News & Stories

Hong Kong. It has a touch of James Bond: The limousine careens along its way from the Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong in the glittering shopping quarter of Kowloon to Aberdeen, a former industrial quarter on Hong Kong Island. Dilapidated factory buildings everywhere, no one on the street … Here sits the technology brain of the five-star hotel group. As the only hotel company in the world Peninsula Hotels disposes of its own research and technology department that solely looks after the optimisation of the technology in the guestrooms. Moreover, it is less about the latest gadget, but more about a simple and well thought-out usability and the integration of different systems. A visit to a somewhat different "garage company".

Lausanne/Berlin. Large online platforms for private accommodation have recently came in for criticism. Meanwhile, they are also confronted with regulation. As a result, three large providers - 9flats, HouseTrip and Wimdu - have joined to form an interest group. Mega player airbnb is not on board.

Berlin. GBI follows the success of its student apartments with two more streamlined apartment concepts, one a serviced apartment concept and the other for long-term tenants. As locations for the serviced apartments for business guests, it's the usual suspects that are on the agenda.

Munich. All global brands have meanwhile proclaimed their intention to expand by franchise. For them, the move harbours no risk. Yet much to their annoyance, this model still meets with opposition outside those countries with an Anglo-Saxon tradition. Economically stable Germany stands out here. On first glance, franchise systems differ only very slightly. For operators and investors though, it makes a substantial difference whether the franchisor focuses exclusively on the role of brand-provider and distribution partner or whether the company also provides operating expertise and financial assistance. Christian Walter, Managing Director of PKF hotelexperts Vienna, grilled the five big players in this segment - Accor, Choice, InterContinental Hotels Group, Marriott und Wyndham - at the "Hospitality Industry Dialogue" at the Expo Real.

Berlin. After the surprising electoral defeat of the FDP, former coalition partner in Germany's last government, at the German federal election on September 22, the German hotel industry again fears for the future of the reduced rate of VAT enjoyed by the industry.

Goslar. This year, Sonnenhotels celebrate their tenth anniversary with the Doerschel founding family. Four years ago, however, it seemed like the family would never again be solely responsible for the group. But today, Managing Director Karina Doerschel manages eleven hotels in Germany, Austria and South Tyrol from the headquarters in Goslar.

Paris. Is this a joke? Surprised were indeed French hoteliers when they heard about the last report presented earlier this month to the Parliament. In charge of finding ideas on financing holidays for kids coming from low revenues families, a Commission came out with 21 proposals. The first one concerns luxury hotels.

Eschborn. About one-third of the total expenses of a hotel fall on the direct purchasing costs. Nevertheless, there is much in this area that still lies in disorder. A current study on the purchasing behaviour within the German hotel industry defines weak spots, but also indicates clear improvements and trends.

Duesseldorf. The German SPD candidate for Chancellor, Peer Steinbrueck, persists with his opinion that the reduced VAT rate for the hotel industry must be revoked again. The CEO of the German Lindner Hotels Group, Otto Lindner, is defending the reduction with great dedication on all fronts. After the TV debate between the candidates for the post of Chancellor last week, he has found an amusing approach for renewed advances in Steinbrueck.

Salzburg. When in Salzburg, the hotelier and gastronomic family Fleischhaker specially reserves the breakfast times in the recently open "Gluexfall" until 2 p.m., when the Austrian gourmet magazine "A La Carte" dedicates a 116-page issue exclusively to "Breakfast in Vienna" and when the largest hotel chain in Austria, Austria Trend Hotels, establishes the new positioning of its 31 properties on its "Good Morning Master", it is obvious: Consumers are increasingly engaging in the search for a sophisticated start to the day. Hoteliers and restaurateurs are discovering a new business segment in them. They are increasingly stepping into competition in the cities of Austria and the competition within the resort hotel industry has been underway for quite some time. And the cost of goods rises and rises …