MINNEAPOLIS— In an effort to upgrade the look of its brands and “move into today,” Carlson Hospitality Worldwide’s purchasing and design division— Provisions— has launched a new Preferred Guestrooms interior design package for each of Carlson’s brands, in addition to a soon-to-be-announced updated look for Radisson Hotels & Resorts. All together, Provisions has developed two new design schemes for Park Inns and Plazas; two new looks for Country Inns & Suites; and a mix-and-match base program to create the new Radisson interiors. All of the packages offer franchisees added flexibility and cost savings when designing the guestrooms, corridors, and bathrooms for a new construction or renovated property. “They’re pre-designed schemes, however, they offer a wide selection of options to present to owners in terms of fabrics, carpets, and case goods,” said John Mc Donald, executive director/business development for Provisions. “The Radisson scheme can be customized from low-key and conservative to bold and edgy.” While Provisions developed the Country Inns & Suites and Park Inn & Plaza interiors in-house, Carlson hired an outside firm to create the new Radisson looks— which will again undergo changes as Provisions and Radisson work together to create an even more up-to-date concept. “We’re working with Radisson now to create another scheme that will be more reflective of the brand and the direction the brand is going,” said Deanne Paschke, director/brand management for Radisson. When asked if the new interior design concept would include sensual elements referenced by Jay Witzel, president/COO of Radisson during the company’s annual conference in Las Vegas last month, Paschke declined to comment. She did note, however, that the new concept would help “keep the brand fresh and relevant…We’re always looking forward, we don’t want to remain still.” Witzel had suggested creating new brand standards for Radisson that would play off a guest’s five senses. This could include softer bath towels, more non-smoking rooms, and impoved silence in guestrooms and corridors. These new interiors would help Radisson stay on par with the ever-growing amenities at competing hotels- namely Westin’s heavenly bed, bath, and crib. Provisions is also hoping the design concepts will attract more participation from Carlson franchisees. “The growth potential is very high [for Provisions],” said Mc Donald. “Before we had more generic and conservative options. Now [the designs]have more a feel, personality, and comfort. They’ve got a casual elegance that should attract more hotels to use the program.” He added that in the last weeks, since the new designs schemes launched, two Country Inns and one Radisson hotel have signed on.
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