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    IHG to Expand Egypt Portfolio with Three New Luxury Hotels

    IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Arabella Group to develop three new hotels in Egypt between 2023 and 2026.The hotels — InterContinental North Coast Direction White, voco Cairo Arabella Plaza Cairo, and Crowne Plaza Cairo Arabella Clubhouse — will see IHG add over 500 keys to its Egypt portfolio in response to the growing demand for luxury resorts and premium hospitality options in the North African country. The agreement strengthens IHG’s presence in the luxury and premium sectors in the region as well as underlines the appeal of its high-end hospitality offering among owners and guests alike.
    The new-build hotel projects, currently under construction, are set to open in notable areas of Egypt. The incoming new voco Cairo Arabella Plaza is scheduled to open its doors in July 2023, with the Crowne Plaza Cairo Arabella Clubhouse slated for a January 2026 opening and the InterContinental North Coast Direction White for a September 2026 launch.
    Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, commented: “Egypt offers a wealth of opportunity for the hospitality industry today with New Cairo and other attractive, high-end destinations attracting more visitors to the nation. The signing of three new hotels alongside Arabella Group will support the growth we are witnessing in the country by offering new and compelling luxury and premium hospitality experiences to satisfy the most discerning of travelers.”Mohamed Amin El Dokhmesy, president of Arabella Group added: “We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to expand the footprint of three of its leading brands — InterContinental, voco and Crowne Plaza, in Egypt. IHG has delivered first class hospitality experiences to guests worldwide and in Egypt, and as a partner of Arabella Group, we can guarantee it. With Egypt’s hospitality sector seeing exceptional growth, we are confident that both parties will benefit tremendously from this latest partnership.”
    InterContinental North Coast Direction White
    The InterContinental North Coast Direction White will be located in Ras El Hekma, one of the fast-growing luxury resort destinations in the region. Ras El Hekma is also considered one of the most desirable beachfront areas along Egypt’s Northern Coast. Located on the Mediterranean sea, the Ras El Hekma bay is gaining popularity thanks to its crystal-clear water, stunning beaches and rich culture. Sprawling across 290 acres of residential, retail and hospitality developments, the Direction White project is set to attract growing numbers of domestic and international tourists to the area.ADVERTISEMENTThe hotel will feature 346 lavishly designed rooms that appeal to the taste of luxury-seeking guests. The property’s culinary experiences are also set to be unmatched, with five food and beverage outlets including an all-day dining restaurant, two specialty restaurants, a lobby lounge and a destination pool bar. Meanwhile, the resort will feature a fully equipped 397sqm meeting space for corporate guests. Other facilities to relax and unwind include a club lounge, 1,500sqm spa, health club, and a swimming pool.The new InterContinental hotel is a 90-minute drive from Alexandria International Airport and less than one hour from the soon-to-open Al Alamein International Airport.
    voco Cairo Arabella Plaza
    Situated in a prime location in Egypt, New Cairo, Voco Arabella Plaza Cairo promises accessibility to business parks, universities, shopping centres and multiple leisure attractions.
    The modest 77-key hotel will cater to the area’s high demand for exclusive and premium hotel experiences. It will house five food and beverage outlets, including an all-day dining restaurant, a range of small-scale signature restaurants and a rooftop bar. The property will feature a swimming pool and health club, while serving corporate guests with a 427sqm meeting space. voco Cairo Arabella Plaza is just 20 minutes from Cairo International Airport and a 35-minute drive to downtown Egypt.
    Crowne Plaza Cairo Arabella Clubhouse
    Also located in New Cairo, the 146-key Crowne Plaza Cairo Arabella Clubhouse will be situated within the family friendly Arabella Compound — near business parks, universities, leisure attractions and the popular Arabella Plaza.
    The hotel will offer a comprehensive, comfortable and elegant guest experience with its three food and beverage outlets, a spa, health club and swimming pool. Domestic and international business travelers are well catered to with a wide meeting space that includes a 750sqm ballroom for special events. Crowne Plaza Cairo Arabella Clubhouse is just 20 minutes from Cairo International Airport and a 35-minute drive to downtown Egypt.
    Guests of all the three hotels will benefit from IHG’s best-in-class loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, which provides an elevated guest experience – giving them richer benefits that can be availed on IHG’s new mobile app. The benefits range from suite upgrades and annual lounge memberships to extended check-outs, and much more, depending on the chosen benefit level.
    IHG® currently has 7 hotels in Egypt, and 13 hotels in the development pipeline.

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    SANI RESORT NAMED WORLD’S LEADING GREEN RESORT

    Sani Resort, Greece, has been named the World’s Leading Luxury Green Resort at the 2022 World Travel Awards for the third year running, Sani Resort embraces a multitude of sustainable initiatives under their sustainability programme, Sani Green
    Scattered across 1,000 acres of nature reserve, Sani Resort sits at the intersection of three beautiful, natural worlds: the sea, forest and wetlands. Recognised for 3 consecutive years as the ‘World’s Leading Luxury Green Resort’ at the World Travel Awards, we are deeply committed to preserving this environment and its rich mix of wildlife, as well as supporting the local community so that guests can experience the natural wonder of Sani for years to come.Under Sani Green, the resort’s sustainability programme, and in partnership with the Forest Research Institute, Sani Resort has established the Sani Environmental Observatory Project to help protect the verdant pine forest around the resort. With this initiative guests are invited to add an extra €1 to their final bill, which Sani Resort pledge to double. This donation will go towards supporting the lush forest, as Sani Resort continues to plant new trees and to conserve its forest trails and wildlife.When you arrive at this pristinely presented resort, you soon understand why they promise guests that the possibilities are endless when you stay at Sani.

    Sani Resort is extraordinary! Covering 1,000 acres, and boasting over 35 exquisite bars and restaurants, serving a choice of menus from fresh local fare to Michelin starred gastronomy, as well as multiple pools, spas at each of the hotels and an exciting array of guest experiences and Academies, as well as designer stores, including Missoni and Melissa Odabash, all guests have to do is choose the resort hotel that suits their style.Surrounded by nature, including protected wetlands, pine forests and beautiful beaches, the Sani property has 5 resort hotels. Once checked in you can use all the facilities of the entire property.  Each hotel has its own dedicated beach and spa facilities.With 27 restaurants, 13 bars, 11 dine around set menus and 19 child-friendly menus, Sani resort offers international cuisine for the most discerning palate, as well as catering to children’s tastes.
    Sani believed in a farm to table approach, with over 60% of Sani’s produce coming from within 100 miles of the resort. There are herb and vegetable gardens on the sort too, which the chefs use on a daily basis.ADVERTISEMENTFrom Modern and Traditional Greek to Spanish, Italian, Peruvian and Japanese, plus Mediterranean and International menus, as well as beachside and poolside dining, and an array of cocktail bars, wine bars and coffee bars, there is a world of high quality food to explore across the resort. Special baby & children’s menus are available, designed by Annabel Karmel, as well as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and well-being menus.
    Source: https://theluxuryeditor.com/

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    Shadi Suleman promoted to Senior General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Doha

    Four Seasons Hotel Doha announces the promotion of Shadi Suleman to Senior General Manager. In his new role, he will continue to oversee Four Seasons Hotel Doha and have additional oversight of the upcoming Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar.“It is with great pride that we share the news of Shadi’s promotion to Senior General Manager” says Simon Casson, President, Hotel Operations – Europe, Middle East and Africa for Four Seasons. “Beyond striving for perfection, Shadi’s exposure to numerous operations in the GCC and the Middle East, along with his pre-opening experience, will undoubtedly contribute to the further success of Four Seasons Hotel Doha and the highly anticipated debut of Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl–Qatar.”
    A veteran of more than 20 years with Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts, Shadi has worked his way up in the company. He started his career in August 2002 at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre as Front Office Manager. In the years since, he has risen through the ranks with increasing responsibilities and challenging new assignments. In 2005, he joined the pre-opening team at Four Seasons Hotel Damascus. In 2007, he joined another pre-opening mission for Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus. In 2008, he made the move to Four Seasons Hotel Doha as Director of Rooms where he advanced to Hotel Manager in 2013. His first General Manager position was at Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria, where he honed his leadership skills and oversaw the expansion and the renovation projects of the property.
    After achieving tremendous success on the Mediterranean, a move to Doha followed in 2021, where he was appointed to General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Doha. Since his return, Shadi has led many successful projects, including FIFA World Cup 2022 activations, the refurbishment of Library Lounge, as well as the opening of Curiosa by Jean-Georges, Makani Beach Club and Le Deli Robuchon coming soon. Moreover, his commitment to exceptional service and quality in employee and guest experience, reflected in the Hotel’s #1 Best Hotel in the Middle East and #5 in the World accolade by Conde Nast Traveler award in 2022.
    Moving forward, Shadi is dedicated to use his experience to overseeing the debut of Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl–Qatar and flourishing the identities of both Doha properties. “Four Seasons has been at the forefront of luxury hotel brands in Qatar and a market leader in the capital,” says Shadi. “With our growing portfolio in Doha, I look forward to working alongside General Manager Mehdi Zaanoun and our large family of professionals at The Pearl to position ourselves as the leader for resort guests and private residence owners.”

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    Elite Havens responds to the return of destination weddings and other special events

    Elite Havens, the leading provider of high-end vacation rentals in Asia, owned by Dusit International, has expanded its portfolio of more than 300 luxury villa rentals by adding four outstanding new properties to its hand-picked collection of exceptional event villas in Thailand and Indonesia.
    Ideally positioned to leverage the return of destination weddings and other special events, the new additions include Permata Ayung Private Estate, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia; Tirtha Bayu Estate Seseh-Tanah Lot, Bali, Indonesia; Infinity View, Kata, Phuket, Thailand; and Inasia, Lipa Noi, Koh Samui, Thailand. Each new property offers privacy and personalised experiences executed by Elite Havens’ expert in-house teams and event organisers.

    Set within a magnificent riverside estate in the hills of Ubud, Permata Ayung Private Estate offers 12 bedrooms in individual pavilions across five hectares of land with multiple event spaces, both indoor and outdoor. It features its own standalone riverside spa with an adjoining bridal suite, a plush private cinema, organic juice and cocktail bars, colourful tropical gardens, lush coconut groves, and serene views of rice fields, making it a great venue for wellness retreats and large-scale weddings in a private oasis.
    Also in Bali, Tirtha Bayu Estate is a spacious oceanfront estate overlooking the dramatic black sands of Cemagi Beach. Artfully blending traditional and contemporary design, it features an interconnected complex of two villas – the modern and elegant six-bedroom Villa I and the traditional and refined five-bedroom Villa II. With multiple indoor and outdoor living spaces, plus two infinity pools, the beautiful property can host events and weddings with up to 150 guests.ADVERTISEMENT
    Over in Thailand, Infinity View is an elegant four-bedroom villa for intimate celebrations near Phuket’s Kata Noi Beach. The beautiful property certainly lives up to its name, featuring a majestic ocean backdrop beyond its crystal blue pool. Its idyllic location offers complete privacy for small family gatherings and milestone celebrations just five minutes from the beautiful white sands of Kata Noi and Kata.
    Rounding out the new additions in Thailand, the latest addition to the Elite Havens Koh Samui portfolio, Inasia, is also an excellent choice for large families or groups of friends celebrating life’s special moments. Situated next to Lipa Noi beach, it features eight guestrooms with views of the deep green sea. Shallow waters running 100 metres off the shore make it a safe environment for children to splash and play. Indoor and outdoor dining areas add a sense of variety for those looking to celebrate an intimate event.

    “The last few years have left people with renewed zeal to explore more of the world and clarity about the importance of celebrating each small moment with near and dear ones,” said Ms Maya Rigg, CEO, Elite Havens. “Not only are travellers seeking to return to familiar locations and revisit their favourite villas, but they are also booking private venues like luxury villas at exclusive destinations to celebrate life events like weddings, family reunions, and other milestones. We expect the confidence of travellers to continue the upward trend seen in 2022, and we look forward to welcoming guests to make lasting memories at our exquisite new additions in Bali, Phuket, and Koh Samui.”
    More details about the new properties can be found at the following links:
    Permata Ayung Private Estate (Bali): https://www.elitehavens.com/the-permata-ayung-private-estate-villa/ubud-bali-indonesia.aspx
    Tirtha Bayu Estate (Bali): https://www.elitehavens.com/tirtha-bayu-estate-villa/sesehtanah-lot-bali-indonesia.aspx
    Infinity View (Phuket): https://www.elitehavens.com/infinity-view-villa/kata-phuket-thailand.aspx

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    Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Honored as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2023 by Ethisphere

    Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,100 hotels in 95+ countries, today announced it has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2023 by Ethisphere, which honors companies demonstrating business integrity through best-in-class ethics, compliance, and governance practices.Wyndham stands alone as the only major hotel company to be honored for 2023, marking the third time Wyndham has been recognized for this distinguished accolade.
    “Our goal at Wyndham is to make hotel travel possible for all, and it’s important that the global community we foster for our team members, franchisees, guests and partners has its foundation in ethics and values,” said Paul Cash, general counsel and chief compliance officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Our values of Integrity, Accountability, Inclusivity, Caring and Fun drive all business decisions we make and allow us to make an impact on the communities where we exist.”
    Wyndham operates under the philosophy that you can do well by doing good, which is why incorporating strong, ethical practices into everyday business activities are top priority. From robust anti-corruption and compliance training programs to an integrity hotline for anonymous reporting and an overarching code of conduct to guide team members on our values and principles, Wyndham provides team members a variety of resources to encourage the highest level of ethical behavior. The Company also supports industry organizations such as the American Hotel & Lodging Association and provides mandatory training programs to educate team members and franchisees on human trafficking prevention. Most recently, Wyndham pledged $500,000 to the No Room for Trafficking Survivor Fund to help support survivors’ immediate and long-term stability
    Grounded in Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient®, the World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment process includes more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity, and initiatives that support a strong value chain. The process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe. Ethisphere’s 2023 Ethics Index, the collection of publicly traded companies recognized as recipients of this year’s World’s Most Ethical Companies designation, outperformed a comparable index of large-cap companies by 13.6 percentage points over a five-year period.
    “Ethics matters. Organizations that commit to business integrity through robust programs and practices not only elevate standards and expectations for all, but also have better long-term performance,” said Ethisphere CEO, Erica Salmon Byrne. “We continue to be inspired by the World’s Most Ethical Companies honorees and their dedication to making real impact for their stakeholders and displaying exemplary values-based leadership. Congratulations to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts for earning a place in the World’s Most Ethical Companies community.”ADVERTISEMENTTo view the full list of this year’s honorees, please visit the World’s Most Ethical Companies website, at https://worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees. For more on Wyndham’s growing resume of workplace awards, and to learn more about its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.corporate.wyndhamhotels.com.

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    Hilton Set for Greatest Year of Growth in France

    With a record year of openings in France ahead, Hilton continues its rapid multi‑brand, multi‑destination expansion across the country with a number of strong French owners
    Hilton predicts 2023 will be its strongest year of growth in France, with seven planned hotel openings, the highest single-year increase to its French portfolio. As well as continued expansion in Paris, Hilton is focusing on major resort destinations and provincial towns and cities, working with several local owners in France on a development pipeline that will more than double the hotel group’s presence nationwide.
    Simon Vincent, executive vice president and president, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said, “We’re experiencing record growth in France, with 2023 set to be a historic high for hotel openings. As a key market for Hilton, we’re focusing on developing hotels in regional French towns and cities, the south coast and continued expansion in Paris. We continue to leverage our award-winning brands to grow market share and capture increased travel demand, particularly as France gets ready to host major global sporting events including the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games and Rugby World Cup.”
    Hilton’s French Development PlansIn France, Hilton’s development plans will see 24 properties added to the current trading portfolio of 23 hotels in coming years. Tapestry Collection by Hilton and Curio Collection by Hilton make up more than a quarter of upcoming hotels in Europe, ranging from island resorts to unique city hotels and historic buildings. In France, following recent openings in Hyères and Paris, Hilton is opening hotels under its collection brands in Bordeaux and Dijon, bringing Hilton brands to more regional cities across the country.
    ADVERTISEMENTIn addition to collection brand openings, Hilton’s focused service brand Hampton by Hilton is experiencing strong growth. In both France and wider Europe, Hampton by Hilton has a higher number of pipeline hotels than any other Hilton brand, with recent European openings including Hampton by Hilton Tours Centre, Hampton by Hilton Barcelona Fira Gran Via and Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Centre.
    In recent years, Hilton has also introduced new brands to the French hotel market, with the openings of Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadero and Hotel Camille Paris Gare de Lyon, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in 2021, as well as DoubleTree by Hilton Lyon Eurexpo last year.
    Canopy by Hilton Cannes – opening this summer, Canopy by Hilton Cannes will be Hilton’s first property in the popular resort town, boasting views of the Old Port from the hotel’s enviable roof terrace and an interior design led by acclaimed designer Ramy Fischler. Following a franchise agreement with SDPNE.
    Sainte-Anne Hotel Dijon, Curio Collection by Hilton – Hilton’s debut in the Burgundy region of France, opening this summer, Sainte-Anne Hotel Dijon will be set in the International City of Gastronomy and Wine. Located on the site of a former 17th-century hospice, the hotel will offer outdoor terraces, a swimming pool, fitness centre, and Nhoraé spa, as well as a fine-dining French restaurant. Following a franchise agreement with Naos Hotel Group.
    Marty Hotel Bordeaux, Tapestry Collection by Hilton – a stylish, lively and arty hotel opening this Spring, Marty Hotel Bordeaux will be located in the heart of the city and will implement a range of sustainability initiatives, from the use of as many locally sourced ingredients as possible to the careful management of water consumption. Following a franchise agreement with Vicartem / ExtendAm.
    Hilton Garden Inn Paris La Villette – opening this spring, this hotel will be Hilton Garden Inn’s fourth Parisian hotel and the first in central Paris, located close to the City of Science and Industry, Zenith Paris, the Grande Halle de la Villette and Paris Philharmonic. Following a franchise agreement with Naos Hotel Group.

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    IHG® Hotels & Resorts opens new beachfront hotel, voco Dubai The Palm

    IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies with more than 6,000 hotels, is making waves with the opening of voco Dubai The Palm, a brand-new beachfront hotel situated on the iconic Palm Jumeirah.The 138-room voco Dubai The Palm is located on the picturesque shores of Palm Jumeirah’s West Beach, offering guests direct access to the West Beach Promenade, only a few steps away from the majestic waters of the Arabian Gulf. Visitors looking to soak up the sun can also indulge in the ultimate beach getaway at the hotel’s private beach.
    The rooftop pool and Mediterranean lounge bar, Frenia, are a highlight of the hotel allowing guests to indulge in a slice of ‘voco life’, lounging by the pool with snacks and barista brews. Set to open in early April, Frenia, will transform the rooftop as the sun sets, providing sundowner aficionados breathtaking views of the sea and Ain Dubai (the world’s biggest and tallest Ferris wheel).
    The hotel’s all-day dining venue Maison Mathis opens this month. The restaurant is inspired by the best European cuisine with a special focus on the rich heritage of Belgian food culture. With dishes made using only the freshest and finest ingredients, visitors can expect a truly authentic and unforgettable dining experience. Diners looking to savor the taste of the ocean can indulge in a rich Sea bass fillet – a dish carefully seasoned and grilled to perfection – as well as mouthwatering sea food linguini, packed with flavourful clams, shrimp, bisque, and fresh calamari.
    Guests looking to maintain their fitness routine can access the 24-hour fitness centre full of natural light. Business travellers can also take advantage of the hotel’s day-lit meeting rooms, perfect for exclusive business meetings and discussions.
    voco Dubai The Palm is also committed to working towards a sustainable future by reducing its environmental footprint. The hotel boasts an innovative sustainable water system, duvets made of recycled plastic, and aerated showers to reduce water usage, all industry-leading initiatives.ADVERTISEMENTvoco Hotels is one of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ 18 distinct brands and focuses on offering guests an unstuffy and charming experience, combining the reassurance of a global brand with the informality and charm of an individual hotel.
    voco Dubai The Palm is excited to open with its “A New Playground Is Here” offer, meaning guests can enjoy an exclusive introductory saving of 30% on all hotel bookings. When guests stay at any IHG Hotels & Resorts property, they can earn points and rewards thanks to the IHG One Rewards loyalty programme. At voco The Palm Dubai, IHG One Rewards Members will also receive 25% off at the hotel’s dining outlets.

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    Moxy Hotels debuts in Brooklyn with boundary-pushing design and dining venues

    Moxy Williamsburg debuts this week as the brand’s first hotel in Brooklyn, featuring interiors by BASILE Studio in collaboration with Lightstone Design Studio and four new dining and drinking venues from Bar Lab Hospitality, the creative force behind Broken Shaker.
    The heart of New York’s creative class, Williamsburg is a fitting location for Lightstone’s growing collection of boundary-pushing Moxy Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands.
    The new property’s inventive design plays on the neighborhood’s history as a magnet for mavericks, immigrants, and creators, while becoming a new center for Brooklyn’s contemporary social scene.
    “Moxy embraces being bold through authentic self-expression and Moxy Williamsburg is the perfect place for free-spirited travelers to live in the moment and do just that,” said Matthew Boettcher, Vice President and Global Brand Leader of Moxy Hotels.
    Moxy Williamsburg is a 216-room boutique hotel located in the heart of Williamsburg on Bedford Avenue, near the foot of the Williamsburg Bridge and easily accessible from Manhattan. The hotel’s timeless architecture, light-filled interiors, space-saving design solutions, flexible co-working and meeting studios, and range of restaurants and bars reflect the easygoing spirit of its trendsetting surroundings to attract discerning locals and cool-hunting guests with a playful and young-at-heart attitude.ADVERTISEMENTThe four new dining and drinking venues conceived and operated by Bar Lab Hospitality reflect the wide-ranging tastes of in-the-know Brooklynites. This includes Mesiba, a festive, Tel Aviv–inspired restaurant serving Levantine cuisine; Bar Bedford, a destination cocktail bar and all-day café; Jolene; a high-energy sound room with a state-of-the-art audio and light system; and opening this spring, LilliStar, an indoor/outdoor rooftop bar whose vast terrace will feature breathtaking views of the Williamsburg Bridge and Manhattan skyline.
    “Williamsburg is a flourishing hub for all the creativity and innovation for which New York is known. As its international reputation has blossomed, it has become the place to visit and stay,” said developer Mitchell Hochberg, President of Lightstone. “Our ambition with Moxy Williamsburg is to create a hotel that welcomes visitors with an authentic experience—one that Brooklynites themselves will embrace with open arms.”
    DESIGN
    Moxy Williamsburg was designed by BASILE Studio, a boutique design firm based in San Diego, in collaboration with Lightstone Design Studio. The hotel’s diverse public spaces reflect the area’s melting pot character, finding inspiration in both past and present with influences from both near and far.
    The 11-story building, designed by the eminent New York architecture firm Stonehill Taylor, has a clean, industrial-inspired look that recalls the neighborhood’s warehouse lofts. The glass front façade opens completely onto the sidewalk and Bedford Avenue, merging indoors and outdoors, putting the energy of the lobby and Bar Bedford on display. The building’s southern façade is distinguished by a massive Pop Art–style mural by acclaimed British street artist D*Face; visible from the Williamsburg Bridge, it depicts a woman in a car, stuck in traffic, crying out: “GET ME TO THE MOXY!!”
    The lobby’s 20-foot exposed ceilings and natural materials capture the open, airy feel of a converted warehouse. Foliage hangs from the ceiling and spills from planters, creating a biophilic feel that offsets the room’s clean lines and industrial proportions. An art installation by Rare Culture rises behind two blackened steel check-in pods and spreads across the ceiling. Made of thousands of colored crayons, it’s a pointillist depiction of the underbelly of the Williamsburg Bridge at sunrise, looking from Brooklyn toward the Manhattan skyline. Hanging on the wall behind the self-check-in pods is a series of hand-painted skateboards by local artists.
    Bar Bedford, Moxy Williamsburg’s cocktail bar and all-day café, is a comfortable living space that reflects Brooklyn’s forward-thinking, creative vibe. Its showpiece is the bar itself: motorized liquor risers made of blackened metal rise 20 feet behind glass and white oak panels, holding 1,500 bottles of wine and liquor. The shelves move up and down like dumbwaiters, giving bartenders access to special bottles and providing patrons with a show. This custom-fabricated system was inspired by New York’s old Automats, fast food restaurants popular in the first half of the 20th century where customers would pick up their food from a wall of glass-fronted cubbies.
    As found in Lightstone’s other Moxy hotels, Moxy Williamsburg features three Meeting Studios, breakaway spaces designed to be used for private events and co-working. The Studios feature modular sofas and worktables that fold down to become credenzas — all designed to be easily rearranged, transforming the spaces as day turns into night. The rooms can be combined to accommodate larger groups, and open onto Bar Bedford Garden, an adaptable alfresco space in the rear of the hotel. Inspired by the backyard gardens tucked behind many Williamsburg apartment buildings, it has a lively, residential vibe that feels like an oasis in the urban jungle.
    Flooded with daylight through floor-to-ceiling windows, the 216 bedrooms at Moxy Williamsburg are smartly designed to strip away the superfluous and focus on comfort and functionality. Streamlined shapes and organic materials such as birch and steel feel warm and welcoming, while moments of surprise lend a distinctively Moxy sensibility. Rooms range from 165–210 square feet and include Kings, Executive Kings, Double Queens, and Quad Bunks. Ingenious storage solutions include wall-mounted pegs that guests can fold open or close as needed, an open closet and under-bed cubbies. A desk folds down from the wall to provide a workspace.
    Eat + Drink
    Conceptualized by Bar Lab Hospitality, the creative force behind the popular Broken Shaker bars in New York, Miami, Los Angeles and Chicago, the restaurants and bars at Moxy Williamsburg are as worldly and welcoming as the neighborhood they call home. Founded by Elad Zvi and Gabe Orta, Bar Lab creates venues that are unpretentious and laid-back, yet still fashionable and sophisticated.
    “For Moxy Williamsburg, we envisioned an eclectic grab-bag of experiences that mirrors Williamsburg’s diversity. Once you enter, you don’t want to leave,” said Zvi and Orta. “You can start with a drink at Bar Bedford, meet some friends for dinner at Mesiba, head up to the rooftop for a drink with a view, and finish up the night dancing at Jolene. Moxy Williamsburg offers a multitude of narratives that create a sense of discovery and anticipation.”
    Mesiba is a festive space that pays homage to Tel Aviv’s lively energy and Bauhaus architecture, animated by the flavorful cuisine and celebratory “breaking bread” culture of the Levant region and Israel. Taking inspiration from Bar Lab founding partner Elad Zvi’s memories of growing up in Tel Aviv, Israeli chef Eli Buli designed the menu as a modern play on traditional dishes from the area, which encompasses Israel, Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey, Palestine and the rest of the Eastern Mediterranean. Creative cocktails with a culinary flair complement the fresh, seasonal cuisine. The warm, verdant dining room centers around a curved marble bar, with plants hanging from the double-height ceiling lending a bohemian vibe, while Hollywood-style booths ensure a spirited atmosphere.
    Inspired by the retro leisure lifestyle, Jolene is a high-energy sound room with a state-of-the-art audio and light system that draws top talent from Brooklyn’s thriving nightlife scene — the ideal spot to dance to the sounds of local and global DJs. Jolene is inspired by Dolly Parton — not just her signature song “Jolene” but her image as a powerful, self-assured woman and impact on the music industry and the culture at large. Miami-based nightlife impresarios David Sinopoli, Davide Danese, and Coloma Kaboomsky — collectively known as the Space Invaders and best known for their seminal Club Space — are Bar Lab’s partners in Jolene.
    Opening this spring, LilliStar, Moxy Williamsburg’s indoor/outdoor rooftop bar will blend contemporary Indo-Aussie beach culture with Brooklyn energy, creating a unique setting for tropical-inspired cocktails, Balinese beach barbecue, and dramatic views. Giant lotus flowers carved from copper, glass and leather form a dramatic ceiling sculpture in the lounge, where floor-to-ceiling windows open onto an expansive roof deck with show-stopping views of the Manhattan skyline and the iconic steel trusses of the Williamsburg Bridge. Playful cocktails, including large-format drinks for the whole table to share, incorporate tropical fruits and Southeast Asian spices.
    Moxy Williamsburg follows on the success of Lightstone’s other award-winning Moxy hotels in New York — consistently named by Condé Nast Traveler as among the best in the city — including Moxy Times Square, Moxy Chelsea, Moxy East Village, and, most recently, Moxy Lower East Side.
    “Williamsburg is a microcosm of everything that’s trendsetting about New York City: It has the edgiest boutiques, the most innovative restaurants, the most daring bars. That’s why more and more people are putting it on their must-visit lists — and it’s why we’ve opened Moxy Williamsburg,” says Hochberg. “Not only can Moxy guests stay in the heart of the neighborhood, but by breaking bread at Mesiba, toasting the Manhattan skyline at LilliStar, and dancing the night away at Jolene with Brooklyn’s best DJ’s, they’ll get a strong dose of Williamsburg’s energy, all within the walls of the hotel.”
    Located at 353 Bedford Avenue, Moxy Williamsburg offers rates starting from $179 per night. For more information or to make a reservation, visit moxywilliamsburg.com.

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