All articles by chris cox
chris cox
The big interview – Sir Rocco Forte
Despite recently picking up the Lifetime Achievement Award at the European Hospitality Awards, Sir Rocco Forte clearly does not intend to stop adding to his lifetime of achievements any time soon. The legendary hotelier sits down with Richard Cree to discuss ‘that’ takeover, learning lessons and building a dynasty.
European Hospitality Awards 2014
Now in its fifth triumphant year, the European Hospitality Awards once again brought together leading hoteliers from around the globe to London for a night that recognised and celebrated excellence throughout the sector in 2014.
In the hot seat – Hot.E 2014
Four of global hospitality’s leading figures got together to discuss the state of the hotel industry at this year’s Hotel Investment Conference Europe. Hotel Management International went down to hear from them first hand.
Chip off the old bloc – reimagining the Hotel Moskva
At the end of October, Four Seasons opened in Moscow at one of the most architecturally iconic hotels of the Soviet era; the strange thing is that it wasn’t built until 2012. Chris Godfrey speaks to Richmond International’s Fiona Thompson about painstakingly recreating the Hotel Moskva, which originally opened its doors in 1935, without compromising on the contemporary, luxury experience guests expect.
Speaking in general – the role of the modern GM
For Francois Delahaye and Eric Toren, general managers at Paris’s Hotel Plaza Athénée and The Toren in Amsterdam respectively, 2014 has been defined by renovations, TripAdvisor reviews, a “new generation” of ambitious personnel and recognition from their peers. Ross Davies catches up with the award-winning GMs to discuss the evolution of the role and what’s in store for 2015.
Green light – Accor staying sustainable
Cutting CO2 emissions, reducing water use and running on renewable energy – Accor has been getting serious about sustainability. Jack Wittels speaks with Arnaud Herrmann, vice-president of sustainable development and head of the group’s PLANET 21 programme, about the project’s key achievements and the growing importance of ecological issues in hoteliers’ commercial strategies.
The how and the Y – technology to attract the millennial guest
2014 has been the year of the millennial, with hotel developers using all means available, plus some exciting new ones, in their quest to attract Generation Y. Abi Millar looks back at hotel technology reforms from the past 12 months, and speaks to industry brand and digital leaders about what we can expect to see in 2015.
The moveable feast – an interivew with David Muñoz
2014 has been the busiest year of David Muñoz’s career, and he’s not slowing down. Elly Earls meets the three-Michelin-starred Spanish chef to discuss collaborating with NH Hotels, new outposts for his budding restaurant empire and winning over the inspectors on his own terms.
Accor comes to Mama
Accor has expanded into new brand territory with the purchase of a 35% stake in French lifestyle chain Mama Shelter.
Wish upon a spa – marrying tradition with modernity
Modern-day spa-goers may be used to luxuriating in treatments delivered by the latest technology, but now they also expect concepts and products to have a flavour of the hotel’s local attractions and traditions. Elly Earls hears how to perfect the mix of nature and nurture.