New Opening | Hyatt Place London City East Celebrates Official Opening

280-room Hyatt Place hotel opens in London

London (June 28, 2021) – Hyatt Place London City East, the third Hyatt Place hotel in London, is officially open, expanding the Hyatt Place brand’s footprint globally in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. The new hotel features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere, and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings. Hyatt Place London City East is managed by Cycas Hospitality.

Because Hyatt’s efforts are grounded in listening and fueled by care, Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation, and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy-to-navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler. The property is located a short walk from Liverpool Street and close to some of the capital’s most important cultural and artistic highlights, including Brick Lane, Spitalfield’s Market, and the Tower of London. Hyatt Place London City East offers guests a stylish place where they can be productive in a laid-back and casual environment.

“With its central location and stylish design incorporating local art links, we’re confident the Hyatt Place concept will prove as popular with those enjoying a short break in the capital as it will with anyone traveling on business,” said Michael Mason-Shaw, general manager of Hyatt Place London City East. “Above all, we look forward to introducing more people to the casual yet practical atmosphere associated with the Hyatt Place brand.”   

Hyatt Place London City East offers:

• 280 spacious guestrooms with separate spaces to sleep, work and play; many of the guestrooms feature their own private terrace and/or city skyline views

• Breakfast Bar with locally inspired breakfast options every morning in the form of a casual yet elevated buffet

• Pocket square Skyline Bar and Terrace serving a perfectly curated cocktail and beverage menu that can be enjoyed with uninterrupted views of London’s iconic skyline

• Zoom Restaurant providing a range of responsibly sourced global and local cuisine

• The Market serving freshly prepared meals anytime, day or night

• The Bar featuring specialty coffees and premium beers, as well as wines and cocktails

• Necessities program for forgotten items that guests can buy, borrow or enjoy for free

• Free Wi-Fi throughout hotel and guestrooms

• Two flexible event spaces each offering flexible, high-tech meeting/function space for up to 20 guests

• Fitness Center featuring cardio equipment with LCD touchscreens

“London is a vibrant city, filled with friendly people, great neighborhoods, and an ever-expanding list of great places to visit and things to do or see,” said Wayne Androliakos, Chief Operating Officer, Cycas Hospitality. “Our hotel is central to all of them, and we are confident that the Hyatt Place London City East will exceed guest expectations while providing them with everything they need while exploring the Capital.”

HYATT PLACE LONDON CITY EAST LEADERSHIP

Hyatt Place London City East is under the leadership of Michael Mason-Shaw, General Manager, Director of Operations Pino Dispinseri, and Director of Sales Silvia Abreu. In his role, Michael is directly responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the hotel, including overseeing the hotel’s approximately 45 associates and ensuring guests encounter the thoughtful service for which the Hyatt Place brand is known. Dispensers oversee the day-to-day activities and ensure the highest level of service is provided to each guest. Abreu is responsible for providing sales service and support to travelers and meeting planners frequenting the London area.

For more information, please visit hyattplace.com.

Guided by its purpose of care, Hyatt’s multi-layered Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment further enhance its operational guidance and resources around colleague and guest safety and peace of mind. More information on Hyatt’s commitment can be found here: hyatt.com/care-and-cleanliness

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

ABOUT HYATT PLACE

Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation, and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy-to-navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully designed guestrooms featuring distinct zones for sleep, work and play, and free-flowing social spaces that offer seamless transitions from work to relaxation. With more than 365 locations globally, Hyatt Place hotels offer freshly prepared food around the clock, efficient service, and differentiated experiences for World of Hyatt members. For more information, please visit hyattplace.com. Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram and tag photos with #HyattPlace and #WhySettle.

ABOUT CYCAS HOSPITALITY

Founded in 2008, Cycas Hospitality is a pioneering European hotel management company on a mission to make its hotel the best places to work as well as stay.

Operating across both the extended-stay and mainstream hospitality sectors, Cycas plans to double its multi-brand hotel portfolio across the UK and mainland Europe over the next two years. 

With proven expertise in operations, property development, and asset management, Cycas is the preferred hotel operator for major international franchise brands. Having helped IHG, Hyatt, and Marriott develop their dual-branded hotel concept in Europe, in the last two years, Cycas has welcomed Accor, the Radisson Hotel Group, and Qbic hotels to its portfolio.

With a distinctive performance culture and the philosophy that “our job is not over until we get a smile”, Cycas was recognized as a ‘Best Place to Work in Hospitality (2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021) and won the UK hospitality industry’s ‘Best Employer Award’ Catey in 2018, for which it was also shortlisted in 2020.

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PRODUCT | HEALTHY, HEARTY, WHOLESOME; Introducing a New Menu at Bombay Baking Company, Mumbai’s Iconic Patisserie-Deli.

HEALTHY, HEARTY, WHOLESOME; 

Introducing a New Menu at Bombay Baking Company, 

Mumbai’s Iconic Patisserie-Deli.

Mumbai, 28th June 2021 – “Coffee and conversation” gets a whole new meaning as Bombay Baking Company, the much sought-after patisserie-deli at the JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu presents an all-new menu this season. 

The thoughtfully curated menu features nutritious breakfast bowls, all-time deli favorites, and fresh house-made  smoothies made with superfoods and immunity-boosting ingredients to offer flavorsome, power-packed meals. 

It’s the perfect place for a catch-up with friends or to just sit by yourself and indulge in your creative side. Delve into morning essentials such as Acai Bowl, Granola Yogurt Parfait and Omega Bowl which are sure to get your  creative juices flowing, and everyone’s favorite Pancakes and Waffles for that feel-good sweet indulgence. 

The menu also includes hearty and wholesome meals including BBCo. Signature Club Sandwich, Croissant  Sandwich, Lox and Bagel, Mushroom Bruschetta, Farmhouse Panini along with fresh, nutrition-packed  smoothies like Avocado & Blueberries, Beetroot & Banana, Date & Cinnamon, Avocado & Moringa and Spinach & Kale. What’s more, indulge in fresh treats from the oven such as Quiches, Danishes, Cruffins,  Cronuts, Brioches and more. 

Refresh your palate as you enjoy the ultimate Bombay Baking Company experience beginning 1st July, 2021. 

Bombay Baking Company New Menu  

▪ When : 1st July, 2021 onwards 

▪ Time : 9:00 am - 4:00 pm  

▪ Where to Buy: Bombay Baking Company, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu  

To place your order, dial +91 22 6693 3344 / +91 90046 16506 or visit our social handles @jwmarriottjuhu  across Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. 

About JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts  

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties in gateway  cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels cater to today’s sophisticated,  self- assured travelers, offering them the quiet luxury they seek in a warmly authentic, relaxed atmosphere  lacking in pretense. JW Marriott properties artfully provide highly crafted, anticipatory experiences that are  reflective of their locale so that their guests have the time to focus on what is most important to them.  Currently, there are 70 JW Marriott hotels in 26 countries; by 2019 the portfolio is expected to encompass  more than 100 properties in over 30 countries. Visit us online, on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.  

About Marriott International, Inc  

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,500 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 132 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy™, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

New Opening | At 2,000 feet, Shanghai opens world's highest hotel

At 2,000 feet, Shanghai opens world's highest hotel

A restaurant on the 120th floor, yes you read that right, Shanghai has opened the world’s highest luxury restaurant, situated on the 120th floor of a skyscraper.

Apart from the height, this eatery named ‘J Hotel’ boasts of 24-hours personal butler service and is now open for the deep-pocketed guests in China.   

The restaurant is located in the city’s financial capital, at the top of 632-meter (around 2,000 feet) long Shanghai Tower, which is the world’s second-tallest building after Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Guests are whizzed up in the blink of an eye. Elevators running at the speed of 18 meters per second take them up the intimidating skyscraper, to the J Hotel.

Although the hotel’s opening was delayed by the pandemic, it has now started receiving guests, calling on the services of a dedicated butler at all times of day and night.

Source

STR: Canada Hotel Performance For May 2021

HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee — Canada’s hotel industry reported slightly lower performance from the previous month, according to STR’s May 2021 data.

While year-over-year percentage changes show significant increases because of comparison with a pandemic-affected period in 2020, the country’s performance levels remained well below the pre-pandemic comparable of May 2019

• Occupancy: 28.1% (-58.6%)

• Average daily rate (ADR): CAD113.40 (-32.0%)

• Revenue per available room (RevPAR): CAD31.87 (-71.9%)

“Despite subdued performance in May due to continued travel restrictions and lockdown measures, RevPAR increased in each of the first three weeks of June, signaling the start of recovery now that provincial travel restrictions are in the process of being lifted,” said Laura Baxter, CoStar Group’s director of hospitality analytics for Canada. CoStar Group is the parent company of STR.

As long as Canada keeps up the vaccine momentum and variants are controlled, hotel performance will continue to recover. Recovery will be led by pent-up leisure demand this summer. In Q3, we expect occupancy and ADR to reach 47% and CAD146, respectively, thus resulting in a 34% increase in RevPAR from Q3 2020. We anticipate a particularly strong recovery in smaller cities and resort hotels. Recovery in urban markets is expected to lag until corporate, group and international demand returns. Urban markets with large development pipelines will also experience downward pressure on recovery as new rooms are added to the inventory.”

“International demand plays an incredibly important role in the recovery process, and we expect a jump in hotel leisure and corporate demand once the U.S./Canada land border reopens. The relaxed quarantine requirements for those who are fully vaccinated is a step in the right direction. However, the catalyst for even stronger hotel performance recovery will be an extension of those loosened requirements for international travelers.”

Among the provinces and territories, Prince Edward Island recorded the lowest May occupancy level (16.8%), which was 71.5% below the pre-pandemic comparable.

Source

AIDA Cruises opens cruise season in Hamburg on July 31

After Kiel and Rostock-Warnemünde, AIDA Cruises today announced it will open the 2021 season at a third German cruise port, Hamburg, with AIDAmar on July 31. Every Saturday, the Hanseatic city will be the port of departure and destination for seven-day voyages initially sailing to the Dutch metropolises Amsterdam (Ijmuiden) and Rotterdam. In both ports AIDAmar will stay overnight, giving guests additional time for AIDA-organized shore excursions to the Dutch capital Amsterdam and the fashion and culture metropolis Rotterdam.

As soon as more destinations open for cruise tourism, the company intends to complement these voyages with calls at further ports.

Bookings for these new cruises between July 31 and October 16, 2021, start today, June 25.

New to the program of AIDA Cruises is a 40-day voyage in the Caribbean with AIDAsol from/to Hamburg between October 16 and November 25, 2021, followed by two 43-day “Great Caribbean Winter Break” voyages, also from/to Hamburg starting on November 25, 2021, and January 7, 2022. These two cruises were originally scheduled with AIDAvita.

All cruises are carried out in compliance with AIDA’s enhanced health and safety protocols, as well as applicable laws and regulations. More information is available at www.aida.de/sichererurlaub.

With the "AIDA Promise”, AIDA Cruises offers more flexibility, peace of mind and confidence when planning and booking vacations. Generous booking options are part of the offer, from low deposits to free rebooking. The "AIDA Promise" is already included in the travel price for new bookings up to July 31, 2021, and is valid for departures up to March 31, 2022.

All AIDA cruises can be booked at travel agencies, on the Internet at www.aida.de, and at the AIDA Customer Center.

Ingredient Ideology | Befitting & Benefitting Bamboo Shoots By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

Bamboo shoots also known as “the king of forest vegetables “also called bamboo sprouts are edible shoots of the bamboo species. They are crisp, tender and comparable to asparagus and with a flavor very close to corn. Bamboo shoots have been used in Asian cuisine for a long time in soups, salads, stir fry dishes, and more. However fresh bamboo shoots are a seasonal delicacy but in several countries like America and a few others freshly frozen shoots are imported from places like China, Taiwan and Thailand, however, the canned and tinned varieties are available all year round at supermarkets and food stores across India as well. 

The bamboo plant is a member of the grass family and after about 3-4 years of implantation these shoots arise from beneath the existing ones and that’s how they grow and develop. They are then picked, cleaned, checked for quality and graded and processed further or sold fresh. Cooking bamboo shoots requires that they are well cooked or boil them/blanch them partially if being used fresh or else opening a tin/can of bamboo shoots is ready to use without much to do.

Bamboo shoots apparently are not very popular when we talk of Indian cuisine or our regular recipes with masala blends and gravies/curries etc however this ingredient has seen a limited acceptance on our menus with a very limited choice of guests/foodies who like to indulge in it. to many, it is yet not much known or the familiarity process has not yet been done too well. 

My very own experience with bamboo shoots dates back around fifteen years ago when I first had it in a Chinese stir fry recipe with hot garlic and pepper sauce. The first impression in the cooked and well-presented form was a wow but upon finding out more about it and actually doing it from scratch was a completely different mild and distinctive taste, flavor melange which led to a positive output-driven experiment series with a lot of scope for innovation and creativity attached.

Let us have a look at a few Health Benefits of Bamboo Shoots:

• Bamboo shoots have been regarded as a great ingredient for immunity boosting, they have a considerable amount of vitamins and minerals to benefit.

• Bamboo shoots are also good for those who want to go on a weight loss program and diet and it works well too.

• Bamboo shoots are very low in fats and calories therefore they are recommended for a lot many healthy recipes and they also make us feel full after consumption.

• Bamboo shoots have a high content of protein which is essentially required by us on day to day basis and this is one of the ways we can have a variety as well.

• Bamboo shoots are also good for digestion in our body and they also help in healthy and regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.

• Bamboo shoots are also low in sugar content and hence make it a good choice for many to have it including those who may be on the borderline of diabetes, besides they also help reduce dissolve the harmful LDL cholesterol in our body.

Here are a few ideas on how to use Bamboo Shoots [ tinned or canned] in Cooking and Baking:

• Adding sliced or diced bamboo sheets to a nice piping hot clear soup or broth works well during the rainy season as well. Add your favorite colorful veggies or boiled chicken cubes along as well to the bowl of goodness.

• Bamboo shoots go well in salads, they can be dressed with a combination of sauteing mushrooms, blanched baby corn, cooked yellow or green zucchini, can also use boiled pasta like macaroni, penne, etc. for dressings we can choose from olive oil with mustard/lemon- herbs or with a light mayo-mint dressing, for low-cal use greek yogurt or hung curd with the date and nut basil pesto.

• I also like adding bamboo shoots to my stuffings and fillings for several dishes be it Indian style malai koftas- stuff the koftas with small dices of bamboo shoots with a little grated paneer/cheese and some chat masala.

• Stuffing for a paratha as well works well with bamboo shoots I prefer it with a little cooked soy keema and green peas combination in my whole-wheat double-layered paratha option.

• Bamboo shoots are good to add to a wok toss recipe with a selection to go with prawns/shrimps/ shredded chicken/ lamb etc as well, cook it with a little ginger-garlic, onions, sliced chilies, some soy-chili/ garlic-pepper sauce/schezuan sauce, etc.

• Adding bamboo shoots to fried rice/stir-fried Hakka noodles or into a white/red or pink pasta recipe does a good job and a combination as well adding value and nutrition as well side by side. Do not cook it too much though since the canned one is a little delicate at times.

• Bamboo shoot- walnut and mushroom pate – a twist to the classic chicken or goose liver pate is an ideal option to pipe out with a little cream cheese added onto savoury crackers or offering it as a dip as well with chips.

• Bamboo shoot curry- Thai style with a combination of shitake mushrooms, boneless fish cubes, lemongrass, galangal, basil, and choice of red, green, or yellow curry paste and laced with nice thick coconut milk served with steaming hot jasmine rice is a heavenly meal.

• Snacking ideas with bamboo shoots adding it as stuffing into tikkis/cutlets, spring rolls, wantons, fillings for sandwiches, wraps and rolls, etc.

Here are a few Simple- Easy Recipes with Bamboo Shoots:

Recipe-1] CURRIED BAMBOO SHOOT SOUP

Ingredients

Bamboo shoots- tinned- 1 cup, roughly cut

Oil-1 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Onion-1 small chopped

Green chili-1 tsp chopped

Carrots-1/2 no cubes

French beans- 4-5 no cut 

Fresh basil leaves- 8-10 no

For non-veg- boneless chicken cubes-1/2 cup

For non-veg- shrimps/prawns-3/4th cup

Salt and crushed pepper to taste

Water/veg/chicken/fish stock- 2-3 cups

Thai curry paste-2 tsp- red/green/yellow

Coconut milk- 1 cup thick

Corn flour- 2 tsp solution to thicken

Coriander leaves-2 tsp chopped

Lime juice- 1 tsp add and serve

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the curried bamboo shoot soup.

2. Heat oil and butter in a pan add in the garlic, chilies and onions and saute for a few seconds. Add in the assorted veggies and non-veg ingredients as desired and saute for a minute, then add in the bamboo shoots and mix.

3. Add in the curry paste, seasonings to taste, water or stock to allow proper cooking of the veggies etc in the soup for 10-12 mins on a medium flame.

4. Add in the coconut milk and simmer for 3-4 mins, add in the corn flour solution to thicken the soup slightly, serve hot garnish with fresh herbs/micro-greens/ roasted crushed peanuts/ fresh coriander leaves/coconut cream add a splash of fresh lime juice and serve the soup piping hot.

Recipe-2] ASIAN STYLE BAMBOO SHOOT POT

Ingredients:

Bamboo shoots- 8-10 pieces from a tin- roughly cut

Oil-2 tsp

Garlic- 1 tsp sliced

Ginger- 1 tbsp. shredded

Green chilies- 2-3 slit

Onion- 1 medium sliced.

Carrots- ½ no cut into sticks

French beans- 4-5 cut

Green/yellow zucchini- ½ cup cut into sticks

Assorted mushrooms of your choice- ¼ cup sliced

Boiled noodles- 2 cups

Salt and pepper to taste

Soy sauce- 2 tsp

Red chili sauce- 2 tsp

White vinegar-2 tsp

Spring onion greens- 2 tbsp. chopped

Water/stock- 2 cups

Corn flour solution-2 tbsp. to thicken slightly.

For non-veg options-boiled cubes of chicken

Chicken sausages/ salami/ boiled cubed eggs/ braised fish.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the bamboo shoot pot recipe.

2. Heat oil in a pan add in the garlic, onion, chilies, and saute for a few seconds, add in the assorted vegetables/non-veg ingredients as per choice, and saute them for 1-2 mins.

3. Add in the seasonings, Chinese sauces, little water/stock and bring to a boil, cook until veggies are just done and crunchy.

4. Add in the bamboo shoots and boiled noodles and mix in well, add more stock or water to adjust the texture as desired, now add in the corn flour solution and slightly thicken the pot ingredients, garnish with greens and serve hot as a one meal dish with accompanying sauces.

Recipe-3] WARM BAMBOO SHOOT SALAD

Ingredients:

Bamboo shoots- tinned- 6- 8 no roughly cut

Baby corn- 4-5 no cut into sticks

Green/yellow zucchini- 1 cup cut into sticks

Chicken- 1 cup shredded for non-veg

Firm Tofu- ½ cup cut into long strips for veg

Sprouts- 1 cup

Salt and pepper to taste

Honey- 1 tsp

Oil/olive oil- 2 tsp

White vinegar-1 tsp

Green/red chili sauce- 2 tsp

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Ginger- 1 tsp chopped

Green chilies- 2 no slit

Water/stock-1/2 cup

Lime juice- 2 tsp

Peanut butter- 2 tsp

Crushed roasted peanuts- 2 tbsp.

Assorted fresh herbs/greens-1/4 cup

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for this cooked warm salad.

2. Heat oil in a pan and add in the ginger, garlic, chili, all the choice of veggies/non-veg ingredients as desired and saute for a couple of minutes.

3. Add in little water/stock and allow to cook on a medium flame for 4-6 mins or until just done and tender.

4. Now add in the sprouts, bamboo shoots and mix well, also add in little peanut butter dissolved with a little stock and all other ingredients and sauces, honey, herbs, cook for 3-4 mins until it all blends in well, turn off the flame and serve this like a salad with some toast garnished with greens/crushed peanuts etc.

Recipe-4] SHRIMP AND BAMBOO SHOOT PILAF 

Ingredients:

Bamboo shoots-tinned- 6-8 pieces, roughly cut

Basmati/short grain rice- 1 cup soaked for 15 mins.

Oil-1 tsp

Butter- 1 tsp

Bayleaf-1 no

Peppercorns- 4-5 no

Onion-1/2 no chopped

Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Water/shrimp stock/veg stock

Assorted veggies like carrots/beans/peas/cauliflower can be used for the veg variety.

Grated cheese- 2 tbsp.

Cream-2 tsp

Fresh herbs/greens/nuts/seeds for garnish.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the bamboo shoot and shrimp pilaf rice.

2. Heat oil and butter in a pan add in the Bayleaf, peppercorns, garlic, onion, and saute for a few seconds, add in the cleaned, washed and soaked, and drained rice into the pan, and saute for a couple of mins.

3. Add in the cleaned shrimps and salt, pepper, herbs, chili flakes as per taste and mix well, now add in double the quantity of stock and mix, simmer cover and allow the rice to cook.

4. Now add in the bamboo shoots, cream, and cheese mix it lightly and cover and cook for another 4-5 mins on low flame, serve hot garnish with herbs/sliced nuts.

Recipe- 5] SPROUTS AND SHOOTS STIR-FRIED NOODLES

Ingredients

Bamboo shoots- 6-8 no roughly cut – tinned variety.

Oil-2 tsp

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Ginger-1 tsp shredded

Red and green chilies- 2-3 each slit/shredded

Onion-1 no sliced.

French beans-4-5 shred/sliced

Mushrooms-1/2 cup sliced

Celery- 1 stalk- cut into slices

Green capsicum-1/2 no shredded

Sprouts-1 cup

Salt and pepper to taste

Soy sauce- 2 tsp

White vinegar-2 tsp

Green chili sauce- 2 tsp

White sesame seeds- 2 tsp toasted.

Peanut butter- 2 tsp

Honey-1 tsp

Sugar-1 pinch

Spring onion greens-2 tbsp. Chopped for garnish.

Shredded double fried egg- 1-2 no- optional for garnish.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the stir-fried noodles.

2. Heat oil in a wok/pan and saute the ginger, garlic, chilies, onions, celery for a minute.

3. Add in the assorted vegetables, sprouts and seasonings, sauces as per taste and add a little water/stock just to enable the peanut butter to blend in well and the veggies to get cooked up a little too.

4. Add in the honey, sesame seeds, little sugar to balance, and the boiled noodles and give it a nice toss in the pan and add in the bamboo shoots as well, cook it all for 4-5 mins over a medium flame.

5. Garnish these yummy noodles with a choice of greens, shredded double fried egg etc, and serve hot.

Brief About Writer:

Ingredient Ideology | Catching Up with Cashews: The Wondernut By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

Cashew Nuts come from fruit-producing trees, the fruit also known as cashew apple which resembles a bell pepper is what is called a false fruit, a fascinating sight of nature and a master of deception the real fruit dangles from the bottom of the cashew apple guarding within it a single seed known to us cashew nuts which are commonly considered a snack nut eaten on its own and used in recipes or processed into cashew cheese or cashew butter as well for vegan cooking. 

In its raw form, the cashew kernel is soft, white, and meaty, when roasted it enhances its taste and color. Among various varieties like almonds and hazelnuts, cashew nuts enjoy a topmost position and it is hard to resist as a snack at all important social functions especially in the west. It is also believed that around four centuries ago the adventurous Portuguese came sailing down the Indian coast and brought along the priceless tree and nut called cashew also known as the wonder nut of the world.

Let us check out a few health benefits of the wonder cashew nuts:

• Cashew is known as an energizing food and is also high in dietary fiber.

• Cashew is also a good source of minerals and proteins.

• Cashew is a zero cholesterol nut and is healthy for us.

• Cashew is high in levels of anti-oxidants.

• Cashew helps maintain healthy gums and teeth.

• Cashewnuts have a high copper content and are vital in energy production.

• Cashews are heart-friendly food though must be consumed in moderation.

Uses of Cashewnuts in Cooking & Baking:

• Cashews have been popularly served plain, with the skin on, roasted, salted and even fried and spiced as a snack.

• Cashews are a great thickening agent in our Indian curries and gravy recipes.

• Cashewnuts go well into our sweets, mithai like Kaju Katri and Kaju burfi, also puddings, pies, tarts, and muffins too.

• Cashews are good to use as a garnish for our Indian sweets like phirni, kheer, basundi etc.

• Cashews in biscuits, cookies, chocolates and milkshakes, smoothies and health power drinks also work well.

• Cashewnuts have also been a part of stuffing and fillings for cutlets, samosas, Kachories and many savoury dishes including being added into biryanis and pulao’s.

Here are a few Interesting and Yummy Recipes with Cashewnuts!

Recipe-1] PEPPERY CASHEW STIR FRY

Ingredients

Oil- 2 tsp

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Ginger-1 tsp chopped

Green chilies-2 slit

Red chilies- 2 slit

Red capsicums-1/2 no cubes

Green capsicum-1/2 no cubes

Spring onions- 3-4 sliced

Lemon grass- 4-5 pieces’ cut

Fresh basil leaves- 5-6 no

Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

Water/veg stock-1 cup

Cottage cheese/ tofu- 150 gms cubes

Cashews-1/2 cup fried

Soy sauce- 1 tsp

Red chili sauce- 2 tsp

Tomato ketchup- 2 tsp

Corn flour and water solution- 2 tbsp. to thicken up.

Spring onion greens- 2 tbsp. for garnish.

Toasted white sesame seeds- 2 tsp for garnish.

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan, saute the garlic, ginger, chilies, and lemongrass for a few seconds, add in the sliced spring onions and cook for 1 min.

2. Add in the sauces, seasonings and capsicums and allow to cook for 3-4 mins, now add the cornflour and water solution and thicken up the gravy to medium or semi-dry if serving as a starter.

3.Finally add in the cubes of cottage cheese/tofu and fried cashews and mix well, simmer for 3-4 mins and serve hot garnished with spring onion greens and toasted white sesame seeds.

Recipe-2] HEALTHY WHOLESOME CASHEW BROTH

Ingredients

Oil- 2 tsp

Cumin seeds- ½ tsp

Cloves-3-4 no

Curry leaves-5-6 no

Garlic-1 tsp sliced

Ginger- 2 tsp shredded

Green chilies-2 no slit

Red chilies- 2 no sliced

Onion-1/2 chopped

Cashew paste-2 tbsp.

Cashews- ¼ cup

Carrots-1/2 no cubes

French beans- 3-4 no cut into pieces

Cauliflower- 4-5 florets

Mushrooms- 4-5 cut 1x2 

Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

Coriander powder- 1 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Water/veg stock-2 -3 cups

Corn flour and water solution- 2- 3 tbsp.

Coconut milk- 1 and a half cup

Chopped coriander- 2 tbsp.

Roasted crushed peanuts-2 tbsp.

Lime juice- 2 tsp

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan, add in the cloves, cumin seeds, garlic, ginger and chilies, onions, and give it a light saute. 

2. Add in the assorted vegetables of your choice or as listed above and add in the powdered spices, salt, and pepper and add water or vegetable stock and allow to boil and then simmer for 10-12 mins.

3. Now add in the cashew paste and coconut milk and some chopped coriander leaves and allow to simmer further for 4-5 mins or until all vegetables are cooked just to the crunch.

4. Slightly thicken the soup if desired with a little cornflour water solution or else enjoy it as a nice light broth with bits and pieces of veggies and richness of cashew and mild coconut flavor.

5. Lastly, garnish the soup with fresh herbs, fried or toasted cashews, chili flakes, fried onions, fried garlic cloves, add in a splash of fresh lime juice just before serving the cuppa soup.

Recipe- 3] CASHEW CORN FRIED RICE

Ingredients

Boiled white/brown rice- 2 cups

Oil-2 tsp

Garlic-2 tsp chopped

Green chilies- 2 no slit

Spring Onions- 4-5 no chopped

Boiled sweet corn- 1 cup

White sesame seeds- 2 tsp

Capsicums-1/2 no chopped

French beans- 4-5 cut into 1-inch pieces.

Carrot-1/2 cut into small dices

Salt and crushed black pepper

Soy sauce- 1 tsp

Red chili sauce- 2 tsp

Green chili sauce- 2 tsp

White vinegar-1 tsp

Spring onion greens- 2 tbsp. chopped

Fried/toasted cashews- ¼ cup for the final garnish.

Method:

1. To prepare the cashew corn fried rice, heat oil in a pan add in the chilies, garlic, onions and saute them for 1 min, add in the boiled corn and all other veggies and saute them for 4-5 mins.

2. Also add in the seasonings, sauces and little water just to keep the veggies a little moist in the pan and add in the cooked rice of your choice and toasted sesame seeds and give it all a nice stir fry.

3. Cook the fried rice on a medium flame for 3-4 mins and check for taste and adjust accordingly, add in the white vinegar and spring onions, cashews towards the end and serve it hot!

Recipe-4] CASHEW COCONUT CHICKEN TRIO

Ingredients

Oil-2 tsp.

Boneless chicken cubes- 250 gms no skin.

Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

To marinate the chicken:

Soy sauce- 2 tsp

Red chili sauce- 2 tsp

Honey- 1 tsp

Salt and pepper to taste

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Additional ingredients for the recipe:

Cashews- ¼ cup fried/toasted

Red capsicum-1/2 no cut into large cubes

Yellow capsicum-1/2 no cut into large cubes

White sesame seeds- 2 tsp toasted

Desiccated coconut-2 tbsp.

Garlic-2 tsp chopped

Ginger juliennes- 2 tsp

Slit red chilies- 2 no.

Lemongrass- 3-4 pieces’ cut

Fresh basil leaves- 8-10 no

Water/chicken stock-2 cups

Schezuan sauce/chutney- 2 tsp.

Tomato sauce- 2 tbsp.

Corn flour and water solution- 2 tbsp. to thicken up

Steamed white rice/ jasmine rice to serve with.

Spring onion greens/ herbs for garnish

Method:

1. Marinate the chicken cubes and keep aside for 10-15 mins.

2. Heat oil in a pan or a wok and saute the ginger, garlic, red chilies and onions, lemongrass for a minute.

3. Add in the capsicums and chicken cubes and saute them, add in the seasonings, schezuan sauce, desiccated coconut and little water or stock allow the chicken to cook for 8-10 mins on a medium flame.

4. Now add in the liquid as desired to get a texture to the gravy and add cornflour water solution and thicken up the gravy to the desired consistency, add in the cashews and mix them in well.

5. Add in the herbs, greens, and sesame seeds and serve the delicious cashew coconut chicken trio with a nice portion of steamed rice!

Recipe-5] KAJU INDIANA MASALA

Ingredients

Oil-2 tsp

Butter-2 tsp

Cashews-1/2 cup + ¾ cup cashews 

Red chilies- 2-3 

Onions-2 med sized

Tomatoes- 3-4 no med sized

Garlic-ginger paste- 2 tsp mix

Garam masala powder-1/2 tsp

Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp

Coriander powder-1 tsp

Red chili powder- ½ tsp

Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp

Salt to taste

Kasuri methi- 2 tsp

Fresh cream/malai-2 tbsp.

Coriander leaves- 2 tbsp. chopped

Milk-1/2 cup to grind

Method:

1. In a pan take 1 tsp oil and 1 tsp butter and add in the red chilies, tomatoes, onions, ½ cup cashews, ginger-garlic paste and saute it well for a few minutes until soft and tender, cool it a bit and then add ½ cup milk and grind it all to a smooth paste and keep aside.

2. Heat up 1 tsp oil and butter and add in the cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds, add in the prepared paste mixture and the remaining cashews.

3. Add in the powdered spices and salt to taste along with kasuri methi, cream and mix it all up well and simmer for 5-6 mins on a low flame add ½ cup water as needed to adjust the texture of the gravy and finally serve hot garnished with fresh coriander leaves/ fried red chili/ fresh cream/nuts and seeds, serve with hot parathas, phulkas and salad/raita.

Recipe-6] CASHEW AND FOX NUT PUDDING

Ingredients

Milk- 750 ml

Ghee-1 tsp

Green cardamom/ cinnamon powder- ¼ tsp

Fox nuts/ makhanas- 1 cup

Cashew paste- 2 tbsp.

Mava- 2 tbsp. grated

Coconut milk-1/2 cup

Fried/toasted cashews- 8-10 roughly cut to add later.

Saffron- 1 pinch

Rose water- 2 tsp

Sugar/jaggery/organic coconut sugar- as desired as per taste.

Raisins-2 tsp chopped

Assorted fresh fruits- mango, pears, grapes, pomegranate seeds etc as desired for layering the sweet dish, chopped dates may also be used.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the cashew and fox nut pudding.

2. Heat up the milk in a saucepan, add in the saffron, cardamom/cinnamon powder and mava, sweetener of your choice and stir well and cook it all for 3-4 mins.

3. Now add in the makhanas and allow them to simmer in the milk for 10-12 mins, add in the cashew paste and coconut milk as well and cook on low flame for another 4-6 mins.

4. Allow to cool and reach room temperature and add a few drops of rose water, mix and then assemble the sweet into dessert cups/bowls/pudding dishes alternating It with a later of cut fresh fruits/dates and cashews in between as well, allow to chill for 1-2 hours and serve the pudding.

Brief About The Writer:

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef, is a Mumbai based Author, Writer, Healthy Eating - Lifestyle Specialist, Food Designer, Academician & having mastered over 33 International Cuisines, is also a Food & Beverage Consultant. He has worked with esteemed properties like the Taj Group of Hotels, Kuwait Airways to name a few, he has been awarded several Global and National Awards for his outstanding performance in his chosen field he loves to share his knowledge and experience of over 2 decades with the Food & Hospitality Industry.

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre celebrates Diversity and Inclusion Week 2021

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre (NHCC) commemorate the Diversity and Inclusion Week 2021 in order to showcase their solidarity towards the June Pride Month. As compassion, kindness and equality at the core, the celebrations were centred on social justice activities and were directed towards bring people from various walks of life together and cherishing their accomplishments.

Recognizing and appreciating diverse cultures is one of NHCC’s ong-standing traditions. With a promise to assimilate and establish the diversity & inclusion values, the week was kicked off by a cake-cutting ceremony. Photo booth cut outs, representing the essence of the Diversity and Inclusion theme, were put on display for the attendees. A special lunch was organized for the staff who worked tirelessly during the course of the multiple lockdowns. The differently-abled staff family members were honoured with gifts as a token of gratitude for their dedication. All these initiatives were carried out with the social distancing mandates in mind.

According to Mr. Manish Dayya, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, “Celebrating the diversity of our communities has always been at the crux of our events. The Diversity and Inclusion Week is aimed towards nurturing the values of equity and bringing people together. By hosting these activities, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre accepts and welcomes people from various backgrounds with open arms and intends to set an example of inclusivity for all.”

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Anantara Layan and Anantara Mai Khao Launch the “Ultimate Family Vacation” as Phuket Prepares to Reopen

After 18 months of borders closed to international travellers, Thailand’s stunning island of Phuket is ready to re-open on July 1, 2021. Vaccinated travellers can enjoy an idyllic summer holiday at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas and Anantara Layan Phuket Resort with minimal travel restrictions and no 14-day state quarantine period.

In preparation of the opening, Anantara Mai Khao and Anantara Layan are launching the Ultimate Family Vacation. The package includes luxury accommodation with breakfast, access to Anantara Vacation Club’s water park, a selection of fun kids’ activities, savings on spa treatments and dining, non-motorised water sports and early check-in/late checkout. Each resort also boasts a comprehensive array of onsite leisure options including Muay Thai boxing, yoga and fitness, Spice Spoons cooking classes, and dedicated kids’ clubs.

Both Anantara Phuket resorts are SHA-approved (Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration), with arrivals having the freedom to travel around Phuket, enjoying cultural sites, island-wide dining and entertainment, and unspoiled national parks and beaches, now more pristine than ever.

Carnival Corporation Brands Resume Cruising in US, Caribbean and Europe

Eight of the corporation's world-leading cruise line brands - including US-based brands Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn, as well as UK-based brands Cunard and P&O Cruises - are resuming guest operations with gradual, phased-in voyages and enhanced health protocols
Lineup of currently planned sailings represents 52% of corporation's total capacity and builds on recent restarts of its Germany-based AIDA Cruises and Italy-based Costa Cruises brands

Eight cruise line brands from Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world's largest cruise company, have announced plans to resume guest cruise operations, with AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK) and Seabourn sailing in the United States, the Caribbean and Europe.

The brands are resuming operations using a gradual, phased-in approach, with sailings announced on 42 ships to date through the end of fiscal year 2021 (Nov. 30), representing 52% of the company's total capacity across its global fleet of 91 cruise ships. The initial cruises will take place with enhanced health protocols developed in conjunction with government and health authorities, and informed by guidance from the company's public health, epidemiological and policy experts.

Carnival Corporation's most recent brand restart announcements are summarized directly below, with a full list of initial restart plans by brand, ship and expected start date available further below. Additional brand updates on the resumption of guest cruise operations for the remainder of fiscal year 2021 will be announced as further restart plans are finalized.

North America Brands:

• Carnival Cruise Line has announced it will resume guest cruise operations with eight ships by the end of August, including sailings out of Galveston, Miami, Port Canaveral, Long Beach and Seattle (to Alaska). Included in that roster is Mardi Gras, the line's newest and most innovative ship, and first cruise ship in North America powered by eco-friendly liquefied natural gas (LNG), with sailings from Port Canaveral starting on July 31.

• Princess Cruises expects to resume guest cruise operations in July with Alaska sailings and a series of cruises around UK coastal waters, as well as cruises out of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii and California coast starting in September.

• Holland America Line expects to resume guest cruise operations in July with Alaska sailings, followed by sailings from Greece in August, and from Italy and Spain in September, as well as sailings to Mexico, Hawaii, the California coast and the Caribbean this fall.

• Seabourn expects to resume guest cruise operations in July sailing from Greece and Barbados, along with the beginning of the Antarctica season in November.

Europe & Asia Brands:

• Costa Cruises resumed guest cruise operations in May with sailings in Italy and Greece, and is now offering sailings to France and Spain in July, followed by Portugal and Turkey in September.

• AIDA Cruises resumed guest cruise operations in March sailing in the Canary Islands, in May with sailings in Greece and Germany, and is now offering additional sailings out of Germany as well as sailings in Spain, Italy, Portugal and Malta from July, and the Persian Gulf from November.

• P&O Cruises (UK) will offer a series of cruises this summer sailing around UK coastal waters beginning in June, expanding to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coast starting in September.

• Cunard will offer a series of cruises this summer sailing around UK coastal waters in July, followed by voyages to the Iberian coast and Canary Islands. In November, Queen Mary 2 returns to service with a combination of transatlantic crossings and Caribbean cruises.

Carnival Cruise Line to Grow Fleet with Two Additional Ships by 2023

Carnival Cruise Line to Grow Fleet with Two Additional Ships by 2023 https://t.co/yl5fmXMD3J pic.twitter.com/V0Y1iLB4S5

— Carnival Cruise PR (@CarnivalPR) June 23, 2021

Luxury Fairmont hotel to open in Saudi’s Al Khobar

A five-star Fairmont hotel is opening in Saudi Arabia’s city of Al Khobar. The new Fairmont Ajdan Al Khobar will be part of the Ajdan Waterfront development. Accor’s CEO India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey Mark Willis describes it as the “ultimate destination.”

He said: “We believe the new Fairmont Ajdan Al Khobar will become the ultimate premier urban waterfront development in the Eastern Province, and maybe even the whole of Saudi Arabia, adding to the strong momentum the Fairmont brand is seeing in the Kingdom after the successful opening of Fairmont Riyadh.”

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Six new hotel openings in Ras Al Khaimah

July 2021: Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island

September 2021: Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island

Q4 2021: InterContinental Mina Al Arab

2021: Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah

2022: Ananatara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort

2022: Conrad Marjan Island

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World’s Top Hotel Brands Lose Nearly $23 Billion in Brand Value

• Total value of world’s top 50 most valuable hotel brands has declined by 33% (US$22.8 billion) as sector negotiates fallout from COVID-19 pandemic

• Hilton retains title of world’s most valuable hotel brand, despite recording 30% brand value decrease to US$7.6 billion

• Hyatt is fastest growing brand in top 10 and one of only two brands to record brand value growth in top 50, up 4%

• New entrant Taj is sector’s strongest, with AAA strength rating

• Leisure & tourism brands also take hit, cumulative brand value down 40%

source

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Mobile hotel startup Cabana secures $10M to accelerate growth

The latest funding was led by Craft Ventures and Goldcrest Capital with participation from Launch, Castor Ventures, Gaingels, Nordic Eye and other strategic angels and syndicates.

Cabana is a rental platform offering a fleet of vans that have been customized to serve as mobile hotel rooms, equipped with a bed and bedding, a shower, toiletries, Wi-Fi, a water tank and, in some units, kitchens.

The company says its business has surged since its official launch last year in Seattle, with more than 6,700 nights booked.

“Cabana's growth during the pandemic proves the increasing consumer shift away from traditional modes of travel,” says David Sacks, co-founder and general partner of Craft Ventures.

source

Longer Trips Look Set To Boom Post-COVID-19, Says GlobalData

Longer trips of more than ten nights are increasingly in demand post-COVID-19, according to a poll by GlobalData. The leading data and analytics company notes that, with accidental savers on the rise and working from home making longer trips a possibility, lengthier holidays look set to boom post-pandemic.

Opting for an extended trip has become increasingly inviting. A live GlobalData poll* revealed that over one in four (26%) of respondents now prefer to take a leisure trip of ten-plus nights - the second-most popular length of trip behind stays of between four and six nights (28%).

Gus Gardner, Associate Travel and Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Many travelers are desperate to escape their lockdown locations and need a change of scenery. A lengthier trip gives the optimal amount of time to switch off and reset, which is likely to be driving the increase in demand. Furthermore, GlobalData analysis showed that in 2019, the average trip length was 4.45 days for domestic and 9.22 days for international trips, revealing demand for longer stays has risen considerably since the pandemic began.”

Auro Hotels appoints Tanvir Shaikh as Front Office Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Surat.

Tanvir brings 9 years of experience in Front Office operations under various hotel brands

Auro Hotels recently appointed Tanvir Shaikh as ‘Front Office Manager’. In his new role, Tanvir will be spearheading Front office operations of Courtyard by Marriott Surat. Tanvir, a driven and result oriented professional, has the ability to maintain excellent guest relationships and ensuring an outstanding front office experience for his guests.

Prior to joining Courtyard by Marriott Surat, Tanvir has worked with brands like Ginger, Aloft, Le Meridien, Radisson Blu.

Vikas Sharma, Area Director and General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Surat commented, “It is a delight to have Tanvir on board with us. He has proven himself to be a great asset to the team in his previous stint with Courtyard by Marriott Surat and I am sure that he will be exceeding expectations this time too. Tanvir is dynamic, a quick thinker, a fair leader and above all creates memorable experiences for our guests.”

Tanvir was recently recognised by Marriott International– Asia Pacific for his excellent contributions in strengthening Courtyard by Marriott Surat’s Guest service experience and will be given a shout out at the upcoming Digital Guest Experience and GXP Webinar later in the month.

Hailing from Beed, Maharashtra Tanvir is a fitness enthusiast and an expert swimmer.

About AURO Hotels

A successor to GJHM Hotels based in Greenville, SC – Auro Hotels has developed, owned, and operated hotels for 44 years. The company currently owns 36 hotels and operates hotels with over 6500 guestrooms, located in the United States and India, operating under such well-known brands as Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt. Auro Hotels were the first franchise operators of Marriott Hotels in Asia Pacific. For more information, visit the website at www.aurohotels.com

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The Ritz-Carlton Debuts in Turks & Caicos, Bringing the Ultimate in Seaside Luxury to the World-Renowned Grace Bay

The Iconic Hospitality Brand Proudly Welcomes Guests to The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, Inviting Them to Delight in the Destination

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is pleased to announce the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, marking the debut of the iconic luxury hospitality brand in this island paradise. Situated on the world-famous Grace Bay in Providenciales, The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos offers an idyllic tropical getaway, seamlessly blending the natural beauty of the destination with the legendary service and elegant accommodations for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is known.

“We are thrilled to expand our global portfolio with the debut of The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, a destination known for its stunning natural environment, which has long served as an alluring retreat for the world’s most discerning travelers,” said Donna McNamara, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, The Ritz-Carlton. “Whether enjoying a sunset sail or family snorkel from the resort’s private catamaran, Lady Grace, to relaxing poolside, The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos offers the perfect opportunity for our guests to recharge and reconnect while making lasting memories.”

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Hilton announces six new hotel openings in France

As travel restrictions ease in France, Hilton is continuing its rapid expansion across the country with the launch of its Tapestry Collection by Hilton and Canopy by Hilton brands in Paris, as well as opening new hotels in Tours and Le Havre.

Tapestry Collection by Hilton will mark its entry in France with the openings of Le Belgrand Hotel Paris Champs-Élysées and Hotel Camille Paris Gare de Lyon in the coming months. Embracing the distinct culture of their local neighbourhoods, the hotels will join a global portfolio of almost 60 unique Tapestry Collection by Hilton properties, providing the perfect base for travellers looking for the authentic experience of an independent hotel. Having just opened its first hotel in Madrid this month, later this year the brand will continue its expansion across Europe with the opening of Se Catedral Hotel Porto and The Samuel Ryder Hotel St Albans.

Outside Paris, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton Tours Centre will be Hilton’s first hotels in the renowned Loire Valley region, providing an ideal base for leisure guests looking to explore everything the local area has to offer. Later in the year, Hilton Garden Inn Le Havre will also join the portfolio, bringing the total number of Hilton-branded hotels in France to 20.

The openings follow the recent debut of Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadero, which opened in May.

As it prepares to welcome back international leisure guests, Hilton has seen searches for leisure stays rise across its existing portfolio, with popular destinations for summer including Hilton Evian Les Bains, Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace, Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux and Grand Hotel des Sablettes Plage, Curio Collection by Hilton. Hilton.com data shows that last month, searches for staycation options in France more than doubled, with travellers eager to take a break and reconnect with family and friends. International traffic also increased by more than 75 per cent, suggesting strong demand from international visitors as restrictions continue to ease.

David Kelly, senior vice president, Continental Europe, said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming back leisure guests to our hotels across France in time for the summer season. After an incredibly challenging year, these six exciting openings—coupled with wider plans to open around 40 hotels across Europe before the end of the year—demonstrate the strength of the European market and our confidence in the industry’s recovery. We look forward to opening our doors to guests and further diversifying our portfolio, providing a range of options to empower domestic and international travellers alike to explore everything that this fantastic country has to offer.”

Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadero

Opened in May

The newly opened 123-room Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadero, designed by Jean-Philippe Nuel, features period architecture and touches of modern Parisian elegance, encouraging guests to feel as if they’re staying in a local’s historical apartment. Situated in the cultural hotspot of Paris’ 16th arrondissement, the vibrant, neighbourhood hotel is within two kilometres of the Arc de Triomphe, Trocadero Gardens and the Champs-Elysees and features a rooftop terrace and bar with sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower.

Hilton Garden Inn Tours Centre and Hampton by Hilton Tours Centre

Expected to open this Summer

Located on the banks of the Loire River and surrounded by the city’s shops, theatres and eateries, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton Tours Centre provide the perfect pitstop for guests looking to explore everything the city has to offer. The stunning new-build hotels form part of a major redevelopment project in the city centre, creating a contemporary, welcoming public space and spectacularly designed, modern facilities.

For those wishing to explore further ahead, Tours—known as the Gateway to the Loire Valley—provides easy access to the famous Loire Valley Chateaux and vineyards, many of which can be reached within an hour from the hotels.

Both hotels feature modern, airy guestrooms, many of which offer stunning views over the Loire River. Guests at Hilton Garden Inn Tours Centre can feast on fresh and seasonal produce at the hotel’s onsite restaurant, Babette.

Le Belgrand Hotel Paris Champs-Élysées

Expected to open this Summer

Taking its inspiration from the historical beauty and elegance of the City of Light, the 46-room Le Belgrand Hotel Paris Champs-Élysées promises a truly authentic Parisian stay. From original artwork exclusively curated by French artist Christophe Bonacorsi to bronze night lamps designed by French artist Jean Pierre Viot, the hotel reflects the rich culture of France’s capital city.

Tucked away just minutes from some of the city’s most famous streets, guests can explore the delights of the Champs-Élysées, visit the Eiffel Tower or the iconic Arc de Triomphe or spend the day admiring some of the most famous pieces of art in the world at the Louvre. After a busy day of sightseeing, the cosy lounge and bar and beautifully landscaped garden in the inner patio provide a sanctuary for guests to relax and unwind.

Hotel Camille Paris Gare de Lyon

Expected to open this Autumn

Anchored in its local environment, the 56-room Hotel Camille Paris Gare de Lyon exudes Parisian charm, featuring timeless, elegant décor throughout its public areas and freshly renovated modern bedrooms and suites. The hotel’s stunning glass-roofed atrium gives a warm welcome to guests, providing a place to relax whilst enjoying a drink and selection of locally sourced dishes.

Nestled amongst the shops and restaurants of the 12th arrondissement and just a kilometre from the famous Place de la Bastille, Hotel Camille Paris Gare de Lyon provides a perfect “pied-à-terre" to unpack for a night, a weekend or a longer stay. Whether strolling through the streets of Paris to discover its famous landmarks or stopping off between business meetings, the hotel is the ideal base from which to explore the City of Light, with famous sights such as Notre Dame Cathedral just a 20-minute walk away.

Guests at the hotels can travel with peace of mind from check-in to check-out with Hilton CleanStay. New standards include a Hilton CleanStay Room Seal to indicate that a room has not been accessed since being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, increased frequency of cleaning of all public areas and flexible housekeeping options.

All the hotels are part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty programme for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, free standard Wi-Fi and access to the Hilton Honors mobile app.

Hilton Honors members can redeem Points using the Points Explorer tool. All hotels offer fully flexible booking options with free changes and cancellations, with most giving guests flexibility to change or cancel up to 24 hours before their arrival day.