Ouvertures d’hôtels

🍴 Michel Guérard, iconic "nouvelle cuisine" chef, died at 91 on the night of August 18-19, 2024. His restaurant-hotel, Les Prés d’Eugénie in Eugénie-les-Bains, holds three MICHELIN stars. Guérard, born in 1933 in Vétheuil, Val-d'Oise, started as a pastry chef in 1957 at Crillon, opened his restaurant, Pot-au-Feu, in 1965, earning two MICHELIN stars. In 1974, he established at Eugénie-les-Bains, influencing many chefs over 47 years. Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the MICHELIN Guides, acknowledges his culinary impact.

🏨 Heimstaden and Core Hospitality sign a 15-year agreement for the "A Place to" hotel in Esbjerg, Denmark. The hotel, opened in November 2021, will expand from 117 to 214 rooms under an international hotel chain brand. Heimstaden, co-directed by Helge Krogsbøl, partnered with Esbjerg municipality for the expansion, converting 97 apartments to meet demand. The property, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, features sea views and a restaurant on the 17th floor.

🏖️ On August 2, Miramar La Cigale Thalasso & Spa unveiled its exclusive floating private island, quickly becoming the Presqu'île de Rhuys' must-visit spot. Open from noon to 9 PM, the island features 25 seats, a central bar, three lounge areas, and offers a selection of fine drinks and gourmet snacks prepared by their chef, all with an ocean view.

🏡 Swissôtel Nusantara, nestled in Forest Park, offers a luxury hospitality experience for business and leisure travelers with its strategic location near the presidential palace and government districts. The hotel, embracing the philosophy "Life is a journey – Live it well," features 191 meticulously designed rooms and suites with stunning forest views. General Manager Aldo P. Situmorang highlights exceptional facilities, including multiple pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, the renowned Pürovel spa, a kids' club, and the signature NUSA restaurant, set to become a top dining destination in Nusantara.

🍴 SSP France, with Chef Yoni Saada, has launched a new restaurant, Marius, at Gare de Lyon in Paris. Open daily from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Marius features a Mediterranean menu including dishes like brick à l’œuf de la Goulette and tajine de daurade. The breakfast menu offers either French style with pastries and soft-boiled eggs or Mediterranean with shakshuka, labné, and Kalamata olives.

🏡 In Amboise, La Maison Rabelais, a former retirement home since the late 19th century, transitioned into a hotel mid-July after 1.5 years of renovations. Managed by Laurent and Nathalie Lamirault, it employs eight staff, offers 32 rooms across 1,300 m², and features a 4,200 m² garden. The property includes various accommodations and aims for a 4-star classification. Owner Pierre Pouliquen, also of Paris's Hôtel Saint-Pétersbourg, invested €6M, including €1.5M for purchase. Eco-friendly initiatives include geothermal heating (€700,000 investment), rainwater collection, and photovoltaic panels expected to cover one-third of the energy needs. The renovation was supported by European funds through Feder and Ademe. Opening on July 15, the hotel plans a temporary closure between January and February for final adjustments.

🏨 Since its inception in 1876 and opening in 1877 as "Hotel National," Zurich's Schweizerhof Hotel has undergone expansions, renovations, and rebrandings. In the past decade, €16 million was invested in modernization, reducing room count to 95 from the original 115. Managed by Director Andreas Stöckli, the hotel recently ascended to 5-star status, distinguishing it as the "most central" 5-star hotel in Zurich, conveniently located near the main train station. The reclassification addresses the oversaturated 4-star market in Zurich.

🏠 La Vie D’or Hotel and Resort is located in Hwaseong-si, providing a blend of comfort and serenity. Situated in Jeongnam-Myeon, the resort features 190 elegant rooms suitable for corporate events, MICE, and weddings. Joon Aun OOI, President Asia-Pacific at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, highlights the Wyndham Advantage program benefits for hotel owners in Asia-Pacific. In 2023, South Korea saw about 11 million incoming visitors, marking a significant post-pandemic recovery in travel and tourism.

🏖️ The Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor, a luxurious sustainable vacation destination with restored gardens, seaside forests, cliffs, and secret beaches, invites guests during the end of summer for annual grape harvests, offering a glam-chic charm. Estreya Gosalbez, the General Manager, looks forward to guests returning to taste the wine they helped produce, while Rainer Stampfer, President of Global Operations at Four Seasons, is proud to include Hotel Formentor in their collection of restored historic European properties.

🏨 David Miskin, Creative Director at Kasumigaseki Capital, announces the opening of Seven x Seven Ishigaki in Okinawa for September 9, 2024. This follows the successful launch of the brand's first establishment in Itoshima, Fukuoka, Japan. With three more under construction, Miskin, with experience collaborating with luxury brands like Lamborghini and Samsung, pioneers luxury self-hospitality, featuring smart check-in via QR codes and digital concierges. Based in Tokyo and New York, Miskin has held several leadership roles, including CEO at Iris Worldwide North America.