Global Update
Grace Leo has been brought in to redevelop Ten
Trinity Square .
Leo Leads fLedgLing Reignwood
Reignwood Group , a name well known in the hospitality and real-estate industries in China , is about to make its mark in London . A launch announcement provided details of Ten Trinity Square , a development that will encompass a 98-key , 5-star hotel as well as 41 residences and a private members ’ club . The group is expanding this division in the United Kingdom , and further lifestyle and hospitality acquisitions are expected .
This past July , Reignwood appointed Grace Leo vice president of Reignwood Investments UK . The founder in 1989 of GLA Hotels and famed for a portfolio that included luxury properties such as The Cadogan , London , Leo will play a pivotal role in Reignwood ’ s redevelopment of Ten Trinity Square .
“ I am delighted to be spearheading the revival of such an important London landmark ,” Leo says .
The historic former Port of London Authority building is located close to the city ’ s financial center and directly across from the Tower of London . It was acquired by Reignwood in 2010 via a joint venture with Singaporean property investment company KOP
Properties in a deal Reignwood subsequently bought out in 2012 . The building is undergoing a meticulous restoration and redevelopment with completion scheduled for 2016 .
Founded in Thailand in 1984 , Reignwood Group is a global Chinese enterprise with headquarters in Beijing . Under the chairmanship of Thai- Chinese entrepreneur Chanchai Ruayrungruang , the company is active in several market sectors , and one of its core business lines is the provision of luxury lifestyle products and services .
The company ’ s Reignwood Lifestyle is a diversified portfolio that includes hotels and resorts , golf courses , health and wellness centers and luxury residential properties . It has been a key part of the group since Reignwood Pine Valley Golf Resort , China ’ s first by-invitation private golf club , opened for play in 2001 . The current hospitality portfolio also comprises The Fairmont Beijing Hotel , among others .
All About choice
Choice and control are quickly becoming big buzzwords in the hotel business . Hilton Worldwide recently stated that by the end of this year at more than 4,000 of its hotels , Hilton HHonors members will be able to choose their exact room from digital floor plans as well as purchase upgrades and make special requests on their mobile devices , tablets and computers .
Not to be outdone , days later Marriott International announced significant expansion of mobile check-in and checkout with 11 additional brands joining the nearly 500 properties of the company ’ s core Marriott brand in providing this service .
In 2015 , Hilton will introduce technology that enables smartphones to be used as room keys , and all
U . S . hotels across four of its brands will have this capability by the end of that year . By the end of 2016 , the company expects most of its rooms systemwide will be equipped with this functionality .
10 HOTELS October2014 www . hotelsmag . com