Make over for Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town

The Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town is delighted to announce that it will be refurbishing all 108 of its Standard rooms.

All Standard rooms will be receiving a make-over that will result in them having newly designed bathrooms and new bedroom furnishings. With pure, clean lines brought from a Scandinavian Minimalistic background, all the furnishings will present a definite look of effortless sophistication.

The Radisson Blu hotel Cape Town takes pride in providing a stay for guests that is both relaxing and outstanding. This includes having rooms that are sophisticated, yet simple and peaceful, that provide an environment that contributes to a relaxing and well-rested stay for guests. The renovations form part of the hotel's goal and attribute to provide that very environment. Guests can look forward to brand new rooms that allow for a truly spectacular stay that will have them coming back every time they visit Cape Town.

In an effort to show its eternal appreciation for guests' loyal support, all Standard room bookings that are made at the hotel will be automatically upgraded, at no extra charge, to their sea facing Business Class rooms. This special offer will only be valid for the duration of the renovations.

The refurbishment will begin on the 1st of May and will end on the 15 August 2012. The Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town would like to thank all of its guests for their support and they look forward to inviting them to enjoy the special on offer.

The hotel also offers dining options for guests looking for beautifully situated restaurants, with its own Tobago's Restuarant on-site, featuring a fine choice of menus, boasting local and international cuisine. Patrons may also indulge in South African wine, available in a wide selection.

For more information, or to make a booking, interested parties can contact the Radisson Blu Hotel on 021 441 3000.

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group announces opening of new Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Asia

Carlson Rezidor has announced the the opening of the new Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Asia.

The dynamic Turkish capital is a global mega city on a unique site straddling two continents and Carlson Rezidor's latest opening is its third hotel in this beautiful, fast growing metropolis.

The Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Asia is ideally located in upscale Atasehir, a bustling, modern residential and high-rise business area. A short distance from the two major airports and only 13 kilometres from Taksim, the hotel is not only perfectly situated for business travellers but it's also great for guests on holiday. the Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Asia is within walking distance of the Atasehir Shopping District, with its amazing array of restaurants, bars and shops. Bagdat Street - popular with both shoppers and diners - is just a short hop away and the Istanbul Park Grand Prix Centre, Anadolu Hisam, Palladium Shopping Centre, Princes Islands and Maiden Tower are all nearby.

The hotel can reserve private transportation for guests who arrive at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport or Atatürk International Airport, while Istanbul's plentiful train, ferries and bus services make getting around easy.

Offering Super chic and contemporary Istanbul accommodation, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Asia has 195 stylish, well-appointed guest rooms and suites, featuring a mix of designer furnishings and every conceivable modern convenience, including free high-speed Internet access, Anne Sémonin bath amenities and a 37-inch LCD television.

The suites have added luxuries including a 42-inch LCD television, complimentary in-room movies, a Nespresso machine, bathrobes and slippers. All rooms offer dazzling views of the one of the world's most entrancing cities.

Turkey is famed for its fantastic cuisine and guests at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Asia can enjoy an exotic taste of the local specialities such as the deliciously Core Kebap, as well as superb international dishes at the Core Grill and Bar restaurant.

During the long, hot summer, the Core Pool Bar is open for refreshing poolside cocktails throughout the day while after dark, the Core bar is the perfect place for a nightcap in atmospheric surroundings.

Guests at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Asia can unwind after a busy day of sightseeing or business by taking a dip in the beautiful outdoor pool and sampling the deeply indulgent spa services, sauna and steam room.

Located in the heart of Atasehir just minutes from Istanbul's Asian business district, the Radisson Blu Hotel is a highly desirable conference venue. Hosts can choose from 13 different meeting rooms for their next Istanbul conference in one of the world's most sought after cities.

Special features include free high-speed internet, audio-visual equipment and natural daylight. The stunning 411-square metre ballroom can accommodate up to 500 guests and is perfect for weddings and social gathering. The outdoor pool area is also available for events with up to 400 attendees.

The contemporary Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Asia is Carlson Rezidor's fifth hotel in the Turkish market and a very valuable addition to its fast growing portfolio.

Radisson Blu Hotel Prague restaurant awarded first Michelin star

The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has announced that the Radisson Blu Hotel Prague's fine dining restaurant, "The Alcron", been awarded its first Michelin star. The intimate restaurant featuring just 24 seats is headed by Czech chef Roman Paulus and offers an exclusive menu focused on fish and seafood.

"We are very proud of Roman Paulus and his professional, dedicated team. Michelin honors the best of the best only and "The Alcron" is a true jewel where our guests enjoy food and hospitality of outstanding quality", said Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of the Rezidor Hotel Group that operates the hotel.

"The Alcron" opened its doors in 1932 and soon became a favourite venue for celebrities such as writer Frederick Forsyth, French cabaret owner Maurice Chevalier, U.S. General Douglas MacArthur and Czech athlete Emil Zatopek. Much like the Radisson Blu Prague hotel itself, the elegant dining room is designed in Art Déco style. It features an original fireplace from the 1930s and wall paintings of dancing couples by Tamara de Lempicka.

Chef Roman Paulus, who has worked in famous kitchens like at The Savoy in London and on board the legendary cruise liner "Queen Elizabeth II" before joining "The Alcron" four years ago, firmly believes in perfect, fresh ingredients and excellent service: "Food must have taste and be fun at the same time", he said.

Together with David Patek, Food & Beverage Manager at the Radisson Blu Hotel Prague, Paulus has put together a carefully selected, rigorously trained and highly creative team at "The Alcron".

"To have the right attitude and ambitions is crucial for us. We cannot work with people who are willing to make a soup out of instant powder", he commented.

Located in the heart of the Golden City, the Radisson Blu Alcron Hotel Prague is just steps away from famous attractions such as Old Town Square, Prague Castle, Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge. A lavish, avant-garde accommodation when it opened in 1932, the hotel's historic features have been meticulously restored, preserving details like glittering chandeliers, rich Italian marble and creamy milk glass. All 206 guest rooms retain the grace and elegance of a bygone era while offering modern conveniences, such as free high-speed internet access, LCD flat-screen televisions, Nespresso coffee machines and state-of-the-art online entertainment systems.

The Radisson Blu Birmingham turns six in style

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Birmingham, a landmark hotel in the heart of the city centre, has celebrated its sixth anniversary in style, with over 100 guests enjoying an Italian themed party at the hotel.

Many of Birmingham's finest, including the Lord Mayor Councillor Anita Ward, were on hand to share in the celebrations of one of the city's premier hotels.

In tribute to the popular movie 'The Italian Job', guests were greeted on arrival by blue, red and white Mini’s at the hotel’s entrance. Super stylish Lambretta and Vespa scooters were loaned to the hotel to further celebrate and embrace all things Italian. Inside the party, guests entertained themselves on Formula One stimulators, testing their mettle behind the wheels of a Ferrari in a Top Gear-style "Filini challenge". Meanwhile, Amore Voce, the Italian pop-opera singers with a name that translates as "love voice", provided the evening's entertainment with some striking sounds.

The Italian flavour continued through the food and beverages on offer for guests, with Jonathan Parnell, Head Chef of 'Filini', the hotel's authentic Italian restaurant in Birmingham, serving up delicious treats including homemade pizza, mini risottos and selections of Italian breads and olives.

Christopher Pike, General Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Birmingham, said: "We are all extremely excited to be celebrating our 6th year of business in the city and it is great to be able to celebrate in style with so many of our valued guests and clients, it has been a great six years with some challenges along the way but we are extremely proud to be here and look forward to many more successful years in this wonderful city,"

One happy chap at the end of the evening was the lucky winner of the hotels Formula One "Filini Challenge" who achieved the fastest recorded lap on the Formula One Stimulators, in a hotly contested competition, winning a VIP stay in the hotel's impressive Presidential Suite in the process.

FACTFILE:

Ideally positioned near the business district, convention centre and shopping complexes, the Radisson Blu hotel in Birmingham city centre is located in a 39-storey glass skyscraper. This contemporary hotel offers stylish accommodation, with 211 stylish guest rooms and suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-panel televisions, free high-speed Internet access and other desirable amenities. In addition to state-of-the-art conference facilities, this hotel features an award-winning Italian restaurant, two bars, three spa treatment rooms and a health and fitness centre offering spectacular city views from the 18th floor.

Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts (formerly Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts), part of The Rezidor Hotel Group, offers first class service, providing guests with a contemporary, upscale hospitality experience. Radisson Blu has received numerous awards for Best Hotel Chain and is renowned for its "Yes I Can!" spirit of service and the "100% Guest Satisfaction Guarantee". September 2005 saw the roll out of a free broadband service across the portfolio - the first international hotel chain to offer this service. Radisson Blu currently includes more than 250 hotels either in operation or under development and with more than 58,300 rooms in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, including Birmingham! (EDITOR: Which is my home city!)

For more information, visit www.radissonblu.com.

The Rezidor Hotel Group and Al Jassim Group announce Hotel Missoni Doha

The Rezidor Hotel Group, reportedly one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide, and Al Jassim Group have announced Hotel Missoni Doha. The unique luxury lifestyle hotel will be exclusively designed by Rosita Missoni and feature approximately 200 rooms and 70 serviced apartments. It is scheduled to welcome the first guests in late 2015.

"Qatar benefits from very healthy economic conditions. Its people are receptive towards a new kind of luxury and lifestyle and our Hotel Missoni flagship will be a perfect addition to Doha's rising market," said Kurt Ritter, President and CEO of Rezidor. Doha is the capital of Qatar and home to strong gas, service, real estate and medical industries. The city is also becoming an important corporate and meetings destination in the Gulf, and will be a true sports-hot spot in 2022 when Qatar will be hosting the FIFA World Cup.

Sheikh Khalid Bin Jassim Al Thani, CEO of Al Jassim Group added: "Inspired by Qatar Nation Vision 2030, we actively seek out new partnerships and aim to raise the bar at every opportunity. Hotel Missoni Doha will add significant value to the existing urban aspect and contribute to the commitment and vision of Qatar by greatly supporting the transformation of Doha into one of the world’s leading business, sport and cultural cities."

Hotel Missoni will be built along the C Ring Road in the heart of Doha. The proximity of the hotel, being just 10 minutes from the International Airport and the West Bay area, lends itself as the perfect location for a luxury lifestyle experience in Doha. In addition to its central location, the hotel will be situated for all entertainment and leisure activities offered in Doha and the surrounding areas.

Besides approximately 200 rooms and suites, Hotel Missoni Doha will offer around 70 serviced apartments with one, two or three bedrooms. The extensive food and beverage outlets will comprise Hotel Missoni's signature restaurant "Cucina" with a traditional yet creative Italian menu, a second all-day-dining restaurant, Bar Missoni, a pool bar and a lobby lounge.

The food and beverage offering will be further enhanced by a number of distinguished fine dining restaurants providing a variety of culinary tastes incorporating the luxurious and stylish essence of the Hotel Missoni brand. Guests will benefit from an 800 square meter Spa and fitness area, an outdoor swimming pool, approximately 1,500 square meter conference and banquet facilities including ball room, and a business centre.

Hotel Missoni is a co-operation between the legendary Italian fashion house Missoni and Rezidor. Each hotel is designed by Rosita Missoni and combines the vibrant Missoni colours and patterns with international design classics and local touches. Hotels Missoni are operated in Edinburgh, Scotland and in Kuwait City, with further properties under development in Oman, Turkey, Brazil and Mauritius.

About The Rezidor Hotel Group

The Rezidor Hotel Group is one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world. The group features a portfolio of more than 415 hotels in operation and under development with 90,000 rooms in over 60 countries, including hotel in Nice, hotel Nancy, hotel Sofia, hotel Weimar and hotel Bochum.

Rezidor operates the brands Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts and Park Inn by Radisson in Europe, Middle East and Africa, along with the Club Carlson loyalty programme for frequent hotel guests. Under a worldwide licence agreement with the iconic Italian fashion house Missoni, Rezidor also operates and develops the new lifestyle brand Hotel Missoni.

In November 2006, Rezidor was listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, based in Minneapolis (USA), is the majority shareholder.

The Corporate office of the Rezidor Hotel Group is based in Brussels, Belgium.

100, not out! Park Inn by Radisson Bedford celebrates 100 years of employee service

The Park Inn by Radisson Bedford has proudly announced a milestone achievement with four dedicated members of the team having recently reached a combined 100 years of service at the hotel.

This truly amazing accomplishment demonstrates a level of loyalty rarely seen in these modern times. Team members Alan Abrahams, Hardish Kaur, Eddie Jones and Darryl Wilson have spent most of their careers at the hotel, serving thousands of guests and experiencing numerous changes in the hotel throughout their time, including a number of owners and General Managers over the years.

To mark this extra special occasion, Rebekka Hammersley, General Manager hosted a special awards ceremony on Wednesday 30th November for all team members - the date marking the 40th anniversary of Alan Abrahams employment - making him the longest serving employee in the history of the Bedford hotel.

"I am extremely proud of my team members and amazed by the dedication and commitment shown by these four very special people. It really is an honour to work with them." said Rebekka Hammersley, General Manager at the Park Inn by Radisson Bedford.

The awards ceremony celebrated 100 years combined service of four team members:
- Alan Abrahams, Maintenance Porter, aged 59, joined the hotel in November 1971
- Hardish Kaur, Kitchen Porter, aged 58, joined the hotel in October 1991
- Eddie Jones, Chief Engineer, aged 69, joined the hotel in April 1991
- Darryl Wilson, Linen Porter, aged 34, joined the hotel in November 1991

The Park Inn by Radisson Bedford offers stylish accommodation in the town centre, with all 120 rooms fully equipped to suit the needs of both business and leisure travellers. The hotel also offers function rooms that can accommodate up to 450 guests.

Rezidor announces opening of Radisson Blu East Midlands hotel

Rezidor, a rapidly growing and  expanding global hotel company, has revealed a new edition to its hotel portfolio with the opening of the brand new Radisson Blu East Midlands hotel. The hotel's general manager, Daniel Keane, said that the event came early thanks to hard work from everyone involved in the project.

The £22 million luxury property development is located in the England's East Midlands and offers an upscale hotel experience for both business travellers and tourists alike. For those in need of East Midlands Airport accommodation, the hotel offers a private on-site car park for 'Park and Fly' guests who require a home-base for their business travels.

The four-star hotel near East Midlands Airport achieved £1m in presales three weeks before opening and its meeting and conference rooms are fully booked for its second week of trading. Since its grand opening, bookings for the new Radisson Blu hotel have risen in popularity with a surge of 'Park and Fly' guests and many wedding enquiries.

In addition to its wedding offerings, the hotel can also accommodate business travelers and corporate meetings/events. The hotel's event spaces include nine meeting and conferencing suites with capacity for 350 delegates.

Hotels near East Midlands Airport are not known for being relaxing retreats, but this new hotel has leisure and spa facilities for those wanting to unwind after a busy day of travel or business. The hotel also features a restaurant and wine-tasting room.

In regard to the East Midlands Airport Hotel, Daniel Keane, said: "I have to pay testimony to the hard work of everyone involved in the project - from the fantastic construction team that handed this major build project over on time, to my new team of hotel staff who have worked around the clock to get everything perfect for our opening. It's a real achievement and the highlight of my hotel career to date.

"The hotel is already proving a real hit with a variety of guests - from our 'Park and Fly' guests who get a fantastic deal on accommodation and low cost parking, to our wedding customers with our first matrimonial celebration on Christmas Eve. Add to this the fact that we are almost at full capacity in only our second week of business for meetings and conferences and it seems that the area is crying out for a high quality, contemporary hotel across all market sectors."