Apr 06
Ashley ChalmersNews, Places to Stay economy, Face to Face Meetings, Five Star, meeting industry
Last week I read an interesting article by David Wilkening of TravelMole. I’ve including some of the key points of the article for those who would prefer not to subscribe.
The AIG effect, which caused many luxury hotels to be hit financially with millions of dollars in cancellations, seems to have released its hold on the industry.
Smith Travel Research predicts in 2010, top tier hotels will be the most successful. In fact, STR reports that the luxury sector has experienced an 8% growth over the past few months.
The article quotes Greg Champion, CEO of Benchmark Hospitality:
“Everyone talks about the AIG effect, but there are a lot of planners out there who say ‘If I can stay at a five-star for the same price as a three-or-four star, why wouldn’t I do that?”
In 2009, many of the planners using ConventionPlanit.com told us they could not consider luxury properties for their meetings. In the past few months, we’ve seen a renewed interest in higher-end properties.
These brands have also been offering meeting planners extra amenities, discounts, and meeting space at no charge to secure their business. (Check out the Divine Deal section of CP for current offerings).
While many meetings were cancelled or postponed last year, things seem to be looking up. The mantra for 2010 seems to be meetings will be held – with a solid value and purpose.
Have you experienced this trend in your own planning? Where are you holding your meetings and why?
Luxury hoteliers – has your meetings business increased? What do you attribute it to?
Aug 25
Ashley ChalmersNews, Places to Stay economy, Five Diamond, Five Star, hotels, meeting industry
The latest casualty of the struggling hospitality industry is the rating system itself.
Bloomberg.com reports many luxury hotel brands have begun cutting ratings to save costs.
The AAA and Mobil rating systems identify specific service requirements for hotels to receive a five-diamond or five-star rating. These services can be quite costly for the hotels.
According to the Mobil Travel Guide, if the hotel has a pool, guests arriving for a swim should be escorted to their chairs and offered refreshment. Welcome gifts and thoughtful items on pillows at turn down service are expected. Ice buckets must be glass, metal or stone, and tongs must also be provided.
The Bloomberg.com article quotes Stephen Bollenbach, former chief executive officer of Hilton Hotels Corp.:
“Ratings aren’t based on making good returns on your investment.”
If the trend of hotels cutting back on services and lowering ratings continues, will rating systems become irrelevant? Are they outdated?
As a guest, how important is the AAA or Mobil rating in your booking decision? Can hotels survive on reputation alone?
Mar 12
Ashley ChalmersMember News, News Associated Luxury Hotels, Five Diamond, Five Star, Peninsula Chicago
Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) has expanded its luxury portfolio in Chicago with the addition of The Peninsula Chicago as its newest member. A recipient of the prestigious Mobil Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond awards for six consecutive years, the hotel was recently named the #1 Hotel in North America by Condé Nast Traveler, and the #2 Hotel in the World by Zagat Survey.
The Peninsula Chicago becomes ALHI’s third member hotel in Chicago, joining the elegant InterContinental Chicago on Michigan Avenue, and the luxurious Four-Diamond Sofitel Chicago Water Tower on East Chestnut Street just one block from the Magnificent Mile.
“These three luxury-level hotels now provide planners distinctive opportunities and availability in the most sought-after venues in the city,” said David Gabri, president and CEO of ALHI.
“Planners now have reliable one-call access to the three hotels’ 1,546 beautiful guestrooms and suites, and more than 61,000 square feet of meeting space in Chicago, by simply calling their nearest ALHI National Sales Office.”
Set in the heart of Chicago’s famous “Magnificent Mile,” The Peninsula Chicago is ideally located for groups to experience all the city has to offer:
• Located in Chicago’s premier business and shopping district,
• Steps from the historic Water Tower.
• 339 luxurious guest rooms and suites that are furnished in a magnificent classical style
• 9,500 square feet of meeting space that can accommodate up to 550 people
• Scenic Outdoor Terrace: best-kept secret for planners
• 15,000-square-foot spa, which was named America’s Number 12 urban spa
Gabri said, “Each of our hotels in Chicago is truly special and unique. Planners can find the optimal solution for their specific needs and programs at varying distinguished downtown venues, with one call to ALHI.”
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