Terrorists in Mumbai target two luxury hotels: Taj Mahal Palace and The Oberoi

 

Taj Hotel in flames (Photo: Pal Pillai/AFP)

On Wednesday night, coordinated terrorist attacks hit the Indian commercial hub of Mumbai.  The death toll may have surpassed 80 victims as the attacks targeted luxury hotels, a train station, a movie theater, and a hospital.

Hours after the assaults began, the five-star landmark Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel was engulfed in fire. Guests banged on the windows of the upper floors as fire fighters in ladders raced in their rescue efforts. Fire also erupted at the upscale Oberoi Hotel.

Just two short months ago, a deadly terrorist bombing destroyed the Marriott Islamabad hotel.

News reports and live bloggers in Mumbai claim hundreds of hostages scattered throughout the Taj Hotel.  According to these sources, unidentifiable gunshots and explosions are still being heard in or around the Taj and Oberoi hotels.  From the UK Guardian, ““Some of us split one way and some another,” said Sajjad Karim, who represents the North West of England in Europe’s legislative body. “A gunman just stood there spraying bullets around, right next to me. I managed to turn away and I ran into the hotel kitchen and then we were shunted into a restaurant in the basement.”

As many of us in the US kick off a long weekend of giving thanks and spending time with family and friends, let’s remember to be grateful for our safety and the well-being of our loved ones.  Our thoughts are with those in Mumbai as this siege continues to unfold.

Click here for 24/7 live coverage of the hostage situation and terrorist activity in Mumbai.  BBC also has great video coverage right here.

 

Terrorist attack at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai

Terrorist attack at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai

Terrorist attack at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai

Here is a statement issued by Starwood the day of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai:

We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the victims of these horrific attacks, as well as to our industry colleagues.  While none of Starwood Hotels’ three hotels in Mumbai were impacted by today’s events, and our associates and guests are safe, we have maintained security at all of our properties in India at the highest level for some time and have heightened procedures even more in the aftermath of these terrorist attacks.  In Mumbai, we have further intensified physical security at our hotels and are able to limit access to only our guests and authorized personnel.  

 The safety and security of guests and associates is our paramount priority. In today’s uncertain world, our safety responsibility has never been more important. Therefore, beginning several years ago, we undertook a global overhaul of our existing emergency and crisis programs and procedures to address terrorism-related events as well as traditional crises.

 We have made a significant investment to upgrade our emergency and crisis procedures and security measures in light of world events, understanding that travelers are ever more concerned about their personal safety, whether at home or on the road.

 Again, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to all of those affected by today’s tragedy.  

 

Source: NY Times

Recycled Westin Paris bags help promote the newly renovated Westin Paris

 

The Westin Paris Recycled Bag

If you’ve seen the Westin Paris recently, you’ll know there’s a 23-meter high scaffolding structure on the hotel exterior.  This isn’t just an unsightly vertical climb of steel though.  The hotel has used the scaffolding as an opportunity to promote the extensive renovation and increase its brand awareness with artistic images of the largest Westin flowers in the world.

As the old pieces of scaffolding come down, the Westin Paris has decided to recycle them into bags rather than toss them out.  Each bag (by Bilum) is handmade by craftspeople just outside of Paris using a slide of the renovation scaffolding.  At this time there are small and large bags available for purchase at the world renown Printemps department store in Paris or by clicking here.  

The new Westin Paris

If visiting the new Westin Paris is more exciting to you than buying one their recycled bags, there are some good introductory deals floating out there.  Grand opening rates are starting at 300 Euro per night, and you can also get Triple Starpoints for stays through March 31, 2009.  The hotel’s renovation will introduce fresh botanical scents in the ornate lobby and emerge with a harmonious balance in style between traditional Parisian influence and contemporary design.  

The Westin Paris has some of the best views of the Tuileries Gardens and Eiffel Tower.  For kicks, check out this live webcam showcasing the view from the Westin Paris.

The new Westin Paris rendering

Frits van Paasschen helps open the Four Points Manhattan SoHo Village, and makes a few other cameos

 

Four Points Manhattan SoHo Village

Frits van Paasschen made an appearance at the grand opening party for the Four Points SoHo Village last week.  Between his announcement of the hotel opening and the hosted bar serving up drinks on the house, the ribbon cutting was a festive occassion on a chilly Manhattan evening. 

Guests at the launch party had the opportunity to see firsthand the unique urban design of the new hotel, as well as the pair of 21st-floor suites with unparalleled views of the Empire State Building.  Click here for some exclusive launch party photos on HotelTalk’s blog.

Frits van Paasschen interviews with Michael Eisner

While the rates at the new Four Points SoHo Village aren’t dropping as fast as our stock market, it’s refreshing to know that Manhattan is getting a mid-range hotel.  Speaking of the stock market and our economy, Frits recently did an interview with Michael Eisner on CNBC about maintaining optimism in the economy and the importance of liquidity in the markets.

In yet another appearance, Frits took time out of his busy CEO schedule to bring Halloween themed toys and gifts to child patients this past Halloween.  The Maria Fareri Childern’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY received hundreds of teddy bears from New York Starwood Hotels as donations.

 

 

 

Source: HotelTalk, Daily News

St. Regis Bali and W Hong Kong listed as top new hotels in 2008

In the December issue of Travel + Leisure, the magazine reflected on all the hotels that opened their doors in 2008 (or at least up until the publication date).  In this issue, T+L announced the top 10 best NEW hotels in the world.  Starwood claimed two prestigious spots on this particular top 10 chart.  Without much surprise, both of these hotels are in Asia.

The St. Regis Bali Resort in Indonesia took the 6th best new hotel in 2008.  The pristine resort is located in the posh enclave of Nusa Dua and makes heavy use of local woods and artifacts.  According to the magazine, guests have the leisure of requesting a personal butler to arrange packing and even in-room barbecues.  Click here for some first look photos of The St. Regis Bali Resort my friend Richard shared with me back in September.

The St. Regis Bali Resort

Starwood’s second hotel on the list is the W Hong Kong, which made the list by taking the number 10 spot.  This hotel is W’s first foray into the Chinese market, though several more are on the way to mainland China.  Everything about this hotel is brand new, from the reclaimed land that it’s built on to the avant-garde artwork (for traditional Chinese standards). Here are some photos from the soft opening a few months back.

W Hong Kong

To see the slideshow of the best new hotels in the world for 2008, click here.

 

Source: Travel + Leisure

Get $100 Macy’s gift cards PER NIGHT at participating Sheraton Hotels

Sheraton and Macy's Promotion

If you have travel plans for California or Washington state, you could bank a whopping $100 Macy’s gift card at select Sheraton properties when you stay before January 4, 2009.  With the holidays coming right around the corner, the timing could not be more perfect for this promotion!

Click here for full details.

What’s even more exciting is that you can actually receive a $100 Macy’s gift card FOR EACH NIGHT you stay under this promo.  Make sure you read the T&C on the promo page before you hold me to anything though.  If your employer reimburses you for your overnight hotel bills, this promotion could potentially get you some cold hard Macy’s cash with little or no personal expense.

So here’s the list of participating hotels . . .

 

California:

Sheraton Sunnyvale - rates from $179

Sheraton Pleasanton - rates from $162

Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf - rates from $229

Sheraton San Jose - rates from $179

Sheraton Grand Sacramento - rates from $209

Sheraton Mission Valley San Diego Hotel - rates from $175

Sheraton La Jolla - rates from $199

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina - rates from $199

Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica - rates from $304

Sheraton Pasadena Hotel - rates from $199

Sheraton Suites San Diego at Symphony Hall - rates from $199

 

Washington

Sheraton Seattle – rates from $199

Sheraton Bellevue – rates from $180

 

Sheraton and Macy's Promotion

 

Make sure you read the T&C.

After the opening bell, SLS Beverly Hills seduces its first guests

 

SLS Beverly Hills Grand Opening

UPDATE:  Here’s a quick peak set of photos and video.

It’s about time the SLS Beverly Hills finally opened.  After several delays, this former Le Meridien Beverly Hills celebrated with a less than conventional grand opening.  Rather than cut an opening ceremony ribbon, Sam Nazarian  and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa rang a bell to salute the newest luxury hotel on the LA block.  Sam and his design parter, Philippe Starck, always said this would not be some ordinary hotel.  So far this statement has been holding true since the ringing of the opening bell.

For those who don’t know, Sam Nazarian is an iconic entertainment mogul in Los Angeles.  He and his SBE Entertainment company seek to redefine the high-end hospitality industry by delivering a revolutionary lifestyle.  Today, SBE boasts some of the hottest nightclubs (Area and Hyde Lounge) and restaurants (Katsuya) in La La Land, and now it’s trying to build an empire of hotels with its SLS Hotels collection.  

So what makes the SLS Beverly Hills more seductive than the rest of the 5-star hotel crowd?  The mysterious little details.  At the SLS Beverly Hills, the chairs were designed in 177 distinct styles.  There are pool tables on every floor.  The flat screen TV’s in the guestrooms seem to appear and disappear from view.  Seven lifestyle suites with imported Italian fitness equipment are also available, complete with private in-room trainers on call.  There’s also two separate lobbies – one for overnight guests and the other for dining, shopping, or partying guests.  What I find most unique is The Bazaar, which Chef Jose Andres designed as several restaurants sharing an open flow seating area.  The chef wants people to move around freely and not feel chained to a table.  Sadly, I make it sound like some food court, but LA Eater has the full inside scoop on the luxuries of The Bazaar.

Patisserie at The Bazaar

At the end of the day, what the heck does SLS even stand for?  According to Sam Nazarian, it’s actually not an acronym at all.  ”SLS is not an exact acronym for anything in particular,” Nazarian explains.  ”Most importantly, it is a name that will become synonymous with timeless elegance, intelligence, humanity, discovery and a completely novel guest experience.”  

Seems ambiguous, but judging from the photo below I’d say one of the S’s could easily stand for Sultry.

Rooftop poolside cabanas at the SLS Beverly Hills . . . did you notice the mirrors?

 

Source: Hotels Magazine, LA Times

The W San Francisco and Westin Chicago in the fight against jet lag

EnergyPod at the W San Francisco

Jet lag sucks.  Anyone who’s ever traveled to a foreign country (and I’m not talking Canada or Mexico) knows what I’m talking about.  Contrary to what Sarah Palin would like us all to think, going across the Bering Strait doesn’t count either.  I’m talking about intercontinental travel that involves crossing multiple time zones.

The W San Francisco has a futuristic remedy for the weary traveler.  Inside the hotel are some snazzy EnergyPods that are designed to give jet lagged travelers the perfect place to quickly recharge their batteries.  These “power nap” pods take pressure off the cardiac system and relax the back.  The semi-enclosed structure provides privacy and also plays soothing sounds to eliminate surrounding distractions.  Afraid of oversleeping?  There’s even an armrest timer that gently wakes you with a combination of lights and vibrations.

If a short power nap in these EnergyPods isn’t enough to do the trick, international jet setters can book a jet lag remedy at the signature Bliss Spa as well.  The “Jet Out” aromatherapy service is a time-aligned rub of pine, rosemary, and eucalyptus that can be added to any massage.

Earlier in the year, there was also a lot of attention on Westin’s Jet Lag Room, a special concept guestroom at the Westin Chicago River North hotel.  To help ease the adverse effects of jet lag, Westin partnered up with Philips and some sleep doctors to develop amenities and services specifically geared for the jet lagged traveler.  What exactly do they get in these rooms?

• blue-light ActiViva lamps to increase alertness and energy
• eucalyptis shower fizzer
• guided-meditation sleep TV program
• room-service menu with calming snacks and beverages
• blackout curtains (my personal favorite)

Westin Jet Lag Room - Blue Light Shower

USA Today’s travel expert, Peter Greenberg, had the opportunity to test drive the Westin Jet Lag Room, and he says, “Inside the shower you’ll find a high-intensity light that its manufacturer claims will reset your body clock (and your circadian rhythms) by triggering the third receptor in the human eye.  One button relaxes you.  One is designed to rev you up. How does it work? According to the folks at Philips Lighting, in 2002, research revealed that a third receptor (besides cones and rods) exists in the human eye.  This receptor is highly sensitive to blue light and sends a signal to our body clock, which controls our biological rhythms such as our sleep/wake cycle.  Other lights in the room include motion-activated “stumble lights” that automatically turn on when you get out of bed.”

Keep in mind this is no more than a prototype at this point, so don’t expect to see these Jet Lag rooms at Westins right away.  If these concept rooms prove to be effective against jet lag and sleep deprivation, then this room may eventually integrate nicely with Westin’s emphasis on all things renewing, nourishing, and energizing.

 

Source: MSNBC

Plans for the St. Regis Las Vegas, Sheraton Macau, and St. Regis Macau scrapped

 

St. Regis LV - was and still is Unprecedented

Las Vegas Sands, owner of the Venetian and several other big-name casinos, announced last week they are running out of cash and would halt many of its development sites worldwide.  This past Monday, the company announced construction will terminate on the planned St. Regis Las Vegas residences, citing capital markets and the global economy’s impact on operations. 

The St. Regis Las Vegas development is/was a $600-million, 400-unit, uber-luxury condo tower being developed in front of the new Palazzo resort (originally planned to open March 2010).  While the tower will no longer rise, LV Sands has announced it will at least complete the multiple level retail podium.  At this time, some of the retail and entertainment space has already been leased.  

LV Sands will consider reinstating construction when the economy and credit markets are more forgiving, at which point it would take an estimated 18 additional months to erect the St. Regis condos.  Currently, the retail portion is scheduled for completion by mid 2009. 

St. Regis LV would have been in front of the Palazzo (left building)

The turmoil extends well beyond Las Vegas.  LV Sands has invested heavily and aggressively in Macau, the island off of Hong Kong often referred to as the Las Vegas of Asia.   The company will also be delaying or terminating some of its developments along the Cotai Strip - the once burgeoning gaming and entertainment district in Macau.  LV Sands is suspending a Shangri-La/Traders hotel tower and the Sheraton Macau tower and three casinos.  The original plan also called for a second Sheraton tower and the St. Regis Macau condo hotel.  At this point, the second Sheraton tower and the St. Regis have been suspended indefinitely and will remain eyesores until LV Sands or anyone else comes up with some financing.  

Sheraton Macau construction site

Sheraton Macau construction site

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rendering of the St. Regis and Sheraton towers in Macau

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source:BBC, Time, Globe St

Two prestigious additions to SPG – Le Parker Meridien New York and Le Parker Meridien Palm Springs (and triple Starpoints offer)

Two relatively overlooked (yet quite prestigious) hotels within the Starwood Hotels collection are finally adding their properties to SPG’s list of member hotels.  Le Parker Meridien New York & Le Parker Meridien Palm Springs are now redeemable with Starpoints through SPG.  This became effective on November 7!

Le Parker Meridien NYC is a Category 6 property (20,000 – 25,000 Starpoints depending on peak or non-peak season).  

Le Parker Meridien Palm Springs is a Category 5 property (12,000 – 16,000 Starpoints based on season).  

As an introductory SPG promotion to give these properties some visibility, BOTH properties are offering triple Starpoints when you book by December 31 for stays through March 31, 2009.

Here’s the T&C.

Le Parker Meridien NYC (left) and Palm Springs (right)

 

Take a wild guess

V Theater at Planet Hollywood showering people with cash

 

Planet Hollywood (formerly The Aladdin)

One of the hardest hit U.S. cities from the economic downturn is Las Vegas.  In the last few months, Vegas hotels have been offering deeply discounted hotel rooms to attract a dwindling number of traveling consumers and gamblers.  But it’s not just the hotel rooms that are going unfilled these days.  Seats at a growing number of Vegas shows remain unfilled these days.  

The V Theater, located at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino is trying a new strategy to bring in a crowd to their show.  They are showering people with cash . . . literally.  At 2:30pm the “$1,000,000 Vegas Game Show” gives audience members a $1,000,000 Game Show dollar bill, each with a unique serial number.  During the show, random drawings determine which lucky audience members get to participate in the show for a shot at some rad prizes.  The contestants picked play a variety of Vegas style games for a possible million dollars, including the Money Shower (20 seconds of cash grabbing euphoria).

This ain’t no free meal though.  General admission tickets are running $39.99 for adults, VIP tickets are $49.99+, and kids are $15 a pop.  Buy them here.