The Palace Wins Best Design Award in Monte Carlo
The Palace, Malta's premier boutique hotel, has won the award for Best Design for five-star hotels with 50-200 rooms, at the International Hotel and Property Awards 2011.
Angelo Xuereb, Chairman of AX Holdings, represented the group and The Palace at the awarding ceremony which was held at L'Hôtel Hermitage, located in the heart of Monte-Carlo.
"Design is very important to The Palace's spirit. Not only it makes our hotel a one-of-a-kind place to stay but indeed plays a fundamental part in creating the unique atmosphere one breathes with every step taken into it, from our reception, to the rooms, to our restaurants and entertainment areas," said Mr Xuereb.
The International Hotel and Property Awards are hosted by design et al, a leading interior design magazine in the United Kingdom. The Palace achieved this year's Best Design Award by overcoming stiff competition from some of the world's premier hotels.
Moreover, what makes this award more special is the fact that that The International Hotel and Property Awards are not judged by a panel. Short-listed entries are presented online, and voting is open to industry professionals as well as design et al readers, clients and customers.
AX Hotels' hospitality director Claire Xuereb said that, "Design follows function, however it needs to be done in a clever way, so it is not evident. The balance of technology, design and comfort, is key, incorporated within the specific concept given to the particular hotel. People have become ever more demanding.
"They have become very selective and know exactly what they want, how they want it and when they want it. All this means, they are better buyers, better travellers. They are no longer after the run of the mill.
"They want character and are specific. With this, we mean that hotel designs will need to reflect this profile. Rooms to become more custom made and unique whilst lobbies and food and beverage outlets together with the typical halls and pre-function areas, to be made more practical, functional whilst retaining a lot of life, through concept and colour."
Mrs Xuereb also had words of praise for Architect Martin Xuereb of Martin Xuereb and Associates who was responsible for the design of this five-star hotel.