Travel perks

Latin Trade, Feb, 2004

While travel for business and pleasure has many rewards, the unexpected extra services found along the way make each experience more pleasant and memorable.

Many of these added travel "perks" are designed to soothe the weary globetrotter and leave guests feeling like royalty visiting with family during their journey. Others make travel as convenient and cost effective as possible even before the first voyage is booked.

"It is the sum total of all the little things that create a special relationship between host and guest," according to Ron Roy, vice president of business travel and distribution for Sol Melia Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's most successful hotel groups offering 350 hotels in more than 30 countries worldwide via four brands: Melia Hotels, Tryp Hotels, Sol Hotels and Paradisus Resorts.

Sol Melia offers its "Mas" program to guests who stay in the company's hotels frequently. They enjoy preferential reservations, free companion stays (especially important in European and Asian hotels), express check-in, free newspapers and credit card cashing privileges. Late check-outs are also offered and particularly appreciated by those on long haul travel schedules, Roy said.

Guests of the group's Royal Service suites enjoy a personalized pillow menu, access to meeting facilities, fully equipped work spaces, plus breakfasts and cocktails served in a private lounge. Taking relaxation to the maximum, Sol Melia's garden villas offer a personalized sheet menu and a private pool and garden area with outdoor massage pavilion.

"The perks are all about feeling comfortable in an atmosphere of warmth and welcome," said Roy. "Many of our guests also appreciate certain recipes that they can expect when they stay with us and the fact that they often see staff who have greeted them on numerous stays."

InterContinental Hotels' "Little Things That Make a Difference" program is also designed to anticipate guests' needs. This global hotel group offers international guests the "Jet Lag Recovery Kit"--a pack of special aromatherapy products and tips to help them adjust to local time zone changes. They are also offered a complimentary 15-minute head and neck massage to help relieve the stresses of a busy workday or long flight, plus an Insider's Guide to the City guidebook.

Access to personal concierge and shopping services is provided as well, along with "Instant Money"--a pack of local currency worth about US$25 in small denominations that can be charged to the guest's folio for an easier count of expenses. Included in the package is a guide on local tipping and customs.

To keep current with events at home, guests of InterContinental Hotels can view "WorldChannels", which features television programming from their native country and in their own language.

While away from home, guests of Grupo Real's six Real InterContinental hotels in Central America enjoy all the perks of personalized service 24 hours a day.

A one-stop service button on each room's telephone provides access to all that guests require--regardless of the time of day or night. They can enjoy a work-out in the gym, valet or room service at their convenience, in addition to 24-hour access to fully-equipped, high-tech business centers. Rooms are also outfitted with high-speed Internet access and plush appointments and toiletries.

"We know that a hotel should also combine the efficiency of your office with the comfort of your home," said Camilo Bolanos, director of sales and marketing for Grupo Real, a company dedicated to exemplary hotel administration and operation in Central and North America. "Style, elegance, service and above all--international understanding--define the essence of our chain."

VIP guests can enjoy access to the upscale Club InterContinental floors, where they will benefit from preferred accommodations, private registration, early check-in and late check-out, a private club lounge featuring complimentary breakfast buffet and evening cocktails, a comprehensive business library and access to private meeting facilities.

Hilton International's Equilibrium program aims to relieve the stress associated with a business trip away from home by relaxing, restoring and refreshing guests. This series of perks is based on research the company commissioned regarding the needs and preferences of the modern business traveler.

Rooms within the group's 400 hotels in 60 countries are divided by decor and other features into three zones: Relaxation, work and bathroom. As guests enter they are treated to aromatherapy and provided with an array of specialty massage and toiletry products. An assortment of books, DVDs and CDs are provided in the relaxation area, which is separated from a comfortably appointed, state-of-the-art work area by a screen. Bathrooms feature spa baths and "power showers" with body jets, as well as television.

"We understand how difficult it is to travel and we try to provide our guests with balance in the experience," said Kelly J. Yoder, vice president of sales and marketing for Hilton International--The Americas. "We try to put back a little of what life takes out in the process of travel."