The Hotel Magazine June 2022

JUNE 2022

FOOD•DRINK•SPA•ACCOMODATION•SOFTWARE

Uplifting cleaning and disinfection for your workplace Our Disinfectant Mist for hard and soft surfaces, and grease and grime lifting Multipurpose Disinfectant Cleaner are here.

Available in a range of beautiful, room-filling fragrances.

U S E A LL A RO U ND YO U R S PACE

NEW

FLOORS Fill your workplace with beautiful fragrance from the ground up! Add 1 capful of concentrated Zoflora for every 400ml of water in a bucket and mop over hard floors.

RECEPTION / SURFACES Use our Multipurpose Disinfectant Cleaner all around to leave spaces hygienically clean and beautifully fragrant.*

DOORS, HANDLES & BUTTONS Frequently touched areas can often harbour germs. Deliver a beautiful welcoming fragrance, with our Disinfectant Mist.

Regularly spray surfaces to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, including the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2).

SINKS/SHOWERS Spray and wipe down sinks, taps and shower heads regularly. To eliminate odours, pour a capful of Zoflora Concentrated Multipurpose Disinfectant down the plug hole after use.

TOILETS Eliminate germs and keep your toilet fragrant. Leave your toilet brush to soak in Zoflora Concentrated Multipurpose Disinfectant to keep it clean and fragrant.

CHAIRS / CURTAINS Freshen up your soft furnishings with our Disinfectant Mist. Not only will your surface be hygienically clean, but your area will be filled with beautiful fragrance too.* It’s also touch dry in 45 seconds!

*Zoflora conforms to the latest British Standard BS EN 14476 2013+A2:2019.

EDITOR’S NOTE

JUNE 2022

T

he bedroom; a room furnished with a bed and intended primarily for sleeping. Once upon a time this would be the standard definition, but over the last ten years as the hospitality industry has evolved, it is now a space used predominantly for the making of a guest experience.

Increasingly, hoteliers are trying to create a journey throughout the entirety of the venue, often beginning in the bedroom, so we have put together ‘The Bedroom: A Walkthrough’ to outline some of the most important features and amenities in order to make a lasting impression, and therefore gain repeat business.

Another simple way to entice guests back again is by making the most of your staff. By this, we mean through the use of your concierge and customer service. The Ned, one of London’s most famous hotels, set in the former Midland Bank building, is renowned for its ‘black book’, created by its concierge team. In our lengthy feature, we also touch on how staff training can contribute to improved customer service.

In line with our regular features, another unique focus which rounds off our June issue is Fitness and Leisure. In a time where guests are becoming more health conscious by the day, we look at why you should add a gym feature to your venue in order to keep up with the consumer demand.

As always, I hope you enjoy your read and look forward to checking in again next month.

JADE EVANS, EDITOR

© 2022 CIM Online Limited, 1st Floor, Saphir House, 5 Jubilee Way, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8GD. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical or physical – without express prior permission and written consent of the publisher. Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and addressed envelope. Manuscripts should be type written. No responsibility can be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographic or artistic, belongs to CIM Online Limited. The publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the Publisher. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

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CONTENTS

11 THE BEDROOM

We have put together a ‘bedroom walkthrough’ as we evaluate all of the components which make a memorable welcome for guests; looking into the difference the finer details make in the boudoir.

20 HM PICKS

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Our June issue showcases yet another one of our Editor’s picks for interior inspiration. Don’t forget to tag #HMPicks on Instagram for a chance to be featured.

28 HOTEL OF THE MONTH Famous for their ‘Black Book’ curated by their concierge team, we share London’s The Ned as our Hotel of the Month, perfectly situated in our customer service feature as they pave the way for making a lasting impression through the use of their concierge experts.

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38 VENUE PROFILE

As the only luxury lifestyle aparthotel in Cambridge which is ideal for the return of business and extended stays, we share The Fellows House in an exclusive Venue Profile this month.

42 FITNESS AND LEISURE In a time where guests are ever conscious of their physique, we look in to why hotels should add a fitness and leisure aspect to their venue in order to keep up with the consumer demand.

38 EDITOR

Jade Evans jevans@cimltd.co.uk

PUBLICATION MANAGER Declan Wale dec@cimltd.co.uk Tel: 01795 509 112

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Grant Waters grant@cimltd.co.uk

40 James Taylor james@cimltd.co.uk

CREDIT FACILITIES MANAGER

48 HOTELS AROUND THE WORLD Eclectically vibrant and artfully original, The Gabriel Miami, features as our Hotel around The World.

MARKETING MANAGER Paris Kennelly paris@cimltd.co.uk

Lauren Sharpe creditcontrol@cimltd.co.uk Tel: 01795 509 103

SALES DIRECTOR

ADMINISTRATION MANAGER

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Natalie Murray admin@cimltd.co.uk Tel: 01795 509 103

Tom Woollin tom@cimltd.co.uk

John Denning

www.thehotelmagazine.co.uk

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Colchester Institute win challenge

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olchester Institute has won the Panasonic Combi Challenge at the Zest Quest Asia gala dinner held in April at the Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5.

Zest Quest Asia was founded by restaurateurs Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala with the support of the Master Chefs of Great Britain in 2013. This year marked the long-awaited return of the live cook-off and ‘in person’ awards evening after a pandemic-induced two-year gap, which the organisers filled with three successful on-line spin-offs, one which was a Panasonic Combi Challenge.

The Colchester team and their lecturer, Ian Perkins, will now enjoy their amazing prize of a Dashi Journey in Japanese Kaiseki - a hands-on, full day cookery class in dashi covering how to make it, how its inclusion is vital in the execution of Kaiseki cuisine, the culture behind it, and other elements of Japanese cuisine such as sashimi and tempura. The private class will be given by renowned chef Akemi Yokoyama, a member of the Japanese Culinary Academy UK and certified miso chef.

The London EDITION announces new appointment

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he London EDITION is delighted to announce the appointment of Walid Saighi, who joins the hotel as Director of Sales and

Marketing.

Walid joins as the newest leader of The London EDITION’s Executive Guidance Team and will oversee all aspects of Sales and Marketing across the hotel and its esteemed food and beverage outlets. Having previously held the same position at London Marriott Hotel County Hall, Walid led on successfully reopening the property during tough market conditions, whilst also managing to introduce some consortia programs to the hotel for the first time.

Walid brings with him a wealth of experience in the luxury hotel sphere, having worked in France at both the Paris Marriot Champs Elysees Hotel and Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa – aided by his fluency in French, English and Arabic. From his time working at the world-famous Galleries Lafayette flagship in Paris, Walid is well-versed in the luxury market and is excited to bring this experience to The London EDITION. For further information on The London EDITION, please visit the website www.editionhotels.com/London

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INDUSTRY NEWS

The Gabriel South Beach’s new sustainable initiatives

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he Gabriel South Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton, announced that the hotel is now powered by 100% renewable electricity.

The Gabriel South Beach is part of Conscious Certified Hotels (CCH), an ESG platform with a commitment to social, health and environmental consciousness. The platform, created by CGI Merchant Group, focuses on implementing environmental improvements to hotel operations and caters to purposeful travellers who seek out properties who are focused on supporting sustainable causes.

“With a dedication to preserve the planet, we have a responsibility to act for the good of the environment,” said Robert Festinger, vice president of hospitality asset management at CGI Merchant Group, LLC. “With more travellers focused on making sustainable travel choices, we are proud that The Gabriel has already achieved 100% renewable electricity utilization,” said Marianne Balfe, Vice President of Sustainability at Highgate.

Becoming Hastings Hotels’ Second Five-Star Property in the Portfolio

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astings Hotels is delighted to announce that the Grand Central Hotel Belfast has been awarded a five-star rating by the AA. The AA’s inspector’s report praised the hotel’s ‘5-star service delivered by a friendly and engaging team’ and said ‘first impressions of the Hastings Grand Central are excellent, with a well-kept fascia in a highly accessible location. The diverse, spacious and versatile public areas present extremely well, having benefited from some serious investment. Bedrooms and bathrooms are equipped and furnished to a high standard.’

The Seahorse Bar & Restaurant has also been awarded an AA Rosette which is given to restaurants that achieve standards that stand out in their local area, serving food prepared with care, understanding and skill and using good quality ingredients. The Seahorse Bar & Restaurant is the hotel’s fine dining option which offers afternoon teas and exquisite food for breakfast and dinner.

The Grand Central Hotel Belfast is the second in the Hastings Hotels collection to be given a 5-star rating, joining sister property the Culloden Estate & Spa. To celebrate this huge milestone for the hotel, Hastings Hotels has launched two luxury new packages for all of their guests staying at The Grand Central Hotel Belfast. www.thehotelmagazine.co.uk

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THE BEDROOM

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THE BEDROOM – ESSENTIAL 5

MORE THAN JUST THE BEDROOM As part of our extensive feature, here are five bedroom amenities, specific to the popular countryside venue, The Grove, which contribute to making a lasting impression amongst their guests.

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NESPRESSO COFFEE MACHINE Only the finest, high-quality, sustainable coffee will be served at The Grove. When visitors enjoy an overnight stay, they’ll be able to indulge in a delicious selection of Nespresso coffees from the comfort of their bedroom, each cup offering a unique and flavourful experience that certainly trumps coffee brewed from a kettle.

THE MINIBAR A variety of refreshments and snacks will be readily available in the hotel room’s minibar, and ours is equipped with a tasty selection of nuts, biscuits and crisps, as well as soft drinks and alcoholic beverages to tickle taste buds.

The newest addition to The Grove’s minibars are small bottles of the own-brand lemon and honey-infused gin that was created in partnership with Puddingstone Distillery.

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LUXURY, CRUELTY-FREE BATHROOM PRODUCTS When guests step through into the bathroom, a range of miniature ESPA bath products will be waiting to nourish and soothe their skin. As a five-star hotel, guests can expect the ultimate luxury and the highest quality, and the ESPA products are no exception, being natural, gentle on the skin and vegan-friendly.

Overnight visitors come away feeling as good as new!

BESPOKE AMENITIES To add a personal touch to guests’ stays, the Guest Experience team and housekeeping offer some wonderful bespoke amenities, including branded items from The Grove’s golf shop, ESPA products, birthday cakes and other treats to celebrate special occasions.

Amenities sometimes include The Grove’s own brand of beer and The Grove Gin. For little guests, small toy boxes are carefully organised and include a cuddly toy version of The Grove’s donkey mascot named Earl Grey.

DOGGIE CARE PACKAGE The Grove’s five-star service isn’t solely for human guests alone! If someone is travelling with a four-legged friend, their room will be waiting with a small doggie care package containing a toy, a mitt and a towel to use on their dog’s paws after their walk before entering the hotel, plus the all-important bio-degradable poop bags. The guest’s canine companion will also be provided with their very own bed and dog bowl for dinner time. Because dogs deserve the paw-fect service too! @thegrovehotel

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THE BEDROOM – ESSENTIAL 5

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THE BEDROOM

A WALK THROUGH As part of our wide-ranging Bedroom Edit, we walk through the different elements of a bedroom, sharing ideas on how to position certain amenities in order to elevate a guest’s stay and therefore gain repeat custom.

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otels around the world pride themselves on style and comfort, from premium suites in London to boutique bed and breakfasts in the Cotswolds, the bedroom is often the pinnacle of the hotel stay for guests.

There are many aspects that make up the idyllic bedroom, all of which contribute to helping visitors embark on a journey during their stay. From the minibar to the bed, and the bathroom to the dressing gowns, an amenity is defined as ‘a desirable or useful feature or facility of a building or place.’ For hotels, the options are endless and each one serves a purpose in only elevating an experience.

General Manager at The Guardsman, Eva Mount, believes that the bedroom needs to be elegant and calming to provide the sanctuary that guests desire, whilst delivering all their needs and wants: “We have several guests who return time and again thanks to the comfort, design and ambiance that we have created; this, together with ensuring all personal preferences are noted and executed,

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are what makes a stay at The Guardsman so memorable.”

At The Guardsman, each guest is escorted to their bedroom where a detailed explanation of all the amenities will be given. The team at the London-based hotel believe the whole experience, from the quality of the bed to the well-thought-out design features, make for a great welcome and stay in their bedrooms. Who doesn’t love a luxuriously made bed with crisp, white Egyptian cotton sheets in a room lit by Tom Dixon?!

Eva commented: “The amenities within a bedroom make the experience complete. We choose British suppliers that reflect our desire to celebrate the British Isles. All rooms contain Noble Isles products that are made with rhubarb from Yorkshire, samphire from Ireland, barley from Scotland and beetroot from Wales.”

The brands The Guardsman stock in the hotel are carefully selected to enhance the guest experience and provide the right levels of pampering. For example, the sustainable Noble Isle amenities in each bathroom,

THE BEDROOM Pg 14: The Guardsman Pg 15 left: Respa beds at Cheval Place, Knightsbridge Pg 15 right: Middle Eight

“The amenities within a bedroom make the experience complete.” delightfully comfortable bathrobes (personalised for longstay guests) and British-supplied Canton Tea all help to create The Guardsman brand that guests desire.

Naturally, the experience is different for each guest.

What’s important is understanding varying needs and ensuring the flow of the room works for the individual in question: “This can range from adding a baby bath and nappy bin to a family room, to pet beds and feeding bowls for guests who bring their dog with them. Our years of experience in hospitality enables us to get this right and makes for a great stay. Nothing at our hotel is set in stone; we pride ourselves on tailoring every guest’s stay to suit them.” Added Eva. Three key features Eva believes are integral to making a welcome to the bedroom special are: a good night’s sleep, an invigorating rainfall shower and a guest’s drink of choice: “These are the absolute pillar stones for any hotel stay.

“At The Guardsman, our guests have told us that our beds are like sleeping on a cloud. What better compliment could we ask for? A selection of pillows, high-stand toppers and high thread count cotton are just some of the absolute essentials we provide as standard.

“In addition, we know what drinks our guests prefer and ensure they are stocked in their minibar prior to arrival. If it’s a special tea they like, we are also able to supply that for them too.”

For many, the morning hasn’t begun until a hot beverage

has been enjoyed, and over the years, introducing features in order for guests to help themselves has become standard in many venues. Sarah Eastman, Beverages Category Manager at leading ingredients supplier Henley Bridge, advises that the quality of your tea offering speaks volumes about your business as a whole.

“In-room drinks provision is one of the first things to be inspected by hotel guests, and having a premium brand on display makes a great first impression, and provides instant pleasure and gratification.

“Most discerning guests expect a variety of flavours of tea to suit their needs at different times of the day. As well as English Breakfast and Earl Grey, also consider offering peppermint and camomile teas, which are known for their soothing/calming attributes, plus a green tea and one or more fruit teas or infusions.

“Dilmah’s Vivid collection of teas include flavours such as Springtime Oolong with Ginger, Natural Lemon Verbena, Ceylon tea with chocolate and Mint, and Apple Pie and Vanilla. The t-series range includes Ceylon Cinnamon Spice, Rose with French Vanilla and Moroccan Mint Green Tea. Both ranges are available individually foil-wrapped, and Dilmah also produces bamboo presentation boxes to ensure the sachets are displayed beautifully. With a lift-up lid, the boxes should ideally take pride of place on your inroom drinks station.

“As well as looking for aspirational brands, a growing number of hotel guests are also demanding products which www.thehotelmagazine.co.uk

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THE BEDROOM

are backed by solid sustainability and ethical credentials.

Dilmah Tea is the only international tea brand owned by tea growers, and is picked, perfected and packed at the Dilmah Tea Gardens in the home of the world’s finest tea – Ceylon.”

For Christian Graf, General Manager at Middle Eight, the initial introduction to the room when a guest arrives is pivotal for getting off on the right foot. At the popular Middle Eight hotel, guests will be accompanied by a host who will have checked them in at reception, already establishing a rapport with them.

Christian said: “In the room, having someone there who can actually walk through the space on a journey with them is the best welcome possible. This, coupled with little touches such as a selection of homemade cakes or pastries, really sets the tone for their whole stay.”

In terms of brands and choosing one, or a selection, which will align to your property’s ethos, this must be done meticulously. Choose the feel and the overall appearance you want to give off and tie it in through the entirety of the bedroom. Christian explained: “All the brands we work with, including Anatomē which supply our bathroom products, have been carefully chosen for a mixture of their credentials, their ingredients and their aesthetic appeal.”

Staying in a hotel can be restful, due to the unfamiliar surroundings for many visitors. Individual experiences vary due to hotel location, amenities and services, or the reason for the stay. Whether guests are traveling solo for business, enjoying a romantic getaway with their partner, or simply having a pit-stop during a long journey, one of the most important things consumers will do at an overnight

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venue is sleep. For that reason, a comfortable sleeping environment is ideal.

Leaders in providing hotel beds, Respa have been manufacturing beds for over 70 years and have a full range of mattresses, divans and headboards to suit any hotelier’s needs. The brand supply 5-star clients, such as the Ampersand in Kensington and Cheval Residences, deep fully upholstered divans and their super luxurious Sublime mattress, which together make a 65cm high bed (mattress 30cm, divan 35cm). The height of the bed coupled with a bespoke headboard make the bed the central feature of the room, giving a sense of luxury and opulence.

Flexible sleeping options seem to be a key factor with guests requiring different sleeping requirements. The midweek businessperson may want a comfortable spacious room to sit, sleep and work, whereas a family holiday or weekend trip requires beds for all the family.

Respa Beds Marketing Manager, Samantha van Wyk, said: “At Respa we understand the hotelier’s predicament and have developed a full range of sleeping options to meet every eventuality. Zip and Link beds can be either a luxurious super king bed or two comfortable singles, add the option of underbeds and a family of four can be accommodated easily. Add a sofa bed to the room and this creates the option of sleeping up to six guests.

“Sofa beds are designed to look and feel as comfortable as any sofa, use Sedac contract grade mechanisms and a 14cm hand tufted, fully sprung mattress for a comfortable night’s sleep.”

Samantha agrees that the basic function of any type of

THE BEDROOM Pg 16 top left: Josiah George Florence Sofabed from Respa Beds Pg 16 bottom left: Middle Eight Pg 16 right: Twinings Sleep Pg 17: The Guardsman

“In-room drinks provision is one of the first things to be inspected by hotel guests.” accommodation is to provide a good night’s sleep. There are many contributing factors to achieve this, however a comfortable mattress is the number one priority which will often lead to positive feedback on review sites. Everyone checks out reviews before booking, therefore this can lead to additional custom where poor reviews can drive potential guests away.

“We are always amazed by how many people contact us wanting to buy their hotel bed, which is why we work The Hotel Bed Company (www.thehotelbedcompany.com) where guests can purchase the bed and bedding they slept on and have that hotel bedroom experience at home.

Working in partnership with hoteliers also means there is potential for extra revenue from guests purchasing their Respa bed.”

Whilst comfort is absolutely key when sleeping on a hotel bed, the aesthetic element is as important too. When thinking about providing the perfect guest experience, comfort and overall look should be on par with one another.

Wade Dyer, Customer Development Executive (Hotels) for Twinings UK&I, knows that guests all want something slightly different from their hotel stays, but if you ask, many will want to feel welcomed and get a great night’s sleep.

“In an increasingly fast-paced and stressful world, a way in which you can help to create an ‘Unwinding Occasion’ is with Twinings Superblends Sleep tea bags. A calming blend of Camomile, Vanilla & Spiced Apple, this product is a fantastic way to help your guests to unwind and relax whilst giving your rooms a premium point of difference vs. other hotels that customers might’ve stayed in.” Added Wade.

Who said tea has to be merchandised on a tray next to the kettle? Twinings Superblends Sleep is merchandised in individual envelopes, meaning you can get creative with where it’s presented to your guests.

“Simple extras such as placing a couple of envelopes on the pillow or in a cup by the bedside can assist in improving the guests’ journey to consumption, thus enhancing their stay experience. Give it a try!” Wade concluded.

It’s factual to say that all hotel bedrooms have two things in common in the sense they include a bed and a bathroom.

The rest is up to you! As we’ve evaluated, added extras in the bedroom will only encourage guests to return and it’s not simply about ‘having them’, it’s about how you have them, the positioning, the brand and the message they give.

For more details on how you can elevate an experience through the bedroom, get in touch. www.thehotelmagazine.co.uk

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SPONSORED

PERFECT BLEND Café Casa for hotels.

C

afé Casa is a family-run coffee label that prides itself on luxury at great value. We are passionate about enhancing coffee culture in hotels up and down the UK, delivering a convenient “all-in-one” service.

Coffee culture can make or break the guest experience.

It’s a little detail that means a great deal. Research suggests that up to two-thirds of consumers judge the quality of a hotel based on its coffee alone.

Café Casa ensures your establishment meets every demand from front-of-house to the privacy of your hotel rooms, with luxury coffee and additional supplies that are sustainably sourced.

When accompanied with our premium equipment, including barista coffee machines, self-service coffee machines, and pod coffee machines, you’ll experience a convenient solution.

Good quality coffee drives, motivates, and connects us.

It’s no surprise that coffee culture has overspilled from the traditional coffee shop to become a symbol of a great hotel stay.

Our exclusive Finca Blend coffee beans are a perfect accompaniment to our professional coffee machines, delivering an experience that is fit for your bar or restaurant.

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Meanwhile, our innovative coffee bags, packing 8g of freshly ground coffee in each single-serve bag, streamlines coffee delivery in your hotel rooms, too.

Hotel room coffee is witnessing an exciting evolution, whereby consumers are demanding better quality facilities in line with what they can enjoy in other environments and locations.

Coffee is the foundation of wellbeing and positivity, so it makes sense to add a touch of luxury to a personal space where your consumers will spend much of their time with you.

We have recently invested a lot of time and money into our hotel room trays, where our coffee bags and sticks are central to a grand refreshment solution that includes cost-effective coffee machines and additional single-serve amenities.

Meanwhile, away from our coffee supplies, we also offer delicious hot chocolate and single-serve tea bags that are hand blended here in the UK. Because we know that choice is important.

Backed up by customer service that emits a personal touch, you haven’t experienced a coffee and hot drinks solution until you’ve experienced Café Casa. www.cafecasa.co.uk

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• Serving front of house to hotel rooms • Professional coffee machines for bar and restaurant • Exclusive Finca Blend coffee beans • Tailored hotel room trays to meet consumer demand • Cleaning equipment, ancillaries and more Café Casa takes the hassle out of hospitality coffee solutions. Our luxury range is incredibly diverse to meet demand from front of house to hotel rooms, helping to solidify a positive guest experience.

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AWA R D W I N N I N G

COFFEE AND BEVERAGE SOLUTIONS W W W. D U E F R AT E L L I C O F F E E . C O . U K

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SPONSORED

HOTEL CROCKERY

By Olivia Jayne Shepherd

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ith constant daily use, hotel crockery must be able to cope with constant handling and repeated wash cycles in order to function flawlessly day after day. In addition to this, hotel crockery must also create a warm and welcoming atmosphere to make dining a true delight, no matter what the meal.

The traditional plain whiteware is still the backbone of most hotels’ crockery requirements but the introduction of patterns and colours is starting to add character to the hotel dining experience.

Nick Hart of Hotel Buyer said: “We are seeing a real appetite for strong colours and different materials, like glass and stoneware from hotels looking to make the hotel dining experience a little less routine.” Commenting on the recent agreement that Hotel Buyer reached with Steelite International to supply the entire Steelite offering to their hotel customer base, Hart added; “We chose to work with Steelite because of their vast range of both traditional and more contemporary crockery. Steelite is already a firm favourite of our hotel customers, but recent developments with the colours and materials used makes it more desirable to some of the boutique hoteliers we work with”.

Start slowly

The adaptable nature of the traditional white plate allows for colours to be introduced gradually without fear of an

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unsightly clash or indeed the cost of a completely new set of crockery. Adding in coloured ramekin or a glass coupe plate is an easy way to enhance the table setting whilst continuing to make use of your whiteware investment.

Does it have to be round?

The days when plates, bowls and other eating vessels are made using traditional potter’s wheel methods are long gone for the most part. Despite that, the majority of plates are still circular, creating another opportunity to break with tradition.

Whilst you might want to avoid serving lamb shanks on a sheep-shaped plate, serving seafood in a clamshell inspired glass dish can look spectacular. Square plates are practical for both the diner and hotel operator, where mis-shaped ‘round’ and triangular plates create a bit of interest to your table setting.

Make it last

Many crockery manufacturers offer an edge-chip warranty on their plates, covering as the name implies chips to the edges of the plates during the normal use of the product.

As with most guarantees, manufacturers do not get huge number of claims, it is there to provide confidence that the plates are not easily chipped in a busy hotel context. It’s always worth looking out for this. www.hotel-buyer.co.uk/steelite

SPONSORED

GAGGIA MILANO Coffee Machines for the Visionaries

Please introduce the brand?

The Gaggia story dates back to 1930s Milan. In 1938, one barista – Achille Gaggia – signalled a revolution in coffee making when he discovered a new way to extract the aromas from coffee, allowing us to taste the perfect espresso, complete with its “crema” for the very first time.

Gaggia’s craftsmanship and flair are still evident in the machines that bear his name today. Nowadays, Gaggia Milano’s professional coffee machine range encompasses a variety of traditional espresso machines as well as La Radiosa, the brand’s first super automatic machine that offers barista-style coffee with foamed milk.

What does Gaggia strive to achieve within the hotel sector?

Gaggia (along with its sister brands under the Evoca Group umbrella, Necta and Saeco) have the coffee day covered, from La Radiosa - an automatic machine that can be used for a self-service breakfast option, through to La Reale, La Precisa and La Decisa – stunning flagship espresso machines that any barista serving coffee in the restaurant, lounge or bar, would be proud to be associated with. Combined with the opportunities presented by serving coffee to delegates at conferences, to guests wanting a leisurely mid-morning

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drink or in-room coffee, Gaggia and its sister brands have the entire day covered.

Gaggia Milano professional machines are designed with baristas in mind. Italian flair runs through the heart of every machine – they combine style and sophistication with state-of-the-art technology. Each one is packed with features such as cool touch steam wands, quarter turn valves, super quick power up out of eco mode – these are just some of the characteristics designed to make the barista’s life easier. Visionary machines that meet every need.

In a time where ‘perfection’ is sought after during a hotel stay by both hoteliers and consumers, how can Gaggia coffee machines align with this in order to provide a seamless experience?

In a post-pandemic world, consumers have returned to travel more hungry for great experiences than ever before, as they seek to make up for lost time. Beautiful machines, creating stunning drinks that are pleasing to the eyes and to the tastebuds – this is the perfect combination to meet the needs of the most discerning guests.

The work of the barista is to create coffee, in the

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same way as an artist would create a piece of artwork.

Indeed “The Art of Perfection” is Gaggia’s mantra. Gaggia professional espresso machines are available in a variety of different colours to match any hotel’s décor – from the sophisticated red La Precisa, to the sleek white La Giusta or even the stunning La Reale with its copper-coloured accents. Two groups or three, standard height or tall cup options are available across the range – to fit any size or space. Italian design flair means that choosing Gaggia is like having a piece of artwork on your counter-top.

Providing great coffee is becoming more and more popular when guests are searching for a hotel, why is it so important for hoteliers to get

it right and how can they do so?

With coffee nowadays being an intrinsic part of our daily lives, from breakfast through to dinner, a bad coffee experience reflects negatively on the entire hotel stay. Many a guest has suffered with the bitter after taste of a coffee that doesn’t live up to expectations. Why should the breakfast or after dinner drink experience be the part of the stay that lives long in the memory – for the wrong reasons?

Well, with simple to use, barista-friendly machines – paired with the “right” coffee partner, of course – Achille Gaggia’s vision for coffee perfection is within the grasp of every hotel in the country.

The hotels that respond to this will be those that stand to gain the most in this brave new world. www.thehotelmagazine.co.uk

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CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CUSTOMER SERVICE – HOTEL OF THE MONTH

GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND Famous for their ‘Black Book’ curated by their concierge team, we share London’s The Ned as our Hotel of the Month as they pave the way for making a lasting impression through the use of their exquisite customer service.

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he Ned is a 250-bedroom hotel with ten restaurants, a spa, gym and members’ club.

Hotel Manager at The Ned, Jessica Tapfar, said: “We keep our target audience engaged by continuing to adapt. Since opening in 2017 we’ve changed the restaurant offering, moved the spa down a floor and opened two new bars. Even during the lockdown, we opened a new jazz and cabaret bar called The Parlour.” The team is continuously to keep up with the demands of consumers.

In a time where guests are relying on venues to suggest places to visit during their stay, concierge is a huge focus

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for The Ned, and the team are dedicated to giving visitors the best personalised experience possible. The staff pride themselves on taking the time to speak to guests and find out what interests them. This way they can give tailored recommendations – from personalised tours of hotels around the city to niche restaurant bookings.

“Our staff take the time to get to know London’s hidden gems so they can recommend places many visitors won’t have heard of or discovered themselves.

“Everyone in the building is here for one common goalto look after our guests and members.” Added Jessica.

So, what is it that makes The Ned stand out in such

CUSTOMER SERVICE – HOTEL OF THE MONTH

“Our staff take the time to get to know London’s hidden gems.” a competitive market? Jessica revealed that The Ned’s entertainment offering is the thing they’re most proud of.

The Nickel Stage, which sits in the centre of the ground floor, has a daily programme of music from 4pm until midnight. The stage sees 120 acts perform every month from Sophie Ellis Bextor and Nick Grimshaw, to upcoming bands like Masego and Paradisia - and upon arrival to the hotel, staff members will inform guests who will be gracing the stage during their stay.

As we know, an exceptional concierge service could be the difference between a guest returning or not. The team at The Ned is outstandingly creative and to make them stand out in what’s a competitive industry, they come up with weekly suggestions for the marketing team’s Tips from The Concierge story series on Instagram, and work with the designer to create a monthly ‘Black Book’ of recommendations in the City. @thenedlondon www.thehotelmagazine.co.uk

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THE GUIDE TO… Providing a great concierge service.

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or some guests, hotel stays can be rare and a particularly special occasion, whereas others may be used to living out of a suitcase whilst working in different locations. Whoever the visitor is, they should all be offered the same level of accommodation during their time at your venue.

The French word concierge is likely derived from the Old French cumcerges, itself related to the Medieval Latin consergius or the Latin conservus (“fellow slave”). Another possibility, suggested by French authors as early as the 19th century, is that “concierge” is a contraction of comte des cierges (“count of candles”), a servant responsible for maintaining the lighting and cleanliness of medieval palaces.

The idea of a concierge service has been around for many years, but only fairly recently have we appreciated the importance of the concept and exactly how to capitalise on it. Not only does a concierge service offer a more upperclass feel to a venue, but it is pivotal in contributing to client retention rates due to the effort being so apparent in the facility.

Concierge services include informational requests, setting dinner reservations, making telephone calls, researching travel arrangements, offering

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recommendations and more. Whilst offering your personal references for a local cocktail bar or Italian restaurant, we can’t stress the importance of testing and trying. Guests will be hugely appreciative that you’ve done the leg work for them, allowing them to relax further, but ultimately if the place you’ve suggested is merely average; this will reflect negatively on your venue.

Some visitors to your establishment may not even be aware that you offer a concierge service, which is why it’s important to make it clear at the earliest opportunity. We’d be kicking ourselves if we spent hours researching for the best art gallery for it to be mildly disappointing, to then find out that the concierge team have an abundance of knowledge on the most prestigious local attractions.

Whilst making it apparent about the services you offer is essential, being overbearing is not. Guests will arrive at their overnight stay venue no-doubt ready to unwind and relax, so getting the balance right of being helpful and welcoming, but not exasperating is vital.

The initial greeting will go a long way. Gauge whether your guest is happy to engage in a conversation and then go from there in getting to know them. Why are they here? Business trip? Anniversary? Are they a couple?

Whilst intrusive questions are not permitted, building

CUSTOMER SERVICE

“Gauge whether your guest is happy to engage in a conversation.” a relationship during a guest’s stay will make a huge difference to their experience. After gaining an insight, you can then go back and share your findings with the team and from then, you can work out if you need to make a special occasion extra special. If your guests are here for a

celebration, make a fuss of it. Free champagne at dinner… why not? This will be what leads them to tell their friends and it’s called ‘going the extra mile’.

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CUSTOMER SERVICE

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS In a time where guests pine for a complete experience during an overnight stay, customer service is pivotal. We’re looking into how a venue can improve client relations through staff training.

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ithin the hotel industry, staff can be seen as the making of a business; which is why offering great customer service at your overnight venue is so fundamental. Whether it’s by providing information, advice, recommendations or helping guests feel comfortable, the role of a customer service department is to provide a positive experience to your visitors. In doing so, they will be able to associate excellent customer service with your property and therefore become loyal clients.

Not only is your customer service used to solve any problems or complaints your guests may have, it is also the reflection of your business. It is thus the main contributor to your guests’ first impression and continues to be

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available and present for guests before, during and after their stay.

Lonny Hunt, Head Concierge at COMO Metropolitan London, thinks that the first and most important thing needed to provide an excellent concierge and customer service job is to build a personal relationship with guests.

Lonny said: “We ultimately want them to trust us and lean on us for tips and suggestions. If we do this brilliantly, then the guests will return to our property and will recommend our hotel to their friends and family.

“Secondly, being up-to-date and ‘in the know’ is key for us: 5-star hotel guests always want to try the newest and hottest bars and restaurants and visit the latest exhibitions.

Due to their popularity, these are usually the most difficult

CUSTOMER SERVICE All imagery courtesy of COMO Metropolitan London

“Customer service training is an ongoing process, it never ends.” places to make reservations for. Guests really appreciate it and are truly impressed if we are able to secure a booking for them. Of course, we try and test what we suggest to our guests, so the team go out and visit restaurants, bars and exhibitions.”

At COMO Metropolitan London Hotel, they require all new team members to attend their New Hire Orientation Programme. This is the fundamental starting point to learn about COMO Hotels and Resorts’ ethos and unique point of difference, as well as their approach to guest service. A complimentary overnight stay is offered to all new starters and they are strongly encouraged to enjoy this within the first two months of employment. This allows them to experience the COMO Metropolitan London’s guest experience first-hand and to have a better understanding of the bedroom types and overall facilities, which include a state-of-the-art COMO Shambhala Urban Escape spa.

The COMO family strongly believes that to be able to provide top-notch guest service, one needs to have excellent product knowledge as well as soft skills around the delivery of the guest experience. All team members are trained on and required to learn the COMO service

standards, as this is key to consistency.

Lonny believes that when working in the hotel industry, the learning should never stop; revealing there are multiple training procedures that the COMO team is taught to follow to give outstanding service. COMO Metropolitan London prides itself on investing in its employees with training and development opportunities provided to all of them.

Lonny added: “I give my team of concierge, porters and doormen training four times a year, whether it’s practical or theoretical.

“A doorman theory training would be a one-on-one with myself, going through COMO’s ‘standard operating procedures’ on guests arriving/checking out at our front door and car parking procedures.

“A practical luggage porter training would include oneon-one training with myself in a role-playing scenario. I would play the role of the guests just arriving at their room, and I would have the porter deliver the luggage and present the unique aspects of the room.”

Customer service training is an ongoing process, it never ends. The more effectively service standards and www.thehotelmagazine.co.uk

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CUSTOMER SERVICE All imagery courtesy of COMO Metropolitan London

“Being up-to-date and ‘in the know’ is key for us.” product knowledge can be unconsciously accessed, the easier it is for hotel team members to be able to focus their attention on developing the relationship with individual guests, learning about them and being able to deliver a truly personalised service that will create memorable experiences.

Hospitality in general really is all about building relationships. Having genuine conversations with guests will ensure they feel valued and not just another ‘bum on a seat’ as the saying goes.

Often, visitors don’t want a lengthy chat on arrival if they’ve travelled far and wide to reach their overnight destination, so introducing yourself to begin with can suffice. Once the introduction is complete, for those who aren’t feeling talkative, you can point them in the direction of more information in the sense of a book, leaflet or web

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link.

One venue which has capitalised on the importance of concierge and customer service, and is therefore an extremely reputable hotel, is The Ned. The Ned’s central city location means that museums, markets and galleries are just a stroll away from the front door. The hotel’s concierge team has curated the ultimate tips for a guest’s trip, from outdoor dining and local culture to activities around town. The Little Black Book can be picked up from reception or found in a guest’s bedroom, and makes the perfect guide for invitees who are staying and leaves a magnificent lasting impression.

Ultimately, providing responsive, efficient and quality customer service has become a necessity for properties.

Satisfied guests are more likely to come back and be loyal to your hotel, as they will become true brand ambassadors.

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VENUE PROFILE

LUXURY LONGSTAYS Offering an answer for guests seeking accommodation similar to an apartment but without the need to sign a long-term contract is The Fellows House, Cambridge. Our Editor Jade was fortunate enough to experience the unique venue which features artwork, sculptures and cocktails, inspired by the fellows and historic city, and has all the details.

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ruly one of a kind, The Fellows House, Curio Collection by Hilton, boasts an apartmentstyle luxury lifestyle long-stay offering in Cambridge. With minimum stays of just one night and tiered pricing options, the collection of 131 self-contained apartments offers a dedicated events programme and on-site leisure features specifically designed for guests staying seven nights or more. The property is ideal for those looking to reside

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somewhere they can “Feel at home, Feel Inspired and Feel like a Fellow”.

The Fellows House opened its doors in July 2021 and is the only globally branded property in Cambridge to offer discounted prices based on length of stay.

The aparthotel encourages long-staying guests to live like a local and provides opportunities to authentically explore Cambridge’s famous colleges, the Bridge of Sighs, the University of Cambridge museums, and Botanic

VENUE PROFILE

“The Fellows House is a hybrid option of hotel facilities combined with guests’ own apartments.”

Gardens.

One of my personal favourite features was the apartment-style rooms. The space really does provide a homely feel, which made it clear why both travellers and business-minded individuals are keen to choose The Fellows House as their base for a long period of time.

Complete with everything you could possibly need during a lengthy stay, the property’s room types are all named after people associated with the city including notable Cambridge fellows, and offer luxury studio, one and two-bedroom apartments, as well as the Fellows Duplex apartments split across two levels. All apartments include a fully equipped kitchen, which provides all utensils required to cook breakfast through to dinner.

During my stay I enjoyed a faultless meal at the venue’s signature restaurant, The Folio Bar & Kitchen, which vaunts an abundance of creative delights in a historically captivating setting. The on-site kitchen also offers in-room dining for guests looking for a quiet night in during the

busy working week.

Extended stay guests can make use of the ample indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam room; all on a complimentary basis. Similarly, visitors enjoy the blend of modern hotel and home features including the on-site laundry room, locker and storage room, regular housekeeping, contactless check in, digital key access via smartphones and 24-hour on-site security and management.

Julian Hudson, General Manager of The Fellows House, Curio Collection by Hilton, commented: “The Fellows House is a hybrid option of hotel facilities combined with guests’ own apartments and place to call home, even just for the night.”

With extended stay hotels now becoming the answer to consumers pining for a long-term base with flexibility, and the popularity of this type of hotel expected to continue, The Fellows House paves the way for the hospitality industry to branch. @thefellowshouse www.thehotelmagazine.co.uk

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SPONSORED

SHOWCASE YOUR COMMITMENT In an exclusive interview with Richard Lee, General Manager at Hilton Garden Inn Heathrow, we find out the effect Bikeable has had on the venue and how you could contribute to a greener future by working with the brand.

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fter a long period of soul searching, Tim Barry made the decision to set up Bikeable as he wanted to create something that made positive social and environmental impacts whilst allowing people to embrace their inner child and have some fun.

Hotel guests simply love the freedom a bike can give them during their stay. In a time where sustainability and wellbeing have never been more important, why not provide a great extra service with your name on it? Here’s what one of Bikeable’s hotel partners Richard Lee had to say…

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What do Bikeable offer hoteliers?

Providing bikes gives hotels something unique and memorable to offer their guests, which also promotes sustainability, health and wellbeing. Bikeable provide a fully managed service which makes it easy for hotels to have the confidence that the bikes are safe, secure and well maintained at all times.

How can Bikeable contribute to a boosted reputation at a hotel?

We want all our guests to have a memorable experience when they stay in our hotel and having bikes available is part

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of our strategy to create a more experiential guest journey which goes beyond what people expect in an airport hotel.

Bikeable has also helped us reinforce our commitment to sustainability by providing healthy, carbon free transport for our guests, which has been recognised in our Green Key award and Travel With Purpose commitments.

Why did you choose Bikeable specifically?

We wanted bikes which would be easy to ride for all abilities, looked attractive, and were fully managed and maintained so Bikeable was a perfect partner for us.

What do your guests and employees think about having your own hotel bikes?

They are surprised and delighted! It is not something which you would usually expect at an airport hotel. Lots of people comment on them, even if they don’t use them themselves, and for the guests who do use them it opens such a wide range of possibilities for things to do within easy reach of the

hotel. There is no need to kill time waiting for a flight when you can get out and about on a bike for the day.

Would you recommend Bikeable and their branded bikes to other hoteliers?

I would definitely recommend Bikeable to other hotels, not only are the bikes great the team are really supportive and have helped us promote this new service and showcase their bikes at our hotel.

If you were to sum up Bikeable in one word, what would it be?

Fun! It is so easy to forget how much fun riding a bike is and it makes everyone who has tried it feel happy just form getting out in the fresh air on a bike.

To find out how to make your hotel Bikeable visit www.bikeable.life

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FITNESS AND LEISURE

RAISING THE BAR…BELL As consumers continue to become more health-conscious by the day, we’re looking into why hotels should add a fitness and leisure aspect to their venue in order to keep up with the demand.

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ith more people seeing physical and mental wellbeing as a priority in their lives, hotels must present a selection of services that place health at the centre.

Now, guests are keen to maintain their daily fitness routine whilst abroad and, for many, travelling allows for a greater chance to reconnect with the mind, body and soul, and hotel offerings can certainly aid this.

Parklane’s Director of Lifestyle, Paris Kounoudis, explained how the venue works to keep up with this heightened demand as guests who travel to Parklane know they’re able to access elevated fitness programmes.

Paris told us that over the past three years, Parklane has noticed an increased demand for dedicated fitness

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programmes which is why the hotel has launched its first six-day Parkfit programme, specifically curated to increase physical and mental strength and endurance.

“To elevate guests’ fitness levels, the programme includes a choice of four sessions of high-energy activities such as 1:1 personal training at the hotel’s Parkfit gym, and outdoor or indoor yoga or Pilates, as well as private tennis coaching on either clay or lawn tennis courts and football lessons on the hotel’s mini-football pitch. Each programme is tailored to suit fitness levels, ensuring those starting their fitness journey have all the support they need to succeed.”

With rest and recovery being essential to any fitness journey, the Parkfit programme goes above and beyond as it includes one sports massage, one healing therapeutic

FITNESS AND LEISURE

“There are people who will not book a hotel unless it has a gym.” massage and two Thalassotherapy experiences over the six days. The latter takes place in Parklane’s Kalloni Spa, home to four thalassotherapy pools.

Paris added: “The world of fitness is constantly changing, so it is important for hotels to keep up with current trends and respond to guests’ needs. Now, fitness and wellness spaces within a hotel must go above and beyond the expectations of guests.”

Kate Hughes, Operations Director at Lepogo Lodges in South Africa, explained that they have found that guests want experiences more than anything. Lepogo Lodges is lucky enough to be able to combine its unique environment with fitness elements: “We have a treetop gym and yoga deck which is on a beautiful area in the trees looking out into the African wilderness. We also offer guided walks and fishing along the river banks which guests find extremely relaxing; or an exertive hike through staggering plains and gorges. This is all in addition to our spa offering.

“If you can create unique experiences combining the local environment and culture, then that can make the stay even more memorable for guests. Guests return years later and will still be talking about our treetop yoga at sunrise.”

Said Kate.

As we’ve all been through a very challenging time in the last three years, wellness now plays a bigger role in our lives than ever before.

At Middle Eight in Holborn they boast a beautiful gym available to guests, but that’s not all they offer in terms of mindfulness. Christian Graf, General Manager at Middle Eight said: “Our concierges can recommend a host of local walks. The Balcony is a very reflective space where people can read a book or a magazine, or simply relax alone or with loved ones.

“Wellness has become an increasingly important part of everyone’s life. Having somewhere people can continue their fitness regime when they are away is key. Some of our guests, particularly those in the suites, stay for an extended period of time and so it is important they don’t have to go off-site to train.”

Naturally, introducing a gym to an overnight stay venue will help you appeal to a broader audience and Christian agrees: “There are people who will not book a hotel unless it has a gym. Our guests also value the one-to-one PT sessions we offer.” www.thehotelmagazine.co.uk

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The complete hotel bike subscription package

FITNESS AND LEISURE Pg 44: Park Lane, Kalloni Spa Thalassotherapy Pg 46 left: Park Lane, Parkfit Gym Pg 46 right: Park Lane, Parkfit Indoor Pool

These days, more and more travellers are looking to maintain their fitness levels whilst away on business or holiday, making a leisure facility a key part of any hotel.

Euan Miller, Head of Sales and Product at Primal Strength, recognises that not only does this make the hotel’s offering more appealing, but if they open a membership base it can add to the overall income.

“As the benefits of strength training become more widely known, people now expect to be able to train this way when they are away from home. We are seeing more hotels incorporate strength equipment into their gyms as a result.

“We have noticed that the ‘traditional’ hotel gym will no longer ‘cut it’for their guests. They are having to invest to match industry trends, upscaling the gym to allow all types of gym-goers to train.” Said Euan.

Trip Advisor has noted that over 52% of travellers will source a hotel with a gym. This proves that people are basing their decisions on whether a hotel has a gym and therefore if you can provide that, you are broadening your market appeal.

“Primal Strength’s full turn-key solution is perfect for hotels. We offer design, supply and fit and have ranges perfectly designed for hotel use; everything from space saving dual machines, flooring and free weight equipment.”

Added Euan.

General Manager at Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, Lindon Lovell, sees that having a gym in a resort

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is not enough anymore, people want the whole wellness package. Windjammer Landing has facilities that you wouldn’t necessarily expect when you think of traditional fitness: “We combine mind, body and soul into our offering.

For example, we have a juice bar so guests can fuel their bodies after their workout, a relaxation room where guests can go to meditate and de-stress, a steam room which helps remove toxins from the body. This is in addition to our wellness classes and spa.” Said Lindon.

“Guests want variety.” Added Lindon. Having a gym and a spa is a basic expectation now. Guests want the full spectrum, a variety of fitness and leisure facilities. Lindon has noticed there has been an increased demand for taking wellness outside and away from just the gym - providing a unique experience.

“We have introduced stand up paddleboard yoga which combines the peacefulness and tranquillity of floating on water with the meditative nature of the yoga postures, and results in a relaxing but fun class.” Lindon said.

One of Windjammer Landing’s most popular classes is ‘Hummingbird Yoga’ which is a yoga class that takes place in their beautiful gardens surrounded by nature, adding a totally different concept to wellness offerings.

It’s clear that keeping fit is so important to a vast amount of guests, so, by having added fitness and leisure features at your venue you will appeal to a much broader audience.

Restore the Rhythm Your business may be back up and running, but understandably, it may not be quite back to normal just yet. Playing music is one way in which you could help get your business back to its best. Even small changes could make a big difference, and music could help enhance the atmosphere, lift the mood and create a more positive environment.

If you are going to introduce music, or if you are already using music in your business, you’ll usually need a music licence.

TheMusicLicence covers virtually all commercially released music available – millions of songs & recordings, including the most popular & well-loved music, not just from the UK, but globally.

So while you are making all of the arrangements to get your business back to its best, now is the perfect time to turn the music back on and ensure you that you are appropriately licensed, and set up TheMusicLicence for your business.

Music could help your business get back to its best.

0800 0868 801 pplprs.co.uk/restore-the-rhythm TML Full Page 2021.indd 1

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HOTELS AROUND THE WORLD

COMFORTABLE LUXURY Gabriel Miami Curio, Collection by Hilton

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HOTELS AROUND THE WORLD

4,479 MILES FROM HOTEL HQ

“It is in fact the idyllic location which draws guests in.”

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clectically vibrant, curiously cultured and artfully original. The Gabriel Miami is a personification of the undeniable escapism that draws the world to this iconic metropolis. With its towering presence overlooking Biscayne Boulevard, the popular hotel offers a pure connection to its surroundings.

Duncan Clements, General Manager at the hotel, explained that it is in fact the idyllic location which draws guests in. The hotel is within a short distance distance to PortMiami, LoanDepot Park (home of the Miami Marlins) and countless dining and cultural attractions, including the Adrienne Arsht Center, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science and the Pérez Art Museum Miami.

The Gabriel Miami is ingeniously positioned for travellers looking to experience the entertainment of Downtown Miami, as well as business travellers and groups seeking a centralised location near notable venues, organisations, and transportation hubs in the business district.

Designed with both these leisure and business travellers in mind, the guest rooms provide comfortable luxury with modern design touches and the latest technology innovations. Select rooms feature balconies with outdoor

seating, providing the ultimate venue for watching the sunrise over the Miami skyline.

Along with the location being a very important initial selling point for the venue, the quirks in the hotel’s design are another feature which lend a hand in order for The Gabriel Miami to stand out. Upon entry through the porte-cochere, guests are greeted by a stylish lobby with warm wood panelling, marble, geometric lighting installations, neutral hardwood floors and regal touches of gold accents. Provocative and eccentric photography

by Alberto Van Stokkum is featured throughout the hotel’s public spaces, adding an artistic touch to the property’s design features.

The Library Lounge, located on the third floor, features plush seating, distinctive artwork, and a vast selection of books on music, art, film, and culture.

Boasting a variety of rooms and suites, The Gabriel Miami offers guests a residential-style layout with plush bedding and expansive living spaces up to 800 sq. ft. featuring calming earth tones of butterscotch, blonde and oak. The well-appointed bathrooms feature oversized soaking tubs and rainfall standing showers. @thegabrielmiami

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REFRESHINGLY GOOD WI-FI Designed for the hospitality sector Call us on 01653 917000 or Email us at info@switch-networks.co.uk www.switch-networks.co.uk