Hilton Worldwide will debut its lifestyle brand, Canopy in Reykjavik, Iceland in early 2016.
The brand, launched in October last year, is set to ‘redefine the lifestyle hotel category’, combining a local neighbourhood experience with guest-room comfort.
“Reykjavik has an incredible energy and is a fitting setting in which to introduce our first Canopy by Hilton hotel,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide.
“Iceland has grown in stature as a destination, owing to the efforts of Icelandair, which has improved the country’s connectivity and visibility as a global destination.
“Visitor numbers to Iceland have more than tripled in the last 15 years’ and Canopy Reykjavik City Centre will add fresh momentum to the city’s vibrant travel scene.”
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The 115-key Canopy Reykjavik City Centre will be operated by Icelandair Hotels, a subsidiary of Icelandair Group and a long-term partner of Hilton Worldwide, having operated Hilton Reykjavik Nordica since it opened in 2007.
The hotel is now under construction on Hverfisgata St, a thriving neighborhood in the centre of the capital city.
A rooftop bar and restaurant will serve drinks and food throughout the day, while guests can also visit a bistro, sampling local produce while taking in the city sights.
“In creating Canopy by Hilton, we focused heavily on customer research at every stage, and the result is a brand which redefines the lifestyle segment, and brings guests closer to the destinations and communities in which they travel,” said Gary Steffen, global head, Canopy by Hilton.
“Reykjavik is unlike any other city on Earth, and its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty align with the ethos of Canopy by Hilton. It is with considerable excitement that we anticipate the opening of Canopy Reykjavik City Centre in 2016.”
The hotel will have 115 guest rooms and suites and will feature an entirely new interior, while retaining the buildings’ facades, and preserving the architectural integrity of the neighborhood.
Wi-Fi and a local artisanal breakfast will be included in the room rate, along with a property-specific gift to welcome guests on arrival.
As with all Canopy by Hilton hotels, Canopy Reykjavik City Centre will be by its local surroundings.
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Occupying an entire block of Hverfisgata St, the hotel will provide guests with an opportunity to explore the city on foot.
Reykjavik is one of the world’s cleanest and greenest capital cities, and is home to a vibrant culinary scene, attracting gourmet aficionados to its many Michelin-starred restaurants.
Just two degrees south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is one of the few countries where the spectacular Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights can be seen clearly.
As a result of its location, during the summer season Iceland experiences 24 hour daylight.
"We have established a great relationship with Hilton Worldwide and Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, which we’ve opened and managed since October 2007,” Magnea Thorey Hjálmarsdóttir, managing director, Icelandair Hotels said.
“Reykjavik is the perfect destination for the Canopy by Hilton brand, as the connection between this new lifestyle brand and dynamic city is strong.
“Canopy by Hilton will play a substantial role in further enhancing Reykjavik as an ideal destination choice for travellers seeking local fun, culture, and breathtaking nature."
While Hilton is looking at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Bahrain and Beirut for potential Canopy by Hilton hotels, Carlos Khneisser, vice president of development for Hilton Worldwide in the Middle East told Hotelier that its Middle East debut property is most likely to be in Dubai — in Downtown or DIFC.
“I think that taking into consideration the appetite we’re seeing in Dubai, we foresee it will be launched here first.
“I would love to put a time frame on that, but we are working with several stakeholders to make sure we have the first Middle Eastern Canopy by Hilton signed in the very near future,” he said.
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