Rocco Forte Hotels turns 20
CELEBRATING the 20th anniversary of Rocco Forte Hotels, the Forte family have curated an impressive travel package to take guests on a European tour of a lifetime including London, St Petersburg, Florence, Edinburgh, Rome and Berlin.
Sir Rocco Forte, chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels and his sister Olga Polizzi, director of design for the group, have created an exclusive 12-day trip. The $117,599-tour will give guests unprecedented access to some of the most famous museums, palaces and art galleries, whilst staying in lavish suites in each of the magnificent Rocco Forte properties.
The proposed tour includes two nights in six Rocco Forte hotels plus chauffeured airport transfers and exclusive dinners in exquisite restaurants. Accommodations are provided in Browns Hotel – London, Hotel Astoria – St Petersburg, Hotel Savoy – Florence, Balmoral – Edinburgh, Hotel de Russie – Rome and Hotel de Rome – Berlin. The tour provides a prime insight into Europe through the eyes of the Forte family - a personal and insightful journey allowing travellers to uncover local cultures with the most exquisite itinerary with world class service.
Swiss-Belhotel expands in Jordan
SWISS-Belhotel International has launched Marina Plaza Hotel, its second property in Aqaba, Jordan. The resort features 260 well-appointed rooms equipped with all essential amenities. Each room boasts a private balcony with relaxing views of the swimming pool, mountains or the Marina. The ancient city of Petra is accessible by a day trip while Wadi Rum is only one hour away.
Swiss-Belhotel International currently has more than 3,500 rooms under development in key destinations across the Middle East. Gavin M. Faull, chairman and president of Swiss-Belhotel International, said, “We are committed to growing our presence in the Middle East, a strategic growth market for us where we have a robust development.”
Ascott to surpass target of 80,000 units
CAPITALAND’S wholly owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), is acquiring an 80 per cent stake in Synergy Global Housing (Synergy), a leading accommodation provider in the US.
The acquisition will expand Ascott’s footprint in the US and strengthen its extensive range of international-class serviced residences for corporate customers worldwide. It will also triple Ascott’s portfolio from over 1,000 units to about 3,000 units in the US. The acquisition is yet another move to transform Ascott’s global operating platform, by moving up the value chain and moving closer to customers.
In July, Ascott had announced its acquisition of a majority stake in Quest Apartment Hotels to become the largest serviced residence provider in Australasia. In May, Ascott’s real estate investment trust, Ascott Residence Trust, announced the acquisition of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York – Times Square South, adding to its two properties in Manhattan – Sheraton Tribeca New York Hotel and Element New York Times Square West hotel. In the same month, Ascott acquired Hotel Central Fifth Avenue New York, which will be rebranded to Citadines Fifth Avenue New York in 2018.
Innside by Meliá comes to Hamburg
MELIÁ Hotels International group has announced the latest addition to its growing portfolio of global properties with the opening of Innside Hamburg Hafen. Innside by Meliá hotels are known for their strategic city locations and Innside Hamburg Hafen is testimony to this with a prime position in the Hammerbrook district.
Featuring 207 stylish rooms and suites across six levels, all rooms and lifestyle suites boast king or queen-size beds, individually adjustable air conditioning, a 40-inch LED television set, a free soft drink minibar, free Wi-Fi, desks including a media hub and high-speed Internet access, as well as open-plan bathrooms with a rain shower.
The hotel offers 230 sq m of creative meeting space with design inspirations of Innside Frankfurt Ostend, distinguished as one of the three coolest conference rooms in Germany by the TopHotel magazine in June 2017. Until the end of September, Innside by Meliá Hamburg Hafen will offer special opening rates for rooms and conferences.