Kempinski to manage Tangula luxury train journeys in China

Article posted by Laila Yameogo

Laila has chosen a very interesting and actual article. She has right when she talks about the strategy of Kempinsky in terms of expansion and recognition.

Five-star hotel company, Kempinski, has been awarded the management contract for China’s luxury Tangula trains, to begin operating in spring 2008. Plans for the new services, which will run to Lhasa and Lijiang from Beijing, are to be unveiled in May of this year in China, the US and Europe, after which passengers will be able to book tickets.

Departing from Beijing, the five-day journey to Lhasa carries passengers across the Tibetan plateau, crossing wild grasslands and desert plains. The journey to Lijiang – also a five-day/four night trip that leaves from Beijing – takes in the sights of the Guangxi and Yunnan provinces. All journeys feature daily off-train excursions to visit historic sites and points of interest along the way, with return trips to Beijing that take four days/three nights.

Each train can accommodate up to 96 passengers in 48 luxury suites. Rooms feature en-suite bathrooms with shower, mini bars and in-room entertainment facilities, including music, TV and satellite internet service. A butler is on call 24 hours a day.

As a conclusion, this project is promise to a great success. Think to the famous train of L’Orient Express with an impeccable service with beautiful views of China…


http://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4030774.html

Luxurious New Ritz-Carlton Residential Tower to Rise in the Heart of Chicago's 'Magnificent Mile'


The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Chicago, Magnificent Mile To Offer Exceptional Level of Service


After openings some marvellous hotels all around the world, Ritz Carlton has chosen to create a new concept: The Residence. Indeed, Ritz Carlton suggests today to its guest to share an unforgettable experience but not for one or two nights but for the life.

It is the most anticipated residential development in Chicago. Amid world class shopping, fine dining, and renowned cultural institutions, The Ritz Carlton Residences, Chicago, Magnificent Mile at 664 North Michigan Avenue is a forty-story modern classic in the heart of the city, blending a distinctive architectural vision an international interior design with uncompromising detail.

Each of eighty six residences offers spacious floor plans, custom interior finishes, and dramatic views from recessed balconies. From the charming one bedroom pied à terre to the magnificent penthouses, each home provides its owner with the opportunity to add personal style to an ideal residence.

A gracious lifestyle is complemented by impeccable service delivered by an acclaimed Ritz Carlton staff. At the private porte cochère, attentive valets and doormen greet you in style. In the expansive Residence Club, conscientious yet unobtrusive service is at hand, whether you are enjoying a quiet conversation, savouring the views of Michigan avenue, working in the fitness centre, or hosting a party in the dining room. At your service are a concierge, club chef, and helpful porters that make the remarkable seem routine.

It is the extraordinary combination of amenities, services, finishes, and privacy that makes this property truly unique.

As a conclusion, once again Ritz Carlton signs a great project. In hotel industry, Residences with high standards in terms of hospitality are in Vogue. If we take the example of Hotel Prince de Galles in Paris, in a near future, the property will be buying by the famous chain Four Seasons to make some transformation and open a Residence. With an excellence of service, high standards of service and moreover with the proximity with the best hotel of the world since 7 years the George V, no doubt that this project will be an incredible success.



http://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4026546.html

Online Class Exercise

First part of the final exam


With Géraud Desaulle

Kube Hotel

First of all, we have chosen to take the Kube hotel as example. Just briefly, the Kube hotel is located in the heart of the XVIII district, a few steps away from Montmartre; it is tucked away in a quiet street, sheltered from the city crowds. With its historic facade hides an innovative and high tech universe, the Kuke contains 41 rooms and suites, the Ice Kube (the city's first ice bar), one lounge bar, 2 state of art screening rooms as well as a gym. Harmonious and loft like spaces spread around an open air courtyard reflect its contemporary surroundings and trendy atmosphere. The large bedrooms are designed for the modern traveller. Each is equipped with digital door openings, multifunction computer, DVD, CD, TV screen... The beds are lit from beneath, creating the illusion of levitation, which definitely adds to the overall sense of spaciousness, clarity and calm. The Kube is Future-Retro made real.

* Target: Trendy & Hip people / Youngs / Bobo / Artists / Beautiful People / Models

* Image: New concept with an amazing Ice Bar / Design / Unique / Exclusive service

* Distribution: Possibility to book a room directly via the website of the property

* Website: Sophisticated / Very original / Dynamic / Atypical

www.avantgardehotels.com

* Target: Fashion people / Beautiful people / High Social Status

* Reach: Main cities in the world (Asia Pacific, America, Europe, Africa) + Niche markets

* Image: Trendy website / Boutique hotels / 4 to 5 stars Properties / International

* Distribution: You have the possibility to book online via GDS / Interactive Map


To conclude, http://www.avantgardehotels.com/ is an interesant Reseller which propose some properties around the world with a top level in terms of service. In addition, you can receive the regular newsletter of the site, you have a direct access to the main websites of the different properties, you have 5 languages, Online PDF brochures, and also the way to recommend this site :”Tell a friend about our website”. Regarding affiliation, this site is link to Epoque Hotels.

www.hoteladvisor.com

* Target: Leisure / Single – Couple – Family / Economic tourism

* Reach: Main cities in the world (America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia)

* Image: From the 2* to 4* hotels – Traditional / Discount Hotel Reservations Worldwide

* Distribution: Possibility to book a flight / Rent a car / Reserve a hotel or travel


To conclude, http://www.hoteladvisor.com/ is a discount website with a lot of travels and possibilities from around the world with attractive & competitive rates. It is interesting to mention the fact that you have a direct access to the main websites of different hotels.

www.flashbooking.com

* Target: Young travellers / Leisure / Single – Couple – Family

* Reach: Main cities in the world (translation in 10 different languages)

* Image: Specialised in discount / Efficiency / Rapidity / Serious

* Distribution: Possibility to make online reservations via GDS


To conclude, we can mention the fact that http://www.flashbooking.com/ is a “DISCOUNT” site with the best available rate on the market. Moreover, you can download your free pocket travel guides for top cities breaks and you have the possibility to see all the Travel Guides to the main countries and cities. Just to let you know, flashbooking provides a website for the property without and there is no costs at the beginning. As an hotelier, you choose everything regarding your hotel (periods, package, ect). It is an international website with 10 different languages.

***

As a conclusion, we have decided to select http://www.avantgardehotels.com/. Indeed, it is from our point of view the best reseller compared to the resellers evocated below. Regarding the target and the image, the Kube hotel has the same than http://www.avantgardehotels.com/ : Original websites, trendy design, atypical places and conceptual.

The most popular toilet in the five star hotel


Article posted by Nathalie Guillerm Wanda on March 16th, 2007


As Nathalie said, implement a new concept in rest room is very interesting, especially when it is an atypical idea. Indeed, the brand Sofitel internationally renowned as the Top of the Chain Accor gains notoriety thanks to its “special toilets”.

Hong Kong’s Peninsula Hotel often attracts visitors from around the world, who want to visit a loo with a spectacular view. Now Queenstown’s newest hotel, Sofitel Queenstown, is joining that prestigious list with the most eye-opening male toilet of them all. One has a tape measure out, one a pair of binoculars, another has a camera, a fourth is peering over her glasses ....and so the list goes on. Queenstown photographer Sheena Haywood shot the images of models from local agency Ican -- after Auckland model agencies turned down the job when they heard where the images were going to be placed. Queenstown Signs made up the huge posters which are protected (naturally enough) by a backlit glass wall, and there are plans to change the images on a regular basis. Flush with success, Sofitel General Manager Mark Wilkinson said the men’s “loo art” had been a great talking point. “It emulates the ‘signature toilets’ of some great hotel complexes around the world such as those in Hong Kong's Peninsula hotel, and the 35th floor toilets with an amazing wrap-around view in the Sofitel Melbourne. Mr Wilkinson said he was now under pressure from those of the female persuasion to decorate the neighbouring women’s toilets with something equally eye-catching.

Like the Men “Toilets of Hotel Negresco” at Nice (France), it is so strange. You are in a Top Property (4 stars luxury hotel / Member of the Leading Hotels of the World), known as one of the most beautiful and prestigious hotel of the French Riviera. When you arrive at the main men restroom of the hotel, you are in a real jungle with some forest sounds, bamboos and an employee with traditional African clothes who clean the toilet.

As a conclusion, more and more General Managers search and most of the time found some new concepts to promote their proprieties. Congratulations to Mr Wilkinson who success with this new idea.

The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. Posts All-Time Record Results for 2006


The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. enjoyed another successful year in 2006, with roomnight sales climbing to over 1.6 million.


The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. is the prestigious luxury hospitality organization representing 430 of the world's finest hotels, resorts and spas. Headquartered in New York City, the company maintains a network of 24 regional offices in key cities around the world.

Each year, The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. publishes a Directory of its member hotels, which is only one of the company's marketing endeavours. Additional services provided by the organization include extensive sales and promotional activities, advertising and public relations support, and an array of special programs for member hotels and their guests.

As a conclusion, I would like to mention that The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. delivered the highest average rate in the luxury hotel sector. The average room rate continued its upward trend to USD 412 from USD 382 in 2005, an increase of USD 30 year on year, marking the highest ADR ever achieved by the company in its 79-year history. The Leading Hotels of the World understands the finer points of hospitality and luxury. The Leading Hotels of the World's featured hotels cater to the discriminating few, where first class service is a norm rather than an exception. The Leading Hotels of the World features small luxury hotels, resort hotels as well as world-renowned stately hotels offering all the possibilities for family getaways, romantic escapades and business meetings.


www.hospitalitynet.org/news/154000320/4030645.html

Homewood Suites By Hilton Announces Plans For Video Ipod® Training


Offers the latest in technology for employee training and communications

Article posted by Annelore Hue on March 15th, 2007


Annelore has completely right when she talks about the new technology in hotel industry. Like her, I think it's a great idea and way to introduce new techonology into hotels. Consequently, staff members will be entertained and charmed by that new form of training.

Homewood Suites by Hilton is part of Hilton Hotels Corporation a leading global hospitality company, with more than 2,900 hotels and 500,000 rooms in more than 80 countries, including 105,000 team members worldwide.

The video iPod® provides a number of innovative opportunities for Homewood Suites in employee training, sales communications and performance coaching. The iPod’s® portability, flexibility and simple to use technology will provide ongoing updates to employees, creating a simple, easy-to-use training method.

To conclude, Apple success one more time with this new project to implement Video iPod into properties like Hilton. More recently and as an example of the arrival of new technologies, the Hotel Meurice, famous Parisian palace, has implemented a “iHome” in each rooms. Now, customers can enjoy the music and the video via a beautiful iPod.


http://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/154000320/4030657.html

Jumeirah signs global business partnership with SoftBrands



The famous Group Jueirah International has chosen to implement new software called SoftBrands Next generation throughout its portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts in order to manage its properties more easily & efficiently.

Jumeirah is an international luxury hotel chain and part of Dubai Holdings, which is owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Jumeirah's portfolio includings the world-famous Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the third-highest hotel in the world. It has It also manages the Wild Wadi Water Park and runs both The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management and Jumeirah Hospitality. Whilst the majority of Jumeirah's hotels are based in Dubai, they are expanding aggressively overseas. As at April 2007, it has 2 properties in England and 1 in overseas. It also has hotels in development in Bermuda, China, Jordan, Qatar, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

SoftBrands, Inc. is a leader in providing software solutions for businesses in the manufacturing and hospitality industries worldwide. The company has established a global infrastructure for distribution, development and support of enterprise software, and has approximately 5,000 customers in more than 100 countries actively using its manufacturing and hospitality products. SoftBrands, which has nearly 900 employees, is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., with branch offices in Europe, India, Asia, Australia and Africa.

Regarding the implementation of the software, Jumeirah will automate its operations with the Epitome Property Management System and Core Central Reservation System. The Epitome Business Intelligence solution will gather, analyze and distribute information to management across Jumeirah’s global operations. When deployment of the systems is completed, the group will have easy access to centralized information, thereby enabling near real time monitoring of the properties performance to make pro-active decisions that will impact revenue respond quickly to the rapidly changing marketplace.

As a conclusion, Jumeirah International has chosen to success one more time with the implementation of this new revolutionary system which provides all the group needs to continue to guarantee an impeccable service and an amazing experience to their guests.



www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4030100.html

Discover a new kind of Spa...

Richmond Hotels Nua wellness Spa

The Seven kinds of Spas

Article posted by Annaik Simon on March 21st, 2007

Spas are one of the fastest-growing phenomenons in our culture today...

Annaik has chosen a very pertinent article. Indeed, through some explanations, Annaik suggests us a beautiful story in the world of the Spas.

As she said, there are seven kinds of Spas as follows:

* Cruise Ship Spa

* Day Spa

* Destination Spa

* Medical Spa

* Mineral Springs Spa

* Resort/Hotel Spa

As a conclusion, I would like to mention that the number of spa visitors has increased 16 percent over last year with an average of 33,000 annual visits per spa.

TOP SPA TRENDS OF 2007

1) Healthy Sleep At The Spa

Healthy sleep joins exercise, nutrition and stress management at the spa. Hotels and resorts will put greater emphasis on creating ideal sleep environments through minimal light and sound, aromatherapy, and ultra-relaxing spa treatments. At destination spas, sleep specialists will help educate, diagnose and treat sleep apnea, insomnia and other disorders.

2) Detox At The Spa

As the culture continues to identify more "toxins" - such as dietary no-no's, stress, and environmental pollution - look for more people to turn to spas for a range of detox solutions, including relaxation, all-organic diets, sweating (exercise, steams and saunas), and the purging of emotional baggage through one-on-one or group therapy work.

3) Spa Retreats At Resort Spas

For years destination spas have offered "specialty weeks" in yoga, sexual health, or medical concerns such as arthritis or quitting smoking. Now resorts and hotels are getting into the retreat business, adding specialty programs or special accommodations that appeal to their past guests.

4) Medical Tourism

In Search of Affordable Health Americans are going online and discovering global destinations that offer cutting-edge medical procedures for a fraction of the cost ... often in beautiful, culturally rich locales like Bangkok, South Africa and India. Many hotel and resort spa recognize the new opportunity that medical tourism presents and market themselves as ideal pre- and post-operation stays.

5) Move into a Spa Lifestyle Community...and Bring the Kids

Recognizing the growing priority among parents on raising their children in an active, healthful, communal environment (and avoiding the growing problems of childhood obesity and diabetes), more spa lifestyle communities will offer structured outdoor/exercise activities and healthy eating options just for children.

6) The Bottom Line Becomes a Top-Line Consideration

More spa trends in the New Year will be driven by the bottom line. Look for more “destaffed” spa treatments or experiences like the Kuyum at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, where same-sex groups of eight slather themselves with mud in a heated room and experience a guided meditation with a pre-recorded voice.

7) Social Spa-ing

For hundreds of years, "taking the waters" had been a social event, but more recently hydrotherapy have become solo undertakings. SpaFinder predicts the search for spa solitude will be trumped by the natural desire for community and a growing awareness that social interaction is an important aspect of health.

8) How Green Is My Spa?

Consumers are now factoring in a spa's green commitment when they choose a spa, and they're looking for a spa that does more than just recycle and offer organic food. Both spas and spa consumers are getting serious about terms like "natural," "organic," "holistic," "green," "eco-friendly," and "sustainable."

9) Beauty Inside-Out and Outside-In

The spa industry will continue to lead innovation in skincare with new technologies and programs that recognize that beauty is much more than skin deep. Consumers will become more aware of anti-aging foods rich in antioxidants - such as berries, dark green leafy vegetables, salmon, and nuts - as well as a new generation of clinically enhanced skincare products.

10) Spa Fusion

Look for more combined modalities that are even more beneficial than the sum of their parts, such as Thai massage (a fusion of yoga stretches and massage), Watsu (water and shiatsu) and yogalates (yoga and Pilates).

http://www.4hoteliers.com/4hots_fshw.php?mwi=382

The Plaza: The Most Famous Hotel in the World?


“The famous Plaza Hotel is scheduled to reopen at the end of 2007 with a 100 year anniversary celebration.”


The Plaza Hotel in New York City is a landmark 19-story luxury hotel that occupies the west side of Grand Army Plaza, from which it derives its name, and extends along Central Park South in Manhattan. Fifth Avenue extends along the east side of Grand Army Plaza. The Plaza is the second hotel of that name on the site. The French Renaissance château-style building was designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh and opened to the public October 1, 1907. The Plaza was accorded landmark status by New York City's Landmark Commission in 1969 and is, with the Waldorf-Astoria, the only New York City hotel to be designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Donald Trump bought the Plaza for $407.5 million in 1988. Trump commented on his purchase in a full-page open letter he had published in The New York Times: I haven't purchased a building, I have purchased a masterpiece — the Mona Lisa. For the first time in my life, I have knowingly made a deal that was not economic — for I can never justify the price I paid, no matter how successful the Plaza becomes. Trump sold the hotel for $325 million in 1995 to a partnership between Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Millennium & Copthorne Hotels. It was sold again in 2004 for $675 million to a Manhattan developer, Elad Properties. Elad closed The Plaza on April 30, 2005, to undergo extensive renovations.

After $350 million of renovation, The Plaza will reopen with 130 rooms and 152 condo-hotel units. Prices for the 152 condominium suites range from $1.6 million to more than $9 million which works out to $3800 to $6000 per square foot. Mike Naftali of Elad Properties, which is redeveloping the Plaza Hotel, is focusing on the most expensive condos with prices starting at $1.6 million for a one-bedroom suite. The hotel portion, to be managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, will have HDTV’s wireless Internet access and a touchscreen for ordering room service, retrieving a car from the valet and making dinner reservations.

As a conclusion, the reopening of The Plaza at the end of 2007 is an incredible new for hotel industry (Employees & Clients). It is the renewal of a legend hotel. Landmark of New York like The Empire States Building, The Plaza is the hotel of the Stars and especially the Star of the hotels. With high quality of services, a very professional staff and an atmosphere of Palace, it is your home at New York. From my point of view, The Plaza is not the most famous in the world but certainly ONE of the most famous hotels in the world.


www.hospitalitynet.org/news/154000320/4030751.html