News & Stories

Frankfurt. By the end of 2007, the brand Fleming's Hotels & Restaurants wants to be present at three locations in Frankfurt. This is what the owner, Ignaz Blodinger, recently told the press. However, Fleming's is rapidly expanding in the entire German-speaking region as well.

Wegberg. Canvassing for weddings, birthdays and bowling tours for next year will already start in a few weeks. Are hoteliers keeping in mind the VAT increase as of January 1, 2007? Preparing offers for contracts with private individuals may already include traps.

New York. With room rates and occupancy rates soaring in North America, many hotels are again quietly imposing unpopular surcharges covering everything from the use of a pool to housekeeping tips.

London. Finally, the days are numbered in the UK of disparate and confusing hotel classifications. While 2006 will be a transition period - with diamonds running alongside stars - it is stars that will be the new common classification for all serviced accommodation across Britain going into 2007.

Zurich. The Austrian-American Norbert W. Bischofberger invented "Tamiflu", one of two medications planned to be used against bird flu. The 50-year old scientist on the dangers of the bird flu.

Beverly Hills. Hilton is working on a radio-frequency identification system that it will implement next year; the idea is, guests will carry a micro-chipped card in their pocket that will inform the front desk when they walk into the hotel, allowing for quicker identification and check-in. The card will be embedded with a wealth of guest information, including whether a customer likes a nonsmoking room and what his or her favorite drink is. Privacy advocats are on high alert.

Frankfurt/M. In the luxury segment, the demand for suites is rising. All over the world, individual hotels and hotel groups are reacting to this trend that turns out to be quite lucrative in this hotel category. But even guests with a limited budget desire more space.