scandal watergate hotel room

Photo of Diplomat Living Room, The Watergate Hotel

Gladiators, the hit ABC television show Scandal may be coming to an end soon, as the series’ final season premiered last night, but The Watergate Scandal Room 214 is nearing its opening later this month on October 19.

The Washington, D.C., hotel is transforming its infamous room 214 into a one-of-a-kind guest room that pays tribute to its scandalous history. And, who is behind the concept and curation? None other than Emmy winning costume designer Lyn Paolo who dresses the fashionable Olivia Pope (played by actress Kerry Washington)! She is working with the hotel’s co-owner, Rakel Cohen, on this exciting project.

“I love interior design, politics and of course I am inspired to help design a room with such a scandalous history,” Paolo says in a press release.

On June 17, 1972, E. Howard Hunt and F. Gordon Liddy checked in to room 214, where they orchestrated the burglary at the Democratic National Convention. This led to the eventual resignation of President Richard Nixon.

“Because of the infamous break-in 45 years ago, The Watergate Hotel has been a household name with a scandalous past that can’t be ignored,” Cohen says. “We pay homage to the past with small details throughout the property, but everyone kept asking us about room 214, so we needed to do something bold with it.”

After undergoing a $200-million renovation, The Watergate Hotel re-opened in June 2016. The hotel recently launched a brand-new Spy Package specifically for meetings to give attendees a sleuthing experience. Guests are given a top secret confidential file that contains their special two-day itinerary. Activities include a tour of the historic property, martini class and visit to the International Spy Museum.

tourism storytelling

Storytelling has become the new black in every industry as marketers use the power of narrative to engage and inspire. Event planners are in a perfect position to leverage the perceived image of destinations as a vehicle for their message.

According to booking and management software company TrekkSoft, 73 percent of destination budgets are spent on marketing experiences. Planners can take a cue from the travel industry when weaving a tale into a program that will educate, motivate and inspire.

  1. Tap into sense memories. The most powerful emotional stories appeal to all the senses. That is why a lot of travel writers focus on food. Every meal is an opportunity to align with your brand voice and the meeting’s mission. The aroma of apple pie at a delegate convention and the pop of champagne at an awards ceremony put people in very different moods. These are subtle ways to help people engage with your message.
  2. Put a face to the feeling. The right speaker can put listeners in their shoes as they share their first-hand experiences of starting a company, overcoming a life-threatening disease or climbing a mountain. Combined with actionable take-away lessons, a keynote can be a wonderful way to engage attendees emotionally.
  3. Show the story. The winners of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s annual video competition are examples of compelling storytelling at its finest. The videos are mainly shot from first-person perspectives in stunning settings—from trekking through the Atacama Desert in Chili to snorkeling crystal blue waters in Greece. Outdoor activities are intercut with moments of serene contemplation, demonstrating the dynamic value of these travel experiences. These stories should get your creative juices flowing.

People’s Choice Award and East Asia/Pacific Winner: A Journey to a Wonderful World (Indonesia)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=87&v=TT8J3wUX_YY

Africa Winner: #TrueTunisia

America’s Winner: Find Your Chile—Chile is Waiting for You

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MtdmoxZgRM

Europe Winner: Greece—A 365-Day Destination

Middle East Winner: This is Egypt

Hotels Think Pink

To kick off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month last Sunday, the White House became the Pink House for a night, continuing a tradition begun in President George W. Bush’s second term. But where POTUS sleeps isn’t the only “home away from home” to underscore this important annual reminder of the importance of early detection of breast cancer.

Hotels throughout the United States—and elsewhere—are also thinking pink—and raising money for the cure. Here’s a partial list.

Raffaello Chicago on the city’s Magnificent Mile will donate $1 to the Susan G. Komen For the Cure Foundation for every photo tagged #roseforthecure by its guests.

All 10 Peninsula hotels around the globe, including The Peninsula Beverly Hills, are on board for the Peninsula en Rose afternoon tea, featuring French-inspired pastries created by each hotel’s pastry chef,  paired with specialty cocktails.

San Francisco’s Hotel Vitale is earmarking 10 percent of proceeds for every Charmed Melon cocktail purchased in its Americano Restaurant & Bar to Young Survival Coalition, an international organization focused on young women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Provenance Hotels in the Pacific Northwest, which includes Portland properties Hotel Lucia and Hotel DeLuxe, offers We Heart Boobies room rates, as well as I Heart Boobies bracelets and pink cocktails in its bars. Ten percent of the proceeds from these rooms and items will go to Keep a Breast Foundation, a group that uses creative expression to highlight prevention, early detection, coping and support.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach is repeating its annual Bleau Goes Pink. Like the White House, its exterior goes pink at night, thanks to 100 tinted spotlights. Partnering with the Susan G. Komen Miami/Fort  Lauderdale office, it’s also promoting special dining, spa and retail offers that rebate a percentage to cancer research. Among these are a Pink Swarovski Crystal Pedicure and a prix fixe dinner at AAA Four Diamond Hakkasan Miami.

Admirable as these efforts are, they have a long way to go to top Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay in the Persian Gulf. It has opened a Pink Boutique offering house-made pink macaroons, candies and pink chocolate cookies. The property also is offering a Pink Brunch showcasing pink dishes at five cooking stations; a Pink Afternoon Tea; pink cocktails as well as the Four Seasons Pink Mocktail in its lounges; a stylish Pink Party; pink spa specials; and a series, “Pink Talks: Frankly Speaking About Cancer,” hosted by Julie Sprakel, founder of Think Pink Bahrain.

#lasvegasstrong

Following the massacre that took place in Las Vegas on the evening of October 1, the hashtag #VegasStrong has been circulating as a demonstration of worldwide support. The message was particularly emphasized the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 3 as the marquees of the Las Vegas strip displayed the following message from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. “We’ve been there for you during the good times. Thank you for being there for us now. #VegasStrong.” Their signs paired these moving words with an image of the iconic strip.

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) President and CEO Rossi Ralenkotter shared a powerful statement on Monday, October 2, saying:

“The thoughts and prayers of all of Las Vegas go out to the victims and their families. This was a horrific, yet isolated, incident. At this time, it is important to allow the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police to conclude their investigation into the incident and to attend to the needs of the victims and their families. Las Vegas is a strong community that will work through this tragic incident. We are grateful beyond words to our incomparable law enforcement, first responders and everyone who continues to help victims and their families.”

Since the mass shooting, The Strip has been striving to aid the local community. They have also expressed tremendous gratitude for the help and encouragement coming from all over the world.

The #VegasStrong message continues to circulate widely today, three days after the attack. These messages urge donations, extend support and offer solidarity. Here are some firsthand accounts of the unity from The Strip and beyond.

https://twitter.com/catherinecritz/status/915605351009017856

 

cuban mysterious

Responding to a mysterious illness that has afflicted 22 U.S. government employees and their spouses in Cuba, the Trump administration has expelled 15 diplomats from the Cuban embassy in Washington, D.C.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Tuesday that United States expelled the diplomats to “ensure equity.” The State Department ordered 60 percent of the U.S. embassy staff in Havana to leave within seven days—which will result in a skeletal staff of 27 people—because 19 members and three of their spouses have become ill since last December. Symptoms include dizziness, hearing loss, headache, tinnitus, balance and visual problems, fatigue, cognitive issues and sleeping difficulties—and some of the problems appear to be permanent.

Some U.S. members have reported hearing odd sounds in their homes, causing experts to speculate that a sonic weapon or faulty surveillance device may have triggered the illnesses.

The Trump administration expelled two low-level Cuban diplomats in May due to the illnesses, but took the more forceful action this week because many more U.S. diplomats in Cuba have become ill.

The Cuban government expressed great concern about the illnesses, and an urgent need to find the cause. In a rare expression of openness, Cuba offered to let the FBI go to Havana to investigate. The FBI then investigated the embassy and homes of American diplomats, and reviewed security footage, but found nothing suspicious. The investigators weren’t able to duplicate in a lab the effects the ill diplomats have experienced.

State Department officials stressed that they are not accusing the Cuban government of complicity in the attacks. The fact that diplomats from Canada—which has strong relations with Cuba—in Havana also have suffered from the mysterious illness casts doubt on the notion that the Cuban government triggered the illness.

Tillerson said that the United States continues to maintain diplomatic relations with Cuba and will continue to cooperate with the nation in investigating the attacks. He also said, however, that the decision to expel Cuban diplomats from Washington, D.C., was made “due to Cuba’s failure to take appropriate steps to protect our diplomats in accordance with its obligations under the Geneva Convention.”

Some view the expulsions of Cuban diplomats from Washington, D.C., as yet another step in the Trump administration’s unraveling of the Obama administration’s rapprochement with Cuba, which has facilitated increased travel by Americans to the island nation and the hope of eventually holding many meetings and events there.

hotel upgrades tricks treats

Believe it or not, most trips offer an opportunity for a room upgrade, late check out time or other bonus during a hotel stay. Whether you’ll be enjoying those perks, however, is determined at least in part by the person sitting behind the front desk. These key tips will get you in that individual’s good graces.

Demonstrate Loyalty

Avoid booking through a third-party source such as Expedia. They can see that information and could immediately write you off as not being a loyal customer. “Reservations made through Internet discount sites are almost always slated for our worst rooms,” writes Jacob Tomsky, former hotel worker and author of Heads in Beds, on Mental Floss.

If you decide to use a third party to try to get a discounted price, there may be less incentive to please.

Play the Part

Travelers wearing something nice such as a business suit or dress are often met with more respect and are far more likely to earn the upgrade. It’s also smart to play up any special occasion. Not to suggest lying, but the time around birthdays, anniversaries or other occasions might just warrant an upgrade or bottle of champagne.

Get Personal

This is a good tip for life in general. Get the name of the individual you are speaking with. Not only will it make the interaction more personal, but it will also help you get their attention when you need it.

Dish out the Tip

It’s completely permissible to tip the person at the front desk. According to USA Today, although it is not required, guests are able to show their gratitude through a tip. Anywhere from a five to a $20 bill should help. When delivering the cash, never impose pressure. Simply slip it over during the check-in process and say something light but indicative, such as “This is for whatever you can do. And if not, don’t worry about it. I appreciate the work you’re doing.”

Be Kind

More than anything, be kind and patient. Nothing is worse than a poor attitude or condescending remark. Even in the midst of chaos, simply wait your turn and let them know it’s completely all right. A long day of flying will probably make you eager. However, this is your shot to stand out in a positive light.

Music has a powerful connection to human emotion. That makes picking the right tunes a make-it-or-break-it aspect of any event. A successful playlist requires asking the right questions long before you crank up the volume.

Who are you trying to please? Are we talking to country, hip-hop, rock or jazz fans? The list of genres seems endless, but you might want to look to the address of the meeting space to find a local sound that adds to the regional feel. Here are some suggestions based on popular event locations that may get you started.

U.S. Music Cities for Your Event

Nashville, Tennessee

Genres: Country, Pop, Bluegrass

Famous artists: Kings of Leon, Kesha, Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum

New Orleans, Louisiana

Genres: Jazz, Blues

Famous artists: Louis Armstrong, Aaron Neville, Earl King, Lil Wayne

Atlanta, Georgia

Genres: Hip-Hop, R&B, Neo soul, Rock

Famous artists: The Black Crowes, OutKast, Allman Brothers Band, Ludacris

Seattle, Washington

Genres: Garage Rock, Heavy Metal, Punk Rock

Famous artists: Pearl Jam, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Foo Fighters, Fleet Foxes

Chicago, Illinois

Genres: Blues, Jazz, Hip-Hop

Famous artists: Jennifer Hudson, R. Kelly, Fall Out Boy

New York, New York

Genres: Jazz, Rock, Hip-Hop, Punk Rock

Famous artists: Beastie Boys, Madonna, 50 Cent, The Strokes, The Velvet Underground, Ella Fitzgerald, Neil Diamond, Norah Jones

Austin, Texas

Genres: Country, Rock

Famous artists: Nelly, Spoon, Willie Nelson, Janis Joplin, Bob Schneider

retail therapy

We may not be able to buy happiness, but shopping does offer an uplifting experience for many and malls have perfected the art of entertaining large, diverse groups. Event planners can take advantage of the unique landscapes offered by stores large and small to bring people together and add a dash of retail therapy. Here are five ways to borrow that boutique vibe for your next event.

1. Program Progressive Trend Setting

Blend food, fashion and fun by planning a progressive fashion demonstration. Concierges at Fashion Island in Orange County, California, can set up demonstrations giving updates on the season’s newest trends. Attendees can sip mimosas in Victoria’s Secret, nibble on scones in the shoe department at Bloomie’s and have a healthy lunch served up in the center court while watching a fashion show. A gift certificate redeemable at any store in the center allows each person to find a treasure to take home as a wearable memory.

2. Throw a Pamper Party

A department store can be the perfect place for a mani-pedi, blow-out and shopping incentive trip. If you stage it at the standard bearer for sophistication on Madison Avenue, Barneys New York, you could pair a visit to the Mila Moursi Skin Care Institute with a trunk show and lobster bisque from Freds.

3. Design a Movie-Worthy Scavenger Hunt

Take window shopping to the next level by dividing your group into teams for a selfie scavenger hunt in the happiest browsing place on earth. Disney Springs at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is the perfect backdrop for larger than life Lego dinos, princesses and Planet Hollywood memorabilia. The themed shops and restaurants make it easy to reinforce your message while adding a little competitive fun to the team building.

4. Launch a Scream-Fest

Modern malls are entertainment venues. They often include theaters and carousels, but some take it to the next level. In addition to 520 stores and 50 restaurants, Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, is home to a seven-acre Nickelodeon Universe amusement park, Smaaaash gaming center, Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium and Moose Mountain Adventure Golf. An easy way to plan a carnival-theme event is to give everyone tickets to ride, bring in stuff on a stick—pretzels, corn dogs and popsicles—and watch as the inner children emerge.

5. Go Luxe

When in Vegas, Wynn Esplanade is home to the most Tony of brands—Alexander McQueen, Cartier, Chanel, Chloe, Dior and Givenchy. Attendees can check out the glittering window displays and the purse dogs and then check in to one of Wynn’s master classes to learn everything from dumpling making from a dim sum master chef to the finer points of whisky and cigars from Alastair Menzies. Your group can even master the finer points of dog training (for pups of all sizes) from the manager of K9 operations. Then schedule a private dinner at Sinatra on the patio, under the stars (accommodates up to 60 people).

6. Plot an Old-School Team Building

Add a little history to your excursion at Faneuil Hall Marketplace (Quincy Market) in Boston, Massachusetts. Buildings dating back to 1742 when the founding fathers met there to plot the Revolution will add meaning to and adventure that includes 100 shops with indoor and outdoor dining options and street musicians.

yotel investment

Mini-suites specialist Yotel is receiving a $250 million strategic investment from Starwood Capital Group that will help it to continue its rapid worldwide expansion.

Starwood Capital Group, a private investment firm, will receive 30 percent stake in the company and invest in real estate acquisitions for new Yotel properties.

Yotel opened a hotel in Boston earlier this year. It is scheduled to debut hotels in San Francisco and Singapore later this year, and in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Amsterdam in 2019.

“What attracted Starwood Capital to our business is our concept and our proposed strategy to execute it,” Hubert Viriot, Yotel’s CEO, told Skift. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to expand our portfolio even more rapidly than we anticipated. We also get access to people and their expertise in growing a hotel management company.”

Yotel is known for its focus on technology and smart design, and providing a distinct guest experience at an affordable price. The company takes the essential elements of luxury hotels and adapts them into smaller, smart spaces that are ideal for developing a sense of community. They feature areas for co-working, socializing and exercising. Premiums cabins include Yotel’s adjustable SmartBed with monsoon rain showers and a Technowall with adjustable mood lighting and smart TVs, several power points and easy connectivity.

The company operates airport hotels under the Yotelair brand at Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London, Gatwick Airport (LGW) near London, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). It also operates hotels in New York City, Boston and Singapore. In addition to the places already mentioned, hotels are under development at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and in Miami, Dubai and the Clerkenwell area of London.

Starwood Capital Group focuses on global real estate, energy infrastructure, and oil and gas. The firm has raised $42 billion of equity capital since it was created in 1991 and now manages more than $54 billion in assets. The company is continuing to invest in a variety of lodging brands—it  developed the 1 Hotels eco-luxe chainlet that has outlets in Miami and New York City, and plans to add a property in West Hollywood, California, next year. It is attempting to diversify its portfolio of hospitality brands, and Yotel fits the bill.


The Madrones in Philo, California

Mendocino, a popular escape on California’s northern coast, is known for cute Victorian homes, towering redwoods and the Skunk Train. This fall, there are four new (or new again) places attendees can stay while they access all that fresh air, fine cuisine and Mendo fun.

Harbor House Inn

This historic 1916 lodge in the town of Elk has been completely remade from the ground up. The boutique property harbors nine guest rooms and a 30-seat restaurant (with wrap-around decks and a 3,400-bottle wine cellar). Guests can embark on their own guided mushroom expeditions, hike nearby national forests or relax with on-site massage therapy and morning yoga.

Sacred Rock Resort

You may know it as the circa 1890 Griffin House Inn and Greenwood Pier Inn, but the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians has turned this getaway off Highway 1 in scenic Elk into a resort community of cozy cottages. Adjoining Bridget Dolan’s Pub is a tried-and-true destination for both comfort food and fine cuisine accompanied by local craft brews.

Thatcher Hotel

In Hopland, Campovida, a local winemaking family that runs Hop Barn (which can hold groups of up to 250 for conferences), Green Barn (for think tanks and board meetings of up to 20) and Piazza de Campovida (a dining room for up to 50 people), is breathing new life into this Victorian beauty dating back to 1890. Plans call for 16 guestrooms, a signature bar, pool and alfresco dining with a grand opening in early 2018.

Speaking of Hopland, the city named for its production of hops—a key ingredient in brewing beer—has recently added new dining and winetasting venues along with the nation’s only solar-powered cannabis dispensary. The Golden Pig, a farm-driven restaurant with a menu based on what’s available is the brainchild of the owners of the 2,000-acre Heart Arrow Ranch. At the newly re-opened Hopland Tap House, the owner is serving up eight craft microbrews behind the signature black walnut bar months after a big rig crashed into the neighborhood gathering place in the dark of night.

The Brambles

In Anderson Valley, in the middle of what was a 12-acre spiritual retreat in an ancient redwood grove, new lodging at Madrones introduces 1800s Stick and Shingle Style architecture and Steampunk design to a mix of tree houses, bungalows and cabins. In addition to the outdoor venues at the Mediterranean-themed winery and restaurant compound housing Stone and Embers, the new development offers access to zip lining, a beer garden and wilderness spa.