Divers

🏠 The Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo began its transformation today, with a planned reopening on May 2, 2025. Esteemed interior designer Jacques Garcia leads the five-month renovation of rooms and suites, promising guests an enhanced experience upon their return. The hotel expresses anticipation for writing a new chapter with its guests.

🏠 Denis O’Brien, Irish businessman owning Quinta do Lago since 1998, bought Conrad Algarve from a fund managed by ECS, now under Davidson Kempner Capital Management since 2022. The undisclosed price is speculated between 100-200 million euros. The hotel is part of a portfolio including 23 hotels purchased by Davidson Kempner in 2022 for 850 million euros. Quinta do Lago, with its 14 restaurants, sports center, and three award-winning golf courses, has seen over 70 million euros in maintenance and improvements. CEO Sean Moriarty views the acquisition as a step towards luxury hospitality excellence in Algarve.

🏠 Park Hall Hotel & Spa Lancashire, dating back to the 7th century near an ancient Benedictine monastery in Chorley, reopened as part of Radisson Individuals after a complete renovation. With 64 rooms and suites plus 54 renovated cottages set to open in spring 2025, it features a recently opened spa with hydrotherapy and spa pools, thermal saunas, and Temple Spa wellness treatments, alongside a modern gym. The hotel caters to events with capacities up to 700 guests in spaces like the Medieval Banquet Hall. The Radisson partnership provides quality standards and global reach while maintaining the hotel’s unique identity, including Radisson Rewards access. Statements from sales director Sharon Myers and owner Anoob Saban highlighted the multimillion-pound investment and commitment to exceptional stays.

📝 The Syndicat des Indépendants et TPE (SDI) reacted to the French National Assembly's vote that overturned the government led by Michel Barnier. Marc Sanchez, the Secretary-General of the SDI, criticized the management of public affairs, likening it to behavior that would lead to bankruptcy if replicated in small businesses. The SDI calls for responsible politics amidst ongoing concerns about budget deficits and economic growth.

🚲 Government's budget for the national bike plan reduced to €100 million from the initially planned €1 billion over five years. The cut could delay or cancel over 400 bike infrastructure projects. Elisabeth Borne introduced the plan in 2023 to fund over 100,000 km of bike lanes by 2030. Despite national cuts, Ile-de-France maintains investments, aiming to triple bike's modal share in 10 years. The VIF (RER Vélo) project in Ile-de-France received €300 million, with continuous sections, including Paris to Le Bourget, to be completed in 2025.

🛒 Marriott International partners with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) to open three hotels in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Over 1,200 rooms will be offered across the brands Courtyard by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, and Residence Inn by Marriott. This initiative is to enhance Medina's hospitality sector and support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The Islamic World District (IWD) project spans one million square meters, located near the Haramain high-speed railway station.

🏀 The Originals Human Hotels & Resorts partnered with Red Star FC, the second oldest French football club, until 2026, sharing values of closeness, authenticity, and accessibility. Red Star FC was founded in 1897 by Jules Rimet, the creator of the World Cup and FIFA. The club offers free cultural and artistic workshops for young members through the Red Star LAB initiative. The partnership enhances The Originals Hotels' connection with the club and fans, promoting social and cultural development in Seine-Saint-Denis.

⚽ Red Star FC, founded in 1897 by Jules Rimet in Saint-Ouen, partners with The Originals Hotels, sharing values of community, authenticity, and accessibility. This partnership enhances The Originals Hotels' visibility through Red Star FC's communication channels and home games, while supporting the club's sporting ambitions and contributing to the social and cultural development of Seine-Saint-Denis through Red Star LAB's free cultural and artistic workshops for youths.

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts celebrates the momentum of Vignette Collection with over 50 properties open or in the pipeline, just three years after its introduction. Launched in 2021, aiming for 100 hotels in 10 years, Vignette Collection is IHG's first collection brand, offering unique hotels a way to benefit from IHG's global scale. As of today, there are 19 Vignette Collection hotels. Jane Mackie, SVP at IHG, highlights the brand's growth, supporting hotel owners while preserving property individuality.

🍕 Meal prepping is trending for saving time, energy, and avoiding monotonous lunches. It is enhanced with high-quality Italian cold cuts like Salamini alla Cacciatora AOP, Mortadella Bologna IGP, and Cotechino Modena IGP, ensuring flavorful, authentic, and varied dishes. These European gastronomic excellences are made according to strict standards for quality and traceability, controlled by protection consortia to meet high nutritional and safety requirements. This method is perfect for those short on time but unwilling to compromise on a healthy, balanced diet.