hotels Boutique hotel for Knightsbridge The end of an era!


philippe rossiter is the retiring chief executive officer of Institute of Hospitality


A luxury townhouse hotel is set to open in Knightsbridge, London in December. The Wellesley Hotel has


S


been restored by London- based designers Fox Linton with the aim of mixing its 1920s background with con- temporary design. Te property is owned by a


adly, this will be my final column for Leisure Opportunities in my capacity as chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality (IOH), as


I am standing down aſter 10 years in post. During this time, there have been numerous challenges which have confronted both me and the Institute, but it has been one of the most rewarding periods of my life. Above all, it has been a genuine privilege to lead our industry’s professional body through a period of profound change. On arrival in post in 2002, I was asked to


provide my vision for IOH. Ten, I spoke of change, both internal and external; the need for the Institute to make its contribution to the wider industry debates on issues relat- ing to professional development; and the need for us to focus on youth to better sup- port junior managers in the early stages of their careers. As far as change is concerned, we’ve experienced some significant transfor- mations during the past 10 years. Te most visible was probably the adoption of the new name from the HCIMA. With this also came the decision to maintain the institute’s role as an awarding body, ensuring education remained at the heart of its purpose. Looking to its external role as the voice


of hospitality professionals, the IOH has remained committed and engaged, both within the UK and internationally. Not only has this enabled it to enhance its reputation as a source of informed, reliable and objec- tive opinion, but it has also helped to shape policy in a variety of different areas. Turning to my third area of focus, youth,


the IOH has done much to improve its ability to reach this key audience. In particular, the transformation of its traditional library into a modern electronic information resource, accessible 24 hours a day from anywhere in the world, has also been critical in enabling the Institute to broaden its reach among the younger generation of managers and aspiring managers. Finally, aſter 10 years in post, I am more


convinced than ever before that our industry has the ability to change lives, offers excep- tional opportunities, and, above all, is a fun and exciting environment.


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family-run private investment fund. Te fund also owns City and Country Hotels, which will operate the property. Spanning seven floors, the


hotel will feature 29 suites and seven guestrooms as well as a four-bedroom Penthouse Suite. Dining options include Te Oval Restaurant


Te Wellesley Hotel has been designed by London-based Fox Linton


serving authentic Italian cuisine while the Crystal Bar displays a specialist Whisky and Cognac wall. Te Wellesley will house Te Cigar Lounge featuring a heated cigar terrace offering a collection of cigars from around the


world. Other facilities will include a dedicated Jazz Room showcasing both established and up-and-coming jazz acts. Te Wellesley will join City and Country


Hotels’ two other properties; Ten Manchester Street in Marylebone and Wyck Hill House in the Cotswolds. Details: http://lei.sr?a=a9j9H


IHG launches hotel in Westminster


InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has opened a new hotel in Westminster, London. Located in the former Queen Anne’s


Chambe r s gove rnment bui lding, InterContinental London Westminster fea- tures 256 guestrooms including a penthouse,


14 one-bedroom suites and 30 studio suites. IHG has secured a 20-year management


deal with Splendid Hotel Group to operate the property, which will join the company’s Park Lane property as the second InterContinental property in the capital.


Bespoke Hotels acquires Oxford Hotels


UK-based boutique hotel operator Bespoke Hotels has taken over Oxford Hotels and Inns, expanding its portfolio to 97 properties worldwide. Bespoke Hotels will now


manage 34 additional hotels across the UK, which include luxury and mid-market prop- erties. Flagship hotels that will join the group include Carnoustie Golf Hotel and Elemis Spa and The Lugger Hotel in Portloe, Cornwall. Te new properties will join Bespoke’s sub-brand Beloved. Haydn Fentum, CEO of Bespoke Hotels,


Te Lugger hotel in Portloe – one of the properties included in the deal


said: “We are delighted to welcome Oxford Hotels and Inns’ fine collection of proper- ties to the Bespoke Hotel Group in the UK. From beautiful country pubs and inns to lux- ury hotels and character properties throughout


Read Leisure Opportunities online: www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital


England and Scotland, each has its own story to tell and we will build on their individuality to deliver great value for money and service for our guests.” Bespoke Hotels now operates 85 hotels across the UK. Details: http://lei.sr?a=Y5f5T


Twitter: @leisureopps © CYBERTREK 2012


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