Latest news from Malmaison hotels /news-rss 25 years after his first legendary walk from John O'Groats to Land's End, Beefy is stepping out again for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. In 1985, when Beefy first started walking for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, the survival rate for the most common form of childhood leukaemia was just 20 per cent. Now it's 90 per cent. Sir Ian says: ""I never forget why I put myself through the pain and blisters. Join me on the walk and help ensure that every child diagnosed with leukaemia will survive. I won't stop until we beat childhood leukaemia, but I can't do it without you." "My walk in 2010 will be extra special for me as it marks 25 years since I did my first walk and also Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research's 50th anniversary. "Join me on my walk and together we can make sure every child survives leukaemia. Let's make it my best walk yet!" Beefy will be walking through ten towns over ten days from 10-19 April. The route will take in: 10 April - Manchester (Heaton Park) 11 April - Birmingham (Sutton Park) 12 April - Worcester (Croome Park) 13 April - Bristol (Ashton Park) 14 April - Winchester (Mottisfont Abbey) 15 April - Epsom (Epsom Downs) 16 April - Reading (Thames Tow Path) 17 April - Milton Keynes (Campbell Park) 18 April - Chelmsford (Hylands Park) 19 April - London (Hyde Park) Places on each stage of the walk will fill up quickly. So please sign up now! Hotel du Vin and Malmaison will be right behind cricketing legend Sir Ian Botham as an official sponsor for ‘Beefy's Great Forget Me Not Walk', Sir Ian's 25th anniversary fundraising walk for blood cancer charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. The cricket legend is walking through ten towns in ten days from 10-19… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/beefys-great-forget-me-not-walk http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/beefys-great-forget-me-not-walk Pioneering Spirits... A Unique Collaboration Between The Hotel Du Vin/Malmaison Group And The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Brings Exclusive Malt Whiskies To All   The Hotel du Vin / Malmaison Group and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society are announcing an exciting new collaboration to provide Society members and non-members the opportunity to sample and enjoy some of the world's rarest malt whiskies in the superb environment of Hotel du Vin and Malmaison hotels. Until now members have been able to enjoy the Society's single cask, single malt whiskies in its three members-only venues throughout the UK; two in Edinburgh and one in London.  This unique partnership will now enable the Society's 26,000 worldwide members to enjoy its limited edition bottlings, Society members' events and luxurious ‘Society Suite' hotel rooms in three new properties as from the end of January 2010.   Aberdeen's Malmaison, Birmingham's Hotel du Vin and Brighton's Hotel du Vin will all open their doors later this month with a special Society snug - the ‘Whisky Snuggle'; dedicated lounges and bar areas where Society members and hotel guests can discover a range of different Society bottlings in unique and inspiring atmospheres. Commenting on the partnership, Robert B.Cook, Chief Executive Officer, Hotel du Vin and Malmaison, says: "We are always looking at ways in which to innovate and bring something very special and unique to our customers.  The Hotel du Vin and Malmaison Group together with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society share the same passion for excellence and I believe it is a natural business fit for us.   We are confident that this collaboration will be a success. Paul Miles, Managing Director of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, commented: "This partnership will allow members, prospective members and their guests to truly immerse themselves in the relaxed atmosphere that the Society is renowned for now in the luxurious… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/the-scotch-malt-whisky-society http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/the-scotch-malt-whisky-society What's Your Secret Mal Life? At Malmaison we like to think of our 12 hotels less as stopovers and more as palaces of escapism and decadence, where you can live the way you always wanted to live - to dine how you like, drink what you like and stay where you like. Whatever you get up to from 9 to 5, come to the Mal and forget about it! Tell us your secret on the Secret Mal Life area of the website to win Mal goodies and see some of our secret deals, events, extra special escapes and exclusive content. We won't whisper a dickie bird. How dare you accept the humdrum and be so so satisfied with the so-so? It's your life. Live it how you like. Stay where you like. Win it big style with the Mal. From Monday you can register at malmaison.com/secretlife and enter. While you're there take a peek at the Secrets of Mal life. You may even be tempted to anonymously leave one there yourself. That's how easy it is to win. That my little big prize punter is Mal life. You can explore the Secret Life from January 11th, so keep checking back at Malmaison.com to begin your secret life...… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/secret-life http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/secret-life The Front of House staff at Malmaison Leeds have been praised at the annual Catey awards for their "exceptional" customer service which was said to go "beyond the job description, never mind guest expectations." The team were praised for their intuitive approach, sensing and pre-empting the needs of their guests with upsell and the ingenious ‘Oh Dear' box of items most often forgotten by guests. Download the PDF to read the full article   Find out more about Malmaison Leeds… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-leeds-win-front-of-house-team-of-the-year-at-the-cateys http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-leeds-win-front-of-house-team-of-the-year-at-the-cateys Malmaison are delighted to have been awarded the prize for Best Architecture - Conversion of an Existing Building for Malmaison Aberdeen at the European Hotel Design Awards 2009. Malmaison Aberdeen opened in November 2008, featuring a part new build, part original façade as well as four tartan themed private suites; a whisky snug and a private dining room with one glass wall - allowing guests to see the chef at work. The hotel has had a very successful first year, and is honoured to have been awarded this accolade from the prestigious European Hotel Design Awards. The awards, which are now in their 12th year, received a record number of entries making them even more competitive than usual. The 2009 awards took place at the London Hilton on Park Lane on November 2nd and were hosted by Mariella Frostrup. Visit the Malmaison Aberdeen website View the European Hotel Design Award winners 2009… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/european-hotel-design-award http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/european-hotel-design-award Colin Montgomerie alongside Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings OBE and staff from Hotel du Vin and Malmaison are today (Monday 2 November) setting off to walk the West Highland Way. With maps in hand, their waterproofs and hiking boots at the ready, the team will be braving the elements in support of The Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation. Established by the Scots golfer in memory of his late mother, The Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation has been chosen as Hotel du Vin and Malmaison Group's official charity in Scotland for 2009 and 2010 and the West Highland Way activity hopes to raise £100,000 for the cause. The Hotel du Vin and Malmaison team, which is also joined by Scottish football manager George Burley and Gavin's fellow outstanding rugby-playing brother, Scott Hastings, will be made up of General Managers, Regional Directors and the CEO amongst other staff and will spend five days walking the gruelling 94 miles long West Highland Way. For the length of 25 golf courses, they will walk along the mountains of Scotland from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William between 2-6 November. Robert Cook, CEO, Hotel du Vin and Malmaison, commented: "Staff across our Scotland, England and Northern Ireland based hotels have shown real commitment in supporting Colin in this ambitious and important project and by walking the West Highland Way we are aiming to raise a further £100,000. Together with Colin, Gavin, Scott and George, we are letting our feet do the talking." Colin Montgomerie, commented: "Since the launch of the Foundation, we have raised a considerable amount of money to help cancer patients and their families who are in a real need of both practical and emotional support. The commitment from the Hotel du Vin and Malmaison Group has been tremendous and will help us to reach our target to support as many… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-walk-2009 http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-walk-2009 As part of Malmaison and Hotel du Vin’s continuing support of the Variety Club charity they have bought their first Sunshine coach. Sunshine Coaches are an initiative of the charity to take sick, disabled and disadvantaged children on educational and recreational outings. Since The Sunshine Coach scheme was set up in 1962 it has sent over 4,700 coaches out to take children on day-trips and outings, bringing countless joy. Malmaison and Hotel du Vin’s coach was presented to the children of Hillside School, Brighton earlier this month. Malmaison and Hotel du Vin bought this coach as a result of several fundraising initiatives by staff including selling ice creams and sponsored fancy dress days. You can support the Variety Club’s work by adding a £1 donation to your room bill on check out.… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/sunshine-coaches http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/sunshine-coaches Malmaison are delighted to have recently been awarded one of the top prizes at the annual Business Traveller Awards 2009. The awards took place at the London Hilton on Park Lane hotel on Monday 21st September and reward the top airlines, hotels and travel services used by businesses and corporate individuals. Malmaison were thrilled to be named the ‘Best Smaller Hotel Chain', a category in which Hotel du Vin also won great accolade, coming second. Malmaison then was then named second place in the ‘Best Business Hotel Chain in the UK' category - a remarkable achievement for a company of its size. Malmaison are especially proud of the awards as they are voted for by the magazine's readers and are authenticated by an independent audit, making them widely recognised as a standard of excellence within the business travel industry. Over recent months Malmaison has expanded the range of Meetings & Events and corporate services that are offered and are glad to see that these have been well received by Malmaison guests and Business Traveller readers. The new services include The Events Desk which offers to respond to any enquiry about a meeting or event you are planning within 90 minutes and the Club Mal corporate package which offers business guests comfort for an affordable price. For more information about the awards and a full list of the prizes awarded, please visit the Business Traveller website.… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-business-traveller-awards http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-business-traveller-awards Malmaison and Hotel du Vin are proud to anounce their most recent accolade - a national award for the Most Effective Benefits Strategy for organisations with more than 1000+ employees at the Employee Benefits Awards, London.As a hotel chain, Malmaison has faced several employee challenges, which it solved through a carefully thought-out long-term strategy. Firstly a benefits programme was rolled out to all staff in 2006, not just management, and a voluntary benefits scheme was launched in 2008. Then a learning and development programme was developed to retain staff and progress them to management level. The working environment was seen as very important to staff engagement.Softer benefits included a free foot treatment (many staff are on their feet all day), a night's stay in the hotel after induction, and trips abroad for external training.The results of this thorough strategy were what won the entrant this prestigious award. It was a long-term strategy that took time to implement, but is now challenging sector norms. Because of the development programme, as many as 68% of management appointments are now internal, and 70% are at no cost to the business.Overall employee engagement resulted in staff attrition rate of 25% (the industry average is 50%). Download the PDF to find out more. Find out more about Benefits at MalmaisonFind out more about the Emlployee Benefit Awards… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-wins-award-for-staff-benefits http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-wins-award-for-staff-benefits Malmaison and Hotel du Vin are delighted to announce a summer exhibition tour with Scottish born artist Jack Vettriano’s new company, Heartbreak Publishing.From the 16th July onwards you will be able to see iconic Vettriano images including The Singing Butler; Dance Me to the End of Love and brand new limited edition prints including Dancer in Emerald – the sister piece to The Singing Butler.The touring exhibition will also include work by the Italian photographer, Fredi Marcarini, with whom Jack collaborated last year on a triptych of photographs. There will also be the first public showing of a newly published limited edition of a portrait of Francis Bacon by Michael Clark, the first print from which Jack has hanging at his home in London.The artworks will be displayed throughout the public areas of the hotels with viewing open to the public and hotel residents. The tour will call at the following hotels: 16 – 19 July - Hotel du Vin Poole23 – 26 July - Malmaison London30 July – 2 August - Malmaison Oxford6 – 9 August - Malmaison Manchester14 – 17 August - Malmaison Aberdeen and Hotel du Vin Glasgow  In order to celebrate the exhibition, Malmaison are offering all Mal guests a number of deals, including special offers on all the prints if purchased from the exhibition and a free glass of wine if you quote 'Jack' at the bar! Anyone staying in a suite in participating hotels while the exhibition is on will receive a complimentary signed copy of one of Jack’s books.In Scotland, Malmaison Aberdeen will premier Aberdeen based Johanna Basford’s limited edition silkscreen prints, featuring her distinctive monochrome motifs. There will also be opportunities to stay in The Vettriano Suite at Hotel Du Vin Glasgow, which will feature prints and books of the artist's work.For more information about the exhibition… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-and-vettriano http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-and-vettriano As of May, Malmaison and Hotel du Vin now have their own pages on Twitter and Facebook. Each of the twelve Malmaison hotels can be followed on Twitter by searching for 'Malmaison', and the Facebook profile appears as ‘Malmaison Brand’.These pages allow followers to stay up to date with all the latest news and events, and will become a new way for Malmaison to run competitions and offers. Follow Malmaison on Facebook and Twitter Malmaison on Twitter Malmaison NewcastleOne of the slickest hotels in North East England - TheNewcastleMalMalmaison LiverpoolAn exceptional hotel in the European City of Culture - TheLiverpoolMalMalmaison EdinburghA gorgeous boutique hotel on the riverfront - TheEdinburghMalMalmaison GlasgowA stylish hotel in one of Britain's most exciting cities -  TheGlasgowMalMalmaison ManchesterThis old seed warehouse now has a very theatrical style - ManchesterMalMalmaison BirminghamThis Mal couldn't be better placed for retail therapy - BirminghamMalMalmaison BelfastThis class A property is a joy to behold - TheBelfastMalMalmaison LondonSample the sights of London & come back to the TheLondonMalMalmaison AberdeenVisit and you'll understand the buzz - TheAberdeenMalMalmaison LeedsOne-time bus company office turned hip hotel - TheLeedsMalMalmaison Oxford One time prison, now a stunning boutique hotel - TheOxfordMalMalmaison ReadingThe one time Great Western Rail Hotel is now a stylish Mal - TheReadingMal Malmaison on Facebook Add us on Facebook! Simply search for 'Malmaison Brand' to find our profile.… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-on-twitter-and-facebook http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-on-twitter-and-facebook Malmaison has committed to the Hotel Carbon Index Company's CarePar scheme to track its carbon emissions. After going through the Carepar process, the company's 12 boutique properties, along with luxury sister brand Hotel du Vin, will offer event planners details of the emissions involved in their hotel usage. Malmaison group business development manager Sophie Lemm said: "We are very aware of the need to be able to track emissions and for travellers to have a standard which they can benchmark from."Read the article from CIT Magazine Find out more about CarePar http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-to-track-carbon-emissions http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-to-track-carbon-emissions The Variety Club has been helping sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people for 60 years, and has long prided itself on providing the small change which can make a real difference. We’re delighted to announce that Malmaison and Hotel du Vin plan to support this work with a number of initiatives over the coming months.Through their 60 year history Variety Club has given: Freedom with over 3,250 wheelchairs and mobility aidsIndependence through 4,850 Sunshine CoachesHope to more than a million children and young people by raising more than £200 million Along with the rest of the AHG/MWB Group, Malmaison and Hotel du Vin have joined forces with this national children’s charity to support the invaluable work they do for children and young people all over the UK. We plan to raise money through customer donations and staff fundraising. We will be adding a £1 voluntary donation on guest bills at check-out - it’s important to stress that this is a voluntary donation, and bills will re-adjusted accordingly. There are lots of ways that you can get involved, from the small things to the large. Whether it’s doing a sponsored skydive, trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro or holding a bake sale - every penny raised for the Variety Club is gratefully received. We are confident that with everyone’s support, Malmaison and Hotel du Vin will be able to make a significant difference to the lives of hundreds of children and young people across the country. Find out more about the Variety Club… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-support-children-s-charity-variety-club http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-support-children-s-charity-variety-club The Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation aims to raise £3m to provide practical and emotional support to cancer patients, their families and carers. The initial focus will be on the West of Scotland, which has some of the highest cancer rates in the world. The first project to be funded by the Foundation will be The Elizabeth Montgomerie Building based at the Monklands Hospital in Lanarkshire. Working with the Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres, the building will provide a Cancer Support Specialist for information and advice and will offer practical and emotional support to cancer patients and their families. Hotel du Vin and the Malmaison Group in Scotland are delighted to be supporting the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation. Many of our employees in Scotland are getting involved in various sponsored events to raise money for this worthwhile cause. Find out more about the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-support-the-elizabeth-montgomerie-foundation http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-support-the-elizabeth-montgomerie-foundation Malmaison and Hotel du Vin are very pleased to be sponsoring a PlayPump water system installation at Heathrow Terminal 5. The PlayPump is a children’s roundabout distributed in sub-Saharan Africa that pumps clean drinking water in rural communities. There will be a mock PlayPump built at Heathrow Terminal 5 from the 1st June till the end of August to raise awareness of this fantastic scheme. Find out more about PlayPumps … http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-sponsor-playpumps-initiative http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-sponsor-playpumps-initiative Sean Wheeler, Group Director of People for Malmaison and Hotel du Vin was delighted to win Learning and Development Professional of the Year at the Training Journal Awards held on Tuesday 24th of June. This particular award recognises the outstanding individuals in the sector and Sean fought of stiff competition from a range of top learning and development professionals to secure it. The Training Journal Awards offer learning and development staff recognition for their exceptional work in  improving people's performance and ensuring that their talent makes a difference to the organisation's effectiveness. The awards also offer the opportunity to benchmark training and development against real world case studies. For more information on working at Malmaison visit our careers pages.… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/sean-wheeler--learning-and-development-professional-of-the-year http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/sean-wheeler--learning-and-development-professional-of-the-year Malmaison is delighted to have won two of the main awards at the Catey Award ceremony hosted by Caterer and Hotelkeeper. In an exciting evening it was announced that Malmaison’s Group Director of People, Sean Wheeler, won the accolade of 'Group People Development Manager of the Year'; and Nicola Williams, of Malmaison Birmingham was named 'UK Spa Manager of the Year'.  This is not the first time that Malmaison has won such acclaim, in the three years in which Sean Wheeler has been Group Director of People at Malmaison, his great work has been widely recognised, notably he was named ‘Learning and Development Professional of the Year at the Training Journal Awards’ earlier this year, and under Sean’s stewardship Malmaison & Hotel du Vin won ‘The Best Places to Work’ Award in the UK’s hospitality industry. Malmaison Birmingham is also very proud of Nicola Williams’ work and the award that she has won for their ‘Petit Spa’. http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-s-success-at-cateys-2008 http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-s-success-at-cateys-2008 Malmaison are thrilled to win Best UK Hotel Chain in The Sunday Times Travel Magazine Readers Awards, The awards give readers the chance to vote for their favourite hotels, airlines, spas and tour operators in a range of different categories. It is a great opportunity for travellers to share their experiences and praise their favourite travel companies. Robert Cook, CEO of Malmaison said "It's a great honour to have been given this by the readers, as one myself it proves like sticks with like. We are thrilled." http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/best-uk-hotel-chain http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/best-uk-hotel-chain Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin are delighted to be the big winners at this year’s Caterer and Hotelkeeper Best Places to Work in Hospitality Awards. The awards celebrate all that's best about working in the hospitality sector, and presenting the Platinum Award – which goes to the overall winner amongst all the different categories - the judges praised Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin for their high levels of staff satisfaction. “The awards are a fantastic achievement for us,” said Sean Wheeler, Group Director of People Development for Malmaison. “I am so pleased that the effort everyone puts into making Hotel du Vin and Malmaison a great place to work has been recognised.’ Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin were initially winners in their own category – for best hotel with 11 plus sites - but were later also presented with the prestigious Platinum award. The judges, who included Bob Cotton of the British Hospitality Association and Philippe Rossiter, chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality, said that they were extremely impressed by our innovative ideas. Staff initiatives such as last year’s Housekeeping Olympics, as well as our chef apprenticeship, were complimented for keeping staff educated as well as motivated. Mark Lewis, Editor of the Caterer editor said: “Winning an award sets out a company as an employer of choice, which is ever more important in this day and age as it can have a major impact on your ability to recruit and retain staff, and in turn your bottom line.” Visit the Malmaison careers pages for more information about working at Mal.… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-and-hotel-du-vin-win-two-best-places-to-work-awards http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-and-hotel-du-vin-win-two-best-places-to-work-awards Malmaison Manchester won Best Business Hotel of the Year 2007 yesterday at the Esquire Magazine Awards. This was a fantastic result for Malmaison who were up against stiff competition from runners up Hotel du Vin Birmingham, Balmoral Edinburgh and Four Seasons Canary Wharf. Visit Malmaison Manchester for more information.… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-manchester-wins-best-business-hotel-2007 http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-manchester-wins-best-business-hotel-2007 Malmaison Newcastle has won a Silver Award for their innovative ‘Homegrown and Local Menu’ initiative in the “Taste of the North” category of the North East Tourism Awards. The dishes on the hotel’s Brasserie menu showcase some of the best local food producers who share Malmaison’s passion for supporting local, seasonal produce that has been grown, harvested and reared to the finest ethical and traditional farming methods.  The ‘Homegrown and Local’ programme has been adopted by all of the 11 hotels in the Malmaison portfolio, and has received widespread critical and customer approval. Malmaison Newcastle’s menu encompasses some of the area’s finest suppliers of meat, fish, vegetables, fruit and cheese, including North Doddington Farm, Northumberland Mussels, Chain Bridge Honey Farm, Carroll’s Heritage Potatoes, Lindisfarne Oystes, and Sunny Hill Free Range Eggs. The three course ‘Homegrown and Local’ menu is priced at £16.50 (or £14.50 for two courses), and the dishes change on a weekly basis. The North East England Tourism Awards take place annually and form the regional heat of the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence. These awards showcase the work undertaken by tourism providers in North East England, and include a range of categories that reflect the quality, performance and innovation in the tourism sector in the region. For further information on Malmaison Newcastle, contact:Tina O’Hara – Regional Business Development ManagerTel: 0191 245 5000Email : tohara@malmaison.com… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/another-award-for-malmaison-s-homegrown-and-local-menu http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/another-award-for-malmaison-s-homegrown-and-local-menu Malmaison Liverpool wins the Liverpool Restaurant of the Year award at the Lancashire & Cheshire Life Food & Wine Awards 2007. Judged by an independent panel, the awards took place at the stunning City of Manchester Stadium, home of the Premiership's Manchester City Football Club and venue for the 2002 Commonwealth Games during the evening of Tuesday, October 2nd. The Malmaison Liverpool brasserie offers divinely tasty, beautifully presented cuisine prepared with incredible local ingredients. http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/liverpool-restaurant-of-the-year http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/liverpool-restaurant-of-the-year The results of the 2007 Business Traveller Awards were revealed today at a star-studded ceremony at the London Hilton Park Lane. Malmaison came out on top in the new ‘Best Smaller Hotel Chain’ category, with sister chain Hotel du Vin in second place. The awards are the result of a reader survey compiled between April and June 2007, and were carried out by an independent market research company.… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-wins-best-smaller-hotel-chain-award- http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-wins-best-smaller-hotel-chain-award- The new Mal Life magazine is here, daringly different and full of intrigue. Explore the city of Reading and the new Malmaison which opened on track  in July 2007. Devour food from our Homegrown & Local menus which celebrate ethically sourced local produce at each of our 11 hotels. English wine is our passion too and Mal Life has worked its way through a seductive wine list. Green is the new black: turn off that tap when brushing your pearly whites and stay at a UK Mal instead of jetting off. Eat, drink, sleep and read the things that make you happy. You will find a copy of the brand new Mal Life in your room when you stay at any Malmaison hotel. http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/new-mal-life-magazine-launches http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/new-mal-life-magazine-launches The newly opened Malmaison in Reading, the Brunel designed former Great Western Railways Hotel, has not surprisingly named their suites after legendary train engines that used to whistle through the town. The Mallard Suite (at £350-00 per night) is the most sought after with its own elaborate  fully working electric train set complete with village, pub, church, sidings, farm, animals,  tunnel and junctions. Warning to newly weds!! This is not the best place for the first night of the honeymoon. It transpires that bridegrooms are finding the lure of steam, shunting, sidings and engine couplings more than a little distracting!!!… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/the-mallard-suite http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/the-mallard-suite Silver Award winner for the Best UK Tourism Website 2007– voted by Visit Britain. Welcome to our new revamped website. At Malmaison, change is good. A nip here, a tuck there. Even more adventurous wine cellars and bars, exclusive menus packed with homegrown and local cuisine in the brasseries, even more contemporary chic in our rooms and an extra creamy dollop of suites. That’s just for starters. How about a new look website too? More flickable and clickable with more nuggets and gems to help you get the most out of your stay. Whether for business or weekend escapes, you can book rooms and meetings, reserve a private dining room or a comfy sofa in the bar. It’s check in time. Enjoy the visit.… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-s-new-website http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-s-new-website The 11th Malmaison has landed, confirming what Reading locals and its large student population already knew: like the flourishing Reading Football Club, this town is at the top of its game. Like the town, the new hotel is truly unique; Malmaison has adopted what was the Victorian Great Western Rail Hotel, and brought the old girl from the Golden Age of Steam into the 21st century with an unmistakable Malmaison twist. ’’The design is inspired by the old railway – but it’s certainly not for anoraks,’’ says Stephanie Briggs, Group Director of Design for Malmaison. ''We have got a model railway for people to play with. Each of the suites is named after well known trains and our photographers have been so creative. In the main suite, named the Mallard after the locomotive, we’ve mixed train imagery with ducks.'' The hotel’s 75 suites and rooms, a Cafe Mal, a wine bar, a brasserie, and a gorgeous private dining room make this a luxurious, unconventional location for an indulgent long weekend. Take your time getting intimate with Reading and you won’t be disappointed.  … http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-reading-opens http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-reading-opens Malmaison Reading  Mal life. She's back, the greatly loved old girl from the golden age of steam. The one time Great Western Rail hotel is now one of us. She has always been chic, now we've brought her up to date and brought along a few of her friends to keep her company. A seductive bar, serving smooth strong beers, astounding vino and dangerously good cocktails. An alluring brasserie serving up stellar tasting cuisine, passionately prepared with ethically sourced local ingredients. And then there's her more outgoing café serving healthy take-home and ultra tasty anytime nibbles. The old girl is back, not so old and even more adorable. Next time you fly, catch up with her instead of that usual London crowd you stay with. Reading, it's time to eat, drink and sleep Mal life.… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-reading-opening-july-2007 http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-reading-opening-july-2007 Homegrown and Local wins Best Provenance Menu, Eat Out Magazine’s menu master competition 2007. It’s comfort food time folks, but with one big difference. In every Mal, on every menu across the UK, you need to look out for our divine local specialities. We dare to be different and you’ll love the local difference. Find out more about Malmaison's Home Grown and Local food philosophy.… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/homegrown-and-local-wins-best-provenance-menu http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/homegrown-and-local-wins-best-provenance-menu Not one to blow our own trumpet but we thought you'd like to know more about the shining trophies we have on our shelves at the moment... Malmaison Oxford - Hotel of the Year - Group, Caterer and Hotelkeeper Awards 2007 AA Hotel Group of the Year 2006 - 2007Malmaison Oxford voted a Hot New Hotel by Conde NastMalmaison Oxford - Winner of the Best Hotel Bar, London and the South presented by the Theme Bar & Restaurant AwardsMalmaison Leeds - Winner of the Best Drinks & Wine List Award presented by the Leeds Restaurant AwardsMalmaison Leeds - Winner of the Yorkshire Tourist Board Hotel of the Year 2006Malmaison Newcastle - Gold Award Winner for Large Hotel of the Year awarded by The North East England Tourism Awards 2006Sean Wheeler - awarded for Excellence in Training and Development by The Hotel & Catering Personnel & Training AssociationSean Wheeler - awarded for Excellence in Human Resources by The Hotel & Catering Personnel & Training AssociationRobert B. Cook - Best Manager - Caterer & Hotel Keeper awardsMalmaison Oxford Viral Campaign - Highly Commended Award for Best Use of Technology 2005 for the Hotel Marketing AssociationMalmaison Newcastle - Lunch Meetings category winner presented by the Metro Readers Food and Drink Awards 2005Malmaison Belfast won Best Commercial Interior Design Project of the Year at idFX BIDA Awards 2005Springboard National Award for Best Career Progression ProgrammeMalmaison voted a Top UK Business Hotel by Conde Nast Readers Autumn 2005Malmaison Belfast has been voted Hot New Hotel by Conde Nast TravellerGeneral Manager of Malmaison Edinburgh, Lizzy Kelk, won Scottish GM of the Year Award (twice!)Malmaison Manchester won Large Hotel of the Year in the Manchester Tourism AwardsMalmaison Newcastle won Hotel Bar of the Year in the Theme AwardsMalmaison London's Matt Barker was nominated for the Olive Barnett award for… http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-awards http://www.malmaison.com/about-mal/news/malmaison-awards