Hotel rooms in India tend to be expensive and hard to find, but a new Web site is helping visitors find a bed, with a warm conversation thrown in, all for free.

While most hosts on www.extrabed.in offer a spare bed and an Internet connection, some offer sightseeing tours, endless cups of coffee or even a game of Scrabble to add that personal touch.

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I have been a strong proponent of the use of technology in every sphere of service. My personal grouse has been that we are just not moving fast enough.

Well, here is another view, and thankfully one that agrees with me. Leave your comments..

we stayed at the Hilton hotel on Sixth Avenue, where I’d found a cheap weekend rate using Hotels.com. I was amazed at what I found in the lobby: check-in kiosks!

There were about 400 people waiting in line for the Reception desk. But me, I just breezed up to the kiosk, fed it a credit card for I.D. purposes, and pocketed the card key that the machine spat out. The machine then printed a page that identified my room number, and even gave me directions on how to find the elevator! (“Cross the lobby,” etc.)

They’ve had check-in kiosks at airports for years now. But in my view, hotels need them far more desperately. What the heck took so long?

O.K., the concierge told me that this Hilton has actually had them for two years now. But still, you get my point: At most hotels, you get there, you stand in line, you’re tired from travel, and you just lean against the counter for—what, seven minutes?—as the reception agent taps away on the computer. What on earth is so complicated about checking somebody in?

Hate to say it, but the little kiosk machine completed the same transaction in under 30 seconds. Let the revolution begin!

source

while we are on that...here are some comments I found really interesting

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One of the things that most impresses guests is recognition.

And conversely, missing out on the name of a regular can be a very costly mistake.

I know of a number of things that hotels do to help the cause and address the guests by their name:

1. Use the luggage tags of guests

2. Get the driver to put up the name of the guest on the windshield

3. use the net /magazines/news papers to track photos of famous guests

4. Get one dedicated person to escort the guest, so that the rest know who is walking with here

5. keep old staff on the rolls. they seem to remember anyway!

Here is a new thought...

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Amsterdam's Qbic—a prefab hotel that makes its home inside an existing building—offers a deluxe, self-service option for budget-minded business travelers

There are hotels built on stilts in the ocean, hotels fashioned out of former royal palaces, even hotels set among jungle treetops. So why not craft a hotel that can be plugged into an existing space in any city in the world? That was the thinking behind Qbic Hotels, a low-cost, high-design concept made up of prefabricated rooms that literally come out of a box.



Launched this July in Amsterdam, Holland, the 35-room hotel is the first of what is hoped to be a global chain. But it's not just the box concept that sets the hotel apart; it's the innovative self-service aspect, too.

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According to guests, wake up call complaints

rank equal to hotels not honoring reservations.

Here's what some of the leading names are doing.
Click here to see the latest innovations in Wake Up Call Service

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In a world where hotel guests increasingly crave pampering, upscale hotel chains are turning club floors into over-the-top retreats...

The chains are in various stages of launching new club concepts, but many expect to start in the next year.

Click here to see examples>>

Other Recent Ideas!!

• Le Méridien to Transform Arrival Experience
• Check in and design your own ice cream
• Mantra for luxury hotels

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In their ongoing commitment to bring unique and stimulating experiences to their guests, Le Méridien is transforming arrival experiences that will enhance all of the guests’ senses. This curated experience will commence from the moment the guest arrives at the hotel until they have opened the door to their guest room.

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Here's a novel room-service order: a pint of ice cream designed just for you.

Starting this month, guests at The Fairmont Chicago can consult with executive chef Noah Bekofsky in advance of their stay to design virtually any flavor...

click here to know more

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Today some hotels go an extra mile by calling up the customer's secretary to find out the customer's likes and dislikes, so that arrangements can be made to perfection.

According to industry sources, three years ago 60% of customers would repeat their place of stay, but today only 25% do so...what can you do?

click here to read what some of the big guys are doing...

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What a fantastically different Idea!

Everybody wants to know where they come from. We may not appreciate this much in India (we can trace our lineage atleast a few hundred years!) but across the seven seas this is much appreciated.

check out the idea ...Dublin hotel offers Genealogy Butler services


Other Hospitality Ideas

Main | Ideas for Guests | Ideas for Staff | Ideas for Self | Kool Products | Trends | Technology

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It's electronic and is part of the new trend called Customer Co-opting... Click here to know more

All things ITC Hotels... click here

All the latest Ideas n Innovation... Click here

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Global Hyatt Corporation, one of the world's premier hotel companies, has introduced a one-of-a-kind guest concept known as 'Residential Spa' which incorporates spa and business facilities in selected rooms worldwide, affording the hotel giant's international clientele a more relaxing experience.

Global Hyatt has announced plans to feature purpose-built spa rooms offering a full range of treatments in all new Park Hyatt and select Grand Hyatt properties for guests to indulge in total peace and relaxation.

Know more... click here

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For the Hospitality Entrepreneur

100 locations identified; 20 letters of intent issued

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Unused railway land near railway stations to be used Number of rooms would be around 80 to 100 The Railways have begun the process of setting up "luxurious budget hotels'' at nearly 100 locations across the country on the pubic private partnership (PPP) model.

know more.... click here

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Turbo Tap's groundbreaking, fluid-controlling draft beer technology is the product of a unique collaboration between fluid engineers and draft industry experts.

See more....under F&B ... click here
under Hospiality Ideas... click here

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Ever fancied having your own wine on tap, well now you can with the vin au verre wine dispenser.

See the complete thing at Food n Beverage Section... click here

Or see it at the Hospitality Ideas Page... click here

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Hotels make it easier for you to stay in shape

See what the Marriott , Renaissance, Westin, Hyatt, and the Hilton are offering to guests to keep them fit.

Click here to know what the hotels are offering!

Spa n Fitness labels: Fitness, Ideas, Products

For other Hospitality Ideas, click here

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Is your pronunciation of the French language awkward?

Do you especially have problems pronouncing French cuisine terms or phrases? If so, this guide is for you!



French Culinary Terms: An Audio Guide to Pronunciation
http://library.sullivan.edu/CPI/culterms.htm
Sullivan University Library Learning & Resource Center
Copyright 2003. All Rights Reserved.

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I found this interesting tool...its a map, with time functions!

Why is it here?

1. Its fun!
2. If you work at the Front Office ( telephones, concierge, travel desk) you know the importance of this tool.
3. Not only does it give you time, but you can also search for cities..and that according to me is the killer!

Try it...load it on your comp at work or suggest it to your boss!!

Cheers!

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Hyatt Hotels & Resorts announced its new digital download music pilot program, in partnership with leading digital music agency Audiosuite, at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch and Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa located between Austin and Bastrop, Texas.

Individual properties will offer unique, destination-specific music collections, making Hyatt’s program truly a first in the industry.

Each property’s signature collections will be available online for users to download in a universally compatible MP3 format – the most widely utilized digital music format – so guests can bring their Hyatt experience home.



Both Hyatt’s Scottsdale and Lost Pines resorts now feature music on property that celebrates the respective destination as well as showcases international and local artists. The tone, style and pace of the music adjusts throughout each day to capture the essence of the environment and guest experience, such as the tranquility of a relaxing morning massage at Scottsdale’s Spa Avania or the energy and vitality of an evening at Lost Pine’s Shellers Barrelhouse Bar.

“Music evokes different emotions in different people at different times – music can make you feel good, motivate you, help you relax – in short, we want Hyatt’s music to be very purposefully woven into the overall guest experience,” said Mark Barrott, founder of Music Styling and one of Hyatt’s music stylists. “While many hotels feature music in public spaces, Hyatt sought to design collections that truly bring out the indigenous personality of each property and, in conjunction with our partners Audiosuite, make these collections available for guests to enjoy even when their Hyatt stay is over.”

Playlists at both Hyatt properties were cultivated from a vast catalog of the world’s most unique and talented artists, and were assembled by local property representatives and music experts as well as a team of internationally-based stylists from Music Styling headed by Mark Barrott. Originally starting out as a performer and DJ, Barrott has completed five albums, provided music for the MTV Video Music Awards, the VH1 Worldwide Fashion Awards, composed music for many films and leading brand advertisements, as well as remixing famous artists like Tom Jones.

Hyatt music collection gift cards can be purchased on property or at the property Web site www.scottsdale.hyatt.com and www.lostpines.hyatt.com. Additionally, any Web site visitor can listen to the tracks, purchase full collections via credit card, or purchase gift certificates for the collections. Tracks are not sold individually. The MP3 format allows consumers to play the tracks on any device, burn CDs and make as many copies as they like for personal use.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch

Beginning March 26, 2007, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch will feature five music collections throughout the property that celebrate Arizona’s contemporary artistry, its peaceful desert atmosphere and its vibrant nightlife. These playlists include:

Vu Collection: This vibrant, sexy, sophisticated restaurant explodes with energy and its music collection features music from around the world – Bossa from Brazil via Bebel Gilberto; soothing sounds from Europe from artists such as Future Loop Foundation and Koop.

Lobby Collection: The grand lobby space is the resort’s center of entertainment, offering uninterrupted views of the spectacular McDowell Mountains (through moveable glass walls). A colorful, yet subdued color palette promotes excitement with its use of tones inspired by the natural desert landscape. The music collection includes sounds of Ive Mendes, Jazzanova, American maestro’s Thievery Corporation and many others.

Spa Sunrise Collection: This playlist was designed to awaken body and soul for the day to come. Featured artists include Bombay Dub Orchestra, Sonic Adventure project and Chinmaya Dunster

Spa Sun At Noon Collection: Created to complement the peak of each day, this collection features artists such as Fridrick Karlsson from Iceland and Deuter.

Spa Sunset Collection: Designed to evoke a sense of relaxation after a long, active day, this playlist features Dean Evenson, Steven Halpern and others.

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa

Situated along the Colorado River in between historic Bastrop and Austin, Texas – the “Live Music Capital of the World” – Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa features established and emerging local artists performing all genres of Texas music. From blues and swing to jazz and traditional country, the resort’s collections feature artists such as: Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Lyle Lovett, Lucinda Williams, Marcia Ball, Carolyn Wonderland, South Austin Jug Band, Toni Price, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Freddie King and many more.

Playlists available for purchase include:

Lost Pines Texas USA Collection (Lobby): This collection features an eclectic mix of Central Texas artists: Johnny Gimble, W.C. Clark, Seth Walker, Shelley King, Uncle Walt’s Band and The Band of Heathens.

Shellers Barrelhouse Blues Collection (Shellers Barrelhouse Bar): True to its namesake, this playlist features blues music with heavy concentration on piano and guitar. Artists include: Marcia Ball, Brian Keane, Ed Jurdi and Angela Strehli.

Wolfdancer Swing Tunes Collection (Wolfdancer Golf Club): Featuring traditional Texas musicians playing in their uniquely western swing style, this collection includes The Greencards, Asleep at the Wheel, Hot Club Of Cowtown, The Tea Merchants and Johnny Gimble.

Spa Django Gypsy Jazz (Spa Django): This unexpectedly upbeat music collection features music inspired by the famed musician Django Reinhardt. Artists are Django’s Moustache, Rumbullion, Tres Jim Stringer and Traci Lamar.

New iHome™ Clock Radios

To further enhance its music offering, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts is rolling out new guestroom iHome™ clock radios in its U.S., Canada and Caribbean properties. The new in-room stereos features an iPod® docking station; high-fidelity speakers that deliver astounding clarity, depth, and power; seven time zone settings and an alarm reset feature so the clock automatically resets the alarm for the same time the next day. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, guests can now kick back, relax and enjoy their personal digital music library in the comfort of their Hyatt hotel room. The iHome clock radios are also available for purchase at www.hyattathome.com.

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