All articles by antonica jones
antonica jones
All in good time: the big interview with Arne Sorenson
Marriott International has just created the biggest hotel group in history, but in Chicago a few days prior to the takeover, Arne Sorenson is keeping his cards close to his chest. Phin Foster looks into the ramifications of the Starwood deal, and talks to the president and CEO about corporate culture, empowering associates and the growth of the lifestyle space.
Top of the game: 2015 European Hospitality Awards
After months of applying, deliberating and judging, the winners of the 2015 European Hospitality Awards were announced at a gala evening in London. We take a look at who took this year’s crowns…
Community conscious: the city-integrated hotel
As the competition for talent heats up, and guests demand authenticity and a sense of place; local engagement is fast becoming an operational imperative. So, how can properties better integrate their surrounding communities and strike the delicate balance between identity, consistency and flexibility? Carrie Wicks, operations director at Firmdale Hotels, speaks to Oliver Hotham about the role hotels play in reshaping neighbourhoods and the challenges of this intimate approach to a new city.
Complexity of design: renovations with MKV Design
Since its launch in 1999, MKV Design has become a go-to design studio for hotel projects and resorts around the world, particularly for historical renovations. Founder and managing director Maria Katsarou Vafiadis talks to Abi Millar about some of the company’s recent commissions, including the renovation of the Hôtel Royal Savoy Lausanne and the upcoming Bürgenstock Resort.
Hot off the press: Hotel Investment Conference Europe
Hotel Management International reports from this year’s Hotel Investment Conference Europe, where leading lights from Steigenberger, Jumeirah, Langham and Scandic sat down to talk about attracting the right investor, why social media is changing the role of marketing, and how technology can put guests back in charge.
Forward momentum: Deloitte’s European Hotel Investment Conference
Deloitte’s 27th European Hotel Investment Conference took attendees on a virtual road trip. Hotel Management International was in central London to hear from some of the industry’s biggest names intent on putting their feet on the accelerator.
Back on the books: online booking and digital distribution
Since launching its new distribution strategy in June, AccorHotels has been testing, tweaking and structuring the inclusion of independent hotels to its distribution platform. It is perhaps the most ambitious example yet of a hotel group looking to directly challenge the disruptors, taking on online travel agencies at their own game. Six months in, Patrick Kingsland speaks to Romain Roulleau, the company’s senior vice-president of e-commerce and digital services, to gauge the success of the scheme so far and its longer-term goals.
Let there be light: enhance guest experience with lighting
In partnership with Megaman, Hotel Management International invited delegates from across the hotel design sector to the Corinthia Hotel London for a wide-ranging discussion, moderated by Sally Storey of Lighting Design International, on the roles that lighting plays in enhancing guests’ experience and increasing retention. Oliver Hotham reports on an evening devoted to illuminating conversation.
French connection: Jean-Michel Lorain goes upside-down in Thailand
Three-Michelin-starred French chef Jean-Michel Lorain has branched out into Thailand, opening an upside-down-themed restaurant featuring French cuisine served Asian-style at five-star hotel U Sathorn Bangkok. Elly Earls meets the man himself to find out more about his quirky new concept and why he’s keeping it in the family.
Fit for purpose: hotel havens for fitness and well-being
With a growing number of brands advertising their credentials as havens for healthy and sustainable living, are guests searching for a more responsible hotel stay? Greg Noone talks to Michael Zager of TRYP by Wyndham and Starwood’s Brian McGuinness about how the operators are enhancing their guest’s sense of personal well-being.