Hotels

THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS ADDRESS

2011-08-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS ADDRESS IN MAURITIUS

When you choose Royal Palm for your holiday in Mauritius, you can expect perfec
tion from start to finish; it is undeniably the finest hotel in Mauritius. Located on the sheltered north-west coast, stretching along a pure white sandy beach, Royal Palm is a tranquil tropical haven with an uncompromising commitment to excellence. A proud member of "The Leading Hotels of the World", it symbo

s made for unique moments, the kind that leave indelible traces in onelizes the harmony between luxury and refinement.A stay at Royal Palm can only be one of a kind. Each visit feels like a homecoming. Time is purely subjective within Royal Palm’s environment as if it wa

Royal Palm delights you with its hint of nostalgia, timeless values and peaceful atmosphere. Your every wish is anticipated and every whim is satisfied with impeccable service that is as attentive as it is discreet. ’s heart.
The team at Royal Palm is committed to your well-being, whether you are enjoying a meal in one of the hotel’s restaurants, a treatment in the sumptuous surroundings of the Spa or simply relaxing on the beach or in your private Suite.Celebrated for its award-winning cuisine, Royal Palm invites you to a tantalizing culinary experience in its three restaurants.
Immerse yourself in complete luxury and book your holiday in Mauritius at Royal Palm.

SULTANAHMET ISTANBUL FOUR SEASONS AT

2010-12-20T02:06:00.000-08:00

Description

Since opening in 1996, this hotel is one of the jewels in the Four Seasons' crown, being both a Conde Nast Traveller Award Winner and a Travel + Leisure Award Winner. Enjoying its excellent worldwide reputation - and going from strength to strength, this is a boutique style hotel of just 65 rooms and suites located in a former prison in the centre of Istanbul's Old Town. It may be one of the smallest in the Four Seasons chain, but the hotel offers everything that a larger hotel does, and much more besides. The three-storey, neo-classic building is conveniently situated between Topkapi Palace, Haghia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

The atmosphere in the hotel is warm and welcoming with an air of elegance and charm. The interior design pays homage to the city's rich Ottoman heritage, with arched ceilings, decorative local artefacts throughout and a fantastic collection of antique rugs and Turkish sofas. The 65 rooms and suites have the traditional Four Seasons decor - refined antique wood, plush carpets, vaulted ceilings and arched windows. Rooms are furnished with a writing desk, chairs, a private refrigerated bar and an armoire with a television, DVD and Bose CD player. The marble bathroom includes a deep soaking tub and a separate shower.

While the smooth and ever-attentive service is typical to Four Seasons, in Istanbul there is no other hotel that can deliver the same high level of service that is on offer here. The 24-hour staff will get you anything and everything you need, be it chocolates with your coffee or a private helicopter, it will arrive at super speed too. This is a hotel where Turkish traditions, from the warmth of the welcome to the attentive service, ensure that every guest leaves with fond memories and the intention to come back time and time again.

SEASONS

Superbly located in a beautiful glass pavilion in the manicured courtyard garden, this is the place to try out as many dishes as possible, given the selection of international cuisine and local specialities prepared by the very talented Chef Mehmet Gok and his team.

THE HEALTH CLUB

The Health Club is fully-equipped with cardiovascular machines, free weights, bottled water and energy drinks. After working up a sweat, it makes sense to visit the sauna or to try some of the wonderful spa treatments available - from massages to facials and aromatherapy treatments

BUSINESS FACILITIES

The Hotel is equipped to handle the most demanding presentation and communication requirements

with advanced event expertise and trademark Four Seasons support on hand 24 hours a day to respond to every need. There are sophisticated function spaces available from the exclusive boardroom for private meetings and dinners to a ballroom that can accommodate up to 190 for a professional..

Crowne Plaza

2010-06-20T01:21:00.000-07:00

The Ideal Choice

The Crowne Plaza is located in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, with Washington DC only seven miles away. However, nearby shops and restaurants provide guests with options closer to the hotel, as well as convenient access to the Red Line Metro. The hotel also allows guests complimentary access to the adjacent LA Fitness Center, as well as various other discounts to local businesses through a “Good Neighbor” program. Renee Lubinski, their E-marketing Specialist, offers us more information on additional Crowne Plaza perks. Every Wednesday, the hotel holds a Manager’s Reception at the on site River City Grille where “guests can mingle with staff and enjoy complimentary appetizers.” Renee also notes how the hotel caters to their business clientèle through a business center, over 15,000 square feet of meeting space, and Quiet Zone Floors for “a productive business environment.”

One of the things Renee emphasized was how the Crowne Plaza was “the ideal choice for DC sight seers without the expense of DC.” For both leisure and business travelers, this hotel offers reasonable prices without compromising their quality service. The Meetings Director, Jose Alfaro, is a perfect example of this. Starting at the Crowne Plaza over thirteen years ago, Jose exemplifies ideal customer service so much that the hotel has had “several clients return just based on a great experience with Jose.” Additionally, a Real Traveler raves about the service, writing, “I was continuously impressed with the exceptional customer service over the length of our stay.”

So whatever the reason, if you ever find yourself in the area, be sure to look up “the metropolitan Washington DC

Sydney’s Fancy New Spa

2010-03-12T23:56:00.001-08:00

Sydney’s Fancy New Spa… at the Shangri-La

Just a few weeks old, CHI, The Spa is giving Sydney residents (and visitors, of course!) something to smile about. Shangri-La’s signature spa brand opened in Oz on February 16 with a big opening ceremony (which featured a “lion dance”). The first CHI in Australia, this luxurious sanctuary has six private spa suites, each described as a “spa within a spa” with ample personal space and aroma steam showers. Three of the suites even offer infinity edge spa tubs overlooking Sydney Harbour. Take your pick from 24 treatments based on authentic natural healing methods found in traditional Asian well-being practices. The “Sense of Place” experiences focus on indigenous treatments using Australian herbs and plants like lemon myrtle and eucalyptus.
In Sydney over Easter? Hop over to the Shangri-La to test out the new spa. With the “Easter Eggs-traordinary Spa Package,” you’ll get a CHI Vanilla Bean Body Massage for one adult and Easter eggs for the kids. Also included with your accommodations: childrens robes for the night, buffet breakfast, overnight parking, and complimentary use of kids’ DVDs, the health club and Internet. Priced from AUD 413 per night and available March 26- April 14, 2010

Sydney’s Fancy New Spa

2010-03-12T23:56:00.000-08:00

Sydney’s Fancy New Spa… at the Shangri-La

Five-Star Hotel Days Are O-V-E-R

2009-12-24T22:40:00.000-08:00

Banished! Bronne's Five-Star Hotel Days Are O-V-E-R

Even though throwing a fire extinguisher into a hotel pool -- from your balcony -- is a pretty DUMBASS move, we couldn't help but feel a little sympathy for Bronne on tonight's Real World after he got bounced from his sweet suite at the ME Hotel. 'Specially after he owned up to his CHILDISH/RECKLESS/DEMENTED behavior (unlike some people we know) and apologized to the manager for being such a STUPID MONKEYBRAIN.
To make matters worse for our beloved East Coast frat boy, his new living quarters in Cancun don't quite live up to his old superstar pad. It's almost as if he's been banished to the REAL world, where the rooms don't always come with a hot tub and monogrammed slippers.
We're thinking dude definitely deserved to get booted (like, he coulda killed a hotel guest), but on the other hand we're pretty unhappy about seeing Bronne have to suffer in a barely three-star hotel. And did you see him sharing pizza with that random guy on the street? Where did all his best buddies go during his time of need? Hmm, at least tequila doesn't care what neighborhood you live in

THE LATEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS

2009-11-23T00:25:00.000-08:00

MONASTERIES/ THE LATEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS

"Get thee to a nunnery," Hamlet told Ophelia, urging her to chastity; but were he to make the same demand today, the chances are he’d be packing her off to a five-star hotel where she could spend the night with her lover in a king-size bed. While monasteries have always been hospitable, obliged by the Rule of St Benedict to open their doors to whomever the Lord might send their way, in secular times that hospitality has reached another level. In a wave of recent conversions, cells have been knocked together to create large and light bedrooms, modern plumbing has been installed, and refectories have been turned into gourmet restaurants.
Such earthly delights are persuasive, but the most compelling thing about monastic hotels is their serenity. As well as being physically beautiful, ex-monasteries are often strikingly spiritual, as if centuries of prayer and plainchant have seeped into their massive walls. A stay in a cloister seems to incline one to contemplation, reading, sleeping well and turning off the mobile. There are now hundreds of monastic hotels in Europe and Latin America—all across the Catholic world, for Napoleon dissolved monasteries with a lighter touch than Henry VIII. These five seem particularly to have their spirit intact.
Il Convento di Santa Maria di Constantinopoli, Puglia, Italy
Alistair McAlpine gave this 16th-century Franciscan monastery, in the heel of Italy, to his wife, Athena, as a wedding present. Together they have filled it with his fantastic collections of tribal art, textiles, carvings and cacti and opened eight rooms to paying guests. More house party than hotel—B&B includes lunch, tea, wine, grappa, even laundry; the only extra is dinner (€40 a head)—the Convento is steeped in its own past. "It has some kind of reverberation on the rhythm that our day takes," Athena explains. "Every morning we sweep our courtyard, a bell sounds for lunch and supper, everyone eats the same food, together, and in the evening

Marriott expands in Mexico

In a strategic move, the Marriott hotel chain is all set to highly expand its presence in Mexico. Most notably, Mexico has been regarded as one of the most popular sun destination for Americans and Canadians, in addition to an increasing number of Europeans. A report published in the Washington Business Journal notes that the international hotel giant shall necessarily attempt to triple the number of its establishments that it operates in Mexico, during the next five years period. This move forms part of a wider strategy aimed at increasing the presence of Marriott outside of the United States. Notably, outside the US, the firm is already a popular player in the hospitality industry.
At present, Marriott owns and operates about 16 hotels in Mexico. Several of these properties are sited in resort town and highly popular leisure destinations. If the expansion proposal goes on according to the schedule, the introduction of these new ranges of Marriott hotels shall give a significant boost to the Mexican economy, creating not less than 3,000 new jobs in the hospitality industry. On the whole, 29 new hotels are being planned for various cities and towns in Mexico, with the expansion project estimated to cost the owners of these properties about $1 billion spent towards establishment and running.
Ed Fuller, hotel firm's president noted that while Mexico has an attractive tourist destination for quite long for Americans and Canadians, due to the rise of a New Mexican middle class, a commendable development has been brought about in the arenas of domestic and national tourism.

So You Want to Work in Hotels

2009-10-24T00:04:00.000-07:00

So You Want to Work in Hotels, Part II: The Interview

When I last wrote a post about how to get a job in the hotel industry, the economy was booming and hotels were so desperate for staff they were stopping just short of dragging passersby off the street and slapping uniforms on them. These days, occupancy rates have tanked, room attendants are dozing on beds rather than making them, and it seems the only place to find job vacancies is in the obituaries.
Are job prospects that bleak? Absolutely not. Hotels are always in need of great people, but competition is fiercer than ever. Taking the time to understand the unique culture of the hotel industry will give you a leg up on other candidates. Here are a few insider tips to help prepare you for that elusive hotel interview.

Cheap Daytona Beach Hotel

2009-09-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

Bahama House – Cheap Daytona Beach Hotel

I was nervous when I pulled up to the Bahama House in Daytona Beach. Hotels along the beach here, like any business in this worn out beachside town, are a risky proposition. You’re chances of ending up in the lap of luxury are second to none, and you hope and pray you don’t end up in a bed bug infested dump.
(It should come as no surprise for anyone who has been to Daytona Beach in recent years that one of its properties would show up on a list of 10 Worst Hotels.)
My only experience with the Bahama House before checking in was the online reviews and their mediocre web site.Sure, the colors were bright and friendly, and the reviews seemed positive enough. But still, I was, at best, cautiously optimistic.
What I found at the Daytona Bahama House was a clean, no frills hotel with impeccable service.
The woman at the front desk set the tone for my entire stay. She smiled and handed me a welcome bag, which I would later discover wast stuffed with a free Harlequin romance novel and chocolate samples. I got the sense that Irene was welcoming me into her home and she was eager to invite me to the complimentary cocktail hour that had already begun in the small common area of the lobby.
As I took my room keys and handwritten parking pass for the underground garage, I breathed a little more easily. While the reception area and lobby was small and modestly adorned, every surface had obviously been polished and shined. I skipped the free drinks and pretzels and headed straight for my room .
My room was a king suite with an ocean view. The carpet was worn, the tile was dated, and the jacuzzi was a basic bathtub/shower combo with jets in the side. But again, everything was impeccably clean.
The room reminded me of my first post-college apartment on the day my parents came to visit. Someone had clearly done the best they could with what they had to work with. The small kitchenette was stocked with dishes and silverware, the bed overflowed with an abundance of pillows, and the towels in the modest bathroom were bright white and fluffy.
I headed for the balcony to inspect my view. I found two plastic chairs and a matching plastic end table, and a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.

New Epoque Hotel Quilibra Aguas de Ibiza, Ibiza

A new boutique hotel in the Epoque Family: Quilibra Aguas de Ibiza, Ibiza. Quilibra Aguas de Ibiza Hotel is a new concept in hospitality. Water, light and textures all mix in theis outstanding boutique hotel. Quilibra Aguas de Ibiza Hotel is the ideal place to come and enjoy the best of Ibiza: because of its location, in the peaceful Marina at Santa Eulalia, because of the nature surrounding the property and because of the extent of services . Quilibra Aguas de Ibiza Hotel goes beyond being just a 5-star property: its style is personal and warm, and represents a compromise with excellence. The rooms at the Hotel Aguas are divided in three categories: Dreamer’s Room, the Junior Suite facing the sea, and the Corner Suite a 700 sq.ft space boasting a 180° view. The Senzone La Sal, which offers a variety of Ibizan cuisine, and the Senzone Oligo Madeinterranean which offers stylish and modern Mediterranean food. At the Hotel Aguas you’ll also find the Alabastro Lounge, a meeting point in the lobby area, a place to enjoy wine tasting or informal drinks and snacks

Hotel vs Rental

2009-08-22T03:57:00.000-07:00

Hotel vs Rental Apartment

If so, look at the Top-5 reasons to visit the rental apartment vs hotel .If you are on a very short trip, hotels will serve your purpose but if your trip is more than a week than certainly rentals apartment is a better option
1. A home away from home -In furnished apartments you could prepare your meals or you go out if you wish. Also you can enjoy the confort or the space in rental apartment . It like being in your own house. For the other way a hotel is a ideal for a short stay, if you don't want to worry about anything apart from waking up
2. Advantages lifestyle, freedom and more - The typical hotel can offer a great or small room without style. But if you are looking for some more ,the rental apartments can be of differents kind for families,for couples, for executive... moreover Friendly Rentals offers Villas, cosy houses , lofts ...3. Ideal for business - For the visitors for relocation , executives on a short visit or colleagues who are traveling together, a rental apartment is perfect. Also the hotel doesn't offer services like broadband, flat screen TV, cable and digital channels and a fully equipped kitchen. For the same price you have so much in a rental apartment.
4. Save money - Furnished apartments seem to be more costly than a hotel but the cost depends upon the duration of your stay. A short stay at a hotel may cost you less than the furnished apartment for the same time period but in the long run, furnished apartments prove to be cheaper than the hotels
5. I Feel Good Factor - This can be very useful for the transfer service. The first few weeks or months in a foreign country can be difficult and confusing.An apartment with the space and comfort of a home it can be relaxed for you .

Kona Hotel or Kona Condo which one is Best for Hawaii Ironman Accommodation

Warm aloha to all of our Best Hawaii vacation blog visitors,
and especially to those who still want to visit the Big Island in October for the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon World Championship but were not able yet to find that affordable and special Ironman rate offer. If that is you, please, continue reading. Our today's blog post might have just the best place with top amenities at top location for the best rate I could find online.
Inquiries for Kona accommodations, vacation rentals such as Kona condos come in quite frequently in our Kohala Coast Vacation Guide, where we also list Kona vacation rentals, homes and condos. The Kohala Coast is a great option when visiting the Big Island for the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon event.However, for active triathletes competing in the Kona Ironman we always recommend lodging in Kona. If you are still searching for a place to stay in Kona for the Ironman 2009, we recommend to read one of our most recent posts 2009 Hawaii Ironman Visitors Information.
Now, coming back to our blog title question Kona hotel or Kona condo which one is best for your Ironman visit?', that does not take much thinking. First of all, Kona hotels are currently filling up fast and with no amenities like a fully equipped kitchen they are not as much desired as a vacation condo. OK admitted Kona hosts raise their condo or rental rates significantly for the Ironman week but still most everybody comes out ahead with renting a Kona condo versus a Kona hotel room.

Against all odds, our friend Joe decided to make our Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors the following special offer for his Luxury 2Br/2Ba Kona condo at Mauna Loa Resorts for the Kona Ironman Week: $1650/wk (sleeps 6)! Believe me this is a rare find. That's why we agreed to publish it on our blog:Week October 4 - October 11, 2009 Ironman week race starts Oct 10, 2 bedroom luxury condo at Mauna Loa Resort completely furnished incl bedding, dishes cooking utensils etc, near all events in downtown Kona Rate $1650 for the week. Call Joe at 703-269-7014

If you are not one of those crazy triathletes who have to immediately take each minute to prepare for their biggest performance in a lifetime, this wonderful Kona condo allows you to enjoy many outdoor activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, bike riding, walking, hiking, and more. When searching for Kona condo specials for the Ironman, I found a 2Br/2Ba at the same resort for $5000/wk. If you don't believe me, Google has the answer!If you do believe me, call Joe and make your Kona condo Ironman reservation at a premier Kona location for the best price in the Kona Alii Drive area. What's your experience with Kona vacation rental hosts for this 2009 Hawaii Ironman? We'd love to hear from you

Design Hotels Mallorca

2009-06-18T00:59:00.000-07:00

Hotels Mallorca

Majorca is a Spanish jewel off the north east coast, deep in the heart of the Mediterranean. Famous for its sandy beaches and aqua-marine coastline, Majorca has been a popular tourist attraction since the 1950s, especially among German and British visitors who are drawn to the island’s temperatures, which top 29 degrees Celsius in the summer.
The island is also steeped in history, with the capital - Palma - created by the Romans who settled here and influenced by the Byzantines who settled later on. Following the tourism boom, the Majorcans have gone to great lengths to fuse the old and new to create the latest in global holiday hotel design. Today, Mallorca offers a lot of very special Design Hotels.
Anyone staying in Palma will be able to choose from the beautiful beach front, a plethora of restaurants serving Catalan cuisine and the capital’s bustling nightlife. It is also home to the island’s only airport. It is Majorca’s oldest city, overlooked by Bellver Castle, but Palma hotels have kept ahead of the times by producing increasingly modern facades and interiors, some of which can be seen at new addition, Hotel Zhero, which offers stunning views of the ocean.
Hotel Zhero opened on the Palma coastline in 2008. The hotel was designed in black and white to contrast with the turquoise lure of the Mediterranean. It is metres away from the beach and harbour, making Hotel Zhero the perfect place for sunset strolls and boat trips. The white rooms are like a blank canvas for each holidaymaker, minimalist from walls to floors. Elements of black pique the furnishings and lighting creating startling decor. This holiday haven has a fresh, clean feel for a holidaymaker looking for high design on a budget.
Further away to Pollenca, the far northern quarter of the island, earns visitors that extra bit of peace and quiet as well as the chance to get pampered at the five-star Son Brull Hotel & Spa the hotel owners have fused together Majorca’s historic roots with sleek, modern design, when they converted this former monastery into a wellness hotel comprising of 23 rooms.

Son Brull Hotel & Spa’s size and location creates a real sense of losing oneself in nature, nestled in forest land with views over the Mediterranean. This five-star facility was designed for indulgence, with sports facilities, whirlpool, sauna, massage as well as outdoor and heated indoor swimming. Danish technology experts Bang & Olufsen installed the latest designs in each room to ensure every guest has five-star luxury at their fingertips.
For mid-range excellence Son Bernadinet in the south of Majorca is an 18th century country house designed with the ultimate in relaxation in mind. With only 11 rooms, the four-star hotel has a cosy feel. The creators aimed to give visitors time to take in the sights and the sunshine, serving meals on a roof top terrace and providing shade for a pleasurable lounge by the pool. Four poster beds and comfortable armchairs make stays here comfortable, quiet and serene, with the hustle and bustle of the capital within easy reach, less than an hour’s drive away

European Hotels

2009-06-16T06:24:00.000-07:00

Luxurious European Hotels

contaray to popular belf, some of the most lusurious hotels in the world are within your reach . They are no longer exclusive destination you have to enjoy while watching a scene in a movie or on televison . Some of the world's most beautifull hotels are more afforedabale than you think. visitor touring europe will centainly enjoy some

Best Hotels in Manila

2009-04-26T11:07:00.000-07:00

Best Hotels

Accessible and convenience best describe InterContinental Manila's location. Situated in the heart of the premiere financial district of the country, it is a stone's throw away from the top business, cultural and recreation centres of the metropolis. It is also a mere 20 minutes from the international and domestic airports, one's gateway to, from and around the Philippines.InterContinental Manila boasts of 338 guest rooms and luxurious suites. Good taste, comfort and functionality went into the design of each room, every one of them equipped with first-class modern conveniences such as a state-of-the-art television information system with local and cable programming and in-house movies, Broadband internet access, IDD telephone, voicemail and graphic television, radio, lights and air-conditioner, a fully-stocked minibar, electronic safe and hair dryer.Address: NO. 1 AYALA AVE, P.O. BOX 731-D-3117, MAKATI CITY, MANILA

TOLL FREE INTERCONTINENTAL RESERVATIONS 1-800-883-3201

Real estate investor grabs loan note for two hotels

2009-02-24T21:54:00.000-08:00

investor grabs loan note for two hotels

Opportunistic real estate investment firm PCCP has acquired the A note of a loan secured by two Bay Area hotels, the Crowne Plaza at San Francisco International Airpott in Burlingame and a Holiday Inn Express in Walnut Creek.
PCCP, formerly known as Pacific Coast Capital Partners, bought the debt from Column Financial. The hotels are owned by the Carlyle Group. PCCP purchased the B note of the same loan from Column Financial in December 2007.
The deal reflects PCCP’s appetite for performing and non-performing loans secured by quality real estate and strong ownership, according to partner Gregory Galusha.
“We are looking for note purchase opportunities – whether increasing our position in existing deals or new deals,” said Galusha. “Our experienced team has originated and held multiple floating rate real estate whole loans, mezzanine loans, B-notes, participations and preferred equity. We also asset manage and service more than $1.4 billion in 80 senior and mezzanine real estate loans.”
PCCP now holds both the A and B notes of the whole loan which was originally a $48.3 million senior loan secured by a portfolio of four hotels in Northern California. Since origination in August of 2007, two of the hotels, which include the Sacramento Holiday Inn and the Concord Holiday Inn, have been sold.
“This was a great opportunity to buy a note at a discount,” said Rob Cohen, vice president of PCCP. “We thought it was compelling because the exposure per hotel room was low and we were already invested in the transaction with our B note. We were comfortable with the collateral and the experience of the borrower.”
Cohen added that even though PCCP expects considerable downturn with hotel fundamentals in the near term, the long-term prospect of the Bay Area hospitality market is still strong and the low loan basis per key mitigates risk.
The Crowne Plaza hotel in Burlingame consists of 309 rooms and recently completed substantial renovation. The Holiday Inn hotel in Walnut Creek consists of 156 rooms and in November 2008 completed a conversion to a Holiday Inn Express

The Mighty River Ganga

2009-01-23T00:02:00.000-08:00

The mighty river Ganga which is also known as the River Ganges is greatly revered in all of India. I recently had a chance to witness this reverence first hand as I visited two holy towns Haridwar and Rishikesh both of which are located in the foothills of the Himalayas through which this mighty river flows on its way towards the plains. Much of India’s rich civilization and culture has in fact developed along the banks of this great river as a result of which the river is worshiped and held in high esteem by the Hindu population of India.

The Ganga which is responsible for the fertility of nearly forty percent of India’s agricultural land begins its journey in the higher Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh at the Gangotri glacier which is a vast expanse of ice situated 14000 feet above sea level. This glacier is the source of the River Bhagirathi which continues to join the River Alaknanda whose waters are formed from the melting ice of several Himalayan peaks like the Nanda Devi, the Kamet and the Trishul to form the River Ganga at the town of Devprayag. read the rest o he Mighty River Ganga

Jupiter Hotel - Portland, Oregon

2009-01-19T04:23:00.000-08:00

Jupiter Hotel

The only cultural boutique hotel in Portland, Oregon, the Jupiter Hotel promises to deliver a luxurious and unique experience for its visitors.
The Jupiter Hotel features a crisp, streamlined and contemporary design that leaves the guestrooms, lobby and other regions of the hotel feeling clean and liberated from clutter. Besides well-appointed details and top quality bedding, guests can also enjoy the unique atmosphere and features of the hotel.
Spa style rubdowns, unique and custom designed meeting spaces, and an award winning restaurant that regularly features indy rock bands as well as internationally known DJs makes this hotel one of the hippest and most innovative in the United States.
The Doug Fir restaurant is described as a “modern diner meets swanky cocktail lounge” with a menu featuring farm-fresh omelets, amazing burgers, baguette French toast as well as drinks and finger food.
Besides basic amenities and features, guests will also find:
80 innovative guest rooms featuring custom blu-dot modern furnishings
000 square foot outdoor courtyard, with stage, perfect for concerts, fashion shows, weddings and other events
Complimentary wireless internet throughout
Room service and restaurant hours 7am – 4am daily
Custom furniture and urban décor
Outdoor fireplace and patio dining

K West Hotel & Spa - London, England

2009-01-19T04:19:00.000-08:00

West Hotels and Sps Lodon England

King size rooms, simple, elegant style and a peaceful ambience await weary travelers at this new modern hotel. The hotel is located a short walk from Notting Hill and High Street Kensington, and a short ride to the West End of London. Its location beyond the congestion zone of London means a quieter, more peaceful stay without sacrificing the convenience of downtown.
Besides the hotel guests will also find a full service spa as well as the Kanteen Hotel and room service. Besides basic amenities, guests will also find:
K Spa and Gym offers aromatherapy, hot stone techniques and a full range of other treatments to enhance guests stay.
K Lounge Bar with a DJ on the weekend
Vanity K is a chic stand alone nail bar
Wireless high-speed internet access everywhere
Hand-made mattresses, non allergenic pillows and luxurious bed linens
Flat screen television, CD/DVD player and MP3 connectivity

Le Web08 - Day 1 - Getting financed in a recession

2008-12-09T22:23:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

It is a great time to keep investing, says a first panelist.
Another VC says that VCs didn't fear for their own life in 2001/2. Easier to get capital funds. Today, firms are very afraid not to get enough return on their investment. They are more careful and minimize their risk in their portfolio.
You cannot deny a storm is coming up. And VCs need to be prepared with the reality of the market and are cautious with revenue coming from start up they invested in.
VCs come at a later stage in a start up after angel money. VCs can really make new ventures more succeful and Martin is asking (or begging) VCs to keep investing an supporting brillant ideas.
Is not easy to have a constructive relationship between VCs and Entrepreneurs. VCs need to allow Entrepreneurs to make some mistakes and learn from them. But the role of the VCs is to also guide start ups and warn them of serious threats or issues.
Good VCs help Entrepreneurs being better in what they do.
When VCs say "no" to invest in a venture, they should explain why. Ouriel is asking if VCs are going to say "NO" next year more often. The ratio is 10 investments out of 1000 presentations made at a particular. Is that ratio going to change next year? Probably not. So no real reasons why start ups will find more difficult to raise money next year.

Le Web08 - Day 1 - Wikio

Pierre Chappaz, CEO of Wikio (formerly founder and CEO of Kelkoo) is on stage now.
It is not the first time we are living in a Internet crash. We will survive this crisis. Web2.0 services are loosing money for most of them. But growth is still there. Speed of progress with NetVibes is quite impressive (revenue X by 4 in 4 quarters).
So what Wikio is about. A pan European News portal launched in 2005 with a team of 35 people in virtual offices in several countries. It allows users to browse information from traditional media, blogs, video sites. Has used some of the features of NetVibes to enhance the UI of Wikio.
Business model is on merchants links, adsense. sponsoring and advertising.
In November, Wikio has reached 12.4 million users (4M in France alone, less than 1M in the UK).540K€ revenue in Q4 2008 and Wikio is now breakeven.
Few learnings:
1/ Believe in what you do and fight2/ Manage expenses very carefully3/ Europe is their natural market and diversity is easier to deals with4/ Information generates traffic but not enough revenue (shopping is much better for that)

Italy Shows Steep Declines For October

2008-11-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

According to the latest hotel data from STR Global, Italian revenue per available room (RevPAR) dopped 20 percent to €99 for October.
For Italian hoteliers it’s nothing new. Declines have been back to back since May 2008. Turin was the only city to show growth, up 18-percent from the previous month.
Room occupancy dropped 13% across Italy from October 2007 to October 2008. The dark numbers from October worsen the already dreary year-to-date figures when compared to year to October 2007 figures.
“Demand has been falling in the main Italian cities since spring this year”, commented James Chappell, managing director of STR Global. “Milan and Turin have only started to see declining demand levels since July and September, respectively, which will put pressures upon their occupancy and average rate levels as we have seen in other Italian cites”.
“So far, Turin countered the country-wide trend through its increased marketing activities, increased cultural events and MICE (meeting, incentive, conference and event) business”, said Marco Malacrida, area director of STR Global in Italy. “The city’s increased destination marketing campaigns in national and international media, promoting multiple cultural and gastronomic events, combined with addition of new branded hotels and refurbishment of existing room stock boosted Turin’s hotel offering”.

TMI Asia_Pacific: Now’s The Time To Hire

According to TMS Asia-Pacific, hiring moratoriums are best lifted as today’s market has been inundated with available talent, the “best… seen in years.”
TMS also sites the forecasted upturn that is predicted in global business in the year ahead.
We have seen a major shift in the market in recent weeks with yesterday’s job-heavy, candidate-light scenario being almost completely reversed on an overnight basis,” he said.
“The upside of this is that we are now starting to see some very strong talent emerge - in fact some of the best we have seen in a number of years.
“Now is the ideal time to hire supreme talent to ensure companies are meeting their service level agreements.”
Turbulent times often see some high quality talent freed up as businesses restructure to try and cope with economic pressures. The financial crisis that has been hitting world markets very heavily for the past 6 months has set loose a large number of highly trained professionals that haven’t been seen on the market in years.
TMS is a top-tier specialist travel, tourism and hospitality recruitment and HR services company. With offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, as well as overseas at Auckland, Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai and SIngapore, TMS is routinely interacting and facilitating the placement of hotel professionals.

Hungary Luxury Hotels, Four and Five Star Hotels, Budapest

2008-11-12T04:08:00.000-08:00

Budapest Accommodation tips

When choosing good accommodation in Budapest, please read the following tourist info:The list of Budapest hotels & accommodation in this site includes mainly luxury four stars & five stars hotels in Budapest.An important factor when choosing a good hotel in Budapest is hotel location. Many Budapest hotels are located near Metro stations in Budapest, enabling a very quick and easy travel in Budapest.Before choosing your Budapest hotel try checking that your stay in Budapest does not cross a national holiday when many tourist attractions are closed. Another point, try avoiding visiting Budapest in periods of big Congresses in Budapest, in this time it is quite difficult to get a good hotel in Budapest at reasonable prices.Before arrival to Budapest please visit Budapest hotels web sites, you may sometimes find a cheaper price for your hotel.Certain hotels in Budapest offer a cheaper rate when you stay in Budapest in a weekend.Most good hotels in Budapest have an impressing tourist information material, maps and free travel information in various languages for your stay in Budapest.Most of the good hotels in Budapest have internet facilities helping you be updated from Budapest.

World Luxury Four and Five Star Hotels

2008-11-12T04:06:00.000-08:00

When choosing a world luxury hotel, please read the following tips:The list of world luxury hotels & accommodation in this site includes mainly luxury four stars & five stars hotels. The hotel directory is sorted by country.An important factor when choosing a good hotel is its location. Many hotels abroad are located near Metro stations in that city, enabling a very quick and easy travel in the city.Before choosing your hotel try checking that your stay abroad does not cross a national holiday when many tourist attractions are closed. Another point, try avoiding visiting in periods of big Congresses in the city, in that time it is quite difficult to get a good hotel at reasonable prices.Before arrival to a city please visit the city hotels' web sites, you may sometimes find a cheaper price for your hotel.Certain hotels offer a cheaper rate when you stay there in a weekend.Most good hotels abroad have an impressing tourist information material, maps and free travel information in various languages for your stay.Most of the good hotels abroad have internet facilities helping you be updated from your hotel

Luxury Holiday Portal

2008-11-10T04:40:00.000-08:00

Luxury Holiday portal featuring luxury hotels, luxury travel, boutique hotels, world travel, paradise islands and luxury city breaks

Luxury Hotels in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is the mecca for playing casino games.One of the most visible aspects of Las Vegas' cityscape is its use of dramatic themes. The theme of luxury hotels and casinos on the Strip has established the city as one of the most popular destination.

Saddam Hussein Luxury Yacht

The government of Iraq is selling the yacht of its former leader Saddam Hussein, Itar-Tass reports. The existence of the 80-meter-long Basra Breeze yacht (formerly known as Qadisiyah Saddam and Ocean Breeze) has been classified for a long time.It was.

Travel Deals from Recession Fears

If there’s one upside to a downturn, it’s that the consumer suddenly has new power: it’s a buyer’s market. Paradoxically, the eve of a recession might be just the time to consider that long-promised long weekend away

Holidaymakers Fall For Rome

Rome in high summer can be uncomfortably hot, but the Eternal City can offer a delightful long weekend break in the shorter and cooler days of autumn and winter. The current economic situation means belt-tightening for many travellers, but the trip n..

Mile High Building

Mile high building brings mile-high challenges! So they’re building a mile-high tower? Well, billionaire prince and owner of The Savoy: al-Walid bin Talal, is planning to at least. The building will leave the Burj Dubai, Taipei 101 and The Gherki..

A blogger is born

2008-11-08T22:18:00.000-08:00

As a few of you may have noticed, I’ve sorely neglected updating you on the life and antics at Opus Hotels via the blog. I have a long list of fabulous excuses but will spare you most of them. Suffice it to say, life has been on fast forward here since my boss, mentor and dear friend Danielleft to become a full time ‘auteur’ and left me trying (impossibly) to fill his large and stylish shoes.When Dan pushed the daunting list of activities across his desk that I needed to pick up after his departure, he made me promise to blog often, wittily and well. While I’d had fun subbing in for him in the past, I’d never considered the pressure of actually coming up with (relevant and interesting) things to say on a regular basis. Needless to say, I’m suffering a case of mild inadequateness that comes from attempting to follow his blogger footsteps. Hm, let’s see … he left to pursue writing as a full time career; media have gushed over his witty blog; students in hotel schools have been assigned to read his blog; and now I have to step up to perform? But here I am, on my 4th flight from Montreal in 8 weeks, resolutely starting my first solo post. It feels good.I’ve been spending a lot of time recently at Opus Montreal planning the usual spate of marketing and communication activities. In this case, they’re directed at the spring 08 opening of what will be Montreal’s hottest, newest drinking and eating establishment. (More on that next post). As most marketers will tell you, it’s no longer enough to take out a couple of ads and hope the masses will come. Nope, it’s all about social marketing nowadays. I imagine I’m speaking to the knowledgeable and converted, but in the past year I’ve turned away from all but the most nominal advertising efforts (to the dismay of persistent sales people flogging ad space) and have become a convert to the merits of SEO, social marketing, viral campaigns and more. As head of marketing for a couple of stylish and contemporary boutique hotels, it’s my job to stay current on the latest trends. If Opus doesn’t chart this territory, who will – the Ritz?I confess I’m still grappling to understand these various mediums though. For gawd’s sake, I must be the last person standing who hasn’t succumbed to Facebook - yet. [I’ve been informed there’s a user group for people who swore they’d never join … like me.] Fortunately I have some really smart (and patient) people around me that guide me ever so slowly through the differentiators between Facebook and Myspace, Flickr and Youtube, Ebooks and Widgets, the list goes on! Last week, we created a Facebook Business Pagefor the Opus Hotel and had almost 300 fans join in less than a week! Our page features an events calendar, photos from previous parties, reviews and a discussion board. (Since Valentine’s Day is around the corner, you may want to check out our rocking Valentine’s event featuring London’s own Housexy by Ministry of Sound.)As I plan the much anticipated spring launch at Opus Montreal, I’m actually getting excited about building our Facebook business profiles and sharing up-to-date information with you through this blog. We’ll even have a weekly video showing the progress of construction. If you come across hotels or bars that demonstrate particular Facebook or blogging brilliance, I’d love to hear from you.I’m looking forward to adding ‘blogger’ to my bio. Stay tuned for my soon-to-be-created Facebook profile. Look for it under “Groups for people who swore they’d never join”.
Labels: blogging, hotel, hotel blog, hotel vancouver, opus blog, opus hotel

Channel District Hotel Set To Begin Construction

2008-11-06T23:23:00.000-08:00

Construction of the Hotel Indigo in the Channel District of Tampa is set to begin before the end of the year.
The $29 million, 168-room Hotel Indigo will be located at Meridian, Cumberland and 11th streets near the Florida Aquarium.
We are ready and have loan commitments, and all indications are we are moving forward,” said Ford Smith, president of Tampa-based BayStar Hotel Group.
There are 27 other Hotel Indigos across the United States, with six in Florida and one each in Canada, Mexico and England.
The hotel will be a beautiful and luxurious one, with hardwood floors and area rugs in guestrooms, and a tone setting lobby with a surfboard-shaped check-in rather than the conventional lobby desks.
Each Indigo Hotel tends to have elements that set it apart from the others, but all implement the “Golden Mean” or “Phi,” a concept from the year 1200 that involves ratios of numbers that contribute to pleasant eye patterns.
The hotel should create 50 new jobs, as well as the 150 to 200 jobs created for the construction project.
Source

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Will Grow in 2009

With over 25 hotels and 10,000 guestrooms lined up in development projects, the Fairmont Hotel & Resorts will continue its aggressive growth strategy into 2009.
Their impressive portfolio of luxury hotels includes locations such as the famous Plaza Hotel in New York City, the Fairmont Mayakoba in Mexico City and the Fairmont Singapore.
2009 holds a variety of projects for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts including expansion into rapidly growing markets in Saudi Arabaia and China. Before the end of 2009, eleven new hotels will open their doors, including the 222-room Fairmont Beijing and 150-room Fairmont Battery Wharf in Boston’s historic North End.
Overall the chain will expand by 3,700 guestrooms in locations as varied as Kenya, United Arab Emirates, and Egypt.
Source

September Drops in RevPAR and Occupancy

The US Hotel industry has posted year-over year declines in both RevPAR and Room Occupancy rates for September 2008, according to reports form STR.
Occupancy in September fell 5.9 percent to 60.6 percent, compared to 2007’s 64.5 percent. RevPAR for the month was down as well, decling 3.1% to $65.08 from September 2007’s $67.13.
Some markets still performed well, including New Orleans with a +20.2 percent revPAR, Denver with a +12.3 percent revPAR, New York with +8.4 percent revPAR and Dallas with +6.4 percent revPAR.
The stalwart San Francisco market also reported gains of +8.4 percent in revPAR for the month.
Overall, however, the industry faced a very difficult third quarter in 2008, with revPAR growth moving into negative territoy for the first time since the second quarter of 1993.
“We expect a continued difficult operating environment in the final quarter of 2008. Room supply growth will continue while demand growth (roomnights sold) likely will remain soft in many markets, driven by slowing economic growth.”- Bobby Bowers, STR Senior Vice President of Operations

Middle East Hot Spot for Top Level Hotel Professionals

While worse news is digested daily by Western hospitality companies and hotel franchises, eyes have turned towards the Middle East for a glimmer of hope and a rosier picture.
Dubai, the capital of hotel management companies in the Middle East, continues to astound with their unprecedented success story and growing market share. Hoteliers have long been fleeing to set up shop in Dubai, where they enjoy tax-free salaries, a superior quality of life and the plentitude of career opportunities.
While overall salaries for VPs of development and other high ranking officers in Hotel companies are equal to or less than their counterparts across the world, there are quite a few hidden perks.
First, they keep the 40% that would otherwise be eaten by taxes. Second, they usually have housing provided as they are working there as expats. Putting the numbers together, a position today in Dubai is, in all ways, quite a good deal.
It remains to be seen how much the current crisis will work its way into the Middle East market, but for now they seem quite prepared to weather this financial nightmare.

HotelBook.com Jumps 21% in Profits

Utell Hotels & Resorts reported a 21% increase in revenue to hotels between January and August 2008 on hotelbook.com.
HotelBook.com offers more than 6,000 independent, boutique and small group hotels in 2,000 cities around the world, and averages stays of 2.8 days and an average increase of £8 per night in booking rates compared to 2007.
Even with economic trends on a downward spiral, the operation was able to post a respectable profit.
“We’ve further developed hotelbook this year to enable the independent and boutique hotels represented to better reach travellers globally seeking a unique and personalised experience,” said Wimborne. “The revenue results are evidence that our campaigns are delivering for both hotels and customers.”

Hotel Booking Site For Those With Allergies

2008-11-06T23:19:00.000-08:00

Pure Solutions has launched the first online resource for travelers seeking allergy-friendly lodging.
PURE Solutions lets travelers book at over 50 hotels worldwide and is a leading resource for allergy sufferers. THeir technology improves air quality, provide a better sleeping atmosphere and enhance the hotel experience.
“According to the National Center for Disease Control, one in four Americans suffers from allergies. Our website now makes it possible for travelers with allergies to easily find and book a hotel room that allows them to sleep better at night and wake up feeling rested and refreshed” said Brian Brault, CEO and Founder of PURE Solutions. “The site now better represents who we are and why a PURE room makes such a difference, as well as providing regular updates of new hotels that offer PURE rooms

UK Hotels Feel Slowdown In September

UK Hoteliers watched as their numbers took a slight dip in September as a result of lower demand. Room rates declined as a result, and the worsening economic situation being fended off by business travelers is beginning to take a more noticeable toll on business.
A PDF Hotel Consultancy Service report for September reported that in London room rate was down to 1.5% from the same time last year. Occupancy, however, stayed at 81.6%, but this number was still down 5.7% from the same time last year.
Other regions experienced similar or worse declines in numbers.
Robert Barnard, partner for Hotel Consultancy Services at PKF, commented, “The decreases that hoteliers experienced this month are not surprising given the current turmoil in the markets which is undoubtedly affecting business travel.
“However, it should also be noted that hoteliers did have a particularly strong September in 2007 and this goes some way to explaining some of the decreases.

Why I Love...Hotel Babylon

2008-11-04T04:47:00.001-08:00

Ah, the luxury hotel: a world unto itself where anything is possible and theoretically available. Of course, the reality of luxury hotels isn't like that at all, and nor is the delightfully unhinged Hotel Babylon.
You might think a series starring Max Beesley and Tamzin Outhwaite isn't necessarily the most appetising recipe for scrumptious television. You might well be wrong.
Tamzin is a revelation as Rebecca Mitchell, the exceedingly glamorous, exceedingly repressed hotel manager, while the unnervingly handsome Beesley as her deputy, Charlie Edwards, is the sort of cheeky chappie you end up rooting for, and not just because he was shot in the first series.
So far, so El Dorado with room service and free mixed nuts at the bar. But Hotel Babylon is in a more noble tradition of very well-acted, very witty, very British television. It picks at the underbelly of seemingly glossy, apparently unattainable lives, and it's all seen through the eyes of ordinary folk: Upstairs, Downstairs with power showers.
Where it really hits home is not merely in its lightness of touch, its strangely upright, eye-for-an-eye morality (once Charlie arranged for a Croat war criminal to be killed) and the delightful supporting cast (Dexter Fletcher as Tony Casemore has a face that's not so much lived in as partied in and then trashed by a legion of squatters), but in its sharp script and understanding of the luxury hotel's hermetically sealed world.
You see, nobody knows - and the guests don't care - what goes on downstairs. It's a place where staff on the minimum wage, such as the Balkan chambermaid Tanya, are often unfamiliar with Britain. Yet these people get to glimpse the other side of the tracks - the decadence, the stupidity and the sheer rudeness that too much money can bring - every day of their working lives. Frankly, it's a wonder so few guests die at Hotel Babylon.
This means that when a Premiership football team is rude to Rebecca, a most disgusting revenge can be taken in the kitchen and no employee will be punished.
However, while it's a jungle down there, every jungle has its law, and when Luke Marwood - effectively a young Dexter - transgresses the downstairs code by attempting to smuggle in male prostitutes for an especially demanding guest, his cunning plan is stopped. It wasn't the smuggling that was the problem, it was the not going through the downstairs hierarchy. Surely, quite soon, Luke will be impaled upon his own cockiness.
And, of course, there are the sub-plots, of which one is invariably endearingly bonkers. Recently David Walliams struggled to keep a straight face as the leader of a gaggle of white-clad, apocalypse-welcoming, faux-druids, who ate only bacon and went to sleep believing they would wake up in another world after this one had expired overnight. Meanwhile, another episode saw the wife of a peer of the realm swanning through Hotel Babylon dressed as a giant ice-cream cone.
Can peak-time television be more impish fun? Surely not

The aloft Hotel battle

2008-11-04T04:43:00.000-08:00

The Stephens, as I've written, object to new competition to their nearby Capital Hotel. (Like most avowed free market advocates, they prefer a market with a minimum of competition.) Central Arkansas Library Director Bobby Roberts was leading the opposition until Stephens came along. He fears impact on his institution's buildings and also has eyed the land for library use. But he seemed inclined to a design compromise with the Aloft developers until the 800-pound gorillas from Stephens came along.
The city planning staff will recommend approval of the hotel. Some planning commissioners will not be present for the vote, making it harder to round up six votes for the project. The application is worth a look. It illustrates that the hotel doesn't exactly dwarf neighboring buildings (some are taller). But the River Market Design District's height limitation made that the handiest way to oppose the project.
Defenders of the project also will argue that the hotel could build now within the height limitation with a block structure, but have opted for a more neighborhood-sensitive, if taller, L-shaped design.
Will clout win out? Should it? Times publisher Alan Leveritt goes nearly apoplectic at the idea that self-interested politics could stop a huge development in a struggling city. Particularly in the midst of a strained financial market where few new projects are getting the greenlight

Hotel Putukusi

2008-11-04T04:42:00.001-08:00

I was recently in Peru visiting my girlfriend and some artisans. It was a wonderful trip in every way. For the first time in about four trips down there I was able to just visit and see some more of a country that I’ve grown to love as if I’d been born and raised there. It is indeed a remarkable place and I’ll be sure to share more about my trip in the future.
It was while we were in the Colca Canyon with Angel Cabrera, a Worldstock artisan, that Roxana, thinking about some of the wonders of her country said, “el Peru esta de moda,” Peru is in style. I don’t think that she really knew how true this statement was.
Right now, the city of Lima is in disarray. No, it’s not out of confusion or neglect; quite the contrary. Peru is preparing for the upcoming Asia Pacific Summit that will be holding conferences throughout the country in November. Lima will be a new city and its streets and freeways are receiving a much needed upgrade. Disarray for now, but much more friendly to the populace and for tourists in the near future. The eyes of the world will be on Peru this fall.
Machu Picchu was recently voted in as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Deservedly so, this marvel of ancient architecture attracts upwards of one thousand visitors each day and it doesn’t disappoint the visitor in any way with its magnificence. After visiting one finds it clear that the Inca Pachacutec, who ordered it built was not only a master planner, conqueror, and political leader, but he also had an eye for the esthetic.
Already having one World Wonder, Peru is after its second, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature; the Colca Canyon. It is currently ranked number 10 but has a long way to go. You can vote for it at 7 Wonders of Nature. The Colca is incredible, deeper than the Grand Canyon and is the perfect fusion of man and nature. Along the canyon’s rim are countless Inca terraces that appear as if Mother Nature had personally approved them to beautify her canyon. The canyon’s villages are home to kind people that carry on centuries old traditions and wear beautiful outfits typical of the area. In the distance are volcanoes and other mountains sacred to the Incas, so sacred that they had become home to special sacrifices to appease the mountain gods; several human mummies have been found on their snow capped peaks. The Colca has yet another treat for the visitor; the Andean Condor, the world’s largest flying bird nests here and at the Condor Cross they can often be seen taking flight in the morning catching the thermal updrafts. Seeing these kings of the Andean sky in flight was truly an amazing moment, one that I hope to share with my family in the future.
Surfer Sofia Mulanovich has made a mark in her sport and has won a World Championship and an ESPN ESPY Award as well as a 2007 induction into the Surfers Hall of Fame. She was recently voted in Peru as the Peruvian female most proud of and representative of her country. A recent New York Times article has featured surfing in Peru and Peru’s shores are becoming better known as surf destinations. Puerto Chicama is known to have the longest wave in the world.
Peruvian cuisine is poised to take the world by storm. Restaurants are popping up in San Francisco, Manhattan, and even within view of the Eiffel Tower. Imagine that, a Peruvian restaurant in Paris. Talented Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio who has been featured in Anthony Bordain’s “No Reservations” isn’t the only Peruvian showing off his culinary skills. Amparo Alam from right here in Utah just won Food Network’s Ultimate Recipe Showdown with her Peruvian Herb-Roasted Chicken which is now featured in T.G.I. Friday’s. A friend told me today that she tried it and loved it. Now she wants to know where she can find a Peruvian restaurant. I love my “pollo a la brasa” so I’m going to have to try it soon.
While in Lima, Roxana and I attended one of South America’s most important fashion shows, Peru Moda. Many of Peru’s best fashion designers and jewelers were in attendance and we saw many works of art in clothing and jewelry. Peru has many skilled designers and artisans and many Worldstock customers have already discovered this. Whether it is jewelry, folk art, or fashion, Peruvian designs are indeed eye catching and great conversation pieces. Many of these items are flying off the shelves due to their beauty, novelty, and cultural significance. So, if you do want to discover what is coming out of Peru for yourself, a good first stop would be Peru’s You’ll soon find out why “el Peru esta de moda.”

A MOSCHINO HOTEL? WHY, YES

2008-11-04T04:39:00.000-08:00

Rossella Jardini, Creative Director of Moschino, and the Moschino company, in partnership with Hotelphilosophy S.p.A., Mobygest Group, will open the Moschino hotel next year in Milan near the trendy Corso Como area. The hotel space, a former railway station dating back to the year 1840, will feature four floors, 54 rooms and 15 suites, with each room/suite being different from the other, with the overall theme being that of a fairy tale. The hotel will also feature a bar, restaurant, spa, gym and public garden. Thus far the only information released, is that of one of the rooms that features a chandelier with rose petals, a coverlet below it made up of rose petals, as though the petals from the chandelier had fallen upon the bed, and a modern designed chair in crimson with the interior cushions having semi-origami folds of a flower petal. A more in depth unveiling will happen this weekend at the TTG Incontri, a tourism expo in Rimini, Italy. Couture's very own merchandisers travel to Italy twice yearly for vendor appointments, perhaps this will be the new favorite place to stay, no?

pillow talk

2008-10-25T23:46:00.000-07:00

We were concerned when we got there and found the hotel was under renovation, but the upside was that our room was NEWLY redecorated and the decor and amenities were far superior to any hotel in this price range. The room was small, but having traveled in Europe we weren't shocked. The staff originally gave us an interior room for the quiet but we asked to moved to one right on Powell street. While it was noisy, it was a real thrill to be right in the heart of San Francisco. The location of this hotel, the quality of the decor and helpfulness of the staff makes it the bargain of the century in my opinion. We probably won't be able to afford it when it is completely renovated, but I think that it was a good move. You can't beat the locale and the hometown purity of the whole experience. The bed was incredibly comfortable! We will always have great memories of our stay and will highly recommend your hotel! Thank you all!-Dawn and Dean November, 20074 of us came to San Francisco to do Christmas shopping and had no idea whereto stay near Union Square. Searching the internet got us to the Hotel UnionSquare. What a wonderful "slipper" of a hotel. The entrance slips by youon the sidewalk if you are not really looking. The amenities are allupdated but the architecture is so very, perfectly "San Francisco". We hadtwo rooms over Powell street and loved hearing the "sounds of the city"below us. We were so very impressed with the cleanliness and thecomfortable beds and pillows. We were 2 blocks from Union Square and twoblocks from the new Westfields mall. We loved it and will surely returnnext year. - the "Shopping Santas"
October, 2007I just wanted to say "Thank You" When I have friends who arecoming to the city I always tell them to stay at The Hotel Union Square. Theytell me how wonderful it is and such a great location. My best friend and Ialways do our shop till you drop for Xmas and stay with you every year. Again Thanks for such wonderful service and making me look good when I suggest people stay there!!!- Judith
July, 2007This was my second stay at your lovely hotel and I enjoyed myself on both stays. The parking is so easy and I love being in the heart of things. Your staff is always friendly and helpful and I love all the goodies in the room. In short, there is nothing I do NOT like about this hotel and hope to stay many times again. - BarbaraApril, 2007I chose this hotel because of the price. It seemed reasonably priced and the pictures didn't look bad. I read some online reviews and they all said the same thing...great staff, bad neighborhood. I couldn't agree more. The customer service from beginning to end was excellent. Even after I checked out, I returned to the hotel because I forgot something and the front desk was happy to let me back into the room to look for my item. It wasn't in the greatest neighborhood, but I still felt safe, it wasn't far from the "better part's" and it seemed that every time we were being bothered someone on the hotel staff was nearby to "save" us and did so just in time! All we really needed was a place to sleep after a night out on the town. This place did the job and i would stay again. I would recommend to others, but i would warn them of the neighborhood.-Amy April, 2007My stay at the Hotel Union Square was quite enjoyable. Friendly staff, great location, and the price was right. Would definately come back. - Wayne from Boulder, ColoradoApril, 2007My stay was just what I have come to expect from the Hotel Union Square. Comfortable, reasonably priced, hospitable. I had a room away from the street, and it was quiet and restful. Thanks. - ThomasApril, 2007I recently stayed at the Hotel Union Square. I really enjoyed the hotel, with its great ambience and particularly liked the wine tasting and free access to the business centre. We stayed in room 414, and my wife thinks she left a brown shoe behind. Is there any possibility you could check for me to see if it is there? [Hotel Union Square returned the shoe via FEDEX]Appreciate your help. Best regards,GrahamApril, 2007We had a wonderful time in your hotel. Your staff was incredible and had terrific recommendations for food for us.Thank you for making our vacation so much fun! - The Spivek FamilyMarch, 2007For my wife & I on our first trip to San Francisco, we couldn't have picked a better choice than Hotel Union Square! Front desk was extremely accommodating, room was clean with proper stocking of essentials, and location was prime. Thanks for helping us celebrate a great 25th wedding anniversary!!! ChrisMarch, 2007I would like to commend the staff at the Union Square Hotel, they made me feel comfortable and welcome to San Francisco. That was my first time in California and I had a wonderful experience, in which your team played a part. Steve, the Concierge, was very professional and helped me find my way around San Francisco as well as try to get me tickets to Alcatraz. Kader at the front desk was extremely polite and answered all my questions that I had during my stay. Thank you,GeneMarch, 2007The hotel was one of the coolest places I've ever stayed. Everyone was great and the decor made me feel as though I was in some film noir. I will definitely stay at the Hotel Union Square next time I'm in San Francisco.

Influenced by current European concepts

2008-10-25T23:44:00.000-07:00

Gladys Perint Palmer, a renowned fashion illustrator and Executive Director of Fashion at the Academy of Art University, was commissioned to create original canvas drawings exclusively for the Hotel Union Square.Each room offers modern day conveniences such as voicemail, newly released pay-per-view movies and super Nintendo games. Children under 12 years are welcome to stay free of charge in your room. Cribs are available with prior arrangement. Each room has a private bath with personalized toiletries and hair dryers. Our rooftop penthouses feature panoramic views of the City and each offers a private rooftop deck, well lit desk area and spacious sitting room.
Each of the 131 guest rooms has been infused with a bold and contemporary interior. Three distinct color palettes, alternating on each floor, incorporate deep rich colors of claret, eggplant, golden yellows, and ochre greens and are paired with modern cherry wood cabinetry that introduces linear and wavelike lines.Enjoy use of our business center and High Speed Wireless internet access. From our deluxe rooms to our penthouse suites, which encompass a private rooftop deck overlooking the City's skyline, the hotel offers all modern day necessities.Meetings and Special EventsOur main penthouse is available for small groups, receptions, meetings or entertaining. A full range of audio visual equipment is available upon request, and our Sales Department can assist with catering requests and meeting arrangements. Secretarial and fax services, for a nominal fee, are also available for your convenience.

Influenced by current European concepts

2008-10-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

the result is sophisticated and yet casual. The walls, upholstery, and bedding lend a colorful backdrop to original artwork depicting San Francisco's most celebrated scenes.

Hotel Union Square, San Francisco’s original boutique hotel, gets a modern makeover!

2008-10-25T23:41:00.000-07:00

Hotel Union Square has completed an extensive modern makeover & emerged as the freshest & most innovative boutique hotel in The City. Remaining faithful to our Art Deco history, guestrooms have been transformed into a new experience fusing contemporary & classic San Francisco - beautiful brick walls, mosaic murals, signature staircases, & opulent moldings are complemented by a warm color palate, sleek custom furnishings by SF based EQ3, & state-of-the-art technology that caters to both leisure & business travelers. Highlights include platform beds with custom-made cream tufted headboards & 600 thread count luxurious bedding, sleek dark wood desks, velvety chaise lounges, flat screens, custom lighting, drop panel ceilings, & expansive mirrors.

Leave your heart in San Francisco

2008-10-25T23:40:00.001-07:00

am opening up my “Dear Blog Diary” again to anyone who wants to take a sneak peek. What will my blog bring me? In the hospitality world it really gives a connection to all those who want to learn something new, hip, cool & different about hospitality world, especially in the boutique hotel world & especially in San Francisco. So I write this: Many leave their hearts in SF, I have mine implanted, transplanted & always beating in SF. Where is yours???

Diva, San Francisco, and Prada…Oh my!

2008-10-25T23:39:00.000-07:00

What SF boutique hotel would have something in common with Praaaaada? Well of course no other than Hotel DIVA. Yes, only a Diva shops Praaaada. I went to the grand opening event last week & nibbled on the spoons of caviar & sipped the bubbly while admiring the latest in fashion & décor. Oh my! What a store. San Francisco is so blessed. That is why Hotel Diva is such a match to come to & be prep’d for a day of shopping at Prada with a sound sleep on our most comfortable beds & surrounded by Diva beauty on our Salon Floor. Ah yes, Diva & Prada go hand & hand or should I say head to toe

Summer in San Francisco!! & Movie in the Park

2008-10-25T23:38:00.000-07:00

Well, this week definitely defies the famous quote “The coldest winter ever spent was a summer in San Francisco”!! It has been 80+ degrees in The City every day this week and I am loving it! Personality Hotels is also sponsoring ‘Film Night in the Park’ which this Saturday is ‘Il Postino’ playing in Washington Square. I cannot think of anything better than to roam around North Beach, grab a bite to eat, and head over to Washington Square to catch a film in this uncharacteristically good weather!! We have a table at the event, so stop by and see me!

Weddings

2008-10-25T23:36:00.000-07:00

When you want the very best for your special day, Heritage Hotels can deliver the wedding of your dreams. With stunning locations, expert staff to assist you with your plans every step of the way and all the extras you would expect to add a true touch of class, we can accommodate your ceremony, reception and honeymoon requirements today.
Call us to enquire about the perfect wedding package for you, and our special wedding accommodation packages for you and your guests to enjoy.
For more information contact a Wedding Specialist at any one of these hotels

Happy 2008 from Heritage and CityLife Hotels! Hopefully you’ve had a lovely, relaxing summer break and recharged your batteries for another year. Alth

2008-10-25T23:35:00.000-07:00

New Zealand is one of the world's greatest natural attractions, with crystal-clear waters, breathtaking coastlines and pristine beaches, gorgeous rivers, spectacular mountains and sparkling lakes - and no crowds to get in the way.
And even though roaming its wild and unspoiled landscapes is like stepping back in time to a mystical, primordial era, New Zealand society is sophisticated and multicultural, with a disarmingly honest and friendly people who have a global reputation for making visitors feel welcome

Top Travel Websites

2008-10-25T23:33:00.002-07:00

Happy 2008 from Heritage and CityLife Hotels! Hopefully you’ve had a lovely, relaxing summer break and recharged your batteries for another year. Although with February having almost passed by already I have a suspicion this year will fly by as quickly as 2007 did.
Not that being back at the desk with the prospect of another year of hard work need deter us from idly daydreaming of our next holiday. Anecdotally it seems that most of us conclude one holiday with the initial thoughts and plans for the next, so chances are you’re already contemplating that country retreat, family city getaway or skiing break (break as in holiday, rather than limb!).
To help us all plan our holidays, the internet offers a broad, not to say bewildering, array of websites providing all the advice, information and support you could need. But where to start?
The UK’s Times Online have scoured the web and compiled a list of the best global travel websites of 2007. They’re an eclectic collection of planning, networking and multimedia sites, including the hotel review site TripAdvisor; the pedant’s favourite travel planning site Tripit, with it’s customisable travel itinerary facility; the travel world’s answer to YouTube, Travelistic, which hosts a wide range of travel videos to aid your trip planning; and to assuage the shopaholics, the shopping guide site of Itravelishop. You can read the full list of sites here.
But which are your favourite travel sites – the ones that you think you’ll just pop onto for a couple of minutes and eventually manage to tear yourself away from an hour later? Do any of the sites in the list above feature in your favourites? Let us know which are your must-visit’s for planning or just plain inspiration.

Travel Trends

2008-10-25T23:33:00.001-07:00

Compliments of the festive season to you all! With the end of the year almost upon us everyone’s eyes are gradually turning towards a nice long holiday to reward ourselves for making it through the toil of another year.
It’s likely these holiday plans will also include some travel, either around this beautiful country or abroad to sip fruity cocktails beside a pool somewhere. Some hardy souls even clearly enjoyed the winter so much they’re heading off to another winter in the northern hemisphere! But what is everyone expecting from their travels next year? Have our expectations as travellers changed?
A new survey of 2500 travellers from around the world apparently has the answers. We’re going to take an average of 3 holidays each next year, and keeping germs at bay is a top concern for many. Not only do 55% of travellers say they wash their hands more often when travelling, but more than a quarter take their own cleaning supplies with them for extra cleanliness.
Even with the minimum holiday allowance in this country being raised to 4 weeks from next year, it seems that just isn’t enough. Almost half of travellers thought they needed 6 weeks or more (no surprises there perhaps!). Despite this it seems some of us aren’t actually using our annual allowance anyway; a third of Americans didn’t use all their holidays in the past year.
It also seems we like to let our hair down even more, with almost a quarter of travellers agreeing that they dressed more provocatively on holiday. Whether these travellers are comprised mainly of those going to Ibiza wasn’t mentioned in the survey however!
So what do you think about these trends – do you agree? What big changes do you think we’ll see (or you’d like to see) in travel next year? We’d really like to know what you think. Feel free to add your thoughts using the feedback boxes below.
And because it’s the festive season, how about a bad Christmas joke to finish on?
A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. "But why," they asked, as they moved off. "Because", he said, "I can't stand chess-nuts boasting in an open foyer."
Until next time, have a wonderful Christmas and a happy and safe holiday

Wake Up and Smell the Roses

2008-10-25T23:32:00.000-07:00

Next time you’re staying in a hotel abroad, if you’re particularly observant, you may just notice the subtle new weapon in the hotelier’s arsenal. The power of the senses has always been crucial in how we judge everything in life; the feel of material, the flavour in meal ingredients, the collective arrangement of furniture. Chefs the world over know with any dish they prepare that for consumers judging it the first bite is always with the eye.
But one of the senses has often been neglected and has only recently being identified by canny marketers. The sense of smell is apparently a very powerful one. How often do we hear people refer to a vehicle having “new car smell”? Or how often do we walk past a bakery or café and feel the smell of freshly-baked bread or freshly-brewed coffee drawing us in?
Studies into consumer behaviour have indicated that shoppers stay longer and spend more in shops where there is a scented environment. Some marketers are themselves paying through the nose, if you will, to entice consumers through scents. In the US alone, $50 million was spent on in-store scents in 2006. This is expected to grow to $100 million by 2013.
Many hotels are considering adopting the power of smell and have developed their own hotel branded scents. Variations on ginger, pine and ‘white tea’ are just a few of fragrances currently trademarked and used by major hotel chains. As to whether this sensory initiative will spread to our fair shores, who nose?
But would it make you choose to stay in a particular hotel over another? If you stayed in a hotel and loved their fragrance would it make you more likely to stay there again? We’d really like to know what you think.
Are your olfactory senses powerful enough to affect the hotel you choose to stay in? What scent do you think would be perfect for Heritage Hotels? Feel free to add your thoughts using the feedback boxes below and we look forward to hearing from you.

Going Green

2008-10-25T23:31:00.000-07:00

Hi and welcome back to the Heritage and CityLife Hotels blog!
Regular visitors to the site will probably have noticed the environmental focus for many of our hotels this year. If you haven’t heard of Green Globe yet I’m sure you’ll soon be very familiar with it. In essence this is an organisation that recognises those companies in the travel and tourism industry that meet high standards in the use of resources, energy consumption and reduction of waste. In other words, doing their bit for the planet.
We’ve been associated with Green Globe since 2002 when Heritage Auckland achieved benchmarked status. We’ve followed this up with the double Tourism Industry Award-winning Heritage Queenstown, Heritage Christchurch and Heritage Hanmer Springs this year, with more to come. We’ve proud to say that we’ve already reached our goal of having half of our hotels benchmarked by the end of the year.
But what does this mean to you? With more media space than housing crises or Presidential slip-ups, climate change is a hot topic this year. The threats to the environment have been well-publicised, but how concerned are you that the hotel you choose to stay in also believe they should make a difference? Would having the option of staying in an environmentally-friendly hotel appeal to you more than one that isn’t? What other initiatives would you like to see us introduce?
We’d really like to know what you think. Would you choose to ‘go green’ for your accommodation or is it not important to you? Feel free to add your thoughts using the feedback boxes below and we look forward to hearing from you.
Barring a case of what I think is known in the Web2.0 world as “writer’s blog”, look out for another blog in a couple of weeks.
Until next time, thanks for reading and choosing to stay at Heritage and CityLife Hotels.

Heritage Hotel Blogs

2008-10-25T23:26:00.000-07:00

With the comedy festival currently spreading it’s diverse range of performers around the country, I thought a comedy-themed blog would be quite topical. Naturally this would also need to have a hotel theme, so I’m pleased to present the best (or is that least worst?) of the hotel joke...
Happy 2008 from Heritage and CityLife Hotels! Hopefully you’ve had a lovely, relaxing summer break and recharged your batteries for another year. Although with February having almost passed by already I have a suspicion this year will fly by as quickly as 2007 did.
Compliments of the festive season to you all! With the end of the year almost upon us everyone’s eyes are gradually turning towards a nice long holiday to reward ourselves for making it through the toil of another year.
It’s likely these holiday plans will also include some trav
Next time you’re staying in a hotel abroad, if you’re particularly observant, you may just notice the subtle new weapon in the hotelier’s arsenal. The power of the senses has always been crucial in how we judge everything in life; the feel of material, the flavour in meal ingred
Hi and welcome back to the Heritage and CityLife Hotels blog!
Regular visitors to the site will probably have noticed the environmental focus for many of our hotels this year. If you haven’t heard of Green Globe yet I’m sure you’ll soon be very familiar with it. In essence...