Eco-friendly boutique luxury hotel chain The James has made its entry to New York. Famous among both business class and luxury lovers for its personalized comfort, superb amenities, custom-made modern furniture and impeccable service, The James announced the opening of its New York luxury hotel on Wednesday. The luxury hotel, situated in the southwest corner of Soho at Grand and Thompson Streets, has also accepted reservations at its 114 guestrooms and suites on the opening day. It is also offering introductory rates starting from $349 that includes in-room breakfast.

The Soho boutique hotel, designed by the Office for Design and Architecture (ODA) in collaboration with Perkins Eastman and custom interiors by Amanda Sullivan with The James Design team, blends elements of artistry and community throughout with a lot of detailing. True to its sprit, The James New York will feature a mix of local and international artists, both prominent and upcoming. Some other features of the gorgeous hotel are a luxurious Penthouse Loft on the 16th floor designed by renowned Dutch architect and interior designer, Piet Boon with stunning skyline views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, a state-of-the-art fully equipped gym with natural light and river views, facility of certified organic, food-based, natural beauty line, state-of-the-art audio technology from Bowers & Wilkins, including Zeppelin I-pod docking stations and iPads loaded with customized local shopping and dining guides among a few.

The hotel also offers a range of offerings for kids and pets alike, including pajama sets and Paul Frank coloring sheets. For guests traveling with their dogs, beds and doggy bowls will be provided by Soho-based pet retail shop Doggystyle, along with a specially-created amenity treat bag. The boutique hotels also offers a lot of open space with natural light for social gatherings.

Aloft Hotels Debuts in Europe

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and its hot new brand Aloft Hotels made its first presence in Europe on Wednesday. Located in Brussels, Belgium, the Aloft Brussels Schuman hotel has a right mixture of luxury and style at an affordable price.

Owned by Thornsett Group, the hip hotel will feature 147 loft-like guest rooms, a buzzing bar counter in the open lobby and an urban-inspired café. With already more than 40 hotels opened since its June 2008 debut, Aloft Hotels are making sharp inroads into the global hospitality sector and has presence in five countries-- USA, Canada, China, the United Arab Emirates and India, with Belgium marking its sixth destination.

Aloft Brussels Schuman has open public spaces where guests can mingle, read the newspapers, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends at the re:mixSM lounge and w xyzSM bar or dance the night away at one of the many DJ evenings. The rooms will also be equipped with internet and connectivity solution. This hotel is the fifth Starwood Hotel in Belgium, joining Le Méridien Brussels, Sheraton Brussels Hotel, Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton Brussels.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1000 properties in nearly 100 countries with internationally renowned brands: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Méridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft, and Element SM.

NYC