Letters from myhotel Bloomsbury

We're proud to introduce to you our lovely time-lapse video from myhotel Bloomsbury, featuring Kidda!

myworld interview - Kidda

Today we are talking to fabulous Kidda, Music producer, DJ, remixer, songwriter, animator, director, graphic artist. Watch out for Kidda's "Don't wanna fall in love" in the soon to be released timelapse from myhotel Bloomsbury! www.kiddamusic.com

myworld: What are you up to today?

K: Had a weekend of lovely nothing-to-do's. Lie-ins, family, food, music, booze and bought some red trousers for when the revolution kicks off.

myworld: Anything super hip you’re working on that you wouldn’t mind sharing with myworld?

K: Writing lots of new tunes, 40 in the last 2 months. They sound like a vision of the future from 1982, made somewhere that only exists in my head. All I know is there's a beach, some neon and hazy sunsets. Also going to knock up a roast later, that'll be very hip. 

myworld: If you were designing a hotel bedroom what would be amongst your top 3 prerequisites?

K: Massive bath, good mattress and some kind of robot/manservant to hang out with. You could be in the fanciest hotel room in the world and still be lonely.

myworld: Our design philosophy takes into account the 5 senses – of all of them, which is your favourite and why?

K: Smell, it's the best for evoking memories. An old van drove past me last week and the smell of diesel exhaust fumes took me straight back to being 5 and queuing at the ice cream van in our road in the summer. Magic 

merkaba lab episode six

Back from a seemingly long sabbatical returns merkaba lab!


This evening Raff treats us to his rendition of the Blue Blazer - straight from the merkaba lab at myhotel Brighton. 

A Hedonist's Guide to...

London Marathon

Sunday 22^nd April

The London Marathon all started in a pub, so the story goes – which is a great excuse for rolling up race-side with a pint in hand. And with several British boozers (as well as a few key bars and restaurants) along the way, we can’t think of a better way to watch this annual event. The 26.2-mile race starts in Blackheath before winding through Charlton, Woolwich, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and the Embankment towards its finish line on the Mall near Buckingham Palace. Stop for a roast en route, take in the Cutty Sark, wander through St. James’ Park or just anchor yourselves at one key destination. Whatever your preference, though, be sure to get there early. Crowds gather at Embankment and Tower Bridge but an interactive map on their website - http://www.virginlondonmarathon.com/ - allows you to select you own vantage point.

London Fashion Weekend  http://www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk/

23-26 February, Somerset House

Front row tickets can be a harder snatch than the latest ‘it’ bag. But fear not; as soon as the last model’s runway rendition is complete, Somerset House opens the doors to its own four-day designer shopping emporium – the Vodafone London Fashion Weekend. Say hello to 2012’s Spring/Summer selections, as models, make-up artists and producers from London Fashion Week continue their catwalk creations. There will be exclusive (and discounted!) designer goods from the likes of Pringle and Jaeger on offer; Toni&Guy makeovers; Vintage acts and contemporary DJs and a selection of pop-up bars and restaurants. Not to mention a rare opportunity to watch an exclusive ‘trendsetting catwalk show’ in the official British Fashion Council Show Space. This should make for a very fashionable day out, dahling.

Camden Crawl

4-6 May

http://www.thecamdencrawl.com/

The now legendary Amy Winehouse, Kasabian and Florence & The Machine were all picked up in their formative years at this, the Camden Crawl. Launched at the height of the Britpop period in the mid-nineties, this multi-event music festival continues to attract industry bigwigs and young screaming fans all looking to catch the next big thing. That said, there are always a few surprise shows from now-seminal artistes. And the sprawling carnival-style arts side features everything from comedy and spoken word to film, quizzes, busking, acoustic performances, workshops, exhibitions and more. The three-day programme opens at Koko before working its way through the streets of London’s most nocturnal corner. More than 50 venues and 250 acts were involved in last year’s performance, with one wristband giving access to all. Book a key hotel and nip in and out as you please.

Globe To Globe (World Shakespeare Festival)

23 April – 9 June

http://globetoglobe.shakespearesglobe.com/

Hip-hop, Maori and signed Shakespeare plays are all on the menu with this cultural celebration. The undeniable home to the main man himself – The Globe Theatre on London’s Bankside - has pulled out all the stops on this one. They’ve selected 37 different theatre companies to present 37 different Shakespeare works in 37 different languages. Subtitles aren’t included - just imagination and pizzazz, hopefully. Kick starting on Shakespeare’s birthday, April 23, the show season will run for six weeks as part of the World Shakespeare Festival and London’s 2012 Festival. Said to celebrate the diverse populations around the capital, this is their opportunity to promote unique takes on one of England’s greatest writers. Tickets start at £5 with the £100 Yard Olympian providing access to them all. We’d at least try and catch one.

Mr. Bright's tips

You shall go to the ball... and you don't need a Pumpkin!

As February arrives the red mist sets in, but this time its infused with rose and patchouli as Valentines everywhere rush to book a table for two (but probably just order a take away instead). So this year, why not pop down to Brighton, book a trendy hotel and grab a ticket for the Ball. The Valentine’s Ball at Brighton Dome is only £25 per couple and is your chance to get your gladrags on and feel like a Strictly star. You can even have a cheeky practice the night before with Carola from the Brighton School of Dance. If all else fails, there is the fabulous foyer bar for some fun-enhancing fizz. Just think of the story you can tell on your wedding day; once upon a time... 

I'm in the middle of a Chain Reaction!

Or I will be throughout February, as Brighton welcomes the Science Festival across the city. It’s a chance for all nerds to come together and show us how it’s done! The festival is largely aimed at the younger crowd with some extremely edutaining(see what I did there) stuff. There’s a peek behind the sparkly curtain of Magic with Smoke and Mirrors and Due South are hosting the Chewy Gummy Physics Funfair at The Blind Tiger Club; where they will reveal the great mystery of the creation of Jelly! For Mum’s, dad’s and fans of Marcus Brigstock, he is also around performing his award-winning West-end show ‘God Collar’. Lab coats at the ready!
Model behaviour
How many times have you ‘borrowed’ your kids remote controlled helicopter for ‘research’ purposes! Well, now you can share the love with the Model World exhibition at The Brighton centre from 24th to 26th February. Anything that requires a battery and steering will be there; complete with a designated flying hall and tailor-made boating lake (hard hat and trunks optional!) There is even a rumour that Doctor Who and Dalek’s may make an appearance. Doo do doo! And for all of you who thought Model World was a high fashion trip to Milan, there is a super-cool new cafe to pop on your shades, sip a cappuccino and watch the world go by (quietly)!

merkaba lab challenge - episode one

A proud introduction to the merkaba Brighton lab challenge - where Harry and Santiago of the merkaba lab team venture upon a journey to see who can beat the clock in preparing the steak & pistachio tapas vs an old fashioned..... Who will win? What does a steak & pistachio tapas look like? We have all the answers right here in our first merkaba lab challenge!

merkaba at myhotel Brighton
17 Jubilee Street, Brighton, BN1 1GE
t: 01273 900 300
e: info@merkababrighton.com
w. myhotels.com 

merkaba London - The Gastro Diaries, episode two

This week Head Chef at merkaba at myhotel Bloomsbury, Graham Bradbury, takes 7 minutes from his day to show us how to make the fine delicacy that is Saddle of Rabbit with Black Pudding. 

merkaba at myhotel Bloomsbury
11-13 Bayley Street, London, WC1B 3HD
t: 020 3004 6000
e: bloomsburyevents@myhotels.com 
w. myhotels.com 

Introducing the gastro diaries from merkaba at myhotel Bloomsbury

myhotel Bloomsbury is proud to play host to the first in a series of the gastro diaries. Head Chef Graham Bradbury kindly spares us 4 minutes of his day to walk us through the delights of a honeycomb chocolate mousse dessert. 

merkaba at myhotel Bloomsbury
11-13 Bayley Street, London, WC1B 3HD
t: 020 3004 6000
e: bloomsburyevents@myhotels.com 
w. myhotels.com 

merkaba lab - episode four 


This week we have the wonderful Raff from the merkaba Brighton tea, working his magic with The Honeymoon cocktail.

Are you thinking what we're thinking?! If so, rest assured, the weekend will be with us soon! Follow them on twitter.com/merkabaBrighton 

Mr. Bright's tips

Christmas 2011 in Brighton

So another Christmas is fast approaching and it’s the same every year, you wish you’d gone shopping in Brighton! Well I can understand why! A 10 minute wander can take you past retro, boutique, big-brand and kooky stores eager to please. Here’s my top tips for hot spot’s along the way.

Start at Beyond Retro on Vine Street. It’s a vast emporium of retro clobber with some weird and wacky delights. It’s open late and sometimes has live events taking place. The Cowboy boots are killer!

If you buying for a lady or you are one, The lavender rooms is a must. White walls, delicate trinkets and lots of lace; you are sure to find a gift for a gal. If that’s not your thing just pop over the road to Badger for some cool as a cucumber clothes for the man about town.

Stop by Octopus on the way to Churchill Square. I’ve seen Cheese graters with dresses, Mops with character and Toasters like technicolour dreamcoats. You will find a gift for someone or just have a good old giggle.

This next store will have to be at the end, because you won’t have the energy at the start! Hollister is an Abercrombie cousin complete with dark lights and swanky sweat pants. If you can make it through anyone under the age of 21 will adore you. Especially if you come out with their signature scent.

If you need some refreshment at some point it has to be Small batch for a coffee or Merkaba for a cheeky monkey, which is actually a cocktail!

The Ice Lady at Somerset House

We've stumbled upon a highly entertaining link from the folks at Somerset House. Intriguingly named The Ice Lady its a re-imagining of what you can expect this year from Skate at Somerset House, presented by Tiffany & Co.

In addition this year sees some divine loveliness in the form of a myhotels package available at myhotel Bloomsbury & myhotel Chelsea, which includes overnight stay, tickets to Skate, continental breakfast and a late check out. Go ahead, indulge.


Book the Skate package at myhotel Bloomsbury or myhotel Chelsea

The winter edition of mine newspaper is here!

Found mixing with guests in the lobbies and guestrooms at myhotel Bloomsbury, myhotel Chelsea & myhotel Brighton. The winter edition of mine newspaper offers guests a slice of what’s hot this festive season including Skate at Somerset House presented by Tiffany & Co., Spamalot at Theatre Royal Brighton, Christmas shopping made easy  by Westfield and reasons to indulge with The Chilli Pickle, three5 world tapas, merkaba and Central! Enjoy!


http://issuu.com/myhotels/docs/mine_issue2

Give them your feedback here – twitter.com/mine_newspaper

merkaba lab - episode three

Welcome to the third episode of merkaba lab. This week we have Yann of the merkaba team creating a sensual elixir made famous by four young ladies from a small island off the coast of New Jersey. The orange zest is our personal favourite! Enjoy folks! 

merkaba lab - episode two

The second in our delightful series, bought to you by the merkaba Brighton team! This week Harry shows us his take on the elixir weekends made famous - mytiki. Enjoy responsibly by reading the warning folks!

The team at merkaba observed all health and safety regulations throughout the filming of this content.

merkaba lab - episode one

Introducing merkaba lab - where the team present you with their favourite tipples and offer you an opportunity to witness their genius!

The first in a series from our merkaba lab team. A delicious Negroni served in an informative and delightful manner by the lovely Emma... Enjoy folks.

 

Mr Bright's tips

We're proud to introduce you to the wonderful Mr Bright. A Brighton native whose primary objective is to provide you with the hippest and hottest happenings in Brighton, or as he calls it, Bright Town! Here, you'll be able to follow his adventures, escapades and antics - in short, a recipe for wholehearted indulgence.

Mr Bright has sent us his very first installment, so without further ado:Covered this month:

Here come the Girls!

Should you be of the female gender then it’s off to Plumpton with you! 18^th September is

Ladies day, so it’s time to pop on the fancy hat or fascinate with your feathers and enjoy everything that goes along with it! £10 if you book in advance and the grand prize for the best dressed lady is a 7 night Mediterranean cruise! Woooooo! There’s also a prize for best dressed man and child, so take the family along too. Parking and live music are all included and you will even get a free programme. Tally ho!

Shake it up baby now!

Brighton loves a good festival and this one is no different. Brand new on the festivals scene is Shakedown which is housed in the beautiful grounds of Stanmer Park; a welly throw away from Brighton itself. This first year has a real buzz and has some great artists lined up. Example, Razorlight, Toomanydj’s and the super Ed Sheeran are all strutting their stuff and for those of you who never know when to go to bed there are a whole host of after parties in Brighton itself. The shin dig down at Audio is free before 12. Shake it up baby now!

Beachy Peachy

As the famous Duet of Elton and George once said... Don’t let the sun go down on me! Well actually, if you are heading down to the beach, there is still enough to keep you entertained without sunshine. Ohso social, is a fun, relaxed, bar which goes all the way through until Sun down. Try and catch Dirty Sunset Disco on a Friday night, you might even see me there kicking out a few moves! If you after a more laid-back affair, then I would book a sea view table at Due South. Fresh fish straight from the sea and a view that takes your breath away. Beachy peachy!

Tee Hee Hee!

October see’s the return of the world reknown Brighton Comedy festival. All the big names are expected and the Gala opening takes place on Friday 7^th October. I would book for Milton Jones, who cracks one line after another and is a familiar face on mock the week. Frisky and Mannish are also worth a look with their hilarious take on pop classics. For the not so young of us the legendary Joe Pasquale is back on stage, with a show conspicuously called ‘Pull my finger’! Tee Hee hee!

Introducing the small but beautiful – mine newspaper

Found in the lobbies and guestrooms at myhotel Bloomsbury, myhotel Chelsea & myhotel Brighton. mine give guests a slice of what’s hot this season and also brings you some fantastic things to do and places to go! Enjoy!

http://issuu.com/myhotels/docs/mine_summer2011

Give them your feedback here – twitter.com/mine_newspaper

A Hedonist guide to...

Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House
Strand London, WC2R

myworld interview Henry Herbert Tailors at Central Bloomsbury

Welcome to our second fabulous myworld interview filmed at the lovely Central www.centralworking.com located next door to myhotel Bloomsbury. This time we've had the honour of interviewing Charlie Baker-Collingwood of Henry Herbert tailors.
For more info: www.henryherbert.com

myworld interview Sav the Deceptionist at myhotel Chelsea

A very special day today - our first myworld interview spot filmed in the library at myhotel Chelsea! Special thanks to Sav the Deceptionist - http://www.deceptionist.co.uk Who kindly offered to show us a slice of deception!

To see in YouTube visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RsQ5gCtiwE

This morning we've had the pleasure of chatting with Bethanie Lunn, author of "The Modern Girl's Guide To Fabulousness", which gives girls all the information they need about the coolest hangouts, the hippest accessories and the best parties!

myworld: What are you up to today?

BL: I started the day with a photo call at the Sunshine Bakery in Leeds with a cupcake design I created for children’s cancer charity, CLIC Sargent. Think pink candyfloss sponge crowned with pouting candy lips and eye-popping red glaze. I’m now testing a new lipstick for a review on my website, The Modern Girl’s Guide (www.bethanielunn.com) and I’m shortly off to London (my second home) for a meeting with a agent regarding developing opportunities my TV Presenting.

myworld: Anything super hip you’re working on that you wouldn’t mind sharing with myworld?

BL: I'm working on book no.2 and making The Modern Girl's Guide a global brand. Flying to the USA in June, I'll be researching the best products, places and services around for The Modern Girl's Guide to Fabulousness: State-side.

myworld: If you were designing a hotel bedroom what would be amongst your top 3 prerequisites?

BL: A golden tap that releases prosecco as opposed to water preferably by my bed side. A ceiling that retracts to reveal a star lit sky (this reminds me of a place I visited in Brazil), and small conveniences such as GOOD coffee and coffee and espresso machines plus a free mini bar would be gratefully received.

myworld: Our design philosophy takes into account the 5 senses – of all of them, which is your favourite and why?

BL: It’s hard to choose but I’d have to say sight. You can feel, taste and even hear with your eyes especially with food – enjoying a dish starts first with your eyes.

Today we're talking to Amanda Zuydervelt, the editor and founder of Stylebible, the luxury lifestyle directory & concierge service!

myworld: What are you up to today?

AZ: I am up early to clear some email, today I will mostly be out and about.  I have a photoshoot mid morning for a feature on Stylebible, a long lunch with a good friend who I haven't seen in months and an afternoon of meetings. Completely different to yesterday where I found myself at my desk for 14 hours straight.

myworld: Anything super hip you’re working on that you wouldn’t mind sharing with myworld?

AZ: We are going to launch a ski bible in time for next season which will be the definitive guide to the best resorts, chalets, hotels and entertainment. We have just come back from the Volvo Snowbombing Festival (http://www.snowbombing.com/en/) in Mayrhofen which is one of the events we will be featuring, as always gathering the content has been a lot of fun.

myworld: If you were designing a hotel bedroom what would be amongst your top 3 prerequisites?

AZ: Uber comfortable beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, the kind of bathroom you would never normally be able to afford at home and breathtaking views. Oh and a great ‘friend’ to share it with. Don't ask for much do I?

myworld: Our design philosophy takes into account the 5 senses – of all of them, which is your favourite and why?

AZ: After much deliberation I picked smell. I have a huge weakness for fresh flowers, it's rare not to find various vases full of blooms at my house, although my habit doesn't stretch to Elton John proportions!

myworld interview spot - Fleur Emery:

myworld interview spot - Fleur Emery:

This morning we have the pleasure of talking to Fleur Emery, the creator of the delicious Grasshopper Porridge!

myworld: What are you up to today?

Fleur Emery: Working on my Mac in the park and drinking Vita Coco, my new favourite thing.

myworld: Anything super hip you’re working on that you wouldn’t mind sharing with myworld?

Fleur Emery: I’m writing a book about all the Frank Spencer style blunders that my sister and I made during the first couple of years of Grasshopper. Books are hip.

myworld: If you were designing a hotel bedroom what would be amongst your top 3 prerequisites?

Fleur Emery:I really like the new austerity that is coming through in design so my room would be plain with a grain sack armchair, Aesop toiletries and a perfect Lucy Pevensey style dressing gown from Margaret Howell.

myworld:Our design philosophy takes into account the 5 senses – of all of them, which is your favourite and why?

Fleur Emery: I love to see colour, especially the regency pallet from Farrow & Ball and the modern clay and putty tones that are becoming popular and can evoke anything from a country garden to a beach hut.

Visit http://www.teamgrasshopper.com/ for more info

myworld interview spot - Mister Booja-Booja:

On this delightful London morning we're talking with Mister Booja-Booja just ahead of our lovely Easter package launch!

myworld: What are you up to today?

Mister Booja-Booja: The sun’s shining, it’s the start of a new week and Booja-Booja is going bananas… no it’s not just that we’re all super busy but that the enticing smell of juicy bananas mixed with deep, dark chocolate is escaping from the mixing room as we create another batch of our delicious Cognac Banana Truffles.

myworld: Anything super hip you’re working on that you wouldn’t mind sharing with myworld?

Mister Booja-Booja: Absolutely! We’re launching an exquisite new product line this autumn and we’re very excited about it. It’s taken months of development with our wonderful artists in Kashmir (who make and paint all our beautiful Easter Eggs and Luxury Gift Boxes) and now they’ve started production while we put the finishing touches to the labels and boxes etc. We can’t give details yet but you’re going to love it.

myworld: If you were designing a hotel bedroom what would be amongst your top 3 prerequisites?

Mister Booja-Booja: Windows you can open to let fresh air and sunshine in. A large, comfortable bed with fresh, soft linen. A fridge & freezer stocked with delicious Booja-Booja chocolates and ‘ice cream’!

myworld: Our design philosophy takes into account the 5 senses – of all of them, which is your favourite and why?

Mister Booja-Booja: Probably smell. There’s nothing like the aroma of wonderful food to get you in the mood to eat and you can’t enjoy tasty food without it. Smell is also the strongest trigger to our memories; a scent can transport you instantly to somewhere far away in time and place… that’s powerful stuff!

myworld interview spot - Tim Hutchings

Today we've the pleasure of chatting with former international athlete & organiser of the Brighton Marathon, Tim Hutchings.

myworld: What are you up today?

TH: Photo shoot at Brighton Pier at 8am with a celeb – more to be revealed soon; but it was cold, damp and very grey and yet the superstar sportsman we were with was great, very accommodating. Updates with BM team on several issues through the morning, and answering a load of calls and emails on websites we’re about to launch, our celebrity starter, future event ideas we’re working on; a nice variety of stuff.

myworld: Anything super hip you’re working on that you wouldn’t mind sharing with myworld?

TH: We’re about to launch a new website, and we have big challenges in ensuring that our Brighton Marathon Expo on April 9th goes well, as well as the After Party on the evening of Sunday April 10th after the race. In my freelance life – I do TV commentary on Athletics all over the world - I’m busier than ever and leave for New Mexico on Thursday for four days working on the US Indoor Championships. Next week I go to Paris on Thursday. Days off are few and far between at the moment.

myworld: If you were designing a hotel bedroom what would be amongst your top 3 prerequisites?

TH: Comfortable bed (because that’s the single most important thing I’m buying), good internet system (that is not ridiculously expensive for a few hours access), something to play my music on – very few hotels have a CD player and yet I love to feel at home as soon as I get there by putting my music on.

myworld: Our design philosophy takes into account the 5 senses – of all of them, which is your favourite and why?

TH: Touch – softness of fabrics and good ergonomics.

Visit http://www.brightonmarathon.co.uk/ for more info.

myworld interview spot - James Layfield

myworld is joined on the couch today by none other than James Layfield – who many regard as one of the new generation of entrepreneurs in the mould of UK innovators.

myworld: What are you up today?

JL:  I’m bushed, I’ve managed to cycle in and go to the gym today. I’ve got a lovely meeting with our design team on Central and best of all I’ve got one our We Show You Tell nights tonight. We are inviting potential members of Central to meet with us to help shape Central. We meet with people once a week, share our thoughts and get their feedback.

myworld: Anything super hip you’re working on that you wouldn’t mind sharing with myworld?

JL: Oh yes, Central. It is a new working, meeting and inspiration space that we are opening in just 10 weeks. I’d love your readers to get involved at http://www.centralworking.com/ to share their thoughts on our concept.

myworld: If you were designing a hotel bedroom what would be amongst your top 3 prerequisites?

JL: A great view, I love rooms with wrap around windows and a fantastic view, next would be a massive shower, and a chef on call.

myworld: Our design philosophy takes into account the 5 senses – of all of them, which is your favourite and why?

JL: In the context of a hotel room it is definitely touch. I want the space to hug me and relax me.

Hg2 news - Guyan Mitra interview at myhotel Chelsea

In more detail on http://hg2blog.wordpress.com/2011/01/27/portugeezer-hg2-news/

myworld interview spot - Sam Roddick

Today we've been chatting with Sam Roddick, founder of Coco de Mer.

myworld: What are you up today?

SR: Creating a whole new range of delicious and ridiculously pleasurable products for Coco de Mer

myworld: Anything super hip you’re working on that you wouldn’t mind sharing with myworld?

SR: Working - researching the perfumed garden - the arabic kama sutra

myworld: If you were designing a hotel bedroom what would be amongst your top 3 prerequisites?

SR: Hotels for me need to be simple but the best of all the essentials: natural light , a window you can open - smelling clean but not antiseptic; the best bed and sheets / pillows and duvet; and details like scented candle
and bathroom accessories - like a good tooth brush and toothpaste / shampoo body wash... when hotels get it right lying on a clean hotel bed is like walking on freshly fallen snow.

myworld: Our design philosophy takes into account the 5 senses – of all of them, which is your favourite and why?

SR: Oh my God! I am a dionysian it is impossible to separate the pleasure of them.

BBC4 Radio at myhotel Chelsea

The charismatic salonierre Damian Barr chats to BBC Radio 4’s Justin Webb at myhotel Chelsea

Please click here

myworld interview spot - Amira Hashish

Today we chat with Amira Hashish, Entertainment Journalist at the London Evening Standard and also the presenter of The London Chat Show.

myworld: What are you up today?

AH: Writing a celebrity interview for the Entertainment section of the London Evening Standard website. There is always something great to write about in the capital but I try and pick the best events and most interesting stars to feature on the website.

myworld: Anything super hip you’re working on that you wouldn’t mind sharing with myworld?

AH: I am working on an independent side project called The London Chat Show. It is a monthly chat show for a theatre audience taking place at the Canal Café Theatre in Little Venice. It will feature interviews with high-profile guests, comedy and music. http://www.londonchatshow.com/

myworld: If you were designing a hotel bedroom what would be amongst your top 3 prerequisites?

AH: The theme would be contemporary but with a traditional twist. A strong shower and comfortable bed are other essentials.

myworld: Our design philosophy takes into account the 5 senses – of all of them, which is your favourite and why?

AH: Sight. The first thing that strikes you about a hotel room as you walk in is the design. I love the kind of boutique hotels that style each room a little differently so you never know quite what to expect.