HotelChatter - Tag: Political Hotels

Inside the Koryo Hotel, Staffers Were Weeping for Kim Jong-Il

juliana — 2011-12-20T14:21:58-05:00

<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/1425/koryohotellobby.jpg" class="top"> We're not quite sure but those might be Christmas trees....When we think of North Korean hotels, we really only think of one--<a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2011/10/11/141438/37/hotels/One_Hotel_We_Do_Not_Want_to_Open">The Hotel of Doom</a> which hasn't even opened, although it's been under construction for over 20 years. Yet there is actually another fully functional hotel in Pyongyang, The Koryo Hotel and judging from its <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koryo_Hotel">Wikipedia entry</a> it might be the most fascinating hotel yet.We learned a little bit about the Koryo Hotel back in <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2006/5/25/10726/7536/hotels/The_Second_Biggest_Hotel_in_Pyongyang">2006</a> from <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294444-d306459-Reviews-Koryo_Hotel-Pyongyang.html">TripAdvisor</a> but the second-largest operating hotel in North Korea still amazes us. For instance, the hotel boasts 500 rooms but according to Wikipedia only about 50 rooms are ever occupied at one time, usually by international

Washington: Capella Georgetown Set to Open in December 2012 (with Personal Assistants!)

juliana — 2011-10-07T15:00:01-05:00

Day.

The posh nabe of Georgetown in Washington, D.C. is about to get even more swish in December 2012 when the Capella Georgetown opens. Yes, Capella of the luxury hotel collection, Capella Hotels and Resorts.

Now, we know how much political leaders love their fine hotel accommodations and the Capella Georgetown, at 1050 31st Street, NW, will not disappoint. According to a press release, the hotel will feature just 49 "magnificently appointed rooms and suites in a highly private and secure environment, and will provide unmatched levels of customer service and room finishes."

Additionally, the hotel promises to cater to "a sophisticated and discerning clientele including global industry leaders, heads of state and other visitors."

New York: Taxi Drivers Can't Stand The UNGA, But Hotels Kinda Like 'Em

ASchechter — 2011-09-29T09:15:02-05:00

<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/61268/un_building.jpg" class="top">The best way for NYC hotels to pull themselves out of the summer slow period is a major event or convention. The UNGA makes them very happy. The UNGA does not, however, make cab drivers happy. The <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/APed3fff3a22e14b8da3e92d611320e8b0.html">WSJ</a> ran a piece on Tuesday which gave a voice to the frustrated cab drivers who lose valuable customers each year when the UNGA comes and clogs up all the city streets. Of course, that same problem is a boon to local hotels, who receive the jet-setting delegates (and their entourages) with open arms. We learned, for instance, that for his week-long stay, the president of Sierra Leone booked three entire floors (including the penthouse!) at none other than <a

NEW YORK: Why The Warwick Was So Popular This Week

ASchechter — 2011-09-23T12:23:57-05:00

Despite their best efforts, United Against Nuclear Iran was not able to convince every hotel that it would be a bad idea to host Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. And now, after several days of being surrounded by vehement protests and demonstrations, The Warwick is probably regretting its decision to temporarily house the Iranian president and his entourage.

A CBS news reporter managed to sneak a camera into the hotel, and was welcomed by anti-Ahmadinejad activists, who had installed themselves on the eleventh floor. So what was the Warwick's excuse? Did they miss the memo? Were they making a ton of money? Did they just feel like going against the trend?

Sitka: And This is Why Politicians Shouldn't Stay in Hotels on the Taxpayers' Dime

juliana — 2011-08-26T17:12:20-05:00

<![CDATA[ <img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/1425/trashedhotelroom.jpg" class="top"> When you vote a politician into office, you hope that he or she lives up to all their campaign promises, looks out for the little people, avoids wasteful spending, makes smart decisions and fingers crossed, doesn't get messed up in a sex scandal. But thanks to Wasilla, Alaska's city councilmember, Steve Menard we will now hope that our politician doesn't act atrociously in a hotel room that our tax dollars paid for. <a href="http://www.claimsjournal.com/news/west/2011/08/26/190196.htm">The Claims Journal</a> reports:<blockquote>Menard was staying at the Westmark in Sitka earlier this month for a meeting of the Alaska Municipal League. The hotel reported that damage to his room included urine on two mattresses and a chair, vomit on the carpet, ruined