Industry News

The first stage in the hotel’s £6m refurbishment  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts the world’s largest hotel franchisor, and Reside, a global leader in residential hospitality management, have today announced the opening of two new Washington D.C. properties under the ‘Reside, a Wyndham Residence’ line.  Photo credits: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Building on the successful launch of the first residence-style accommodations earlier this year, the two new properties, Reside Navy Yard and Reside NoMa, mark the latest milestone in the 10-year tie-up between Wyndham and Reside.  The new properties offer professionally managed, upscale accommodations designed for both business and leisure extended-stay travelers. Bringing Wyndham Residence’s signature blend of home-like comfort and modern amenities, both provide thoughtfully designed spaces tailored to meet the needs of guests staying for a week, a month, or longer. Reside Navy Yard offers a mix of studio apartments and two-bedroom townhouses across 81 units. Spanning two interconnected buildings at 816 and 818 Potomac Avenue SE, Reside Navy Yard delivers the best of urban living with proximity to the area’s historic charm, dynamic dining scene, and entertainment options. Guests can enjoy features like in-unit laundry, fully equipped kitchens, high-speed WiFi, and access to a state-of-the-art fitness center. Reside Navy Yard is a pet-friendly property, welcoming guests with pets weighing up to 40 pounds. Reside NoMa offers 67 units and this sleek, modern property provides a tranquil retreat in the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant cultural and culinary hubs. Guests also have access to a fully stocked kitchens, in-unit laundry, a 24/7 fitness center, and fast, reliable Wi-Fi. Photo credits: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Other open locations include: Reside Seattle Downtown, a Wyndham Residence: Settle into Seattle in the heart of one of the city's most iconic waterfront neighborhoods with easy access to Pike Place Market, T-Mobile Park, Lumen Field and the Space Needle. The contemporary 55-room residence-style hotel is perfect for extended-stays and weekend getaways alike, offering a gym, free WiFi, on-site laundry and housekeeping for stays over five nights. Reside Houston Downtown, a Wyndham Residence: Set in the center of downtown Houston near the Theater District, Houston Symphony Orchestra and Jones Hall, the 79-room residence-style hotel unlocks endless adventures in H-town. The former auto showroom creatively adapts the space into a modern sanctuary with nods to its industrial past with original hardwood and factory windows. Guests can enjoy a 24-hour gym, fully equipped kitchens and in-unit laundry. Future locations include: New Orleans: The 22-room residence-style hotel is located in the historic Bywater neighborhood known for its majestic magnolia trees and vibrant music scene, just about a mile away from the French Quarter. In addition to offering guests full kitchens and washers and dryers in units, the hotel will have a restaurant showcasing the beloved flavors of New Orleans, an art gallery and coffee and wine bars for guests to enjoy. The launch of the two new Washington D.C. properties underscores Wyndham’s and Reside’s shared vision for the future of the extended-stay segment. By pairing Reside’s expertise in corporate housing with Wyndham’s extensive distribution network, the tie-up aims to expand ‘Reside, a Wyndham Residence’ to top 50 U.S. markets in the coming years. Walter “J.R.” Dembiec, Jr., Brand President of ‘Reside, a Wyndham Residence,’ said: "The launch of Reside Navy Yard and Reside NoMa marks a significant milestone in our mission to redefine extended-stay hospitality with thoughtfully curated spaces in premier urban locations.  “Washington D.C. is a dynamic and historic destination, and these properties are designed to offer travelers a seamless blend of modern convenience and residential comfort.  “Together with Wyndham, we are expanding the choices available to extended-stay guests and setting a new benchmark for what they can expect.”

An Epicurean Love Affair will bring Exclusive Takeover for Valentine’s, and Amorous Line-up of Dining Experiences

Integrated resort positions itself as a gateway of choice in province during National Tourism Year  

Thai beachfront resort rolls out new Afternoon Tea menu  

Juan Ignacio García Racionero, the Spanish chef de cuisine at INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, will this month take over Meliá Chiang Mai’s 360-degree rooftop bar to pay homage to Spain’s famed gastronomy. Photo credits: INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit From Monday January 20 to Saturday January 25 from 5-10pm daily, the Madrid-born chef, who oversees INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s signature LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, will serve a delectable menu and signature drinks underscored by the rich and vibrant flavours of Spain at MAI The Sky Bar. He honed his craft in some of Spain’s finest kitchens, working at one Michelin-starred Saddle as well as Diverxo, recognized in the top three ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ in 2023, and acclaimed restaurants El Jardin De La Marquina and Montellen. His decade-long experience as a chef includes stints at restaurants Puerta 57, Café Pino, Restaurante La Chans and Rios De Luz, and hotels including Morlans Hotels and Globales Don Pedro in Mallorca. Perched on Meliá Chiang Mai’s 22nd floor, MAI The Sky Bar – the highest bar in Chiang Mai – offers spectacular views of the Ping River to the city’s east and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west. The remarkable venue features rooftop terraces at varying heights, with a spectacular glass bridge connecting the bar’s highest seating areas.  The vibrant menu offers 11 delectable dishes to choose from. ‘Tabla de jamón Ibérico’ with Ibérico ham, picos de pan and pickles, ‘Gilda de pulpo’ featuring grilled octopus, olives, pickled paprika and olive oil, and ‘LUZ Salmon and Hamachi’ comprising salmon and yellowtail fish with mango passion fruit dressing are among the menu’s highlights. Photo credits: INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit “Spanish Culinary Week is a personal way for me to celebrate Spain’s unique way of life, where we celebrate the simple pleasures in life such as Spain’s famed gastronomy, along with the likes of incredible sunsets and chilled out music,” Racionero said. “It’s an honour to share my passion for Spanish cuisine, an extraordinary cuisine, in what will be an immersive experience that takes diners on a culinary pilgrimage of Spain.” Renowned bartender Jane Kaew-yod, who has won Thailand’s Best Bartender Award, will also craft signature drinks at MAI The Sky Bar on Friday January 24 from 7-10pm as the bar’s resident DJ spins the decks. Entry to MAI The Sky Bar for Spanish Culinary Week is priced at THB 250 net per person per sitting, redeemable as credit for food and drinks during the sitting. For further information or to make a reservation, email maiskybar@melia.com or call +66 52 090 600.

Bob W, the tech-powered hospitality operator, has today announced it has signed long-term lease agreements to convert two former hotels and an aparthotel in Munich into Bob Ws as it accelerates its expansion across the DACH region. Photo credits: Bob W Bob W Münchner Freiheit, Bob W Munich Old Town, and Bob W Munich Schwabing will bring the total number of the operator’s buildings in Germany alone to 15, adding 198 units and a total of 3,948 sqm to Bob W’s portfolio. The prime locations deliver a mix of serviced studios, larger apartments, penthouses, and rooms, all showcasing Bob W’s signature high-quality local design ethos and bespoke hospitality technology. This includes a digital front desk, seamless self-service check-in, and 24/7 remote guest service, blending the quality and reliability of a hotel with the comfort and practical amenities of a home. The lease agreements were brokered by Miles Knoll from the Hotel Services Team at BNP Paribas Real Estate GmbH and Prof. Dr. Clemens Engelhardt of Trustberg advised Bob W. Formerly H’Apato Schwabing, Bob W Munich Schwabing, is located at Fallmerayerstraße 22 and was last year presented with a German Design Award. The property offers 71 spacious serviced apartments, including a social lounge and coworking space, and is surrounded by a range of independent retailers, vibrant street art installations, and other cultural attractions. Bob W Münchner Freiheit, formerly H’Otello Schwabing, is located at Hohenzollernstraße 9, offering 71 rooms in a vibrant area that is popular among visitors exploring the city and digital nomads combining work and leisure. Situated within walking distance of medieval markets, beer halls, shops and restaurants, Bob W Munich Old Town — formerly the H’Otello Lehel — at Baaderstraße 1 in the heart of Munich’s historic Old Town offers 56 contemporary Bobs. The three new properties – which are owned by a private landlord – further strengthen Bob W’s robust pipeline of signed properties in key German cities including Munich, Bonn, Berlin, Stuttgart, Lübeck, Cologne, Dortmund and Hamburg. Germany continues to be one of Bob W’s most important markets, as the company commits to further growth in this strategically important region.  Niko Karstikko, CEO and Co-founder of Bob W, said: “This deal was made possible thanks to the outstanding support from our team and partners in Germany. The locally inspired, design-led, and quality-driven hospitality of the properties aligned perfectly with Bob W, making the partnership feel right from the start. We are humbled to continue the H'Otello/H'Apato story, upholding these principles and honouring the legacy with great care. “We’re not stopping here. We’re keeping our eyes on more opportunities in the DACH region, ready to transform potential assets into signature Bob W properties while continuing to deliver an outstanding experience for our guests.” Sebastian Höcherl, landlord of the new properties said: "Partnering with Bob W was an obvious and natural choice, as their values resonate seamlessly with ours. Renowned as one of Europe’s most innovative, guest-centric, and design-focused hospitality operators, Bob W carries forward the values we established for our brands. We are excited to see Bob W elevate these locations, delivering exceptional guest experiences while preserving the legacy we built with H’Otello and H’Apato.” Bob W is now operational in 18 cities across 10 countries and continues to seek new partnerships with landlords and asset managers to secure lease agreements for suitable properties across Germany and the continent.

Looking for the ultimate family Summer escape? Kuramathi and Campioni have you covered for 2025. Imagine a holiday where your child's passion for football meets the excitement of training with former Premier League players and UEFA coaches at stunning resorts. The exclusive Campioni football training camps offers just that for children aged 4-15years. Taking place across 2 weeks, with 3 football legends; Liverpool and England legend John Barnes MBE alongside a UEFA coach, 28th July – 1st August, and two of England's best known and most loved football icons Harry Redknapp and Stuart Pearce MBE, 4th – 8th August, Kuramathi and Campioni invite guests to an opportunity of a lifetime for young footballers. With Campioni's ethos “Train Like A Pro”, it's an opportunity of a lifetime to be coached for two-hours, daily, whilst on holiday, by legendary players who have graced the biggest stages of English football. The daily interactive and engaging training will see children not only practise fundamental skills but also learn the importance of teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship. With consistent personal advice throughout the sessions, this is a chance to learn from the best in the game while creating unforgettable memories. Parents can enjoy free time to unwind on the beach, explore the island, go to the gym or visit the spa, or simply take a seat pitch-side soaking in the excitement and energy of the training sessions. But the fun doesn't stop there. As part of the Campioni experience, families can enjoy a host of additional activities, including an invitation to the start of the week family welcome drinks, a mid-week parents' game where parents can play alongside the pro's, and an end-of-week medal and certificate presentation. While the kids are busy sharpening their skills on the pitch, parents have the freedom to unwind across the resort. Renowned Maldivian resort Kuramathi is a family's private paradise. Known for its snaking kilometre of white sandbank and tropical jungle which trails the length of the 1.8km island, Kuramathi's 12 room categories, 12 restaurants, 6 bars and evening entertainment, great value all-inclusive dining options, spa, dive school, sports centre, eco centre and kids club, make it truly an island of choice for the whole family. Choose from one bedroom Beach Villas, opt for the Two Bedroom Beach House or luxuriate over the island's turquoise lagoon in one of the iconic over water villas.  Off the pitch, Kuramathi's Kid's Club, Bageecha is complimentary for children aged 3-12 years and features an indoor play area, reading corner, outside playground, barbeque area, two splash pads and a huge swimming pool. Children can enjoy indoor activities such as storytelling, face painting, karaoke, arts and crafts and coconut painting, whilst outside they can play with new friends at the whale seesaw, jungle gym, and sandpit. For the older children sports such as badminton, football, ping pong, baseball and basketball are on offer in Bageecha's grounds. Couples looking to enjoy a romantic meal can request extended opening hours, and the Bageecha crew will host little ones until midnight at extra charge. Babysitting for children under 3 is also available 24 hours a day. Younger guests are invited to explore the island's environmental practices and can take part in activities such as eco-centre presentations (where they can get up close to some of the Indian Ocean's marine life), explore the hermit crab trail through the island's jungle, take part in tree planting, and visit the island's hydroponics gardens. Elsewhere, the resort has a fully equipped dive school with multi-lingual instructors who can guide divers of all skill levels through a range of PADI and SSI courses, including Bubblemaker (starting aged 8 years) and dive sites where they will freely mingle with grey reef sharks, turtles, manta-rays, eagle rays and a myriad of other marine life.  Back on the surface there is a wide range of water sports including windsurfing, dinghy and catamaran where children aged 12 can take part in private lessons for an introduction to these unique sports. For experiences across the water, why not join a Snorkelling Safari, Turtle Discovery, Dolphin Discovery or the Semi-Submarine excursion for fun for the whole family. Whilst little ones play in the afternoon, take a trip to Kuramathi's Spa alongside the water's edge, and as the sun sets, parents can unwind at the Champagne Loft, or sip a cocktail by one of the pool bars overlooking the sparkling waters. For dinner, indulge with international cuisine at the buffet restaurant, or savour delectable feasts at one of the island's many speciality restaurants from signature The Reef, French Bistro La Belle Vie, enjoy a touch of theatre at the teppanyaki Kobe, or sample flavours from the East with Tandoor Mahal, and Thai at Siam Garden. After, there is a breadth of evening entertainment across the island; nightlife in Kuramathi is abundant, whether you're watching the resident live band, dancing under the stars by the resident DJ, catching a movie on the beach or enjoying a glass of wine watching two-piece musician orchestrating there's something for everyone. Your summer escape to Kuramathi with Campioni promises to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Festivities will be held at Azerai Ke Ga Bay and Azerai La Residence, Hue in Vietnam  

A delectable blend of Swiss Emmental cheese, Tokachi cheese and sake in a warm pot, accompanied with all sorts of dippable savouries, is being served over get-togethers at The Hari Hong Kong this winter. Photo credits: The Hari Hong Kong Sukiyaki Cheese Fondue is on offer at the elegant hotel’s second-floor contemporary Japanese restaurant Zoku every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6-10pm. Inclusive of tea and coffee, the indulgent 90-minute feast is priced at HK$788 for two and HK$368 per additional person. The fondue is complemented with an endless vegetarian selection of homemade toast bread, shiitake mushrooms, broccolini, asparagus, broiled cherry tomatoes, Japanese sweet potatoes, taro, kinu tofu and shishito pepper. Condiments range from shichimi and wasabi to sesame and yuzu kosho. Optional kushiyaki, which translates to skewer grill, comprising two pieces each of U.S. prime beef, Kyushu chicken thigh, wild octopus, and Hokkaido scallop, is an additional HK$368. Two pieces each of soft-shell crab, tiger prawn and wagyu gyoza are also optional and total HK$228. The hearty dining experience ends on a sweet note with matcha burnt cake and white chocolate ice cream. Photo credits: The Hari Hong Kong Featuring warm sake, cocktails and champagnes, a beverage menu has been concocted specifically to be paired with the fondue. Gassan Houjun Karakuchi, boasting an elegant richness with full umami, and Yamagata Masamune Junmai, defined by a mild spiciness and crisp aftertaste, are recommended warm sake pairings, priced at HK$168 and HK$198 respectively. “Say cheese with sake to melt the chill of Hong Kong’s winter months away,” said The Hari Hong Kong’s food and beverage director Francesco Gava. “Our Sukiyaki Cheese Fondue is hands down the ultimate guilty pleasure and epitomises Zoku’s take on modern Japanese cuisine. It’s already proven to be such a hit we’ll be bringing it back next winter.” The Wan Chai hotel’s award-winning Zoku makes for an intimate setting of leather fluted booths, crimson velvet banquettes and bar lounge chairs amid the glow of pink bubble glass tealight holders and orange hand stitched fringed lampshades. Meaning “clan” in Japanese, Zoku is dominated by a mesmerizing ceiling of angled timber slats in origami-like forms. The concept of fondue has humble origins in 18th century Switzerland. From the French word “fondre”, meaning “to melt,” fondue was a means for farm families to stretch their limited resources during the winter months. With some remaining cheese, stale bread, and a dash of wine the family could gather around the hearth. For more information about Sukiyaki Cheese Fondue, available until February 28 this year before it resumes in December, visit https://www.thehari.com/hong-kong/the-hari-hotel-hong-kong-eat-drink/zoku/sukiyaki-cheese-fondue/. To make a booking at Zoku & The Terrace, email zoku@thehari.com or call +852 2129 0338.

The Hari Hong Kong is greeting Valentine’s Day with a romantic stay replete with a chocolate strawberry bouquet and bubbles, an array of sublime dining experiences, and card writing to a special someone at a quaint “love trolley”. Photo credits: The Hari Hong Kong Standing 30-storeys tall on Lockhart Road in the heart of vibrant Wan Chai, the elegant hotel’s “Key to Your Heart” package offers loved-up couples a stay in one of the hotel’s luxurious rooms inclusive of daily breakfast for two, a welcome bottle of Prosecco, chocolate strawberry bouquet, HK$1000 dining credit, and early check-in and late check-out subject to availability. Priced from HK$2600++ per night and available for stays from February 1-16, 2025, the package is underpinned by rooms and suites imagined by renowned interior designer Tara Bernerd with views overlooking Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, The Peak and Victoria Harbour. Adorned with timber panelling, natural linen wallpaper, plush velvet upholstery and eccentric art, the bedrooms are separated from marble bathrooms by brass Crittal doors. Authentic Italian ristorante Lucciola and contemporary Japanese restaurant Zoku will each usher in Valentine’s Day on Friday February 14 with a special lunch from 12-3pm and two intimate dinner seatings from 6-8pm and 8:30-10:30pm. The Terrace, an alfresco terrace bar framed by greenery, and The Lounge, a sitting area filled with art and books, will also offer Valentine’s Day menus from 3-6pm and 8:30-11pm. Lucciola’s Valentine’s Day set lunch and dinner menus feature a ‘Crudo di Mare’ starter comprising freshly shucked oyster, tiger prawn, Alaskan king crab leg, black mussels and veraci clam, Amalfi lemon and cocktail sauce. The main course is a choice between four delectable dishes including ‘Tagliatelle 36x36 al Tartufo Nero’ made up of 36 egg yolk homemade tagliatelle, 36-month-aged Grana Padano Cheese, alpine butter and seasonal black truffle, and ‘La Tagliata di Manzo Americano’ underpinned by prime U.S. beef ribeye steak accompanied with wild rocket leaf and Vesuvian Datterino tomato, Aged Modena Balsamic Vinegar, and Aged Parmigiano Reggiano. ‘Tiramisu Rose, Fragole e Cioccolato’ dessert, a rose and strawberry tiramisu with white chocolate, rounds off the set menu that is priced for two persons at HK$1688++ for lunch and HK$1988++ inclusive of coffee or tea. Photo credits: The Hari Hong Kong Zoku’s Valentine’s Day set lunch and dinner menus begin with a moriwase sashimi platter brimming with premium seasonal fish and seafood, with an optional half dozen fresh seasonal oysters with lime and ponzu for an additional HK$168. After a choice of either tempura, miso foie gras or snow crab, uni and tofu, diners select one of five main courses, ranging from koji duck leg confit with shio koji, Jerusalem artichoke, and pickled myoga to U.S. prime beef ribeye with baked sweet potato, kabocha, and yellow chili sauce to lobster tsukemen noodles; a spicy lobster soup with Okinawa soba noodles. Priced for two persons from HK$1688++ for lunch and HK $1988++ for dinner inclusive of coffee or tea, the set menus are topped off with fondant chocolate cake with coconut sorbet and Amarena cherry. The set dinner menu also features a course of makimono and nigiri. The Terrace and The Lounge will serve “guilty pleasures” such as rose and strawberry tiramisu with white chocolate, and a white and dark chocolate strawberry bouquet with a glass of Perrier Jouet Grand Brut Champagne, priced at HK$138++ and HK$288++ respectively. A selection of cocktails, wines, sweet wines, and bubbles is also on offer at all four dining venues. As part of The Hari Hong Kong’s #SpreadTheLove campaign, from February 13-15 guests and residents from the hotel’s neighbourhood are encouraged to share drawings or messages of appreciation - directed to an individual special to them or a general message of appreciation - on the hotel’s Love Trolley. The three most creative cards, selected by The Hari Hong Kong’s team, will win prizes. First prize is a one-night stay in a Premium Corner Room with breakfast for two valued at HK$4,475. A ‘Weekend Brunch’ with two-hour free flow of wines and cocktails for two at Lucciola valued at HK$2,015, and the four-course ‘Discovery Zoku Tasting Menu’ for two at Zoku valued at HK$1,514 are the second and third prizes respectively. For a valid entry into the competition, participants must undertake the following steps: 1. Write a message or create a drawing on a #SpreadTheLove card 2. Hang the card on the Love Trolley using the provided ribbons 3. Take a photo of their card on the Love Trolley and share it as an Instagram story or post (the account must be public) 4. Tag @theharihk and add hashtags #SpreadTheLove #TheHariHK For more information, visit https://www.thehari.com/hong-kong/ To book the ‘Key to Your Heart’ package contact Rooms Reservations on bookme@thehari.com or +852 2129 0398. To book a Valentine’s Day dining experience at Lucciola Restaurant & Bar or The Lounge, email lucciola@thehari.com or +852 2129 0333. To book a Valentine’s Day dining experience at Zoku Restaurant & The Terrace, email zoku@thehari.com or call +852 2129 0338.

Located upon a scenic green hill overlooking the thriving streets of Iwata, Shizuoka, GREENITY IWATA opened its doors to guests for the first time on the 29th of November 2024, offering visitors a luxurious and serene retreat. Photo credits: GREENITY IWATA The property boasts 55 beautifully designed guest rooms, including ten premium suites, all created using high-quality materials to blend in with the property's lush surroundings. Guests can take a stroll and connect with nature in the hotel's gardens, which are adorned with an array of seasonal plants and trees, or they can enjoy the peaceful and calming atmosphere of the property's lounge and bar overlooking the outside space. Two onsite restaurants serve a delicious variety of French and Japanese dishes made from fresh local ingredients, and there are two private banquet rooms available for hire as well as a chapel. Other facilities include two large public onsen, each equipped with saunas as well as open-air and indoor baths that use natural hot spring water, thought to have skin-purifying qualities, pumped from 1,500 meters below the hotel's foundations. Located on the western side of Shizuoka, Iwata is an area surrounded by sea, mountains and nature, much of which inspired the interiors and landscaping of the hotel. The hotel was also designed with a community-based concept in mind, which aims to bring together residents and visitors alike to share in the region's rich history, culture and local industries. Nearby nature attractions include the Shishigahana Park's cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, the Okegayanuma nature conservation area – one of Japan's top natural habitats for dragonflies, and the Ryuyo Insect Nature Observation Park. Local points of architectural and cultural interest include the Yanahime Shrine, Old Akamatsu House and Old Mitsuke School. One of the world's leading motorcycle companies, Yamaha Motor, is also headquartered in Iwata City. Travellers interested in learning more about local industries can visit Yamaha's Communication Plaza museum on site to see a display of motorcycles and other products created by the motor company.