Latest news with #Suites
Sydney Morning Herald
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
One of the world's most beautiful art deco hotels is not where you'd expect
Shanghai may be a modern metropolis, but deep in its architectural soul it will always be an art deco city. In the 1920s and '30s, thousands of apartment buildings, offices, hotels, cinemas, clubs, department stores and civic buildings were built in what was then known as the 'modern style', part of a movement towards modernisation reflected in everything from transport to fashion, graphic design and furniture. Despite the rapid development of the past three decades, many of them are still standing. Art deco's distinctive ziggurats, speed lines and curves are everywhere. 'You just have to look up,' says Tina Kanagaratnam, co-founder of Historic Shanghai, a group devoted to recording and celebrating Shanghai's unique history. One of the most famous of all these buildings is the Peace Hotel. Commissioned by British tycoon Victor Sassoon and completed in 1929, the hotel was promoted as the most luxurious hotel in the east. As well as exquisite furnishings and interior design, it also had such radical innovations as indoor plumbing, air-conditioning and a sprung floor for dancing. The hotel lived up to the hype, immediately becoming the place to stay or be seen in Shanghai. Its jazz club was said to be the social hub of the city. Kanagaratnam takes me on an impromptu tour, pointing out some of the easily missed original stained-glass windows. In one of them you can make out the word 'Cathay', the original name of the hotel from the old European word for China. The level of detail in this space alone is extraordinary, from the sculptures and artworks reflecting the free-flowing fashion of the day to elaborate staircases and decorative ironwork, tiles and marble. It's also home to coffee shop Victor's and the Jasmine Lounge, where you can book in for afternoon tea and dine on delicate cakes and sandwiches while a pianist plays on the hotel's original Steinway. The Old Jazz Bar, behind a timber door with a grill, is an atmospheric space with a long timber bar, small stage, and clothed tables. Every night, anyone can sip a cocktail and listen to the band and guest singers. After our walk around the hotel and the local neighbourhood, where we spot many other deco masterpieces, Kanagaratnam leaves me to check in. I've been staying in the hotel equivalent of a musty cupboard for three nights and the cost of my one night in the cheapest available room at the Peace Hotel ($564) is almost double those three nights combined, so I'm determined to make the most of it. Tonight, I'll be sleeping in a building once graced by Charlie Chaplin, Noel Coward, Marlene Dietrich and, more recently, Richard Nixon, Barack Obama and Justin Trudeau. They each stayed in one of the hotel's nine original Nation Suites, and it's easy to imagine them at home in these elaborately decorated, glamorous spaces. My room is merely the standard level of uber luxury – in art deco style yet thoroughly modernised with an enormous bathroom, coffee station, walk-in closet and the elegance, light and high ceilings the era was famous for.
The Age
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
One of the world's most beautiful art deco hotels is not where you'd expect
Shanghai may be a modern metropolis, but deep in its architectural soul it will always be an art deco city. In the 1920s and '30s, thousands of apartment buildings, offices, hotels, cinemas, clubs, department stores and civic buildings were built in what was then known as the 'modern style', part of a movement towards modernisation reflected in everything from transport to fashion, graphic design and furniture. Despite the rapid development of the past three decades, many of them are still standing. Art deco's distinctive ziggurats, speed lines and curves are everywhere. 'You just have to look up,' says Tina Kanagaratnam, co-founder of Historic Shanghai, a group devoted to recording and celebrating Shanghai's unique history. One of the most famous of all these buildings is the Peace Hotel. Commissioned by British tycoon Victor Sassoon and completed in 1929, the hotel was promoted as the most luxurious hotel in the east. As well as exquisite furnishings and interior design, it also had such radical innovations as indoor plumbing, air-conditioning and a sprung floor for dancing. The hotel lived up to the hype, immediately becoming the place to stay or be seen in Shanghai. Its jazz club was said to be the social hub of the city. Kanagaratnam takes me on an impromptu tour, pointing out some of the easily missed original stained-glass windows. In one of them you can make out the word 'Cathay', the original name of the hotel from the old European word for China. The level of detail in this space alone is extraordinary, from the sculptures and artworks reflecting the free-flowing fashion of the day to elaborate staircases and decorative ironwork, tiles and marble. It's also home to coffee shop Victor's and the Jasmine Lounge, where you can book in for afternoon tea and dine on delicate cakes and sandwiches while a pianist plays on the hotel's original Steinway. The Old Jazz Bar, behind a timber door with a grill, is an atmospheric space with a long timber bar, small stage, and clothed tables. Every night, anyone can sip a cocktail and listen to the band and guest singers. After our walk around the hotel and the local neighbourhood, where we spot many other deco masterpieces, Kanagaratnam leaves me to check in. I've been staying in the hotel equivalent of a musty cupboard for three nights and the cost of my one night in the cheapest available room at the Peace Hotel ($564) is almost double those three nights combined, so I'm determined to make the most of it. Tonight, I'll be sleeping in a building once graced by Charlie Chaplin, Noel Coward, Marlene Dietrich and, more recently, Richard Nixon, Barack Obama and Justin Trudeau. They each stayed in one of the hotel's nine original Nation Suites, and it's easy to imagine them at home in these elaborately decorated, glamorous spaces. My room is merely the standard level of uber luxury – in art deco style yet thoroughly modernised with an enormous bathroom, coffee station, walk-in closet and the elegance, light and high ceilings the era was famous for.
Qatar Tribune
16-07-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Katara Hospitality launches ‘Stay Your Way' summer package 2025
Tribune News Network DOHA Katara Hospitality, a leading global hotel owner, developer, and operator based in Qatar, has announced the launch of its highly sought-after 'Stay Your Way' summer edition package. Designed to suit individual preferences — whether for a short city escape or an indulgent extended staycation — the offer includes exclusive privileges and bespoke experiences, with savings of up to 40 percent. Guests can enjoy exceptional value while experiencing the unparalleled luxury of Katara Hospitality's prestigious portfolio of hotels in Doha. Valid until August 31, 2025, Stay Your Way summer package invites guests to indulge in a truly bespoke escape with discounts and exclusive privileges designed for ultimate experience. This initiative underscores Katara Hospitality's commitment to the local community and its dedication to providing exceptional hospitality experiences. Unrivalled Benefits The Stay Your Way summer package offers progressive discounts and benefits based on the length of stay, ensuring every guest finds their perfect getaway: For a 1-Night Stay: Enjoy a 20 percent discount on the best available rate for all room categories, a 20 percent discount on food and beverage at hotel-run restaurants, and a 20 percent discount on Spa treatments. Guests can also upgrade to the next room category for only QR 200 (excluding Villas, Presidential, and Royal Suites), along with personalised in-room amenities, and early check-in/late check-out (subject to availability). For a 2-Night Stay: Elevate your experience with a 30 percent discount on the best available rate for all room categories, a 30 percent discount on food and beverage at hotel-run restaurants, and a 30 percentdiscount on Spa treatments. All other benefits from the 1-night stay, including room upgrades, personalised amenities, and flexible check-in/check-out, are also included. For 3 Nights or More: Immerse yourself in ultimate luxury with a 40 percent discount on the best available rate for all room categories, a 40 percent discount on food and beverage at hotel-run restaurants, and a 40 percent discount on Spa treatments. All additional perks, such as room upgrades for Q R 200, personalized in-room amenities, and early check-in/late check-out, apply. Participating Hotels Guests can experience this exclusive offer at 15 distinct destinations across Doha, each offering unique charm and world-class amenities. Participating hotels include: Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas Jouri, a Murwab Hotel Fairmont Doha Raffles Doha Mövenpick Hotel Doha Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha Sealine Beach, a Murwab Resort Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel Simaisma, a Murwab Resort Somerset West Bay Doha The Ritz-Carlton, Doha Indulge in Award-Winning Spa Experiences Several Katara Hospitality properties boast exceptional spa facilities, inviting guests to embark on a journey of relaxation and rejuvenation: Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha: Discover a haven of tranquility with its spacious women's spa featuring 14,000 square feet of dedicated space, diverse treatments, and four 'Worlds' of water health care areas. Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel: One of Qatar's most luxurious spa facilities, offering 23 treatment rooms, four distinct spa areas reflecting local heritage, and dedicated ladies' areas. Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas: Euphoria Spa presents 8 treatment rooms and a VIP room, providing unique relaxation experiences including volcanic stone massages and honey bath rituals. Raffles Doha Spa: A sanctuary of luxury and rejuvenation, offering transformative treatments in private suites designed for ultimate relaxation. Book Your Luxury Escape Don't miss this opportunity to rediscover luxury within Qatar. To learn more or to book your ' Stay Your Way' summer package, please visit: Toll-Free (Ooredoo): 8008800 Email: Website:
Business Insider
16-07-2025
- Business Insider
I tried a private airport sleeping room that's $65 an hour — it had perks, but I think lounges offer a way better value
On a recent layover, I reserved a private Minute Suites sleeping room at the airport. At $65 an hour, I thought the price was high, but I still enjoyed the privacy and quiet. Next time, I'll pass the time in an airport lounge instead — I think they offer a better value. I'm always searching for savvy ways to improve my travel experience, especially on layovers. Usually, airport lounges are my go-to when looking to escape the hustle and bustle of a busy terminal. They offer perks like food, bar service, and showers, all of which can be a lifesaver on long travel days. Yet even the nicest lounges aren't without fault. Some face overcrowding, and they're not always as quiet as you'd expect. Plus, if you don't receive complimentary lounge access through your airline status or credit card, single-use lounge passes can be pricey — typically around $60 to $80 per person. So, on a recent layover in the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, I looked for an alternative and found Minute Suites, a company that rents out private sleeping rooms in airport terminals across the US. My one-hour reservation would've cost $65 if I didn't have a Priority Pass. By the time I arrived in Dallas for my layover after an early morning flight, I was already exhausted. I couldn't wait to wind down in a private room and take a break during my busy travel day. So, I reserved one hour in a private suite. The reservation normally costs $65, but I received the first hour free of charge through my Priority Pass membership. Minute Suites immediately gave me my own private space to relax away from the crowds. I used the desk and daybed. The room's daybed was ideal for a brief rest — albeit not as plush as a standard hotel bed — and the desk was a useful space where I could get some work done before my flight. The room also had some nice, small touches. I appreciated the space's special touches, such as the sound-masking device, which blocked enough noise to make me forget I was in an airport. The room also came with several varieties of snacks and drinks that were available for purchase. I could've paid an extra $20 to use the space's showers, but the cost seemed a bit too high to justify during my short reservation. I felt relaxed after my stay, but the price felt a little hard to justify. My hourlong rental passed by quickly, and I left the suite feeling refreshed and ready for my next flight. The private room gave me a much-needed break from the busy terminal outside. However, I found the price somewhat high since I was alone, and Minute Suites are priced by the room and not per person At $65 for the first hour, I'm not sure a short reservation was worth the cost as a solo traveler. If I were with friends or family, this rental's cost would be easier to justify. Nonetheless, I see the appeal of renting a suite on an overnight layover. An eight-hour rental, for instance, runs $215. Given that the suite is directly in the airport and post-security, there's no doubt it's convenient for an overnight stay. In addition, booking a Minute Suites space could be the ultimate travel hack for families with young children. There's no need to chase kids around a crowded terminal — the private room provides space for them to nap, watch a movie, and wind down before a flight. I find that airport lounges offer a better value for my travel style. I appreciated the privacy of Minute Suites, but ultimately missed the amenities offered in an airport lounge. When I fly, I love stopping by a lounge for a complimentary meal and pre-flight drink, whether an espresso martini, gelato, or made-to-order pasta. Minute Suites only has snacks and drinks that can be purchased. The lack of an included shower was a downside, too. Not all airport lounges offer free-to-use showers, but it's an amenity I frequently seek out when flying internationally. Lastly, I prefer the pricing structure of airport lounges over the hourly rates at Minute Suites. For example, United Airlines' United Club offers single-use passes for $59 that provide lounge access for three hours before your first flight or your entire layover during a connection. I can spend a lot more time in an airport lounge for roughly the same price as an hour at Minute Suites. Even so, I'm not opposed to trying Minute Suites again. If I ever found myself stuck in an airport overnight, a private room would almost certainly be priceless. Nine times out of 10, though, I'd probably choose an airport lounge instead for the best value.
Business Journals
06-06-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Fully furnished office suites in Alexandria go beyond traditional offices
As businesses continue to move away from traditional five- to 10-year leases and adapt to hybrid work models, the hunt begins to find modern workspace solutions that provide plug-and-play setup and the office space you need when you need it. In fact, according to a survey by Colliers at the CoreNet Global Summit, companies anticipate needing 20 to 40 percent less office space due to these evolving work arrangements. This evolving landscape is driving businesses to seek turnkey, move-in-ready office suites, avoiding construction hassles, lengthy negotiations, and costly delays. Now, ALX Community Office Suites meet the demands of modern businesses across the Tri-state area, delivering fully equipped private offices as a seamless, zero-buildout solution. Simply bring your team and start working immediately, enjoying the flexibility and convenience essential for today's dynamic enterprises. The workplace revolution reaches the tri-state area In Alexandria ALX Community Office Suites has created a solution specifically designed for your business that allows you and your team to avoid long leases and extensive build-out requirements while aligning with your modern operations and growth goals. Located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Old Town Alexandria offers a growing appeal for businesses looking for a beautiful space they can grow that's close to the city. The gorgeous waterfront property provides: Walking distance to dozens of restaurants, cafes, and shops Easy access to major transportation routes Proximity to government agencies and major corporate headquarters A sleek, inviting space that enhances client confidence from the moment they arrive These turnkey suites provide collaborative areas, fully equipped conference rooms, and networking opportunities where teams can focus and thrive. With a professional setting and a prime location just minutes from D.C., these polished suites are where modern work meets practical business needs. expand Smart, scalable office space designed for how companies work today For businesses ready to skip the frustrations of traditional commercial real estate, ALX Community's private Office Suites remove the usual obstacles and inefficiencies: Enjoy flexible terms that align with your business timeline, without the burden of long leases Move in immediately with turnkey spaces — no build-out delays Access fully furnished, customizable offices without tenant improvement costs Skip the lengthy negotiations and legal fees with streamlined agreements Step into a high-end office space with expansive windows and breathtaking views of the Potomac River Empower hybrid teams with proprietary, state-of-the-art technology solutions Each private suite accommodates teams of five to 30+ professionals and comes complete with high-speed internet, complimentary coffee throughout the day, and access to both private meeting rooms and collaborative spaces. The ALX advantage introduces a better way to work, meet and thrive ALX Community members gain access to a comprehensive business hub that includes ways to: Connect with Alexandria's vibrant business community through regular networking events Grow skills and knowledge with an engaging speaking series and professional development programs Give back through organized volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits Stay focused on what matters most with access to administrative and operational support services For wealth managers, law firms, government contractors, and professional service providers seeking scalability and professionalism, ALX Community's Office Suites represent a strategic advantage in talent attraction, client service, and operational efficiency. Washington, D.C., National Landing, and surrounding areas remain accessible through major highways, while Alexandria's full calendar of festivals, outdoor concerts, and cultural events helps businesses build connections beyond video calls — turning mundane networking into exciting relationship-building events. For business owners, active support from local chambers and other businesses offer a launching pad for meaningful relationships and real community ties, not just a place to plug in. expand LAURA HATCHER PHOTOGRAPHY Old Town Alexandria offers next-gen office space The world of work has changed, and the most successful businesses are adapting with it. Whether your team works primarily in-office, follows a hybrid model, or simply needs a more impressive and functional headquarters, ALX Community's Office Suites offer a solution without compromise. Experience a workspace that eliminates traditional real estate barriers while providing everything your business needs to thrive in today's competitive marketplace. Want a glimpse into the future of a workplace that's adaptable, secure, and deeply connected to the community? Book a tour and check out the space virtually. ALX Community emphasizes connection and purpose as a strategic approach to workplace culture that goes beyond branding. Guided by Five Pillars of Community, ALX integrates collaboration, professional development, and social impact into its everyday operations. Member programming ranges from a TALX speaker series and curated networking events to volunteer opportunities that contribute to Alexandria's local nonprofits. This model continues to attract organizations that value flexibility and meaningful engagement alongside a polished, professional setting.
