All Entries Tagged With: "Hotels"

Hotels.com Guides Travelers To The Largest, Tallest And Grandest

DALLAS – May, 2012 – Want to come back from summer vacation with a big story to tell? Everyone knows thatHotels.com® is the authority when it comes to helping vacation-goers find the best deal, but this summer the go-to hotel booking site is also helping consumers go big or go home. Whether it’s the largest, tallest or grandest, Hotels.com has a recommendation for the perfect hotel for any wanderluster looking to experience a one-of-a-kind stay this summer.

Size Does Matter

• Biggest Hotel: First World Hotel, Genting Highlands, Malaysia (6,118 rooms). High among the peaks of the Titiwangsa Mountains stands the very colorful First World Hotel. It was officially crowned the biggest hotel in the world by Guinness Book of World Records for its over 6,000 modern guest rooms. It also boasts two towers that overlook a 500,000 square foot entertainment plaza with 11 restaurants, indoor and outdoor amusement parks, a rainforest and loads of shopping – just to name a few things.
• Biggest Suite: Grand Hills Hotel and Spa, Broumana, Lebanon (44,500 square feet). The Royal Residence has three floors of sprawling salons, living, and dining rooms and another three floors of luxurious bedrooms. Other perks include an in-suite wine cellar, garden and several private swimming pools.
• Biggest Lobby: Hyatt Regency, San Francisco, California (9,547,200 cubic feet). For many, this 15-story-high atrium is not just a place to check-in and out, or even an abnormally large lobby – it’s a piece of contemporary art. At the center of the 351-foot-long space is Charles O. Perry’s Eclipse, a 40-foot-high geodesic sphere rising from a reflecting pool into the soaring 170-foot-high space above.

Feel On Top Of the World

• Highest Elevation: Hotel Everest View (HEV), Namche, Nepal (13,000 feet above sea level). For a truly awe-inspiring experience, guests can stay at the HEV among Sherpas of the local villages near the base camp of Mount Everest. Every guest room has a panoramic view of the Majestic Mountain and 24-hour flow of fresh oxygen to help their bodies acclimate to the altitude shock.
• Highest Floors: Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong, China: (102-118 stories). At 1,600 feet above sea level, the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong is considerably closer to land than the HEV, but it’s nothing to shrug at, as it offers breath-taking views of another kind.
• Tallest: Park Hyatt, Shanghai, China (1,614 feet). Situated on the 79^th to 93^rd floors of the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Park Hyatt isn’t located quite as high as the Ritz Carlton, but it is perfect for those that want the thrill of staying in a building that towers over all but two other buildings in the entire world.

Living Large

• Largest Spa Resort: Shun Jing Hot Spring Hotel, Beijing, China (1,052,676 square feet). This Guinness World Record holder is so big it took nearly 10 years to build and for some it may take nearly as long to explore its wonders. From over 90 different Japanese-style baths to napping rooms to a movie theater, guests will be volunteering to stay for 10 years of bliss.
• Largest Pool: San Alfonso del Mar, Algarrobo, Chile (20 acres). Guests in this 66 million gallon man-made paradise never have to feel crowded as they have their choice of 3,323 feet of constantly circulated seawater. This $1.6 billion masterpiece offers a wide array of water activities, including some that you won’t find in any other hotel pool – sail boating anyone?
• Largest Bill: President Wilson Hotel, Geneva, Switzerland ($65,000 per night). The Royal Penthouse Suite offers spectacular views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, but those views have a hefty price tag, the largest in the world by far. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise as Switzerland has consistently placed on the top 20 most expensive countries list, according to the Hotel Price Index™ from Hotels.com. In fact, this year, it placed 17^th, with average prices rising by a notable 16 percent.

The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group and SAS Sign Partnership Agreement

BRUSSELS, May 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –

The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has announced it is now the exclusive hotel partner of SAS Credits, the corporate loyalty programme of SAS for Small and Medium Enterprises. The partnership agreement was signed in Stockholm by Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor, and Rickard Gustafson, CEO of SAS.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) can earn valuable Credits when their employees fly with SAS and selected Star Alliance affiliated airlines, and stay at Radisson Blu or Park Inn by Radisson hotels in Europe and the Middle East. These Credits can be redeemed for free flights or Rezidor e-Gift Cards. Not only does the business earn points, the individual travellers can also earn points for themselves when they present their personal loyalty membership card.

Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor, said: “We are delighted to lift our long term cooperation with SAS to new heights. We are already collaborating with SAS EuroBonus, the airline loyalty programme for individual travellers, and generate over 300,000 associated room nights per year. We are now expanding our partnership to SAS Credits and target the Small and Medium Businesses – a discretionary market that is growing strongly and has a huge untapped potential.”

SAS Credits is a leading loyalty programme for SME with more than 30,000 companies signed into the scheme, generating more than 1 million room nights per year. The programme exists in 22 countries, and the partnership that started with a test phase for SAS Credits companies based in Belgium, Denmark and Poland will be rolled-out in all these countries.

Rickard Gustafson, CEO of SAS, said: “Our SAS Credit program is unique within the airline industry and highly appreciated amongst small and medium-sized companies. With Rezidor as a new partner, our members are given a wider range of opportunities to earn credits, whilst at the same time it will lower their travel expenses.”

Eligible hotels include all Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson hotels in: Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland,Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and United Arab Emirates.

RIU opens today the Riu Palace Peninsula

Cancun, Mexico, May 4th 2012

The new Riu Palace Peninsula is the fourth hotel of the Spanish hotel chain in Cancun
The hotel, in which RIU invested 140 million dollars, stands out for its modern architecture and its spectacular views of the Caribbean and the Nichupte lagoon

After an investment of 140 million dollars, RIU Hotels & Resorts inaugurates today the Riu Palace Peninsula, a modern and luxurious 24 Hours All Inclusive beach front property located on a spectacular beach in Cancun. This will be the fourth property in this destination where the Spanish hotel chain already has three hotels: the Riu Cancun, Riu Caribe and Riu Palace Las Americas.

The Riu Palace Peninsula will belong to the luxury line of the hotel chain, which will be oriented to a more select and discerning clientele. The hotel will be characterised by its architecture and modern decoration, its high quality cuisine and its renowned 24 Hours All Inclusive programme. The exclusive and elegant hotel boasts a modern and contemporary architecture and its 562 rooms, which are distributed in a main building and 48 villas, enjoy a magnificent view of the Caribbean waters and an avant guard decoration.

“We hope the new Riu Palace Peninsula will give a new push to this destination which recently turned 40 years old. For us, this is another example of the importance that Mexico has in our development plans and the high quality that we seek to offer in this country”, stated Luis Riu, CEO of RIU Hotels & Resorts.

This hotel also features a fascinating attraction with a direct connection to the cultural roots of the region. On the grounds of the hotel lies an archaeological discovery of Mayan ruins called Ta’acul, meaning “that which remains hidden”. This cultural treasure was recently excavated by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) with funding provided by RIU, which is also responsible for the care and maintenance of the site.

Guests will be able to enjoy a rich gastronomic offer from its five specialty restaurants and the main restaurant ‘Las Olas’. The hotel will feature the Japanese ‘Kabuki’, the fusion restaurant ‘Krystal’, the Mexican ‘Tamales’, the Italian ‘Venecia’ and the stakehouse ‘Isla Mujeres’. Customers can also choose from seven different bars to sample the extensive menu of domestic and international cocktails, including the coffee and pastries from ‘Capuchino’ located in the spectacular lobby.

Besides the stunning white sand beach, ideal to relax under the sun or practice all kinds of water sports like windsurfing, kayaking or snorkeling, the hotel offers five swimming pools, one with integrated jacuzzi and swim up bar and one exclusive to the villas. The Riu Palace Peninsula will also provide a full entertainment programme during the day, a nightly entertainment show and a full Renova Spa, in which the gym, sauna and jacuzzi are included in the All Inclusive package.

Cancun is world famous for the unparalleled beauty of its white sand beaches, the Mayan culture, for the eco-tourism activities and the hospitality of the Mexican people.

Prestige Hotels of the World by Keytel hosts a fam trip for Russian touroperators in Barcelona and Lloret de Mar

Turisme de Barcelona, Turisme de Lloret, as well as high-end partners and member hotels belonging to PHW, did their utmost for them during a five-day action-packed program to ensure that their stay was as rewarding as possible.

Barcelona, 2 May 2012.- Last week, Prestige Hotels of the World by Keytel (PHW) organized a familiarization trip involving fifteen Russian tour operators from Moscow, who throughout the  five days of their stay visited some of the establishments making up the hotel representatives’ portfolio in the cities of Barcelona and Lloret de Mar. Through this initiative, tour operators get to know in greater detail some of the brand’s hotels as well as the major tourist attractions of the destinations Barcelona and Lloret de Mar, all of which is geared towards establishing partnerships for promotional purposes and increasing the flow of Russian tourists to PHW
destinations and their hotels.

Thus, the hotels visited were the Omm, the Condes de Barcelona, the Claris, Casa Fuster, the Eurostars Grand Marina, the Guitart Monterrey and the Santa Marta, the latter two in Lloret de Mar. In addition, Prestige Hotels of the World by Keytel (PHW) organized a work shop at the emblematic Hotel Casa Fuster, where tour operators had the chance to get to know other hotels in greater depth, such as Hotel Pacha and the Aguas de Ibiza, both of which are in Ibiza; the Pulitzer Barcelona and the Pulitzer Buenos Aires, the Claris Barcelona, the Granados 83 Barcelona, the Omm Barcelona, the Palace Barcelona, the Wellington Madrid, the Urban Madrid, NH Palacio de Tepa Madrid, NH Paseo del Prado Madrid, Hesperia Madrid, the Roca Negra Hotel & Spa de Agaete (Gran Canaria), NH Palacio de la Merced Burgos, the Pazo Los Escudos Vigo, the Guitart Monterrey Lloret de Mar and the Hotel Santa Marta, also from
Lloret de Mar, the Hotel Westminster Nice, The Caesar of London, the Banke Paris, the St Raphael Resort Limassol (Cyprus) and the Casa Fuster Barcelona itself, who did their absolute utmost in organizing the event.

In addition, the tour operators enjoyed all kinds of experiences with the PHW brand: they got to know about the legend of Sant Jordi with its rose and book tradition, enjoyed the visit to the Sagrada Familia and the famous Moritz Factory Barcelona, drove a high end sports car thanks to Gevicar and strolled around the beautiful gardens of Santa Clotilde of Lloret de Mar, all of which was offered by PHW with the help of collaborators like the official tourist promotion organizations Turisme de Barcelona and Turisme de Lloret, hotels belonging to the brand such as the Hotel Omm, the hotel Condes de Barcelona, the Claris, the Casa Fuster hotel, the Eurostars Grand Marina, the Guitart Monterrey and the Santa Marta along with the Hotel Miramar, who also contributed to this famtrip by welcoming the Russian group. PHW partners such as Godiva, Javier Simorra and Alqvimia took part in the famtrip by giving the Russian group exclusive products from their respective brands.

Both the Russian tour operators and the hotels taking part in this move were very pleased with this initiative by Prestige Hotel of the World by Keytel by putting them in contact with the luxury hotels that are particularly suitable for the needs of the extremely important emerging Russian tourist market.

Mövenpick Hotel Prague has received GREEN GLOBE Certification

Mövenpick Hotel Prague is the first company in Czech republic which received the internationally recognized Green Globe Certification. The handover took place 28^thMarch 2012 in the Mövenpick Hotel Prague, stylish in the green area of the Il Giardino restaurant’s terrace. Green Globe certification was granted on the basis of fulfilled criteria, after an intensive and thorough audit.

Green Globe is the first and leading world certification program improving the parameters developed specifically for travel and tourism. Green Globe helps organizations to improve their economic, social and environmental sustainability, while simultaneously rewarding and recognizing compliance with the relevant criteria.

Green Globe Certification provides certification, training and education, and marketing services in 83 countries worldwide. Based in Los Angeles, California and with partners in Mexico, South America, South Africa, Middle East, the Caribbean and Europe, Green Globe certification provides certification for the sustainable operations and management of travel and tourism companies.

Mövenpick Hotel Prague is very alert and aware of the need for a sustainable future, has an environmental activities plan and motivates employees and guests to participate actively in environmental protection, guarantees all clients that it is active in constantly improving environmental and social responsibility.  The philosophy of sustainability has become part of the daily life of Mövenpick Hotel Prague.

To achieve the internationally recognized, independently audited Green Globe certification, Mövenpick Hotel Prague had to provide detailed proof of environmental, social and employer-related sustainable practices across more than 300 criteria, of which 100 were mandatory. The Eco Green Globe Certification Standard is reviewed twice a year and is always updated to the highest international standards. To ensure compliance with the highest international standards an independent auditor is appointed by third parties, whose role is to work with clients on site.

According Dr. Peter Zimmer, independent auditor of Mövenpick Hotel Prague, the best 11 reasons for the Green Globe Certification:    

1. Employment of staff with disabilities

2. The land mark of the hotel, the “Cable Car”, is producing energy by itself.

3. Team buildings with the manager: planting trees

4. Low employee turnover

5. Up to 70% of all products are regional

6. Green Team in hotel since more than 10 years

7. Waste segregation system in place

8. Donation program in place (eg. summer camp)

9. Cooperation with UNICEF

10. Certified amenities in all rooms and public areas

11. planned Recycled wooden card keys and biodegradable pens

General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel Prague, Mr. Kamil Madej, is delighted with the recognition and says: “This prestigious certification of our hotel is a great recognition of our efforts in sustainability. The process of audit was not easy, I am proud that we have reached such a high result of 91% fulfilled criteria. I am very glad of great interest and new ideas of our employees and I hope that Mövenpick Hotel Prague will not remain the only company certified by Green Globe on the Czech Market for a long time.”

Marriott Recognized for Supporting Women-Owned Businesses

Marriott International was recently honored by The Women Presidents’ Educational Organization (WPEO) as an “Outstanding Corporation” for creating access for Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs) to private-sector opportunities.  The award is given to one New York-based and one Washington, D.C.-based WPEO Corporate Sponsor that has contributed to the WPEO, has supported other women in business and has developed innovative resources and initiatives for supplier diversity.

Radisson Blu Hotel Prague Restaurant Awarded First Michelin Star

The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has announced that the Radisson Blu Hotel Prague’s fine dining restaurant, “The Alcron”, been awarded its first Michelin star. The intimate restaurant featuring just 24 seats is headed by Czech chef Roman Paulus and offers an exclusive menu focused on fish and seafood.

“We are very proud of Roman Paulus and his professional, dedicated team. Michelin honors the best of the best only and “The Alcron” is a true jewel where our guests enjoy food and hospitality of outstanding quality,” said Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of the Rezidor Hotel Group that operates the hotel.

“The Alcron” opened its doors in 1932 and soon became a favourite venue for celebrities such as writer Frederick Forsyth, French cabaret owner Maurice Chevalier, U.S. General Douglas MacArthur and Czech athlete Emil Zatopek. Much like the Radisson Blu Prague hotel itself, the elegant dining room is designed in Art Déco style. It features an original fireplace from the 1930s and wall paintings of dancing couples by Tamara de Lempicka.

Chef Roman Paulus, who has worked in famous kitchens like at The Savoy in London and on board the legendary cruise liner “Queen Elizabeth II” before joining “The Alcron” four years ago, firmly believes in perfect, fresh ingredients and excellent service: “Food must have taste and be fun at the same time,” he said.

Together with David Patek, Food & Beverage Manager at the Radisson Blu Hotel Prague, Paulus has put together a carefully selected, rigorously trained and highly creative team at “The Alcron”.

“To have the right attitude and ambitions is crucial for us. We cannot work with people who are willing to make a soup out of instant powder,” he commented.

Located in the heart of the Golden City, the Radisson Blu Alcron Hotel Prague is just steps away from famous attractions such as Old Town Square, Prague Castle, Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge. A lavish, avant-garde accommodation when it opened in 1932, the hotel’s historic features have been meticulously restored, preserving details like glittering chandeliers, rich Italian marble and creamy milk glass. All 206 guest rooms retain the grace and elegance of a bygone era while offering modern conveniences, such as free high-speed internet access, LCD flat-screen televisions, Nespresso coffee machines and state-of-the-art online entertainment systems.

Aloft Cupertino is Set to Open Summer 2013

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® (NYSE:HOT) today announced

its new destination sensation brand, Aloft® Hotels, will open a new
property in Cupertino, California in early 2013. Aloft Cupertino will be
the third Aloft to open in California and its second in Silicon Valley,
following the opening of Aloft San Francisco Airport in 2012. Owned by a
venture between Shashi Corporation and Somera Capital Management, Aloft
Cupertino will deliver style at a steal with 123 spacious, loft-like
rooms, forward-thinking technology and a vibrant, social atmosphere.

The Aloft brand is perfectly suited for Cupertino, one of the most
dynamic cities in Silicon Valley, said Allison Reid, Senior Vice
President of North American Development for Starwood. Aloft is now 55
plus hotels and, fueled by the brands popularity among savvy travelers,
we continue to aggressively grow the brand across North America and
around the world.

Located in the heart of Cupertinos business district, the new Aloft
will be convenient to numerous high-tech businesses such as Apple
Computers world headquarters, Hewlett Packard and IBM. Also nearby are
Santa Clara University, HP Pavilion, Winchester Mystery House, and a
selection of wineries and world-class golf courses. Amenities will
include an indoor pool, w xyz ^sm bar, 24-hour
fitness center and 2,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, ideal
for both business meetings and social gatherings.

Aloft Cupertino will offer a compelling blend of style and social
interplay that will appeal to both travelers and professionals in this
energetic high-tech hub, said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President,
Speciality Select Brands for Starwood. Alofts emphasis on high design
combined with its tech-savvy features and social atmosphere all at an
affordable price is attracting a growing group of loyal travelers who
expect their lodging to reflect their evolving lifestyle.

Hotel.info Price Barometer

Hotels in the capital city of the United Kingdom are amongst the three most expensive in Europe according to the latest hotel.info Price Barometer

Nuremberg,  March 2012 – Hotel overnight prices in many international cities have increased since the start of the year. Where hotel guests have to dig deeper in their pockets and in which cities rates have decreased year on year is demonstrated by hotel.info, the free online hotel reservation service with more than 210,000 hotels worldwide. The result:

• Room prices in London have risen by an average of 6.58 %
• Rio de Janeiro has considerably higher accommodation costs during the carnival

The results of the hotel.info Hotel Price Barometer for European capital cities (prices in GBP)* 

Moscow is once more the most expensive of all the European capital cities for hotel accommodation. In comparison with the previous year the average hotel cost per night decreased slightly by 2 % to 153.61 GBP. The Norwegian capital Oslo is in second place with134.63 GBP. In London hotel room prices increased by 6.58 % to 132.54 GBP. It is possible that various events such as exhibitions and concerts could have had a positive influence on demand during February. In Warsaw the average increase of more than 3 % could be a precursor of the European Football Championship which will take place in Poland in a few months time.

The results of the hotel.info Hotel Price Barometer comparing other capital and major cities (prices in GBP)

During February hotel guests in Sydney had to really dig deep. Overnight costs increased by an average of 19 % to 159.60 GBP. Rio de Janeiro with an average price of 157.59 GBP and an increase of more than 20 % is in second place. This is not surprising as the city by Sugar Loaf mountain had carnival whereas in 2011 this took place in March. The event attracts over a million visitors each year. However the room prices also increased in other international cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong or Buenos Aires.

* European capital cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants. Currency conversions are based on the average rates for the relevant month.

Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai Wins a Second Award as Best New Hotel from TimeOut Shanghai

Dubai, March 2012: Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai is one of the biggest winners at TimeOut Shanghai’s 2012 Best Hotel Award Ceremony with three prestigious awards.

After being honored as Best New Hotel in China 2011 by Voyage magazine at the beginning of the year, Jumeirah Himalayas Shanghai once again won as Best New Hotel 2011 from Time Out Shanghai magazine.  The hotel’s Lobby Lounge has been rewarded as the Best Lobby Lounge by the Reader’s Pick.  Shang-High Cuisine won as Best Chinese Restaurant in Shanghai and is the second restaurant to win an award after J-Mix won as Best Restaurant by Modern Weekly.

TimeOut is a world renowned publication providing guidance for readers to the best thing to do in the cities they cover.  The Chinese version, Shanghai edition is one of the most popular lifestyle publications well received by many local Chinese.  The final result of this annual award competition combines the reviews from specialists and editors’ feedback and readers’ choices.

Dusit International Announces Deluxe Hot Springs Resort in Hainan, China

Dusit International is developing a second project in China, Dusit Devarana Hainan. Scheduled to launch in 2013, the 300-room resort is uniquely located within the rare natural 93oC hot springs and will showcase various spring-water features, from outdoor bathing pools to en suite bathrooms supplied with fresh hot and cold spring-water.

The forthcoming low-rise resort is located on Baoting’s “Seven Fairy Mountain” approximately 80km from Sanya, the southern most city in the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

“We are building a unique wellness retreat and new dream destination for MICE events and conferences,” said Mr. Lin Xiang, Group Chairman of Hainan Yuan Qi Investment Company Limited. “I anticipate our highly experienced Dusit International management team maximising the potential inherent in the new project’s location and design.”

Dusit Devarana Hainan is designed as a low-rise, well-spread complex of villas and deluxe rooms. The resort will feature more than a dozen crafted spring-water bathing pools of varying sizes and temperatures. Additionally, both hot and cold spring water will be supplied to guest bathrooms across the resort. The resort will offer a choice of two restaurants including Western and Chinese cuisines while a natural mountain river cuts through the complex, adding aesthetic appeal. Outdoor activities available in the surrounding region, such as mountain trekking and cycling, make it a desirable recreation destination.

“Our unique hot springs resort in Hainan reaffirms Dusit International’s strong commitment to expansion into China.” said Mr. Chanin Donavanik, CEO of Dusit International. The company previously announced its inaugural resort in China, Dusit Thani Hainan, in 2011 and has aggressive expansion plans underway in China and throughout the region.

The newly announced resort will fit within the Dusit Devarana brand focusing on its potential as a spa and conference destination. The three other properties under the Dusit Devarana brand concept are in India; Dusit Devarana New Delhi (2012), Dusit Deverana Jaipur and Dusit Devarana Rishikesh, both due to open in 2014.

Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts Announces the Radisson Blu Hotel Conakry, Guinea

Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts, part of the Rezidor Hotel Group, has announced its plans to open the Radisson Blu Hotel, Conakry in Guinea. The property, which will feature 249 rooms, is scheduled to open in 2014.

Guinea is rich in minerals and other natural resources. Its mining sector and refinery industry are the driving forces behind the Western African country’s economic growth, and the port and capital city of Conakry is the country’s trade hub and the first stop for most international tourists visiting the country.

“We are proud to arrive in the Republic of Guinea, the 68th country where Rezidor is present,” said Kurt Ritter, president & CEO of Rezidor.

“Growth in the emerging markets of Africa has been a major focus for Rezidor in recent years. The signing of this property is in line with our asset smart strategy to develop Radisson Blu hotels in leading African capital cities. We now have 43 hotels and over 10,000 rooms in operation or under development across 17 countries in Africa,” continued Ritter.

Eissame Halabi-Ahma of Guinenne de Gestion Immobilière & Hotelière SA, owner of the mixed use development which includes the hotel, added: “We are very excited about joining forces with Rezidor. Unique projects like this one require a strong brand and an experienced and committed hotel operator. We are glad that we found both with Radisson Blu and Rezidor.”

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Conakry will be situated next to the US embassy in an up-market business and residential precinct of Conakry that attracts many international companies and government administration offices. The new football stadium, which will host the African Cup of Nations in 2014, will be located 2 kilometres from the site. Part of a mixed use development, the property sits on a cliff with views of the Atlantic Ocean.

In addition to 249 rooms with signature services, such as free high speed internet access, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Conakry will feature several restaurants and bars, including an outdoor terrace and rooftop F&B outlet. The hotel will also offer about 1,580m sq. of conference and meeting facilities, an outdoor swimming pool and spa. Serviced apartments are planned in the future on the site, which the hotel will run along with a casino that will be operated by a third party.

IHG to create 3,000 jobs in the UK and launch its hospitality training academy in London

• 
  Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, welcomes the creation of new jobs in Britain and attends the launch of the IHG Academy in Newham
• IHG Academy to develop talented people through hospitality training, providing the opportunity to work for a global hotel company with world renowned hotel brands 

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world’s leading hotel companies with brands such as Holiday Inn,todayannounced it is creating nearly 3,000¹ new jobs across its 275 UK hotels over the next three years, including over 1,100² new jobs this year. IHG also announced the launch of its newest hospitality training Academy in London.The announcement was welcomed by the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who attended the launch of the IHG Academy programme at the soon to open Holiday Inn London Stratford City. The new hotel is one of four IHG hotels in the area that will be creating new jobs, for which students of the IHG Academy programme can apply.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said,”It’s fantastic to see IHG growing its UK business and creating 3,000 new jobs. The British service sector is world-beating, and will soon welcome millions of guests to enjoy London 2012. But reaching this gold standard needs investment in people. IHG are leading the way in their sector through a tailored academy programme. It’s an added investment that means young people can learn the skills for the industry in a local college, and then start their career in a local hotel. This shows real investment in our future workforce, is a huge boost for jobs across the country, but crucially will see local people benefit from training and work.”

Holiday Inn, part of the IHG family of brands, is the official hotel provider to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As part of its Olympic legacy, IHG has launched a new hospitality training academy in partnership with Newham College in one of the Games’ host boroughs.

With two new hotels to be built in time for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, successful students will be prize candidates for some of the 140 new jobs being created in the local area as the new hotels open.

IHG’s Chief Executive Richard Solomons joined Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and students at the soon to open Holiday Inn London Stratford City to launch the new Academy programme.

Richard Solomons, IHG’s Chief Executive said, “Hospitality is a great business to be in and working in hotels offers people exciting career paths for the future.  We’re pleased to be working with our hotel owners to create jobs and training opportunities in the UK at this time. The IHG Academy programmeallows us to join with local education bodies in the UK and around the world to provide real-life skills and enhance employment prospects for local people.  IHG benefits by having access to talent from the neighbourhoods near our hotels.”

The IHG Academy programme in Newham was developed in partnership with Newham College and will provide talented local people with hospitality training and practical work experience at a hotel from the IHG family of brands. Students take a six-month tailored course that combines the best of the Hospitality Skills Diploma NVQ with four weeks practical work experience in a hotel. Students qualify with a Hospitality Level 2 Diploma and will have the opportunity to apply for jobs at entry level with IHG.

IHG currently employs over 15,000 people in the UK; approximately 24 per cent of employees are between the ages of 18 and 24 years.

The launch of the IHG Academy programme in Newham is part of a global initiative to invest in the recruitment and training of hotel employees to ensure guests at IHG hotels experience consistent, high levels of customer service, no matter where they are in the world. IHG is committed to creating real job opportunities in the communities around its 4,480 hotels worldwide.

There are 42 IHG Academy programmesworldwide and 5,500 students were involved in the hospitality training globally last year.

National Association for Female Executives (NAFE) Recognizes Marriott

Marriott International, Inc., (NYSE:MAR) was recognized by the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE) as one of the Top 50 Companies For Women in 2012.  Marriott was ranked in the top 15 on this list, which recognizes organizations whose policies and practices encourage the advancement of women.
[Photo: Crystal Christmas-Watson, GM, Arlington Pentagon City Residence Inn and team.]

Today, women hold many powerful jobs at Marriott, ranging from president of a major operating division to global leader of sales and revenue management to general managers of some of the company’s most profitable hotels.  In addition, two of Marriott’s ten board members are women.

Carol Evans, president of Working Mother Media and CEO, NAFE, says, “The NAFE Top 50 Companies are major employers that are committed to hiring, retaining and promoting executive women. They represent a cross-section of companies that go way beyond lip service in helping women succeed.  Almost seven out of 10 companies require their managers to receive training on how to hire, advance or manage women. Manager accountability is the main ingredient for success.”

Marriott is being recognized for its Global Diversity and Inclusion Council, which ensures women’s development and advancement in revenue-generating and global leadership roles, and the Women’s Leadership Development Initiative, which focuses on three pillars:  Leadership and Development, Networking and Mentoring, and Workforce Effectiveness.

Last year, Marriott senior leaders across the country held “Evenings of Engagement.”  The objective of these events is for senior leaders to have meaningful interactions with managers to discuss their aspirations and share insight on methods to achieve career goals. In 2010, nearly 900 associates participated (62 percent women) in 34 events, and they continued to take place in 2011.

Marriott continues to enhance training options and promote a world of opportunities available to all associates. Last year, the company launched the redesigned career website Destination Marriott, inviting job seekers to find the “career journey that is right for you.”

For a summary of Marriott awards and recognition, including Marriott’s ranking on Working Mother’s Hall of Fame, visit Awards and Recognition.

Positive RevPAR growth for Regional UK, London

LONDON—London and Regional U.K. reported positive revenue-per-available-room (RevPAR) growth in 2011, according to data from STR Global, the leading provider of market data to the hotel industry. Despite its challenges throughout the year, demand grew in the majority of U.K. destinations. For 2012, STR Global forecasts a slight RevPAR increase for London and Regional U.K.

“Overall 2011 has been a good year for U.K. hoteliers thanks to positive demand growth”, commented Elizabeth Randall, managing director at STR Global. “However, to reflect the uncertainty in the economy, our latest forecast for 2012 was downgraded, expecting RevPAR growth in London to reach 1.9 percent and 0.6 percent across Regional U.K.”

London saw RevPAR increase by 8.4 percent in 2011. Hotel performance showed that the events taking place in London and around the country, such as the royal wedding, the street protests and the riots in August had no significant impact on hotel performance. The royal wedding week in April 2011 saw actual RevPAR decline by 19.4 percent. Across all segments in the capital, RevPAR growth benefited from increasing average daily rate (ADR) between 5.7 percent (Midscale and Economy) and 10.4 percent (Upscale and Upper Midscale).

Source: STR Global

Regional U.K. RevPAR increased by 1.5 percent in 2011. In the regions, RevPAR growth resulted from improving occupancy, which increased modestly across all market classes, from 1.2 percent (Luxury and Upper Upscale) to 3.5 percent (Midscale and Economy). The Economy and Midscale class was the only segment in 2011 experiencing ADR decline (-2.1 percent).

Looking at regional cities, RevPAR growth was the result of a mixed growth between rate and occupancy. Amongst the best performers in 2011, Reading and Harrogate reported increases in occupancy, 7.6 percent and 6.0 percent, respectively, compared to the previous year. Oxford and Brighton, with ADR increases of 4.9 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively, were also the markets with the strongest ADR growth in the regions. Harrogate, with new supply growth in 2011 (+3.5 percent), gained from increased demand (+9.7 percent) supporting its RevPAR growth.

Across Regional U.K., the highest occupancy was achieved at Heathrow Airport (82.7 percent) followed by Edinburgh and York, both reaching 80.1 percent. In ADR terms, Bath, which reported the highest ADR in 2010, ended 2011 with the highest ADR in Regional U.K. at £87.33. Preston and Hull, on the other hand, saw double-digit RevPAR declines. In Preston, the decline was led by additional supply (+10.0 percent) whereas Hull’s RevPAR was led by a declining ADR of 9.0 percent to £44.84.

Source: STR Global

Source: STR Global

STR Global reports on 51 cities across the U.K., collecting performance data from more than 2,700 hotels.

Courtyard by Marriott Announces Three New Hotels in Europe

Brand to Bring New European Prototype to France, Poland and The Netherlands.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.Tops List of AAA Five Diamond Properties with 28 Winners from Hawaii to Boston

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., led the 2012 American Automobile Association (AAA) Five Diamond awards with 28 properties earning the top rating. This includes first time winners in Toronto, Canada and Lake Tahoe, California.

Sofitel Luxury Hotels Hosts Photo Exhibit Celebrating Brigitte Bardot

NEW YORK, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Highlighting its French roots and esteem for international cinema, Sofitel Luxury Hotels is proud to present “BB Forever - Brigitte Bardot, The Legend,” a traveling photo exhibit venerating the legendary French actress, singer, and model, Brigitte Bardot.  Showcasing 30 exclusive photographs of Brigitte Bardot’s rise to fame, the exhibit will launch February 21, 2012 during Oscar Week at the Sofitel Los Angeles and continue to Sofitel properties in Chicago, Washington DC, andNew York throughout 2012.

This will mark the first time an exhibit featuring the international icon will appear in North America. The exhibit, which was designed in collaboration with Henry-Jean Servat, a famed French journalist and author, retraces the life of French icon Brigitte Bardot with an exclusive selection of photos, following her extraordinary cinematographic experience from teenage dreamer to modern day star. Through never-before-seen snapshots, visitors can admire the different facets of the actress, who throughout her career distinguished herself through her beauty, spontaneity and carefree spirit and whose personality led her to be regarded not only as a legend and sex symbol, but also as the embodiment of women’s liberation.  In 2012, the French actress will also be honored at an event at the legendary Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Los Angeles.

Sofitel has also created a special collector’s edition catalogue for the exhibit that includes rare photos, accompanied by commentary and anecdotes by Henry-Jean Servat, as well as an editorial by the legend herself - Brigitte Bardot.

After its departure from Los Angeles, BB Forever - Brigitte Bardot, The Legend will move to the Windy City and run during the spring months from April 19th to June 7th at the stylish Sofitel Chicago Water Tower.  Following Chicago, the tour will continue to Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square from June 21st to September 13th and culminate fittingly at the center of international culture at the Sofitel New York from September 26th to December 31st.  The exhibit will be open to all hotel guests and visitors.

Marriott International Announces First SpringHill Suites Branded Hotel in New York City

SpringHill Suites, an all-suite brand by Marriott International (NYSE:MAR), announced its first SpringHill Suites hotel in New York City.  Marriott will manage the 173-room

The Kempinski Hotel Hybernská Prague broadens the horizons for Czech trainees

The Kempinski Hotel Hybernská Prague, part of Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group Kempinski, has announced today that it will be offering a free trip to Munich to 10 Czech candidates

Free Wi-Fi is the Make it or Break it Factor in Hotel Booking

Respondents say most luxury items aren’t worth the hype, the bathroom phone remains untouched and most guests don’t steal from their rooms

DALLAS, Jan. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – hotels.com® recently conducted a hotel amenities survey, asking travelers to dish on their favorite in-room and hotel perks. Question after question, guests reported that free Wi-Fi is a must when choosing a hotel room and that this amenity overwhelmingly factored into the decision on which hotel to book. Thirty-eight percent of travelers reported that free Wi-Fi played a part in their decision as a “must” to stay at a specific hotel, 35 percent reported it is the simple amenity they want to see more in hotels, with 31 percent wishing it would become a standard in all hotels in 2012.

“Given the explosion of mobile use in the past few years, it is no surprise that travelers are requiring free and fast Wi-Fi,” said Taylor L. Cole, APR, director of public relations and social media for hotels.com. “Many guests never travel without their tablets, smartphones and laptops. It’s as intuitive as packing a toothbrush. Guests use these items in their rooms to plan activities for the next day. We are also seeing an uptick in mobile booking the day of a stay. Guests are creating their trips while on-the-go with Tonight’s Local Deals on our site and the hotels.com mobile apps, which feature exclusive mobile deals – it is only natural that they’d want to stay connected while in their hotel rooms.”

To round out the tech responses, 23 percent of guests stated their favorite modern in-room amenity was the use of iPads for guest services, local information and personal use. This ranked above air purifiers/humidifiers, high-end coffee makers, iPod dock, massage chairs, video game systems, universal remote rooms and workout equipment/DVDs.

Food and Beverage
Second to technology, guests are most pleased when their favorite food and beverages are provided during their hotel stay.

• 45 percent reported that their favorite new amenities are: happy hours, wine tastings or any other time with free food and drinks
• 31 percent of travelers expressed their wish to see more complimentary bottled water in their hotel rooms (34 percent of female travelers; 24 percent of male travelers.)

On Stealing While Traveling…
Despite some guests stealing linens/towels (14 percent) or magazine/books (12 percent) from hotel rooms, over 66 percent of hotel guests have never stolen an item from their hotel room.

Other amenities

• Travelers felt like extra luxuries like turndown service and bath menus were “not worth the hype,” according to 44% of female respondents and 30% of male respondents.
• The bathroom phone gets no love. It is the least used hotel amenity, with 37 percent of total respondents saying they never touch it.
• When asked about amenities at luxury hotels, women prefer designer toiletries (23 percent) and men prefer the fitness center and spa (27 percent.)
• When asked if they could stay celebrity-style, the top option for both men (35 percent) and women (38 percent) was to have their kitchen pre-stocked with their favorite food and beverages. However, a close second was the ability to have a private pool and hot tub in the room (37 percent of women; 34 percent of men.) These options beat out such fun or diva-esque in-room demands like: an arcade, favorite fresh flowers everywhere, private staff or a movie screening room.

Roomkey.com, Innovative New Hotel Search Engine

Launched by Venture Founded by Six of the World’s Leading Hotel Companies

STR Global reports updated India hotel data

LONDON—India’s hotel industry showed overall year-to-date (YTD) November 2011 growth in performance data and the supply pipeline, STR Global announced today in conjunction with the start of the Hotel Investment Forum India (HIFI) conference in Mumbai. In addition, London-based STR Global, the leading provider of market data to the hotel industry, is pleased to announce today at HIFI the appointment of Dhritiman Mukherjee as Business Development Manager.

Mr. Mukherjee will be based at the Mumbai offices of Horwath HTL-India, STR Global’s partner in the country. The STR Global-Horwath HTL partnership will assist in more comprehensive market coverage, along with quarterly city spotlights and biannual market reports, which will be written in conjunction with Horwath HTL- India.

“India, with a population over 1.2 billion people and a growing economy, is allowing the Indian hotel market to prosper as hotel brands continue to expand their portfolio in the main cities and in the regions”, commented Elizabeth Randall, managing director for STR Global. “Our partnership with Horwath HTL-India will help us to better assist our existing and future clients across India and provide more market visibility for international and national operators and investors alike”.

YTD hotel performance results showed that all major regions, with the exception of Kerala and Maharashtra, reported continuous revenue-per-available-room (RevPAR) growth. Looking at the hotel pipeline, India’s hotel inventory is expected to increase by more than 61,000 rooms in the next three years with over 30,000 rooms currently under construction based on STR Global’s pipeline database.

Regional India

The central region of Madhya Pradesh reported the largest RevPAR growth (+19.0 percent), led by a 12.7-percent increase in occupancy YTD. The neighbouring regions of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan saw RevPAR increase by 10.8 percent and 3.3 percent, respectively, driven by increased average daily rate in Uttar Pradesh of 2.8 percent to INR5,527.43, whilst occupancy rates in Rajasthan increased by 6.8 percent to 40.8 percent during the same period.

In Kerala and Maharashtra, occupancy and ADR growth declined moderately YTD when compared to the same period last year. Demand in Kerala, following strong growth between 2009 and 2010 (16.3 percent), remained flat at 0.7 percent between 2010 and 2011. In Maharashtra, demand growth jumped by 10.6 percent YTD compared to a negative trend between 2009 and 2010.

Source: STR Global

Main Indian Cities

RevPAR grew across most Indian cities, with the exception of Chennai (-1.1 percent) and Delhi (-10.6 percent). Chennai’s demand and supply increased almost in equal measures (6.0 percent and 5.4 percent, respectively) making it more difficult to hold average room rates. Delhi reported the highest supply growth (+13.0 percent) of the cities for the period. Likewise, Jaipur and Bangalore experienced stronger new supply growth compared to demand and saw their occupancy decrease YTD.

Leading the best performing markets in terms of RevPAR growth, Goa reported an 8.0 percent RevPAR increase, led by year-on-year demand growth of 4.1 percent. Second was Mumbai with the highest ADR of all Indian cities sampled at INR8,450.84. This financial capital also saw demand growth reaching 9.1 percent.

Source: STR Global

STR Global has more than 50,000 rooms participating in its survey across India. Dhritiman Mukherjee can be reached on DMukherjee@strglobal.comor +9122 6631 1480.

STR reports 38,409 new rooms opened in ’11

HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee—The U.S. hotel industry during 2011 opened 373 new properties with 38,409 rooms, which resulted in a 0.5-percent increase in existing room supply, according to data from STR/McGraw Hill Construction Dodge Pipeline Report.Among the Chain Scale segments, the Upper Midscale segment opened the most rooms in 2011 with 172 projects and 15,579 rooms.

“In December 2010 there were 75,747 rooms projected to open in the United States in 2011,” said Duane Vinson, VP, database content and integrity at STR.  “At the conclusion of the year, 38,449 have opened, or 50.8 percent of those expected, which resulted in net supply increase of 0.5 percent.”

The segment reported a 36.6-percent decrease in the number of rooms that opened in 2011 compared to 2010. The Upper Midscale segment was followed by the Upscale segment, which opened 64 properties with 8,557 rooms in 2011, and the Midscale segment, which opened 45 properties with 4,051 rooms. The Luxury segment opened the smallest number of new rooms in 2011 (two properties with 1,261 rooms).

“As we bring an end to 2011, there are 70,291 rooms on schedule to open in 2012, an increase of 1.4 percent, of which 40,371 are currently under construction,” Vinson continued. “With a significant number of rooms in Final Planning (110,836) and a 7.9-percent increase in Pre Planning rooms from last month, we continue to closely monitor overall development for a pickup in supply in the next few years.”

In 2012, the U.S. hotel industry is expecting 649 properties to open with 70,291 rooms. Among the Chain Scale segments, the Upper Midscale segment is expected to open the largest number of rooms in 2012 with 249 properties and 24,269 rooms. The Midscale segment (169 properties with 13,179 rooms) and the Upscale segment (129 properties with 18,276 rooms) also are expected to open a significant number of new rooms in 2012.

Properties and Rooms opened in 2011 by Chain Scale segment

Source: STR

The total active U.S. hotel development pipeline comprises 2,855 projects totaling 307,664 rooms, according to the December 2011 STR/McGraw Hill Construction Dodge Pipeline Report released this week. This represents a 3.1-percent decrease in the number of rooms in the total active pipeline compared to December 2010.

Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels Forecasts Global Hotel Transaction Volume to Hold Steady in 2012

Worldwide transaction levels to reach $30 billion again in 2012

Global hotel investment volumes surged impressively in the first half of 2011, with REITs leading the way and signs of debt market revival encouraging activity, according to Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels.  Economic uncertainty returned in the second half of the year causing momentum to falter, although deals continued, especially in the United States, reaching our forecasted $30 billion worldwide, an increase of 13 percent over 2010 volume.

Rezidor announces organizational optimization

The Rezidor Hotel Group announces an organizational optimization of their regional operations offices in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. With immediate effect, the company separates responsibilities for the core brands Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson on area vice president level, and supports the regional leaders with strengthened and consistent teams of area specialists in Finance & Control, IT, Purchasing, HR, Sales & Marketing, Revenue Management, and Technical Development.

Carlson Hotels appoints Vasso Zographou as excecutive vice president and chief financial officer for Asia Pacific

Carlson, a global hospitality and travel company, today announced the appointment of Vasso Zographou as executive vice president and chief financial officer for Carlson Hotels, Asia Pacific. Vasso will report directly to Simon Barlow, president, Carlson Hotels, Asia Pacific, and will oversee the financial management of Carlson Hotels in Asia Pacific and play a key role as part of the Asia Pacific leadership team in driving Carlson’s growth strategy. Vasso’s appointment marks another significant step in Carlson’s focus to strengthen its capabilities to support its plan of doubling its hotel portfolio in the region by 2015.

New Resort with Kids’ Club on the Island Crete – Rimondi Grand Hotel

Rimondi Grand Resort & Spa is already represented in Crete by condos and apartment buildings and now they will open their first hotel.

They try to change the concept of a typical hotel and want to create a new experience with big hotel rooms, a lot of private space and special facilities.

Rimondi Grand wants to create a resort with kids club, quality restaurants serving local Cretan cuisine, spa and health club and a lot more to make the stay at Crete a lovely vacation experience. A team of hospitality experts made it their mission to offer a place for the more exploring traveler who is looking for some more privacy and comfort while going on vacation in Crete.

All the accommodations are suites and villas and sizes range from 30 to 120 square meters. Also they have their own balcony and some even have a private pool and sun deck. Rimondi Grand Resport & Spa invites everybody to the grand opening in June 2012.

Top On Demand Movies in the Hospitality Market for 2011

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Jan. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — LodgeNet Interactive Corporation (NASDAQ: LNET), the leading provider of interactive media and connectivity services to hospitality and healthcare businesses and the consumers they serve, today announced that Universal Pictures’ Bridesmaids was the top selling on demand movie in hotel rooms served by LodgeNet during 2011. The comedy, about a down-and-out maid of honor on a mission to give her best friend a wedding to remember, was directed by Paul Feig and distributed by NBCUniversal.

The top selling on demand theatrical movie titles in hotel guest rooms during 2011 were:

1. Bridesmaids   (Universal Pictures)
2. The Hangover Part II   (Warner Bros.)
3. Limitless   (Relativity Media)
4. Fast Five   (Universal Pictures)
5. Little Fockers   (Universal Pictures)
6. Just Go With It   (Sony Pictures Entertainment)
7. The Lincoln Lawyer   (Lionsgate)
8. No Strings Attached   (Paramount Pictures)
9. Hall Pass   (Warner Bros.)
10. Life As We Know It   (Warner Bros.)

A company record 37 titles generated $1 million or more in sales revenue on LodgeNet interactive TV systems in 2011. This included releases from all of the major Hollywood studios as well as independent studios and distributors.

“We would like to congratulate NBCUniversal on having the top selling title in LodgeNet served hotels during 2011,” said Derek S. White, President, Interactive & Media Networks for LodgeNet. “With a broad range of titles appealing to consumers of every segment, the content provided by NBCUniversal was a key component of our in-room entertainment mix and was instrumental in helping us achieve a record-setting year for million dollar titles.”

“We are thrilled to recognize Bridesmaids as the top selling VOD title across the LodgeNet system, as well as the strong performance of Fast Five and Little Fockers. The success of such wide-ranging titles reflects the ongoing demand for compelling in-room entertainment, and we are proud to partner with LodgeNet to offer travelers recently released movies they may not have had a chance to see or that they want to enjoy again,” said Mike Aaronson, SVP, NBCUniversal Digital Distribution.

A key ingredient of LodgeNet’s performance in 2011 was “VOD 2.0″, an in-room entertainment marketing initiative the company launched in June to approximately 1.1 million hotel guest rooms. Through a combination of a tiered pricing structure, a broader range of content choices, an improved user interface and maximized visibility of LodgeNet’s early movie release window, VOD 2.0 has driven a 20-25% increase in movie title “browsing” and an average 10-15% lift in theatrical movie buy rates. As a result of these improvements, theatrical movie revenue per room since the VOD 2.0 roll-out has increased by approximately 5% from 2010 levels.

LodgeNet also announced that beginning this month, USA Today travel reporter Barbara De Lollis is publishing a monthly update of the Top 10 Hollywood blockbusters that travelers order in LodgeNet served hotels. The listings – which can be found in De Lollis’ “Hotel Check-In” column – are based on pay-per-view movie orders in the 1.6 million interactive rooms the company serves.

Laurence Geller, CEO of Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc., Named a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

Recognized for Exemplary Service to the Churchill Centre and Extensive and Longstanding International Charitable and Humanitarian Work

Hotel Industry Enters 2012 on Solid Footing

NEW YORK – January 2012 – Hotels will continue to see strong growth in 2012, primarily driven by rate increases and strong, steady demand for hotel rooms, according to

The Kempinski Hotel attracts and manages young talent for a career in the hospitality business

Kempinski Hotels, Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, is delighted to announce that its popular “Essential! (“E!”) Training Programme” has recently been awarded 1st place in the category “Best People & Talent Management Programme” in the prestigious 2011 Worldwide Hospitality Awards.

The E! Training Programme is designed to meet the training needs of specific positions or departments, and provides employees with a tailor-made training that supports the team onsite. The people management strategy of the Kempinski Hotels aims to build a team of professional, well-trained and dedicated employees, and in order to ensure that it is cultivating key people, alongside the E! Training Programme the hotel group also organises its annual Career Day, an event that focuses on finding and developing talented and motivated employees with a view to keeping them as part of the Kempinski family for as long as possible.

The Kempinski Hotels’ Career Day 2012 will take place in the usual Kempinski Hotel Airport Munich on the 10th March, 2012, from 2:00pm till 6:00pm, and plans to welcome more than 1,000 participants who will, like last year, have the opportunity to meet with the Kempinski’s senior management and more than 60 general managers from all around the world.

From the 1st December, 2011, all students, graduates, alumni, current Kempinski employees and everybody interested can register for Career Day 2012 at http://kempinski.eventbrite.com/. The registration is free of charge.

Employees of the Kempinski Hotel Hybernská Prague have the opportunity to discover their future options and join this unique job fair. In the first running of the Career Day, Marie Bínová from the reservation department of the hotel was offered her desired position at the brand new Kempinski Seychelles Resort in Baie Lazare, where she is now part of the opening team.

Talking about the Kempinski Hotels’ HR policy, Peter Knoll, General Manager of the Kempinski Hotel Hybernska said: “With an ambitious growth strategy such as the Kempinski’s, we need to ensure that we are finding and developing the very best people, so that when we open a new hotel we have already identified Kempinski trained people to work as the opening team. This is exactly what happened with Marie who, having proved exceptional during her training with us here in Prague, is now living her dream!’

For more information about the career opportunities at Kempinski Hotels please visit http://www.kempinski-jobs.com/.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. Announces First Hotel in Austria

CHEVY CHASE, Md.- December 2011 – The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., a leader in luxury hospitality, has announced plans to continue its global expansion with the brand’s first hotel in the capital city of Vienna. The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna is owned by an investor represented by Verny Capital. Earlier this year, they also completed the acquisition of The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow.

The 202-room hotel is located on Schubertring, the historic and famous site of numerous monumental buildings built during 1860 to 1890. Home of the Vienna State Opera and the Museum of Fine Arts, Vienna is well known for its essential role as a leading European Classical Music Centre.

The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna is located in two 19th century palaces which are listed as culturally protected properties in Austria. The location is among the most desirable locations in the city for a luxury hotel.

New General Manager for the Radisson Blu Hotel, Bristol

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Bristol,  has appointed Christopher Peach as the General Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Bristol. Christopher brings managerial experience and a range of other hospitality-related skills to the position.

Christopher has an extensive background in the hospitality industry, spanning 23 years. Having started his career in 1987 as Commis Chef aboard the Queen Elizabeth II cruise liner, he has since held various management positions at different international hotel chains in South Africa, China, Bahrain, UAE, Turkey and Russia.

This new appointment has Christopher returning to his native Britain, where he will manage one of only a few waterfront hotels in Bristol city centre. Though this is the first time Christopher will work at the Hotel Bristol, he isn’t new to Rezidor, having joined the hotel company in February 2011 as Executive Assistant Manager of the Park Inn by Radisson Pribaltiyskaya in St. Petersburg. His role at this Russian hotel was Christopher’s most recent position.

In addition to his experience in the hotel industry, Christopher holds a Diploma as Chef from the Bournemouth and Poole College of Further Education in the UK. Acclaimed as a young chef, Christopher won the regional and national Junior Chaîne Des Rôtisseurs Competition, and represented South Africa in the World Finals in Germany. Among his many additional professional qualifications, Christopher holds a Master in Food Services Management from Cornell University. Though Christopher is filling a management role, and not working as part of the hotel’s food service team, his experience in this field will undoubtedly help him in his position as General Manager.

SENTIDO Hotels & Resorts Announces the Addition of More Services

SENTIDO Hotels & Resorts is expanding its holiday

Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis Announces its Festive Celebrations

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis has announced its schedule of events for the 2011 festive season.

From fun filled Christmas parties to welcoming New Year in style, the Radisson Blu Hotel Cairo has a variety of events planned to suit every taste, with culinary delights awaiting guests on Christmas Eve, Christmas day and New Year’s Eve at the hotel’s outlets.

For Christmas, guests can choose between a rich, open buffet at the MIX restaurant or selective five course set menus at the Filini eatery where Executive Chef, Nasser Ewais has created a festive menu complete with all the trademark creativity and mastery usually found at Filini. Adding to the ambience will be a live band playing a selection of background music while patrons enjoy watching the chefs at work in the show kitchen at this award-winning concept restaurant.

At 1122, a stylish bar serving fresh juices, international cocktails and shisha, guests will be able to enjoy snacks accompanied by live entertainment, either inside the lounge or outside at the terrace.

Guests will also be able to enjoy Terrace on 9, located beside the hotel’s rooftop pool. This relaxing venue serves healthy meals and snacks, along with an array of refreshing beverages. Guests can stretch out in the sun while enjoying one of the bar’s fresh juices.

For New Year’s Eve, whether guests prefer a dancing the away night or exclusive dinners for singles, couples or families, the hotel will be able to offer something for everyone.

The hotel Cairo Egypt also offers great Cairo conference facilities, with eight flexible meeting rooms featuring natural light and state-of-the-art equipment.

RIU opens the Riu Palace Bavaro

Palma de Mallorca, December 2nd 2011

The opening of this new hotel coincides with the celebration of 20th Anniversary of the international presence of the hotel chain

The new Riu Palace has a modern Convention Center with a capacity for up to 1,000 people

RIU Hotels & Resorts opened today the Riu Palace Bavaro, a modern and elegant hotel located in the RIU Punta Cana Complex, becoming the 34th RIU resort in Latin America & the Caribbean. The opening of this new hotel coincides with the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the international presence of the hotel chain which in November 1991 began operating outside of Spain the hotel Riu Taino. Two decades later, on the same site where this historic hotel was located, the hotel chain opens the Riu Palace Bavaro hotel.

After an investment of more than 80 million dollars, the Riu Palace Bavaro will be the fifth hotel in Punta Cana and the third of the luxurious range Riu Palace, as the hotel chain already has the Riu Palace Macao and Riu Palace Punta Cana in this destination.

This elegant hotel will feature 610 rooms distributed between the main building and luxurious villas that will offer wireless internet access in their suites and Jr. Suites, (Wifi service also available in the lobby). The new hotel presents a vast gastronomic selection of tastes in its main restaurant, four specialty restaurants, a lobby bar with ice cream and pastries as well as a Sport Bar open 24 hours. The hotel will offer four swimming pools, two of which have integrated Jacuzzi, a children’s pool with a mini-club, the famous entertainment programme and a Spa with sauna, jacuzzi, gym, casino and a Convention Center of 12,916 sq ft which will be able to accommodate up to 1,000 people, all under the renowned 24 Hours All-Inclusive programme.

The evolution of the hotel chain in the Dominican Republic has been consistent, satisfying customer demand and demonstrating a strong commitment to the country which has been reflected by the last year renovation from the Riu Bambu, the refurbishment of the modern and spectacular Riu Naiboa, the opening of the Riu Palace Bavaro, the renovation of the Riu Palace Macao for 2012 and the upcoming merge of the ClubHotel Riu Mambo and ClubHotel Riu Merengue in Puerto Plata for next year.

The RIU Punta Cana complex, which form part the Riu Palace Bavaro, Riu Palace Punta Cana, Riu Palace Macao, Riu Bambu and Riu Naiboa, is located on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Playa Arena Gorda, and where its music and cheerful Dominican culture, offers the perfect attributes for an unforgettable vacation.

The Langham, Melbourne announces new Business Development Manager

MELBOURNE, 22^nd November 2011 – Mr. Ben Sington, Managing Director of The Langham, Melbourne is delighted to announce the appointment of Megan Larson-Smith to the role of Business Development Manager.

Megan brings to the role over 10 years sales experience within the corporate travel sector which will be her key responsibility in her new position

Megan joins The Langham from the Stamford Plaza, Melbourne where for the past two years she held the position of Business Development Manager. Prior to moving to Melbourne in early 2010 Megan gained experience interstate and abroad working as an Australian destination specialist in the US.

“We are delighted to welcome Megan to The Langham, Melbourne team,” Mr. Sington said.

“We look forward to working with Megan and to her contribution to the very important corporate sector for the hotel.”

Rezidor Announces the Radisson Blu Park Hotel, Athens

BRUSSELS, November 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide, announces the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athens. The existing Athens Park Hotel will be rebranded as Radisson Blu Park Hotel Athens by mid December 2011. The 152 room property is Rezidor’s very first hotel in Greece – the company is now present in 65 countries across Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“Despite the recent crisis and still challenging times in Greece, hotels in the capital city Athens perform well. We are glad to arrive in the country and that we are able to further strengthen the development of our core, upper upscale brand Radisson Blu in South East Europe,” said Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor.

“Our hotel is a leading deluxe property in Athens, operating for 35 years. The unique, modern and innovative design is inspired by an urban nature concept. We look forward to joining the Radisson Blu family and to starting a fruitful international cooperation,” commented Vassilis & Mary Deverikos, owners of the hotel.

The future Radisson Blu hotel was fully renovated in 2009/2010. Further renovations are also planned for 2012. Currently, the property comprises 152 guest rooms, Gallo Nero restaurant, The Oak Room bar, St’ Astra rooftop restaurant, and two conference rooms. It also features a rooftop swimming pool with stunning views across Athens and its famous Acropolis.

The location of the hotel is in the northern part of the city centre, on Alexandras Avenue, which is one of the city’s main avenues and offers excellent access to the airport and surrounding area. The hotel is situated opposite “Pedion Areos”, Athens’ largest park, and next to the National Archaeological Museum. The immediate neighbourhood was redeveloped for the 2004 Olympics and is home to many offices and embassies. Athens’ old centre, the Acropolis, numerous museums and Kolonaki Square are all within walking distance.

New hotel construction project under way

The lifting of the first beam marked the start of the major construction project, which involves the expansion of Hotel Gothia Towers with a third tower and the addition of six new floors to the East Tower.

On a sunny October day the staff of the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre gathered at the spot where the third tower will rise proudly by the year-end 2014, making the Centre Europe’s largest fully integrated venue.
Accompanied by the Artillery Orchestra, the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre’s chairman of the board, Roger Holtback, welcomed those present to witness a milestone in the Centre’s nearly 100-year history.
The Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre’s CEO, Carin Kindbom, spoke about the enormous challenge now facing the organisation.

“This is a triple boost. Firstly, we will get 450 new rooms in the third tower as well as another 50 new, luxury rooms in the East Tower. The second boost is for the meetings industry and the third is for Gothenburg, which now gets a unique city centre facility.”
Following Carin Kindbom’s speech, a symbolic first beam was lifted into the air marking the official project start.

The ceremony was concluded by releasing 1,200 balloons over Gothenburg. Over 300 of these contained vouchers for Hotel Gothia Towers’ famous prawn sandwich.

The Elysian to Become Waldorf Astoria Chicago

CHICAGO & MCLEAN, Va. - The Elysian Hotel Chicago, which recently earned the coveted distinction of being the #1 hotel in the United States according to readers of Conde Nast Traveler, has been acquired by a joint venture between Hilton Worldwide, the parent company of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts; an Equity Group Investments affiliate; and Elysian principals. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The hotel’s new ownership plans to rebrand the hotel Waldorf Astoria Chicago on February 1st, 2012. The Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand, which draws its inspiration from the legendary Waldorf=Astoria New York, is known for delivering highly personalized service and is one of the world’s fastest growing luxury hospitality brands. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts plans to use the strength of its worldwide presence to capitalize on the tremendous operational and financial success the Elysian has enjoyed since opening in late 2009.

“We’re taking the best of the Elysian and bringing it into the world-class network of Waldorf Astoria,” said John T.A. Vanderslice, global head of Luxury and Lifestyle Brands for Hilton Worldwide. “The Elysian’s well deserved reputation for anticipatory service and attention to detail, as well as its stunning design and outstanding amenities, reflect the discerning needs of today’s luxury guest, and are hallmarks of the Waldorf Astoria brand.”

Located in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, just steps off of Magnificent Mile, the Elysian comprises a hotel, 51 luxury private residences, restaurants, a spa and event and meeting rooms. The building, which was designed by renowned architect Lucien Lagrange, features a richly detailed exterior and European courtyard reminiscent of the grand hotels of the 1920′s, while the interiors embrace a sophisticated, urban sensibility. The hotel features 188 spacious guestrooms and suites boasting elegantly modern furnishings, fireplaces and marble bathrooms with soaking tubs. The Elysian is also home to two distinct culinary experiences – Balsan, a contemporary bistro showcasing refined, yet rustic fare, and RIA a two-Michelin-star restaurant offering modern, seasonally driven French cuisine. Bernard’s, the hotel’s bar, is reminiscent of a plush private club. The Elysian Spa & Health Club, which spans more than 14,000 square feet, offers a wide-ranging menu of personalized services as well as a nail spa, barber suite, relaxation areas and a fitness facility, as well as a mosaic-tiled lap pool, whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms. The compilation is an amenity-rich environment for the most discerning of guests.

The World’s First Facebook Hotel, Generates 70,000 ‘Likes’ During Season One

This summer, the new Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel announced the launch of their Facebook sharing initiative – a first for the global hotel industry. The innovative hotel and live music venue, which forms part of the Fiesta Hotel Group portfolio, first opened its doors in May and since July this year has offered hotel guests and visitors the option of wearing a slim RFID wristband, synchronised to their Facebook profile.

Throughout the hotel, Facebook pillars have been set up where guests can check in, take pictures or post a status, simply by swiping their wristband across a sensor. Swiping in different locations will post different messages directly onto the users Facebook wall, with messages such as “Front stage watching Sasha”, or ‘Hanging out at the Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel…Jealous?’

Irene Cano, Sales Director of Facebook Spain quotes; “We are absolutely delighted that Fiesta Hotel Group and more specifically the Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel has become the world’s first hotel to launch this Facebook initiative. Summer is a great time for people to be sharing their holiday experiences – when spirits are high, and the results so far have been phenomenal. At Facebook, we are constantly developing our services to find synergies between the virtual and real worlds and we are excited to be collaborating with the holiday experience for the first time.”

Once a guest swipes their band to post something on their wall, other Facebook users can click to see the content and will be redirected to a page where all content is accessible and links to the Ushuaïa website.

Niels Verhoeven, Creative Director of Dorst & Lesser, the Amsterdam based manufacturing company responsible for the technical execution adds; “After the success of the implementation of the Facebook pillars for Renault at the Dutch Autorai 2011, we were honoured to be asked to build the same Facebook fundamentals and take charge of the complete technical implementation for the Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel.”

The results for the first season have been impressive and in just over two months, Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel had achieved the following:

• Over 2000 registered users of the new RFID wristbands, of which approximately 90% became facebook ‘fans’ of Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel

• More than 6,000 pictures taken from the columns with a unique share range of approximately 600,000,

• More than 70,000 facebook “likes”

• A unique range in excess of 800,000 people on facebook

Alfonso Giménez, Marketing Director Europe of Fiesta Hotel Group concludes; “This new interactive experience is the first of its kind within the hotel industry and further cements Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel’s objective as setting the benchmark for innovation not only in Spain but also on a worldwide scale. As well as adding a new element of fun for our hotel guests, the facebook campaign also allows us to add value for our commercial partners and provides us with valuable data in terms of our customer profile.”

Rezidor Hires New General Manager for the Radisson Blu Conference and Airport Hotel in Istanbul

BRUSSELS, November 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Rezidor has hired Pasquale Baiguera as the new general manager for the Radisson Blu Conference and Aiport Hotel in Instabul, Turkey.

Baiguera, who is Italian, holds a Certificate from the Cornell University in Strategic Management. He has 29 years of experience in the hotel industry and has worked in room division operations, sales, training, accounting and F&B.

Though this position will be Baiguera’s first time working for one of the hotels in Istanbul, he has a long, varied history working in several different Rezidor hotels across the globe. He first joined Rezidor in December 1996 as front office manager at the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel in Milano, Italy. In 2000, he was promoted to general manager before moving on as city general manager of the Radisson Blu Hotels in Helsinki, Finland the following year. From 2003 until 2006, Baiguera was in charge of the Radisson Blu Alcron Hotel in Prague. From there Baiguera was assigned to the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Copenhagen and two years later, in 2008, Baiguera moved to the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City, which is his most recent position.

In his many different positions with the company, Baiguera has demonstrated an ability to adapt quickly to new environments, which made him an excellent candidate for this position. It is the duty of a general manager to oversee much of the hotel’s operations and Baiguera was hired based on his capacity to do this impeccably.

When hiring for managerial positions, Rezidor looks for candidates with strong communication skills, quality and service focused in order to meet the company 100% Guest satisfaction ambitious objective. Baiguera’s knowledge of the Italian, English and Greek languages adds to his overall qualification as an ideal hotel manager. For guests staying at the 5 star hotel Istanbul, Rezidor is confident that Baiguera will be able a welcoming and hospitable presence.

Baiguera multicultural background, service and quality focus are essential to managing an Istanbul airport hotel. It is important for general managers to be familiar in all the areas of the hospitality business including accounting, social networksl and content management systems that are used in today’s world. Baiguera is already an expert in these areas having worked as a front desk manager and general manager at Radisson Blu hotels before.

Sheraton Set to Open Five More Properties in China before End of Year

Adding even more muscle to its portfolio in China, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that its iconic Sheraton(R) brand will open five more hotels in China before the end of year. In addition to these new openings, seven new Sheraton hotels and resorts debuted in the region this year in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Zhenjiang, Hainan and Jinzhou. With the addition of these 12 hotels, Sheraton will grow its portfolio to 46 hotels in Greater China by year’s end, moving Starwood closer to its goal of operating 100 hotels in Greater China by the end of 2012.

In the next two years, nearly half of all new Starwood hotels slated to open in China will fly the Sheraton flag. This fall, Sheraton will open its first hotel in Hangzhou and Daqing, its second hotel in Xian and two hotels in Changzhou. This surge in new hotel openings will grow the Sheraton brand’s footprint not only in China’s largest and most established cities, but also in many of the country’s fast-growing metropolises and resort destinations.

“Sheraton has leveraged its first-mover advantage in China, where we are now one of the country’s strongest global brands and the engine of Starwood’s growth,” said Hoyt Harper, global brand leader for Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. “Sheraton is focused on meeting the needs of Chinese travelers within China, as well as across our portfolio of more than 400 hotels around the world.”

China will play an outsized role in global travel over the next decade, with 100 million outbound travelers expected by 2015. China also continues to be the richest source of new loyal travelers for Starwood, as evidenced by the 71% jump in Chinese enrollment in Starwood Preferred Guest(R) last year. Starwood’s first-mover advantage in China dates back to 1985 with the landmark debut of The Great Wall Sheraton Hotel in Beijing, the first international branded hotel in China.

“The rich legacy of the Sheraton brand in China has given Starwood a considerable head start in this fertile market, where we now have nearly 100 hotels in development,” said Miguel Ko, Chairman and President of Starwood’s Asia-Pacific Division. “We are thrilled with the robust expansion as four more Sheraton hotels open throughout China with many more expected in 2012. We continue to expand our established upper upscale brands in emerging markets and as the Chinese pick up their pace of travel, they are going to stay with the brands they know and love.”

Sheraton Hangzhou Wetland Park Resort – Hangzhou
Offering stunning and serene views and luxurious rooms, the Sheraton Hangzhou Westland Park Resort will be located in the beautiful Xixi National Wetland Park.

Sheraton Changzhou Wujin Hotel – Changzhou
Conveniently located in the Wujin District, the Sheraton Changzhou Wujin will provide guests with easy access to shopping and business areas. The 317-room hotel will be situated just next to the popular China Spring & Autumn Yancheng Tourist Area.

Sheraton Changzhou Xinbei Hotel – Changzhou
Sheraton Changzhou Xinbei Hotel will open in Xinbei District, Changzhou’s new development zone. The 247-room hotel will be part of the Changzhou Wanda Plaza while retail shopping and numerous entertainment options are mere steps away. The hotel will be just 10 minutes drive from Changzhou Railway Station and 30 minutes from Changzhou Benniu Airport (CZX).

Sheraton Xian North City Hotel – Xian
Close to Xian Daming Palace National Heritage Park and North Gate of the city wall, the Sheraton Xian North City Hotel will offer 490 beautifully appointed guest rooms and 18,300 square feet of flexible meeting space including a 6,750 square foot pillar-less Grand Ballroom. The hotel will also be located within easy access to corporate and municipal government offices and just 30 minutes away from Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY).

Sheraton Daqing Hotel – Daqing
The Sheraton Daqing Hotel will debut in the central Saertu Commercial District of Daqing, Heilongjiang – China’s northernmost province. While Daqing is a city of vast meadows, the hotel will be is situated centrally poised in the city centre across the road from Daqing City Hall and part of the Daqing Saertu Wanda Plaza, where shopping and entertainment abound. The hotel will also be located next to Airport Express Road, making the ride to Daqing Saertu Airport (DQA) a quick 20-minute trip.

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, like all brands within Starwood’s robust portfolio, is proud to offer the Starwood Preferred Guest^(R) program, which made headlines when it launched in 1999 with a breakthrough policy of no blackout dates on Free Night Awards. SPG^(R) offers members the ability to redeem awards at more resorts, more luxury properties, more European hotels and more golf properties than any other hotel program.

Aloft Hotels Makes Landmark Debut in the United Kingdom

The fast-growing mid-market hotel brand introduces affordable, loft-style accommodation to London with the opening of Aloft London Excel

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.(R) (NYSE:HOT) today announces the debut ofits new destination sensation brand, Aloft(R) Hotels, in the United Kingdom with the opening of Aloft London Excel.

In the same year that Starwood launched its world-renowned W(R) Hotels brand in London, the innovative hotel giant has once again reinvented hotel design and launched a second new brand in the UK market. Aloft has been created to shake up the staid and traditional mid-market hotel sector and is redefining the category by delivering urban-influenced, modern and vibrant design and a social guest experience at an affordable price point.

Situated in the heart of London’s Docklands, next to the ExCeL International Exhibition and Convention Centre, Aloft London Excel features 252 loft-like guest rooms, a buzzing bar scene, a grab-and-go food pantry and industrial design elements throughout. Aloft London Excel is owned by ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company) which also owns ExCeL London as well as Aloft Abu Dhabi, the Middle East’s first Aloft hotel, which is located adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

“The launch of Aloft in the UK underscores the strength of the Starwood network and the power of the Aloft brand,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Speciality Select Brands for Starwood. “Aloft’s emphasis on high design combined with its tech-savvy features and social atmosphere all at an affordable price point translates globally and is attracting a growing group of loyal travellers. Aloft’s international expansion so early in the brand’s life cycle is unprecedented.”

Aloft London Excel boasts atmospheric public spaces where guests can mix and mingle, read the paper, work on laptops, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends at the re:mix^SM lounge and w xyz^SMbar. The spacious guest rooms feature the brand’s signature ceilings of nearly three metres high, oversized windows and an ultra-comfortable platform bed as well as large walk-in showers with complimentary Bliss Spa^(R) products. Designed with the digital generation in mind, Aloft London Excel has free wireless internet access throughout the whole hotel, including all guest rooms. Each room is also equipped with a unique plug-and-play connectivity solution which connects most electronic devices to the 42” flat-screen TV, turning the room into a high-tech office as well as an entertainment centre.

Guests will be able to de-stress and re-energise in the re:charge^SMfitness centre and Splash^SM pool and grab a bite to eat at re:fuel by Aloft^SM, a one-stop, 24-hour grab-and-go food and beverage area, offering sweet, savoury and healthy food, snacks and drinks.

For work meetings, training courses and presentations, the hotel’s five Tactic meeting rooms are equipped with the latest generation of audio-visual hardware, providing the perfect creative space for groups of up to 15 people.

J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Overall Satisfaction with Hotel Brands in Europe Declines across All Areas of the Guest Experience

ESTLAKE VILLAGE, California, October 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ –
- Hilton Garden Inn; Premier Inn; Ramada Hotels; and Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts Each Rank Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Hotel Guests in Europe

After several years of improvement, overall satisfaction among hotel guests in Europe has declined notably, with deterioration occurring across all levels of the guest experience, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 European Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study(SM).

The study, now in its seventh year, examines the overall satisfaction of European hotel guests based on seven measures (in order of importance): guest room; costs and fees; hotel facilities; check-in/check-out; food and beverage; hotel services; and reservation. Forty-five hotel brands are measured and ranked in four segments(1): upper upscale, upscale, midscale and economy.

Overall satisfaction averages 735 on a 1,000-point scale in 2011, down by 10 points from 2010. While satisfaction has decreased across all measures from 2010, the largest decline occurs in the cost and fees measure. Cost and fees satisfaction averages 682 in 2011, down by 32 points from 2010.

Cost and fees satisfaction in 2011 is comparable to 2009 levels (681). However, in 2009, overall satisfaction averaged 746-11 points higher than in 2011. This indicates that aspects of the guest experience outside of cost and fees have deteriorated considerably from 2009.

Prior to the economic downturn, hoteliers improved their offerings, increasing satisfaction with the overall guest experience as well as cost and fees satisfaction. Subsequently, during the recession, hotel chains reduced prices to stimulate demand which continued to improve satisfaction with cost and until higher rates began driving satisfaction back down in 2010. Hoteliers also made cutbacks in staffing levels, services and investment in the property to reduce operating costs during this period, which led to the deterioration of satisfaction with the broader guest experience.

“As guests have been coming back, so have their expectations,” said Stuart Greif, vice president and general manager of the global travel and hospitality practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “Hoteliers, like many businesses, are feeling the strain of trying to maintain lower cost structures until they see more sustainable levels of demand. There is danger, however, in allowing their product and service to continue to deteriorate. It is critically important that hoteliers focus on improving the guest experience. If not, they risk losing customers, market share and financial viability.”

According to Greif, increasing the frequency of guest interactions with hotel staff can help elevate satisfaction and loyalty. While nearly all guests interact with hotel staff at check-in, each additional interaction with a different type of staff member (e.g., housekeeper, manager, concierge), increases satisfaction by an average of 28 points.

The study also finds that the availability of Internet service at hotel properties has become increasingly important. For the first time, complimentary Internet access has surpassed complimentary breakfast as the most important amenity. In addition, Internet use by hotel guests has nearly tripled during the past six years, with 47 percent of guests saying they used their hotel’s Internet connection in 2011, compared with 17 percent in 2005.

“Guests increasingly expect hotels to offer Internet access that is consistently available and working properly, particularly since Internet access is becoming more widely available in non-hotel settings, such as restaurants and cafes,” said Greif. “We have reached a point where problems with Internet access will more severely impact guest satisfaction levels with each passing year.”

Hotel guests who are required to pay a separate fee for Internet connectivity are considerably less satisfied with costs and fees, compared with guests who receive Internet access for free or as part of their room rate. In addition, among guests who indicate they experienced a problem with Internet connectivity at their hotel, only 13 percent say they would return to the property for a future stay. In contrast, 28 percent of customers who did not experience a problem with the Internet say they would return.

Hotel rankings by segment are as follows:

Upper Upscale Segment

Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts ranks highest in the upper upscale segment for a fourth consecutive year, performing particularly well in all seven measures. Following in the segment rankings are Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, respectively.

Upscale Segment

Among upscale hotel brands, Hilton Garden Inn ranks highest in guest satisfaction and performs particularly well in four of the seven measures: guest room; hotel services; hotel facilities; and costs and fees. Following in the segment rankings are Riu Hotels & Resorts and Dorint Hotels & Resorts, respectively.

Midscale Segment

Ramada Hotels ranks highest in guest satisfaction in the midscale segment and performs particularly well in six of the seven measures: guest room; hotel facilities; check-in/check-out; food and beverage; hotel services; and reservation. Following Ramada Hotels in the segment rankings are Holiday Inn and Park Inn, respectively.

Economy Segment

In the economy segment, Premier Inn ranks highest for a fourth consecutive year and performs particularly well in six of the seven measures: reservation; check-in/check-out; guest room; food and beverage; hotel facilities; and costs and fees. B&B Hotels and Travelodge, respectively, follow in the segment rankings.

The 2011 European Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study is based on responses from more than 18,000 guests who stayed at a hotel in Europe between April and September 2011. The study was fielded between May and September 2011.

(1) Luxury hotel brands are also included in the study but are not ranked due to insufficient number of award-eligible brands.

    Customer Satisfaction Index                  J.D. Power.com Power Circle
    Ranking                                      Ratings
    (Based on a 1,000-point scale)               For Consumers

    Upper Upscale Segment
    Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts             805   5
    Marriott Hotels & Resorts                    785   4
    Sheraton Hotels & Resorts                    775   3
    Upper Upscale Segment Average                774   3
    Westin Hotels & Resorts                      772   3
    Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts                768   3
    Hilton Hotels & Resorts                      767   3
    Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts               766   2
    Included in the study but not ranked due to small or insufficient
    sample size are: Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Pullman Hotels and Resorts,
    Renaissance Hotels and Swissotel Hotels & Resorts.

    Upscale Segment
    Hilton Garden Inn                            792   5
    Riu Hotels & Resorts                         775   4
    Dorint Hotels & Resorts                      767   4
    Maritim Hotels                               759   4
    Four Points by Sheraton                      758   4
    Melia Hotels & Resorts                       743   3
    Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts                738   3
    Iberostar Hotels & Resorts                   737   3
    Scandic                                      737   3
    Novotel Hotels                               735   3
    Upscale Segment Average                      735   3
    H10                                          733   3
    Mercure                                      733   3
    AC Hotels                                    732   3
    Hesperia                                     728   3
    nH Hoteles                                   714   2
    Courtyard                                    711   2
    Included in the study but not ranked due to small sample size are: De
    Vere Hotels & Resorts, Hoteles Silken, Husa Hoteles, Movenpick Hotels
    & Resorts, NH Jolly, Park Plaza and Thistle.

    Midscale Segment Overall Satisfaction Index
    Ramada Hotels                                758   5
    Holiday Inn                                  742   4
    Park Inn                                     739   4
    All Seasons Hotels                           733   4
    Barcelo Hotels & Resorts                     733   4
    Clarion                                      733   4
    Best Western                                 732   4
    Golden Tulip Hotels, Inns & Resorts          729   3
    Holiday Inn Express                          725   3
    Midscale Segment Average                     723   3
    Sol Hoteles                                  721   3
    Quality                                      714   3
    Campanile Hotel                              707   2
    Ibis Hotel                                   704   2
    Comfort Inn/Hotel                            694   2
    Kyriad                                       691   2
    TRYP Hotels                                  684   2
    NOTE: Tulip Inns is included in the study but not ranked due to small
    sample size.

    Economy Segment Overall Satisfaction Index
    Premier Inn                                  757   5
    B&B Hotels                                   725   4
    Economy Segment Average                      699   3
    Travelodge                                   685   3
    Etap Hotel                                   677   2
    Premiere Classe                              668   2
    Hotel F1                                     662   2
    Included in the study but not ranked due to small or insufficient
    sample size are: Balladins, Days Inn/Days Hotels and Motel One.

Power Circle Ratings Legend:
5 – Among the best
4 – Better than most
3 – About average
2 – The rest

About J.D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company providing forecasting, performance improvement, social media and customer satisfaction insights and solutions. The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.