Tag: cool hotel jobs

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Travelodge Gets A Writer In Residence, Tries To Promote Itself As A Celebrity Magnet

April 27, 2012 at 9:38 AM | by | Comment (1)

Most of the time, a writer's fate is to be stuck behind a blank computer screen, itching for an excuse to get up and go do something else. Once in a while, however, some writers actually score gigs worth envying, as in the case of celebrity journalist Neil Sean, who's become the first-ever writer in residence for budget hotel chain Travelodge.

As part of the deal, Sean will travel to some of the brand's 504 European hotels throughout England, Ireland and Spain, while writing his latest book, How To Live Like A Celebrity For FREE. Interesting title. In the guide, Sean will apparently share some money-saving tips he's learned over the years from interviewing A-listers like J-Lo, Simon Cowell and Beyonce.

Step one, we're guessing, involves saving piles of money by staying at a—wait for it—Travelodge!

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Who Will Step Into the Role Of 'Cultural Guru' At the Out NYC?

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  Site Where: 510 W 42nd St [map], New York, NY, United States, 10036-6204
April 11, 2012 at 12:14 PM | by | Comments (0)

Now in its second month of soft opening, things are only just starting to heat up at the Out NYC. After recently speaking with the hotel's GM, David Lopez, we learned the hotel's big opening is actually scheduled for Gay Pride in June, when a full-force grand opening bash will kick the "straight-friendly urban resort" into high gear for the summer season.

But that's not all. We also learned that Out NYC is planning to hire what they're calling a "cultural guru" to steer the direction of the brand as a whole and curate interesting partnerships among leaders in the fields of art, fashion, design and architecture. Sounds a little like those "connoisseurs" that St. Regis likes to hire. Except the Out NYC is much smaller, and has much more of a targeted audience.

So what exactly does the Out NYC have in mind for its cultural guru? Read on to find out!

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It's Always A Good Idea to Consult the Hotel's Kite Concierge

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  Site Where: 900 S Ocean Blvd [map], BOCA RATON, FL, United States, 33432
February 22, 2012 at 9:15 AM | by | Comments (0)

Boca Beach Club in Boca Raton, FL, must get a lot of good kite-flying weather. Because, as part of its new beefed-up roster of activities, the hotel is launching a beachfront kite-flying program, helmed by master kite-flyer (and former math teacher) Randy Lowe (pictured, top right).

If you've ever been curious about the world of kite-flying, this is the guy to talk to. Randy not only loves flying kites, but a rep for the hotel calls him a "true performer"; plus, he's invested over $100,000 on a private specialty kite collection, which he keeps at his home in Delray Beach. Wanna catch this guy in action? Read on to find out how.

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Now Even Kids Can Apply for a Cool Hotel Job as a Junior Concierge at the Legoland Hotel

January 6, 2012 at 1:31 PM | by | Comments (0)

There's only about two more months until the new Legoland Hotel opens at the LEGOLAND UK but their hiring plans are already in full swing. Yet there's one unusual position that stands out--that of Junior Concierge.

The hotel is putting together a team of six boys and girls, ages 8 to 12, who will help young hotel guests to decide what to do at the park. Aside from getting to wear a funny costume, er, uniform, and to talk at length about their favorite things at Legoland, these junior concierges will get some killer employment perks: The NY Daily News reports:

Each concierge will receive a free weekend with their family over their tenure, the park says, which includes a stay in a Lego-themed room, two days in the park and plenty of Lego to play with.

And we're guessing they will only have to work when school's not in session.

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How To Catch The Snowflake Princess In Action

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  Site Where: 455 MADISON AVENUE AT 50TH ST [map], New York, NY, United States, 10022
December 1, 2011 at 8:55 AM | by | Comments (0)

If you have any desire to catch a glimpse of the New York Palace's Snowflake Princess this month, you better plan your visit well. Her majesty will only make appearances on Friday evenings (3–5pm) and on Saturdays and Sundays during brunch (noon–3pm)—but even then, you'll still have to pin her down.

Modeled after the princess at Disney World, the Snowflake Princess will routinely flit between balconies and windows in the lobby—appearing one minute, disappearing the next—to make her presence all the more magical. Flanking her will be two rosy-cheeked Palace Guards (above), who add some testosterone color to the whole holiday fantasy. The fanciful trio made their debut at the hotel's tree lighting ceremony on Tuesday night, and thankfully, the Princess stood still long enough to pose for pictures outside in the hotel's courtyard.

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If You Pay Someone To Compliment You, Does It Still Count?

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  Site Where: 18 NINTH AVEUNE [map], NEW YORK, NY, United States, 10014
November 10, 2011 at 9:00 AM | by | Comments (0)

This winter, both Gansevoort Meatpacking and Gansevoort Park Ave are battling Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with a new promotional package that includes things like a duplex penthouse suite, a tropical cocktail, vitamin D-infused facial, and beach attire for hanging out in your room. For many people, this might just be enough to lift the heavy winter blues.

But Gansevoort's not stopping there. Taking all precautions, the hotel has also decided to photoshop pictures of you with Santa Claus. And provide you with a "friend for the day" (it's exactly how it sounds). Or, even, if that glum mood just won't pick up, to offer a Compliment Concierge that will shower you with praise throughout your entire stay—by the end of which, no doubt you'll be positively elated.

If not slightly stuck-up.

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Four Seasons Chicago Will Have a 'Hot Choc Doc' On Staff This Holiday Season

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  Site Where: 120 E DELAWARE ST [map], Chicago, IL, United States, 60611
November 3, 2011 at 3:20 PM | by | Comments (0)

Even though the temperatures are falling Chicago, the hotel scene is getting hotter! And over at the Four Seasons Chicago there's a "doc" on staff whose sole job is to warm you up.

Starting November 25, The Hot Chocolate Doctor will be making "room calls" at the hotel with his mobile hot chocolate bar. Yes, a mobile hot chocolate bar. Swoon.

The doctor's bag is stuffed with toppings and flavor infusions such as marshmallow crème, caramel drizzle and cinnamon cotton candy which will surely please the kids. Adults can also ask the doctor for some "medication", i.e. a selection of rums and schnapps. Drinks are $8 for the kiddie drinks and $14 for the "grown-up" versions.

And much like a real doctor, the hot chocolate doctor is on a tight schedule as he's only available from 4pm to 6pm daily. Thankfully, there's no $45 co-pay.

For more on what the Four Seasons Chicago is doing for the holidays, go here.

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Who Is The Magic Doorman?

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  Site Where: 155 RAJADAMRI ROAD , BANGKOK, Thailand, 10330
November 3, 2011 at 11:15 AM | by | Comments (0)

If our recent coverage of the Bangkok hotel scene hadn't already whetted your appetite to visit the Land of Smiles yourself (perhaps you could time your trip to the opening of the future W Bangkok?), then maybe this will get your travel wheels spinning. To the Four Seasons, that is.

Four Seasons Bangkok has a special trick up their sleeve, in the form of what they call the "Magic Doorman". Narongsak Khamkaew is a Bangkok-born doorman at the hotel who just so happens to be an amateur magician. Or is he an amateur magician who also happens to work at a hotel? We can't really be sure.

Either way, he bought a David Copperfield DVD on day on a whim, and now dazzles young guests with his "lightning-quick hand movements." His favorite trick? The flying card.

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The Ritz-Carlton Dubai Now Has a Hookah Sommelier on Staff

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  Site Where: Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
November 1, 2011 at 1:07 PM | by | Comments (0)

If you've ever wanted to smoke a hookah but were afraid of looking like a novice, the Ritz-Carlton Dubai International Finance Centre now has an expert on hand to ensure that every puff you take is perfect.

The Shisha Sommelier is a part of the hotel's Shisha Terrace. Shisha, also called hookah, is just smoking tobacco in a glass-based waterpipe but the Shisha sommelier is there to help guests choose the shisha flavor that will compliment their food and beverage or simply, their preference of tobacco flavor.

So who is this man tasked with such a cool hotel job? Sadek Zeineddine, a Lebanese national, who has worked in a food and beverage capacity in several different areas of the Middle East like Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and United Arab Emirates. Most recently, he was at another Ritz-Carlton hotel, the Sharq Village and Spa, before joining the Ritz Carlton Dubai on the pre-opening team.

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Open Call For Artists At The Flatiron Hotel Toshi

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  Site Where: 1141 Broadway [map], New York, NY, United States, 10010
October 26, 2011 at 10:00 AM | by | Comments (0)

The Flatiron Hotel Toshi has come a long way since last year. Seemingly left between owners for quite some time, these days the hotel has actual guests and a flashy new lobby (though the IKEA furniture is questionable). And now they're ready to hire some local talent.

The folks at Flatiron Hotel Toshi tipped us off to an ambitious arts program they're planning, which aims to bring together all sorts of local performers: musicians, actors, dancers, poets. They've ordered a piano, and are even planning a stage to be built in the southeast corner of the lobby. Think you've got something to offer? Read below for details!

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Pillow Talking With Affinia's New Chief Comfort Officer

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  Site Where: 303 Lexington Ave [map], New York, NY, United States, 10016
October 18, 2011 at 10:31 AM | by | Comment (1)

Affinia Hotels is still on track to be the hotel leader of all things cute (here's a refresher: cupcakes, toys, and flower-painted walls). Yesterday, the group launched its newest customer service initiative, the Tender Loving Comfort Movement (that's TLC to you), which uses behavioral science to anticipate exactly how guests want to be treated, and what treats to treat them with.

The brand's new Chief Comfort Officer (that's CCO to you!), Christina Denihan, was on hand last night to show off the new "comfort cart," which is available starting today in all the Affinia hotels during a trial period, in which guests can try any of its amenities for free. We chatted with Denihan about her history with the hotel, the idea behind the TLC movement, and what her favorite pillow is.

How long have you worked for the hotel?

I've been working for the company for five years. I've done every position at the hotel—housekeeping, concierge, front desk—so I know the people really well. In order to ignite the TLC movement, it's important that I know all the associates, because they're the people that are going to make this work. They're the ones who know our customers most, they're here every day.

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Best Hotel Job Perk: Montage Laguna’s Sommelier Classes

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  Site Where: 30801 Coast Highway [map], Laguna Beach, CA, United States, 92651
October 17, 2011 at 3:00 PM | by | Comments (0)

Last week we told you about how seriously the Montage Laguna Beach’ takes its wine program, and about its weekly Sunday Artistry of Wine tasting series. This time, we’re going to fill you in on the employee continuing education class that just might be the coolest hotel job perk ever: sommelier training open to every staff member interested.

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