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Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel: Inspiring Spontaneous Discoveries at Every Turn

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Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel officially opens its doors today as one of the tallest properties in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. Rising an impressive 39 floors at 430 feet high, the brand’s first hotel in Chelsea is crowned with one of the highest rooftop pools in the city, offering unparalleled 360-degree views.

Located on the former site of the iconic Antiques Garage flea market, the hotel pays homage to the site’s history and the area’s charming antique shops with a theatrical design concept by architecture and interior design firm Stonehill Taylor. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding neighborhood, spaces within the hotel aim to surprise and delight guests with unexpected moments, each thoughtfully designed to tell a story.

“Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel encourages guests to discover this iconic location with a sense of reimagined curiosity,” said George Fleck, vice president of global brand marketing & management, Renaissance Hotels. “This new hotel, coupled with our significant growth and renovation strategy in North America, further reinforces our brand’s global commitment to ensuring that guests experience the DNA of the neighborhood through our dramatic design and engaging guest experiences – ultimately leaving with a new appreciation of the destination.”

Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel is the latest hotel to debut under the brand’s growing North American portfolio which includes recently opened hotels in Philadelphia, Toledo, Reno, Dallas and Newport Beach, as well as renovated properties in Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Palm Desert, among others. Additionally, the brand is set to grow its New York City footprint two-fold over the next two years with highly anticipated openings in both Flushing and Harlem.

“Every detail of this hotel ties back to Chelsea’s renowned artistic and eclectic personality,” said Chris Rynkar, General Manager of Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel. “There is truly no other property like this one. Our guests have access to new, stunningly appointed amenities and accommodations, but also a connection to the neighborhood, which is an integral part of a Renaissance Hotels stay.”

A Hidden Retreat in the Concrete Jungle

Underscoring Renaissance Hotels’ unexpected design aesthetic, Stonehill Taylor created an escape that plays on the contrasting dichotomy of the hotel’s industrial, antique and floral market surroundings to create the illusion of walking through a secret garden. The hotel’s top-floor exterior features a sleek, modern glass facade, while the entrance embodies the look and feel of an English manor. Behind a stone-walled arcade entry lays a private, open-air courtyard studded with lush foliage and seating for guests to lounge.

Tapped to curate the hotel’s collection of artwork, art consultant Indiewalls led a massive two-story installation of antique knobs, locks and keys created by local artist Laura Morrison that takes center stage as the backdrop to the lobby staircase. As guests pass through the space, they are encouraged to touch and interact with these whimsical wares. Indiewalls also oversaw mixed media artist Liam Alexander’s creation of various video art moments throughout the hotel, reflecting inspiration from the flower district and flea market concepts in the surrounding locale, eliciting the feeling of a “living painting.” Trellage-Ferrill Studio fabricated custom pieces like a collection of upside-down bird cages, as well as a large pendant at the elevator lobby inspired by a bird’s nest to pique the curiosity of travelers. Inside the elevator cabs, leather tiles made from vintage belts coat the walls, adding intrigue of the hotel’s overall design.

Earth tones dominate the color palette of the 341 guest rooms and suites. Interiors are outfitted with wood-paneled printed wallcoverings and unexpected playful touches include gnome desk lamps and rabbit coat hooks. Guest bathrooms evoke a quaint garden shed with concrete sinks, porcelain tiles and mirrors etched with silhouettes of wildflowers. Suites on the fourth and 36th floors are distinguished by their 14-foot high ceilings. A focal point of each suite is a floor-to-ceiling framed wallcovering art installation of a magnified peacock feather, as well as an oversized mural of a woman’s silhouette comprised of fuchsia roses by artist Sara Byrne.

A Twist on Traditional Italian Cuisine

Chef Fabrizio Facchini brings a bold twist on authentic Italian cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant, Cotto, set to open in the early spring. With 10-foot-high, floor-to-ceiling windows, the airy restaurant will feature an indoor family-style dining room and lounge as well as a 14-seat bar surrounded by a framed picture collection of vintage oddities. Exposed wood beams run across the ceiling and down the walls, which are peppered with mason jar sconces, a romantic reference to firefly jars placed in a secret garden.

Serving daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, specialties will include burrata al tartufo with freshly shaved summer truffles and paccheri al pistachio di Bronte with a creamy saffron sauce and pistachio pesto. In addition to an extensive list of wine and spirits offerings, Facchini has developed an innovative mixology experience incorporating a selection of spirits, fruit, and herb-infused ice cubes into the restaurant’s cocktail programming.

Evenings at Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel

In the lobby area near the bar, the hotel hosts Renaissance’s signature bar ritual four times per week, featuring a complimentary, locally inspired punch cocktail prepared by the hotel’s resident mixologist. Guests will also be treated to weekly activations and performances by local musicians and artists alike as part of the brand’s Evenings at Renaissance programming, providing them with an even deeper connection to the neighborhood.

An Urban Oasis, 430 Feet in the Air

The bi-level lounge and rooftop pool, Somewhere Nowhere, welcoming guests in the coming months, will offer an escape from the busy streets of Manhattan. The indoor lounge on the 38th floor will be accessible via a hidden, ground-floor passageway – a repurposed loading dock transformed with spray-painted murals of fireflies and mischievous gnomes, neon signs and old-fashioned lantern sconces – that leads to an elevator transporting guests to the 38th and 39th floors.On the 39th floor rooftop terrace, guests will enjoy one of the highest open-air pools in the city showcasing 360-views of Manhattan’s majestic skyline. Somewhere Nowhere will be open seven days a week and is operated by El Grupo SN.

Sun-Drenched Meeting & Event Spaces

The hotel boasts 7,326-square-feet of flexible event space,including Somewhere Nowhere. The 2,170-square-foot Cardinal Ballroom, drenched in natural light, features floor-to-ceiling windows that open out to Juliet balconies with city views. The ballroom, with a maximum capacity of 200 people, is ideal for weddings and galas, but can also be split into two separate rooms for smaller conferences. A grand, yet intimate atmosphere, Cotto’s private dining room is defined by an arched doorway, playful garden string lights, antique rugs and dried moss encased in antique gilded frames on the walls. The dining room’s greenhouse-esque glass wall folds open to provide complete access to the restaurant’s rear garden. R.E.N. Meetings, Renaissance Hotels’ creative meetings platform, provides planners with a dedicated event team that will bring events and meetings to life using the storied neighborhood of Chelsea and the flexible event space as inspiration – from the styling of each space, incredible locally sourced catering and turnkey social breaks to inspire and motivate networking among guests.

Access to the Thriving Chelsea Neighborhood

Guests are encouraged to explore the surrounding area and can engage with Renaissance Hotels’ Navigators, the brand’s neighborhood ambassadors who are on-hand to share hidden indigenous gems not found in the guidebooks.

Located at 112 W. 25th Street between 6th and 7th avenues, the hotel is steps from some of the area’s most in-demand spots, such as Chelsea Market and The High Line. The property is within walking distance to the 1, 2, N, Q, R, W, A, C and E MTA subway lines, as well as New York Pennsylvania Station.

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Navarino Agora, a microcosm of handpicked experiences to launch on 1 July 2023

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Costa Navarino, the sustainably driven destination in the Mediterranean, located in the Greek region of Messinia, southwest Peloponnese, introduces Navarino Agora. This new curated marketplace and incubator of art and culture will enrich the Messinian experience for everyone who visits or lives in the region. The contemporary take on the ancient agora concept, is in a privileged seaside setting at the Navarino Waterfront area and will open on 1 July.

Navarino Agora will welcome all guests and homeowners of Costa Navarino, as well as locals and visitors of Messinia, in a vibrant, multicultural environment where tradition meets modernity. The new market will showcase handpicked retail, restaurants and street food venues, an open-air cinema, VR entertainment, alongside a rich program of events featuring music and dance performances, art and book exhibitions, antiques bazaar and much more, introducing visitors to both local and international cultural experiences.

Across more than 20 retail venues, visitors will find a wide range of luxury and handcrafted clothing, shoes and beachwear, accessories, eyewear, jewellery, beauty and health products, books and homeware, alongside beauty and travel services, and a museum shop. 

Various partnerships which encapsulate Costa Navarino’s multifaceted character and experience-based philosophy, will enrich the offering at Navarino Agora.

As part of the collaboration between the internationally acclaimed Kalamata Dance Festival and the Captain Vassilis and Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation, Navarino Agora will host two dance performances during July. Within the same month, further events which aim to showcase the local cultural heritage will be held in partnership with the Foundation, starting with a music performance inspired by Ancient Messinia, while the first book bazaar will also take place.

In August, the first antiques bazaar will be held, while a classical music concert, part of the “International Kalamata Music Days” festival, will welcome visitors. 

Through the strategic partnership with the Athens School of Fine Arts, students will showcase their work during the “Art Market” that will be held in September. Within the same month, the open-air cinema will host the curated program “Oxbelly Nights” in collaboration with Danaos Cinema and the renowned Greek nonprofit Oxbelly, founded by producer Christos V. Konstantakopoulos, presenting the opportunity to enjoy masterpieces on the big screen and have a discussion of the film with talent in attendance.

In a welcoming environment where creativity flourishes, Navarino Agora will also play host to portrait sketching, storytelling of myths and legends, and regular music and dance performances in association with local cultural organizations.

Complemented by a wide variety of dining options, ranging from Mediterranean and fusion cuisine to street food venues with Greek, Middle Eastern and seafood flavors, alongside ice-creams, wines and beverages, visitors will benefit from an abundant choice of offerings. The gastronomy front is further enriched through olive oil tasting sessions, introducing participants to its discerning characteristics and subtle flavors. Furthermore, Navarino Agora will host local cheese and wine pairings, a lively open-air market with fruit & vegetables, and a wine festival in October.

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Hilton Expands Presence in Mexico with the Debut of Hilton Monterrey

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Hilton Monterrey Lobby

Hilton today announced the opening of Hilton Monterrey, located in the business and financial district of the capital city of Nuevo León, Mexico. With an emphasis on efficient design and conscious travel, from its farm-to-table restaurant and energy-conserving technology, the 225-room property provides a modern urban oasis with the intuitive service and world-class amenities of Hilton Hotels & Resorts to deliver an exceptional stay for mindful business and leisure travelers.

“As our ninth Hilton property in this thriving metropolis and industrial hub, we are delighted to debut Hilton Monterrey as part of our growing portfolio in Mexico,” said Jorge Giannattasio, senior vice president and head of operations, Caribbean and Latin America, Hilton. “We look forward to welcoming guests and locals alike to this stylish hotel where they can experience our elevated accommodations and enjoy a cocktail at the rooftop bar, served with our signature hospitality for which Hilton is known.”

Hilton Monterrey is conveniently located just 23 miles from Mariano Escobedo International Airport in the heart of the commercial district and connected to Galerías Valle Oriente Mall. The modern city of Monterrey lies north of the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountain range. Although historically known as an industrial city, Monterrey is rich in history and art, with the hotel located five miles away from the Mexican History Museum, Paseo Santa Lucía, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Fundidora Park. 

“We’re thrilled to bring Hilton Hotels & Resorts to Monterrey, growing our flagship brand’s ever-expanding presence and best-in-class hospitality offerings in Mexico,” said Leonard Gooz, global brand head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “Hilton Monterrey offers thoughtful service, energizing, inviting spaces beautifully designed to reflect the destination, locally influenced dining options and memorable meetings and events, delivering an exceptional stay for business and leisure travelers alike.” 

Accommodations with Inspired Design

Under the creation of world-renowned hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), Hilton Monterrey’s design concept highlights the city’s contrast of urban architecture and its surrounding natural beauty. A neutral palette offset by dark contrasting tones and elements of misty blue reflects the area’s beautiful landscape. Elements of stone, wood and metals combine to create a tranquil ambiance for relaxation or work.  

Hilton Monterrey’s 225 rooms offer guests a choice of unobstructed city skyline views or sweeping mountain views paired with amenities that deliver the comfort and convenience for which Hilton is known, including complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, 55-inch flat-panel HDTVs, a dedicated work desk, rainfall shower, ample closet space and more. The design places high importance on energy efficiency, from heat recovery systems to save natural gas, to water-saving toilet tanks and showers, and an automation system that maintains the rooms at a certain temperature when guests are out exploring the city.  

The elegantly appointed presidential suite represents the height of sophistication at Hilton Monterrey with its floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious living area, kitchenette, well-appointed king bed, desk for a quiet work area, access to the Executive Lounge, and oversized, modern bathroom with a free-standing soaking tub. 

Dining to Inspire the Senses

Hilton Monterrey is home to three onsite dining experiences for guests and locals alike. Chef Alejandro González leads Hilton Monterrey’s culinary vision using innovative techniques and creating experiences that go beyond the senses with dishes inspired by the traditional cuisine of Mexico and grounded on sustainable practices and respect of the seasonality of the local ingredients.

Farm-to-table seasonal restaurant Härth is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving local and international cuisine with sustainable ingredients from local and regional vendors. Dishes that will tantalize the taste buds include shrimp ravioli with spicy tuna tartar in a Huancaína sauce and Tetela, a triangular corn tortilla filled with duck confit, breaded egg yolk and pea sprouts, served over homemade mole. The hotel’s signature Härth Bar, located adjacent to Härth, serves all-day fresh cocktails with seating available on its terrace. On the rooftop, guests can discover Wander, the hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge serving up the best views in the city along with cocktails and a special selection of international street food. 

Flexible Meetings and Events Space

With eight meeting spaces spanning over 12,000 square feet, Hilton Monterrey’s flexible event space can accommodate a variety of settings from small social gatherings to large business conferences. Venues include an exquisite pre-function foyer and outdoor terrace, the triple-height, 24-foot ceiling Magnolia ballroom that can host up to 600 attendees, a boardroom and individual meeting rooms named after native trees of Nuevo León, all with onsite catering support available. 

Hilton Monterrey participates in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 19 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free standard Wi-Fi, and access to the Hilton Honors mobile app.

Hilton Monterrey is the latest addition to Hilton’s rapidly expanding portfolio in Mexico, where guests are currently welcomed at approximately 90 hotels and resorts, with approximately 25 additional properties in development. 

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IMARAT signs Agreement to Construct its Fourth Hotel in Collaboration with Marriott International

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IMARAT Group has signed a franchise agreement with Marriott International to develop a Courtyard by Marriott project in DHA Multan. The signing ceremony took place at Marriott International’s Office in Dubai.

Marriott International was represented in the ceremony by Satya Anand, President, Europe Middle East & Africa, Phil Andreopoulos, Chief Operating Officer, Owner and Franchise Services, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President – Development, Middle East and Ziad Abi Raad, Director Lodging Development.

The event was attended by Chairman IMARAT Group, Mr. Shafiq Akbar, Director IMARAT Hospitality, Mr. Farhan Javed, IMARAT’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Saad Ahmed Awan. 

Chairman IMARAT Group, Mr. Shafiq Akbar, while speaking on the occasion, said, “On this day, we are elated to witness the culmination of years of effort; a collaboration with Marriott International to construct Courtyard by Marriott in DHA Multan. I see this project as the ‘Jewel of South Punjab’, a state of the art hospitality initiative that will give Pakistan’s, particularly South Punjab’s hotel and tourism sectors a much-needed economic boost”.

Satya Anand, President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International commented, “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with the IMARAT Group and expand our portfolio of in Pakistan. There is an unmet demand for hotel accommodation in South Punjab and with the Courtyard by Marriott Multan we look forward to supporting the expansion of the hospitality landscape in the market.”

Expressing his views at the signing ceremony, Group Director IMARAT Hospitality, Farhan Javed said, “IMARAT envisions and executes projects to take the hospitality sector of Pakistan to a level where we are at par with the international standards. By offering the best services in the hospitality business, Courtyard by Marriott is unquestionably on the verge of creating a benchmark in the sector.”

Since it first opened its doors more than 35 years ago, Courtyard by Marriott has been dedicated to creating an environment where great things can happen. Today, Courtyard is the hotel brand of choice for ambitious and enterprising guests who see business travel as a driver of personal fulfillment and professional growth.

Courtyard by Marriott is expected to be an ideal fit South Punjab and Multan. Multan, being the fifth-most densely populated city in Pakistan, serves as South Punjab’s economic and cultural hub. The new collaboration between Imarat and Marriott International aims to meet the demand for quality hospitality accommodation in the market. 

IMARAT Group, one of Pakistan’s top real estate player, continues to construct and develop major projects that are coherent with the concept of transforming the real estate dynamics in the country. IMARAT’s top notch construction and property management seeks to assist Pakistan in making a name in the international hospitality sector. 

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