Hampton by Hilton, known for its signature breakfast waffles, has partnered with Paris Hilton’s 11:11 Media to introduce the Sparkling Strawberry Hampton Waffle, adding a pop of pink and a hint of glamour to breakfast. Starting October 24, guests can enjoy the new waffle at over 2,400 Hampton locations across the U.S. and Canada. For the first time, guests can also bring Hampton’s breakfast experience home with the Sparkling Strawberry Hampton Waffle Kit, available online. This new flavor joins previous fan favorites like pumpkin spice, red velvet, and lemon.

Shruti Gandhi Buckley, Hampton by Hilton’s global brand leader, commented on the collaboration, highlighting breakfast as a central part of the Hampton experience. "Breakfast is such a key part of what we offer, and our waffles have become an iconic symbol of that tradition," she said. "This collaboration with Paris Hilton brings a fresh, playful twist to something that’s already so loved. It’s about setting our guests up to take on the day, from a great night’s sleep to a hot meal served with a smile."

Paris Hilton’s involvement adds a playful element to the waffle lineup, inspired by her personal style and passion for creativity. Available for $29.99 at ShopHampton.com/Waffles, the at-home kit includes a 33-ounce canister of waffle mix, edible glitter, and Hilton’s recipe for crafting the perfect Sparkling Strawberry waffle, making it a fun option for at-home breakfasts.

"I had so much fun partnering with Hampton by Hilton on this fabulous new flavor," Hilton said. "The Sparkling Strawberry Hampton Waffle is totally iconic, sweet, and so me. I’m excited for everyone to try it and start their mornings with a little sparkle."

For this project, Hilton worked with Hampton’s “Waffle Bosses,” a group of breakfast attendants known for delivering memorable breakfast experiences. Together, they crafted a recipe featuring strawberries, chocolate sauce, chocolate chips, whipped cream, and edible glitter—a treat guests can recreate by following the recipe provided in the waffle kit.

This latest collaboration combines Hilton’s unique style with Hampton’s tradition of delivering a memorable breakfast experience. To learn more about Hampton by Hilton and the Sparkling Strawberry Hampton Waffle, guests can visit stories.hilton.com/hampton.

voco Hotels, a premium brand within IHG Hotels & Resorts, has introduced Birdie Bean, a new coffee brand crafted to enhance the travel experience through quality, sustainability, and unique local flavors. Officially unveiled at the voco Suites Shanghai Hongqiao CBD during the Shanghai Lujiazui Coffee Festival from October 23–27, Birdie Bean aims to offer a memorable coffee experience to guests, with organic beans sourced from Pu’er in Yunnan and distinctive blends inspired by the rich flavors of the region.

Birdie Bean emphasizes eco-friendly practices by partnering with local farms that prioritize organic cultivation and avoid chemical fertilizers to support environmental preservation and biodiversity. Each cup offers a taste of Yunnan’s unique ingredients, including Pu’er tea and tamarind, which bring a local twist to traditional coffee offerings.

Rita Jiang, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer for IHG Greater China, remarked, “The rising popularity of coffee culture is driving the integration of ‘coffee+’ as a trend for leisure and socializing. voco Hotels launched the Birdie Bean coffee brand to create a unique space for guests. Here, coffee is not only a drink that awakens the senses, but also a way for people to connect. We hope to attract young travelers by offering a variety of Birdie Bean coffee options, and and inviting them to explore the enchanting fusion of travel and coffee culture.”

The Birdie Bean brand draws on a legend in coffee lore—the tale of Sheikh Omar—to inspire an inviting and vibrant atmosphere. Incorporating the mascots of voco Hotels (finches, owls, and flamingos) as part of its brand identity, Birdie Bean celebrates a lively energy that resonates with the spirit of travel and exploration.

In addition to its unique coffee offerings, Birdie Bean reflects voco Hotels’ three signature tenets: Come on in, Me Time, and voco® life, which embody the welcoming and memorable experience voco Hotels provides. From a warm arrival experience to personalized spaces for relaxation and diverse dining options, voco Hotels creates an immersive stay for each guest.

IHG’s Chief Operating Officer for Greater China, Jerome Qiu, emphasized the team effort behind the Birdie Bean brand, stating, “IHG’s brand DNA is built on meeting the needs of consumers to craft unique experiences for guests. The birth of the Birdie Bean coffee brand is the result of close collaboration and ingenuity between the F&B department and the brand team. It perfectly integrates coffee culture, fine dining and brand excellence, while enriching the exclusive experience of the voco Hotels. By leading with sustainability and creating diversified coffee offerings, Birdie Bean coffee brand satisfies both soul and taste.”

The Birdie Bean shop, a cozy spot in the voco Suites Shanghai Hongqiao CBD lobby, offers guests a relaxed space to enjoy coffee. voco Hotels also extends this experience to guest rooms with Birdie Bean drip coffee, allowing travelers to enjoy their favorite brew in the comfort of their rooms. Additionally, eco-friendly merchandise like flamingo pillows and owl mugs add a fun, sustainable touch to guests’ journeys.

Future plans include expanding Birdie Bean to voco Guangzhou Shifu, bringing the brand’s unique blend of regional culture and sustainability to new locations. Proceeds from Birdie Bean sales at the coffee festival were donated to Shanghai’s Jiangchun Green Light-Year Environmental Service Center, underscoring voco Hotels’ commitment to environmental stewardship.

As of September 2024, voco Hotels has 17 properties in Greater China, with Birdie Bean marking an innovative step in delivering a unique coffee culture experience to travelers while promoting sustainable practices.

The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, a historic icon in Sydney’s hospitality scene, has reopened its doors following an extensive renovation. Known for its blend of French-inspired luxury and Australian charm, this five-star hotel unveils a renewed vision that combines sophisticated design with modern amenities, all while maintaining its heritage appeal.

Located in Sydney’s central business district, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth stands close to landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, positioning it as a premier choice for business and leisure travelers. Originally opened in 1966 and recognized as one of the largest brick structures in the Southern Hemisphere, the hotel has now embraced a style it describes as “Modern Heritage,” blending its mid-century roots with fresh aesthetics.

The architectural firm Fender Katsalidis spearheaded the refurbishment, bringing back the 1960s glamour that first defined the hotel while updating it for contemporary tastes. The hotel’s refreshed look celebrates local and natural materials with earthy tones that echo Australia’s landscape. The 436 guest rooms feature Sofitel’s signature MyBed™ experience, with layers of high-quality bedding designed to give guests an elevated sense of comfort. Each room also includes advanced MySmart lighting to create a customizable atmosphere, adding a touch of modern convenience to the traditional elegance.

The hotel’s crown jewel, the exclusive Wentworth Suite, will be reintroduced later, paying tribute to the prominent guests who have stayed there, from Princess Diana to Neil Armstrong. Additionally, the historic Wentworth Ballroom—a favorite for large-scale events and a memorable part of Sydney’s social history—has been restored to its original grandeur, with its mirrored ceiling and expansive 629-square-meter space that can host up to 750 guests.

A key element of the refurbishment is Sofitel’s new partnership with House Made Hospitality, which has created a range of food and beverage venues within the hotel. These include the stylishly relaxed Tilda restaurant, serving modern Australian cuisine; Delta Rue, offering a unique fusion of Vietnamese and French dishes; and Bar Tilda, a cocktail lounge with live jazz and nostalgia-themed drinks. The Wentworth Bar rounds out the options with a rooftop terrace, providing guests an all-weather spot to unwind with sweeping views of the city.

The Sofitel Club Millésime offers an upscale experience for guests seeking added privacy and exclusivity. This lounge, designed as an inviting retreat, features personalized check-in, concierge services, and all-day dining. Accessible to Accor’s ALL Platinum members and available via a day pass, Club Millésime allows guests to enjoy a quieter environment with full access to business and concierge services.

Long known as the “Hotel of the Arts,” the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has continued its tradition of supporting art and culture through collaborations with local organizations like the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Opera Australia. The hotel regularly hosts exhibitions and events that allow guests to connect with Sydney’s cultural landscape in a unique setting.

With a revitalized look that honors its storied past, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth marks a significant comeback in Australia’s luxury hotel sector. “This refurbishment is a celebration of our heritage and a reimagining for the future,” says Sofitel’s CEO. As the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth reopens, it signals a new chapter that promises a luxurious and immersive experience, perfectly balancing the hotel’s French roots with Australian influences.