All articles by julian turner
julian turner
Good word of mouth: the social hotel
Social media’s popularity has skyrocketed and hospitality brands have finally begun to capitalise on this opportunity. In the past two years, companies have harnessed the power of everything from Facebook through to foursquare to engage with and attract customers. Starwood’s Steven Taylor, InterContinental Hotels Group’s Nick Ayres and Mac Joseph of Mandarin Oriental tell Elly Earls how to formulate a consistent and ever-current social media strategy.
Stars without pretension: Heinz Beck
Multi-Michelin-starred chef, honorary Italian and dedicated oenophile. On the back of confirming his place on the judging panel for our European Hospitality Awards 2012, Heinz Beck talks to Ross Davies about his personal food philosophy, aversion to celebrity chef status and the balancing act of running restaurants in London and Rome.
Sofitel refocuses on approachable luxury
Following a five-year brand repositioning programme, Sofitel is set to enter key markets worldwide. CEO Robert Gaymer-Jones sits down with Phin Foster to discuss long-term thinking, a newfound kinship with French fashion houses and making indulgence accessible.
Remedial retreats: the best medicine?
With hotel spas offering medical treatments and minor surgery, the line between clinic and wellness retreat is blurred. Andrea Ashfield talks to Danubius Hotels’ Anikó Nagy, Mandarin Oriental’s Andrew Gibson, ESPA’s Susan Harmsworth and Roland Staehler of BIMC Hospital about the rise of the medical spa.
Matteo Thun: the scale-jumper
The refurbished Hilton Barcelona has recently reopened, with the breezy lobby and bar area designed by Matteo Thun. Originally famous for his work in the postmodernist Memphis Group, the Italian architect tells Abi Millar how he has since brought his multidimensional skill set to bear on hotels great and small.
Talking Turkey: Europe’s hottest destination
Global operators are entering the booming Turkish market in droves. Phin Foster meets Hyatt’s Peter Norman, Mehmet Önkal of BDO Hospitality Consulting and Thomas Willms from Starwood to discuss the growth of tertiary cities, mid-market potential and ambitions for 2023.
Charm offensive – Stephen Bayley
Design critic and cultural commentator Stephen Bayley – memorably dubbed ‘the second most intelligent man in Britain’ – has written more than ten books, countless articles and co-founded the London Design Museum. Tom Wolfe said of him: “I don’t know anyone with more interesting ideas on style, design and popular taste.”
Cyber space
In the ‘Travelodge Future of Sleep’ study, futurologist Ian Pearson speculates about the impact of new technology and how hotel rooms may soon incorporate startling innovations such as interactive dreaming, virtual love-making and health monitoring.
London calling
If there’s one constant theme running through Thierry W Despont’s impressive hospitality portfolio, it’s that each hotel is different. Elly Earls catches up with the architect and designer to discuss the inspiration behind 45 Park Lane’s luxurious interiors, and how he achieves the balance between innovation and lasting appeal.
Gray matters
Situated in downtown Beirut, Le Gray offers guests an ideal base from which to explore this vibrant Middle Eastern city. Rhian Owen journeys to the Lebanese capital to talk to hotelier Gordon Campbell Gray, and discovers why his hotel is still very much the place to be seen.