On the 27th December 2011, The Fairmont San Francisco celebrated the 50th anniversary of music legend Tony Bennett’s first performance of ‘I left my heart in San Francisco’ in the Hotel’s famed Venetian room in 1961!

50 years ago the iconic singer took to the stage and performed the popular song for the first time during his ‘Happy New Year’ engagement. The song was released in February of 1962 and became a major hit, winning two top Grammy Awards for of ‘Record of The Year’ and ‘Best Male Vocal Performance’. The track was written in 1954 by George Cory and Douglass Cross and many consider it top of the list in terms of love and nostalgia for the Bay Area compared to all other songs, movies and TV shows associated with the area combined!

Bennett’s long loved associated with The Fairmont San Francisco was commemorated during the restoration of the hotel in 1999 – the singer placed a time capsule in the stage of the hotel’s famed Venetian Room, containing personal items including a red Baccarat crystal heart gifted to Bennett by Liza Minnelli. Bennett explained that Minnelli gave him the heart to replace the one he left in San Francisco!

To mark the 50th Anniversary of Bennett’s performance and the year during which his recording of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” was released, The Fairmont San Francisco is celebrating throughout 2012 with special cocktails and packages. Tony Bennett fans and visitors to the city by the bay can visit http://www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco for more details.

Fairmont San Francisco is part of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, a client of Magellan PR.

For more information on Fairmont San Francisco, please visit www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco follow them on twitter @FairmontSF or on Facebook.

For more information on Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, please visit http://www.fairmont.com, follow them on twitter @FairmontHotels or on Facebook/Fairmont Hotels.  Their community website is http://www.everyonesanoriginal.com.

Magellan PR is on twitter:  @MagellanPR and on Facebook/MagellanPR.  For more information on our company, visit www.magellan-pr.com.

Fairmont Beijing is encouraging its guests to forgo exploring the city on four wheels to doing so on two!  With an emphasis on being green in keeping with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts’ well known environmental policies, guests may easily cycle to Beijing’s key landmarks as Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City as well as travelling along a myriad of bicycle routes, guaranteed to keep guests gridlock-free and enjoying the sites of the city.

For those looking for something a little more unusual, Fairmont Beijing has also developed a self-guided excursion into one of the city’s famed and fast-disappearing hutongs, located just a short distance from the hotel. The ‘Heritage Biking Tour’ is available in app format, the highly detailed map including an audio commentary in English or Chinese, social media capabilities that let users directly share details on their experience, a built-in recording feature and GPS to ensure all explorers find their way home!  The tour was developed in conjunction with the Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Center, a local NGO that works to  preserve China’s cultural past.

BMW bicycles are of course, provided to guests on a complimentary basis by Fairmont Beijing, (and Fairmonts around the world), encouraging guests to think in terms of reducing their carbon footprint while at the same time supporting the discovery and preservation of a vital part of the city’s cultural heritage.

The app is available for free download from http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fairmont-hotel-beijing-biking/id467003293?mt=8.

Fairmont Beijing is part of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, a client of Magellan PR.

For more information on Fairmont Beijing, please visit www.fairmont.com/beijing, follow them on twitter @FairmontBeijing or on Facebook/ Fairmont Beijing.

For more information on Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, please visit http://www.fairmont.com, follow them on twitter @FairmontHotels or on Facebook/Fairmont Hotels.  Their community website is http://www.everyonesanoriginal.com.

Magellan PR is on twitter:  @MagellanPR and on Facebook/MagellanPR.  For more information on our company, visit www.magellan-pr.com.

Image via Wikipedia

I began the evening – as I have normally been doing these past few weeks, at the Boston Public Library, which has served as my “home office” sort of speak and typically have been most productive doing my social media freelancing and project work out of the Bates Hall Reading Room (which, coincidentally, I am only two days away from becoming Mayor of the establishment on FourSquare).  Alas, I digress, as no one reading this blog (or in this world) really could care less whether or not I own the Mayorship of the Boston Public Library.

That said, after my library adventures were complete, I headed over to my other favorite place in Boston, The Fairmont Copley Plaza, where I said hello to one of my favorite Fairmont people, Suzanne Wenz, who is, quite frankly, a fantastic person and great mentor of mine, and to pick up my other Fairmont friend Ashley, who also is a PR guru for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.  At that point, Ashley and I took the T to Haymarket and met up with another Fairmont friend Jana, who works at another gorgeous hotel called the Fairmont Battery Wharf, which is a really chic and sleek property right along the waterfront, as well as my friend Ashley’s husband, Chris.

So after 250+ words of rambling, let’s get down to the business-end of this post, which of course has everything to do with the title and nothing to do with what I’ve just explained (although I do believe context is important with stories such as these…) Anyways, we started off the evening at this charming little North End establishment called Tresca, which is primarily a bar spot but also welcomes in the unassuming diner seeking some unsurprising, however satisfying, Italian fair.  After all, the restaurant is right along Hanover Street, which is the ‘touristy’ and most-trafficked road on the North End, widely known as the “Italian neighborhood” of Boston.

Image via Wikipedia

After some delicious sharable appetizers – I highly recommend the mushroom pizza and the meatballs, two of which were our staple shared dishes – and some succulent glasses of pino noir (hence the title), we parted ways with our good friend Jana and headed to Churchill’s Lounge, which my friend Ashley was advertising as a widely-known, ideal place for ‘scotch and cigars.’  To our dismay, as soon as we entered the establishment, we realized that there was no hard liquor to be served AT ALL in the bar/lounge, with the notable exceptions of assorted beers, wines, and ports.  Content enough with those options, we decided to blindly go along with the recommended cigars that were put forth in front of us and enjoy an ‘old world’ kind of evening that was full of smoke but also plenty of candidly clear conversation.  The bar was a bit less authentically (my friend Ashley’s least favorite word) ‘old world’ due to the fact that they were piping in both The Who and John Mayer on the speakers, but a good time was still had by all.

The only deterrent of the evening was the fact that – upon arrival back at my home – I reeked of cigar smoke…to the bone.  I will mostly likely need to take two showers tomorrow, as well as wash and re-wash my clothes, in order to rid myself of the smoky-smelliness that is my current existence.  All being said, however, it was a great evening of typical Bostonian culture.  As my post’s title suggests, an evening of good food, great booze, and even better company can make any man content.

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A confession:  I am an unashamed Savoy fan:  there’s just something about this historic hotel and her history that speaks to this “hotel junkie” – especially now – with her new couture transformation complete.  One venue which I have been dying to try out however – saved for the right occasion – is the deeply glamorous Beaufort Bar, the theatrical, Art Deco venue, located just off the Thames Foyer in the heart of the hotel.  Now I have attended many a cocktail function in the space’s old guise as the Beaufort Room but this re-invention of a venue is particularly clever.  Here’s why with five fast facts:

• The bar stands on the hotel’s former cabaret stage that was graced by luminaries such as Caroll Gibbons, the Savoy Orpheans and George Gershwin.  The rising stage (the focal point for the evergreen “Stomping at The Savoy” dinner dances) still works perfectly and nightly entertainment might today include a cabaret legend or an up & coming star.
• A decor highlight: the alcoves encircling the bar, burnished with GBP38,000 worth of gold leaf.  Against the black deco walls, they are particularly effective and lend a seductive opulence.
• A mere GBP21,000 was spent on the theatrical velvet drapes that frame the “centre stage” bar, augmenting the design and showcasing the Head Barman.
• One of London’s most extensive ranges of champagnes is available by the glass with rare vintages from Louis Roederer and Cristal served.  If you wanted to try a methuselah of Cristal 2002, it comes in at a respectable GBP16,400.  (A methuselah of champagne is the equivalent of six litres of champagne or eight bottles.)
• It is really all about the cocktails however and two were recommended to me. The pink-coloured champagne cocktail “Impressionist” (GBP16.50) was the first (which is served in a tall champagne glass alongside a red rose in dry ice, emanating a “Monet-esque” fragrant fog).  It is was named for the famous artist who regularly painted the view from The Thames from the hotel and has a suite named after him. He was fascinated by London’s fog apparently.  The second was “Patience” (GBP14.50) named for the Gilbert & Sullivan operetta which opened The Savoy Theatre.  Gilbert & Sullivan’s operas were commissioned by Richard D’Oyly Carte, the original owner & creator of The Savoy).  This delicious pale green concoction was made with Hendrick’s gin, Chartreuse, lime marmalade green tea and cucumber syrup, served martini style.  Get’s my vote.

The Beaufort Bar is open from 5pm – 1.am – Mondays to Saturday.  On Sundays, it’s 5pm – midnight.  The Manager is Ludovic Solmi and his Head Barman is Chris Moore.

Contributor:  Sue Lowry.

The Savoy is part of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts which is a client of Magellan PR.

For more information on The Savoy, please visit www.fairmont.com/Savoy, follow them on twitter @TheSavoyLondon or on Facebook/The Savoy.

For more information on Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, please visit http://www.fairmont.com, follow them on twitter @FairmontHotels or on Facebook/Fairmont Hotels.  Their community website is http://www.everyonesanoriginal.com.

Magellan PR is on twitter:  @MagellanPR and on Facebook/MagellanPR.  For more information on our company, visit www.magellan-pr.com.

Edie, Fairmont Pittsburgh's Canine Ambassaor

You don’t often hear a PR say it but Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has definitely gone to the dogs.  Canine Ambassadors http://www.fairmont.com/promotions/canineambassadors are available for “walkies” and cuddles at selected hotels around the world, especially for those guests missing their furry friends … and their numbers are increasing.

There’s Smudge at St Andrews, a Golden Labrador Retriever; Edie, a white Boxer/Labrador Retriever at Fairmont Pittsburgh (named after Andy Warhol’s “superstar” Edie Sedgwick); Marcus, Golden Labrador Retriever - Director of Pet Relations at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise; Zeus, a Chocolate Labrador recent hire at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa; Jordy, a Black Labrador Retriever from Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu; Gracie, a Golden Labrador at Fairmont Tremblant; Mavis & Beau from The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver;  among others.

La belle Catie Copley

Catie Copley from The Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston is perhaps the most famous, starring in two adventure books of her travels – one with Santol, her buddy from Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.

At Fairmont’s Mount Kenya Safari Club, there are three fully qualified Canine Ambassadors – Oscar (Golden Retriever), Tusker and Grammy (Labrador mix with Ridgeback) – they love equatorial walks and light up when the words River Liki are mentioned as they love swimming and fetching sticks thrown by guests.  Haggis, a three month old Cairn Terrier, is set to join the pack once trained.

Smudge, Fairmont St Andrews

Most have their own business cards and email addresses but I am unsure whether they really do their own correspondence!   It’s a dog’s life at Fairmont for sure.

Contributor:  Sue Lowry

*Photo of Edie used by kind permission of Kaitlin Bledsoe Photography.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a client of Magellan PR.  Follow on Twitter @FairmontHotels, become a fan on Facebook/Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, visit www.fairmont.com or join their community at www.everyoneisanoriginal.com.

Magellan PR is on twitter – @MagellanPR, became a fan on Facebook/Magellan PR or visit www.magellan-pr.com.

• The Savoy Museum, The Savoy a Fairmont property – The hotel’s rich history has been preserved in one of the largest hotel archives in the world. For the first time, selected items from these archives are now on show in a new museum space by the lobby, curated by style journalist, James Sherwood.

Twitter: @TheSavoyLondon

http://www.fairmont.com/savoy/articles/recentnews/generalinformation.htm

• Hermione Museum, Charente-Maritime, Poitou-Charentes – A near perfect replica of The Hermione, the ship that famously took LaFayette to America in 1780 to fight in the War of Independence, is being built by craftsmen and women.  A living museum, visitors can watch the work in progress and learn about carpentry techniques at the same time. The completed ship hopes to be unveiled late 2011/2012 and will again sail to America to commemorate LaFayette’s voyage.

http://www.hermione.com/

• Glove Museum, Millau, Midi-Pyrénées – Millau has been the centre of glove making for over a century and the museum displays this with a remarkable collection of gloves throughout the ages. The quality of the leather in Millau has been long appreciated by the big Paris Fashion houses such as Chanel and Hermès who still have their merchandise manufactured in the town.

http://www.tourism-midi-pyrenees.co.uk/en/sheet/Visits-to-companies-and-industrial-sites/aveyron-millau/millau-gloves_FOI12.TECH.145.02267.97..CRT-MP_000_1.php

• Swiss Transport Museum, Lucerne, Switzerland – Experience the tales of transport development by road, rail and water as well as in the air and outer space yesterday, today and in the future in Switzerland’s most visited museum. With more than 3000 objects to see, the Swiss Transport Museum presents a fascinating insight into one of mankind’s greatest endeavours.

Twitter: @I_Love_Lucerne

http://www.verkehrshaus.ch/index.cfm?dom=4

• Pierre Loti House, Poitou-Charentes – Visit the exotic and certainly eccentric former home of naval officer turned writer Pierre Loti, famous for his best-selling romances with exotic settings, based on his travels. Known in his lifetime for hosting medieval parties with all guests in costume, his home has a similar medieval theme and reflects both of his favourite pastimes – his books and his travels.

http://www.ville-rochefort.fr/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?articleId=N2_LOTI&version=1.0&groupId=1126

Q: What does a Film Concierge do?  

I would say I’m like the Film Commissioner for the Fairmont Royal York.  I follow each job from start to finish: I promote the location, handle the contracts, fulfil specific requests for the crew (i.e. the set department needs a bell cart for the scene), negotiate rates, book space in the hotel, communicate details of the filming to the different departments in the hotel and oversee the filming while the crew is on property.

 Q: What are the most exciting and the most challenging aspects of the job?

The most exciting aspect of the job is the fact that every day is different.  It’s a creative industry, the people involved are fun to work with and it’s exciting to watch a script come to life.

The most challenging aspect of the job is keeping that fine balance between the demands of the film crews and the needs of the hotel and guests.  The hotel’s ability to say yes to film crews without disrupting hotel guests has turned The Fairmont Royal York into one of the hottest shooting locations in the city’s $1.2 billion film and television industry.  At the end of the day, however, we are a hotel and it’s important not to lose sight of that. 

Q: What movies and stars have you worked with?

The Fairmont Royal York has become a hotbed for major motion pictures, including starring roles in Red, Cinderella Man, New York Minute, The Tuxedo, Take the Lead, Bait, Serendipity, Where the Truth Lies, Hollywood Land, Man of the Year and Mr. Magoriums Wonder Emporium,  just to name a few.  Some of the actors and actresses that have been at the hotel include Colin Firth, Ron Howard, Renee Zellweger, Julie Andrews, Sophia Loren, Daniel Baldwin, Sean Hayes, Jackie Chan, John Cusak, Taye Diggs, Timothy Hutton, Kevin Bacon, Russell Crowe, Heather Graham, Ron Howard, the Olsen twins and Jennifer Love Hewett.

Most movies you’ll notice are not set in Toronto, so the hotel is almost always disguised, playing locations such as The Plaza, the Waldorf Astoria, the White House, the Federal Reserve, etc – even the Fairmont Chicago in the latest movie set here, Red, with Helen Mirren, John Malkovitch and Bruce Willis!

Q: Have there been any Bollywood films produced at the hotel at all?

Yes, last summer the Bollywood film Thank You, which stared Akshay Kumar was filmed in the hotel’s lobby and on the 16^th floor.   The Indian film industry is increasingly using Canada for shoots – it’s a business market our partners are pursuing.

We’ve also hosted many top Bollywood stars that have been in Toronto for a variety of events including Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Karan Johar, Abhishek Bachman, Aishwarya Rai, the cast and crew of Slumdog Millionaire, Preethi Zinta and Shilpa Shetty.

Most recently Anil Kapur and Preethi Zinta stayed with us this past January for the IIFA press conference.

Q: What does “being in the movies” do for the hotel?

The movie business has opened up a new revenue stream for our hotel, offering short-term business and bottom-line revenue.  One film shoot can bring in anywhere from $5,000 CAD to $30,000 CAD plus.

But it is not only financial rewarding for the hotel; both guests and staff love it as well.  While guests can be seen lingering around the set trying to get a ‘glimpse’ of the action, the hotel staff are simply excited to be part of Toronto’s ‘Hollywood North’.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a client of Magellan PR

http://www.fairmont.com/

The second Royal Wedding of 2011 is the long awaited union of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco with his bride-to-be, the South African Charlene Wittstock this Friday, 1st July.  We have had a little sneak preview of the event as one of our clients, The Fairmont Monte Carlo, is catering for the cocktail reception for the local Monegasques, following the civil ceremony (the religious service is on Saturday).  The wedding will encapsulate the couple’s nationality, their interest in environmental preservation and the local Monegasque population.

• There will be 6,000 Monegasques attending the reception.
• 200 Fairmont Monte Carlo staff will be involved in the catering operation.
• There will be 180 metres of buffet tables.
• The menu will feature specialities from Africa (courtesy of sister hotel – Fairmont Zimbali Resort’s Executive Chef, Dean Uren) as well as local dishes by Executive Chef Maryan Gandon.
• Most of the buffet including the plates and cutlery will be made from biodegradable material.
• 40 kiddies from the Fairmont Monte Carlo’s “Les Petits Chefs” programme with local schools, will be in attendance to represent Monegasque youth.
• Les Petits Chefs will offer the bride and groom a symbolic gesture of the nuptials – a “pièce montée”, fresh fruits and a bouquet of white King Protea (typical South African flowers).
• La Brasserie de Monaco, a partner of the wedding, has created a special beer to commemorate the event - the “Mariage Princier”  which will be served on the day and at the Fairmont Monte Carlo’s Saphir and Champagne Bars exclusively for a week following.
• Local artist Mateo Mornar has created a symbolic sculpture to be placed on the wedding cake.
• Jean Michel Jarre will give a special concert Friday evening on Le Port Hercule.
• The Fairmont Monte Carlo has had the pleasure of working with the Palace on three previous Royal occasions – the 700th anniversary of the Grimaldi dynasty in 1997, the 50th Anniversary of Prince Rainier III in 1999 and in 2005, the coronation of HSH Prince Albert II.

To celebrate the event – and to enjoy some of the special exhibitions co-inciding with the wedding – The Fairmont Monte Carlo has unveiled their Royal Wedding Package (minimum two night stay) to include champagne, canapes and cocktail on arrival with flowers and chocolates in your guest room, daily buffet breakfast, a special Royal Wedding gift, service and tax.  Rates start at Euros 429 per night for a Fairmont room, double occupancy and it is valid until 10th July 2011, subject to availability.   (www.fairmont.com/montecarlo).

For more information on the wedding, visit http://mariage.visitmonaco.com/Infos.aspx and for Monaco itself, visit www.visitmonaco.com.

Contributor:  Sue Lowry

Fairmont Monte Carlo is part of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts which is a client of Magellan PR.

Canine Ambassadors, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

 Canine Ambassadors are a very popular feature at Fairmont Hotels – one ‘Catie Copley’ even has her own book! Travellers missing their own furry friend, or looking for a companion while taking a walk can bring along the resident Fairmont dog for extra security and the comfort from home. http://www.fairmont.com/promotions/canineambassadors

Kermode ‘Spirit Bear’, King Pacific Lodge

King Pacific Lodge is situated in one of the most biologically diverse areas of the planet and is the perfect place to see the unique cream coloured ‘spirit bear’ fishing for salmon in the river or padding through the rainforest. King Pacific Lodge run ‘spirit bear’ tracking expeditions in September to see this beautiful animal.

http://www.kingpacificlodge.com/serv.cfm

Fairmont Bees, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

With growing concerns about Colony Collapse Disorder with honeybees, Fairmont saw an opportunity to help nature by placing hives in their hotels’ rooftop gardens.  Not only will this help the local environment, but their chefs can offer delicious, local and sustainable honey. Currently eleven hotels have this feature, with more hotels soon to follow suit.

http://www.fairmont.com/en_fa/articles/recentnews/bees2010.htm

Twitter: @FairmontHotels

Kasper the Kat, The Savoy London (a Fairmont Property)

Kasper the Kat has been a Savoy legend since 1898, joining dinner parties of 13 to make 14 – a less unlucky number for the superstitious! The 3ft high Art Deco wooden sculpture was designed by Basil Ionides in 1926 and is served every course as a bona fide guest with a napkin around his neck!

http://www.fairmont.com/savoy

Twitter: @TheSavoyLondon

Futuroscope, Poitou-Charentes, France

Take part in a ground-breaking, interactive safari –‘The Future is Wild’ mingling with 3D creatures in their natural environment and playing an active role in a world that is both reality and virtual reality, in Futuroscope’s specially constructed theatre.

http://uk.futuroscope.com/attraction-futur-wild.php

Twitter:  @Futuroscope Twitter:  @VisitPCharentes

Fairmont - The Next Chapter

One of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts newest marketing initiatives, The Next Chapter, has intigued me, as it involves working with world-renowned paper sculptress, Su Blackwell.

One of Fairmont’s keynote phrases is “turning moments into memories” and she has quite literally done this by taking a Fairmont guest book and turning its pages into a stunning 3-D sculpture.  Featuring four hotels representing the EMEA region – Africa: Fairmont Zimbali Lodge; Asia: Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai;   Europe: The Savoy London; Middle East: Makkah Clock Royal Tower, these hotels also represent the diversity of the global portfolio within the hotel group.

What I particularly like is the attention to detail that is shown in the sculpture.  Beside the facade of the Fairmont Peace Hotel for example is a cherry blossom tree and a guest performing T’ai Chi and next to The Savoy, is The London Eye.  Look carefully, and you will even see a couple having an intimate meal, someone taking a camel ride and a golfer who has just taken a shot presumably at St Andrews, the home of golf.

The artwork was unveiled at Arabian Travel Market May 2011 and is now on show at the Fairmont Dubai before travelling onto Fairmont Bab Al Bahr.  Su Blackwell talks about her work on Fairmont’s YouTube channel – http://bit.ly/ilDZrM.  For more information on Su Blackwell, visit her website:  www.sublackwell.co.uk.

For more information, visit www.fairmont.com.

Contributer:  Sue Lowry

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a client of Magellan PR.

Cogwheel Railway, Lucerne, Switzerland

The world’s steepest cogwheel railway from Lucerne up to Pilatus Kulm Peak which is 2132 metres above sea level. Amazing panoramic views, the best deal is to buy the Golden Round Trip which includes a wonderful Lake Lucerne cruise before you travel up the mountain.
 

Mini Convertibles, Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Baja California, Mexico

Feel the Baja wind in your hair on a mini adventure by renting one of the resorts convertible Mini Coopers, allowing guests to drive around Los Cabos in style. These cars are available on property for guests to hire – driving in this area has never been so much fun (driving licence required).

Segway Glided Tour, Newport Beach, California, USA

Enjoy a marvellous guided Segway tour around Newport Beach –chose from the Balboa Peninsula or the Newport Pier Tour which is an hour longer. Find out all the gossip and history on route whilst following your guide on a Segway. Helmets and basic safety instructions are provided of course.

BMW Bikes, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts – selected hotels worldwide

At many of the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts around the world guests can take advantage of the complimentary hotel cycling service featuring BMW Cruise Bikes. These bikes grant active and adventurous travellers the opportunity to explore the vibrant cities and stunning landscape of Fairmont distinctive locales – watch out for the brake in the pedal!

Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs Desert Resorts, California, USA

Ascend two and a half miles from the desert floor to a pristine wilderness, aboard the world’s largest rotating tram cars and enjoy a wealth of activities at the top such as walking and skiing. The ‘Rise n’ Dine’ deal includes a round-trip tram fare plus dining in the Pines Café after 3pm.

Luzern Tourism, Palm Springs Desert Resorts CVA, Visit Newport Beach, Inc, Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts – are clients of Magellan PR.

No he’s not Dorian Gray and he doesn’t have a portrait in the attic – he just always looks youthful – it’s in his genes.  He is, after all, a three foot tall, beautifully carved, exquisitely drawn sculpture of a cat, commissioned from Basil Ionides in 1926 from a single piece of plane tree.  His haunts are the private function rooms of The Savoy and whenever a group of thirteen sits down to dine, Kaspar will be that lucky extra companion, sitting quietly in the background with a napkin tied around his neck, served each course as a bona fide guest.

Why, you might ask, is there a need for this cure-all for a superstition?  Well in 1898, the diamond magnate Woolf Joel gave a dinner party at The Savoy before he departed to South Africa.  One guest cancelled at the last minute and thirteen sat down to table.  The host laughed off the superstition that the earliest to leave the table would be destined to die first.  A few weeks later, however, Woolf was shot dead in his office in Johannesburg. 

From that moment on, a group size of thirteen has always had a hotel staff member join them to make up the numbers – firstly in human form but from 1926, this quiet feline took their place – the perfect guest to ensure complete privacy. 

I did have a couple of questions for Kaspar but after a lifetime of discretion, it’s quite hard to get him to talk – his lips are sealed. 

So instead I asked his PR handler for his feedback. “Kaspar was once kidnapped – is that true?”  I’m told confidentially that Kaspar doesn’t like to talk about it much – this traumatic episode is a bit of a state secret as far as The Savoy is concerned. From what I can glean, Kaspar was indeed kidnapped by some RAF pilots from 609 (West Riding) Squadron not once but twice and taken back to their mess in the war.  It took an intervention by no less a person than the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, to return him back to his home. Indeed, such was their rapport forged over these dastardly deeds, that whenever Sir Winston dined with a group at the hotel, he insisted that Kaspar attended too as his guest.  Now doppelgangers are used by The Savoy (including one in the hotel’s Front Hall) so no-one today really knows if they are meeting the real McCoy or not.

“Who chooses what he eats?” I also asked.  The response – well as a frequent diner at the hotel, Kaspar has a good relationship with the chef who knows his likes and dislikes and is served accordingly.  Hmm – a very good relationship I’d say judging by that secret side dish of succulent prawns I spied being served for him at our dinner ….

“Which chef is his favourite for there must have been quite a few since he started living at The Savoy?”   His PR handler responded sternly that all have been gracious to him and he is too much of a gentleman to choose one over the other.  There the interview, such that it was, ended, as Kaspar needed to retire for the night.

Some people tell me that Kaspar’s conversation can be a bit wooden at times but I personally have always preferred the strong silent type. As far as I’m concerned, Kaspar can join my dinner parties anytime, anywhere and I would be very proud to introduce him as my guest of honour. 

As he no longer leaves the hotel (as you get older, I suppose you dislike change), it’s safe to say that sadly he is unlikely ever to join me at home so our third meeting will have to wait until another smart dinner party invite lands on my doormat from The Savoy.

In the meantime, I will simply have to be content with taking home a sculptured, chocolate tribute to him, made by The Savoy’s patissiers and sold in their Tea Boutique – a fitting memento to one of the hotel world’s most endearing and fascinating characters.

Contributor:  Sue Lowry

For more information: www.fairmont.com/savoy

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts corporately is a client of Magellan PR and The Savoy is one of the group’s 60+ hotels worldwide.

The sun shining on The Savoy 10:10:10

Like many Savoy junkies, I awaited her return with bated breath, praying that the multi-million pound restoration would not take away her soul.  I returned on opening day to be the first person to eat in The River Restaurant and was awed by the cleverness of her new look – she was still the same Savoy, she was just wearing a couture frock.

This was way back in October – a lifetime away now in our busy lives – but it’s got me thinking about what The Savoy means to me.  Like many Londoners, I take ownership of the hotel – it’s not just any old property – it’s my hotel – I probably feel this more than most as the start of my career in the hotel business was bound up with The Savoy. 

I worked for a company called The Leading Hotels of the World and it was formed in New York by The Savoy and other grande dame European hotels back in 1928 to look after a rich American clientele that came over to Europe for “the season”.  

Working very closely with The Savoy during my time at Leading Hotels, I look back now at this period as my “finishing school”, teaching a kid from the South Coast about luxury, service and the skills involved in the promotion of five-star hotels.  During this time, I helped the in-house PR team with The Savoy’s centennial (I still have a bottle of centennial champagne unopened but much prized). 

On leaving Leading Hotels to join an agency, I subsequently worked with The Savoy once more to promote a multi-million renovation programme under legendary hotelier, Ramon Pajares - coordinating a global campaign with PR friends worldwide.

I then lost touch with The Savoy – she changed owners again but this time, landed on her feet when they decided to invest heavily in her, spending over GBP220 million over a three year period. Truth be told, she did look a tad dowdy and down at heel before this last restoration – she needed a makeover.

So in the way of things as I now understand them, with my own agency, Magellan PR, the world turned on its axis and once again, I was back in the game - this time with client Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and indirectly working with The Savoy’s in-house PR and marketing teams behind the scenes.

The hotel’s illustrious history is retold in The Savoy Museum and is reflected in the decor of the nine personality suites which pay homage to Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich, Frank Sinatra and of course, to Claude Monet.  Room styles are split between Art Deco and Edwardian (the latter is my personal favourite).  There’s now a Savoy Boutique selling handmade chocolates and goodies (my favourite is the chocolate Kaspar the Cat) and one of the property’s biggest design successes, the super sexy Beaufort Bar which has that slight touch of lounge lizard you need to make it work.  These of course are the headline stories but my own memories of The Savoy are no less precious and special to me and my life has changed for the better because of my lifelong involvement with her.  I carry these memories with me every day - my history at my Savoy. 

I hope I don’t lose touch with this London gem again – it’s extremely comforting to see her back again and looking so stylish: a reassuring and gracious presence in my ever-changing world. 

Contributor:  Sue Lowry

For more information: www.fairmont.com/savoy

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts corporately is a client of Magellan PR and The Savoy is one of the group’s 60+ hotels worldwide.

The series, in its second year, gives guests unique opportunities to engage with National Geographic experts in a range of activities from guided tours of cultural landmarks to fly-fishing and safari excursions.

TWITTER: Follow Hotelmine

FACEBOOK: Hotelmine Fan Page

• Slip into the Cenotes – June 4-8, 2010. One of the world’s leading environmental anthropologists, underwater cave expert Dr. Kenny Broad will lead a snorkeling expedition through the freshwater jungles of the Mayan Cenotes. Join us at the AAA 5-Diamond Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya with VIP passes to Dr. Broad’s conference and bird watching tour. Guests may also explore the expansive grounds of the Fairmont Mayakoba by bike and visit the World Heritage and UNESCO site Sian Ka’an, where they will be treated to a lunch prepared by the Mayan community. Spend four nights in a Fairmont room; enjoy a $200 USD food and beverage credit; receive complimentary airport transfers, transportation to Sian Ka’an, a handcrafted Mayan welcome gift and a farewell souvenir. Snorkeling equipment and transportation to the site also provided. Rates begin at $469 USD per night.
• Paddle through Pauoa Bay –  June 25-27, 2010. Dr. Kenny Broad heads to The Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island of Hawaii, one of the most stunning settings in the Pacific Ocean. Dr. Broad will lead a two-day Hawaiian Exploration complete with snorkel adventures, underwater photography and presentations from his underwater expeditions. Package includes luxurious nightly accommodation, welcome reception; daily breakfast for two, and Fun & Sun Activity Passes for a variety of beach and cultural activities at the 32-acre oceanfront resort. Rates begin at $399 USD per night.
• Diving with “Her Deepness” – August 12-16, 2010. Join legendary oceanographer, Dr. Sylvia Earle, named “Her Deepness” by the New Yorker and the New York Times, at the AAA 5-Diamond Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya. A private cocktail reception with Dr. Earle will mark the start of an unforgettable holiday. Enjoy four nights in a Fairmont Room and receive VIP access to Dr. Earle’s conference and Q&A session. The action-packed agenda includes a scuba diving expedition* (inclusive of equipment and transportation), a bird-watching boat trip, a bicycle tour and a one day visit to the World Heritage and UNESCO site Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve accompanied by a Mayan guide where guests will walk through the largest coastal Mayan archaeological site, take a boat ride, and go for an easy swim in the river. Package includes a $200 USD food and beverage credit; complimentary airport transfers, a handcrafted Mayan welcome gift and a farewell souvenir. Rates begin at $469 USD per night. * Scuba diving is exclusive for certified divers.

In addition to these summer adventures, Fairmont will introduce more Global Explorer packages later in the year. Upcoming destinations will include Fairmont Singapore and Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg.

The series, in its second year, gives guests unique opportunities to engage with National Geographic experts in a range of activities from guided tours of cultural landmarks to fly-fishing and safari excursions.

TWITTER: Follow Hotelmine

FACEBOOK: Hotelmine Fan Page

• Slip into the Cenotes – June 4-8, 2010. One of the world’s leading environmental anthropologists, underwater cave expert Dr. Kenny Broad will lead a snorkeling expedition through the freshwater jungles of the Mayan Cenotes. Join us at the AAA 5-Diamond Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya with VIP passes to Dr. Broad’s conference and bird watching tour. Guests may also explore the expansive grounds of the Fairmont Mayakoba by bike and visit the World Heritage and UNESCO site Sian Ka’an, where they will be treated to a lunch prepared by the Mayan community. Spend four nights in a Fairmont room; enjoy a $200 USD food and beverage credit; receive complimentary airport transfers, transportation to Sian Ka’an, a handcrafted Mayan welcome gift and a farewell souvenir. Snorkeling equipment and transportation to the site also provided. Rates begin at $469 USD per night.
• Paddle through Pauoa Bay –  June 25-27, 2010. Dr. Kenny Broad heads to The Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island of Hawaii, one of the most stunning settings in the Pacific Ocean. Dr. Broad will lead a two-day Hawaiian Exploration complete with snorkel adventures, underwater photography and presentations from his underwater expeditions. Package includes luxurious nightly accommodation, welcome reception; daily breakfast for two, and Fun & Sun Activity Passes for a variety of beach and cultural activities at the 32-acre oceanfront resort. Rates begin at $399 USD per night.
• Diving with “Her Deepness” – August 12-16, 2010. Join legendary oceanographer, Dr. Sylvia Earle, named “Her Deepness” by the New Yorker and the New York Times, at the AAA 5-Diamond Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya. A private cocktail reception with Dr. Earle will mark the start of an unforgettable holiday. Enjoy four nights in a Fairmont Room and receive VIP access to Dr. Earle’s conference and Q&A session. The action-packed agenda includes a scuba diving expedition* (inclusive of equipment and transportation), a bird-watching boat trip, a bicycle tour and a one day visit to the World Heritage and UNESCO site Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve accompanied by a Mayan guide where guests will walk through the largest coastal Mayan archaeological site, take a boat ride, and go for an easy swim in the river. Package includes a $200 USD food and beverage credit; complimentary airport transfers, a handcrafted Mayan welcome gift and a farewell souvenir. Rates begin at $469 USD per night. * Scuba diving is exclusive for certified divers.

In addition to these summer adventures, Fairmont will introduce more Global Explorer packages later in the year. Upcoming destinations will include Fairmont Singapore and Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg.

The series, in its second year, gives guests unique opportunities to engage with National Geographic experts in a range of activities from guided tours of cultural landmarks to fly-fishing and safari excursions.

TWITTER: Follow Hotelmine

FACEBOOK: Hotelmine Fan Page

• Slip into the Cenotes – June 4-8, 2010. One of the world’s leading environmental anthropologists, underwater cave expert Dr. Kenny Broad will lead a snorkeling expedition through the freshwater jungles of the Mayan Cenotes. Join us at the AAA 5-Diamond Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya with VIP passes to Dr. Broad’s conference and bird watching tour. Guests may also explore the expansive grounds of the Fairmont Mayakoba by bike and visit the World Heritage and UNESCO site Sian Ka’an, where they will be treated to a lunch prepared by the Mayan community. Spend four nights in a Fairmont room; enjoy a $200 USD food and beverage credit; receive complimentary airport transfers, transportation to Sian Ka’an, a handcrafted Mayan welcome gift and a farewell souvenir. Snorkeling equipment and transportation to the site also provided. Rates begin at $469 USD per night.
• Paddle through Pauoa Bay –  June 25-27, 2010. Dr. Kenny Broad heads to The Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island of Hawaii, one of the most stunning settings in the Pacific Ocean. Dr. Broad will lead a two-day Hawaiian Exploration complete with snorkel adventures, underwater photography and presentations from his underwater expeditions. Package includes luxurious nightly accommodation, welcome reception; daily breakfast for two, and Fun & Sun Activity Passes for a variety of beach and cultural activities at the 32-acre oceanfront resort. Rates begin at $399 USD per night.
• Diving with “Her Deepness” – August 12-16, 2010. Join legendary oceanographer, Dr. Sylvia Earle, named “Her Deepness” by the New Yorker and the New York Times, at the AAA 5-Diamond Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya. A private cocktail reception with Dr. Earle will mark the start of an unforgettable holiday. Enjoy four nights in a Fairmont Room and receive VIP access to Dr. Earle’s conference and Q&A session. The action-packed agenda includes a scuba diving expedition* (inclusive of equipment and transportation), a bird-watching boat trip, a bicycle tour and a one day visit to the World Heritage and UNESCO site Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve accompanied by a Mayan guide where guests will walk through the largest coastal Mayan archaeological site, take a boat ride, and go for an easy swim in the river. Package includes a $200 USD food and beverage credit; complimentary airport transfers, a handcrafted Mayan welcome gift and a farewell souvenir. Rates begin at $469 USD per night. * Scuba diving is exclusive for certified divers.

In addition to these summer adventures, Fairmont will introduce more Global Explorer packages later in the year. Upcoming destinations will include Fairmont Singapore and Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg.

The series, in its second year, gives guests unique opportunities to engage with National Geographic experts in a range of activities from guided tours of cultural landmarks to fly-fishing and safari excursions.

TWITTER: Follow Hotelmine

FACEBOOK: Hotelmine Fan Page

• Slip into the Cenotes – June 4-8, 2010. One of the world’s leading environmental anthropologists, underwater cave expert Dr. Kenny Broad will lead a snorkeling expedition through the freshwater jungles of the Mayan Cenotes. Join us at the AAA 5-Diamond Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya with VIP passes to Dr. Broad’s conference and bird watching tour. Guests may also explore the expansive grounds of the Fairmont Mayakoba by bike and visit the World Heritage and UNESCO site Sian Ka’an, where they will be treated to a lunch prepared by the Mayan community. Spend four nights in a Fairmont room; enjoy a $200 USD food and beverage credit; receive complimentary airport transfers, transportation to Sian Ka’an, a handcrafted Mayan welcome gift and a farewell souvenir. Snorkeling equipment and transportation to the site also provided. Rates begin at $469 USD per night.
• Paddle through Pauoa Bay –  June 25-27, 2010. Dr. Kenny Broad heads to The Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island of Hawaii, one of the most stunning settings in the Pacific Ocean. Dr. Broad will lead a two-day Hawaiian Exploration complete with snorkel adventures, underwater photography and presentations from his underwater expeditions. Package includes luxurious nightly accommodation, welcome reception; daily breakfast for two, and Fun & Sun Activity Passes for a variety of beach and cultural activities at the 32-acre oceanfront resort. Rates begin at $399 USD per night.
• Diving with “Her Deepness” – August 12-16, 2010. Join legendary oceanographer, Dr. Sylvia Earle, named “Her Deepness” by the New Yorker and the New York Times, at the AAA 5-Diamond Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya. A private cocktail reception with Dr. Earle will mark the start of an unforgettable holiday. Enjoy four nights in a Fairmont Room and receive VIP access to Dr. Earle’s conference and Q&A session. The action-packed agenda includes a scuba diving expedition* (inclusive of equipment and transportation), a bird-watching boat trip, a bicycle tour and a one day visit to the World Heritage and UNESCO site Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve accompanied by a Mayan guide where guests will walk through the largest coastal Mayan archaeological site, take a boat ride, and go for an easy swim in the river. Package includes a $200 USD food and beverage credit; complimentary airport transfers, a handcrafted Mayan welcome gift and a farewell souvenir. Rates begin at $469 USD per night. * Scuba diving is exclusive for certified divers.

In addition to these summer adventures, Fairmont will introduce more Global Explorer packages later in the year. Upcoming destinations will include Fairmont Singapore and Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg.

Ace Hardware, Amazon.com, American Express, Amica Mutual Insurance, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Branch Banking & Trust, Charles Schwab, Dell, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Jaguar, L.L. Bean, Lexus, Nordstrom, Panera Bread, Publix Super Markets, Southwest Airlines, Starbucks, The Ritz-Carlton, True Value, USAA, Wegmans Food Markets, WestJet

Investing in Employees

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Investing in Technology

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Investing in Customers

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The pivot point is that we can learn much from those companies that blaze the way with excellent customer service.  We don’t need to re-invent the customer service wheel.  And while not every solution will be appropriate for all companies, these stalwarts set the bar high when innovating around, and executing on customer service.

Which companies are customer service trailblazers that should make the next Business Week list?

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