Dorchester Collection Among The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024

Dorchester Collection Among The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 26, 2024

Dorchester Collection is thrilled to announce that its corporate office and three UK hotels—The Dorchester, 45 Park Lane, and Coworth Park—have been honored in The Sunday Times 100 Best Places to Work List for 2024. Additionally, they have been recognized among the Top Ten Best Places to Work for Big Organizations.

The Sunday Times survey celebrates Britain's top employers and highlights workplaces that excel in supporting women, the LGBTQIA+ community, disabled employees, ethnic minorities, younger and older workers, and overall wellbeing. Dorchester Collection's recognition is a testament to its inclusive and supportive work environment.

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Milet Lukey, Vice President of People and Culture at Dorchester Collection, expressed pride in their "We Care" culture, which emphasizes creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace. This philosophy has attracted over 1,000 employees from more than 70 nationalities to their UK operations, many of whom remain with the company for extended periods.

The "We Care" culture fosters a sense of belonging and engagement among employees, as reflected in the company's high employee satisfaction rates. Notably, Dorchester Collection was highlighted as a spotlight award winner in the Best Places to Work for Employees Aged 55+ category. Nearly ten percent of their workforce is aged 55 or older, with these employees giving the company a 90% engagement rating.

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Lukey highlighted the importance of longevity of service and a diverse workforce. She emphasized their commitment to recruiting team members from all age demographics and multiple nationalities, creating a dynamic and thriving employee base.

Dorchester Collection's UK hotels also stand out for their robust development programs, offering internships, leadership schemes, and hands-on experiences that provide deep insights into the hospitality industry. Employees benefit from engagement committees, recognition schemes, celebrations, food and drink discounts, and complimentary hotel stays.

The Sunday Times Best Places to Work awards survey, which informed these rankings, uses 26 questions from WorkL’s employee engagement survey. This survey, developed by experts including behavioral scientists and data analysts, accurately measures employee engagement, wellbeing, and discretionary effort.

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About Dorchester Collection

Dorchester Collection is a prestigious portfolio of the world's most luxurious hotels and residences. Each property is legendary, known for its rich heritage and exceptional standards of service. The collection includes iconic hotels such as The Dorchester and 45 Park Lane in London, Coworth Park in Ascot, Le Meurice and Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris, Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan, Hotel Eden in Rome, The Lana in Dubai, The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, and a future property in Tokyo set to open in 2028.


Orascom Hotels Management Joins World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance to Champion Net Positive Hospitality

Orascom Hotels Management Joins World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance to Champion Net Positive Hospitality

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 26, 2024

Orascom Hotels Management (OHM), a leading hotel owner and operator in the EMEA region, has taken a significant step towards sustainability by joining the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance) as an affiliate member. This partnership aligns with OHM's commitment to sustainable business practices and environmental stewardship across its 33 hotels in Egypt, Switzerland, Montenegro, Oman, and the UAE.

Since becoming a member of the Alliance, OHM has actively participated in key events and initiatives. Recently, the company attended the Alliance’s Spring Summit and contributed to the Communications and PR Impact Committee meeting. Renée Nicole Wagner, PhD, Corporate Director of ESG & Quality Management at OHM, will be part of the ‘Glossary of Terms Working Group,’ which aims to standardize sustainability messaging across the hospitality industry.

Renée Nicole Wagner expressed the importance of this collaboration: “Orascom Hotels Management aims to embed sustainability throughout our operations, benefiting guests, residents, and team members. Our partnership with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance will facilitate further awareness and education among our team, allowing OHM to pioneer sustainable practices tailored to the unique challenges of each of our destinations.”

The Alliance’s recent rebranding to the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance underscores its global influence and commitment to driving sustainable practices worldwide. Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the Alliance, welcomed OHM’s membership, highlighting the company’s dedication to achieving Net Positive Hospitality. He remarked, “OHM’s core values illustrate their ambitions to move towards Net Positive Hospitality, and we look forward to their contributions to our Impact Committees, which are bringing tangible change to the industry.”

About the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance unites engaged hospitality companies and strategic partners to address critical challenges affecting the planet, people, and places. Their initiatives aim to create a prosperous and responsible hospitality sector that gives back more to the destination than it takes. The Alliance's members represent over 50,000 hotels across 270 brands, totaling over 7 million rooms. This includes world-leading companies like Accor, Hilton, Marriott International, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, as well as regional brands. The Alliance also collaborates with owners, investors, suppliers, and other partners to drive sustainable practices and accelerate the industry towards Net Positive Hospitality.

About Orascom Hotels Management

Orascom Hotels Management is renowned for its expertise in hotel development and management services. Operating 33 hotels in five EMEA countries, OHM is committed to delivering premium lifestyle destinations and exceptional experiences for discerning travelers. With a strong focus on innovation, guest satisfaction, and sustainability, OHM integrates community support and environmental stewardship into its core operations.


The Francis Hotel in Bath to Undergo £13 Million Transformation

The Francis Hotel in Bath to Undergo £13 Million Transformation

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 23, 2024

The historic Francis Hotel in Bath is set to embark on a significant £13 million refurbishment project. This transformation aims to revitalize the beloved landmark, blending its rich Georgian heritage with modern amenities. Ahead of this major overhaul, the hotel will auction all its current furniture, fixtures, and fittings on July 3, 2024.

The Francis Hotel holds a prominent place in Bath’s architectural history. As one of the first Georgian buildings in the city, it was once home to the 18th-century architect John Wood the Elder, who inspired the design of Queen Square, the Royal Crescent, and The Circus. Over the years, the hotel has remained a key part of Bath’s historical landscape.

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The refurbishment, led by award-winning interior designers 3DReid, will honor the hotel’s Georgian roots while incorporating contemporary comforts. All 98 bedrooms and suites will be redesigned to reflect this blend of historical elegance and modern luxury. The ground floor and lobby will also undergo a complete reimagining, including the introduction of a cozy snug. This intimate space will be open to the public during the day and serve as a relaxing spot for hotel guests in the evening.

A highlight of the renovation is the introduction of a new destination restaurant, The Townhouse Brasserie. This restaurant will feature the finest British cuisine, focusing on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients cooked over an open hearth. The Townhouse Brasserie aims to provide a chic dining experience with a touch of timeless creativity, offering a sophisticated wine list and a memorable ambiance.

Towards the end of the refurbishment program, the hotel will unveil a brand new thermal spa and three treatment rooms. This addition is part of Bath’s broader ambition to become the UK’s leading city for wellness, providing guests with a luxurious and relaxing experience.

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In preparation for the renovation, Pro Auction, specialist hospitality auctioneers, will handle the sale of the hotel's current furnishings. Items up for auction include four-poster beds, writing tables, seating, lamps, drapes, and artwork. Simon Rose of Pro Auction notes that the variety of well-maintained items will appeal to both hotel operators and private buyers.

The auction will take place at The Francis Hotel on July 3, 2024, starting at 10:00 AM. A preview of the available lots can be arranged by appointment on July 2. Catalogs for the auction can be downloaded at https://shorturl.at/nU6GH.

About the Sutton Hotel Collection

The Francis Hotel is part of the Sutton Hotel Collection, which also includes The Castle Hotel in Windsor and The Queens Hotel in Cheltenham. These properties are located in some of England's most picturesque and historic areas, offering a unique blend of heritage and modern hospitality.

This significant refurbishment of The Francis Hotel marks an exciting new chapter for this iconic Bath landmark, promising to enhance its charm and appeal for future generations.


New Starbucks and Marriott Bonvoy Collaboration Unlocks Exclusive Benefits for Loyalty Members

New Starbucks and Marriott Bonvoy Collaboration Unlocks Exclusive Benefits for Loyalty Members

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2024

Today, Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel program and marketplace, and Starbucks announced a new collaboration offering distinctive benefits to loyalty members. Marriott Bonvoy members and Starbucks Rewards U.S. members who link loyalty accounts will have the opportunity to earn more Stars toward free beverages, food, and more at Starbucks, and Marriott Bonvoy points that can be redeemed at Marriott Bonvoy's more than 30 brands and 10,000 global destinations, as well as for Marriott Bonvoy Moments experiences.

Starting today, June 18, eligible members enrolled in both programs can easily link their accounts by visiting Starbucks.com/MarriottBonvoy. Once linked, Starbucks Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy members can begin to earn these new benefits from both programs:

Double Stars During Stays: Marriott Bonvoy and Starbucks Rewards members can earn Double Stars on qualifying transactions at participating Starbucks locations throughout their eligible stay at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.

Marriott Bonvoy Weeks | Sip, Dream, Go™: Throughout the year, during any designated Marriott Bonvoy Week, Starbucks Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy members will earn 100 Marriott Bonvoy points when they make three qualifying transactions at participating Starbucks locations. The first Marriott Bonvoy Week begins on July 8 and will run through July 14.

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"I love my regular morning cup of Starbucks coffee, and find I enjoy it even more when traveling. So, Marriott Bonvoy's collaboration with Starbucks makes perfect sense," said David Flueck, Global Head of Loyalty, Cards & Enterprise Partnerships, Marriott International. "We will truly satisfy our members' passions for coffee and travel with the opportunity to earn more points and Stars while traveling and at home, and later this year by bringing those passions together when we introduce exclusive coffee- and travel-themed experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments."

"Marriott Bonvoy's commitment to enriching moments for their customers aligns with Starbucks' customer promise to uplift the everyday, making them the perfect loyalty partner," said Kyndra Russell, Senior Vice President, North America Chief Marketing Officer, Starbucks. "We're continuing to develop our Starbucks Rewards program, and through this new collaboration, we are excited to offer members even more value and enhanced benefits through travel experiences."

To celebrate the new loyalty collaboration, Marriott Bonvoy will launch a sweepstakes exclusively available to Starbucks Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy members with linked accounts. The sweepstakes will offer linked members an opportunity to enter to win a range of prizes, including a Grand Prize trip to visit each of the Starbucks Reserve Roasteries in Seattle, Milan, and Tokyo with a stay in a participating hotel and round-trip air transportation fare included. Additional prizes include a visit to one of the Starbucks Reserve Roasteries in either Seattle, Milan, or Tokyo including a hotel stay and round-trip air transportation, as well as 500 chances to win hundreds of Bonus Stars from Starbucks. Eligible customers in the U.S. can enter the sweepstakes between June 18 and July 7 and find the official rules here.

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Starbucks Reserve locations in Seattle, Chicago, and New York are also introducing the Starbucks Reserve Siciliano for Marriott Bonvoy to celebrate the launch. The cocktail, inspired by the brands' mutual love for travel, coffee, and connection, blends Starbucks Reserve Cold Brew with traditional Italian spirits, including Amaro Averna and Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth, finished with Scrappy's Orange Bitters, sparkling water, and an orange swath. For a limited time, Starbucks Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy members with linked accounts can enjoy this exclusive global-inspired cocktail at U.S. Starbucks Reserve Roasteries and the Starbucks Reserve Store at Empire State Building®.

About Starbucks Rewards

Since 2009, the industry-leading Starbucks Rewards program continues to grow in popularity and offers members rewards, personalized offers, games, exclusive deals, and the ability to order ahead and pay using the Starbucks app. In Q2 FY24 (January - March 2024) in the U.S., Starbucks Rewards membership grew 6% over the prior year, to nearly 33 million 90-day active membership.

About Starbucks

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with nearly 39,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at Starbucks.

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About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives its more than 200 million members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary hotel brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit Marriott Bonvoy. To download the Marriott Bonvoy app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 8,900 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 141 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 Marriott, and for the latest company news, visit Marriott News Center. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.

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Note on forward-looking statements

All statements in this press release are made as of June 18, 2024. Neither Marriott International nor Starbucks Corporation ("we" and "our") undertakes any obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws, including statements related to expected arrangements between Marriott International and Starbucks Corporation; additional expected benefits and experiences for members; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we identify in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Reports on Form 10-K or Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and subsequent filings. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release.

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