VIZERGY, a leader in hotel Internet marketing, added more highly regarded awards to its diverse collection.  A departure from typical hotel website design and marketing awards, the company won two Summit Creative Awards in rather unique categories – Travel/Tourism/Nature Website and Green Marketing Website.  The details for the awards, which are based on creative excellence and awarded to VIZERGY on behalf of their clients, are:

The VERVE – Crowne Plaza Natick | Silver Award | Travel/Tourism/Nature Website

Oxford Hotel Bend | Gold Award | Green Marketing Website

While The VERVE – Crowne Plaza Natick’s new independent website has realized a steady increase of visitors in 2012 (with nearly 15% making it to the corporate booking engine) and Oxford Hotel Bend’s site has doubled revenue year over year, these awards are design focused. Both sites utilize professional, search engine optimized copy and imagery and adhere to the industry’s latest design and usability best practices, including large imagery, integrated calls to action, area guides and social media integration.

The VERVE – Crowne Plaza Natick’s bold site adheres to brand standards, using the Crowne Plaza logo, directing visitors to the brand’s booking engine and more, while capturing the essence of the property and surrounding Boston area entertainment.

Oxford Hotel Bend’s site showcases the beautiful, amenity filled boutique property, while using a “green theme” throughout, including a focus on the hotel’s eco-friendly design, pet friendly accommodations and outdoor activities that abound near the hip town of Bend, OR.

“When we build client websites, we not only focus on items like the brand, amenities and accommodations; we also sell unique aspects of the hotels and their surrounding area,” says Philip Faircloth, VIZERGY’s Director of Operations.  “The ideal locations and uniqueness of both of these properties help to distinguish them, and our design team was able to carry that over to the websites in creative fashion.”

About the Summit Creative Award

The Summit International Awards (SIA) organization was founded in 1994.  The organization conducts the Summit Creative Award, the Summit Marketing Effectiveness Award and the Summit Emerging Media Award.  The 2012 competition is the 18^th year for the creative competition.  Additional information about the Summit International Awards organization, its competitions and winning firms can be found on the Summit Awards website at summitawards.com.

Promoting restaurant experience

How do we balance the Guest expectation and what a restaurant offers that Customer? Distinction in the competitive food and beverage realm is the key ingredient.

The essentials from the Guest perspective are quite straight forward. They want to know that the food is good, that the service is reasonable, that they will be safe, dining in a clean establishment, where what they pay represents value. The restaurant operator wants to engage the customer, respond positively to their expectations, gain their loyalty and market that success, thereby increasing covers, traffic, and, of course, revenue.

The above equation is just like a see-saw. Restaurant operators aim for that equilibrium, but frequently the balance board is askew, based either upon either poor delivery or expectations not met. The variables affecting delivery by the restaurant are numerous: preparation, food quality and presentation, standard of service, ambiance. The real life experiences – gum under the table, inattention by the server, an incomplete order, a dirty fork, music too loud, lighting too low, the A/C too strong, the wait too long – deviations, even in the finest of dining establishments, can bring the realities of running a restaurant to head and heart ache.

Every day has an imperfection, regarding product, service or environment. Our customers understand this; there is no perfection in any industry. But, it is the Dining standard we wish to tell people about, the distinction we usually represent, and specifically the Dining Experience our Guest should anticipate. The Consumer does want to know.

Sadly, for the restaurant industry, there are limited means to project this message to their Customers – the Distinction of their respective establishments. Of course, it is easier to retain existing customers rather than recruit new ones. Those loyal “fans” must be courted, made to feel special, and recognized for their “good taste” and extolled all the time – they are our “bread and butter”, the very foundation for any success we enjoy. Yet, the business must grow! What avenues do we have to promote what our current “fans” already know?

Testimonials are a prime means to “pass the word” and gain prominence. This works by “word of mouth”, referrals, and, more and more through the Internet. The power of a statement by a satisfied diner is extraordinary, but even these Patron Reviews can be uneven, sometimes even “stacked”. For the potential customer, though, they do provide a means to gather information and appreciate the “flavor” of a restaurant, through the eyes and descriptive words of someone who has “lived” the dining Experience. Visitors new to the area rely upon these sources, whether through legitimate Web portals, guidebooks, or the all-powerful Social Media. Otherwise, they depend upon hotel concierges, business associates, or friends.

Marketing Associations also can be effective. They establish some bona fides, but typically, only informational: a brief description of the Restaurant, type, cuisine, price and the like. They do not describe the experience. There are other means as well, such as a “Phantom Gourmet” local program, write-ups in the local paper and underground news, Restaurant Association and dining service guides, and area Attraction magazines. In many cases you pay for that coverage – advertising dollars perhaps spent well! Your potential customer may review these sources, but they are hardly definitive.

Then, there are Rating/Assessment companies, serving as consumeradvocates and setting the “taste and style” landscape, such as Michelin or Zagat, which may review your establishment. Other companies you can retain for an Assessment; they benchmark your performance as to Quality Standards and provide recommendations for Continuous Improvement. All of these can be invaluable, depending upon the level of expertise and professionalism of their review teams; however, you have no control over the outcome of their evaluation. But, the consumer does pay attention to ratings, recommendations and seals of approval.

Lastly, a restaurant can present their own story, describe the uniqueness of their establishment and passionately relate to the potential customer why they should visit, dine, and enjoy the experience through their own Web Site. This is the opportunity to market directly your Distinction! The site must relate to all the senses, where the aromas and flavors speak through the eyes and ease of site navigation.  Here, you must be careful with hyperbole!

The ideal means for successful promotion of a restaurant should embrace a “mix”: testimonials from satisfied patrons; reaching out through Social Media; an operations review by a professional, objective third party, certifying a certain level of performance; and a spectacular Web Site presence. You may not be able to control all of these, but you certainly can influence outcome with Management and a Team who believes in their product and the highest level of service. Harnessing the promotional power of Patron Reviews and Quality Assurance Certification provides confidence and reliability. You create Distinction, traffic increases, and revenues flow!

Authors contact

John R. Hendrie
Phone: 978-346-4367
Email: jhendrie@hospitalityperformance.com

Hospitality Performance, Inc.

http://www.hospitalityperformance.com
40 East Main Street
USA – Merrimac, MA 01860
Phone: 978-346-4367
Email: jhendrie@hospitalityperformance.co

ehotelier.com

The Oyster Bay Beach Resort is a highrise hotel in St. Martin that promises guests white-sand beaches, “breathtaking” views of the Caribbean and a “paradise found.”

But Jack Permadi says he found more than that when he stayed at the property recently. Permadi, who had traveled to the island from North Royalton, Ohio, for vacation, says the hotel asked him to pay extra for something that’s normally included in the price of a stay.

“When we checked in, we were asked to accept or reject a mandatory $12 per night utility charge for the week,” he says. “We rejected it, thinking it covered air conditioning — which we do not use.”

But that didn’t work.

“When we checked out, we found an $84 charge, and when we objected, we were told it covered all utility costs and had to be paid by everybody,” he says.

Permadi wonders if a hotel is allowed to quote a price that excludes utilities without notifying a guest in advance.

I put that question to the Oyster Bay Resort. It didn’t respond.

Mandatory utility fees became popular in the United States about a decade ago, but most hotels dropped them after a series of lawsuits brought against them by angry customers. The most high-profile was a series of complaints against Wyndham International settled in 2006 (opens as PDF). Various hotel guests accused the company of quoting a room rate but then adding a mandatory fee that covered energy costs, among other things.

The Oyster Bay surcharge sure brings back memories. And they aren’t good ones.

I couldn’t find any mention of the utility surcharge on its site, Permadi says it wasn’t disclosed when he booked the room, and the hotel didn’t want to talk about it, despite repeated efforts to reach it.

That makes me suspicious, to say the least.

Will energy fees start to spread again? Anything is possible. If enough guest agree to pay $12 a day for electricity and water at the Oyster Bay, then what’s to stop nearby resorts like the Colombus Hotel or the Sol from adding them, too? And then — who knows?

But should they be allowed?

Source: Continue reading the complete article “Are Hotel ‘Energy’ Fees About to Make a Comeback?” on KNDO’s website

by Hospitality Indonesia May 2012

Hospitality Job Posting

Please note, that Hospitality Indonesia helping the HOTELS & RESORT to share the vacancy, please submit your CV directly to dedicated email address of the company

Emerald Tulamben Spa & Resort Bali

Looking for Qualified Candidate for :

Human Resources Manager

Front Office Manager

Sales & Marketing manager

Housekeeping Manager

Chief Security

Restaurant Manager

Interested Candidate, please send the latest CV to :

Najeeb.archex@gmail.com  and faisal_tjandraatmaja@yahoo.com

The Luxton Bandung

Looking for candidate to fill the following position :

Front Office Manager

Sales manager

Assistant Public Relations Manager

Sales Coordinator

E-Commerce

Front office Agent

Please submit your application and CV to

application@bdg.theluxton.com

Mercure Simatupang

Pre opening hotel in TB Simatupang area, and urgently looking for Candidate for :

Public Relations, Sales Executive, Sales Coordinator, Event Coordinator

If you have and experience with good initiative , please send your CV to

Mercure.simatupang.dosm@gmail.com

Best Western Mangga Dua Jakarta

Is looking potential candidate to fill the following position :

Sales Secretary & Reservation Staff

Please send your CV directly to :

hrm@bwmanggaduahotel.com

Grand Zuri Hotel Serpong

Oen in mid June 2012 is currently looking for the following position :

Sales & Marketing Manager

Sales Manager

Sous Chef

Front Desk Supervisor

Front Desk Agent

Telephone Operator

Waiter/ss

Personnel Officer

Housekeeping Attendant

Interested Candidate may send their application & CV to

eam.bsd@grandzuri.com

The Ayodya Resort – Bali

Currently open the opportunity for :

Marketing Communication Manager

Please submit your current CV to :

Mr.Wayan Carma

Director of Finance & Human Capital

wayan.carma@singgasanahotels.com

Mr. Immanuel Guillard on ITBL Award

Mr. Emmanuel Guillard, Senior Vice President Operations and Development for Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam and CEO of Zest Hotels International has been awarded “Leader in Global Hotel Chain” in the prestigious Indonesia Travel Business Leader Awards 2012.  Mr. Guillard heads Swiss-Belhotel International’s Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam offices and is also CEO of Zest Hotels International, a budget hotel brand recently introduced by Swiss-Belhotel International.

“Mr. Guillard is a highly experienced and knowledgeable hotel industry professional. As one of our most senior executives, he has made a substantial contribution to the growth and development of Swiss-Belhotel International. Particularly impressive is the contribution he has made to our growth in Indonesia. I congratulate Mr. Guillard on receiving this prestigious award; it is well deserved,” commented Swiss-Belhotel International Chairman and President Mr. Gavin M. Faull.

Indonesia Travel Business Leader Awards (ITBLA) are organised by RajaMICE in conjunction with Binus Business School and supported by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. ITBL Awards are considered the country’s prime awards for recognising the outstanding performance of business executives in Indonesia’s tour and travel industry.

Clearly delighted with the award, Mr Guillard said, “Being a recipient of the prestigious ITBL Award 2012 is an honour. However, I believe that my success in the hotel and hospitality industry, and in particular with Swiss-Belhotel International, has not only been achieved through my own endeavours, but also through the support of Chairman and President, Mr. Gavin Faull and all the other executives of the Group as well as the support of a highly professional team in my office in Jakarta”.

The official presentation of the ITBL Awards 2012 took place in conjunction with a spectacular Gala Dinner on 29 March 2012 at JW Marriott, Jakarta. The event was attended by government officials and executives from the tour, travel and hospitality sectors from all over Indonesia. Mr. Guillard was accompanied to the event by executives from Jakarta Regional Office and from the Swiss-Belhotel International Group.

Mr. Guillard has more than 25 years of international experience in the hotel and hospitality industry, joining Swiss-Belhotel International in 1995. He was appointed General Manager of Hotel Ciputra Jakarta in 1998 and Director of Operations Indonesia in 2002.   Today, Mr.  Guillard is responsible for operations and development for Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, Mr. Guillard is also CEO of Swiss-Belhotel International’s newly introduced global budget hotel brand, Zest Hotels International.

Orchardz Hotels, An expanding Pontianak Hotel Group officially opened a new Orchardz Hotel Ayani Pontianak on 5 December 2011, after successful operations of Orchardz Hotel Gajahmada – Pontianak, Orchardz Hotel Industri – Jakarta and Orchardz Hotel Jayakarta – Jakarta

Orchardz hotel Ayani situated at the center of business district, Only 15 minutes from Supadio Airport, 5 minutes drive to government offices and universities and only 5 minutes walking distance to Shopping venue Mega mall.

Meeting room @ Orchardz Hotel Ayani Pontianak

156 rooms and suites presented in elegant simplicity setting including 8 comfort rooms, 113 Superior Rooms, 8 Deluxe Rooms, 13 Executive Rooms and 4 Orchardz Suites.  Each individual room equipped with electronic magnetic key card, 24 & 32 inch LCD TV, International TV channel, IDD telephone, Individually controlled air-conditioning units, Coffee tea making facilities, Personal mini bar, Laundry and Dry cleaning service, Guest lift, CCTV control, 24 hour security, Large parking space and Wireless internet access

Orchardz Hotel Ayani Pontianak offers four (4) meeting rooms equipped with state-of- the-art meeting facilities,  Ritz Café is sleekly designed dining room offers sumptuous Asian fusion food concept and International favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Lobby Lounge designed with cozy ambiance serve variants of light snacks and beverages, Bumbu Desa Restaurant,  a famous traditional Indonesian food franchise, 24 hour in-room dining, business center, fitness center and skyline outdoor space within the premises

The President Director of Kapuas Hotelndo, Mr. Tjemerlang Tjhe said  “ This is exciting time to introduce new Orchardz hotel Ayani Pontianak  to the market as our new portfolio to Orchardz Hotel Brand and Kapuas Hotelindo as group Owning company”

For Information Reservation

Orchardz Hotel Ayani

Jl. Perdana 8 – Pontianak

West Kalimantan – Indonesia

Telp : 62 561 576.888

Fax : 62 561 576.999

About Orchardz Hotel Group

Orchardz Hotels, an expanding Pontianak base hotel group a subsidiary of PT. Kapuas Hotelindo which currently own up to 1000 room keys including 2 Orchardz Hotel (Jakarta), 2 Orchardz Hotel (Pontianak) and others 5 hotels brand in Pontianak ( Hotel Kapuas Palace, Hotel Kapuas Darma 1, Kapuas Dharma 2, Kapuas Villas, Hotel Merpati, Hotel Benoa Mas) Including Entertainment such as SPA, Karaoke, Entertainment Center, and also Exclusive Property developer, Schools and Bank

Future development

Orchardz Hotel Cengkareng – Jakarta (2012), Orchardz Hotel Kemayoran – Jakarta ( 2013), Orchardz Residence – Pontianak (2013), Bali, Lombok and Other key cities in Indonesia

Orchardz Hotel

 Orchardz Hotel Vacancy

New and fast growing hotel group, Pontianak (7 hotels, 1 will open late 2011), Jakarta (2 hotels, 2 hotels will open 2012), upcoming hotels will be in Bali, Surabaya, Yogyakarta. To answer fast growing project, now looking for dynamic, customer obsessed, and friendly individual with “can do” attitude, to fill immediate vacancies for our new hotel in Pontianak (opening late 2011)

1.     General Manager

2.     Executive Assistant Manager

3.     Financial Controller

4.     Sales & Marketing Manager

5.     Food & Beverage Manager

6.     Executive Chef

7.     Front Office Manager

8.     Executive Housekeeper

9.     Human Resources Manager

10.   Chief Engineer

11.   Public Relations Executive

12.   Sales Executives

13.   Restaurant Manager

14.   Executive Secretary

15.   Graphic Designer

All position must have minimum 2 years experience at the same position, if you have pre opening experience will an advantage. Interested candidate required to send the letter of application together with recent photograph and updated curriculum vitae not later than one week from the date of advertisement to:

hospitalityindonesia@gmail.com

www.orchardzhotel.com

Accor announce 21 new hotels in 2014

Accor, the largest hotel operator in Asia Pacific to expand its network development in Indonesia by opening 21 new hotels. With the addition of 21 new hotels, the Accor operates 74 hotels, 40 hotels have been found in Indonesia and 13 are under construction.

Michael Issenberg, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Accor Asia Pacific said the opening of 21 new hotels is Accor in Indonesia’s largest development to date.

“It strengthened our commitment in Indonesia as well as our vision will be sustainable growth, and the importance of the role of Indonesia for Accor in the Asia Pacific region,” Michael said in his press conference here on Tuesday (05/31/2011).

Guillouet Gerard, Vice President of Accor Indonesia Accor adds in business development in Indonesia, there is some important development. Namely, the opening of the first Pullman hotel in Jakarta and the ownership of four Formule 1 Hotel under the sole ownership of PT. Sunindo Indah Hotel.

For the year 2011, the Accor will complete the construction and opening of 7 hotels operated by Accor. 7 hotels include Central Park Pullman Jakarta, Banjarmasin Mercure, Mercure Kuta Bali Harvesland, Mercure Padang, Bali Kuta Ibis, All Seasons Bali, Denpasar, Yogyakarta and All Seasons.

21 Hotels announced will be built with the target until 2014.

Year 2011

Pullman Jakarta Central Park, 316 rooms, operates in Q3.

Year 2012

Gajah Mada Jakarta Novotel, 230 rooms, operate 1st quarter

The Kuta Beach Heritage (Resorts), 151 rooms, operate 1st quarter

Ibis Bandung Supermall, 604 rooms, operates Q3

All Seasons Bali Nusa Dua, 200 rooms, operates Q3

All Seasons Bali Benoa, 183 rooms, operate 1st quarter

Year 2013

Novotel Yogyakarta Airport, 180 rooms, second quarter operating

Mercure Palu, 240 rooms, second quarter operating

Mercure Alam Sutera Serpong, 169 rooms, operates Q3

Ibis Makassar Losari, 200 rooms, operates the 4th quarter

Formule 1 Semarang, 150 rooms, second quarter operating

Formule 1 Bali Kuta Sunset Road, 136 second-quarter operating room

Formule 1 Jakarta Daan Mogot, 200 rooms, second quarter operating

All Seasons Bali Kuta Dewi Sri, 120 rooms, operate 1st quarter

All Seasons Bali Kuta Circle, 189 rooms, second quarter operating

All Seasons Jakarta Thamrin, 196 rooms, second quarter operating

2014
Mercure Pekanbaru, 230 rooms, operates the 4th quarter

Sentul Novotel, 208 rooms, operates Q3

Jakarta Ibis Cawang, 240 rooms, operating quarter 1

PT Lippo Tbk. (“LPKR”)-an integrated property developer, today announced that it has reached an agreement with Marriott International Inc.. (MAR) to develop two JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta, The Jakarta JW Marriott Hotel West St. Moritz in Puri Indah, West Jakarta CBD area with a capacity of 208 rooms, and The JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta Kemang Village in South Jakarta with a capacity of 275 rooms.

“We are excited to welcome the presence of the JW Marriott Hotel West Jakarta St. Moritz and The JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta Kemang Village, since both hotels are five-star international hotel and the first one – the only outside the golden triangle area of ​​the CBD, “said Michael Riady, CEO of The Saint. Moritz and Shopping Malls Group.

“We are very pleased MAR choose St. Moritz and Kemang Village to become the exclusive hub for business and tourism. The entry of two Marriott hotels are in accordance with Lippo plans to bring international quality standards in the two mega-project, also in accordance with the mission and our commitment to always provide the best, “said Michael Riady.

Paul Foskey, Executive Vice President for Development, representing the MAR said, “We are very pleased to work with Lippo in these two important development and to present two new JW Marriott hotel in Jakarta. The hotels will be the benchmark of luxury Jakarta and will prove very popular in local communities as well as international tourists. ”

The JW Marriott Hotel West Jakarta St. Moritz and The JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta Kemang Village will further raise the image of Puri Indah and Kemang as a luxurious area in Jakarta, and become equal with other elite area in Jakarta.

“When we do launch of The Saint. Moritz Penthouses & Residences in the year 2008, we made a sale at a price of USD 12 million per square meter. Today, in 2011, we sold at the price of USD 20 million per square meter. When the entire project completed in 2015, apartment prices are expected to reach USD 40 million per square meter. We create value for our buyers and they are currently very satisfied, especially with the presence of JW Marriot Hotel, “said Michael Riady.

“The buyers of the apartments of The Saint. Moritz and Kemang Village is the party most benefit. Purchases of what they do get rewarded in the form of prestige and high return on investment. The St.. Moritz Penthouses & Residences is a luxurious apartment in the area of ​​Puri Indah, as well Kemang Village for the Kemang area. Lippo has always been an extraordinary group of innovators. We always strive to exceed the expectations of our customers, “explained Michael Riady.

The JW Marriott Hotel West Jakarta St. Moritz will serve the airport and the community in North Jakarta, West Jakarta, and Tangerang, while The JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta Kemang Village will serve the area of ​​South Jakarta, especially TB Simatupang office area that is currently growing rapidly and entertainment areas and residential Kemang.

The JW Marriott Hotel West Jakarta St. Moritz is a part of mixed-use development project of The Saint. Moritz Penthouses & Residences, which also includes offices, residential, hospitals, schools, sports clubs, wedding chapel, a heliport and a spa designed by Bill Bensley, the world’s top architects and a designer touch influential through its design.

Hotel rooms The JW Marriott Hotel West Jakarta St. Moritz will occupy the upper floors of one of the tallest tower in Indonesia. The hotel will have several food & beverage outlets and meeting facilities and recreation are plentiful.

The JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta Kemang Village is part of a mixed-use development Kemang Village, which consists of luxury apartment towers, SPH international schools, sports clubs, and retail malls. The hotel will be above the retail mall Kemang Village and will have unobstructed views of the buildings that exist beneath. Existing facilities at the hotel include a variety of food & beverage outlets, a spa, designed by Bill Bensley, a wedding chapel and multipurpose room that has various functions.

Moving on from the vision and commitment to always provide the best, previously LPKR also has the full support of PT MAP (MAP), the largest retailer in Indonesia to develop St. Moritz Shopping Mall, the largest shopping mall in Indonesia is located in Puri Indah, West Jakarta CBD and the Kemang Village Mall, a shopping mall upscale lifestyle in a luxurious environment Kemang in Jakarta.

Debenhams, one of MAP’s international department store will occupy the retail area of ​​16,000 square meters in St. Moritz Shopping Mall and 13,000 square meters in Kemang Village.

The St. Moritz Penthouses & Residences and Kemang Village are the two mega projects
LPKR developed which is a property company of Indonesia’s largest publicly based on total assets, income, and net income. LPKR has a market capitalization valued at Rp 16.65 trillion, or USD 1.95 billion. (KSP)

the ayana resort bali

The AYANA Resort & Spa has become the first hotel in Bali to be certified as ‘tsunami-ready’, following an audit and training programme. Although AYANA’s cliff-top location – 35 metres above sea-level – means there is a little risk from tsunamis, the 290-room hotel has readied itself for the worst-case scenario.

“We may be considered low-risk because of our cliff-top location, but that is no reason to be complacent,” said AYANA’s General Manager, Charles de Foucault. “This certification will enable us to safeguard our guests and also assist with people from outside the hotel who may come to AYANA to seek refuge on higher ground, in case of a tsunami.”

While most of AYANA is located on the cliff-top, it does offer several beachfront facilities such as the Rock Bar, spa treatment villas, a swimming pool and seafood restaurant.

Alexander Kesper, senior CIM advisor to the Indonesian Ministry of Culture & Tourism, commented; “AYANA exceeded our standards in terms of safety and evacuation procedures, and as a Tsunami Ready Hotel, AYANA guests can be sure that a well prepared team will take care of them in case of emergency. Significantly, the resort’s management showed great initiative as they had already registered for Tsunami Ready certification before the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March. That disaster further drives home the need for other hotels to be prepared, esp