Hot hotel openings this week

Despite the pandemic, not all is gloomy in the hospitality industry. The week witnessed a series of milestone hotel openings which underscores the resilient strength of the sector. From Europe’s biggest Holiday Inn Express to Design Hotels new property in Japan, we look forward to the year ahead.

Europe’s largest Holiday Inn Express is here

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – North Riverside, the largest Holiday Inn Express in Europe. Located on the northern shore of the IJ-lake, just a short free ferry ride from Amsterdam City Centre, the hotel is a perfect choice for those travelling for tourism or business.

Holiday Inn Express champions simple, smart travel by serving as a no-fuss basecamp where guests can work, rest, relax and recharge. The dynamic commons areas of the hotel are designed to provide guests with the space and amenities to work remotely or relax. In the hotel’s lobby guests will find community tables with integrated outlets and wireless charging devices – all part of the brand’s Next Generation design solutions.

Marriott opens 800th property in Asia Pacific

Marriott International announced the opening of its 800th property in Asia Pacific, the JW Marriott Nara in Japan. The opening marks the entry of the JW Marriott brand into Japan. The company also expects the EDITION and Aloft brands to debut in Japan before the end of the year.

“We remain confident in the resilience of travel, our owners and franchisees, guests and associates as well as the future prospects of lodging in Asia Pacific, our second largest market, ” said Craig S. Smith, group president of Asia Pacific for Marriott International. “We are encouraged by recent trends, especially in China, where demand has been driven primarily by domestic tourism, and we will continue to focus on strengthening our footprint in this important, growing market.”

Design Hotels debuts in Osaka 

This summer, Osaka welcomed a brand-new hotel concept that celebrates both the port city’s famed culinary heritage, and contemporary design. Zentis Osaka—from the group behind the esteemed Palace Hotel Tokyo—presents a design-focused bolthole carved from a new build by Toshiken architecture office and Kajima Design, and bolstered by interiors from renowned UK designer and Philippe Starck protégé, Tara Bernerd of Tara Bernerd & Partners.

The result is a hotel that is the first of its kind in this thriving metropolis; a property where contemporary interiors are met with the hallmarks of a brand that has redefined Japanese hospitality and places cultural authenticity at the fore. Design-driven and internationally-inspired, public spaces and 212 guestrooms embody a fresh take on the boutique hotel concept while simultaneously possessing an industrial edge and Bernerd’s own personal tribute to Japanese modular design.