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Hotel News In Brief

Mar 04, 13 | 12:00 am

Some current conversation starters…

Radisson is uniting with the rising talents in gaming development to create a new simulation game that will allow players to design and operate simulated hotels in an effort to create the ultimate hotel empire.

Radisson will formally launch the competition at this year’s Radisson Hackathon event, scheduled for March 26 at the Gaming Developer Conference. Developers will appear at the conference to participate in the Hackathon, where Radisson will challenge competitors to create a preview application and potential prototype for a game themed around aspects of the hotel business and designed for iOS and Google Android phones. Gamers will have the opportunity to compete as individuals or in teams and will be judged on a variety of criteria, including innovative and creative use of the Radisson brand, user engagement game experience and entry presentation. A panel of judges and Radisson executives will determine the winning participant’s program, which will ultimately name Radisson’s newly developed game. The competition’s winning participant will receive a US$25,000 grand prize and the opportunity to assist on a compensated basis in the further development of the Radisson hotel-themed game concept and developed applications.

More than 65% of British tourists spend far more than they had budgeted for on holiday, according to a poll by voucher code site Savoo.

Almost a quarter of those surveyed claimed they overspent by 20%, and almost half (45%) said they just added the extra costs to their credit cards. The research suggests that the main ‘extravagance’ when we are on holiday stems from alcohol with 47% of respondents saying that after a few drinks they just didn’t care and ‘embraced the holiday spirit’. Simon Bird, general manager of Savoo, said: ‘The best way to stay on budget on a holiday is to get a great deal in the first place and, right now with the market so competitive, there are some real bargains to be had. By doing that it gives you the freedom to spend a bit more and treat yourself when the mood takes you.’ Almost three quarters (72%) of people said they didn’t care about the debt and that the memories of a great holiday were worth it.

Americans are expected to travel more for leisure this spring.

Those at all income levels report an increase in the number of days they plan to travel this spring compared to one year ago, according to a national survey by D.K. Shifflet & Associates. The largest increase in anticipated spring leisure travel days is among Americans earning $60,000-$99,999. “As the economic outlook continues to improve, Americans’ willingness to travel is not only strong among high income households, it is trickling down to middle income households” notes Chris Klauda, Vice President at D.K. Shifflet & Associates. “Travel marketers, particularly those with more economical travel offerings, have an opportunity to attract this recovering travel segment.”

Key Appointments in the Industry

Congratulations to these new appointments…

Ahn Luh, a Chinese hotel management group with plans to open luxury properties in key cities in China, including Chengdu, Shenzhen, Beijing and Tibet, over the next few years, has appointed its first CEO. Akira Moreno, currently the Vice President of Development and Pre-opening Services for GHM, takes on the new responsibility while maintaining his duties at GHM. GHM partnered with Chinese real estate and tourism behemoth Beijing Tourism Group, and Great Ocean Group, to form Ahn Luh in Oct 2011. In his new role, Moreno will oversee the operations and development of Ahn Luh, a brand that promises to seamlessly blend Old World Chinese hospitality and traditions with the contemporary elegance that today’s travellers seek in accommodation. Moreno will draw on a career that began in his native Canada in 1984 and what he has experienced in Asia since moving to the region in 2006.

Thistle Hotels announces the appointment of Craig Findleton as General Manager of The Rougemont Hotel, Exeter. In this role, Craig will oversee the day-to-day management of the hotel and its staff, along with the overall direction of the hotel. Craig has a broad range of experience which has stemmed from working with the Thistle brand for over a decade. Craig’s career started in front of house and during his time in the industry he successfully managed all areas of operation. He brings a wealth of leadership skills to the role, built up over his 12 years in hospitality and leisure, having previously worked as General Manager for Thistle Hotels in Poole and Brighton. Craig comments, “I’ve worked for Thistle for over twelve years in various locations and was delighted to be appointed General Manager of The Rougemont Hotel, Exeter. Exeter is a fantastic city and the hotel has been refurbished to a high standard with a brilliant team.”

The Latest in Hotel Openings

Viceroy Hotel Group launched Hotel Zetta San Francisco, a 116-room hotel positioned in the convergence of SoMa, Mid-Market and Union Square. Acquired as the former Hotel Milano in early 2012 by Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, the property is managed by Viceroy Hotel Group and is being introduced as part of the group’s Urban Retreat Collection. Conceived by Seattle-based hospitality interior design firm Dawson Design Associates, the hotel incorporates eclectic and sustainable architecture, technological and recycled elements, and ultramodern chic furnishings. The hotel has a chandelier made of recycled sunglasses, a front desk made from a lumberyard's reclaimed wood, wall hangings made from discarded computer discs and photo negative films made into a wall of lobby art.

The Thief Hotel opened as the first waterfront hotel in Oslo, Norway. Located on the islet of Tjuvholmen, the Scandinavian urban renewal project is a collaboration with the new Astrup Fearnley Museum and the hotel’s own curator. The nine-story building by Mellbye Architects houses rooms has balconies with a view of the fjord, the canals of Tjuvholmen, the neighboring buildings or the museum. In-room amenities range from interactive televisions with video art, Geneva Sound systems, free Wi-Fi, Nespresso machines, “his and hers” wool slippers and custom-designed bathrobes to Playstations and Wiis on demand.

Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island is the culmination of a five year project to create an architecturally compelling building that is at the forefront of global hotel and environmental design. Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island is set over 29 floors, with 138 individually styled rooms that capture the truly intriguing and dynamic environment in which it resides. Wrapping the building is a striking gold dragon, functioning as an “eco-screen” to counteract hot spots and solar gain, representing the future of environmental design in Hong Kong. The impressive rooftop, sure to be a much talked about destination in Hong Kong, features Skybar and a dramatic infinity glass bottomed pool from which can be seen the hustle and bustle of Wan Chai neighbourhood below.

The ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria is one of the hotels of choice for families in the south of the island thanks to its 24 hour all inclusive service, vast range of activities and a 30,000 square metre pool and garden area. RIU has decided to fully renovate its facilities and open the doors in July to a hotel with a brand new image, which is more fresh and modern, as well as a wider range of services, including a children's pool with water games and also new bars and restaurants. The ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria, which enjoys a seafront location in Maspalomas, boasts 639 rooms which will be completely refurbished, in keeping with the style which RIU is rolling out in all its new projects. Key features are the light colours and simple lines which bring brightness to the space. They will be equipped with flat-screen TVs, electronic safes and fully renovated bathrooms.