The Charles Hotel‘s recent small gesture may actually be a bold move. The hotel, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has decided to add Skype and video cameras to the free computer station that occupy rooms once dedicated to ice machines. It doesn’t look like much more than a small concession to weary travelers who want to stay in touch with their loved ones, but it’s actually a fairly hefty commitment.
Though the proliferation cell phones has made using the hotel phones unnecessary, the Skype-equipped stations still undermine a hotel revenue stream, which is tantamount to the hotel’s announcing: “We’ll take money out of our pocket to keep our guests happy.
The stations obviate the need for guests to lug around laptops and cameras and such, which would seem like a natural benefit to the business traveler. Of course, I toted mine around on most of my trips because of the business need, and I don’t see many of that ilk dropping their laptops.Nonetheless, there is an upside for the road warrior. In addition to not having to deal with a camera, the stations obviate the need to install Skype on their business computers. This can help business travelers remain compliant with company IT policies while still having the opportunity to see their friends and family every night when they’re on the road.
Of course, this is only one gesture from one hotel. If it works, however, it won’t take long for the competition to notice – that’s when we’ll see it start to pop up everywhere.
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Next month, look for something new coming from kitchens across the Fairmont chain. Chefs at these upscale properties will be showing off their skills not only with seafood but the sustainable variety. So, when you cut into your fish of choice, you’ll be experiencing both culinary and environmental bliss. Throughout April, Fairmont will be inviting guests in its dining rooms do donate merely $1 to the National Geographic Society to support ocean conservation and other sea wildlife initiatives.
Seriously, only $1. Is that too much to ask?
I’ve been a big fan of Fairmont’s corporate social responsibility initiatives for a while, and since I enjoy seafood, I’m particularly fond of this latest measure. The move will help to preserve aquatic habitats without detracting from your dining experience – something we used to call a “win-win” back in my consulting days]. If you aren’t staying at a Fairmont, find one near your home and dash off for a great meal.
And please kick in the extra buck.
Now that the freeze that grips New England is easing up, the region’s becoming dirty, sticky and sweet. “Mud and maple season” is upon us says the New England Inn and Resorts Association, and its members are offering some delectable deals to lure you up to its small corner of the country. NEIRA boasts more than 250 member properties, but I just don’t have the stamina to poll all of them to find out their deals for spring. So for now, at least, let’s stick with the top four.
1. Mud Season Getaway: Three Stallion Inn, Randolph, VT
Spend your time hiking on 35 km of trails … after having started your day with a Vermont breakfast cooked to order. At night, enjoy a gourmet dinner, served with mudslide drinks and mini-mud pies for dessert. You can get all this for $242 per couple per night through April 30, 2010.
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2. Maple Sugaring Weekend Getaway: Rabbit Hill Inn, Lower Waterford, VT
Pick up two nights, an intimate dinner for two and breakfast every day with this package. You’ll also be invited to afternoon tea and take home a gift of maple syrup and maple candy. While you’re up in Lower Waterford, take advantage of two free passes to the Rocks Estate Maple Experience. Rates start at $500 a couple.
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3. March Maple Tree Hugger Package: Centennial Inn Hotel, Farmington, CT
Any deal that involves a jug of maple syrup is bound to get my attention! In addition to that gift, you’ll score a night in a studio suite, breakfast and maps to sugar houses. Also, for every booking, which starts at a mere $135, the Centennial will donate $10 to the ARBOR Foundation. This deal’s only good through the end of March.
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4. Celebrating Maine Mud Package: Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth, ME
With your two nights in a single-bedroom accommodation, settle in and enjoy a Peppermint Maine Mud™ with chocolate chip cookie amenity, two mudslide cocktails by the fireplace and two pairs of L.L. Bean signature boots for walking in the mud. At $687.98 per couple, this is a bargain. You’ll have to stay by April 30, 2010.
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Just how important is breakfast? Nutritionists say it’s the most important meal of the day – the Tennessee government says breakfast is the most revenue-generating meal of the day. Seems some local politicians are looking to tax the free breakfasts offered to guests get at Tennessee hotels.
New tax legislation currently in committee in Tennessee proposes a tax on the complimentary breakfast served at most hotels in the state. The rationale? Those in favor of the bill say it could raise as much as 2 million dollars in revenues. However, officials are quick to point out the new tax wouldn’t necessarily impact the hotel guest. The tax would be paid for by the hotel, unless the hotel decides to pass on the cost to their customers.
What are the chances the bill becomes reality? We’ll wait and see, and in the meantime we suggest you stock up on the free rolls and danishes.%Gallery-73514%
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