Can’t survive a Thursday without our masterpiece of a Hotel Wrap? Lucky we had an extra staffer whip this one up for you.

Mode Kitchen & Bar officially opens in Sydney 

Mode Kitchen & Bar, the latest addition to the burgeoning CBD dining scene, opens today. Meaning ‘of the moment’, Mode is a celebration of seasonal cooking, classic cocktails and polished service in a welcoming 1920s-inspired setting.

A restaurant to return to again and again, Mode Kitchen & Bar strikes the perfect balance between casual bistro and fine dining, all with a touch of glamour thanks to the Luchetti Krelle interiors.

Mode Kitchen & Bar will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner from 12noon and can be found on the ground floor of Four Seasons Hotel Sydney on George Street in The Rocks.

Head Chef Francesco Mannelli’s menu focuses on flavour and technique over embellishment and uses seasonal ingredients sourced from only the best producers.

Mannelli’s favourite dishes include:

• Slow-cooked Wagyu cheek, red cabbage and chestnuts
• Hiramasa kingfish sashimi, sweet and sour onions and macadamias
• Risotto, fresh Tasmanian truffles and mushrooms
• Fremantle octopus, potatoes, leeks and radishes
• 1kg Coorong Angus T-bone aged for 21 days

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong unveils new ‘Entertainment Suite’

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has unveiled the hotel’s new Entertainment Suite. Designed by award-winning Hong Kong architect and designer, Joyce Wang, and with cutting edge technology installed, the 2,250-square foot suite is dedicated to extravagant entertaining whether that be a wedding proposal, baby shower, sophisticated bachelor party, exclusive product launch, memorable anniversary party or live streaming of key international events.

The hotel’s newest and largest suite oozes high-octane glamour, a perfect venue for those that want to entertain in style. The suite also doubles as a private refuge in the centre Hong Kong’s art, fashion, and dining district.

At the heart of the suite is a salon with 4-meter long ‘Cabinet of Delights’ where guests can find boutique wines on tap, rare vintages selected by Amber restaurant’s expert sommelier, and a mixologist ‘booth’. Other treats include fine Cuban cigars, snacks, a popcorn machine, exotic teas and coffees, and a crystal vitrine filled with sweet and savoury delicacies created by the hotel’s Michelin-star chef.

In the living area, audiovisuals include a B&O BeoLab sound system a concealed 160-inch (13ft x 11.5ft) TV screen with a 5000 lumens laser projector. A custom-designed coffee table conceals a range of the latest virtual reality and Play Station gaming equipment. A reconditioned 1930’s vintage American jukebox for vinyl connoisseurs and an in-suite DJ booth will make parties unforgettable.

Guests can engage hotel chefs to prepare private dining from a state-of-the-art kitchen to be served in a bright and airy dining room that can seat up to 10 diners.

The tranquil master bedroom encompasses its own sitting area and a separate dressing area with walk-in wardrobes. Wang’s signature touches are revealed in the cocoon-like headboard and leather padded walls with hand tufted silk rugs adding to the texture-rich interior.

For the perfect night’s sleep, the master bedroom showcases the renowned FreshBed sleep system that uses patented climate-control technology for tailored temperatures and silent ventilation for purified, allergen-free air, combined with an ergonomic mattress.

The spacious bathroom features a freestanding oval-shaped bathtub made from one piece of marble complete with a custom-design Champagne caddy.  The rain-shower’s multi jet system can be fitted with an aromatherapy capsule to infuse the shower experience with naturally reviving or relaxing essential oils.

Wang custom designed all hand-made furnishings, including a series of glass moulded chandeliers, wall finishes in limestone with metal inlay, and acrylic cabinet doors decorated with nature-inspired artwork.  The suite connects seamlessly with an adjacent guestroom, which is designed in a similar aesthetic, should an additional bedroom be required.

The Entertainment Suite marks the culmination of an 18-month renovation programme that has seen the hotel’s entire room inventory transformed.

VERIU MAKES ITS MARK ON SYDNEY

Mark Townshend Sarah Townshend (Veriu Brand Managers) Ashkan Mostaghim (Architect) Hamish Watts Ben Carroll (Applejack Hospitality)

Veriu Directors Rhys Williams and Alex Thorpe

Sydney’s newest hotel brand – Veriu Hotels– was officially launched last week at the group’s newly opened hotel, Veriu Broadway.  Veriu owners, Rhys Williams and Alex Thorpe, highlighted the group’s commitment to providing guests with the opportunity to feel genuinely connected to their city as they prepare to open a number of hotels across Sydney’s inner city precincts.

“The vision for Veriu started way before any bricks and mortar were laid – It started with an idea to create a hotel brand committed to providing guests with an authentic experience of a local urban precinct that we felt passionate about and we wanted to do it in a way that a big hotel brand simply can’t,” said Rhys Williams.

“Living local is very much part of the brand’s DNA and we have incorporated elements into the guest experience to ensure they have every opportunity to experience Sydney’s diverse locations.  When we consider giving a visitor the keys to our city we get very excited about putting them in places that we know will deliver.”

Veriu Broadway guests have an array of experiences on offer – all easily explored using the complimentary Dutch style retro bicycles from Sydney brand Lekker bikes (available at all Veriu hotels).  From eating dumplings in Spice Alley, to enjoying fine dining at the Tramsheds or taking a walk around Darling Harbour.  Active guests can swim at Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre or gourmets can stock up on fresh local produce at the Fish Markets and prepare a feast in their self-contained apartment.

Great trade rates at Berjaya Makati Hotel in the Philippines

Berjaya Makati Hotel are offering great rates for trade visiting the Philippines capital. You can grab yourself a Deluxe Room with breakfast from only $82 or $147 for a two-bedroom suite also including breakfast.

The hotel has always been a popular choice for both Australian business and leisure travellers thanks to its prime location. Set right in the centre of Manila’s central business district, the hotel is in walking distance to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the famous Ayala Museum and a short cab ride to the Greenbelt – the city’s most stylish shopping area.

The hotel has 223 rooms and suites including two bedroom suites which are perfect for families or friends travelling together. The property also features a gym, swimming pool and fully equipped business centre.

Crowne Plaza Christchurch marks opening with official launch event 

Pictured at the Crowne Plaza Christchurch launch event (L-R) IHG’s Tim Pollock, COO Australasia and Japan Karin Sheppard, General Manager Reiner Eulink and COO Asia, MIddle East and Africa Alan Watts

Paying homage to the past while celebrating the future was the theme of Crowne Plaza Christchurch’s opening event.

More than 100 guests celebrated at the launch party which acknowledged the hotel’s history while looking forward to the resurgence of the “city of opportunity”.

Guest speakers included the Hon Nicky Wagner, MP for Christchurch Central and the Associate Minister of Tourism, along with Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

They were joined by Alan Watts, InterContinental Hotels Group Chief Operating Officer for Asia, the Middle East and Africa, and building co-owner Shane Le Compte of local investment and development company MC Christchurch Holdings.

The scene was set as a Victorian-style paperboy greeted guests at the hotel door before making their way up to Market Place restaurant and bar. The hotel sits on the site of Christchurch’s first hotel, the Golden Fleece, established in 1851.

Guests were treated to champagne and canapés on arrival, followed by dishes flowing throughout the night from the Market Place fishmonger, butcher, cheesemonger and patisserie stations mirroring the Market Place of old – known to Cantabrians today as Victoria Square.

onefinestay becomes global leader in luxury private rentals

AccorHotels announced recently the grouping of Travel Keys, Squarebreak and onefinestay with the intention to integrate the three companies under the onefinestay brand before the end of the year.

The announcement signifies the finalizing of an agreement with the founders of Squarebreak for the acquisition of the entire share capital in the company. AccorHotels has owned 49% of this French company, a leader in villa rentals, since February 2016. This transaction will be effective in the coming weeks. AccorHotels acquired Travel Keys earlier this year and onefinestay in 2016.

The integration of the three hospitality innovators means onefinestay guests will be able to experience over 10,000 of the world’s finest homes combined with worldwide professional hospitality and concierge services. onefinestay will now span the world’s most desirable destinations in six continents – from metropolitan centres such as New York, LA, Rome and San Francisco to exotic island getaways in St Barts, and Bali, to Mediterranean escapes in France, Italy and Greece.

The portfolio will be placed under the responsibility of Javier Cedillo-Espin, who has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of onefinestay to head up the grouping of the three brands collaboratively with a team of executives from onefinestay, Travel Keys and Squarebreak.

New-build Novotel and ibis hotel tower for Melbourne CBD

In an Australian first, AccorHotels has announced its first vertical dual hotel integration to be launched in Melbourne CBD in late 2018 in conjunction with Singapore-based owners, Well Smart Group.

Spanning 36 levels and 483 rooms, the dual hotel project – Novotel and ibis Melbourne Little Lonsdale Street – is the first development where two brands will share public spaces including reception lobby, food and beverage, and leisure facilities across one tower.

The ibis Melbourne Little Lonsdale Street will comprise the lower tier of the tower and encompass 270 premium economy guest rooms. Novotel Melbourne Little Lonsdale Street will open above the shared public spaces in the middle of the development with 213 4-star guest rooms and suites.

Chief Operating Officer AccorHotels Pacific, Simon McGrath said, “This is a significant, first of its kind development for Melbourne and AccorHotels.

“While dual-branded hotels are not new and we have many examples of those, it’s certainly a global first for us to open two hotels that are scaled in a vertical integration. With development real estate in CBD locations becoming increasingly sparse and with construction costs soaring, it makes perfect sense to literally scale up and maximise the investment across a number of brands and price points.

“The hotels will be able to share back of house facilities from kitchen to engineering, common areas and even staff in housekeeping and finance resulting in greater efficiencies, but importantly, each property will maintain its brand integrity, standards and product experience that our Novotel and ibis guests have come to expect.”

The Star Sydney Launches Studios at The Star 

In a first for Australia, The Star Sydney have imagined three immersive spaces to stay and play, the Studios at The Star, each with their own unique alluring inspiration.

Whether you step into the sumptuous retro wonderland of the 70s Glam Studio, the sci-fi chic Cyberpunk Studio or thrillingly passionate Dark Romance Studio, your sojourn at the Studios will take you beyond the here and now, to your very own private playground.

These rooms provide not only luxurious accommodation, but also create an experiential stay. The Dark Romance Studio is a couple’s haven whereas the 70s Glam and Cyberpunk Studios offer an unprecedented experience where you can entertain friends, colleagues and family.

Part penthouse, part suite, the Studios rise beyond the confines, providing a dash of opulence, attitude and showbiz. Each room has abundant with ways to play, from the latest in virtual reality gaming, to a karaoke lounge that have been brought to life in exquisite detail by means of tomorrow’s technology and superior craftsmanship.

• 70s Glam – a hedonistic hideaway infused with the disco spirit of Studio 54. The room comes fit with a disco ball, karaoke room, stylish bar and round love bed. Made for singing, dancing and lounging in supreme style – it’s a sumptuous boogie wonderland
• Cyberpunk– A gamer’s heaven, bristling with high tech toys, kitted out with a virtual reality chamber and wall of screens – all wrapped in space-age chic and ultra-luxury. With 4 x 65” screen linked to Xbox controllers and the latest in virtual reality gaming, the Cyber Punk Suite is designed to keep guests entertained all night
• Dark Romance – A sultry, luxury lair for intimate moments with a focus on romance, featuring passion red panelled walls and parquet wooden floors. Features include a living area with working fireplace with couch and rug, corner seating booth, mood lighting and separate bedroom with large king sized four poster bed

Paradise cooks up unprecedented cruise on Halong Bay

One of France’s leading chefs will be in Halong Bay on Aug. 23 when Paradise Vietnam celebrates the launch of its newest cruise line — Paradise Elegance — with the first of three ‘Haute Cuisine on the High Seas’ experiences this year.

Thierry Drapeau, chef and co-owner of the two-Michelin-star Restaurant Thierry Drapeau in the Vendée region of western France, will be joined by representatives of Argentinian wine producer Trivento as they treat up to 62 guests to a gourmet lunch and dinner during an overnight cruise of Vietnam’s most famous natural attraction.

The special cruise begins at noon, when Paradise Elegance embarks on a journey among the thousands of limestone karsts that define Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Shortly thereafter, Drapeau will serve up a set lunch that includes champagne and caviar and is complemented by choice wines by Trivento, which has gained international notoriety in recent years for its line of malbecs.

When the sun sets, Drapeau will welcome guests to Paradise Elegance’s Le Marin restaurant for the main event: a formal, five-course meal that pays homage to authentic French cuisine.

The exclusive evening will conclude with live music in Le Piano Bar, a popular space in which to enjoy vintage cigars and top-shelf cognac.

Each Paradise Elegance boat measures 61 meters long and 13 meters wide, making it the biggest overnight option in Halong Bay, ever.

In addition to 31 high-design cabins that range from 25-35 square meters and feature private balconies, walk-in closets, rain showers and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, the 200-ton steel crafts are outfitted with an array of upscale amenities including a spa with four treatment rooms.

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Hotel announces unprecedented charitable initiative

With the highly anticipated opening date for the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour confirmed as 6 October, a little under 75 days away, the hotel is now in its exciting final stage preparations.

In advance of the doors being opened, the hotel will undertake an unprecedented act of philanthropy as a way of giving back to the Sydney community.  The initiative is the brainchild of owner, Dr. Jerry Schwartz and Chief Operating Officer of AccorHotels Pacific, Simon McGrath, both well known for their spirit of giving.

On Tuesday 3 October, the hotel will donate 28 floors to 28 charities, giving each charity 15 rooms to sell through their own fundraising activities.  Each charity will have its own dedicated floor and guests – winners/recipients of the allotted room allocations – will receive overnight accommodation for two people, breakfast and entry to VIP events on the night.

“Given it is an exclusive opportunity to stay pre-opening in the first internationally branded, five-star, new build hotel to open in Sydney since the Olympics, combined with raising much needed funds, we have had an overwhelmingly positive response from the charities we approached.” said General Manager of Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, Greg Brady.

“The charities have also been given the opportunity to invite their CEOs, ambassadors and celebrity partners to the event so we are looking forward to a great night while we give back to some very worthy charities”.

Centrally located in the vibrant, newly transformed city precinct, adjacent to the International Convention Centre, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour will offer 590 guestrooms, three elegant bars and the stylish signature restaurant, Atelier by Sofitel.

The William Inglis Hotel, MGallery by Sofitel to open in 2018

AccorHotels is proud to announce its partnership with renowned thoroughbred horse sales company William Inglis & Son Ltd to open a new-build luxury boutique hotel under the MGallery by Sofitel brand.

The William Inglis Hotel, MGallery by Sofitel is currently under construction as part of a new $140m precinct developed by Inglis to be known as Riverside Stables. The new facility is located adjacent to the Warwick Farm racecourse, in south-western Sydney and will feature more than 800 horse stables re-using the hardwood from the existing Inglis Newmarket stables in Randwick.

The hotel is expected to open by March 2018 and will boast 144 elegantly appointed rooms including 22 suites and a number of family rooms across eight floors. Celebrating Inglis’ racing and thoroughbred history, each hotel room will have a personalised name and theme, based on one of the many champion racehorses sold through its sales rings.

There will be a range of hospitality facilities at the William Inglis Hotel including a paddock to plate-style restaurant and gardens named The Newmarket Room, a ringside bar, a lobby café, a mezzanine lounge bar, a micro-brewery and entertainment precinct.

Atop the hotel, a spectacular rooftop bar and pool deck will overlook the racecourse and stable precinct, with sweeping views of the Georges River and Chipping Norton Lake. A fully-equipped gymnasium and luxurious day spa will also be located on level nine of the hotel.

Catering to both business and leisure guests, the hotel will have an extensive range of conferencing facilities, including a business centre, private dining and meeting rooms. The adjoining conference centre will house a horse sales arena with capacity to cater for up to 1,000 people featuring corporate box ringside dining and access to the mezzanine bar, 1876 Lounge. Onsite car parking will also be available.

Chifley on South Terrace Refurbishment Brings Beverly Hills Hotel Style to Adelaide

The public areas of the Chifley on South Terrace Hotel in Adelaide have undergone a stunning $500,000 refurbishment that was inspired by the distinctive style of the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel.

Receiving great feedback from clients and guests, the makeover included a major transformation of the lobby and breakfast room and the addition of a new conference space, the Parkview Room.

In addition, all of the Chifley on South Terrace conference spaces and corridors have been refreshed to bring new life to the busy property.

Known as the “Pink Palace” for its unique rosy-hued interior, retro style and famous banana leaf pattern, the Beverly Hills Hotel was the inspiration for the refurbishment, designed by Studio Nine Architects and built by Artisan Construct.

The new Chifley on South Terrace lobby evokes the style through retro shades of pink and avocado in couches and flooring. Pops of banana leaf fabric on chairs and ottomans and the clever use of black and white on the floors and ceilings complete the look. The original stone wall and fireplace now serves as a major feature in the lobby space, framed by stylish banana leaf armchairs and striking, 60’s inspired light fixtures.

The Parkview conference room is a sophisticated space that has capacity for 50 people in theatre style or for 20 people in a boardroom configuration. It is located off the refurbished breakfast room, which now features darker colours and textures in keeping with the design inspiration.

MGallery by Sofitel expands in New Zealand with The Hotel Grand Windsor and Eden Crescent Hotel Auckland  

AccorHotels has announced that it has entered into a franchise agreement for the Hotel Grand Windsor in Auckland, effective October 2017. The property will join the group’s upscale MGallery by Sofitel brand, renowned for its unique interior design and personalised guest service.

Located on Queen Street in the heart of Auckland’s luxury boutique neighbourhood, the heritage listed hotel, which is owned by CP Group and managed by its in-house hotel chain CPG Hotels, is currently undergoing extensive works. The renovations will highlight the property’s original 1920s art-deco features and deliver a new level of sophistication to guests.

The design of the boutique property’s refurbished 69 guest rooms and 10 suites, spanning across eight levels, are inspired by Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor’s famous jewellery collection. Each will reflect one of four signature gemstone colours including emerald, aquamarine, amethyst and tourmaline. Once complete, the hotel will also feature a restaurant, lobby lounge, bar, wellness centre and meeting facilities, in addition to the guest rooms whose refurbishment were completed in June 2017.

AccorHotels Chief Operating Officer Pacific, Simon McGrath, said the hotel would be a unique addition to the MGallery by Sofitel offering in New Zealand.

“We are delighted to welcome the Hotel Grand Windsor to our portfolio. Auckland is a thriving city, which particularly appeals to the leisure market who are calling for unique experiences with a focus on style.

“Through the MGallery by Sofitel brand AccorHotels offers guests accommodation and dining experiences that bring to life the history of their surrounds. The Hotel Grand Windsor in Auckland is no exception, and the building itself is particularly rich in history dating back to 1928.

“The hotel’s new MGallery by Sofitel signature will include memorable features such as high tea and other dishes with a twist in celebration of the bygone era in which the hotel was created.”

Once open, Hotel Grand Windsor MGallery by Sofitel will be the second MGallery property in New Zealand.

The Parsifal VIP Insider Experience launches from Opera Australia & InterContinental Sydney 

In a landmark year of delivering Insider Experiences, InterContinental Sydney and Opera Australia today announced the next cultural instalment with the ‘VIP Parsifal Insider Experience’ for one exclusive evening, 14 August 2017.

Born from InterContinental’s desire to push artistic boundaries and deliver immersive guest experiences, the ‘VIP Parsifal Insider Experience’ is a curated package designed to enhance Opera Australia’s performance of Wagner’s epic Parsifal. Starring Jonas Kaufmann, the best tenor in the world today, singing on the Concert Hall stage at the Sydney Opera House, this is an opportunity to unlock the ultimate Sydney staycation with Club InterContinental.

For one night only, the ‘VIP Parsifal Insider Experience’ will give guests exclusive access to:

• 2 x A Reserve tickets to Wagner’s Parsifal on 14 August 2017
• Luxury overnight accommodation in an Eastern Harbour View Room
• Club InterContinental access and privileges
• Signed Parsifal souvenir program
• Drinks voucher for intermission drinks

Opera aficionados will unlock the heart of Sydney with exclusive Club InterContinental access, giving them access to the multi award-winning level 31 Club InterContinental lounge. With 270 degree unobstructed views across Sydney Harbour, guests will experience a suite of Club privileges including deluxe breakfast, twilight drinks and canapes, all-day light dining and express check-in.

Strengthening InterContinental’s strong reputation for delivering immersive Insider Experiences for its guests, InterContinental Sydney and Opera Australia will collaborate to deliver a series of exclusive content, latest news and footage via the InterContinental Life blog and Instagram throughout the performance of Parsifal.

Packages are on sale from today until sold out; strictly limited numbers available. Prices start from $ and are available exclusively online at https://www.icsydney.com.au/stay/insider-experience-match-majesty-wagners-parsifal

COMO The Treasury Introduces The Wildflower Experience

During Spring of 2017 COMO The Treasury, Perth will be offering the ‘Wildflower Experience’ – a culinary journey through the area’s freshest local indigenous produce, traditionally signified by the blooming of Western Australia’s native wildflowers.

Western Australia is home to over 12,000 species of wildflowers, many of them unique to the state. Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang are the six seasons of the indigenous Noongar calendar. The Noongar people ebb and flow with the changes of Western Australia’s environment, letting nature guide them and the seasonal changes observed in these flowers have been used for thousands of years by indigenous tribes to determine which plants are ripe for eating.

Guests will be given a guided indigenous heritage tour of Perth’s Kings Park to showcase the different species of wildflowers and how the tribes used these to forage for food. They will also enjoy a five-course tasting menu designed by Executive Chef Jed Gerrard, showcasing the best of this seasonal produce. The meal will be paired with our sommelier’s selection of fine wines from Western Australian wineries. The Wildflower Experience also includes a two-night stay at COMO The Treasury.

The Wildflower Experience includes:

• Two nights in a Heritage Room
• A ‘Cape Arid’ welcome gift
• A picnic lunch hamper
• An indigenous heritage tour of Kings Park
• A five-course tasting menu at Wildflower including paired wines
• Valet parking

This package is priced from AUD 1,950 based on two guests sharing. Valid from September 1st to November 30th, 2017.