Project: HX Trade Exhibition
EcoScent was a proud participant of the HIX show last week. After the success of attending in 2023 EcoScent took the decision to invest in a bigger stand on the main floor.
Having undergone a brand refresh including a new website, this prestigious trade event was the perfect place to showcase new scent offerings. With the hotel and spa market being an area of significant growth for the company as we elegantly displayed our three signature hotel scents.
Adding to the experience the full range of scent delivery machines were on display, from products that can integrate with air conditioning and building services to the stand-alone mains or battery operated units; the Titania in midnight black was positioned on the stand to intrigue and engage with specifiers as they walked by.
For fun a spin the wheel game gave the opportunity for winners to scoop up delightfully scented candles, room sprays and the portable scent machine Puck, recommended for cars and small spaces.
Marketing Manager John Mendes remarked ‘The HIX show was a massive success allowing us to interact with customers, network and demonstrate our wide portfolio scent marketing options from off the peg solutions to tailor made bespoke own label products. We are so impressed by the number of prospects that we have signed up space for next year’s show already.’
You can find out more about EcoScent at www.ecoscent.co.uk
HISTORIC HOTEL CELEBRATES PRESTIGIOUS AA AWARD SUCCESS
Creative chefs are celebrating award success as it was announced The Old Crown Coaching Inn, based in Faringdon, Oxfordshire has been awarded two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.
The culinary creations of the historic hotel’s Head Chef Samuel Squires and his experienced team, has been recognised and rewarded by hospitality’s highly coveted prestigious award scheme.
Renowned chef Samuel Squires specialises in fine dining using locally sourced seasonal ingredients for discerning diners who enjoy exquisite, innovative, delicious dishes in the luxurious hotel’s elegant Ballroom.
The Old Crown Coaching Inn has been awarded two rosettes by the AA Guide as well as a 4-star rating for the boutique hotel, which has 14 bespoke rooms and is a popular wedding venue for couples looking for a unique stylish setting for their bridal celebrations.
Sebastiaan Evans said: “This prestigious recognition is testament to our team’s hard work and dedication in providing exceptional culinary experiences and quality accommodation. The AA Guide is one of the most respected and renowned hospitality awards in the UK, and we are proud to have received this honour.”
Head Chef Samuel Squires specialises in serving modern gastronomy offering guests exquisite fine dining in the hotel’s elegant, ambient stylish setting.
He said: “We are delighted to have received this prestigious accolade. We enjoy curating culinary creations that delight diners and offer a menu that is produce and flavour driven, using the finest seasonal ingredients to create unique fine-dining dishes with a contemporary twist.
“I’m extremely proud of the hard work and commitment of the whole team that has made this tremendous achievement possible and looking forward to see what we can accomplish next!”
Visitors can enjoy a lavish selection of bespoke dishes from a range of menu options including a tasting menu that allows diners to explore a variety of exquisite flavours.
For more information contact The Old Crown Coaching Inn on 01367 242744 or visit https://www.theoldcrowncoachinginn.com
Hotels embrace a total revenue strategy with Journey Hospitality’s new technology solution
Unlocking the potential for hotels to drive additional revenue from their leisure facilities, hotel ecommerce company Journey Hospitality has launched a new Facilities feature within its revolutionary onejourney® integrated booking platform.
By turning leisure services into activities which can be booked online, the Facilities feature empowers hotels and resorts to activate a total revenue strategy, utilising their full range of products to drive greater revenue by making it easy for guests to personalise and curate their own itineraries.
Services available to book via onejourney®’s new Facilities module include:
- Water equipment (for example, kayaks, row boats, motor boats, paddle boards)
- Spa facilities which don’t require a staff member’s presence (e.g. pool-side cabanas, mud chamber, Turkish bath, hot tubs, spa or pool access, gym access, spa garden)
- Sporting equipment and facilities (e.g. tennis courts, bicycles, electric scooters, quad bikes, golf simulators, fishing rods)
- Food and Beverage add-ons sold via spas - such as afternoon tea or lunch.
The feature has undergone extensive real-world testing since February 2023 with pilot partners Montcalm East (London), Glasson Lakehouse and Dunboyne Castle (both Ireland). Ellenborough Park (The Cotswolds) the latest addition as the technology begins its roll out to a wider portfolio this summer.
Simon Bullingham, CEO and founder of Journey, said: “The new feature complements onejourney®’s overall mission to transform hotel ecommerce by helping hotels provide the most user-friendly and intuitive online retailing experience for their customers. Making items - such as paddle boarding or tennis court hire, exclusive use of Turkish baths or a private hot tub - bookable online, it eases time pressures on staff and puts the hotel resident or day visitor in full control of their itinerary, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction.”
Craig Griffin, CTO of Journey, said: “Reflecting the varied operating requirements hotels and resorts have, our Facilities feature is fully configurable to allow just members or residents to book, or open bookings to the wider public for items such as an evening spa experience. Glasson Lakehouse, for example, offers paddle boards and hot tub hire for hotel residents only, while Montcalm East sells 2-hour gym passes to non-residents. It’s important to us that hotels remain fully in control of their facilities, with real-time availability shown and up-to-date reports available as part of the onejourney® dashboard to help them best understand usage trends, the impact on their revenue, and identify periods where staff assistance is required, such as docking boats or cleaning hired spaces.”
In March 2023, Journey Hospitality announced the acquisition of Premier Software - the UK’s leading spa, leisure and wellness management software business. Partnered with the new Facilities feature of onejourney®, Journey’s technology portfolio provides a holistic solution for hotel retailing, enabling direct booking for bedrooms, restaurants, spa, facilities, and ancillary revenue streams.
Discover more about Journey Hospitality at journey.travel.
Point A Hotels partners with Holibob to deliver curated guest experience
The budget-boutique collection has partnered with travel technology company Holibob, to enrich their guest experience by providing access to highly curated, local activities.
The new platform, easily accessible by QR code, takes guests to a bespoke tour and experience inventory that is relevant to their destination and season, based on findings that 72% of millennials now prefer to spend money on experiences whilst on holiday.
The ‘instant book’ technology capitalises on the fact that travellers have proven more likely to engage with communications that are timely, relevant, and mobile - first.
Launching this week, in line with The Business Travel Show Europe, the technology will be available to guests staying at first Kings Cross, followed by Point A’s six other London hotels. Other cities are planned to follow suit.
Nick Pilbeam, Commercial Director at Queensway Group, comments: “This partnership uses innovative tech to connect guests to the perfect activities for their trip. We’re thrilled at the opportunity to further enhance and personalise our guest services.”
Alejandro Gomez Losada, VP at Holibob adds: “We’ve taken the complexity out of accessing, organizing, and marketing the world’s most exceptional things to do. We’re excited to work with Point A hotels to build a new, sustainable line of business that truly puts the customer in control of their trip.”
OTA Insight Announces Benchmark Insight, Launching a New Era of Performance Benchmarking for Hotel Revenue Managers
OTA Insight, the global leader in cloud-based business intelligence, today announced Benchmark Insight, which will be available as a free beta solution globally. Going beyond existing benchmarking tools in the market, Benchmark Insight will empower hoteliers with actionable intelligence that shapes strategic decisions and provides a deeper understanding of hotel market share.
Hoteliers are facing the limitations of legacy benchmarking tools that burden them with outdated data and time-consuming analysis. Recognizing the need for a modern approach, OTA Insight has developed Benchmark Insight to help hoteliers navigate this new era of performance benchmarking with confidence.
Sean Fitzpatrick, CEO of OTA Insight, stated, "In today's market conditions, performance benchmarking is not just about collecting data; it's about deriving actionable intelligence to make quick and strategic decisions. By leveraging the most expansive and freshest data set in the industry, Benchmark Insight provides a new level of clarity, enabling hoteliers to stay ahead and capitalize on opportunities in an increasingly competitive landscape."
Benchmark Insight will offer clear advantages over traditional benchmarking tools, including:
1. Actionable Intelligence: By transforming data into insightful recommendations, Benchmark Insight saves time and facilitates strategic decision-making. With fresher and near-real-time data, hoteliers can make a measurable impact on their business by understanding what the data is saying and taking effective actions accordingly.
2. Next-level Data Visualization: Benchmark Insight features a lightning-fast and intuitive interface, providing an unparalleled user experience. Visual insights replace static charts, enabling better communication across internal teams, owners, and other key stakeholders.
3. Comprehensive Data Sets:With access to the most extensive data sets in the industry, Benchmark Insight offers accurate and real-time insights and recommendations. These data sets encompass both global chains and independent hotels, ensuring unparalleled data diversity.
"For more than a decade, OTA Insight has delivered products that have set the standard for data quality and exceptional user experiences,” added Fitzpatrick. “We exist to serve our 65,000+ hotel partners, and they have asked for a better benchmarking solution. We firmly believe Benchmark Insight will be the answer they have been seeking, and we are excited to continue delivering innovation for our partners.”
OTA Insight is making the free beta version of Benchmark Insight available globally to hotels and management companies. To learn more, and to sign up for the free beta version, please click here.
HYATT REGENCY LONDON BLACKFRIARS OPENS IN THE U.K. CAPITAL
The hotel in London is the ninth Hyatt opening in the city, signaling Hyatt’s expanding brand footprint in the United Kingdom.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars. Marking a key milestone in Hyatt’s strategic brand growth in the U.K. capital, the 205-room hotel is the 14th property in the country to participate in the World of Hyatt loyalty program, demonstrating Hyatt’s vision for the United Kingdom as a priority growth market within its diverse and evolving brand portfolio. In the last five years, Hyatt has increased its presence in the UK from 5 to 13 properties, with 6 of those based in London.
Housed in a historical building on the former grounds of King Henry VIII’s Bridewell Palace, Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars claims a prime spot in the City of London business and leisure district, home to global corporations, influential businesses, and law firms. Guests will be able to stay connected to all that the capital has to offer, with Blackfriars Underground and Rail stations, minutes away. Many of London’s most popular attractions, including St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe are within walking distance from the hotel’s doors.
In line with the Hyatt Regency brand ethos, the hotel has been intuitively designed for productivity and peace of mind, with an environment for guests to work, engage or relax. Sophisticated guestrooms and suites boast contemporary finishes, high-end amenities, and dedicated workspaces. Three dynamic and diverse food and beverage concepts are poised to become new local culinary destinations, whilst a trio of optimized meeting spaces are on offer to host a wide range of dedicated meeting & events space in the hotel’s desirable central London location. Guests also benefit from access to a 24/7 state-of-the-art fitness center.
“We are delighted to welcome guests to Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars and take our place alongside our neighboring landmarks, businesses and cultural hotspots,” said Laurent Schauder, General Manager of Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars. “With our high-touch, responsive service, inventive food and beverage offerings and ideal location, Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars is soon to become the hotel of choice for anyone looking for a seamless, stress-free experience in the heart of the city”.
Guestrooms
Designed by THDP Ltd, the hotel’s interiors are influenced by its local history. The building’s past life as one of King Henry VIII’s royal palaces is referenced in the luxury materials used throughout the hotel, with marble ceramics and gold finishes evoking its former regality. With Fleet Street, the historic hub of printing and publishing, just around the corner, Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars pays homage to the craftsmanship of the trade through the bespoke artwork inspired by the art of newspapers that adorns its walls.
205 guestrooms and suites provide impressive views of the listed buildings that once held iconic printing presses, whilst others offer the chance to marvel at the famous skyline of The City of London. With 10 room categories and up to 70 square-meters of space, guests can enjoy the hotel’s stylish and modern guestrooms, complimented by ergonomic work areas, rainfall showers and luxurious, comfortable, aesthetics.
Food and Beverage
Three innovative food and beverage concepts are set to mark out Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars as the new destination for inspired cuisine, vibrant and experiential mixology.
The Chinese Cricket Club fuses traditional techniques and the finest ingredients to present a contemporary take on Chinese classics. The restaurant is named in honor of the story of the captain of the Shanghai XI cricket team, Feng, who travelled to England in 1857 with his bride Xiu. Arriving in Blackfriars docks, the couple made their way to Limehouse, where Xiu opened the first traditional Chinese restaurant in London. Their legacy lives on in the inviting backdrop of The Chinese Cricket Club and it’s rich and diverse menu of homemade dim sum and signature specialties.
New York and London meet at NYnLON, a neighborhood-style bistro that celebrates the charm, heritage, and cultural influence of the two great cities. The all-day menu brings together local and sustainable dining, with elevated comfort food favorites, accompanied by an extensive drinks list showcasing authentic American whiskies and exceptional natural wines.
Escape the hustle & bustle of the city at The Leaf and Cane, a South American inspired hideaway offering mouth-watering street food paired with crafted cocktails and premium rums. Bringing the lively flavors of Latin America to central London, The Leaf and Cane immerses guests in a colorful jungle, inviting them to uncover its hidden garden, secret stone vaults, innovative mixology, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Meeting and Events
For stress-free events in the City of London, Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars offers up to 430-square-meters of flexible, purpose-built event space. Two stylish medium-sized areas have been designed to optimize productivity, and are well suited for meetings, interviews, or small group gatherings. The elegant main function room can seat approximately 150 people and is an ideal choice for conferences or large events, benefitting from state-of-the-art technology, enviable transport connections and a sophisticated city location.
Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars joins a growing list of Hyatt properties in the UK, and marks the ninth Hyatt branded hotel in London, joining Hyatt Regency Albert Embankment, Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill; Great Scotland Yard Hotel, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt; Andaz London Liverpool Street, Hyatt Place London City East, Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport and Hyatt Regency London Stratford and Hyatt House London Stratford.
For more information about Hyatt Regency hotels, please visit: hyattregency.com
New Sun Soul
INTRODUCING THE NEW & IMPROVED SUN SOUL COLLECTION
Available now at uk.comfortzoneskin.com
SKIN AND OCEAN CONSCIOUS SUN CARE
In recent years there has been a growing concern on the impact of sunscreen products on marine biodiversity. Thanks to the synergy of our bioactive ingredients and water-resistant UVA and UVB chemical filters, our Sun Soul products provide high performance UV protection that are highly biodegradable and classify as non-hazardous to marine life.
SAFE FOR THE SKIN
✓ UVA & UVB FILTERS from bioactive ingredients to provide high performance sun protection
✓ DNA-DEFENSE PEPTIDE activates natural DNA protection and repair mechanisms for antioxidant effect
✓ WATER RESISTANT to ensure optimal protection
✓ MICRO CELLULOSE to replace synthetic textures ensuring a fast absorbing, silkening application.
SAFE FOR THE OCEAN
✓ UP TO 98% SAFE INGREDIENTS* to protect marine life and the aquatic environment from harmful chemicals
✓ HIGHLY BIODEGRADABLE ingredients and packaging to protect marine life from hazardous chemicals
* Ingredients not classified as dangerous to the aquatic environment, biodegradable including water in formula.
Available from 1st June at uk.comfortzoneskin.com | @comfortzoneskin.com
Free from fragrance, silicones and synthetic or animal-derived wax.
Eco-designed, fully recyclable packaging. 100% carbon and plastic-neutral packaging and production.
THE COLLECTION
Thanks to the introduction of Sun Soul Stick SPF50+, the collection becomes a line comprising of 12 multifunctional, high-performance products, distinguished in three categories of use; PREPARATION, PROTECTION and AFTER SUN.
OUR PROMISE: CONSCIOUS SKIN SCIENCE
Fully active formulas with concentrated natural ingredients and functional active ingredients and without raw materials that have a negative impact on the environment, such as silicones, mineral oil, animal derivatives, artificial colors and sulfates. The same attention is paid to packaging designed to be easily recycled, using recycled or renewable raw materials. Comfort Zone is constantly working to reduce and neutralize its CO2 emissions through reforestation projects. Production takes place at our Davines Village in Parma, Italy, a carbon neutral and B Corp™ certified facility using energy solely sourced from renewable sources.
PUTTING THE SHINE ON NOVOTEL LIVERPOOL PADDINGTON VILLAGE’S KITCHEN
Shine Catering Systems has demonstrated its kitchen build and installation excellence once again, working alongside an extensive project team to deliver the main kitchen, bar and coffee shop at Liverpool’s newest landmark hotel.
The Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village hotel opened in July 2022 – a 16-storey, 221-bedroom hotel located in the heart of the city’s Knowledge Quarter.
The showpiece kitchen sits at the heart of the hotel’s food and beverage offer, serving the contemporary restaurant and bar which can cater for 160 diners. The hotel offers continental, English hot and cold breakfast options in the morning, before serving an international menu for lunch and evening diners. The all-day dining offer is also complemented by a ground floor coffee shop.
Shine worked closely with main contractors Morgan Sindall and the appointed catering consultant, after successfully tendering for fabrications and installation across all catering facilities.
Attention to detail for enhanced cooking results
The kitchen features a Josper oven which uses charcoal fuel to create distinct flavour, alongside a Mareno cooking suite with a range of cooking technology including induction tops, pasta cooker, bain maries, a flat-top grill, salamander, fry top and fryers – all to cope with the demands of the varying international menu.
Rational combi ovens, Corsair ventilation, Foster refrigeration and cold rooms, Hoshizaki ice makers, Meiko warewashing equipment and Shine’s own fabrications complete the facility. Training was provided to kitchen staff from Shine’s experienced team, making sure that the hotel team are making best use of the leading equipment supplied in their new kitchen.
Kieran Maxwell, Head Chef at Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village, said: “It was a pleasure working with Shine Catering Systems during the build and installation of the main kitchen and bar here at Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village. The showcase kitchen and bar sits at the heart of the hotel, while both spaces are a pleasure to operate in.
“The hotel offers continental, English hot and cold breakfast options in the morning, before serving an extensive menu for lunch and evening diners, so our kitchen needs to be able to cope with the demands of serving a varying menu. The kitchen has been the heartland of much debate during the design phase, though the Josper is very unique and one of the first in Liverpool, making it one of the key items in the kitchen.
“By working closely with the Shine team, I am confident that the team of chefs at the hotel will enjoy working in this state-of-the-art, showpiece catering facility.”
Collaboration for success
The hotel is owned by Liverpool City Council, franchised by Accor and will be managed by Legacy Hotels & Resorts on the Council’s behalf. It was designed by Ryder Architecture, with Faithful+Gould acting as project managers.
Leon Hoyles, senior contracts manager at Shine Catering Systems, said: “The main pass area brought specific challenges because it’s used for the hot breakfast buffet in the morning, utilising undercounter-mounted induction chafing dish technology, then switches to a traditional pass of plated meals for lunch and evening service.
“But working closely with the consultant, we were able to install the solution to their intended design and early feedback received from the kitchen staff has been entirely positive. We’re confident the chefs will enjoy working in this kitchen.
“I was incredibly proud to have worked on this project, which is a significant development for Liverpool and has created a lasting impression on the skyline as the tallest hotel in the city.”
Visit www.shine.co.uk
Latest Sustainability Index sheds light on industry’s sustainability journey
Nestlé Professional today launched the Footprint Sustainability Index 2023, providing further support to the foodservice industry on its journey to Net Zero. Launched during a panel discussion with industry leaders, the report is packed with need-to-know insights, emerging trends and opportunities. The report acknowledges that while achieving Net Zero may seem daunting, there are plenty of simple actions that organisations can take to advance their sustainability goals.
Developed in collaboration with Footprint Intelligence, the report draws on in-depth interviews, exclusive consumer research, and wider industry analysis. Designed to help businesses understand the most critical issues, it provides insight and recommendations on culture and supply chains; sustainable diets; food and plastic waste; attracting and maintaining clients; saving energy and protecting natural resources; and fostering wellbeing.
When compared to last year’s Sustainability Index, the report reveals the industry has made significant steps forward over the past year.
- Last year’s Sustainability Index showed that climate change had pushed sustainability strategies into full focus. This year, it reveals biodiversity loss is being recognised as a threat to the climate, and the food industry has redoubled efforts to address this and Scope 3 emissions.
- Consumers are continuing to reduce meat consumption – for health and sustainability reasons. They’re keen to understand more about the health benefits of plant-based proteins, leaning towards businesses showing strong sustainability credentials.
- Innovation will be key on the road to Net Zero, and in the face of staff shortages, it’s important that the industry rewards and motivates employees well if it’s to attract the creative talent it needs moving forwards.
Amy Fetzer, Head of Research and Analysis at Footprint Intelligence talked about these and other key findings during a lively panel discussion today with Julia Jones, Head of B2B Marketing, Nestlé Professional, Philip Rowden, Global Food Sustainability and Wellbeing Manager, ISS and Rachel Eyre, Sustainable Procurement Manager, Compass Group UK&Ireland. Talking about their organisation’s learning and sustainability successes, attendees agreed that the industry has made strong progress over the last year, and that sustainability remains an important driver for success, despite current economic pressures.
Katya Simmons, managing director of Nestlé Professional UK&I, said:
"Last year was one of the toughest ever for foodservice and hospitality businesses, with inflated costs and supply shortages continuing to impact the industry. Despite these challenges, it's heartening to see our industry’s commitment to Net Zero has remained strong.
"We’ve packed the Sustainability Index with examples and tools to support foodservice leaders on their sustainability journey. Now it’s important that we continue to collaborate and work together on our journey towards Net Zero – sharing successes and finding creative solutions to the difficulties our industry faces now and in the future."
To view and download the Sustainability Index report, food operators can go to: Footprint Sustainability Index 2023 | Nestlé Professional (nestleprofessional.co.uk)
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa Announces Partnership with British Skincare Brand TEMPLESPA & Bespoke Treatments with The Amethyst Trust
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is one of the first hotels to offer customisable treatments for guests who are immunocompromised or suffering from cancer.
The landmark 5* Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath has announced its partnership with luxurious, holistic skincare brand TEMPLESPA. Therapists will exclusively use TEMPLESPA products across all treatments in The Spa & Bath House.
The hotel has also partnered with The Amethyst Trust, creating an adapted menu of wonderful TEMPLESPA treatments that are suitable for guests who are medically frail, recovering from illness or are immunocompromised such as those suffering from cancer. These adaptable and customisable treatments allow therapists to create bespoke treatments to suit the guests needs and are one of the first hotels to do so.
The hotel has chosen the British skincare brand, TEMPLESPA, for its exceptional product range that contain the highest quality ingredients to make sure skin is well and truly cared for. Born out of their love of the Mediterranean, everything TEMPLESPA creates is inspired by this special region; the people, the food, the lifestyle and the landscape. Their products combine Mediterranean inspired botanicals with the latest derma-science to deliver visible results.
Helen Griffiths, Spa Manager at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa says: 'We are thrilled to be partnering with TEMPLESPA - a luxurious brand that is well aligned to The Spa & Bath House. We are also delighted to be partnering with The Amethyst Trust, introducing bespoke treatments to suit all guests is something the hotel is extremely proud to offer. We look forward to welcoming guests to the spa and experiencing the exceptional and relaxing array of treatments on offer.'
Embrace tranquillity with a wide selection of TEMPLESPA treatments that are on offer at the The Spa & Bath House. Facial treatments include the Champagne and Truffles Deluxe Facial - a luxury facial that combines award-winning truffle skincare with specialist lifting massage techniques that iron out deep lines and wrinkles, strengthen muscles and reduce puffiness. Body treatments including the Drift Away Massage are also on offer - a deeply relaxing massage, formulated with a blend of Mediterranean essential oils including Frankincense, Lavender, and Patchouli.
The Spa and Bath House has also refurbished the fully equipped gym with the latest, state of the art Technogym equipment on offer for guests to use. Guests can also use the Technogym bench in their hotel suit, enabling VIP’s and guests that prefer to work out in private, to have the perfect compact gym equipment in their room. The Technogym bench allows guests to perform the widest variety of total body exercises with hexagon dumbbells, resistance bands, weighted knuckles and a training mat all stored within the bench. Guests can also download the Technogym app to discover on-demand training programs to follow.
