As luxury is redefined, so are the ways to deliver it
For Hermann Elger, general manager of the Montage Beverly Hills, delivering luxury is important even though today's consumers want VIP treatment in a hurry. He says letting his staff have more control in tailoring the luxury experience is essential. "The Montage philosophy is very important here. It's about the associates being able to analyze the guest and find ways to engage with them that are not scripted. ... It's about working with the associates and putting them less in a box as far as how they need to deliver service and more allowing them to be in tune with the guest and really listening," Elger noted. HotelNewsNow.com (3/22)

The Concierge Desk

Chef David Burke to launch eatery at upcoming Archer New York
David Burke will launch a restaurant at the Archer New York, a boutique luxury hotel coming to Midtown South Manhattan. Burke has been featured on "Top Chef Masters" and "Iron Chef America." The hotel, which opens next spring, will feature 180 rooms in 21 stories. New York Post (3/25)

New all-suites hotel brand to target upscale business travelers
New all-suites brand Woolley's Classic Suites is aiming to capture the upscale corporate traveler segment in Aurora, Colo., where work has begun on its first property near Denver International Airport, says Robert Woolley II, executive vice president of WCS Hotels. Regarding expansion, chief financial officer Alex Merson says the new chain will target the Midwest, Southern and Western U.S. regions, including Seattle; Dallas; Austin, Texas; and Charlotte, N.C. HotelsMag.com (free registration) (3/22)

For men in pursuit of stress relief: THE OUT NYC spa
From detox treatments, exfoliation and body wraps to massage, personal training and yoga, The Spa at THE OUT NYC focuses on guy-friendly refreshment and stress relief. The spa features an indoor waterfall, steam rooms, cabanas and a private gym. DAYSPA magazine (3/2013)

Other News

Hospitality Trends and Technology

Marriott CEO urges action against dismissive view of travel
Hoteliers should take action to highlight the benefits of travel to the economy and combat the idea that the hotel industry is frivolous, Marriott International CEO Arne Sorenson said during his keynote speech at last week's Hunter Hotel Conference in Atlanta. "Be absolutely unapologetic of the value that happens in the hotel business," Sorenson said. HotelNewsNow.com (3/22)

Report: N.J. saw 5% increase in visitors, 3% rise in spending in 2012
The number of visitors to New Jersey rose 5% in 2012, according to a report released by the state Wednesday. According to The Economic Impact of Tourism Report, visitor spending in the state also increased nearly 3% despite Hurricane Sandy's disruption. "New Jersey really is coming back," Gov. Chris Christie said at the New Jersey Conference on Tourism at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (3/21)

Other News

Spotlight on Development

3 new Autograph Collection hotels launching this spring
Marriott's Autograph Collection will debut three new hotels this spring. Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa in Lake Arrowhead, Calif., featuring Spa of the Pines, and Hotel Adagio in San Francisco's Union Square district will be the brand's first California hotels. Hotel Blackhawk in Davenport, Iowa, features Spa Lucé as well as an indoor pool and whirlpool overlooking the Mississippi River. Luxury Travel Magazine online (3/24)

Other News

International Update

Accor wants to hit 100-hotel mark in Middle East within 3 years
Hotel group Accor says it plans to have a total of 25,000 hotel rooms at 100 properties across the Middle East over the next three years. The hotel firm's tally now stands at 59 hotels with the recent launch of the 224-room Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate and the 294-room Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate. The 361-room Hotel Novotel Al Bustan Abu Dhabi and the 270-room Adagio Al Bustan Abu Dhabi are scheduled to open this year. ArabianBusiness.com (United Arab Emirates) (3/21)

Other News

Check-out

On spring break, take a swim at these hotel pools
Spring break travelers who want to take a dip in a great hotel pool should check out the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure or the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. The Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, Calif., boasts an adults-only pool, two 100-foot slides, a beach, sprinklers, a water-play zone and a swimming pool with a surrounding "river." Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model) (3/24)

Luxury Hoteliers News

Dorchester's CEO speaks to Elite Traveler
Elite Traveler interviews Christopher Cowdray, CEO of the Dorchester Collection, to get the inside scoop on how they set themselves apart from other luxury brands and why they believe slow growth is better for their image. Technology, in essence, the iPad, has made a big impact on their phone systems and remains a focus for their high-tech guest service delivery. Find the interview here.

SmartQuote

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