Meet the Pros at Meeting Sites Pro

A New Horizon for a Small Island

2012-02-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

Hyatt Hotels Corporation recently has announced the opening of Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas. This will be the first resort style property on the island of Saadiyat the UAE.

This Park Hyatt will boast 306 guest rooms and villas and has been designed as an “urban resort” concept by New York-based architect Perkins Eastman and Singapore-based designer Wilson Associates. This resort style hotel also boasts a 18 hole golf course and top of the line spa. Located on the Arabian ocean front the views from any part of the hotel are spectacular.

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi also has enough meeting space to host anything from a banquet of 500 to an intimate board meeting. With plenty of outdoor areas for receptions and special events the Park Hyatt really has it all.

The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority expects to receive 2.7 million visitors by 2012 and has plans to open many new attractions including museums to become a hotspot for the culturally curious.

For more information visit www.hyatt.com

Do It Yourself…..Dinner?

2012-01-27T16:33:00.000-08:00

New catering trends now boast thing like “interactive” and “customizable.” The days of being stuck at a table for several hours at a banquet or other meal function are over. Caterers across the country are putting their own twist on bringing the kitchen to you like Creative Edge Parties in New York who offers a cut-your-own pasta station with hanging sheets of handmade pasta.

Not only does this trend lead to make it yourself buffets like devil-your-own egg bar, it also brings chefs out of the kitchen so that you can see them hard at work. A new device called the “anti-griddle” is being used in these up close chef interactions for freezing things instead of cooking them.

Chefs are not the only ones that get to come out of the kitchen and have some fun with these new trends. More and more catering companies are also offering carts of different food and drink items that can be prepared on the spot or served up to mingling guests. These carts can carry anything from ice cream cones with toppings to a full carving station that comes to you.

Guests will also benefit from this move towards more interactive food. Long meal functions can tend to drag in a large room setting where the only people you talk to are those seated to your right and left. Being able to get up and mingle with people while you create something together can help to bring your guests together or to break them out of long business sessions at the end of the day.

Moving Your Meetings Into the Techno-age

2012-01-26T11:53:00.000-08:00

Most delegates and meeting attendees are now glued to their smart phones and tablets. According to One+ tablet and smartphone sales surpassed desktop and laptop computers in 2011.

Event-goers more often than not want to connect their audience with the event they are attending in real time they like to share their experiences as they happen and not after the fact. This creates new demands for events.

Wi-Fi connections are now standard in contract terms. Depending on the size of your meeting you may need a tech expert from your venue to help you establish things like the number of connections needed and the bandwidth and whether or not you will need extra power. These things can now significantly affect how long your attendees stay in their sessions. Though cell phones now often have 3G coverage service can be spotty and attendees are likely to walk out in order to send important emails or respond to messages if you don’t have the internet connection available to allow them a solid connection.

When the room is full of smart phones and tablets you should use that to your advantage. No doubt these folks engage in social media so why not ask them to follow you on twitter or join in a discussion on your Facebook community? Your resources for more web traffic and word of mouth marketing are sitting right in front of you.

There are many more roads we can go down with technology such as apps for you conference, video interviews in the hallways, and ways to take the conference with you on the go however groups and companies should be careful of jumping into the tecno-world too fast. If you are not prepared to build your own app then don’t do it but we should all be moving forward with all the fully executable options available to us.

For more information click here.

The World of Water

2011-12-16T20:20:00.001-08:00

Water is the oldest resource used in the meeting planning business, but it also provides one of the newest food and beverage options. With all the choices for water today: still, sparkling, bottled, tap? None of the former possibilities offer the taste bud excitement of the newest food and beverage trend. Infused water- water infused with real fruit, spices, and herbs, is the newest trick in the meeting planning industry for a low cost, delicious, and aesthetically pleasing treat for your reception.

At your next meeting, get creative and ask the venue for infused water at the water station instead of the usual plain water station set up. Infused water set ups include at least three carafes of different infused flavors. Flavors can include lemon-lime, pineapple-orange, mixed berry, cucumber mint, with an additional touch of flavors such as basil, cilantro, rosemary, and even habaneros. The choices of flavors are endless and stop only with the limitations of your imagination!

These tasty flavors provide a healthy and low cost alternative to sodas and coffee for your reception. The infused water also provides décor for the room with the array of fruit floating colorfully in the carafes. With all the healthy and yummy fruit floating around, your attendees will want to try all the possible flavors adding some spice to your reception. The new infused water trick cuts the need for plastic water bottles and soda cans helping make your meeting more environmentally friendly. Using carafes and glasses for the reception water station helps your meeting reach its green meeting goals.

When planning your next meeting, try this new trick for enhancing your reception by adding flavor and color to the usually boring water station. Your attendees will love the tasty and healthy alternative you provided, and your clients are sure to appreciate the earth-friendly, cost cutting benefits of serving this yummy treat.

Travel to Cape Town, South Africa

2011-12-09T20:11:00.000-08:00

Sawubona! That means hello in Zulu, one of South Africa’s eleven official languages. In the past decade, South Africa has transformed from a struggling nation to a country with a prominent influence on the world’s economy. There has never been a better time than now to visit the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa’s second most populated city. Whether for work or vacation, Cape Town’s vibrant culture and exquisite sights are sure to create an experience of a lifetime.

Cape Town is the perfect location for any meeting. With a citywide room count of around 32,000, this bustling city has more than enough space to accommodate any type of meeting. For the past two years, it has held the top ranking spot for global gatherings in Africa and the Middle East for the International Conference and Convention Association. The success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup proved that this coastal city can accommodate all types of travellers and a variety of meetings.

There are many reasons why Cape Town should be on everyone’s trip list. In one day you can relax on the beautiful beaches of Camps Bay, take a trip up Table Mountain to see the breathtaking views, and have a true South African experience in one of the many craft markets around town. For business professionals looking for the perfect venue, try the One & Only Cape Town or the RadissonBlu in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront harbor. For a team building exercises, why not go wine tasting in the Stellenbosch wine lands or try Great White Shark Diving? It’s obvious that no matter what the purpose of your visit, Cape Town is bound to exceed every expectation.

For more information, please click here.

Cruising to Your Next Meeting

2011-12-06T07:53:00.000-08:00

Looking for an exciting location for your next meeting, corporate retreat, or incentive trip? How about the big blue sea? Having a meeting on a cruise is an affordable, exotic, and refreshing alternative to the usual hotel venue.

More and more companies are catching on to using cruises as venues for their meetings. Interest is growing due to the significant cost reduction of using cruises. When comparing prices, an all-inclusive cruise event can save up to 30% of overall cost. All inclusive of meals, entertainment, presentation equipment, and meeting space in one package, a cruise not only offers saving but added convenience. Attendees have access to many amenities such as nightly entertainment, happy hour, and personally chosen meals. All-inclusive packages reduce a budget significantly.

Cruises also offer incredible team building experiences, incorporating social events and excursions that give attendees enough time to refresh and energize their minds between meetings. Combining leisure and business can produce magnificent results for a company. A comfortable environment enhances teambuilding, and the fact that there’s nowhere for anyone to go creates a captive audience. Companies can book a private charter or part of the ship depending on their size.

Want to learn more about a corporate cruise? Click here.

Travel Optimism!

2011-11-29T10:09:00.000-08:00

This year we have seen earthquakes, tsunami’s, and uprisings around the world; yet amid tragedy and uncertainty, corporate travel is strong. According to The Pegasus View, advanced corporate bookings grew in August by 10.2% over the prior year. Also noted was that although corporations are being more stringent on spending, they are still permitting employees to take trips. For additional information, go to http://tinyurl.com/7m52og4

Get Your Attendees' Brains Cookin’!

2011-11-25T13:20:00.000-08:00

Get your meeting attendee’s brains cooking at your next meeting or conference by feeding them “Brain Food.” Brain Food is a new idea developed in Sweden’s Radisson Blu Hotels by Swedish nutritionist Christain Bitz, the food is made up of healthy ingredients designed to keep meeting participants sharp, full, and focused. Brain Food includes menu items consisting of fish, whole grains, eggs, fruits, and vegetables and contains less that 10% fat content and added sugar. The new menu items are designed to increase brain and physical energy by keeping a stable blood sugar and providing as much nutrition as possible. Sounds like something we should be doing for ourselves on a daily basis!

Here are some tips from the Radisson Blu for feeding yourself and your meeting attendees Brain Food:

The Six Brain Food Principles

1. Lots of fish, whole grain products, fruits and vegetables

2. Primarily fresh, locally sourced ingredients

3. Pure ingredients with minimal industrial processing

4. Less meat and always a maximum 10% fat content

5. Natural sweeteners and never more than 10% added sugar

6. Focus on good taste and satisfying the senses

Using fish instead of other fatty meats helps participants stay full while not wanting to take a nap after lunch. Also, adding more vegetables and whole grains and having less meat in the meal keeps attendees from becoming tired throughout the day. Fruit for dessert instead of artificially sweetened desserts keeps attendees feeling sharp, healthy, and on top of their game during long meetings.

If you want to try one of Radisson Blu’s Brain Food ideas, check out the recipe below for an easy but yummy salmon dish with the perfect mixture of protein and healthy fats.

Salmon Pastrami

450g Norwegian Salmon

130g Salt

70g Sugar

15g Coarsely ground black pepper

15g Coarsely ground fennel seed

15g Coarsely ground mustard seed

15g Coarsely ground coriander seed

Marinate salmon in salt and sugar mixture for 20 minutes

Wash off the salt and sugar mixture of the salmon with cold water

Roll the salmon and wrap three times in plastic wrap so that it is wrapped solid

Poach the salmon at 60 degrees for 20 minutes

Unwrap the salmon in the remaining ingredients

Slice in

For more information click here and here.

What’s up with VAT? A helpful guide to understanding the Value-Added Tax.

2011-11-18T17:01:00.000-08:00

International meetings can be quite complex to organize. Time differences, language barriers, and currency conversions are just a few of the obstacles meeting planners face when planning a perfect meeting abroad. The most confusing aspect of international meetings for many planners is the Value-Added Tax, or VAT, that exists in more than 140 countries outside the U.S. It can be compared to a sales tax, as it is the cost added to goods and services. However it is quite daunting to planners because there are no universal standards for administering the tax.

Every country has its own VAT rate, rules as to what it is applied to, and procedures regarding filing and deadlines. Although this can perplex many planners, experts say that there are basic steps meeting planners can take to find out what refund they are entitled to as well as ensure they follow correct protocol during the planning process.

The first step in mastering the VAT is to do preliminary research before planning a meeting. It is important to find out which countries offer rebates and which do not. Most European countries do, with Italy and Spain being the exceptions. The best way to obtain the most up to date information on VAT rates in specific countries is to check the country’s tourism website.

Remember that all VAT countries offer different rebates, so it is very important to research rates before creating a program budget. There are also some countries outside of Europe, namely China, India and Central and South America that charge VAT but do not offer rebate recovery. Japan, Australia and South Korea offer limited rebates, but their requirements and documentation is very tedious and complex.

The next step in the international planning process is to decide what type of meeting will be held. In many countries, rate eligibility depends on the type of event. For example, Ireland does not rebate VAT costs associated with an incentive program, however the U.K., France, Germany, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands (and a few others) do. Before choosing a country for a meeting, it is important to check its tourism website for information on rate eligibility.

So, you’ve done your research and chosen a destination for your meeting. What’s next? Collecting paperwork and filling out forms. I know, it doesn’t sound very fun, but the benefits are worth it. Experts stress the importance of keeping the necessary receipts and invoices and completing the filing forms. This form is usually supplied by the hotel, and all invoices should be filed under the same name. Make sure you know when the deadline is for submitting the forms – every country has a different deadline.

If the Value-Added Tax is too complex or too tedious to planners, there are many resources available to ease the VAT rebate process. Third-party VAT reclamation agencies are extremely helpful and can take care of all the refund process, but it is important to contact them before the planning process rather than after the event. Their service costs are based on a percentage of the rebate.

When planning a meeting or event abroad, remember that the VAT rebate, although daunting, can be a money saving process. So go out there and master that VAT!

For more information please click here.

National Sales Meeting 2012: Lake Erie Shores? A wave of renovations and revitalized attractions make Northern Ohio a “shore thing”

2011-11-11T18:12:00.000-08:00

Looking for a wealth of meeting-friendly hotel offerings, wineries, amusement parks, unique local attractions, and a plethora of fine dining? Enter Northern Ohio. No, really. With a relatively short drive from Chicago, Detroit, Columbus, and Cleveland, and a quick flight from numerous U.S. locations, Northern Ohio offers guests a year-round, first-class experience at a fraction of the cost of top tier destinations.

With today’s meeting budgets dwindling and client’s expectations mounting, planners are struggling to secure reasonable rates at high-end sites, encouraging them to explore hidden treasures nestled in the Midwest. Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores caters to the expansive needs of delegates with their recreationally rich, picturesque atmosphere showcasing diverse eateries and unique lodging options.

Upon completion in December, Sandusky’s African-themed Kalahari Resort solidifies its ranking as the largest hotel in the state of Ohio. It will boast a 38,000 square-foot ballroom and exposition center, a 12,000 square-foot junior ballroom, 14 meeting rooms, a 4,000 square-foot outdoor plaza and a an extra 30,000 square-feet of indoor function space. For those of you, keeping track: that will total 215,000 square-feet of convention space when combined with the existing venue. This $22 million expansion is situated on 256 acres and offers 884 guest rooms, an indoor water park, an outdoor adventure park, a mini-golf course, a spa, and a zoo-like park with African animals on display.

For the client seeking a slightly more enthralling meeting break, Cedar Point offers exceptional meeting space location directly at “Ohio’s Roller Coast”. Dubbed the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World”, Cedar Point not only showcases sky-high rides and an outdoor waterpark, but also an expansive beach, inviting guests to engage in various watersports. On site meeting-friendly hotels include the 650-room Hotel Breakers and the 237-room Castaway Bay.

Approximately 20 minutes east of Sandusky lies the town of Huron, the home of the Sawmill Creek Hotel Golf Resort. Located directly on Lake Erie, Sawmill Creek is a Tom Fazio championship golf course that also harbors 236 guest rooms, 50,000 square-feet of meeting space, and multiple restaurants.

For the more adventurous groups looking to be engulfed in the outdoors of the Midwest, Port Clinton and the Lake Erie islands offer a local escape from the everyday, requiring only a short Jet Express ride. High speed ferries and charter services are abundant in these areas, making transportation a breeze. East Wine Cellar Road in Port Clinton invites guests to relax at the Mon Ami Restaurant & Historic Winery during corporate receptions available both indoors and outdoors.

Island accommodations include the Put-in-Bay Resort and Conference Center, located on the popular South Bass Island, and is capable of hosting a few hundred delegates. The Islander Inn and the Grand Islander Hotel recently announced their newest addition, the Niagara Event Center which can house up to 600 for an event in their 14,000 square-foot venue. Smaller groups looking for a unique experience need not explore further than Kelleys Island, offering trails for hiking at the Island State Park along with their 1,600 square-foot meeting space facility, Kelleys Island Venture Resort.

Northern Ohio has numerous options for various meetings, and it on the short list of up-and-coming corporate meeting areas.

For more information, please click here.

Holiday Travel Tips and Tricks

2011-11-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

It’s already November and the holiday season is sneaking up on us! But before we are bombarded with the inevitable stress of shopping, traveling, and the anxiety of crowds that follow synonymous, we have compiled a few tips and tricks to help you beat the holiday travel woes!

As if airports weren’t crowded and stressful enough during the holiday season, airlines are cutting capacity in order to save on costs such as rising fuel prices and an uncertain economy. Ironically, as airlines cut capacity, there has been a rise in passengers using air transportation. This means more tightly packed airplanes, in addition to the already large crowds in airports, and of course long security lines and delays. In anticipation of the large crowds and densely packed flights, we have found a few helpful tips and tricks for a more comfortable and efficient holiday travel season.

You are all familiar with the rigid airport security and long lines that follow, but there is one change to security lines that will put your mind at ease. In the past, T.S.A. has used scanners that display a virtually nude image of passengers to security agents. However, this year T.S.A. is implementing new scanners that show only a generic, computer-generated body outline that passengers can also view online.

In addition to new privacy implementation for security lines, passengers can now choose to pay to go through security lines faster. United sells

expedited security and pre-boarding starting at $9, and Jet Blue’s “Even More Speed” program allows passengers to pay $10-$65 extra for more legroom and expedited security lines at certain airports. American’s “Five Star Service” program also offers expedited security line options as well as other V.I.P. services for those willing to pay the extra cost. So if you want to skip the lines while traveling this holiday season, check out what options your airline offers for moving you through security faster, as well as additional comfort features.

This season, some airlines are also changing their boarding procedures. In order to ensure you get on the plane with your seat preference, be sure to check your airline’s boarding process. American, which used to board back to front, now randomly assigns boarding groups; but, coach passengers can pay $10 and beat first class and even elite frequent flyers to the front of the boarding line! United, and soon Continental, will be boarding window, then middle, and finally aisle seats, as opposed to boarding back to front. If seat preference is important to you, then remember to check your airline’s website for their procedures as many companies are changing this year to ensure faster boarding.

Trying to fit all those presents for your friends and family into your checked bags? Don’t forget about checked bag fees most airlines impose, including fees for overweight and oversized luggage. Jet Blue offers one free checked bag and Southwest offers two. Check your airline’s website for baggage limitations and fees including oversized and overweight bags.

We hope these tips and tricks help you have safe and efficient travels this holiday season!

Happy Holidays from the Meeting Sites Pro team!

For more information please visit: http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/10/30/travel/an-update-on-holiday-air-travel.html?ref=travel

The Ups and Downs of “Gamifying” Your Meeting

2011-11-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

The hottest new thing on the market is always exciting however that doesn’t mean that it always benefits your meeting. Adding technological games such as adding Four Square or awarding participants for scanning a QR code may be fun but isn’t always beneficial.

Often we try to adopt a concept like incorporating games into a meeting before we fully understand it. Random scavenger hunts are just not going to cut it in this ever changing technological world. You have to think like an attendee and understand that if you are going to cut out networking time you have to offer them something better in return.

Cell Phone Gaming has reached new heights.

Last February the Green Meeting Industry Council introduced a game design as its key element of their Sustainable Meetings Conference. Attendees played through the game by attending sessions and talking to exhibitors in order to complete a case study. The rules were simple and the networking possibilities negated the time they had to spend doing specific activities.

The problem arises when the goals of your game do not match those of your meeting. Often companies and planners get caught up in the buzz and the fun and forget to reflect on the objectives and goals of the meeting when developing their own game. This can lead to complicated rules and no end goal that makes it hard for the attendees to understand why they should participate.

Games can be a great way to add some fun and excitement to annual meetings or other events but make sure that they are only included if they meet the objectives and goals of the meeting.

For more information please visit: meetingsnet.com

The Meeting Industry: A Cure for the Recession

2011-10-28T17:29:00.000-07:00

It’s no secret that the Unites States economy is suffering. Many are looking for an effective way out of the recession, and in an economic climate full of failing businesses and lay-offs, solutions seem few and far between. The meeting industry can offer a significant cure to the current recession.

The results of a recent study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers quantified the meetings industry as a vital entity and significant contribution to the national economy. The study, “The Economic Significance of meetings to the U.S. Economy”, was released by the Convention Industry Council in February. According to the study, “the U.S. meetings industry directly supports 1.7 million jobs, $263 billion in spending, a $106 billion share of the GDP, $60 billion in labor revenue, $14.3 billion in federal tax revenue and $11.3 billion in state and local tax revenue each year”. These significant numbers prove that the meetings industry plays a critical role in supporting employment in communities across the nation and creating environments that promote innovation and successful businesses.

A coalition of 14 leading meetings industry membership organizations spent a year performing the necessary research. The study was based on the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) definition of meetings, which is defined as a gathering of 10 or more participants for a minimum of four hours in a contracted venue. This definition includes conventions, conferences, congresses, trade shows and exhibitions, incentive events, corporate/business meetings and other meetings that fall within those guidelines. During a press release announcing the results, Executive Director of the Convention Industry Council, Karen Kotowski, summarized the importance of the meetings industry. “Two years ago, the value of meetings, one of America’s top economic and social engines, was misunderstood by governments and the public. This new research quantifies the economic significance of our sector for legislators, regulators and economists alike."

In the past, due to inconsistent research among various countries, the economic value of the meetings industry was unknown. With the results of this study comes a better understanding the meeting industry and its numerous advantages. These advantages, to both businesses and the public, are difficult to ignore. In a nation sick with the recession blues, the meetings industry can offer a meaningful remedy.

For more information on the study, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/3kgfpfh

Belfast Transformed

2011-10-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

Two years ago Lonely Planet described Belfast as “a city on the rise” and Frommer’s rated Belfast in the Top 12 world holiday destinations in 2009. In 2011, Belfast has much to celebrate with the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall to the newest building Titanic Belfast launching in April 2012. Meeting Sites Pro visited the city recently to experience all Belfast has to offer; from its challenging history to its anticipation and excitement of a bright future. Walking through the city, there is seemingly endless scaffolding and new developments to include new apartment blocks, copper-domes concert venue at Waterfront Hall, the five-star Hilton Hotel, the extraordinary new Odyssey Complex, and the Titanic Belfast launching in April 2012. We found the city to be especially proud and optimistic about their newest addition, Titanic Belfast, a world-class visitor attraction and events venue allowing us to voyage back over 100 years through time to experience the triumph and tragedy of the Titanic story. For more information go to www.titanicbelfast.com.

While Belfast has overcome much adversity with its checkered past, its people remain proud and optimistic about it's future. We experienced their pride first hand during our visit when Belfast got news that the “2011 MTV EMA” would be broadcast live from the Belfast’s Odyssey Arena on Sunday, November 6. For more information visit: www.gotobelfast.com.

A Legendary Hotel is Reborn

2011-10-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, California is set to reopen today after two years of extensive redesign and refurbishment. The iconic hotel is part of the Dorchester Collection which owns luxury hotels across the globe. Dorchester Collection CEO, Christopher Cowdray, transformed Hotel Bel-Air with the help of two worldwide renowned design teams, Rockwell Group and Alexandra Champalimaud. Cowdray also enlisted the help of Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant group to oversee all of the food and beverage operations.

Throughout the redesign process, the two design teams took great care in keeping the originality of Hotel Bel-Air intact. The familiar themes of Spanish Colonial architecture are intertwined with elegant and glamorous aesthetics. The signature Bel-Air swans can again be found grazing throughout the beautiful 12 acre property.

The hotel boasts 103 spacious guestrooms and suites, many with amenities such as grand pianos, fireplaces, and canyon views. The new 4,134 square foot Spa by La Prairie contains seven treatment rooms and invites guests to take time to relax and be pampered.

The dining venues were redesigned and expanded to enhance all of the elements of the property. Wolfgang Puck’s famous restaurant infuses modern California cuisine with Mediterranean and European influences. Guests can enjoy a range of relaxing activities such as cocktails on the terrace, tea time in the lobby, or lounging by the famous Bel-Air oval pool.

Hotel Bel-Air offers a unique location for both business and leisure travelers. It is ideal for those business executives who wish to escape the typical business setting. The hotel has 11,984 square feet of function space, both indoor and outdoor. The Hotel can accommodate outdoor receptions, large conferences, and private small meetings without sacrificing luxury.

With its magical ambiance, new generation design aesthetic youthful yet elegant manner, this exclusive hotel is bound to impress.

For more information, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/3rck9jt

Can the U.S. Visa Process Keep Up With Tourism Growth?

2011-10-07T14:54:00.000-07:00

Beatrice Camp, US Consul General, speaks with Chinese applicants for U.S. visas.

According to executives and Obama administration professionals, some of the security measures instated since 9/11 have stalled hospitality industry growth by discouraging the growing middle class to travel to the U.S.

There has been a significant increase in travel outside one’s home country in the last ten years, but the U.S. travel numbers have not reflected this trend. From 2000 to 2010 there was a 40 percent increase in global long haul travel, travel to another country, but the U.S. share in the same time period actually dropped from 17 percent to 12 percent.

The Council on Jobs and Competitiveness, a group of outside advisors, wants the State Department to increase the capacity for processing visas and to streamline the process in key emerging countries. Countries like China, Brazil and India have an ever growing middle class but the wait times for visa interviews can make travel to the U.S. difficult. In some parts of China the wait for a visa interview is up to 39 days and in Brazil it can be up to 4 months.

State Department officials say they plan to expand the capacity to process visas by 30 percent in the next year for high-demand countries. They will also be creating the Corporation for Travel Promotion, a non-profit group that will promote U.S. tourism abroad.

For more information: http://tinyurl.com/3nckkn2

Don’t Be a Victim of Identity Theft: How Meeting Planners Should Protect Themselves and their Company

2011-09-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

Last year approximately 8.1 million Americans were victims of identity theft, according to Javelin Strategy & Research. Unfortunately, this number continues to increase. So how can you make sure that you do not fall victim to thieves? There are simple precautions, especially for meeting planners, that can be taken to ensure that identity theft does not happen to you.

Meeting planners should make sure that their laptops or computers have passwords, proper firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware technology. If you must e-mail private information, including addresses or credit card numbers, learn to encrypt files you send. One obvious way to avoid data theft is to collect less data by requesting the minimum amount of data.

Before the meeting commences, planners should remind attendees to always watch their personal belongings. John Sileo, keynote speaker of identity thief, claims that “educating attendees is the most powerful thing that planners can do. If you have 1,000 attendees now every one of them is looking out…you’ve got 1,000 deputized police officers watching what’s going on in the room. That’s a huge difference”.

During the meeting, planners should ask the host hotel to set up a secure Wi-Fi connection where all meting attendees can log onto the Web with a user name and password. Make frequent reminders to attendees not to leave laptops, smart phones and purses or wallets unattended.

After the program ends, planners should protect themselves and their company by gathering all of the physical documentation used for the meeting. Planners should look into digitally destroying all records kept on computers, and make sure that the files have been taken off hard drives, or at least encrypted.

Protecting yourself from identity theft is not something that is only limited to meeting planners. Remembering these 5 quick tips will go a long way to prevent identity theft for anyone, especially when traveling;

1) Never leave your belongings unattended.

2) Only carry necessary items with you. Leave all other personal and valuable items at home or in your hotel such as your passport, credit card, laptop etc.

3) Only use secure Wi-Fi with a user name and password.

4) Be safe while using the Internet: Think before you click!

5) Select complicated passwords for your credit card, bank and phone accounts. Avoid passwords such as your birthdate, address or mother’s maiden name.

Technology Driven Hotels

2011-09-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

With the social media revolution and the expectation for high-technology, hotels are competing to get the best twitter blasts about their “cool factors”. WIFI is no longer enough of a bonus to a guest room; tech-savvy travelers are expecting a bit more.

The Upper House, Hong Kong, has replaced reservation desk check-in with computer kiosks. Additionally, the JW Marriott Hong Kong has digitalized their hotel room control system. A touchscreen controller, located

right on the bedside phone, offers everything from local attractions to events during your stay.

At the Mandarin Oriental in Las Vegas, you can control the room lights and room temperature through the LCD touch panel or the TV. A timer can even be set on the curtains to open automatically in the morning so guests can wake up with the sunlight shining into their room.

The Le Parker Meridien in New York City has taken their gym to the next level. They created a Wii gym room where you can play tennis with computer partners or run on digital tracks.

There are countless ways in which technology can improve and modernize the hotel industry; however, hotel guests can accept or reject as much as they prefer. If the new technology intimidates them, they can stick to the traditional simplicity of travel. No matter what the traveler decides, hotels will continue to move towards a technological dream world.

For more information see http://tinyurl.com/4y3nts3

Disney's New Luxurious Hotel

2011-09-16T17:09:00.000-07:00

The happiest place on earth just got happier. Disney World, located in Orlando, Florida, is opening its doors to their first ultra-luxury, Four Seasons.

The lavish hotel will not only be the first non-Disney branded hotel, but also, the first five-star hotel located inside the theme park. This $360 million dollar project, expected to open in late 2014, will begin its construction this December. The 444-room resort will have impeccable views of Disney’s Magic Kingdom. It’ll be steps away from numerous restaurants, an extravagance spa, basketball and tennis courts, a golf course as well as three pools.

With rates expected to be anywhere from $440.00 to $2,185 a night-this might not be an option for the regular families visiting the theme park. The Four Seasons expects to fill only half their rooms with park visitors and the rest will be conventioneers and business-meeting attendees. The Four Seasons will include approximately 37,750 square feet of meeting and event space, which will be a great new location to use in the future.

For more information visit:
http://tinyurl.com/62otgsz

“Trusted Traveler”

2011-09-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

With the busiest time of the year for the airports soon approaching, travelers are demanding stress-free travel and the airline industry is loosening up on security procedures. A survey conducted by Consensus Research reports that American travelers would fly two to three more times per year on average, if the hardship of airport security were eliminated. These flights would add nearly $85 billion in consumer spending and nearly 900,000 jobs to the industry.

So what might this new program consist of? Well, The U.S. Travel Association has proposed a voluntary, government-operated program called “Trusted Traveler”. Program participants will be identified by entering a kiosk that scans their finger or iris (eye) to confirm their identity, and then pass through an explosive – detection device with their luggage.

Seems easy enough, but what’s the catch? Well, first, to apply for admission into the “Trusted Traveler” program, passengers must provide biometric information for screening, such as fingerprint, and iris recognition. Then, participants must submit to a criminal background check. Afterwards, a required interview with government officials is scheduled, and qualification into the program is then determined. Once enrolled, participants will receive an identity card, which they present at airport security checkpoints. This might seem like a lengthy procedure, but according to Consensus Research, surveys suggest that many passengers would rather have more government intrusion in exchange of traditional strict checkpoints.

Regardless of the “Trusted Traveler” program, one thing is made clear. Americans are pushing for changes in security measures, and airlines are open to the idea of relaxing on their current abrasive procedures. Voices are definitely being heard, and it will be exciting to see how loosened security procedures will significantly strengthen the airline industry.

For more information and the full U.S. Travel report, visit www.ustravel.org.

Airline Food

2011-08-29T16:28:00.000-07:00

During the early parts of the decade, the airline industry was suffering. Who better to target than hungry travelers for a little extra revenue? Thus, the industry eliminated free meals and introduced ‘food for purchase’.

“When people are traveling, they may buy food because they are hungry or they may be looking for something to do to pass the time,” said a United spokesman. Airlines took this opportunity to charge willing passengers for inflight treats.

At first, airlines tried experimenting with healthy items; however, the most popular treats were those filled with salt and carbohydrates. “United Airlines tried offering ‘active’ and ‘organic’ snack boxes with high-protein, low-fat and organic items, but ended up donating unused boxes to thousands of food banks before eliminating them from the menu,” says Scott Mccartney, Wall Street Journal writer.

Many food connoisseurs question the nutrition and portions of these inflight meals. “Dr. Pescatore, who practices nutritional medicine in New York, says that in general, airline coach offerings today ‘are terribly unhealthy’, he says. High-calorie sandwiches are packaged with both chips and cookies, for example, and snack boxes are loaded with sugary and salty food at movie-theater prices” writes Mccartney.

Some of these snack boxes can range between 600 – 700 calories. Also, the high salt content further dehydrates passengers traveling long distances. The best option available today is packing your own food. You know exactly what you’re getting for your money!

For more information see http://tinyurl.com/3vsblwf

Hotels Are Greener Then Ever!

2011-08-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

“Going Green” is a movement that has expanded dramatically in the hotel industry and has gone past just switching to florescent bulbs or implanting a linen reuse program. Today, some hotels are going above and beyond in order to be called “the greenest” hotel.

One of the highest standards these hotels can receive is U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification which is not only the toughest but also the rarest - only 64 hotels are certified in the USA. In order to receive this certification the hotel needs to cover all environmental friendly areas such as energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, and stewardship of resources.

The Motel 6 Texas Motor Speedway in Northlake, Texas is the very first economy class hotel to receive to LEED certification, which demonstrates going green does not need to cost more! This Motel 6 has everything from thermal solar power units to drought-resistant native plants for their landscape. They even built the motel with local materials and only certified sustainable wood was used in construction! All of this and the room rate is still only $40.00 per night!

The New Wisconsin Hotel teamed up with Pineapple Hospitality and together they are working towards obtaining the highest LEED gold certification. This boutique-hotel just open last spring and is continuing to push towards more eco-friendly advances in order to reduce their carbon footprint. The hotel uses green amenities such as 100% biodegradable key cards and Tommy Bahama refillable bath dispensers, which eliminates the need for little bottles. Another eco-initiative is the use of only healthy and sustainable cleaning products. All rooms have recycling bins and all bills are printed on recycled paper.

These hotels are paving the way for future eco-friendly hotels- proving saving the environment is not only important for generations to come but it can be easy!

For more information: http:// tinyurl.com/3ppgxau & http://tinyurl.com/434emyt

The 21st Century Business Traveler

2011-07-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

The days of all work and no play are over! Today’s business travelers are looking for the best of both worlds while away from home. That is why travel tech, Katie Linendoll, and Hyatt Place have partnered up in order to provide modern business travelers all the insider knowledge on the latest and greatest gadgets, amenities and innovations!

The partnership between hotels and technology is key for a successful trip. Hotels are becoming more tech-savvy making traveling easier and allowing guests to be more productive. Hotels like the Hyatt Place offer free Wi-Fi and smart integration technology which is a must for any modern traveler. Even though in a recent survey, 69% of business travelers stated they are traveling more than in the past, these respondents also say that traveling is becoming easier than ever due to the growth in technology.

So, what is the most essential travel accessory for the modern business traveler? According to the survey, 64% of business travelers would rather leave home without underwear then forget their smartphones! These mobile geniuses make traveling much easier, especially with the use of GPS and local hotspots. Katie suggests downloading apps such as “Aroundme” which can help you find your way in new cities or “Camera ZOOM FX’ to capture all those memorable events on the road. These phones are also business travelers’ key to staying close to family and friends while on the road. 70% of business travelers reported spent more time communicating with their loves ones creating a more positive work-travel experience.

Travel technology does not end there; Linendoll offers a few last tips to make any one a modern-day business-traveling pro! She highly recommends tablets (which are basically lightweight laptops perfect for working on the road) and eReaders (to keep you busy on the long flights). And finally, any modern business traveler must look the part- trendy, comfortable and business causal is becoming the norm! So pack those sundresses, ladies! And have a great trip!

http://tinyurl.com/3ehfm9l

ITS TIME FOR COMIC-GEDDON!

2011-07-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

The long awaited event has finally arrived…Comic Con 2011! Outrageous costumed fans will be flooding the streets of downtown in order to meet their favorite entertainment and comic book icons, like Director Steven Spielberg and the cast of the popular series “Twilight”. Comic Con is San Diego’s largest annual event bring over 126,000 people from all around the world.

This four-day convention creates a huge impact on the hospitality industry selling out tens of thousands of rooms for attendees while generating over $68 million in spending for just dining, transportation and lodging alone. Comic Con composed a list of nearby hotels; 30 of which are walking distance to the convention center. Nearby hotels are nearly completely booked and those with open rooms are selling for almost double their regular rates. These heighten prices may not last, as Comic Con’s 40-year contract with San Diego ends in 2013. It is now up to these hotels to lower their convention rates and increase incentives in order to compete against other major cities, like Los Angeles and Anaheim, fighting to be the new home for the convention. San Diego is so determined to keep Comic Con, city officials even offered to block out more hotel rooms at cheaper rates while using $500,000 of hotel taxes to pay for a shuttle service to and from the event.

Another looming problem for San Diego is convention space, Comic Con started in 1970 with only 300 attendees meeting in a small basement located in U.S. Grant Hotel and now have expanded taking over the whole convention center and two nearby hotels in order to hold all of its programing. While the city tries to work out these issues, officials and fans alike hope that Comic Con will stick to tradition and continue keeping San Diego its home.

http://tinyurl.com/Idnvse

Chinese Travel Increase

2011-07-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

China is becoming one of the world’s fastest growing travel markets. Thus, many hotel branches are competing to attract these travelers’ attention. Hotel chains, such as Hilton Worldwide Inc. and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, are implementing special programs/ packages to incorporate the Chinese customs.
According to Alexandra Berzon of the Wallstreet Journal, “Starwood plans to announce a program Monday called "Starwood Personalized Travel," which will require the company's 1,051 hotels—including the Sheratons, Westin and W chains—to offer a set of specific services for Chinese travelers, including in-room tea kettles, slippers and translation services, in addition to new menu items”.
This program expansion will cover all the Starwood properties by the end of next year. Hilton, on the other hand, takes this program one step further. Their program ‘Hilton Huanying’ (which means ‘welcome’ in Chinese), requires hotels to provide a front desk receptionist that speaks Mandarin. In addition, they have one Chinese television station and a full Chinese breakfast menu.
"Chinese travel is going to provide one of the great opportunities that we'll ever see in the business," said Hilton Chief Executive Chris Nassetta.
Marriott International Inc. is planning on getting involved as well. In the fall, they will begin a program “that will include information for hotels on how to create a Chinese breakfast” (Berzon).
While the Chinese economy grows and their travel restrictions loosen, hotels prepare for this important growing sector in the travel market.
For more information see http://tinyurl.com/5rsaopz

Phone Keys

2011-06-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

Hate waiting in-line to check-in to your hotel room after a long journey? Maybe you don’t have to anymore. Hotels are implementing a new room key that could save travelers some time!
“Some chains are adopting permanent keys that repeat guests can carry in their wallets and use for multiple trips at a variety of properties. Other establishments are doing away with physical keys altogether; instead, guests can open their room doors by holding their cellphone next to the lock” says Andrea Petersen, Wall Street Journal writer.
The hassle of demagnetized room keys will no longer be an issue. Hotels are trying to find the most convenient way to accommodate their customers. In addition to the permanent and cell phone keys, some hotels, like the Hilton and Intercontinental Hotels Group, are using something called OpenWays. This new technology sends a phone number to the guest’s cell phone. Upon arrival, the guest calls the phone number which will play an audible tone that unlocks their door. This tone changes every few minutes for security purpose. Thus, no one can record and replay any of the tones to reopen a room.
"Think of the business traveler who goes to the same hotel every week. He can go straight to his room, drop off his bag and get right to his meeting," says Pete Sears, senior vice president of operations at Hyatt Hotels Corp.
Although hotels do not believe these changes will be very cost-saving, they do trust it will boost their customer service and satisfaction rating. Those chains that decide to adopt the new keys hope to stand out amongst the other hotels.
For more information see http://tinyurl.com/31c9rm3

The Mobile Check-In Revolution

2011-06-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

The airline industry is starting to use mobile check-in more frequently. Not only can you check-in to your flight using your phone but you can also get a barcode to board your flight with. Printing your boarding pass is no longer needed! Passengers can register their cell phone number with the airline when they purchase their ticket and the airline will send them a text message with a barcode or instructions on how to download the barcode when it is time for their flight. There are special scanners that airports use to detect these barcodes so you have to make sure that the airport you are flying out of supports this system. There are also always some issues with cell phones and scanners not being reliable. For the most part this eco-friendly, easy to use, industry cost saving, and convenient method has been working well.
The hotel industry is beginning to make the check-in process easy as well. For the Hyatt Hotels & Resorts as well as Omni Hotels & Resorts you may check-in with your iPhone or BlackBerry. This allows you to pick up a key at the registration desk without any wait! The hotel industry is working towards something similar to the airlines where you would be able to unlock your door with your cell phone. This would eliminate all check-in and out processes that are sometimes timely.

The Right Plastic for Perks

2011-05-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

Credit card issuers have been aggressively targeting business travelers because they have higher household incomes, better jobs and better credit ratings. Frequent fliers who use cards issued by their airline’s loyalty program can also earn miles from hotel stays, car rentals and even from things like mortgage payments. The benefits range from earning miles to having access to airport lounges. Have a specific benefit you would like to receive? Choose the card that is right for you! Do you enjoy waiting for your flight in an airport lounge? For this type of access you might get the American Express Platinum or Centurion cards. The annual fees of $375 or more cover entry into the lounges of American Airlines, Delta Airlines and US Airways. You also will receive annual membership in Priority Pass Select which is a program that provides access to 600 lounges worldwide. If you do not like accumulating foreign fees the best cards for you are American Express Platinum and Centurion cards; certain Visa cards issued by Cotinental, British Airways, IHG, Marriott, and Hyatt; Chase’s Sapphire Preferred; and Citi’s ThankYou Premier and ThankYou Prestige cards. Foreign fees could be as much as an additional three percent of the cost of goods and services purchased overseas. Some fees are high while others like Marriott’s are only $30 per year. If you would like to waive fees for checking baggage Continental’s MasterCard as well as Delta’s SkyMiles credit card will allow for one or two complimentary bags per traveler per flight. The American Express Platinum and Centurion cards give a $200 annual credit toward miscellaneous airline fees which can be used towards checking baggage. If you are interested in reducing mileage requirements American Airlines’ Citi card and USAirways’ MasterCard offer discounts on the number of miles required to book an award ticket. If you are interested in earning qualifying miles you might consider the top-tier cards offered by Continental, Delta, United, and US Airways. These cards allow holders to earn elite miles after they spend a certain amount of money. There are many different benefits for the different needs and wants of business travelers. Choose a card that has the right perks for you!

http://tinyurl.com/3eqd2o4

Government Meetings

2011-05-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

Ensure success in any economic environment.

As funding for government meetings comes and goes, three prominent trends are developing that people should be aware of to assist in executing a successful government meeting.

Blacklisting = Nonexistent. Gone are the days of blacklisting cities as congress passed legislation to allow cities like San Francisco, Las Vegas, Orlando and Atlantic City back in the game for government business.

Second Tier Cities = Flexibility. If you are looking for hotels that are willing to work with you on getting great meeting space and per diem room rates, second-tier cities are the way to go.

Hybrid Meetings = Cost Savings. Government groups have been adding a virtual component to meetings allowing attendees to save on travel costs while still receiving educational credit.

Keeping these trends in mind for your next government meeting will ensure greater success across the board!

http://tinyurl.com/3dlphh6

Boutique Boom

2011-04-27T16:51:00.000-07:00

Uniquely designed hotels with even more creative meeting space combined with superior service and extensive amenities comprise a rapidly expanding lodging segment known as “Boutique Hotels.” Regina McGee of MeetingsNet Magazine published an eloquent article in April’s edition of Corporate Meetings and Incentives detailing the rise of boutique hotels and how they are becoming a big part of corporate meeting planning.

For the full article visit: http://tinyurl.com/6f96d2n

Rising Airfare Costs

2011-04-22T10:04:00.000-07:00

With the increase in gas prices, airline tickets have inflated as well. As of Monday, April 25, airlines, such as Delta, raised airfare by $10. Delta was quickly followed by Southwest, American Airlines, JetBlue, and United.

This escalation in prices marks the 7th increase this year!

"This higher fare is to offset higher fuel costs that we continue to face in the industry," said Southwest spokeswoman, Laurel Moffat.

Nevertheless, industry employees do not believe these hikes will go too high. Their customers must be willing to pay the extra charge for a plane ticket in order to keep sales up. Thus, airlines have been filling their seats to accommodate the $111 it costs for a barrel of oil. Nowadays, it is unusual if a plane is half empty.

Experts predict that this is not the last price increase flyers will see this year. In fact, between June 9 and August 21 airlines charge an additional summer fee since the demand for tickets is higher during this time.

So be sure to book flights far in advance to avoid extreme prices! To read more visit:
http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/20/news/companies/airline_fare_hikes/index.htm

Rewards Revamp

2011-04-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

Rewards programs have always been a perk for frequent flyer travelers. Although these individuals may be traveling for business, they can still earn rewards for pleasure. Thus, a lot of commotion arose when two major airlines changed their systems recently.

Delta’s new rewards program eliminates expiration dates for points earned. However, this addition only benefits the infrequent flyers, who were most at danger for losing their points. For the business travelers, nothings really changed for them. Delta hopes that without expiration date they will get more customers.
“After discussions with our customers through surveys and focus groups, it was apparent that they view their miles as a form of currency,” Mike Henny, the general manager of Delta’s SkyMiles Medallion program, says. “The breakage of these miles was of minimal gain to Delta, but eliminating expiration was a big win for customers.”

On the other hand, Southwest’s program has created a bit more chatter. The old system based points around every one-way flight and any unused points expired after two years. Now, the system is based around the length and the price of the ticket.
Therefore, the “Wanna Get Away” tickets will receive fewer points than the “Business Select”. Additionally, if you shop or dine, you can earn more points. You can even purchase points in this new program – the minimum is 2,000 points at one time.
While there are disadvantages to this new program, there are several positives as well. Southwest has eliminated blackout dates. Therefore, a flyer can redeem their points for any flight and with no additional fees. There are also no charges for changing flight reservations.

Although some changes have been made to the rewards systems –and there may be more to come, the bottom line is that these airlines want to reward you for your loyalty.

For more information visit: http://tinyurl.com/3tyxax7

No More Check-Out

2011-04-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

Do you ever find yourself stuck in-between check-in and out times? Perhaps this doesn’t have to be the case anymore. Some hotels are looking into relaxing their rigid policies. Properties, such as Hilton and Hyatt, allow their guests a few more hours after check-out to stick around. Starwood Preferred Guests receive a guaranteed 4PM check-out at nearly 75% of their properties. Even some American Express card holders have the luxury of a 4PM check-out time in AmEx’s Fine Hotels & Resorts program.

Hotels began to notice the inconvenience these inflexible times were causing business travelers. After doing some research, Horst H. Schulze, chief executive and chairman for Capella Hotels & Resorts, and former president of Ritz-Carlton, found that the check-in/out times were travelers’ biggest pet peeve. "Business travelers are very annoyed when they come in the morning and have to go to a meeting and want to put their stuff down and are told check-in time is 3 p.m.," says Schulze.
As a result, Capella Hotels & Resorts have completely gotten rid of set check-in and check-out times. In order to keep track of check-in/ out times, a staff member calls each guest to get their approximate arrival/departure times. With this estimation, the hotel can still plan other guest rooms accordingly.

With this new policy; however, troubles may arise. With a completely booked hotel, the wiggle room minimizes. However, Guenter Richter, the Setai's managing director, says that at his “214-room hotel [they are] able to fulfill guests' desired schedules 95% of the time”.

To read more visit: http://tinyurl.com/637v3yf

Penny Pinchers

2011-04-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

Shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, lotion, toothpaste, and deodorant – the list of in-room amenities goes on. But with the on-going recession, hotels have cut costs and eliminated some of these luxury items. The jokes of stealing hotel toiletries are now outdated. With the high costs of restocking bathroom amenities, hotels have implemented new strategies. For instance, instead of individual shampoo/ conditioner bottles, a hotel may now place a shampoo dispenser on the wall inside the shower. Or, some hotels simply take the more lavish products out of each hotel room, yet carry them in the housekeeping departments. Thus, if a customer were to call for some mouthwash, it is delivered to their room complimentary. On the contrary, products, such as deodorant or hairspray, now come at a price. The development of in-room products has expanded over the years. Joseph McInerney, president and chief executive officer of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, offers a run-down of the past years: After color TV came the TV-plus-remote, then the clock radio. In the 1960s, shampoo became a must. Lotions, mouthwash and more followed. The 1970s saw the introduction of sewing kits, shoe mitts and shoe horns. In the early 1990s, coffeemakers appeared in the room. At the end of the century, irons and ironing boards became mandatory. Nevertheless, with the increase in these complimentary items came the increase of hotel costs. Thus, in-room coffee makers are turning into single serving coffee packets. Turn down service is not always an everyday occurrence. Moreover, mini bars are turning into empty fridge storage. In fact, only 22% of upscale hotels still have mini fridges. Nevertheless, some hotels are getting creative with these empty refrigerators. Some let customers pick and order mini bar options upon check-in. If the customer is not interested, they can simply refuse any products. Other hotels enforce a mandatory mini bar fee, that also includes parking and internet. These fees allow the mini bar items to be “free”, while helping the hotel pay for the acquired costs. The future of in-room amenities is unknown. However, hotels are showing a preference to updated in-room technology over shampoo bottles and hairspray. Therefore, we’ll just have to wait and see what is to come. For more information: http://tinyurl.com/6z98tmg

From Green and Gold to Snakes and Shamrocks

2011-03-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

The story behind St. Patrick’s Day and some of its major celebrations

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is credited for bringing Christianity to Ireland and gained his notoriety by driving the snakes from the island. Although the likelihood of snakes being on the island to begin with is slim to none, this story is believed to also represent the saint putting an end to Paganism in Ireland as serpents were a common Pagan symbol and often worshipped in practice. St. Patrick is also credited for crowning the Shamrock as the National flower of Ireland, using it to explain the Holy Trinity to the Pagans. It is widely accepted that St. Patrick passed away on March 17, 461 AD, giving the Irish a day for spiritual renewal and prayers.

While the history behind St. Patrick’s Day is unsettled, one thing we do know for sure is that this unique holiday gives millions of people around the world a reason to celebrate come March 17th. The biggest of these celebrations occurs in none other than the capital of Ireland itself, Dublin. The city plays host to a five day festival where upwards of 1,000,000 people flock to commemorate the saint with art, outdoor concerts, fireworks and drinking (of course!). Arguably the next largest celebration takes place in Chicago, Illinois where an extravagant parade and festival follows the world famous dyeing of the Chicago River. Several other American cities are known for their enthusiastic St. Patrick’s Day rituals including: Boston, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, New York City, St. Louis and Savannah, GA.

Now you can go out confidently this Thursday, adorned in green, and celebrate with a Guinness and good friends!

Higher Rates Ahead

2011-03-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

Michael Dominguez, vice president of Global Sales at Loews Hotels, warns that 2011 will bring higher room rates, especially for group business. A recovering economy and rising cost pressures on hotels are to blame. But groups that know the value of their business can find ways to negotiate better deals.

Average daily rates jumped 5% in 2010. Rates are expected to increase another 4% in 2011 and even higher in 2012, based on data from PKF Hospitality Research. As food prices go up and mortgage debts come due, hotels are under more and more pressure to hike their prices in order to turn profits.

Groups who come to the table knowing the value of their business will get what’s most important to them, including better rates. Since labor is typically the number one cost at a hotel, groups can get better deals by knowing what concessions reduce the hotel’s labor (i.e. holding receptions and dinners in the same area.) When considering revenue per occupied room, hotels value each booked room based on how much the guest spends at the hotel- on the room, food and beverage in outlets, retail, spas, golfing, room service and whatever other assets the hotel owns. But revenue per occupied group room also includes all of the meeting costs added by each attendee.

For more information: http://tinyurl.com/4ucwf78

Falling for the Island of Love: Top 2010 Honeymoon Destination

2010-12-17T18:58:00.000-08:00

Although traditional hotspots such as Venice and Paris are expected to be the top honeymoon destinations, as they have been in the past, there has been a stark contrast in honeymoon destinations of late. Following the announcement of the royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton, there was a new survey whose intent was to find out the top honeymoon spots for 2010. Surprisingly, the results were that Cyprus holds the number one spot. Originally known as the ‘Island of Love’ as the mythical home of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, Cyprus is living up to its name in for a different reason; being a great honeymoon destination. Another surprising find arose with the Dominican Republic sliding in as the second most popular, and Cape Verde in Africa taking the three spot. While it may not be shocking that people are moving to cheaper destinations, it is extremely strange that the traditional spots are being abandoned altogether. Of the 1,078 couples polled, only two traveled to Venice and none indicated Paris. With a shift in spending from previous years, it seems that people are much more intent on saving money while finding smaller, more intimate locations when selecting a honeymoon destination. (Although the amount of time that these destinations will stay inexpensive and intimate is up for debate.) But for the moment, many smaller locations are enjoying an influx of attention. It is certainly something to look out for in the future, as this could be the beginning of a paradigm shift, in which people start to favor more obscure locations for their events.

http://tinyurl.com/2utog3r

A Virgin Enters the Business

2010-12-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

Virgin Group has earmarked $500 million for their newly announced property venture. A world recognized mega brand, the Group is already comprised of some 300 branded companies and more than 50,000 employees across the globe. The London-based Group recently announced the official launch of Virgin Hotels- and though entering “virgin territory,” they have no doubt about their ability to take on the industry and succeed as they have done in numerous other ventures.

Unlike other start-ups, Virgin can draw on their existing brand recognition. But Executive Director of Virgin’s Leisure and Hospitality segment, Anthony Marino, knows, “it’s one thing to be known, it’s another to be liked.” The London-based company is already well-known AND liked for their ‘cultural service’ with a reputation for innovation and lifestyle trendsetting.

“We don’t come at it as hotel experts, (but as a company) that understands its consumers,” Marino said, noting their experience in the leisure and lifestyle industries, particularly airlines and gyms. Virgin has its sights set on “a hotel experience that is more than just boutique,” according to Raul Leal, President and COO.

The hotels will provide a sensory experience using functional design that always considers the consumer. Virgin understands better than anyone, that today the experience is centered on technology. Although specifics have yet to be mentioned, Leal hinted at a few “tech surprises” that look at what technology could be in the next three to five years.

In the next seven years, the group will look to open 25 new hotels, with the first property to open in the next 12 to 18 months. The projected 4-star hotels are targeting gateway cities in the U.S. including Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and Miami. Marino also noted a London property would be a natural fit.

Virgin Group will be announcing new hires in the near future as Anthony Marino works to assemble the management infrastructure.

Nessler, D. (2010, October 21). Virgin territory: mega-brand enters hospitality business with launch of four-star lifestyle concept. Hotel Business. 18(19), 30-32.

Also referenced here: http://tinyurl.com/3xjxzv4

Valley View Casino Opens Boutique Hotel & Event Center

2010-11-25T11:07:00.000-08:00

San Diego’s favorite casino just got better! Valley View Casino is now, Valley View Hotel & Casino. On November 19^th, Valley View staff, Swinerton Builders, the San Pasqual Casino Development Group, Inc., San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, and community members celebrated the successful completion of a two-year long project a with a ribbon cutting ceremony!

According to Swinerton Builders, the 7-story luxury boutique hotel has 96 rooms, 12 suites, pool deck with infinity pool and 5,000 square foot event center all of which boast amazing views of Palomar and Hellhole Canyon Preserve. Gamers now have the option to play and stay!

The new hotel offers an appealing and extensive list of amenities for guests, including but not limited to, daily complimentary poolside breakfast, complimentary overnight valet and self parking, complimentary bottled water, and saving the best for last - no tax fees and no resort fees. Loyal, high profile rated players will of course have the opportunity to cash in on exclusive amenities. http://tinyurl.com/2de5c4b

Grassroots Travelers Vow to Not Fly on the Busiest Travel Day of the Year

2010-11-19T11:59:00.000-08:00

Travelers voice their concerns about their close encounters with TSA’s body scanners and new pat-down techniques. Passengers have the option to walk through the full-body scanner or be pat-down by a TSA agent as part of TSA’s security preventative measures. These measures are creating quite the buzz for travelers.

According to CNN Travel, Grassroots groups are urging travelers to either not fly or to protest by opting out of the full-body scanners and undergo time-consuming pat-downs instead….One online group, "National Opt Out Day" calls for a day of protest against the scanners on Wednesday, November 24, the busiest travel day of the year.

In a recent article, by Eileen Sullivan of the Associated Press, states that John Pistole, TSA Administrator says he understands those privacy concerns, but says the government must provide the best possible security for air travelers. Pistole sympathizes with travelers and assures the public that these measures are implemented to protect all travelers. In fact, Pistole received the pat-down himself.

In any situation, there are always two sides to every coin. In this case, we can either accept the security measures that are in place; or we can protest and decide not to fly.

So, to travel, or not to travel, that is the question. The answer, it simply depends on what you believe is more important to you. Personally, I don’t think the majority will sacrifice visiting their family for the holidays, or attending an important meeting to make a point to TSA and Homeland Security. After all, it is their job to protect us, is it not?

For more information on the TSA pat-downs and full-body scans before flying check out these articles, http://tinyurl.com/29jylj6 and http://tinyurl.com/26ak63e.

A New Meaning for Safe Travel

2010-11-12T15:54:00.000-08:00

If you’re flying out to your next meeting, or out for the holidays, rest assured you will be traveling a lot safer from now on.

In October 2009, all airlines were given a grace period to clear out their systems of older reservations made before the implementation of Safe Flight requirements which ended this November. Most of us are familiar with TSA, however many for many of us Secure Flight is an unfamiliar name. Secure Flight is TSA’s behind-the-scenes watch list matching program. They are responsible for establishing a consistent watch list system to keep all traveler’s safe and of course prevent terrorists from flying, thus preventing a repeat of 9/11.

As of November 1^st passengers will need to provide Secure Flight Passenger Data at the time of booking. This required information includes passenger’s full name (as it appears on government-issued ID), date of birth, gender and Redress Number (if applicable). According to the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA), a Redress Number is a unique number that helps TSA eliminate watch list misidentification. It is needed only if you have a name similar to or the same as a name on the current terrorist watch list.

Because travelers provide their Secure Flight Passenger Data at the time of booking their flight, there are no additional steps. Airlines will need to provide the required information to TSA 72 hours before each flight, giving Secure Flight ample time to conduct watch list matching. Here’s how it works, if you are issued a boarding pass, you are good to go. However, if any information is missing or not provided, you will not receive a boarding pass. It’s as easy as that. In order to avoid any delays, be sure to complete all required information to ensure you get a flight and get to you destination. To learn more about the Secure Flight Process visit the TSA website at www.tsa.gov/secureflight.

Eco-Cuisine and Meetings

2010-11-11T20:21:00.000-08:00

Cabrin Kelly-Hale, Director of Event Planning at the JW Marriott Starr Pass in Tucson, defines eco-cuisine as a conscious effort to be aware of what we put into our bodies and how it affects the world around us.

Meetings are not held based on food, but food rates high on attendees’ list of important items.

The food choices that matter at this particular property include free-range chickens and certified humane ranches for meats, a number of local farms that are certified sustainable and organic for vegetables and fruits, organic milk, cage-free eggs, and line-caught fish.

You would think eco-cuisine menus are more expensive but not if you manage them correctly. Organic may cost a little bit more but at the JW Marriott Starr Pass they cook to order. They do not over-order or over-produce. The chef can customize less expensive menus that still meet all the environmental criteria.

When cooking to order that means there are no traditional buffets. The food is never put in chafing dishes and left for guests to serve themselves. Instead, everything is seared, sautéed, assembled and carved. Cooking to order means you never run out of food and you never have food to throw out.

Some types of foods offered at breaks include Green Valley Ranch pecans made into pecan brittle with local honey, made-to-order salsa with locally grown chillies and tomatoes. The chef makes beef, turkey and vegetarian jerky that is all natural. They provide signage highlighting the information which usually becomes a conversation topic for attendees.

This property also offers tours of their organic gardens outside their Primo Restaurant.

At the end of the day they take pride in doing all of these things but if their food did not taste amazing, no one would care. They have to do the right thing and have great food. http://tinyurl.com/2blk3um

Room Set Up Helps Anticipate Expected Food and Beverage Consumption

2010-11-03T16:34:00.000-07:00

The room setup of a food and beverage function is extremely important. It can affect a number of things including the flow of service, the amount of food and beverage consumed an even the mood of guests.

If you are planning a reception or similar function, keep in mind these helpful tips in order to plan for food and beverage consumption accordingly.

Consumption relies on access. If you have an hors d’oeuvre table set against the wall it limits access to the food by only 180 degrees. A round table in the middle of the room gives a nice presentation, but because there is no apparent line to be formed at a circular table, guests will have to work their way in and out at various points for each item they wish to eat. This decreases food consumption. Having a rectangular table set at the middle of the room will allow for two open sides and a 360 degree access to food, allowing a higher consumption of food.

At a reception, you should allow anywhere from 6 to 10 square feet per person. With 6 square feet each person will be closer to one another and they will more likely feel a bit more uneasy on going to the food and beverage stations. Allowing 6 square feet per person is a good idea if you are paying on a per-person basis and you are trying to keep the costs low. If guests can eat and drink as much as they want for one price, then the square footage does not matter in terms of cost; however seven and a half square feet per person is considered “comfortably crowded.” If the purpose of a reception is to “mingle” and give easy access to food and beverage, then 10 square feet per person is ideal.

http://meetingsnet.com/food_beverage/strategy/insurance_setup_success/

Principles To Go By When Negotiating A Meeting

2010-10-29T19:17:00.000-07:00

“You don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate,” says negotiator Chester Karras.

Terms are just as important as important as dollars. Rates, dates and space are often the top items focused on when reviewing a contract but liability and attrition are just as important because they can translate into money. Negotiate with the person who has the authority to say “yes.” You do not want your negotiations to get lost in translation and have to negotiate more than once. If you want something, ask for it, but never put your best terms on the table first. You always want to focus on the relationship. You do not want to get to the end of an agreement and never speak with the person again.

There are four unwritten rules, power, time, knowledge and leverage. Power is the ability to get the other side to do things in a way you see favorable. Ninety percent of the negotiating happens in the last 10 percent of the time allotted. Never reveal your actual deadline. Knowledge is a combination of expertise and information gathering regarding what is wanted and needed from the other side. Leverage is your ability to get the hotel to want your business and to give you favorable terms.

There are beginning, middle and ending gambits. Most meeting planners are born with the ability to express shock and dismay at what the other side is presenting. This technique forces the other side to adjust. The feel, felt and found technique is a way of acknowledging another person's feelings without giving any ground. It's also a way to disagree without being disagreeable. The rule of thumb is to never accept the first offer. When someone names a price, you say: “You'll have to do better than that.” But be prepared for the response: “How much better do I have to do?”

Middle Gambits occur during the middle of negotiations, the point at which most negotiations begin to stall. Middle gambits are used to keep things going, assuming that you want to do business with this party. There are two basic techniques, the trade-off and the set-aside.

Never give a concession without getting a concession. This is the secret to keeping a negotiation balanced. They know they'll have to give up something for everything they get. When you're deadlocked on an issue, set it aside and come back to it after you've reached agreement on the easier issues. By the end of negotiations, the process has momentum and both sides will have the motivation to be flexible.

Ending Gambits are the end games. When you reach the end and are asking yourself if you should go through with what you've negotiated, ask yourself: “What's my Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement?” Your ability to negotiate is tied to your ability to walk away from the deal. This is why you want to give yourself options. http://tinyurl.com/29pylkn

Ideal Offer for an Ideal Hideaway at The Oceana Santa Monica

2010-10-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

The Oceana Santa Monica is offering guests a chance to literally hide away from it all. With the Oceana's new Hideaway Package, guests can recharge, relax and rejuvenate in a beautiful ocean view setting. For “out o’ towners” and locals alike wanting to escape the chaos of the city, the Oceana provides the perfect oasis, while offering a great value for their over-sized rooms and suites.

Escape and sip cocktails by the pool, enjoy a massage, relax by the outdoor fireplace at sun down. If you don’t feel like hiding, you don’t have to. You can explore beautiful beaches, award-winning dining, exciting nightlife and fantastic shopping in beautiful weather over 300 days per year.

Book the Hideaway Package and you will receive:

•$50 off your Ocean View Suite or Room

•$50 credit to spend in the guest-exclusive Ocean Lounge or in the privacy of their own room

•Two welcome glasses of Prosecco upon arrival

•Personalized shopping experience at Fred Segal

http://tinyurl.com/274mk8z

2011 Brings the Opening of Westin Downtown Phoenix

2010-10-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

Conveniently located just one block from the city’s premier convention and entertainment complex, the Westin Phoenix Downtown will offer 242 oversized guest rooms (average 550 sq. ft.) over nine floors of the sleek new 26-story Freeport McMoRan Center building. Hotel guests will enjoy a 24 hour gym, indoor parking and 2,100 sq. ft. of ground floor retail, as well as restaurants and nightlife. Also, by being just across from a METRO light rail station guests will have easy access to and from Sky Harbor International Airport.

The Westin Downtown Phoenix will be a great venue for special events and meetings, offering nearly 9,000 sq. ft. of meeting and banquet space with pre-function space and the latest meeting technology.

http://tinyurl.com/2f6cehf

Winter Mountain Meetings

2010-10-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

Winter is a peak season at many Western mountain resorts, but there are still plenty of good deals out there on the slopes for groups looking for great rates, upgraded amenities, and business with family fun. Pricing has become aggressive as resorts are trying to lock in groups for the winter season. From California to Colorado Groups will also find a host of new amenities at many mountain resorts, including new gondolas, restaurants, shops, venues and activity options involving snow vehicles and zip lines. "There isn’t a better time to book a winter meeting in the Rockies," says Brandon Bang, director of sales at Montana’s Blue Sky Resort. http://tinyurl.com/2959g9f

Unwelcomed Hotel Guests

2010-09-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

Regardless of a hotel’s great location, the tasteful décor or the Egyptian cotton sheets, hotel guests have been more concerned with what they don’t want in their hotel room: bedbugs.

Let’s face it, they are unnerving hotel owners and grossing out travelers in the U.S. (reported in New York, Philadelphia, Detroit, Cincinnati and Chicago), but we need to be objective about it, especially those of us that cannot avoid travel.

The scare of bed bugs has brought postings of bed bug sightings on different web sites, including Trip Advisor. The reality is that although bedbugs were moving like wildfire in the U.S. in the recent months, so were the stories about bedbugs, which in a lot of cases were not true.

All hotels are at risk, as it is not a sanitation issue. Bedbugs are brought into hotels by hotel guests, so going to a high end hotel will not decrease your chances of encountering bedbugs.

The truth is that the majority of hotels are bedbug free and there is vigilant staff trained to look for signs of bedbugs to reduce the risk of infestation.

The financial impact for those infested hotels is hard to assess, as it will cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars per room to get rid of infestation. The real impact may be psychological (guests not sleeping at night for fear of being bitten).

Bed bugs usually “hitchhike” their way around, they can come from clothing or furniture in contact with wild animals or areas infested with these bugs and their eggs.

Important information on bedbugs from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention:

· Their bite marks are similar to that of a mosquito or a flea and they are not know to transmit disease

· They can live several months without a blood meal

· They hide during the day in places such as seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames and headboards

· They tend to live within 8 feet of where people sleep

How to check for bed bugs in your hotel and how to keep from bringing them home:

· Inspect your mattress, especially seams, headboard and bed frame (back and front making sure to check every hiding spot), pillows (uncover and check seams), as well as chairs, dressers and any furniture you may come into direct contact with. Report any sight of bed bugs to management immediately and repeat inspections for each new room.

· Check luggage racks and closet (including shelves), carpet edges around and near the bed.

· Before packing to leave, check luggage and inspect every item as you pack. Once home, unpack immediately and wash all clothes in luggage with detergent and hot water and dry in low heat for at least 20 minutes. Standard dry cleaning also kills the insects; however you may want to seal any dry clean items in a plastic bag to prevent from bugs getting out and onto other clothes. Check luggage again.

http://tinyurl.com/29sh4r7

Recycled and Reborn

2010-09-23T08:49:00.001-07:00

A hot new trend in urban redevelopment is the adaptive reuse of buildings no longer needed for their original purposes transformed into hotels, museums, and other types of venues and visitor attractions. Transformed firehouses, prisons, and textile mills throughout New England receive new life as the adapted venues become attractive and available meeting spaces. Meeting planners looking for structures with intriguing history and architecture can find a number of options throughout the New England region.

“Recycled and Reborn”. MeetingsEast. September 2010, Volume 10:6.

Sierra’s First New Built Luxury Resort

2010-09-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

The first all-new hotel built in the Sierra’s for decades offering the latest in luxury and technology. The Ritz-Carlton Highlands located on the north side of Lake Tahoe located just outside of the historic town of Truckee opened in December 2009 and is the only 5 star skiside resort of its kind in Lake Tahoe. With luxury rooms along a snowy mountain, a 17,000 square foot spa and 15,000 square feet of conference space, the Ritz Carlton Highlands offers something special for everyone. For a unique experience, planners can arrange for guests to arrive via gondola from Northstar Village below. Northstar Village also offers many activities and entertainment to include ice-skating, shops, galleries, live performances, hiking, and biking. For more information, click on http://tinyurl.com/m23q9b

ARMY QUARTERS RESTORED TO LUXURY LODGE JUST UNDER THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

2010-09-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

Fort Baker, a army officers' quarters and dating back to 1901 tucked into a sheltered alcove in national park ground in Marin County, has been restored to create a modern, cozy, and unusual hotel get-a-way. Cavallo Point Lodge is located just five minutes from Sausalito and virtually underneath the Golden Gate Bridge offering immediate access to some of the best biking and hiking in the Bay Area as well as easy access to phenomenal Bay Area activities. This unique venue boasts a million-dollar wine cellar, a cookery school and bar, a stunning art collection and views of Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. For more information, go to http://www.cavallopoint.com/

Hilton Hotels & Resorts Make a Debut in Peru

2010-09-20T10:30:00.001-07:00

The 230 room Hilton Lima Miraflores is scheduled to open in 2012. Miraflores is an upscale are of Lima knows for its shopping areas, gardens, flower filled parks, beaches and fine dining. Hotel guests will also have close access to the MiraCorp Business Corporate Center, as well as rich history and culture of the capital and largest city in Peru. The hotel will have 10 meeting rooms and a grand ballroom to accommodate up to 450 people. Guest will also be able to enjoy a restaurant, lobby bar and Pisco bar, as well as a sky terrace with a pool, spa and fitness center. http://tinyurl.com/2fw79wt

Translating “3 Star Hotel” When in Europe

2010-08-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

Those accustomed to staying at 3 Star hotels in the US are often disappointed with their choice hotels when traveling in Europe. Last year 1,721 complaints were filed through the European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net). For this reason the ECC-Net examined the “average” hotel, which is the 3 Star.

In most countries, 3 Star hotels have a temporary or permanent reception service and employees must speak a foreign language, provide PC access, access to the internet and a safe at the reception, must accept a credit or debit card.

In all countries a 3 Star hotel provides breakfast, and in most countries provide lunch and/or dinner. All rooms must have individual bathrooms and provide shower gel and/or shampoo.

In some countries 3 Star hotels must provide air conditioning, a mini bar and a baby’s cot on demand.

In some countries 3 Star hotels do not have to provide a non-smoking room.

The best advice is to research your hotel of choice and verify their available services and amenities before booking. http://tinyurl.com/2ebekpg

DH&R Takes Over Paradise Point Resort & Spa in San Diego, CA

2010-08-13T19:15:00.000-07:00

Destination Hotels and Resorts have added their third San Diego property on August 11, 2010. Paradise Point has a convenient beachfront locaton and provides easy access to all of San Diego’s attractions, and many family friendly attractions and amenities, including Sea World. For this reason, Forbes has designated this resort as one of the “Top Ten Family Resorts in the World”. To visit paradise, go to www.paradisepoint.com.

Highest Rates (and Emptiest) Hotels in the World

2010-08-11T18:07:00.000-07:00

Moscow has obtained the highest ranking in average room rate according to European surveys by Hogg Robinson Group and Knight Frank. They determined that the average rate in Moscow hotels for the first half of the year was approximately £ 256.83. Geneva followed with second highest rank with approximately £ 199.11 and Hong Kong on its tail with an approximate £ 197.61.

Knight Frank survey results have placed Russian hotels among the emptiest. The average occupancy rate in the second quarter was 58.5% for Moscow compared to 75.4% for Paris and 84.7% for London.

Despite the low occupancy rate and scaring high prices, Moscow hotels amazingly show profitability on par with other European hotels. http://tinyurl.com/2byqr5z

Calling On YOUNG LEADERS

2010-08-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

Young Leaders West Coast Summit August 10 & 11, 2010 - San Diego, CA http://tinyurl.com/399fqwc

MEETING MANAGEMENT FORUM

2010-08-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

3RD ANNUAL LIFE SCIENCES MEETING MANAGEMENT FORUM IN SAN DIEGO IN DECEMBER 2010. BROCHURE AND DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE: HTTP://TINYURL.COM/35p8xu3

A Unique Hotel for Unique Guests

2010-08-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

Forget complimentary internet, continental breakfast or even a free night stay. What if a guest would like a model train diorama in their room? The Washington Hotel in Akihabara, Tokyo in Japan can accommodate this unusual amenity. This hotel offers a suite with a detailed model set matching the surrounding neighborhood. Guests can even bring their own model trains to use on the model set or rent some trains from the front desk. http://tinyurl.com/337vm35

Dipping In to the Hottest (or Coolest) Hotel Pools

2010-08-04T11:39:00.000-07:00

The weather is just getting warmer and a nice dip in the pool may cross your mind. Design Hotels presents the top four hotels pools for not only swimming, but sun bathing and socializing as well.

The pool at The Library, Koh Samui, Thailand has mosaic Italian glass tiles in red, yellow and orange, the pool is set on the beachfront and is surrounded by a wooden deck with red mattresses and black bean bags.

The pool at The Standard, Downtown Los Angeles, USA is part of one of Los Angeles’ most coveted nightlife hotspots, it is situated on the rooftop of the twelve-storey hotel in Downtown LA. The pool has panoramic views of the city. On the opposite side of the terrace there is sculptured topiary, an open fireplace, dance floor and bar. The turquoise heated pool stands out sharply against the deep red Astroturf of the surrounding sundeck, where there are also bright red water-bed canopies for up to ten people.

The infinity pool at Alila Ubud, Bali, Indonesia is perched on a terrace floating above the lush Ayung River valley. The pool spreads out to form an elongated rectangle until it seems to disappear down the terraced jungle hillside.

Our favorite was the pool at Habita Monterrey, San Pedro Garza Garcia, Mexico (photo), offering different views and contrasting temperatures. The two pools at Habita Monterrey cater to all tastes and weather conditions. The hot pool is heated to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for a dip in the winter months. There is also a cold pool which is great for cooling off during the summer when temperatures rise. Situated on either side of the eighth floor roof terrace with 360-degree views over the desert metropolis and Sierra Madre, the pools are divided by a chic concrete bar. On one side there is a view over Sierra Madre and its eponymous Cerro de la Silla, known as the Chair Mountain, whilst on the opposite side there is a view of the El Obispado, a green mountainous area. http://tinyurl.com/2daqefq

Welcome Back Fairmont Peace Hotel

2010-07-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

The "Number One mansion in the Far East" known since 1929 has once again opened its doors after much anticipation since their closure in 2007. The hotel offers 270 deluxe guestrooms and suites with a selection of six restaurants and lounges, including the missed and much-loved since the 1930s Jazz Bar, their signature Chinese restaurant Dragon Phoenix and The Cathay Room, offering stunning views of the Bund from its terrace on the 9th floor. The 8th floor will host the famed Peace Hall, where the property's iconic sprung-wooden dance floor still evokes memories of old Shanghai cabarets and gala parties. http://tinyurl.com/32lpozd

Hilton Brings First Luxury Hotel to Beijing Capital Airport

2010-07-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

Hilton Beijing Capital Airport is the first-ever luxury airport hotel in China. This five-star hotel is located in terminal 3 and offers 322 guest rooms including a 365-square-meter Presidential Suite. There are 18 two-story, two-bedroom duplexes and all rooms have contemporary designs, separate walk-in showers, 37-inch flat panel TVs, high-speed internet access, with complimentary access to the Executive Lounge for Executive Room and Suite guests. Guest can choose from seven restaurants and bars for their daily dining experience. There is ample meeting and private event space with 32 private dining rooms, two ballrooms and 21 meeting rooms. http://tinyurl.com/2vbhuql

Top Ten Ethical Destinations in the World

2010-07-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

Ethical Traveler has named the “Top 10 Ethical Destinations in the World”. What does this mean? It means countries such as Suriname, South Africa and Poland for example; support the preservation of the wonders of the world for future generations. These are the best countries for the ”mindful” traveler who shares its host country’s concern of preserving the natural surroundings, promoting safe and responsible tourism opportunities and protecting local communities.

http://tinyurl.com/2ddnegh

Hidden Fees Can Make a Hotel Stay Not So Affordable

2010-07-09T16:57:00.000-07:00

The lodging industry earned more than $1.75 billion this year as a result of surcharges, so the inconvenient extra hotel fees are here to stay for now.

From a fee to the $5 to receive a package to your room to the $30 for the mandatory valet parking due to the non-existence of self parking, there are other fees like towel fees, mini-bar restocking fees, in-room safe fees, housekeeping fees and the all inclusive resort fees.

Be prepared when booking your next trip and ask about all mandatory fees and taxes that will be added to your bill before you book. Also, keep these hints in mind if you find yourself in a surprise fee situation:

1. At checkout, always check your bill before signing. It is easier to dispute a charge at checkout then once you have left the hotel.

2. If you feel something was not disclosed in advance, calmly object to the fee, as front desk clerks have the authority to remove most fees.

4. If this fails, ask for the front desk manager.

5. If all else fails, remember to research and find a property that is fair to guests with all their charges.

http://tinyurl.com/2eqra9k

Netherlands Welcomes New Hilton The Hague Hotel

2010-07-07T18:23:00.000-07:00

The latest addition to the Hilton world-wide portfolio is a restored 1950’s Royal Dutch Telecom headquarters. This is Hilton number 5 in the Netherlands and The Hague is the country’s third largest city.

This new property offers ten meeting rooms with their largest being the Mesdag Ballroom accommodating up to 400 people. Groups will be delighted with the easily accessible motorway and train to major European cities such as Brussels and Paris. The Hague Hilton is only 25 minutes from Amsterdam Shiphol and Rotterdam airports.

http://tinyurl.com/2g64ucm

Sold! The InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta

2010-07-07T18:22:00.001-07:00

Open since 2004, InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta is sold to Pebblebrook Hotel Trust for US $105 million in cash. InterContinental Hotel Group PLC (IHG) will remain the hotel’s management company under a long term contract.

http://tinyurl.com/26e5yma

Second Hilton Hotel Opens in Poland

2010-07-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Hilton Gdansk is the second Hilton Hotel to open in Poland. The “modern meets medieval” property has been designed with striking architecture of Polish architect Prof. Stefan Kurlylowicz, which complements the historic Old City.

Located on the waterfront overlooking the Motlawa River and in the heart of old town it allows guest to experience the rich culture and ancient surroundings of a great European city. One of the most prominent features is suspended in the hotel’s central atrium: the “Seaflowers” chandelier, which features more than 25,000 individual glass flowers and is illuminated by fiber optics creating a dazzling effect. http://tinyurl.com/35sffgq

Sir Richard Branson Teases About Virgin Hotels

2010-07-02T09:46:00.000-07:00

After briefly mentioning it during the inaugural flight from Los Angeles to Toronto, the public is now anticipating Sir Richard Branson’s announcement disclosing if, when and where the new and luxurious Virgin Hotels will launch. http://tinyurl.com/3yufaqn

Starwood Adds to Luxury Collection Brand in South America

2010-06-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

Tambo del Inka, the newest addition to Starwood’s Luxury Collection, is scheduled to open in the sacred valley of Urubamba, offering breath-taking views of the Andes Mountains and direct access to Peru’s Machu Picchu Trails. The 5,905 square-foot Spa at Valle Sagrado has 12 treatments rooms with panoramic views of the Andes where guest can select from indigenous treatments such as Andean Chocolate, Gold from the Gods and Misti Mud using ancestral Inca ingredients such as gold used by Incan princesses.

Following the Tambo del Inka is the third hotel to open in Peru in 2011, the Palacio del Inka in Cusco, the capital of the ancient Incan Empire.

http://tinyurl.com/39dszbq

Experience the Celebrity Hotel without Paying Celebrity Price

2010-06-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

If you are on the hunt for the Celebrity Hotel experience, you do not have to pay the celebrity price. Orbitz has put together a list of the Top 10 Celebrity Hotels and Affordable Alternatives. For example, you can experience the celebrity luxury of the Hotel Gansevoort in New York, which currently offers a rate of $343.65 USD per night, by booking the affordable alternative Ace Hotel at approximately $125 USD less per night. See where you can find alternatives to the Top 10 Celebrity Hotels in Miami, Bahamas, Chicago, Las Vegas, Costa Rica, Los Angeles, London, Oahu-Hawaii, and Cabo San Lucas- Mexico. http://tinyurl.com/295ycfw

First Hotel Indigo in Southeast Asia

2010-06-25T10:05:00.000-07:00

In partnership with Piyasombat Property Co. through a management agreement, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) will welcome the Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road. The district where it will be located is one of Bangkok’s most prominent. Guests will have the convenience of public transportation, access to Lumpini Central Park, dining, shopping and entertainment. The hotel is expected to complete at the end of 2012.

http://tinyurl.com/2asueow

Friends and Colleagues Are Not the Only Ones Following You on Your Social Network

2010-06-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

Mr. Horan announced to his Twitter followers that he was “"At the Orlando Marriott World Center for RIM WES 2010 [a technology conference]. But I have the crappiest room in the hotel." He immediately received an apology note and was upgraded to a pool view room the very next day.

Sites such as Facebook and Twitter have given hotel guests a bigger voice when it comes to posting a complaint or even their desire for a cold beer. Hotels, such as the Orlando Marriott World Center, now have employees searching for unhappy guests through wall-posted or “twitted” complaints. Should they come across a complaint by one of their guests, the least they do is write an apology note.

Many hotel guests have been pleasantly surprised by the Front Desk staff that follows them from the Orlando Marriott World Center and other hotels. To increase the chances of your complaint being heard through your social network site, you must use your real name and the hotel’s full name.

http://tinyurl.com/2vaux47

Hilton Worldwide Offers Money Back Guarantee for Gulf Coast Properties

2010-06-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

Hilton Worldwide announced that from now until July 31, guests with reservation at any of Hilton Worldwide hotels can cancel and receive 100% refund. Also, Hilton offers the “Beach Satisfaction Guarantee”, which is Hilton’s tool to bring those hesitant to plan vacations in the area due to the uncertainty of the Gulf oil spill. The “Beach Satisfaction Guarantee” protects those guests who visit hotels from the Gulf Coast to South Florida that are beachfront or within a 20 drive to the beach, as it will guarantee no charges for their stay should they be affected in any way by the Gulf oil spill.

http://tinyurl.com/27mmtmc

Renovated Convention Center Attracts New Business in Mississippi

2010-06-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

In keeping up with current times and competition, the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center recently underwent a $117 million dollar renovation and expansion. The new 125,000 square foot center features everything from top quality sound, video, connectivity and electrical systems, and moveable walls in the 38 meeting rooms, to sound absorbing material and comfortable chairs with extra cushion. Because the center can now accommodate 85% of national conventions, it has attracted new business such as the “Antiques Road Show” and “Inktoberfest.”

http://tinyurl.com/2bey8d3

Largest Hilton Property Opens in Asia Pacific

2010-06-03T18:34:00.000-07:00

Hilton Worldwide opened its largest hotel in Asia Pacific, the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk. It is also the first Hilton hotel in Fukuoka. Formerly the JAL Resort Sea Hawk Hotel Fukuoka, it will undergo a $20 million renovation focusing on its executive floors, foyer and other public areas. The hotel consists of 1,052 sleeping rooms and 6,000 square feet of meeting space with their largest ballroom measuring at over 4,000 square feet. The hotel offers its guests indoor and outdoor pools and a sauna, as well as three wedding chapels.

http://tinyurl.com/2dcpbbe

Volcanic Destinations

2010-05-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

It is time to shine some light after the setbacks from Iceland’s Volcano. We invite you to visit a few stylish boutique hotels in volcanic destinations such as Hacienda de San Antonio in Colima, Mexico; Mystique in Santorini, Greece; The Boatshed in Auckland, New Zealand; Hotel Raya in Aeolian Islands in Sicily, Italy; and of course, 101 Hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland. http://tinyurl.com/28b3t6d

Orlando Is In Bloom

2010-05-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

If you travel to Orlando you will have no problem finding yourself a hotel. With about 25 hotels and motels opening in the last year, Orlando has approximately 115,000 hotel rooms. The recently opened properties vary from a motel with its own water park, to the newest Disney resort. Waldorf Astoria, Hilton Orlando and Bonnet Creek are all connected by a conference center and offer guests the benefit to use facilities at the either hotel at no additional charge.

http://tinyurl.com/3a5az7j

Accor Modifies Portfolio: Selling 450 Hotels in 2010-2013

2010-05-21T10:41:00.001-07:00

As a result of the upcoming demerger with their prepaid services business and in an effort to increase cash and reduced its net debt, the French hotel company, ACCOR plans to reduce its property holdings by selling 450 of their 1,600 hotels between 2010 and 2013. ACCOR is acting as a pure hotel and is now focused on developing the brand. This “sale program” will aid them in their concurrent expansion plan to open 35,000 to 40,000 new rooms a year until 2015 and end up with 1,800 hotels or around 220,000 rooms in European and Asian countries with high-growth potential. http://tinyurl.com/2dlvd6z

Euro Drops Against the US Dollar: Good News to US travelers

2010-05-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

The Euro has hit a four year low against the dollar, which means that traveling through Europe will be less expensive. The economic struggle of countries such as Spain, Italy and Greece are driving the Euro to devaluate and now 16 countries formally using the Euro as currency will be affected. We can safely say that it will more affordable for US travelers to travel to Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.

http://tinyurl.com/25dcmlt

Hilton’s New Promotion: “The Great Getaway”

2010-05-14T08:35:00.001-07:00

Hilton launched a global promotion for members of the Hilton HHonors’ guest loyalty program. With over 2,800 participating hotels worldwide guests are able to get up to 30 percent off sleeping rooms for stays completed between May 28 and September 6, 2010. “We’re encouraging our guests to take this opportunity to explore a new travel destination or visit an old favorite,” said Jeff Diskin, Senior Vice President, Global Customer Marketing, Hilton Worldwide. http://tinyurl.com/2asqccm

Hyatt Hotels Add to Their Luxury Portfolio

2010-05-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

The Four Seasons Aviara in Carlsbad, California will soon be managed by Hyatt Hotels and become number 25 in the Park Hyatt Luxury Portfolio.

“Hyatt is delighted to be invited to manage this beautiful Southern California resort, “ said Steve Haggerty, global head of real estate and development for Hyatt Hotels Corporation. “We look forward to a long and successful relationship with the property’s owners and expect a very smooth transition for Aviara guests as we introduce the personalized service and authentic hospitality for which Park Hyatt is known around the world.”

http://tinyurl.com/29js8a4

Starwood will Debut in the United Arab Emirates in 2013

2010-05-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

A new W hotel will debut in Abu Dhabi, right on the water front of Al Bateen. This is part of a development to include many components such as high-end retail stores, restaurants and even homes offering magnificent ocean views. The 350-room hotel will have 25 suites and 2 “Extreme Wow” suites, which are the equivalent to a Presidential Suite. The hotel will offer other great features such as a signature spa, restaurants and a rooftop night club. http://tinyurl.com/3yaxee6

How Would You Like to Wake Up to This View? Hilton Los Cabos

2010-05-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

Hilton Los Cabos Golf Resort and Spa is the perfect place to stay when visiting Los Cabos in Baja California, Mexico. The resort offers luxury without disturbing the natural feeling of a town based hand crafted goods, hard workers and genuine love for people and the town. The hotel is located right in between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.

They offer great accommodations, as every room has an oversized soaking tub and a private balcony to enjoy the ocean breeze and a view of the Sea of Cortez.

The meeting space is ideal for small or large groups, offering two ballrooms with the largest being over 7,400 square feet and a total of 11,349 square feet of meeting space.

Hilton Los Cabos is set in a nice, quiet beach front just off the main highway. The service is great and the food is delicious. You will wake up to the waves crashing and start off each day with a smile on your face. Hilton Los Cabos is a perfect spot for meetings or just to enjoy some sun and relax.

Fashion Hits the Hospitality Industry in 2010- Update

2010-04-30T19:17:00.000-07:00

The 160-room Armani Hotel Dubai opened this past Tuesday, April 27, 2010. This landmark now stands as the world’s tallest skyscraper. This luxury hotel doesn’t come cheap; at a standing rate of $750 a night for the cheapest room.

Not only is it a luxury hotel, it also stands as an observation deck on the 124^th floor which is open to the public and welcomed its first visitors in January.

This fashion designer will not only have Versace brand as his competition in the fashion world but the hotel industry as well; Versace plans to open a luxury hotel in Dubai later this year. http://tinyurl.com/2bfwmew

Will Arizona’s Immigration Law Lead to a Travel Boycott?

2010-04-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

Several executives in Arizona’s hospitality and tourism industry fear that the state’s new immigration law will affect this industry tremendously. The law could discourage people from visiting as well as companies holding their meetings in the beautiful state. There are several threats to the newly established law; The American Immigration Lawyers Association cancelled their meeting for this year which was to be held in Arizona at the JW Marriott for approximately 300 attendees.

Others feel “The area is well equipped for convention traffic and the number of golf courses and landmarks will ultimately outweigh any altruistic motives to the contrary,” quoted Fred Pfeifer, a business traveler from the Baltimore area who travels frequently to Phoenix. http://tinyurl.com/3yo8f76

Fairmont Hotels and Honey Bees, What a Sweet Combination!

2010-04-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

As part of their 20 year commitment to the environment, some Fairmont Hotels have set up bee hives in rooftops and onsite herb gardens. Their goal is to have “their” bees pollinate local gardens and parks and therefore benefit the environment. As a bonus, Fairmont Hotels are going to harvest the honey from these bees and hotel Chefs will offer delicious honey to their guests from their own local bee hives. Participating hotels are the The Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver, The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, The Fairmont Washington, D.C., Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec, The Fairmont Algonquin in St. Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick and The Fairmont Yangcheng Lake in Kunshan, Jiangsu, China. http://tinyurl.com/2b2lg48

New, Hip, Cool and Fun: Tazmania Ballroom

2010-04-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

Fun can be glamorous with Hong Kong’s new hot spot the Tazmania Ballroom. The long bar and gold-plated pool tables make this the place for the hip, cool, stylish party goers who like to play until the sun comes up. The billiard tables can be raised to make room for dancing or to place Ping Pong tables. If you are cool and connected, you might just get to join the party. http://tinyurl.com/yyaa2sr

Spring to Success Event: Helping Women Succeed

2010-04-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

Meeting Sites Pro was pleased to sponsor an event aimed at helping unemployed women in San Diego. The event was held on April 6, 2010 at the Hilton in Mission Valley and supported 50 women. The event was moderated by Michelle Bartolone with presentations by Chris Rupp, CEO of PrideStaff; Althea Salas, Director of Human Resources at the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau; and Michelle Saul, Owner of Possibilities Consulting LLC. By all accounts, this event was successful resulting in immediate interviews, job placements, and great networking. Meeting Sites Pro sponsors at least one event per year aimed at helping our community. We draw inspiration from an old saying: "It is a great thing about life that you cannot help another without helping yourself."

Top 5 Hotels in the Top 5 German Cities

2010-04-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

With the world’s largest industrial fair beginning in Hannover, Germany this week, some light is shining at the top hotels for some major cities in the country. The top 5 Star hotels were The Circus Hotel in Berlin, the Mandarin Oriental in Munich, the Hilton Frankfurt, the Hotel Domstern in Cologne and the Park Hyatt Hamburg. The data was a combination of reviews and rankings collected via surveys through a travel search engine. To learn more visit http://tinyurl.com/y4oasgs

World’s Sexiest Affordable Destinations

2010-04-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

20 Hot Spots Worth Checking Out... http://tinyurl.com/ycmepwm

Europe's Best Wine Bars

2010-04-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

If you love wine, this is for you. Travel & Leisure recently developed a best list of wine bars in Europe; whether you are sipping in Spain or tippling in Turin, there is a special spot for you. http://tinyurl.com/yacpfvp

Airline Fees May Hit The Overhead Bin

2010-04-10T12:35:00.000-07:00

Spirit Airlines will soon be the first of the major US airlines to charge passengers to carry on their luggage. Beginning in August, the carrier will slap an additional fee of up to $45 for any bags placed in the overhead bins. Airline officials are calling this the "bring less; pay less" policy which they say will ultimately benefit customers and promote in flight safety. http://tinyurl.com/y8hqshm

Does Disneyland Paris Expect Competition?

2010-03-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

Paramount Pictures has chosen Murcia in Spain as a home for the biggest theme park in the country. The theme park will also serve as the center for all Paramount productions in Europe. This project will create 20,000 jobs for the people in Spain and is expected to attract 3 million tourists to Spain. The entire project is expected to be completed within 2 years. http://tinyurl.com/yk4ex7d

Underground Hotels Feel Like Gnome Sweet Gnome

2010-03-23T16:55:00.000-07:00

Since 1988, the existence of underground hotels has attracted the biggest "Goth fanatics to people who want to know how it feels to live as a gnome. There are hotels in Australia, Sweden and New Zealand, although some hotels consist of just one room. Some hotels resemble a Hobbit Hole such as the Hobbit Underground Motel in Woodlyn Park New Zealand. You will be surprised as you enter the full-fledged room equipped with modern furniture. A much anticipated, 21-floor underground hotel is under construction near Shanghai. This underground marvel will include an artificial lake and a "ground" top garden. Are you feeling down to earth? Learn more at http://tynyurl.com/yl4sld3

Priority Pass Announces Airport Lounge of the Year 2010

2010-03-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

Rated by Priority Pass members as Lounge of the Year 2010, the USMAQ VIP Lounge, Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, Peru receives the award from the world's leading independent lounge program for a second time in two years. With over 30,000 member ratings this year, this is an impressive accolade. Other winners: Continental Presidents Club, Terminal E, George Bush Intercontinental, Houston, TX, in Nort America, Panorama Lounge, Terminal E, Zurich Switzerland in Europe, Kal Lounge, Concourse A, Incheon, Seoul, South Korea in Asia-Pacific and Dilmun Lounge, Bahrain Int'l, Bahrain in Middle East/Africa. There are also honorable mentions listed, did your favorite lounge make the list? See for yourself at http://tinyurl.com/yktz8gn

Meeting Sites Pro’s European Fact of the Day: Fact # 8

2010-03-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

If you prefer to be near the center of it all while not being in the center of it all, this hotel is perfect for you. In Venice, the Hilton Molino Stucky is situated away from the hustle and bustle of San Marco square, but only a water taxi away from the city proper. The pool is located on the roof and the views are breathtaking. Roms are spacious and modern while the hotel offers top quality service. The hotel has over 10,000 square feet modern and flexible meeting space as well. Whatever the occasion; business or pleasure, this property is one of my favorites.

Meeting Sites Pro's European Fact of the Day: Fact # 7

2010-03-12T17:02:00.000-08:00

You could be anywhere staying at the Hilton Florence; a corporate trendy spot located about 15 minutes from downtown Florence. The location is mostly residential with a cinema adjacent and only a couple options for pub like restaurants within walking distance. Most of the meeting space at this property (estimated at about 5,500 square feet) has natural light and is equipped with technology. While this property is good for meetings where you do not want to lose your attendees, it is does not make my top list of Florence hotels.

Meeting Sites Pro’s European Fact of the Day: Fact # 6

2010-03-11T19:34:00.000-08:00

Westin Excelsior in Florence is beautiful and offers a great location, services and product! My view is of the river and piazza. If you visit Florence, you must stay at this hotel!

Meeting Sites Pro's European Fact of the Day: Fact #5

2010-03-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW? Italians don't generally tip. In many establishments when you get the bill, there is not even the option to tip. A general recommendation in most of Italy is to tip only when you receive good service and not in the amounts we tip in the USA. Typically, a good tip in Italy ranges from 5 to 10%.

Meeting Sites Pro’s European Fact of the Day: Fact #4

2010-03-05T10:59:00.001-08:00

In Rome there are many nice restaurants; one of the best for Roman cuisine is Ristorante Perilli. This restaurant has been owned and operated by the same Roman family for over 90 years. It is casual, relatively inexpensive, noisy and you must have a reservation as they sell out every night of the week. If you are seeking an authentic Rome experience and great cuisine, this spot is right on top.

Meeting Sites Pro’s European Fact of the Day: Fact #3

2010-03-03T18:05:00.001-08:00

In Rome, one of my favorite spots for leisure or business meetings is the Hotel Majestic located in the heart of the city and on the famed Via Veneto. It is walking distance to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and much more. It is a boutique property with about 85 guest rooms and 4 smaller meeting rooms. The Majestic is definitely an experience you should not miss!