Hotel Girl

IHG has developed what it claims is the world's first 100% green hotel (right).

The Innovation Hotel has solar panels used to heat the hotel's water supply, a shrubbery roof garden to provide insulation and all recycled furniture and fittings.

The Holiday Inn owner seems to have taken green to a whole new level, so it will be interesting to see whether the vision ever becomes reality.

All these initiatives will be expensive to implement, so I wonder if that cost will be passed onto consumers, and if they'll be willing to pay..?

London chain Guest Hotels is turning its hotels into arts venues. They will be exhibiting the work of up and coming artists and providing guests with access to some of the hottest clubs, behind the scenes tours and gigs in London.

This is a great way of offering something different and making themselves stand out among the countless trendy boutique hotels in the capital. Perfect for customers looking for glam weekend in London.

The first to look out for are the Jones (above) and Nest in Bloomsbury.

Uh... okay.

In fairness, it's tough to make a long-stay hotel brand like TownePlace Suites buzz. At least they're trying.

David Elsewhere is an 'illusionary dancer' according to Wikipedia, and presumably has a higher profile in the US than over here. Via HotelChatter.

I've just returned from a week navigating the beautiful streets, bridges and canals of Venice. Coming across hundreds of hotels of all shapes and sizes, I realised how difficult it is to choose the best place to stay. I was very impressed with my stay at the Palace Bonvecchiati, part of the Preferred Hotel group. Here is a review to help you decide if it's right for your clients.

Where? Venice, a two minute walk from the Piazza San Marco.
Why is it special? The Bonvecciati is a modern haven in the historic streets of San Marco. Its fresh colours and minimalist design are a relief after a day in the often claustrophic narrow streets. The central location is perfect for first time visitors to the city, with all the attractions no more than a ten minute walk. The reception staff are friendly and willing to recommend good restaurants - a real advantage in a city swarming with tourist traps.
What's the down side? The breakfast is basic - it's better to go room only and grab a latte in a nearby cafe. Also, the Palazzo's central location means you will compromise on views.
How much does it cost? Around 240 euros for a superior room. See www.summithotels.com to book.

My visit to Venice also took me to the Hilton Molino Stucky. This new hotel is a real contrast to the modern simplicity of the Palace Bonvecchiati (below). Converted from a nineteeth century flour mill, the huge hotel dominates the skyline of the Guidecca Island.

The interior retains many of the mill's original features, from timber beams to silo-shaped ceilings. The historic features, combined with all the modern facilities you'd expect from a Hilton, make the rooms luxurious, cosy and comfortable.

We loved the rooftop swimming pool, which has stunning panoromic views over Venice. Families and the fair skinned should watch out though - shade is hard to come by which can be uncomfortable in Italy's strong summer sun.

Although Guidecca is only a ten minute boat ride away from San Marco, we were tempted by the hotel's elegant Aromi restaurant. Dining on the terrace watching gondolas glide by in the Venetian sunset, it's hard not to feel like the Doge himself.

There's an Interesting story in the Times about Branson planning to open a new range of Virgin Hotels. The first will be in New York, London, Los Angeles and Atlanta. If they work, then India, China and Saudi Arabia will follow.

They will be based on the Clubhouse, the lounge for premium passengers at Heathrow airport. They are likely to take over existing hotel properties and Branson has already been appraoched by some interested parties, he said.

"We are going to take the concept of the W hotel and move it on 10 years by creating urban, townhouse-style properties, halfway between a hotel and a private club."

It's a brave move to go into hotels in the current climate, with today's CBI report showing a marked downturn in profits in the hospitality sector. It will be interesting to see if Branson can pull it off.

London's famous Savoy hotel closed in December and auctioned off most of the furniture. Until now, the new owners Fairmont have remained tight lipped about the project.

But now they've launched a Savoy 2009 website.

Due to open in Spring 2009, the hotel is still under construction. But the website does reveal that the new look will involve "an Edwardian-inspired, classic English look harking back to its late 19th-century origin and the thirties art deco influence that followed"

If you're interested, the website also reveals the history of the Savoy and a diary from the general manager. Otherwise, just wait a few months and pop along for one of their legendary afternoon teas and take a look for yourself.

My inbox has been flooded with hotels offering Sex and the City packages ahead of the movie launch tomorrow.

Hotel Hotsheet has picked up on an alternative for the men in our lives who are less entralled by the turbulent love lives and Manolo shoe collections of Carrie, Samantha et al.

The No Sex in the City package from the Four Seasons in New York is for men only and includes a round of 'anyting but cosmos' at the bar and viewings of Rambo and Die Hard. Men can finish off their stay with a macho 'clog your arteries' breakfast.

Not a bad way of keeping the guys quiet while the girls hit Madison Avenue or sample some Sex and the City style cocktails...