Paul Stevens
Editorial Intern at International Hospitality Media
Recent Articles by Paul
Booking.com to close at least five of its global offices
Worldwide: Online travel agency Booking.com is closing at least five of its offices around the world, in Bellevue, Washington [US], London and Cambridge [England], Toronto [Canada], and Split [Croatia].
Urban Living Festival gets green light for 25-26 November 2020
UK: International Hospitality Media [IHM], the leading online publisher and event organiser for the hospitality and real estate sectors, is delighted to confirm that its latest launch – Urban Living Festival: stay • live • work – will go ahead as scheduled on 25-26 November at Tobacco Dock in London.
Jurny reports “record” growth and locks in new locations
US: Next-generation hospitality tech company Jurny, which offers SaaS-based management solutions, has announced that it has added new locations in Miami and Nashville and that it has achieved record company growth.
Hospitality sector worst hit by Covid-19 as UK enters “largest” recession
UK: Figures published today by the Office for National Statistics [ONS] have shown that the hospitality sector was hit worse than any other sector by the Covid-19 pandemic, which coincides with the UK falling into recession for the first time since the 2008 financial crash.
Booking.com to slash 25 per cent of global workforce
US / Netherlands: Four months after Booking.com chief executive Glenn Fogel admitted company job cuts were “probable”, the online travel agency has announced an extensive round of layoffs, with 25 per cent [roughly 4000 employees] believed to be affected.
Room Mate Group opens Room Mate Macarena in Madrid
Spain: International boutique hotel chain Room Mate Hotels is opening its sixth hotel in Madrid, Room Mate Macarena and moving ahead with its hotel reopening plans in Spain and around Europe.
OTA Traveloka raises $250m to boost travel confidence
Asia: Jakarta-based online travel agency and app, Traveloka, has announced that it has raised $250 million to enhance its operations during the coronavirus crisis and restore confidence in the “resilience and the viability of the regional travel industry”.
UK government re-imposes quarantine order for returnees from Spain
UK / Spain: The UK Department for Transport [DfT] announced on Saturday that all travellers returning from Spain to the UK would be required to self-isolate in quarantine at home for the following two weeks, a notion which took immediate effect as of midnight on Sunday morning.
Summer staycations set to generate £24bn for UK economy
UK: Hotel chain Travelodge is predicting that this summer’s surge in bookings for staycations will equate to a £24 billion boost for the UK economy.
OYO to combine hotel and residential divisions in Japan
Japan: SoftBank-backed hospitality chain OYO is to merge its short-term residential and hotel divisions in Japan in the latest stage of its business restructuring due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Jurny unveils next-gen flexible hospitality solution
US: Hospitality tech company Jurny has introduced its proprietary SaaS-based management solution designed to power a seamless experience for multifamily property owners and boutique hotel guests.
Dream Hotel Group partners with Los Amigos on three properties
US / Mexico: Dream Hotel Group has signed a deal to operate three new properties in Tulum, Mexico, as part of a new partnership with real estate development group Los Amigos.
Booking.com fined record $6.1m for “unfair business practices” in Hungary
Budapest: Online travel agency Booking.com has been fined 2.5 billion forints [£6.1 million] by the national competition watchdog in Hungary, the GVH, for “misleading advertisements” and “aggressive” sales tactics, designed to exert “psychological pressure” on consumers.
TripAdvisor to lay off close to 25 per cent of its global workforce
US: Online travel company TripAdvisor is to lay off 900 employees — accounting for almost 25 per cent of its global workforce — in a “significant” cost-cutting exercise, CEO and co-founder, Stephen Kaufer, revealed in a company blog post.
New hospitality tracker sees first quarter sales drop by 21.3 per cent
UK: The UK hospitality sector saw sales decline by 21.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2020, as the country and the industry moved into Covid-19 lockdown, figures from the newly launched UKHospitality Quarterly Tracker reveal.
KAYAK and OpenTable cuts to affect 400 employees
US: Booking Holdings brands, KAYAK and OpenTable, have announced that 400 employees will be affected by layoffs, furloughs or reductions in their working hours, in an email obtained by Skift.
IHM hires Jaswal as event producer for Urban Living Festival
Worldwide: IHM is delighted to announce Prabhtej Jaswal has joined the company as event producer for the Urban Living Festival 2020, from 25-26 November in London.
OYO announces further furlough round and 25 per cent pay cuts
India: Just a fortnight after placing the majority of its employees on furlough or temporary leave, Softbank-backed hospitality chain OYO is furloughing more employees around the world and accepting a 25 per cent pay cut for all workers in July.
OYO places “thousands” of staff on furlough and temporary leave
Worldwide: Hospitality chain OYO Hotels & Homes has placed a “certain number” of its employees, known as ‘OYOpreneurs’, on furlough and temporary leaves “in the U.S. and other countries”, it was revealed in an internal video message recorded by CEO and founder, Ritesh Agarwal.
Lobby group calls for OTA bailout help in line with airlines and hotels
Europe: Travel tech lobby group EU Travel Tech has appealed for the European Commission to offer equivalent bailout support to its OTA and global distribution system members in line with the help being offered to airlines and hotels.
OYO founder Agarwal to forego 100 per cent of annual salary
India: Ritesh Agarwal, founder and group CEO of OYO Hotels & Homes, has announced that he is foregoing 100 per cent of his salary for the rest of the year as the company seeks to unite in the face of the impact of Covid-19 on the global travel and hospitality industry.
Cervus’ Chris Mumford: Leading through crisis, inspiration from Churchill
Cervus Leadership Consulting founder Chris Mumford explores how businesses can take inspiration from the leadership of the former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to guide them through times of crisis such as these.
Sonder cuts workforce by one third
US: San Francisco-based hospitality startup Sonder has announced it has laid off 22 per cent of its workforce and furloughed an additional 11 per cent of its staff as the reality of the coronavirus impact on the travel industry bites hard.
Kimpton Vividora Hotel opens in Barcelona
Spain: Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, IHG’s boutique luxury brand, has made its debut in Spain with the opening of the Kimpton Vividora Hotel.
Chow Kit Hotel to arrive in Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia: The Chow Kit Hotel is set to open in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and accommodate 113 rooms and suites in the Chow Kit neighbourhood.
Epoque Collection to open first OMMA Santorini hotel in Imerovigli
Greece: Greek luxury hospitality management company Epoque Collection is opening its first OMMA Santorini property in Imerovigli in early July.
Perle Hotels adds Glencoe House Hotel to portfolio
Scotland: Perle Hotels has bought the five-star Glencoe House Hotel in the Highlands as the latest addition to its portfolio.
York’s Elmbank Hotel undergoes renovation after investment
UK: York’s Elmbank Hotel has undergone an entire property renovation following a £5m investment in order to establish itself as the best boutique hotel in the city.
Artist Residence founders announce Bristol project for October
UK: The founders of boutique hotel group, Artist Residence, have announced the opening of their fifth and largest project yet in Bristol in October.
Hotel Indigo adds two more hotels in Germany
Germany: Hotel group IHG has announced the opening of Hotel Indigo Dresden – Wettiner Platz and Hotel Indigo Berlin – East Side Gallery.
MGallery Hotel to recruit 150 employees from Hong Kong in July
Hong Kong: The Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery has revealed plans recruit 150 employees from Hong Kong and overseas in July, before the MGallery Hotel opens at the end of 2019.
Provision creates advisory services for hotel owners and developers
UK: Provision Advisory Services is offering four primary services to help hotel owners and managers build strong business foundations, bridging a noticeable gap in the market.
Flat Cap Hotels launches 12 suites at Grade II listed venues
UK: Flat Cap Hotels, a collection of bespoke gastro-led heritage hotels in Cheshire, has launched more 12 suites at The Courthouse in Knutsford and The Bridge in Prestbury.
Former Cambridge police station set for luxury hotel conversion
UK: Cambridge City Council has granted permission for the city's historic former police and fire station to be converted into a 57 all-suite luxury boutique hotel and tearoom.
Red Carnation Hotels offers summer of exclusive London events
UK: The Red Carnation Hotel Collection has worked with its partners at London’s attractions to curate a summer of exclusive events for its guests and visitors to the capital.
Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest prepares for opening after renovation
Hungary: The Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, has completed its four-year renovation project, with the opening coming later this month.
Santikos Collection inaugurates ‘The Alex’ in Piraeus
Greece: Santikos Collection has opened its latest property for 2019, ‘The Alex’, in the port city of Piraeus on the Athens Riviera, just 15 minutes from the city centre.
Federmann family hoping to grow Link Hotel & Hub internationally
Israel: The Federmann family, creators of the Dan Hotels group, are looking to grow their latest brand, Link Hotel & Hub, on an international scale.
Carté Hotel to arrive in San Diego’s Little Italy neighbourhood
US: Carté Hotel, a Curio Collection by Hilton property and luxury lifestyle hotel, has announced plans to open its doors in San Diego’s Little Italy neighbourhood in July.
Avvio marks UK growth by upsizing London offices
UK: Global technology provider Avvio has upsized its London offices and is making a number of key appointments as it continues its global growth project.
Stepnell completes £6.75m luxury golf club and hotel project
UK: Construction firm Stepnell has completed a £6.75 million project to bring a luxury golf club and hotel to the Cotswolds.
Point A Hotel Edinburgh to release rooms for Edinburgh Fringe
Edinburgh: Point A Hotels has released rooms for sale in its latest Edinburgh hotel, meaning 4000 hotel nights will be available during the Edinburgh Fringe from 2-25 August.
HBAA to focus on ‘Next Generation' at 2019 Annual Forum
UK: The Hotel Booking Agents Association (HBAA) will focus on the ‘Next Generation’ at the 2019 HBAA Annual Forum, from 11-12 July at the Voco St John’s Hotel in Solihull.
Hyatt unveils plans for Europe’s first Alila branded resort
London: Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Resort 4 SA for Europe's first Alila branded resort.
Hotel Indigo to open in Williamsburg
US: Valor Hospitality Partners has announced plans to open a 187-room Hotel Indigo in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Resuinsa consolidates US presence in Texas
US: Spanish textiles company Resuinsa is extending the company’s scope to cover California by opening an office in Austin, Texas.
Another Place, The Lake unveils suite designed by Joules
UK: Another Place, The Lake has revealed its latest hotel suite exclusively designed by British lifestyle brand Joules in a development of the brands’ recent partnership.
Avvio helps Imperial Hotel Cork secure UX award shortlisting
Ireland: Avvio has collaborated with Imperial Hotel Cork to secure a user experience (UX) award shortlisting for its guest-focused website and booking engine.
The Central Station in Memphis to welcome guests from this autumn
US: Kemmons Wilson Companies and Henry Turley Company have announced plans to open The Central Station, a 123-room boutique hotel in Memphis’ iconic South Main District.
Small Luxury Hotels of the World adds three more member hotels
Worldwide: Small Luxury Hotels of the World has announced the latest three hotels to become part of its European membership scheme.
Oddfellows On The Park launches 48 hour exclusive use initiative
UK: Oddfellows On The Park has launched 48 hour exclusive use for when the design-led hotel can be used exclusively for meetings or events over a two-day and -night period.
Albatroz Hotel re-opens doors after refurbishment
Portugal: Following an extensive refurbishment, The Albatroz Hotel has re-opened its doors to guests on the coast of Cascais.
Four-star boutique hotel in Normandy to open in July
France: A four-star boutique hotel, entitled Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville, is set to open its doors to the public on 1 July, in anticipation for the summer season.
L’oscar Hotel London claims top award at World Travel Awards
UK: L’oscar Hotel London has been awarded Europe’s ‘Leading New Boutique Hotel’ at the World Travel Awards (WTA).
Pestana Hotel Group adds Pousada property in Madeira’s Churchill Bay
Portugal: – Pestana Hotel Group has announced the opening of the Pestana Churchill Bay, the first Pousada de Portugal in Câmara de Lobos.
Equinox Hotels launches first brand hotel in Hudson Yards
New York: Equinox Hotels has announced the opening of the first Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards, New York, and launched its online booking platform for room reservations.
W Hotels founder Sternlicht unveils Treehouse Hotels brand
US: Barry Sternlicht, original founder of W Hotels, and chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group, has announced his latest nature-inspired brand venture, Treehouse Hotels.
ALICE launches housekeeping solution for hotel staff
New York: Operations platform ALICE, which empowers operational excellence and meaningful guest experiences, has announced its ALICE Housekeeping solution for hotel staff.
Aiden suburban boutique brand announces opening in Texas
US: Best Western® Hotels & Resorts has announced the arrival of its Aiden by Best Western modern, suburban boutique brand in Austin, Texas.
Davidson appointed to operate Hotel Bella Grace in Charleston
US: Davidson Hotels & Resorts has been appointed by development company Three P Partners to operate Hotel Bella Grace in the Ansonborough neighbourhood of downtown Charleston.
Torel 1884 boutique hotel opens in historic city of Porto
Portugal: A 23-key boutique property, the Torel 1884, has opened in a former palace in the historic city of Porto.
Designs being finalised for boutique hotel in East Nashville
US: Designs are in the process of being finalised for a boutique hotel in the works next to Attaboy speakeasy and The Basement East near Five Points in East Nashville.
Asbury Ocean Club Hotel sets launch date within a month
US: The Asbury Ocean Club Hotel, the luxury boutique hotel from waterfront developer iStar, is set to open in New Jersey time for the fourth of July weekend celebrations.
Saorsa vegan property to arrive in Perthshire
Scotland: A boutique vegan hotel dedicated to “showcasing ethical luxury” is set to open soon in Perthshire.
Amazon aiming to incorporate Alexa into more homes and hotels
US: Amazon’s Alexa voice recognition could soon become a standard amenity when moving into a new home.
Hotel Indigo Williamsburg Brooklyn set to open in July
New York: Valor Hospitality Partners has announced plans to open the 187-room Hotel Indigo® Williamsburg Brooklyn in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
CitizenM ‘affordable luxury’ hotel arrives in Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia: Travellers from around the world can now stay at the citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang hotel in Malaysia, which opened its doors on 1 June.
Blue Badge Access Awards launched to support inclusive design
UK: The Blue Badge Access Awards launched with an event combining the Bespoke Access Awards and the Blue Badge Style Awards, with the support of the Leonard Cheshire charity.
The Harpeth set to open doors in downtown Franklin
US: Valor Hospitality Partners has announced plans to open the 119-room The Harpeth Hotel in the heart of historic Franklin, Tennessee, in August 2019.
Morrison Hotel Gallery launches app and augmented reality
US: Morrison Hotel Gallery, a leading brand for fine art music photography, has launched the Morrison Hotel Gallery app.
Red Carnation Hotel collection removes 15 types of single use plastics
Worldwide: Luxury hotel collection, Red Carnation Hotels, has completely eradicated 15 commonly used Single Use Plastic (SUP) items from its hotel operations worldwide.
Centara signs MOU for six Myanmar hotels
Thailand: Centara Hotels & Resorts and KMA Hotels Group have signed a MOU for the development and renovation of six hotels in Myanmar.
Event review: Boutique and Lifestyle Hotel Summit 2019
London: Hotel industry professionals gathered for the annual Boutique and Lifestyle Hotel Summit and BoHo awards at the Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel in London this week.
What is the future of data benchmarking for boutique hotels?
BHN speaks to a number of data intelligence and revenue management solution providers to learn how data benchmarking helps hospitality firms effectively manage their pricing.
Why art, music and culture are key in hotels: Morrison Hotel Gallery’s Peter Blachley
BHN speaks to Morrison Hotel Gallery's Peter Blachley about the company's founders' venture into the interior design market and why art, music and culture are key in hotels.
Selina raises $100m in Series C funding round
Israel: Tel Aviv-based blended hospitality startup Selina has announced it has raised $100 million in a Series C financing round led by Access Industries.
The fastest growing hospitality design trends: Lisa Haude, Paradigm Design Group
BHN speaks to Paradigm Design Group co-founder and president, Lisa Haude, about her list of the eight fastest growing trends in hospitality design.
Criton research details hotel guests’ technology preferences
Edinburgh: Research commissioned by hospitality firm Criton reveals hotel guests' core requirements, such as loyalty programmes, self check-in/out and digital door key access.
Bespoke Hotels adds The Manor Country House Hotel to portfolio
UK: Bespoke Hotels has announced it has added Oxforshire-based Grade II* The Manor Country House Hotel to its growing portfolio.
The Merkister Hotel owners decide to sell
UK: Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has brought to the market The Merkister Hotel, overlooking Loch Harray on the west of the Main Orkney Isles.
Ruby Hotels to open second Cologne property in 2022
Germany: Munich-based hotel brand and pioneer of the ‘Lean Luxury’ philosophy, Ruby Hotels, has announced plans to open its second property in Cologne in Q3 of 2022.
“An aspirational home away from home for time-poor people”: Ed Potter, Thissaway
BHN speaks to Thissaway creative director Ed Potter about Hotel Du Vin’s Bistro Du Vin brand, the rebrand of TA Hotels and the competition from serviced apartments.
Red Kite House Hotel brought to market
UK: Red Kite House Hotel, situated in the affluent Berkshire village of Burghfield Common, near Reading, has been brought to the market by specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co.
Bath’s Royal Crescent Hotel is Pride of Britain Hotels’ 50th member
UK: Pride of Britain Hotels has reached its self-imposed limit of 50 hotels with the introduction of The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath into its collection of luxury independently-owned hotels.
The Mercantile Hotel celebrates reopening in New Orleans
US: Hotel management, development and marketing company, Innisfree Hotels, has completed its renovation of The Mercantile Hotel in New Orleans' arts/ warehouse district.
The Chace Hotel to get Laura Ashley rebranding
UK: Laura Ashley Hotels is expanding its portfolio with the addition of The Chace Hotel in Coventry.
Q&A: More hotels use text message to recruit talent
BHN speaks to Canvas CEO Aman Brar about how more and more hotels are using text messaging to recruit talent, such as millennials.
How the hospitality industry is incorporating renewable energy
BHN speaks to a number of leading energy providers to get an insight into how the hospitality industry is starting to shift towards using more renewable energy supplies.
“We are obsessed with creating new solutions”: Inigo Valenzuela, Smartvel
BHN speaks to Inigo Valenzuela, CEO of Smartvel, about his B2B2C travel technology solution, machine learning and what the future holds for experiential travel.
"Now we can start our expansion across Asia": Thuan Dao, BedLinker
BHN speaks to BedLinker founder and CEO Thuan Dao about taking on the hotel market competition in Vietnam and the challenges startups are facing across the country.
Supplier spotlight: in-room technology
BHN rounds up the latest innovations in virtual concierge applications and in-room technology.
EquipHotel 2018 review: Show director Boris Provost
BHN speaks to EquipHotel 2018 show director Boris Provost about his thoughts on November's event in Paris.
RedAwning revamps platforms and launches Google Hotel ads for multi-unit properties
RedAwning has revamped its room-type functionality for displaying multi-unit properties on OTAs and is now live with Google Hotel Ads for multi-unit properties.
Brookfield to buy Leela hotels for ₹4,500 crore
India: The deal marks Brookfield Asset Management’s entry into India’s hospitality and boosts Hotel Leelaventure.
Quick Q&A: Juan Carlos Rodriguez Artigas, Wilson Associates
Juan Carlos Rodriguez Artigas, design director at Wilson Associates, speaks to BHN about Wilson's stand at Sleep + Eat, entitled "Perspective: To See and To Share".
EquipHotel 2018 review: Studio 18 Rooms of the Future
At the EquipHotel 2018 trade show in Paris, a temporary exhibition called Studio 18 was displayed which offered an insight into what hotel rooms could look like in the future.
Event review: EquipHotel 2018
Earlier this month, Boutique Hotel News travelled to Paris to attend the biennial EquipHotel trade show, which took place at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from 11 to 15 November.
Bedding companies reveal latest product innovations
Five companies in the bedding industry - Hypnos, CLEAN, The Fine Bedding Company, Tradelinens and Sealy - speak to BHN about the latest product innovations in the market.
Younes announces plans for Radisson Hotel Group expansion
UK: BHN reports from Radisson Hotel Group's recent media breakfast, where the company outlined its five-year vision.
Interview: Michael de Jongh, Avvio
Michael de Jongh, Avvio's chief commercial officer, talks to BHN about Avvio's Allora booking engine and its use of technology to drive direct bookings.
London hotel growth set to outpace other major European cities
London: London’s hotel offering has received a further boost with the news that a significant number of new hotels and venues are set to open there in the next few years.
Norman Hotel in Tel Aviv crowned best in the Middle East
Israel: The Norman Hotel in Tel Aviv has been selected as the best hotel in Africa and the Middle East by the luxury travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller.
Construction to begin on Nobu Hotel at Phipps Plaza in Atlanta
The announcement last year that Atlanta would get a Nobu restaurant and hotel — joining the likes of locations like Ibiza, London and Miami — is starting to take shape.
Canberra's Diplomat Hotel relaunches by supporting emergency accommodation initiative
Australia: The iconic Diplomat Hotel in Griffith is celebrating its relaunch after undergoing a $2 million refurbishment by supporting an emergency accommodation initiative.
First Hotels and hotel management company Belvar agree partnership
The Scandinavian hotel company First Hotels has partnered up with global hotel management company Belvar.
The Merchant House in Bahrain joins 'Small Luxury Hotels of the World' portfolio
The Merchant House – part of the Campbell Gray Hotel collection - has joined the broadening portfolio of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH).
Frontage of Edinburgh’s latest boutique hotel unveiled at Old Town gap site
Edinburgh: The new face of a £20 million hotel built on a key gap site in Edinburgh’s historic city centre has been unveiled.
Sydney's latest boutique hotel joins Crystalbrook Collection
Sydney: Little Albion is set to start trading under Crystalbrook Collection in early December.
Handelsman plans hotel in London’s Olympic Park
UK: The Stratford Hotel, part of the Manhattan Loft Gardens tower at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, will open in sporing 2019.
Ovolo to open Brisbane hotel in November
Australia: Ovolo Hotel Group has announced the November opening of Ovolo The Valley in Brisbane.
Interview: Book4Time CEO Roger Sholanki
BHN caught up with Book4Time CEO Roger Sholanki, who is launching a tablet-based in-spa app at boutique and luxury hotels across the US.
BoHos winner interview: Nassar Khalil, Dunalastair Hotel Suites
Nassar Khalil, Dunalastair Hotel Suites owner and director of Hotels and Leisure at Henley PLC, talks to BHN about winning the BoHo for UK Country & Coastal 21-50 rooms.
Cornish boutique hotel changes hands
UK: The Janse Van Rensburg family has sold Hebasca, a hotel in Bude, Cornwall, to a new ownership group.
HotelRunner launches Airbnb API Integration to support boutique hotels and B&Bs
Worldwide: HotelRunner, the leading sales channel management platform and B2B network for hotels and OTAs, has launched an integrated technology development with Airbnb.
Australian country house gets boutique hotel conversion
Australia: Campbell Point House on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula has opened as a hotel.
Marriott International expands European home-sharing pilot
Europe: Marriott International has announced the expansion of its home-sharing pilot to include Paris, Rome and Lisbon in addition to London.
Point A Hotels welcomes its 500,000th guest
Budget boutique hotel brand Point A Hotels, which owns seven UK properties, has welcomed its 500,000th guest just 18 months after the brand’s launch.
Point A Hotels to open hotels in London and Edinburgh in 2019
London / Edinburgh: Budget-boutique brand Point A Hotels has announced it is to open two new hotels in Edinburgh and London Kensington in June and July 2019.
Prince Park Tower Tokyo unveils comprehensive $22.5 million property renovation
Japan: The Prince Park Tower Tokyo, the newest member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X. Collection, has announced the completion of its $22.5 million redesign project.
TravelClick and The Guestbook enter into partnership to increase hotel direct bookings
New York: TravelClick has agreed a partnership deal with The Guestbook, an instant cash-back rewards program, to increase the number of direct bookings for TravelClick’s indep
