What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 9 January 2017

Welcome to another week and normal service is resumed – at least here at Cloud 9 Towers at least. The Christmas tree is back in it’s box, the cards have gone to the recycling centre and we’ve polished off the last of the chocolates that were left lying around.

So it’s a new start for the team here and diets galore – although it’s a little hard to stay on track when it’s so chilly out there. Rather than give in to temptation we have instead decided to look ahead in order to give us all something to look forward to - instead of succumbing to the January blues!

There’s no better way to cheer us up here, than for us to discover some amazing new venues and hotels and if you thought 2016 saw a huge explosion with new openings worldwide, let’s just say that 2017 is looking even more spectacular.

This month alone there are some amazing new properties opening their doors to guests and it seems with each new hotel, the offerings get just a little better and the meetings and event spaces, a little better thought out!

In all honesty, we have never been asked to source a venue in Ajman (its in the UEA in case you didn’t know either) but we couldn’t ignore the fantastic Oberoi Beach Resort which opens this month.

A unique eco-destination, The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah will provide a pristine natural environment including long, white sand beaches, azure lagoons and lush mangroves when it opens in Ajman. Just 25 minutes from Dubai, guests can enjoy a range of activities as well as spacious rooms and suites and international cuisine.

Also on our radar this month is the Fairmont Quasar Istanbul. A highly anticipated addition to the Istanbul's sky line, rising above the slopes of the Bosphorus and serving as a genuine hub for the well-travelled, while uniting the sophistication of modern Istanbul with the unique lineage of its location. The hotel will provide 209 guest rooms including 25 suites, each with panoramic views overlooking either the serene Bosphorus or the city skyline and decorated stylishly with industrial touches and plenty of natural light. With the Willow Stream Spa, the Marble Bar, stylish restaurants and elegant event space, this is one to watch.

A little less plush but in an equally charming location is the second Vienna House Berlin. Opening under the Vienna House Easy budget brand and will be set in the Prenzlauer Berg district. The hotel will be aimed at young urban explorers and offer modern rooms, with a bakery-style breakfast lounge, a stylish bar, three creative meeting rooms, a co-working area in the heart of the lobby and a mobile concierge service.

The Aloft Band seems to be making its mark, especially in the States, and Miami Airport is the latest destination to benefit from this hotel with modern rooms and meetings spaces. Also under the Aloft banner and due to open this month are Aloft Colombia Downtown in Carolina, and Aloft Louisville East in Kentucky.

Much closer to home is the new Four Seasons Hotel which opens at Ten Trinity Square. Located in London’s most historic area – close to illustrious neighbours such as the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral – Ten Trinity Square has long been regarded as one of Britain’s finest architectural landmarks. Now home to Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, this Grade II*-listed building possesses a fascinating history.

In a landmark of power and prestige, Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square celebrates the capital’s rich history and culture, yet feels fully connected to the future with the latest technology. First opened in 1922, this Grade II*-listed building is the former headquarters of the Port of London Authority and played host to the inaugural reception of the United Nations General Assembly in 1946. Within steps of the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the River Thames, Four Seasons is a premier destination for London conferences and events, featuring two ballrooms and three London meeting rooms for 10 to 250 guests. 

The setting for the inaugural reception of the United Nations General Assembly in 1946, the UN Ballroom is a beautifully restored London venue with nine-metre (30-foot) ceilings and original woodwork. Then there is the Merchants Hall - a one-of-a-kind circular ballroom, Merchants Hall glows with natural light from its circumference of windows. Light oak panelling and antique mirrors add a sense of traditional warmth. Finally, on the first floor, just above the front entrance, there are three London meeting rooms which can host from six to 16 guests for board meetings, private dinners or cocktail receptions.

So there you have it, the perfect tonic for the January blues with lots of new hotels to discover! 

Have an amazing week and see you all soon!