Sleep Better at Hotels

There’s a reason why the saying goes, “There’s no place like home.” Although fun and exciting, traveling can also be exhausting, so there’s nothing worse than coming back to your hotel, not being able to fall asleep and just wishing you were back home in your own bed.

Thankfully, the article, “33 Ways to Sleep Better at a Hotel,” from MSNBC.com’s Travel Section, provides some great tips on how to catch some precious zzz’s when you’re away from home sweet home.

Here’s some of our favorite tips, but be sure to check out the comprehensive list here.

2. Book a room midway along a hallway. This is generally the quietest part of the floor, away from the ice and vending machines, guest laundry facilities, exits, etc.

13-16. Pack earplugs, eyeshades and your own sheets (or at least your own pillowcase). The first two items will help block out noise and light to help you fall asleep. Your own sheets will give a homey feel because you’re already used to their feel and scent.

18. Don’t read, eat or work in bed. This way, you’re in a sleep-only mindset that will help you when trying to fall asleep.

23. Find a way to mask outside sounds. Commonly referred to as white noise, sound masking involves adding a non-intrusive artificial sound to your sleep environment in order to drown our other noise. Ask the front desk if they have a sound machine (I pack my own on almost every trip I go on!), download a white noise app onto your smartphone or stream white noise from your laptop (try SimplyNoise.com). If none of these are options, run the ventilation fan in the bathroom.

31. Don’t wait to report noise coming from noisy neighbors.

33. Get out of bed if you can’t sleep! Rather than tossing and turning, get out of bed, turn on a low light and read a mindless magazine.

Motivate. Reward. Recognize. Thank.

If you’re looking for a way to motivate your employees, reward your outstanding sales rep, recognize your most important client or thank your top customer, look no further.

Royal Caribbean International now offers a new kind of incentive reward: the Individual Incentive Cruise Certificate Program. Unlike group incentive travel, this individual incentive program grants the recipient the power to choose when, where and how he/she would like to vacation. The wide variety of competitively priced certificates allows endless choices for departure ports, ships, itineraries, nights and accommodations. Additionally, these certificates are fully upgradable and transferable, don’t expire and have limited blackout dates. Plus, with its Turn Key Program, Royal handles the fulfillment, redemption and booking process so you don’t have to.

Certificates for two start at only $583 per certificate! To purchase yours, call the Royal Incentive Rewards Sales Desk at 888.305.4549.

For additional information on Royal Caribbean Incentive Rewards, click here.

New Luxury Hotel in Los Angeles

Luxe Worldwide Hotels is probably one of our most favorite Hotel groups that we work with in the industry. We can't say enough about their selection of hotels, especially the Sunset and Rodeo Drive properties! Even better, we are thrilled with the great email we just received from Luxe Hotel Group about their newest offering in Los Angeles. If its anything like their others we know it will be awesome! Check out what they are saying about this hot great property!

“The World-famous Wilshire Boulevard has a new addition! The Hotel Wilshire, a stylish, LEED certified, 74-room boutique hotel designed by award-winning Killefer Flammang Architects, and KNA Design. The hotel is located just blocks from the city's best shopping on Rodeo Drive, The Grove/Farmers Market, Melrose Avenue, and Robertson Boulevard, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, entertainment venues and Cedars Sinai Medical Center. Our guests will enjoy their stay with an emphasis on comfort, convenience, and attentive service with in-room, and open air dining, concierge services, complimentary high speed internet access and WiFi, an executive boardroom and business center.

All of the thoughtfully designed and well appointed 55 guestrooms and 19 suites feature: flat screen HD LCD TVs, media hubs that support cell phones, laptops and personal devices, Lather™ brand spa bath products, laptop-compatible safes, mini-bars and luxurious beddings. Complementing the chic and contemporary vibe of its host city, The Hotel Wilshire provides plush accommodations highlighted by a private-access, top floor, Penthouse Suite that offers 1,100 square feet of living and entertaining space, custom designed furnishings, state of the art audio and video systems and much more.

Beautifully landscaped and with 360-degree views spanning the L.A. skyline and Hollywood Hills, “The Roof on Wilshire” restaurant will serve creative Californian/French cuisine al fresco by celebrity Chef Eric Greenspan, as well as specialty libations that can be savored in the warmth of the intimate fire pit or under the protective shade of the poolside cabanas.

Whether you are in L.A. for business, or leisure, The Hotel Wilshire is your gateway to Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood.”

Delta Airlines Stepping Up Amidst TSA's Errors

Its not a hidden mystery to those of you that know me, but Delta Airlines is not one of my favorite carriers to work with in our industry. I'm sure if you searched our twitter page, facebook page or even this blog you could probably find multiple bemoanings of Delta. Its sometimes a bitter pill for me to swallow especially considering they are headquartered and employ hundreds of people in my beloved home state of Georgia. But the fact of the matter is, their customer service level is very rarely, if ever, ranked near the top of the charts.

However, I was intrigued by SmarterTravel.com's article this morning stating that Delta had announced a new policy to provide refunds, albeit on a case-by-case basis, to those travellers who have experienced extenuating circumstances by the new TSA security procedures. Delta failed to define what those may be but I'm assuming that means it will depend on whichever agent you get on the phone when you call their 800 number. So finally Delta, a step in the right direction...kudos to you. Just please keep it up!

Unfortunately, air travel in general isn't fun anymore, but the excitement and allure of visiting new places has definitely warn off in the past few weeks due to TSA's wonderfully implemented new security policies. Obviously that is said with a bit, maybe a lot, of sarcasm as I think everyone in our country would agree that TSA is also lacking in the explanation and customer service department.

The stories coming from travellers have captivated my attention for the last week, and I have to honestly say I agree with the "Don't touch my junk" gentleman who was complaining his fourth amendment rights were being violated. I was even more awe struck by the TSA agent who said you give up a lot to fly as soon as you purchase a ticket because I don't remember the airlines adding any of that verbiage to their contract of carriage. For those flying at the holidays and those business travellers like myself, we wish you good luck and godspeed for your next TSA encounter.

Finally Good News for City Center

Just last week I was lamenting on the latest issue to go wrong with City Center, but finally MGM was thrown a bone from the hospitality world. Two hotels, The Mandarin Oriental and the Aria Resort & Casino, were bestowed the industry's highest honors: AAA's Five Diamond Award. This accomplishment is an incredible coup for MGM considering both properties have been opened less than a year and the Five Diamond Award accounts for less than .27% of all properties rated worldwide. Cheers and Congratulations for a job well done!

City Center Las Vegas Continues to be Plagued by Problems

According to MGM Grand's third quarter financial filing report, the Harmon Hotel in City Center will likely never open. The last building to be opened in the massive project, the property was originally designed to be a boutique non gaming facility in the heart of City Center. Unfortunately, in 2008 MGM Grand was ordered by inspectors to reduce the size and scope of the project due to structural and construction problems. MGM Grand went ahead with construction plans to open the hotel as a 400 room property, but after recording a $279 million fine due to the problems it now seems to be a far-fetched idea the hotel will even see a customer before 2012. Discussions have now centered on if the current building can even continue to be utilized or if it will benefit MGM Grand to consider demolishing and starting over....an idea that many believe MGM's financial woes can't handle.

The Resort at Pelican Hill...Better than Palmilla in Cabo?

While I must admit that the One and Only Palmilla in Cabo is one of my all time favorite resorts, I think I may have found a new property that could give Palmilla a run for its money as the best destination resort in North America. Now I know, some of you, especially my incentive clients are going to balk at the thought of something better but trust me when you build a resort with $1 billion in cash, there is no stone unturned, or crack in the pavement, or a paint chip, or bad service....I can keep going and going.

The Irvine Company truly spared no expense in the design and creation of such a fabulous and unique resort community. Each bungalow begins at an amazing 847 square feet of living area, plus an outdoor patio area that includes 2 chaise loungers and a table for two. There are only a few garden or golf course views, as many of the 144 bungalows offer idyllic Pacific Ocean views. The breezes off the water aren't bad either, and with no humidity or bugs many days I sat with my doors wide open.

The bungalows can be configured into a one or two bedroom option to accommodate multiple family members or multigenerational trippers. And with these options square footage grows to over 2000 square feet. Way bigger than my first apartment. Not to mention, each room has its own fireplace, 52" plasma HD flat screen tv, a bathroom the size of my bedroom with an oversized, incredibly deep soaking tub, granite tiled shower for 2 and a shuttered partition window that can be opened to showcase the beautiful views off the balcony.

There are no resort fees so WiFi in every inch of the property is complimentary, along with bottled water, newspapers,fitness center and spa access. Spread out on the rolling hillside and encompassing over 500 acres including two Tom Fazio designed golf courses, bellman offer rides to every corner of the resort and their service is quicker than you can snap your fingers. Transportation service is even offered down to the beach, where you are given a beach bag full of towels, toys for the kiddos and bottled water. At the Beachcomber restaurant you are met by a beach concierge who sets you up with chairs, umbrellas, blankets and answers every need from drinks to walking options to activity ideas. Shuttles also run to the Fashion Island Mall, which is definitely not a place to miss even if you only want to people watch. Trust me, everything in Orange County is beautiful...the resorts, golf courses, homes, people, cars.....

The Coliseum Pool measures an exact 147 foot circle and each chair boasts a view of the Pacific. Cabanas are available for day rental complete with flat screen tvs, bar service, mini bar, and staff. The Grill at the Coliseum draws locals and guests alike, and provides breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks throughout the day. The Spa and Fitness center are lavish. No detail was forgotten and the fitness director offers daily beach walks, yoga classes, and a Friday evening Soiree where a local artist is on hand creating an amazing piece of work in which the guests can participate. The Spa...oh how I wish I was back. The relaxation room was truly dreamy with exotic teas, food service, gauzy and flowing curtains partitioning off the room that was filled with cushy and plush sofas, chairs and ottomans. There is a large Roman soaking tub heated to 102 degrees and filled with mineral water, a dry sauna and eucalyptus steam room. Definitely treat yourself to a service at the spa.

Andrea's is the Resort's signature restaurant offering Northern Italian fare and truly one of the best in the OC, if not America. Our waiter was impeccable and most of the staff has been on hand since day one. The Risotto for two is an experience in and of itself in regards to taste and preparation. True Italian chefs were brought over to provide insight and design ideas for the restaurant and the menu.

Stay tuned, more tomorrow on the Villas - who wouldn't want their own private butler, Camp Pelican - every child's dream destination, and Golf!