Catch all the news in the world of hotels in one place in this week’s Big Fat Hotel Wrap.

The Byron at Byron earns 2016 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence. Now in its sixth year, the achievement celebrates hospitality businesses that have earned great traveller reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. Certificate of Excellence recipients include accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a quality customer experience.

“With the Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor honours hospitality businesses that have consistently received strong praise and ratings from travellers,” said Heather Leisman, Vice President of Industry Marketing, TripAdvisor. “This recognition helps travellers identify and book properties that regularly deliver great service. TripAdvisor is proud to play this integral role in helping travellers feel more confident in their booking decisions.”

“We are thrilled to have earned the Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor® for The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa. We believe that our exceptional service, attention to detail and overall friendly Byron Bay nature is what continually draws guests to stay at our luxurious resort”, says The Byron at Byron Executive Assistant Manager Heath Batterham.

W Taipei fuels summer with non-stop electrifying parties

Summer’s getting more energetic on Taipei’s sexiest WET Deck at W Taipei. Being the epicenter of Taipei’s summer party scene, luminaries from city’s music, fashion and entertainment industries, W Taipei welcomed this summer by launching the invitation-only “Hot Streak Launch of Summer Party” on 27 May.

The opening act was kicked off by W Taipei Music Curator Chun Chun jamming with moved-by-music Space Cycle party-on-the-bike session by 5 talented instructors, followed by the most anticipated California luxury WET Swimwear summer blossom fashion show and Taiwan-Korea-mixed pop singer RK hitting the stage with his striking dancers.

The highlight of the night was the first-in-Taiwan Oobleck playground (a jello-like, non-Newtonian fluid) where guests were welcomed to enjoy the gravity-free experience on.

Karma Group wins ACE International Project of Excellence Award for Karma Kandara

International travel and lifestyle brand Karma Group is delighted to announce that they have won the coveted ACE International Project of Excellence Award for Karma Kandara at ARDA 2016, in Hollywood, Florida.

The ARDA Awards Program is committed to recognizing the best nominees submitted in categories that include overall professional excellence, outstanding sales and marketing accomplishments, product design, advertising and staff. The ARDA Circle of Excellence (ACE) awards honour those that have attained the very highest level of excellence in the resort industry and whose accomplishments and dedication spur the industry to new heights.

“It is a tremendous honour and incredibly rewarding to be recognised by ARDA and in particular to be the recipient of the ACE International Project of Excellence Award for Karma Kandara,” said John Spence, Chairman and Founder of the Karma Group.

PARKROYAL to shine in the world-class redevelopment of Parramatta

Excitement is building in Western Sydney. PARKROYAL Parramatta is set to bring a new level of accommodation, dining, meeting and event experiences to the heart of Sydney’s dual CBD this August 2016, following a $25 million refurbishment and extension.

Located near the Parramatta River, the current 196-room hotel will see an addition of 50 Premier Rooms, 40 Club Rooms, a Club Lounge, and a gymnasium in July 2016. The extension will position PARKROYAL Parramatta as one of the largest hotels in the area with 286-rooms and the only hotel with Club facilities in Western Sydney.

“As the corporate sector continues to grow in Parramatta so to does the opportunities and the level of service and facilities expected. With the introduction of the Club Lounge the PARKROYAL brand will be the first hotel that can offer executives doing business in Parramatta access to the same facilities that CBD Sydney affords them. Our hotel is paving the way” Michael Johnson, General Manager PARKROYAL Parramatta.

Shangri-La Hotel, Paris unveils its ephemeral summer evenings

Shangri-La Hotel, Paris is happy to launch the ephemeral evenings called “Suit(e)-up Lounge” in its emblematic Shangri-La Suite. Situated on the 7th and last floor of the hotel, the Shangri-La Suite with its exceptional 100 square metres terrace and incredible view over Paris is the most coveted in the capital.

The Suit(e)-up Lounge will allow the happy few to sip champagne accompanied by savory petits fours in a chic and cosy ambiance. Created by the Chief Barman, “701” is destined to become a beacon champagne cocktail at these evenings: a restyled “spritz” with galangal infused aperol, organic agave and champagne.

Ephemeral, the Suit(e)-up Lounge will be exclusively announced 24 hours in advance to clients by email. Those quickest to respond will thus be able to make their reservations to be sure of this unique experience, which will exist only until September.

So the privileged few will see their dreams come true in the shape of this magical moment on the terrace, from where the breath-taking panoramic view takes in the entirety of Paris, from the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre, not forgetting of course the greatest Paris monuments.

The Sebel Noosa completes soft refurbishment

AccorHotels’ apartment hotel, The Sebel Noosa, has completed a soft refurbishment to reveal a fresh new look. The $1.5 million update – which extends across 75 one and two-bedroom apartments at the 4.5 star hotel – includes new living, dining and bedroom furniture; freshly painted interiors, new bedroom cabinetry, and soft décor including wall art and floor rugs.

To celebrate the contemporary facelift, The Sebel Noosa is offering one-bedroom apartments priced from $280 per night and two-bedroom apartments from $430 per night this winter season. To make a reservation enquiry, contact the hotel on 07 5474 6400 or visit www.thesebel.com

Banyan Tree Phuket re-launches as an all-pool villa resort

A tranquil oasis in Thailand’s most scenic destination, Banyan Tree Phuket invites you to join in celebrating its highly anticipated re-launch as the island’s most recognised five-star retreat in its 21st year. With a complete redesign of several restaurants and villas, Banyan Tree Phuket offers a distinctive and memorable experience which indulges all your senses.

Banyan Tree Phuket’s re-launch comes after a period of renovation to its Deluxe Villas, now renamed Banyan Pool Villas. The upgrade means that you can enjoy your very own private pool facility at any Banyan Tree villa category. The new Banyan Pool Villas are specially designed for couples, with an en-suite bathroom and his-and-hers private dressing areas. Blending Thai elegance with a modern sensibility, these romantic private pool villas offer the ultimate comfort, and are another triumph for a resort celebrated for creating the ideal holiday experience.

Also re-opening are two of Banyan Tree Phuket’s best-loved restaurants – including Saffron, its crown jewel and signature dining experience. Well known for its authentic Thai cuisine and excellent service, Saffron now offers its mouth-watering menu in a new contemporary setting at the heart of the resort. The Watercourt restaurant, popular for its succulent seafood caught fresh from the Andaman Sea, will also re-open its doors in a brand new ground-floor venue which includes private lagoon-facing decks and an air-conditioned dining area.

Stamford Plaza Eurovision night

Stamford Plaza Melbourne held a Eurovision themed trivia night to celebrate their travel partnerships, provide an update on the new room’s project and to raise funds for the RSPCA Victoria.

It was tunes of Dami Im’s recent Eurovision success hit “Sound of Silence” and a flag ceremony that kicked off the trivia night that was Swedish themed paying tribute to this year’s host country at the famous song contest.  A total of 12 groups participated in the trivia night, all dressed up, representing countries such as Switzerland, Denmark, France and many more.