Today’s news in brief – 24/6/24
The Dorchester has revealed new rooms and suites, along with an enhanced butler programme, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing renovation. The hotel’s interiors, redesigned by Pierre-Yves Rochon, blend 1930s glamour with a modern twist, offering a luxurious residential feel. The updated accommodation features 241 rooms and suites, reduced from 250 to provide more spacious settings. Guests can choose from 19 room types, ranging from superior rooms to Hyde Park suites. Sean Davoren, the new director of butlers, has developed a bespoke butler programme for guests in the Hyde Park Suite category and above. This programme includes airport curbside or airside check-in for privacy, personalised itineraries, and comprehensive butler training. Butlers assist with tasks such as packing, unpacking, and garment care, ensuring a seamless stay. Davoren emphasises the importance of confidence and personalised service in the butler team, striving to provide a flawless guest experience.
Firethorn Trust has acquired Malmaison York, a 29,000 sq ft site under a 35-year lease with an annual rental income of £2.1m. Located on Rougier Street within York’s historic walls, the hotel is near major tourist attractions. Malmaison York, redeveloped in 2021, features 150 contemporary guest rooms, a rooftop Skybar, and extensive ‘Work + Play’ facilities, including meeting pods, conference rooms, and event spaces. The site also houses a spa and gym. This acquisition is part of Firethorn’s expanding Living portfolio, which includes recent purchases like One Bessborough Gardens in London and a student accommodation site in Edinburgh. Marcus Weeks, Firethorn’s director, sees Malmaison York as a valuable asset that enhances their investment portfolio and aligns with their strategy to develop high-quality living spaces.
Cae Mor Hotel in Llandudno has reopened after an extensive refurbishment, creating 20 new jobs. Originally opened in 1890, the Victorian hotel now features a modern redesign that retains its classic charm. Local tradespeople and suppliers were involved in upgrading 22 rooms, 15 of which have views of the North Wales coastline. The hotel’s 1890 Restaurant and Bar now offers fine dining with locally-sourced ingredients. Adjacent to Venue Cymru, Cae Mor aims to attract business delegates for events and conferences. General manager Nicola highlights the hotel’s prime location and modern amenities, including air conditioning and ample parking. She expresses a commitment to maintaining high standards and promoting Llandudno as a vibrant destination, blending the hotel’s historic appeal with contemporary comforts.
Accor has launched the Accor Global Leadership Council (GLC), an advisory board designed to reimagine corporate travel and meetings. The GLC connects business leaders from various industries with Accor executives to address evolving corporate and traveller expectations. The first session in Paris, hosted by Sophie Hulgard, covered topics such as traveller experience, cost management, and sustainability. Council delegates agreed that the top priorities for business travel are traveller well-being, cost optimization, and sustainable practices. The GLC aims to provide actionable strategies to transform business travel globally, with findings to be compiled into a report later in the year. Accor’s leadership emphasises the need for flexibility, sustainability, and personalization in corporate travel, aiming to meet and anticipate new demands.
