Hotel price comparison and special offers
Archive for December, 2007
Hey Big Spender
Dec 28th
According to recent reports by BBC News, the 80 year old grandfather of both loved and loathed party girl Paris Hilton will be donating 97% of his $2.3 billion net worth, which is roughly 1.6 billion Euros. Although the charitable donation of the Hilton fortune is quite miserable for his million dollar spender, it is wonderful for children in need around the world. As Mr. Hilton states, the main objective of his donations should be to “shelter little children with the umbrella of [the] charity.”
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation was set up by Barron Hilton’s father and thus, Hilton would like to follow in his deceased dad’s footsteps by nearly doubling the charities worth before his own retirement. The company has many hotels around the globe including Hilton Munich City and Hilton Berlin in Germany; Hilton Paris, Hilton Paris La Defence and Hilton Arc de Triomphe in Paris; Hilton Dublin and Hilton Limerick in Ireland, Hilton Rome Airport, Hilton Milano and Hilton Florence Metropole in Italy and Hilton Barcelona in Spain.
How did Hilton retain so much that he could give up such a sky-scraping amount of money? Most recently Hilton has made two private equity deals. One such deal, which dates back to July 2007, was a purchase of Hilton hotels for $26 billion by Blackstone. The second; Harrah’s Entertainment is currently in the process of purchasing some of Hilton’s net, which will bring him in another $300 million upon the sales completion.
As for what his grandchildren might say about it, Hilton doesn’t even bat an eye. As reported by the BBC News, he is quite embarrassed by Paris’ current state and her recent three week jail stint. Maybe Paris should listen to old grand pop and walk the charitable walk rather than talk the talk. It certainly seems to be doing him good.
The Savoy Sale
Dec 27th
As Sletoh previously reported, London’s legendary Savoy Hotel held a sale that auctioned off memorabilia so that the never before renovated hotel can undergo a major overhaul in the new year. Amidst all of the upheaval and sourpuss feelings from Savoy regulars, a turnout of thousands made for an auction just as legendary as the hotel itself, which produced double the predicted amount. Total sales equaled an astounding 1.8 million Euros!
Some of the beloved pieces went for prices that were well above the predict price, which greatly contributed to the soaring 1.8millon Euros. The much adored white grand piano, which had many illustrious faces tickle its ivory’s, including music star Frank Sinatra, went for over 11,000 Euros, nearly quadrupling its estimated price of 3,000 Euros.
Over 3,500 people from across the world, including many rich and famous from the sport, film, theatre and music arenas came out to bid, while over 5,000 paid 30 Euros just to walk amongst the three day sale. Bids poured from near and far; including the Far East, Australia and South America.
Furniture specialist Harvey Cammel of Bonhams, who helped forecast prices and direct the sale stated, “We always knew this sale was going to be special and different, but frankly we have been astonished by the response to the auction. The regular applause says it all. The world has a love affair with the Savoy. That much is evident.”
The hotel will close for a 100 million euro renovation for approximately 16 months, with the new grand opening scheduled sometime into 2009.
Photo of New Year Eve 1907 at the Savoy courtesy of Wikimedia.org
Hooray London!
Dec 27th
In a recent HotStats (TRI Hospitality Consulting) survey of ten top European cities, it was found that the London chain hotel market is the best in Europe. The city has had an upward swing lately, becoming a top spring break destination and has always been a popular attraction for those visiting Europe. In comparision to nine other cities, including close runners up Amsterdam and Paris, London chain hotels were the most occupied in all of Europe. Mix that with the lowest payroll costs and London’s chain hotel’s are among the highest profit per available room on the market.
Other curious findings during the survey were as follows:
The MTV Awards, recently held in Munich in November, allowed the German capital to experience a jump in per available room capita from 47% to 62%, although the city still only reached number 6 on the list of 10.
Thanks to the biannual BATIMAT construction exhibition held at the Paris Expo, the city saw the 2nd highest jump from 44% to nearly 93% profit per available room. The expo brought in nearly half a million visitors over the course of five days.
Photo of London’s Novotel London Tower Bridge courtesy of Sletoh.com
Europe’s Top 10 Converted Hotels
Dec 27th
As announced earlier this December by Trip Advisor, Europe’s top 10 hotel renovations went from unusual structures to luxurious lodging. Each of these conversions keeps the spirit of the original hotel alive while bringing it up to date and into the new year.
1. Hotel Im Wasserturm, Cologne, Germany
This hotel oddly held the title of largest water tower in Europe before it became a hotel in the 1990s. It has a fantastic roof terrace, done in brick, providing sweeping views of Cologne that were once only seen by water tower employees.
Trip Advisor says: “This is a designer’s dream of a hotel, well thought out and very cleverly built from a water tower with lots of design touches from the bottom to the top!”
2. Four Seasons Gresham Palace, Budapest, Hungary
The Four Seasons Gresham Palace is just that, a former Art Nouveau palace which was completely restored to its original splendor in 2004. The formerly run down bastion now comes complete with one of a kind gold tiling, beautiful stained glass windows and views spanning the Danube.
Trip Advisor says: “The Four Seasons Gresham Palace is truly a palace. From the grand foyer, to the luxurious rooms and personalized service, this hotel is by far the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at.”
3. K + K Hotel Central, Prague, Czech Republic
The K + K is yet another Art Nouveau inspired building that was transformed in 2004 into a top notch hotel. The Art Nouveau theater spirit still reigns supreme throughout the premises with glass elevators, flamboyant staircases and aged balconies.
Trip Advisor says: “The building has been restored to its former glory. As soon as you enter reception you know it’s a high quality hotel.”
4. Chateau du Trigance, Trigance, France
The Chateau du Trigance might have one of the oldest backgrounds of all the hotels on the list. The structure was a XI medivial fortress, perched high above the village of Trigance. It remained an attraction until it was refurbished into a lovely hotel in 1961. Guests can dine by candlelit the way the buildings first occupants did or browse the stone walled hotel, gazing at antique furniture and tapestries, some original to the fortress.
Trip Advisor says: “This is an extraordinary place – an atmospheric little restored castle ringed by stunning mountains. Sip kir on the terrace or have breakfast on the battlements.”
5. The Lighthouse, Llandudno, North Wales
Up until 1985, the Lighthouse functioned, as… well… a lighthouse! The beacon still shines bright on certain occasions and guests can enjoy dining with a view, which faces the sea and overlooks a 100 meter sheer drop.
Trip Advisor says: “It was a unique experience amidst dramatic scenery with the most welcoming hosts you can imagine. This was more of a dream than reality.”
6. Old Bank Hotel, Oxford, England
The Old Bank Hotel is just as its namesake states. It was turned over in 1999 from Oxford’s first bank to a chic, 20th century hotel, which is in contrast to the 18th century façade.
Trip Advisor says: “The Old Bank is a small and intimate delight in a stunning location. We were very well treated by the staff and enjoyed the lively sense of humor of the head porter.”
7. Hotel Pulitzer, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Heavily influenced by its Dutch heritage, Hotel Pulitzer is a unique blend of twenty five 17th and 18th century canal houses, which were adjoined and renovated into this elegant hotel in 2000. The Pulitzer has its own cigar lounge and mod art gallery, perfect for the artsy mix of visitors that the city often gets.
Trip Advisor says: “The hotel lies along a grand canal in a beautiful and historic Amsterdam neighborhood. Everything about it is five stars; especially the service, elegant and comfortable rooms, and food.”
8. Krowleski Hotel, Gdansk, Poland
The Krowleski Hotel in Poland might just have the most unique background of any other hotel on the list. Located in just one of thirty former granaries, the building was renovated in 2000 and reopened as a hotel. The hotel holds its former granary’s many unique features yet has managed to incorporate a stunning, elegant hotel into the original architecture.
Trip Advisor says: “An excellent hotel, beautifully converted from an old granary building, with amazing attention to detail, a friendly staff, and top notch restaurant.”
9. Langholmen Hotel and Hostel, Stockholm, Sweden
Once Sweden’s largest prison, the Langholmen Hotel is now one of the biggest hotels in the country. The hotel has really kept the spirit of the prison intact, while simply furnishing the cells and offering a higher quality of food in the cafeteria. If you are looking something different or have ever wanted to see inside the walls of a prison, now you can!
Trip Advisor says: “This hotel is an absolute delight! The old prison has just barely been transformed into a hotel. At the front desk we didn’t check in we were ‘sentenced.’”
10. Mandarin Oriental, Prague, Czech Republic
The former employ of the Mandarian Oriental comes in a close second as one of the most unique transformations, behind the granaries of the Krowleski. In earlier times, as in the 14th century, the hotel was a Dominican monastery and stayed that way until its conversion in 2006. The Mandarin still keeps the original historic aspects of the monastery intact while incorporating luxurious amenities into the mix.
Trip Advisor says: “Built in a renovated monastery, the hotel keeps a lot of the old and impressive design in the common areas. However, you still feel you are in a top-of-the-line modern hotel.”
Trip Advisor’s director of communications Michele Perry defines why Europe has the perfect roots to combine such old world and inimitable architecture with modern amenities. “With such a deep and rich history of architecture, Europe is a natural breeding ground for elegantly converted hotels. From former lighthouses to theatres to water towers, these conversions offer something unique for every kind of traveler.”
Photo of Hotel Pulitzer courtesy of Sletoh.com
Accor’s Announcement
Dec 21st
Worldwide hotel chain Accor has just announced the sale of 57 properties across France and Switzerland. The price tag: a cool 518 million euro.
Forty seven French hotels and ten Swiss will be sold to a Real Estate Consortium that includes Caisse des Depots et Cosignations and two investment funds, European Hotel Venture and Alternative Property Income Venture, both of which are managed by AXA Real Estate Investment Managers. Part of the hefty price includes 52 million euro for renovations; new owner’s expense. Extensions on several of the properties will be yet another costly 30 million.
Although there are new owner’s in town, Accor will continue to operate the hotels under the same brands via twelve year leases, which are renewable an upwards of six times or, in other words, 84 years. Several of the hotels and chains involved include the Novotel, Mercure, Ibis, All Seasons and Etape properties which represent a total of nearly 8,200 rooms.
What does this mean for us? Virtually nothing, renovations, upgrades and better hotels aside.
Photo of Bonsai Etape in Vitrolles, France courtesy of Sletoh.com
Homeless Feel Right at Home in 7 Star Hotel
Dec 20th
Most homeless never dream of seeing the inside of a 7 Star hotel, much less living in one, except for one group of squatters who made their hotel dreams a reality.
The prestigious Galleria Vittorio Emaneuele II in Milan’s ritzy Galleria Townhouse that calls for exclusive guests to pay $5,000 a night. Little did these guests know that a few floors above them, 10 homeless folks had made a home for as little as $0 per night! Police found a secret apartment in the hotel’s attic; complete with a washing machine, refrigerator and kitchen sink. Police do not know how long the unwarranted guests had made the attic of the Galleria there home, however the amount of comfortable amenities the squatters had collected lead them to believe it had been quite some time.
The secret loft was found by police who do routine service checks for the building. Although they are not exactly sure how it happened, they are almost certain that somehow a visitor made a copy of an access key and the squatters took the initiative to take the elevator all the way to the top.
The Vittorio Emanuele also has a location in Sardinia, Italy.
Photo of Vittorio Emanuele courtesy of Wikipedia.org
Celebration by the Sea at Hotel Lory
Dec 19th
Hotel Lory in Italy is playing host to a New Year’s party on the Sea. The menu is one of gastronomical delight. Hors d’oeuvre’s consist of baked scallops, lobsters, stockfish with cream, octopus and sailor’s mussels and clams. The first course offers a choose of risotto with seafood sides or pasta Lory’s style, also with seafood on the side. The second dish features prawns en brochette, grilled squid or baked dentex with potatoes. Up next, desserts of fruit, lemon sherbet and a choice of coffee, wine or water; we’ll take the wine please!
As if guests won’t be stuffed enough, midnight features panettone and sparkling wine to toast the New Year. At 2:00am bean soup will be served to round out a night full of food, fun and friends.
The cost is a reasonable 94EUR for the food and event. This New Year’s bash is also one of the few that is kid friendly; under 5’s are 50% off and under 11’s are 30% off. This celebration is the perfect one to ring in the New Year surrounded by family members – young and old – with a delicious dinner, dancing the night through and, to boot, stunning views of the sea.
The Lory Hotel also provides a delicious breakfast with seaside views and family friendly activities for the recuperation day after. It just doesn’t get any better!
London’s Legendary Savoy Hotel Going Under the Hammer
Dec 18th
For the first time in its 118 year lifespan, London’s infamous Savoy Hotel is having a facelift. Since the hotel opened in 1889, locals enjoying weekend relaxation and celebrated rich and famous have intermingled for over a century at the American Bar and ogled the spectacular views of the Thames that the Savoy provides. Yet on December 15, 2007, after much protest from regulars, the Savoy is closing for the first time for major renovations.
Why are the people so upset about this? For starters, many infamous items that house memories, like the baby grand in the restaurant that Frank Sinatra would entertain on for hours, are being put up for auction to help pay for some of the renovations. Here are some other priceless items being put up for bid that are receiving a bit of attention.
• Monet prints that still hang in the Monet suite. Monet did these prints looking out of the Savoy’s windows in rooms 512 and 513.
• Room 408’s red monkey chair. Alfred Hitchcock frequented this room. • Bedside tables in the room Oscar Wilde preferred.
• A striped yellow and gray sofa that was once the seat of Katherine Hepburn.
• Many other headboards, umbrella stands, trays, lamps and other accessories with celebrity ties and otherwise.
However concerned people are about losing prized items, they are even more worried about the Savoy losing its Art Deco/Edwardian appeal that has made it so popular. One frequent Savoy guest even says “It’s a lot of memories and it’s sad to see it change,” which sums up much of the patron sadness surrounding the renovation.
Conversely, the hotel’s general manager, Kiaran MacDonald, said that all of the cause of concern is rather silly and that the Savoy would never rid itself of favorite “family jewels” and the only items going up for sale are ones that do not carry much historic value. Although some of the items have a lot of sentimental value to customers, the staff at the Savoy plans on making new memories for years to come. MacDonald wants disappointed guests to know that much of the hotel will still be completely recognizable. He boasts that the newly renovated Savoy, slated to reopen in 2009, will keep the “spirit of the Savoy” and will “continue to be the Savoy, but on a higher level of elegance.”
Photo of the Savoy courtesy of Sletoh.com
Weird and Wild Accomodation Requests
Dec 17th
As travel agent Gail Bradley claims, “Guests want the amenities with the pampering… there’s a growing need for unique experiences… and the new rule of thumb is you don’t say ‘no.’”
In the last few years the hotel industry has taken a turn to accommodate the growing number of travelers who want the “perfect” vacation. Many lusty perks that were once saved exclusively for the ultra rich or ultra famous are now available to almost anyone willing to open there wallet. Hotels want their guests stay to feel as special as their chosen destination.
In Italy, Palazzo Magnani Feroni makes their experience memorable with traditional views of Florence and bathroom amenities stocked with the guest’s favorite scent. Although many business types claim most hotels have poor technology, the each Ritz-Carlton location, including the Ritz in Berlin and the Ritz in Barcelona, can rest easy knowing that the Technology Butler will always be there to provide for them. The Benjamin Hotel in New York City allows guests to choose from a thirteen pillow variety – from water filled to buckwheat and back again.
As seen, hotels are becoming better at staying one step ahead of their guests. Whether it is with a large variety of pillows to choose from or a pre-determined favorite scent for your evening soak, hotels in Europe, as well as around the world, are striving to create luxurious, one of a kind atmospheres that cater to each and every guests individual needs and wants.
Photo of the Ritz in Berlin courtesy of Sletoh.com
Berlin Hits a Homerun
Dec 14th
Known as one of the best destinations in the world to mix business with pleasure, Berlin, Germany is increasingly becoming more and more business oriented. The bustling business area of Dusseldorf recently cut the ribbon on a new Maritim hotel with close proximity to the airport and a conference center that holds nearly 5,200 people! Global Hyatt and Melia are two more of six who are not far behind Maritim in the race to build exceedingly giant hotels in Berlin.
Business-y Dusseldorf aside, nearly fifty, yes fifty new hotels are scheduled to open throughout the city within the next 5 years. And not all of them are strictly work oriented but rather they are also working to promote the growth of large events within their walls too. The largest project, outside of the Dusseldorf giants, hails from the Scandic hotel group who plan on opening a 572 room monster at Potsdamer Platz in 2010. Spanish hotel chain Sol Melia surely doesn’t want to miss out on the boom and using this opportunity to open its second 421 room hotel in the city in 2010 too. Vienna International also plans to open a 517 room Andel’s in 2008.
This phenomenal turnover generated 63 billion euro last year and will bring in even more revenue for Berlin in the future.
‘The number of international conferences and meetings in Germany increases for several years now,’ Rolf W. Schmidt, Managing Owner of CHD Expert Germany, says. ‘The growth rate is getting higher and there is a clear demand for special event locations in the German metropolises.’
All fifty of these brand spanking new hotels plan on going in by 2011. So the next time you set up travel plans for Berlin finding a room will be a breeze, rest assured!
Photo courtesy of Sletoh.com
