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ASSOCIATED LUXURY HOTELS
D ESTINATIO
SUCCESS
NEWS AND BUSINESS SOLUTIONS FOR SUCCESSFUL MEETING PROFESSIONALS
N
VOL. XXI NO. 2 MARCH 2007
Meetings Industry – Investment firms often track even the most
Topics This Time
A Mirror For
minute details to determine which businesses,
organizations and industries are strengthening or
on a down-curve.
The Economy? Certainly, good economic news on the quarterly
reports tends to translate into a businesses’
Meetings Industry – We often hear talk about the economic indicators that
bottom line. Those organizations tend to travel
A Mirror For The are closely watched because they may provide a glimpse
more, and have more meetings with more people
of an upcoming change in the economy. The major
Economy? indicators include the Gross Domestic Product report,
at hotels or resorts in their continuous journey
Read about how the meetings to obtain their growing goals. Should tracking
industry is a very compelling the Consumer Price Index, major employment
meetings and their attendance be an indicator of
economic indicator – on many announcements, the Consumer Confidence Index,
the health of an organization?
different levels. and the Productivity Report.
Page 1
But, when you think about it, the meetings industry Positive Signs For 2007
Planner-To-Planner Tips is also a very compelling economic indicator on
For Site Visits many levels. The good news is that the meetings industry is
There’s no substitute for a site strong and thriving, according to the recently
inspection to determine if the On one level, you can often gauge how the economy is published FutureWatch 2007 survey conducted
destination will work for your group. doing by the number of meetings that corporate and by Meeting Professionals International (MPI),
Learn some helpful hints from association planners expect to coordinate and book for in partnership with American Express®. In the
experienced meeting professionals the future, in a given year. Will the number go up or survey, association planners expect the number
for what you can ask during your down, or is it flat compared to the past year?
site visits. of meetings held by their organization to increase
Page 2 by 18% in 2007, while corporate planners
Other signs from meeting professionals can also signal a anticipate the number of meetings held by
Destination Features growth or decline in the economy, such as: Do planners their organization will increase by 7%. Overall,
Find out about the legendary expect to see larger attendance for programs booked a meeting budgets in 2007 are expected to increase
La Quinta Resort & Club in year or two back, but arriving this year? Are associations by 21% for associations and 18% for
California. Read about the impressive adding new programs to meet the demand for corporations. In addition, both corporate and
Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando®. information and exchanges? Are budgets increasing for association planners expect to see more attendees
Discover what’s new at the 220-acre “extras” at a conference this year? at their meetings. They also anticipate increased
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa in Central spending per meeting this year.
California, and at the luxurious On another level, you can view the situation from the
Halekulani in Honolulu. hoteliers’ perspective: Will my property’s meetings This is good news for the meetings and
Page 3 inventory for the upcoming year grow or decline versus hospitality industries, and also seems to be
FAQ’s the same time last year looking forward? positive news for the economy at large.
What is the status of the ALHI
So, if you ever catch yourself thinking that the
resorts in Cancun? Is incentive travel
business demand growing in 2007?
Meeting Patterns meetings industry doesn’t have a huge impact on
Where are the ALHI “Diamond Can Be Telling the economy, think again. The Convention
Tour” stops in 2007? Industry Council estimates the annual economic
Page 6 Another – and very intriguing – perspective is impact is $122 billion to the U.S. economy. But
the level of flexibility from business that is just maybe, the meetings and hospitality business
Restaurant Briefs booking meetings at hotels and resorts, can be a broader index, and truly reflective of the
During recent visits to New York health of the economy as a whole. Since
City, Cancun and San Diego, David compared to prior years. If companies,
Gabri had the opportunity to dine at industries, or associations significantly change increased meeting spending is fuel for a
some great restaurants. Read about their meeting patterns (such as time of year – i.e. worldwide economic engine, let’s be optimistic
his experiences at these fine peak season to off season – or type of destination that the FutureWatch 2007 findings are
establishments. or venue), this also can be very telling. indicative of prosperity for all.
Page 6
ASSOCIATED LUXURY HOTELS
Planner-To-Planner Tips Additional Tips
For Site Visits
For Site Visits
Arrive earlier than your
Meeting professionals agree that there is no substitute for a site inspection. It provides
scheduled appointment to
the opportunity to experience the destination, to determine first-hand if it will work for
experience the property as a
your group, and to meet and connect with the staff. But are there tips on how to make the regular guest, without the VIP
most of your site visit? We asked several experienced meeting professionals to provide some treatment.
helpful hints for site visits, and here are their suggestions.
Prior to visiting, ask for recent
references – specifically from the
T im Brown, partner with Meeting Sites
Resource, said, “Assuming the hotel
meets all of our stated criteria, I want to
Karen McNulty, Corporate Director of
Meeting Procurement for Genuine Parts
Company, recommends that “planners
planner of a group similar to
yours. DMCs, CVBs, associations,
know what other groups are in-house over should ask how much it costs for High- travel agents, and other planners
our dates, and what other meeting and Speed Internet Service in their onsite office,
event activity will take place in adjacent and then negotiate to get it at the same rate can also be great sources for
function space.” as it costs in a sleeping room.” information.
Brown also suggests that you find out how David Betke, Manager of Meeting Services Survey your attendees prior to
the hotel addresses security – such as guest for Blue Cross Blue Shield Association,
safety, equipment in meeting rooms, and suggests asking, “When are your union developing your program so that
proprietary information. contracts up, and do you foresee any you know the desires of the
challenges between now and my meeting?” group when choosing a location.
Joan Menzer, Director of Conferences and
Events for the Association of Governing Betke also advises not only asking what other
Visit every room type that will be
Boards of Colleges and Universities, groups are in-house over the dates of the
recommends that you always ask if any part meeting, but if that is the end-user. used by your group (to ensure
of the hotel or resort will be closed or under the rooms look like the photos).
renovations during your program. Kenita Hidalgo, Director of Meetings & Identify “deal-breakers” prior to
Conventions for ACEC, recommends that your visit.
“I once booked a specific meeting room,” you ask to walk through the “back of the
said Menzer, “because of its beautiful house” areas like the service halls of the
French doors and access to a lovely private meeting space and shipping/receiving docks. Check out the audio-visual
terrace, only to discover that the terrace was It lets you peer inside hotel operations, and capabilities (and ceiling heights)
being ripped out and replaced during our can also help if you need to find “that one to ensure your planned A-V or
program. The beautiful French doors were last box” that got lost on the way to the
even blocked off by plants, so the natural onsite staff office. production will work in that room.
light and outdoor access we were expecting
was gone!” Teresa Williams of GMAC Residential Thoroughly walk through the
suggests: “Do your homework ahead of time. property to see if there are any
Steve Hines, president of Onyx Meetings Review the hotel’s website and sales kit, and
unique venues that you might
and Events, advises that you should “ensure survey your meeting planner friends. Read
that assurances like ‘That shouldn’t be a any other information that you have access consider for your group.
problem,’ or ‘I’m sure we can work to prior to conducting your onsite visit. This
something out’ are followed up by specifics not only saves time but provides you with a Find out about rush hour traffic
as well as something in writing that actually foundation to build on that you can add to
patterns to determine how long
commits the property to what is agreed to once you’re on-site and can actually see the
during the site inspection, prior to signing property in person.” it will take to get to the hotel or
the agreement.” to off-site venues.
By being fully prepared prior to your site
Hines also recommends that, whenever visit – which includes knowing all of the Identify if there are any hard-to-
possible, insist that the Convention Services questions to ask – you can rest assured
Manager who will be assigned to your group that you’ll get the most out of your visit find meeting rooms (so that you
accompanies you on the site inspection. “It’s to determine if it is the ideal location for can address this with attendees).
a lot easier to have confidence that execution your group.
will match expectations when you’re looking Source: Corporate & Incentive
at the person who has to make it happen for Travel magazine, Dec. 2006 issue,
you,” said Hines. Author: Diana Rowe
Page 2
Atlanta Boston S. California N. California Chicago Dallas Denver Kansas City New York City Orlando Philadelphia Washington, DC Other Areas
770-933-4150 781-263-9910 949-709-0951 415-447-7973 312-670-2203 972-312-1153 303-756-9466 816-850-7890 212-986-6767 407-295-1950 215-978-3877 202-887-7020 866-303-2544
ASSOCIATED LUXURY HOTELS
M e m b e r s To F o c u s O n F o r Yo u r N e x t M e e t i n g
OJAI VALLEY INN & SPA HALEKULANI
Ojai, California Honolulu, Hawaii
Meet, Relax and Play in Luxury... Some of the Biggest Deals are Closed
Just 35 Miles South of Santa Barbara in the Most Tranquil Places
NEWS NEWS
Located just south of Santa Barbara, one of California’s premier Halekulani has been hosting visitors to Waikiki Beach for nearly 100
destinations, the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa offers the perfect blend years. Today, its reputation for gracious hospitality, impeccable service
of serenity, luxury accommodations and professional meeting and award-winning cuisine is unequaled on Oahu and renowned
space, and recreational amenities. throughout the world. Originally designed to be the ultimate vacation
getaway, today's Halekulani has also become one of Hawaii's most
Recently awarded AAA’s Five Diamond rating for excellence exciting locations for meetings and conventions. Our ultimate goal is
in facilities and hospitality, the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is the to exceed the expectations of our meeting planners, with services,
ideal place for meetings and incentive programs in search facilities and amenities all impeccably designed for success.
of perfection. • 455 elegantly appointed guest rooms, including 43 suites
In this oasis of privacy on California’s central coast, serenity • 90% of all guest rooms and suites have dramatic ocean views
• Over 8,800 sq. ft. of flexible function space
and rejuvenation just come naturally. • Four restaurants and lounges featuring the award-winning La Mer,
Hawaii’s only AAA Five Diamond Restaurant
• 308 luxury appointed guest rooms, including 75 suites
• Conveniently located just 10 miles from Honolulu
• 5 restaurants and lounges, including the Spa Café and Jimmy’s Pub International Airport
• 14 meeting rooms with over 16,000 sq. ft. of space • All Halekulani guests receive preferred/complimentary access to
• Walk in the footsteps of champions on the legendary 18-hole golf course Honolulu’s major cultural venues, such as the Bishop Museum,
• Pamper yourself at our award-winning Spa Iolani Palace, Contemporary Museum, Honolulu Academy of Arts
• 800-acre private ranch for trail rides and special events and The Honolulu Symphony
• Halekulani is the cornerstone of a revitalized Waikiki. Offering
world-class boutiques, restaurants, entertainment and activities,
Luxury on Sale this beachfront cityscape is the gathering place of the Pacific.
• Rated one of the top spas in Hawaii, Spa Halekulani offers services
May 7 – 17, 2007 inspired by the authentic healing cultures of the Pacific Islands.
June 10 - July 14, 2007
August 1 – September 4, 2007 Luxury on Sale
November 9 – December 18, 2007 April 5 – 27, 2007 / May 6 – 31, 2007 / June 1 – 15, 2007
September 1 – 25, 2007 / November 1 – 20, 2007
Each of the noted dates can accommodate 100 guest rooms per night, Ask about our 2007 ALHI Meeting Package, including sophisticated and
with some dates up to 175 rooms per night. inspiring spaces, an array of internationally inspired catering options and
world-renowned Halekulani guest service.
For information, visit For information, visit
www.alhi.com/OjaiValleyInn www.alhi.com/Halekulani
Associated Luxury Hotels provides the National Sales Network to our prestigious membership of over 80 of North America’s
finest Four- and Five-Star/Diamond hotels and resorts. Let us assist you in placing your next meeting. www.alhi.com
LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB
La Quinta, California
Meet at La Quinta, Where You Are Treated Famously!
Book your next event at La Quinta Resort & Club
and your participants will discover what Hollywood’s
finest have known for almost a century – We treat you
famously! In addition to over 40,000 sq. ft. of meeting
space, impeccable service, and inspiring food and
beverage, the resort offers five championship golf
courses, 41 pools, 53 hot spas, Spa La Quinta, Fitness
and Tennis Center, Camp La Quinta for children,
fabulous restaurants and boutique shops.
What they’re saying...
“I am writing on behalf of Perlmutter Investment
Company and our recent stay at the La Quinta Resort.
To sum up our experience at the hotel and with your
staff, one word comes to mind, PERFECTION! Each and
every detail, request and change was addressed and
executed without hesitation or error. Mr. McCormick,
thank you for employing a staff of true professionals, a
staff that clearly understands the service industry and
customer service.”
- Suzanna Ferebee
Perlmutter Investment Company Facts
• La Quinta Resort & Club has 796 Spanish-style casitas and suites,
"As the dust settles from the recent AMTDA 80th all boasting upgraded features in all of its guest rooms, including
Annual Meeting in La Quinta, CA, I wanted to take the new carpet and high definition flat screen televisions.
opportunity to thank you and your staff for the time and • 23,000 sq. ft. full-service Spa La Quinta and Yamaguchi Salon
commitment to help make our meeting successful. It was
the best attendance we have had in several years, and the
• 41 heated outdoor pools and 53 hot spas
psyche of our members was noticeably upbeat." • Fitness and Tennis Center with 23 tennis courts, five hydro-courts
and 10 lighted for night play.
- Jean J. Bryant
CEM • Camp La Quinta (Kid’s program)
AMTDA
• Executive business services
• 11 Boutique shops and five golf pro shops
• Four resort restaurants and five golf clubhouse restaurants
• 90 Holes of championship golf
• Over 40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including three indoor venues
and two unique outdoor venues.
Luxury on Sale
May 20-25 / June 10-15 / July 13-20 / September 19-26 / October 7-12
Ask about our ALHI Meeting Package, offering great value
from audio visual to spa specials.
For More Information on La Quinta Resort & Club,
visit www.alhi.com/LaQuintaResort
Page 3
La Quinta Resort & Club is one of Associated Luxury Hotels’ Worldwide Membership of Luxury
Four and Five Star/Diamond Hotels and Resorts. Let us assist you in placing your next meeting. www.alhi.com
LOEWS HOTELS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO® RESORT
Orlando, Florida
Unique Options for Extraordinary Meetings and Events
Whether it’s the tropical paradise of Royal Pacific
Resort, the rock star treatment provided by Hard
Rock Hotel® or la dolce vita – the sweet life –
experienced amid the Mediterranean luxury of
Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Hotels at Universal
Orlando® Resort offers a wide variety of options
for meetings of all sizes. Each is just steps away
from two amazing theme parks and a spectacular
nighttime entertainment complex, delivering an
extraordinary meeting and event experience.
The three hotels have consistently won AAA’s
Four Diamond Award, as well as accolades from
Successful Meetings, Corporate & Incentive Travel
magazines. Universal Orlando® Resort received
the 2006 Planners’ Choice Award from
MeetingNews magazine.
What they’re saying...
“As a meeting planner for GE team meetings, this
experience was by far THE BEST! Exceptional
people helped us pull off the most memorable team
meeting ever. Our planning experience was FUN -
that never happened before. Hats off to the entire Facts
Universal team!” Portofino Bay Hotel, A Loews Hotel
-Bonnie Jaske • 750 stylish guest rooms and suites
• 8 restaurants and lounges, including Bice Ristorante
GE Healthcare
• Three themed swimming pools
• Over 42,000 sq. ft. of meeting and function space
“Our post conference survey showed this was the • 15,040 sq. ft. Tuscan ballroom and 7,670 sq. ft. Venetian junior ballroom
highest rated meeting ever. The entire Universal Royal Pacific Resort, A Loews Hotel
Orlando experience contributed to this success, • 1,000 guest rooms and suites
from the park to the hotel to Jimmy Buffett's® • 5 restaurants and lounges, including Emeril’s Tchoup Chop
• Lagoon style swimming pool with sandy beach
Margaritaville® and Emeril's Tchoup Chop. Our • Over 85,000 sq. ft. of meeting and function space
company has been in business for 10 years. This is • 41,503 sq. ft. Pacifica ballroom, divisible into 12 sections
without a doubt one of the best overall experiences Hard Rock Hotel®
we have had, from the beginning with sales • 650 guest rooms and suites
through the service provided by both the hotel and • 5 restaurants and lounges including the Palm Restaurant
other outlets.” • 12,000 sq. ft. pool with sand beach and underwater stereo
• 6,000 sq. ft. of meeting and function space
-John McKennon
Meeting Management Services
Luxury on Sale
Any NEW groups booked in May, September, November, or December 2007 by
April 30, 2007, worth 100 room nights or more will receive:
• One-hour complimentary Cocktail Reception (premium brands)*
Guests of each hotel enjoy UNIVERSAL EXPRESSSM ride access† during their stay,
which enables them to bypass the regular attraction lines at both theme parks just
by showing their hotel key card (restrictions apply). Each hotel is connected to
Universal’s attractions by complimentary water taxis along picturesque waterways.
*Does not apply to previously proposed or groups already definite.
† On-site hotel privileges good for hotel stay as indicated on the room key card. Only good for number
of guests staying in room.
For More Information on Loews Hotels at Universal
Orlando®Resort, visit www.alhi.com/LoewsPortofinoBay
Page 4 visit www.alhi.com/LoewsRoyalPacific
Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando® Resort are among Associated Luxury Hotels’ Worldwide Membership of Luxury
Four and Five Star/Diamond Hotels and Resorts. Let us assist you in placing your next meeting. www.alhi.com
ASSOCIATED LUXURY HOTELS
RESTAURANT BRIEFS
New Culinary Discoveries… FAQ’s
Q: What is the status of the ALHI resorts in Cancun?
New York City
Cellini A: After visiting Cancun last month, the community and resorts are in
During a recent visit to ALHI’s famed member, InterContinental The Barclay excellent shape, and are eager to serve U.S. group business. Cancun
New York, I had the chance to dine at this wonderful nearby restaurant. Very has completed a multi-million-dollar project that fully restored its
reasonably priced (by New York City standards), this quaint home-style
restaurant really makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a trattoria in Venice. beautiful white-sand beaches. Our oceanfront AAA Five-Diamond
Maitre d’ Giuseppe greets you at the door, then leads you to your table in a Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach is in full gear and
very comfortable dining room with hardwood floors and the customary white successfully hosting an array of meetings and incentive programs
tablecloths. We started with the Carciofi Farciti, which consisted of baby
artichokes filled with eggplant, pepper, Parmesan cheese and tomato – very now. The spectacular new beachfront Aqua will be a sensational
tasty. For the entrée, I opted for the Envelope-Shaped Pasta, which was filled resort after they complete their major enhancements this summer, to
with sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, homemade mozzarella, and veal in a be prepared to welcome group business at the resort in late fall. So it
light tomato broth. Excellent. They have a very nice wine list (that didn’t is a good time to “Think Cancun” so your meeting and incentive
break the bank), and the warm Italian ambiance was as inviting as the dessert
options. I will be back. program can experience these impressive resorts.
(212) 751-1555
www.cellinirestaurant.com
Q: Is incentive travel business demand growing in 2007?
Cancun, Mexico A: Travel continues to be a major motivational tool for companies to
Luna Latina enhance performance. Demand for new venues continues, as well
as seeking out unique options at popular incentive destinations.
When you next visit Cancun, plan to dine at Luna Latina, a favorite of locals
and visitors “in the know.” Featuring a scenic location overlooking beautiful Spending in 2007 is going up, according to a poll conducted by
Nitchupte Lagoon, this restaurant is known for its exceptional food, great Motivation Strategies, which found the majority of the incentive
service, reasonably priced menu, and fun atmosphere. Luna specializes in industry professionals surveyed expect their incentive program
international, California-style cuisine with a Caribbean flair, and offers indoor
and open-air patio dining. We started with the Crab Claws with Garlic and budgets to increase in 2007 over 2006. Corporate Meetings &
Herb Sauce, which were very flavorful. For the entrée, I truly enjoyed the Incentives’ annual incentive trends survey (published in January
Surf and Turf that consisted of a perfectly prepared Beef Filet along with 2007) reinforced this finding. Also, some organizations are now
Giant Shrimps in a Spicy Tomato Sauce. For an extra treat, plan your visit incorporating meetings before or after their incentive program to
to be on one of the nights when the restaurant features live musical
entertainment, which provides a very festive and memorable Cancun conduct valuable business, and still showcasing their “Achievers” as
experience. Have fun! part of their programs. That’s motivation!
(011) 52-998-885-2746
www.cancunparty.net/restaurants/lunalatina.html Q: Where are the ALHI “Diamond Tour” stops in 2007?
San Diego, CA A: We kicked off 2007 at MPI-PEC in January, where the beautiful
1500 Ocean “Turtle Bay Resort Diamond” was awarded to a lucky planner who
If you haven’t been to the San Diego/Coronado area lately, then you may not visited ALHI’s “Luxury Lane.” Our next stop is the “ALHI Luxury
be familiar with 1500 Ocean. Opened in May 2006 at the Hotel del Showcase” in Washington, D.C. on March 29, where the “ALHI
Coronado, this impressive ocean-view restaurant has been enjoying rave Diamond” will be given away, followed by ASAE’s Springtime on
reviews – and for good reason. Our experience was truly outstanding. This
elegant restaurant features a contemporary style, and specializes in fresh
June 14. The impressive “Grand America Hotel Diamond” will be
regional Southland Coastal Cuisine. To highlight its fine ingredients, it even awarded at MPI-WEC in Montreal over July 28-31. The tour will
has a working Butler’s Pantry that showcases its fresh herbs, cheeses and move to Chicago for ASAE Annual from August 11-14, where the
desserts. Far too many specialties for me to list here – from the fresh fish dazzling “Fontainebleau Miami Beach Diamond” will be awarded;
selections to the Roasted Shelton Farms Free Range Chicken. Save room for
the Warm Chocolate Chipotle Cake, which is served with Banana and and then ITME September 25-27, where attendees can register for
Caramel Ice Cream. I know – but this is worth it! Plan to visit here during the stunning “Pan Pacific Vancouver Diamond.” The final
your next trip to the area. But as a tip: call in advance. This restaurant is diamond of 2007 will be given away at Holiday Showcase in
popular with locals and visitors alike.
Chicago in December. It only takes a visit to ALHI’s Luxury Lane at
(619) 522-8490 these shows for your opportunity at the “Bling Bling”!
www.hoteldel.com/dining
Gem Note: Stop #2 on our 2007 Diamond Tour is our own Luxury
Showcase in Washington, DC on Thursday, March 29, from 4 – 7 pm.
All attendees who complete a survey will be eligible to win the
ALHI Diamond One-Carat Solitaire. For more information, David G. Gabri
or to register, contact Jenna Weiner at jweiner@alhi.com. President & CEO
Page 6
Atlanta Boston California N. California Chicago Dallas Kansas City New York City Orlando Philadelphia Washington, D.C. Other Areas
770-933-4150 781-263-9910 949-855-9455 831-484-9990 w . a 816-850-7890 212-986-6767
w w972-312-1153 l h i . c o m
312-670-2203 407-295-1950 215-978-3877 202-887-7020 1-866-303-2544
