Hotel Girl

The president of the American Hotel and Lodging Association Joe McInerney has said the "greening" of the hotel industry will be the biggest trend of 2008.

"If you would have talked about this a year ago, they would have looked at you as if you had two heads. Every hotel company now has an environmental specialist, and we're working with all of them to develop a certification program ... with someone doing an inspection, not just trusting (self-reported eco programs). They've got to have proof they're doing it. We're working with AAA, so it could affect their (hotel) ratings."

Hotels will have to wake up the imporance of the green issue if there's a chance it could affect their star rating.

But how important is it to customers? Have yours ever asked about carbon efficiency when booking a hotel?

The Palazzo hotel in Las Vegas opened with fireworks, a light show and music from Diana Ross at the weekend. The $1.9 billion resort is the sister of the nine year old Venetian and, with 7,100 rooms combined, claims to be the largest hotel in the world.

But Hotel Chatter said its first visit was a bit of a let down.

Granted, it's still the first few days of opening but the place was dead. We can't ever recall being in such a dead gambling hall before.

In a town where over-the-top glitz and glamour are the norm - and with Las Vegas visitor rates slowing - is the Palazzo worth the hype?

Customers tired of big, faceless hotels in the United States might find the Select Registry of interest. The Select Registry is a group of 400 small hotels and histroic inns across North America.

It has been established in the US for 35 years but is being marketed in the UK for the first time. Agents can book through the website and get at least 10% commission.

Marketing director Tony Godney explains the appeal:

"This portfolio has been created for those who have tired of the bland insincere feel of the larger establishments. It is for those who wish to stay somewhere full of warmth and character, where every minute details is not only attended to, but is anticipated and where people know your name."