THE SEBEL recently announced its latest property in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, which is is open for bookings now.
The newly curated premium hotel is currently undergoing a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, the current Mercure branded property and
promising to bring a new essence of style and sophistication to the city.
Located on Philip Street, the 86-room Sebel Sydney Martin Place's luxurious, modern interior will offer a tranquil retreat with an essence
of opulence.
The location is very central, within easy walking distance of the Sydney Tower Eys, the Domain, QVB, The Strand Arcade and of course Martin
Place.
This year, The Sebel is proudly celebrating its 60th anniversary in Australia and New Zealand and now has 34 properties across Australasia.
For more information or to make a booking, contact our associated Travel Agency Rewarding
Travel,
to learn what complimentary perks are available when you book. Rewarding Travel is an Accor Step agency.
New study ranks 2023's best luxury hotel brands in the world
Mandarin Oriental (one of my personal favourite brands) was recently named the best luxury hotel brand in the world.Source: LTI — Luxury Travel Intelligence.
Our congratulations to Mandarin Oriental and all the nominees!
There are rankings of the best hotels in the world, but this list, released by the members-only group LTI – Luxury Travel Intelligence,
ranks hotel brands rather than individual properties. The ranking analyses many hotels within a brand in “granular detail,” using more than
100 “touch points” to evaluate “a brand’s ability to deliver,” ranging from its ethos to staff, according to a press release.
When announcing the rankings, LTI noted that "Mandarin Oriental has always performed well in LTI's ratings. This year, they have
improved further across all our touch points, placing them at No1.
It is an engaging brand with a loyal and growing following, who appreciate its commitment to excellence" (including us - it
is a long-term favourite), "...the
much-anticipated opening of their London Mayfair property could be a pivotal moment for them."
Luxury Travel Intelligence memberships cost $700 per year and grant access to the group’s travel research. It doesn’t sell advertising,
and research is independent and funded by subscriptions, according to its website.
The best luxury hotel brands
Mandarin Oriental was recently named the best luxury hotel brand in the world by LTI — Luxury Travel Intelligence. There are other
rankings of the best
hotels in the world,
however,this list, released by the members-only group LTI – Luxury Travel Intelligence, ranks hotel brands rather than individual
properties.
The ranking analyzes many hotels within a brand in “granular detail,” using more than 100 “touch points” to evaluate “a brand’s ability to
deliver,” ranging from its ethos to staff, according to a press release. Luxury Travel Intelligence memberships cost US$700 per year and grant access to the group’s travel research. It doesn’t sell advertising, and research is independent and funded by
subscriptions, according to its website.
2023's best luxury hotel brands
Here are this year’s results, reflected as percentages, with last year’s positions in brackets:
Mandarin Oriental took the top spot for the first time, — topping Oetker Collection by a very narrow margin, despite Ortker's ranking
rising by 4 places. Oetker Collection operates 12 hotels across the globe, including the icons Le
Bristol in
Paris, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in
Antibes, France, and The Lanesborough, London.
In 2022, Six Senses was ranked No. 1, followed by Mandarin Oriental (No. 2) and Rosewood (No. 3). So two of last years leaders have fallen a
surprising number of spots - Six Senses has dropped 3 places and Rosewood has dropped 7 positions.
Auberge Resorts Collection — ranked third on the list — operates hotels like Mauna
Lani in
Hawaii, The Lodge at Blue Sky in Park City, Utah, and The
Vanderbilt in
Newport, Rhode Island. Those are just three of the 27 hotels and resorts under the Auberge brand.
Two well-known brands are new to the list this year: Peninsula Hotels and Raffles Hotels & Resorts.
Other recognized brands
LTI also highlighted other brands that it said “rated sufficiently” enough to be monitored. The brands are: 1 Hotels, Alila,
Anantara, Banyan Tree, Como, Dorchester Collection, Firmdale, Jumeirah,
Leela, Oberoi, Park Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, Shangri-La, Soho House, Red Carnation, St. Regis, Taj, The Luxury Collection and
Viceroy.
Additionally, brands that have fewer than 10 properties — the minimum required to make the list — but were rated highly are: Airelles,
Althoff Collection, Bulgari, Capella, Cheval Blanc, JK Place, La Reserve, Maybourne, Montage, Nikki Beach,
Pendry, Soneva, Ultima Collection and Virgin Limited Edition.
Our associated Travel Agency - Rewarding Travel has a preferred relationship statuswith 10 of the top 12 brands and over half
of the brands that rated special mentions. To see what makes them so special and how we can make your stay even more luxe at no
additional cost,contact Rewarding Travel to discuss your preferences.
The scoring system
Luxury Travel Intelligence uses an algorithm to assess hotel brands, which has a maximum of 4,663 points, said Crompton.
This year, it measured 130 “touch points,” evaluating factors like in-room dining, guests’ pre-arrival process and a brand’s social media
engagement, Crompton told CNBC Travel. The group uses a points-based system to remove “inevitable emotiveness and personal opinion” from the
ranking, he said.
Crompton also noted that brands’ investments — either in new hotels or in the renovation of existing ones — was a major factor this year.
Crompton did not reveal how touch points are weighted, but said that “each year we tweak the touch points and the weighting.”
.
Raffles London now open for bookings !
The much anticipated opening of Raffles London at the OWO has arrived!
Raffles London is located in what was the Old War Office building, known today as The OWO. It was once home to legends such as Sir Winston
Churchill and Lord Haldane. It was also made famous by Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond 007 novels.
Imagine staying in a building once occupied by these people, who are such a part of British history and culture.
Located in the heart of Whitehall, near the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the building has been meticulously restored and is now home to
Raffles London at The OWO.
The 120 spacious rooms and suites offer an experience of refined contemporary elegance and beauty, tall windows and timber-paneled walls
provide a remarkable essence of place.
As you would expect from Raffles, gastronomy is well catered for with 9 restaurants and 3 bars offering a range of option, including a
signature restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco..,
The Pillar Wellbeing centre provides spa and wellness services and has a 20m indoor pool - a rarity in London.
Dis-loyalty program to be launched by an Accor division
Ennismore, a group that that encompasses several hotel brands such as SO/, The Hoxton and Mondrian will launch it's
own membership program on July 27, 2023.
Using "Dis-loyalty" as the program name seems to be a counter-intuitive marketing tactic.
A "teaser"
video
has been released and the only details so far are that "Ennismore is excited to announce Dis-loyalty – a new travel and food membership
that beats boring and brings together 10 brands from our lifestyle collective… stay tuned for more…"
Ennismore and Accor entered a joint venture in 2021 to create a new autonomous
entity, with Accor holding a majority shareholding.
In 2022, Ennismore expanded across the lifestyle and leisure segments with the additions of Rixos, the luxury all-inclusive brand, and Paris
Society, a leading operator of luxury restaurants & entertainment venues (including Maison Russe in Paris)., creating three new distinct
business units.
How this new program will sit against Accor's overall loyalty/lifestyle program Accor
Live Limitless
will be intriguing. I guess we will learn more in a week's time.
(Pictured is the lobby of SO/ in Paris)
Link your Qatar Airlines and Accor ALL accounts before June 10 - receive bonus points for both
In September 2022, Accor Hotels improved its partnership with Qatar Airways. Since then, members have been able to double dip on Accor hotel
stays and Qatar Airways flights. To do this, you need to link your ALL account with your Qatar Airways Privilege Club account.
You can do that with Accor Hotels or Qatar
Airways.
Even better, if you haven't already done this, members now can earn a bonus through June 10, 2023 just for linking their accounts.
If you already took advantage of the ALL and Flying Blue
partnership or
the ALL and Qantas partnership, you'll need to choose
which airline you want to double dip with. You can link your ALL account to just one airline at a time. If you linked your ALL account to
Flying Blue or Qantas in the past 12 months, you need to wait until the end of 12 months before you can link to Qatar Airways.
This promotion is available to members who have not linked their ALL and Qatar accounts before May 10, 2023. If that is
you, link your ALL and Qatar Airways accounts before June 10, 2023. After doing so, complete an eligible stay
and/or flight before August 31, 2023 to earn bonus points and Avios. Members will receive 500
bonus ALL Reward points on
the stay and 1,000 bonus Avios on the flight.
Terms & Conditions
Members must link accounts for the first time between May 10 and June 10, 2023 (at 11:59pm Arabia Standard Time, GMT+3) before booking a
stay or flight.
Book the stay or flight before June 10 and complete it before August 31, 2023.
Accor stays must be booked directly with Accor.
Qatar Airways flights can be booked through any channel.
Members can only claim this promotion once.
Make sure to provide the applicable membership number at the time of booking.
After completing an eligible stay, bonus points will credit to the member's account within six weeks. Regular points from the stay will
credit within seven days, and Avios will credit within 10 days.
After completing an eligible flight, bonus Avios will credit to the member's account within six weeks. Regular Avios will credit within 24
hours, and ALL Reward points will credit within 10 days.
This promotion stacks with other Accor or Qatar Airways promotions.
Stays at onefinestay are not eligible for this offer.
Stays and flights that are partially or wholly purchased with loyalty points are ineligible.
The Accor and Qatar partnership includes a fast track to elite status in both rewards programs. Accor elite status members will earn
Qatar Airways Privilege Club elite status after their first qualifying flight:
ALL Gold status members will receive Privilege Club Silver status.
ALL Platinum status members will receive Privilege Club Gold status.
ALL Diamond status members will receive Privilege Club Platinum status.
Conversely, those with Privilege Club elite status can earn ALL elite status after the first qualifying hotel stay:
Privilege Club Gold status members will receive ALL Silver status.
Privilege Club Platinum status members will receive ALL Gold status.
The Fast Track offers are available only once per person. Your complimentary ALL elite status will last until the end of
the following calendar year. To maximize this, try to get your status as close to the beginning of the year as
possible. Complimentary Privilege Club elite status will last for 12 months from the date it's received.
This is a great partnership, especially for Australians, offering better value than the Accor-Qantas partnership,
combining the same access to OneWorld partners with the wide range of Accor properties and perks available in APAC..
In its attempt to own more of the traveller experience from start to finish, AccorHotels is enabling guests to book hotel and flight
packages, who can choose from more than 200 AccorHotels properties in 30 destinations worldwide. The feature caters mostly to leisure
travellers.
Flights choices come from multiple airlines, both network carriers and low-cost, and the booking engine
Key points are:
Save up to 20% off your booking - The best Flight + Hotel deals, negotiated by our ALL experts, all year round. Customise your perfect package - Choose from our range of quality hotels worldwide and from any airline at your preferred
flight time. Earn points on every stay - Members of ALL earn Status points & Reward points on every package
booked. Save up to 20% off - Whenever, wherever you want, you will save 20% off all year round with a Flight+Hotel package. Your holiday, your way - Choose from Accor's wide range of hotel, resort, and apartment brands worldwide, then select
your preferred airline and you're ready to take-off. Boost your points balance - Earn 1 Status point and 1 Reward point for every 2 euros you spend on a Flight+Hotel
package. Note that ALL points are also earned on additional purchases during your stay.
Our thoughts - this is an attractive and convenient package for ALL members. We like that you
1}
can select any airline, not only ALL's alliance partners Air France/KLM or Qantas.
Flights choices come from multiple airlines, both network carriers and low-cost, and the booking engine will automatically suggest the best
flight schedule for the consumer. However, travelers can also change the flight options, and choose exactly which flights or airlines they
wish to book, with the package cost adjusting automatically.
2) earn both reward points and status points on the flight portion 3) receive a significant discount to publicly available pricing.
On the downside,
1} The ALL Members' Rate and Accor Plus members' rate does not apply. 2) Member benefits during stay (welcome drink, complimentary breakfast, upgrades etc ) and bonus offers do not
apply. 3) Payment with points does not apply to bookings online or at the hotel.
Overall, we like this development from Accor and ALL. It is definitely worth checking out when planning your next (especially
overseas) trip. Read More…
2023 hotel openings - our "can't wait to stay" list
Exciting New Properties Opening in 2023
There are many brands opening new properties globally this year, as the worst of the global pandemic may be behind us. This is our ” bakers dozen” list of properties opening in 2023 that we are super excited about and can barely wait to book, listed in geographic regions. With most of these, booking through Rewarding Travel can provide you with luxury perks (eg daily breakfast, room upgrade st availability...) at no additional cost.
It’s going to be a busy year…
1. Raffles London at The OWO (2Q 2023)
An architectural masterpiece, the Old War Office on Whitehall (OWO) is undergoing a meticulous restoration to create the Raffles’s first UK
hotel. OWO dates back to 1906 and is famed for housing influential leaders. These include Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and
John Profumo. It also inspired Ian Fleming to write the James Bond series after working here as a key liaison. The
landmark building has undergone a monumental transformation and now features 120 lavish guestrooms and suites, 85 spectacular private
residences, 9 ultra-stylish restaurants and 3 bars, bars including one gracing the rooftop with views across The Mall on to Buckingham
Palace.
An exclusive Guerlain spa and member’s health club (a 20-metre indoor swimming pool, saunas and steam rooms ) by movement and nutrition experts Pillar will offer private memberships for locals in the know.
2. The Peninsula, London (May 2023)
Swish Hong Kong hotel group Peninsula – famed for its Rolls-Royce fleets, crisp-suited bellboys and want-for-nothing service – is finally
landing in London. Located at one of the most prestigious addresses in the British capital, overlooking Hyde Park Corner and the Wellington
Arch, The Peninsula London is bringing the best of British – culture, art, and
cuisine – to this new build in Belgravia.
Expect Peninsua’s usual sleek and understated elegance in each of its 190 rooms, while several destination restaurants, a Peninsula Spa
(including a 25m indoor pool ) and a grand ballroom are also on-site. The Peninsula London also features a one-storey shopping arcade, with nine retail shops housing international luxury brands keeping luxury style very close at this new central London location.
3. Mandarin Oriental. Mayfair (2Q 2023)
The luxury hotel chain is expanding its presence in London with the opening of Mandarin
Oriental Mayfair, London providing
a smaller, more intimate sister property to the award-winning Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in nearby Knightsbridge. Situated on Hanover
Square, Mayfair’s oldest square, the hotel will provide a calming, discreet sanctuary for hotel guests.
The property comprises 50 guestrooms and 78 private residences in the heart of Mayfair, one of London's most stylish
neighbourhoods. Taking advantage of its world-class location within walking distance of London's admired fashion houses on Bond Street and the boutiques of Saville Row, as well as art galleries, the new hotel will offer guests and Fans of MO ( its loyalty program ) exclusive access and experiences from high fashion to art, culture, and dining. It will also house the first namesake
Akira Back restaurant in the UK from Michelin Star award winning Chef Akira Back, as well as his 'ABar Lounge' concept. There will also be
an urban spa, focussed on renewal and recalibration, featuring an indoor 25-metre swimming pool, sauna, vitality pool, relaxation room
and a myriad of bespoke wellness treatments.
4. Adagio London Whitechapel (Late 2023)
For guests who desire the helpful services of a hotel and the freedom to live like a local in a neighbourhood apartment, Adagio offers an
easy balance of both. Designed for longer stays, the 147 serviced apartments conveniently located on Whitechapel Road in East
London will
provide one or two-bedroom apartments, complete with kitchens.
5. 100 Princes Street Edinburgh (August 2023)
Red Carnation Hotels’ group first Scottish property is to be 100 Princes Street, whose name is a nod to their illustrious address on one of
Edinburgh’s most famous streets. The interiors – designed by the team behind Ashford Castle in Ireland – will be full-blown Scottish chic
with custom-made tartan by Araminta Campbell, roaring fires and a central staircase with a hand-painted mural of Scottish explorers by
Croxford and Saunders restoring the former Overseas League building to its former glory. There’ll be just 30 guest rooms, some looking to
Edinburgh castle, and a staff ratio of 2:1, so you know service will be a priority.
6. Six Senses Rome (March 2023)
For their new Rome hotel, Six Senses painstakingly restored parts of a Roman
15th-century compound, including the exterior Renaissance facade and interior staircase. Architect Patricia Urquiola is masterminding the
interiors - guest rooms feature traditional cocciopesto plasterwork, locally-sourced travertine limestones, and
sun-drenched terraces. Located steps from the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, overlooking via del Corso, it is a great place to rest after
a long day exploring the city. They currently have an opening offer, valid until 30th of April:- 15% off best flexible rate.-
Includes: breakfast, upgrade upon availability, a welcome drink, use of Roman Baths, Sleep questionnaire, bedding and sleep tracker and
access to their Earth Lab.
From Deluxe Suite onwards receive a one-way Airport transfer as well and a 20-minute skin instant lab. Contact RewardingTravel
for more details.
7. Bulgari, Rome
The eternal city’s hotel scene is seeing an injection of fresh style with new branches of Nobu
Hotels and Six Senses, plus the boutique ROMEO, in a 16th century palazzo. But top of our must-visit list for OTT luxury is Bulgari Rome. This Italian brand owns hotels as far afield as Shanghai and Bali, but finally opens its
flagship on home city turf this coming spring or summer. Set in a 1930s modernist building dripping in travertine marble and red brick, it’s
sure to be the epitome of more-is-more Bulgari style with warm jewel tones, fabulous artwork and unashamedly luxurious suites.
8. Anantara Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi. (April 2023) Following extensive restoration and renovation works, the heritage hotel – occupying a 13th-century monastery and former Cappuccini Friars Convent – will be restored to its original glory. The historic 52 guest room and suite property will reveal new-look accommodation, refreshed dining concepts and a completely redesigned
spa, all perched on a clifftop 80 metres above sea level with spectacular views of the Mediterranean Coast.
9. Maison Delano Paris (Early 2023)
Located in the heart of the ultra-chic 8th Arrondissement, Maison Delano Paris is an oasis within the bustling city. Occupying an 18th
century courtyard building at 4 Rue d’Anjou, this is a place to experience exceptional and exclusive culinary concepts by three-star
Michelin Chef Dani García, a fresh perspective on wellness and hyper-exclusive curated moments.
10. COMO Le Montrachet (2Q 2023)
Fine wine plus a fine spa – what else do you need? Launching in picturesque Burgundian village Puligny-Montrachet , COMO
Le Montrachet
is the latest (and first French) property in the wellness-focused COMO resort group is a celebration of life’s good things. Spread across
four 18th century stone buildings, serene contemporary suites will channel pure Gallic serenity; meanwhile the Shambala
Retreat spa will turn out deep tissue massages and hydrating facials. The restaurant will come with a superb Burgundian wine list, of
course. Prefer spirits? Look instead to another exciting French opening: La Nauve, a former
cognac distillery turned hotel near the Charente river. Teasingly Olivier Jolivet, CEO of the COMO Group has said that “
Besides Europe, we will also add a new luxury resort in the South Pacific to the portfolio next year.” (ie
2024)
.
The COMO Group is an international privately-owned company with long-term investments in the world of fashion, wellness, high-level sports
and luxury hotels. The group also supports its philanthropic mission through the COMO Foundation. Its subsidiary, COMO Hotels and Resorts,
includes 14 international properties. Destinations in APAC include Bali, the Maldives, Bhutan, Thailand and Australia. In the Americas, the
group own and operate a private island in the Turks and Caicos. In Europe, The COMO Group operates two city hotels in London and a resort in
Tuscany.
11. The Standard, Singapore (late 2023)
Opening right off Singapore’s famed Orchard Road is the Standard Singapore, which aims to enhance the city’s already vibrant cultural scene
with its buzzy, night-life-focused brand. In addition to their 143 rooms will be a signature restaurant, an infinity pool, and a bar set
within a botanical courtyard. The Standard prides itself on shaking up the establishment and defying convention to deliver a unique
experience. The company says its careful consideration of design, detail and service has allowed it to "cultivate a reputation for
irreverent and playful sensibility".
12. Capella Sydney (March 2023)
The first property for Capella Hotels and Resorts to open in Australia will be housed in a magnificent heritage-listed sandstone building,
centrally located just a short walk from the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge Capella
Sydney is
all about contemporary luxury balanced with the historical Edwardian-Baroque features – grand soaring ceilings, marble-clad foyer –
with contemporary design, international art and 70 species of local floral on a seven-metre-tall ‘green wall’ of this 100-year-old
building. Guests will also be granted access to the private Living Room – a signature of Capella properties across the world. Here,
local pros or Capella Culturists will be on hand to organise guest activities both in and outside the hotel.
Over eight levels, 192 guest rooms and suites feature walnut wood, natural stones and deluxe textiles with standalone tubs, custom Italian
Frette linen and Haeckel’s amenities in the bathroom. Three ground-level bars and restaurants include Brasserie 1930 and McRae Bar is a
modern rendition of a Victorian-era drinking den. On level six is an Aruga spa, fitness centre, yoga platform and 20-metre heated indoor
swimming pool. While the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are all within walking distance.
13. The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne (March 2023)
At the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, which promises to be
Australia’s tallest hotel, check-in happens at the Sky Lobby, 80 floors above the city. All of the hotel’s high-rise rooms,
spread across levels 63 to 79, will have stunning views of the city and Port Phillip Bay.
A sharp eye for design, and two highly respected chefs are set to be the calling cards of Australia's latest Ritz-Carlton,
delivering local, seasonal and cutting-edge cuisine across the luxury hotel's culinary offering. The restaurant will sit a cool 80 floors
above the CBD alongside the lobby, and below it will lie a holistic wellness spa that includes a heated indoor infinity pool, spa, sauna and
yoga studio. The 257 carefully appointed rooms will feature interiors with custom leather and velvet furniture,
handmade glass panels and marble bathrooms with art works by local artists gracing the walls.
Exciting Renovated Properties that will Re-Open in 2023
Not quite "new" but having had significant renovations or refurbishments, these half-dozen properties are also on our list.
1. The Dorchester: London The Dorchester has been a London icon for the last 90 years, and now
it's slated to debut its largest renovation since the '80s next year. French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon is redesigning the
hotel's entrance, promenade, guest rooms and suites, along with a new Cake & Flower boutique. The legendary Martin Brudnizki Design Studio is
redesigning the famous cocktail bar, which is now dubbed Vesper Bar.
2. The Royce Hotel, Melbourne (4Q 2023)
What do you want from your next trip to Melbourne: a culture hit or a dose of nature? At The
Royce,
sitting on the border of the CBD and South Yarra’s parklands, you can enjoy both. This 1920s gem is being restored to its art deco glory,
complete with a 14-metre high marble fireplace in the lobby lounge and a two-metre wide chandelier. The name pays tribute to its former
roles as Rolls Royce (Australia) HQ and major showroom.
The latest refurbishment, which aims to immerse guests in glamour with its 94 guest rooms, a marble staircase and
fireplace, 24-hour concierge, and a swanky bar. In the rooms, freestanding baths, Molton Brown amenities and botanical wallpaper will round
out this trendy South Yarra spot.
3. Le Meridien Melbourne (early 2023)
From its Bourke Street perch, Le Meridien Melbourne will bring a touch of French flair to the theatre district. Expect plenty of surprises
behind the art deco façade including an immersive arts program, house-made gelato and a dazzling rooftop pool deck with views looking over
Parliament House towards Fitzroy Gardens. The Parliament end of Bourke Street will welcome back Le Méridien to Australian shores.
Originally built as a hotel in the 1850s before going through lives as a cinema, nightclub and theatre, the building will return to its
origins as a hotel for the first time in decades. The 235-room hotel is set to have expansive views over the Royal Botanic
Gardens along with a rooftop pool deck.
4. Fairmont Port Douglas
Port Douglas is where the rainforest meets the reef and luxury brand Fairmont promises that its new Port Douglas resort will immerse guests
in the area’s spectacular nature.enabling them to connect with nature amidst eco-friendly luxury. Expect organic
architecture, a treetop walk, and butterfly nets above the children’s swimming pool, as well as an operating philosophy focused on
sustainability.
5. Manly Pacific, Sydney
A seaside favourite gets a new lease of life courtesy of the MGallery Hotel Collection and designers Coco Republic, who have given Manly’s
best-located hotel (right on the foreshore) a five-star makeover. Apart from the spa and the rooftop pool, highlights include a French
bistro and Tokyo Joe restaurant, featuring sushi, sashimi and more courtesy of an ex-Nobu chef..
6. W Sydney (October 2023)
Darling Harbour’s distinctive new development has already attracted plenty of attention for its eye-catching architecture. It will become
even more of a landmark once W Sydney opens with all the modern pizzazz of the W brand . With 585 stylish guest rooms and suites
occupying 25 floors with spectacular Darling Harbour views and interiors inspired by the waterfront location (think powder blue tiles and
deep circular tubs and stunning Sydney views) we expect this will be one of the city’s buzziest hotels.
Forming part of the development that includes an IMAX theatre and a retail wing. W
Sydney features
a two-storey rooftop bar, Level 29 WET® Deck with a heated 30m infinity pool, AWAY® Spa, FIT gym, all-day restaurant, Living Room bar,
1300sqm of event space and direct access to Darling Harbour waterfront precinct, and links across Cockle Bay and Sydney’s International
Convention Centre (ICC).). .
Accor Hotels just launched another partnership, this time with Qatar Airways.
Similar to the Miles + Points partnership with KLM/Air France Flying Blue , Accor
with Qantas
and other crossover programs (eg Marriott and Emirates; Shangri-La and Singapore Airlines; Hyatt and American Airlines), you can now
double dip on Accor hotel stays and Qatar Airways flights. Here are the details of the partnership and now to earn both
Reward points and Avios.
Accor and Qatar Crossover partnership
Accor Hotels and Qatar Airways have already had a partnership, but now this partnership is being improved. Now, members of either loyalty
program can earn both ALL Reward points and Qatar Avios on either flight and hotel bookings.
First, you need to link your ALL account with your Qatar Airways Privilege Club account. You can link your accounts either via Accor
Hotels or Qatar
Airways.
If you already took advantage of the ALL
and Flying Blue partnership,
you'll need to choose which airline you want to double dip with. You can only linked your ALL account to one airline at a time. If you
linked your ALL account to Flying Blue in the past 12 months, you will need to wait until the end of 12 months before you can link to Qatar
Airways.
Double-dipping between Accor Hotels and Qatar Airways
After you link your Accor Live Limitless and Qatar Airways Privilege Club accounts, you will start earning both ALL Reward points and Avios
on your stays and flights:
For every US$2 spent on Qatar Airways flights, you will earn 1 ALL Reward point, in addition to the Avios you earn on
the flight.
For every €1 spent at Accor properties, you will earn 1 Avios in your Qatar Airways Privilege Club account, in addition to the
regular ALL Reward points
earned for your stay.
Make sure to provide your applicable account membership number at booking or check-in to receive points and Avios.
Once you have accrued your Avios and Reward points, you can transfer from one program to the other:
Members who do not have a Privilege Club membership account before linking accounts will need to take an extra step. You will only earn
Avios on hotel activities after performing an international activity. That can be your first stay outside of the country
of residence in your ALL loyalty program account or after your first flight on Qatar Airways (all of which are international).
All domestic stays within 12 months before the first international activity and after the account linkage will be retroactively rewarded
with Avios. Avios earned retroactively on stays in a given year will be credited no later than December 31 of that same year.
To remain eligible for the accrual of Avios on eligible stays, the members will have to perform an international activity at least every 12
months.
Fast-track to Elite Status
The Accor and Qatar partnership includes a fast track to elite status in both rewards programs. Accor elite status members will earn Qatar
Airways Privilege Club elite status after their first qualifying flight:
ALL Gold status members will receive Privilege Club Silver status;
ALL Platinum status members will receive Privilege Club Gold status.; and
ALL Diamond status members will receive Privilege Club Platinum status.
Conversely, Privilege Club elite status members will earn ALL elite status after your first qualifying hotel stay:
Privilege Club Gold status members will receive ALL Silver status.
Privilege Club Platinum status members will receive ALL Gold status.
These Fast Track offers are only available once. Your complimentary ALL elite status will be good until the end of the
following calendar year. So, you have the incentive to try to get your status as close to the beginning of the year as you can.
Complimentary Privilege Club elite statuses will be good 12 months after being received.
What does this mean for you?
This is another great partnership from Accor. Double-dipping on points is always a nice benefit and reciprocal elite status levels are also
great, especially when you can earn Oneworld Emerald status with your ALL Diamond status.
Avios earned can also be transferred/used for other Avios programs (BA, Iberia etc.), which may suit for say short-haul rewards
flights.
But the ability to accrue rewards with Qatar, consistently rated as one of the world's best airlines, is an
outstanding attraction of this new double-dipping program. Depending upon your flying patterns and the alliance program your preferred
airline belongs to (Qatar and Qantas are both OneWorld, Air France/KLM is SkyTeam), this may very well be the best double-dipping
program.
To learn more about the Accor Live Limitless rewards program...
Read More…
Accor marks its 400th hotel in Australia and the Pacific
This milestone for Accor is part of its dynamic Pacific expansion, with 11 new hotels set to open in next two years in Australia
and New Zealand.
Just three decades after entering the Australia/Pacific hotel market, Accor has
recently added its 400th hotel, with the launch of The Porter House Hotel - MGallery in Sydney.
Accor's first hotel in the region - Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour (1991) - was a catalyst for the redevelopment of Darling Harbour into
Sydney's premier tourism, entertainment and events precinct, and the transformation of the iconic Porter House building into a luxury hotel
is set to boost Sydney's CBD revival.
The opening of The Porter House Hotel is part of a large-scale expansion of Accor in the Pacific region, with 11 new hotels and 1,569
rooms scheduled to open before the end of 2023. They include the debut of the 25hours brand in Australia, new airport hotels at
Melbourne Airport and Auckland Airport, and another heritage restoration in Sydney, Hotel Morris, which is being created out of the
1929-built former West End Hotel in Pitt Street.
Announcing the 400th hotel milestone, Accor Pacific CEO, Sarah Derry, said it was fitting to celebrate such a major landmark as the hotel
industry accelerated towards a full post-pandemic recovery.
Each year Travel + Leisure magazine taps into its readership and invites thousands to complete a survey that rates airlines,
spas, hotels, islands and more on many factors. The detailed survey evaluation results in its readers' rankings of the best hospitality has
to offer from around the world.
Participants in the survey collected data from late October 2021 through to the end of February 2022. They rated (with a maximum score
of 100) hotels, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, etc on numerous characteristics, with the option of rating excellent, above
average, average, below average and poor. A minimum number of responses was necessary for a candidate to be eligible for Travel +
Leisure‘s
World’s Best Awards.
This year’s results spanned a whopping 120 categories among hotels, resorts and hospitality brands in cities, countries and regions
globally; to spas, favourite global cities, and best islands, cruise lines, tour operators, safari outfitters, airlines, car rental
companies and National Parks.
Some key observations:
The overall winner was the super-luxury Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Montalcino. Rosewood also had 2 other properties in the top 100.
Auberge and Shangri-La also both had 3 properties in the top 100.
The groups with the most properties in the top 100 both have Indian roots - Oberoi and Taj both had 6 properties in the
list of top 100 hotels.
While Preferred Hotels owns no hotels of its own, it markets (and offers a loyalty program) for 5 of the top
100 hotels (Pendry Chicago #25, Riggs Washington D.C. #31, Finca Cortesín Hotel Golf & Spa, Málaga #44, Grand Hotel Tremezzo – Lake Como,
#53 and Rancho Santana – Tola, Nicaragua, #56).
Multi-brand Marriott had 4 properties, while Capella, Hilton, Six Senses (IHG), Rocco Forte and Mandarin Oriental each had 2 properties
rated in the top 100.
In terms of the Best 25 Hotel Brands in the World, the Accor stable rated very well, with 3 of its brands rated in the top
25 (Raffles #4, Sofitel Legend #6 and Banyan Tree #11). Global Hotels Alliance (GHA) also had 3 of its brands
rated in the top 25 (Viceroy #10, Anantara #14 and Capella #17).
Of the major, multi-brand chains, IHG (Six Senses #19), Hilton (St Regis #24) and Marriott (Luxury Collection #25) each had 1 brand in
the top 25.
If you'd like to know more about any of the hotels or brands, our associated Travel Agency is a specialist advisor for Langham, Shangri-La. Rosewood, Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria, Raffles, Preferred
Hotels, Hyatt, IHG, Conrad and St Regis - able to offerfree perks like room upgrades and property credits when you book.
Our congratulations to Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco and all category winners. Far too many to list here entirely,
so we list below a selection of the results:
100 Best Hotels in the World
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco (99.25),
Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection (99.22),
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi (99.11),
Pickering House Inn, Wolfeboro (98.95) and
One&Only Reethi Rah (98.93).
25 Best Hotel Brands of the World
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts (97.50),
One&Only Resorts (96.20),
Oetker Collection (96.15),
Raffles Hotels & Resorts (95.5) and
Red Carnation Hotel Collection (95.32).
5 Best Resorts - South Pacific
Namale Resort & Spa, Savusavu, Fiji,
Conrad Bora Bora Nui,
St. Regis Bora Bora Resort,
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora,
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa.
Best Islands of the World
Ischia, Italy (94.61),
Maldives (94.44),
Bali (92.51),
Milos, Greece (92.50) and
Fiji Islands (92.38).
5 Best International Spas
Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, Mexico (95.76),
Sha Wellness Clinic, El Abir, Spain (95.20),
Therme di Saturnia (94.15),
Mountain Trek Fitness Retreat & Health Spa (93.26),
Chable Maroma, Punta Maroma, Mexico (89.90).
25 Best Cities in the World
Oaxaca, Mexico (92.96),
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (91.77),
Ubud, Indonesia (91.73),
Florence (91.06) and
Istanbul (90.97).
Best City Hotels - Europe
Hôtel Madame Rêve, Paris (98.73),
Rosewood Villa Magna, Madrid (98.67),
Portrait Firenze, Florence (98.25),
Raffles Istanbul (98.25) and
Shangri-La at the Shard, London (97.86).
Best City Hotels - Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific
The Langham, Melbourne (92.53),
Park Hyatt Sydney (90.40),
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney (88.30),
InterContinental Sydney (87.76) and
Shangri-La Sydney (86.40).
Best Islands - Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific
Fiji Islands (92.38),
Moorea, French Polynesia (90.24),
Bora Bora, French Polynesia (87.70),
Great Barrier Reef Islands (86.90) and
Tahiti, French Polynesia (83.33).
Read More…
Banyan Tree "Branches Out" With 4 Exciting New Properties In Japan
Banyan Tree Group has announced its expansion into Japan with the introduction of four locations. Two have already opened,
with the others being rolled-out over the next few years.
Banyan Tree Holdings brands include Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia, Dhawa and Laguna. The group is well known throughout Asia for its
luxury wellness and sustainable ethos, with beautiful villas and resorts, especially in beachside locations.
Members of Accor Live Limitless can use points to make bookings at select Banyan Tree properties.
Banyan Tree and Angsana are two of our favourite spa/wellness groups, so this expansion into urban and ski-field locations is
particularly exciting!
Watch this space...
Opened on 17 June 2022: Dhawa Yura Kyoto opened its doors on June 17 near Sanjo Ohashi, a bridge that was once the final station of the ancient
Tokaido Road from Tokyo. The road served as a route for long-distance voyagers during the Edo period in Japan. The 138-room hotel’s historic
ties are reflected in the interior design and artwork, besides an 8lement Spa.
As the first opening under the group’s newest concept, Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto is a 25-room hotel that also opened on
June 17. It is located in front of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in 1603 during the Tokugawa Shogunate. The new
Garrya brand is a concept promising a Zen-like atmosphere along with a focus on well-being and sustainability at a more accessible price
point. The first Garrya, the Garrya Huzhou Lucun, opened in Huzhou, China, in 2021, now accomp[anied by the Garrya Nijo Castle
Kyoto.
Planned to open 2024:
Located in the Gion and Higashiyama district, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto will open in spring 2024 as a 52-room luxury,
hilltop urban resort. It is touted to be the first and only hotel in Kyoto city to have a Noh
stage.
Planned to open 2025:
A newly built resort set to open in 2025 in the most popular ski resort destination of Japan, Cassia Hirafu in Niseko will
be a stone’s throw from Hirafu ski slope. It will feature 50 rooms and 113 residences that will be available for sale.
Planned to open 2026:
Renowned for its hot spring and views of Mount Fuji, Banyan Tree Ashinoko Hakone is slated to open in 2026, in an area
adjacent to Lake Ashino.
Accor's novel "floating hotel" combines luxury with QE2 history
Accor's MGallery Hotel Collection is adding a novel property to its portfolio - the world-renowned cruise ship, Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2).
After Accor taking over operations from May 2022, the cruise ship will undergo further upgrades and renovations prior to joining the
MGallery Hotel Collection. Once the renovation is completed, the new MGallery Queen Elizabeth 2 will feature 447 hotel rooms, nine food
& beverage outlets, ten meeting rooms, 5,620sqm area for outdoor events, six retail outlets, a swimming pool and a gym.
Permanently berthed in Dubai’s Port Rashid, the QE2’s location will in close proximity to Sheikh Zayed Road, providing easy
connection to every main attraction the city has to offer. Dubai International Airport, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and La Mer Beach are all
located less than 20 minutes away, while the Palm Jumeirah and Mall of the Emirates are located 35 and 29 minutes, respectively.
Presumably it will participate in Accor Live Limitless (the loyalty program), but I am yet to have that confirmed.
I'm also curious to know if it will retain the capability to sail again. If so, it would have the potential to be moved to another
port/location, should the need ever arise.
A novel property that will contribute to the Dubai Urban Master plan 2049, providing a sustainable urban development while increasing
the city attractiveness as a global destination. Guests will be able to enjoy a unique experience while conveniently located to all of
Dubai's attractions.
I'm pencilling it in for my future Middle East tour.
New Orient Express hotel in Venice | links to the Orient Express La Dolce Vita rail journey
Late in 2021 (see article dated 10 December 2021), the Accor-owned Orient Express announced the launch of a new train service, offering
travellers an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most beloved countries: Italy.
The Orient Express La Dolce Vita will welcome its first travellers in 2023. Six trains will embark through several iconic
itineraries across 14 regions and beyond, including three international destinations from Rome to Paris, Istanbul and Split.
A stopover in Rome will feature the very first Orient Express Hotel, Minerva, scheduled to open in 2024.
Orient Express has recently announced its second hotel in Italy, at the spectacular Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice, set
to open in early 2024. A sample of its beautiful architectural detail is pictured.
Located just ten minutes from Venice's Santa Lucia train station, next to the Cannaregio shopping district, the Palazzo Donà Giovannelli is a
treasured palace built in 1400 by architect Filippo Calendario, known for Venice’s famed Doge's Palace. The Orient Express Venice Hotel will
be home to 45 rooms and suites, all overlooking the gardens and canals of Venice. The hotel bar will be located in the former piano nobile
ballroom on the main floor of the building. Select terraces hidden on the hotel’s rooftops will offer the most beautiful views of the
wonders of the Serenissima.
As soon as the hotel opens, passengers on the Orient Express La Dolce Vita train will be able to disembark directly at the Venice Santa
Lucia Station and reach the Orient Express Venice Hotel by foot or by boat.
Accor today announced that it is accelerating its expansion in the all-inclusive market with the launch of its multi-branded All-Inclusive
Collection
– an expanded offering that builds upon the success and experience in the luxury-all-inclusive market gained over 20+ years under the
Rixos brand (predominantly in Turkey, the Middle East and Central Asia).
Accor created the All-Inclusive Collection using not only Rixos properties, but by including its luxury and premium brands
with Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, Swissôtel and Mövenpick in the Collection. International expansion of the
all-inclusive business will be centered in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Turkey, Asia, Central America and the Caribbean.
The Collection will initially focus on the further expansion of Rixos’ footprint to 50 properties in the network and pipeline and will
scale and diversify as part of a longer term multi-branded strategy of having over 100 all-inclusive resorts in the next five years.
Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha and Rixos Qetaifan Doha—which includes one of the world’s largest waterparks—will both open in time for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Swissôtel Sharm el Sheikh will open later this year as the first non-Rixos branded
property in the All-Inclusive Collection; it will have 1,350 rooms, a water park, multiple dining, beach club and entertainment facilities.
The All-Inclusive Collection will include new openings of Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha and the Rixos Qetaifan Doha, which includes
one of the world’s largest waterparks. Both these resorts will open in time for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Also opening
later in 2022 will be the first non-Rixos branded property in the collection - the Swissôtel Sharm el Sheikh.
Carefully curated entertainment programmes, for both day and evening activities, will play a central role, with spectacular shows and
multiple sporting activities per resort accompanied by world-class spa and wellness facilities. This will be complemented by
a breadth of restaurant, bar, beach club and nightlife concepts that will be inspired and led by Carte Blanched, with each venue
providing diverse and culturally relevant cuisines and culinary experiences.
Since the pandemic, there has been a substantial increase in demand for travel to All-inclusive resorts.Accor and Hyatt are 2 of the
groups well-positioned to respond to this trend.
To learn more abour Accor's brands and loyalty program...
Read More…
Accor expands Australian footprint with new deal
Salter Brothers has announced that its portfolio of hotels, acquired as part of the recent Travelodge acquisition, will be joining the
global hotel giant Accor at the start of the 2023 financial year.
The management agreement, which includes an industry-leading link to ESG outcomes, will see its hotels (2000+ rooms) rebranded to (budget
brand) ibis Styles, Mercure and Novotel (mid-range) hotels when they join the 340+ Accor network of hotels, apartments and resorts across
Australia.
The deal is Accor’s largest integration since its $1.2 billion acquisition of Mantra Group in 2018, which brought the Art Series, Peppers,
Mantra and BreakFree brands under Accor.
Nine of the properties will become Mercure hotels, growing Mercure from 44 properties in Australia to 53, making Mercure the largest and
fastest growing global mid-scale brand in Australia with more than 50 hotels.
Both Accor and Slater believe that the Australian travel market is starting to show very promising signs of recovery and the deal signals
their confidence in the return of corporate travel.
We anticipate that all the properties will participate in the loyalty program, Accor Live Limitless.
Is Accor changing ALL status requirements ?
It looks to me that Accor will be changing its qualification criteria for elite tier status levels.
The latest ALL T&C's dated 26 Jan 2022
show qualification based on either nights stayed or rewards points accumulated (Silver 2,000; Gold 7,000; Platinum 14,000
and Diamond 26,000).
However, the ALL members' site is
currently showing the criteria as based on (the same number of) nights stayed or eligible spending (Silver €800, Gold
€2,800; Platinum €5,600 and Diamond €10,400).
Since all tiers of members earn status points at the rate of points per €10 spent (eg 25 at say a Sofitel property), this will
result in the same amount of spending required.
Why the subtle change?
While all members receive the same earning rate at a particular property (no tier bonuses), not all properties have the same earning rate
for status points (eg IBIS 12.5 or 10 for both Peppers and Mantra).
So for all members, a stay at a Peppers property would, for the same spend, earn 40% compared to the identical spend at a Sofitel property.
By changing the thresholds to spending rather than based on one of only 4 earning rates, this is much fairer to members, as the same spend
provides the same tier status, regardless of which properties received the spending.
If this change does come into effect, it is an improvement for Accor's ALL members. Bravo!
Sixt Car Rental - new points partner for Accor
Car rental company Sixt and French hospitality giant Accor have just signed a points partnership deal, that will provide attractive
benefits for members of Accor's loyalty program ALL – worldwide and free of charge.
As part of the long-term collaboration, members of ALL will be able to collect points when they book a rental car with Sixt,
with packages of 200 to 500 points
Currently Accor also has a partnership with Europcar, where ALL members earn up to 1,000 points for every rental, plus
get a 10-20% discount.
So we will wait to see if both partnerships survive, or Sixt replaces Europcar.
World Ski Awards - Best of 2021
World Ski Awards - the sister organisation of World Travel Awards - has unveiled the winners of its ninth annual
programme. The results follow a year-long search for the world’s leading ski travel, tourism and hospitality brands.
A brief selection of the prize-winners (and their loyalty programs where relevant) is shown below.
Benefits include discounted flights and Qantas Club membership with Qantas and for Accor, discounted rooms, food & beverages at
participating Accor properties in the APAC region.
Better yet, for a limited time there is a promotional offer where you can receive 5,000 bonus Qantas points when you join
Accor Business Plus and Qantas Business Rewards. You can receive a further 5,000 Qantas points by making purchases.
You must purchase an Accor Business Plus between 17 January and 13 March 2022 to receive the bonus Qantas points. Other
T&C's also apply.
This is a very attractive promotion if relevant to you. Like to learn more?
Read More…
La Dolce Vita returns with Orient Express
Soon, the Accor-owned Orient Express will launch a new train service, offering travellers an unforgettable journey through one of the
world’s most beloved countries: Italy.
The Orient Express La Dolce Vita will welcome its first travellers in 2023. Six trains will embark through several iconic
itineraries across 14 regions and beyond, including three international destinations from Rome to Paris, Istanbul and Split.
A stopover in Rome will feature the very first Orient Express Hotel, Minerva, scheduled to open in 2024.
The concept for the new Orient Express La Dolce Vita trains pay tribute to “La Dolce Vita,” a historical period of glamour, joie de vivre
and artistic fervour in Italy during the 1960s.
The train’s sumptuous decor will adorn 12 deluxe cabins, 18 suites, and one honour suite and restaurant, all boldly celebrating the
craftsmanship, design and creativity of the 1960-70s. (Pictured: Accor - Orient Express Deluxe Suite)
Before departure from the Roma Termini station, the Orient Express executive lounge will welcome passengers offering them a selection
of refreshments in an elegant space, complete with dedicated services and staff to assist them.
On board, travellers will experience 5-star service, savoring award-winning Italian wines and exclusive haute cuisine curated In
collaboration with local and international chefs and sommeliers.
The romance of Italy combining with the romance of luxury rail travel sounds like a winning combination to me. To La Dolce
Vita!
Banyan Tree planning for growth
Banyan Tree has unveiled plans to to double its footprint of 54 properties across 23 countries by 2025 with the introduction of 5 new brands launching in the next 18 months.
In 2022, the group will introduce the new Garrya, Homm and Folio brands, as well as two brand extensions of
Banyan Tree named Veya and Escape. Each of the 5 new brands to be released are responses to macro and regional trends such as a greater desire for well-being and sustainability-minded travel offerings.
In readiness, it has
already opened 7 hotels so far this year, including:
last month's opening of the first Garrya Huzhou Lucun in China
the debut of Homm Bliss Southbeach Patong: and
a soft-opening of Banyan Tree Veya Phuket.
Four Garrya and two Homm have been signed in Asia with more in the pipeline.
This follows Banyan Tree Group this year signing 20 hotel management agreements worldwide including Benin, Mexico, Greece, Saudi Arabia,
Korea, Thailand, China and Vietnam.
Banyan Tree has along-established reputation for luxurious spa and resort properties with an ethos of sustaianabilty and supporting
local communities. These new destinations will add exciting options.
Banyan Tree's ethos of sustainability started in 1994 when they
transformed an ecological wasteland spoiled by waste from a nearby tin mine into a rejuvenated area with the first environmentally
sensitive Banyan Tree resort.
Stays at Banyan Tree spas and resorts (which I highly recommend) can be either booked
directly
or via Accor (to receive ALL member benefits).
Accor is one of our advertisers and at no additional cost to you we may receive a small compensation if you use our link (with
thanks).
Raffles Hotel London | Accor confirms opening late 2022
Accor has confirmed Raffles London at the OWO will open toward the end of 2022.
A combined residential and grand new hotel in the landmark Grade II listed former Old War Office on Whitehall, are being completed in
partnership with Hinduja Group, which has been passionately committed to the meticulous restoration of the heritage features of the building
since 2016.
Hundreds of artisan craftspeople have been commissioned to restore the historic interior elements including delicate hand-laid
mosaic floors, oak panelling, chandeliers and a magnificent marble staircase.
The building will open to the public for the first time, having undergone a transformation to create 120 rooms and suites, 85 unique branded
residences and 11 destination restaurants and bars.
Located at one of London’s most historically significant addresses, originally completed in 1906 and designed by British architect William
Young, it has stood witness to many world-shaping events. The likes of Sir Winston Churchill, Lord Haldane and the James Bond (is that
his Aston Martin DB5 out front?)
author Ian Fleming have all walked the corridors of what was the Ministry of Defence headquarters.
The OWO will be the first Raffles hotel in the UK and is located opposite Horse Guards, with views towards St
James’s Park, and is moments from Downing Street and UNESCO world heritage sites: The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey.
It will have an extensive wellness space featuring world leading spa and fitness partners and will be home to a rooftop restaurant and bar
with panoramic views across Whitehall, the Mall and on to Buckingham Palace.
I love when historic buildings are restored & repurposed so that their beauty can be appreciated by future generations.
Accor welcomes Hotel Belmont Vancouver into its MGallery Hotel Collection
Accor announced that effective today, December 1st, 2021, Hotel Belmont Vancouver (pictured) will join the Group as
the first Canadian property in the MGallery Hotel Collection of individual, boutique-styled hotels.
As part of the MGallery Hotel Collection, Hotel Belmont Vancouver will maintain its unique personality and bespoke design while also
featuring some of the MGallery brand's markers such as memorable character, luxury, innovation, local art, and music.
The 5-story, 82-room boutique property features retro-modern design, upscale finishings, and curated art throughout. Hotel Belmont Vancouver
has a glitzy past, famous in the city for hosting many performers over the years, including young crooner Michael Bublé at the start of his
singing career.
Another attractive option for Accor ALL members, it joins the other Accor properties in Vancouver of Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont
Pacific Rim, Fairmont Waterfront and Fairmont Vancouver Airport.
Accor Stadium - new name for Sydney's Stadium Australia
The iconic venue is recognisable from being the centrepiece of the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
It has a capacity to hold concerts for 100,000 spectators (eg Adele, AC/DC, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift) and over 80,000 people for seated
sporting events (such as National Rugby League Grand Finals, international Football games, and Bledisloe Cup and British & Irish Lions
rugby Test matches).
Members of Accor’s global lifestyle loyalty programme, ALL
– Accor Live Limitless, will receive exclusive access to ‘Limitless Experiences’, and more across Accor Stadium events.
A further boost to Accor's loyalty program members in Australia, who already benefit from specific APAC regional program benefits.
Accor announces new luxury hotels & resorts collection
Accor yesterday introduced Emblems Collection, a global portfolio of boutique hotels and luxurious resorts.
The first property under the new brand is slated to open in December 2021 - Guiyang Art Centre Hotel, Emblems Collection - in the Guizhou
province of China.
The luxury brand is expected to grow to 60 properties around the world by 2030.
“The hotels we will feature in Emblems Collection are those sought out by travellers who appreciate high-end, boutique-style experiences”
said Sébastien Bazin, CEO of Accor.
Accor will encourage hotels under the new brand to retain their unique identities, which is important to hoteliers who have invested in
creating a certain style for their hotel and/or market.
Looking forward to a staycation / city break? Accor has a choice of over 100 hotels to choose from in
Australia and New Zealand in their Black Friday sale.
Accor APAC Members receive early access to the sale. Register & book before 25 November to get 30% off the
price of their stay and earn 2X Reward points. Accor Plus members receive an additional 10% off.
The member-only sale ends midnight on 25 November 2021, and public access starts 26 November and ends 1 December
2021.
Stays must be completed between 01 December 2021 & 28 February 2022.
.
Further T&C's apply.
Read More…
Accor & Qantas commence their dual earning alliance
Today marked the launch of the "crossover" alliance between the Accor Live Limitless and Qantas Frequent Flyer programs.
Under their agreement, you must be a member of both programs, then you can earn points under both programs:
1) from Qantas flights around the world if they hold at least either ALL Gold or QFF Platinum tier status; 2) from stays at Accor properties, regardless of tier status, but only for stays in the APAC region.
Accor extends ALL points expiry...another 12 months
Accor has announced a further extension for the expiry of its ALL members points.
Back in March this year, ALL points expiry was extended to 15 December 2021. Ths has now been further extended to 15 December 2022
This complements the tier status extension that was announced in October (also to December 2022).
A welcome development for Victorians, who have just come out of lockdown and in time for summer breaks. Also for members in the
Americas, where Accor's footprint is smaller and there is less opportunity to earn points to extend the life of accrued points.
Fairmont announces offers showcasing links between its sustainable properties & nature
Since its creation in 1907, Fairmont has developed magnificent destinations from the big city sights of New York to the spectacular
landscape of Canada’s Rocky Mountains.
Fairmont was the first luxury hotel brand to adopt a global sustainability program (now incorporated into Accor’s dedicated program, Planet
21). Today,
Fairmont has a portfolio of over 80 properties where sustainable development has been a key element.
With this campaign, the brand reveals breathtaking images that connect natural landscapes to Fairmont destinations in the desert,
the mountains and tallgrass prairies.
Over the coming months, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts around the world will unveil “The Grandest of Escapes Exclusively by Fairmont”
- a series of offers that through a series of "unique and exciting experiences that will breathe new life into adventurers’ souls and
the need to reconnect with nature”.
Accor ALL members and Fairmont fans should keep their eyes peeled for future announcements…
Australian members of ALL can earn 3x the normal number of points when renting a car through Hertz.
Book before 30 November and rent before 15 December 2021 to enjoy:
* 15% off the base rental rate
* triple rewards points.
When you make your booking you must quote:
CDP
code: 840267 PC code: 203530 and provide your ALL membership number.
Read more to go to the Hertz site to make your booking.
Read More…
Accor changes rules so ALL points are now easier to retain
Good news for Accor Live Limitless (ALL) members.
Now any points earned will extend the life of all your points.
Previously points expired after 365 days unless you had made an eligible stay or participated in the Accor Dining
Offer.
Points may be earned from stays, shopping with retailers on the Accor portal, using one of their partners' products (eg car rental with
Europcar or Hertz) or dining in one of the many participating restaurants, bars and cafes.
Qantas announced plans on May 31st to giveaway a suite of mega prizes to Australians who get the COVID-19 vaccine, including unlimited
travel for a year. This is in addition to the announcement a week earlier that it would offer frequent flyer points along with travel
vouchers and status credits to Australians who get inoculated. It is understood the options being considered by Qantas include
giving people who get both their two COVID-19 jabs up to 1000 frequent flyer points, flight vouchers towards domestic and international
flights, and status credits, which allow people to move into high Frequent Flyer tiers.
Any reward would be available to people who had already received their jabs and the program would run until the end of 2021 when the vaccine
rollout is due to be completed; the details are yet to be completed.
Now, the national carrier has launched a further incentive scheme which it hopes will boost vaccination rates and help get state and
international borders reopened permanently.
“We’re looking at having 10 mega-prizes, at least one for each state or territory, where a family of four can have unlimited free travel for
a year on the Qantas and Jetstar networks,” CEO Alan Joyce revealed on Channel 7’s Sunrise program.
The trips would be in economy class and each of the ten winners. “In addition to that, the Accor Group have come on board and
they’re offering one million Accor Points, which gives free accommodation at 400 hotels and resorts across the country.”
Joyce said the program would launch in July, "will include anybody that has already been vaccinated (and) will apply to anybody that's
vaccinated through to the end of 2021."
“We have a vested interest in this, we want to do everything we can to ensure the borders domestically open and stay open and that we get
international up and running,” he explained.
The airline has consistently said that it will require all passengers to be vaccinated when it restarts international flights beyond New
Zealand.
More Australians vaccinated means more potential travellers making bookings.
While the moves may not be entirely altruistic, I think both companies are to be commended for “putting their money where their
mouth is” and not just relying on Government to provide support for the ailing sector.
It’s understood that vaccinated Australians will be able to claim their rewards and enter to win a mega-prize through the Qantas app from
July.
Don’t be surprised to see if this coincides with the launch of the Qantas/Accor
dual points earning
(crossover) capability that was announced in November 2020 as part of a closer strategic relationship between the companies. This too
was scheduled to launch mid-2021 and will be the first partnership of its kind between an airline and hospitality group in the Asia Pacific region.
Read More…
Qantas and Accor have announced a deeper partnership that will see mutual members of their loyalty programs being able to double-dip for
rewards points in the APAC region.
The newly minted crossover feature is scheduled to launch mid-2021.
While similar to other crossover programs (eg Marriott and both Emirates and United; Shangri-La and Singapore Airlines; Hyatt and American
Airlines), it will be the first partnership of its kind between an airline and hospitality group in the Asia Pacific region.
Will it be an attractive feature? Read on for our thoughts.
There was an article in Le Figaro (later syndicated through Reuters) saying that Accor was looking closely at IHG with a view to takeover
or merger. How would that look ? Where are the overlaps? What might it mean for the respective programs of Accor Live
Limitless and IHG Rewards Club?
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2020 Freddie Awards winners - One airline swept the field in its category and one hotel chain that dominated in Europe and APAC is now
gaining recognition in the Americas.
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News & views on * IHG points promotion * Meliá hotels world’s most sustainable * Four Points Gatwick * Fairmont best Luxury Hotel brand *
More Hyatt/SHL options
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News & views on * IHG points promotion * Meliá hotels world’s most sustainable * Four Points Gatwick * Fairmont best Luxury Hotel brand *
More Hyatt/SHL options
Read More…
