ULTRA Luxury Travel Advisory Board

I am excited and honored to be an Advisory Board member of the new ULTRA Luxury Travel Exchange debuting 2013 ... discovering and defining the travel trends of tomorrow.

Ultra Luxury Travel Exchange Advisory Board announcement

Uniworld’s River Cruise through Burgundy & Provence and a return trip to Paris in 2 must-stay hotels

I love cruising - ocean cruising that is on ships of all sizes from megas to yachts, but I admit I was somewhat skeptical about what the experience would be for my partner and me to partake on a river boat cruise for a week. We had been talking about it for a few years now as the river cruise industry is booming with more people going and more new luxury vessels being built than ever before. We knew this is a great way to explore towns and villages up-close-and-personal. Being wine lovers and seeking to explore more of France, we chose an extraordinary itinerary with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, taking us from the charming Provencal town of Arles (between Marseilles and Avignon) up the Rhone River into the Burgundy region village of Chalon sur Saone, the furthest point north a cruise can navigate the river. Uniworld includes complimentary wines with dinner and many of our excursions would include wine tastings and visits to wineries. We knew we would be enthralled with the destinations - how can you not be in the countryside of France, but would a River Cruise onboard experience be to our liking? We love nightlife and lots of things going on. Would we be bored? Would we be - dare I say - among the youngest, even in our 40's and 50's? Would be the token gay couple?

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Suffice to say we LOVED this cruise and had an amazing time. Yes, we were among the younger set of the 113 guests (the boat holds 132), but not the youngest by any means, or the youngest at heart, as it was a diverse group of fun loving, spirited travelers, many of whom have chosen the river boat as their preferred method of vacation after years exploring the world on larger ships. We were surprisingly the only gay couple onboard, which was a jar for us initially, but for most guests we were also the life of the party. Like Mame and Vera, it's the time for making merry and boy did we make merry. In addition to the ship's nightly entertainment of a piano lounge singer/pianist and local guest musicians - it was seven nights of bringing our own theatricality to the River Royale with song and dance, disco and Broadway choreography, all with a wonderful interaction with the guests. Comments I received such as "thank you for dancing with my wife - she hasn't lived like this for 30 years", just warmed my heart.

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About the cruise and why Uniworld does it so well: in a word - consistency. The crew - each and every one - delivers a uniform excellence in service. Being a small ship, it is a personal experience for the guests to interact with the staff and a large part of what we all remember about the cruise. The team onboard River Royale brought about a true friendliness and care for each guest, no pretensions, always there to solve any kind of problem and always looking to go the extra mile with a smile. Much of this is attributed to the dynamic team that I personally got to know and spend time with including the fabulous and oh-so- glamorous Emanuelle Bonneau, Cruise Manager; the hilarious, sardonic wit of Eric Christophe, a Hotel Manager who runs the tight ship; and the youngest, baby-faced Captain I have ever encountered at just 29 years old, Emmanuel Quendera. To this team and their crew - from the wonderful room stewards, to the pursers, wait staff, bartenders, chefs and all behind the scenes - hats off and thank you to everyone.

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Many of the guests connect with each other through the dining experiences or on the daily excursions. Meals onboard were always a pleasurable experience, with again, one of the most consistent levels of quality and enjoyable selections to choose from than we have experienced on most ocean cruises. Breakfast buffets were bountiful, with an omelet station and a wide variety of cheeses, breads, fruit and traditional American and European breakfast selections. Lunch buffets were always something to look forward to, as after a morning excursion through the countryside or in a city, we were back at the ship by noonish, eager for a hearty meal. Dinner never disappointed with thematic multi-course dishes indicative of our locale, from Provencale to Bouchon Lyonnais and even a special Epicurean wine pairing meal, sampling various wines per course. Dessert options ranged from the decadent to more decadent in the homemade ice creams, parfaits, crème brulee, and chocolate marvels. Watching one's weight on a trip though France is pretty much unachievable. Dining each evening was casual elegance with two nights of dress attire slightly more formal - once for the Captain's Welcome Dinner (where Alan and I were graciously invited to the Captain's table) and again at the Captain's Farewell Dinner. With dinner an open seating policy, guests can dine with whom they like. There are only two tables of two, so meals are very much a communal experience. For three of the evenings our tablemates were a fun-loving dapper foursome from Southern California, Catherine, Gary, Juliane and Mike, who also helped make our after-dinner evenings the fabulous fun that it was on the dance floor and behind the mic.

 

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I was amazed at the mighty length of the River Royale - at 361 feet, walking the top deck and realizing all the open space ... and the new ships are being built much longer. With her width at just 37.5 feet, the ships can only be built in length due to the river's locks. Alan and I witnessed several of our locks crossings and saw Captain Emanuel navigate with just 1' between the wall and the ship's edge. Truly a sight to behold! The River Royale, built in 2006, is already undergoing the cruise line's policy of refurbishment every 6 years this winter. She is a lovely ship, draped in a French provincial motif, with staterooms averaging 160 square feet, the top deck of staterooms boasting French balconies. The other decks feature either panoramic window or port hole. Traveling during autumn in early November, we did not get to utilize our balcony much, but it was wonderful to have it nonetheless, for stepping out for fresh air and seeing the sights of passing under a bridge and viewing the magnificent colors of the fall foliage in the picturesque French landscapes. I can only imagine how superb the River Royale will be as it comes back to life in a few months with a fresh new "Red Carnation" makeover to match the rest of the Uniworld fleet. Voila! Voila!

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Click icon above to view video full screen.

Click icon above to view video full screen.

As mentioned being in Burgundy and Provence, several of our excursion opportunities centered around wine. Uniworld includes a complimentary daily excursion in every port - generally a wonderful, insightful walking tour of the town or village. Additional excursions are optional, reasonably priced and not to be missed. Our week started with a walking tour in Arles, famed as the town Van Gogh called home for many of his masterpieces. We saw numerous sights which he painted including The Yellow House and Starry Night over the Rhone. We visited a working Olive Farm, in the countryside where we learned the art of making olive oil and were treated to samples of the olives, oils and tapenade. From the Olive Farm our private motorcoach brought us to the wonderful medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence and its fortress, high in the Alpilles Mountains. In the charming walled city of Avignon, where the ship docked overnight, our walking tour brought us to the Pope's Palace and an exploration of the city. Alan and I learned there was a happening nightlife in the town as we ventured to one of the clubs in the evening. An excursion to the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the Roman era and a delectable wine tasting at Chateauneuf du Pape were next on our agenda. One of the standouts of our week's visits was to the unspoiled, undiscovered by tourists, utterly charming town of Viviers. A 5th century village located in a sheltered canyon, the breathtaking architecture of the houses and streets captured our imaginations and whimsy. It was here that we were guests at a thrilling organ recital in the town's 12th century St. Vincent's cathedral. A particular delight was learning that our favorite Uniworld guide, Francis, a hilariously dry-witted cross between Dame Maggie Smith and Rita Rudner, lives in Viviers and we got to see her home. Francis - one of the highlights of our entire trip - is a marvelously sharp expert guide specializing in the region of Provence, whose sense of humor and storytelling - and way with a zinger - enamored us as well as the entire River Royale group. Another superb guide led the way for us in Lyon - Christian. Smart, funny, friendly with an outstanding speaking voice of radio quality, Christian showed us the marvelous Basilica cathedral, les traboules - famous passageways hidden behind the doors of apartment dwellings of Renaissance facades and the highlights of the magnificent city. We loved Lyon! Additional wine tastings were had in the towns of Tournon/Tain l'Hermitage. Our most phenomenal day - probably our favorite of all the excursions - was saved for last as we visited Beanue, it's amazing Hospices de Beaune and its glorious open-air market (so glad we were there on a Saturday when this takes place), followed by a chateaux visit /meeting with the count who resides; and yet another wine tasting at a vineyard in southern Burgundy. All of this pretty fabulous, don't you think?

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Click icon above to view video full screen.

Click icon above to view video full screen.

We were thrilled to have made this trip in the fall, as the weather was divine for walking - not hot but not too cold - and a spotlight on the foliage with brilliant colors that extended through the hillsides of the region for miles.

We started out skeptics but river cruising won our hearts and with a new found respect for what it offers, we would eagerly explore other regions and additional adventures with Uniworld. Although a younger generation may be of the notion that river cruising is sedate and mostly for a retirement set, on the contrary, we found that it is not only a superior way to discover and experience magnificent destinations off the beaten path and not easily accessible, but you can make your own fun and a river cruise experience can be whatever you want it to be. One guest may be on a gentle walking tour, while another is on their own on a bicycle adventure through the hills and countryside. Same trip - totally different experience. And we'll throw in a little disco and Broadway if Gary and Alan are onboard!

Voila! Voila!

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Shangri-La Hotel Paris

It is with great anticipation and sheer excitement that my first night of this trip to France would be a stay at the Shangri-La Hotel Paris, the hotel company's first foray in Europe. I have been fortunate to have stayed in some of the city's premier addresses over the years including Le Bristol, Crillon and George V, but with a resurgence of luxury hotel openings coming about in the city of lights in recent times, much attention has been made to the Shangri-La Hotel Paris, which opened in 2010, and might I add that the hotel deservedly lives up to all the hype and acclaim and even exceeded all expectations. Built between 1892 and 1896, the building was in fact home of Prince Roland Bonaparte and the meeting place of Paris' aristocracy and bourgeoisie. 115 years later, lovingly restored by prominent architect Richard Martinet, nestled in the refined, residential 16th arrondissement between the Place des Etats-Unis, Place d'Iéna and the iconic Trocadero high on Chaillot Hill, the hotel is located directly across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, with jaw dropping views that cannot be beat. The area has one of the highest concentrations of museums in Europe. Just steps away, the renowned Guimet Museum offers Paris' most extensive permanent collection of Asian art and oriental exhibits. Art lovers will enjoy the treasures of the Palais Galliera, Palais de Tokyo, Museum of Man, Museum of Modern Art and the Marmottan Monet Museum, all within walking distance. We found the hotel very convenient in walking to other central attractions in the city as well.

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In addition to its setting, what places Shangri-La Hotel Paris apart from the rest are the magnificent accomodations. The largest rooms and suites to be found in Paris - with an average size of over 500 square feet, a flawless attention to detail can be found in every corner. 40 per cent of the rooms and 60 per cent of the suites feature a breathtaking, direct view of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine, while nearly half of the rooms and suites feature a private balcony. Our home at Shangri-La, the Duplex Suite, a stunning two-story jaw dropping Parisian experience, provided a welcoming head-on view of the Eiffel Tower with lush appointments and every creature comfort one can imagine. I had opportunity to do a site inspection of two additional suites - the hotel's grandiose 2,970 square feet Imperial Suite, the largest in the hotel and a palace unto itself. With its 16-foot high beamed ceilings, gilt work and decorative carvings, the suite itself was once the former private apartments of Prince Roland. If these walls could talk!

Suite Shangri-La, perched on the top floor of the hotel houses a more modern motif with French flair, complemented with Asian accents throughout. With a total of 2,365 square feet of living space, the real pice de resistance of a stay in this suite is the uber-dazzling 1,076 square foot terrace, providing pure panoramic bliss in its views of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine and entire city. It's a sight to behold that you will find nowhere else but here at Shangri-La.

While the hotel is a museum unto itself, you'll never feel anything less than a friendly and welcoming atmosphere as General Manager extraordinaire, Alain Borgers and his team of experts in the art of customer service, tend to any and every need and request without hesitation.

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Dining is an experience unto itself with three award winning restaurants - La Bauhinia,

L' Abeille and the newest, Shang Palace, just having opened in September as the first and only fine dining Chinese restaurant in France. It was a privilege to dine with Mr. Borgers in the gourmet French restaurant, L'Abeille, featuring Chef Phillippe Labbé's highly creative modern variations on classic French dishes. The courses were an endless feast of culinary delights, paired with exceptional wines. The wait staff were amazing - highly professional yet personable in describing all the dishes in detail. Breakfast was served in La Bauhinia - nothing less than wonderful as even my special request for a particular fruit was fulfilled without hesitation.

Did I love this hotel for a truly authentic Parisian "Wow" experience? Without a doubt it's the romance of Paris and a fond memory that will last with me for years to come.

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Esprit Saint Germain

From the opulence of the Shangri-La in the Right Bank, it was our desire to explore a neighborhood four-star boutique hotel in the more bohemian Left Bank for the next two nights of our Paris stay before heading on to our cruise. Esprit Saint Germain had been on my radar for quite some time as a popular favorite of clients and colleagues. It was time to discover this hotel myself and how thrilled I am to have had the opportunity. A gem in the heart of the upscale Saint Germain neighborhood, filled with chic boutiques and many good restaurants, this hotel is more like a private residence - your own apartment in Paris. With just 28 intimate rooms and suites, its discreet location on a small, but convenient side street is unassuming without the feel of checking in to a hotel. Immediately the small, family-like fantastic staff makes you feel at home.

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The hotel has created modern, comfortable living room areas -inviting places for guests to gather, relax with a newspaper, and particularly enjoy the benefits of their (almost) round the clock open bar. Literally anything you want from wine and champagne to a mixed drink is completely complimentary for the duration of your stay, as well as anything from the mini-bar in your room. What a fabulous perk as in a city as expensive as Paris, cocktails can add a hefty amount of Euro to your budget. We found the living room-bar area to be a very social area where in the evenings before or after dinner, the hotel's mostly American guests talk about their comings and goings and findings in Paris, comparing notes and stories. While there is no restaurant on premise (but so many to choose from in the area), continental and American breakfast is available as pastries and other delights are brought in from local neighborhood eateries.

Service here is exceptional. It's what the hotel strives for, achieves and undoubtedly why it has reached the level of success that it has with a high level of repeat guests. Marvelous owner Ms. Laurence Tafanel and her Director, Francesca La Mastra along with Front Office Manager Djenane Poidatz and the rest of the team fully interact with the guests, truly getting to know to their needs and handling any requests. There is no separate concierge or reception - the team does it all and knows it all. And they definitely are there to troubleshoot guest issues if a need arises. I was the recipient of their superior service when Air France went on strike cancelling my flight to the cruise just two days before departure, obviously leaving Alan and me in a most stressful situation. Thanks to Francesca and her team they immediately assisted working the phones and internet calling their contacts in rebooking my travel arrangements. All worked out thankfully - but I will always be grateful and remember the service level and TLC in what they did for me. They even followed up after my departing the hotel.

Rooms at Esprit Saint Germain are of a more intimate size, as all tend to be on the Left Bank, however, the comfort level is bar none, with generous appointments, luxe linens and comforters and in-room amenities including ipod/iphone docking stations, DVD & CD players and flat panel TV's. Our room allocation was one of the hotel's four Suites comprising a bedroom separated from the sitting area by a sliding door for privacy, 2 bathrooms with bathtub, shower and walk in closet - its size alone almost that of a room in a New York apartment! It was a glorious accommodation and a spacious 400+ square feet. We loved the star lights in the ceiling above the bed and the living room. It added a sparkle and added dimension to the room's stylish décor. We did get to see the hotel's Penthouse Suite with Private Terrace - with its view overlooking Saint-Sulpice Church and the rooftops of Paris- oh so divine.

Walkable to art galleries, museums, les Jardins du Luxembourg, Church of Saint Sulpice, the fabulous shops of Avenue Saint Germain, happening restaurants and bistros ... what a wonderful home away from home is the Esprit Saint Germain. We fell in love with being a guest in what felt like a friend's private home in one of the world's most fascinating cities.

Voila! Voila!

 

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European Christmas Markets

December is my favorite time of the year when everything is aglow in holiday decorations and lights, but nowhere does Christmas shine brighter than in the European markets of Europe. With a chill in the air, you are sipping hot ciders, snacking on amazing waffles and perusing the endless kiosks filled with fabulous handmade crafts, ornaments, jewelry and more.
Came across this feature from CNN, which highlights the best of the best that a Christmas lover won't want to miss.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/02/travel/christmas-markets-lp

Talking Travel and Austria In a Panel Discussion

I was asked by the editors of Luxury Travel Advisor magazine to participate in a recent panel discussion about travel industry trends and travel to Austria in particular. It took place at the very cool Openhouse Gallery in Soho where a lively Austria PopUp exhibit took place. Check out the photo slideshow here:
http://gallery.austriatourism.com/austriaroundtable/

9/11 Memorial - a magnficent tribute

Visited the 9/11 Memorial ... what has been created is nothing short of beautiful and moving.  After a very organized and civilized entry process through security and into the site area, Alan and I arrived at the grounds and were immediately overwhelmed at the first glimpse of the nearly 3,000 names inscribed in the massive bronze panels edged around The Memorial’s twin reflecting pools.  The pools sit within the footprints of where each of the Twin Towers once stood and as we slowly walked around the circumference of each pool, reading the inscriptions and reflecting in the memory of what was, a total sense of calm and serenity was felt in the sounds of the stunning waterfalls.  You hear nothing else of the environment around you.  Seeing the construction of the mighty new 1 WTC erected with about 30 more stories to go, along with the other buildings adorning this Memorial site, I look forward to returning next year when the 9/11 Museum opens.  A magnificent tribute indeed.

My Peruvian Adventure: From Inca to Amazon

In honor of celebrating a 25^th anniversary with my partner Alan, we planned a trip to PERU, which turned out to be one of the best trips we’ve ever done – an AMAZING exploration of the culture, contrasts and unforgettable sites of this wonderful destination. We journeyed through the many historic heritage sites of the Incas; climbed one of the New Seven Wonders of the world, Machu Picchu the week of it’s 100th anniversary of being discovered by Hiram Bingham – a once in a lifetime adventure; experienced the charming city of Cusco; toured the underrated capital city of Lima and enjoyed its nightlife scene with the locals; and we experienced remote jungles, wildlife and villages on a new riverboat, ARIA, along the Amazon and its tributaries. Their wintertime and our summertime, we found that end of July/beginning of August proved to be an ideal time frame to combine a southern and northern Peru vacation. In the Cusco and Machu Picchu region we found brisk cool mornings and evenings (approx 30’s/ 40’s Fahrenheit) with comfortable daytime averages in the 60’s Fahrenheit (a little cooler in Sacred Valley). Perfect for walking and exploring. And in contrast, what is designated the dry season of the Amazon, temps were in the 80’s and 90’s Fahrenheit – but surprisingly we never felt overly hot as we had anticipated.

For the first week - the land portion of our trip, we had hired private guides and private transfer services in each destination visited through one of my top travel partners of the region, LIMA TOURS. Their services proved to be invaluable providing a seamless, stunning experience throughout. The guides, particularly Jaime in Cusco & Sacred Valley, and Julia in Lima, were not only highly knowledgeable about every detail of the ins-and-outs of the site locations we were visiting, but they were truly passionate about their heritage, sharing the history with such a grace, pride and exuberance that only enhanced our experience that much more. And of course they were well versed in English, keeping the pace and flow of our sightseeing tailored to our preferences and level of interest.

Our hotels for the week could not have been better. Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness being our first home – a stunning resort paradise, albeit off the beaten path literally ... as once you are near the approach you drive a long bumpy dirt road to arrive at this remote locale in Urubamba. Far enough removed but close enough to enjoy the Sacred Valley sites, the resort provides wonderful service and relaxing ambience with its renowned spa (I had one of the best massages and facials ever) and beautiful, spacious villa style accommodations. The lobby of the hotel makes a striking first impression with a massive floor-to-ceiling stained glass window etching of Machu Picchu. Every time I walked by I could not help but stare and take in the detail. We tried Peru’s favorite national drink, Pisco Sour (which we have since found to be a popular favorite in New York as well unbeknownst to us) for the first time at this resort and then again in many spots throughout our trip. But none made it more delish than the bartending team at this resort. They made a mean Pisco Punch (with pineapple) too!

Next up was the unparalleled Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, across a small waterfall from Machu Picchu town (formerly known as Aguas Calientes). Inkaterra is a unique cloud forest paradise– an oasis of cottages nestled in acres of lush grounds and foliage, where you can partake in guided Nature Walks, Orchid Trails and visit an organic tea plantation (you get to make and bag your own tea in the process). At Inkaterra we were graced with a magnificent suite with a private outdoor jacuzzi, in ground tub and loungers and our suite filled with all the appointments of 5-star comfort. It felt like a glorious private home in a rainforest. Most people, ourselves included, spend just one night of their trip at Machu Picchu, unless they are avid hikers. While Machu Picchu requires just a few hours to a full day to explore, we could have easily enjoyed one more night just because of Inkaterra. The ambience of the hotel and our suite made it that special.

Following Machu Picchu, we spent two nights at the Aranwa brand’s Cusco hotel, the recently opened (fall 2010) Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel. A stunning gem of a hotel located a stone’s throw behind Cusco’s main square, Plaza de Armas, this hotel never ceased to amaze being a feast for the eyes from virtually every corner. Built in a colonial mansion of the XVI century, the hotel can be considered an art gallery of its own with magnificent displays of sculptures, paintings, carvings and an ambience that transports you to another time. Our one-bedroom suite was large, elegant, richly appointed with eclectic antique furnishings, the most luxuriously soft Alpaca rugs adorning either side of the bed, a beautiful Jacuzzi claw-tub in the bathroom and piercingly striking tiles along the bathroom walls.

Our fourth and last hotel stay was in the capital, Lima, staying in the perfectly located, gracious Miraflores Park, an Orient Express Hotel. Located in the upscale Miraflores section of the city, our room’s vast window provided a bird’s eye panorama high on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean coastline. We enjoyed walking along the coastline’s pathway, people watching and visiting Larcomar, a trendy mall built into the cliffs themselves. It was during our stay here at Miraflores Park that we enjoyed the best breakfast buffet of our trip. Not only for its gorgeous display and sumptuous feast, but the setting in the rooftop Observatory Restaurant overlooking the ocean, and the service - exceptional! At breakfast on the day of checkout we overheard a couple talking to a waiter about their upcoming cruise in the Amazon later that evening and we naturally introduced ourselves. It was our introduction to Fulvio and Fede, ardent photographers from northern Italy, whom we would become instant friends onboard the boat.

Our second week into the trip found us flying 90 minutes north of Lima to Iquitos, the hub of the Peruvian Amazon, where upon arrival we were met by the welcoming team of Aqua Expeditions, as their newest boat – ARIA- would be our floating Amazonian home for the next 5-days. It was there that we met the rest of our fellow passengers, of which we were only an intimate 12 (out of a capacity of 32), all gathering on a bus for a 2-hour ride to the remote port where we would board. The boat is more like a luxury houseboat – 3 passenger decks, teak woods with large cabins, floor to ceiling windows abounding to take in the environment, a large living room lounge with bar (where daily lectures are held and a place to chill with a book and drinks - and - the entertainment my partner and I provided singing and dancing, as well as the staff), along with a quaint dining room where buffet breakfasts, lunches and a nightly tastings menu for dinner is served.

I invite you to explore our photos, videos and the wondrous itinerary we experienced on this unforgettable Peruvian journey we took July 25-August 6, 2011. It’s a destination you may not visit more than once in your life but you will always be glad you did.

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What Not to Ask a Concierge

I enjoyed reading this piece below from a concierge as published on hotelchatter.com.

He's known as @ConciergeCorner on Twitter who's not afraid to dish on all the crazy things that guests ask concierges. But he also might be the concierge fielding your requests during your next hotel stay and he's got a few tips on how to get the most out of your concierge contact. So without further ado, we present 5 Things You Should Not Ask the Concierge as told by @ConciergeCorner.


1. Don't ask for the hottest new hotspot in town. When a guest requests I recommend the hottest, newest, sexiest restaurant, it is apparent he/she has no clue what he/she actually wants. Just because something is new does not make it good. So please, ask for what you really want, not just what’s new. On a related note, when I recommend a great local (nearby) steakhouse and then see/hear that you have gone to one of the many chain steakhouses simply because it was a few blocks closer, it breaks my heart!

2. Don't ask for my recommendation if you don't really want it. On the restaurant note, it is uber-aggravating for me as a concierge to be asked to recommend my favorite restaurant, or my favorite neighborhood and then have you (the guest) proceed to seek directions to the most generic and/or chain-like environment possible. If you really value my opinion, by all means, have me assist you. If on the other hand you have your mind made up and want to go where everyone else goes, that’s fine…just don’t waste your time and mine.

3. Don't ask for freebies. One frequent request that will undoubtedly only become more common, is for complimentary, hooked-up, or otherwise free amenities that we, like most other hotels in our segment, charge for. This includes, but is not limited to, internet, parking, breakfast, executive / club floors & rooms, suites etc. I like the next person love a deal, and yes, I’d even love to give every guest a room for free. The problem is my last name is not Hilton, Marriott, or Schrager, so I have just about zero say in whether you pay $5 or $500.

4. Don't ask which celebrities are staying here. A fairly frequent question that needs to be stricken for all guests’ mouths is “What celebrities are in house?” or as some put it, “you get famous people here?” No. No. and No. Well, yes, famous people do stay at many nice hotels, mine included, but would likely not if I ran my mouth telling people when XXXXX XXXXX was in house or when that person has been in house. If you see someone in the lobby, awesome, I’m happy for you. If you read on TripAdvisor that someone saw XYZ celebrity on their last stay, good for them. But please, for the love of my job and the hospitality industry, refrain from asking me to divulge this sort of information.

5. Don't ask for directions if you can't remember them. Last, but certainly not least, please refrain from asking for directions when you are not ready to record them. Nothing is worse than detailing precise directions to a guest either in person or heaven forbid, over the phone, only to have the guest ask for them to be repeated as they were simply not paying attention the first time. Additionally, if the driver needs the directions and he/she is the only competent person in the vehicle, don’t have the passengers receive the directions.