Daily News & Opinion

A stylish Radisson hotel opened its doors today in the historic city of Suzhou in China’s Jiangsu province. Developed by Suzhou Zheng He Investment Co., Radisson Suzhou offers 138 rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, a 24-hour fitness centre and 667 square metres of flexible function space for corporate events. The hotel is located in close proximity to two airports: Wuxi Shuofang, which is 30 minutes away, and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, which lies 90 minutes from the hotel.

Following another suspected drug-related death at a Sydney dance festival on the weekend, premier Gladys Berejiklian has reaffirmed her opposition to pill testing at events. The Knockout Games of Destiny festival, which took place at Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday, saw one 19-year-old man lose his life and a further three young adults become critically ill. On the matter, premier Berejiklian said “We know that pill testing won’t work because it’ll give people a green light to taking substances.”

Air New Zealand has gifted the people of Christchurch with a nifty Christmas present: increased flights between the city and Singapore. Starting this month, an extra five flights will operate between the two cities, using the new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. On the increase, Air New Zealand chief strategy, networks and alliances officer Nick Judd said “These changes will ultimately deliver greater choice, great connectivity beyond Singapore and increased connections into the domestic New Zealand network.”

Colourful and contemporary midscale brand Park Inn by Radisson has expanded its footprint to the Philippines, signing a brand-new hotel in Bacolod, the City of Smiles. Slated to open in the third quarter of 2020, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod will offer 153 contemporary rooms, two modern meeting rooms, a fitness centre and an all-day dining restaurant. Bacolod is renowned for its history, culinary legacy and genteel people.

Altum Restaurant, a venue located adjacent to Luna Park Sydney which serves up Mediterranean cuisine, opened its doors late last month. More recently named The Deck Sydney, the restaurant offers guests views over Sydney Harbour to the Opera House and a menu concocted with local and seasonal produce. Altum is helmed by head chef Dionisio Randazzo, who hails from Sicily and was formerly the sous chef at Pyrmont Balla.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Hyatt Regency Sydney, with the hotel erecting a three-metre high gingerbread house pop-up shop in its lobby. The house is the handiwork of pastry chef Prashant Anand, and took five days, 200 kilograms of honey, 60 litres of milk, 1000 eggs, 1000 kgs of icing sugar and a whole lot of lollies to assemble. Guests can follow the signs to take a bite out of the house until December 25.

Following the departure of Rachel Argaman earlier this year, and a search which spanned the globe, TFE Hotels has appointed Antony Ritch as its new CEO. Antony’s impressive resume includes a 20 year stint with Westfield Corporation, senior roles across Australia, the USA and the UK, and work in property development, regional operations, digital disruption and various other fields. On his appointment, Antony said “I have always admired the TFE Hotels business, and I’m thrilled to be joining the team in Australia.”