London’s Great Northern Hotel is now part of Starwood’s Tribute Portfolio. (Image: Starwood)
Starwood takes on the first European property in its newest brand; Amsterdam gets a new W Hotel this month; Marriott adds a Ritz-Carlton in Budapest; Four Seasons sets the opening date for a new hotel in South Korea; and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia gets a new luxury property.
Starwood Hotels’ new Tribute Portfolio is a collection of independently owned and operated hotels that will use the Tribute affiliation to participate in Starwood Preferred Guest program and reservations system — much like Hilton’s Curio and Marriott’s Autograph Collection. The company describes Tribute members as “four star, upper upscale hotels with an indie spirit.” And the first European property to join is London’s Great Northern Hotel, located at King’s Cross railway station and a short walk from the terminus for Eurostar trains at St. Pancras International. The original hotel dates back to 1854, but it was relaunched in 2013 as one of the city’s top boutique properties. Rates start around $396.
A signatrure WOW Suite at the new W Hotel Amsterdam. (Image: Starwood)
September 21 is the planned opening date for Starwood’s new W Amsterdam, located in the heart of the city between the Royal Palace and the Singel Canal. The 238-room hotel’s signature W Lounge overlooks Dam Square. It offers free high-speed Wi-Fi in all guest rooms; a business center; a restaurant called Duchess with Mediterranean cuisine; and a FIT gym that will debut in December. Rates start at $417.
Ritz-Carlton’s new Budapest property has views of St. Stephen’s Basilica. (Image: Ritz-Carlton)
Marriott’s Ritz-Carlton brand has taken over management of the Elizabeth Park Hotel in Budapest, and will undertake a “comprehensive renovation” of the property before re-launching it next spring as The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest. (Until then, it’s the Elizabeth Park Hotel, Budapest, a Ritz-Carlton Partner Hotel.) Located on St. Erzsebet Square with views of St. Stephen’s Basilica, the 198-room hotel will be enhanced with the addition of a Ritz-Carlton Club, new suites and an overhaul of its restaurants. Rates currently start at $250.
The Maru Lounge at the new Four Seasons Seoul. (Image: Four Seasons)
Four Seasons Hotels is now taking bookings for stays starting October 15 at its newest property, The Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. The 317-room hotel is located in the central business district; it offers round-the-clock business services, an Executive Club lounge and a team of multilingual concierges. Restaurant options include Italian (Boccalino), Chinese (Yu Yuan) and Japanese (Kioku), as well as The Market Kitchen, with a series of live cooking stations and gourmet spreads. Guests can also use the Four Seasons Club Seoul, a huge fitness, health and socializing facility. Introductory rates start at $377.
The lobby at the new Movenpick Hotel Riyadh. (Image: Movenpick)
In Saudi Arabia, Swiss lodging group Movenpick has cut the ribbon on the 438-room Movenpick Hotel Riyadh. The five-star property is located along the capital city’s King Fahad Road, just opposite the Ministry of the Interior. The French Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire directs the cuisine at its Acacia restaurant; other dining options include Indian and Lebanese restaurants. The hotel also has a spa, fitness center and a dozen meeting rooms. Introductory rates start at $426.
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The hotel is located near city hall in Gangbuk, what is traditionally known as “city center”. P.S. Give us a break!
I wish this were more than a reposting of press releases. There is no “central business” district in Seoul. Would it be too much to ask that Chris proof read these press releases to see where they need editing?
Where in Seoul is the Four Seasons?
Nice hotels but who can afford them???