The "Collection" takes shape

Munich. Schloss Fuschl and the Jagdhof on Lake Fuschl will leave the ArabellaStarwood joint venture as of 1 January 2008. The renowned "Sissi" palace on the outskirts of Salzburg, which reopened only last year after 40  million Euros worth of renovation works, has already joined the Leading Hotels of the World one month ago. According to rumours, further hotels are also to cede from the joint venture. Does this spell the end of the marketing and brand agreement that only one year ago was reaffirmed and extended for a further 30 years?

November 28, 2008. In Dublin, Paris and Manchester three new Crowne Plaza hotels in Europe opened. Its second Crowne Plaza hotel in the Irish capital will be the Crowne Plaza Dublin-Blanchardstown. With 188 bedrooms and 13 meeting rooms, the contemporary hotel is located in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre. In Paris Crowne Plaza Paris-Champs Elysées has recently opened on Avenue Marceau. Built over four floors, the hotel features 54 bedrooms and 2 suites, an interior garden, and impressive lobby area displaying a selection of unique pieces of contemporary art.

The hotel also comprises of a business centre, as well as a gym. The interior design of the hotel played a key role in the hotels' development. The decor is contemporary, but with the feel of a luxury boutique hotel. This is typical of the French designer involved in this project, Bruno Borrione, who has worked with Philippe Starck for over 20 years. The Crowne Plaza Manchester City Centre has opened in the Northern Quarter of the City. The hotel boasts 228 contemporary guest rooms, and several interconnecting rooms that can be used for families travelling with children. Those looking for added comfort and exclusive lounge access can head to the top floor where they will find 24 Club rooms and the Plaza Suite. The hotel also includes a destination restaurant and nine conference rooms, the largest of which accommodates up to 300 delegates in theatre-style seating.