Along with the latest and greatest from the hospitality space, this week’s hotel wrap has made us a lot hungrier than usual (read until the end to find out why).

The Star Sydney reveals spectacular new grand arrival experience

The Star Sydney has taken its commitment to innovation and entertainment to new heights for its $65 million transformation of the property’s Pyrmont entrance, with the inclusion of a brand-new bar, luxury retailers and a revolutionary arrival experience.

Unveiling the world’s first permanent indoor light and interactive digital art foyer in an integrated resort today, the Grand Foyer is part light, part water and part digital art gallery.

The Grand Foyer has been brought to life by a $22 million transformation, which will offer an interactive arrival experience aimed to excite, engage and entertain an average of 20,000 guests per day.

World Resorts of Distinction welcomes luxury Vietnam resort to portfolio

Gold Coast-based resort representation company World Resorts of Distinction (WRD) has continued to expand its global portfolio with the addition of The Anam in Cam Ranh, Vietnam to its curated collection of luxurious, environmentally-conscious resorts.

Accor Greater China opens new Pullman in West Shanghai

Accor Greater China has announced the opening of Pullman Shanghai Qingpu Excellence, the city’s latest premium branded hotel designed for today’s new generation of hyper-connected world travellers.

Pullman Shanghai Qingpu Excellence is situated on the western side of Shanghai, a historic area where the vibrant city first originated. The property underscores Pullman’s business meets pleasure concept, as it is in the heart of Qingpu Industrial Zone with easy access to leisure and tourist destinations.

Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth celebrates 50-year anniversary of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Bed-in for Peace

From 26 May to 2 June, 1969, The Queen Elizabeth hotel welcomed John Lennon and Yoko Ono for their ‘Bed-in for Peace’. Nobody could imagine at the time that this event would play such a key role in the peace movement and that their suite would become one of the most mythical in the world.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this significant event, the hotel invites Montrealers and visitors to relive this memorable week during which the legendary couple composed and recorded the famous anthem “Give Peace a Chance” without leaving their bed.

By this surprising undertaking, the newlyweds wanted to protest against the Vietnam War, creating greater public awareness about universal peace.

Those wishing to have their own bed-in experience can reserve the 50th Anniversary Bed-in Package that includes accommodation in Suite 1742; breakfast at Rosélys restaurant or in room; two white pajamas; calligraphed lyrics of “Give Peace a Chance”; a booklet of photos; white flowers; a commemorative collector item; a welcome treat and a $100 donation to Amnistie Internationale Canada Francophone. The package is available year-round at the cost of $2999, double occupancy.

IHG to open flagship Holiday Inn in Queenstown Remarkables Park

IHG will open a brand-new Holiday Inn in Queenstown Remarkables Park, following the signing of an agreement with property owner QLong Investments Limited.

Set to open its doors in early 2021, Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park will be a flagship for Holiday Inn in New Zealand, showing off the latest and best of the world’s largest hotel brand family.

The 182-room build will be conveniently located within a few minutes’ drive from Queenstown Airport and close to The Remarkables Ski Field, perfectly positioned and easily accessible to visitors, families and holidaying groups. It will feature an all-day dining and bar venue, as well as large meeting facilities and a gym for guests.

East Hotel offers exclusive packages to see the National Gallery of Australia’s exhibit Monet: Impression Sunrise

This winter, the National Gallery of Australia will present Monet: Impression Sunrise, an exhibit featuring Claude Monet’s seminal painting Impression, Soleil levant (Impression, Sunrise) 1872. 

East Hotel is offering exclusive packages for guests to come to Canberra and experience the works by Monet and other significant artists whilst enjoying the hospitality and special inclusions at East, Joe’s Bar and Agostinis:

Monet: Impression Sunrise package – 7 June to 1 September 2019

• Upgrade to a Luxe Studio at East Hotel.
• Two tickets to see Monet: Impression Sunrise at the NGA.
• Complimentary bottle of Canberra-region red wine.
• Free parking and WiFi.
• From $270.

East Hotel is also offering a package for guests wishing to getaway to Canberra for a fun weekend of food, drinks, art and culture:

‘Make it a Weekend in Canberra’ package – 7 June to 1 September 2019

• Two tickets to see Monet: Impression Sunrise at the NGA.
• Cocktails for two at Joe’s Bar.
• Monet-inspired dinner for two at Agostinis.
• Two nights in an East Apartment.
• Free parking and WiFi.
• $580 for 2 nights or $380 for one night.

Bookings can be made online here.

Eighteenth century Villa Passalacqua acquired by Grand Hotel Tremezzo

In time for the 2019 season, Grand Hotel Tremezzo has acquired stunning historic property Villa Passalacqua. The Villa, an eighteenth century residence, is an Italian national monument and one of the finest luxury properties to line the shores of Lake Como.

For more information on Villa Passalacqua, which has hosted Napoleon Bonaparte, Winston Churchill and Vincenco Bellini, click here.

Ovolo Hotels announcements: new micro-hotel rooms, brand Mojo Nomad launches in Australia

Ovolo Nishi (formerly Hotel Hotel), in Canberra’s cultural precinct of NewActon, has unveiled 17 new micro-hotel rooms.

In collaboration with Australian interior design and architecture firm Luchetti Krelle, the micro-hotel rooms have been curated with Ovolo’s ethos of effortless living in mind while extending on the original hotel and room aesthetic.

Thus far, the company has invested $5 million into the hotel since its opening in March 2018.

At $220 per night, rooms include free breakfast, social hour, in-room mini bar, 24-hour gym and loot bags filled with snacks.

Ovolo Group is also set to launch its new brand Mojo Nomad in Australia, following its success in Hong Kong.

Mojo Nomad South Yarra will bring a “unique and exciting” concept to the city of Melbourne and will become the brand’s signature flagship property, once completed in mid-2020.

QT Hotels Announces QT Newcastle in revitalised East End Precinct

Event Hospitality & Entertainment Limited (EVENT) has announced it has entered into a management agreement with Iris Capital for a QT Hotel in Newcastle.

One of four new hotels being developed for the QT brand across Australia and New Zealand, QT Newcastle will be a creative place to stay and play and a hallmark destination for the NSW Government’s Revitalising Newcastle program.

Property Owners Iris Capital will partner with EVENT to convert the former historic David Jones building, retaining the landmark building’s heritage features. Similar to the transformation of Sydney’s iconic department store Gowings to create QT Sydney, the former David Jones site is opportune for the design-led QT experience.

QT Newcastle will sit among the new urban village perfectly located in the heart of Newcastle’s Hunter Street Mall on the corner of Perkins Street.

The hotel will reflect QT’s popular luxurious and quirky flair, featuring 106 character-filled rooms, a boutique rooftop bar, and an intimate QT signature dining concept and bar.

QT Newcastle will be located within a short walking distance to Newcastle’s stunning Harbour and renowned surf beaches.

Soul & Surf Portugal: brand new surf, yoga and therapy holiday location with “soul”

Soul & Surf has opened its first permanent European venture in Portugal, a farmhouse found in the Portugese hills.

It will be run a little differently, offering semi-inclusive packages that range from three-night stays for “weekend warriors”, four-night stays from Monday to Friday for “quick jaunts” to surf the Algarve coast, and the usual week-long stay so guests can maximise their time in the salt and “on the mat”.

For more information, click here.

Amber at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong reopens

Amber, the two-star Michelin restaurant at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, reopened for service on Thursday 2 May.

After closing the restaurant for renovations in December, Culinary Director Richard Ekkebus has spent the last four months exploring new ingredients, contemplating the changing needs of diners and crafting a bold new culinary philosophy.

Since opening in 2005, Amber has been at the forefront of culinary exploration and creativity. Continuing this pioneering spirit, Ekkebus taken a thoughtful approach to fine dining to address diners’ changing expectations and health concerns.

In a radical departure, the new menu dispenses with dairy products, minimises refined sugar and reduces salt, inviting diners to appreciate flavours in their purest form.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi introduces The Ledge by Dave Pynt

Hilton’s iconic brand of hotels and resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, has announced the launch of its exclusive barbeque grill restaurant, The Ledge by Dave Pynt at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.

Chef Dave Pynt is the culinary mastermind behind Singapore’s Burnt Ends restaurant, which has been awarded one Michelin star and most recently ranked 10th on the San Pellegrino Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List 2019.

The Ledge will feature Dave Pynt’s signature custom-built four-ton dual cavity oven and elevation grills fired by sustainable Jarrah wood, enabling the use of various techniques including smoking, slow roasting, hot roasting, baking and grilling.