Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt in London has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment, revamping meeting spaces, Scoff & Banter Restaurant and Bar and the lobby as well as the guest rooms.

All twelve conference rooms have been refurbished and re-equipped with the latest presentation and communication technology.  The restaurant has been updated with reclaimed furniture and fittings in keeping with the building's listed status.

Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt has a total of 215 bedrooms from standard single rooms to deluxe king doubles. Each bedroom has an in-room fridge, air conditioning, in-room safe, iron and trouser press, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary wireless internet access.  

Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt is located in Cromwell Road in South Kensington, a short walk from the V&A, Natural History Museum, Imperial College, Earls Court and Olympia Exhibition centres.

Details: www.radissonblu-edwardian.com


Rockliffe Hall, the Five Red Star resort in County Durham is planning a new 'Spa Garden' to enhance their existing spa facilities.

The new Spa Garden, set to open autumn 2015, will be adjacent to the current spa. It will have two outdoor hot pools including a hydrotherapy pool and a Jacuzzi; a decking and lounging area and a garden room – all in landscaped gardens with views across Rockliffe Hall’s 365-acre estate.

Rockliffe Hall is located on the banks of the River Tees outside the village of Hurworth, in County Durham. It is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World consortium with 61 bedrooms, three restaurants, eleven meeting rooms accommodating from 10 to 250 delegates plus a championship 18-hole golf course.

Details:  www.rockliffehall.com


A multi-million pound refurbishment plan by new owners has been unveiled which will convert the Forest Side hotel in Grasmere in the Lake District into a 21-bedroom boutique hotel.

The Grade II-listed building currently has 23 bedrooms which will be reconfigured and refurbished to create 18 larger en-suite bedrooms and three luxury duplex suites. The dining room will also be extended to open onto a new garden terrace.

The Forest Side now joins two other Cumbria-based hotels, including the Ryebeck in Bowness and Hipping Hall in Kirkby Lonsdale, in a group operated by their owner Andrew Wildsmith.


Coniston Hotel and Country Estate in Skipton, North Yorkshire has unveiled plans to develop a new 16,500 sq. ft. spa which will be located adjacent to the hotel. The spa will include a 15m swimming pool, a thermal suite, a gym, a dance studio, spa treatments, relaxation and dining areas plus an outdoor spa pool and terrace. The spa is scheduled to open late autumn 2015.

Coniston Hotel and Country Estate has 71 bedrooms, two restaurant and nine meeting rooms. The hotel also offers an extensive range of outdoor and team-building activities including clay pigeon shooting, the Land Rover Experience, a falconry centre, mountain bike hire and walking trials. The hotel is located just off the A65, seven miles north of Skipton.

Details:  www.theconistonhotel.com


Whitworth Art Gallery will reopen in Manchester on 14th February 2015 following completion of a £15million redevelopment project by MUMA (McInnes Usher McKnight Architects), which has transformed as well as doubled the size of the 125-year-old Whitworth.

The new Whitworth is fully integrated into its Whitworth Park home. It incorporates an art garden, sculpture terrace and orchard garden, alongside a new landscape gallery.

Various spaces at the Whitworth will be available to hire for private events including the Jacobean-style Grand Hall which now features a double height ceiling. Details of bespoke hire packages will be released soon.

The Whitworth is a 20-30 minute walk from Manchester city centre. It is close to Manchester Museum and the University of Manchester campus of which it is a part.

Details:  www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk