Miscellaneous

🏨 The Biltmore Hotel Coral Gables in Miami marked its 100th anniversary in 2025. Initially opened in 1926, it served various roles, including a military hospital and university facility, before returning to hospitality. Celebrations included a time capsule and a 1,200-drone display. The hotel features Mediterranean Revival architecture and a renowned golf course from 1925 by Donald Ross. To stay relevant, it merges historic preservation with modern upgrades, adapting to Miami's evolving luxury market.

🏨 Crestline Hotels & Resorts, based in Fairfax, Virginia, launched new branding with three hotel collections: Hotels of Note, The Academia Portfolio, and The Essentials Collection. The collections celebrate distinctive, academic, and contemporary properties. Crestline's new logo marks its 26-year evolution. CEO James Carroll highlights Crestline's leadership in guest satisfaction and portfolio expansion. The new brand identity aims for enhanced guest satisfaction, market growth, and exceptional investment returns. Crestline is committed to innovation and operational excellence.

🍮 La Maritxu, a Basque cheesecake brand founded by Ignacio and Lucia in 2021, is debuting at London's Selfridges Food Hall, offering their signature cheesecakes. Inspired by Bilbao's style, their cakes feature a caramelised top and creamy center. Available offerings include Classic, Pistachio, and limited-edition Mango & Passionfruit, with prices starting at £14 for mini cakes. This launch marks a new chapter for La Maritxu in expanding across London with their distinctive flavors.

🌄 At 6:45 AM, two minutes after the scheduled sunrise, the author witnessed a remarkable sunrise over Colorado's Black Canyon, 2,700 feet deep. Initially thwarted by clouds, the view cleared briefly, illuminating the scene with vivid colors. At 9,000 feet, autumn aspens began to turn. This unexpected spectacle was a rare moment of pure awe, free from distractions, captured only by a few shaky photos. The experience evoked deep emotion and reflection.

📈 APAC hotel market trends for 2027 reveal divergence in budget allocations. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) is projected to increase by 5% annually. China leads with a 6% growth in RevPAR, while Japan lags at 3%. Operational costs are expected to rise by 4% across the region, with labor costs being the most significant factor. The focus will be on more sustainable practices, with 50% of hotels planning energy-efficient upgrades. The strategy aims to balance cost management and revenue growth.

💼 Bloomingdales is promoting their hotel collection, notably the Ritz-Carlton collection. Josiah Mackenzie discusses brand influence, questioning what it takes for a brand to inspire merchandise sales. Martin Soler suggests few brands have such equity, referencing citizenM's potential for branded furniture. Diego Verzini notes guests often buy merchandise to extend their hotel experience at home. Christopher Arlotta emphasizes building a brand with status.

🏨 Elena Amabili’s new book, "Socialist Hotels," explores over 150 Soviet-era hotels across former Eastern Bloc countries, including Abkhazia, Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Crimea, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. The photographic monograph captures the stasis and architectural ambition of socialist brutalism. Many hotels remain operational, maintaining their original roles as affordable retreats. The book, priced at £28 and published by Fuel Publishing, includes an introduction by Caroline Eden, emphasizing the structures' historical context.

🍽 The Original Ivy's Edition Menu Vol. 03, curated by chefs at the West Street restaurant, is available daily from 11:30 am with two courses for £39.95 or three for £49.95. Dishes include Pan-Fried Cornish Hake and Treacle-Cured Pork Cutlet. An 8oz Grilled Sirloin of Beef is available for a £5.95 supplement. Desserts feature classics like Banoffee Pie and Eton Mess. Sean Burbidge emphasizes timeless cooking using quality ingredients.