Retail

The Latest Hotels: London, Seville & Saint-Tropez

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Sophie Doran | July 05, 2012

Qatar's sovereign wealth fund to launch Harrods hotels in Malaysia, Paris & New York, as LVMH Hotel Management debuts its White 1921 property in Saint-Tropez

The Juweira Boutique Hotel, the first of five leading international hotel brands to launch Salalah Beach lifestyle destination overlooking the Arabian Sea


Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund to launch Harrods hotels in Malaysia, Paris & New York, as LVMH Hotel Management debuts its White 1921 property in Saint-Tropez

Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund has announced plans to take the Harrods brand global, by launching hotels in Paris, New York and eventually cities in China, after the launch of a Harrods luxury hotel in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur. Qatar Holding is said to have signed an agreement with Malaysian partner Jerantas Sdn Bhd to build a hotel in Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Bintang shopping district.

“Qatar Holding ultimately intends to grow Harrods into a global enterprise that defines the luxury retail and leisure sectors,” explained vice chairman Hussain Ali al-Abdulla to Reuters. “The target plan is to open Harrods hotels at sites in key cities such as Kuala Lumpur, New York and Paris as well as in China. Preference will be given to construct on sites already owned by Qatar Holding or its affiliates, for example at Chelsea Barracks in London or Costa Smeralda in Sardinia.”

Starwood Capital’s Groupe du Louvre is also said to be negotiating with an as-yet-unidentified group of Qatari investors, looking to purchase four key French properties, including the famed Martinez in Cannes and the Concorde Lafayette in Paris. A source close to the sale said the buyer was Katara Hospitality, formerly known as Qatar National Hotels Co., which is looking to extend its luxury hotel portfolio (AFP).


JW Marriott Absheron, Baku

Launching for the first time in Azerbaijan, JW Marriott has opened the 243-room Absheron Baku hotel, under a management agreement with Yeni Absheron Oteli LLC. The property overlooks Baku’s famed Azadliq Square and the Caspian Sea, featuring 243 guestrooms with the latest technologies, contemporary furnishings and luxurious bed and bath linens.

Website: marriott.com/absheron-baku
Source: Hospitality.net


The Siam, Bangkok

Set on three-acres of premium Chao Praya river frontage, The Siam hotel Bangkok has opened amongst historical palaces, temples and museums in the city’s royal Dusit district. Owner and Thai celebrity Krissada Sukosol Clapp conceived the 39-suite retreat with globally acclaimed architect and designer Bill Bensley, where each suite has been individually designed with a unique theme.

Website: thesiamhotel.com
Source: Elite Traveler


InterContinental Sun Peninsula, Danang

InterContinental Hotels has launched its Danang Sun Peninsula Resort. Designed by Bill Bensley, guestrooms, suites, and villas feature large terraces and uninterrupted views of the hotel’s private bay on the Son Tra Peninsula. The property also offers signature restaurant La Maison 1888 from chef Michel Roux, two additional restaurants, two bars, outdoor pools, and a spa.

Website: intercontinental.com/danang
Source: Hospitality Design


Fraser Suites, Doha

Fraser Suites has launched a property in Doha, featuring 138 serviced apartments over 14 floors, ranging from comfortable studios to spacious three-bedroom suites. All boast contemporary Italian interior design and state-of-the-art technology, alongside a rooftop swimming pool with poolside bar, sauna, fully equipped gym, restaurant and café.

Website: doha.frasershospitality.com
Source: Hotelier Middle East


Bulgari, London

Bulgari has opened doors on its latest hotel venture in London’s Knightsbridge, with design led by architect Antonio Citterio, who has furnished the 85 rooms and suites with stained oak, Sapele mahogany, leather, mirrored surfaces, and silver. The hotel also incorporates a restaurant, private screening room and multi-level spa facility.

Website: bulgarihotels.com/london
Source: PSFK


Juweira Boutique Hotel, Oman

Juweira Boutique Hotel is the first of five leading international hotel brands that will anchor the luxurious Salalah Beach lifestyle destination overlooking the Arabian Sea. Designed by celebrated Egyptian architect Adel Mokhtar, the property boasts 64 guestrooms with Interactive LCD television with satellite, walk-in showers, Wi-Fi Internet access and 24-hour in-room dining.

Website: juweirahotel.com
Source: AME Info


Le Meridien, Oran

Le Meridien has launched its first property in Algeria, with the opening of Oran Hotel & Convention Centre, owned by Sonatrach as part of a mixed-use development. Designed by Rockwell Group Europe, Le Meridien Oran features 254 guestrooms and 42 suites, a signature spa, all-day dining restaurant, sea-view lounge bar and the city’s first authentic Italian restaurant.

Website: starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien
Source: Meetings Focus


White 1921, Saint-Tropez

LVMH Hotel Management has launched a seasonal eight-room inn on Place des Lices, Saint-Tropez, with a garden bar by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. White 1921 boasts a wine cellar stocked with its galaxy of Champagne brands, rare vintages of Moët & Chandon and white truffle popcorn to wash down with Krug.

Website: white1921.com
Source: WWD


The Luxury Collection Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville

Starwood’s Luxury Collection has re-launched the Hotel Alfonso XIII following a $25 million restoration, led by renowned local Sevillian architect Demopolis. Designed by HBA Design, the interiors fuse history and opulence with original hand-painted Triana and Mensaque ceramic tiles, authentic wood carved furnishings and marble floors, over 151 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites.

Website: luxurycollection.com/alfonsoxii
Source: Market Watch


For more in the series of The Latest Hotels, please see our most recent editions as follows:

- The Latest Hotels: Jakarta, Hyderabad & Bangkok
- The Latest Hotels: Kyiv, Abu Dhabi & Western Australia
- The Latest Hotels: Istanbul, Panama & Berlin

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