The European Hotel Design Awards, presented by Sleeper Magazine on Thursday, 6 November 2008, is the premier celebration of outstanding innovations in the hospitality industry and hotel design in Europe.
"This was perhaps the most hotly contested decision I have seen the judging panel have to make in the six years I have been involved in these awards. But I think it is fair to say that the eventual winner is a hotel that stood out from the competition in all aspects of its conception. Not just it's design and architecture, but also its use of technology, it's marketing, its future development potential and most importantly, the seamless integration of all these into a product that offers the guest a rewarding experience. The winning project was acknowledged by the panel to be a radically new hotel concept that will have considerable influence on others in the industry for years to come." Says Matt Turner, editor in chief Sleeper Magazine.
The Dutch hotel group citizenM hotels has won the grand prize:
The European Hotel Design Award of the Year
and three awards in the categories:
THE INNOVATION AWARD
"The judges looked at the added value for the guest, the concept design, various use within the hotel, the building, the property, guest experience, use of information database, to check out and unanimously award the hotel who has accomplished to achieve this within all aspects of a hotel." Ahmed Akudi, International Projects Director, Grohe AG
THE TECHNOLOGY AWARD
"... We've seen moving facades. The innovation of this hotel gives a scope and a degree of innovation... There's one clear winner.. citizenM hotels!" Guy Dittrich, journalist.
THE GRAPHIC DESIGN AWARD
"The art within hotel design illustrates a choice, a brand, an unique website, an experience recognisable through website, brochures and overall decor..." Juliet Kinsman, editor in chief, Mr & Mrs Smith.
citizenM hotels, which opened their first property in June at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, was also among the four finalists for awards in the categories:
Best Architecture (Newbuild)
Best Interior Design (Standard Branded Guestroom)
”We are thrilled by the recognition of the European Hotel Design Awards jury. Our team and partners worked hard to create an innovative, contemporary hotel for the cost conscious traveller. We looked at every business process to enhance and improve the stay of a guest in our hotels. The result citizenM hotels has made is a quantum leap in innovation, which now is prestigiously recognised by hotel industry professionals from all over the world.” says Michael Levie, CEO citizenM hotels.
The European Hotel Design Awards recognise the ambitious work of architects, designers, developers and hotel owners across 18 different categories. Judged by an international panel of leading hospitality experts and journalists, the European Hotel Design Awards is one of the most renowned events in the lifestyle travel industry of the world.
citizenM hotels | citizenM hotels aims to provide a new type of hotel experience for a new type of traveller. The group’s founding philosophy is held central: to offer “affordable luxury for the people.”
Continuous innovation is a critical component of citizenM. The efficient building system combined with a dedicated offsite factory allows the company to consistently maintain high quality standards, while accelerating the building process. Headquartered in The Netherlands, citizenM’s founders include professionals from both the hospitality and fashion industry. Together with renowned partners Vitra and Philips and an experienced management team, citizenM is preparing itself for a rapid European expansion.
citizenM hotels opened their first hotel in June 2008 at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The second hotel, close to Amsterdam’s city centre, will open in April 2009. A third property in Glasgow will also open its doors next year. citizenM hotels plans to open 20 hotels in the coming 5 years in all major capital cities of Europe. Earlier than expected, citizenM plans to venture upon the Americas, Asia and Australia along with the European roll out.
Contact
Birgit Schmoltner
Birgit Schmoltner Communications
Email: press@birgitschmoltner.com
Organization
citizenM Hotels
http://www.citizenm.com
Leidseweg 219
Voorschoten, 2253 AE
Netherlands, The
Phone: +31 85 580 7777
Fax: +31 85 580 7778
Email: info@citizenm.com