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Hotel Emergencies
Mumbai's Trident Hotel to Re-Open December 21
December 4, 2008 at 12:26 PM | 0 Comments
Bloomberg News is reporting that the Trident Hotel Nariman Point in Mumbai which was attacked in last week's horrific terrorist attacks on the city, vows to re-open on Dec. 21.
Additional security will be put in place at the hotel, Oberoi Group, which manages the property, said in a statement e-mailed from New Delhi.
While the damage wasn't as bad as the sister Oberoi Hotel, the Trident Hotels website also says a "round-the-clock" effort is going on to get the place to re-open. The hotel evacuated over 300 hundred guests during the attacks.
Hotel Emergencies
Mumbai Hotels Determined to Rebuild and Re-open
December 2, 2008 at 10:10 AM | 0 Comments
After last week's devastating terrorist attacks on the Taj Palace Hotel and the Trident-Oberoi in Mumbai, the affected hotels have vowed to rebuild and re-open as quickly as possible.
According to a report from Reuters, the Trident Hotel is set to re-open in 10 or 15 days looking just as good as it did before the attacks:
Trident, the tower block of EIH Ltd's the Trident-Oberoi Hotel, is being cleaned and its broken windows and doors replaced, said Ketaki Narain, director of corporate communications for the Oberoi Group.
Employees have returned to work, and new security measures are being put in place, she said, without giving details.
The lobby of the Trident is already "sparkling clean," and the employees are ready to go. Unfortunately, the older Oberoi wing of the hotel suffered much more damage, so it may take quite a bit longer to reopen — it should still be a few months now.
The Taj Mahal Palace nearby (pictured), which was nearly destroyed in the attacks, has been constantly updating a webpage devoted to news about condition of the hotel here, and the front page of the hotel's website displays a single bold red statement: "We are working to restore the symbol of Mumbai’s enduring spirit and dignity."
[Photo: Julian Herbert / Getty Images via Denver Post]
Hotel Emergencies
Security at Luxury Hotels Questioned After Mumbai Attacks
December 1, 2008 at 10:28 AM | 0 Comments
After September's deadly bombing at the Marriott Islamabad and, most recently, last week's devastating attacks on the Taj Palace Hotel and Oberoi in Mumbai, expect security of luxury hotels in every city to be beefed up.
As an MSNBC article points out, while luxury hotels may seem like safe havens for travelers abroad, they're not exactly secure oases:
Most security experts will tell you that a hotel is a prime "soft" terrorist target: multiple entrances and exits, easy vehicle access and dozens — and sometimes hundreds — of unattended bags in the lobby.
Hotel Emergencies
Taj Palace Nearly Destroyed in Mumbai Terrorist Attacks
December 1, 2008 at 9:25 AM | 0 Comments
Just before we left for Thanksgiving vacation, reports were coming out of Mumbai about terrorist attacks on city including attacks on two of the most popular luxury hotels---The Oberoi Hotel and The Taj Palace Hotel.
At the Taj, the gunmen broke in room after room and shot occupants at point-blank range. Some were shot in the back. At the Oberoi Hotel, the second luxury hotel to be attacked, one gunman chased diners up a stairwell and at one point turned around and shot dead an elderly man standing behind him.
When the three-day siege on Mumbai was over, 183 people had been killed. The final gunbattle between the terrorists and Indian commandos actually went down at the Taj inside the hotel's restaurant. As this photo from the NY Times demonstrates, you can see how hard the Taj was hit. Much of the hotel's lower floors were also on fire and it has been reported that the top floor is gutted.
Hotel Emergencies
Luxury Hotels Attacked by Terrorists in Mumbai
November 26, 2008 at 4:43 PM | 0 Comments
Update: The Guardian UK reports that hostages are being held at the Oberoi Hotel. Some guests were able to escape. Additionally, the death toll has risen to 80.
Random terrorist attacks in Mumbai today have left the city residents and tourists stunned and in fear for their lives as at least 40 people were killed and hundreds more injured. The attacks--both gunfire and explosions--have taken place all over the city in seven popular tourist locations. Two five-star hotels, The Oberoi Hotel and The Taj Palace Hotel were among them. From the Telegraph UK:
There were scenes of mayhem as staff used hotel linen and brass baggage carts as the injured were moved to hospital. Bullet holes pierced the elegant facades and blood smeared the furniture of the hotel lobbies.
Another report cited a fire at the Oberoi as well as two of the gunmen being holed up inside. Bloomberg News is reporting a blast went off on the roof of the Taj. Guests are believed to have been evacuated from both places, although we have heard reports that hostages are being held at the Oberoi. A third hotel, The Trident, was also the scene of gunshots. What's worse is that the attacks on the city are still ongoing as far as we know and none of the attackers have been caught.
This is truly a nightmarish time in India. The news reports are all over the place so we aren't sure what has happened to these hotels. But our thoughts our with everyone in Mumbai and we'll update you on the status of the hotels when we can.
[Photo: Sydney Morning Herald]
Santa Barbara Fires
San Ysidro Ranch Not in Harm's Way, Yet
November 14, 2008 at 1:01 PM | 0 Comments
As the Tea Fire spreads across Montecito in Santa Barbara today, we wanted to check in on the San Ysidro Ranch, a luxury resort where John F. Kennedy honeymooned in 1953. It's also a resort favored by our VIP Reviewer and author Gabe Rotter.
Right now, the hotel is currently not in any danger. A very chipper hotel employee said that things were looking great right now at the ranch but that with the unpredictable winds, "we just don't know." Let's hope this fire stops soon.
Related Stories:
· Californians Seek Shelter in Hotels Near Montecito [HotelChatter]
· Author's Dog-Friendly Hotel Pick in Oprah's Backyard [HotelChatter]
Santa Barbara Fires
Californians Seek Shelter in Hotels Near Montecito
November 14, 2008 at 9:05 AM | 0 Comments
Dangerous fires have broken out in a wealthy enclave of Santa Barbara, forcing several families to seek shelter in hotels. From the LA Times:
A fast-moving brush fire driven by 50- to 70-mph winds erupted Thursday night in the hills above Montecito in Santa Barbara County, burning at least 800 acres, destroying up to 80 homes and forcing evacuations of luxury neighborhoods, authorities said. The fire broke out about 6 p.m. in the wealthy Cold Springs area of Montecito, where a number of celebrities live, and quickly overwhelmed firefighters with its speed.
Families were checking into hotels like the Holiday Inn in Carpinteria and more are expected to find refuge in other hotels in the area.
Ironically, the NY Times had profiled Santa Barbara for its Sunday Travel section and had listed numerous hotel accommodations. We will try to update you throughout the day on whether more hotels in the area have been affected or not.
Big Sur Fire
Big Sur Fire Update :: Posh Retreats Still Closed Due to Evacuation
July 7, 2008 at 9:14 AM | 0 Comments
Last Wednesday, the Big Sur area was evacuated due to the huge fire that has been blazing nearby for about two weeks.
This weekend, temperatures cooled slightly and winds were a bit slower, enabling firefighters to make some significant progress. As of Sunday night, the fire was 11% contained.
Businesses -- posh retreats like the Ventana Inn and the Post Ranch Inn among them -- received the evacuation orders as well, and the Post Ranch Inn has posted an update on their website:
Our reservations department will be opening a remote office beginning next week (July 8th) and we will be in contact with you then. Notwithstanding, please note we will honor cancellations due to the fire, and there will be a full refund on deposits. Feel free to email us, but be aware we may be unable to get back to you immediately.
Also, while Big Sur Lodge remains closed, their website says the property luckily "isn't under dire threat," but the area is "very smoky."
We also checked in on Treebones Resort which, as of July 5th, remains open since the resort is located below the active fire line.
Unfortunately, the expected containment date on this fire isn't until the end of July. If you've been planning to head to Big Sur in the next few weeks, we suggest calling your hotel or checking their website to stay updated on their operating status.
[Photo: Jim Wilson for the New York Times]
Big Sur Fire
Big Sur Fire Closes Posh Retreats Like Ventana Inn and The Post Ranch
July 3, 2008 at 12:40 PM | 0 Comments
It will not be a happy Fourth of July weekend for the residents and businesses in Big Sur. A huge fire has been growing for nearly two weeks, intensifying on Tuesday and forcing a complete evacuation of Big Sur.
Posh retreats like the Ventana Inn and the Post Ranch Inn have also been evacuated.
So far, the Post Ranch Inn does not have an update on their website. The Ventana Inn however has issued an notice on their website:
Relocation assistance was provided as needed and physical room to room search was performed to ensure all guests had evacuated. The management has began contacting guests scheduled to arrive in the next few days to let them know Ventana Inn & Spa, Cielo Restaurant and Allegria Spa will remain closed until further notice.
Also we know that the Big Sur Lodge is closed and we imagine the Treebones Resort is as well.
If you're headed to Big Sur in the coming weeks and not staying at one of these hotels but another one in the area, we suggest giving them a call or checking their website to see exactly what their status is.
Sadly, this is just one of 1,100 fires burning in California right now, according to CalFire, the state fire agency.
[Photo: Jim Wilson for the New York Times]
San Diego Hotels
San Diego's Rancho Bernardo Inn Is Unharmed
October 31, 2007 at 5:24 PM | 0 Comments
Despite being evacuated from the destructive Witch Creek Fire last week, the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego has put out a press release letting potential guests know that the place is A-OK.
The property had been evacuated Monday, October 22 but reopened for business Thursday, October 25.... The resort escaped the fires with only minor property damage, mostly contained to a part of its championship golf course. Nevertheless, says [General Manager John] Gates, "We had guests back out on the course by Friday morning."
The inn has been offering displaced residents special room rates, allowing displaced resort staff members to stay on property and has been working with local community in cleanup.
The 40-year-old inn recently under went a $25 million renovation effort that included a new spa, pool, ballroom and conference center and guest room refurbishments. Can we say lucky?
Related Stories:
· Posh Los Angeles Hotels Fill Up as Celebs and Residents Flee [HotelChatter]
Hotel News
Posh Los Angeles Hotels Fill Up as Celebs and Residents Flee
October 24, 2007 at 12:06 PM | 0 Comments
As Southern California continues to burn, area hotels are filling up fast.
The AP reports that in Los Angeles Shutters on the Beach and the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica along with the Beverly Hills' Peninsula and both Four Seasons hotels--the Beverly Wilshire and the Los Angeles Hotel--are booked solid this week with evacuees, mainly from the Malibu and San Diego fires.
Also, the not-so-effective rehab center Promises (which hosted Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan) has been evacuated and patients were put up in an undisclosed upscale hotel in West Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, one of our sources say the Four Seasons in Westlake Village is taking reservations from fire evacuees. Plus they allow guests to bring their pets so long as they are under 15 lbs. Our dog is 28 lbs but super cute. If we get evacuated can we bring him?
[Photo: Don Kelsen/LA Times]
Related Stories:
· The Malibu Beach Inn Hosting Firefighters and Rescuers for Free [HotelChatter]
Hotel News
The Malibu Beach Inn Hosting Firefighters and Rescuers for Free
October 23, 2007 at 2:22 PM | 1 Comment
Thanks to commenter DanS we were pointed to a CNN article that mentioned the Malibu Beach Inn owned by Hollywood mogul David Geffen, is hosting firefighters and rescuers who are battling the Malibu fires. Even better, Geffen's spot is hosting them for free.
First built in 1989, the 47-room hotel recently underwent some renovations to transform it into a luxury beach getaway. While the inn is located on Carbon Beach near the fires, it's not in any danger. From the hotel's own website:
The hotel is currently open but priority is given to firefighters and emergency personnel fighting the Malibu Canyon fires. Please note Pacific Coast Highway is closed in BOTH directions from Kanan Road to Topanga.
So now is definitely not a good time to visit Malibu but maybe someday.
Meanwhile, Beverly Hills hotels like the Peninsula and the Beverly Wilshire are filling up with Malibu residents who have fled their homes. Also Britney Spears must be wanting to get in on the action as she's hotel-hopping around there again.
Down in San Diego area hotels are near 100 percent occupancy. The good thing is some of these hotels are offering fire evacuees discounted rooms.
Related Stories:
· Fire affects TV shows, celebrities [CNN]
· an Diego Hotels Fill—With Wildfire Evacuees [WorldHum]
· Brit in distress, back in hotel hiding [TMZ]
