SWIRE HOTELS INTRODUCES NEW BRITISH HOTEL BRAND

 

HONG KONG – (January 19, 2011) – Swire Hotels has introduced Chapter Hotels, a new British hotel brand that builds on the recent success of the company’s launch of the “House” and “EAST” brands with the opening of The Opposite House in Beijing, and The Upper House and EAST in Hong Kong.

Chapter Hotels, inspired by their locations in the heart of great British towns and cities, will offer superb quality and excellent value in historic structures with contemporary designs that reflect the skill and passion of the architects, artists and artisans who collaborated in their creation. The first hotel from the new brand, The Montpellier Chapter, opened in late November in the Regency town of Cheltenham, with rates from £125 per night. A second Chapter Hotel will open in Exeter in 2012.

“In creating Chapter Hotels, we have been fortunate to work with a truly great team who share our passion for Britain and the rich history and culture of its regions, and our belief that quality and value are not mutually exclusive,” said Swire Hotels Managing Director Brian Williams.  “It has been uplifting and also humbling to see cutting-edge architects like Ken Shuttleworth and culinary geniuses like Chef Consultant Simon Hopkinson working alongside leading curators and local craftsmen toward a common goal. We truly hope that our guests feel the energy and genuine enthusiasm that has gone into the creation of what we believe to be unique hotels.”

• Historic buildings, carefully restored and artfully expanded by leading architects
• Subtle contemporary interiors of the finest materials
• Extraordinarily comfortable beds and superb linens
• Beautifully crafted spas
• Intimate bars and restaurants featuring daily menus of simply prepared British classics and carefully chosen wine lists
• Service that is relaxed, stylish and highly personal

The property is set in a landmark building (formerly the Kandinsky Hotel, acquired by Swire Hotels in 2006) in the chic Montpellier area of Cheltenham, a noted spa town in Gloucestershire on the edge of the Cotswolds that is famous for its stunning array of Regency architecture constructed during the reign of King George IV. The town is also home to the flagship event in British steeplechase horse racing, the Gold Cup, that takes place during the Cheltenham Festival held every March, as well as numerous music and cultural events. 

James Partridge is the hotel’s General Manager, who joined The Montpellier Chapter from the same position with Gordon Ramsay Holdings’ York & Albany hotel and restaurant in London. Previously, Partridge spent 15 years at the Maybourne Hotel Group (previously The Savoy).

The Montpellier Chapter was developed under the direction of Brian Williams in his role as Managing Director of Chapter Hotels. Williams worked with a dynamic team that included MAKE, the architecture firm of Ken Shuttleworth, and Consultant Chef Simon Hopkinson, the founding chef of London’s Bibendum restaurant. Together, the team preserved the building’s original Victorian character while transforming the interiors and adding both a new contemporary wing in the shape of a crescent and an inner courtyard surrounded by a veil of clear and claret-colored glass that shelters a stately dogwood tree. The painstakingly restored conservatory showcases a chandelier by glass artist Isabel Hamm.

Contemporary and classic elements shape the interiors in soft tones with an occasional burst of color. The 16 modern crescent rooms appear hewn from stone, with an open plan bathroom and oak hardwood floors. The traditional villa bedrooms feature muted slate tones, with lush carpets, high ceilings and carefully restored original details. Custom furnishings throughout the hotel include chairs commissioned for each room by designer Matthew Hilton.

Technology amenities include paperless check-in, complimentary WiFi and Internet connections, complimentary mini bar and in-room 3G iPod touches. Restaurant wine lists are displayed on iPads.

The hotel’s art collection was curated by Central St. Martin’s College of Art and Design and features 160 works by leading and contemporary artists and art students, including paintings, photographs, prints and sculptures. Among the works are specific pieces created by students for each of the 61 guestrooms and suites. Establishing an artful mood on arrival is the one-of-a-kind oak reception desk sculpted by Alison Crowther.

 

For more information or to reserve, please visit www.chapterhotels.com.

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