Fair Enough
This is a good balanced article ... every once in a while someone writes a piece that is good journalism; not a biased campaign piece.
Personally, I think we have become a culture of whimpering tattle tales ... Good grief! Everyday, there are things in this world that I see that are offensive... but I don't have the time or energy to go around and issue formal complaints. Since when did we become a culture that caters to every whiner? All diversity talk seems very one sided. Not all the people will not be happy all the time.
If the Gideon Bible has been a comfort to weary travelers then why should it be a concern to those who don't want to read the Bible? Just let it stay in the hotels - what is the danger?
Thanks for a good article...
Posted by: Tammy
5/5/2008
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Simple ways to make Hotel Properties look Green
The need for using "Green" products cannot be over emphasized. Products made from the natural fibers can easily enable the hotel property to gain a much dependable intangible to establish its uniqueness and its Eco friendly attitude.
In this context Eco friendly, biodegradable, handcrafted products made from the natural fiber Jute needs a special mentioning. These products can, in one hand serve the purpose of using of green products by the hotels and on the other hand will register a long term impact on its guests about the various unique products they come across during their period of stay. The ethnic designs of these products will also enable the hotels to stand out from the rest.
Presenting the guests with a pair of trendy Jute slippers that can suit any costume, during their stay, leaves a strong impact. For the interiors, door mats, hand painted fruit bowls, table lamps, waste paper bins, dry flower vase, desktop holders, ash trays made of jute twine, that are washable and light weight may be considered. A set of these items gives the room the much needed Eco friendly look and as they can be customized, would also reflect the uniqueness of the property.
Designer table mats, coasters can depict a look that is "Different". On the outdoors, use of Planters, which are treated against fungus and bacteria, with a high porosity, which helps in the natural aeration of soil unlike conventional Earthen / synthetic pots, may be considered.
Posted by: Mrs. Ruma Dutt - Owner
Email: admin@juteslippers.com
5/3/2008
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B&B's are wonderful alternitives to hotels!
As the owner of The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia, I can attest that this article is pretty accurate!
Instead of staying in a cookie cutter hotel room, smelling of disinfectant to hide smokers and smells, with hired front desk, stay at a Bed & Breakfast and experience something totally unique!
B&B's are so varied, from historic homes filled with antiques, to mountain lodges to seaside cottages. Urban B&B's are a relaxing way to visit the hustle and bustle of any major city.
B&B breakfasts are inn-credible, the coffee ground fresh from choice beans, the tea always above par, the atmosphere relaxing. Here if you fear dining with strangers - request breakfast in your room, or sit on the porch and take in the scenery!
Our guests are here for various reasons, many to get away from the stressful city hustle and bustle, many to hike the Blue Ridge Mountains or listen to toe tappin bluegrass along The Crooked Road Music Trail.
Innkeepers love their guests and love their homes, and that shows! Long gone are the shared baths, stuffed bunnies in Suzie's old room and innkeepers that feel like your parents!
If you have not been to a B&B lately, I challenge you to give one a shot! Privacy is paramount. Comfort a given and amenities like wi-fi abound. You will be welcomed in with great hospitality and see what a true bargain B&B's really are. www.ClaiborneHouse.net
Posted by: Innkeeper@ClaiborneHouse.net
Email: Innkeeper@claibornehouse.net
4/9/2008
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Urban B&Bs
Before reading the informative and comprehensive article on B&Bs I would never have considered one...habit I guess to simply reserve a room at a major hotel chain. Next trip I'll reconsider and check out the local B&Bs first.
Thank you!
Posted by: Kay Walton
4/8/2008
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Florida
Glen,
Good to see that smiling face on those many articles. This year you will be coming to my part of the world for the BITAC conference and Rich asked if I would come again. Of course I accepted. Last year you had a panel instead of individual speakers, will you do the same in Florida? If so could you share the theme you wish to lead us all through? Or if you are looking for a speaker I will make myself available. This past year has been an excellant year. One of my goals was to team up with 4 of the Toastmaster World champions to produce a CD and become involved in a few boot camps for speakers. What an experience.
I am sure I can interest one of them if you would like or I would be happy to jump in where ever you need me. Also if you need anything from this part of the world please let me know. You'll be in my state this time.
My Best to you,
Dennis DiTinno
Posted by: Dennis DiTinno
Email: liberteceo@tampabay.rr.com
4/8/2008
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Gideons bible in Hotel Rooms
As a frequent b usiness traveler, I am unhappy about the decline of Gideon Bibles in upscale hotels. I am not opposed to offering several religious book choices, but I do want to find a Gideon's Bible in the night stand drawer for those of us which wish have devotional time at the end of the day. Freedom of religious choice is one of the foundations of this country. Let's bring the Gideon Bible back.
Posted by: Denise Eichmann
Email: deichmann@initialplants.com
3/10/2008
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Rating and hotel experience
I quit relying on the rating a long time ago. I asked a Disney employee what the difference was between the hotels since my thinking was about the rooms and that experience. For them the difference is the lobby area. More money = more shops and more options for food. Things that don't matter to me when I want to just sleep.
I discovered also that at the higher rated hotels I had to pay for everything that came complementary with a "generally" less respected hotel. To get value for money I now go with mid range hotels, but check out the specific hotel website just to make sure what it says I will be getting.
Thanks for pointing out in a way that it seems people are listening that the ratings don't really mean much.
Posted by: Barb
2/20/2008
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3 Star-4 Star any star will do?
Great article Glenn. After being in this industry over 30 years, it has changed so much that it is a totally different industry from when I first started, EXCEPT FOR ONE THING. "Take care of the guest!". I have gotten almost 5 star service at limited service properties because they new my name, new my wants and likes and created a great emotional experience. On the other hand (and I'm a big hotel-big box guy), I have stayed at "4-star and even 5-star" hotels and have gotten non-descript service. This is not always the rule, maybe even an exception, but speaks to our ever changing industry and the necessity to change rating systems from restrictive outdated systems to something more interactive...based on customer feedback with input from industry "experts" (who may be the customer anyway!)
Posted by: Alan J. Cristantiello
Email: alcrishosp@bellsouth.net
2/20/2008
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TOURISM WEEK SLOGAN
The one picked is a dud. They should have gone with something that recognizes the realities of today's travel to the USA.
COME SEE THE USA: SHOPPING BARGAINS GALORE!!!! That would have brought in the foreigners who could care less about typical tourist attractions. All they want are DISCOUNTS!
Posted by: aztec69
1/16/2008
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The Year That Was
Welcome to my world. I have been in the hotel business for 18 years working at 11 different hotels/resorts. I am one of the few that still care about service and really can't stand this industry any more. I recently quit a 5 star 4 diamond resort in Scottsdale AZ. The department I was in was very unprofessional in front of the guests and managers and captains didn’t care. In three months I saw the GM once (walking by), including three days of orientation and the F & B Director really was a jerk.
No matter where or which hotel chain, the service standards will only be as good as the GM - period. If the GM doesn't get out, walk about and care, than almost all managers will follow suit down to the individual employee, with a few exceptions.
And in those 18 years, I have only known three great managers; two GM's (one in Australia) and one F & B manager, that's it. There have been some okay managers but mostly managers who are tired, overworked and underpaid and don’t care.
A poor manager will produce poor service, an okay manager produces okay service (in my opinion okay service means poor service). A great manager produces great service – period.
Posted by: David Jones
Email: ibd14u@earthlink.net
12/28/2007
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