Accommodation Update July 2015
Accommodation update - July 2015
Upcoming openings
July 2015: The Lanesborough, London
Following an extensive refurbishment The Lanesborough welcomes back its first guests on 1 July and all rooms and suites will be available for booking from 15 July.
The new designs imagined by renowned interior designer, Alberto Pinto, will enhance all guest rooms and public areas. The project marked one of Alberto's final ventures, before his death at the end of 2012, and sees his legacy live on at The Lanesborough. The refurbishment extends to all areas of the hotel including the 93 guest rooms and all public areas. Acclaimed Apsleys will unveil an elegant new look, The Garden Room will resume its position as one of the capital's most glamourous outdoor areas and The Library Bar as one of London's leading bars.
For more information contact Clare Gillespie: clare.gillespie@luchfordapm.com
July 2015: 24 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh
Designed by the famous architect William Playfair in the 1820s, the 16-bedroom hotel in Edinburgh has undergone a million pound overhaul and is opening under new ownership. The restoration has retained the original architectural features of the building while introducing a contemporary interior design. In close proximity to the town centre, the hotel backs onto the Royal Gardens of Holyrood Palace and Calton Hill with commanding views across to the Firth of Forth. The rooms vary from spacious apartment suites to affordable single rooms. Bedrooms will be kitted out with several high-tech features such as high-speed internet, Samsung Smart TVs, and technology to allow guests to stream media from their devices or Netflix accounts. The hotel will feature a private, original art collection estimated to be worth £500,000. The collection includes works by John Bratby, Robin Philipson, Sir Terry Frost and John Cunningham as well as Scottish artists John Bellany, Peter Howson, Steven Campbell, Henry Kondracki and John Houston, plus a selection of aboriginal art. rt's bar will serve Scottish and continental breakfast in the morning, to tapas in the evening, and a varied lunch menu throughout the day. A champagne afternoon tea will also be on offer at rt's and will also serve a fine range of whiskies, playing to Royal Terrace's historical nickname, ‘Whisky Row', a reference to the number of spirit merchants who lived on the terrace when it was newly built.
For more information contact: Vicky Goodall or Laura Bardell at P1 Communications - vicky.goodall@p1communications.com, laura.bardell@p1communications.com
July 2015: The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Bath, south-west England
Launching July 2015 as the UK's first hotel to feature its own natural thermal water spa, The Gainsborough Bath Spa has revealed its ‘Bath Circuit' concept. Tapping into the city's subterranean springs, extolled for their healing properties since ancient Rome, the 99-room luxury hotel has reimagined traditional bathhouses with a contemporary twist.
Reviving the ancient practise of social bathing, The Gainsborough Bath Spa has created a brand new spa concept: a one hour ‘Bath Circuit'. A ritualised self-guided tour of the thermal pools, saunas, steam room, ice chambers and elegant relaxation rooms, visitors will embark on a bathing journey akin to ancient Rome. The hotel's private water reserve bubbles to the surface at 47 degrees centigrade, packed full of rich natural minerals. Powered by a reserve drawn from nearby Hetling Spring - the same source to serve the ancient Roman baths - the water's restorative powers are ever-present in the spa's abundant facilities. These include three thermal pools of varying different temperatures, 11 treatment rooms, infrared and traditional saunas, an ice fountain and eucalyptus steam room. Executive suites with secluded couples' facilities and Asian-inspired therapies will also be available, as well as private yoga sessions in the thermal waters or yoga grotto.
For more information contact: Lallie Fraser lallie@grifcopr.com and Emily@grifcopr.com
July 2015: Llandudno Bay Hotel, Llandudno, north Wales
The redevelopment of a historic hotel on Llandudno's East Parade will lead to the opening of the 61-room, boutique Llandudno Bay Hotel this summer. Guests can enjoy views across the Llandudno Bay, dine on menus created using locally sourced ingredients and a bar offering a varied selection of Welsh ales, wines and spirits. www.llandudnobayhotel.com
For more information contact Kevin Baxter; marketing@llandudnobayhotel.com
July 2015: Foyles Glasbury, Powys, mid Wales
A ‘restaurant with rooms' will open in the picturesque village of Glasbury-on-Wye this month, featuring 12 bedrooms and 100 covers in the restaurant. Glasbury is around 90 minutes' drive from the capital Cardiff.
www.facebook.com/pages/Foyles-Glasbury/1609302912689467
August 2015: Vermont Aparthotel, Newcastle, north-east England
Boasting 11 luxury apartments, including two penthouse suites on the cosmopolitan Newcastle Quayside, every spacious apartment of the Vermont Aparthotel will be individually decorated. These luxury serviced apartments are all available on a nightly basis. At the Vermont ApartHotel guests benefit from the convenience and service of the close by Vermont Hotel while enjoying the privacy of an apartment.
For more information contact: info@vermont-hotel.co.uk
August 2015: Hilton London Bankside
Hilton London Bankside will make its debut in August 2015. Moments from Tate Modern the Hilton London Bankside is close to Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market and the Tower of London. The hotel will have 292 contemporary rooms and suites, and vibrant dining that includes a bar and restaurant with show kitchen. It will also have a lap pool and extensive gym facilities.
For more information contact: Trevor Owen trevor.owen@conradstjames.com
August 2015: Harlech Castle, north Wales
August 2015 will see the opening of luxury accommodation in the shadow of Harlech Castle, which, together with Conwy, Beaumaris and Caernarfon castles, collectively forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renovated from a former hotel the ground floor has been transformed into a new visitor centre, with the first and second floors now luxury holiday apartments.
August 2015, Safestay Holland Park, London *Value*
Luxury hostel brand Safestay is now taking bookings for Safestay Holland Park, the group's third hostel opening, (there are two others in London's Elephant & Castle and in York) this August.
The stylish, comfortable and affordable accommodation featuring 29 rooms has starting from £20 per bed per night. Private rooms are available from £60 per room per night and there is free wifi in the communal areas. Most rooms are ensuite and two of the rooms have private terraces.
Set within one of London's most prestigious parks and prime residential areas, Safestay Holland Park will be located within the East Wing of the original Jacobean building, Holland House. Safestay will also occupy the 1950s' extension and the central private courtyard and garden. Within this extension, Safestay has embraced the 1950s era with retro furniture, fittings, wallpaper and advertising posters. The pool room overlooking the garden has a bespoke digital wall-covering of the Queen's face made up of tiny photographs.
For more information contact Amanda Gore-Booth at Pilot PR; mandy@pilot-pr.com
Summer 2015: St Mawes Hotel, Cornwall, south-west England
Following a full refurbishment, the St Mawes Hotel will relaunch this summer. Its location, in the centre of the Cornish village of St Mawes, less than an hour's drive from Newquay, will make it a real hub for locals and visitors. It will have a lively and informal bar and restaurant, serving local food in a relaxed environment, as well as seven light, country-chic style designed rooms.
For more information contact Calum Donoghue: calum.donoghue@luchfordapm.com
Summer 2015: Glasgow Metro Youth Hostel, Glasgow *Value*
Up until 30 August, the Glasgow Metro Youth Hostel will be open within The Glasgow School of Art's Margaret Macdonald House, just minutes from Glasgow city centre. During the summer months, Scotland Youth Hostelling Association (SYHA) will be running the student residence accommodation as a youth hostel, suitable for individuals, families and groups. This is in addition to SYHA's existing Glasgow Youth Hostel in the West End which is open all year round. All 115 of the bedrooms are single and almost 50% of the rooms are ensuite. Free wifi is included.
For more information contact Paddy Cuthbert: paddy@littlehousemedia.uk.com
August 2015, Shankly Hotel, Liverpool, north-west England
The hotel, dedicated to Liverpool FC manager Bill Shankly, is due to open in August and will feature a Bill Shankly museum that will exhibit family memorabilia. A bar and sports-themed restaurant will also open and will pay tribute to different stages of Bill Shankly's life.
Each room throughout the hotel will feature stories not just from the Shankly family, but from former Liverpool players and football fans, who each have a story to tell about the late Bill Shankly. The building, which once served as Liverpool council offices, will also feature a Signature Living hotel, a rooftop garden with an infinity pool, two 175-seat restaurant and a corkscrew slide, which are scheduled to open in 2016.
For further information contact: press@shanklyhotel.com
Summer 2015: King Street Townhouse, Manchester, north-west England
Work on the fifth venue in Eclectic Hotels' portfolio is underway, with King Street Townhouse set to open in summer 2015.
The Grade II-listed building, located within the Upper King Street conservation area of Manchester, will be home to Eclectic Hotels' second city centre hotel. Facilities will include 40 bedrooms and suites, King Street Tavern (bar, restaurant and wine cellars) and afternoon tea rooms.
The Eclectic Hotels' group Manchester-located properties comprise Great John Street, the former Atherton street old school house, Didsbury House and Eleven Didsbury Park hotels, both previously Victorian Villas, and On the 7th members' club at MediaCityUK.
For further information contact: Eleri Roberts at Rococo PR, Eleri.roberts@rococogroup.co.uk
Summer 2015: The Laslett, Notting Hill, London
London - The Laslett, a new hotel by Living Rooms, will open its doors in London's Notting Hill this summer. Taking its name from well-loved local Rhaune Laslett - a community activist and organiser of the original Notting Hill Festival, which went on to become the Carnival - The Laslett "takes inspiration from the area's vibrant cultural heritage while also capturing its new wave of creative cool". The hotel's location not only places guests at the lively heart of West London, but at the doorstep of everything that central London has to offer, with the West End a mere 10-minutes away.
The 51 bedrooms, like others in the Living Rooms collection, look and feel as though they could be straight out of a stylish friend's townhouse and are named - from cleverly compact ‘spare rooms' to super spacious ‘master bedroom suites' - to reflect this home-from-home vibe. Modern furniture from British designers including Pinch and Race Furniture sits alongside more personal quirks - well-chosen books for bedtime reading, proper blankets, curiosities from local antiques dealers, and curated photographs and artworks on the walls.
PR contact: Bacchus PR holly@bacchus-pr.com and bethany@bacchus-pr.com
September 2015, Crowne Plaza Newcastle - Stephenson Quarter, Newcastle, north-east England
The 251-bedroom four-star Crowne Plaza in the Stephenson Quarter, located next to Newcastle Central Station, is due to open this September. The hotel will feature a spa and gymnasium and a dedicated Gin Bar, where guests can create or re-engineer their own gin-based cocktails!
www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/gb/en/newcastle-upon-tyne
October 2015: Twr y Felin, St David's, Pembrokeshire, west Wales
Twr y Felin Hotel is being meticulously restored and extended to reopen as a luxury contemporary hotel in October 2015. Located in the heart of the UK's smallest city St Davids, just a ten-minute walk from Caerfai Bay it lies within the surrounding landscape of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
It will offer 20 ensuite luxury bedrooms, a sophisticated Bar and Restaurant offering the best of locally sourced ingredients, and an inviting lounge named Oriel (Welsh for gallery). Resident and non-resident guests alike will be welcomed to enjoy lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Twr y Felin Hotel will join a select group of UK Art Hotels with a collection of over 100 pieces of art and sculpture. Leading UK urban artists including Phlash, Mr Jago, Xenz and Remi Ruff, Harry Adams and Pure Evil will be represented as well as Welsh artists such as John Uzzell Edwards, Brendan Burns and leading ceramist Adam Buick.
Originally a Windmill built in 1806 Twr y Felin is a unique building whose character has been preserved, which is especially evident in the tower bedrooms. The upper tower suite offers three stories of luxury with its spacious bedroom and ensuite bathroom. Above is lounge, and on the top floor the observatory offering panoramic views over the St David's Peninsula and its surrounding bays and islands.
For further information contact: Paula Ellis paula.ellis@retreatsgroup.com
Long-lead:
January 2016: Pullman Hotel, Liverpool, North West England
The four-star Pullman Liverpool is earmarked to open on the site of exhibition centre ACC Liverpool in autumn next year.
Integrated with ACC Liverpool's new interconnected sister venue, Exhibition Centre Liverpool, Pullman Liverpool will be the second Pullman hotel in the UK, and the first outside of London. It will offer 216 bedrooms, free wifi and is located close to the city centre and all major transport links.
For further information contact: Jennifer Cole, Jennifer.COLE@accor.com
February 2016: InterContinental London - The O2, Greenwich
The new InterContinental® London - The O2 is scheduled to open in early 2016, rooms will be bookable from 1 February 2016. The luxury 453-bedroom 18-storey hotel and conference centre currently in construction as part of a 7.6 acre development scheme on the Greenwich Peninsula, a destination enjoying a huge surge in visitors following the 2012 Olympic regeneration project.
With its enviable position on the banks of the River Thames, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the water and neighbouring Canary Wharf. The hotel's location also benefits from easy riverboat access into Greenwich Pier and is only 400m from North Greenwich tube station where guests can reach London's West End within 15 minutes. London City Airport, carrying more than 3 million visitors each year and serving the many business travellers into Canary Wharf and the City of London, is within six miles of the hotel.
Facilities at the InterContinental London - The O2 include a luxury spa, hotel bar, two restaurants - comprising a fine dining and all-day dining experience - as well as a 18th floor Sky Bar boasting an uninterrupted, panoramic view across the water to Canary Wharf and beyond.
For further information contact: Leah Eser or Julia Gosling, Leah.eser@daviestanner.co.uk / Julia.gosling@daviestanner.co.uk
February 2016: Mercure London Hyde Park Hotel
Overlooking a peaceful garden square in elegant Paddington, Mercure Hyde Park Hotel is a two-minute walk from Paddington Station and five-minute walk from London's iconic Hyde Park. A charming, classic English style townhouse, the hotel has a popular bar and comfortable rooms, designed with the contemporary/traditional British feel.
www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-A002-mercure-london-hyde-park-hotel-opening-october-2015/index.shtml
For further information contact: Charlotte Bourgeois charlotte.bourgeois@accor.com
Opening 2016 - Four Seasons to move into Ten Trinity Square, London
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, along with multinational developer Reignwood Group, are to open a 98-room Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square in the City of London as well as 41 private residences and a private members' club. It will be located within the redeveloped former Port of London Authority building, and will be Four Season's third hotel in London (the two others are based in Canary Wharf and Park Lane). The property will also feature two gourmet restaurants and a spa.
For further information contact: Anna Dickinson at PRCo adickinson@prco.com
Opening 2016 - The Secular Retreat, Devon, south-west England
Living Architecture - the group behind Grayson Perry's A House for Essex, who offer visitors holiday homes designed by renowned architects - has asked leading architect Peter Zumthor to create The Secular Retreat. On top of a hill, with endless views onto the rolling south Devon landscape, Zumthor has designed a haven from the pressures of modern life, a space dedicated to calm, reflection and perspective. The design makes use of an original rammed concrete that gives the building a mass and scale characteristic of a timeless example of ecclesiastical architecture. It's located between the resorts of Salcombe and Hallsands in south Devon and will open next year.
Long-lead: Opening 2017 - The Trocadero centre in London's West End being turned into budget hotel *Value*
Hotel operator Accor has started work on the 583-room Ibis Styles Piccadilly Circus hotel, which is due to open in 2017 on the site between Shaftesbury Avenue and Coventry Street. The group also announced they would be opening an 80-room hotel in Leicester Square under their MGallery brand by 2016.
The new Ibis Styles Piccadilly Circus will serve breakfast, which is included in the room rate, and have a bar but no full service restaurant.
For further information contact: Sophie Black at PRCo, sblack@prco.com
Urban Villa Edinburgh, Scotland, late 2016, early 2017.
Designed by New York architects Grzywinski + Pons, Urban Villa Edinburgh is poised to be Urban Villa's landmark boutique hotel, comprised of 183 luxurious suites, 8,000 square feet of restaurant and bar/lounge space, overlooking Union Canal with direct views of Edinburgh castle. The hotel has been designed to play homage to Edinburgh's elegant cultural fabric while infusing elements of Manhattan and London sexiness.
Each suite has been designed to include a fully fitted kitchen, living room and with half of the suites housing waterfront balconies.
Urban Villa Edinburgh seeks to accommodate both short and long stays, seeking to convert Union Canal into the new social hub for Edinburgh's local community.
For further information contact: Eric Jafari Eric.Jafari@unionhanover.com
Recent openings and refurbs
April 2015: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath, south-west England
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa has put the finishing touches to its historic suites, which are named from the notable figures of the past that have graced the famous Crescent in historic Bath and revelations of rebellion, literary triumphs and social reform. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa has renamed one of its suites after the tumultuous past of the Crescent and an act of rebellion in 1972. The Amabel Wellesley-Colley Suite takes its name from a native of Bath who scandalised the city when she defied the strict covenant that the woodwork on The Royal Crescent houses must be painted white, by painting her house yellow. The yellow door remains to this day as a reminder of this episode in The Royal Crescent's long and colourful history. The influences of notable figures including Jane Austen, The Duke of York and Elizabeth Montagu are present in the suites and also extend to other areas of the hotel. The Montagu Bar & Champagne Lounge was named in honour of Elizabeth Montagu, a social reformer of her time, and the decadent The Duke of York Afternoon Tea takes its name from a man who appreciated life's finer moments. In their rooms, guests will find a booklet written by journalist Jeremy Seal, revealing the historical connections between the hotel and eminent figures of the past.
www.royalcrescent.co.uk For more information contact Sophie Black at PRCo: sblack@prco.com
April 2015, Hotel Gotham, Manchester, North West England
Hotel Gotham opened at 100 King Street in Manchester in April 2015. The hotel is set in a stunning Edwin Lutyens building and includes 60 rooms spread over seven floors, with the reception and the restaurant on the 6th floor, and a striking bar and members club on the 7th. The hotel includes five inner sanctum suites. In celebration of the building, the decor takes cues from the art deco period and the dramatic windows offer fascinating views across Manchester. www.hotelgotham.co.uk
For more information contact Gabby Brunton gabby@streetand.co
April 2015: Cockliffe Country House Hotel, Burntstump Hill, Nottinghamshire, central England
Cockliffe Country House Hotel is a 17th century former farmhouse set in the heart of rural Nottingham, bordering the historically significant Sherwood Forest, and within easy reach of Nottingham, Mansfield & Southwell. The 11-bedroom property was acquired by independent hotel group, Heritage Estates, who already owns luxurious Kelham House, and has embarked on an extensive refurbishment scheme, investing up to £1m to transform the venue's bedrooms, restaurant, and wedding and conference facilities. Phase one of the refurbishment was completed in April.
May 2015: Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham, north-east England
Ramside Hall Hotel near Durham has just opened its new wing of bedrooms, which features 47 premier rooms. The new bedrooms can be configured as either doubles or twins, some of which have Juliet balconies with views over Ramside's championship golf course.
The wing also includes two family rooms and two junior suites, with a luxury Presidential suite set to be available in the near future. All of the new rooms have luxury bathrooms with a walk-in shower and free standing baths and are furnished with Hypnos beds.
The hotel has also totally refurbished its residents lounge and its main reception area.
The wing is part of a £16million development at the hotel, which will be completed when the Spa at Ramside opens later this summer. The state-of-the-art facilities includes a 25m pool, a vitality pool, external infinity pool and a spa garden along with a variety of steam rooms, saunas and a Rasul mud chamber, as well as 14 treatment rooms
For more information contact Kate Hindhaugh at Sorted PR; kate@sortedpr.com
Spring 2015: Zetter Townhouse, Marylebone, London
The Zetter Townhouse, Marylebone is the latest addition to The Zetter Group's Townhouse boutique hotel family. This 24-bedroom Georgian townhouse and cocktail lounge is on Seymour Street, in London's chic Portman Village. The property features a Rooftop Apartment, with a private staircase and a large roof terrace complete with a roll top bath, in addition to its 21 bedrooms, 2 studio suites, and cocktail lounge.
While The Zetter Townhouse, Clerkenwell is known as the home of Zetter's Great Aunt Wilhelmina, the Marylebone property is that of Wicked Uncle Seymour. Inspired by the architectural collections of Sir John Soane, the interiors, by renowned designer Russell Sage, are crammed with a collection amassed during Uncle Seymour's ‘Grand Tour' with Wilhelmina, and reflect the fictional owner's eclectic and colourful character.
Each of the bedrooms is unique, featuring individual collections of antique furniture and curious finds. The walls and shelves are awash with artefacts from Uncle Seymour's days as a loveable rogue and gambler. Everything has been especially designed and crafted for the second Zetter Townhouse, this includes hand-designed wallpaper inspired by eighteenth century crochet patterns, and carpets created by overlaying antique rugs. Rooms and suites vary in size from compact to generous and will be available from £258 (incl. VAT).
Seymour's Parlour is to be found on the ground floor of the Townhouse; a cocktail lounge open from breakfast until late with menus by French chef Bruno Loubet. The Zetter Group have once again collaborated with drinks titan Tony Conigliaro to create the cocktails. Drawing inspiration from the flamboyant owner's love for women and horses, the cocktails bring back forgotten recipes for drinks enjoyed at the races. More a Georgian drawing room than hotel bar, it is perfect for confidential chats over afternoon tea or decadent cocktails by the fireplace.
For more information contact Alice Grier or Gemma at Gemma Bell PR alice@gemmabell.com / gemma@gemmabell.com
Spring 2015: M by Montcalm
M by Montcalm is situated on City Road within the areas of Shoreditch, Hoxton and Islington. There are 269 stylish rooms, consisting of four categories: Deluxe, Club, Junior Suite and Suite. These are complete with luxury amenities from Elemis and Hermès, rain showers, speakers and easy to use technology. M Spa offers a wide range of therapies, a beautiful Versace tiled swimming pool with steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi, and a gym equipped with the latest in technology. Inspired by the location and locals, the hotel incorporates art, music, design, technology and embraces local business and custom. Two exciting restaurants will be launched within the property, both with renowned chefs from Michelin-starred kitchens but with very different offerings.
For more information contact Jo Berry press@mbymontcalm.co.uk
Spring 2015: Staycentral, Liverpool, north-west England *Value*
An unbreakable Liverpool prison is to become the city's newest hotel. Guests will be able to spend a night in the cells for all the right reasons as the former Bridewell prison on Cheapside becomes the first hotel by staycentral.com - a new Liverpool-based hotel chain.
The Bridewell Liverpool is an exciting "New Apartment/ Hotel"; steeped in local history, the 85-bedroom hotel and former "Main Bridewell" prison was built in the 1800s, and is a Grade 2 listed building that has been fully restored. It will have all the expected comforts of a modern hotel, free WIFI throughout the building, modern contemporary reception and an Atrium lounge to relax in and meet friends. Rooms will consist of luxury pocket sprung beds with snuggly duvets and pillows, a 32" flat screen smart TV, ensuite shower and tea & coffee making facilities.
For more information contact Lee Darwen lee@jamworks.com
Spring 2015: Albion House, Ramsgate, Kent, south-east England
The newly opened Albion House in the seaside town of Ramsgate occupies an elegant Regency building now home to 14 bedrooms, restaurant and bar.
The building takes pride of place on Ramsgate's East Cliff with views over Royal Harbour, and, on a clear day, across to the French coast. Built in 1791 as a private house its fascinating history includes spells as a lodging house and gentleman's club, as well as more recently as the seat of the Mayor. In fact, the young Princess Victoria is known to have spent some time in her early life here.
The interiors have been brought back to their original grandeur, with every effort made to recreate the Regency features. A sweeping staircase leads to three floors housing 13 rooms and suites. The 14th room is accessible by a lift in the lower ground floor for those not wanting to use the stairs. Expect clever design features such as hidden ‘jib' doors, which lead to the stunning Carrara marble ensuite bathrooms. Other details include French antique furniture, wool and cashmere Naturalmat beds, original 18th century cornices that have all been remoulded where necessary and Lefroy Brooks bathroom fittings.
The next stage of the development will see the basement brought back to life with a wine cellar, a private dining room housed in the original Georgian kitchen as well as a Seaweed Spa.
Ramsgate can be reached in just over an hour from London by train on the Channel Tunnel high speed line.
Spring 2015: Faversham Creek Hotel, Kent, south-east England
A former pub, whose building dates back to 1723, has been converted into an eight-room hotel. As a Grade 2-listed building the hotel has maintained many original features such as a county scene painted onto the original lathe and plaster wall on the first flight of stairs and some old wallpaper, again on an original lathe and plaster wall, on a first floor landing.
The hotel is also home to the Red Sails Restaurant as well as the Henry Pay Courtyard and the front Terrace, designed as escapes to enjoy a drink or a meal.
For more information contact office@favershamcreekhotel.co.uk
Spring 2015: Cliveden House, Berkshire, south England
Luxury hotel Cliveden House has undergone an extensive renovation programme and is now restored to its former glory. Set in Berkshire countryside, just over an hour's drive from London, the stately home is surrounded by 376 acres of National Trust-managed, Grade I-listed formal gardens and parkland, with panoramic views over the River Thames.
The hotel has a fascinating history; the estate was owned by the American Astor family and has seen many a lavish party unravel on its grounds in the past, frequented by names such as Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill.
For more information contact Angela Day aday@chewtonglen.com
June 2015: Tune Hotel, Liverpool, north-west England *Value*
A great night's sleep from £25 is what is on offer at Tune Hotels in Liverpool this summer. The global chain, which already has hotels in London, Edinburgh and Newcastle, confirmed that Liverpool is its eighth property in the UK as it looks to expand its unique no-frills, value concept to capitalise on the city's growing business and leisure tourism markets.
Housed in a Grade II-listed Queen Building at 3 to 19 Castle Street, Tune Hotels will look to preserve the façade of this historic building while completely renovating and creating its distinctive modern concept that houses 100 bedrooms and a spacious lobby area.
The Tune Hotels concept offers great value rooms with high-quality basics - five-star quality beds, powerful showers, central locations, a clean environment and 24-hour security - with guests paying extra only for the facilities and services they use. Prices start from as little as £25 a night for a double or twin room and using a demand based dynamic pricing structure, guests are encouraged to book early online to secure the regular promotional prices and special offers.
For more information contact Naomi Matthews naomi.matthews@stormcom.co.uk
June 2015: Inn on the Square, Keswick, Cumbria, north-west England
The family owned and run Cumbrian hotel group, Lake District Hotels Ltd, has opened a new property in the charming market town of Keswick. Formerly known as The Queen's Hotel, the property has been completely renovated combining strong elements of Scandinavian design with a love of all things Cumbrian.
Designed for laid-back luxury escapes with a hint of urban-cool, the hotel boasts 34 modern bedrooms, a chic lounge bar and the Lake District's first dedicated Steakhouse - Brossen. Brossen means to be ‘full-up in' Cumbrian dialect. The meat is sourced locally from nearby farms and the menu includes a mixture of classic cuts, rib of beef to share, as well as more unusual dishes such as oak smoked rib-eye steak.
Guest can chose from two different room types: Herdwick and Town View. The Herdwick rooms feature one wall dedicated to the Lake District's famous breed of sheep, while the Town View rooms face onto the pretty town square outside with views of the countryside beyond.
All seven of the Lake District Hotels welcome guests' dogs.
For more information contact Sarah Long: sarah.long@onlybeattie.com
June 2015: Sudbury House Hotel, Cotswolds, west England
The 49-room four-star hotel, situated in the Cotswold market town of Faringdon, has relaunched following extensive refurbishment. Located in a Grade II listed building now adjoined to Sudbury House Hotel is Restaurant 56. The building, originally a distinguished Georgian house previously owned by Sir William Glock (BBC Controller of Music) is now a fine-dining 28-cover restaurant and bar. Filled with a selection of antiques, artworks and luxury fabrics, Restaurant 56 offers a complete contrast to Sudbury House Hotel. Award winning Executive Head Chef Andrew Scott was appointed early 2014 to launch Restaurant 56 as a destination restaurant. Andrew gained his first Michelin star in the 2014 guide at The Curlew Restaurant in East Sussex.
The hotel also offers the 160-cover Magnolia Brasserie.
For further information contact Peter da Silva; peter@boutiquedasilva.com
June 2015: The Fish Hotel, Cotswolds, west England
Focusing on ‘affordable luxury' The Fish boutique hotel opened at the beginning of June and is located on the same privately owned 400-acre estate as one of the Cotswolds most well-known luxury hotels, Dormy House and the exclusive eight-bedroom private house hotel, Foxhill Manor, which opened in March this year. The Fish offers guests a relaxed village-style retreat and a variety of outdoor experiences. The hotel can arrange activities including Segway safaris around the estate, clay pigeon shooting, quad bikes, archery and golf at the Broadway Golf Club next door.
The Lodge is the hotel's restaurant with a menu focusing on British seasonal dishes and, with 400-acres of picnic perfect countryside around, the chef can put together a hamper full of treats.
The Fish has 47 guestrooms spread throughout three newly refurbished buildings; The Farmhouse, The Outhouse and The Stables.
For further information contact Emma Gates or Antonia Robinson at Mango PR; emma.gates@mangopr.com, Antonia.robinson@mangopr.com
June 2015: London Marriott Hotel Park Lane, London
Mayfair-based property the London Marriott Hotel Park Lane has completed an extensive renovation. The transformation of interiors extends to all 152 bedrooms, the introduction of five new suites and a redesign of the lobby, Executive Lounge and meeting rooms.
The hotel is also introducing an expert shoeshine service by The Jaunty Flaneur and is launching a roof terrace with views over Oxford Street in time for summer.
www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/lonpl-london-marriott-hotel-park-lane
Summer 2015, The Lodge Hotel, Putney, south-west London
A hotel in the leafy neighbourhood in Putney, south-west London (close to the Wimbledon Tennis Championships and close to Twickenham Rugby Stadium) will unveil 25 new urban chic rooms this summer along with a state-of-the-art gym.
The hotel is made up of two classic Victorian London villas which, together with a former coach house and conservatory to the rear, make up the hotel.
For more information contact Gabby Brunton at gabby@streetand.co
More accommodation news
*Quirky | Value*
Alnwick Lodge, a 15-room bed and breakfast accommodation in north-east England, five minutes' drive from Alnwick Castle, is adding to its collection of glamping wagons. The former travelling workers homes, used in the early 20th century, have been restored and come in a variety of sizes, some with private barbecue areas and outdoor decking areas. The wagons range from £45 - £55 a night and are suitable for families.
*Events*
The five-star Stafford London is hosting monthly ‘Literary Afternoon Teas' with a different author one Saturday each month. Entitled 'Stafford Saturday Salons', the informal events will include a Q&A with the author hosted by the Times and Observer newspaper interviewer Liz Hoggard. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear intimate accounts of the writing process behind each book, the chance to purchase a signed copy, and enjoy afternoon tea during the event and a glass of champagne at the end. The 'Stafford Saturday Salons' dates for 2015 are: 25 July, 22 August, 19 September, 3 October and 14 November with 2016 dates to be announced.
For more information contact Peter da Silva: peter@boutiquedasilva.com
*Spa openings*
Galgorm Resort & Spa in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is to open its unique Indoor & Outdoor Spa Village that will be the first of its kind in the destination. It forms part of the resort's £10million expansion, which will also include an additional 48 deluxe guestrooms and suites, plus a Signature Suite that will include a terrace complete with guests' own private hot tub. All guests staying at the resort will have the opportunity to access the luxurious Thermal Spa facilities, and relax with an extensive selection of riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam rooms and saunas. The extension also includes the addition of a full leisure pool complete with polished pebble floor which will gently massage pressure points in your feet, assisting blood flow and easing tensions. Indoor experiences surrounding the pool will include bespoke Snail Showers, the unique Snow Paradise and Sanarium. The journey will continue outdoors with Spa goers able to enjoy the benefits of the Celtic Sauna Ritual, sunken firepit & hot-tub and Riverside Body & Mind Studio.
For more information contact Victoria Brown vbrown@galgorm.com
*New experiences*
Yorkshire-based The Coniston Hotel has launched a 4x4 Driving Experience. Located on the 1,400-acre Coniston Estate between the towns of Skipton and Settle in northern England, the 4x4 Experience involves a team of professionally trained instructors guiding customers through a wide range of obstacles including steep hill climbs, gullies, ridges and water splashes. The new experience forms part of the wide range of estate activities including a CPSA Premier Plus clay pigeon shoot, archery, falconry, fishing and cycling.
The hotel will also be opening the Spa at The Coniston this Autumn.
For more information contact Martin Evans at The Tourism Business: martin@thetourismbusiness.com
Hiking breaks, including all the hiking kit you need, are now available at Lake District hotel, Brimstone. Guests are provided with Berghaus outdoor kit including everything from boots and rucksacks to waterproofs and fleeces, all in the correct sizes, to use for the duration of their stay. They will be provided with maps and guidance for the walking routes, driven to their starting point, collected at the end and taken back to Brimstone to enjoy complimentary beer, wine and treats on tap in the Reading Room, plus luxurious bathing experiences to soak post-walk limbs.
For further information contact Nici Hewitson at One Little Bird Public Relations: nici@onelittlebird.co.uk
A historic walled garden, in the grounds of luxury country house hotel Wynyard Hall in north-east England, is to be opened to the public from 4 August as part of a £5.3million investment.
The Walled Garden, which was established by the Hall's owners, the Marquises of Londonderry, in the 19th century, contains more than 3,000 roses and will also house visitor centre, shop and café, stocking and serving locally-sourced goods and produce. The Gardens at Wynyard Hall will eventually cover four acres and be one of the largest rose gardens in Britain, and further stages of investment will see the creation of a cookery school, children's garden and designated walks through the estate.
For further information contact Emma Walker at Sorted PR: emma@sortedpr.com
Gloucestershire-based Calcot Hotels has added a new hotel to its portfolio of boutique hotels with the acquisition of The Cotswolds88 Hotel in Painswick, west England. The hotel, which offers 17 guest bedrooms and suites, a 34-seater restaurant, and a beauty treatment room, is currently closed for refurbishment and is set to re-open by Christmas with new name The Painswick.
For more information contact Charlotte Doherty: charlotte@charlottedohertypr.co.uk
*Awards*
Aberdeen-based luxury hotel, The Chester Hotel, has been awarded two AA Rosettes for their fine dining restaurant, IX Restaurant. The Chester Hotel's culinary team is led by award-winning executive chef Kevin Dalgleish. Kevin heads up the kitchen for fine dining IX Restaurant and the relaxed IX Bar with the help of his 16-strong brigade.
For further information contact Rachel MacBeath or Fiona Vernon at Niche Works Marketing & PR: rachel@nicheworks.co.uk / fiona@nicheworks.co.uk.
The St. David's Hotel and Spa in Cardiff has been awarded a Green Tourism Gold award - the highest national sustainability standard measured by the not-for-profit organisation Green Tourism. The team introduced a number of green initiatives, including introduced energy-efficient lighting and sensor lighting throughout the hotel and installed sensor taps and push button showers throughout the Spa area. The team also reviewed their waste policy and continue to actively monitor the efficient use of both water and energy across all areas of the hotel.
For further information contact Louise Yau: Louise@petersenspr.com
New to Sawday's *Quirky!*
Sawday's is a collection of distinctive B&Bs, self-catering cottages, inns, hotels and pubs. All ‘special places to stay' are selected by Sawday's and a common feature is that they're owned and run by friendly hosts. Great for a warm welcome, properties often have quirky, luxurious and quintessentially British features.
St Catherine Tea Pavilion, Bath, south-west England
In the hamlet of St Catherine, this wooden cabin has a brook at the bottom of the garden, is surrounded by fields and woodland and its décor is all about rustic chic - think sheepskins, reclaimed floorboards, floral sofas and an artist's easel.
From £550 per week or £200 for a two-night short break (sleeps two). www.sawdays.co.uk
Albion House, Ramsgate, Kent, south-east England
See previous entry in Accommodation Update for Albion House.
From £125 per night for a double room. www.sawdays.co.uk
Depot Road, Cwmavon, Neath Port Talbot, south Wales
A stylish, arty hostel conjured up in a former Methodist meeting place, Depot Road is close to the south Wales town of Port Talbot and close to outstanding mountain biking trails. This is a clever space open plan living with a properly equipped kitchen, a long, benched table, big leather sofas and designer chairs around a cowhide rug and Invicta stove.
From £900 per week or £500 for a four-night short break (sleeps 12). www.sawdays.co.uk
The Old Stocks Inn, Gloucestershire, west England
This 17th-century inn has recently been refurbished and sits on the market square of picturesque town Stow on the Wold. In summer, enjoy a meal on its beautiful terrace, while some of its rooms are dog friendly.
From £119 per night for a double room. www.sawdays.co.uk
Brocco on the Park, Sheffield, south Yorkshire
Brocco on the Park sits among leafy streets, with a smart park to the front, then hills beyond; Picasso stayed here when he attended the peace conference in 1950, though things have changed a little since. A recent refit has seen a Scandi feel in the café/kitchen.
From £75 per night for a double room. www.sawdays.co.uk
Estuary Cottage, Devon, south-west England
This old fisherman's cottage is located on Lympstone's pebbly beach, just steps from the water and, at high tide, waves lap against the outside wall. Keen sailors can launch boats or canoes from the slipway next to the cottage, while birdwatchers might spot avocets and grebes through their binoculars. A courtyard door leads you into rooms decorated with quirky nautical touches.
From £1,200 per week or £200 per night (sleeps six). www.sawdays.co.uk
Magazine Wood, Hunstanton, Norfolk, east England
Big views, tranquillity and luxury; this boutique B&B sits on a family farm in the countryside but only a couple of miles from the coast. Guests can stay in a self-contained suite away from the main house with doors onto a terrace; plus you get binoculars for birds, tablets for movies on demand and breakfast delivered to your room.
From £105 per night for a double room. www.sawdays.co.uk
62 Mallams, Dorset, south-west England
Objets d'art and vibrant rugs are displayed across this charming 18th-century cottage. Interiors are stylish and serene; white walls, colourful fabrics and a theatrical black kitchen. Plus you can glimpse the shingles of Chesil Beach from the top-floor bedroom.
From £500 per week or £295 for a three-night short break (sleeps four). www.sawdays.co.uk
The Running Horse, Winchester, Hampshire, south England
Built in the 1850s the Running Horse, set back from the road into the village and with fields behind, is close to the historic city of Winchester. Enter to find a spacious interior of wooden floors and buttonback baquettes, mahogany bar stools and smartly restored 1930s furniture.
From £105 per night for a double room. www.sawdays.co.uk
Sawdays PR contact: Emily Enright emily.enright@sawdays.co.uk
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