success - Associated Luxury Hotels International

Associated Luxury Hotels international
ALHISUCCESS
D E S T I N A T I O N
Vol. XXVI NO. 2 • Spring 2012
news and business solutions for successful meeting professionals
INSIDE Think Forward – Do What
This Issue “The Great One” Does
Think Forward – Do What
“The Great One” Does
By utilizing our experience, training,
and skill set, and by recognizing trends
that can affect our organization and our
industry, we can be forward thinkers
to help us accomplish our goals, and to
position our organization for the future.
Page 1
Accentuate Your Brand
With A Buyout
Offering unique business opportunities,
an Exclusive Buyout of a hotel or resort
can be great for groups for many reasons.
Discover the many impressive hotels and
resorts in the ALHI portfolio that offer this
appealing option.
Page 2
Destination Features
Learn about Las Vegas’ magnificent
Bellagio, featuring 3,933 guest rooms,
200,000 square feet of meeting space,
and its renowned ballet of dancing
fountains. Discover Salt Lake City’s
luxurious The Grand America Hotel,
offering spectacular Rocky Mountain
and city views. Read about the exquisite
AAA Five Diamond The American Club
Resort Hotel, ALHI’s first member
hotel in Wisconsin. Find out about
the extraordinary Mandarin Oriental,
Las Vegas, located at the entrance of
CityCenter. Learn about the elegant
and historic Ojai Valley Inn & Spa in
picturesque Ojai, California.
Page 3-7
FAQs
By David Gabri
I have always liked a
quote by Wayne Gretzky,
considered by many to be
the greatest hockey player
of all time: “A good hockey
player plays where the puck
is. A great hockey player
plays where the puck is
going to be.”
I find this to be inspiring, because it shows what can
be accomplished by being a “forward thinker.” Gretzky
envisioned where the puck would be by utilizing his
experience, training, and skills, and accomplished his
goals – literally goals – by being in the right place at
the right time. He was also skilled at putting the puck
where his teammates (colleagues) needed it, so that
they too could score. There is a reason he is called
“The Great One.”
This also relates to our meetings and hospitality
marketplace, because by utilizing our experience,
training, and skill set, and by recognizing trends
that can affect our organization and our industry,
we too can be forward thinkers, both offensively
and defensively.
A common dilemma, though, is to get caught up with
today’s issues or with naysayers who predict the
worst. Responsible planners and executives are able to
see over the horizon and make prudent decisions based
on facts and aptitude.
Page 8
So rather than be influenced by inflammatory rhetoric,
as we have seen recently, that lumps all meetings
and incentive programs together with one that was
not planned responsibly, focus instead on the mission
at hand to accomplish the goals, and position your
organization for the future.
Restaurant Briefs
Quantifiable Value of Meetings
Are incentive planners more optimistic?
Is “group” demand continuing to
accelerate? Does ALHI have any Forbes
Five Star “Triple Crown” winners within
its portfolio?
Read David Gabri’s reviews of great
restaurants in Newport Beach, St. Pete
Beach, and Orlando.
Page 8
After all, study after study has shown the value
of face-to-face meetings. A new survey by Cisco’s
London-based Economist Intelligence Unit found that
75% of the 862 global senior executives surveyed
believe in-person collaboration is critical. Furthermore,
82% said they felt they were better understood after
in-person encounters. That all relates to ROI.
This, of course, follows the “Return on Investment
of U.S. Business Travel” study by Oxford Economics,
which found that each dollar invested in business
travel (including meetings) drives approximately
$12.50 in sales and $3.80 in profits. The study also
found that face-to-face meetings allow companies to
convert 40% of prospective customers versus 16%
without such a meeting.
These studies reinforce what we in the industry
already know: that face-to-face programs make “cents”
and are the way to grow companies and organizations,
advance important objectives, build and enhance
important business relationships, motivate achievers,
sustain and build results and market share, and provide
direction and leadership.
Think Independently
We can all agree that no one wants to be irresponsible
in the scheduling and coordination of their programs.
It is disheartening when both parties in Washington
disparage an entire destination due to the actions of a
few people who were apparently wasteful. We do not
want to punish a destination because of the actions
of a group that happened to meet there. You would
think that – by now – they would realize the value of
meetings and incentive/recognition programs in driving
our organizations, jobs, and our local and national
economy forward.
So think independently and make wise choices now for
your growth and prosperity. Think forward now as to
where you want to be in the future. Like Gretzky, that
may mean making decisions today for your programs
further on the horizon, so that you will best accomplish
your group’s specific goals, to serve and grow your
brand. You won’t regret it!
Accentuate Your Brand With A Buyout
If your group is seeking the utmost in privacy or exclusivity for an upcoming
meeting – or if you wish to maximize the branding of your program – you might
consider a Buyout of a hotel or resort. This will provide your group complete
usage of a location’s meeting facilities, guest rooms, banquet facilities, and even
recreational offerings, plus unique signage and branding opportunities.
A Wow For All Involved
Offering unique business opportunities, a strategic buyout can be great for
groups for many reasons. These include: the need for privacy for something
like a new product discussion, merger, and strategic planning; the advantages
of camaraderie among attendees; and an elevated and undivided level of
personal service.
To make it easy for planners to identify hotels and resorts that offer this
option, ALHI features the “ALHI Buyout Solutions”. This enables meeting
professionals and incentive specialists to book an entire hotel or resort, or a
specific wing of one of ALHI’s participating member hotels or resorts.
The many options within ALHI’s portfolio are impressive. Properties that have
experience and offer this opportunity include:
The American Club Resort Hotel – the Midwest’s only AAA Five-Diamond
Resort features a Five-Diamond spa and four golf courses.
Casa Palmero – this exquisite Mediterranean villa at Pebble Beach in California
offers secluded luxury in an intimate garden setting.
The Grand America Hotel – providing European charm in downtown Salt Lake
City, the hotel is framed by the breathtaking Rocky Mountains.
The Langham Huntington – named “#1 Hotel in Los Angeles” by U.S. News &
World Report, the hotel features 50,000 square feet of meeting space.
Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas – this sophisticated sanctuary of modern
elegance features 392 guest rooms in chic CityCenter on The Strip.
Options in the West and Midwest include:
•Barton Creek Resort & Spa in the stunning Texas Hill Country
•Exquisite lakefront The Coeur d’Alene in Idaho
•The 106-acre Eaglewood Resort & Spa, just outside Chicago
•Newly renovated Enchantment Resort in Northern Arizona
•Loews Denver Hotel, providing sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains
•Incredible The Mirage in the center of the Las Vegas Strip
•Montelucia Resort & Spa, at the base of scenic Camelback Mountain
in Scottsdale
•The Wigwam, on 440 lush acres adjacent to Phoenix
Options in the East include:
•Virginia’s renowned and historic Colonial Williamsburg Hotels, such as
The Williamsburg Inn
•Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, an elegant Cape Cod retreat
•Salamander Resort & Spa, opening in 2013 on 340 acres in Northern Virginia
Southern options include:
•Magnificent Biltmore in sophisticated Coral Gables in Miami
•Chateau Élan in the picturesque North Georgia foothills
•The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, providing majestic Blue Ridge Mountain views
•Chic InterContinental Miami on Biscayne Bay
•InterContinental Tampa in the thriving Westshore district
•Florida’s sophisticated oceanfront The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach
•One Ocean Resort & Spa, a plush haven in Northeast Florida
•PGA National Resort & Spa, which completed a $65 million renovation
Options outside of the U.S. include:
•Beautiful Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort in Mexico
•The Mediterranean seaside Grand Resorts at Cap Cana in the
Dominican Republic
For specific capabilities and recommendations for full or even partial facilities
solutions, contact ALHI National Sales to find out the best option for your
program needs.
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa – this remarkable 220-acre resort features 308 guest
rooms, a championship golf course, and the renowned Spa Ojai.
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club – the luxurious Northeast Florida resort provides
incredible Atlantic Ocean views and 36 holes of championship golf.
There are many other exceptional ALHI hotels and resorts that offer this
opportunity, including such California options as:
•Hotel Nikko San Francisco, an elegant Four-Diamond sanctuary
•Stylish Miramonte Resort & Spa in the glamorous Palm Springs area
•Rancho Mirage’s 240-acre Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
•Laguna Beach’s Surf & Sand Resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean
Customized signage, like that shown here at Chateau Élan, is among the many options
available with an Exclusive Buyout. Pictured (from left): ALHI’s David Gabri, and Chateau
Élan’s VP of Sales & Marketing Doug Rollins, and President & CEO Henk Evers.
2
Atlanta
770-933-4150
Boston
781-263-9910
California
760-231-6734
So. California
949-709-0951
Chicago
312-670-2203
Dallas
817-453-0800
Denver
720-389-6800
Kansas City
816-850-7890
Las vegas, nevada
Featured ALHI member:
Bellagio
There is only one Bellagio.
Fast Facts
Situated in the center of the Las Vegas Strip, the
AAA Five Diamond Bellagio is a European-inspired
masterpiece. For meetings and events, Bellagio
offers 200,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space,
including elegant yet highly functional meeting
rooms – and the first exhibition kitchen in Las
Vegas, Tuscany Kitchen®. The lush Conservatory
& Botanical Gardens, Cirque du Soleil®’s stunning
performance of “O™,” an intimate wedding chapel,
a luxurious spa and salon, dynamic nightlife, and an
elegant casino add to the symphony that is Bellagio.
• AAA Five Diamond Award Winner
• 200,000 sq. ft. of dedicated conference space
• Executive Suite Lounge
• Tuscany Kitchen®, Las Vegas’ first exhibition kitchen
of its kind
• 19 dining choices, including two AAA Five Diamond restaurants, Picasso and Le Cirque
• An unprecedented three Master Sommeliers
• Dynamic nightlife with five lounges and two nightclubs
• 65,000 sq. ft. award-winning Spa and Salon
• Five distinctive pools and courtyards
• “O™” by Cirque du Soleil®
• Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
• Via Bellagio, a collection of upscale boutiques
• Magnificent performances by the Fountains of Bellagio™
Testimonial
“Bellagio makes planning easy and painless. At Bellagio, when you ask for something, they deliver when
you need it delivered. Bellagio’s one of a kind hotel offering is exceeded only by their desire and ability to
provide a truly exceptional guest experience.”
Scott Young, President
The Meeting Company
“With all of the rich beauty the Bellagio provides the senses, it is refreshing to work with a Sales Team that
can express willingness to deliver the TOTAL customer experience.”
Bill Zabelny, Director of National Accounts
Resort Meetings Consortium
ALHI Luxury on Sale
TM
For more information
on Bellagio, visit
alhi.com/Bellagio
Louisville
502-228-3196
New York
212-986-6767
Call Bellagio Convention Sales at 888.744.7687 and enjoy unparalleled Five Diamond service and
fabulous savings on your 2012 bookings.
Orlando
407-295-1950
Philadelphia
215-978-3877
Richmond
540-664-4298
Savannah
912-225-1175
Washington D.C.
202-887-7020
Toronto
905-846-4477
3
S a l t L a k e C i t y , UTA H
Featured ALHI member:
THE GRAND AMERICA Hotel
TripAdvisor’s #2 Luxury Hotel in U.S. – #20 in the World
Fast Facts
Inspired by the world’s finest hotels, The Grand
America Hotel offers a refined European style
against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky
Mountains. The Utah landmark property features
rich architectural details created by Ritz-Carlton
designer Frank Nicholson, surrounded by beautifully
landscaped parterre gardens. Located just 10
minutes from Salt Lake International Airport, The
Grand America Hotel is located in the heart of
downtown Salt Lake City. The Grand America Hotel
is Salt Lake City’s only AAA Five Diamond hotel.
• AAA Five Diamond Rating since 2004
• Guest rooms featuring minimum 700 sq. ft.– 775 total guest rooms and suites
• 75,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, including ballrooms, executive boardrooms and breakout rooms, plus unique outdoor venues
• The Grand Spa and fitness center features three floors of health and wellness facilities
• Variety of world-class options for off-site activities, including golf, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, boating, zip lining, skiing, and winter sports
• Free Wi-Fi, flat-panel TVs and premium amenities in guest rooms
• Popular attractions include the Miller Motorsports Park, 2002 Winter Games venues, historical sites and museums
• Vibrant nightlife with nightclubs, sports bars,
piano bars, martini bars and pubs
• Walking distance to world-class shopping and dining
• 8 miles from SLC International Airport with over 900 daily flights
Testimonials
“The praise keeps coming in from our attendees. As a result, I’m afraid we have been terribly spoiled and it
will be difficult to hold a meeting anywhere else!”
“The Grand America Hotel is exceptional. Accommodations, service and food are wonderful. Best property ever!”
ALHI Luxury on Sale
TM
For more information on
The Grand America Hotel,
visit alhi.com/TheGrandAmerica
4
• Group upgrade to Executive Suites (limit 350 peak) • Complimentary Presidential Suite
• Complimentary access to Fitness Center and Spa
• Daily in-room dining credit for on-site planner
• Spa package for onsite planner - transferable
• Vacation Getaway to Sun Valley Resort
(2 nights + $500 resort credit) - transferable
Contract must be signed by December 31, 2012. Offer not valid with any other promotion or discount and is subject to availability.
Some restrictions and blackout dates may apply.
The Grand America Hotel is part of Associated Luxury Hotels’ Worldwide Portfolio of Luxury
Four and Five Diamond quality hotels and resorts. Let us assist you in placing your next meeting. alhi.com
ojai, california
Featured ALHI member:
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Your Preferred Meeting Resort
Fast Facts
For over 80 years, the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa has
been considered one of the best kept secrets
among travelers. After completing a $100
million dollar transformation and acquiring
the prestigious AAA Five Diamond award, the
secret of this iconic luxury resort is ready for its
reveal. Experience the magic of Ojai, located
north of L.A. near Santa Barbara, California in a
destination of its own, with a rich history of old
Hollywood that lives on today.
• 308 luxury accommodations
• Spa Ojai
• Championship golf
• Six restaurants
• 20,000 sq. ft. of event space
• Built in 1923 as a private country club and golf course
ALHI Luxury on Sale
TM
The Meeting Moments program is a comprehensive choice of special considerations to help you
orchestrate the perfect program with relevant benefits.
501+ Contracted group room nights
• $100 Resort credit per room, per stay
• 3% Credit to master account
• Plus! Pick four Meeting Moments
251-500 Contracted group room nights
• $75 Resort credit per room, per stay
• 2% Credit to Master account
• Plus! Pick three Meeting Moments
100-250 Contracted group room nights
• $50 Resort credit per room, per stay
• Plus! Pick two Meeting Moments
For more information on
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, visit
ALHI.com/OjaiValleyInn
• Member of Historic Hotels of America.
• Surrounded by the Topa Topa Mountains and
Los Padres National Forest
• Host site for seven Senior PGA Golf Tournaments
• Home to The Artist Cottage and Apothecary
• Sustainable Farm-To-Table culinary concepts
50-99 Contracted group room nights
• $25 Resort credit per room, per stay
• Plus! Pick one Meeting Moment
Meeting Moments Selection:
• A donation to your company’s charity of choice
• 2 Round-trip airport transfers
• Two complimentary golf foursomes
• Meeting space and setup
• Energy Break
• 4 Complimentary spa treatments
• Custom Blending for 4
• Two Kindle Fires or one iPad 2
• Complimentary internet in meeting space
• Air card for transfers from airport
**The Meeting Moments special consideration program is valid for new
bookings taking place April 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013.
Contracts must be signed before December 31, 2012. Some modifications
and substitutions may be made for concessions as agreed by sales
manager. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is part of Associated Luxury Hotels’ Worldwide Portfolio of Luxury
Four and Five Diamond quality hotels and resorts. Let us assist you in placing your next meeting. alhi.com
5
Introducing
The ALHI Level 5
Collection.
When your meeting demands
a one-of-a-kind experience that
Meet ALHI’s Level 5 Collection
Achievers of the Highest Industry Recognitions,
including the 5 Diamond/Star Rating.
Total Mtg.
Space
240
21,000
4,004 300,000
3,933 200,000
NORTH AMERICA
American Club Resort Hotel, The
Kohler, WI
will impress the most scrupulous
Aria Resort and CasinoLas Vegas, NV
attendee, allow ALHI to assist
BellagioLas Vegas, NV you. Your ALHI sales professional
No.
Rooms
Breakers, The
Palm Beach, FL
540 65,000
Broadmoor, The
744 185,000
Colorado Springs, CO
can connect you with convenient
Cloister at Sea Island, The
Sea Island, GA
175
and fast one-call access to the
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Scottsdale, AZ 649 72,000
Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun, Mexico 602 85,000
Grand America Hotel, The 775 75,000
finest collection of 5 Diamond/
Salt Lake City, UT
17,000
Star Quality hotels and resorts
Grand Del Mar, The
249 20,000
that specialize in meeting and
Greenbrier, The
White Sulphur Springs, WV
710
85,000
Island Hotel Newport Beach Newport Beach, CA 295 29,000
380 50,000
40 6,990
392 12,360
308 16,000
incentive programs.
Langham Huntington, The
San Diego, CA
Pasadena, CA
Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club, The St. Simons, GA
Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Ojai, CA Pebble Beach Resorts
Pebble Beach, CA
Peninsula Chicago, The
34,387
339 9,500
250
30,000
Resort at Pelican Hill, The
332 44,000
Skylofts at MGM Grand
Ponte Vedra Inn & ClubPonte Vedra, FL Chicago, IL
454
Newport Beach, CA
Las Vegas, NV
51
600,000
DESTINATIONS OUTSIDE NORTH AMERICA
Find more information
on the ALHI Level 5 Collection
at Alhi.com/Level5, or contact
your ALHI Sales Professional.
Langham Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Langham Place Mongkok
Hong Kong
65
19,633
Langham Melbourne
Melbourne
387
13,829
Langham Auckland
Auckland
411
23,371
387
14,328
Langham LondonLondon
495
7,674
ALHI’s Level 5 is one of the Largest Collections of Five-Diamond/Star
Quality Meeting Hotels & Resorts in the World.
•Local One Call Access to over 25 Level 5 Hotels and Resorts is Convenient,
Cost-free and Reliable.
•Level 5 “Luxury On Sale” is the Only Consolidated List of 5 Diamond/Star
Values in the World.
alhi.com
6
•Nearly 2 Million Square Feet of Meeting Space and over 15,000 Rooms and Suites.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Kohler, Wisconsin
Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas
The American Club Resort HOTEL
Fantastic Meetings in Sophisticated Luxury
Host of the 2015 PGA Championship and 2020 Ryder Cup!
Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas is a sophisticated luxury hotel prominently
located at the entrance of CityCenter and less than a 10-minute drive from
the McCarran International Airport.
The hotel was awarded the esteemed AAA Five Diamond and coveted Forbes
Five Star award for the hotel, spa and restaurant in 2012. Guests enjoy
legendary service and a calm, non-gaming environment, all just steps away
from some of the city’s most fashionable casinos, shopping and entertainment.
Meeting space was designed specifically to create high-impact quality events
set in a modern yet elegant environment.
Fast Facts
•392 luxury guest rooms and suites
•More than 15,000 sq. ft. of meeting space
•Opulent suites for VIP entertaining
•Open-air meeting areas for parties and receptions
•Full Service Business Center
•In-house AV
•Boardroom enhanced by Bang and Olufsen plasma TV and surround
sound systems
ALHI Luxury on Sale
TM
Book “Meetings with More” before August 31, and receive a $100
hotel credit per room per day that may be applied to*:
•Room upgrades
•Banquet services
•Food & beverage
•Audiovisual services
•Treatments at our Forbes Five Star Spa
Rates starting at $239
*To qualify, contracts must be confirmed by August 31, 2012 for meetings conducted before
December 28, 2012. USD 100 credit must be applied to the group master account. Meetings
with More cannot be combined with any other offers, promotions, or existing agreements.
Blackout dates apply.
For more information on
Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, visit
Alhi.com/MandarinOrientalLasVegas
Welcome to a place untouched by neon lights, fast food and the cares of cable
news. The American Club Resort Hotel is home to one of only fifty-seven hotels
and one of only thirty spas worldwide to earn the Forbes Five Star distinction. It’s
considered a work function, but it sure won’t feel like it. Find your common bond
through a host of team-building activities. Or slip away from it all with a stroll
through this storybook village. At The American Club Resort Hotel, ideas become
sharper, imaginations become brighter and business becomes more inspired.
Fast Facts
• 361 spacious guest rooms and suites
• Two championship golf venues – Blackwolf Run, site of the 2012 U.S.
Women’s Open and Whistling Straits, site of the 2015 PGA Championship
and 2020 Ryder Cup
• 22,000 sq. ft. of versatile meeting and function space
• 25,000 sq. ft. award-winning Forbes Five Star Kohler Waters Spa
• Kohler Golf Academy
• Twelve Restaurants of Kohler
• Kohler Experiential Learning Center
• Kohler Company Factory Tour
• Demonstration Kitchen for Culinary Team Building
• Collection of over 20 Boutiques at The Shops at Woodlake
• Sports Core Health Club with indoor/outdoor tennis courts, two pools and fitness center
• Horseback Riding, Hunting, Trap Shooting, Fly Fishing, Charter Fishing
ALHI Luxury on Sale
TM
Choose from three amazing properties with group rates starting at $175
through April 2013. Enjoy the following Five-Star Enhancements:
• 20% off golf on the Meadow Valleys course at Blackwolf Run and
Irish course at Whistling Straits
• 20% off services at
Kohler Waters Spa
• 20% off audiovisual services provided by The American Club
• 20% off airport transfers provided
by Carey Limousine
• 20% attrition
Valid for new group bookings Sunday through Thursday only. Based on availability.
Certain restrictions apply. Must mention offer at time of booking request.
For more information on The American Club Resort Hotel,
visit Alhi.com/AmericanClubResort
Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and The American Club Resort Hotel are part of Associated Luxury Hotels’ Worldwide Portfolio of Luxury
Four and Five Diamond quality hotels and resorts. Let us assist you in placing your next meeting. alhi.com
7
Associated Luxury Hotels international
Restaurant BrIEfs New Culinary Discoveries…
Newport Beach, California – Andrea
St. Pete Beach, Florida – The Maritana Grille
Orlando, Florida – Peperoncino
If you are looking for authentic Northern Italian cuisine
in a spectacular setting on Southern California’s coast,
you must experience Andrea. Whether you opt to dine in
the chic dining room, in the exquisite private room, or on
the elegant outdoor terrace that provides an incredible
expansive view overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you are
in for a real treat. Offering a seasonal menu that utilizes
fresh, local ingredients, Andrea is known for exceptional
service and its authentic pasta made fresh daily in its own
temperature-controlled Pasta Room. We started with the
Risotto, made tableside, which was superb. I followed
with the hand-rolled Garganelli pasta, served with a very
flavorful Bolognese sauce, which was divine. I understand
the Lamb is out-of-this-world too. Be sure to save room
for Andrea’s renowned artisan-style Gelato, which you
can savor while enjoying the music of the classical
guitarist. It is easy to see why this was voted one of
the Top 50 U.S. Restaurants for “Best Italian Cuisine” in
OpenTable’s Diner’s Choice Awards.
When visiting the Tampa Bay area, I highly recommend
that you make plans to dine at The Maritana Grille at
the newly renovated Loews Don CeSar Hotel on St. Pete
Beach. Featuring chic décor, the AAA Four-Diamond
restaurant boasts 1,500 gallons of beautiful saltwater
aquariums brimming with colorful, native Florida fish. But
while the atmosphere is truly appealing, it is the food
and world-class service that really make this restaurant
stand out. Featuring a menu inspired by a variety of
international cuisines, offerings range from Grilled Alaskan
King Crab to Kurobuta Pork Medallions to Coffee Rubbed
Dry Aged New York Strip. Pair your selection with a wine
recommended by the sommelier from the extensive wine
list and you won’t be disappointed. For a real treat, top the
meal off with one of the incredible desserts. I can honestly
say that the dessert that I had at The Maritana Grille – the
Keylime Bavarian Reveal – was the best and most unique
dessert I’ve ever had. You must order it on your next visit.
For group events, consider the Chef’s Table that can seat
up to eight, or the private dining room for up to 14.
I have a great new “little Italian restaurant” in Orlando
that I really recommend called Peperoncino. Located
on “Restaurant Row” in the Dr. Phillips area, almost
in-between the Universal Orlando® Resort and the new
Peabody Orlando, this cozy and casual establishment
serves wonderful authentic Italian cuisine. Featuring
a menu that literally changes nightly – in part to
accommodate the many locals who return again and
again – the restaurant boasts an open kitchen where
you can see talented Executive Chef and Owner Barbara
Alfano preparing your meal. We started with the
delicious Bruschetta di Funghi Piccanti, which is toasty
Ciabatta Bread topped with Spicy Sautéed Mushrooms.
I followed with the Ossobuco di Maiale, wine-braised
pork shank, served over Arborio rice. Fabulous. Ask
about the daily fish – always awesome. You will want
to note that everything is cooked-to-order, and the
restaurant gets quite crowded on weekends. With only
about 15 tables, inside and out, you will want to make
your reservation early.
(727) 360-1882
www.loewshotels.com/DonCeSar
(407) 440-2856
www.peperoncinocucina.com
(800) 820-6800
www.PelicanHill.com
FAQs
FAQs
ALHI’s newest distinguished members:
• Hard Rock Hotel – San Diego, California
• Ravella at Lake Las Vegas – Henderson, Nevada
Q: Are incentive planners more optimistic?
Q: Is “group” demand continuing to accelerate?
A: Yes, our own experience with incentive planners
was mirrored by the results of the annual Site Index
survey, which found that 89% of the respondents
said they felt the overall use of motivational travel
would increase or substantially increase in one to
three years.
A: Yes, indications are that group demand is
surging at North American hotels, according
to TravelClick’s February 2012 North American
Hospitality Review (as described on Meetings &
Conventions magazine’s website). According to the
report and the article, “committed group occupancy
at North American hotels from February through
the end of the year is up by 5.9 % compared to
the same time frame in 2011, and group business
booked in February is up by 5.1%.”
In related news, a separate survey – Incentive
magazine’s Travel IQ survey – identified the most
popular international destinations for incentive travel
programs in 2011. The Caribbean landed the top
spot, followed by Mexico, Western Europe, Canada,
Bermuda, and Australia/New Zealand/Pacific Islands.
accomplishment are: The Broadmoor (in Colorado
Springs, Colorado), The Cloister at Sea Island
(on Sea Island, Georgia), and The Grand Del Mar
(in San Diego).
ALHI features 26 extraordinary properties in the
“ALHI Level 5 Collection,” which consists of ALHI
hotels and resorts that have earned such celebrated
recognitions as the prestigious AAA Five Diamond
rating and/or the esteemed Forbes (Mobil) Five Star
rating for their hotel and are rated as number one in
their category. For the complete list of “ALHI Level 5”
hotels and resorts visit www.alhi.com.
Q: Does ALHI have any Forbes Five Star
“Triple Crown” winners within its portfolio?
Thanks for asking!
If you are planning to hold a program at a destination
outside of the U.S., be sure to ask your ALHI contact,
or call ALHI’s new Global Solution Associated
Destinations Worldwide at (312) 346-5768, and visit
www.adw-gso.com.
8
A: Yes, ALHI features three members that achieved
the acclaimed Forbes (Mobil) Five Star “Triple
Crown” for 2012, as they received the prestigious
Forbes Five Star rating for their hotel, spa, and
restaurant simultaneously. Achieving this impressive
David G. Gabri, President & CEO
Associated Luxury Hotels provides the National Sales Network to our prestigious membership of over 130 premier Four and
Five Diamond quality hotels and resorts worldwide. Let us assist you in placing your next meeting. ALHI.com