Hotel Happenings

HOTEL HAPPENINGS

FITZGERALDS SHOWCASES CLASSIC VEGAS STYLE WITH SIXTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

For those who wish to experience the sophistication, excitement and style of vintage Las Vegas, the Fitzgeralds Sixth Anniversary Celebration, February 20-24, 2008, offers that opportunity.

Classic-soul performances by The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards and special appearance by Miki Howard, lend a touch of nostalgia to the celebration at the anniversary concert on Saturday, February 23, 2008 at Cashman Center. One of the most successful singing groups of all time, The Temptations reached unprecedented heights in American popular music with timeless Motown songs and chart-topping singles like, My Girl, Ain’t Too Proud To Beg, and I Can’t Get Next To You.

Located on the historic downtown Fremont Street Experience, the Fitzgeralds Casino’s five-day weekend event features celebrity entertainment and events that showcase the achievements of African-Americans in honor of Black History Month.

Bringing the vibe of yesteryear into the present, the annual celebration seeks to offer attendees the best of both worlds old and new, with weekend activities such as the 1st Annual Don H. Barden Golf Tournament; Education Celebration featuring a youth panel of celebrity and entrepreneur achievers to motivate elementary students; a Gospel Brunch; and much more.

In keeping with tradition, the Taste & Sounds of Soul featuring the cuisine of fine African-American restaurants along with local performers will be featured on Fremont Street Friday through Sunday. The festive outdoor event attracts nearly 20,000 attendees.

Don H. Barden, the country’s only African-American to own a national gambling company, purchased Fitzgeralds Casinos in Tunica, Mississippi; Blackhawk, Colorado; and Las Vegas, Nevada in December 2001. He also owns Majestic Star Casino and purchased Trump Casino Hotel in December 2005 presently known as Majestic Star Casino II both located in Gary, Indiana. The Detroit native recently celebrated the groundbreaking of his sixth casino in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Fitzgeralds anniversary has attracted several celebrity guests in the past five years such as; Smokey Robinson, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Nancy Wilson, The Whispers, Howard Hewett, as well as actors and actresses; Loretta Devine, Jenifer Lewis, Glynn Turman, Kim Fields, Anna Maria Horsford, Kyle Massey, Camille Winbush, Richard Roundtree and many more.

Fitzgeralds Casino Hotel located in downtown Las Vegas features 638 rooms and offers a variety of dining options including Don B’s Steakhouse, Courtyard Grill & Buffet, McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. The casino features slots, table games, sportsbook, keno lounge, two bars, live entertainment and space for meetings.

For details regarding the celebration or for concert tickets, call (800) 274-5825 or visit www.fitzgeralds.com.

HILTON NAPLES RECEIVES FLORIDA GREEN LODGING PROGRAM DESIGNATION

Environmentally-Friendly Hotels Conserve Resources, Save Money and Attract Customers

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently welcomed the Hilton Naples to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The Hilton is the first hotel in Naples to be designated and the second in Collier County. The Florida Green Lodging Program is a voluntary state initiative that provides the lodging industry with technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

“We are delighted to receive this certificate as we are committed to providing an eco friendly hotel and services to our guest” said Clark Hill, the hotel’s general manager. The Hilton Naples has implemented paper, cardboard; aluminum and steel can recycle programs to reduce waste. In addition, the property installed low flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads as well as fluorescent lamps. The hotel invites guests to participate and provides a notice in guest rooms to encourage participation.

“Green Lodges are leaders in their industry,” said DEP South District Director Jon Iglehart. “The example set by Naples Hilton challenges other area hotels to join them in adopting innovative green practices, conserving resources and saving money.”

To be designated a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels must implement a variety of green practices. These practices include, but are not limited to, water conservation measures through low flow plumbing fixtures and a linen reuse program, and energy efficiency achieved by installing ENERGY STAR® appliances and programmable thermostats. The waste reduction criteria are met by providing the opportunity to recycle, purchasing items in bulk, purchasing recycled materials and by recycling ink and toner cartridges. All designated members of the Florida Green Lodging Program must also use green cleaners and high efficiency air filters, and clean air handler units frequently.

“Not only are the management and entire staff of the hotel committed to supporting the efforts of the Department of Environmental Protection, but our guests will also be involved in helping with our initiatives. Since many guests practice some level of conservation at home, we believe they will appreciate the opportunity to contribute while traveling,” said Hill..

For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.

BOSTON MARRIOTT BURLINGTON ADDS NEW EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM

The Boston Marriott Burlington has unveiled a 450-sq. ft. Executive Boardroom, it was announced recently. This sleek and luxurious private meeting room complements the Suburban Boston hotel’s 13,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space.

The Executive Boardroom features 14 high-back black leather chairs around a rectangular table finished in warm wood tones. Wired and wireless Internet is available at each seat, and a 61” flat screen television offers state-of-the-art video conferencing capabilities. Custom-built, marble-topped buffets can hold coffee breaks, working lunches or cocktail service, while two large coat closets neatly hold personal belongings. Brushed nickel lighting fixtures and Boston-themed artwork complete the contemporary Boardroom design.

“This Boardroom serves a growing need for high-tech, upscale small meetings,” said Boston Marriott Burlington director of Sales and Marketing Kavin Schieferdecker. “The feedback from our top clients has been very favorable. We’re also finding that Boardroom meetings pair well with lunch or dinner in one of the private dining rooms at our popular new, chef-driven restaurant, Summer Winter.”

The Boston Marriott Burlington offers 413 renovated guest rooms and four suites, all of which feature the Revive Bedding® package, wireless and wired high-speed Internet access, and spa-like bathroom amenities. Meeting planners enjoy 13,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including the 9,000-sq. ft. Grand Ballroom and 18 small and mid-sized meeting rooms. The hotel offers two pools, Jacuzzi and full health club facilities. Dining options include: Summer Winter; Fitzwilliams Irish Pub; and Starbucks®. For information, please call (781) 229-6565 or visit www.marriott.com/bosbu.

HILTON GARDEN INN UNVEILS ULTIMATE TEAM PLAY

Interactive Training Program Created by Virtual Heroes For Hilton Garden Inn Using Serious Games-Based Technology – the First in the Hospitality Industry

Hilton Garden Inn, the award-winning mid-priced hotel brand with locations throughout North America and Europe, recently unveiled Ultimate Team Play– the first interactive training game to be used in the hospitality industry that utilizes game-based technology.

Created especially for Hilton Garden Inn by Virtual Heroes, Inc., Ultimate Team Play puts team members in a virtual Hilton Garden Inn hotel and in various scenarios, they will have to stop and decide what their best course of action will be to make sure they are able to fulfill a guest’s request and/or complete a specific job task within a limited time. Their immediate or non-immediate actions toward guests — since guest interaction will be the primary focus of the game — will directly affect the mood of the guest as well as the hotel’s SALT (Satisfaction and Loyalty Tracking) scores.