2LUXURY2.COM
LIFESTYLE • POWER • ESCAPE • SINCE 2009

Tag: InterContinental

  • InterContinental introduces AI Smart Rooms. Where it’s going next

    InterContinental introduces AI Smart Rooms. Where it’s going next

     

    Connected Room came to life. The application of AI has gone beyond smart homes and automatic driving, and now marks a new milestone in the hospitality industry.

    Hospitality companies have an exciting challenge to find new ways to offer guests the control, connectivity and personalization they increasingly want when they’re on the road. Hilton has answered the call with its Connected Room platform, which is rooted in the unique needs of each guest.

    IHG smart rooms
    IHG smart rooms; photos: ihgplc.com

    InterContinental Hotel Group hopes its new Smart Rooms, which are powered by artificial intelligence, will improve the customer hotel experience in China’s hospitality industry. From now on, guests staying at InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun and InterContinental Guangzhou Exhibition Centre will be amongst the first to enjoy the AI Smart Rooms. A total of 100 AI powered Club InterContinental suites will be available at InterContinental hotels in gateway cities and key destinations across China within the year.

    IHG and Baidu inked a strategic partnership on AI development last November. Since then, the hospitality industry has witnessed a new wave of exploration in this field.

    Customised for InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, the AI solution is developed by Baidu’s DuerOS Platform. It integrates AI technology with hotel operations, and this is supported by hardware upgrade and cloud service.

    Unlike traditional guest rooms, the newly launched AI Smart Room will fully embrace voice control technology to deliver a more natural human-computer interactive experience. For instance, guests will be able to freely switch settings between work and leisure modes, and enjoy a more convenient and seamless room service experience. This solution will also further fine-tune the current backstage management system, including customising information and resetting devices, making hotel management a simpler task.

    “Millennials are particularly sensitive to technology, often seeking new things to try. The AI Smart Room will undoubtedly be extremely attractive for them, paving the way for a new level of modernisation and consumer satisfaction,” commented Lin Wang, Vice President of Marketing, IHG Greater China.

    Guests in a Connected Room can:

    Click on “favorites” – and their preferred viewing channels and streaming apps will appear first in the Hilton Honors app.

    Set their preferred temperature, so when they return to their room they’re not too cold or hot.

    Access their favorite streaming media brands from their in-room TV to continue watching the show or movie they were streaming before their trip, for example. Through IHG’s industry-first relationship with SHOWTIME, guests don’t need any credentials to stream hundreds of hours of shows and movies.

    InterContinental Century City Chengdu
    IHG smart rooms; photos: ihgplc.com

    How does Connected Room technology influence future innovations?

    “Hilton began beta testing Connected Room in 2017 and it will evolve throughout its rollout, announced Josh Weiss, Vice President of Brand and Guest Technology at Hilton.

    “Because it is a platform, much like with an Apple or Android mobile device, we can push new features, apps, and functionality to existing devices over time without the need to deploy additional hardware. For guests, this means that in the longer term they’ll be able to do things such as upload their photos and art to display digitally in the room, or connect to new devices. They’ll also be able to enjoy new features much faster than we could roll out these capabilities today. They may also be able to use voice commands to control their room’s features or to access their content,” added Weiss.

    “There’s a benefit to Hilton franchise owners too, who sometimes face challenges implementing new technology due to high costs and operational challenges. Connected Room will make it easier for them to keep pace with the rapid change in technology and easily integrate new innovations seamlessly into the guest experience.”

  • Around the World in a Listen: Luxury Hotel Launches Curated Audible Book Inspired by Iconic Destinations

    Around the World in a Listen: Luxury Hotel Launches Curated Audible Book Inspired by Iconic Destinations

     

    At the intersection of literature and travel: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Launches A Curated Audible Book Collection. The Curated Audible Book collection allows travelers to listen to an iconic book set in storied destinations and, in a sense, get a guided tour of the city’s soul.

    InterContinental Hotels & Resorts announced a curated list of audiobooks that offer new perspectives on worldly destinations through the intersection of literature and travel. The Stories of the InterContinental Life collection is made in partnership with Audible, Inc., the world’s largest seller and producer of downloadable audiobooks and other spoken-word entertainment.

    intercontinentalaudio
    InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Launches A Curated Audible Book Collection; photo: www.audible.com

    Brendan Francis Newnam, journalist and an Executive Producer of The Paris Review podcast, helped curate the audio library, pairing literary works with iconic travel destinations that capture the essence and intrigue of cities where InterContinental Hotels & Resorts properties are located. Newnam is also hosting a Literary Concierge Series, bringing the collection to life with exclusive literary salons. Travelers can enjoy the collection and transport themselves to the location of their choice by booking the Novel Nights package, available at select InterContinental Hotels & Resorts properties.

    The Stories of the InterContinental Life collection features both classic literature and new works, highlighting the worldliness of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. The brand has more than 190 properties located in key gateway cities and up-and-coming destinations.

    “Literature has the power to transport the mind to new places, expand cultural knowledge, and expose people to new ways of thinking,” said Brendan Francis Newnam.

    In 2018, travelers visiting the InterContinental New York Barclay and InterContinental The Clement Monterey can stimulate their mind in the comfort of their guestroom or suite by booking the Novel Nights package. The Novel Nights experience provides an Audible download of one of the literary works in the collection. In addition, the package offers a complimentary cocktail and turndown service with amenity. After a late-night listening to one of the curated Audible books, travelers can rest assured with guaranteed late checkout at 2 p.m.

    Combining literature and travel to provide travelers with new perspectives on popular destinations, the Audible collaboration and Literary Concierge Series are an extension of the global hospitality brand’s award-winning Stories of the InterContinental Life campaign, which launched in 2016. The multi-sensory storytelling campaign was introduced to incite curiosity, tap into our desire for worldly experiences, and evoke connections to new places and ideas through podcasts and videos.

    Around the World in a Listen
    Around the World in a Listen; photo: www.audible.com

     

  • These new luxurious overwater villas with private infinity pools offer a new way to enjoy Bora Bora

    These new luxurious overwater villas with private infinity pools offer a new way to enjoy Bora Bora

    InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, which is located on Motu Piti Aau with breathtaking views of Bora Bora’s majestic Mount Otemanu, introduces luxurious overwater villas with private infinity pools. The addition offers a new way for guests to enjoy the beauty of Bora Bora.

    Pool Villa - Pool Premium Villa Bora Bora
    InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa Unveils 10 Pool Overwater Villas

     

    The Pool Premium Overwater Villas offer horizon infinity views and the Pool Overwater Villas feature scenic sights of the lagoon and beach. Modern and luxurious, the one-bedroom villas feature sleek, contemporary décor with Polynesian touches, each encompassing 1,345 square-feet including a 645-square-foot terrace with direct access to the lagoon along with a private infinity pool. Each villa boasts a well-appointed living room, showcasing a glass coffee table that peers into the pristine waters and tropical marine life below. The bedroom offers a plush king-size bed, facing a large picture window with views of the lagoon and beach. The bathroom features a bathtub, separate shower, double washbasin, and complimentary range of luxury bath amenities.

    In addition to the Pool Overwater Villas, four new Brando Overwater Suites will debut at the resort in December 2017 and will feature 3,400 square feet of indoor/outdoor living space and uninterrupted, 180-degree views of Mount Otemanu.

    The eco-friendly resort features a number of unique attributes. One of the finest culinary experiences in French Polynesia, the resort’s Le Corail offers a gourmet dining experience unrivalled in Bora Bora. With the distinction of having the largest wine cellar in French Polynesia, Le Corail overlooks a lighted lagoonarium and features an inspired degustation menu of fine French cuisine perfectly paired wine. Reef affords panoramic views of the lagoon and offers authentic Polynesian fare and Mediterranean cuisine, served in stylish tropical décor. Sands, which is positioned on the hotel’s private white-sand beach, offers casual lunch and dinner options.

    Brando Suite Bora Bora

    The resort’s Bubbles Bar is outfitted with Philippe Starck furniture and features exotic cocktails including its infamous Black Pearl Martini.

    The romantic Secret Garden of Love offers couples the opportunity to symbolize their eternal devotion by sealing their love with a lock in Bora Bora in Polynesian style in the resort’s botanical garden. You can select between four Polynesian symbols—the turtle, the sun, the sea shell, and the lizard, which each correspond to a specific palm tree. Lovers can then attach their lock to the palm tree with their chosen symbol and throw away the keys in the garden’s Tiki, which symbolizes the protection of love forever. Guests are encouraged to bring their own customized lock. Locks are also available for purchase in the resort’s boutique. Traditional Tahitian wedding ceremonies are also available on the resort’s private beach and in its unique, glass-floored overwater chapel with views of the lagoon.

    Pool Villa - Pool Premium Villa Bora Bora Brando Suite Bora Bora - Master Bedroom Brando Suite Bora Bora - living room Brando Suite Bora Bora - bathroom Brando Suite Bora Bora - Master Bedroom #2 Brando Suite Bora Bora - 2 Bedroom Villa with Pool - Panoramic view Brando Suite Bora Bora - 2 Bedroom Villa with Pool

  • O2 new luxury hotel in London to have one of the largest ballrooms in Europe

    O2 new luxury hotel in London to have one of the largest ballrooms in Europe

    InterContinental Hotel Group opens new luxury hotel in London.

    InterContinental hotel in London - The O2 --

    The InterContinental Hotel Group has announced the opening of its new InterContinental hotel in London, The O2. Alongside its five destination-inspired food and beverage outlets including The Peninsula Restaurant and rooftop sky bar, Eighteen, the hotel boasts a world-class health spa and sumptuous accommodation – including 59 suites – and the most breath-taking views over London.

    Adjacent to the world-renowned O2 Arena and just 400m from North Greenwich underground station and North Greenwich Pier, the hotel offers regular access into central London in as little as 15 minutes. The hotel’s conference centre boasts a 3,100sqm pillar-free ballroom – one of the largest in Europe – with an additional 19 meeting rooms, organiser’s office and an impressive 1,600sqm pre- function space exposing dramatic views of Canary Wharf. The hotel is close to famous attractions within historic Royal Greenwich including The Cutty Sark and Greenwich Observatory, and the Maritime Museum.

    InterContinental hotel in London - The O2 InterContinental hotel in London - The O2 hotel InterContinental hotel in London - The O2 hotel facade

    It is the second London property in the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts portfolio of 30 prestigious European hotel destinations.The opening of InterContinental London – The O2 joins the recently opened InterContinental® Estoril in Portugal and InterContinental® Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel in France.

    “Much like InterContinental Hong Kong or InterContinental Paris Le Grand, this iconic hotel is set to become a destination in its own right, next to one of the UK’s most popular entertainment venues. We’re enormously proud of our award-winning brand that continues to expand in Europe’s most visited cities. East London is going through an unprecedented transformation and I’m confident InterContinental London – The O2 hotel will be the perfect luxury retreat for both local residents and guests,” said Angela Brav, Chief Executive, Europe, IHG.

    InterContinental is an award-winning brand, picking up accolades such as the coveted title of “World’s Leading Hotel Brand” at the World Travel Awards last year – an award it has held for six consecutive years; and the title of “Best Hotel Brand Worldwide” in this year’s Business Traveller Middle East Awards.

    InterContinental hotel in London - The O2 hotel facade InterContinental hotel in London - The O2 -

  • 2014 winners of the ultimate Asian travel accolade

    2014 winners of the ultimate Asian travel accolade

    World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony 2014.

    China was among the biggest winners at the World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony 2014 last week, with a host of awards headed for the emerging tourism powerhouse, announced the organizers of ‘the Oscars of the travel industry.’

    Hosts The Oberoi, New Delhi also had reason to cheer, picking up the trophy for Asia’s Leading Luxury Hotel, while parent Oberoi Hotels & Resorts was recognised as Asia’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brand.

    In aviation, Hainan Air was recognised as Asia’s Leading Airline – Business Class, Singapore Airlines was awarded Asia’s Leading Airline and Air New Zealand took the title of Australasia’s Leading Airline. On the ground Changi Airport defended its title of Asia’s Leading Airport for an unprecedented ninth year.

    “Among the biggest stories of the night has been the rise of China as a tourism destination here in Asia. Our voters have recognised some industry leading organisations and I look forward to seeing many of them again at the World Travel Awards Grand Final in Morocco next month,” said World Travel Awards President Graham Cooke.

    For China, HNA Tourism Group took the title of Asia’s Leading Travel Management Company, while Deer Jet took the prestigious award for Asia’s Leading Private Jet Charter. Continuing the winning streak, Tangla Hotels & Resorts walked away with the prize for Asia’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel Brand.

    InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, one of the largest hospitality companies in the world, took the titles for both Asia’s Leading Business Hotel Brand and Asia’s Leading Luxury Business Hotel Brand.

    Indonesia Ministry of Tourism also took home the trophy for Asia’s Leading Tourist Board.World Travel Awards saw its annual Grand Tour launch successfully in Dubai in May, with Gala Ceremonies following in Greek capital Athens and Quito, high in the mountains of Ecuador.

    A final regional Gala Ceremony will take place on the sunshine island of Anguilla later this month, before Morocco welcomes World Travel Awards to Marrakech for the Grand Final 2014.


    World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia 2014. The winners in the luxury category:

    • Asia’s Leading Luxury All Suite Hotel Resorts World Sentosa – Crockfords Tower, Singapore;
    • Asia’s Leading Luxury Business Hotel Brand –  InterContinental Hotels & Resorts;
    • Asia’s Leading Luxury City Hotel – Grand Park Orchard, Singapore;
    • Asia’s Leading Luxury Hotel – The Oberoi New Delhi, India;
    • Asia’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brand – Oberoi Hotels & Resorts;
    • Asia’s Leading Luxury Resort – InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Vietnam;
    • Asia’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator – Abercrombie & Kent;
    • Asia’s Leading Luxury Train – Deccan Odyssey.
  • Los Angeles to have the tallest hotel in the West

    Los Angeles to have the tallest hotel in the West

    Tallest Hotel in the West will be an InterContinental. IHG to develop InterContinental Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.


    Los Angeles will become home to largest InterContinental Hotel in the Americas. The new IHG hotel in Los Angeles is poised to become a landmark on the city skyline.

    InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced the signing of a new 900-room InterContinental Hotels & Resorts property in downtown Los Angeles, California. The luxury hotel will make its mark on the city’s skyline as part of Korean Air and Hanjin Group’s more than $1.1 billion new-build Wilshire Grand project. Once completed it will be the largest InterContinental hotel in the Americas region.

    The 73-story, 1,100-foot tall development is set to be the tallest building in the western United States, providing unobstructed 360-degree views of Los Angeles. Currently under construction, the development will house the InterContinental hotel as well as offices and retail space. The hotel will be the first on the west coast to have a sky-lobby, which is located on the 70th floor. It is set to open in 2017 and will be the first hotel built by Korean Air in the U.S.

    The new property will reflect the four ecological typologies of Los Angeles while also embracing the laid-back sophistication of the city. The natural wood and warm colors in the building will reflect the city’s beach culture while the hotel’s sky lobby will incorporate Los Angeles’ car culture into the design through abstract representations of car lines into the internal paneling and décor.