Vongerichten teams up with Starwood and other international hotel news

Vongerichten teams up with Starwood
New York-based chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is set to open three new restaurants within Starwood hotel developments this year. Three new Spice Market restaurants, specialising in the street food of Southeast Asia, are confirmed to open inside three new W hotels in Istanbul, Turkey; Doha, Qatar,; and Atlanta in the USA. The expansion forms part of Vongerichten's new restaurant development company Culinary Concepts and menus in different cities will feature dishes tailored to local tastes and ingredients.

Raffles Beijing appoints new general manager
Riaz Mahmood has been appointed general manager of Raffles Beijing Hotel in preparation for this summer's Olympics. The hotel has been designated as one of the official hotels to house members of the Olympic family, such as delegates from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Former manager Peter Wynne has moved to Cambodia, where has been appointed general manager of both the Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh, and the Grand Hotel d'Angkor.

Scandic continues expansion in Norway
Scandinavian hotel chain Scandic has announced its third new hotel opening in Norway in as many months. Scandic Oslo Airport is scheduled to open by the end of 2009 and will comprise 250 rooms and conference facilities for up to 850 people. Scandic's president and CEO said the move was part of the company's strategy to strengthen its position in Norway. In 2007 Scandic launched its growth strategy, with focus on extending its presence to northern and eastern Europe and Russia.

Hilton signs first ski resort
Hilton Hotel's Waldorf Astoria Collection has signed management agreement to operate the company's first ski resort. Located in the US state of Utah, the Dakota Mountain Lodge will be located in Park City forming part of The Canyons, Utah's largest ski and snowboard resort and one of the largest in the USA. The 197-room lodge will range in room size from studios to six-bed penthouses. Its completion and opening is scheduled for spring 2009.

By Gemma Sharkey

E-mail your comments to Gemma Sharkey here.