Translating “3 Star Hotel” When in Europe

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

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

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

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

MEETING MANAGEMENT FORUM

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

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

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