Hospitality News
Marriott Grand is 10 Years Old
 The Marriott Grand hotel on Moscow’s prestigious Tverskaya Street is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The reconstructed hotel follows the architectural designs of the 1930’s and incorporates the 18th century cellars discovered during the construction. The hotel is one of three Marriott hotels in the city. The hotel has become a focal point for Moscow‘s business and social life combining traditional Russian appointments and contemporary comforts with the fi ve star quality amenities, hospitality and security global guests expect from a world class hotel. The 384 guest rooms, including one Presidential Suite and two Ambassador Suites has played host to world leaders such as U.S. President George Bush Jr., Bill Clinton, U.S. Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, and showbiz personalities, such as Catherine Deneuve, Enrique Iglesias, Patricia Kaas, among many others. At the end of August 2007 a complete renovation of the hotel was completed.
All-Suite Pokrovka Hotel Opens
 Pokrovka Suite Hotel, located in the heart of the capital, opened its doors at the end of August as the fi rst Russian member of the elite Small Luxury Hotels of the World Club. Pokrovka, exclusively designed by Jestico+Whiles, became the first genuine all-suite hotel featuring an exquisite restaurant “Numbers” by Doucet X.O. With 84 suites the striking hotel is genuinely described as the city’s fi rst boutique hotel.
A state-of-the-art SPA by Algotherm is under construction while underground parking, a full range of business center services, and the latest technical equipment is available 24 hours a day. With the lowest priced rooms, a studio suite at 11,025 rubles, and then climbing to the 94,500 rubles a night, 213 sqm Chairman Suite, this may not be the cheapest option in town, but it is certainly one of the more luxurious.
Hilton Moves into Russian Market
 Hilton Hotels Corporation has big plans for the Russian market. Ian Carter, Chief Executive of Hilton’s International Operations, unveiled the company’s plans to partner with potential Russian property partners. Carter explained, “There is almost a total absence of internationally branded properties throughout the regional cities of Russia.” He added, “Quality hotel supply is still incredibly low and not growing at sufficient levels to meet international and domestic demand. We anticipate that we could see more than 70 Hilton Family hotels across Russia over the next ten years,” he said. Early next year, Hilton opens its first hotel in Russia, the 275-room Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya in the Stalin skyscraper opposite Komsomolskaya Square. Hilton has signed a long-term franchise agreement with the hotel owner JSC Sadko Hotel who has engaged Interstate Management Services, Inc, as the hotel operator.
Santa Fe Focuses on Latin America
 Santa Fe Restaurant, under the leadership of Alexis Kobernyk, is refocusing on Latin America and with a new French chef, Olivier Zeroual, is repositioning the restaurant as an elite dining establishment. One of the most public displays of this new focus will be the celebration of Columbus Day in Santa Fe on October 12th with the participation of most Latin American embassies in Russia. Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay have already pledged their support and participation and have taken part in a preparatory meeting at Santa Fe in September to discuss the celebrations. Latin Music and Mariachi, souvenir stalls, Tango and Salsa lessons and a closing fireworks display all add up to promise one heck of a Latin party.
Pumpkin Special at the Golden Apple Hotel
 Alexander Kutepov, the new chef at the Golden Apple Restaurant, has come up with a seasonal pumpkin festival and invites guests to enjoy the autumn melon. From the 1st of October until the last day of the month, usually celebrated as Halloween, Alexander will keep up his pumpkin magic. Roasted Duck Liver with Brioche Croutons, Pumpkin Chutney, Raspberry and Pumpkin Sauce, Sweet Pumpkin Soup with Beets, Cebulet Onion and Whipped Cream will create an appropriate accompaniment to devilish candles and pumpkin heads. For seafood lovers Chef Kutepov will prepare special Sautés Scallops with Baby Pattisons, Tomatoes Fondue, Pumpkin and Wasabi Purée or Medallions of very rare Tuna Steak with Asparagus and Sweet Chili Pumpkin sauce.
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