Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills takes its place among L.A.'s elite hotels | Hilton CEO says travel, lodging industry must lead in cutting carbon | Melia retains focus on being well-rounded hotel company amid global expansion
The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills assigns each guest a personal concierge, an additional service to Los Angeles' high tally of luxury properties. The city is among the top 10 globally when it comes to luxury hotels.
Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta is looking to World Travel & Tourism Council member organizations to set goals for carbon emissions reductions. "We must take collective action because ensuring life-changing travel experiences for the billions of travelers we will welcome during the golden age of travel also requires us to be great environmental stewards of the communities where we operate," said Nassetta, who serves as chairperson of the council.
Melia Chief Operating Officer Andre Gerondeau says his firm needs to be "an all-[around] hotel company that really understands all segments, all markets, and we need to be present." Gerondeau cites the importance of relationships.
The Hilton Garden Inn Cherry Creek in Denver has found success by celebrating nontraditional holidays such as National Rubber Ducky Day and National Gumdrop Day.
A locally based artist's colorful illustration spreads nearly 25 feet across the entrance to Chicago's St. Jane Hotel, set to open in June. Morgan Ramberg's art deco-inspired work highlights renovation of the former Hard Rock Hotel in the Carbon & Carbide building, which was built in 1929.
Chinese-speaking staff, the right food and access to slippers are details that can help hotels attract Chinese guests, according to Leo Liu, who heads the China region for Wyndham.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is adding an underwater villa dubbed the Muraka. Some of the two-story structure will be about 16 feet under the Indian Ocean's surface.
