Trump International Hotel Las Vegas

I've just got back from a week in Las Vegas for a basketball tour. Myself and a small group went over to check out the NBA Summer League and whilst there we stayed at the Trump International. For once, I didn't organise the accommodation (as I have no connections in the US) so the Trump wasn't actually my selection but it was a good one for our week.

Its off the strip and is a non-gaming hotel so its quieter than staying in one of the casinos (and therefore a little cheaper than you might expect). Location wise its across the road from the Fashion Show Mall which was perfect for some shopping or cheaper food options.

I stayed in a one bedroom suite which had a massive ensuite that included a large spa bath, double shower and double vanity. The suite had a kitchenette (virtually a full kitchen) so you could stock up the fridge with essentials which was great considering we were there for six nights.

As it isn't on the strip, the hotel provides courtesy shuttles that pick up and drop off at The Wynn as well as Caesars. I took full advantage of these to get around Vegas and to cut down on some walking during the 40 degree days.

My only negative about the hotel was that it is pet-friendly. I have allergies towards cats and dogs so was surprised to see a number of people checking in to the hotel with their small dogs. Thankfully that was the only place I saw them so it wasn't a big deal.

The staff were great, the hotel was really nice, my room was massive ... so my hats off to the Donald!

London Olympics ... when will hotels learn?

Much like the Melbourne hotels during the Commonwealth Games in 2006, it seems the London hotels are struggling in the lead-up to the Olympics. Thinking they'd make a killing during this major event, hotels in London were trying to charge the earth for their rooms but for the last month or so panic has set in as they realise no one wants to (or can afford to) pay the ridiculous prices that they were trying to charge.

I for one hope the Brisbane hotels learn from this lesson in the lead-up to the G20 Summit in 2014 ...

London's hotels and restaurants empty ahead of Olympics 
Five-star London hotels are discounting their room rates by nearly half and top restaurants are easy to book. Even house rentals are disappointing

It's one of central London's top five-star hotels, regularly voted among the best on Trip Advisor. Yet this week it will discount its standard rate from £350 a night down to £200 amid a collapse in bookings ahead of the start of the Olympics.

"We don't normally discount below £250," said the manager, on the understanding that neither he nor the hotel would be named. "But although the hotel is fully booked for the duration of the Olympics, it's exceptionally quiet this week."

International visitors and domestic travellers avoiding London because of the Olympics have left hotels, restaurants and theatres unusually empty in the last few days before the start of the Games. "Even The Ivy has told us it has tables free. Usually it's us ringing them trying to find a table," the hotel manager said.
To read the rest of the article, click here.

 

 

 

The hotel rooms to avoid

I came across a really good article about hotel rooms, those you need to avoid and how to ensure you don't end up in the worst rooms of a hotel. Click on the link at the bottom to read the full story.

Business travelers, avoid these rooms

By Jill Becker, Special to CNN

We've all been there. At the end of a long flight, you get to your hotel and check in, only to find that your room is right next to an ice machine that sounds like it has a severe case of whooping cough, or it's the only one on the floor not occupied by members of a high school marching band practicing through the night for a major competition.

Yes, a bad hotel room can ruin anyone's trip, but when you're traveling on business, the stakes are even higher. If it's not up to par or presents too many distractions, you may not be able to finish that big presentation or you might not be rested enough for that important client meeting.

To help you avoid these pitfalls, we consulted with Doug Peckham, who, after an extensive career working in hotels and resorts from Philadelphia to Puerto Rico, now oversees the stately Stoneleigh Hotel & Spa in Dallas. Located just minutes from the offices of major corporations such as Cinemark, Merrill Lynch and Southwest Airlines, the historic Stoneleigh attracts a significant business clientele, and Peckham knows just what those travelers need.

To read the rest of the article, click here.