Travelore Report, Monthly In Print Since 1971: The Best Of The Best: The Peninsula Hotel Is Our ...

Travelore Report, Monthly In Print Since 1971: The Best Of The Best: The Peninsula Hotel Is Our ...: In our many years of experiences traveling around the world the word "luxury" is commonly tossed around among hotels, resort...

Waldorf Astoria Debuts In Bangkok

The stunning hotel boasts the best bars, restaurants and views in the city

Luxury hotel
Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is the newest addition to Bangkok’s string of luxury hotels. The hotel is housed within the 60-storey Magnolias Ratchadmri Boulevard building and is managed by Hilton as the latest addition to its Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts portfolio. The hotel was designed by architect André Fu and his team of creatives at AFSO. The result is an experience that aims to unite Thai artisanal tradition with the contemporary architecture that the Magnolias Ratchadmri Boulevard building represents.

Bustling Bangkok 
The luxury hotel holds prime location right next to the bustling Ratchaprasong intersection and is within short walking distance to the best shopping precincts in Bangkok. A pleasant stroll can take guests swiftly to the Erwan Shrine, Gaysorn Village mall and to Bangkok’s Skytrain.

In the heart of the action
A small drive from the hotel leads to highlights like the Charoenkrung Creative District, the iconic Grand Palace and the city’s vibrant flower market. Encapsulating Thai spirit, the 171 residential-style guest rooms feature spa-inspired and marble bathrooms that boast both luxury and space.

Luxurious restaurants
Waldorf Astoria Bangkok will uphold the culinary legacy of the Waldorf Astoria brand with three luxurious restaurants, a lounge and two bars. Front Room, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok’s signature restaurant, will see renowned chef Fae Rungthiwa Chummongkhon at the helm blending the flavours of Scandinavia and Thailand for an exotic fusion.

Sweeping views
The Brasserie promises to be a hub of local produce and French-inspired flavours with sweeping views of the city while neighbouring Peacock Alley offers up New York inspired afternoon tea and light meals. Bull & Bear specialises in grilled meats and seafood with a live raw bar that allows for smoking, slow roasting, baking and grilling.

Lofty ambitions
Guests have a choice of two enticing bars: The Loft, which will serve up artisanal spirits and cocktails utilising the fresh flavours of Thailand; and the Champagne bar, located right at the top of the prestigious hotel. The temperature controlled swimming pool also plays host to some of Bangkok’s most stunning views with a pool bar making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. waldorfastoria3.hilton.com

Source: https://www.vacationsmag.com

The Best Of The Best: The Peninsula Hotel New York Is Offering A Complimentary Upgrade This Summer

ROOMS & SUITES GIFT CARDS OFFERS RESERVATIONS   Upgrade Your Stay on Fifth Avenue Enjoy a complimentary room upgrade when you book online   Whether you enjoy a picnic in Central Park, a stroll on the Highline or a trip to Yankee Stadium, experience the magic of New York City with our Summer Online Exclusive Offer. Reserve a stay at peninsula.com through September 28 and receive a complimentary upgrade plus the ease of arriving and departing at your convenience. Benefits: Upgrade to the next available room category Flexible check-in and check-out times Complimentary daily American breakfast for two (suite bookings only) Rates from $645 BOOK A ROOM

Four Seasons To Open New Hotel In Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, and Jabal Omar Development Company (JODC) announce plans for a new Four Seasons hotel in the Holy City of Makkah (also known as Mecca) as part of the Jabal Omar integrated real estate development.

Ideally located adjacent to Al-Masjid Al-Ḥarām (the Grand Mosque) and with direct access and unobstructed views of the Haram, Four Seasons Hotel Makkah will offer the most gracious accommodations in the city.

Four Seasons Hotel Makkah will be the company’s second location in Saudi Arabia, joining Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre in offering the most luxurious accommodations and personalized service in the region.

“As Four Seasons continues to expand its portfolio in the Middle East, we are pleased to partner with JODC to create a fully customized Four Seasons experience in Makkah,” says J. Allen Smith, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “Each Four Seasons is reflective of its destination and the people who stay with us, and this project in particular is designed to accommodate the unique needs of those who visit Makkah. This magnificent new building will set the stage for tailored service in a luxurious environment, enhancing the connection to this important place for all who visit.”

“Four Seasons will be the jewel in the Jabal Omar master development plan,” says Yasser Faisal Al-Sharif, CEO of Jabal Omar Development Company. “With our design partners and Four Seasons, we will bring to life a vision for the ultimate hospitality experience to enhance Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.”

Award-winning architectural firm Foster + Partners was chosen following an international design competition for this prestigious project. Impressive in appearance and deeply thoughtful in its concept, the multi-towered building atop a retail podium cascades down toward the Grand Mosque, seamlessly integrating its public spaces into the Haram. An innovative design allows clear views of the Kaaba from every guest room and suite, each of which will feature one or more private prayer rooms. In total, there will be approximately 375 guest rooms and suites, plus approximately 90 Four Seasons Private Residences.

Additional features of the Hotel include three restaurants and lounges, a ballroom and meeting rooms, and a spa and fitness center. The Hotel will also offer special facilities and programs for families.

YTL Hotels Introduces The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui In Thailand #TreasuredPlaces, #TreasuredMoments

YTL Hotels is delighted to announce the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui in Thailand. The resort’s opening has been highly anticipated and its debut on the eastern coast of Thailand marks the beginning of the discovery of inspiring and quintessential experiences. Koh Samui has long been renowned for its breathtaking tropical charms and pristine natural beauty on the Gulf of Thailand, and is a much sought-after destination by luxury travelers from around the world. The distinguished and personalized Ritz-Carlton service and legendary Thai hospitality are interwoven to create unique treasured moments.   “The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui marks another milestone of our strong partnership with Marriott International. With the opening of this resort, our portfolio together with Marriott International now encompasses nine properties across Asia-Pacific and Europe,” said Dato’ Mark Yeoh, Executive Director of YTL Hotels. The opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui affirms the long-standing relationship between Marriott International and YTL Hotels. The resort adds to YTL Hotels’ current footprint in Thailand which includes The Surin Phuket, a member of Design Hotels™, and the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express which travels from Singapore to Thailand. With 175 suites and pool villas, nestled amid 58 acres, the resort overlooks the turquoise waters with an extensive oceanfront. Built on the site of a former coconut plantation, the stunning resort with its contemporary architecture pays homage to its past with the extensive use of coconut and other natural materials such as ceramics that imbue a sense of place. Relaxation and rejuvenation come easily at Spa Village Koh Samui, a 3,800 square meter sanctuary anchored in the healing culture of the region. The spa features eight treatment suites, three massage pavilions, a yoga pavilion, health bar, and a lap pool with intimate cabanas. Guests will be able to experience the Songkran Shower, the signature pre-spa ritual inspired by the annual Songkran festival involving the joyful throwing of water, as a prelude to selected spa treatments.

The resort’s culinary offerings reflect the destination’s bold flavors synonymous with southern Thai soul food at some of the seven dining experiences available.  Shook! is a stylish interactive dining space, serving innovative Asian and Western dishes complemented by a superb selection of fine wines. Sea Salt offers international classics and Thai favourites in a relaxing atmosphere, while Tides is the perfect spot for sun-lovers to unwind with a refreshing cocktail from the poolside bar, paired with a citrus-cured specialty from the cevicheria. One Rai, a circular bar and lounge, offers cocktails and Asian-inspired small bites.  Pak Tai is the resort’s signature culinary experience featuring a fine dining interpretation of traditional southern Thai cuisine with views over the swim reef from its secluded individual dining terraces. The Peak, on an elevated point with a sweeping ocean vista, provides the ultimate private dining experience for special occasions. On selected days, guests can enjoy Baan Talat, an outdoor food market experience with street food stalls, cultural dances and crafts. The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui has curated some of the finest authentic southern Thai experiences to immerse in. These include the Muay Thai Gym with its indoor kickboxing ring where guests can learn the martial art of Muay Thai with trained instructors; journey to a local market to source seasonal produce, followed by a class to unlock the secrets of southern Thai cooking.  The resort has also introduced a one-of-a-kind temperate Swim Reef within the resort that teems with over 50 species of fish. It is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, and offers unique snorkeling and fish-feeding experiences. Expansive facilities include two white sand beaches, a beachside resort pool, a water sports center and two floodlit tennis courts. The Ritz Kids program, with its own check-in and amenities for children, offers indoor and outdoor activities to keep the young guests entertained. At The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui each customized wedding is a signature event, in a Thai or Western setting, as lifetime vows are exchanged at Sala Thai, an elevated pavilion overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.  The resort now welcomes guests to embrace the Samui way of life - the heartbeat at The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui.

About YTL Hotels YTL Hotels owns and manages a prestigious collection of award-winning resorts, hotels, boutique experiences and Spa Villages with a hospitality footprint across Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, Australia, France and the United Kingdom, including Pangkor Laut Resort, voted the world’s best resort in 2003 by Condé Nast Traveller UK. The group also co-owns the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train. The Gainsborough Bath Spa, the only hotel in Bath to be part of the Leading Hotels of the World’s collection of legendary hotels, was named one of the Top 10 Hotel Spas in Europe. Set in the heart of Bath, a World Heritage Site, this unique heritage gem exclusively offers the only natural thermal spa within a hotel in the United Kingdom. YTL Hotels’ global expansion celebrates its decades long relationship with Marriott International through the ownership management of Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel, Brisbane Marriott Hotel, Melbourne Marriott Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur and JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur and recently includes The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, The Glasshouse Hotel - Edinburgh and Threadneedles Hotel – London in affiliation with the brand’s Autograph Collection. The partnership also encompasses the future development of the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve that will complement YTL Hotels’ overall master plan for Niseko Village in Japan. With each new experience that it presents, the company strives to embrace and highlight the natural essence of culture, character and tradition of its surroundings. YTL Hotels is the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad. Visit www.ytlhotels.com for more information and follow us on our social media platforms for #TreasuredPlaces #TreasuredMoments About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, MD., part of Marriott International, Inc., currently operates more than 90 hotels and 40 residential properties in more than 30 countries and territories. The Ritz-Carlton is proud to participate in the industry’s award-winning loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®. Members can now link accounts with Starwood Preferred Guest® at members.marriott.com for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.ritzcarlton.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR).

The Best Of The Best: The Peninsula Hotel Is Our Recommended Choice For A True Luxury Experience In New York.

In our many years of experiences traveling around the world the word "luxury" is commonly tossed around among hotels, resorts and cruises, but rarely is the experience totally as promised. In New York many times we've also been disappointed in offerings, even selecting not to write about hotels and restaurants when they have been complementary to us. You will not be disappointed with any aspects of the Peninsula, making every effort to cater to your needs as should be expected from a true 5-star  hotel.

The Peninsula is housed in a magnificent neoclassical  building built in 1905, on what is considered the most expensive street in the world. Nearby are flagship stores including De Beers, Fendi, and Armani. Nearby attractions include Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), and Radio City Music Hall.
Dining at the Clement is one of the more special experiences in New York with modern versions of classic preparations, relaxed atmosphere, and outstanding service. Pictured is their excellent Dover Sole Grenobloise and seasonal vegetables.  Our recommended wine selection was a pinot noir from Patagonia, a 2012 Bodegas Chacra 'Cincuenta Cinco',  a light and elegant choice with complex fruit undertones.

Amenities and services at the hotel include a world class spa, health club, and beautiful rooftop pool and outside 'sunning' space. Wi-fi is also complementary.

The Peninsula Hotel New York is located at 700 5th Avenue at 55th Street. For more details please visit: Www.NewYork.Peninsula.Com

2017 Star Rating Awards: 175 Hotels Achieve Coveted Forbes Five-Star Award

Forbes Travel Guide today unveiled its 59th list of worldwide Star Rating recipients, continuing its exceedingly selective approach for recognizing the world’s finest properties and rewarding gracious, intuitive service.

For 2017, the award winners include 38 new Five-Star hotels, 75 new Four-Star hotels and 85new hotels in the Recommended category. Other first-time recipients include seven Five-Star restaurants, 16 Four-Star restaurants and 21 Recommend restaurants. The list also honors nine new Five-Star spas and 35 new Four-Star spas.

As it continues to expand globally, Forbes Travel Guide now rates properties in 42 countries throughout the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, with plans to add the Middle East and Africa for 2018. Newly added 20 international destinations for 2017 include: Bali, Barcelona, Bogota, Budapest, Cartagena, County Kildare (Ireland), Dublin, Kyoto, Lima, Lisbon, Manila, Melbourne, Monte Carlo, Munich, Osaka, Santiago, Seoul, St. Tropez, Sydney, Venice and Zurich.

“This year’s Star-Rated properties — the largest and most global group in the company’s history — achieved an impeccable standard of excellence in hospitality, underscoring our overall mission of positively contributing to the international tourism industry as well as the individual hotel experience,” said Gerard J. Inzerillo, Chief Executive Officer of Forbes Travel Guide.

“We are excited to recognize the 2017 Star Rating recipients, an exceptional collection of hotels, restaurants and spas with a strong culture of service. In an online environment of confusion and clutter, Forbes Travel Guide is the most trusted source of information to assist guests in making informed decisions,” Inzerillo said. “We are proud to congratulate everyone associated with the prestigious properties recognized today.”

To celebrate this year’s award, Star-Rated winners are invited to the Forbes Travel Guide All-Star Celebration in New York City on March 2. Attendees will enjoy a mouth-watering selection of dishes prepared by award-winning chefs and legends of the international culinary world, including: Jose Garces, Amada; Christian Pratsch, Asiate; Daniel Boulud, Daniel; Mario Batali and Joe and Lidia Bastianich, Del Posto; Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Jean-Georges; Geoffrey Zakarian, The Lambs Club; and Michael White, Vaucluse.

HIGHLIGHTS, TRENDS & FUN FACTS FOR 2017

• Just the Numbers

o Among the total 1,463 winners, there are 175 Five-Star, 477 Four-Star and 239Recommended hotels.

o Overall, 62 Five-Star, 179 Four-Star and 73 Recommended restaurants earned distinctions.

o In the spas category, a total of 56 Five-Star and 207 Four-Star spots achieved awards

• Beauty in Diversity

o While the 2017 group of winners is the most diverse in terms of size, location and style, one overarching theme that ties them together is that each delivers its own distinctive experience. New Five-Star hotels range from the brand-new fresh and inventive Faena Hotel Miami Beach and the recently restored grand dame Ritz Paris to over-the-top all-suite hotel The Ritz-Carlton, Macau. Boutique hotels also made a strong Five-Star showing, including Cabo San Lucas’ 87-room The Resort at Pedregal, London’s 30-room Hotel 41 and Rome’s 14-suite Portrait Roma.

• Stars All Around

o An elite group of (11) properties earned Five-Star awards for their hotel, restaurant and spa. These triple Five-Star winners include: Banyan Tree Macau; The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs; The Cloister in Sea Island, Georgia; Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego; The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong; Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas; Mandarin Oriental, Macau; Mandarin Oriental, Miami; Montage Laguna Beach; Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island; and Wynn Las Vegas.

o Altira Macau and Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong received a total of four Five-Star awards for the hotel, spa and two restaurants.

o Crown Towers Macau won a total of five Five-Star awards for the hotel, spa and three restaurants.

o Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong and Wynn Macau set a new record, achieving a total of six Five-Star awards for the hotel, spa and four restaurants.

• Where the Hotel Stars Shine Brightly

o In Singapore, 3 Hotels earned Five-star award including: Capella Singapore, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, and The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore.

o Pan Pacific Singapore, a new winner, proudly joined the existing 8 Four-Star Hotels in Singapore

o Globally, cities with the most Five-Star hotels include: Macau (10), Paris (10), London (9) and Hong Kong (8). Macau and Paris remain neck and neck with one new winner each in 2017.

Rosewood Hong Kong To Open In 2018

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® will open the ultra-luxury brand’s first Hong Kong property in 2018 in a prime Victoria Harbour waterfront location at the former New World Centre on Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui.  Rosewood Hong Kong will occupy 27 floors of a multi-use tower owned by New World Development Company Limited, whose distinct form and glowing crown is destined to become an instantly recognizable landmark on the famous skyline. 

“As one of the world’s great cities, with iconic character and landscape, Hong Kong is a superlative location to open a Rosewood hotel and exquisitely express the brand’s A Sense of Place philosophy,” says Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotel Group.  “We aim for this hotel to capture Hong Kong’s grace and dynamism, culture and modernity, while debuting Rosewood’s engaging, intuitive and refined service here in our home city.”

The design of Rosewood Hong Kong is the story of the gracious lifestyle within an elegant estate, and this impression will be cast immediately upon arrival and extend throughout the open public spaces, private guestrooms and event venues.  Mr. Tony Chi and his New York-based studio, tonychi, will not merely focus on aesthetics but upon every fine detail to create memorable experiences for guests and visitors.  Mr. Chi’s approach to expressing the Rosewood brand’s A Sense of Place® concept was lauded at Rosewood London when it opened in 2013.

Acclaimed New York-based Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates will blend classic design elements with references to the vibrantly contemporary surroundings in the architecture of the 398-room hotel. 

Rosewood Hong Kong will offer eight dining options; recreational facilities will include a fitness center, swimming pool and Rosewood’s holistic wellness concept; and the Manor Club executive lounge will provide an array of exclusive privileges for its guests.  The Pavilion will introduce to Hong Kong Rosewood’s signature, high-end residential-style meeting and event spaces. 

Rosewood Residences — 199 luxury accommodations for longer stays located on the top 19 floors of the tower, some with outdoor terraces and all with bird’s eye views — will offer a dedicated lounge, indoor swimming pool and fitness center along with special services and amenities for residents.  

Rosewood Hong Kong will join a regional network of distinctive Rosewood properties in Asia, including Rosewood Beijing, and upcoming in Phnom Penh, Phuket, Guangzhou, Luang Prabang, Sanya, Bali, Jakarta, Hainan, Bangkok and Siem Reap. 

Travelore News: First Four Seasons In Vietnam Announced

The Nam Hai Hoi An luxury resort will be managed by Four Seasons as of December 20, 2016

TORONTO, Canada - Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) and ASB Development Limited today announced that the renowned luxury resort – The Nam Hai Hoi An - will be managed by Four Seasons as of December 20, 2016. The Resort, a joint venture between HPL, a major international property group, and ASB Development Limited, Dubai's leading investment group, marks the much-anticipated entry of Four Seasons into Vietnam, one of the world's fastest growing tourist destinations.

Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam is located in the country's premier resort destination along the pristine coastline of Hoi An and in close proximity to the neighbouring town of Hoi An, a UNESCO-protected trading port from the 15th century and one of Vietnam's modern culinary meccas. The Resort is also conveniently located just 30 minutes from the city of Da Nang and Da Nang International Airport, making it easily accessible for international and regional travellers alike.

"Hoi An is one of the most coveted resort locations in Vietnam and we're excited to be bringing legendary Four Seasons service and quality to this idyllic destination," says Stephen Lau, Chairman, HPL Hotels and Resorts. "As owners of several Four Seasons properties around the world, we know that Four Seasons has a proven track record of catering to discerning luxury travellers from around the world with highly personalised care and unmatched attention to detail. We look forward to bringing their world-class hospitality to the Hoi An coast and together creating one of the finest resorts in Vietnam."

J. Allen Smith, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts adds, "Vietnam is an important growth market for Four Seasons and this is a unique opportunity to quickly establish a presence in the country's top resort destination with partners HPL and ASB, who believe in the culture of Four Seasons and share our vision for success."

"As we continue to extend our presence across Asia Pacific we are focused on ensuring that each new addition to our portfolio represents the very best of Four Seasons, offering the highest levels of service excellence and product quality," continues Smith. "Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam will be no exception and we are excited to mark our entry into Vietnam with such a desirable location and a luxury product that will appeal to regional and international travellers, as well as private residence owners."

Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam will be the latest addition to the exclusive collection of Four Seasons resorts in the Asia Pacific region, including two resorts in Bali; two resorts, a private island, and a private catamaran in the Maldives; three resorts in Thailand; and resorts in Bora Bora and Langkawi.

Amsterdam's Hotel Pulitzer Grand Re-Opening August 15, 2016-This Is The Site Of One Of Our More Memorable Culinary Experiences In Europe.

Pulitzer Amsterdam, the celebrated independent hotel stretching through 25 canal houses will reveal the final stage of a top-to-toe refurbishment in August 2016, to coincide with the iconic hotel’s 45th year birthday celebrations.

Phase one of the extensive restoration project which was completed in February this year, included a new restaurant Jansz and Pulitzer’s Bar, in addition to 80 redesigned guestrooms and suites on the Keizersgracht canal side of the hotel. The new rooms showcase original features alongside contemporary design taking inspiration from the history of the labyrinth of 25 interlinked canal houses which form much of the city’s DNA and hold within them many tales and layers of discovery.

The final chapter of the extensive restoration of the eclectic collection of buildings has now begun and will conclude with the joining of the Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht canals to be revealed August 15, 2016 - coupled with a Grand Opening party. The remaining phase of renovations will reveal 145 new guestrooms and suites located between a warren of intriguing passages, a transformed lobby and a lavish marble garden cafe – plus the jewel in the Pulitzer crown, the Pulitzer Garden which will be transformed into a park-like hideaway. The Pulitzer Garden, soon to be known as Amsterdam’s ‘worst kept secret’ given its elite position, size and design as a truly unique offering in the Dutch city, will showcase imaginative design touches such as a giant swing surrounded hand carved wooden rocking horses.

At the time of the Grand Opening on August 15 2016, the hotel will have a total of 225 guestrooms and suites boasting original canal house features to reflect Amsterdam's history and contemporary Dutch design. From trade merchants to flamboyant Dutch aristocrats, the 400-year-old buildings have been sensitively restored to reflect the past inhabitants of the properties. Each building is a monument in its own right, showcasing the traditional essence of the Dutch capital whilst telling a range of stories that will inspire and intrigue guests and visitors. The interiors of each individual space have been designed to convey a dash of idiosyncratic wit that one would expect from such a storied property.

Overseeing the renovations and redesign for the past three years is Creative Director, Jacu Strauss, formerly a senior designer at Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio. Strauss has previously led projects including Barbecoa for Jamie Oliver and Mondrian London at Sea Containers. He commented; “It’s incredible to see how our vision for Pulitzer Amsterdam has come to life. We have woven the multiple Pulitzer stories into the fabric of the new design to celebrate and evoke the grandeur and the heritage of these Golden Age canal houses. Our future lies in our past and we want to stay true to our roots and celebrate the history and heritage of the canal houses whilst being both luxurious and glamorous. The hotel’s hidden touches and individuality are what makes Pulitzer Amsterdam unique and each room offers ongoing surprises for both new and returning guests.”

No two rooms are the same and the individual units together express a flamboyance and playful character and breathe personality. Each balances Amsterdam’s rich past and contemporary present in an eclectic mix of finishes and designs. Guests can choose from four distinctive guestroom categories and three suite categories, as well as the beautifully romantic Pulitzer’s Suite. In addition there are four exceptional Collector’s Suites with private street entrances and stunning views of the canals are inspired by the narrative of elaborate characters who may have lived in the buildings throughout the years; from a compulsive art devotee to an eccentric book lover; a music composer and a grand antique collector. In this home away from home guests can enjoy the use of free wifi, a vintage telephone, Le Labo amenities and a bike repair set.

Pulitzer Amsterdam’s new restaurant, Jansz., is a quietly elegant neighbourhood restaurant with an easy-going Dutch attitude. Executive chef Cassidy Hallman has used an old-fashioned, quality-loving approach to create a menu of beautifully crafted modern classics that respect the simplicity of quality produce and ingredients. Dishes include beef tartar with quail egg (starter), Dover sole meunière and Morano spiced salmon.

A timeless cocktail lounge, Pulitzer’s Bar, also debuts today and brings to Amsterdam a classic and chic hotel bar, with sumptuous furnishings and a rich and intimate atmosphere. The cocktail menu offers drinks that are classic in element and style, but modern in execution. Each follows one consistent recipe: one part of the past, one part of the present, and one part of revolutionary technique. For example, the Pineapple Old Fashioned is served on a bed of haw to add another layer of aroma to the drink.

Pulitzer Amsterdam is located in one of Amsterdam’s most fashionable neighbourhoods, within easy reach of the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, the Van Gogh Museum and The Anne Frank House. The chic Nine Streets, the quaint shops of Jordaan, the flower market and the Royal Palace are also a short distance away.

Lead-in rates at Pulitzer Amsterdam start at $295
For further information and hotel reservations, visit www.pulitzeramsterdam.com

Source: www.luxurytravelmagazine.com

AccorHotels Group Announce Acquisition Of FRHI Hotels & Resorts (FRHI) And Its Luxury Hotel Brands: Fairmont, Raffles And Swissôtel.

Joining AccorHotels’ global network is a portfolio of globally admired brands, which includes management of many of the world’s most iconic and historic hotels located in key strategic cities around the world, including: The Savoy in London, Raffles Singapore, Fairmont San Francisco, New York’s The Plaza, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City, and Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris.

The addition of  the three hotel brands will position AccorHotels as a leading player in the global luxury hotel market.

“The acquisition of these three emblematic luxury hotel brands is a historical milestone for AccorHotels. It will open up amazing growth prospects, lift our international presence to unprecedented heights, and build value over the long term,”

Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AccorHotels

AccorHotels plans to generate approximately €65 million in revenue and cost synergies thanks to the combination of brands, the maximization of hotel earnings, the increased efficiency of marketing, sales and distribution channel initiatives, and the optimisation of support costs.