This past March was a strong month for new European city hotels as several opened including properties in Paris, Salzburg and Zurich. Along with these there were some interesting properties that opened earlier in Belgrade and Liverpool that deserve mention. The following selection includes historic boutiques, business hotels, an artsy four star and more under large brands such as Aloft and Melia and small independents.
The Kameha Grand Zurich Hotel opened in March as the Marriott Autograph Collection's first property in Switzerland. The 245-room hotel has a spa; the Puregold Bar; and two gourmet restaurants, one Italian and one Japanese. The hotel is in Glattpark, a business district close to the airport that is surrounded by forests, meadows and ponds including Kameha Lake, which is Zurich's largest lake.
The hotel is geared toward the MICE segment with ample space for small to large meetings. The Kameha Dome, at 701 square meters, can be set up for any type of event including large-scale conferences, social gatherings or trade shows. Interconnecting event rooms accommodate up to 960 people. The hotel's six business suites feature a conference table for six and the option to adjoin with other suites. Those who participate in the Marriott Rewards Bonus program can collect points at the hotel.
Boutique Salzburg
In March, the 16-room Goldgasse Hotel opened in a part of Salzburg known for boutique shops, cafés and bakeries. Housed in a 700-year-old building, the Goldgasse offers home-like luxury near Salzburg Cathedral, the Hohensalzburg Fortress and Mozart's birthplace. The 13th-century building, once used by coppersmiths, was restored with many historical features left intact such as frescoes, original timbers, stucco and old stone floors.
Each named for a different opera, the 16 rooms and suites have oversized wardrobes and walls used as a canvas to depict some of the most representative Operas of the Salzburg Festival.
The Jedermann suite has fine views of the city from a private roof terrace. All rooms and suites feature marble bathrooms complete with rain and massage showers, minibars, handmade bathroom amenities, an espresso machine and tea selection, free Wi-Fi and a flat screen TV loaded with movies including The Sound of Music. The hotel's restaurant emphasizes Alpine charm with hefty timbers, newly upholstered wooden furniture and more. The hotel's rates are extremely reasonable with doubles starting at €165 based on two people sharing.
Parisian Four-Star with a View
The 369-room Meliá Paris La Défense also opened this March as the largest four star hotel to open in Paris in 10 years. The new property rises 18 floors and offers panoramic views of the city. The Skyline Paris Lounge & Bar and the Fitness Center are both on the 19th floor, allowing guests to drink, eat or work out while enjoying the view. Each room features superior linens, a bathroom with a rain shower and premium amenities, and a flat-screen satellite television. The Place lobby bar and lounge is set on the ground floor of the hotel as a casual restaurant and deli complete with an outdoor terrace. The hotel also can host meetings and events with over 2,775 square feet of flexible event space and eight conference rooms, which can accommodate up to 400 people. Located in the city's business district, rates start at $205 per room.
The Allure of Belgrade
Belgrade's Allure Caramel by Karisma was Allure Hotels' first property in Europe when it opened last fall. Formerly the Hotel Admiral Club, it combines historic charm with modern comforts. Built by a former mayor in 1927, the Allures is located in Old Town within walking distance to the Bohemian quarter and other attractions, such as museums, theaters, cinemas and more.
The Allure Caramel's style shows Russian, French and Italian influences. The hotel's ceremonial entrance has classic columns, ionic capitals, balustrades in wrought iron, tile ornamentation windows, and sculptural ensembles by sculptor Zivojin Lukic. The Glass House Restaurant is set amidst the gardens adjacent to the hotel. All Allure Hotels, by Karisma, feature such personalized touches as Aromatherapy & Pillow Menu, complimentary Wi-Fi, iPod docking stations, as well as shoe shine, ironing, and nightly turn-down service upon request. Rates start at €250.
Rock and Roll Loft Rooms for Liverpool
The Aloft Liverpool Hotel also opened last fall in a 110-year old Royal Insurance Building in central Liverpool on the corner of Dean Street and North John Street. The 116-room property has loft-like ceilings nearly three meters high as well as oversized windows, plush platform beds and large walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. Facilities include the W XYZ bar, a space where guests can mingle, work or grab a drink with friends.
The opening of Aloft Liverpool is the culmination of an £18 million investment project to regenerate and preserve Liverpool's historic Royal Insurance Building. "Aloft Liverpool perfectly illustrates how we can transform a once derelict, historic building, into a world-class hotel and bring new life into the local area," said Colin Bennett, area manager U.K. & Ireland, Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Hotel facilities include the Re:charge fitness center; Re:fuel by Aloft, a one-stop, 24-hour grab-and-go food and beverage area; and the W XYZ bar, which hosts Live at Aloft Hotels music events. Aloft Hotels regularly team up with cutting-edge musicians to bring live performances to properties around the world. The hotel also offers a suite of five Tactic meeting rooms equipped with audio, visual, plasma TV and Wi-Fi.
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