JW Marriott opens third Asia hotel

Marriott International is expanding into Southeast Asia with the unveiling of JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi. The property is the JW Marriott brand’s third to open in Asia within the past two months reflecting a significant investment in the region by the rapidly growing luxury hotel brand. 
“Hanoi has earned itself a coveted spot as a must-visit destination for travelers and we are thrilled to join the city in this exciting time,” said Mitzi Gaskins, Vice President & Global Brand Manager for JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts. “Of the 30+ hotels in our current pipeline, 50 percent are in Asia, which speaks to our commitment to investing in dynamic markets like Vietnam.”
The 450-room, 75,000 square meter (800,000 square foot) JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi is a ‘reverse skyscraper’ designed by acclaimed architecture practice Carlos Zapata Studio.  The impressive structure was inspired by the country’s magnificent coastline and evokes characteristics of a dragon - a modern interpretation of a symbol from Vietnam’s past. 
Located in Hanoi’s new central business district and adjacent to the National Convention Center, the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi is poised to become a key player for leisure and business within the city’s growing and dynamic hotel industry.
“It gives us great pleasure to introduce the JW Marriott luxury brand to Vietnam,” said Bob Fabiano, General Manager of JW Marriott Hanoi. “Vietnam is a hugely appealing market, and we see great growth potential here. It is an honor to lead the first JW Marriott hotel in Vietnam and I am looking forward to providing the best in five star services to our domestic and international guests.”
JW Marriott Hanoi is set to impress with a wide array of culinary and nightlife experiences. A total of six restaurant and bar outlets will cater to travelers with a passion for exceptional food, wine and crafted cocktails. Dining venues include the French Grill, a French inspired outlet serving fresh seafood and prime cuts of steaks along with a variety of premium wines and spirits; and a Chinese restaurant specializing in Cantonese fare (open in January 2014). Guests are also invited to sample fare from across the globe throughout the day at JW Cafe. Meanwhile, Antidote Bar is set to become one of the most sought after nightspots in the city.
With over 3,600 sqm (38,750 sq ft) of flexible meeting space built for large corporate and association events, JW Marriott Hanoi is well placed to cater to the flourishing market for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) in Vietnam.  The hotel has a total of 17 meeting rooms including two Ballrooms of 1,000 sqm (10,763 sq ft) and 480 sqm (5,166 sq ft) with extensive public foyers. All meeting facilities are conveniently located on the ground floor with a dedicated entrance and parking.
Bob Fabiano expressed his hope that the new hotel would set a new standard for hospitality in Hanoi and Vietnam as a whole. “Our goal is to offer consumers the world-class luxury choice of accommodation in Hanoi. In doing so, we want to be part of a growing contingent of hotel options helping to leverage hospitality standards in the city.”
Marriott International has more than 3,700 properties in 74 countries and territories worldwide.  The company expects to more than double in size in Asia - from 144 open hotels today to more than 330 by 2017 - with room growth from 47,318 to 96,684 and doubling its total number of associates to more than 80,000. 
JW Marriott Hanoi is an iconic landmark developed by Bitexco Group following the success of Bitexco Financial Tower skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City. Established in 1985, Bitexco engages in diverse fields including property, road and hydropower plant development, and financial investment, among others. 

Air Canada premiers new Boeing 787 Dreamliner cabin

Air Canada is premiering its brand new international cabin design and seating that the airline will feature on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.
The carrier will provide three cabins of service on board its Boeing 787 Dreamliners highlighted by a brand new contemporary decor and comfortable ergonomic seating that features 180-degree lie-flat seats in its International Business Class cabin. An extensive choice of in-flight entertainment on enhanced definition seat back touch screens will be available for all customers along with power outlets and USB ports.
“We are very excited to introduce completely re-designed seating and cabin amenities that will offer Air Canada customers the very best in comfort and contemporary design,” said Ben Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “With the arrival next spring of our first Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Air Canada continues to renew its international widebody fleet with the next generation of modern and fuel efficient aircraft. As North America’s Best Airline, we look forward to taking delivery of our first 787 Dreamliner and continuing to raise the bar in customer comfort.”
Beginning in July 2014, the first Air Canada route to be operated with 787 Dreamliner aircraft featuring the new cabin interior and amenities will be the carrier’s Toronto-Tel Aviv route. Seats are now available for booking.
As the first three 787 aircraft are gradually introduced into the Air Canada fleet in the spring of 2014, the airline will offer a preview of its new Dreamliner service on select domestic Canada and transatlantic flights on a temporary basis. “The introduction of Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft featuring our new onboard product is a key component of Air Canada’s international expansion plans,” continues Mr. Smith. “The fuel efficient Boeing 787 aircraft will open up opportunities for Air Canada to serve new international destinations, and convert existing routes to Dreamliner service, as we continue to renew our fleet and develop Toronto Pearson into a preferred North American gateway and truly global airline hub.”

Air traffic control problem delays UK flights

Thousands of passengers have been left stranded at the UK’s major airports after technical problems at the air traffic control centre which resulted in hundreds of flight delays and cancellations.
The problems at National Air Traffic Services’ (Nats) control centre in Swanwick, Hampshire, have resulted in delays of up to two hours and a fifth of flights being cancelled at Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick airports.
NATS air traffic control said in a statement: “Due to a technical problem at Swanwick we are currently experiencing some difficulty switching from night-time to daytime operation.
“At night, when it’s quiet, we can combine sectors of airspace. When it gets busy in the daytime we split the sectors out again. The voice communications system is configured to enable this to happen.
“We experienced a technical problem in the early hours of this morning, which means that it hasn’t been possible to reconfigure the voice communications system to split out the sectors for the busier daytime traffic in some areas of the UK en route airspace.
“Engineers are working to rectify the problem as soon as possible, but this is resulting in some delays. Safety has not been compromised at any time, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience being caused to passengers.”
The issue has also affected UK-bound flights from Ireland and Europe.

Radisson Blu Warwick completes $20m upgrade

Radisson Blu has completed a $20 million renovation and conversion of the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel, Philadelphia. The hotel marks the third Radisson Blu hotel in the United States, joining Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago and the Radisson Blu Mall of America.
The 301-room historic hotel, situated in the prestigious Rittenhouse Square district of Philadelphia, has completed a renovation that includes a redesign of all guestrooms and corridors, a new Business Class floor with a private lounge, as well as the hotel’s grand lobby to reflect the signature, contemporary style of Radisson Blu, while maintaining the charm and heritage of the landmark hotel.
“The expansion of the Radisson Blu brand in Philadelphia, a key East Coast gateway city and an international business and cultural center, is a key step in the expansion of the brand in the U.S.,” said Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Radisson, Americas. “For more than 86 years, The Warwick has been a symbol of distinctive hospitality, and as an owned and managed hotel, we are thrilled to continue its legacy of excellence as a Radisson Blu.”
Radisson Blu again called upon the creative genius of Graven Images’ Jim Hamilton, the award-winning international designer who conceived the interior plans for the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago and the Radisson Blu Mall of America. With the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel, Philadelphia, Hamilton looked to create a design that speaks to the landscape, history and culture of the city, ensuring it is relevant while keeping in mind the brand’s edgy and upper upscale characteristics.
Hamilton’s approach was to neutralize the ornate background pieces and infuse them with strong contemporary pieces that align with the brand’s design ethos. Standout features of the new lobby include predominant pendant lighting in a mix of pieces from Dutch and Canadian craftsmen. A feature rug of black and white text in the entrance lobby creates a level of curiosity for guests and complements two massive surface applied art installations on both bookend walls that encompass the two restored fireplaces. These two pieces set the overall tone of the room and reinforce the brand’s commitment to a strong contemporary art presence in each of the hotels.
Expanding on the long standing relationship between Radisson Blu and Scandinavian design, the lobby also includes the brand new Ro chair from Fritz Hansen as the main lounge chair within the lobby; a series of high back lounge chairs that physically encapsulate guests that afford both comfort and privacy when required. The adjacent floors are occupied by two extra-large sofas upholstered in a wide mix of Missoni fabrics – a nod to parent company Carlson Rezidor and their relationship with the Italian fashion brand.
The hotel’s historic connection to the city is now underscored with interesting, Philadelphia centric art displayed throughout the corridors and on the headboards in each room, giving the property a true sense of place.
“We’re thrilled to announce this conversion and introduce Philadelphia’s residents and visitors to the Radisson Blu brand,” said Joanne Cunningham, the hotel’s general manager. “The Rittenhouse Square neighborhood is already a bustling community, and is the perfect home for this modern, upper upscale hotel.”
Ideal for business and leisure travel alike, the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel, Philadelphia offers rooms catering to all types of travelers. The 189 Superior Rooms feature an “Urban” style – a color-splashed edgy and modern atmosphere. The 46 Deluxe Rooms offer additional seating areas and a more spacious layout. The 31 Executive Rooms have upgraded features including a Nespresso® machine, complimentary bottled water, bathrobe, slippers and added bathroom amenities.
In addition, the hotel now offers Business Class By Radisson®, a brand service developed to provide guests upgraded amenities and services including early check-in, upgraded bathroom amenities, turn-down service and access to the Business Class lounge, serving complimentary breakfast and evening refreshments.
Originally opened in 1926, the city center hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and, in keeping with Radisson’s commitment to responsible business practices and environmental stewardship, the property has been recognized by the Green Key Eco-Rating Program with a 4 Green Key rating. The hotel is also the recent recipient of the prestigious TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence for its consistent, outstanding reviews from travelers.

Staybridge Suites Atlanta Airport hotel opens

The Staybridge Suites Atlanta Airport hotel has opened its doors, bringing the total of Staybridge Suites properties in the metro Atlanta area to four with eight in Georgia. An additional property is also in the pipeline for the Atlanta area.
The seven-story property features 149 well-designed spacious suites (studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom/two-bath). All suites include flat screen TVs, in-room DVD/CD players; a highly functional work area separate from living areas; speaker phones, personal voice mail and complimentary local phone calls; and fully equipped kitchens, complete with a full-size refrigerator with icemaker, microwave, stovetop and dishwasher.
The hotel features over 4,500-square-feet of flexible meeting space, distributed across five meeting rooms that can seat up to 60 and an additional one on the lobby level that can accommodate up to 100.
“We’re very pleased to welcome the Staybridge Suites Atlanta Airport hotel to our swiftly growing family of upscale extended stay hotels,” said Robert Radomski, vice president, Brand Management, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites® brands.
“Whether traveling on business, relocating or planning a vacation with family, guests traveling to metro Atlanta will find that the Staybridge Suites brand offers the best of home and hotel.”
The new hotel, which is located close to Atlanta’s vibrant downtown area, home-like surroundings including a daily complimentary hot breakfast featuring Wolfgang Puck coffee; complimentary Laundry Room and Fitness Room; a complimentary 24-hour Business Center; a guest library with books and games for guest use free of charge; as well as The Pantry, the hotel’s 24-hour convenience store stocked with snacks, sundries, beverages and easy-to-prepare meals. 
Additionally, guests can connect throughout the hotel with free Wireless Anywhere.
Guests can enjoy the hotel’s sport court, complimentary parking and the brand’s new Outdoor Living Room, featuring a place where guests can relax and interact in comfortable outdoor courtyard surroundings.