Conrad
brand development will be achieved primarily through the securing of management
contracts for new build hotels and conversions, requiring modest investment
by the joint venture partners. Additionally, the companies are exploring
designating the Conrad brand to specific portions of existing Hilton properties.
David Michels, group chief executive of Hilton
Group plc, commented: �The creation of this joint venture demonstrates
the continued strength of the alliance between our two companies. There
is, without question, more room in the market for additional luxury hotels
to complement the existing portfolio of Conrad properties, and we are now
perfectly placed to expand the brand selectively throughout the world.�
Stephen F. Bollenbach, president and chief executive
officer of Hilton Hotels Corporation, commented: �Since its inception,
the Conrad brand has stood for the finest in lodging accommodations, and
through this partnership�yet another example of the powerful relationship
between our company and Hilton Group plc�we now have the opportunity to
bring the Conrad style of hospitality and service to even more customers,
while solidifying our presence in the luxury hotel segment.�
Anders Hansson, representing the owning company
of the Conrad London, Blue Harbour Ltd. commented: �This new joint venture
is a wonderful initiative for the expansion of the Conrad brand. It will
provide additional global exposure to the Conrad Hotels� luxury product
and will allow for more frequent business travelers to visit our hotels.�
Conrad Hotels are currently located on four continents,
with properties in Istanbul, Turkey; Hong Kong; Singapore; Cairo, Hurghada
and Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt; Gold Coast and Brisbane, Australia; Punta del
Este, Uruguay; London, England; Dublin, Ireland; and Brussels, Belgium.
Additional Conrad Hotels are under development in Jakarta, Indonesia; and
Bangkok, Thailand.
This new joint venture further cements the alliance
between Hilton Group plc and Hilton Hotels Corporation. Signed in January
1997, the alliance includes joint reservations systems, combined sales
and marketing programs, a unified logomark and advertising campaign, and
the industry-leading Hilton HHonors® loyalty program, which is expected
to have 11 million members by year-end 2000. |
Conrad International® Hotels to invest US $25 million
in development in year 2000.
Beyond new hotel openings planned in the Far East in the
years to come, the current enhancement program will ensure that all Conrad
International hotels maintain and further develop their deluxe product
and reputation worldwide.
BRUSSELS
The UK�s most luxurious health and spa group, Champneys,
opened an impressive new health and beauty spa resort at Conrad International
Brussels in the European capital in January 2000. Built on three
floors and covering over 2,500 square meters, it is the first Champneys
club to open in continental Europe, as part of an international expansion.
In addition, Conrad International Brussels recently launched
two new cyber conference rooms with facilities aimed at specialist conference
and meeting planners.
LONDON
Conrad International London launched its new restaurant,
Aquisia in April 2000. Over US $3.2 million has been invested for the redesign
of its new restaurant and bar and the extension of some of the conference
facilities. Named for its waterside location and Ray Neve�s cuisine with
oriental and Mediterranean classic influences, the restaurant pays tribute
to modernist design with light Asian details in a symphony of light and
space. The dining area interacts with the bar and provides an extended
view of the marina and the Thames. During the day, natural light streams
through the glass panels, from the marina bringing to guests elements of
the river life, while enjoying lunch, tea or a drink. During the summer
months, the glass panels open to enable open-air riverside dining. In the
evening, the play of light and the sound of calming music take over to
change the mood of the restaurant and bar. A combination of optic fibers
and floor lights, together with a warm palette of reds and blues imbue
the space with warmth and intimacy.
DUBLIN
The Conrad International Dublin 191 guest roomswill undergo
a US $3 million refurbishment. Starting in July 2000, each room will
be redesigned to the latest specifications for business travelers, containing
fax, three dial telephones, modem connections, interactive television,
CD players, power points adapted for US and UK plugs, automatic power control,
iron, ironing board, trouser press, in room safe and the comfort of luxurious
bathrooms with all required facilities.
HURGHADA, Egypt
This deluxe resort hotel is undergoing a complete refurbishment,
valued at US $3 millions as of April 15, 2000. This will include redesigning
all the guest rooms which will be equipped with new furniture, new landscaping
for the property and redesign of pathways. The color scheme selected is
based on contemporary pastel and light colors.
THE FUTURE
New luxury Conrad International hotels are in the advanced
stages of planning in Asia, with Bangkok, Thailand scheduled for opening
in 2001 and Jakarta, Indonesia for an inaugural in 2003. |
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