I have had many experiences with hotels throughout my life. My father works for the Department of Defense and I have moved every three years my entire life. Every time we moved we would have to stay in hotel for up to six months while we waited for our household goods to be shipped across the sea. During those six months, my family and I would stay in various hotels for our duration. We stayed in everything from Radisson, Marriot and Army Barracks. My best experience was with Radisson Blu.
The name was purchased from the Radisson the Belgian hotel firm Rezidor Hotel Group. Formerly know as Radisson SAS, Radisson Blu in downtown Wiesbaden Germany, had the most phenomenal customer service of any hotel I have ever experienced. During our six month stay we were literally treated like royalty. Every single member of the staff knew our name within a week of staying at the hotel. The hotel general manager Herr Schmidt, would have us down for complimentary drinks and appetizers twice a week just to see how we were doing and if there was anything else the hotel could do to make our stay more pleasurable. When celebrities would visit he would invite us down to meet them when they were coming in. They would make us complimentary lunches to take to school everyday and would have our breakfasts ready at the same time every morning.
Customer service is their number one priority and it shows in the way they handle their business. There was one experience where we were trying to sleep and could not because of the ballroom above us that had a party going full swing. We talked to front desk about it and they moved us up to the penthouse suite for two nights as an apology to us for disturbing our nights sleep. According to hoteltravel.com it is one of the top rated hotels in Wiesbaden and many of the customer reviews compliment their outstanding customer service.
Even though it carries the name Radisson, it is far better than any of the other Radisson’s that I have stayed at in the United States. They are pet friendly so this allowed us to have our dogs with us during our six moth stay instead of having to board them.
They also have one of the top rated spas in Germany. Their spa features private massage rooms, spa treatment rooms, steam rooms and swimming pools. All of these are heated directly from the hot springs that lie directly beneath the hotel. The floors in the spa are all naturally heated from the hot springs. This is one of the premier natural remedy spas in the country and as with everything else in the hotel have excellent service.
Because of their association with a large hotel chain it would be easy to think of them as being impersonal and to much of a large chain but the personalized service and classy location to the famous Wiesbaden landmarks the Kurhaus, Casino and the venerable Wilhelm Strasse. They stand out as a ritzy and luxurious hotel. They like to keep their hotels smaller around the 100-150 room number to keep the personal service at a maximum level.
The building is one of the oldest in the city and has tons of personality. The restaurant is very quirky and unique in its design. It has multiple courtyards surrounded by the rooms. There is also a rooftop bar that hosts parties and events. There is also a smoking room that is just like everything you have seen in the movies. Full of old books and ladders and over stuffed chairs. This room was frequented by old men smoking cigars. This hotel has many amenities from the spa, pool, gym, restaurants and smoking room. Because it is located downtown, it is a small property that does not have the amenities to compete with a large hotel or resort such as golf courses, gift shops and event halls. They manage to compete with a strategic location , excellent customer service and a top quality spa.
According to Tripadvisor.com, the Radisson Bock is the 13th rated hotel in Wiesbaden. Some of the complaints were that it was old and needed renovation. Some comments also stated that it needed bathroom updates and so on. I last visited the hotel in 2007 so maybe in time since I left it has fallen into some state of disrepair. For the most part all my experiences were very positive and I would love to visit the hotel again at some point in the future. I would also love to visit a couple other overseas Radisson Blu’s so I can compare them to my experience in Wiesbaden.
Radisson blu. (2010, November 1). Retrieved from http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187346-d192320-Reviews-Radisson_Blu_Schwarzer_Bock_Hotel_Wiesbaden-Wiesbaden_Hesse.html
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Blog #2
Blog #2
Page 1294-1295 on Thomas Alva Edison
The article on Thomas Alva Edison was written as a summation of the man’s genius and dedication to invention and discovery. The article starts off on page 1294 detailing his childhood and his vast appetite for reading and concludes on page 1295 with his struggles to maintain control of his patents.
A key moment of the article is his work as a night telegrapher. He was instructed to type the number 6 every hour so his bosses would know that he was still there awake. He instead invented a machine that would automatically type the number for him while he was out drinking at bars. This was his first invention that had public use. As a student this is key, not in that I can slack off on a job and go drinking but that your best moments can come when you are figuring out a way to make your life easier.
Another important note about Edison was that he did not just go about inventing random, useless items. His goal was to create a commercially viable product that anyone could use. This applies to me directly because throughout life you will be working for various bosses and regardless of what you think unless what you have created is applicable for the project at hand its useless.
The third thing to take away from Edison is that even with great success comes hardship. In December 1877 Edison began having a lot of success but his creditors began coming after him for payment on the loans they had given him. Life is not all peaches and crème but you have to manage your finances and be ready for the financial difficulties life throws at you.
Beals, G. (1999). The biography of thomas edison. Retrieved from http://www.thomasedison.com/biography.html
Page 1095 on “Getting things done” by David Allen
The mantra “procrastination is the only way I ever get anything done,” is obviously a poor way to live one’s life but more often then not I find myself behind on deadlines and due dates. That is the key reason I decided to use this example as one of my reviews.
The first example I will take is his weekly review. By following along and collecting your notes, calendar and projects you can go back on your week and check and make sure that you have competed everything in a timely fashion. This will make sure that you have finished each project completely. I personally make lists to prevent myself from forgetting assignments and such. As I go through and complete items I will cross them off my list. This does not always help me to start my projects in a timely manner but it ensures that I do not at least completely forget about them.
The second example I have is creating a filing system. Allen thinks that by having a efficient filing system is key to keeping organized and ready to access all your information. This is one thing I do succeed at in that I have a filing cabinet where I put school projects, receipts, tax information and to do lists to keep myself on track. This will help me in the future to always be organized in my career of choice.
The last example is to coordinate your outcomes with your actions. This will allow you to come up with a clear picture of what needs to be completed to be successful. By setting up a list of what exactly you need to complete with the due dates this will allow you to stay on track during complicated assignments.
Allen, D. (2010, October 8). Getting things done. Retrieved from http://www.gtdtimes.com
Page 1092 on “The Functions of the Executive” by Chester Barnard
This article focuses on what an executive needs to do to maintain control as well as unity and success in his business.
The first thing I took away from this was the need for communication. He says that everyone needs to know what and where the communication channels are. This will allow everything to flow more smoothly. He also said to make sure that the lines on communication were direct.
He also says that the head honcho is not a dictator and should focus not only on short term goals but on the long term goals and values of the company. This relates to me in my future because I will need to do both of these not only as an executive but as an entry level employee as well.
The third takeaway I had was that not only do the executives adhere to a stricter moral code then the rest of the company but they also are in charge of creating the moral code for the rest of the company. It seems that too often I read an article on some sleezy executive sleeping with his secretary or embezzling funds. As the head of your company you need to set a higher standard for your employees.
Chester barnard. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.vectorstudy.com/management_gurus/chester_barnard.htm
Page 1184 on Warren Bennis the leadership guru
Warren Bennis is a renowned leadership speaker and an expert in the field. From the article on him these are a few of the key points I picked up on.
The first note I had on Warren Bennis was that you need to develop organizational learning. It allows you as a boss to make sure that all of your employees are on the same page as far as their level of knowledge is concerned. It also ensures that your customers will all get the same level of service from all of your employees.
The second thing I liked was the myths of leadership. It is common to think that you have to be born with the ability to hold a crowd or the right words to say in each situation. This is not true. By pushing this knowledge to your employees you will enable more to think that they too can reach their full potential as a leader.
The third note was the five skills in emotional wisdom that give you certain abilities. He said that in order to run a good business or be a great leader you need to use these abilities to their fullest potential this will allow you to become a great businessman.
Bennis, W. (n.d.). The crucible of war.
Retrieved from http://warrenbennis.com/images-home/Ch_1.pdf
Page 1294-1295 on Thomas Alva Edison
The article on Thomas Alva Edison was written as a summation of the man’s genius and dedication to invention and discovery. The article starts off on page 1294 detailing his childhood and his vast appetite for reading and concludes on page 1295 with his struggles to maintain control of his patents.
A key moment of the article is his work as a night telegrapher. He was instructed to type the number 6 every hour so his bosses would know that he was still there awake. He instead invented a machine that would automatically type the number for him while he was out drinking at bars. This was his first invention that had public use. As a student this is key, not in that I can slack off on a job and go drinking but that your best moments can come when you are figuring out a way to make your life easier.
Another important note about Edison was that he did not just go about inventing random, useless items. His goal was to create a commercially viable product that anyone could use. This applies to me directly because throughout life you will be working for various bosses and regardless of what you think unless what you have created is applicable for the project at hand its useless.
The third thing to take away from Edison is that even with great success comes hardship. In December 1877 Edison began having a lot of success but his creditors began coming after him for payment on the loans they had given him. Life is not all peaches and crème but you have to manage your finances and be ready for the financial difficulties life throws at you.
Beals, G. (1999). The biography of thomas edison. Retrieved from http://www.thomasedison.com/biography.html
Page 1095 on “Getting things done” by David Allen
The mantra “procrastination is the only way I ever get anything done,” is obviously a poor way to live one’s life but more often then not I find myself behind on deadlines and due dates. That is the key reason I decided to use this example as one of my reviews.
The first example I will take is his weekly review. By following along and collecting your notes, calendar and projects you can go back on your week and check and make sure that you have competed everything in a timely fashion. This will make sure that you have finished each project completely. I personally make lists to prevent myself from forgetting assignments and such. As I go through and complete items I will cross them off my list. This does not always help me to start my projects in a timely manner but it ensures that I do not at least completely forget about them.
The second example I have is creating a filing system. Allen thinks that by having a efficient filing system is key to keeping organized and ready to access all your information. This is one thing I do succeed at in that I have a filing cabinet where I put school projects, receipts, tax information and to do lists to keep myself on track. This will help me in the future to always be organized in my career of choice.
The last example is to coordinate your outcomes with your actions. This will allow you to come up with a clear picture of what needs to be completed to be successful. By setting up a list of what exactly you need to complete with the due dates this will allow you to stay on track during complicated assignments.
Allen, D. (2010, October 8). Getting things done. Retrieved from http://www.gtdtimes.com
Page 1092 on “The Functions of the Executive” by Chester Barnard
This article focuses on what an executive needs to do to maintain control as well as unity and success in his business.
The first thing I took away from this was the need for communication. He says that everyone needs to know what and where the communication channels are. This will allow everything to flow more smoothly. He also said to make sure that the lines on communication were direct.
He also says that the head honcho is not a dictator and should focus not only on short term goals but on the long term goals and values of the company. This relates to me in my future because I will need to do both of these not only as an executive but as an entry level employee as well.
The third takeaway I had was that not only do the executives adhere to a stricter moral code then the rest of the company but they also are in charge of creating the moral code for the rest of the company. It seems that too often I read an article on some sleezy executive sleeping with his secretary or embezzling funds. As the head of your company you need to set a higher standard for your employees.
Chester barnard. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.vectorstudy.com/management_gurus/chester_barnard.htm
Page 1184 on Warren Bennis the leadership guru
Warren Bennis is a renowned leadership speaker and an expert in the field. From the article on him these are a few of the key points I picked up on.
The first note I had on Warren Bennis was that you need to develop organizational learning. It allows you as a boss to make sure that all of your employees are on the same page as far as their level of knowledge is concerned. It also ensures that your customers will all get the same level of service from all of your employees.
The second thing I liked was the myths of leadership. It is common to think that you have to be born with the ability to hold a crowd or the right words to say in each situation. This is not true. By pushing this knowledge to your employees you will enable more to think that they too can reach their full potential as a leader.
The third note was the five skills in emotional wisdom that give you certain abilities. He said that in order to run a good business or be a great leader you need to use these abilities to their fullest potential this will allow you to become a great businessman.
Bennis, W. (n.d.). The crucible of war.
Retrieved from http://warrenbennis.com/images-home/Ch_1.pdf
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tourism Website Review
My 10 reviewed websites
1. Orbitz – www.orbitz.com
2. Kayak – www.kayak.com
3. Travelocity – www.travelocity.com
4. Priceline – www.priceline.com
5. Deltana – www.deltana.com
6. Alaskan Adventures – www.alaskan-adventures.com
7. Alaska Hunting – www.arctic-north-guides.com
8. Arizona Guided Hunts – www.arizonahunting.net
9. Arizona Hunting Adventures – www.huntingarizona.com
10. Namibia Hunting – www.africanhuntingsafaris.com
My Top Four Websites
1. Arizona Guided Hunts www.arizonahunting.net
2. Orbitz – www.orbitz.com
3. Alaska Hunting – www.arctic-north-guides.com
4. Kayak – www.kayak.com
Website the most inadequate
Arizona Hunting Adventures – www.huntingarizona.com
SWOT Analysis
Orbitz:
Strengths
Clear Navigation
Well known
You can plan your trips
Weaknesses
You can find cheaper fares on other sites
A lot to take in
Opportunities
Need to make cheaper fares than airlines
Market to smarter markets
Threats
Other Travel Site
Airline websites
Kayak:
Strengths
Simple
Clear and precise
Weaknesses
No Frills
Bland
Opportunities
More Packages
Offer Cheaper Prices
Threats
Any other trip planning website
Alaska Hunting
Strengths
Well laid out website
Weaknesses
EXPENSIVE
Far away from the lower 48
Opportunities
Offer discount hunts
More combo hunts
Threats
The myriad of other Alaskan hunting guides
Getting lost in google
Arizona Guided Hunts
Strengths
Excellent hunt descriptions
Great layout
Weaknesses
Expensive
Hard to get to if a non resident
Opportunities
Cheaper hunts
Give resident discounts
Threats
Do it yourself hunters
Arizona Hunting Adventures
Strengths
Local guides
Good knowledge
Weaknesses
Horrible website
Looks terrible
Opportunities
Discounts hunts
Offer packages
Threats
Cannot navigate the website
Pricing out of the publics reach
Arizona Guided Hunts is going to proportionately enhance tourism in Arizona because of their inherent professionalism combined with experienced guides and decent prices. Now this will only appeal to a niche market in the world. The only people who would be interested in this would be primarily trophy hunters. But based the vast amounts of money required to participate especially if you are out of state it would be a huge boost to the Arizona Game and Fish Department to have successful guiding services.
It is the top search on Google for Arizona Guided Hunts. It has excellent hunt descriptions and helps you pick the hunt that is the best for you. You can plan your trip on this entire website and allows you to contact them personally in the event that you need help or have any questions. This websites allows you to cater to hunting just with you as well as groups of hunters. They also have hunts for some of the less hunted species in Arizona such as Predators, Quail and Dove.
They also go above and beyond with their preparation including lists on what you need to bring and advice on what to carry and what shape you need to be in. They also provide amazing lodging out in the field and are ranked as one of the top outfitters in the United States.
Arizona Hunting (2010) www.arizonahunting.net
Travelocity (2010) www.travelocity.com
1. Orbitz – www.orbitz.com
2. Kayak – www.kayak.com
3. Travelocity – www.travelocity.com
4. Priceline – www.priceline.com
5. Deltana – www.deltana.com
6. Alaskan Adventures – www.alaskan-adventures.com
7. Alaska Hunting – www.arctic-north-guides.com
8. Arizona Guided Hunts – www.arizonahunting.net
9. Arizona Hunting Adventures – www.huntingarizona.com
10. Namibia Hunting – www.africanhuntingsafaris.com
My Top Four Websites
1. Arizona Guided Hunts www.arizonahunting.net
2. Orbitz – www.orbitz.com
3. Alaska Hunting – www.arctic-north-guides.com
4. Kayak – www.kayak.com
Website the most inadequate
Arizona Hunting Adventures – www.huntingarizona.com
SWOT Analysis
Orbitz:
Strengths
Clear Navigation
Well known
You can plan your trips
Weaknesses
You can find cheaper fares on other sites
A lot to take in
Opportunities
Need to make cheaper fares than airlines
Market to smarter markets
Threats
Other Travel Site
Airline websites
Kayak:
Strengths
Simple
Clear and precise
Weaknesses
No Frills
Bland
Opportunities
More Packages
Offer Cheaper Prices
Threats
Any other trip planning website
Alaska Hunting
Strengths
Well laid out website
Weaknesses
EXPENSIVE
Far away from the lower 48
Opportunities
Offer discount hunts
More combo hunts
Threats
The myriad of other Alaskan hunting guides
Getting lost in google
Arizona Guided Hunts
Strengths
Excellent hunt descriptions
Great layout
Weaknesses
Expensive
Hard to get to if a non resident
Opportunities
Cheaper hunts
Give resident discounts
Threats
Do it yourself hunters
Arizona Hunting Adventures
Strengths
Local guides
Good knowledge
Weaknesses
Horrible website
Looks terrible
Opportunities
Discounts hunts
Offer packages
Threats
Cannot navigate the website
Pricing out of the publics reach
Arizona Guided Hunts is going to proportionately enhance tourism in Arizona because of their inherent professionalism combined with experienced guides and decent prices. Now this will only appeal to a niche market in the world. The only people who would be interested in this would be primarily trophy hunters. But based the vast amounts of money required to participate especially if you are out of state it would be a huge boost to the Arizona Game and Fish Department to have successful guiding services.
It is the top search on Google for Arizona Guided Hunts. It has excellent hunt descriptions and helps you pick the hunt that is the best for you. You can plan your trip on this entire website and allows you to contact them personally in the event that you need help or have any questions. This websites allows you to cater to hunting just with you as well as groups of hunters. They also have hunts for some of the less hunted species in Arizona such as Predators, Quail and Dove.
They also go above and beyond with their preparation including lists on what you need to bring and advice on what to carry and what shape you need to be in. They also provide amazing lodging out in the field and are ranked as one of the top outfitters in the United States.
Arizona Hunting (2010) www.arizonahunting.net
Travelocity (2010) www.travelocity.com
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
I work at the Wyndham Phoenix and I know that customer service is the most important aspect of tourism management. Repeat customers are the foundation of a good tourist business. I expect to learn better ways to manage a tourism business and to learn more about the administrative side of tourism. My favorite websites are www.foxsports.com, www.si.com and www.yahoo.com. I like foxsports and sports illustrated because they give me the most detail and best access to all my sporting needs. I also love yahoo because they give me varied world news.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)