Category Archives: Spirit & Wine

The Maharashtra State Excise Department vide a Government Resolution (GR) has granted permission to star-rated hotels in the state to serve liquor in their open-to-air terrace restaurants. Until now, these restaurants could only serve food. The permission, however, will be granted only to those hotels that have obtained an NOC from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and from the Fire Department for statutory compliances. The GR also allows hotels to apply for a single composite licence covering all its restaurants, lounges and cafes, making the process of applying for liquor licence simpler. The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has welcomed the move and has indicated that it will continue holding dialogues with the government for making the same applicable to restaurants, too. “The Association has been liasioning with various departments of the state for over a decade on this subject. We wish to thank the State Government and the Excise Ministry for considering our suggestions. While this is applicable only to star-rated hotels as of now, we would be interacting with the department to include non-starred hotels and stand-alone restaurants as well,” said Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, President, HRAWI.

After two successful outposts in New Delhi and New York, Indian Accent is now open in London. Restaurateur Rohit Khattar (Chairman, Old World Hospitality), “We are delighted to bring Indian Accent to London. After a successful run of our other restaurant, “Chor Bizarre” for 20 years at the same location, we hope London embraces Indian Accent with the same warmth.” Indian Accent offers an inventive approach to Indian cuisine. The New Delhi branch is the only restaurant from India on the World’s 50 Best list the past 3 years, and was also awarded the San Pellegrino Best Restaurant in India on Asia’s 50 Best List for each of those years. In 2017, Trip Advisor has rated Indian Accent No. 1 in India (an honour it has held for the past 4 years), No. 2 in Asia and No. 19 in the World. It’s New York location was ranked amongst the best new restaurants of 2016 by several publications, including Zagat, Eater, Time Out; and is currently among the top 5 restaurants in the city on TripAdvisor. Chef Manish Mehrotra reinterprets nostalgic Indian dishes with openness towards global techniques and influences. Dishes such as soy keema, quail egg and lime leaf butter pao; and kashmiri morels, walnut powder, parmesan papad, will excite the adventurous while satisfying traditional palates. Mehrotra highlights rarely seen Indian foods such as makhan malai, a medieval dish made of aerated milk infused with saffron; and playful presentations such as the ghee roast lamb with roomali roti pancakes, inspired by the format for Peking duck. The London location will also feature local produce and creative spins on British classics such as black pudding, stuffed here inside kulcha flatbreads. …

Marriott Hotels has debuted in Voronezh with the opening of Voronezh Marriott Hotel. Situated in the south of Russia on the Voronezh River, the city is recognised as an important centre of culture, science and industry in the region. This latest opening strengthens Marriott’s portfolio across the country and promises to enhance Voronezh’s hospitality scene.“The opening of Voronezh Marriott Hotel highlights our commitment to developing our portfolio in Russia,” said John Licence, VP Premium & Select Brands Europe at Marriott International. “Marriott Hotels is committed to evolving travel through every aspect of the guest’s stay and with this stunning new hotel we look forward to helping travellers explore this thriving destination.” Located in the centre of Voronezh just a short walk away from cultural attractions, Voronezh Marriott Hotel offers 221 stylish guestrooms characterised by warm hues and natural materials that create a modern and inviting environment for guests. For those staying in executive rooms and suites, the signature M Club Lounge is an exclusive space to enjoy complimentary breakfast, drinks and snacks throughout the day. The hotel features an extensive range of restaurant and bar options, including Grill & Grain, which serves the finest dry-aged beef and seafood, paired with an impressive selection of single malt whisky and wines. Olea is a casual all-day-dining Mediterranean restaurant serving local seasonal produce and pizza straight from the wood fired oven, while Avenue 38 offers coffee and pastries in the morning, transforming into the perfect space for a social gathering by night with spectacular views of downtown Voronezh. Situated on the eighth floor, overlooking the city skyline, the hotel’s conference and meeting facilities offer spaces suitable for a range of events. With a …

Marriott has announced the company is set to open nearly 40 luxury hotels in 2018 as the company continues to cater to a new affluent traveller, offering an unmatched variety of transformative travel experiences. Providing globetrotters with a truly global perspective and an unparalleled portfolio of eight distinct luxury brands, Marriott International Luxury Brands include world-renowned hospitality hallmarks The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection, EDITION and JW Marriott. With an unrivaled network of landmark hotels and resorts in 60 countries today, Marriott International is set to expand its luxury footprint yet further with 200 hotels in the development pipeline, representing 25 new countries, from Iceland and Nepal to Cuba and the Philippines. “From former palaces in Venice and Vienna, to skyscrapers in Hong Kong and Dubai, to intimate, remote escapes in the Maldives and Mexico, the breadth of our portfolio is incomparable and allows us to surpass the expectations of our guests around the globe,” said Tina Edmundson, Global Brand Officer, Marriott International. “We see luxury as a launch pad for self-actualization, with bucket lists evolving from where you want to go to who you can be. With data showing a global shift in perception around luxury, we are uniquely positioned to provide personalized and truly differentiated experiences that resonate with this next-generation jetsetter.” Personalized Fulfillment is the Future of Luxury A global luxury study conducted in partnership with Skift, the largest travel industry intelligence platform, revealed that the number one priority for luxury travelers is centered around transformative travel and authentic experiences that provide a new perspective on the world. Edmundson continued: “Today’s global luxurian defies traditional stereotypes, moving far beyond the antiquated notion …

Currently in the final phase of restoration, The Heritage Hotel Kempinski Yangon is scheduled to open its doors to guests in spring 2018. Located on The Strand, in the heritage district of Myanmar’s largest city and opposite the new riverside cruise terminal, this outstanding five-star deluxe hotel will define luxury in the city of Yangon. Built in 1927 as the New Law Courts, The Heritage Hotel Kempinski Yangon was created by architect Thomas Oliphant Foster and built by Doorman Long UK, the builders of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as the first multi-level steel structure in the Far East. With its imposing columns standing three floors high, the Heritage hotel seems to stretch endlessly along the Strand. Over the last five years the building has been carefully restored from the inside out to preserve the spirit and grandeur of its past. This fine work has been done in partnership with the Yangon Heritage Trust, founded in 2012 by Dr. Thant Myint U, the eminent Burmese writer and historian. The building is the first property to receive Conservation Management Plan approval from the Yangon Heritage Trust focusing on local artistry and specialist skills by carefully undertaking the transformation into Myanmar’s finest luxury hotel. The Heritage Hotel Kempinski Yangon will offer 219 spacious rooms and suites with crafted décor and high ceilings. The dining experience will be truly gastronomic: it will feature a modern Cantonese restaurant as well as the Brasserie serving breakfast, lunch and dinner under a skylight. As breakfasts at Kempinski hotels fully reflect the European heritage infused by local customs, guests may expect a sumptuous experience ranging from best bircher muesli, baked bread and pastries right from the oven, freshly …

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced that Cannes’ historic Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez is set to re-open in spring 2018 as Hotel Martinez and will join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, a global collection of unique and independent stay experiences. Hotel Martinez will be the second hotel in Europe to join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, which launched in 2016. It will join Hotel du Louvre in Paris, which opened in 2016 and four additional properties globally: The Confidante Miami Beach; The Driskill in Austin, TX; The Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix, AZ; and Carmelo Resort & Spa in Uruguay. Whether it is a captivating past, an exclusive location, famous architecture and design or an award-winning dining experience, each property in the collection maintains a distinct character and the freedom to be unique, while still providing guests with Hyatt’s World of Hyatt loyalty program, robust operational and marketing resources and trusted, quality brand. Rich in culture and historical relevance, the Hotel Martinez building has a colorful past. It previously served as a home to English aristocrats and, in 1929, luxury hotelier Emmanuel Martinez opened it as the largest hotel in the French Riviera. Hotel Martinez has become a landmark in the French Riviera and has hosted some of the world’s most distinguished guests, which deliver on the brand’s promise of creating story-worthy and shareable experiences for the modern traveler. “Hotel Martinez will be a great addition to The Unbound Collection by Hyatt due to its distinct characteristics and personality. The hotel is iconic and its history is truly incredible – all of which is an ideal brand fit,” said Alessandro Cresta, general manager, Hotel Martinez. “The renovation …

Sterling Holiday Resorts has launched its new brand identity in line with its new service philosophy of delivering experiences and discoveries. Ramesh Ramanathan, Managing Director, Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, shared that with the new branding, they are looking to become the leading holiday brand in India. “Today, we are not just opening a new chapter for Sterling but one in the Indian holiday market. We have been working on developing our new service philosophy and brand standards over the last few years and are now ready to make our customers ‘holiday differently’.” He added, “At Sterling, we are look forward to being a part of this new India that is looking to have newer experiences and take away a little bit of what they see and feel when they holiday. Over the past few years, we have invested in the revamp of existing resorts and launch of new ones. Our focus will be on delivery and service for all kinds of holidayers. In the process, we would also be contributing to local economies, creating jobs and taking the brand abroad to places where Indians holiday,” Ramanathan added.

AccorHotels has signed a management agreement with leading Dubai-based master developer Nakheel for the expansion of AccorHotels’ globally-renowned luxury brand, Raffles Hotels & Resorts. The agreement, recognised by Nakheel Chairman Ali Rashid Lootah and Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of AccorHotels at a signing ceremony at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Cannes (France) will lead to the opening of PALM360, a spectacular two tower development on the world famous Palm Jumeirah comprising of the Raffles The Palm Dubai Hotel and Raffles Residences PALM360. Set to open in 2021, PALM 360 will be the first beachside resort for Raffles in Dubai and the tallest structure on Palm Jumeirah. At almost 260 meters high, PALM360 will offer unobstructed views of Palm Jumeirah, the spectacular Arabian Gulf coastline and Dubai skyline. Its centrepiece will be a 155 metre long sky pool, connecting the towers 170 metres above the ground, from where guests can also enjoy these stunning, uninterrupted views from a unique vantage point. The hotel component will offer 125 hotel rooms and suites, whilst the 359 branded residences – including 16 branded penthouses that will each have their own private infinity pool, gym and cinema – will be available for purchase. Residence owners will be able to enjoy Raffles’ legendary services, including concierge, private transportation and in-residence dining. They will also enjoy global VVIP status through an exclusive Ownership Benefits Program. The hotel and residential complex will feature a host of high end dining outlets, including two rooftop restaurants commanding sweeping views and a waterside restaurant in a spectacular poolside and beachside setting. A speciality restaurant will provide a venue for lavish culinary presentations throughout the day and a specially-designed …

Hilton Denver City Center opens with 613-room hotel, which towers 20-stories high and features newly renovated public spaces, guest rooms and dining venues following the completion of a $27 million multi-phased renovation. The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by CEO of Visit Denver, Richard Scharf, and Councilman Albus Brooks as well as Tim Benolken, Hilton’s senior vice president of operations for North America. “We are excited to strengthen our presence in one of the most scenic and fastest growing cities in the country,” said David C. Marr, senior vice president and global head, full service brands, Hilton. “With its stunning mountain and city views, modernly appointed spaces and location in the heart of Denver, Hilton Denver City Center is the perfect addition to Hilton’s flagship brand.” Towering above the Mile High City, Hilton Denver City Center offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and city skyline and is conveniently located near main downtown attractions including the Colorado Convention Center, 16th Street Mall, Pepsi Center, Sports Authority Field and Denver Art Museum. The hotel has 581 guest rooms and 32 suites, and expansive, flexible events space ideal for conferences, weddings and receptions. “We have created a hotel with distinctive personalized service that will offer an unmatched experience in this flourishing market,” said James L. Francis, president and chief executive officer of Chesapeake Lodging Trust. “It is exciting to present Hilton Denver City Center, which represents our strong collaboration with the globally recognized Hilton brand.” The hotel is owned by Chesapeake Lodging Trust (NYSE:CHSP) (the “Trust”) of Arlington, VA. Chesapeake Lodging Trust is a self-advised lodging real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on investments primarily in upper-upscale hotels in major business and …

Autograph Collection Hotels has announced its fourth hotel in Germany with the opening of Roomers Munich. “With its unparalleled location, immersive design and bespoke dining experiences , Roomers Munich perfectly embodies the exactly like nothing else ethos of the brand,” said Brian Povinelli, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Autograph Collection Hotels. “We are thrilled to welcome it to our growing global portfolio of 125 distinctive hotels around the world.” Created by the visionary Gekko Group with an avant-garde approach to the hotel’s interiors led by Amsterdam design company, concrete, Roomers Munich opens with 281 thoughtfully designed guestrooms and suites. The hotel’s restaurant, IZAKAYA Asian Kitchen & Bar, and its bars, Roomers Bar and Hidden Room, are destined to become fixtures of the city’s nightlife scene. IZAKAYA is part of the Amsterdam-based THE ENTOURAGE GROUP, co-founded and headed by Yossi Eliyahoo and managed by Stephanie Pearson. After recent openings in Hamburg and Ibiza this year, the Munich outpost is the fourth IZAKAYA restaurant. The unique shared-dining concept offers modern Japanese cuisine with South American influences – flawlessly prepared by Executive Chef Hariprasad Shetty and his team. Time-honoured techniques blend with innovative signatures, creating a sophisticated menu of unconventional dishes. As in all IZAKAYA venues, the traditional Robata grill will be at the heart of the restaurant, giving centre stage to the chefs creating dishes like Temari Sushi, Kombujime, Corn Tempura, slow cooked Short Ribs and some Rabata specialities. Floating over the big communal table is a recurring element within IZAKAYA: an intricate fish mobile made of natural beech wood. The 360° black stained bar with onyx marble top offers a spot to sip selected wines, first-class cocktails, and an …