
Westin is to roll out a global revamp of its health and fitness centers around the world, it confirmed January 31.
The luxury hotel brand will make over gyms and fitness centers at all of its 186 properties this year, it said, as part of an attempt to tackle upscale competitors such as Crowne Plaza.
Westin will become the first hotel chain to use ActiViva lighting, fluorescent tube designed by lighting giant Philips which contains a high percentage of blue light and is claimed to result in an increase of performance of ten percent or more.


InterContinental-owned boutique chain Hotel Indigo has opened its first property in continental Europe.
The Hotel Indigo Berlin opened its doors February 3, marking the brand’s first entry into Europe outside of the United Kingdom.
Designed with Hotel Indigo’s trademark ’boutique’ feel, the property contains 81 rooms, which are finished in light wood and white but have been individualized with color to give them the feel of an ‘artist’s studio’.


London’s Cadogan hotel has launched a new ‘Champagne bath menu’ in time for the most romantic day of the year.
All 120 bottles of Champagne that it takes to fill one of the hotel’s baths will be the task of one’s own personal butler assigned by the hotel.
The butlers will be sure to place some chocolate covered strawberries and a complimentary bottle of vintage Champagne within easy reach of the bath.


Luxury hotel chain Trump has opened its latest international property, adding another 261 rooms to Toronto’s booming hotel scene.
The 65-storey Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto is Canada’s tallest residential building and its second-tallest structure, boasting both condos and the second international outpost of Trump Hotels.
Highlights include a huge mosaic and a three-dimensional cherry blossom branch behind the reception desk, which was handmade from Czech crystals.


Emyr Thomas from Bon Vivant, London’s premier concierge service, gives us the lowdown on the most exclusive hotel opening to look forward to throughout 2012.


The Shangri-La Hotel in Tokyo has been named as the number one Luxury Hotel in the World in the Traveler’s Choice 2012 Awards by TripAdvisor.
The awards are based on reviews and opinions provided by travelers and were introduced 10 years ago.
The categories for 2012 have been expanded to include top-25 lists for 30 countries and regions, as well as an international competition for the best properties to visit.
