(Photo courtesy of Element Chandler Fashion Center)
Element Chandler Fashion Center has opened at 44 South Chandler Village Drive in Chandler, Arizona. It marks the debut of Marriott’s eco-conscious Element brand in Arizona. The hotel, which is located next to the Chandler Fashion Center, has 107 guest rooms, 600 square feet of meeting space, a Bikes to Borrow program (which offers guests complimentary bikes along with a local trail map), a 24-hour fitness center, a heated outdoor swimming pool and free Wi-Fi.
Food and drink options for guests include the free Rise breakfast stocked with smoothies and granola; the free Relax evening wine reception; and the Restore gourmet pantry. Studios and one-bedroom suites have modular furniture, fully equipped kitchens, and spa-inspired bathrooms and the signature Heavenly Bed. Accessible through the both Santan Freeway and Loop 101 Price Freeway, the hotel is 17 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
(Rendering courtesy of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York)
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York has opened at 401 Buffalo Avenue in Niagara Falls, New York. The $30 million hotel has 192 modern rooms, many overlooking the Upper Niagara River. Some rooms also come with a whirlpool. Each guest room blends modern design with regional touches, such as bedroom furniture hand-built by Amish craftsmen.
Dining options include Parkway Prime Restaurant, a casual American eatery in the main lobby area, as well as the 24-hour Made Market Pantry. Take-out and room service are also available.
To celebrate the hotel’s re-opening, Hilton HHonors members will earn an additional 1,000 HHonors Points per night or an additional 5,000 points for a three-night minimum stay from December 20, 2016, through June 20, 2017, when booking directly with Hilton.
The property is owned and managed by Merani Hotel Group.
(Rendering courtesy of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York)
(Rendering courtesy of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York)
(Rendering courtesy of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York)
Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton and The Renwick Hotel New York City, Curio Collection by Hilton are now open, while The Darcy, Curio Collection by Hilton, is expected to open in mid-2017.
Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa (which opened 1960 as the Erawan Garden) is located at 45000 Indian Wells Lane in Indian Wells, California, at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The 11-acre property, which is undergoing renovations, has 215 guest rooms, villas and suites. The resort has 35,000 square feet of event and meeting space, as well as numerous outdoor garden that can accommodate as many as 500 guests. There is also a 12,000-square-foot Well Spa that has 13 treatment rooms, seasonal offerings and a courtyard with two private salt water pools. There are also staff-led yoga classes and wellness walks. The property is owned by Rockpoint Group and managed by Two Roads Hospitality.
Dining options at the resort include the Grove Artisan Kitchen (which specializes in fresh, seasonal California cuisine) and the Vineyard Lounge, which serves crafted cocktails and light meals. The resort has three pools, including the Miramonte Pool, (which has chaise lounges, umbrellas and food and beverages all day) and the Piedmont Pool that includes access to a heated whirlpool, sun decks and food and beverage service.
(Photo courtesy of The Renwick Hotel New York City, Curio Collection by Hilton)
The Renwick Hotel New York City, Curio Collection by Hilton is located at 118 East 40th Street in New York. The property is owned by a joint venture between Meadow Partners and hotel Asset Value Enhancement and managed by StepStone Hospitality. To celebrate The Renwick Hotel New York City’s addition to the Curio Collection, Hilton HHonors members can earn 1,000 points per night on eligible stays from January 1, 2017 through March 31, 2017. Housed in an iconic 1920s brick building, The Renwick Hotel New York City has 173 guest rooms and suites. The hotel’s signature eatery is Bedford and Co., the first solo restaurant from award-winning Chef John DeLucie that serves contemporary American cuisine and a rotating menu of Prohibition era-style artisan cocktails.
Meanwhile, the 226-room Darcy hotel is located at 1515 Rhode Island Avenue NW, in Washington, D.C., just off Scott Circle. The hotel’s Siren restaurant will feature locally sourced ingredients paired with seafood from a menu created by chefs Robert Wiedmaier and Brian McBride. The Darcy will also have Lil’ B, an intimate New Orleans-style coffee shop and eatery, led by chef David Guas. Additional amenities will include a fitness center, business services, room service, valet parking, concierge services and programming with business and leisure travelers in mind. The Darcy has about 5,500 square feet of meeting and event space.
A design of a guest room at Holiday Inn (formerly Magnuson Hotel) in Newport News, Virginia. (Rendering courtesy of LTD Hospitality Group)
LTD Hospitality Group has purchased Magnuson Hotel at 1000 Omni Boulevard in Newport News, Virginia, and will re-open the hotel as a full-service Holiday Inn by the end of 2017. Before it re-opens, the hotel will be closed for renovations to its 183 guest rooms, lobby, restaurant and more than 10,000 square feet of meeting space.
According to a press release issued by LTD Hospitality Group, the guest rooms’ redesign will include:
A welcome nook that serves as a drop zone for guests to hang their clothing, drop their keys or bag, and plug in their devices.
The introduction of a new type of guest room: King Bed with Comfort Hideaway features a trundle-type bed which doubles as a sofa during the day and can pull out into two twin beds at night.
A new moveable desk and more than five dedicated points of power throughout the room.
Stevie Nicks performs at the grand opening of Park Theater at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on December 17, 2016. (Photo by Al Powers for Park Theater)
On December 17, 2016, Stevie Nicks was the first headlining performer at the grand opening of the Park Theater at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The sold-out show at the 5,200-seat venue also featured a performance from the Pretenders.
According to a Monte Carlo press release, Nicks was presented with an honorary key to the theater. She also autographed a backstage wall, to start a tradition for all Park Theater performers to come. At the concert, Nicks performed songs from her career with Fleetwood Mac, as well as some of her solo hits, including “Edge of Seventeen” and “Wild Heart.” She and Pretenders lead singer Chrisse Hynde also sang the duet “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” a song originally recorded by Nicks and Tom Petty. Nicks concluded the concert with Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” which she dedicated to MGM Resorts International executives Bill Hornbuckle and Richard Sturm for inviting Nicks to be a “part of history” as the first headliner to perform at Park Theater.
In 2017, other artists who will headline shows at the theater include Cher, Ricky Martin and Bruno Mars.
The premiere of Park Theater is the first in a series of plans to reinvent the Monte Carlo, which is owned by MGM Resorts International. According to a press release, the Monte Carlo’s transformation, which will take place over the next two years, “will include two distinct hotel experiences: a Las Vegas version of Sydell Group’s famed NoMad Hotel and the launch of a luxury hotel named Park MGM.”
Each will have redesigned guest rooms and new food/beverage offerings, including the Italian food marketplace Eataly.
The Park Theater is one of two big U.S. venue openings for MGM Resorts International this month. MGM National Harbor, a $1.4 billion resort and casino, opened in Oxon Hill, Maryland, on December 8, 2016.
Stevie Nicks autographs a wall backstage at the grand opening of Park Theater at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on December 17, 2016. (Photo by Al Powers for Park Theater)
Stevie Nicks and the Pretenders lead singer Chrissie Hynde at the grand opening of Park Theater at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on December 17, 2016. (Photo by Al Powers for Park Theater)
Stevie Nicks performs at the grand opening of Park Theater at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on December 17, 2016. (Photo by Al Powers for Park Theater)
The Park Theater at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. (Photo by Al Powers for Park Theater)
The Park Theater’s lobby bar at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. (Photo by Al Powers for Park Theater)
The Park Theater at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. (Photo by Al Powers for Park Theater)
Longboat Key Club in Longboat Key, Florida (near Sarasota), has added 49,990 tons of white sand to expand its beachfront area near the Gulf of Mexico. The $1.8 million project includes the addition of new chaise lounges, private cabanas and sheltering umbrellas. Located at 220 Sands Point Road, the resort’s other amenities include 45 holes of championship golf, the Tennis Gardens, the Spa, a fitness center, the 291-slip Longboat Key Club Moorings and eight distinctive restaurants and lounges.
Viking Ocean Cruises has announced 13 new itineraries that will roll out in 2017, 2018 and 2019. By 2019, Viking expects to be the largest small ship ocean cruise line, with six 930-passenger ocean ships and will offer guests new opportunities for exploration in Alaska, Australia, Asia and the Caribbean.
Here are the details according to a press release from Viking:
New 2017 – 2019 Itineraries
Viking’s new ocean itineraries will bring guests to a growing number of iconic destinations around the world, providing behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities in each port of call. With new sailings embarking in Miami, Mumbai, Bangkok, Beijing, Bali, Sydney, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Vancouver, guests can choose base itineraries ranging from eight to 23 days, with additional combination cruise options. Highlights of the new itineraries include:
Turquoise Seas of the Western Caribbean – (Miami to Miami; sailing on Viking Sky;November 2017 – February 2018) – Discover the diverse treasures of the western Caribbean during this eight-day itinerary, from ancient ruins to colonial architecture. Guests will explore the mysterious temples of Altun Ha in Belize, the heart of the Mayan Center; walk in the steps of Hemingway’s Key West haunts; and marvel at Cozumel’s blue waters at Punta Sur. Sailing roundtrip from Miami, guests will visit three countries and five ports. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $2,999 per person.
Panama & Central America – (Miami to Miami; sailing on Viking Sky; November – December 2017 and January 2018) – From Central American countries including Costa Rica, Columbia, Honduras, Belize and more, guests will immerse themselves into the colorful cities and rich cultures, visiting eight countries and nine ports on this 15-day itinerary. While making the roundtrip from Miami, guests will experience one of the world’s great engineering feats, the Panama Canal, discover Costa Rica’s famous rainforest and explore Old Town Cartagena’s colonial architecture, a UNSECO World Heritage Site. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $5,499 per person.
Atlantic Crossing – (Miami to Barcelona; sailing on Viking Sky; March 3, 2018) – During this classic trans-Atlantic journey, guests enjoy dining, taking in the ship’s amenities and relaxing while cruising the Atlantic Ocean. The 14-day sailing will also call on ports in both Europe and the New World, including Florida’s sun-kissed city of glorious beaches and art deco buildings. In Europe, destinations include the “Garden Island” of Madeira and the artistic, vibrant city of Barcelona. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $2,399 per person.
Passage to India – (Athens to Mumbai; sailing on Viking Spirit;August 18, 2018) – On this 21-day itinerary, guests will trace the routes of the earliest merchants from Greece to India, with ports of call in six countries including Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Oman. Along the journey, guests will accompany local guides to ancient treasures, visit the astonishing red sandstone city of Petra and see the Great Pyramids and Sphinx in Cairo. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $5,999 per person.
Across the Bay of Bengal – (Mumbai to Bangkok; sailing on Viking Spirit;September 8, 2018) – Guests will experience five unique countries on one spectacular 16-day journey, including overnight ports of call in Mumbai, Colombo and Bangkok to fully explore these exciting cities. From meeting the caretakers of the National Gandhi Museum to mingling with shoppers at a traditional Bangkok market, guests will immerse themselves into the experience of each city and discover its rich culture first-hand. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $4,499 per person.
Capitals of the Far East – (Hong Kong to Beijing or the reverse; sailing on Viking Spirit, October 7 and October 21, 2018) – Voyage to the iconic cities across three countries including China, Taiwan and South Korea. Along this 15-day journey, guests will experience the region’s culture and heritage while exploring sites including the Forbidden City and Great Wall of China, and the Huaxi Street Night Market in Taiwan. Guests will also enjoy a day of sailing along the Yellow Sea, relaxing with complimentary tea service on board in the Wintergarden or yoga on the Sports Deck. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $5,799 per person.
Southeast Asia & Hong Kong – (Bangkok to Hong Kong or the reverse; sailing on Viking Spirit;September 23, 2018, November 4, 2018 and April 7, 2019) – Discover the gems of Southeast Asia and Hong Kong during this 15-day cruise visiting four countries and seven ports. Spend two days in Bangkok touring the vibrant city and its landmarks, including the Grand Palace featuring the Emerald Buddha, and sampling Thai cuisine. Guests continue the journey with ports of call in Cambodia and Vietnam and then enjoy two nights visiting the many museums and stores in this shopper’s paradise of Hong Kong. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $5,799 per person.
Komodo & the Australian Coast – (Sydney to Bali or the reverse; sailing on Viking Spirit; November 30, 2018 and March 10, 2019) – During this 17-day sailing, guests will experience 11 ports of call including Indonesia’s popular island of Bali and Australia’s cosmopolitan city, Sydney, and the stunning Whitsunday Island near the Great Barrier Reef. Viking will also bring guests face to face with the region’s residents, including the Komodo dragon, at the Komodo National Park. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $5,199 per person.
Bangkok, Bali & Beyond – (Bangkok to Bali or the reverse; sailing on Viking Spirit; November 18, 2018 and March 26, 2019) – Spanning 13-days, guests will experience the capitals of Asian art and culture in the seven ports of call throughout Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Witness Southeast Asia’s long-held traditions and bustling capital cities. Marvel at Kuala Lumpur’s soaring Petronas Towers, and absorb the cultural diversity of Singapore with a resident by your side; and experience the historic riches of Jakarta. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $3,999 per person.
Australia & New Zealand – (Sydney to Auckland and the reverse; sailing on Viking Spirit; December 2018 – February 2019) – Witness a rich blend of native and European cultures amid the sophisticated coastal cities of Australia and New Zealand. From the metropolitan cities of Melbourne and Sydney to the natural beauty of coastal New Zealand, guests will explore nine ports of call during this 15-day journey to the “Land Down Under.” Sip on the famous wines of the region; explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Australia’s Blue Mountains; capture panoramic views from Mt. Victoria in New Zealand; and greet the indigenous wildlife, such as kangaroos and wallabies. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $5,799 per person.
Far Eastern Horizons – (Hong Kong to Tokyo; sailing on Viking Spirit;April 21, 2019) – Explore the imperial treasures of one of the most captivating corners of Asia during this 15-day sailing. Mingle with merchants in Hong Kong’s vibrant Stanley Market; learn the nuances of Taiwan from a local resident; and witness the bustling Japanese culture. This itinerary calls upon four countries and nine ports, with overnights in Hong Kong, Hiroshima, Shimizu and Tokyo to fully explore these cities. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $5,799 per person.
North Pacific Passage – (Tokyo to Vancouver; sailing on Viking Spirit; May 5, 2019) – Guests will experience the cultural riches and majestic beauty of Japan, Russia, Alaska and Canada on this 23-day sailing. Unravel the mysteries of Japan with local guides, and learn about life in a remote Russian city before crossing the Bering Sea, tracing the legendary path of the first human migration to the Americas. In Alaska, sail into glacier-strewn, mountain-ringed bays onto iconic frontier towns, such as Kodiak, Sitka and more. Guests will also enjoy scenic cruising through the famed Inside Passage. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $6,799.
Alaska & the Inside Passage – (Vancouver to Seward or the reverse; sailing on Viking Spirit; May – August 2019) – During this 11-day itinerary, guests will sail into the wilds of the “Great Frontier,” immersing themselves in a world of Tlingit heritage, exploring charming seaside towns and pristine glacier-lined bays, and cruising the narrow channels of the famed Inside Passage. Sailing from Vancouver, Canada, guests will experience eight iconic ports of call including Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau and Skagway. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $3,999 per person.
Features and Amenities
Classified by Cruise Critic as “small ships,” Viking’s ocean ships have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, boast 465 cabins and accommodate 930 passengers. In 2017, the company will welcome Viking Sky and Viking Sun to join Viking Star and Viking Sea in its fleet. Viking’s fifth ship, Viking Spirit, will be delivered in 2018, and its sixth, yet-to-be-named ship will be delivered in 2019.
Light-filled with modern Scandinavian decor, Viking’s ships were designed by experienced nautical architects and engineers, including the same interior design team responsible for the award-winning fleet of Viking Longships. Throughout each ship, details are incorporated to pay homage to Nordic heritage and to help guests immerse themselves in local surroundings. A glass-backed infinity pool cantilevered off the stern offers unobstructed views; indoor-outdoor spaces offer more options for al fresco dining than any other vessels in their class; huge windows and skylights blur the lines between inside and out; and a wrap-around promenade deck nods to a bygone era of classic ocean liners.
Onboard Viking’s ships, clean lines, woven textiles and light wood evoke the Viking spirit of discovery and connection to the natural world. A carefully curated collection of Scandinavian artwork adorns the walls of restaurants and public spaces. In the two-deck Explorers’ Lounge at the bow of the ships, the decor was inspired by ancient Viking trade routes and navigation methods – imagery of star constellations and astronomical maps are complemented by antique globes, astrolabes and sofas with cozy pelts. In the LivNordic Spa, the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavia is in mind – from the Nordic ritual of the hydrotherapy pool and a real snow room, to materials inspired by Scandinavian nature: Swedish limestone and black slate; juniper and teak wood details; recycled and etched opaque glass; and cast iron. In the Wintergarden, guests can indulge in afternoon tea service under a canopy of Scandinavian trellised wood – an homage to Norse mythology and Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life. And in the Viking Living Room, a geometric garden was inspired by the wild lichen of Norway’s Finse Mountain Plateau.
While onboard, guests enjoy informative talks from local experts and carefully selected lecturers in The Theater. Dining options onboard Viking’s ships elevate food as a cultural experience – the World Café features global cuisine with live cooking and open kitchens; Mamsen’s features Norwegian deli-style fare, according to the recipes of Hagen’s mother, Ragnhild, otherwise known as “Mamsen;” The Chef’s Table celebrate cuisines from around the world with multi-course tasting menus and wine pairings; and Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant embraces authentic Tuscan and Roman cuisine. With the Kitchen Table experience, guests have an immersive opportunity to shop, cook and eat with the Executive Chef.
“Viking Inclusive Value” provides a small ship experience at a big ship value onboard Viking Ocean Cruises —with every cruise fare including a veranda stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service—an included value of more than $200 per person, per day for an average cruise.
(Photo courtesy of Hilton Garden Inn Hong Kong Mongkok)
Hilton Garden Inn Hong Kong Mongkok has opened at No. 2 Soy Street, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China. Managed by Hilton and owned by Hong Kong China Development Holding, hotel is is the first Hilton Garden Inn in Hong Kong and the first Hilton hotel to open in the SAR since Conrad Hong Kong opened in 1990.
The hotel has 258 guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, garden views, work stations with ergonomic chairs, laptop-sized safes, as well as 40-inch flat-screen HD televisions. hypoallergenic pillows and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Hotel amenities include a rooftop swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness center, a self-service laundry room, a business center, and free Wi-Fi.
Hilton Garden Inn Hong Kong Mongkok is less than a mile from Mongkok MTR station, 13 miles from Hong Kong Disneyland and 19 miles from Hong Kong International Airport. . The hotel is surrounded by shopping malls, street bazaars and nightspots.
The hotel’s event and meeting spaces include a 1,312-square-foot ballroom without pillars that can accommodate up to 300 people.
Dining options at the hotel include:
Eagle’s Garden restaurant, which offers panoramic city views, and serves an international breakfast buffet and cooked-to-order breakfasts, as well as authentic Cantonese cuisine for lunch and dinner.
The Garden Bar, which serves drinks and light meals after a long day of work, or shopping.
The Pavilion Pantry, a 24-hour shop that has snacks and an assortment of drinks.
JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts has opened JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach, the brand’s first hotel in Singapore. Located near the Marina Bay entertainment and business districts, the hotel (which has 634 guest rooms) was designed by Philippe Starck and has architecture from Foster and Partners. JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach officially debuted on December 15, 2016.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a 23-foot-tall video wall installation by South Korean artist Lee Lee Nam that brings art to life through movement and technology with the use of the LED monitors as a canvas to create an artistic symphony.
In addition, JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach has nine dining concepts: Akira Back, by celebrity chef Akira Back, which offers modern Japanese cuisine with Korean accents and culinary influences from around the world; Beach Road Kitchen, an all-day-dining restaurant, serving global cuisine and to-go items; Court Martial Bar and Media Bar, offering cocktails in refined lounge and gastropub settings; and Tonic, serving gin-based cocktails in an intimate environment. The remaining four outlets will open in the second quarter of 2017.
There are also 17 meeting rooms/venues totaling more than 5,6300 square feet, including the 1,706-square-foot Grand Ballroom that has a dramatic 11,520-light Forest of Lights design by Starck; two sky gardens; two outdoor pools; a 10-room Spa by JW (opening second quarter 2017); and Flow18 fitness center.
Waldhaus Flims Alpine Grand Hotel & Spa (formerly known as the Waldhaus Flims Mountain Resort & Spa) in Flims, Switzerland, has completed major renovations. The revamps include the lobby and guest rooms of the Grand Hotel and Villa Silvana; a modernized fitness facility; renovated meeting and events space, such as the Belle Époque Pavilion; retooled restaurant concepts; and improved technology across the resort. Waldhaus Flims Alpine Grand Hotel & Spa , which was acquired by Z Capital Group in 2015, will also renovate the Chalet Belmont in spring 2017.
