to the cosmopolitan capital. The hotel features 151 stylish guestrooms and suites showcasing the evolved direction of W Hotels, offering a sophisticated yet playful setting that intrinsically connects guests to the locale. The careful restoration and reimagination of Drechsler Palace has been led by Bowler James Brindley (London) and Bánáti + Hartvig (Hungary), drawing inspiration from Budapest’s rich history and diversity to create captivating design narratives. Shaking up the city’s culinary scene and under the helm of world-class restauranteur Riccardo Giraudi, W Budapest brings Nightingale by Beefbar to Hungary’s capital, pairing fresh Asian flavours with a selection of Beefbar’s signature and iconic meat dishes. W Lounge - is the perfect spot to transcend from day-to-night with delicious small plates, signature cocktails and chilled DJ sets - while Society25 is the hotel's exclusive speakeasy inspired by the secret table societies that frequented the space in its past life. The hotel also features a tranquil AWAY® Spa, FIT® fitness centre, WET® pool and passionate programming including FACES OF BUDAPEST, which will connect guests with the inspiring faces of Budapest.

 

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AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION HOTELS & FOTOGRAFISKA UNVEIL ‘IMPRESSIONS’, A CULTURAL PROJECT CELEBRATING THE ART OF TRAVEL

 

 

 

Autograph Collection Hotels has joined hands with Fotografiska, the contemporary museum of photography, art and culture to unveil a new cultural project, Impressions, in multiple cities worldwide. Four award-winning photographers in residence at Autograph Collection Hotels, including Jonas Bendiksen, Cristina de Middel, Gregory Halpern and Alessandra Sanguinetti, showcase their takes on extraordinary places, revealing new dimensions and fresh perspectives through photography. With installations at Fotografiska museums and Autograph Collection Hotels properties worldwide, the collaboration invites viewers to experience Berlin, San Pedro, Oklahoma City, and Tokyo through new original works, as well as short films exploring each photographer’s creative process and inspiration. Impressions will also come to life via limited edition prints, which will be available for retail on Fotografiska.com and at a select number of Autograph Collection Hotels properties, with proceeds benefiting The Bronx Documentary Center, a non-profit gallery, educational centre and cultural resource. The Impressions project will travel to Fotografiska’s soon-to-open Berlin and Shanghai locations, followed by four selected Autograph Collection Hotels properties through the end of the year, including Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection in London. Guests staying at Autograph Collection Hotels properties will enjoy exclusive benefits, including complimentary admission and half-priced guest tickets to the Fotografiska museums, priority reservation to museum bars and restaurants, a complimentary beverage during Happy Hour on weekdays and discounts on select programmes and events. Additionally, Autograph Collection Hotels has teamed up with Lomography to give guests checking into select properties complimentary access to 35mm film cameras and film rolls along with expert tips on how to capture striking photography from the program’s celebrated photographers. To experience Impressions and discover more about the project and collaboration, visit www.autograph-hotels.com/fotografiska. 

 

 

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL AND MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCE LONG-TERM LICENSE AGREEMENT AND CREATION OF ‘MGM COLLECTION WITH MARRIOTT BONVOY’

 

 

 

Marriott International, Inc. and MGM Resorts International have announced the creation of “MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy” through the signing of an exclusive long-term strategic licensing agreement. MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy will launch in October 2023, encompassing seventeen of MGM’s unrivalled resorts and a total of 40,000 rooms, in Las Vegas and other locations across the U.S., including Atlantic City, Biloxi, Detroit, National Harbour and Springfield. Of the twelve resorts in Las Vegas that will join the collection, four will be affiliated with existing Marriott International brands. Bellagio Resort & Casino will soon join The Luxury Collection; ARIA Resort & Casino will become part of Autograph Collection Hotels, Park MGM will join Tribute Portfolio; while The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will continue its affiliation with the collection. From October, several MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy resorts will be available for customers to book across Marriott’s digital platforms, including Marriott.com and the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app, as well as on MGM Resorts’ channels. The agreement will also create added benefits for members of both companies’ loyalty programmes: members of Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott’s award-winning loyalty platform with over 180 million members globally, will be able to earn and redeem points for stays at all MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy properties; While members of MGM Resorts’ acclaimed loyalty programme will be able to link accounts with Marriott Bonvoy to receive selected member benefits. Marriott Bonvoy Moments, the programme providing members access to unparalleled experiences that fuel personal passions, will be strengthened by MGM’s unrivalled culinary, entertainment and sports offerings.

 

 

AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION HOTELS WELCOMES LUME BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN FRANKFURT

 

 

 

 

LUME Boutique Hotel, Autograph Collection has officially joined Autograph Collection’s diverse and dynamic portfolio of independent hotels championing individuality following a transformation of the former Neckarvillen Boutique Hotel. Housed in a historic listed group of buildings in the heart of Frankfurt, the hotel’s redesign was overseen by Italian interior designer Luigi Fragola with a makeover characterised by contrasts of classic Art Deco elements blended with high-end materials such as mahogany and marble. The 133 guestrooms and suites feature contemporary designer lighting and handmade furniture in fine velvet textiles. The hotel is home to Le Petit Royal Frankfurt where guests can indulge in modern French classics and seasonal dishes created in close collaboration with local produce, complemented by an extensive wine list focusing on German and French provenances. Guests can expect a personalised service from meetings in the hotel's Reading Room or insider city tips from the concierge team. The hotel’s wellness facilities include a gym and private sauna - a calming oasis after a day of exploration in the city.

 

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MARRIOTT BONVOY AND PERNOD RICARD CREATE A MOMENT OF BLISS FOR MEMBERS TO IMMERSE IN EXCLUSIVE JAMESON AND MARTELL EXPERIENCES

 

 

 

Horseshoe Bar at The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection

 

Marriott Bonvoy has partnered with Pernod Ricard to offer whisky and cognac-loving members the opportunity to redeem their points on two experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments™ in Bordeaux and Dublin this summer. From August 18^th to 20^th, members staying at The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection in the heart of Dublin can partake in a private whiskey tasting at the hotel’s iconic The Horseshoe Bar. Members will be immersed in the world of Jameson on a guided tour through the infamous corridors of this historic distillery, learning first-hand how the world-class whiskey is produced, followed by a whiskey tasting in John Jameson’s private office. They will be gifted a bottle of 55% cask-strength Jameson Bow Street 18 whiskey and bullet whiskey glasses as souvenirs. In Bordeaux, members checking in to Renaissance Bordeaux Hotel for a two-night stay from August 24^th to 26^th will embark on an unforgettable visit to Maison Martell, the most venerable cognac house in the world. On this exclusive trip, they will taste Martell’s rarest eaux de vie, indulge in a Chef-prepared gastronomic lunch with wine pairings, and create their own Cognac Blend with the Cellar Master. For information on Marriott Bonvoy Moments available across Europe this summer, visit Moments.marriottbonvoy.com.

 

 

THE RITZ-CARLTON DEBUTS IN FUKUOKA, WEAVING TOGETHER TRADITION AND MODERNITY IN SOUTHERN JAPAN

 

 

 

The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka has opened on the island of Kyushu in Southern Japan, bringing the brand’s unparalleled service and contemporary aesthetic to one of Japan’s fastest growing cities with a thriving start-up scene. Rising above Fukuoka, the luxury hotel is situated within the nine topmost floors in the 111-metre main tower of Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City, the tallest urban lifestyle complex in the city’s core commercial district. Overseen by Melbourne-based Layan Architects + Designers, the interior design and artwork throughout its 167 spacious guestrooms, 20 suites and public spaces take inspiration from “Hakata-ori”, Fukuoka’s traditional yarn-dyed silk and kimono weaving craft. The hotel offers four restaurants and two bars which reflect the vibrant culinary culture of the city. Local ingredients are transformed into creative farm-to-sky western cuisine at Viridis, and three of Japan’s finest culinary traditions - kaiseki, sushi, and teppanyaki - are showcased at the stylish Genjyu. The Lobby Lounge & Bar offers refreshments and light meals throughout the day, and Bay, inspired by the passing ships of Hakata Bay, offers original cocktails, chargrilled dishes and tapas to enjoy on the terrace with exceptional views. Diva is a refined yet relaxed café serving light meals and afternoon tea showcasing the celebrated green teas of Kyushu. On the 24th floor sits The Ritz-Carlton Club, a private sanctuary for guests staying in club and suite categories, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa which provides a tranquil oasis above the bustling city, complete with an indoor pool, gym and ESPA spa treatments. Other facilities include the signature Ritz Kids programme and versatile meeting and event spaces including a Ritz-Carlton Studio, Ritz-Carlton Ballroom and a Chapel for wedding ceremonies.

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ELEMENT BY WESTIN UNVEILS ELEMENT WEST BAY DOHA

 

 

  

Element Hotels, an extension of Westin Hotels and Resorts, has announced the opening of Element West Bay Doha in the heart of Doha city centre. Designed for today’s healthy traveller who strives to maintain balance while on the road, the hotel offers a fresh approach to the longer stay experience with a philosophy that encourages guests to recharge and find their focus. The hotel features 180 spacious studio, one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, which are fully equipped with signature Westin Heavenly® beds, a large workstation, spacious living and dining areas, and a modern kitchenette. To feel energised and balanced during their stay, guests can make use of the indoor pool, Lotus Spa and 24-hour Motion Fitness Center with state-of-the-art training equipment. From the complimentary Rise® breakfast and all-day Californian food culture restaurant concept, ShikiMiki, to the Restore Grab & Go menu offering wholesome on-the-go snacks, guests can find nutritious options at every dining destination. Located within a five minutes’ walk from Doha’s best beach clubs and with easy access to the key business districts and facilities including the Doha Exhibition Convention Center, Element Westin Bay Doha is an ideal choice for business travellers, longer-stay guests and holidaymakers alike, tapping into the increasing demand for ‘bleisure’ travel options. 

 

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COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT ENTERS EASTERN PROVINCE OF SAUDI ARABIA IN JUBAIL

 

 

Courtyard by Marriott has opened its first property in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia with the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Jubail. Located in Majd Square in Jubail City, the new-built hotel is set to become the unparalleled destination of choice for both business and leisure travellers visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Offering 165 guestrooms including 34 suites, the property features contemporary design, lighting and a relaxing colour palette. There are two dining facilities - the Kitchen and Barista, an all-day dining restaurant serving international cuisine against the backdrop of the bustling Majd Square and cityscape beyond, as well as the Coffee Bar offering specialty coffees and on-the-go bites throughout the day. For guests seeking wellness and serenity, the hotel features a 24-hour fitness center and sauna.

 

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