We'll start putting some travel tips and advice on here again for you all but if you have any questions or problems, please email me and I will get the answer for you or offer suggestions depending on your need.
Showing posts with label Hotels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hotels. Show all posts
Friday, December 04, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Customer service and hospitality
When you go into a hotel or any type of business and you hear about customer service and hospitality, does it ever feel fake? The words ring hollow to often because they say them as long as you can bring money to them and it is a one way street. Once you need them to extend a favor or the hospitality back your way they just don't seem to care about you like they did before.
I've heard many frequent flyers and hotel chain members who complain about being one night or flight short of reaching the top level of membership and when they ask for the night to be given to them, they are told no. Yet when these companies need the business of the travelers, like now or after 9/11 they said and did all the right things to get people to come back and stay or fly with them. Soon after business was back to normal, they eased back and starting changing they way they handled frequent travelers needs.
Now I understand that businesses are in business to make money and I'm all for that but please don't be fake and pretend like you care so much about the customer. Yes, I've been in the hospitality industry for most of 20 years and most people that I've worked for truly care to keep the guest happy and it can be discouraging when you are told to do things a certain way and then at some point in begins to change and it is solely to save money.
Getting out and communicating with the public through Twitter, blogs, emails, newsletters and the like are great but people can see when you truly care and when you are just looking to get their money. They don't want to be nickeled and dimed to death but would be willing to pay a decent price to have everything included.
I would love to see the best of both worlds come together. The modern convenience and technology mixed with the old-school way of caring for the person right in front of you and not just seeing them as a dollar sign or a number.
As the economy changes and people reevaluate how they do business and whether or not they even have to travel will begin to see many businesses change how they treat the public. If not, they may not make it long term.
Southwest Airlines is a great example of that. They do things that make flying with them a joy. The other airlines don't and then they complain about the things that Southwest Airlines does. Change or close up shop may be the answer.
I just want the companies and businesses to do what they say and be genuine. Don't be shy about making money but don't try to rip everyone off in the process or be two-faced about it.
Thanks and have a good day.
I've heard many frequent flyers and hotel chain members who complain about being one night or flight short of reaching the top level of membership and when they ask for the night to be given to them, they are told no. Yet when these companies need the business of the travelers, like now or after 9/11 they said and did all the right things to get people to come back and stay or fly with them. Soon after business was back to normal, they eased back and starting changing they way they handled frequent travelers needs.
Now I understand that businesses are in business to make money and I'm all for that but please don't be fake and pretend like you care so much about the customer. Yes, I've been in the hospitality industry for most of 20 years and most people that I've worked for truly care to keep the guest happy and it can be discouraging when you are told to do things a certain way and then at some point in begins to change and it is solely to save money.
Getting out and communicating with the public through Twitter, blogs, emails, newsletters and the like are great but people can see when you truly care and when you are just looking to get their money. They don't want to be nickeled and dimed to death but would be willing to pay a decent price to have everything included.
I would love to see the best of both worlds come together. The modern convenience and technology mixed with the old-school way of caring for the person right in front of you and not just seeing them as a dollar sign or a number.
As the economy changes and people reevaluate how they do business and whether or not they even have to travel will begin to see many businesses change how they treat the public. If not, they may not make it long term.
Southwest Airlines is a great example of that. They do things that make flying with them a joy. The other airlines don't and then they complain about the things that Southwest Airlines does. Change or close up shop may be the answer.
I just want the companies and businesses to do what they say and be genuine. Don't be shy about making money but don't try to rip everyone off in the process or be two-faced about it.
Thanks and have a good day.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Advice on making reservations through "online reservation companies"
When making reservations through another company, just understand that it might be a little easier to deal directly with the hotel. Sometimes the rates are cheaper and if you need to make changes on your reservation, it is much easier to work with the hotel directly.
You will find some good bargains and some nice trips through these other companies and they often work without a glitch or a problem. Just check all sources before booking to insure you have the best possible way of dealing with problems while on the trip.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Good Life Aficionado - Keycards and Pay to use toilets
Read the story about Ryanair in the Washington Times newspaper. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/28/ryanair-chief-mulls-pay-toilets-on-flights/
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Free night, free breakfast at Marriott
This is a nice deal from Marriott. Check it out and enjoy a night or two "away" even if you never leave your home city.
~Corey
Warm up to a hearty breakfast, served with extra elegance. Book by January 26, get a free buffet breakfast for two when you stay the weekend between January 15 and March 29.
Learn more about this and other deals with Marriott by visiting HERE.
~Corey
Warm up to a hearty breakfast, served with extra elegance. Book by January 26, get a free buffet breakfast for two when you stay the weekend between January 15 and March 29.
Learn more about this and other deals with Marriott by visiting HERE.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Aloft Hotels in Nashville
Aloft Nashville Downtown and Aloft Nashville Airport will both offer 136 spacious, loft-like rooms, tech-savvy touches and a hip, social atmosphere.
"Starwood's newest lifestyle brand, Aloft is stylish, fun and affordable - a perfect match for the dynamic city of Nashville," said Brian McGuinness, Vice President of Aloft and Element hotels worldwide."Known as Music City USA, Nashville appeals to youthful-minded travelers with its thriving music scene, superb dining, shopping and entertainment."
~
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Marriott discounts in Europe this weekend- eBreaks
eBreaks®! Save at least 20% this weekend.
Thursday 7/10 through Sunday 7/13
Belgium - Brussels
$103-$126
Italy - Venice
$148
Germany - Frankfurt
$119
Germany - Heidelberg
$94-$118
United Kingdom - Central England - Huntingdon
$84-$98
United Kingdom - Central England - Peterborough
$71-$91
Rates are per night. Thursday requires a Friday night stay. Sunday requires a Saturday night stay.
Please note that some hotels only offer eBreaks rates Friday - Sunday. View Terms & Conditions >>
Each week Marriott eBreaks® offers exclusive last-minute weekend rates for Marriott® hotels in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. You'll find rates at least 20% off for this weekend (Thursday-Sunday). See more eBreaks worldwide >>
When booking online, be sure to include MEB in the corporate/promotional box. To reserve by phone, call 1-800-752-7571 and ask for Marriott eBreaks. Or, call one of their worldwide reservation centers >>
Marriott eBreaks rates are exclusive to members of the eBreaks program. Therefore, they do not qualify for Marriott's Look No Further® Best Rate Guarantee.
Thursday 7/10 through Sunday 7/13
Belgium - Brussels
$103-$126
Italy - Venice
$148
Germany - Frankfurt
$119
Germany - Heidelberg
$94-$118
United Kingdom - Central England - Huntingdon
$84-$98
United Kingdom - Central England - Peterborough
$71-$91
Rates are per night. Thursday requires a Friday night stay. Sunday requires a Saturday night stay.
Please note that some hotels only offer eBreaks rates Friday - Sunday. View Terms & Conditions >>
Each week Marriott eBreaks® offers exclusive last-minute weekend rates for Marriott® hotels in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. You'll find rates at least 20% off for this weekend (Thursday-Sunday). See more eBreaks worldwide >>
When booking online, be sure to include MEB in the corporate/promotional box. To reserve by phone, call 1-800-752-7571 and ask for Marriott eBreaks. Or, call one of their worldwide reservation centers >>
Marriott eBreaks rates are exclusive to members of the eBreaks program. Therefore, they do not qualify for Marriott's Look No Further® Best Rate Guarantee.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
A smokey, earthy coffee from Nigeria
I met gentleman at my hotel the other day from Nigeria and he gave me a bag of coffee from his country before he left. It was really good coffee that was both smokey, earthy with a full flavor. I would have never had the pleasure of trying this coffee if I hadn't met this fine man. I am very grateful for his generosity.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
eBreaks®! Save at least 20% this weekend- Thursday 2/28 through Sunday 3/2
Alabama - Huntsville
$66-$79
New Hampshire - Manchester-Concord
$68-$87
Alabama - Montgomery
$68-$87
New Mexico - Santa Fe
$63-$87
Arkansas - Multiple Cities
$52-$79
New York - White Plains
$111-$127
California - Oakland
$71-$119
North Carolina - Asheville
$83-$127
California - Ontario-Riverside
$88
North Carolina - Fayetteville
$74-$89
California - Sacramento
$59-$111
North Carolina - Raleigh Durham
$55-$119
California - San Francisco
$63-$135
Ohio - Canton-Akron
$71-$87
Colorado - Boulder
$63-$135
Ohio - Cincinnati
$55-$126
Colorado - Colorado Springs
$71-$135
Oregon - Portland
$68-$95
Colorado - Denver
$55-$111
Pennsylvania - Harrisburg
$79-$87
Connecticut - Hartford
$67-$151
Pennsylvania - Multiple Cities
$71-$99
Georgia - Atlanta
$51-$111
Pennsylvania - Philadelphia
$75-$111
Illinois - Chicago
$55-$159
Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh
$67-$191
Indiana - Indianapolis
$63-$120
Rhode Island - Providence
$87-$143
Indiana - South Bend
$63-$95
South Carolina - Greenville-Spartanburg
$63-$119
Iowa - Cedar Rapids
$64-$95
Tennessee - Knoxville
$71-$107
Maine - Portland
$71-$87
Texas - Dallas-Ft Worth
$47-$135
Maryland - Baltimore
$79-$207
Washington - Seattle
$71-$111
Massachusetts - Boston
$55-$183
Wisconsin - Multiple Cities
$71-$127
Michigan - Detroit
$51-$119
Michigan - Grand Rapids
$71-$88
Michigan - Lansing
$71
Minnesota - Minneapolis-St Paul
$56-$280
Missouri - Multiple Cities
$63-$79
Missouri - St Louis
$55-$123
Outside the U.S.
Brazil - Costa Do Sauipe
$234-$266
Canada - Halifax
$87-$95 CAD
Canada - Montreal
$84-$146 CAD
Dominican Republic - Santiago
$74
$66-$79
New Hampshire - Manchester-Concord
$68-$87
Alabama - Montgomery
$68-$87
New Mexico - Santa Fe
$63-$87
Arkansas - Multiple Cities
$52-$79
New York - White Plains
$111-$127
California - Oakland
$71-$119
North Carolina - Asheville
$83-$127
California - Ontario-Riverside
$88
North Carolina - Fayetteville
$74-$89
California - Sacramento
$59-$111
North Carolina - Raleigh Durham
$55-$119
California - San Francisco
$63-$135
Ohio - Canton-Akron
$71-$87
Colorado - Boulder
$63-$135
Ohio - Cincinnati
$55-$126
Colorado - Colorado Springs
$71-$135
Oregon - Portland
$68-$95
Colorado - Denver
$55-$111
Pennsylvania - Harrisburg
$79-$87
Connecticut - Hartford
$67-$151
Pennsylvania - Multiple Cities
$71-$99
Georgia - Atlanta
$51-$111
Pennsylvania - Philadelphia
$75-$111
Illinois - Chicago
$55-$159
Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh
$67-$191
Indiana - Indianapolis
$63-$120
Rhode Island - Providence
$87-$143
Indiana - South Bend
$63-$95
South Carolina - Greenville-Spartanburg
$63-$119
Iowa - Cedar Rapids
$64-$95
Tennessee - Knoxville
$71-$107
Maine - Portland
$71-$87
Texas - Dallas-Ft Worth
$47-$135
Maryland - Baltimore
$79-$207
Washington - Seattle
$71-$111
Massachusetts - Boston
$55-$183
Wisconsin - Multiple Cities
$71-$127
Michigan - Detroit
$51-$119
Michigan - Grand Rapids
$71-$88
Michigan - Lansing
$71
Minnesota - Minneapolis-St Paul
$56-$280
Missouri - Multiple Cities
$63-$79
Missouri - St Louis
$55-$123
Outside the U.S.
Brazil - Costa Do Sauipe
$234-$266
Canada - Halifax
$87-$95 CAD
Canada - Montreal
$84-$146 CAD
Dominican Republic - Santiago
$74
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Marriott ebreaks, February 14-17
Alabama - Florence
$103
New Jersey - Newark
$55-$135
Alabama - Huntsville
$66-$79
New Jersey - Trenton-Princeton
$71-$111
Alaska - Anchorage
$71-$72
New York - Rochester
$119-$175
Arizona - Tucson
$95-$279
New York - White Plains
$111-$127
Arkansas - Little Rock
$56-$87
North Carolina - Greensboro
$71-$143
California - Oxnard
$95
North Carolina - Raleigh Durham
$59-$119
California - Sacramento
$67-$111
Ohio - Cincinnati
$55-$96
Colorado - Boulder
$63-$87
Ohio - Cleveland
$63-$127
Colorado - Colorado Springs
$71-$79
Ohio - Toledo
$71-$79
Colorado - Denver
$47-$159
Ohio - Youngstown
$71-$79
Connecticut - New Haven
$63-$91
Oklahoma - Lawton
$71-$83
District Of Columbia - Washington Metro
$55-$151
Oklahoma - Oklahoma City
$95-$103
Idaho - Boise
$63-$119
Pennsylvania - Harrisburg
$79-$103
Illinois - Chicago
$55-$143
South Carolina - Columbia
$63-$95
Illinois - Multiple Cities
$66-$73
South Carolina - Greenville-Spartanburg
$56-$119
Kentucky - Multiple Cities
$63-$71
Tennessee - Knoxville
$63-$95
Maine - Portland
$71-$87
Tennessee - Memphis
$63-$80
Maryland - Salisbury
$67-$71
Virginia - Richmond
$71-$119
Massachusetts - Boston
$55-$135
Virginia - Williamsburg-Newport News
$71-$111
Massachusetts - Multiple Cities
$63-$111
Wisconsin - Milwaukee
$55-$79
Michigan - Detroit
$63-$119
Missouri - Kansas City
$63-$111
Missouri - St Louis
$55-$123
~~~Outside the U.S.
Canada - Halifax
$87-$95 CAD
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Marriott Opens a New Line of Boutique Hotels called "Edition"
Edition was the brainchild of Ian Schrager. He's the guy who created the whole boutique hotel segment with exciting hotels like the Mondrian in West Hollywood, the Delano in Miami and my very favorite, the Gramercy Park in New York. Ian is a creative genius and that's one of the reasons why we partnered with him seven months ago.
When we first looked at the boutique hotel segment, we knew there was an opportunity for a unique concept on a global scale. We now have 18 lodging brands, but we were not a player in the boutique sector. We also recognized where our company's strengths were and where we could benefit from outside expertise, and that led us to Ian Schrager.
When we first looked at the boutique hotel segment, we knew there was an opportunity for a unique concept on a global scale. We now have 18 lodging brands, but we were not a player in the boutique sector. We also recognized where our company's strengths were and where we could benefit from outside expertise, and that led us to Ian Schrager.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
How May I Love You? ask the hotel hotel operator
I once worked with a young lady at a hotel in Nashville and she worked at the front desk and also answered phones for a short time.
When the phones would ring you had to answer with "This is 'Bonnie', how may I help you?" which become easy after you did it for a while.
Once a coworker had been talking to this young lady about dating, love and stuff when the phone rang, she answered "This is "Bonnie" at your service, how may I love you?
She just about died but the guy on the other end of the phone either didn't hear her or acted like he didn't. He told her what he needed and hung up. She was relieved but was cautious how she answered the phone after that.
Marriott eBreaks for this week; Thursday January 31 through Sunday February 3
Alabama - Birmingham
$75
Missouri - Kansas City
$63-$87
California - Los Angeles
$83-$183
New Jersey - Atlantic City
$79
California - Palm Springs
$159-$279
New Jersey - Newark
$55-$151
California - San Diego
$111-$228
New Mexico - Albuquerque
$55-$96
Colorado - Grand Junction
$111-$119
New York - Buffalo
$79
Connecticut - New Haven
$63-$103
New York - Long Island
$87-$91
Delaware - Wilmington
$95-$119
North Carolina - Charlotte
$63-$127
Florida - Boca Raton-West Palm Beach
$135-$247
North Carolina - Wilmington
$83-$103
Florida - Gainesville-Ocala
$87-$95
Ohio - Dayton
$59-$95
Florida - Miami
$103-$319
South Carolina - Charleston
$88-$135
Florida - Naples-Fort Myers
$79-$247
South Carolina - Myrtle Beach
$56-$101
Florida - Orlando
$79-$223
South Dakota - Sioux Falls
$80-$88
Florida - Tampa
$79-$199
Texas - Austin
$63-$183
Georgia - Savannah
$83-$119
Texas - Houston
$63-$119
Idaho - Idaho Falls
$87
Texas - Multiple Cities
$64-$183
Iowa - Des Moines
$71-$95
Utah - Salt Lake City
$71-$103
Kansas - Multiple Cities
$58-$72
Kansas - Wichita
$67-$95
Louisiana - Baton Rouge
$71-$111
$75
Missouri - Kansas City
$63-$87
California - Los Angeles
$83-$183
New Jersey - Atlantic City
$79
California - Palm Springs
$159-$279
New Jersey - Newark
$55-$151
California - San Diego
$111-$228
New Mexico - Albuquerque
$55-$96
Colorado - Grand Junction
$111-$119
New York - Buffalo
$79
Connecticut - New Haven
$63-$103
New York - Long Island
$87-$91
Delaware - Wilmington
$95-$119
North Carolina - Charlotte
$63-$127
Florida - Boca Raton-West Palm Beach
$135-$247
North Carolina - Wilmington
$83-$103
Florida - Gainesville-Ocala
$87-$95
Ohio - Dayton
$59-$95
Florida - Miami
$103-$319
South Carolina - Charleston
$88-$135
Florida - Naples-Fort Myers
$79-$247
South Carolina - Myrtle Beach
$56-$101
Florida - Orlando
$79-$223
South Dakota - Sioux Falls
$80-$88
Florida - Tampa
$79-$199
Texas - Austin
$63-$183
Georgia - Savannah
$83-$119
Texas - Houston
$63-$119
Idaho - Idaho Falls
$87
Texas - Multiple Cities
$64-$183
Iowa - Des Moines
$71-$95
Utah - Salt Lake City
$71-$103
Kansas - Multiple Cities
$58-$72
Kansas - Wichita
$67-$95
Louisiana - Baton Rouge
$71-$111
~~~~~
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Marriott eBreaks for January 24-27
Alabama - Birmingham
$75-$175
New York - Long Island
$87-$91
Alaska - Multiple Cities
$67-$74
New York - New York
$119-$295
Arizona - Phoenix
$87-$239
North Carolina - Multiple Cities
$64-$111
California - San Jose
$63-$103
North Carolina - Raleigh Durham
$59-$127
Colorado - Boulder
$63-$119
Ohio - Dayton
$59-$95
Colorado - Multiple Cities
$71-$119
Oregon - Portland
$67-$95
Connecticut - Multiple Cities
$71-$199
Pennsylvania - Philadelphia
$71-$159
Delaware - Dover
$79-$83
Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh
$79-$191
Florida - Multiple Cities
$67-$127
South Carolina - Columbia
$62-$76
Illinois - Chicago
$55-$143
Tennessee - Multiple Cities
$59-$103
Iowa - Des Moines
$71-$95
Texas - Dallas-Ft Worth
$55-$159
Kentucky - Multiple Cities
$63-$84
Texas - San Antonio
$71-$216
Maine - Portland
$71-$87
Washington - Seattle
$71-$95
Maryland - Baltimore
$87-$111
Missouri - Kansas City
$63-$119
Missouri - Multiple Cities
$63-$95
Montana - Billings
$99-$103
New Mexico - Santa Fe
$63-$107
Outside the U.S.
Aruba - Palm Beach
$375-$495
Canada - Toronto
$71-$119 CAD
Guatemala - Guatemala City
$84
$75-$175
New York - Long Island
$87-$91
Alaska - Multiple Cities
$67-$74
New York - New York
$119-$295
Arizona - Phoenix
$87-$239
North Carolina - Multiple Cities
$64-$111
California - San Jose
$63-$103
North Carolina - Raleigh Durham
$59-$127
Colorado - Boulder
$63-$119
Ohio - Dayton
$59-$95
Colorado - Multiple Cities
$71-$119
Oregon - Portland
$67-$95
Connecticut - Multiple Cities
$71-$199
Pennsylvania - Philadelphia
$71-$159
Delaware - Dover
$79-$83
Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh
$79-$191
Florida - Multiple Cities
$67-$127
South Carolina - Columbia
$62-$76
Illinois - Chicago
$55-$143
Tennessee - Multiple Cities
$59-$103
Iowa - Des Moines
$71-$95
Texas - Dallas-Ft Worth
$55-$159
Kentucky - Multiple Cities
$63-$84
Texas - San Antonio
$71-$216
Maine - Portland
$71-$87
Washington - Seattle
$71-$95
Maryland - Baltimore
$87-$111
Missouri - Kansas City
$63-$119
Missouri - Multiple Cities
$63-$95
Montana - Billings
$99-$103
New Mexico - Santa Fe
$63-$107
Outside the U.S.
Aruba - Palm Beach
$375-$495
Canada - Toronto
$71-$119 CAD
Guatemala - Guatemala City
$84
Monday, January 14, 2008
Marriott eBreaks®! this weekend; January 17-20
Save at least 20% this weekend.
Thursday, January 17 through Sunday, January 20
Alabama - Multiple Cities
$71-$103
Nebraska - Multiple Cities
$71-$103
Arkansas - Multiple Cities
$55-$111
New Jersey - Newark
$55-$96
California - Oakland
$67-$119
New Jersey - Trenton-Princeton
$71-$87
California - Sacramento
$67-$112
North Carolina - Charlotte
$63-$95
California - San Francisco
$71-$183
North Carolina - Greensboro
$71-$87
Colorado - Denver
$55-$119
Ohio - Columbus
$59-$127
Connecticut - Hartford
$67-$151
South Carolina - Florence
$51
Georgia - Multiple Cities
$71-$103
South Carolina - Greenville-Spartanburg
$59-$119
Idaho - Multiple Cities
$63-$119
South Carolina - Myrtle Beach
$63-$71
Indiana - Multiple Cities
$60-$95
Tennessee - Knoxville
$59-$107
Kentucky - Louisville
$59-$127
Tennessee - Memphis
$55-$80
Maryland - Salisbury
$67-$71
Texas - Houston
$71-$103
Massachusetts - Boston
$59-$143
Washington - Multiple Cities
$71-$87
Michigan - Detroit
$55-$96
Michigan - Multiple Cities
$63-$95
Missouri - St Louis
$55-$123
Mississippi - Multiple Cities
$63-$79
Outside the U.S.
Canada - Montreal
$71-$111 CAD
Canada - Ottawa
$95 CAD
Rates are per night. Thursday requires a Friday night stay. Sunday requires a Saturday night stay.
Please note that some hotels only offer eBreaks rates Friday - Sunday. View Terms & Conditions >>
Each week Marriott eBreaks® offers exclusive last-minute weekend rates for Marriott® hotels in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. You'll find rates at least 20% off for this weekend (Thursday-Sunday). See more eBreaks worldwide >>
When booking online, be sure to include MEB in the corporate/promotional box. To reserve by phone, call 1-800-752-7571 and ask for Marriott eBreaks. Or, call one of our worldwide reservation centers >>
Marriott eBreaks rates are exclusive to members of the eBreaks program. Therefore, they do not qualify for Marriott's Look No Further® Best Rate Guarantee.
Got this email from a friend? Sign up to get Marriott's best weekend rates delivered to your inbox >>
Sunday, January 13, 2008
For hotels, pampering is a fine art
No time for the local museum on an overnight trip? Try lingering at your hotel.
A new breed of hotels is dressing up walls, lobbies and guest rooms with original artworks from a mix of famous, midcareer and promising artists. Instead of hanging bland or factory-produced art that blends in with the background, they're choosing memorable — and in many cases, very expensive — works. A growing number of hoteliers think that art can help them create an experience that will draw more travelers.
Louisville, for instance, has the 91-room 21c Museum Hotel, opened two years ago by developer Steve Wilson and his wife, Laura Lee Brown,to showcase some of their $10 million contemporary art collection. It includes Text Rain, an interactive video installation by conceptual artists Camille Utterback, an American, and Romy Achituv, an Israeli.
~~~~~~~
Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson says the 21c is sparking interest around the world, and it is boosting Louisville's profile as its downtown area undergoes a massive makeover with lofts, condominiums and new towers.
"It creates a buzz," Abramson says. Visitors "walk away with a feeling that Louisville's becoming much more of an edgy community than what they'd originally perceived."
At 21c, Wilson says, he has sought to balance serious, provocative works with whimsical works. The Wilsons don't want theirs to become one of those boutique hotels that "can get so cool, they're almost inhospitable," he says.
Sondland, the Seattle hotel developer, tends to feature works of local artists in his Provenance chain, which includes Hotel Preston in Nashville and Hotel Max in Seattle. He's building the Murano, home of the glass ships, in a converted Sheraton built in the 1980s.
"We're trying to give travelers the ability to roam the building and nurture their souls," says Sondland, who's been investing in hotels for more than two decades —and collecting art longer. But good art also is good business.
Read the entire story in the USA Today.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
Holiday Inn Changing to be Competive Again
by Joe Sharkey
The early years of Holiday Inn, when it defined the middle-class Eisenhower-era version of the open road — consistent, safe, clean and as reassuring as the new Interstate System itself. Later, the highways were still dotted with those huge blazing neon-festooned Holiday Inn signs, which always looked to me as if they fell off a truck on their way to Las Vegas. But by the 1980s, the signs were flashing a different message: inconsistent, indifferent, left behind on the wrong side of the interchange.
The so-called Great Sign was abandoned in 1982 in favor of less ostentatious displays. In recent years, Holiday Inn, now owned by InterContinental Hotels Group of London, has recovered from its decline and is expanding aggressively. There are now more than 3,100, including over 500 abroad.
Quietly, the hotel chain has been weeding out underperforming properties. “We were removing 100 to 150 hotels a year,” mostly older properties in the Unites States that “for a variety of reasons weren’t living up to expectations,” said Stevan D. Porter, the president of the Americas division of InterContinental. Hotels that lose their brand license often affiliate with other chains or become independent.
“Baby boomers and older Gen-Xers have an emotional connection” to the brand, he said. “For many people, it might evoke the first time they were ever in a hotel swimming pool, for example. This is a way to recapture that connection” while broadening the appeal, he added.
Read the entire article in the New York Times.
The early years of Holiday Inn, when it defined the middle-class Eisenhower-era version of the open road — consistent, safe, clean and as reassuring as the new Interstate System itself. Later, the highways were still dotted with those huge blazing neon-festooned Holiday Inn signs, which always looked to me as if they fell off a truck on their way to Las Vegas. But by the 1980s, the signs were flashing a different message: inconsistent, indifferent, left behind on the wrong side of the interchange.
The so-called Great Sign was abandoned in 1982 in favor of less ostentatious displays. In recent years, Holiday Inn, now owned by InterContinental Hotels Group of London, has recovered from its decline and is expanding aggressively. There are now more than 3,100, including over 500 abroad.
Quietly, the hotel chain has been weeding out underperforming properties. “We were removing 100 to 150 hotels a year,” mostly older properties in the Unites States that “for a variety of reasons weren’t living up to expectations,” said Stevan D. Porter, the president of the Americas division of InterContinental. Hotels that lose their brand license often affiliate with other chains or become independent.
“Baby boomers and older Gen-Xers have an emotional connection” to the brand, he said. “For many people, it might evoke the first time they were ever in a hotel swimming pool, for example. This is a way to recapture that connection” while broadening the appeal, he added.
Read the entire article in the New York Times.
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