Miscellaneous

💫 Francesco Ragazzi, founder of Réservation Parfums, collaborates with Yann Vasnier to craft seven luxury unisex perfumes inspired by an imaginary California hotel. Key scents include Suite 909 and Bleu Piscine. The brand, backed by Pietro Ruffini, blends European refinement with Californian style. Réservation's story-first approach stands out in a saturated market, emphasizing culture, emotion, and imagination over mere trends, echoing Ragazzi's fashion experience from Moncler and Palm Angels.

🍴 Glenn Haussman interviews Bonnie Campagnolo, Global Head of Embassy Suites, at Asheville's Embassy Suites rooftop. The Michelin-recommended restaurant operates seven nights a week, attracting diners. The property features two-room suites, breakfast, and an evening reception with meeting space.

📍 Luxury hotels face a paradox as rising rates clash with customer expectations. Guests question the value, like paying $50 for a minibar cocktail. Intentional hospitality is key, focusing on emotional precision rather than abundance. Kempinski emphasizes generosity, offering local snacks and lobby treats, enhancing guest experiences without extra charges. This approach fosters loyalty and repeat visits, shifting focus from mere amenities to meaningful experiences. The future lies in offering what truly matters at the right moment.

🏨 In 2026, HotelTechReport surveyed 450 hotel operators revealing that 48% would switch PMS vendors due to reliability issues, while 42% cited cybersecurity concerns. The study highlights the critical role of PMS in hotel operations.

🏢 In 1979, Berlin's ICC, designed by Ralf and Ursulina Schüler-Witte, was completed. The building features auditoriums seating 5,000 and 2,000 people, plus 80 smaller spaces. Operating until 2014, it was deemed inefficient. In 2022, architects proposed 24/7 cultural use. By 2024, a competition sought redevelopment ideas. Nine architectural firms, led by Max Dudler, aim to revitalize the structure over 2.5 years. Proposals include bike paths, high-rises, and flexible spaces for concerts and exhibitions.

🎧 Vapoura launched its "After Stories" series, debuting with The Mandrake in London. The series includes a six-track vinyl EP and a bespoke cocktail menu at Waeska Bar and YOPO Zaytoun. Producers CARALUS and Daniel Sehnawi created tracks inspired by the hotel's spaces. The EP is available online, and limited vinyl copies cost £25, or £110 with two bottles of Vapoura. Cocktails feature Vapoura Chapter One, available through summer, with the vinyl produced by The Vinyl Factory.

🏨 Radisson Hotel Group launched a new long-stay proposition for B2B partners, offering tiered pricing and standardized booking conditions. This initiative targets EMEA and APAC markets with high long-stay demand, such as Dubai, Riyadh, Zurich, and Amsterdam. Partners receive an extra 20% points bonus on bookings. The initiative aims to simplify access, optimize revenue, and strengthen partner relationships through commercial terms and personalized guest experiences.

🏨 Chateau Denmark in Soho will close on 4 August 2026, after operating for over four years since its April 2022 opening. The boutique hotel, comprising 16 buildings with 55 rooms and apartments, was launched by CAW Ventures in partnership with Outernet London. Despite the closure, the award-winning club, Thirteen, and private bar, dial8, both opened in 2023, will continue to operate, ensuring the spirit of Chateau Denmark lives on.

🎵 Hard Rock Rising, launched by Hard Rock Cafe and Coca Cola, spans 34 countries and 64 venues, offering emerging artists a platform. Submissions are open until August 18, with live competition rounds on September 2, 9, 16, and 23. The grand prize winner, announced on October 5, receives $10,000, a recording session, and a Hard Rock Orlando performance. Fans vote via a mobile app, and a special menu complements the event from August 17 to September 30.

🏨 Finalists for the 2026 Craft Lodging Awards were announced by Select Registry, recognizing exceptional independent lodgings. The awards cover categories like Sustainability Champion, Best Restaurant, Best Breakfast, Social Media & Content Creation, Community Engagement, and Best Craft Lodging by region including Northeast, Southeast, Central, Mid-Atlantic, and West. Winners will be honored on November 10, 2026, at the Select Registry National Meeting & Conference in Ponte Vedra, Florida.