GLOBAL UPDATE
NEW NAME , BIG PLANS
Dorsett ’ s product aims to blend local Asian culture and tradition with classic British elegance .
Even as it rolls out new brand architecture , Hong Kong-based Dorsett Hospitality International — formerly known as Kosmopolito Hotels International — also is staying focused on an aggressive growth strategy . Winnie Chiu , the company ’ s president and executive director who represents the third generation of the
Chiu family in the hospitality business , has stated Dorsett ’ s goal is ultimately to double its hotels and guestrooms .
Dorsett , which currently owns and manages 17 hotels in Mainland China , Hong Kong and Malaysia , plans to open eight more properties over the next 24 months . Its brands include Dorsett Hotels & Resorts , comprising the upscale Dorsett Grand hotels and midscale Dorsett Hotels ; the boutique d . Collection ; and Silka Hotels , focused on value and convenience . The company last October announced its first hotel outside Asia , Dorsett London , scheduled to open in 2014 , and recently acquired a second property in London ’ s Aldgate area . Additional expected openings include Dorsett Singapore , Dorsett Grand Chengdu , Dorsett Zhongshan and Dorsett Grand Zhuji in 2013 , as well as Dorsett Tsuen Wan , Hong Kong , and Silka Tsuen Wan in 2014 .
“ Without a doubt , the Chinese market is one of our top market segments ,” notes Philip Schaetz , senior vice president of sales and marketing for Dorsett . But Schaetz also comments , “ We are constantly on the lookout for good investment opportunities , and I am sure there will be more hotels opening outside of Asia .”
DRAWING ON HISTORY
Guestrooms at the redesigned Sheraton Hanover Pelikan feature a color palette of natural tones with contrasting accents such as a saffron yellow leather desk chair .
The redesign of the Sheraton Pelikan in Hanover , Germany , retraces its roots as a former production factory for Pelikan , known for ink and artists ’ paint .
The building , which dates back to 1906 , was converted to a hotel in 1993 , and in crafting the renovation JOI-Design envisioned a significant transformation . “ When we were invited to propose our concept for the new design , we encountered guestrooms where one wall was painted a deep blue , the other wall was a shouting red and sofas were bright green ,” says Peter Joehnk , principal of the Hamburg , Germany-based design firm . “ Therefore , the aim was to find a more ‘ adult ’ design solution .”
JOI used a pen-and-ink theme in the hotel ’ s 147 guestrooms . The carpet design suggests ink splashes , curtains have a subtle pattern of cascading ink spots , lights above desks resemble glass ink bottles and handwritten quotes have been crafted into unique pieces of art .
Joehnk says the redesign , which carried a cost of approximately US $ 16,000 (€ 12,000 ) per room , began late last year and is still underway , with one floor and the presidential suite still to be completed at press time .
12 HOTELS January / February 2013 www . hotelsmag . com