From Green and Gold to Snakes and Shamrocks

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

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

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.

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A Virgin Enters the Business

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

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