NEW RESTAURANTS FROM SARABETH’S, TAILLEVENT — AND JESSICA BIEL

Jessica Biel is going into the restaurant business. The actress and her business partner Estee Stanley are opening the child-friendly, all-day eatery Au Fudge in West Hollywood, Calif., this month. Children will have a spacious area for activities like fingerprinting T-shirts, and adults can choose from a menu that includes coffees, a full range of alcoholic drinks and salads. Fudge, as the name suggests, will also be served.

Sarabeth’s, the New York-based brand of casual American restaurants and bakeries, is in the midst of an international expansion. Sarabeth Levine, the company’s founder, started the growth in 2012 with a location in Tokyo. She has since opened four more restaurants in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan. Last fall, she opened a restaurant and bakery in Pangyo, South Korea, just outside of Seoul, and in mid-March, she’s set to open in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, at City Walk 2, a new mall in the city center. More Sarabeth’s restaurants are planned for Japan and Taiwan.

Three new restaurants are opening this year at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: Beauty & Essex, the popular small plates eatery on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, will have a location within the next few months; Eggslut, an all-day restaurant in Los Angeles emphasizing eggs, will open in the spring; and later in the year, the contemporary Japanese spot Zuma will open at the resort.

Taillevent Paris, the family-owned hospitality group behind Le Taillevent in Paris, which has earned two Michelin stars, recently introduced Les 110 de Taillevent London, a wine bar and brasserie in Cavendish Square in London. The casual eatery is open from breakfast through dinner, and serves contemporary and seasonal French dishes and 110 wines by the glass.

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TripAdvisor launches Guide to Writing Helpful Reviews

TripAdvisor has unveiled an online travel review guide with useful review-writing tips based on a survey of over 100,000 travelers and hospitality business owners*.

“Reviews have become a powerful tool; travellers around the world rely on reviews to help them plan and book their holidays. In fact, more than half will not make a booking decision without reading reviews from others**, says Barbara Messing, Chief Marketing Officer, TripAdvisor. “And hospitality businesses are listening – 70% of businesses have taken steps to improve their quality of service thanks to reviews left by travellers.”

“With more than 200 million reviews and opinions and growing on TripAdvisor, we wanted to provide new and seasoned reviewers with insights from our passionate community – from what motivates them to contribute, to the top tips for writing helpful reviews,” she adds.

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Glass of wine trumps sex and social media among global travelers

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts has revealed the results of a newly commissioned survey on global wine and travel trends as part of the brand’s signature premium wine program, Sheraton Selects Wine program. The survey found that after a long day, one out of every two people would reach for a glass of wine (48%), rather than their smartphone/tablet (15%) or even their spouse (15%).

The research was conducted by market research firm, StudyLogic and surveyed respondents from the United States, Germany, China, Chile, and Argentina. The study is timed with the next installment of the ongoing Sheraton North American wine series, Sheraton Selects Spotlight on Pinot Noir, which launches this week.

The survey took a closer look at the wine habits, taste preferences, spending habits and social influences of today’s global traveler. The results not only provided valuable insights into the close relationship between wine and travel, but also uncovered some surprising statistics showing where wine stacks up among life’s other indulgences—such as sex, social media, smartphones, the spa, and the gym.

‘Unwined’

Wine plays an important role in relaxation both at home and while traveling.

• Respondents would be most likely to give up their smartphone for a day (29%), sex for a week (23%), or their social media accounts for a week (23%), in return for a premium highly rated glass of wine
• After a long day, one out of every two people would reach for a glass of wine (48%), rather than their smartphone/tablet (15%) or even their spouse (15%)
• Wine is the most desirable way to unwind while traveling (57%), beating out the spa (23%) and the gym (12%)

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Hilton primary set of new movie ”Danny Collins”, starring Al Pacino

Hilton Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Bleecker Street for the release of Danny Collins, a movie about second chances, connection and staying true to yourself. Set primarily at Hilton Woodcliff Lake in New Jersey, the film stars Al Pacino, Annette Bening, Jennifer Garner, Bobby Cannavale and Christopher Plummer and is based on the inspiring story of one musician who turns his life around after discovering a 40-year-old letter written to him by John Lennon.

The film, a story about love, inspiration and second chances is primarily set at Hilton Woodcliff Lake in New Jersey.

“Hilton has a long and rich history in both film and music – in fact John Lennon wrote the lyrics to Imagine at Hilton New York Midtown,” said Rob Palleschi, global head, full service brands, Hilton Worldwide. “So we are proud to have partnered with new distribution company Bleecker Street in bringing this great story to life. For almost 100 years, Hilton has been setting the stage for our guests to create inspiring new memories and stories in their lives, just as Danny Collins does in this movie.

“Hilton has long helped to create memorable moments in entertainment and has supported the film from the onset. We’re proud to partner with them in bringing the film to Hilton guests nationwide,” said Andrew Karpen, CEO of Bleecker Street.

Set to release in theaters in the U.S. on March 20, Hilton Woodcliff Lake will host a special event on March 15 with a screening at the Ramsey Theater in New Jersey, followed by a Q&A with writer/director Dan Fogelman.

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Bangkok home to Southeast Asia’s first Hotel Indigo

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has brought its boutique hotel brand, Hotel Indigo, to Southeast Asia with the opening of Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road.

The 192-room Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road is local in design, incorporating the best of its surrounding neighbourhood into the hotel. This includes vertical gardens to reflect Bangkok’s iconic Lumpini Park, which is just minutes away, street art style murals depicting the story of the surrounding area and custom art pieces such as a wall of wireless radios reflecting the area’s history as the birthplace of the country’s wireless radio stations.

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Four Points opens third hotel in Greater Boston area

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has announced the opening of its third Four Points hotel in the Greater Boston metropolitan area. Four Points by Sheraton Wakefield Boston Hotel & Conference offers 280 stylish, comfortable guest rooms and an IACC-certified Conference Center, just 12 miles north of downtown Boston. Owned and operated by Meera LLC, an entity of Jamsan Hotel Management, the hotel will complete a $5 Million dollar renovation to upgrade all guestrooms and public areas by early next year.

“Four Points Wakefield Boston Hotel & Conference Center is an important addition to the fast-growing Four Points portfolio as we continue our aggressive brand expansion in dynamic cities across the globe,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “The Four Points brand caters to the smart, independent traveler with its approachable experience offering what matters most, plus extras guests want.”

Four Points Wakefield Boston Hotel & Conference Center is convenient to both downtown Boston and the historic North Shore. The hotel is close to several top-rated sports and entertainment venues including Fenway Park, TD Garden and North Shore Music Theater. Also nearby are the shops and restaurants at Market Street Lynnfield and North Shore Mall, as well as the campuses of Endicott College, Salem State, Gordan College, Harvard University, M.I.T., Boston College and Boston University. The hotel is a short drive or train ride from Boston’s Financial District and leading downtown attractions including Faneuil Hall, Museum of Fine Arts and the Theatre District.

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Free smartphone for guests at 4 Dorsett Hotels & Resorts in Hong Kong

To counter guests getting hit with unexpected sky-high phone bills when travelling abroad, Dorsett Hotels & Resorts has launched a new initiative. Guests will be given a smartphone to use for the duration of their stay in four Dorsett Hong Kong hotels.

At Dorsett Tsuen Wan guests will be able to make use of free local calls plus complimentary international calls to the UK, USA, China, Australia, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore.

They need not worry about credit running out or being cut off mid-call as the phone’s contract – an Alcatel android – is taken care of by Dorsett. The complimentary gadget is received upon check in on a one per room basis and will be theirs to take with them 24 hours a day for the duration of their stay.

Travellers far from home or on business will be able to make use of free local calls plus complimentary international calls to the UK, USA, China, Australia, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. For guests of Dorsett Mongkok and Cosmopolitan Hotel this offer is extended to Japan and Canada.

There is also free Wi-Fi personal hotspot with multiple connectivity in Hong Kong – handy for navigating the busy streets of the city. In fact, the android is even preloaded with maps and local tourist information meaning there’s no excuse to get lost. The number is local to Hong Kong enabling friends and family to call their loved ones at a cheaper rate than a UK mobile. More importantly, there is no need to even leave a hefty deposit for the luxury which comes completely free of charge in the following four Hong Kong properties: Dorsett Mongkok, Dorsett Tsuen Wan, Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong and Dorsett Kwun Tong.

Dorsett Hotels & Resorts is one of the three hotel brands of Dorsett Hospitality International, an Asian hotel group with properties in Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Singapore and the UK.

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Accor named ‘Employer of the Year’

French hotel group Accor has won ‘Employer of the Year’ at the Mayor’s Fund for London Awards, which celebrates youth employment in London.

Hosted on March 12, Accor won the Employer of the Year award for best demonstrating an understanding of the “systematic problem” of youth unemployment (16-24) in London, the needs of young people with regards to employment and the steps they have taken to reduce the effects.

The judges, which included Harvey McGrath, deputy chair of the London Enterprise Panel and Will Gore, deputy managing editor at the London Evening Standard, said they were “impressed” with Accor’s ‘Hospitality Futures’ programme.

The programme is a nine week initial course which includes five weeks of classroom training and on-the-job experience, with the aim of securing every participant a job at the end. Annually the scheme offers 25 unemployed people, aged 18-24, a starting job in the hospitality industry.

Philip Addison, vice president human resources at Accor UK & Ireland, said: “We are very proud of our Hospitality Futures programme which is now in its third year and helps unemployed young people take their first steps into a career in our industry.

“Accor’s Hospitality Futures programme has been successful in changing young employed people’s lives for the better and we’ve really seen positive effects on a group of people that others would normally overlook.”

Change at the top: Starwood CEO leaves, Director steps in role for interim

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has announced that Frits van Paasschen  (pictured right) has resigned by mutual agreement with the Board of Directors as President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director. Adam Aron, a Starwood Director since 2006, has been named Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis while the Board conducts a search for a permanent CEO that will include both internal and external candidates. van Paasschen will continue with Starwood as a consultant to assist in the transition. 

Bruce W. Duncan, Chairman of the Board, said, “Frits has made many important contributions over the past seven years to Starwood’s successful evolution into a global company with leading lifestyle brands that possess distinct competitive advantages. He’s put innovation and technology leadership at the forefront, while building a culture of collaboration across a dynamic organization. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Frits for his outstanding service and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

van Paasschen said, “I’m proud of Starwood’s accomplishments and the growth we’ve seen around the world and across all nine of our brands. We have challenged ourselves to deliver on bold plans while continuously finding new ways to provide better experiences for our guests, and it’s clear from our progress that Starwood is now in a strong position for the future. Creating this powerful global platform would not have been possible without the talented team of associates I have been honored to work with, and I am confident that Starwood will enjoy continued success for many years to come.”

Duncan continued, “The Board believes now is the right time to take steps to accelerate Starwood’s growth, improve performance, and sharpen our focus on operational excellence. We are fortunate to have on our Board a talented and experienced business builder in Adam Aron who is prepared to step into the CEO position on an interim basis. Adam has been a Starwood director for nearly a decade and has deep hospitality industry experience as former CEO of both Vail Resorts and Norwegian Cruise Line. He is very familiar with our strategy, brands and leaders around the globe, and we are confident Starwood won’t miss a beat as he steps in to lead the Company during this transitional period.”

Aron said, “Having served on the Board for almost a decade, I know where Starwood has been and where it’s headed, and am excited to lead the Company as we continue to work to increase value for shareholders and customers. I look forward to working with our talented management team and dedicated associates across the globe as we strive to accelerate our growth strategy and further enhance our world-class hotel brands.”

Aron has been a director of Starwood since 2006, serving at various times on the Audit Committee, Capital Committee, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, and Compensation and Option Committee which he chaired. Since 2006, he has been a Senior Operating Partner at Apollo Management L.P. and Chief Executive Officer of World Leisure Partners, Inc., a leisure-related consultancy. He served as Chief Executive Officer of the Philadelphia 76ers from 2011 through 2013. From 1996 through 2006, Aron was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vail Resorts, Inc., an owner and operator of ski resorts and hotels. From 1993 through 1996, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. Earlier in his career, Aron was Senior Vice President of Marketing for United Airlines and for Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Aron is a director of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

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