One&Only to launch resort in Cape Town and other international hotel news

One&Only to launch resort in Cape Town
One&Only Resorts is launch a property in South Africa with the opening of a resort in Cape Town towards the end of 2009. The 130-key resort, which will include residential apartments, will be housed in a seven floor building near the city's Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. One&Only Cape Town will feature a spa with nine treatment suites, a vitality pool, experience showers and a relaxation zone, as well as a fitness centre and swimming pool. There will also be meeting and banqueting facilities catering for up to 200 people and a Nobu restaurant.

Marriott to expand presence in ScandinaviaMarriott International is to expand its presence in Scandinavia over the coming years after signing a multiple franchise agreement with the Scandinavian Hospitality Group AG. The company plans to open 15 hotels under the Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard and Marriott Executive Apartments brands in Sweden, Norway and Finland by 2013. The first two properties to open under the agreement are scheduled for 2009 with the 272-room Courtyard by Marriott Stockholm-Kungsholmen in Sweden and the 155-room Courtyard by Marriott Kristiansund in Norway.

Raffles to manage Le Royal Monceau in Paris Luxury hotel group Raffles Hotels & Resorts has won a contract to manage the historic Le Royal Monceau hotel in Paris from early next year. Le Royal Monceau is jointly owned by French entrepreneur Alexandre Allard and Qatari developer Barwa Real Estate. It will be refurbished next year with French designer Philippe Starck overseeing the redesign. "We have always wanted to extend the presence of Raffles to Paris and we are thrilled that we now have this opportunity," said Diana Ee-Tan, managing director of Raffles Hotels & Resorts.

W Hotels to launch first property in Middle EastW Hotels has announced plans to open its first W hotel in the Middle East with the launch of a property in Doha by mid 2008. Located in the West Bay area of the city, the W Doha will include 291 guest rooms and suites, 156 serviced apartments and four dedicated meeting rooms. It will feature multiple signature restaurants and lounges, a spa, fitness centre and W's distinctive lobby called the living room. W Hotels said the property will set the precedent for more W hotels to be opened in Dubai, Istanbul and possibly other cities in the region.

By Kerstin Kühn

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