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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on September 23, 2024
The St. Regis New York, one of Manhattan’s most iconic hotels, is celebrating its 120th anniversary with the unveiling of a dramatic renovation. This milestone marks a new era of glamour and sophistication for the hotel, which has been a symbol of luxury since its founding in 1904. The extensive redesign, led by the renowned Champalimaud Design firm, has refreshed key public spaces, including the historic lobby, the legendary King Cole Bar, and two new dining outlets. The renovations blend the hotel’s rich Beaux-Arts architectural heritage with modern design elements, creating a fresh, contemporary aesthetic that appeals to today’s global travelers.
“We are thrilled to debut the exquisite renovation of our first St. Regis hotel and global flagship,” said Jenni Benzaquen, Senior Vice President of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts. “This anniversary is a significant milestone, reflecting our enduring legacy of luxury, personalized service, and contemporary elegance that has captivated guests around the world. As we honor our rich heritage, we remain deeply attuned to the desires of both our loyal guests and the next generation of luxury travelers, ensuring that every experience we offer is as extraordinary and bespoke as it is timeless.”
Founded by John Jacob Astor IV, The St. Regis New York quickly became the epicenter of Manhattan’s social life, attracting high society and elite figures. Astor’s vision was to create a hotel that rivaled the finest establishments in Europe, where his close friends and family could enjoy the opulence of a private residence. The hotel soon became the home of "Caroline's 400," an elite social circle named after Astor’s mother, Caroline Astor. Over the decades, The St. Regis has been a gathering place for some of the world’s most glamorous and creative personalities, including Salvador Dalí and Marilyn Monroe. It has also been the birthplace of cultural moments, such as the invention of the Bloody Mary cocktail and iconic jazz performances on the hotel’s rooftop.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by St. Regis Hotels & Resorts (@stregishotels)
A post shared by St. Regis Hotels & Resorts (@stregishotels)
The recent renovations are a testament to the hotel’s ongoing commitment to luxury and innovation. The redesigned lobby now features restored original windows, dating back to the early 1900s, as well as a stunning stained-glass window inspired by the hotel’s original Tiffany design. The reception area has been transformed with a new color scheme, featuring light, neutral tones accented by bold pops of red, inspired by Caroline Astor’s favorite flower, the American Beauty Rose. The expanded lobby now includes a welcoming area with custom-designed wall coverings and luxurious furnishings, blending old-world charm with modern sophistication.
The renovation also introduces two new dining venues. The Drawing Room, located just off the lobby, offers a relaxed yet elegant dining experience, with a color palette that echoes the vibrant tones of the King Cole Bar’s famous mural. Sumptuous velvet couches and plush armchairs invite guests to linger, while a collection of books from the original Astor Library adds a touch of history. La Maisonette, another new addition, offers breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea in a bright, airy space inspired by French design and the hotel’s original 1910s breakfast room. The King Cole Bar itself has been refreshed with new dark wood paneling and a deep green ceiling, while retaining the iconic Maxfield Parrish mural that has long been the bar’s centerpiece.
“The St. Regis New York has stood as a beacon for generations of global travelers looking to be in the center of Manhattan and surround themselves in the timeless allure that has defined the Fifth Avenue icon since its founding,” said General Manager Octavia Marginean-Tahiroglu. “This renovation is a milestone moment for the cherished New York City icon as we present our masterfully redesigned public spaces in our 120th anniversary year.”
The design team at Champalimaud Design has brought new energy to the historic hotel, preserving its legacy while introducing contemporary touches. The space’s original chandeliers and crown moldings have been retained, while modern furnishings, rich textures, and a sophisticated color palette bring the hotel firmly into the 21st century. The result is an urban haven that pays homage to the hotel’s glamorous past while embracing the needs and desires of today’s luxury traveler.
Guests of The St. Regis New York can now enjoy the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern comfort, with the hotel’s updated public spaces offering a luxurious retreat in the heart of Manhattan.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on August 2, 2025
Accor has appointed Raki Phillips as the new Regional President for its Premium, Midscale & Economy (PME) division across the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, with effect from November 2025. Phillips will succeed Paul Stevens and oversee more than 250 operating hotels across 27 countries, along with a development pipeline of 85 new properties.
This leadership move comes after Phillips' impactful tenure as CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). Under his leadership, Ras Al Khaimah witnessed a tourism boom, revenues tripled, international connectivity improved, and the region attracted its largest foreign investment with the Wynn Resorts project.
Bringing over 20 years of global hospitality experience, Phillips has held senior positions at renowned brands like Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, The Ritz-Carlton, and Universal Studios Orlando. At Fairmont, he played a key role in global brand strategy and spearheaded major projects, including the launch of the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel complex in Makkah.
In his new role at Accor, Phillips will report to Duncan O'Rourke, CEO of the Premium, Midscale & Economy division for Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Commenting on the appointment, O’Rourke said, “Raki brings a rare combination of commercial agility, regional knowledge, and purpose-led leadership. His appointment reflects our long-term commitment to the region and our belief in the power of local leadership to drive impact.”
Phillips steps into the role after Paul Stevens, who spent nearly three decades with Accor and was known for championing operational excellence and values-driven initiatives like Purpose Week and ESG programs.
With more than 350 hotels currently in operation and 140 more in development, Accor’s PME division continues its robust expansion in key markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Phillips will be based in Dubai and oversee a diverse brand portfolio including Swissôtel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure, and ibis.
The European Union is moving towards a fully digital Schengen visa system by 2028, bringing an end to traditional paperwork and visa stickers. Travellers will soon be able to complete the entire application process online, from uploading documents and paying fees to receiving a secure, encrypted 2D barcode that replaces the physical visa sticker.
France tested this digital system successfully during the 2024 Paris Olympics, issuing 70,000 barcode-based visas. Once fully implemented, travellers can scan the digital barcode at EU border checkpoints, giving immigration officials instant access to their personal and visa details via a centralised database.
While first-time applicants will still need to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, in person, repeat visitors will benefit from a simplified and faster process.
The digital system aims to boost security, reduce paperwork, and streamline visa management across the Schengen area. Applicants will be able to track their application status online and receive notifications on their visa outcome.
To apply, travellers must first determine which country’s embassy to approach, typically based on the destination where they will spend the most time. Most Schengen states use VFS Global for processing in India, while Spain uses BLS International. France, meanwhile, has introduced an online appointment platform called Démarches Simplifiées.
Applicants must carry key documents such as a valid passport (with at least six months validity and two blank pages), visa form, photographs, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), confirmed flight and accommodation bookings, a cover letter, and proof of finances like recent bank statements or salary slips.
Visa fees remain at €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6–12, with free applications for those under six. Additional service charges apply based on the chosen processing agency.
Applicants are advised to apply well in advance, ideally 30 to 60 days before travel. Certain embassies, such as those of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, are known for quicker processing and lower rejection rates. Some, like Germany or France, may require a personal interview, especially in complex cases.
From July 1, 2025, Germany will no longer allow informal appeals on rejected visas; applicants will have to go through formal legal channels. Meanwhile, Indian nationals with two previously used Schengen visas within three years may now qualify for longer multi-entry visas of up to five years, as part of the EU’s new “cascade” rule.
Travellers are encouraged to check official EU visa portals regularly for updates.
By Nishang Narayan
Published on July 31, 2025
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is charging ahead in the EMEA region, officially surpassing 720 operational hotels across Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa. The first half of 2025 alone saw over 60 new hotel openings, adding more than 4,700 rooms and delivering a 5% year-on-year organic system growth in the region.
This growth reinforces Wyndham’s commitment to expanding access to quality, branded accommodation across high-growth markets, with 27 new hotel signings further solidifying its regional presence.
Some of the standout openings include Dolce by Wyndham Siracusa, Monasteri Golf and Spa in Sicily, and the Signature Cave Cappadocia, Trademark Collection by Wyndham in Türkiye. The group also ramped up operations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia with hotel launches in Georgia, Romania, and Kazakhstan.
Momentum is particularly strong in Eurasia, where Wyndham opened 21 new hotels in just six months, with a significant presence in India, now one of the company’s most dynamic and fastest-growing hospitality markets.
Wyndham’s strategic partnerships are also paving the way for iconic brand introductions. The globally recognised Super 8® by Wyndham is making its debut in Saudi Arabia and Iberia, with plans for 100 hotels across the Kingdom and 40 hotels in Spain and Portugal in the coming decade.
“With more than 720 hotels now open across EMEA, we're seeing incredible momentum. Travel is thriving and we're meeting that demand with a growing portfolio that reflects the energy and diversity of this region. From stunning resorts in Sicily to one-of-a-kind cave stays in Cappadocia, we're adding experiences that truly inspire,” said Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “And with new signings in markets like Iberia and Saudi Arabia, we're not just growing – we're creating new opportunities for our partners and giving travellers even more great places to stay across the region.”
Globally, this expansion contributed to Wyndham’s 20th consecutive quarter of developmental pipeline growth, bringing the global pipeline to 255,000 rooms. The company also achieved 4% global organic net room growth and 7% constant currency RevPAR growth in the EMEA region.
Some key milestones from H1 2025 include:
Türkiye now hosts over 125 Wyndham-branded hotels, including the newly launched Cappadocia Cave Hotel, Wyndham Tarsus St. Paul, and Wyndham Alanya.
India and South Asia saw growth with new openings like Ramada Encore by Wyndham Lucknow Airport, Ramada by Wyndham Cox’s Bazar Kolatoli Beach, and Wyndham Garden Jim Corbett Chhoi.
New European destinations saw brand introductions like La Quinta by Wyndham Batumi in Georgia and Tor’re Astana, Trademark Collection in Kazakhstan.
The Super 8® by Wyndham expansion into Saudi Arabia and Iberia is a landmark move, targeting value-conscious travellers in these rapidly evolving markets.
Driving this expansion is Wyndham Advantage, a platform offering best-in-class marketing, distribution, and technology support to hotel owners, bolstered by nearly $350 million invested in digital transformation and access to over 120 million Wyndham Rewards® members globally.
With bold new destinations and an aggressive pipeline, Wyndham’s EMEA footprint continues to grow rapidly, making it a major player in global hospitality.
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