Bad Guest, Whatcha Gonna Do When The Towel Tracker Comes For You?

Look at all those towels for the taking!

We freely admit to stealing hotel toiletries, stationery, pencils, pads and monogrammed slippers but we've yet to cop a towel or a pillowcase. Yet apparently, that's a big problem for hotels.

So big that there's a company, Linen Technology Tracking, hawking small, waterproof chips that can be implanted in hotels towels, bedsheets and robes to prevent guests from stealing them.

The New York Times reports that three hotels in Honolulu, Miami and Manhattan are using the chips. (But they wouldn't divulge their identities.) The Honolulu hotel has managed to reduce theft in their pool towels from 4,000 a month to just 750, which in turn saves the hotel cash in replacement costs.

But we aren't quite sure how these chips work.

Do they "ding, ding, ding" when a guest goes beyond a certain parameter outside the hotel or is it more like a GPS service so that a hotel could feasibly show up at your house demanding the return of their towels?

Yet if you're sitting on a stack of hotel towels lifted from your last stay in Honolulu, Miami or Manhattan, we wouldn't turn yourselves in just yet. It looks like the tracking technology is more just an inventory organization tool rather than a towel bounty hunter. But we'll certainly think twice about lifting even a hand towel during our next hotel stay.

(Source: Hotel Chatter April 2011)

How to get Great Service: Concierge Reveals the Secrets

In the amusing book Concierge Confidential, superstar Manhattan concierge Michael Fazio explains how to pry what you want out of the service world.

In the process, he provides some intriguing insight into the inner human brat that service people often face.

For that, you'll have to buy the book. But here are a handful of his tips for navigating this rusty old world in more princely fashion:

Advertisement: Story continues below - No reservation at the restaurant? No problem. Check in with the host, be engaging (not smarmy) and acknowledge that you're an idiot. Say, "look, I know I'm a loser, I didn't make a reservation. I'm going to go hang out at the bar. I'd love to come here. It looks so great... I'm in your hands." Fazio swears by it.

- Waiters have more clout than you know and can reward good customers. Tip no less than 20 per cent.

- Hotels track your complaints. If you are a nice guest, that will go on your digital record. You may be rewarded even at other hotels. And if you're a jerk, you may be rewarded for that too.

- If you have a legitimate reason to send food back, be very gracious no matter how you feel. You might be surprised at how well you'll be treated.

- "Don't make plans when you're drunk. Trust me," Fazio says.

- "You're not going to get good service from somebody who's afraid of you. It's the same reason people don't keep porcupines as pets."

- When trolling for celebrities at restaurants, sit up front, not in the back. In front, you'll see the "whole parade".

- In selecting a service person, do you want to see a cute face or get help? "I always look for the oldest, least glamorous person," Fazio says. "They might not be nice, but they rule the roost - and they don't usually get any validation, so you'll get a lot more mileage."

- Forget Starbucks if you want a place to camp with friends. Plant yourself in the lobby of a nice hotel instead. "The seats are much better than at a Starbucks, the ambience more appealing, and there won't be people hovering over you to finish your coffee so they can take your chair."

Above all, treat service people as if you're on their team, and they will deliver.

Concierge Confidential: The Gloves Come Off - And The Secrets Come Out! Tales From The Man Who Serves by Michael Fazio

Which is the Least Friendly City in the World?

It looks like London Mayor Boris Johnson has cut his work cut out in attracting more British visitors to the capital as it has been named as the second most unfriendly city in the world, only just behind Paris.

A survey by YouGov on behalf of DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, found that New York was the friendliest city, followed by Dublin and Amsterdam.

More than a quarter (26%) of those questioned said London had the least friendly inhabitants while 29% said Paris inhabitants were worse.

The results of survey, which was carried out to uncover views on world cities for the re-launch of the DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, were revealed shortly after the London Mayor unveiled his new 'super agency' to promote London to the UK and the rest of the world.

At the time, he said: "London is an extraordinary place of opportunity and without doubt the best big city to visit, study and invest in," but this survey of more than 2,000 British adults shows that visitors might be put off by the lack of a warm welcome.

London was only in equal fifth place on the table of cities people planned to visit next, with only 3% of respondents planning a trip to the capital.

The top 10 cities people planned to visit in 2011 are:

1 New York (10%)
2 Paris (7%)
3 Rome (6%)
4 Barcelona (4%)
=5 London (3%)
=5 Berlin (3%)
=5 Amsterdam (3%)
=5 Venice (3%)
=9 Dublin (2%)
=9 Prague (2%)


(Source: travelmole.com; By Linsey McNeill; 4th April 2011)

Watch Where You Sit at This Hotel or You Could Get Pregnant

This might just be the hardest-working hotel, um, chair in the business. Seven women claim that the receptionist's chair at the Best Western Moore Place Hotel in Milton Keynes, England got them pregnant over 18 months.

Not "got them pregnant" in a bizarro errant sperm-on-the-seat sort of way but rather, with its mysterious fertile powers." The Daily Mail reports:

Elaine Ledster, Kim Gidley, Laura Burchill and Gina Ripley were the first to fall pregnant while working as receptionists at the Best Western Moore Place Hotel.

They were swiftly followed by the three remaining receptionists, Alyce Grisley, Claire Fitchett and Seran Daines.

General manager Giles Shaw said: 'The chair is just a typical office swivel chair, but we now have staff refusing to sit on it.'

And the color of this office swivel chair may also have an added power--all the receptionists have given birth or are about to give birth to boys.

So take a deep breath and heave a sigh of relief as you no longer have to shell out money for IVF treatments or even go on one of those silly conception moons. Just head to Milton Keynes and sit on the chair in the Best Western instead!

Betcha someone at Best Western is now working furiously to figure out a way to market and sell a line of Best Western Fertility Chairs. Westin and their Heavenly Beds will be so jealous!

(Source: Hotel Chatter, 4th April 2011)

Australians are on the Move - Travel is a Priority

The quarterly NRMA Travel sentiment survey of 1,450 people has revealed the number of Australians considering travel in 2011 has increased to 84 per cent.*

The number of Australians planning a trip has increased 12 percentage points since the survey was first conducted in March 2009. The March 2009 was conducted at the time of the GFC and the health related fear of Swine flu.

The most recent survey results show 60 per cent of respondents revealed if they were to take a holiday in the next 12 months, they would holiday in Australia – a fall 10 percentage points in two years.

NRMA Travel & Leisure CEO Keith Stanley said it was clear Australians were looking to make the most of the strong Australian dollar and catch-up on trips that may have been postponed due to international events over the last two years.

“Many Australians have said they are preparing to take a holiday this year and the number of Australians wanting to head overseas is increasing,” Mr Stanley said.

“The disasters that have occurred in New Zealand and Japan will no doubt impact on outbound travel, but for those still keen to take a trip we strongly encourage them to take out travel insurance and check that their insurance covers for natural disasters.

“The strong Australian dollar is tempting many Australians to head overseas - the NRMA wants travellers to take all necessary precautions to make sure their holiday is an enjoyable one."

NRMA Travel is a major tourism and travel operator in Australia. Over the last four years NRMA has invested more than $275 million in tourism businesses, including NRMA Travel, Thrifty Australia, NRMA Holiday Parks, Travelodge Hotels, Adventure World, Value Tours, Coral Seas Cruises and Creative Cruising.

*The NRMA Travel survey was conducted before the Christchurch and Japan earthquakes.

(Source: TravMedia.com 2011)

How to Avoid the Skyrocketing Airline Fees

The airline fees are soaring high for the last few years, posing a serious problem for the air travelers. If you are not careful enough, you may end up paying for the amenities, which were once free. However, there are some effective ways to arrest the costs for domestic flights, which involve some simple advance planning.

Avoid checking your bags

Simply do not check your bags in order to avoid the checked baggage fees. The fees for the checked bags have jumped about $5 to $10 on most carriers since 2008 and many carriers are now even charging fees for second bags. So try to buy a lightweight yet sturdy bag that will synchronize with the majority of airlines’ carry-on allowances. This way you can avoid paying hefty additional fees and will not have to wait at ticket counters for checked bags.

If You Must Check Bags, Check Wisely

If you are sure about checking your luggage, be aware to factor those extra costs ahead of time. If you are carrying heavy luggage, then check out United’s “Premium Baggage” program, which was launched in October 2009, allowing travelers to cough a $349 fee up front, then fly their luggage, along with those of up to eight person on the same reservation fee, free for an entire year. Take notice of your credit card policy, for many American Express card variations allow free or reimbursed check-ins. Also check out your hotel because many hotels offer reimbursement on luggage fees for guests holding visa cards.

Check in online

Remember, that if you are opting for preferred seat selection, which means seats providing extra legroom or those associated with priority boarding, the domestic airlines will make it chargeable. If you are travelling on Air Tran, you need to cough $20 for an exit row seat and on Jet Blue $10 is charged for some additional legroom, where as the charge for early boarding and front of plane seating will cost you $9. If you are not willing to pay this excess cash on this additional airline fees, check in online just prior to your flight. Try to book seats at the back of the flight to bag the extra luggage space, for you will usually board first.  

Enjoy a sound sleep

If you wish to take a nap on flight, carry an inflatable pillow, which are quite comfortable and more hygienic than the airlines’ recycled arsenal. You can get them at many travel and luggage stores and can easily fit them in your purse or briefcase. This way you can always save that additional $7 to $12 included in the airline fees that US Airways, Jet Blue, Virgin America and off late American Airlines are charging for supplying pillow and blankets.

Trying out these simple steps can help you save some of your hard-earned dollars.

(Source: Hotel & Resort Insider)

Our Top 10 Favourite UK Olympic Venues

Favourite UK Olympic Venues - the Top Ten!

Olympic Park, East London

The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics may still be a little way away, but work is well under way at the Olympic Park in East London. The site includes the already iconic 80,000 seat Olympic Stadium, the graceful Aquatics Centre and the Velodrome. If you'd like to see the site's dramatic transformation in progress, you can take a tour with knowledgeable Blue Badge Guides. Alternatively get along to the open days from 22-24 July.


Football stadiums, UK-wide

The London 2012 Football competitions will be held at stadiums throughout the country. Catch the games at Hampden Park in Glasgow; Millennium Stadium in Cardiff; Old Trafford in Manchester; St James' Park in Newcastle; Villa Park in Birmingham and Wembley Stadium in London, where the finals will take place. If you want to experience the thrill of British football right now, take a stadium tour or catch a Premier League game.


Horse Guards Parade, London

Beach Volley Ball comes to

10 Downing Street

! That's right - the high-energy beach sport will take place on Horse Guards Parade, the parade ground for the Queen's bodyguards that's next door to the Prime Minister's house. It's an unlikely mix, we admit, but one we're very proud of. Head to Horse Guards Parade on 11 June 2011 and 16 June 2012 for Trooping the Colour, the Queen's spectacular birthday ceremony.


Lord's Cricket Ground, London

Lord's Cricket Ground in North West London will be transformed into an Archery range for 2012. Crowds of 6,500 will enjoy the competition with two fields of play inside the stadium. Visit Lords to see the tiny Ashes urn, hotly contested by England and Australia, the stuffed sparrow 'bowled out' by Jahangir Khan and cricketing kit worn by many of the game's greatest players. You can also tour players' dressing rooms and see the famous Lord's Honours Board that records great performances at the ground. And don't forget Lord's is also Britain's most famous venue for county and international cricket!


North Greenwich Arena, London

You probably know the North Greenwich Arena as the O2 Arena. During the Games, it will seat 20,000 spectators for the Basketball final and 16,500 for the Gymnastics. Outside the Olympics, this huge dome by the Thames hosts pop concerts and is home to the British Music Experience, the interactive, immersive celebration of UK pop.
Hyde Park, London


Hyde Park, one of London's Royal Parks, will host the Triathlon course in 2012. Triathlon is among the fastest-growing individual sports in the UK, and thousands of people will line the route to spectate for free during the races. The park itself is one of the largest parks in London, a haven of relaxation in the middle of the city. Don't miss Speakers' Corner where people come to air their views and exercise their right to free speech, and the Diana Fountain, a memorial to Princess Diana.


Weymouth & Portland Harbour, Dorset

Weymouth & Portland Harbour in Dorset, on England's South East coast, will be the venue for the 2012 Sailing and Paralympic Sailing competitions. Weymouth and Portland Harbour provides some of the best natural sailing waters in Britain and during the Games you'll be able to watch the action for free. If you'd like to try sailing yourself you can book a lesson at the world-class Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy. This part of Dorset is also on the Jurassic Coast, Britain's first natural World Heritage Site, a stretch of coastline where exposed cliffs and geological wonders give you an insight into millennia of natural history.


Lee Valley White Water Centre, London

The White Water Centre that will host the London 2012 Olympic canoe slalom competition opens to the public on 22 April. It's the only brand new London 2012 venue that non-Olympic competitors will be able to use before the Games. Get in on the action before the pros and try canoeing, kayaking or white water rafting at this state of the art facility in the Lee Valley Park.


Wimbledon, London

Wimbledon in South East London will be used for the Tennis competition at the 2012 Games. Up to 30,000 people will be able to watch the players compete. The sacred turf of Wimbledon's

Centre Court

has seen some of the greatest tennis matches ever played. Highlights at the club's museum include the Championship Trophies, a 200° cinema screen and a 'walk-through' of the men's dressing room as it was in the 1980s, with John McEnroe.


Greenwich Park, London

Greenwich Park will host the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian competitions, plus the combined running and shooting event of the Modern Pentathlon. The park has got to have one of the best-looking riverside locations in London and is home to the Royal Observatory, the home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian of the World, making it the official starting point for each new day and year. Greenwich itself is a World Heritage Site and is also the home to the National Maritime Museum and Christopher Wren's graceful Old Royal Naval College.
For more information on the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sports and venues, visit London 2012