Larsen Moves To Hilton Sanya

August 15, 2006

Dirk De Cuyper, General Manager of Hilton Sanya Resort & Spa, has appointed Jesper Bach Larsen as the Director of Operations for the first Hilton resort in China.

Before joining Hilton Sanya Resort & Spa, Jesper worked at Hilton Shanghai as Food and Beverage Manager, and as F&B Operations Manager in Hilton Copenhagen Airport.

Born in Denmark, Jesper speaks fluent Danish, English, Swedish, Norwegian, German and Spanish. He will add new energy and inspiration to every aspect of operations with his 15 years experience in the hospitality industry.

Hilton Sanya Team Gains Leadership Training

September 17, 2007

Hilton Sanya Resort & Spa's management team led by General Manager Dirk De Cuyper recently participated in the "Oz Principle" leadership training workshop conducted by Ester Zheng, director of human resources of Hilton Shanghai, and Susan Wang, learning and development manager of Hilton Beijing.

Hilton Sanya Wins Development Award

July 18, 2006

Hilton Sanya Resort and Spa was awarded the "China Hotel Development of the Year", presented at the China Hotel Development and Financing Seminar in Beijing. The seminar was organised by Horwath Asia Pacific, Sonnenblick-Goldman and the China Tourist Hotels Association. The award recognised Hilton Sanya Resort and Spa's leadership and contribution to the hospitality industry in China.

Hilton Hotels Makes New Top Appointment For Sanya Resort

March 19, 2008

Hilton Hotels has appointed Jean-Pierre Mainardi as general manager of Hilton Sanya Resort & Spa.

With 35 years' experience in the hospitality industry, Mainardi joins Hilton Sanya Resort & Spa from the Nile Hilton in Egypt, which he managed for five years and after helping the pre-project team of the new Conrad hotel in Shanghai for a few months. Prior to this, Mainardi worked in management positions at Hilton Hotels worldwide in Brussels, London, New York, Bangkok, Lahore, Bahrain, Turkey, Strasbourg and Glasgow.

A French national, Jean-Pierre has a degree in English Literature from Cambridge University, United Kingdom, and a financial degree from the University of Economic Science, France. He is fluent in a number of languages

BEIJING & CHONGQING, CHINA: Hilton Chongqing & Hilton Beijing

With the 2008 Summer Olympic Games just around the corner, China is attracting more and more attention from international travelers. And with its sexy Valentine’s Day special, the Hilton Beijing is prepared to help add a little spice to the most romantic day of the year. Spend the evening at the hotel’s Zeta Bar indulging in a four-course meal of dishes said to contain aphrodisiacs: fresh French oysters, marinated toro, roasted fillet of Japanese beef capped off by a chocolate trilogy dessert and a bottle of Moët champagne. Couples can end the evening with a nightcap before heading up to a deluxe room. After a leisurely breakfast (included in the package) lovers can leave the urban surroundings of Beijing and head to the Hilton Chongqing, an oasis of calm and luxury. Taste traditional Kong Fu tea or a delicious cocktail while listening to live music at the River Lounge. Ease away the tension at the cloud 9 spa with a couples treatment, including aromatherapy foot bath and massage using the spa’s secret Romeo & Juliet Love Potion to inspire romance and uplift the spirit.

VENICE, ITALY: Hilton Molino Stucky Venice

There are few destinations more romantic than Venice, Italy, and the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice provides the ideal setting to truly enjoy the magic of the city. Built in a 19th century flour mill on Giudecca, the hotel, opened in June 2007, houses the city’s largest spa, its first rooftop pool and bar and two restaurants from Cipriani chef Franco Luise. With sweeping and singular views of Venice, guests can take a five-minute ride on the hotel’s complimentary water shuttle to the mainland, where they can spend the day strolling cobblestone streets, enjoying a coffee in the Piazza di San Marco, or shopping for the beautiful glass the city is known for. The hotel’s Venetian Honeymoon packages include upgrades to a Venice-view room, Hilton Breakfast buffet, a special honeymoon amenity and bottle of champagne upon arrival, and a 3:00 p.m. late check-out to ensure couples enjoy every last minute of their stay.

HAWAII: Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa

Anyone can plan a romantic vacation to Hawaii, but the staff at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa can take your romantic inclinations to the next level. A beautiful ocean-front chapel is the ideal spot for a destination wedding or for renewing vows before a sparkling Pacific sunset. To celebrate the occasion couples can enjoy a three- or five-course chef’s dinner paired with selections from an award-winning wine cellar at the resort’s spectacularly situated Bali by the Sea restaurant. Though Waikiki Beach offers enough activity to keep lovers relaxed and entertained, the hotel’s Mandara Spa offers a sweet treat to help them ease into the evening after a day of hiking to majestic waterfalls or kayaking to alluring deserted islands. The spa’s Exploration In Chocolate package for two begins with side-by-side massages in a deluxe, private spa suite before couples treat each other to a rich chocolate scrub that is “good enough to eat.” End the day with a custom aromatic bath and you’ll surely have sweet dreams.

BANGKOK, THAILAND: Millennium Hilton Bangkok

Situated on the bank of the Chao Phraya River in the heart of Bangkok’s original temple precinct, the Millennium Hilton Bangkok features romantic dining spots, stunning river views from each guest room and a spa featuring a range of exotic treatments for couples. Relax with your sweetie in the hotel’s special couples spa treatment room and a backdrop of sacred Banyan trees to provide a rejuvenating haven. A massage with wild mint oil and specially blended Thai natural herbs is followed by a romantic floral bath in a private whirlpool spa. Enjoy a cocktail at ThreeSixty lounge with panoramic views of the city and soft jazz music before dining at Prime, the hotel’s romantic steak house featuring succulent fare and spectacular river views.

CANCUN, Q. ROO, MEXICO: Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort

Set between the azure Nichupté Lagoon and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, the Hilton Cancun Golf and Spa Resort provides a setting that feels worlds away from the cosmopolitan Mexican Caribbean city around it. Mexican hospitality is the hallmark of this world-class resort that features 426 ocean view guest rooms including the Villas at the Hilton Cancun. Couples can indulge their senses with a beachfront couples’ massage at the intimate Spa cabin, the secluded Zen Garden or the Beachside Palapa, followed by a succulent dinner at Mitachi Seaside Grill, Cancun’s only seaside fine dining restaurant. The resort’s three- and seven-day romance packages include the essential elements of a romantic vacation – flowers, chocolates, sparking wine and breakfasts and dinner at the hotel’s two restaurants. More adventurous couples will be delighted by the myriad activities available to visitors. Parasailing, jet-skiing, scuba diving, golf and a world-renowned nightlife scene are sure to help make this romantic getaway one to remember.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Hilton Kuala Lumpur

The Hilton Kuala Lumpur has created the ultimate romantic getaway package to pamper and spoil its visitors. The Up On Cloud 9 package includes an overnight stay in the two-story, 250 square meter (2,690 square foot) penthouse on the hotel’s 34th floor. After enjoying two complimentary glasses of champagne at the hotel’s Zeta Bar, couples can return to their room for a private six-course dinner served to the tune of a professional harpist who will perform during dinner. Sip champagne and gaze into each other’s eyes before snuggling up for the night with complimentary romantic movies delivered to the room. Start the morning with a leisurely complimentary breakfast before heading out to tour Kuala Lumpur’s many galleries, markets and museums. And because true love is never rushed, enjoy a late, 4:00 p.m. check-out.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: Hilton Boston Back Bay

A city steeped in history, Boston maintains the charm of its famous past alongside modern cultural and new entertainment options. The Hilton Boston Back Bay is set in one of Boston’s most picturesque and desirable neighborhoods within walking distance of tree-lined Copley Square, the high-end shopping of Newbury Street and famous Fenway Park. Lovers can relax with a dip in the indoor swimming pool before catching a concert at Symphony Hall or strolling hand-in-hand through Boston Common (complete with a lake full of swans just steps away), or the Museum of Fine Arts. And what better way to end a day of exploring the city than with a romantic dinner for two at Boodles Restaurant and Bar before retiring to the intimacy of your comfortable room.

DUBAI, UAE: Hilton Dubai Jumeirah & Hilton Dubai Creek

Jet-setters can zip off to Dubai, the jewel of the United Arab Emirates and a cosmopolitan oasis nestled among ancient cultures and striking landscapes. Couples can start their visit at the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah’s Spa, where they can experience a special “Glowing Body” treatment made up of an aromatic scrub of coconut butter, lavender, lemongrass or mocha, and a soothing massage using moisturizing oils. Once sufficiently relaxed, couples can make their way across town to the Hilton Dubai Creek to dine at Verre by Gordon Ramsay, where the executive chef has prepared a special four-course dinner of salmon, caviar, lobster and a hot chocolate fondant with Baileys ice cream to finish. Lovers can finish their evening back at the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah by lounging in a private tent on the beach complete with waiter service, champagne and romantic music. If inclined to leave their luxurious hotel accommodations, couples will find more than enough activities to keep them occupied, including visits to archaeological excavations, incredible shopping, a visit to the Dubai Museum or even a day of skiing at Dubai’s indoor ski slope.

Hilton Hotels Corporation Continues Expansion in Italy with Agreement to Open Hilton Garden Inn Bologna/San Lazzaro

The 152-room property which is expected to open in September 2008 is set to increase the mid-price hotel brand's growing presence in Italy, joining the Hilton Garden Inn(R) Florence Novoli, the Hilton Garden Inn(R) Rome Airport and the Hilton Garden Inn(R) Matera. Two additional Hilton Garden Inn properties are scheduled to open in the cities of Bari in Summer 2008 and Lecce in 2009.

Welcoming the announcement, Wolfgang Neumann, president of Hilton Hotels - Europe, said, 'With 11 existing Hilton Family properties located in key Italian destinations and regional centers as well as agreements in place to open six more, the addition of this new Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Bologna reaffirms our commitment to providing our world-class portfolio of quality hotels across Italy and throughout Europe.'


'Travelers looking for a new kind of lodging option has provided Hilton Garden Inn with a wonderful opportunity to introduce our mid-priced brand to new markets like Bologna,' said Adrian Kurre, senior vice president - brand management, Hilton Garden Inn. 'Our hotels offer an ideal combination of quality and affordability for both corporate and leisure guests.'

Located in northern Italy, Bologna is famed for its Renaissance architecture and perhaps best known as the home of Ducati and Lamborghini. The city is well served by air, rail and road transport links and is host to numerous international and national exhibitions and trade fairs. The newly built Hilton Garden Inn Bologna/San Lazzaro will be situated in the San Lazzaro area, a short drive from the city center and will offer guests a fitness area, as well as a restaurant, bar and spacious meeting facilities.

The Hilton Garden Inn Bologna/San Lazzaro announcement reflects the Hilton Garden Inn brand's fast moving expansion across the region, with plans to introduce new properties in four more European countries in the next 24 months, including Rzeszow, Poland, Frankfurt, Germany, Diyarbakir, Turkey, as well as Perm, Russia.

Hilton Hotels Corporation currently operates 11 hotels in Italy with locations in Rome, Sicily, Venice, Milan, Florence and Matera. In addition to the Hilton Garden Inn Bologna/San Lazzaro, the company is expecting to open five more Hilton Family hotels by 2009 that includes the opening of Europe's first Doubletree by Hilton property, which is set to open in Milan in Fall 2008.

Hotel Moskva

Hotel Moskva (Serbian: Хотел Москва / Hotel Moskva) translated in English to Hotel Moscow in Belgrade is one of the oldest Serbian hotels located in the very heart of the city's downtown core. In addition to being a 4 (****) star hotel with 132 rooms and 6 apartments, Hotel Moskva is recognized as a valuable architectural monument and, as such, is placed under governmental protection.

History

Hotel Moskva was built in 1906 in secessionist style, quite daring for the time, giving Belgrade a modern face during the transformation it was undergoing around the turn of the century. Located right in front of the hotel is Terazije fountain built in 1860 during the reign of Duke Miloš. That very point is the centre point of the Balkans and the distance of point in the city is measured from the fountain. Various business buildings, as well as Hotel Balkan are located near by.

Famous Hotel

Hotel Moskva is notable for many reasons. It addition to quickly becoming a city landmark, it was, for many years, the gathering point of many famous writers, politicians and musicians who have either stayed there or frequented its cafe and restaurant. The hotel has won numerous awards. In past one hundred years 36 million guests visited hotel including many famous like Alfred Hitchcock, Ivo Andrić, King Peter I of Serbia, Fieldmarshal Živojin Mišić, Orson Welles, Yves Montand, Robert de Niro, Jean-Paul Sartre, Rajiv Gandhi, Yasser Arafat, Ray Charles, Richard Nixon and many others.[1]

The Hotel

Rooms

As mentioned, Hotel Moskva houses 132 rooms and 6 resident apartments. There are 40 duplex rooms on the first and second floors - a rarity today's hotel industry. All rooms are equipped with a television set, mini bar, wireless Internet and are adjusted for the needs of businessmen.

Restaurants and cafes

Hotel Moskva is very famous for its cafes and restaurants. There are 2 restaurants (one with international while the other with national cuisine). There is also a snack bar, a famous old fashioned café and a summer garden which is very popular with guests.

Future

The new owner of hotel Moskva, Swiss company Netwest Finance, plans to expand that hotel if it obtains necessary permits and, in that way the hotel will get another star giving it the status of a 5 star hotel. The manager of hotel Moskva, Sava Janićević, said that, following the resolving of ownership relations with the old owners and obtaining of necessary permits, the garage, congress hall and shopping centre would be built, which would bring the 5th star to the hotel. According to his words, since the new owner arrived in Summer 2005, there have not been any changes in the management. The stocks of hotel Moskva have been rated on the Belgrade Stock Exchange since September 2005.

Hotel Jugoslavija

Hotel Jugoslavija (Serbian: Хотел Југославија / Hotel Jugoslavija) translated in English to Hotel Yugoslavia in Belgrade is one of the oldest luxurious Serbian hotels located in the Novi Beograd municipality.

It was opened in 1969 as one of the biggest hotels in the region. It was used as an accommodation for celebrities and high officials visiting Belgrade. Some of the famous people that stayed in hotel Jugoslavija include Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter , U Thant, Queen Elizabeth II, Willy Brandt, Tina Turner, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, etc. During the years the hotel decayed and has fallen from 5 star hotel to a 3 star one.[1]

In 2006 it was bought by Alpe-Adria Hotels and extensive renovation is expected. On February 21st, 2007 Casinos Austria said it was going to invest 100 million euros into the hotel and transform it into a luxury casino. Hotel will get new 33 storey twin towers. ^[1]

On the 2nd of July 2007, the Casino Beograd opened its doors, which is located in the hotel. This is the first part of the hotel which reopened its doors. It is to be expected that the casino is going to be still enlarged, so it will become the biggest casino on the Balkans.

Continental Hotel Belgrade

Continental Hotel Belgrade

Continental Hotel Belgrade (Serbian : Континентал Хотел Београд / Kontinental Hotel Beograd) is a five-star hotel located in the New Belgrade area of the City of Belgrade, Serbia. The hotel was formerly part of the InterContinental hotel chain but recently it was removed as the owners of the hotel in Belgrade refused to renew the InterContinental name licence.


History

The hotel was opened 1979. It symbolised a hotel chain entering the market of Yugoslavia that was experiencing ever growing tourism from the west. After the break up of Yugoslavia, the sanctions were imposed onto Serbia as well as total economic and international isolation. The hotel (as every other one in Serbia) became empty. Financial growth plumited to lowest levels however InterContinental opposed the closure of the hotel and continued upgrading facilities in the hotel . The restaurant in the hotel became popular with the Serbian population as it was an oasis within the country. Even though the prices were high it was still popular.
During the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999 the hotel was the place where political parties led their meetings and foreign diplomats stayed.
Željko Ražnatović, a mobster and prominent paramilitary leader during the Yugoslav Wars was shot and killed in the lobby of the hotel in 2000. This news was broadcast across the world.
After sanctions were dropped against Serbia, democratic power was restored, tourism started to recover and the hotel started making profits. The luxurious Hyatt Regency Belgrade across the road from the hotel has taken a lot of InterContinental (as it was called) business.
On July 6, 2006 the hotel lost its InterContinental license. In 2007 it was renamed to Hotel International CG and then again to Continental Hotel Belgrade.

Future

If the hotel is not successfully privatised it will go under reconstruction. Government will then seek a 200 million Euro (EUR) credit from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Re categorisation

After leaving the Intercontinental hotel chain, it will be re categorised on behalf of the City of Belgrade. The hotel will be re categorised and is expected to be downgraded from its luxurious 5 star status. Another categorisation will occur after the hotel is privatised.

Hotel information

Continental Hotel Belgrade has 415 rooms, including 30 apartments. The hotel also contains Executive and Club floors. The hotel contains eight banquet and conference rooms are on the mezzanine and represent an ideal place for organizing conventions, congresses, receptions, ceremonies, banquets and fashion shows.
Continental Hotel Belgrade also has a sports and recreation centre which includes tennis courts, squash courts, gym, solariums, sauna, massage, indoor swimming pool and strip-bar.
The Hotel also offers the services of the Business Center, as well as restaurant services.

Aleksandar Palas Hotel

Aleksandar Palas Hotel

Aleksandar Palas Hotel (Serbian: Aлександар Палас Хотел / Aleksandar Palas Hotel) is a hotel located in Belgrade, Serbia.


History

The Aleksandar Palas Hotel opened its doors in 2002. The hotel in Belgrade is named after the Serbian King, Aleksandar Obrenović. The location of the hotel is between two historical Belgrade streets: Kralja Petra I - the Karadjordjevic Dynasty, and Cara Lazara - the Nemanjic Dynasty, imposed the idea that a third dynasty, Obrenovic Dynasty should also have its place in the hotel name.

The building in which the hotel is located was built in 1887, the hotel is located in a architectural complex. This central zone has been declared a pedestrian zone. The Aleksandar Palas Hotel has been declared to be a five star hotel by the Serbian Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Services.
Location

The Aleksandar Palas hotel is located in the very heart of Belgrade, at the corner of the streets Kralja Petra I and Cara Lazara. Situated near the hotel is the Kalemegdan Fortress with an extensive park and the city symbol, the statue of the Victor. The main street, Knez Mihailova, is about 80 meters from the hotel as well as the "Saborna" church and the Patriarchate of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Many banks, such as the National bank of Serbia are right across the hotel. The access to the freeway is quick, thus communication with the Belgrade Nikola Tesla airport is very simple. Nearby, approximately 1000 meters, are both the Central bus and train stations.

Swissôtel Amsterdam

Swissôtel Amsterdam is a four star hotel in the city centre of Amsterdam. It is part of the Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts hotel group based in Zurich, Switzerland. The hotel entrance is at Damrak, the city’s ‘red carpet’ which runs from Amsterdam Centraal railway station to Dam Square, Amsterdam’s central town square. The hotel is overlooking De Bijenkorf Department Store across Damrak. The 6-storey hotel was built in 1986 and comprises 109 rooms of which 13 are suites. The middle part of the hotel was newly built in a style resembling early 20th century urban office architecture. It is flanked by two buildings from the 1930’s which have been completely stripped to house hotel rooms whilst keeping the historic Amsterdam School facades intact. The last renovation took place in 2004.

Because of its central location near the Royal Palace at Dam Square, the Nieuwe Kerk and Madame Tussauds, Swissôtel Amsterdam is particularly popular among tourists.

The building was damaged by a fire on January 15, 2008. Dutch news is reporting that it is possibly a coverup for a possible murder that occurred on the 3rd floor. The hotel sustained minimal damage and is open and guests only had to miss one night's stay and that was only on the 3rd floor which is actually room 200-260 and no guest rooms are on the ground level.