May 2010
Raffles Moscow to Open in 2011
Raffles Hotels & Resorts has extended its presence to the Russian capital city of Moscow, in the Kitay-Gorod district. This exceptional location places Raffles Moscow in the heart of the city, in close proximity to renowned landmarks such as the Red Square, Kremlin and Bolshoy Theatre.
The hotel is a 3 minute walk to the Red Square and one block away from, what is known not only in Moscow but in whole of Russia as “Tretryakoviskiy proezd”, home of the most luxurious and prestigious shops.
Raffles Moscow is a heritage building originally built as a private residence by the Saltykov brothers in the mid 17th century. In 1842, enterprising members of the Chizhov family acquired the building and added new extensions in order to house merchant shops and furnished apartments for rent. Thereafter, the building took the name of “Chizhevskoe Podvorie”. This stately building, which is under an investment contract between Moscow government and ALT Corporation, will soon undergo redevelopment in order to transform it into the luxurious Raffles Moscow where guests will be able to experience the heartfelt and gracious service for which Raffles is renowned.
When the hotel opens in 2011, it will feature 130 spacious and elegantly appointed rooms. Guestrooms at Raffles Moscow will be residential sanctuaries ensconced in privacy, offering the distinctive sense of refined elegance and luxury found at all Raffles hotels and resorts. Raffles Moscow will be part of a larger development, which will include apartments, high-end retail galleries as well as historic buildings, such as an 18th century
Russian Orthodox Church and the house where Napoleon Bonaparte occasionally stayed.
Raffles Moscow will also feature six restaurants and bars, including an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant and a bar located on level four, the top level of the hotel. The highest level of the hotel will also house the indoor pool and the tranquil RafflesAmrita Spa, affording guests sweeping views of the city and Kremlin. Occupying a generous 1,300 square metres, RafflesAmrita Spa at Raffles Moscow will be distinguished as one of the largest spas in Moscow, offering an extensive selection of massage and wellness options. RafflesAmrita Spa is a signature component of Raffles
hotels and resorts around the world and the spa at Raffles Canouan Island in The Grenadines has been named by The Robb Report as ‘Best of the Best Spas’.
Mr. Vladimir M. Pereverzev, Chairman of the Board of Directors, ALT Corporation, said, “We are extremely pleased to be bringing the Raffles brand to Russia. Raffles offers exceptional lifestyle experiences and represents the highest standards of hospitality and service. We are confident that Raffles Moscow will be distinguished by these attributes to become the premier address in one of the great capital cities in the world.”
Diana Ee-Tan, President, Raffles Hotels & Resorts commented, “With its historically significant architectural works, monuments, museums and a vibrant performing arts scene, Moscow is a facsinating destination with great appeal to world travellers. In terms of tourism growth, the city enjoyed a robust growth of 7.5% in international tourist arrivals last year and a phenomenal growth of 16% in revenue per available room. We are delighted that ALT Corporation has entrusted Raffles with the management of their new
hotel in this superb location.”
Oberoi hotel reopens 18 months after Mumbai massacre
The Oberoi hotel in Mumbai, has reopened 18 months after it was extensively damaged when militants stormed the Indian city.
More than 30 of the hotel’s staff and guests were killed in the attack, in which a total of nearly 170 people died.
Newly refurbished at a cost of £23m, the 214-bedroom and 73-suite hotel features three new restaurants including: the Indian restaurant Ziya under the director of Vineet Bhatia; Fenix, an all-day dining option; and Vetro, an Italian restaurant in association with the Hotel Hassler, Rome.
Steven Kalczynski, previously general manager of the Ballantyne, a Starwood hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina, heads the management team of the transformed hotel.
Also badly damaged, the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel partially reopened within weeks of the terrorist attack.
Its newly-refurbished Palace wing, which will bring most of the property’s 287 hotels back into operation, is due to reopen on 1 July. The rest of the bedrooms will be re-launched in September.
Dubai Holding's Jumeirah to Open 10 Hotels in 18 Mths
The luxury hotel management group said it expected to open the new hotels in locations including Frankfurt, Kuwait, the Maldives, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Shanghai.
Jumeirah's parent company Dubai Holding [DUBAHC.UL], the investment conglomerate owned by the emirate's ruler, is considering restructuring up to $20 billion in debt, the FT reported on March 29.
The move would be another blow to indebted Dubai, one of seven members comprising the UAE.
Dubai Holding spans financial investments, hospitality and real estate.
Earlier in April, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum, the head of the emirate's main fiscal committee, said Dubai Holding does not need assistance and is problem-free.
Jumeirah is one of Dubai's prized assets.
The hotelier said on Wednesday it so far had a total of 32 management agreements to operate hotels globally.
"Jumeirah Group reaffirms its growth strategy of having 60 hotels signed up by 2012," the company said. "The company also feels confident that it will have 30 hotels open in 2013."
In Dubai, the hotelier's beachfront properties saw occupancy of 92.5 percent in April and an average of 89 percent in February and March, it said.
In New York, Jumeirah Essex House registered average occupancy rates of 85 percent in April, with "strong business on the books for the late Spring and Summer seasons".
London properties saw a similar performance, it said.
The company also named VENU Hotels as its new brand, to launch later this year, after locations of its first set of hotels is confirmed.
In the heart of Ukraine's dynamic capital Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv
Opening in 2011 the classically designed Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv will feature 257 rooms, including 35 suites offering an elegant and relaxing atmosphere as well as Royal and Presidential suites. In addition, guests can enjoy Fairmont Gold, the brand’s exclusive lifestyle offering featuring warm and personalized service with amenities such as a private reception desk and a comfortable guest lounge.
Along with a selection of dining outlets, guests can relax in a specialty Champagne bar, as well as a cigar bar featuring entertainment. For special events, the hotel offers 1210 m² of meeting and function space, including a 480 m² ballroom. Recreational facilities include a Willow Stream Spa, offering six treatment rooms, including two deluxe rooms, a relaxation room, separate women’s and men's areas featuring sauna, steam and swiss, and a full beauty salon.
The elegant hotel will be located on the Dnipro River in the heart of the historic Podil district of Kyiv, alongside the city’s numerous landmarks, with easy access to the international airport and central business district. Guests will enjoy unrivalled views of the river as well as the city’s bridges and the golden domes of numerous churches and cathedrals. Kyiv is renowned for its arts and culture, including architectural landmarks such as the city’s Golden Gate, Kyiv Pecherska Lavra and St. Sophia Cathedral, all easily accessible from the Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv. |
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Gérard Sintès has been appointed General Manager of the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, taking over from Luis Marco who is retiring after a 45-year career in the hospitality industry. Sintès was most recently at the One&Only Cape Town as General Manager. In addition, he had previously served as General Manager at the One&Only Le Saint Géran Hotel, Spa & Golf Club in Mauritius and at the Shangri-La Bangkok.
Philippe Leboeuf has returned to Paris as pre-opening General Manager of the Mandarin Oriental Paris. He had previously overseen the Hôtel de Crillon for six years. He was most recently at Claridge’s in London as General Manager.
The Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf, and Spa has named Rene Zimmer General Manager. He had previously served as Executive Assistant Manager at the Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg. Prior to that, he was the Director of Food and Beverage at the Hotel La Residencia in Mallorca, Spain.
Andrew Mackay joins the Samling Hotel in Cumbria as General Manager. He was previously the General Manager at Linthwaite House in Cumbria and the Greenway in Cheltenham.
The Kings Hotel in Christchurch has named Claire Stepney General Manager. Her past experience includes positions at Chewton Glen in Hampshire, Combe House in Devon and the Summer Lodge in Dorset.
Christian Baumgarten is the new General Manager at Le Mas de Pierre in Saint-Paul de Vence, succeeding Gilles Fouilleroux. He had been the property’s Assistant General Manager for the past two years, following stints as Assistant Director of Food and Beverage at the Martinez, and Food and Beverage Director at the Croisette Beach.
At the Hotel du Castellet on the French Riviera, Alexandra Perbet is the new Director of Operations, taking over from Arnaud Potvin, who has left the company.
At Paris’ Park Hyatt Vendôme, Jean-Yong Pittion replaces Arnaud Duhem as Director of Food and Beverage. He comes from the Plaza-Athénée where he held the position of Food and Beverage Manager since 2007. He also served as Assistant Food and Beverage Director at the Conrad London. As for Duhem, he is now the Director of Food and Beverage at the soon-to-open Shangri-La Palais d’Iéna.
The Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill has appointed Conor O'Leary Director of Food and Beverage. He was most recently at the Andaz London Liverpool Street as Director of Food and Beverage and previously served as Food and Beverage Manager at the Ritz London.
The Hotel Missoni in Edinburgh has named Tamara Kobiolke Director of Sales and Marketing. She was most recently the Director of Sales at Cameron House.
Langham Hotels International has appointed Nadine Schaperdot Director of Sales for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. She was most recently managing the Group and Incentive markets for One&Only Resorts and the Atlantis brand.
Aurelio in Lech, Austria, has appointed Christian Rescher Chef de Cuisine. He had previously served as Chef de Partie at Schlosswirt zu Anif and Pastry Chef at Restaurant Riedenburg in Salzburg.
Max Wilson has been promoted to Head Chef for Seaham Hall in County Durham. He moves up from his current position as Sous Chef, taking over from Kenny Atkinson who is now at Rockliffe Hall.
Lars Windfuhr has joined the Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill as Executive Chef. He was most recently at the Grand Hyatt Cairo.
Marco Pierre White has appointed Chris Brown Head Chef for his Steakhouse Bar and Grill in the Doubletree by Hilton Chester. Brown was most recently at White's Marco at Chelsea and Wheelers of St. James restaurants.
Brenden Moradi has joined Marco Pierre White as Restaurant Manager for his Steakhouse Bar and Grill in the Doubletree by Hilton Chester. Moradi’s Chester experience includes positions at Bar Lounge, Upstairs at The Grill and the Cock O' Barton.
Nicolas Béliard has been promoted to General Manager of the Peninsula Bangkok replacing Charles Morris. Béliard was most recently the Resident Manager of the Peninsula Hong Kong. He is also a former Director of Rooms at the Mandarin Oriental Miami and the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva.
Patrick-Denis Finet has transferred as General Manager to the Mandarin Oriental Jnan Rahma, Marrakech scheduled to open later this year. He has been with the company since 2004, serving as General Manager of the Mandarin Oriental Chiang Mai and of the Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya. In Marrakech, he takes over from Franck Sibille.
Claudio Rossi has been named Executive Chef at the Four Seasons Damascus. Since October 2008, he had been the Executive Chef of the Four Seasons Toronto. Prior to that, he held the same position for the Regent Singapore and the Four Seasons Chiang Mai.
Stéphane Lacroix is moving to New York City to take over as General Manager of Gilt at the New York Palace. He spent the past eleven years at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco as Sommelier and Wine Director. He will be rejoining Ed Mady, the former General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, now the Managing Director of the New York Palace.
Jean-Claude Plihon is the new Executive Chef for the Grand Hyatt Dallas/Fort Worth. He had spent the last twelve years with Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, most recently as Executive Chef at the Fairmont Heliopolis and Fairmont Towers Hotels in Cairo.
Pierre Schutz has moved as Executive Chef to the just-opened Jean-George at the Mark. He was most recently at Vong which closed in November. Prior to that, he was the Chef de Cuisine at the defunct Lutèce. |
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