NEWS & OFFERS: Marriott introduce day rooms, Emirates’ new lounge concept and Air France restaurant experience

Emirates’ new lounge concept debuts

 

The redesigned spaces are structured into zones to accommodate the varied needs of business and leisure travellers. For those looking to stay productive, the lounges offer dedicated workspaces equipped with Italian eco-leather seating, wireless charging, and universal power outlets at every seat. Conversely, passengers wanting to relax can use the dedicated Quiet Zone, which operates as a silent environment complete with plush seating, soft lighting, and specialised sleep amenities, alongside upgraded, spa-inspired shower suites.

 

 

Culinary offerings have also been upgraded with a focus on live cooking and regional specialisation. The dining areas now feature open kitchens, live cooking stations, and traditional bread ovens preparing fresh flatbreads and pizzas. Additionally, a new barista and beverage bar concept introduces on-site mixologists to serve speciality coffees, artisan teas, and custom cocktails.

 

 

The lounges can be accessed free of charge by First and Business Class passengers and high-tier Skywards frequent flyers, with paid access available to all other travellers.

Marriott introduces day rooms

Hilton have offered day rooms for many years now (simply select the same check-in and check-out day) and many other companies offer day rooms. Day rooms can be very useful when you have to check out in the morning but have a late flight or if you arrive early somewhere. Day rooms are usually much cheaper than a full night and can also be useful for long layovers or if you need somewhere quiet (and air-conditioned) to work.

Now Marriott is introducing day rooms in London as a new venture, joining its collection of European airport hotels that already offer the concept. The rooms are available for booking until 31 March 2027. Check-in and check-out times may vary by hotel and will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Anne Legrand, Area General Manager for Central London Hotels and General Manager for London Marriott County Hall said:

“Hotels have always been part of how people experience London, but the way guests use them is changing. The need is not always a full overnight stay; sometimes it is a few hours of privacy, a reliable place to work, or a calm space between commitments. Our London Day Use Rooms offer recognises that shift, supporting guests during the day while making better use of the spaces we already have.”

Here are the hotels that are participating:

• London Marriott Hotel County Hall: A landmark riverside hotel on London’s South Bank, moments from Westminster Bridge, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. (review)

• London Marriott Hotel Kensington: A well-connected West London hotel close to Gloucester Road, Earl’s Court, South Kensington, Kensington High Street and Olympia London.

• London Marriott Hotel Maida Vale: A quieter North West London option close to Maida Vale, Kilburn and St John’s Wood.

• London Marriott Hotel Marble Arch: A newly refurbished central London hotel near Oxford Street, Hyde Park, Marylebone and Paddington.

• London Marriott Hotel Regent’s Park: A North London hotel close to Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill, Camden and St John’s Wood. 

You can book the day rate using promotional code ZDY. 

Air France’s next restaurant announced

Air France has been running a fun series of restaurant pop-ups for the summer, showcasing its business-class meals. Now they have announced the latest one, and it has a rather fun venue.

From 14 July to 9 August 2026, Air France is launching the third edition of its pop-up restaurant at Marseille’s famous Cercle des Nageurs swimming club. This summer, the airline invites visitors to discover its long-haul Business Class menus – “just like on board” – created by renowned chef Régis Marcon and celebrated pastry chef Nina Métayer. The restaurant has a new summer venue celebrating the best of French gastronomy and offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Marseille.

Following two successful events in Paris – first at the Palais de Tokyo and then on the terrace of Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann – Air France is now stopping off in the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, at the Cercle des Nageurs swimming club in Marseille. Guests will be able to enjoy the airline’s full long-haul Business menu, in an experience designed to feel ‘just like on board’.

The à la carte main dishes have been specially created for Air France’s long-haul Business passengers by Régis Marcon, winner of the Bocuse d’Or and head chef at the three-Michelin-starred Restaurant Marcon in Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid. They will be served in the same form as on board, with a choice of meat, poultry, fish or a vegetarian option. Among the dishes on offer, guests will be able to enjoy duck lasagne with blackcurrant sauce, sautéed mushrooms and baby spinach leaves  — or the ratatouille cake with basil, courgette and celery, a contemporary take on this great Mediterranean classic, where sun-ripened vegetables are transformed into a moist cake scented with basil. 

When it comes to desserts, guests can enjoy the same pastries served on board, created by Nina Métayer, who was named World’s Best Pastry Chef in 2023. On the menu is the lemon and verbena delight, and the crunchy hazelnut and caramel slice, a comforting and indulgent cake.

To enhance this experience, guests will be able to enjoy Pommery champagne and discover a selection of French wines curated by Xavier Thuizat, Air France’s head sommelier and winner of the 2022 France’s Best Sommelier award. They will also be able to try Quintessence, the new cocktail served in Business Class, created by chef mixologist Matthias Giroud. This creation showcases French ingredients centred around cognac.

The Air France restaurant is at the Cercle des Nageurs in Marseille. Open from 14 July to 9 August every evening (except Mondays) from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm, by reservation only. Dinner menu at €98 per person (including VAT), drinks included.