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ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: November 2010Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 30, 2010London Stays in the 90s and is Showing No Signs of CoolingYear-on-year profitability levels grew by more than 17 per cent in October as room occupancy in the UK capital once again exceeded 90 per cent, according to the latest HotStats survey by TRI Hospitality Consulting. More... [403 views] The Well Connected Traveller: The Changing Face of Today's Travel ConsumersBusiness and leisure travellers naturally expect that the rapid improvement in technology and connectivity should improve their experience when they travel. However, the reality can be very different. Travel suppliers are increasing complexity through the unbundling of their products and introduction of ancillary services, the Internet often provides an insufficient means of navigating the vast array of travel options and only basic mobile functionality is available in most regions. More... [430 views] A Designer Boom Amid the BustEvery street corner in New York these days, it seems, has a dry cleaner, pizza joint, dive bar, and neighborhood designer hotel. New York has hundreds of hotels, including at least 50 luxury properties. So why, over the past year, has the city suddenly given rise to a slew of new high-end designer properties? After all, this is where the global financial crisis started... More... [314 views] Top 10 Seductive Stays at Boutique HotelsWhen you are looking for a romantic getaway with that special person, the setting for seduction has to be just right. Online boutique travel brand Mr & Mrs Smith (www.mrandmrssmith.com) selects 10 boutique hotels with seductive settings in some of the world's most gorgeous locations... More... [484 views] Berlin Booms in More Ways Than One with New Music HotelBerlin's latest hotel "nhow" opened its doors this month, promising to add a rock and rock twist to the city's accommodation choices. More... [446 views] Mobile Benefits Intercontinental HotelsThe Intercontinental Hotels Group has enjoyed tangible benefits from heightening its focus on mobile in some of Europe's biggest markets. More... [479 views] Utlity or Hospitality: What Do You Vote For?After two scorching hot days in Melbourne, I woke up this morning to clouds and rain. Tomorrow it'll probably snow - it wouldn't surprise me. Melbourne's a city that constantly surprises with its weather. By Yeoh Siew Hoon More... [305 views] Companies Concerned about the Convergence of Mobile Devices for Work and Personal UseJust weeks after Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC) announced a major update to its mobile security and management strategy, a new analyst report shows enterprises are increasingly concerned about the potential security risks mobile devices pose to corporate networks and data, especially as employees use the same device for both work and personal activities. The study also reveals the need for a layered approach to creating a holistic enterprise security strategy. More... [319 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 29, 2010Hospitality Re-Defined: The Simplicity of ServiceHave you ever noticed how, sometimes at least, the simplest thing can have an unexpected impact on you? And, how sometimes the best examples of service can seemingly be the simplest? By Dale Dyck More... [788 views] Hotelier of the week: Brian WilliamsBrian Williams is Managing Director of Swire Hotels, which has the Opposite House, Beijing, The Upper house and East Hong Kong, and this month launches a third brand - Chapter Hotels, with the Montpellier Chapter in Cheltenham, England, and a 61-room property. By Tom Otley More... [404 views] How "standards" can protect your hotel mixed-use assetsMixed-use can be a key to unlock value. But "standards" can be critical to protect the value of your hotel mixed-use asset... By Jim Butler and Catherine Holmes More... [498 views] Travel companies must focus on online customer experienceResearch released by Tealeaf into the competitive online travel market reveals the fickle nature of ebookers, with 9 out of 10 consumers booking their holiday with a different provider each time. And with customer experience only beaten by price when consumers were asked about their priorities for a travel website, the message to brands is clear; overlook any aspect of the online customer experience at your peril, or risk visitors fleeing to competitor websites. More... [433 views] Fairmont Leaders Walk the Talk | Swap Business Suits for Toques, Aprons, and UniformsFairmont Hotels & Resorts leaders across the Golden State swapped their business suits for toques, aprons, and uniforms earlier this month. Executive level hoteliers from five California Fairmont properties (Fairmont Newport Beach, Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Fairmont San Jose, Fairmont San Francisco and the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa) left their desks and spent a shift "on the floor." More... [403 views] Hotels save with food waste recyclingThe Hyatt Regency Princeton in New Jersey, saved more than US$10,000 in 2009 by having its food scraps composted instead of landfilled. Like all of Hyatt's 445 hotels and resorts, the Hyatt Regency Princeton has its own "Green Team" of staff from different sectors of the hotel, who train fellow employees on recycling procedures and look for new recycling, reduction and reuse opportunities. By Molly Farrell Tucker More... [546 views] STR Global: Asia/Pacific hotel performance improves in October 2010Hotels in the Asia/Pacific region experienced increases in all three key performance metrics for October 2010 when reported in U.S. dollars, according to data compiled by STR Global. More... [479 views] In southern Italy, caves become luxury hotelsIn the city of Matera, deep in southern Italy's Basilicata region, ancient caves that once were home to the poor are transformed into offbeat, luxury hotels. By Gisela Williams More... [411 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 26, 2010Is the ‘Bad Boss’ Syndrome a significant problem in our industry?‘Bad bosses can damage your health.' The headline jumped from the page, immediately catching my attention. I had always known that working for a poor leader can be frustrating, or worse still, painful for those at the receiving end of their ineptitude. Now, an increasing body of research suggests that prolonged exposure to them can actually lead to negative and lasting health impacts... By Enda Larkin More... [1163 views] Cornell Report Demonstrates How to Optimize a Hotel Website for Search EnginesAnalysis of St. James Hotel's website explains how to locate a property in a search page's "Golden Triangle"... More... [614 views] Worldhotels Horoscope 2011: The Perfect Hotel for Each Star SignAries loves action, Cancer prefers a romantic atmosphere and Gemini needs people around. When it comes to holidays, the tastes of the 12 star signs couldn't be more diverse. With 450 hotels in 250 destinations and 65 countries, Worldhotels, one of the leading groups for independent hotels, can offer the perfect holiday accommodation for every taste. More... [579 views] Starwood Checking Out of Le Royal Meridien Mumbai HotelGlobal hospitality major Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is checking out of flagship Le Royal Meridien hotel in Mumbai. It will be replaced by one of Hilton Worldwide's five-star deluxe brands. By Ashish K Tiwari More... [575 views] STR Global Reports Europe Hotel Pipeline for October 2010The Europe hotel development pipeline comprises 711 hotels totalling 122,301 rooms, according to the October 2010 STR Global Construction Pipeline Report released this week. The region reported 328 projects in the In Construction phase totalling 59,782 rooms. More... [402 views] Hotel Development Cost Trends in IndiaThe article provides development costs of hotels that opened in India in the past two years, along with their construction tenures, and highlights the emerging trends in hotel development in India. By Inshita Wij and Achin Khanna More... [806 views] IHG Predicts Market Trends for the Next 20 YearsIHG has predicted "an era of unprecedented opportunity and sustained growth" for the company as it responds to favorable socio-economic trends in high priority markets such as China, India and the Middle East. More... [804 views] Cyprus Named the Top Honeymoon Destination of 2010Following the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the results of a new travel study finds that more newlywed couples have chosen Cyprus as their honeymoon destination this year, which could lead to more bookings to the 'island of love', say ulookubook.com. More... [336 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 25, 2010Hospitality Conversations - Looking AheadThe economy continues to sputter in many locations, yet there are signs of growth and optimism in certain market segments. While preparing this article, I elected to go in a slightly different direction and focus several pieces on the workforce players in hospitality today. By Dr. John Hogan More... [394 views] Hospitality Re-Defined: Uniforms - Making a StatementHow much emphasis do you put on ensuring that your staffs' uniforms are in good condition and that they are making the right statement, one that supports your Brand? By Dale Dyck More... [579 views] How Organizations and People GrowIn order to grow and become successful organizations, as well as the people must acquire new knowledge along their respective paths. The level of contribution to societies and of individuals to an organization depends largely on a systematic approach to learning and acquiring new knowledge before competitors do. By Dietmar Kielnhofer More... [635 views] Business Travellers Anticipate More Trips in 2011Business travelers are anticipating an increase in corporate travel for 2011 -- a welcomed boost in customer demand for the hospitality and travel sectors -- according to a new survey from Deloitte. More... [774 views] The St. Regis New York Announces Partnership with Robin HoodThe St. Regis New York, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), is honored to announce its partnership with Robin Hood, a renowned organization dedicated to combating poverty in New York City by implementing effective programs that impact the community. More... [313 views] Hotel Popularity Hits Record High in the Arab States of the Persian GulfTrends online indicate the continued rise in popularity across the Gulf region as a whole is strongly related to drops in hotel prices across most of the top destinations - great news for travelers. More... [392 views] How to Have an Allergy-Free Hotel StayIn a nod to the 40 million Americans with allergies and asthma, a growing number of hotels are unveiling hypoallergenic rooms-eliminating bothersome dust mites, mold, and mildew spores. By Angela Haupt More... [351 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 24, 2010A Positive Spin on Negative ReviewsSo your hotel gets a nasty review. Do you: a) call out the reviewer as a lying, rotten toad; b) sue the reviewer; c) sue TripAdvisor; d) hold a blame-storming meeting and fire a scapegoat; or; e) listen, respond and move on? By Daniel Edward Craig More... [1652 views] Cheap London Hotels Change Staff RecruitmentThe hospitality business has a well-worn training route, founded on vocational training and hotel school. This has been churning out well-qualified hoteliers for decades. And certainly when it comes to luxury hotels, this career path is still very much in place. In recent times, however, the hotel industry has been revolutionised by the arrival of budget brands. By Rajul More... [690 views] Through the Eyes of a Hotel Butler: How to reach the difference that makes the difference?The Hospitality industry is one of the fastest growing segments nowadays and thus one of the most competitive which results in the Hotels constantly seeking differentiation strategies that will help to attract and retain the loyalty of the power of election of the market segments aimed to. By Osvaldo Torres Cruz More... [504 views] Many Revenue Managers Lack Basic SkillsLast week Thursday I moderated an expert panel at the BTO conference in Florence, #bto2010, discussing the state of revenue management within the hotel industry. Confirming Xotels' 4 years of revenue management training and consulting we have come to a rather sad conclusion though; many revenue managers still lack basic skills. By Patrick Landman More... [823 views] ROI Driven Hotel Website Design and Multichannel Marketing Results in Significant Hotel Online RevenuesIn the 2010 HeBS Benchmark Survey on Hotel Internet Marketing Budget Planning and Best Practices, participating hoteliers believed website design/redesign and Web 2.0 initiatives would prove to be two of the strongest revenue generating initiatives this year. By Max Starkov More... [420 views] Hilton Beijing Wangfujing Voted As World's Leading Lifestyle Hotel for 2010Hilton Beijing Wangfujing was voted yet again "2010 World's Leading Lifestyle Hotel," adding to its string of accolades since its opening in July 2008. The hotel picked up the trophy for the third year in a row at the World Travel Awards Grand Final 2010 Ceremony at London's Grosvenor House hotel on 7 November 2010. More... [380 views] Got the Munchies for a Hotel Room? Then Spend a Night at The Food HotelA food snob's dream hotel is probably a place where after indulging in a seven-course tasting menu from one of the world's best chef, they could just roll themselves into an elevator and head up to a spacious hotel room (and order some room service.) More... [542 views] Honeymooners Turned Away From Hotel For Being Too YoungImagine you're an 18-year-old bride who has had to plan your entire wedding and honeymoon on your own because your groom has been away at Marine boot camp. And then you arrive at the hotel after the ceremony and find out that there's no room at the inn because you're under 21. By Chris Morran More... [600 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 23, 2010Hotelier of the week: Alex ApostolakosSara Turner speaks to Alex Apostolakos about the rise and rise of boutique hotels. He is the general manager of the recently opened Hotel Indigo, Intercontinental Hotel Group's new boutique brand, in Tower Hill. More... [836 views] How to get your staff UpsellingUpselling is something we are all exposed to from time to time. And whether you sell meals, bedrooms or widgets, it's technique that can not only help your bottom line, but done well can give your customers an all round better experience if done well. Here are some of the things to consider in getting your team to upsell effectivley. By Caroline Cooper More... [1009 views] Need PR and Marketing Help? Ask Away! Q&A with Jennifer Rodrigues of TravelInk’dToday's topic what is a media FAM and should I be arranging one for my hotel? By Jennifer Rodrigues More... [439 views] trivago Hotel Price Index November: "Sinking Hotel Rates in Europe's Leading Cities"European hotel prices have fallen 16 percent in November, from last month's average of 103 pounds to 86 pounds. All of the tHPI's top 50 cities are offering lower hotel rates this month, and travellers can find favourable deals in typically expensive cities such as Paris, Rome, Venice and Madrid. In the UK, rate reductions are occurring country-wide. More... [356 views] Peninsula Hotels sets sights on EuropeLuxury hotel group The Peninsula Hotels is set to expand its footprint into Europe with the opening of the Peninsula Paris slated for 2012. More... [366 views] Hotels.com announces honeymoon options for Kate Middleton and Prince WilliamSpeculation is already mounting as to where Kate Middleton and Prince William are going to spend the first few weeks of their new life together when they get married next year. Prince William proposed to Kate on their holiday in far off Kenya, that's some indication that the young couple will choose an equally exotic destination for their honeymoon. More... [503 views] International Visitation Up 12 Percent for First Eight Months Of 2010The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced that for the first eight months of 2010, 40.2 million international visitors traveled to the United States, a 12 percent increase over the same period in 2009. More... [308 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 22, 2010Ten Reasons to Lower your Hotel Internet Marketing BudgetI actually would like to rephrase this. I recommend to stop all online marketing spend. Just kick it out of your budget. Save some cost for a change. I simply would like to take back what I wrote in previous blog posts, and what I said during any of our seminars and workshops about hotel internet marketing and social media marketing. I now run a 100 room hotel and I have got it all figured out. By Remko West More... [871 views] Worldwide Hospitality Awards ResultsA crowd of 1000 plus industry leaders came together to celebrate and recognise achievements in the hospitality industry. Among the award participants were 200 hotel brands from 27 countries. More... [705 views] Learning from The Greatest Business Leaders of the Twentieth CenturyEarlier this year, I had the opportunity to attend a GET MOTIVATED program held in our city. The organization, celebrating their 25th anniversary, featured a number of well-known people, including Zig Ziglar, Steve Forbes, Laura Bush, Kurt Warner and others. By Dr. John Hogan More... [377 views] Hospitality Re-Defined: High Season - A Thing of the PastI found myself in a debate just the other day, with a group of Hotel and other Hospitality Industry Professionals, on the topic of seasonality in the Hotel business. By Dale Dyck More... [555 views] Consumers Plan Travel Cutbacks in 2011Business travellers and holidaymakers are planning fewer trips next year despite bullish forecasts from hoteliers. A survey by professional services firm Deloitte revealed that 63% of Britons plan fewer leisure trips, with just 16% looking forward to more. More... [372 views] Bhagavad Gita Joins Bibles in Area Hotel RoomsPull open a drawer in some Houston hotel rooms, and beside your room-service menu and Gideons Bible, you might find a copy of the Bhagavad Gita. By Kate Shellnutt More... [573 views] Top Tokyo Hotel TipsCheck in for sky-high views, customised pillow menus and polite bathrooms. By Vijay Verghese More... [417 views] Royal Romance Began at Fairmont St AndrewsAs the setting for a significant moment in the couple's early relationship, Fairmont St Andrews extends its deepest congratulations to Prince William and Kate Middleton following the announcement of their engagement. More... [393 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 19, 2010What Do Employees Look For in Their Leaders?I came across a funny incident recently which was reported on the social news website Digg under the headline - ‘Why you shouldn't have your boss on Facebook' - and it set me thinking about broader concerns related to what employees expect from their leaders. In this incident, an employee named Lindsay decided to mouth-off on Facebook one evening after work, as she posted the following tirade (expletives deleted) against her boss, a man named Brian... By Enda Larkin More... [2563 views] Best Practices in Revenue ManagementIt's been mentioned time and again, the world as we know it is in a new era, one where technology is paramount. And while it seems many businesses have embraced the digital age with open arms, the hotel industry isn't one of them. Perhaps it is because of the industry's prolonged existence and ability to endure the changing of times that hotels have remained fixed in using conventional practices, particularly as it applies to revenue management. By Jean Francois Mourier More... [2644 views] Rise, fall and return of London’s railway hotels.The frontage of magnificent St Pancras station is shared with the historic Midland Grand Hotel which is soon to be revived with the new Renaissance St Pancras: is this the dawn of a new era for London's famous railway hotels? By Andrea More... [540 views] Forget Calling Home... Social Media Replaces Phone, E-Mail as Way to Keep in Touch on the Road, Sheraton Survey RevealsWaiting for word from a loved one on the road? Don't sit by the phone. These days, chances are they'll keep in touch through social media, according to a survey released today by Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, home of "Link@Sheraton experienced with Microsoft"... More... [678 views] Weekly Hotels Top Five of Five - CambodiaNext week sees the start of the sixth annual Angkor Photo Festival, welcoming photographers and artists from across Asia to the Angkor Photo Gallery from November 20. More... [460 views] Starwood to Add 150 Spas to its Hotels in 2011At the International Spa Association annual conference and expo, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced it plans to expand its portfolio of hotel spas by more than 50 percent in the coming year... More... [579 views] Roman Settlement Discovered at Waldorf Astoria Hotel Construction SiteAn entire Roman landscape was discovered a few feet below the surface of Syon Park's new luxury hotel site. By Jessica Thomas More... [598 views] J.W. Marriott, Jr. To Receive Lifetime Achievement Award from HSMAIThe Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has chosen J.W. Marriott, Jr. as recipient of the Albert E. Koehl Award for lifetime achievement in hospitality advertising and marketing. He will be accepting the award at HSMAI's annual Adrian Awards Gala on January 31, 2011, at the New York Marriott Marquis. More... [509 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 18, 2010Good-bye: 2010, Poor Economy & Traditional Meeting Incentives, Hello: 2011, Better Economy & New Meeting IncentivesWe've all heard from a variety of sources, surveys, and industry experts that travel and meetings will be increasing in 2011. The amount of an increase is yet to be determined, as is the distance to which rates may be pushed. With that in mind, let's take a closer look at available groups/meetings concessions, incentives and value-adds that are available to attract new meetings business. By Chaunsea Keller More... [1180 views] Hospitality Re-Defined: Social Media Strategy – Do You Have One?Every day it seems that I learn something new as it relates to social media. The impact of social media is everywhere. The latest issue, is the impact, the use, and the potential use of, social media as it relates to revenue management. By Dale Dyck More... [885 views] New Cornell Hospitality Report Finds that Guests Focus on Prix Fixe Service ChargesWhen a restaurant offers a prix fixe menu that includes a high percentage service charge, managers might want to consider rolling that charge into a single menu price, according to a new study from the Cornell Center for Hospitality Research. More... [468 views] The Challenges of a 5 Star London HotelRoger Collis, acclaimed journalist and author of ‘The Survivor's Guide to Business Travel' has extensive expertise in luxury travel. He recently met Andrew Pike, the General Manager of the Milestone Hotel in Kensington to discuss the significant challenges of running a five star London hotel. By Rajul More... [927 views] Announcing the New Forbes 5-star Hotels and RestaurantsHotel and restaurant ratings from Forbes Travel Guide (former Mobil Travel Guide) were announced this morning, and here's a first look. By Kitty Bean Yancey More... [736 views] Probe Suggests Accumulation of Sewage Gas, Not Swamp Gases, behind Mexican Hotel BlastNew evidence discovered Tuesday suggests an accumulation of sewage gases may have caused the weekend explosion at a seaside resort that killed five Canadian tourists and two Mexican workers, officials said Tuesday. By Gabriel Alcocer More... [300 views] SiteMinder Launches New ‘Plug & Play’ Technology to Enable Comprehensive Online Distribution for PMS & CRS SystemsOnline accommodation distributor, SiteMinder, has launched a new software program that connects both Property Management (PMS) and Central Reservation Systems (CRS), seamlessly into SiteMinder's channel management technology which in turn connects hotels to booking websites and wholesalers around the globe. More... [446 views] Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi Named '2010 Corporate Hotelier of the World'Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi, Chairman of The Oberoi Group, has been presented with the ‘2010 Corporate Hotelier of the World' award by HOTELS magazine. In its 29th year, the annual ‘Hotelier of the World' award is determined by votes cast by readers of the magazine in more than 150 countries. More... [640 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 17, 2010London Hotels Going OffshoreThe recovery of London's hotel property market looks set to gather pace in the next few weeks as buyers seek to close on a clutch of deals worth more than £1.5 billion ($2.45bn). By Dominic Walsh More... [795 views] Swamp Gas Explanation of Hotel Explosion DisputedSome experts are skeptical about a claim by Mexican authorities that a previously undetected mass of swamp gas caused the deadly explosion beneath the Grand Riviera Princess Hotel. More... [599 views] Eleven Key Customer Loyalty Trends for 2011Cincinnati, OH: "2011 may well be called the year of customer loyalty," says Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty 360 - The Loyalty Marketer's Association. "In today's crowded marketplace, creating loyal, engaged customers is more important --- and more challenging --- than ever. That is why we are going to see a number of key trends unfold over the next year." More... [1477 views] Change & Ride the 'Mo'If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it. By Greg Salsburg More... [702 views] UK Chain Hotel Market Forecasts 2010-2011TRI Hospitality Consulting has issued new forecasts for the UK hotel industry showing profitability growing in London hotels in both 2010 and 2011. For provincial hotels, the falling profitability of the last two years is expected to moderate significantly in 2010 and be flat in 2011. More... [792 views] New Six Star Hotel to Open in LondonLocated on one of London's most prestigious addresses in Knightsbridge is the site for a new 36 suite luxury townhouse hotel scheduled to open in November 2012, aiming to be the first 6 star hotel for the Capital. More... [1036 views] Tougher Times Ahead for Shanghai HotelsWith the end of the Shanghai Expo, some budget hotels near the site are also likely to close shop within the next two years. More... [458 views] America's Most Bizarre RestaurantsSometimes, food alone cannot make a meal. Your overall enjoyment in a restaurant can be radically enhanced by the right atmosphere and setting. For example, many believe that fish and seafood taste better in view of water. It's not that the composition of the food is actually any different, but rather that when your brain is stimulated your reception to seafood is altered. By Nicholas Gill More... [1268 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 16, 2010Book Review: Quick Win Leadership - Answers to Your Top 100 Leadership QuestionsBusinesses today are placing a higher priority on leadership effectiveness and the challenges facing leaders, regardless of rank, have never been greater. In these difficult times, every leader must be able to balance the often competing demands of achieving results in the face of the worst downturn in living memory by engaging their people for maximum contribution. By Enda Larkin More... [980 views] Using Hospitality as a Disguise: Are you Delivering Your Promises?It was a dark, scary night. The wind was howling and the lights were flickering. The hotel sign noted "friendly service" so we ventured in, hoping to find a reassuring face. Our overworked and traveled souls were craving a super comfortable bed and we remembered an ad for this hotel that promised sweet dreams and a relaxing experience. By Roberta Nedry More... [699 views] TripAdvisor Faces Bad Review Backlash from Hotel and Restaurant OwnersMany travellers rely on TripAdvisor to choose the right accommodation for their break, but the company has now come under fire from owners of restaurants, bed and breakfasts and hotels who are angry at how the travel website is run. More... [1271 views] Survey Reveals Top Four Travel Troubles Tourists FaceTransPerfect, the world's largest privately held provider of language services and translation-related technologies, today announced survey results regarding the top four travel issues that visitors face in foreign countries. More... [644 views] The Sleep Event: a Week Long Focus on High-End Hotel DesignThe Sleep Event is the UK's premier event for the high-end hotel design industry, comprising an exhibition of over 150 key suppliers, a top-level conference featuring leading experts and a highly acclaimed awards ceremony celebrating the best of hotel design from the last 12 months. More... [426 views] Hotels Battle Bedbugs with HeatISIS Hospitality, a local leader in the hotel industry, has found a new method for exterminating bedbugs: heat. The pests cannot stand it, which is why ISIS Hospitality is baking rooms in its six hotels to eliminate them. By Holly Meyer Lee More... [704 views] France Promoting its 'Palaces'How much would you pay for a hotel room and a spot of pampering for one night? A couple of thousand dollars? Oh, and that won't include dinner, which will probably cost you several hundred more - your generous tip not included, of course. By Catherine Field More... [484 views] A Tribute to Rajesh Sharma - 'The Real Iron Chef'This is the story of a chef I had known for over two decades. It is the story of Rajesh Sharma. An outstanding professional who was a skilled chef who left me and many other friends last week in London for his final journey after fighting cancer for close to ten years. By Farhat Jamal More... [803 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 15, 2010Hospitality Re-Defined: When is the Last Time That You Ate in the Staff Cafeteria?Are you a regular in the staff cafeteria at your Hotel? If your answer is "no," you are missing out on a lot of opportunities, and, you are unnecessarily distancing yourself from the majority of your staff. More... [1332 views] Writing a Thank You Email to Encourage Online ReviewsI recently re-wrote a thank-you e-mail that one of my clients was using to ask for online reviews from satisfied guests. Below, four marketing professionals share their own thoughts on this process. By Josiah Mackenzie More... [1705 views] Best Luxury London Hotels for FoodiesI've had some truly horrible meals in hotels.After all, hoteliers know they've got a captive market - people who are too tired, lazy or jet-lagged to want to head out to a restaurant; so the quality of the food may often be compromised even in otherwise decent hotels. But London hotels are fighting back against this schlamperei in the kitchen. By Andrea More... [778 views] Recovery Stronger than Expected, but Likely to Slow Down in 2011The World Travel & Tourism Council's (WTTC) revised forecasts, global growth and world trade are set to beat expectations in 2010.The economic recovery has been reflected in a faster-than-expected rebound in international travel, particularly in Asian markets. More... [1083 views] Weekly Hotels Top Five of Five - IndonesiaIndonesia's tourism suffered another setback this week with the eruption of Mount Merapi, which displaced hundreds of thousands and caused disruption to flights to and from the country. More... [475 views] The Rise of the One-Room HotelMany web startups begin without a business model. They have a cool service or a sticky blog -- or merely an *idea* that people might like. Airbnb is not one of those startups. The site allows people to rent out their rooms or houses as vacation rentals.. By Alexis Madrigal More... [615 views] WTTC Urges Greater Collaboration on Climate Change PoliciesThe world's leading private-sector Travel & Tourism businesses have urged climate change policymakers at all levels to consult more widely with them. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) believes that governments continue to mistakenly disparage the industry over greenhouse gas emissions. And yet have made little attempt to consult with it in drawing up climate change policies. More... [398 views] Mobile Applications are Short Term Bet, Experts Tell WTM 2010 DelegatesGiving his top 10 tips for mobile, CX Partners Managing Director Giles Colbourne said although applications deliver the best experience today, they are costly to develop and require specialist skills to build and manage. More... [460 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 12, 2010Thoughts on Developing a Menu at Your PropertyTake a moment to consider the outlets in your property. Does the cocktail selection in your signature restaurant dovetail with the food offering? Do any of your bars have a specific beverage concept or do your menus consist of mainly classic cocktails? By Andrew Mullins More... [1735 views] Cornell Hospitality Quarterly Study: Restaurant Review Comments Tend to Be Fair and FavorableContrary to the fears of many restaurateurs, the comments on electronic restaurant review sites tend to be fair and reasonable, according to a hospitality study published in the November 2010 issue of the Cornell Hospitality Quarterly (CQ). More... [807 views] Wellbeing Escapes Predicts Top Wellness Trends for 2011With their finger always on the pulse, Wellbeing Escapes, the leading spa travel company, has identified the top health and wellness trends for 2011. More... [1001 views] Ten Top Hotel Deals in Europe's Best Shopping CapitalsThe hotel price comparison website trivago has put together a list of ten great hotels in Europe's best shopping destinations. More... [840 views] IHG Sees Recovery Gather PaceRoom rates at InterContinental Hotels Group returned to growth in the third quarter of this year for the first time since early 2009. More... [507 views] Skyscanner Travel Trends October 2010Autumn is a shoulder season for many destinations with the summer crowds gone but winter visitors yet to arrive. Flights comparison site Skyscanner.net looks at the flight trends for October 2010 - which see big changes this month. More... [408 views] Holidays Would Be Merrier if Relatives Stay in a HotelMore than one third of American adults (36 percent) admit that holidays would be less stressful if their relatives stay in a hotel rather than with them, according to a holiday stress survey* brought to you by the Cambria Suites team of Choice Hotels, the newest all-suite brand designed to appeal to travelers who seek contemporary, upscale accommodations at a great value. More... [453 views] W Hotels Prepares for London OpeningTo celebrate the impending arrival of hotel innovator W Hotels to London's Leicester Square, W London have commissioned a new short film lifting the figurative lense cap off of a fictitious guest Alex Worthington. More... [516 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 11, 2010Major Global Study into the Future of the Hotel Industry: A Gaze into the Future of What Travellers’ Hotel Experience will be Like in 2020A major new report, Hotels 2020: Beyond Segmentation, reveals the emerging behaviours and demands of the future hotel guest and what this means for the types of hotels we will see in the future. More... [1135 views] London Hotels in FilmsLondon has been a favourite location for movie directors past and present, from Alfred Hitchcock to Woody Allen. Gangster films, crime dramas, atmospheric thrillers and soppy rom-coms in the Richard Curtis mould have all used London's streets and main attractions as a vital backdrop to telling their story. Some of cinema's most iconic scenes have taken place in London hotels, which have experienced love, murder, drug deals and much intrigue through the ages. Here, we look at some of the capital's hotels and see the role they played in films over the past 40-odd years... By Felix Lowe More... [600 views] Jobs for 3000 as Hotel Chain ExpandsHotel firm InterContinental will create 3,000 jobs, including positions in London, over the next four years as part of a multi-million pound investment in the UK, it has been announced. More... [851 views] Europe's Best Small HotelsThe English call them bolt-holes: intimate, personalized spaces to escape the madding crowd, filled with thought-provoking art and stylish accessories. A place to put your feet up and feel at home, plan the next foray to galleries and greenswards, or merely contemplate the approach of cocktail hour. By Shane Mitchell More... [938 views] Empathy in LeadershipAt dinner last week with the CEO of a regional bank, I was asked what I believed to be the most important quality of a business leader today. Without hesitation, I reasoned "empathy." By Greg Salsburg More... [903 views] Seven Emerging Travel TrendsA global study to mark the start of the World Travel Market conference in London has identified seven emerging trends expected have an impact on the way we travel during 2011. More... [1080 views] New Online Cultural Heritage Tourism Toolkit Showcases Survival Stories from the Economic DownturnA new resource is available for cultural and heritage tourism attractions and organizations struggling because of the downturn in the economy. The Heritage Tourism Program at the National Trust for Historic Preservation has just completed a new online "survival toolkit"..... More... [358 views] WTM: Is Social Media all just Twitter?Two-thirds of holidaymakers made bookings this summer without being influenced by social media reviews, World Travel Market research reveals. WTM polled 1,000 holidaymakers and found only 36% took advice from social media sites before making a reservation. More... [702 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 10, 2010Social Media And The Entire BuzzWith close to a 100 million users on Facebook & search giant Google trying to step-up into the Social Media world, is it time that businesses shift focus away from traditional tried-and-tested forms of internet marketing & get more 'Social'? By Deepti S. Dhiman and Sachin Suri More... [1133 views] Berlin Design Hotels: Goodbye to the OldOver the past 20 years, Germany's capital has become a hub of creative energy in the worlds of art, fashion and design. Now its hotels are getting in on the act. Adrian Bridge reports. More... [657 views] Frequent Travellers Rank Marriott Rewards #1 Hotel Loyalty ProgramFrequent travelers have given Marriott Rewards top honors at the first annual Frequent Travel Awards, sponsored by the Frequent Travel Educational Association. Marriott Rewards won 11 of the 15 hotel loyalty program awards, including Program Of The Year for both the Americas and Europe and Africa. More... [1215 views] How Can We Change the World?I was in Ottawa a while back, to visit my daughter, who is in the Masters English program at the University of Ottawa, and she encouraged me to attend a "slam poetry competition" with her. By Dale Dyck More... [485 views] Will Your Hotel Room Really Look Like This?Pool or no pool. An executive alighting in town for a quick meeting may not care; parents checking in with kids may require it for their sanity. But for the hotel, not having a pool could mean the loss of a coveted star - and that affects everything from marketing potential to employee morale. By Sarah Staples More... [966 views] World Travel Awards Winners Spearhead Travel RecoveryWorld Travel Awards capped its year-long search for travel and tourism's finest with its glittering Grand Final 2010 Ceremony at London's Grosvenor House hotel. More... [447 views] Ireland’s Blue Book App wins Best Tourism/Travel App Award at the The Appys 2010The best Tourism/Travel App Award went to Ireland's Blue Book at the 2010 Appys awards ceremony held last Thursday, November 4th at the Gibson Hotel in Dublin, Ireland. More... [495 views] Hotel Group Banks on Loyalty of China's World TravellersChu Chee Seng, chief financial officer of Kosmopolito Hotels International, says the company's China strategy is built around satisfying the craving that outbound tourists have for a unique hotel experience. By Jonathan Wong More... [352 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 9, 2010Hotelier of the Week: Anna-Marie DowlingAnna-Marie Dowling is the new general manager of The Guoman Royal Horseguards, which received London Hotel of the Year at the AA Hospitality Awards 2010 - 2011. The 281-room grade I listed hotel overlooks the River Thames, and was originally built in 1884 in the style of a French château. By Tom Otley More... [822 views] The London B&B Goes UpmarketThe last twenty years have seen a huge swing away from the individual hotel towards the big chains. Now, the pendulum seems to be swinging back, with the idea of individual boutique hotels very much in vogue. By Andrea More... [470 views] Cornell Hospitality Survey: Revenue Management Will Become a Central Function of Hotel ManagersHotel revenue management will become more strategic, more analytical, and more focused on overall hotel profit measures, according to a survey of nearly 500 revenue management professionals conducted by Cornell Professor Sheryl Kimes. More... [1216 views] US, India United in Opposing Terrorism, Obama Says at Taj Hotel ShrineU.S. President Barack Obama said his visit to a memorial for the victims of the 2008 attacks on India's largest city was "to send a very clear message" that the two countries are united in defending their people from terrorism. By Hans Nichols and Julianna Goldman More... [306 views] Top Ten Spa DestinationsTo help travellers looking for therapeutic relaxation, online hotel specialist website Hotels.com offers its top 10 list of spa hotels: More... [907 views] STR Global Posts Middle East/Africa September 2010 ResultsThe Middle East/Africa region reported increases in all three key performance measurements for September 2010 when reported in U.S. dollars, according to data compiled by STR Global. More... [412 views] Abu Dhabi Host to World's First Ferrari Theme ParkFerrari World, the world's largest indoor theme park and the first with a Ferrari theme, opened on Thursday in the Gulf emirate of Abu Dhabi. By Tanya Thomas More... [478 views] Porn Mogul Berth Milton Jr Plans Free HotelA porn mogul is planning a chain of hotels where guests stay for free - if they allow their sex sessions to be broadcast live on the web. More... [1818 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 8, 2010'Have a Nice Day’ …or Not!I remember shopping for shoes in Edinborough, Scotland one year. As I concluded my purchase, the sales clerk laughed knowingly with his co-worker when he said "have a nice day!" We had developed some rapport during our purchase so I asked him why he laughed. By Roberta Nedry More... [1830 views] Hyatt Spending Record $1.8 Million Per Room on HotelHyatt will be spending a record $1.8 million per room on the brand's first Park Hyatt hotel in Manhattan. The new hotel will become the U.S. flagship of the Hyatt luxury brand, and the most expensive hotel ever built in New York. By Libby Zay More... [1184 views] New technologies stalk hotel key cardsA Stockholm hotel is trialling Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, the latest experiment in the hunt for a way to stamp out hotel key cards. More... [838 views] Global Travel PredictionsWhen business executives wanted to cut expenses last year, travel budgets were one of the first things to take the hit. But the move wasn't just bad for hotel industry - it was bad for the businesses who were no longer meeting clients, making connections with prospects and scouting new territory. By Beth Kormanik More... [542 views] Supply Outpacing Demand for Abu Dhabi HotelsAn oversupply of hotel rooms in Abu Dhabi is expected to reduce soft occupancy rates even further in the Gulf emirate during the next two years, a report said on Sunday. More... [510 views] G20 Seoul Summit: Stakes are High for Hotel IndustryFive-star hotels in Seoul have been put on a high alert since the beginning of this year to take the upcoming G20 Seoul Summit as a crucial chance to promote their revamped Korean catering and lodging services. By Kim Yoon-mi More... [461 views] Carnival, Expedia and Hotels.com Web Sites Come Out on TopKeynote Competitive Research, the industry analysis group of Keynote Systems, today announced the latest winners of the Keynote Online Excellence Recognition Program that recognizes the 'best of the best' Web sites as ranked in Keynote Competitive Research studies. More... [439 views] Morocco's Historic Mamounia Hotel Reopens in Marrakech after 3-year MakeoverWinston Churchill invited Franklin Delano Roosevelt here to relax after strategic talks during the Second World War, and Alfred Hitchcock shot some of "The Man Who Knew Too Much" in the hotel's lobby, which also has been a haunt of the Rolling Stones, Charlie Chaplin, Sharon Stone and many other Hollywood stars for nearly a century. By Alfred De Montesquiou More... [643 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 5, 2010One Eye on the Competition: How Much Should Competitors Influence Your Pricing?One of the most significant, profit-impacting decisions Asian hotels currently face is very simple: successful pricing. While it seems like a simple decision, it is also inherently complex and not without its risks. By Klaus Kohlmayr More... [1992 views] Living the Suite Life at The Leading Hotels of the WorldIconic views, one-of-a-kind accommodation eloquently embodying a destination, unusual services to pamper the jaded road warrior. Among The Leading Hotels of the World, there are suites to make even the most sophisticated travelers dream... More... [895 views] Hospitality Re-Defined: The Value of a Great MentorI'm lucky, I have a friend, a successful designer and colour expert, her name is Maria Killam, and she has been writing a very successful Blog, Colour Me Happy, for the past several years. By Dale Dyck More... [470 views] Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Weird Bars and RestaurantsJust when you think you are in touch with all the cool new places, it turns out you haven't really seen it all. More... [1493 views] Which European City Deserves the Title Venice of the North?For many people Venice is unique. However HolidayCheck reveals the other cities that would like to compete for the title "Venice of the North". Discover the charms of each one and judge for yourself. More... [573 views] Ariane Systems Joins Forces With OpenWays to Offer World’s First Fully Automated Hotel Check-in/out SolutionAriane Systems, the world leader in self-service check-in/out technology for the hospitality industry, announced the completion of a groundbreaking technology partnership with Chicago-based OpenWays, the developer of the Mobile Key cell phone-based front desk bypass system that allows hotel guests to directly access their assigned rooms. More... [410 views] Great Hotels of the World Introduces Niche Lifestyle WebsitesGreat Hotels of the World, the global hotel sales and marketing alliance, is to launch a series of community-based and highly targeted niche leisure travel websites as part of their innovative new marketing strategy. More... [471 views] Europe Sees Highest Monthly Occupancy and Average Room Rate So Far for This YearThe European hotel industry posted positive results in year-over-year metrics when reported in U.S. dollars, euros and British pounds for September 2010, according to data compiled by STR Global. More... [692 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 4, 2010Rate Parity as a Revenue Management ToolThe objective of rate parity in hotels is to encourage consumers to book direct. They should not find any advantage of booking via a third party website over making a reservation on your own hotel website. Learn in this weeks article how to get organized and use rate parity as a hotel revenue management tool. By Patrick Landman More... [991 views] TripAdvisor Reveals The World's Top Ten Infamous HotelsFrom Rock 'n' Roll Riots to Criminal Scandals - Hotels That Will Go Down in History More... [1324 views] Expert Packing Tips from the LanesboroughAs a travel journalist I do get to stay in some nice hotels. And I'm afraid I'm slightly ashamed of my luggage which always looks a bit old and scuffed. I'm even more ashamed of what's inside, because my usual packing method is ‘Wait till 11 o'clock the night before and then throw everything in... By Andrea More... [709 views] Mexico’s Rising Foreign Direct InvestmentRecent economic developments have led Mexican officials and foreign rating agencies to revise their forecasts upward for 2010. As greater levels of foreign investment bring new businesses and travelers, Mexico's hotel industry stands to gain. By Jane L. Rogers More... [448 views] Personalised Hotel Rooms the New TrendDON'T like the red lamp shade? No problem, you can have a cream one instead. By Angela Saurine More... [890 views] Asia's Most Expensive Destinations - October 2010Hotel prices in China have shown a decline in November 2010, according to statistics from Wotif.com. More... [614 views] Deaf, Blind Students Find Opportunity in Hotel TrainingStudents from the Florida School for the Deaf & the Blind toured the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay today to find out if they could have a future in hotel management, culinary arts and other hospitality specialties. More... [451 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 3, 2010How to Get Staff Engaged in TrainingThere's nothing more frustrating for a trainer to see a sea of glum faces in front of them, and know that the minute the delegates walk out of the meeting room it will be back to business as normal, acting on nothing they've heard in the training. So how can you get hospitality staff engaged in training? By Caroline Cooper More... [1544 views] The Gestures of ServiceBig service opportunities come in little service gestures. Little efforts can score big with guests. Those hotels and resorts that do take the time to invest thought and effort in the smaller moments and gestures will score big in the overall guest experience. By Roberta Nedry More... [1258 views] Thomas Cook Refuses to Pay 5% of Its Hotel FeesThomas Cook is facing legal pressure to reconsider a unilateral decision to shave 5% off payments to hard-pressed hotel operators in Spain, Portugal, Greece and other popular holiday destinations. By Simon Bowers More... [511 views] Growing Your Career Up Part 1Remember your eagerness at the start of your hospitality career to "make your mark"? Your enthusiasm for working in your chosen field was high along with your confidence in all the possibilities of the future. Your drive to succeed was strong. That enthusiasm, confidence and drive were and still are your internal motivators. By Kathleen Hogan More... [592 views] 2014 Winter Olympic Hotel Development SpotlightSochi 2014: government put weight behind development as concerns surface over long term viability of hotel investments. More... [355 views] Hotel's Check In on AppsTravel-related apps are generally better in theory than in practice - at least that's the argument of last week's App Smart column-so you may want to save that $10 for an actual book and not the app. By Bob Teddeschi More... [431 views] The Spa Half-HourThere was a time in the not-so-distant past when every big hotel needed a spa. Leisure travelers demanded it, and business travelers did, too - to reward themselves, their clients or their employees with lavish massage and steam-filled weekends in opulent settings. By Abby Ellin More... [434 views] Overpriced Bars Now Adding Mandatory 18-20% TipsHere in New York City, there are certain bars -- most of them in hotels and most of them frequented by people who read in US Weekly that celebrities party there -- that are not only charging absolutely ridiculous amounts of cash for basic cocktails, but are automatically adding hefty tips onto the tab. By Chris Morran More... [472 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 2, 2010On the Move - September / October 2010Global Staff Movements for September / October 2010 provided by Spectrum International. More... [2490 views] Hotelier of the Week: John GirardJohn Girard is general manager of the Regal Kowloon Hotel and vice-president development for Regal Hotels International. By Tom Otley More... [645 views] Where the Stars StayFew among us will ever trash a hotel room in the way that touring rock stars are known to do--after all, given the lucrative endorsements that top acts now receive from multinational brands eager to protect their images, few performers themselves even behave that way anymore. By Bob Harris More... [671 views] European Chain Hotels Market Review - September 2010Hoteliers in Paris achieved the highest Gross Operating Profit per Available Room (GOPPAR) for that city since October 2008. This was thanks to massive increases in achieved average room rate across all major market sectors, according to the latest HotStats survey by TRI Hospitality Consulting. More... [948 views] Taj Hotel Staff to be under 'House Arrest' for Barack ObamaThe Taj is shutting its doors to other guests as it readies itself for its most important one. But the arrival of Barack Obama doesn't have the hotel's staff excited. Reason? By Yogesh Pawar More... [1083 views] Irish Hotel Told Staff to Fake TripAdvisor ReviewsAn Irish hotel has been cautioned by global internet travel service TripAdvisor for posting fake reviews to boost its ratings. More... [1326 views] The World Wants to Eat a Full English Breakfast, says VisitBritain ReportBritain has scored a decisive triumph in the battle for culinary supremacy, at least in the morning. The world wants to eat a Full English Breakfast, a VisitBritain report reveals. More... [1081 views] Dining on Insects: Anyone for Crickets...?With world food supplies dwindling, the UN has suggested we eat bugs. Jerome Taylor hops over to one of Britain's few insect restaurants. More... [450 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 1, 2010Hospitality Re-Defined: Service Ethic – Dead or Alive?I met with a colleague the other day. He left his last job in a major branded Hotel a few months back and we have gotten together on a number of occasions to discuss the "state of the nation" as it relates to Hotels. By Dale Dyck More... [912 views] How To Get A Hotel UpgradeWhen 24/7 Real Media chairman and founder David J. Moore arrived at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, it could have been one of the worst travel experiences of his life. His flight had been repeatedly delayed, it was 4 a.m. and he had to wake up early the next morning for a conference. Instead, he scored an upgrade to the best room in the hotel: the top executive suite, replete with mirrored ceilings and an enormous hot tub. By Jacqueline Detwiler More... [992 views] The Moment I Transformed from Monster to DreamerIt was on the buggy to my suite at Indigo Pearl, Phuket when I realised I was still on WIT mode. The first question I asked of the staff who was driving us was, do you have free Internet in the room? By Yeoh Siew Hoon More... [525 views] Last Minute Vacations Growing in Popularity According to New Nationwide Survey"Time is of the essence" is a popular expression today, yet one rarely heard in discussions about vacation planning. Despite this, it now appears to be a mantra embraced by the growing percentage of American leisure travelers who take "last minute" trips. More... [348 views] Five Hotels with a Captivating TaleFrom the financial center of Germany to a UNESCO World heritage city in Laos, these five members of Design HotelsTM tell an intriguing story from past or present. More... [881 views] Hotel Deals Perk Amid Signs Of ReboundEncouraged by improving fundamentals, many hotel investors appear to be wagering that the industry has bottomed and is headed for prolonged growth. By Joe Gose More... [289 views] Some Hotel Chains Ditching the Front DeskTwo bloggers walk into a hotel... No, that's not the opening line to a joke. We're talking about two travelers who picked the same hotel chain - Andaz, a boutique Hyatt property. One stayed at a Los Angeles Andaz, the other at a New York City Andaz. Neither lobby contained a front desk. By Bill Briggs More... [1121 views] Hotel Verta Appoints In-House Fashion Ambassador; Rachel Goldvon Essen's Hotel Verta opened its doors in September 2010 offering a timeless combination of old-world glamour and classic modernity. To enhance the guest experience Hotel Verta have appointed a ‘Fashion Ambassador' dedicated to styling men and buying gifts for men & women. More... [393 views] |
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