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The 'hotel of doom'
Kempinski is set to manage Pyongyang's unfinished landmark hotel -- the tallest unoccupied building in the world
The North Koreans started erecting the 330-meter Ryugyong Hotel, the tallest hotel at the time, in 1987.
Almost three decades later, the ambitious project is finally looking to open for business, spelling a possible end for the Ryugyong Hotel laying claim to the being the tallest unoccupied building in the world.
Kempinski Hotels & Resorts is due to be the operator of the 105-story hotel. Construction of the hotel has cost North Korea an estimated US$750 million or 2 percent of the GDP.
The German hotel group said earlier this month it is in negotiation to manage the pyramid-shaped skyscraper, dubbed by media as "the hotel of doom," which has stood unfinished and completely empty in Pyongyang for 20 years, according to Hotelsmag.
This could mark Kempinski, which operates 74 five-star hotels in 32 countries, the first Western hospitality company to run a business in the mysterious Asian nation.
The Ryugyong Hotel is expected to open -- partially -- as early as summer 2013, but it is not clear whether or not it will keep its original name or operate under the Kempinski brand.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
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Saturday, March 16, 2013
Los Angeles
www.bestwayfinder.com-Los Angeles
www.bestwayfinder.com--Best Way Travel, Vacations, Cheap Flights, Hotels http://www.bestwayfinder.com/ Plan your trip with Best way finder. Buy airline tickets, read reviews & reserve a hotel...
Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the Western world
Los Angeles
But it’s also among the world's most diverse metropolitan areas and is the United States' second-most populous city, with roughly 80 interconnected neighborhoods. Los Angeles county has almost 10 million residents.
Or, as Dorothy Parker once called it, “72 suburbs in search of a city.”
From the cool-casual vibe of Santa Monica’s Main Street to the Mid-City meccas of excess spanning Beverly Hills and the Sunset Strip, to the hipster’s paradise of the East Side, Angelenos have a wide range of tastes and options.
The catch?
Unless you like sitting in five lanes of bumper-to-bumper traffic, you’ve got to pick your best of Los Angeles priorities and plan accordingly.
Here's how to enjoy star treatment in the City of Angels -- with or without the celebrity checkbook
Hotels-Luxury Los Angeles
Breezing through the double doors at Shutters feels like joining Oprah (and all of her favorite things) at her estate in Montecito.
There’s usually a roaring fire in the lobby lounge. Good thing, too: with the exception of the high summer months (July through September), it’s surprisingly chilly at the
Los Angeles
www.bestwayfinder.com- Los Angeles
www.bestwayfinder.com--Best Way Travel, Vacations, Cheap Flights, Hotels http://www.bestwayfinder.com/ Plan your trip with Best way finder. Buy airline tickets, read reviews & reserve a hotel...
Los Angeles Restaurants
Los Angeles
.jpg)
Los Angeles may be known for its beach living and celebrity-infused backdrop, but it was once a farm town. The hillsides were covered in citrus orchards and dairy farms, and agriculture was a major industry. These days, although L.A. is urbanized, the city's culinary landscape has re-embraced a local, sustainable, and seasonal philosophy at many levels—from fine dining to street snacks.
Los AngelesLos Angeles
With a growing interest in farm-to-fork, the city's farmers' market scene has exploded, becoming popular at big-name restaurants and small eateries alike. In Hollywood and Santa Monica you can often find high-profile chefs scouring farm stands for fresh produce.Yet the cache of the celebrity chef continues to carry weight around this town. People follow the culinary zeitgeist with the same fervor as celebrity gossip. You can queue up with the hungry hordes at Mozza to catch a glimpse of Mario Batali or Nancy Silverton, or snag a seat at Street to chat with chef Susan Feniger—also of Border Grill. Elsewhere, Zoe Nathan has caused a huge ripple with her seasonally driven bakery Huckleberry in Santa Monica, and in Culver City chef Roy Choi (of Kogi BBQ fame) has turned a run-down International House of Pancakes into the DJ thumping and ski chalet inspired A-Frame Tavern. The newest addition into the "who's who" of celebrity chefs is Thomas Keller who opened Bouchon Bistro in Beverly Hills.Ethnic eats continue to be a backbone to the L.A. dining scene. People head to the San Gabriel Valley for dim sum and ramen, Koreatown for epic Korean cooking, and West L.A. for phenomenal sushi. Latin food is well represented in the city, making it tough to choose between Guatemalan eateries, Peruvian restaurants, nouveau Mexican bistros, and Tijuana-style taco trucks. With so many dining options, sometimes the best strategy is simply to drive and explore. Just don't mind the traffic. Los Angeles
www.bestwayfinder.com-Los Angeles
www.bestwayfinder.com--Best Way Travel, Vacations, Cheap Flights, Hotels http://www.bestwayfinder.com/ Plan your trip with Best way finder. Buy airline tickets, read reviews & reserve a hotel...
www.bestwayfinder.com--Best Way Travel, Vacations, Cheap Flights, Hotels http://www.bestwayfinder.com/ Plan your trip with Best way finder. Buy airline tickets, read reviews & reserve a hotel...
Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the Western world
Los Angeles
www.bestwayfinder.comBut it’s also among the world's most diverse metropolitan areas and is the United States' second-most populous city, with roughly 80 interconnected neighborhoods. Los Angeles county has almost 10 million residents.
Or, as Dorothy Parker once called it, “72 suburbs in search of a city.”
From the cool-casual vibe of Santa Monica’s Main Street to the Mid-City meccas of excess spanning Beverly Hills and the Sunset Strip, to the hipster’s paradise of the East Side, Angelenos have a wide range of tastes and options.
The catch?
Unless you like sitting in five lanes of bumper-to-bumper traffic, you’ve got to pick your best of Los Angeles priorities and plan accordingly.
Here's how to enjoy star treatment in the City of Angels -- with or without the celebrity checkbook
Hotels-Luxury Los Angeles
Los Angeles
When it comes to finding a place to stay, travelers have never been more spoiled for choice in today's Los Angeles. From luxurious digs in Beverly Hills to budget boutiques along the coast, hotels are stepping up service, upgrading amenities, and throwing in perks like free Wi-Fi, in-room espresso makers, and spa-quality bath products.
The ambitious revitalization of the city's downtown, anchored around the L.A. Live complex, includes a new 54-tower that holds both a Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott offering a new set of grand hotel restaurants and services close to the convention center. Other downtown hotels, such as the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites and the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza, have upgraded their rooms and lobbies to rival this newly built competition.
Along with the bigger multistory hotels, smaller inns and lodges have also opened for low-key, eco-minded stays, built via green construction, as sustainable stays become an increasing trend. Consider booking one of the three charming Venice Beach Eco-Cottages, or a homey casita at the Loz Feliz Lodge, where innkeepers stock the kitchen with organic mint tea and the bathrooms with bamboo-fiber towels.
Hollywood's already trendy nightlife scene now has party-friendly hotels in the W Hollywood and The Redbury. Both offer full bars in-room as well as vibrant restaurants that appeal to a younger crowd. The W also has a rooftop nightclub Drai's that brings Vegas glitz to the heart of Hollywood and comes with dramatic city views. Rooftop socializing continues at The London West Hollywood where the backdrop is spectacular vistas of downtown Los Angeles and Century City.
For the best in-town getaway, the new resort at Terranea's oceanfront spa promises relaxation within sight of frolicking dolphins and seasonally migrating whales. While newer hotels kick it up, classics like the splendidly refreshed Four Seasons Los Angeles, and even more storied Beverly Hills Hotel seem to only get better with time, anticipating all a guest might need and want with seamless perfection.
The hotel describes the vibe at Shutters as high style but low-key, an appropriate mindset for experiencing Los Angeles.
With its proximity overlooking the Pacific Ocean and room appointments like John Robshaw comforters, in-room libraries and whirlpool tubs, however, L.A. will have to work double time to lure you out of your room.When it comes to finding a place to stay, travelers have never been more spoiled for choice in today's Los Angeles. From luxurious digs in Beverly Hills to budget boutiques along the coast, hotels are stepping up service, upgrading amenities, and throwing in perks like free Wi-Fi, in-room espresso makers, and spa-quality bath products.
The ambitious revitalization of the city's downtown, anchored around the L.A. Live complex, includes a new 54-tower that holds both a Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott offering a new set of grand hotel restaurants and services close to the convention center. Other downtown hotels, such as the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites and the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza, have upgraded their rooms and lobbies to rival this newly built competition.
Along with the bigger multistory hotels, smaller inns and lodges have also opened for low-key, eco-minded stays, built via green construction, as sustainable stays become an increasing trend. Consider booking one of the three charming Venice Beach Eco-Cottages, or a homey casita at the Loz Feliz Lodge, where innkeepers stock the kitchen with organic mint tea and the bathrooms with bamboo-fiber towels.
Hollywood's already trendy nightlife scene now has party-friendly hotels in the W Hollywood and The Redbury. Both offer full bars in-room as well as vibrant restaurants that appeal to a younger crowd. The W also has a rooftop nightclub Drai's that brings Vegas glitz to the heart of Hollywood and comes with dramatic city views. Rooftop socializing continues at The London West Hollywood where the backdrop is spectacular vistas of downtown Los Angeles and Century City.
For the best in-town getaway, the new resort at Terranea's oceanfront spa promises relaxation within sight of frolicking dolphins and seasonally migrating whales. While newer hotels kick it up, classics like the splendidly refreshed Four Seasons Los Angeles, and even more storied Beverly Hills Hotel seem to only get better with time, anticipating all a guest might need and want with seamless perfection.
The hotel describes the vibe at Shutters as high style but low-key, an appropriate mindset for experiencing Los Angeles.
Breezing through the double doors at Shutters feels like joining Oprah (and all of her favorite things) at her estate in Montecito.
There’s usually a roaring fire in the lobby lounge. Good thing, too: with the exception of the high summer months (July through September), it’s surprisingly chilly at the
Los Angeles
www.bestwayfinder.com- Los Angeles
www.bestwayfinder.comwww.bestwayfinder.com--Best Way Travel, Vacations, Cheap Flights, Hotels http://www.bestwayfinder.com/ Plan your trip with Best way finder. Buy airline tickets, read reviews & reserve a hotel...
Los Angeles Restaurants
Los Angeles
Los Angeles may be known for its beach living and celebrity-infused backdrop, but it was once a farm town. The hillsides were covered in citrus orchards and dairy farms, and agriculture was a major industry. These days, although L.A. is urbanized, the city's culinary landscape has re-embraced a local, sustainable, and seasonal philosophy at many levels—from fine dining to street snacks.
Los AngelesLos Angeles
With a growing interest in farm-to-fork, the city's farmers' market scene has exploded, becoming popular at big-name restaurants and small eateries alike. In Hollywood and Santa Monica you can often find high-profile chefs scouring farm stands for fresh produce.Yet the cache of the celebrity chef continues to carry weight around this town. People follow the culinary zeitgeist with the same fervor as celebrity gossip. You can queue up with the hungry hordes at Mozza to catch a glimpse of Mario Batali or Nancy Silverton, or snag a seat at Street to chat with chef Susan Feniger—also of Border Grill. Elsewhere, Zoe Nathan has caused a huge ripple with her seasonally driven bakery Huckleberry in Santa Monica, and in Culver City chef Roy Choi (of Kogi BBQ fame) has turned a run-down International House of Pancakes into the DJ thumping and ski chalet inspired A-Frame Tavern. The newest addition into the "who's who" of celebrity chefs is Thomas Keller who opened Bouchon Bistro in Beverly Hills.Ethnic eats continue to be a backbone to the L.A. dining scene. People head to the San Gabriel Valley for dim sum and ramen, Koreatown for epic Korean cooking, and West L.A. for phenomenal sushi. Latin food is well represented in the city, making it tough to choose between Guatemalan eateries, Peruvian restaurants, nouveau Mexican bistros, and Tijuana-style taco trucks. With so many dining options, sometimes the best strategy is simply to drive and explore. Just don't mind the traffic. Los Angeles
WWW.BESTWAYBINDER.COMwww.bestwayfinder.com--Best Way Travel, Vacations, Cheap Flights, Hotels http://www.bestwayfinder.com/ Plan your trip with Best way finder. Buy airline tickets, read reviews & reserve a hotel...
Germany-What to do in Berlin
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Germany-Whether you're here for the world-class museums or non-stop nightclubbing, Berlin is as fascinating as it is ever-evolving
Germany
Long known as a city that’s always becoming, never being, Germany-Berlin is ever in a state of flux.
Filled with historic relics that mark its role as imperial capital, seedy Weimar stomp, Nazi hive, Soviet stronghold and liberal bastion of the West, Berlin's latest transformation has been from post-Wall bohemian free-for-all to culture capital with global cred and a booming tech industry.
Whether you’re here for the world-class museums or fringy techno saturnalia, Berlin is as fascinating as it is protean.
For anyone who knows where to look -- us, for example -- it’s also full of surprises: contemporary art in a converted Nazi bunker, Michelin-starred restaurants, the massive “Little Istanbul” area and a vast system of navigable waterways that allows visitors to take it all in by boat.
Wondering what to do in Berlin? Start here.
Like seemingly everything in the German capital, it has an unexpected back story: as the central bank of the German Democatic Republic, it likely played host to even more backroom deals than it does today.
In the mid-2000s, the elegant neo-Classical building was converted by British hotelier Sir Rocco Forte, a one-time playboy who decked out the former bank in imperial reds and blues, installing flat screens and black marble and filling the old vault with a swimming pool and spa
Germany
In 2010, the Soho House Germany-Berlin, a 40-room hotel and private club aimed at the city’s upwardly mobile “creative” class, became the newest tenant on Torstraße, a street in central Berlin once peppered with squats and illegal art spaces.
Housed in an imposing late-Bauhaus structure that opened as a department store in 1928 and was seized by the Nazis and, later, the postwar Communist regime, Soho House underwent a €40-million renovation and now includes a movie theater, spa, state-of-the-art gym and heated rooftop pool.
Comfortable rooms include heated floors, fresh-baked cookies and, in true bohemian-bourgeois fashion, an old-time gramophone and selection of vinyl LPs.
Germany
Touted as “the city’s smallest hotel,” this quirky, two-room Pension Germany-Berlin opened in August 2011 in Kreuzberg’s tree-lined and swiftly gentrifying Graefekiez neighborhood.
Part gallery, part art studio, Pension hosts rotating exhibitions by local artists in the reception area and even houses an art shop and a cinema.
A gilded motif accentuates the cozy, single-occupancy “Gold” room, while the larger “Fassbinder Alexanderplatz'” room features a wall collage of stills from the director’s seminal miniseries, a double bed and an electric fireplace.
Germany-Whether you're here for the world-class museums or non-stop nightclubbing, Berlin is as fascinating as it is ever-evolving
www.bestwayfinder.comGermany
Long known as a city that’s always becoming, never being, Germany-Berlin is ever in a state of flux.
Filled with historic relics that mark its role as imperial capital, seedy Weimar stomp, Nazi hive, Soviet stronghold and liberal bastion of the West, Berlin's latest transformation has been from post-Wall bohemian free-for-all to culture capital with global cred and a booming tech industry.
Whether you’re here for the world-class museums or fringy techno saturnalia, Berlin is as fascinating as it is protean.
For anyone who knows where to look -- us, for example -- it’s also full of surprises: contemporary art in a converted Nazi bunker, Michelin-starred restaurants, the massive “Little Istanbul” area and a vast system of navigable waterways that allows visitors to take it all in by boat.
Wondering what to do in Berlin? Start here.
Hotels-Luxury
Just off Germany-Berlin’s grand royal boulevard of Unter den Linden, the imposing Hotel de Rome is popular with visiting diplomats and politicians.Like seemingly everything in the German capital, it has an unexpected back story: as the central bank of the German Democatic Republic, it likely played host to even more backroom deals than it does today.
In the mid-2000s, the elegant neo-Classical building was converted by British hotelier Sir Rocco Forte, a one-time playboy who decked out the former bank in imperial reds and blues, installing flat screens and black marble and filling the old vault with a swimming pool and spa
www.bestwayfinder.comGermany
In 2010, the Soho House Germany-Berlin, a 40-room hotel and private club aimed at the city’s upwardly mobile “creative” class, became the newest tenant on Torstraße, a street in central Berlin once peppered with squats and illegal art spaces.
Housed in an imposing late-Bauhaus structure that opened as a department store in 1928 and was seized by the Nazis and, later, the postwar Communist regime, Soho House underwent a €40-million renovation and now includes a movie theater, spa, state-of-the-art gym and heated rooftop pool.
Comfortable rooms include heated floors, fresh-baked cookies and, in true bohemian-bourgeois fashion, an old-time gramophone and selection of vinyl LPs.
www.bestwayfinder.comGermany
Touted as “the city’s smallest hotel,” this quirky, two-room Pension Germany-Berlin opened in August 2011 in Kreuzberg’s tree-lined and swiftly gentrifying Graefekiez neighborhood.
Part gallery, part art studio, Pension hosts rotating exhibitions by local artists in the reception area and even houses an art shop and a cinema.
A gilded motif accentuates the cozy, single-occupancy “Gold” room, while the larger “Fassbinder Alexanderplatz'” room features a wall collage of stills from the director’s seminal miniseries, a double bed and an electric fireplace.
www.bestwayfinder.comWednesday, March 13, 2013
Greek -See Santorini Without the Crowds
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Greek island
The Greek island of Santorini is nothing short of spectacular during any time of the year, but it can be perfect for honeymooners in January, especially if they are in search of seclusion.
Many of the big hotels in the Greek inland are closed during the winter, which means that there are far fewer tourists on the island overall.
Although the weather is certainly cooler in January than it is in the summer, it is far from cold. Visitors can still tour through the city’s amazing architecture, take long walks on the stunning white sand beaches and enjoy some of the best Greek food imaginable. In addition, they get to enjoy all of this in solitude, which makes it perfect for intimacy and romance. The Greek island
Want better sex ? Travel more with bestwayfinder.com
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A new survey suggests that substituting boarding passes for roses or jewelry could improve couples' sex lives
Couples who travel together report more intimacy and romance.
A new survey suggests that substituting boarding passes for roses or jewelry could improve couples' sex lives
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If the fallout from Valentine’s Day is hitting you hard, maybe it’s time to take that special vacation you’ve been planning.
According to a new Valentine's survey commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association, traveling together will improve a couple's sex life.
And not just during the travel period -- the survey found that the romance and better sex enjoyed during travel lasts long after the trip is over.
“Couples who travel together are significantly more likely to report that their relationship is more romantic, more intimate and more balanced,” Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, said in news release.
For the survey, Edge Research interviewed 1,100 adults. Some 72 percent of the couples said travel inspires romance, and 63 percent said a weekend getaway is more romantic than receiving large or small gifts.
Approximately 77 percent of respondents who traveled with a significant other reported a good sex life, compared with 63 percent of couples who don't travel as a couple.
“Couples who travel together feel closer to one another and are more likely to report that they are best friends,” said Dow.
To that we say: awww …Sex !
Do you agree with the survey results? Has travel improved your sex life? Let us know in the comments. www.bestwayfinder.com
According to a new Valentine's survey commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association, traveling together will improve a couple's sex life.
And not just during the travel period -- the survey found that the romance and better sex enjoyed during travel lasts long after the trip is over.
“Couples who travel together are significantly more likely to report that their relationship is more romantic, more intimate and more balanced,” Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, said in news release.
For the survey, Edge Research interviewed 1,100 adults. Some 72 percent of the couples said travel inspires romance, and 63 percent said a weekend getaway is more romantic than receiving large or small gifts.
Approximately 77 percent of respondents who traveled with a significant other reported a good sex life, compared with 63 percent of couples who don't travel as a couple.
“Couples who travel together feel closer to one another and are more likely to report that they are best friends,” said Dow.
To that we say: awww …Sex !
www.bestwayfinder.comDo you agree with the survey results? Has travel improved your sex life? Let us know in the comments. www.bestwayfinder.com
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Hotel in Malaysia
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Gaya Island Resort is a 15-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, Borneo.
Set amid the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park with stunning views of Mount Kinabalu, the resort’s 120 villas are perched on a pristine rainforest hillside.
The resort offers several eating options, including Fisherman’s Cove, which has a grand view of the bay. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic at the private Tavajun Bay, a five-minute boat ride from the resort.
Gaya Island Resort is a 15-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, Borneo.
Set amid the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park with stunning views of Mount Kinabalu, the resort’s 120 villas are perched on a pristine rainforest hillside.
The resort offers several eating options, including Fisherman’s Cove, which has a grand view of the bay. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic at the private Tavajun Bay, a five-minute boat ride from the resort.
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www.bestwayfinder.comSunday, March 10, 2013
Airlines Service Vs Hotel Room Service
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A flight is too often a stressful storm before the calm of a hotel room. Here's how the former could be more like the latter
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Air travel, for many, is something to be endured rather than enjoyed.
The aviation industry “has been in survival mode for as long as we can remember,” says Eric Léopold, director of the passenger program at the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Fairly or not, the industry's triage mentality has undermined public perception.
But does it have to be that way?
The hotel industry, so connected to air travel and yet worlds apart when it comes to reputation, could prove an inspiration, if only airlines would change.
With the help of experts in both the airline and hotel industries, we’ve put together a list of ideas that could make flying fun again.
One of the first things potential hotel guests check is the star-rating of their hotel.
It helps to manage customer expectations and provides a clear sense of the value, rather than simply the cost, of a stay.
Airlines don't employ this system.
Although one already exists -- the Skytrax Global Airline Ranking -- few air travelers know about it.
This means airline customers are often unsure of what to expect and may feel entitled to an unrealistic level of comfort.
"No one expects to go back to the glamour days of Pan Am, especially if they're flying economy," says Lori Lincoln, director of corporate communications at Shangri-La International Hotel Management. "But major airlines could improve by addressing the lack of consistency in terms of product and service. When you fly certain airlines, you never know what you're going to get."
Tokyo hotel staff line up greet the International Olympic Committee.
Ask any top-end hotel executive for the secret of the brand's success, and you'll invariably get the answer: the people.
Airlines will agree. Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted says that staff service is “critical” to achieving five-star status in a company’s rankings.
And yet staff service after you board an airplane is often a poor substitute for what you receive when you check in at a good hotel.
Incentive is an important factor. While a hotel receptionist or porter could rise to a management position over the course of a career, the ceiling is lower for flight attendants.
Timothy Wright, general manager of the Kowloon Shangri-La hotel in Hong Kong, says that “thorough training and development opportunities throughout the employee’s career” are crucial to maintaining a high level of service.
For example, staff at Shangri-La are carefully chosen for their ability to engage customers and extend genuine care and hospitality.
“The core values of helpfulness, flexibility, anticipation and honesty are very important,” says Wright.
At hotels, this might be achieved with something as simple as a hand-written welcome note, or having the bar staff remember a guest’s drink from one cocktail hour to the next.
This kind of attention to detail might be easier to sustain in a hotel environment, but airlines could certainly do more to make passengers feel like individuals and less like numbers on a manifest.
American low-cost carrier JetBlue, for one, had a mission to bring humanity back to air travel. Now, says Lincoln, some people will give up miles they can earn on major carriers to fly JetBlue, “because they prefer the experience.”
“From the very beginning we understood something was fundamentally inadequate with the service in our industry and knew that we had to be the change if we wanted to succeed,” says Allison Steinberg, spokesperson for JetBlue.
This ad campaign for the airline outlines some of these changes, which include offering more legroom in economy class and giving passengers the whole can of soda instead of just a cup.
Good hotels avoid the perception of commodifying the travel product by focusing on personalized guest service.
Wright, at Shangri-La, says, "We keep extensive records of guests’ preferences so that we can make them feel at home.”
Loyalty programs and, potentially, social media should allow airlines to do the same, but they rarely do.
"As an airline passenger, you often feel like a widget being shuttled about instead of a person," says Lincoln.
She also observes that while airlines expect flexibility from customers, they rarely reciprocate.
Small offerings, such as a personal greeting and a bottle of water for frequent fliers in economy class, could make a big difference.
In a "white paper" released at the World Passenger Symposium in Abu Dhabi in October 2012, IATA’s Simplifying the Business (StB) think tank even describes an onboard concierge as a feature of air travel in 2020.
"With all the technological advances to support customer service, airlines should be able to make flight experiences just a little more personal," says Lincoln. "That could go a long way to making flying more hospitable."
Lufthansa's quick self check-ins. Could this be standardized throughout the industry?
While hotels can influence their customers’ experience from the moment they disembark -- for example, with a meet and greet service at the airport and shuttle or limousine transfer -- airlines have comparatively little control over what happens between check-in and boarding.
IATA recognized this in the StB paper, which introduces a new program and a vision of how efficiently people might travel in the future.
Its “vision 2020” for the airport experience is fast and seamless, as well as “predictable, secure and globally consistent."
IATA is the organization that introduced e-tickets and bar-coded boarding passes to streamline the passenger experience.
In response to its recent Global Passenger Survey, new initiatives at IATA aim to provide more self-service options across the journey, phase out the check-in process, develop a "risk-based" security model that "minimizes the need to unpack or disrobe" and standardize automated border control.
The goal is to make flying simple and satisfying.
A flight is too often a stressful storm before the calm of a hotel room. Here's how the former could be more like the latter
www.bestwayfinder.comAir travel, for many, is something to be endured rather than enjoyed.
The aviation industry “has been in survival mode for as long as we can remember,” says Eric Léopold, director of the passenger program at the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Fairly or not, the industry's triage mentality has undermined public perception.
But does it have to be that way?
The hotel industry, so connected to air travel and yet worlds apart when it comes to reputation, could prove an inspiration, if only airlines would change.
With the help of experts in both the airline and hotel industries, we’ve put together a list of ideas that could make flying fun again.
1. A recognized rating system
Skytrax rates Emirates a four-star airline -- we'd call its A380 business class lounge five-star.One of the first things potential hotel guests check is the star-rating of their hotel.
It helps to manage customer expectations and provides a clear sense of the value, rather than simply the cost, of a stay.
Airlines don't employ this system.
Although one already exists -- the Skytrax Global Airline Ranking -- few air travelers know about it.
This means airline customers are often unsure of what to expect and may feel entitled to an unrealistic level of comfort.
"No one expects to go back to the glamour days of Pan Am, especially if they're flying economy," says Lori Lincoln, director of corporate communications at Shangri-La International Hotel Management. "But major airlines could improve by addressing the lack of consistency in terms of product and service. When you fly certain airlines, you never know what you're going to get."
2. Dedicated staff
Ask any top-end hotel executive for the secret of the brand's success, and you'll invariably get the answer: the people.
Airlines will agree. Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted says that staff service is “critical” to achieving five-star status in a company’s rankings.
And yet staff service after you board an airplane is often a poor substitute for what you receive when you check in at a good hotel.
Incentive is an important factor. While a hotel receptionist or porter could rise to a management position over the course of a career, the ceiling is lower for flight attendants.
Timothy Wright, general manager of the Kowloon Shangri-La hotel in Hong Kong, says that “thorough training and development opportunities throughout the employee’s career” are crucial to maintaining a high level of service.
For example, staff at Shangri-La are carefully chosen for their ability to engage customers and extend genuine care and hospitality.
“The core values of helpfulness, flexibility, anticipation and honesty are very important,” says Wright.
3. Restore the human touch
A can of soda is vastly superior to a small plastic cup of soda.
Humanity in modern travel means making sure the customer feels properly looked after.At hotels, this might be achieved with something as simple as a hand-written welcome note, or having the bar staff remember a guest’s drink from one cocktail hour to the next.
American low-cost carrier JetBlue, for one, had a mission to bring humanity back to air travel. Now, says Lincoln, some people will give up miles they can earn on major carriers to fly JetBlue, “because they prefer the experience.”
“From the very beginning we understood something was fundamentally inadequate with the service in our industry and knew that we had to be the change if we wanted to succeed,” says Allison Steinberg, spokesperson for JetBlue.
This ad campaign for the airline outlines some of these changes, which include offering more legroom in economy class and giving passengers the whole can of soda instead of just a cup.
4. Personalized experiences
Airlines might take a cue from Mandarin Oriental's personal butler service.
www.bestwayfinder.comGood hotels avoid the perception of commodifying the travel product by focusing on personalized guest service.
Wright, at Shangri-La, says, "We keep extensive records of guests’ preferences so that we can make them feel at home.”
Loyalty programs and, potentially, social media should allow airlines to do the same, but they rarely do.
"As an airline passenger, you often feel like a widget being shuttled about instead of a person," says Lincoln.
She also observes that while airlines expect flexibility from customers, they rarely reciprocate.
Small offerings, such as a personal greeting and a bottle of water for frequent fliers in economy class, could make a big difference.
In a "white paper" released at the World Passenger Symposium in Abu Dhabi in October 2012, IATA’s Simplifying the Business (StB) think tank even describes an onboard concierge as a feature of air travel in 2020.
"With all the technological advances to support customer service, airlines should be able to make flight experiences just a little more personal," says Lincoln. "That could go a long way to making flying more hospitable."
5. Improved efficiency
While hotels can influence their customers’ experience from the moment they disembark -- for example, with a meet and greet service at the airport and shuttle or limousine transfer -- airlines have comparatively little control over what happens between check-in and boarding.
IATA recognized this in the StB paper, which introduces a new program and a vision of how efficiently people might travel in the future.
Its “vision 2020” for the airport experience is fast and seamless, as well as “predictable, secure and globally consistent."
IATA is the organization that introduced e-tickets and bar-coded boarding passes to streamline the passenger experience.
In response to its recent Global Passenger Survey, new initiatives at IATA aim to provide more self-service options across the journey, phase out the check-in process, develop a "risk-based" security model that "minimizes the need to unpack or disrobe" and standardize automated border control.
The goal is to make flying simple and satisfying.
If airlines could adopt a few of these measures, perhaps it could be. www.bestwayfinder.com
Friday, March 8, 2013
China travel tips
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Don't be intimidated says a local expert. Here's how to do China without the hassles
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Travel in China can rattle even veteran travelers.
This is understandable. China is a huge country with enough languages and dialects to leave even many native Chinese flummoxed at the thought of communicating away from home.
But traveling here isn't scary, and it's not unmanageable.
Traveling for the past few years from my home base in Shanghai, I've picked up a lot of tips -- both from my own experiences and from others -- that make life on the road in China a little bit easier and a lot more rewarding.
For families, this can save a lot of cash. Rather than needing two rooms, a family of four can get cozy in a twin room, where both beds are the same size as a regular double bed.
Don't spend coins in north China.
Conversely, in northern and western China, expect market vendors to reject coins outright. They only like paper money no matter how small the denomination.
The basic dictionary app is free. It costs US$14.95 to buy the optical character recognition function (compatible with the iPhone 4 or 5 camera). Point the iPhone at a Chinese menu and get an instant translation.
China is the land of possibilities. If you can dream it, someone can make it.
The Shandong Juancheng Neon-Plasma Tech company make customized neon signs in one week and will ship anywhere.
These guides to Inner Mongolia, Gansu and soon Sichuan and Qinghai contain detailed itineraries, maps and language cards specific for each stage of the trip.
You want rice? You gotta say it aloud.
Anyone wanting rice with his or her meal should make it clear to the waiter by saying: mifan (rice) mashang (straight away).
This is no issue for anyone fond of congee and pickles, but can be an unimaginable hurdle for children or picky eaters. Bring a box of their favorite cereal and a few small cartons of milk and everyone starts the day happy.
Most hotels don't mind.
Yes, the traffic is chaotic and the air could be better -- much better -- but China is one of the safest countries in the world for female travelers, solo travelers and families.
A portrait delivered instantly on a Polaroid camera is a much-appreciated, on-the-spot gift.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 7 Polaroid camera retails for around RMB 400 (US$62) from large electronics retailers.
But that's not how the Chinese see things.
All of these outdoor areas are public spaces, and lanes and alleys hold some of the most captivating scenes in China's big cities.
Listening in to a heated discussion in Shanghai between a taxi driver and a Chinese friend I thought they were about to come to blows.
"No," they told me. "We were just talking together about how devastating the Sichuan earthquake was."
But help is always at hand: those under 25 years old are most likely to speak both standard Mandarin and English.
Students who have studied English in books for years, but have had little contact with native English speakers, may more readily understand written questions.
Tip: Eiffel Tower is "ai fei'er tie ta," Statue of Liberty is "zi you nv shen xiang" and Great Barrier Reef is "da bao jiao."
Interesting stalls like this might be steps away from your hotel.
"TCM is ingrained in Chinese culture," says Canadian Leslie Bottrell, who is trained in both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
"It permeates everyday life and so empowers individuals to be responsible for their wellness by promoting disease prevention."
Consultations are available at Longhua Hospital in Shanghai, one of the country's top TCM Hospitals.
LongHua Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 725 Wanping Nan Lu, Xuhui District, Shanghai; +86 21 6438 5700; open daily 8-11:30 a.m., 1-5 p.m.
Art exhibit in Opposite House: a wall comprising more than 6,000 drawers.
"Their permanent art collection is second to none,” says Hong Kong-based art consultant Alison Pickett.
“And they have a fantastic rotating exhibition venue in the lobby which showcases really challenging and interesting installations, many of which you wouldn't get to see in any of the galleries."
The Red Gate Gallery in Beijing holds open studio exhibitions. Visitors can see how resident international artists work, live and create in Beijing.
Three Mountain (San Shan) Island northwest of Shanghai is an ideal spot to venture away from the big city for the weekend with the family.
"Our family took a weekend trip by train and boat to San Shan Dao, where we had an extraordinary China experience staying in small local guest houses and exploring the island,” says Lynette MacDonald, editor in chief of Shanghai Family magazine and frequent traveler with children.
San Shan Dao, near Suzhou, Jiangsu Province
Learn everything about Chinese cha here.
"On the second floor, at Qing Quan Tea (shop 218), I can sit for hours testing white or red teas and listening to owner David Li talking about health benefits, differences in soil or climate conditions or quality differences," says China-based food writer and tea lover Anna-Lena Bjarneberg.
"China is very dusty and hard on photo gear, so a good bag that's well sealed but also accessible is essential."
The Australian photographer also suggests using a polarizing filter to cut through China's frequent smog. "If there is any blue in the sky this will make it appear more vibrant," he says.
Don't be intimidated says a local expert. Here's how to do China without the hassles
www.bestwayfinder.comwww.bestwayfinder.com
Hitting the China travel trail doesn't have to be a struggle if you arm yourself with the right knowledge. And maybe a few language apps....
Travel in China can rattle even veteran travelers.
This is understandable. China is a huge country with enough languages and dialects to leave even many native Chinese flummoxed at the thought of communicating away from home.
But traveling here isn't scary, and it's not unmanageable.
Traveling for the past few years from my home base in Shanghai, I've picked up a lot of tips -- both from my own experiences and from others -- that make life on the road in China a little bit easier and a lot more rewarding.
1. Score extra beds the easy way
Chinese hotels aren't too fussy when it comes to matching the number of beds to the number of people, particularly when the extra bodies are children.
www.bestwayfinder.comFor families, this can save a lot of cash. Rather than needing two rooms, a family of four can get cozy in a twin room, where both beds are the same size as a regular double bed.
Don't spend coins in north China.
2. Follow proper currency protocol
Don't insult a Shanghai taxi driver by burdening him with small change, such as 1 yuan or 5 jiao notes. He likes the jingle of coins.Conversely, in northern and western China, expect market vendors to reject coins outright. They only like paper money no matter how small the denomination.
3. Use the best language app for travelers
Pleco is the best Chinese language app for travelers.
www.bestwayfinder.comThe basic dictionary app is free. It costs US$14.95 to buy the optical character recognition function (compatible with the iPhone 4 or 5 camera). Point the iPhone at a Chinese menu and get an instant translation.
4. Customize your gifts
Have fine items made by hand and to order -- a neon sign of your name, pair of riding boots, set of sheets, oak cabinet, silk quilt or cashmere coat.China is the land of possibilities. If you can dream it, someone can make it.
The Shandong Juancheng Neon-Plasma Tech company make customized neon signs in one week and will ship anywhere.
www.bestwayfinder.com5. Use the best guides to offbeat China
China Little T(r)ips is a series of guides for those who want to get off the well-worn tourist path in China, but don't have the inside knowledge or the language skills to do so.These guides to Inner Mongolia, Gansu and soon Sichuan and Qinghai contain detailed itineraries, maps and language cards specific for each stage of the trip.
You want rice? You gotta say it aloud.
6. Order rice the right way
Rice is rarely served during a meal in Chinese restaurants, being seen as a cheap way to fill up at the end if needed.Anyone wanting rice with his or her meal should make it clear to the waiter by saying: mifan (rice) mashang (straight away).
7. Toilet paper reminder
Toilet tissue is rarely found in public restrooms in China. Carry your own supplies.8. Sidestep difficult breakfasts
Outside of large cities and internationally branded hotels, Chinese hotel breakfasts cater exclusively to the local market.This is no issue for anyone fond of congee and pickles, but can be an unimaginable hurdle for children or picky eaters. Bring a box of their favorite cereal and a few small cartons of milk and everyone starts the day happy.
Most hotels don't mind.
www.bestwayfinder.com9. Don't worry -- it's safe
China is nowhere near as terrifying as many guidebooks would have you believe.Yes, the traffic is chaotic and the air could be better -- much better -- but China is one of the safest countries in the world for female travelers, solo travelers and families.
10. Give -- and get -- instant gratification
Those traveling in rural China often wish to give a small gift to locals they meet, but are unsure of what might be considered appropriate.A portrait delivered instantly on a Polaroid camera is a much-appreciated, on-the-spot gift.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 7 Polaroid camera retails for around RMB 400 (US$62) from large electronics retailers.
11. Trespass with confidence
Accustomed to the idea of private property, international travelers are often reluctant to stray from worn footpaths into lanes and hutongs for fear of intruding.But that's not how the Chinese see things.
All of these outdoor areas are public spaces, and lanes and alleys hold some of the most captivating scenes in China's big cities.
12. Don't be fooled by loud voices
Chinese people like to converse very loudly and passionately at times, and it can be easy to mistake this for an argument.Listening in to a heated discussion in Shanghai between a taxi driver and a Chinese friend I thought they were about to come to blows.
"No," they told me. "We were just talking together about how devastating the Sichuan earthquake was."
13. Need help? Find a high school student
The array of Mandarin dialects and variations across China can make communication difficult even for native Mandarin speakers.But help is always at hand: those under 25 years old are most likely to speak both standard Mandarin and English.
Students who have studied English in books for years, but have had little contact with native English speakers, may more readily understand written questions.
14. Make a hometown connection
Learn the name of your country's most famous landmark for beaming instant recognition from taxi drivers, waiters and the man on the street.Tip: Eiffel Tower is "ai fei'er tie ta," Statue of Liberty is "zi you nv shen xiang" and Great Barrier Reef is "da bao jiao."
Interesting stalls like this might be steps away from your hotel.
www.bestwayfinder.com15. Get a backstreet breakfast
In order to get some local color on business trips that will otherwise be spent inside taxis and boardrooms, "take to the backstreets behind your hotel for an early breakfast of dumplings or noodles and watch the area wake up while you eat," suggests Australian business traveler Matthew Tobin.16. Enhance wellness
Want to unblock your qi? Hit up a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic. Illness isn't an essential requirement -- TCM doctors believe preventing disease is just as important as treating it."TCM is ingrained in Chinese culture," says Canadian Leslie Bottrell, who is trained in both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
"It permeates everyday life and so empowers individuals to be responsible for their wellness by promoting disease prevention."
Consultations are available at Longhua Hospital in Shanghai, one of the country's top TCM Hospitals.
LongHua Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 725 Wanping Nan Lu, Xuhui District, Shanghai; +86 21 6438 5700; open daily 8-11:30 a.m., 1-5 p.m.
Art exhibit in Opposite House: a wall comprising more than 6,000 drawers.
17. Find art in unusual places
Some boutique hotels provide interesting art experiences, like the Opposite House Hotel in the Sanlitun area of Beijing."Their permanent art collection is second to none,” says Hong Kong-based art consultant Alison Pickett.
“And they have a fantastic rotating exhibition venue in the lobby which showcases really challenging and interesting installations, many of which you wouldn't get to see in any of the galleries."
The Red Gate Gallery in Beijing holds open studio exhibitions. Visitors can see how resident international artists work, live and create in Beijing.
www.bestwayfinder.com18. Take the kids along ... without regret
Taking small but manageable risks when traveling in China with children can reap big rewards.Three Mountain (San Shan) Island northwest of Shanghai is an ideal spot to venture away from the big city for the weekend with the family.
"Our family took a weekend trip by train and boat to San Shan Dao, where we had an extraordinary China experience staying in small local guest houses and exploring the island,” says Lynette MacDonald, editor in chief of Shanghai Family magazine and frequent traveler with children.
San Shan Dao, near Suzhou, Jiangsu Province
Learn everything about Chinese cha here.
19. Get a tea education
Shanghai's Laoximen Tea Plaza houses a variety of specialty tea shops."On the second floor, at Qing Quan Tea (shop 218), I can sit for hours testing white or red teas and listening to owner David Li talking about health benefits, differences in soil or climate conditions or quality differences," says China-based food writer and tea lover Anna-Lena Bjarneberg.
20. Take better pictures
The best gear investments to make before coming to China are an excellent camera bag and polarizing filter, according to professional photographer and frequent China traveler Roger D'Souza.
www.bestwayfinder.com"China is very dusty and hard on photo gear, so a good bag that's well sealed but also accessible is essential."
The Australian photographer also suggests using a polarizing filter to cut through China's frequent smog. "If there is any blue in the sky this will make it appear more vibrant," he says.
Sawasdee Village Resort Thailand...
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Sawasdee Village Resort & Spa is located in Thailand’s province – Phuket. It’s situated only 500 meters distance from Kata Beach. The tropical gardens and beautiful scenery act as the perfect backdrop to your trip to one of Thailand’s most popular islands.
Hotel Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resort
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Hotel Rome Cavalieri – one of the most prestigious hotels in Rome. This deluxe hotel is located in the city center only minutes walking to Mediterranean park, St. Peter’s Basilica, Roman forum and other exciting places of Rome.www.bestwayfinder.comwww.bestwayfinder.com
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www.bestwayfinder.comSawasdee Village Resort & Spa is located in Thailand’s province – Phuket. It’s situated only 500 meters distance from Kata Beach. The tropical gardens and beautiful scenery act as the perfect backdrop to your trip to one of Thailand’s most popular islands.
Hotel Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resort
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www.bestwayfinder.comThe W Retreat & Spa Vieques Island in Puerto Rico
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The W Retreat & Spa Vieques Island in Puerto Rico is situated on two private, secluded beaches. While staying at this hotel you will be provided the gateway for a luxurious villa style vacation. Villa offers the beautiful and stunning views of near and distant islands.
www.bestwayfinder.com
Luxury Hotels in Dubai
If you want to spend your vacations in the most luxurious places, then you should visit Dubai- city of thrilling innovation and luxurious excesses. Dubai is known for its extremes and among them are world’s first seven-star hotel. There are plenty of different opportunities for you, no matter what type of hotel you wish to stay and what is the reason of your holidays, whether honey moon, family vacations or business meetings with your partners. Here is the gallery of the Dubai’s most popular, luxury hotels.
www.bestwayfinder.comThe W Retreat & Spa Vieques Island in Puerto Rico is situated on two private, secluded beaches. While staying at this hotel you will be provided the gateway for a luxurious villa style vacation. Villa offers the beautiful and stunning views of near and distant islands.
www.bestwayfinder.com
Luxury Hotels in Dubai
www.bestwayfinder.comIf you want to spend your vacations in the most luxurious places, then you should visit Dubai- city of thrilling innovation and luxurious excesses. Dubai is known for its extremes and among them are world’s first seven-star hotel. There are plenty of different opportunities for you, no matter what type of hotel you wish to stay and what is the reason of your holidays, whether honey moon, family vacations or business meetings with your partners. Here is the gallery of the Dubai’s most popular, luxury hotels.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Best of Abu Dhabi
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Fancy a coffee with camel milk? Gold bar from a vending machine? The United Arab Emirates capital is here to please ... and amaze
Fueled by petrodollars and ambition, Abu Dhabi is a young gun and wise uncle rolled into one charming if slightly schizo personality.
It's split between the original city on its crowded island nub, some 200 other islands and a slew of emerging mainland communities and attractions.
Before the city’s urban planners gussy up the United Arab Emirates’ capital beyond all recognition, a sojourn in the city still provides an Arabia-meets-Metropolis experience, merging a half-century of achievement with a 3D Technicolor vision of the future.
Sea, sand and skyline. Abu Dhabi's diversity surprises many visitors.Arab expats and Emiratis in traditional garb vie with suited Western consultants for café tables, while international A-listers and sports stars motor, sing, putt and pose their way through a packed social calendar of festivals and tournaments.
While the vibe is more relaxed than its nearest neighbor, Dubai, there’s still ample opportunity to “live large."
And even though the city feels like it’s fast approaching a cultural turning point, if you scratch beneath the surface you’ll catch a glimpse of the best of Abu Dhabi.
www.bestwayfinder.comAt your service, wherever, whenever. A sprawling cupola-covered homage to opulence fronted by a 1.3-kilometer-long private beach, this US$3 billion bastion of hospitality is the haunt of royalty, oligarchs and awestruck tourists passing through on the pretense of visiting the permanent Saadiyat Island Cultural District exhibition.
Larger than life in every respect, trekking the 1,000 meters from East to West Wing is the perfect way to walk off dinner.
If your credit card limit doesn’t quite stretch to a US$15,000 a night Palace Suite you can still take home a little bit of luxury from the hotel’s own gold bar vending machine.
St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort wwww.bestwayfinder.com
"Sure, I think we can hang out for a while."There’s not a lot to do on Saadiyat Island -- Abu Dhabi’s much-vaunted cultural hub -- until the first of a quintet of world-class museums opens in 2015. Until then the new St. Regis delivers a splendid excuse for simply lounging around in five-star style.
Overlooking the popular golf club and a sea turtle conservation area, and landscaped to within centimeters of its life, indulgent relaxation is the name of the game with on-call pool butlers proffering iced towels and spa therapists to pummel the body beautiful to perfection.
Saadiyat Island; +971 2 4988 881; from 1,212 dirhams; www.stregissaadiyatisland.com
Fancy a coffee with camel milk? Gold bar from a vending machine? The United Arab Emirates capital is here to please ... and amaze
www.bestwayfinder.comFueled by petrodollars and ambition, Abu Dhabi is a young gun and wise uncle rolled into one charming if slightly schizo personality.
It's split between the original city on its crowded island nub, some 200 other islands and a slew of emerging mainland communities and attractions.
Before the city’s urban planners gussy up the United Arab Emirates’ capital beyond all recognition, a sojourn in the city still provides an Arabia-meets-Metropolis experience, merging a half-century of achievement with a 3D Technicolor vision of the future.
Sea, sand and skyline. Abu Dhabi's diversity surprises many visitors.Arab expats and Emiratis in traditional garb vie with suited Western consultants for café tables, while international A-listers and sports stars motor, sing, putt and pose their way through a packed social calendar of festivals and tournaments.
While the vibe is more relaxed than its nearest neighbor, Dubai, there’s still ample opportunity to “live large."
And even though the city feels like it’s fast approaching a cultural turning point, if you scratch beneath the surface you’ll catch a glimpse of the best of Abu Dhabi.
Hotels www.bestwayfinder.com
Luxury
Emirates Palace www.bestwayfinder.comAt your service, wherever, whenever. A sprawling cupola-covered homage to opulence fronted by a 1.3-kilometer-long private beach, this US$3 billion bastion of hospitality is the haunt of royalty, oligarchs and awestruck tourists passing through on the pretense of visiting the permanent Saadiyat Island Cultural District exhibition.Larger than life in every respect, trekking the 1,000 meters from East to West Wing is the perfect way to walk off dinner.
If your credit card limit doesn’t quite stretch to a US$15,000 a night Palace Suite you can still take home a little bit of luxury from the hotel’s own gold bar vending machine.
St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort wwww.bestwayfinder.com
www.bestwayfinder.com"Sure, I think we can hang out for a while."There’s not a lot to do on Saadiyat Island -- Abu Dhabi’s much-vaunted cultural hub -- until the first of a quintet of world-class museums opens in 2015. Until then the new St. Regis delivers a splendid excuse for simply lounging around in five-star style.
Overlooking the popular golf club and a sea turtle conservation area, and landscaped to within centimeters of its life, indulgent relaxation is the name of the game with on-call pool butlers proffering iced towels and spa therapists to pummel the body beautiful to perfection.
Saadiyat Island; +971 2 4988 881; from 1,212 dirhams; www.stregissaadiyatisland.com
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
World's largest natural flower garden opens in Dubai
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The Dubai Miracle Garden has more than 45 million flowers. But the real miracle is that it was built at all
Another week, another announcement of a massive super project in Dubai.
www.bestwayfinder.comThe Middle Eastern city's latest mega-project is the Dubai Miracle Garden.
Billing itself as the world's largest natural flower garden, the 72,000-square-meter attraction, located in Dubailand, has more than 45 million flowers.
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The name is apt, considering this mega-garden was -– like pretty much everything in Dubai –- built on desert land.
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According to a report in Gulfnews.com, Miracle Gardens' landscaper, Akar, says it wants to demonstrate "that it’s possible to green the desert through judicious re-use of waste water, through drip irrigation.”
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The U.A.E.-based company is also planting trees on the perimeter as windbreakers.
The Dubai Miracle Garden has more than 45 million flowers. But the real miracle is that it was built at all
Another week, another announcement of a massive super project in Dubai.
www.bestwayfinder.com
www.bestwayfinder.com
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www.bestwayfinder.comwww.bestwayfinder.comThe Middle Eastern city's latest mega-project is the Dubai Miracle Garden.
www.bestwayfinder.comBilling itself as the world's largest natural flower garden, the 72,000-square-meter attraction, located in Dubailand, has more than 45 million flowers.
www.bestwayfinder.com
The name is apt, considering this mega-garden was -– like pretty much everything in Dubai –- built on desert land.
www.bestwayfinder.com www.bestwayfinder.comAccording to a report in Gulfnews.com, Miracle Gardens' landscaper, Akar, says it wants to demonstrate "that it’s possible to green the desert through judicious re-use of waste water, through drip irrigation.”
www.bestwayfinder.com
The U.A.E.-based company is also planting trees on the perimeter as windbreakers.
Though the gardens are now open to visitors, the attraction isn't complete. Shopping outlets, restaurants and plant nurseries will be added during the second development phase, which kicks off mid-2013.
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The gardens will be closed during Dubai's notoriously hot summer months. Temperatures average 40 C (104 F) from June to September -- not exactly conducive to flower gazing.
Dubai Miracle Garden: Al Barsha South; open daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., October to late May. Entrance 20 AED (US$5.50) per person, kids under three free; www.the-miracle-garden.com
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www.bestwayfinder.com www.bestwayfinder.comDubai Miracle Garden: Al Barsha South; open daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., October to late May. Entrance 20 AED (US$5.50) per person, kids under three free; www.the-miracle-garden.com
World's most expensive cities for a hotel room
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"hotels in Moscow look as awesome as its monuments we don't mind shelling out for a room"
Revolution swept the Russian czars out of power in 1917, but, judging by the room rates, Russian hotels have never quite let go of the country's aristocratic past.
Hotels in Moscow are by far the world's most expensive and have been so for nearly a decade, according to a biannual study by Hogg Robinson Group (HRG).
Out of 50 major travel destinations surveyed, the Russian capital has had the highest average room rate for eight years straight.
Visitors typically pay about US$407 a night at a Moscow hotel.
In our list of the world's 15 most expensive hotel suites, we found that the Ritz-Carlton Suite costs US$18,000 per night.
Travel marketer Viacheslav Shirokov says that hotel demand is simply much higher than supply in Moscow and there is a lack of mid-range hotel options.
Lagos is second on the list of most expensive hotels with an average room rate of US$341.
Security is a concern in these destinations, especially in Lagos where travelers are willing to pay a higher room rate for a five-star hotel.
These top cities are also business hotspots catering to corporate travel. The survey is indicative of where companies are channeling their travel budgets.
"Businesses are not necessarily spending less on travel, but they are certainly looking for ways to make existing budgets work harder," says Stewart Harvey, group commercial director at HRG.
European cities show a decrease in room rates amid an uncertain economic climate, particularly in Barcelona where prices dropped by nearly a quarter.
A total of 23 cities show a year-on-year increase in rates, compared to 33 cities in 2011.
The HRG survey is in its 20th year. The data is based on industry intelligence, actual room nights booked and rates paid during January to June 2012.
www.bestwayfinder.com
Top 10 most expensive cities to stay in and their average hotel room rate:
1. Moscow, Russia: US$407
2. Lagos, Nigeria: US$341
3. Geneva, Switzerland: US$340
4. Zurich, Switzerland: US$332
5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: US$323
6. New York City, New York: US$320
7. Sydney, Australia: US$312
8. Hong Kong, China: US$306
9. Paris, France: US$304
10. Washington, D.C, United States: US$302
Revolution swept the Russian czars out of power in 1917, but, judging by the room rates, Russian hotels have never quite let go of the country's aristocratic past.
Hotels in Moscow are by far the world's most expensive and have been so for nearly a decade, according to a biannual study by Hogg Robinson Group (HRG).
Out of 50 major travel destinations surveyed, the Russian capital has had the highest average room rate for eight years straight.
Visitors typically pay about US$407 a night at a Moscow hotel.
In our list of the world's 15 most expensive hotel suites, we found that the Ritz-Carlton Suite costs US$18,000 per night.
Travel marketer Viacheslav Shirokov says that hotel demand is simply much higher than supply in Moscow and there is a lack of mid-range hotel options.
Lagos is second on the list of most expensive hotels with an average room rate of US$341.
Security is a concern in these destinations, especially in Lagos where travelers are willing to pay a higher room rate for a five-star hotel.
These top cities are also business hotspots catering to corporate travel. The survey is indicative of where companies are channeling their travel budgets.
"Businesses are not necessarily spending less on travel, but they are certainly looking for ways to make existing budgets work harder," says Stewart Harvey, group commercial director at HRG.
European cities show a decrease in room rates amid an uncertain economic climate, particularly in Barcelona where prices dropped by nearly a quarter.
A total of 23 cities show a year-on-year increase in rates, compared to 33 cities in 2011.
The HRG survey is in its 20th year. The data is based on industry intelligence, actual room nights booked and rates paid during January to June 2012.
www.bestwayfinder.com
Top 10 most expensive cities to stay in and their average hotel room rate:
1. Moscow, Russia: US$407
2. Lagos, Nigeria: US$341
3. Geneva, Switzerland: US$340
4. Zurich, Switzerland: US$332
5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: US$323
6. New York City, New York: US$320
7. Sydney, Australia: US$312
8. Hong Kong, China: US$306
9. Paris, France: US$304
10. Washington, D.C, United States: US$302
China's next luxury travel spot: Tibet
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Long considered a backpacker destination, Tibet is revamping its image, starting with its first five-star hotel, the St. Regis Lhasa Resort
When you say the words, “St. Regis Hotel,” rarely do Tibet’s open skies on top of the world come to mind. But officials in China's Tibet Autonomous Region are trying to change that, hoping to jump-start the area’s allure for high-end tourists (and the dollars that come with them) with the opening of the St. Regis Lhasa Resort.
At about 3,600 meters above sea level, the three-hectare St. Regis Lhasa -- which opened last week -- is one of the highest luxury hotels in the world, with views of the Himalayas and Lhasa Valley.
The 150-room, 12-villa resort, like many new hotels, was designed with sustainable features that include solar panels and an underground water recycling system, while locally-sourced produce is served in the resort's three restaurants.
The resort's design was inspired by the nearby and still-active Sera Monastery. Built in 1419, it is a major tourist draw to the area.
"The Sera Monastery is beautiful, dramatic and lively, and very much what I wanted to capture about Tibetan culture," Jean-Michel Gathy, principal designer of Denniston International Architects, and the interior designer for the St. Regis Lhasa, told Luxist.com
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The St. Regis will have the market all to itself, but only for a few years, as construction on new Shangri-La and InterContinental properties started this year, according to Wang Songping, deputy chief of the tourism bureau of Tibet.
Tibet isn’t only going after major brand names though. Buildings like the 300-year-old former residence of Ling Rinpoche, senior tutor to the 13th Dalai Lamaon, which sits near the historic Jokhang Temple, are being converted into boutique hotels to meet the demand of luxury travelers to Tibet.
"The reason why we are here is the Tibetan culture," said Kerstin Odnun, a German tourist who is staying at the Lingtsang Boutique Hotel, to Chinese state media.
Far from mourning the loss of an active Buddhist temple like the one where she’s staying, Odnun said she enjoys the Tibetan ambiance and originality of the hotel.
Lobsang Tashi, the hotel owner, said he got the idea of protecting the old architecture by running a boutique hotel after conducting a case study into how Europeans like to travel.
"Before this place was a homestay and it wasn't very well protected," he said. "With a boutique hotel, we have only nine rooms and the guests who come here respect the culture and take good care of the rooms."
The opening of the St. Regis Lhasa, together with similar five-star hotels and local boutique hotels, is part of the government’s overall goal to bring in more tourist travel to the area, a plan that faces an uphill battle as government has frequently closed the region to tourists over the last decade.
According to the region's five-year plan, which runs through 2015, there will be five, five-star hotels in the region by the end of the period, and they hope the area will attract 15 million tourists arriving per year by the same deadline, said Wang to reporters.
According to the Tibet Autonomous Regional Tourism Bureau, Tibet attracted more than 5.5 million tourists in 2009 and 6.8 million in 2010.
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Long considered a backpacker destination, Tibet is revamping its image, starting with its first five-star hotel, the St. Regis Lhasa Resort
When you say the words, “St. Regis Hotel,” rarely do Tibet’s open skies on top of the world come to mind. But officials in China's Tibet Autonomous Region are trying to change that, hoping to jump-start the area’s allure for high-end tourists (and the dollars that come with them) with the opening of the St. Regis Lhasa Resort.
At about 3,600 meters above sea level, the three-hectare St. Regis Lhasa -- which opened last week -- is one of the highest luxury hotels in the world, with views of the Himalayas and Lhasa Valley.
The 150-room, 12-villa resort, like many new hotels, was designed with sustainable features that include solar panels and an underground water recycling system, while locally-sourced produce is served in the resort's three restaurants.
The resort's design was inspired by the nearby and still-active Sera Monastery. Built in 1419, it is a major tourist draw to the area.
"The Sera Monastery is beautiful, dramatic and lively, and very much what I wanted to capture about Tibetan culture," Jean-Michel Gathy, principal designer of Denniston International Architects, and the interior designer for the St. Regis Lhasa, told Luxist.com
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St. Regis Lhasa
22, Jiangsu Lu, Lhasa, Tibet (Xizang)
+86 (891) 680 8888
www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis
22, Jiangsu Lu, Lhasa, Tibet (Xizang)
+86 (891) 680 8888
www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis
With a boutique hotel, we have only nine rooms and the guests who come here respect the culture and take good care of the rooms.— Lobsang Tashi, Lhasa boutique hotel owner hoping to capitalize on the area's new push for luxury travelers in China"While the monastery is an immense place," he continued, "I appreciated how they have created many intimate spaces and courtyards. It was an excellent model for introducing the St. Regis brand to this region."
The St. Regis will have the market all to itself, but only for a few years, as construction on new Shangri-La and InterContinental properties started this year, according to Wang Songping, deputy chief of the tourism bureau of Tibet.
Tibet isn’t only going after major brand names though. Buildings like the 300-year-old former residence of Ling Rinpoche, senior tutor to the 13th Dalai Lamaon, which sits near the historic Jokhang Temple, are being converted into boutique hotels to meet the demand of luxury travelers to Tibet.
"The reason why we are here is the Tibetan culture," said Kerstin Odnun, a German tourist who is staying at the Lingtsang Boutique Hotel, to Chinese state media.
Far from mourning the loss of an active Buddhist temple like the one where she’s staying, Odnun said she enjoys the Tibetan ambiance and originality of the hotel.
Lobsang Tashi, the hotel owner, said he got the idea of protecting the old architecture by running a boutique hotel after conducting a case study into how Europeans like to travel.
"Before this place was a homestay and it wasn't very well protected," he said. "With a boutique hotel, we have only nine rooms and the guests who come here respect the culture and take good care of the rooms."
The opening of the St. Regis Lhasa, together with similar five-star hotels and local boutique hotels, is part of the government’s overall goal to bring in more tourist travel to the area, a plan that faces an uphill battle as government has frequently closed the region to tourists over the last decade.
According to the region's five-year plan, which runs through 2015, there will be five, five-star hotels in the region by the end of the period, and they hope the area will attract 15 million tourists arriving per year by the same deadline, said Wang to reporters.
According to the Tibet Autonomous Regional Tourism Bureau, Tibet attracted more than 5.5 million tourists in 2009 and 6.8 million in 2010.
www.bestwayfinder.com
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