Ch.3: Interesting Topic about Hotels

Theme hotel:   Building/ Castles/ Palaces Hotel

http://www.unusualhotelsoftheworld.com

Molja Lighthouse

Introduction:

150 year-old lighthouse at the entrance to the harbour of Aalesund

The interior of the lighthouse is completely round, only 3 meters in diameter, but through effective use of the available spaces, Molja now boasts a bedroom upstairs and a bathroom downstairs.

The interior design was carried out by Snohetta, Norway's most well known architects (designers of Oslo Opera House and Ground Zero museum in the New York City among many other landmark projects). They have carefully achieved a wonderfully distinctive blend of modern facilities with the historic and rustic interior.

Masseria Montenapoleone

Introduction:

Fortified 16th century farm with local produce delicacies

As the gates of this fortified farm close behind you, you are wrapped in the beauty of nature which invites you towards the entrance. Oleander bushes, bougainvillea and olive trees line your path. Bales of hay and an old well still full of water, are the first whispers of the activity which will be part of your life during your stay. With "Rustic chic", re-utilising artefacts and farm instruments of long ago, the Masseria has created a warm yet stylish ambiance.

The Masseria, was refurbished and renovated not to stand out - but rather to be part of the nature around it. Some of the rooms are the original caves and dwellings of the first settlers in the area hundreds of years ago. Each room, corner and private area has been redesigned or embellished to encompass the natural beauty which it already possesses.

When you open the door of one of the suites, you are carried away to a world of serenity and unique rustic beauty. Each suite has been designed differently with revived artifacts which are both a journey into imagination, and a memory of a time gone.

Ch.3: Vacation Ownership

What is vacation ownership?
Vacation ownership also known as timesharing offers consumers the opportunity to purchase fully furnished condominium style vacation accommodations in a variety of forms such as fixed weeks, floating weeks, points based clubs, fractionals and cruises for only a percentage of the cost of full condominium or vacation home ownership. Two basic types of timeshare units are sold: fee simple where the buyer gets title to a fraction of the unit; and right-to-use where the purchaser is entitled to use the unit for a specified period of time, but does not have an ownership interest. For a one-time purchase price and payment of a yearly maintenance fees and taxes, purchasers own their vacation either in perpetuity or for a predetermined number of years. More than 5 million families have discovered the benefits and affordability of buying one or two weeks of vacation ownership rather than year-round ownership of a condominium unit or second home.
 
Where are most vacation ownership resorts located?
Vacation ownership resorts are found across the globe in most every popular vacation destination. You'll find vacation ownership resorts near beaches, ski areas, attraction areas, major cities, rivers and lakes.
 
How does vacation ownership work?
Each condominium, or unit, of a vacation ownership resort is divided into intervals, either by the week or points equivalent, which are sold separately. The condominiums are priced according to a variety of factors, including size of the unit, resort amenities, location, and season. For a one-time purchase price and payment of yearly maintenance fees and taxes, purchasers own their vacation either in perpetuity (Deeded) or for a predetermined number of years (Right to Use). Ownership entitles you to a certain amount of time in that property per year. Owners share both the use and the costs of upkeep of their unit and the common grounds of the resort property.
 
What are the advantages to becoming a vacation owner?
The advantages are numerous. Vacation ownership secures affordable, diverse quality vacations for life. Simply put, vacation ownership provides tomorrow's vacations at today's prices. But there's more. Typically your vacation ownership accommodations far exceed your typical hotel room. Luxury rooms, kitchens, multiple bedrooms and baths, they're really a home away from home.
 
How many people are vacation owners?
It is estimated that more than 5 million families have discovered the benefits and affordability of buying one or two weeks of vacation ownership rather than year-round ownership of a condominium unit or second home.
 
What are some of the most common vacation options?
Whole ownership of a vacation home or condominium... Pay rent to hotels & motels... Rent or purchase a motor home...Or, Vacation ownership where you receive all of the same benefits of condominium or vacation home ownership at a fraction of the price because you only purchase the time that you need. 
 
If I purchase, when will I receive my deed?
After the deed is recorded at the county courthouse. It is then sent to you along with your title policy. With most sales the usual time frame is approximately ninety days. There are exceptions to this as some counties take longer to process. 
 
Can I ever sell my vacation ownership?
Yes. Once you are the legal owner of a vacation ownership week, you may sell it at any time.

Example:

1. Hilton Grand Vacation Club

http://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/index.php

Hilton Grand Vacations - Vacation Ownership at Its Best
People who make leisure travel part of their lifestyle understand that taking regular vacations is mentally and physically important to enjoying life to the fullest. Vacation ownership - or timeshare as it is also known - provides an alternative to standard vacationing options and helps travelers maximize their vacation dollars and their vacation time.

Hilton Grand Vacations - the Hilton brand of vacation ownership - was developed to provide a smart, simple way for travelers to design and enjoy the kind of vacations they want every year.

2.  Marriott Vacation Club

http://www.marriottvacationclub.com/index.shtml

For over 25 years Marriott Vacation Club has been helping our owners make their dream vacations a reality. We’re part of Marriott, a company that has stood for quality, service and an uncompromising commitment to excellence since 1927.

3. Aegean Blue Vacations

http://www.aegeanbluevacations.com/

 

 

Aegean Blue Vacations comprises a group of top quality resorts in Rhodes and Crete, each offering an exciting holiday world where members’ interests come first. We pride ourselves on offering the finest accommodation possible to make holidaying in Greece a happy and memorable experience for members and guests alike.

Ch.3: Management Contract

A management contract, which also called Outsourcing or sub-servicing, is an arrangement under which operational control of an enterprise is vested by contract in a separate enterprise which performs the necessary managerial functions in return for a fee. Management contracts involve not just selling a method of doing things (as with franchising or licensing), but involves actually doing them. A management contract can involve a wide range of functions, such as technical operation of a production facility, management of personnel, accounting, marketing services and training. In Asia, many hotels operate under management contract arrangements, as they can more easily obtain economies of scale, a global reservation systems, brand recognition etc.



Example:

1.    Name: Marriott International Corporation
        Link: http://www.marriott.com/default.mi

       





































Introduction:
Marriott Corporation was a hospitality company that operated from 1927–1993, founded originally by J. Willard Marriott and Frank Kimball as Hot Shoppes, Inc. In 1957, Marriott Corporation opened its first hotel in Arlington County, Virginia, United States as the Twin Bridges Motor Hotel (demolished 1990). Marriott Corporation's first international property was opened in Acapulco, Mexico in 1969. Hot Shoppes became Marriott Corporation in 1967, which subsequently split into Marriott International Corporation and Host Marriott Corporation in 1993.

2.   Name: Renaissance Hotels
      Link:http://www.marriott.com/enaissance-hotel/travel.mi

      Introduction:
Renaissance Hotels is a worldwide brand of hotels and resorts. The brand is owned by Marriott International and many Renaissance Hotels are managed by Marriott, however some are operated under a franchise license. Renaissance Hotels, Resorts and Suites cater to an upmarket segment of the traveling public. While initially acquired by Marriott as a secondary-brand, in recent years Renaissance has established itself as a boutique-like hotel chain.



3.      Name: Bulgari Hotels and Resorts
         Link: http://www.bulgarihotels.com/#




         Introduction:
The Resort is set on a 150-meter high plateau overlooking the Indian Ocean. A pristine private beach, suitable for long walks along the oceanfront and featuring a Private Beach Club, is reached via an inclined elevator. The resort’s landscape is featured by walls in butik stone, a white coral stone, obtained from the promontory. To the visitor the view is very much like the one of a mediaeval fortress, closed within its walls and unexpectedly tucked away in the tropical vegetation of the private gardens.

The Resort reflect the traditional Balinese architecture combined with a sophisticated contemporary design, using indigenous stones, native wood finished and refined craft-made fabrics exclusively created for the Bulgari Resort. The 59 individual villas, freestanding and private, will include an open-air pavilion, terrace and private plunge pool, enjoying spectacular ocean views.

Ch.3: Franchising

Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free. For the franchisor, the franchise is an alternative to building 'chain stores' to distribute goods and avoid investment and liability over a chain. The franchisor's success is the success of the franchisees. The franchisee is said to have a greater incentive than a direct employee because he or she has a direct stake in the business.
Businesses for which franchising works best have the following characteristics:

• Businesses with a good track record of profitability.
• Businesses which are easily duplicated.

Example:

1.    Name: Hilton Garden Inn

        Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 9336 Civic Center Dr., Beverly Hills CA 90210

      Link: http://hiltongardeninn1.hilton.com/en_US/gi/index.do?adId=hiltongardeninnhome,redirect

      Concept: Hotels

   






Introduction:

Hilton Garden Inn is a chain of hotels trademarked by the Hilton Worldwide. Hilton Garden Inns are considered to be moderate-scale mid-priced hotels that are designed for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel brand is similar to that of the Courtyard by Marriott brand, a key competitor. Similar to other Hilton brands, most Hilton Garden Inn properties are independently owned and operated, franchised under a licensing agreement with the Hilton Hotels Corporation.
   
    

2.Name: Choice Hotels Itnl.
   Location: Choice Hotels Itnl., 10750 Columbia Pk., Silver Spring MD 20901-4427
   Link: http://www.choicehotels.com/
   Concept: Hotels, Inns, Suites & Resorts






   Introduction:
Choice Hotels International  is a hospitality holding corporation which owns several hotel brands and is based in Silver Spring, Maryland. In 2008, Choice Hotels’ total revenue was $642 million, of which $637 million was from Franchise and $4.94 million was from Corporate Items.
The company was started in 1939 in Maryland as Quality Courts United, a referral chain consisting of about seven motel owners. Later, the motel chain operated simply under the name Quality Motels (1969–71) and Quality Inns (since 1972). Quality Courts United accepted franchise hotels without strict norms or guidelines from the company. This is different from Holiday Inn which from their early beginnings implemented numerous mandatory standards and guidelines (e.g. room size and amenities) at every one of their locations. Also, Quality Inn accepted franchisees with existing hotels.
    


3. Name: Country Inns & Suites by Carlson
  Location: Country Inns & Suites by Carlson, P.O. Box 59159, Carlson Pkwy., Minneapolis MN 55459-8200
   Link: http://www.countryinns.com/
  Concept: Mid-tier Hotels



  Introduction:
Carlson (often referred to by its previous name Carlson Companies) is a privately held international corporation in the hotel, restaurant, and travel industries. Headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, near Minneapolis, Carlson brands and services, including franchised operations, employ about 150,000 people in more than 150 countries and territories. The company's 2008 sales, including those from franchised operations, totaled $38 billion. It is one of the largest family-held corporations in the country.