The Little Singaporean Hotelier

Shanghai Boutique Hotels

2012-02-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

I feel like I've been living blindly in Shanghai for the past 3 months because I never knew that these boutique hotels existed. This proves that there is a strong boutique hotel culture amongst locals, because these properties are not available on the international booking sites!

http://style.sina.com.cn/z/ShanghaiHotel/index.shtml

URBN Hotel, Shanghai

2011-12-27T08:37:00.001-08:00

Dear Jayne, Merry Christmas. This is a present to myself for being in Shanghai, alone. I've had enough of formal copywriting today, so allow me to keep this in commentary-style.

URBN Hotel is located in Jingan District 静安区 of Shanghai, and is walking distance to the popular Jing An Metro station.

Address: 183 胶州路（近北京西路）

183 Jiao Zhou Road, near West Beijing Road.

Telephone: +86 21 5153 4600

Breakfast: Is good. Mine came with the room package, but I would certainly pay for it. It was a long morning chat/meeting with a friend at the lobby. I had multiple of their gourmet coffees, freshly squeezed orange juice, maple pancakes, and big breakfast on a-la-carte - and finally realized that it was an a-la-carte buffet while I was about to foot the bill. A very pleasant surprise.

Book: this Hotel on www.tablethotels.com for the best rate. I tried Expedia, Agoda and Ctrip.

Are you loving my new Tamron Wide Angle Lens yet?

Bedside bathtub. Deeeeeeeep. So deep, looking down from above in my wide-angle lens 有种跳楼的感觉. 是不是有点奇异？

I also love the way they play with the height of the room in a small and simple space, to portion the same room into its various sections. I enjoyed jumping from one platform to another. Hopping from the bathtub to the living area to the bed makes me feel as if I'm going through an adventure by itself.

Count the layers. 8.

Was trying to figure out the use of this Chair/Stool. Guess I'm not too sophisticated a user. Leave a comment and tell me if you have any ideas.

Fascination with my new booties. I'm in Shanghai, but I'm still buying Singaporean brands. I love Charles & Keith - you rock.

I Love SIGNAGE in hotels. Hotels are a place where I usually feel lonely (in a peaceful and calm way). Seeing quirky signs are like messages that the hotel left for me, kinda invokes a feeling of conversation. Keep the signs thoughtful and conversational. Even though the usage instructions aren't rocket science, common sense is not always common - so no harm leaving the guest a little note.

Like "Duh" I know the bottles are 水－ chinese character for Water. But the sign still makes it cute. They tell me that the hotel has thought about the water placement strategically, instead of being an afterthought.

Something I learnt while building Oasia Hotel in Singapore - is that it is a typically Japanese feature to have sitting area in the bathroom. It is usually made out of natural materials, such as wood in this case, or it can even be a stone stool.

Sorry I'm Different :)

2011-11-25T01:59:00.001-08:00

low budget but super funny and quirky

iWeekend Beijing 2011

2011-11-24T02:31:00.001-08:00

60 strangers gathered on Friday 18 Nov night at the Oracleoffice, Beijing. In the mix were charged tech entrepreneurs, guests, anddistinguished mentors and judges. Tostart the weekend, participants were invited to pitch their start-up ideas tothe audience in a 30 second elevator pitch and a separate 3-minute explanation.The ideas that get voted-in get the chance to invite other participants to forma team to further develop the ideas. By Saturday night, the winning team我来也(WoLaiYe.com) emerged to include 2 entrepreneurs of ourown – Singaporeans Jayne Goh and Koh Shihao.

One wouldimmediately pick out the difference between iWeekend Beijing and a typical techstartup event in Singapore. The crowd at iWeekend Beijing boasts a dynamicrange of nationalities, age, backgrounds and stages in career. Participantsincluded fresh graduates, key decision makers in MNCs, and had an extensivecrowd from non-technical fields.

The Winning Team versus the Winning Idea

A trend brought up clearly by the judges include how havinga winning team is more important than a winning idea. “Idea is pretty cheap butleadership and team is a great percentage of your success” says Stephen Wang –iWeekend Mentor and Founder of Alive.cn

“I believe we wondue to the unique leadership style of leader Mr Xie Le Bin谢乐冰.He created a dream team, by motivating every team member to contribute whole-heartedly.The team’s extensive background ranging from travel, media, computing,management consulting and to graphic design also made it a well-thought productin terms of user experience and revenue models. I am greatly inspired and encouraged by the team to implement thisproduct as part of my current site in time to come” said Jayne Goh - Founder of客栈游kezhanyou.com, a hostel booking portal set to go live in Q1 2012.

As Singaporeans, Shihao and I are grateful to be such warmlywelcomed by the Chinese entrepreneurs. Our key struggle was none other than thelanguage in terms of mandarin terminology. I mean, what is cloud computing inmandarin? I gave a shot and expressed 云计算.When no one burst out laughing, I figured that my direction translation worked.

The winning idea我来也(WoLaiYe.com) is anintegrated rich media personal travel magazine/guide driven by user-generatedquality content. By providing attractive designer frames, you are able tocreate your own travel magazine filled with reviews, photos, maps, and whilelinking fellow travellers through seamless integration with SNS partners. Tomake things easy for the user, the smart site prompts the user with questionswhile uploading image, video or comment. These answers then form the backbonefor the meta-tag and relationship layers – with the aim of making wolaiye.comeffectively a travel search engine.

Press coverage:

Technode: http://technode.com/2011/11/21/wolaipu-holiday-tip-aggregator-wins-iweekend/

Techweb: http://henrycheng1973.blog.techweb.com.cn/archives/134.html

SGEntrepreneurs: http://sgentrepreneurs.com/news-stop/2011/11/24/two-singaporeans-part-of-winning-team-at-iweekend-beijing/

Shanghai SOHO International Youth Hostel 上海苏州河畔国际青年旅舍

2011-11-21T12:39:00.001-08:00

Shanghai SOHO International Youth Hostel 上海苏州河畔国际青年旅舍

Helloooo All. Its very pretty and a nice place to shoot. It is definitely within the top 5 hostels in Shanghai, but not my personal favourite.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION:

Address: 南苏州路1307 号 No. 1307 South Suzhou Road

District: 黄浦 Huangpu (It's on the east side of Puxi, near to the Bund)

Telephone: +86 021 58888817

If it's your first time coming to Shanghai and you would like to stay near many attractions, this is the right location. Nearest metro is 7-8 minutes (a decent distance by Shanghai standards). I would personally prefer to take taxis, since it's so affordable in Shanghai. It is difficult to get Taxis where the hostel is, since it's hidden next to the park, and adjacent to the river (picturesque, but not the most bustling).

Where the metro is, you will find the usual stash of bakeries and Macdonalds, so you know you're safe. Not sure if there are late night eateries though. I didn't venture out too late since there's a late night restaurant/cafe in the hostel itself.

LOVE:

What I loved about it is definitely the artsy deco on the walls. I'm sure the owner has a fascination with walls, because EVERY wall is decorated. It is built in a 石库门 Shikumen, the typical Shanghai lane house. I hear that it was renovated into a hostel especially to cater to the World Expo in 2010, and has since won some architectural awards. But to me, the intricacies of the building structure, long alleyways and triangular shaped mini-lobbies make the estate a fascinating place to explore.

There is alot of space in the hostel. You will certainly find a little sitting area snuck and tuck, where you can occupy while you sip on coffee or re-connect with your laptop.

Only one picture of the room. My own room was in a terrible mess, so I snuck into a room while the housekeeping 阿姨 Ah Yi was at work - hence the naked bed.

Word of caution: As in boutique hotels and re-furbished accommodation providers, every room is different. There seemed to be a lack of standardization in terms of quality of deco, facilities, etc. Solution? There are plenty of rooms here, so just ask to see a few before deciding. You might get a pleasant surprise.

These are the common toilets. Okay sized for me (well, I'm Asian and only 154cm tall). But most importantly they were clean.

NOT TO MY FANCY

I thought that the washing area/laundry was a mess. I couldn't bear to put my clothes into the washing machine.
The air-conditioning piping wasn't great. Unlike many other travellers, I like to spend much daytime in the room to plan my nights. The exhaust from the kitchen somehow managed to enter my room and that wasn't too pleasant. I fell sick.
The drainage wasn't the best. it couldn't flow out of my sight as quickly as I hoped so I ended up showering in a pool most of the time.
WIFI only works in the common area, and even then it wasn't strong. So that was the deciding factor that made me move out.

ANGRY!!!

2011-07-24T23:32:00.001-07:00

Something i go to when i am angry

Rock and Wood International Youth Hostel, Shanghai

2011-07-12T20:19:00.001-07:00

老木国际青年旅社

Highly recommended place to stay in Shanghai.
Address: No one knows the small lane, and there's no road sign. So just get off at 551 Wu Yi Road, cross the road and walk into the lane.
Nearest MRTs: Zhongshan Garden MTR, and Yan An MTR
Booking available through: Hostelbookers.com

It is the best hostel I've ever stayed in the world (beats even those in Amsterdam)

The architecture must be the reason. It is always bright clear and sunny without being hot at all. One can sit at the cafe table the whole day doing work, chatting, or reading a book and you will be completely at ease. There are power plugs everywhere.

Dance music spins on Wednesday and weekend nights - music is way better than Prive in Hong Kong (HK clubbers will gasp, but its true). Still can't compare to Ibiza, but seriously this is a hostel!

The whole place is seriously clean - spik n span. With a similar relaxing charm of Bali.

I LOVE IT.

Hotel Icon, Hong Kong

2011-06-11T23:15:00.001-07:00

Nothing about Hotels. Just something I really love.

2011-03-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

It's the time of the year where friends from all over the world gather to meet in the tiny corner of South East Asia. This place is nothing like its city, and so are the people. It's a gathering of like-minded folks that love that have that certain energy in them. Through the weekend - we glooble the beer, jive to reggae and soak in sea water. But when it comes to the real thing, the WAKEBOARDING really rocks!

I'm really glad and honored to be part of this, and that i even got to be the organiser 2 years ago! Click here for some blast from the past.

It's the only time of the year I get to see two of my idols together! *if you're reading this, it's probably not you*. Ah well, it was a great weekend. See ya guys next year!

Up and coming Hotelier and marketing strategist Jayne Goh (embarrassingly me)

Some good ol' slappin friendship

Beauty Sophie Wee with celebrity model Charmaine Harn

Professional sports photographer Darren Huang and President of Wakeboard Association Tan Chun Yih

Wakeboarding veteran and coach Eddie Yik with beloved pet Ben Boy

Celebrity DJ Brent Burns from South Africa

Multi-millionaire Timber trader and Yachting enthusiast Kevin Hill

Hippie in the making - name unknown at this moment

In the middle: Heavy weight TV Show producer Lisa Amanda Cunico

Commercial Producer Melanie Lee, also intimately known as Rockstar

Singer, Ukelele performer and Writer Elsie Yeo with earlier mentioned Darren Huang

Earlier mentioned me!

Recollection of Lonely Milan 2007

2011-03-10T09:13:00.000-08:00

If you have ever thought about it, the hotel is actually a lonely place. The hotel is a home for the homeless. A transitionary place. One goes there not knowing anyone. Most of the time, not more than 10 people in that city too. You stay there because you are far away from home.

One cuddles into the bed that many others have slept or had sex in before. One soaks in the bathtub where many others have shed skin cells too. So it is a dirty place too.

Have you ever thought about it? That at a hotel you are subject to many servants waiting on you. These are people too, with dignity, their own lives, and others that respect them. But here they all are, waiting on you. Does one ever really deserve it?

So there I was in limbo, at Crown Plaza Hotel 5 minutes from Milan Airport. I checked in at 10pm, waiting to see my loved one get off the plane at 7am. We have not met for 4 months and the pain was excruciating. It was sweet, yet bitter because of the fear in that fresh and fragile relationship (back then). I could not bother to sleep. The internet in the room did not work. The movie channel had nothing but horror shows. So I was glad that there were a few good reads - The Economist being one of them.

Will you buy socks from a minibar?

2011-02-20T16:43:00.001-08:00

Credit: Hotel Chatter

Although we haven't talked about Standard Hotels' various product collaborations in a while, you can rest assured that they've continue to roll them out. The latest is actually cute—$12 pairs of Happy Socks to call to mind each Standard property with their design. They don't stink of just-for-the-sake-of-doing-a-collab like the Kaws lightbulbs did, so we might actually buy these.

Each hotel—The Standard NYC, Standard Miami, Standard Downtown LA and Standard Hollywood—have two different pairs of Happy Socks for you to choose from. According to Refinery 29, guests will find them for sale in the hotel room minibars, but of course they're just as available online at Shop The Standard.

[Photo: The Standard]

Epoch Coffee Bar and Desserterrie

2011-01-16T20:57:00.001-08:00

Took TimeOut Hk's advice to find a bohemian hyppie coffee joint with good wifi to plonk my ass and do some work.

It's at Taikoo, not too far from my habite at Chai Wan. It's another 300m from the MTR. And another 500m considering I got a little lost walking/wandering.

Finally i come here, and it is just another one of those chains. Full of corporate workaholics. HK women struggling to speak English to the Western men who look equally lost, just craving for an Expat town nearby. Let's say... Stanley?

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Social Media Review - By Harvard Business

2010-12-10T23:06:00.000-08:00

Check on HBR's talk on Social Media

Correlates its successful leader as a ring master - one with not many resources, but with super high EQ.

1. Carve out personnel from the service organization to be a virtual extension of your team, with a set of agreed-upon behaviours and metrics.

2. Work on short time frames, sometimes with daily cycles.

3. To set up a team to scan and react daily - social media monitoring

4. It is a key to crisis management - all complaints should be responded to make the case sympathetically but clearly advice and alternative solutions should be given

5. Provide a list of people/companies/brands to follow

6. To start doing the social media monitoring

7. To do the brand sentiment testing

What is Social Media's purpose?

Is it sales? No. It serves to reinforce the brand promise.

It is to learn more about your customers

Media List

2010-12-05T20:08:00.000-08:00

It's for my personal use, but if you would wish to contribute, sure!

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G City Club Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

2010-12-01T23:50:00.000-08:00

The newest kid on the block had artist impressions on their web, but they did not do the property justice. So here are some insights. Oh and tell me if you like the photos - I took them myself!! :) *so proud*

The design was very similar to Quincy. It had the same comforts, same flaws. It was tastefully modern, chic, and colder than ever.

The rooms were sizable, and the beds were very comfortable with 10 inch pillow tops. All amenities from branded toiletries to top of the line electronics were there. Bosch ipod docks, Apple TVs, no less.

The swimming pool was puny, and in front of the prying eyes of the front office staff - this was a no go for me.

Nonetheless the club lounge was spacious and private. Food quality has miles to improve, but the view and sparkling wines made up for it.

Having said the necessary grace, there were two things that made the place tick for me.

1 was a full gym that was made available to hotel guests. Yoga and kick boxing classes that can keep me active even though I'm abroad. I honestly don't think this costs the hotel anything, but it was a Very Good to know. Refer to this previous post for more on gyms.

The other was the paintings in the room. The black and white panoramic views of picturesque rural Malaya, put me in a comfortable realization that KL wasn't just another city - like Singapore. It belonged to a bigger Malaysia, a bigger world of undiscovered mysteries. This little mental wander took away considerable boredom of a standard business trip. After all, inspiration remains to be the biggest gift anyone can give.

Verdict- I'll stay there again, but it's too cold to be home.

Kuala Lumpur (My First Business Trip)

2010-11-26T03:27:00.000-08:00

It was for an Asian Tourism Marketing Conference. 5 days 4 nights, to be attended by myself and Perrine- both marketing communication executives.

I must say that I was rather shocked that my HOD even approved the trip. 2 juniors girls to go on a business trip all expenses paid. And instead of setting KPIs of who to meet ( media, editors, etc.) he gave us a KPI of which restaurants to go and which hotels to stay in! I felt really appreciated and touched.

So thanks to Agoda.com ( the most rate truthful OTA in South East Asia), I sourced out 2 hotels and 2 serviced residences. Never mind that we were only going to stay for a night at each place, and that it would be a logistical nightmare - we were too hungry to learn and open our eyes to care.

Stay tuned to find out which were destinations in their own right - and which weren't.

----------------------------
Hotel Reviews
----------------------------
G City Club Hotel, KL
Maya Hotel, Jln Ampang, KL

----------------------------
Serviced Residences Reviews
----------------------------
Sri Tiara, Mid Valley
Frasers Place, KLCC
Park Royal Residences, Bukit Bintang
Somerset Residences, Bukit Bintang
Gardens Residences, Mid Valley
Nobu Residences, Bangsar

----------------------------
Restaurant Reviews
----------------------------
El Cerdito, Bukit Bintang
Luk Yu Tea House, KLCC
Zipangu, KLCC
La Bodega Y Tapas

Stay Tuned

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e-marketing banner

2010-11-21T07:55:00.000-08:00

Kudos to KLM, this one caught my attention. It sold me a simple message that KLM is affordable. It should, and can be booked immediately.

Maya Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

2010-11-21T05:26:00.001-08:00

It is a simple place. The rates were ordinary, and one cannot complain about the location.

But there was a really “easy” feel about our stay there. Everyone was friendly, easy-going and like a new friend you’re glad to have known. The air was breezy, and far from the stifling snobbish five star punters.

The hotel was lightly embellished with reminders of nature. From the floor to ceiling paintings in the lifts, to the botany accents in all marketing collateral, and the organic range of bath soaps.

Many items I found nice here, would never be implemented in hotels in Singapore. They were thoughtful, but far from “necessary” and identified as wasteful in utilitarian Singapore.

One small thing that made my day included the floor mat in the lifts that read “Welcome to Maya – Monday”. Though the idea’s rather old school, it made me smile because travellers’ concept of time is often convoluted -> thanks to their excessive time zone changes. It was a certainly a nice touch.

Another was a cute pencil box next to their extensive in-room compendium. It was made of chip wood, and housed a wooden pencil, sharpener, ruler, eraser and pen. This incorporation of raw and basic writing instruments sent a slight spark for me to write. Be it for work or for my creative prose, it was a small inspiration.

But the one thing that championed all other hotels – was the hydrotheraphy pool. I didn’t get to use it due to the tight schedule, but with some snooping and research, I found out how deep a science it was. From the use of jets , underwater massage and mineral baths, it has been provided to serve as pain-relief and treating of illness.

And if you have not heard of the million dollar view of the KLCC towers from Maya's sky bar, you're missing out.

P.S. Let me know if you like the pictures - I took them myself! *proud** :)

Wilthering in the lack of creative freedom

2010-10-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

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Prince of Wales Hostel, Singapore

2010-09-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

Check out www.pow.com.sg

I was loitering around Little India this weekend trying to tour like a tourist and find some inspiration.

While everything no matter how exciting looked rather bland , there was something that caught brought my heart alive.

It was a dodgy looking place I must say. From the outside, the blaring jamming said that the place was alot of rowdy, rockin and messy. The main door look-alike was X-ed out by nailed on wooden planks, and a shady guy signaled us to walk by the backyard. What was inside was twenty-odd mid aged peeps getting it happenin'. I was like "YEA... this is it".

We danced pass the happy boys and girls, and opened a heavy black door that led us to a topsy turvy world of blaring rock and roll. The passionate live band was playing "Highway to Hell" as I grabbed two pints of VB draft (that usually means that the owner's Aussie). So I took a few shots while some drunk guys tried to speak to me in French. I think he was thrown a lil off-guard when I managed to answer his question in English.

As I was ready to leave, the sadness filled me again - that i won't be able to chase this dream for awhile. No innovation, no going with the flow, no vigor and thirst for life - Not with my current product in hand.

Is it being Traditional? or Complacency?

2010-09-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

On Friday night, my boss told me that the marketing idea i was gunning for wasn't gonna fly. I was a lil upset because I knew we were just sinking back into the conventional traditional game. And when we play by the traditional rules, you can only win by the traditional method - Price. That won't cut it.

Check out our competition once upon a time. Now, it has moved itself upwards and out of our league.

A week ago when I was championing the same idea to another boss (who was equally uncertain), I ended off the conversation saying (very boldly, and rashly) that we cannot keep being the last hotel to be booked out - the last choice. We are constantly playing the loss leader game. It's like Shop and Save trying to compete with Giant. It's time to take on the brand of NTUC. It's not a Jason's or even a Cold Storage. But it isn't competing as much on price as it was 5 years ago.

Sometimes, I think we're going down. Be the change you want to see in the world, they say. But how?

Social Media World Forum

2010-09-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

This is the first conference I have ever attended as a delegate, and I loved it. It was like going back to school again, just that this time, all the speakers shared what they have tried and tested - not just theories. And since it wasn't a cheap conference to attend, all the other delegates were true enthusiasts - or "evangelists" (social media term).

As probably the youngest in the room, i just quietly sat at the back row. I was there honestly only knowledgeable enough to want to meet Tom, Regional Digital Director for Ogilvy -> because all the people that have impressed me recently were all previously from Ogilvy. But turns out that no matter who the speaker was, I was really engaged adapting their concepts and ideas into what might work for my brands. I must say that I'm glad there was a coffee break after every 3 speakers because my brains were sizzling.

Enough of my rants. Here is some of my jots.

Facetime : A social media security firm, working for mostly financial sectors. Not only about the security of information, but also the brand security and reputation.

Sapient Nitro: The platinum sponsor of the event alongside Facebook. They started the speech with "You might not know Sapient Nitro yet, but you might know the "Best Job in the World" campaign." I swear, there was a sound of "wowwww" in the room alongside random brave clappers. He enlightened me when he said that "Facebook is the largest country in the world by population. In 10 years, it will also have the strongest currency above USD, EU, RMB, etc". He also made us remember how the scene was like 10 years ago, when the idea of us sharing personal information online was ridiculed. As such, he challenges us to think about how the future scene will be, considering that the next gen grows up, with habit of sharing info through networks.

Case Studies shared:
Tiger Airways, NTUC Fairprice, Toys 'R' Us, BMW

Why Social Media
1)Big Question is: "What Influences our potential customers to BUY." Jeremy Woolf, SVP of Text100
For travel industry, the answer is simply -> Other Travelers. They share their thoughts mainly through OTAs, and their opinions are highly regarded and trusted. Because OTAs are not just sales channels, but a MEGA Customer Service Engagement platform. It is the most powerful customer feedback form ever, and we should listen to what the customers are saying.
2)Because Facebook is the world's biggest country. Just reviewing our target markets alone show statistics like India: 4,726,660, Malaysia: 7,666,600, Australia: 9,151,280, Indonesia: 26,277,000, Japan: 770,260.
3)Because Nielson Co states that consumers worldwide devote 25% of online time to Social Media (that includes time spent online at work too)

How to Avoid the GraveYard Page (where the last comment was July 2009)
Optimally, you will want to reach the holy grail of 70:30 ratio (Customer vs Promoter, of course) but that will take at least 2 years. In the meantime, we have to strive to create topics of conversation. Ask people for their genuine feedbacks. Christina Lim from NTUC Fairprice shares that they ask Fans "Which local dish you want help to pair wine with", and Chili Crab comes up top. Voting questions like "Do you like this, or Do you like That". Share useful tips that will benefit fans, just like what you might share with your friends. E.g. "My favourite CNY tradition is this. What's yours? Tell us and win xyz". The update/game/promo should NOT be about your brand directly. Oh, and one last cool thing. Take a picture of your family dinner, and share it with us. Winner goes onto our Annual Report 2010 - and it did! Now I feel like working for NTUC. Far more visionary.

The Social Media page to be like a TV channel. Content is KING.

How to handle negative customer feedback on social media?
You need an SOP, there's no two ways about it. You need an interim response to be sent, you need a set response time (not to be missed), and a customer service team that is always on the frontline to assist. You also need a crisis management team that is always available. They should not be the face - leave the face to the local admin. But they should be the brains.

Using Video to sell your product
It has been proven through and through for Toys R Us, that putting a video beside your product sells it. But instead of installing TV screens throughout the store, they put QR codes beside the product and encourage shoppers to see it on their smartphones. Of course once you scan the code, you're inevitably becoming a Fan on their site.

Convert them QUICK.
Once a user reaches your facebook page, do not let them see anything but a big sign that says "Click the 'LIKE' button NOW. Please...." Well, find a more creative marketing language, but the idea is to get them to "Be your friend" or "Like" you as fast as possible.

So with Social Media, what's the use of the Official Site
Studies have shown that its function is now a utilitarian site to check up on product specifications, prices and official RFPs. Just think of the 1001 villas that you look for through expedia.com, but always check their main url at the end right before booking - just to see if it's legit? yeap.

The use of TwitterBots (twitter robots)
In Japan, UCC Coffee used a TwitterBot to Twit everyone who talked about "coffee" about UCC and their promo. This spam was so annoying, that it got banned within 36 hours. But then again, another coffee house used the same Bit to twit everyone who talk about their own brand, about their promo - > it scored!

Let's end this off with my favourite video throughout the conference. It even featured 2 of my good friends J & C!

I need to find out:
1) The number of people from our markets that are booking online, as a percentage of other booking channels
2) Our competitor's % of bookings made online, vs ours
3) What is "SalesForce" and how it can work as a CRM tool
4) What are the top lifestyle blogs in Singapore

Things I need to do immediately:
1)Upload all pictures onto Flickr
2) Facebook advertising- I should target people who indicate interest in "writing", "journalism", "media", "blogging", you get my drift
3) Meet up with Trip Advisor rep in singapore if there is one
4) Give a "Face" to our sales team, and give them each a profile on Facebook and LinkedIn. They should be the ones answering the rates enquries and RFPs. They have to be really approachable, so that customers can just message them anytime. This LinkedIn network will especially work for the SRs' B2B business. With this approach, we are no longer just marketing our product, but more so our PEOPLE. Top management should have their say and faces too -> RS?
5) For Village, I should link all the web banners direct to the launch video as a pop up, and have the main url as backing once video closes.
6) Include QR codes into all print materials

Inspiration in the Village

2010-09-21T00:03:00.001-07:00

Schedule some inspiration into your calendar

Take a break from the opulence of Orchard Road or the tourist haunts at Clarke Quay to experience the real local Singapore. As our city island matures and finds herself to be of legal age to own Casinos, it’s easy to get caught up in the scene of high rollers, meetings after meetings and only to find yourself following a pre-planned schedule.

This month, we say it’s time to open up your mind and get inspired by the real Singapore. In this issue we will wander the local streets to showcase things that inspire us. We will also speak to prominent figures in the Village, and see what inspires them.

A stone’s throw from Orchard Road is the historical district of Little India. Bustling through its inner arteries are brightly coloured flower garlands, the heavy scent of spices and incense, the blaring tunes of Bollywood.

Occupying two shophouses in Rowell Road is Post-Museum, an independent cultural and social space that houses an art gallery, an organic vegetarian café, artists’ studios and offices. Find yourself engaged in the exhibitions as they interpret all aspects from art and design, to architecture and work by NGOs. Take part in their “Really Really Free Market” by bringing anything to barter – no money exchange is allowed! If time permits, you can also volunteer to cook a vegetarian meal to help the less fortunate, and make friends while you’re at it.

Next around the corner is Arab Street, where the Arab traders first settled into Singapore. Here you can do your shopping amid rows of textile and craft shops. Next, weave your way through mobs of tourists crowding the Sultan Mosque and discover Haji Lane—a small laneway reputed as the place to go for offbeat finds by local designers, as well as vintage and limited edition offerings. Goods up for grabs range from ready-to-wear designer fashion to bicycle parts, all nestled comfortably among carpet shops and Shisha (water pipe) bars - original residents of the district.

Right down the lane is White Room. While other designers labels have set up shops in opulent Orchard Road, Phunk Studio, described by UK’s Creative Review magazine as “The Champion of Singapore’s Graphic Scene” had its eyes set on this Village. They stock various international as well as The Drifters their in-house label - all conceived in a studio one level above the shop. We speak to partner and designer at White Room, Arthur Chua. ‘Arab Street and Haji Lane has a dynamic creative energy. There is a good mix of people, brands and shops, and a general freedom you don’t get in any other part of the city—it is one of the few places you can still view public art and graffiti. At night, the street comes alive with cafés and shisha bars extending their eateries out into the street. Everyone does their own thing and respect each other’s spaces, yet we are all friends and there is a real community spirit present’.

Next, we speak to Fahmy Ishak, owner of 1000 Tales - a furniture and lifestyle shop specializing in mid century Scandinivian design. He chose this Village because he sees it as ‘a gritty outpost stuffed with an indie crowd and young entrepeneurs… Haji Lane is the polar opposite of the rest of sterile and clinical Singapore’. Above the shop is Bar Stories, a watering hole that serves up cocktails with their original recipes, with creative names to match—New Age Whisky Sour, anyone?

As a relatively young nation, growth and development are inevitable. And as the façade of the city continues to evolve, more areas are lending to the ultra-polished aesthetic of ‘sophisticated luxury living’, or the towering commercial expression of Shenton Way. The hope for future generations of Singapore’s creative community is that urban development does not devour smaller yet culturally viable neighbourhoods.

So make it a point this trip to Singapore to live it up in the Village, feel the vibe and listen out to the voices of the locals on the street.

Where's next?

2010-08-08T02:53:00.000-07:00

Taking advice from Travel + Leisure SEA, the next step is to go Glamping!

Not that I cant stand the grime in camping, but my friends all seem to be dirt freaks! And ask those who've tried- camping alone is no fun.

So from US$87 per night, the worlds first floating tent resort on Cambodia's Tatai River Is up next!

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Wanderlust Hotel, Singapore

2010-05-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

Feel like crying. Tears of joy and jealousy!

It's brought the furniture from my favourite New Majestic Hotel. Love the artwork and Asylum's interpretation.

This is real competition. Game on!

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Ranadi Villa, Seminyak, Bali

2010-05-16T03:08:00.000-07:00

My home in Bali. Sedap ya:)

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Nick's Hidden Cottages, Ubud, Bali

2010-05-15T20:24:00.001-07:00

This is why I love Bali...

W Hotels Goes Local

2010-04-14T17:01:00.001-07:00

With 15 locations in the works, the boutique-hospitality brand is taking a site-sensitive approach to building its global empire.

By Belinda Lanks
Posted April 14, 2010

Fifteen years ago, an overnight business trip usually meant a lonely night in the room of a national hotel chain. Such a stay may have entailed a few tidy comforts—stacks of folded white towels, a neatly made bed, and a well-stocked minibar—but a Marriott never really feels like a home away from home. There’s a reason, after all, why filmmakers gravitate toward the cold regularity of the hotel as a backdrop for murderous rampages and sordid trysts. But that all changed in 1998, when the mega hospitality corporation Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide began building a brand of hotels to capture what was then becoming known as the “boutique” market. The new enterprise was trademarked W, and it would revolutionize the hospitality industry.
W was built on the shoulders of Ian Schrager, the forward-thinking entrepreneur who (with his Studio 54 business partner, Steve Rubell) opened the first boutique hotel in 1984. With an ultrahip, whimsical design by Andrée Putman, the Morgans Hotel turned style into an amenity and quickly became the stomping ground of New York’s glitterati. It also planted the seed for the idea that a chain hotel could be more than just a generic foam pillow on which to lay your head; it could be a lively destination with public spaces filled with of-the-moment furnishings, signature throw pillows, and expertly friendly bartenders. Sensing a sea change, Barry Sternlicht, Starwood’s chairman at the time, wanted a piece of the action. After failing to buy out Schrager, Sternlicht launched the first W, in midtown Manhattan, to duplicate the quirky Schrager experience—albeit with the financial backing of a major corporation. “It’s very difficult to overstate the importance of what W did when it was launched,” says Bjorn Hanson, a professor of hospitality and tourism management at New York University. “There were so many innovations that today we almost take as the norm. It was a silly thing, but, for example, no hotel brand used curved shower rods.” Now, with 36 hotels in its portfolio (a veritable chain), the brand is hitching its future to more than just shower rods. In a bid to distinguish itself from a growing number of competitors, it has developed a sophisticated design strategy that steeps each hotel in the distinctive culture of each new location.
The formal shift occurred about a year ago, months after Ross Klein, the president of Starwood Hotels and Resorts’ luxury arm and the defining force behind W since 2003, was recruited by Hilton to start up—you guessed it—a boutique chain. (Starwood has filed a lawsuit alleging that Klein and a colleague left with W trade secrets.) The move prompted a shake-up in Starwood’s ranks and a reevaluation of the W brand’s design approach. At the same time, the company was embarking on a major global expansion. Of the 18 projects slated to be completed by the end of 2016, only 3 were in the United States, and the formula the in-house designers had been drawing on—a palette of nine genres with labels like “techno-glam” and “film noir”—was beginning to feel stale. “It was too limiting,” says Eva Ziegler, W’s global brand leader. “And it’s very difficult to explain how, through nine design genres, you are making yourself really relevant to the location.” Instead, W began tapping both established and up-and-coming talent to craft bespoke interiors reflective of their actual surroundings. The results have recently been unveiled in urban centers as disparate as Hollywood, California, and Santiago, Chile.
W’s success—it claims to be the fastest-growing “contemporary lifestyle” hotel brand in the world—has to do, at least in part, with Starwood’s franchise structure. Though the company still owns a few of its hotels, it now takes an “asset-light” approach, handing construction and operational costs over to local developers, who in turn pay Starwood to manage the properties. Starwood remains immune to fluctuating real estate values, while controlling and protecting the W brand—a style-driven image that is inextricably linked to design. Developers may have ultimate say over which designer to use, but they choose from a prescreened list. Before pen is put to paper,

W’s in-house team, along with the developer and the outside design firm, hash out the locale’s defining characteristics, which then become a brief that informs everything from cocktail ingredients and elevator music to staff uniforms and, of course, decor. “Instead of developing a global system, we’re developing a strategy for being a good neighbor to the location,” says Ted Jacobs, Starwood’s vice president of brand design. “If it’s a property in a neighborhood where the buildings are only three stories tall, we don’t want to come in with a fifty-floor-tall tower.”

That attitude is clear in Starwood’s latest offering, W Hollywood, a LEED-registered development that opened in January off Hollywood Boulevard, in the heart of the neighborhood’s historic district. Built on land leased by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the hotel-and-condominium complex promotes public transportation and residential-tower living in a town better known for parking garages and urban sprawl. In meeting all of the stringent site requirements and programming demands, the Dallas-based architecture firm HKS produced something awkward but unobtrusive: a structure that rises 12 stories, the same height as the Taft Building, a Hollywood relic next door. The U-shaped building wraps around a landscaped public plaza and a subway station topped with a canopy of green glass and black granite. The latter was designed by the local firm Rios Clementi Hale as a tribute to the 1930 Pantages Theatre directly across the street, with its black-granite base and gold detailing. “Nobody is really looking at Art Deco as a viable period in Modernism,” says Frank Clementi, one of the firm’s principals. “This is an attempt to create Hollywood Art Deco in a twenty-first-century, reductive, Modernist kind of way.”
While the exterior tries not to upstage old Hollywood, the interior recaptures some of its bygone glamour: a procession of red carpets runs from the star-inlaid Walk of Fame outside, into the hotel’s “Living Room,” and up a spiral Scarlett O’Hara–style staircase, above which a corkscrew–shaped chandelier of fiber optics and glass prisms drips from the double-height ceiling. But the interior designer, Sharilyn Olson Rigdon, of Designstudio Ltd., says she also took inspiration from classic L.A. midcentury Modernism, which blurred the boundaries between inside and outside. “The Living Room isn’t like some of the other Ws,” she says. “We didn’t have the dark, clubby environment. It’s more about transition, the connection between indoor and outdoor, the great natural light of Southern California.” Doors lead from the Living Room to an alfresco movie-screening area that looks out on pedestrian traffic up and down Hollywood Boulevard and the subway station. “It really activates that area and that square by letting people know what’s going on,” Rigdon says. “The lobby does the same thing—even though it’s a private space, it’s an extension of that public plaza.”
Last fall W tested the site-specific formula internationally, in projects in Barcelona and Santiago. The two properties illustrate, in their vastly different interpretations, the flexibility of the design method—and, in the case of Barcelona, its potential complications. In Santiago, the interior designers Tony Chi, a hospitality veteran and New Yorker, and Sergio Echeverria, a Chilean,

focused on local materials, using copper and native tapestries, for instance, to create a layered, eclectic feel.

The building provides meeting places and street-level retail in a sleepy corner of El Golf, a high-end district. In Spain, where the hotel is part of the ambitious Nova Bocana urban-renewal plan for the Port of Barcelona, the renowned Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill erected a grand homage to the Mediterranean—an imposing sail-like structure and the first hotel with beach access in the trendy neighborhood of Barceloneta. The interiors are intentionally minimal and soft, so as not to grab attention away from the glorious water views out of the guest-room windows. But while the 26-story Vela (“Sail” in Spanish) is no doubt stunning, it has drawn ire from locals, some of whom have petitioned to have it torn down. The El País columnist Agustí Fancelli denounced the privatization of public beachfront, likening the hotel to “an inglorious beer belly.”
Missteps notwithstanding, such attention to location ensures that every ground-breaking offers something completely different from the one before—a boon to the brand as it seeks to retain and expand its loyal customer base. “We realized that based upon the lifestyle associated with the W, our little psychographic is fickle,” Jacobs says. “Whatever is cool tomorrow won’t be the following week.” But now competition is springing up from traditional brands like Hyatt (which introduced Andaz, its version of the boutique hotel, in 2007) as well as independently owned hotels, all jockeying to “outquirk” the giant. “A younger Gen-X-er or an older millennial might see W as being somewhat predictable,” says NYU’s Hanson. So while Starwood does everything it can to fight the perception of predictability and stay on trend, it’s bumping up against an inconvenient truth: that the brand it built in reaction to the status quo has unwittingly become the hotel establishment.

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NYC Top B List

2010-04-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN NEW YORK

Since it seems that single letters as names are all in the rage (e.g. W Hotel and M Hotel), I have decided to call my selection amongst New York's finest hotels - the B list.

The choice of B in itself is obvious for Boutique. Yet in other ways it speaks for the honest Best way to live.

Here's my Top 5.

5. GRAMERCY PARK

Precinct: Manhattan - Gramercy Park

Average Per Night: US$229

A rich lady in SoHo acting like the Upper East Side's grandmother. The excessive burgundy velvet curtains, the gold painted house phones that require circumventular dialing, and an elusive receptionist that looked up at us with a questioning eye.

So maybe its just not my style. But above all, it was the smell of the fresh fertilizers that welcomes you to the lobby- (nope, not nice) a spillover from it's all exclusive Gramercy Park that really blew the deal.

4. NIGHT HOTEL

Precinct: Times Square

Average Per Night: US$119

This one I liked alot! Right next to Times Square is a great place to start for a first time New Yorker. Amidst the bustle and bright lights galore, treat Night as your own sexy hideout. Dim lights, extremely polished yet friendly service, and music that seemed to know my mood- rock in the day and smooth jazz at night. I had special interest in the fashion portraits - that too depicted lifestyles of Galliano and Marciano one would imagine. I stayed in this one so i know that the bedrooms are PLUSH. Loved the soft fluffy white bed dramatically posed against it's black walls. Even the robe was black (nice touch). Would have made it higher in the ranks if not due to it's sheer small size, and lack of facilities and sloppy breakfast. Affordable, it's a winner of Location against Price ratio.

3. W HOTEL, TIMES SQUARE

Precinct: Times Square

Average Per Night: US$239

Hotel group: Starwood Hotels

W has been my all time favourite brand. This lies beyond the decor, the service, or even the guests.

The lobby smells of Fashion TV, and others from the elitist scene. The music is pumping, the DJ is spinning and the W Shop merchandises designer items like its a chic flea market. Disrespectful to haute couture, some might say. But to me, its the 'Insider's air of nonchalance. There is an undeniable air of je ne sais quoi.

Check out their facebook site, its well worth a visit. http://www.facebook.com/WHotels?sk=app_131220880228797

2. THOMPSON GILD HALL

Precinct: Manhattan, Wall Street

Average Per Night:US$119

Hotel group: Thomson Group of Hotels

This one is the most 'boutique' of the lot, balancing on the edge of cool, and weird. The hotel welcomes you with dimly lit antelope horn chandeliers, exotic dried plants (I hope) in glass jars, an old tavern-styled bar with all whiskeys, and floor to ceiling full of books. It's a comfy space. The leather sofas spot a slightly modern italian penache, and the service is polite and inviting.

But for me, it hit the spooky spot on the second floor. Currently an abandoned extension of the bar, it's lone long candlelight dinner table set amidst rocking crystal chandeliers above, makes a disturbing picture of a dagger darting murder scene. Just then, let me challenge you to visit the toilet. Past the heavy door that clicks a loud lock, you will find what some call the legacy chart, but I call the obituaries. Photographed faces of old men neatly framed. Last but not least while you pee, a hand sketch but realistic looking lady stares at you with dilapidated eyes. Oh my god. Not my style, but very quirky indeed.

1. HUDSON HOTEL

The entrance is horridly exclusive, and if you did not arrive by helicopter, you won't find the entrance too easily. It's their way of saying - "For those in the know, ONLY". There is no hotel sign, there is no big lobby facing the road, there is no taxi stand - only two starkly dressed boys standing at salute. Enter if you're on the list.

Get past the glowing escalators and wa-lah! Welcome to my favourite part of NYC.

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Customisation to Women, Men and Couples

2010-03-12T23:16:00.000-08:00

“Men want their room to be a something where they dump their stuff; they go out drinking, they come back and watch porn. The women want it to be a spa.”

And that's what the beauty of a boutique hotel will be able to cater. The art of customization means surveying many travelers on what they wish for. Hmm.

Women like robes and ordering room-service breakfast. Satin-covered skirt hangers in the closet, curling irons, yoga mats, ladies "emergency kits", fashion magazines and larger sized Aveda amenities, all at no extra charge. DO you know what that means to women? It means that instead of lugging around 20 kilograms on wheels and sometimes unglamorously through puddles, all can be compact into my sexy oversized miu miu.

Then try to google images for women only hotels. I'm not going to spill here. Go try it and you'll know where the real money is going to come from.

Uomo and Donna (The gentleman and the lady in Italian). T'is shall be the names of the floors. It shall always remind me of the hectic days of my youth, and a passionate, committed and inspiring director.

Also on name-hunting, maybe Wish is just the word I'm looking for. Wish, Hope, Love, Peace and Joy. I guess I really am a hippie after all. A good name for a loyalty program perhaps?

2010-03-10T08:39:00.000-08:00

Evaluating media sponsorship proposals

2010-03-07T00:31:00.000-08:00

Name of Publication:

Reach
Circulation number:
Readership number:
Geographical reach:

Reader profile
For lifestyle publications:
Average age of reader:
Average income level of reader:

For trade publications:
Industry of focus:
Average size of corporates under influence:

Related regular sections or features in the publication
For lifestyle publications:
e.g. travel, dining, etc

For trade publications:
e.g. the corporate traveller's choice, top mice venues, etc.

Other advertisers
e.g. competitors, fashion, electronic gadgets, cars?

Match of Target Market
A comparison to target market of our product

Due diligence
To check with corporate communications on their request
Check if there's impact on the corporate level
Check if there are opportunities to cross-sell any other FEO products

Calculating Media Value
How many pages is the feature?
How many other items/venues will be featured?
Total media value = advertisement value + pr value

Level of Sponsorship (in return)
Value of product requested:
% against budget:
Full sponsorship, or media rate?
Site inspection or without?

Follow up
To add to media list
To collect published press clipping
To notify sales team
ability to use press clippings as sales tool?
ability to track its contribution to sales?
To track total media value generated for the year

To host or not to host

2010-03-07T00:07:00.000-08:00

Marketing Executive
Hospitality Division, Far East Organization

If you are ever interested in the above job, this is your scope.

The Team
2-man team of 1 Manager and 1 Executive
The rest of the Marketing team that handles residential property, retail, business leasing, etc. have their own perogative and have absolutely no time to teach or help you. Needless to say, residential property gets the biggest pie in terms of resources, and the boss' attention.

Expectations
Everyone at the executive level are capable, and have at least 6 years or more of working experience. Manager have at least 10 years. So unless you intend to scramble and die trying, do not join the organization fresh and expect others to be there to teach you (that was stupid me). Please remember that even if others had the time, it doesn't mean that they would be able to teach you. Not everyone more senior than you is smart or experienced enough to ask the same questions you're asking (much less answer them). It's like my director and I nearly fainted when a manager asked me how to measure a publication's advertisement effectiveness akin to our products, and how to analyze the budget.

Portfolio
You will be handling marketing efforts for 7 hotels, 11 serviced residences, 4 restaurants and 2 franchises. Of which, your jobs range from conning international CEO level clientele to buy 4.5 million dollar condos, to psycho-ing local cheap-charlie coffeeshop makan-ers to chomp on american sandwiches. Considering that hotels and f&B require attention on the day-to-day operational basis, stretched and overworked is an understatement to just keep the products afloat the red line. Prioritization is one big skill you will need to learn. You will do media buying, alot of copy writing and editorial writing, manja-ing of the press to write stories about your products, conceptualizing advertisements, producing (from concept to art direction to print colour proofing) of a hundred and one collaterals, branding, I don't know what I do anymore. Of course, there are a hundred invoices to clear, suppliers to manage, etc.

Ok i'm too tired. I'm going for a massage now.

The 6 P’s of Luxury Marketing

2010-03-03T10:19:00.001-08:00

From Luxury Society Beta, thinking about my luxury segment of Orchard Scotts, Regency House and Orchard Parksuites

Listening to the customer has led Winsper to define six key areas that luxury marketing must pay attention to—people, product, passion, pleasure, purpose, and price. These areas—which fully cover what matters most to luxury consumers—have been identified based on Winsper’s years of experience in observing and communicating with high net worth individuals at work, at play, at home— and all the places in between. Seriously considering the 6 P’s as an integrated framework, and understanding the reciprocity of the “P’s” within this framework, will greatly impact the way luxury marketers approach their customers and allow them to create unique relationships throughout the buyer’s journey.

1. People: They Buy From People
Whether someone is selling a product through a channel or using a direct sales model, the value of people in the buying process is critical to the success of business transaction. And that is just the start of the fruitful journey of building brand loyalty. The most successful luxury brand organizations have built best practices for the proper training of their brand ambassadors who directly/indirectly touch the consumer (e.g., salespeople, customer service representatives, phone operators, etc.).

2. Product: The Six Key Characteristics of Luxuries
Within the 6 P’s of luxury marketing, product quite naturally plays a central role. Through extensive interviews with luxury goods consumers, French marketing professor Bernard Dubois identified six key characteristics of luxury that are inherent in a product and/or its brand: quality, heritage, integrity, price, scarcity, and superfluousness or non-utility. These characteristics will mean different things to different people.²

3. Passion: Connoisseurship Shared in Real and Virtual Communities
The pursuit of luxury is often a passionate endeavor and the affluent can be very passionate consumers. In many instances, it is their passionate nature that has put them in the position to access the luxuries that comprise their lifestyle. Passionate consumers share their passion in a variety of “old-fashioned” (clubs and association) and emerging (online communities, blogs) arenas. Luxury marketers need to be particularly cognizant of what’s happening online: both good and bad news travels fast.

4. Pleasure: Luxury is Experiential
Pleasure derived from luxury consumption comes from the experience. A luxury experience implies an emphasis on senses and emotions. Luxury marketers need to ensure that their customers have the opportunity for sensory connection with their products, and should also consider emotional appeals in their marketing campaigns.

5. Purpose: Luxury May Have an Element of Superfluity, But it Can Also be Practical
Although luxury might be superfluous, it also serves a purpose. Most luxury products have a utilitarian aspect, which is more or less important to different individuals. Luxury marketers should arm themselves with a combination of practical, factual information, and ways for customers to connect to the pleasure aspects of their products. Luxury customers will place varying weights on the importance of pleasure vs. purpose. Marketers need to be prepared for all possible combinations.

6. Price: The Rise of Fractional Ownership
Money matters to the affluent, who tend to spend rationally, even if they seem to spend a great deal. Aware of the many downsides of ownership, the affluent increasingly favor fractional ownership. While fractional ownership may not always be relevant, luxury marketers should consider adding this to their mix.

Shots that I like

2010-02-24T09:14:00.001-08:00

It was another full day of 'Shooting'. Almost got 'shot' in some spots but my skin was so thick I bounced them all back.

I art directed food photography for alfresco trattoria style dining, and modern italian semi fine-dining.
I also art directed interior photography for the restaurant, complete with male and female talent.
with absolutely no experience.

How did I do it?

I'm sure many people have said this before, but Google is my best friend. So is gettyimages. I have learnt so much from getty since I was doing fine arts in secondary school. I relied on getty for all my projects, looking for good shots to draw, paint, etc. When I needed to make christmas cards in JC, I relied on getty to get elements of photos, only to crop out or DI away their watermark. Now, I rely on getty for stock images when I am too lazy to go do a shoot!

Ok so I had to do a photoshoot for my new restaurant's interior. It's the first time I'm working with professional models, professional cameras, and lil jayne here that has "no graphic eye" was the art director. good laugh huh. With absolutely no guidance on how I should plan the shoot schedule, the angles that will work, the lighting, the mood, where the focus should be, etc. I picked the model, picked the photographer, picked the dress, picked the angles, picked the food to be served, AND gave art direction for the photos.

Then I had a heart attack at 2am the night before the shoot because the wardrobe that my model picked out as 'cocktail dresses' were sleezy SPG tube dresses. So I went to ASOS.com to find dresses that were classier, and sent them to the stylist to go figure. The colours had to be more subtle, but not pale (her dresses were bright blue, bright red, and in either jersey or satin with lace). The style had to present a 30 - 35 year old lady, not a clubberholic. And I paid for the model because I wanted to see her face, not her boobs. Oh anyway...

So lastly it was the food la. The photographer is an accomplished fine dining photographer that shoots for celebrity chefs around the world. Not sure how i got him to do the shoot for me at 30% of (not 30% off) his usual rates, but I love working with this one. But his specific skill set aside, I've never seen his work on mood food shots that were needed for alfresco Yellow OChre. So 'dumb n kiasu' here went to look for more samples lor.

I'm really praying that the photos don't come out to be disastrous.

Hidden Voices for March

2010-02-24T09:08:00.000-08:00

Because my language is too 'flippant' and my style of writing will never see daylight at my organization, here's a spill of what I really want to say, how i want to say it. First Draft, photos courtesy of singapore tourism board digital library..

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Guests,

March is the month of excursions aplenty as we bring you deeper into the hearts, sights and sounds of the Singaporean lifestyle and culture. Besides the hustle and bustle along Orchard Road and the Central Business District, spend some time this month discovering the ethnic charm, many scenic parks, and quaint streets right the proximity of your Village Hotel & Residence.

CHANGI VILLAGE
Home to Changi Village Hotel

21 March, 7am – 11.30pm
AVIVA Ironman 70.3 Singapore
East Coast Park
The AVIVA Ironman 70.3 Singapore Triathlon consists of a 1.9km swim at East Coast Park, a 90km scenic expressway bike leg across our Central Business District and a 21.1km run along East Coast Park. With international professional athletes all geared up to win, it is definitely an intense and exciting sight to behold. For more details visit http://www.Ironman703Singapore.com/

27 March
Local Noodles-making session
Changi Village Hotel
Get your hands dirty and fluff up the flour with local celebrity chef William Soh and learn how to make noodles- Singaporean style. From spinach noodles to tomato noodles, get tips and recipes for these simple-to-make but good-to-impress comfort food.

CHINATOWN
Home to Central Square Village Residences, and Riverside Village Residences

26 March
Walk around Chinatown, and Food Street for Dinner
This month, we are going shopping! Chinatown is a hive of activity all year round. Locals flock to the precinct to enjoy dimsum, lay hands on Street Market buys, and pay respects in the temples and mosques. After which, a sumptuous dinner is on us! Choose from the glorious selection of Singapore’s reknown hawker fare from spicy sambal stingray to Satays in all types of meat with all types of sauces to match. The weather might be balmy, but there’s nothing better than some good company and good food.

HOUGANG
Home to Hougang Village Residences

Excursion to Pasir Ris Park
27 March, 9am
Hop onto the public bus with your friendly resident manager and neighbours to discover Singapore’s laid-back charms. For those keen on a soft adventure and nature trails, we will be strolling by the beach, cycling, visiting the mangrove swamp and Sungei Api Api, and even get a take at horse-riding! Do bring along some snacks as well, as the plan includes a relaxing picnic.

KAMPONG GLAM
Home to Landmark Village Hotel and Albert Court Village Hotel

4 – 6 March
Kumar: Stripped Bare and Standing Up
Esplanade Theatre
The best way to get a dose of local humor would be to catch the outrageously funny Kumar. After 17 years, Kumar, the undisputed Drag-Queen of local comedy turned his "no-holds-barred" wicked sense of humour onto himself. Everyone squeals with laughter! Nothing is sacred as he shares the hilarious (yet moving) stories of his growing up years with his Dad, how he was discovered in a dress and his many escapades in the army. Tickets available at SISTIC

6 – 7 March
OCBC Cycle
F1 Pit Building
Amongst the most highly anticipated sporting events of the year, the OCBC Cycle Singapore opens selected streets in Singapore for bicycles for two full days. Be part of the festival by enjoying the spectacle of more than 5000 cyclists work out their muscles on the car-free streets, or simply by partying in the Lifestyle Village carnival.

12 March
Cheese and Garlic Naan Tasting
Landmark Village Hotel, Riverside Tandoor Restaurant
If you are a bread lover, you will delighted to know that this leavened, oven-baked flat bread will be prepared slightly salty, chewy and absolutely delicious. Cooked in a Tandoor (clay) oven, this staple for many local Indians takes alot of patience and skill to put together. Often graced with fragrant essences, some even incorporate a mixture of nuts and raisins to add flavor.

19 March
Soya Beancurd Tasting
Albert Court Village Hotel
Affectionately known as Tau Huay to many Singaporeans, this Chinese dessert is either served ice-cold for a refreshing mouthful, or piping hot for a sweet comfort fix. Either poached in clear sweet syrup, or adorned with gingko nuts, this traditional supper-favourite has also turned its neighbourhood coffee shops into hot evening-chat spots for locals.

WEST COAST

Home to West Coast Village Residences

6 - 7 March
West Side Jam 2010
Raffles Marina
For its third year running, it's a weekend long of extreme-sports action! Promising an exhilarating sight, these 100 international pros will be Wakeboarding, Wakeskating and Wakesurfing at the bay of Raffles Marina against some highly challenging water obstacles. Apart from which, it's a party with non-stop mixes by local and international DJs, and a beach babe contest by Roxy.

19 March
‘Dinner at a Local Home’
Back by popular demand, this series brings you a chance to dine at a local Singaporean’s home, get to know their culture and learn more about the food and local dining habits. This season, we will be hosting you at a friendly Muslim family home where you will enjoy mouth-watering dishes such as Satay, Sambal Prawns, Beef Rendang and vegetable curry.

Quirky Map Advertisement

2010-02-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

Sells your location right away. Something I've learnt from a property developer

Lovely eDM designs

2010-02-24T09:04:00.000-08:00

Gigantic Multi M/Billion Dollar Buildings

2009-10-11T06:46:00.000-07:00

An inspiration. One day when you're at the top, you'll just be analyzing trends, looking at figures and proposals. Building mega structures will be as simple as another ordinary project. Research online about architectural friends, put it up for pitching by three architectural firms, select the best concept at lowest cost on a standard approval memo or meeting's minutes. A building of multi billions will just be another daily affair. Target market, SWOT, ROI, Approvals and an Ok-Go!

No longer a gawking tourist amazed by the grandeur and splendour.

Branding Outburst on the bus 166

2009-10-11T06:34:00.000-07:00

Branding is to understand what the organization stands for. It is full of excitement, stimulating feelings!

A Brand's Promise (if fulfilled in time) will make a brand credible and trusty the same way a person/ your friend you've known for 10 years can be to you.

With that belief, employees will work doubly hard to fulfil their promise, with trust that they're not the only ones. When the brand excites people, it will make them spread the word and become zealots for it. There will be expectations that requires consistency in delivery.

"What would he/she do when faced upon this problem? What would the brand do?"

I never knew much about Branding, the works or how to create it. But I'm a brand zealot for the brands I reckon with. I will advocate them to everyone I know, and purchase any product I need from their brand without consideration of any other options. That's because I know for sure that this brand suits me the best and nothing else could suit me better.

One day I hope that Far East Organization will be a brand that their target audience will buy and invest in without having to walk 20 show flats. Though looking at the current situation, this might take at least 10 years. But when it happens, they would know that ours are the best suited to their needs, and that there's no need to consider the other developers, malls or F&B chains.

Like a cult, when a consumer believes in the brand, he/she is more able to accept flaws that are not so important to them. Of course this has to be topped up with the best service and trouble shooting helps if they ever had an issue.

I'm an apple zealot. Not because my 2nd generation laptop iBook G4 purchased from the NUS Co-Op hasn't broken down int he last 4 years of usage. But because when I did have problems E.g. split water on the keyboard, they fixed it within a day at no extra cost (in spain without a word of spanish). Of course there were other instances too.

One day at my own hotel, when I'm really old and tired and happy, I'll sell my chain to worthy hands and retire with a suite

Sunday Reds

2009-10-03T23:56:00.001-07:00

Today's a Sunday. I should be having my Monday Blues in less than 24 hours. But I'm having Sunday Reds- a new term coined by Jayne Goh, it refers to the slight annoyance and frustration of having to venture out into the scorching heat in the name of work.

To understand the properties of the company I've newly joined, I would need to have a first hand experience. It's stunning how some writers can produce copy after copy describing places they have never once been to. I guess the Sunday Reds get into them too.

The plan for today is to visit three properties though I believe I might end up at only two. Read on and deduce which two are more feasible.

Albert Court Village Hotel
Golden Village Hotel
Changi Village Hotel

The launch of this new branding will be held at the end of this month and hence I will refrain from speaking too much about it. Nonetheless I think it's a good strategic idea by the company, though I am doubtful about the implementation process of this new brand. After all, most of the rooms need some major reno and most of the service staff need to be retrained. None of which I think the company has plans for at this moment.

Ironic how I'm simply blabbering instead of setting my actual foot out to start the adventure.

New Majestic Hotel & Hotel 1929- Quirky Enclave of "Hidden Treasures"

2009-09-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

I went to pay New Majestic Hotel a visit a few afternoons ago as part of my quest to know more about Boutique Hotels. Spent a total of 2 hours with Ms Wahidah, Sales Manager. She was extremely friendly and exudes a charming disposition. Her passion and knowledge about their boutique property was clear.

Quirky Enclave of "Hidden Treasures"

The two properties (2 minute walk) lie within a full flavoured enclave that includes traditional chinese clans & temples, french fine dining, and even a quirky designer cafe that lets you rent their kitchen to test your recipes!

Right around the corner of New Majestic Hotel sits the millionaire club that dates back to Singapore's e

arly days. Truth be told, Bukit Pasoh street used to be none other than the "Mistress Street" where millionaires kept their hidden treasures... It was a bright and some would say sweltering day, but the explorer in me certainly didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying my tour.

Take your pick and savour the famous local food right there! Wahidah's eyes lit as she was sharing her daily joys of Nasi Padang, Beef Kway Teow and Kaya Toast stores in their respective traditional coffee shops. Click on the links of the dishes to know what they are.

Be amused by the almost forgotten red light district further down. Virtually unnoticeable by day, most of them display a numbered box that shines in Neon deep into the night. As I displayed amusement, Wahidah assured me that the hotel guests should have no worries. The ladies do not solicit, and are "Of Their Era" and serve only their local regulars.

But really... The cutest part of it all was the little park right in between New Majestic Hotel and Hotel 1929! On that (already previously mentioned) sweltering hot day, the park was surprisingly cool and breezy. Did you know that this red brick road used to be the path of the railway that links Singapore up to Thailand? And I'm not sure if you can tell from this picture but there's also a badminton court right behind the benches, so bring your rackets and play away! Last but not least- the back view of these old shophouses are of absolute delight. Though each shophouse has already been renovated and re-decorated, their unique architecture and charm still remained! How quaint! I sat on that bench on the left and read my book for half an hour. I won't even have left if not because my growling stomach.

So on your next visit, request for a guided tour around the area! Their friendly staff will be delighted to show off the area as long as there's enough manpower for the hour.

How to prevent "Room Lifters"

2009-09-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

This must be especially prevalent in Singapore- where the "Kiasu" mentally calls home. On family holidays with the extended family, my aunts will instruct all kids to scour and collect everything that can be brought home. These items include tissue paper boxes, toilet rolls, shampoos, coffee, tea, sewing kits, etc. They say that they'll use the toiletries when they go out swimming because they're small and convenient. But the family can't swim.

My mother was the only one who would pull me in to prevent such "xiao3 jia1 zi3 qi4" behavior (i'll find a term for it in english. give me a while.)

However, an active forum conversation saw a swarm of agitated hospitality professionals against guests taking towels, bed sheets, pillows, and in one case a whole consolidated set of china from the restaurant!

Two main solutions that were discussed...

Convert room lifting into room shopping! Let them know that it's on sale! You may even offer the used ones at a discount.
Use RFID trackers! Every piece of linen is tagged so the charge automatically goes to the room guest once they step out of the hotel door.

A video of how RFID works.

To view the discussion on Linked In, click here

Conception Holidays! Absurd & Funny~

2009-09-01T23:17:00.000-07:00

Aruba (pronounced /əˈruːbə/) is a 33-kilometre (21 mi)-long island of the Lesser Antilles in the southern Caribbean Sea. (Wikipedia)

From Blogger Pictures

------------------------------------------
By Kitty Bean Yancey, USA TODAY
First came honeymoons. Then "babymoons" before an infant arrives.
Now comes the latest couples' hotel gimmick: the conception vacation.

Inspired by coral spawning season on the island, The Westin Resort on Aruba is offering twosomes a $300 "conception credit" toward their next stay if they conceive a child while staying Sept.1-Dec. 19. Those trying for pregnancy (and others) can book a $399 daily package for two, including drinks, meals, lodging and tax. Reserve before Sept. 30 and get a $100 resort credit toward spa treatments and more. Information: 877-782-0149 or westinaruba.com/allinclusive. (Ask for rate plan CLASSIC.)
------------------------------------------

Melissa Scott, Lexington Hotels says...

"I'm sure some will say it's creative, others will say gimmicky - but the bottom line is that it got them a nice article in USA Today. You can't buy that type of publicity on a mere promotion.
The reader probably didn't say 'wow, let me book'... but the Westin/Aruba name is now in his/her mind. The promotion definitely generates buzz, which the brand most likely wants.
The $300 won't make people want to get pregnant and for those who are already considering it, I doubt it would be an incentive because the discount doesn't apply until the NEXT visit.. and as the saying goes 'parenthood ain't cheap.' So a pregnancy could put an end to romantic travel getaways for the next 18 years."

Gyms & Pools in Business Hotels. Do they have to be PRIVATE?

2009-09-01T22:53:00.000-07:00

Today I came across an advertisement in one on my Linked In Groups regarding having the Gym as a profit centre. Honestly, it sure sounds to any hotel owner to have new streams of revenue. But that means that we'll either have to start charging our in-room guests (that doesn't make sense), or open up these private facilities to outsiders.

As a guest, if I had a really nice fitness centre within the same block in the likes of Phillip Wain, True Yoga & True Fitness, or Fitness First I won't care if it was open to their members. The hotel could be leasing out the space to this external company for a profit, enjoy the traffic of people (hence enhancing their F&B clientele), enjoy the co-branding as a high-end business hotel, and save on gym operating costs that they would have needed anyway! However, I've gotta bear in mind that this only works for Business Hotels and not for luxury resorts where privacy is key.

Yup I guess I just answered my own question. I would aim to bring in an established fitness facility instead of trying to develop our own cost centre. I would probably still want an exclusive area in the gym though (like an alfresco bar, or hot water jacuzzi that admits hotel guests only)

In case you're interested, the advertisement read....
-----------------------------------------
HOTEL PROFIT CENTER GYMS
Revenue sources include:

1. Membership (enrollment/monthly/PIF)
2. Personal training (private/group)
3. Personal training rent from trainers (optional)
4. Health fairs
5. Internal digital advertising
6. Web advertising (club software/website)
7. Sub-leasing to fitness/health related tenants
8. Leasing gym space to ProGymSystems

Our concept transforms a necessary amenity into an additional income source. Due to memberships being sold outside of the hotel, foot traffic will increase and will directly benefit all hotel retail and restaurants.
-----------------------------------------

What kind of hotel would I like to own

2009-09-01T06:38:00.000-07:00

For sure I'd say boutique hotel. But boutique hotels hold a stigma for many corporates and there is certainly a limit of economies of scale that you can do. It's not exactly somewhere you can attract 300 people to, and close the contract for that particular tradeshow or incentive trip at the end of the year. Especially when times are bad and luxury becomes taboo, businessmen are told not to be hosted at places that are non standard business hotels (price regardless).

Then there's the next question. Would I want to own the property, or simply manage it. MGM is starting to choose the latter that brings less risk, but less return too.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/08312009/business/mgm_mirage_taps_name_power_in_global_pus_187301.htm

Introduction to Boutique vs Boutique

2009-08-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first thought of Boutique vs Boutique.

(Pardon my amateur views, since this is all part of my self learning journey.) I ultimately want to build a hotel that I would like to love to live in and call my home. But of course, it also has to have the best business model to sustain my extravagance of living in the hotel! So here what I'm looking for...

So I'm just gonna have to write in to them and hopefully someone will be free to bring me around the hotel, allow me to take pictures, etc. I'm not sure who would actually entertain me but I sure hope they will be friendly. I'll keep you guys in the loop!

Call me a hippie, but THAT IS MY DREAM

2009-08-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.redbull.com/cs/Satellite/en_INT/Video/24-Hour-Party-People-021242757879382?p=1242745957959
(can't embed the video because blogger seems to be neglected by google)

The day I own a hostel, it would not be just a place for lodging but an institution that stands for the freedom of the world. It will be a congregation of people from every part of the world gather and celebrate the fact that we are fortunate enough to have a roof over our heads, fortunate enough to have cash to travel, and fortunate enough to have freedom to. People who have lived there will share an bond like great friends because of that one experience in life. It will be so famous that it will become a travel destination not unlike Woodstock or the towns of Castro.

Call me a hippie, but THAT IS MY DREAM.

About Quirky Me 2

2009-08-21T02:54:00.000-07:00

I grew up as a normad. I was the only child and my parents got divorced when I was 9. I accompanied my mother on her many business travels and lived mostly out of my suitcase.

At my young age I wasn't allowed to tour the cities by myself so I was stuck in the room with nothing but homework. URGH. Right? But the great hotel rooms kept me occupied. There were always new things to discover. The first thing I'd do when I get into a room is to open all the drawers, and check out all the amenities. Sewing kits amuse me, soft bath robes make the stay, but the best would still be the TV in the bathroom. I would rejoice and do a little "I've got a TV in the Bathroom Dance" whenever I see it!

As I grew older, I started noticing the Brands of amenities. Who in the right mind would use the super hair damaging, "Whatever Hotel" branded shampoos and disinfectant smelling soaps anyway. So I was thrilled to find out that New Majestic Hotel ties up with Kiehls to provide the best toiletries that guests Will Use, and Like! Hotel stays are all about pampering anyway right?

By the way, New Majestic Hotel includes a Nespresso machine in each room and the Fullerton serves up TWG Tea!

20 Best Practices for DMO Websites

2009-06-15T22:23:00.000-07:00

http://www.xotels.com/en/marketing/destination-internet-marketing

Some ways of understanding and hence developing the optimal strategy for web 2.0

Reusing Towels

2009-05-24T07:40:00.001-07:00

To cut laundry costs, many hotels have begun to leave signs that request their guests to throw towels into the bathtub or on the floor if they need to be replaced.

However, a level up to that was revealed at a recent discussion on a hoteliers network. Instead of leaving the used towels where they were to look messy, hoteliers would like to fold the used towels & display them nicely again.

Problem & Question that arises is: How do guests then identify their own previously used towels?

Criteria suggested were...

1. Non rust

2. Will not injure guests if not noticed

3. Will not injure washing machine if not noticed.

Solutions suggested were...

1. Ribbon clips

http://shop.comdir.co.uk/Products.aspx?intGroupID=1562&strProductID=iggfiaehpd&strWebTemplate=C

2. Magnetic Towel Tags

http://magtagz.com/

Cute solutions of the day!

Cable Network at Low cost to hotel owners

2009-05-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

At only $1 per room a month and no additional cost to the hotel, a cable network can be setup as an additional service for your guests!

http://www.comcast.com/

BTMICE despised as luxury

2009-05-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

Jay Witzel, the chairman and CEO of Carlson Hotels, which owns the Radisson hotel chain, said he feared the economic crisis had created an "America where legitimate travel is being questioned and canceled.

"Business travel is not optional, nor is it a luxury," he said. "There's no substitute for face to face, hand to hand and heart to heart meetings."

A Friendly Proposition

2009-05-21T08:04:00.001-07:00

1. Advertising & Promotions

Maxout Hydrosports Catalog 2008/2009

This journey included the initial branding decisions upon deciding the corporate image. It was especially difficult to blend the luxury of yacht charters, and the young and sporty element of wakeboarding. I had to source for the designer, photographer and even the models all under the budget of a mere $1000. As such I had the chance to personally choreograph the photo shoot, plan the layout, and complete the packaging of the catalogue.

Maxout Catalog 08/09

View more presentations from Jayne Goh.

2. Events Management

West Side Jam 2009

Consisting of the formulation of the business plan & budget, garnering for sponsorships & actualising the cash, implementation of the event's dreams such as the designing, sourcing for talents and all the way down to the logistics planning... By achieving the target of $17,000 worth of sponsorships and 500 participants, I believe that I have succeeded in time amongst the world's worst economic uncertainties. Do continue to read the published press releases.

Press Releases of West Side Jam 2009

West Side Jam Post Press Release Nautique Magazine

View more documents from Jayne Goh.

West Side Jam FHM Pre Press Release

View more documents from Jayne Goh.

West Side Jam FHM Post Press Release

View more documents from Jayne Goh.

Action Asia Page 82, Feature of West Side Jam 2009

View more PDF documents from Maxout Hydrosports.

Sponsorship

The rationale was to maximize not only the exposure, but the sales revenue of Sponsors. I hence held pre-event sales parties such as wine tasting sessions and launch parties on the yachts to satisfy the alcohol market- achieving sales far exceeding sponsorship amounts. Lastly, year long tie-ups for exclusive sales rights and logo display rights on water obstacles sealed the deals.

WSJ 090208

View more presentations from Jayne Goh.

Co-Branding Hotels & Fashion

2009-05-08T01:36:00.000-07:00

Bergdorf Goodman and The Berkeley: collaborating the other way around

Collaboration with hospitality providers can flow in the opposite direction as well, as in the recent pairing between the Berkeley hotel and Bergdorf Goodman. The iconic London property brought its famous Prêt-a-Portea afternoon tea service across the Atlantic during New York Fashion Week, customising it to inspirations provided by Bergdorf Goodman’s Linda Fargo and Roopal Patel.

The idea behind the tea service is to interpret runway styles into dainty confections, and in the Bergdorf version, specific designs from Michael Kors, Chanel, Christian Louboutin, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Thakoon, Marchesa and Oscar de la Renta, were adapted into edible delights ranging from a Chanel quilted handbag petit four, to a sparkling Louboutin stiletto cookie, to a Kors Regatta dress reinterpreted in airy mousse.

Prêt-a-Portea, a collaboration between the Berkeley Hotel and Bergdorf Goodman’s fashion directors

The deal did not require that any money change hands, since the brands involved saw the mutual benefit in joining forces. Bergdorf’s customers enjoyed the added-value to their shopping experience and one might fathom how the tea service could whet appetites to purchase the original sources of inspiration.

For its part, the Berkeley was able to make a unique impression on tourists, an important target market and a good match for its preferred guest demographic: well-to-do Uptowners with a surplus of disposable income, even in this economy. The pairing also enabled the partners to maximise their shared media contacts, generating coverage (i.e. free advertising) in Vanity Fair, The New York Times and W, amongst others.

Swine Flu Pandemic

2009-04-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the Singapore government announced the pandemic alert code to be Yellow, one more dangerous from the previous code green.

With the possibility of replicating the situation during SARS, the travel and tourism industry ust got another "kick in the tooth".

While cancellations are inevitable, what sales teams need to do is to mobilize to work with companies that choose not to travel for sales meetings. Coordination between properties would be essential. For example, if the asian companies with businesses in US need to meet up with their counterparts, the US properties (now synonymous with swine flu) need to communicate to their properties in perhaps Japan (in between asia & us) to grab these opportunities. Lastly, to grab whatever possible crumbs and maintain their status as a "meetings solution", they can instead promote web-based meeting capabilities using their providers.

Beautiful Staff & Uniform differentiates "House Keeping" and "Chamber Maid"

2009-04-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

Fateh Garh, Udaipur, India,

Published in Conde Nast Traveller May 2009

The chamber maid is dressed in an elegant traditional sari, matching the floral pattern on the headboard and throughout Fateh Garth.

The elegant ladies reminds me of concubines in the imperial palace. Or in the modern world, SIA girls. The beauty portrayed of this league of ladies might also help to attract young girls to join the traditionally boring trade of "house keeping". Perhaps it is the same way the SIA girls are now thought differently from simple "waitresses".

Enough of Spa Vouchers, Discounts.. burp

2009-04-29T05:32:00.000-07:00

The world needs better services and gifts to surprise their guests! Majestic Hotel (one of my favourites) has a Nespresso machine, Bang and Olfsen sound systems, and Khiels toiletries in every single room. I thought that was impressive because I have emotional connections to these brands and their position in the rooms made me build these emotions onto Majestic as well!

But then an article I read today took me away to a higher level!

Featuring the ZARAFA CAMP, SELINDA RESERVE, BOTSWANA. The caption read:

"Guests get a Canon D40 and lenses to use, and the photos typically star some of Selinda's 9,000 elephants"

Wow. Talk about interactive entertainment. I am always on the hunt for innovative ways that (don't cost too much money) to provide for the customers and this just hit the spot. Though thousand dollar lenses and cameras might not be the best solution in all hotels, a small hand held olympus would do the trick! If you are a backpacker's hostel, consider providing shockproof and water proof cameras that are more hardy? You will definitely see your guests snapping pictures of themselves in the hotel and in the neighbourhood, only to upload the photos onto their social networking sites later. Why say no to free publicity to an extremely targeted audience!

Recently I also read a post from 'Hotel Industry Professionals', my linked-in group and realised that Zinio might be a good solution at modern hotels. Digital magazines allow customers to browse all genres to entertain themselves. Even though a physical catalog would still be the best (you can read it in the toilet), digital ones are environmentally friendly and offers a huge variety that can never be predicted. Being able to provide reading of 2 magazines per day for free would be lovely! (Interests as random as Pottery, Painting, the latest discovery from that Dentistry trade seminar you could not go to, In Mandarin, Arab, French, etc.) I would definitely include this in my own hotel

References:

Conde Nast Traveller, May 2009

Berlin as "Poor and Sexy", or "Cheap and Easy"

2009-04-26T01:08:00.000-07:00

Berlin Tourism's "POOR BUT SEXY" slogan is working!

20 years after the Berlin Wall comes down, some 1050 police officers and 2000 transport workers wear special red pins to signify their "Friendliness" (In addition to the 13 Berlin-based companies participating in the campaign).

Playing on its reputation as a cheap, yet cool, destination for holidaymakers, Berlin lured 7.9 million tourists in 2008, breaking its own record for the fifth consecutive year with a gain of 4.2 percent from 2007. Tourist numbers have soared since the early 1990s when a mere three million visited the recently reunified city.Berlin's hotels also report a roaring trade, with the number of people overnighting in hotels rising in 2008 to 17.8 million, a gain of 2.8 percent from the previous year.

CHEAP
The main reason for the boom: low prices. A four-star hotel room in Berlin will set you back less than 150 euros (188 dollars), less than half what a similar hotel in Paris or London would cost. Low-cost airlines are also fuelling Berlin's tourism success. The city is "the second biggest hub for low-cost airlines behind London," Christian Taenzler, a spokesman for the Berlin tourism office said.

EASY
Most of these were visitors from the former East Germany, rediscovering half a city they were banned from seeing under Communist rule. However, tourists from the other side of the Cold War Iron Curtain are also pouring into Berlin in droves, especially Poles and Russians who "are particularly interesting in shopping," Taenzler said.

Many are attracted by cultural activities of a different type: the city's pumping nightlife. Bars -- many of which still allow smoking -- are open round the clock. Berlin also hosts world-famous clubs such as Berghain, regarded as the Mecca of techno music. Friday and Saturday evenings see an invasion of young people to the city who dance through the night and leave the next morning. Those that do decide to sleep take advantage of a plethora of cheap hotels dotted around the city.

"Berlin has a reputation in Germany of being a rude city, but we're a rude city with a heart," said Rene Gorka, head of Berlin Partners, a marketing group that promotes the city.

LIL SINGAPOREAN HOTELIER THINKS: Repressed feelings of the east celebrated by similar crude edgy fun in Berlin! Nice! Sweet angle on psychological analysis of the easties. If I was an east berliner, painting any jolly pictures of comfort and plush in west berlin would probably deter me to go over because it might seem proud and hence painful to the easties.

Underground Fashion Scene in Berlin

JAYNE THINKS: I missed out! Here's a personal recollection of Fairy Godmother's Rule on Berlin when I was 21 years old...

I remember my visit to Berlin. It was a short 3 day stint on a tight schedule touring Vienna Prague and Berlin by Train. I was on my university exchange program at Barcelona and was lucky to have met a group of 4 other Singaporeans keen to travel impromptu. Sadly the only thing I enjoyed there was the Curry Wurst.

We read up on the Lonely Planet about the underground scene, the good house music and the result of the repressed society from the days of the Berlin Wall. However, we were disappointed that most of the interesting clubs stated in the LONELY PLANET GUIDE (None other. URGH) were either Closed or have Moved. It wasn't late, but I remember missing the last train back to the hostel and ending up having to walk for 2 hours in the dead of winter at only 1230am. There were no taxis to be seen, no public transport, and all but a bunch of bumped up Benzos neatly parked along the streets.

I must have hated Berlin at that time.

Check out original article at http://tinyurl.com/amdemy

Starwood's Buy 2 Get 1 Free Plan.

2009-04-26T00:28:00.001-07:00

*this area lies--> a huge chunk of my thoughts that were wiped out thanks to Qmax internet services- Wireless@Sg.* I'm fuming by the way

Alongside Starwood, these are the other hotels that came up with their uninteresting packages of Free Nights, Free meals, Free massages

Published at Conde Nast Traveller, May 2009
1. Four Season Properties, have been offering three nights for the price of two
2. Ritz-Carltons have been including hundreds of dollars in free resort credits.
3. InterContinental has substituted fresh fruit and bottled water for more expensive fare in its gift baskets

4. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is luring guests with free breakfast and a $100 resort credit.

Joint for fellow "Normads"

2009-04-25T23:49:00.000-07:00

Welcome to "The Little Singaporean Hotelier", That's me!

My name is Jayne and I'm 23 this year. I've fallen in love with hotels since I was 14 and have had them in mind along every step of my growing years.

It all started when I was really stressed studying for my local exams at Starbucks Coffee at Thomson Plaza. Back then, it was held indoors on the 2nd floor. It was pretty quiet during the weekdays besides the occasional jingle from the "Barney and Friends" carousel. I believe I had 2 more weeks to the final paper in Secondary 2 (it's streaming year if you recall), and having wasted my year away hanging out at Far East Plaza, I was in complete trouble.

I was from a good school, received creme-de-la-creme education from an all-girls school but never likened to the lifestyle of the straight path. I often found myself more the creative girl with a thousand and one ideas (only 2-3 of which were what my headmistress agreed to).

One of which was my obsessions for a Nomadic lifestyle.
As a kid, I would spend build many "homes" with blankets and mattresses in all corners of the house. I would then imagine that I would live in one "home", and later travel to another "home" for the next night. I would prepare biscuits and tea to invite the other girls living in the same HDB block.

As I approached teenage, the obsession got a lil more serious as I loved spending nights reveling in the streets and on any given bench with random acquaintances. Of course this troubled my parents and they soon sent me to my form teacher Miss Lydia Law. She was a boisterous lady with a kind and patient heart. So one day she sat me down and bluntly asked me what I would think of doing an internship at a joint for fellow "Normads". (I was only 14 and back then kids don't do internships till after junior college). Internships were respected as a prestigious position and I was delighted without asking further.

A month later during the school holidays, she picked me up from home at 7am and took me onto a bus. She looked excited and wore a face that said "I don't want to pressure you, but if you screw up my head will be on the chopping board". She didn't say anything but I guess I understood.

A joint for fellow "Normads"- first sprung to me as a Rehab centre with one of those "Think of your loved ones" campaigns. Cool but boring. Later I thought that it could be an technology company- talk about "Online Nomads" was flooding headlines on how teens and adults who were constantly connected to the net communications systems (also known as TechnoMads). It wasn't until I reached the foot of "Traders Hotel, a proud member of Shangri-La Group" where I got pleasantly surprised!

Though at the moment I'm more of a Wannabe since I haven't got a job in any hotel yet.

The Little Singaporean Hotelier

Shanghai Boutique Hotels

URBN Hotel, Shanghai

Sorry I'm Different :)

iWeekend Beijing 2011

Shanghai SOHO International Youth Hostel 上海苏州河畔国际青年旅舍

ANGRY!!!

Rock and Wood International Youth Hostel, Shanghai

Hotel Icon, Hong Kong

Nothing about Hotels. Just something I really love.

Recollection of Lonely Milan 2007

Will you buy socks from a minibar?

Epoch Coffee Bar and Desserterrie

Social Media Review - By Harvard Business

Media List

G City Club Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur (My First Business Trip)

e-marketing banner

Maya Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

Wilthering in the lack of creative freedom

Prince of Wales Hostel, Singapore

Is it being Traditional? or Complacency?

Social Media World Forum

Inspiration in the Village

Where's next?

Wanderlust Hotel, Singapore

Ranadi Villa, Seminyak, Bali

Nick's Hidden Cottages, Ubud, Bali

W Hotels Goes Local

NYC Top B List

Customisation to Women, Men and Couples

Evaluating media sponsorship proposals

To host or not to host

The 6 P’s of Luxury Marketing

Shots that I like

Hidden Voices for March

Quirky Map Advertisement

Lovely eDM designs

Gigantic Multi M/Billion Dollar Buildings

Branding Outburst on the bus 166

Sunday Reds

New Majestic Hotel & Hotel 1929- Quirky Enclave of "Hidden Treasures"

How to prevent "Room Lifters"

Conception Holidays! Absurd & Funny~

Gyms & Pools in Business Hotels. Do they have to be PRIVATE?

What kind of hotel would I like to own

Introduction to Boutique vs Boutique

Call me a hippie, but THAT IS MY DREAM

About Quirky Me 2

20 Best Practices for DMO Websites

Reusing Towels

Cable Network at Low cost to hotel owners

BTMICE despised as luxury

A Friendly Proposition

Co-Branding Hotels & Fashion

Swine Flu Pandemic

Beautiful Staff & Uniform differentiates "House Keeping" and "Chamber Maid"

Enough of Spa Vouchers, Discounts.. *burp*

Berlin as "Poor and Sexy", or "Cheap and Easy"

Starwood's Buy 2 Get 1 Free Plan.

Joint for fellow "Normads"

Enough of Spa Vouchers, Discounts.. burp