News & Stories
Lucerne (May 5, 2006). For twelve year now, five renowned hoteliers have met in five different countries and discussed benchmarking. Owners and General Managers take the first round, heads of department follow. An unusual but unusually efficient form of information exchange.
Frankfurt/M The Steigenberger Hotel Group has now launched its revised customer loyalty programme, the "Award World". The new rule: "Each Euro of turnover means an additional premium point".
Zurich. The "clouded skies of Switzerland" have now given way to thunder and lightening. Both hotel associations battle on...
New York. Ritz-Carlton edged out Peninsula as the most prestigious luxury hotel brand in the 2006 Luxury Brand Status Index survey of Luxury Hotels conducted by the New York City-based Luxury Institute. Small Luxury Hotels of the World placed a strong third despite its low awareness, tied with Four Seasons.
The eco boom
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.
First hotel captain to brave the bridge was Kurt Ritter, President and CEO of Rezidor SAS Hospitality with Jonathan Worsley, representative from CB Richard Ellis Hotels questioning.
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.