Limpert Tech "SullyCast" on ALT 105.7 and iHeartRadio 11/14/20 - Claudia Di Gino, Novotel Miami Brickell Hotel

More hotel and hospitality talk this week as Rick is joined by the GM of the Novotel Miami Brickell, Claudia Di Gino.

The Novotel Miami Brickell has reopened its doors—and heart—to guests and visitors with rooms starting at great rates.  A Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice 2020 winner, the hotel is nestled in the heart of Miami's bustling Brickell neighborhood, within walking distance of many of the city's top dining and shopping attractions.

In an effort to welcome guests from both near and far, Novotel Miami Brickell just launched two great offers: a Family Roadtrip package and a special offer called “Stay Close,” which is essentially a 50 percent savings.

Have a listen to Rick and Claudia:

 The family roadtrip package includes:

Accommodations in the hotel’s Skyline Suite (starting at $389) or Executive Suite (starting at $219) for minimum of five nights
20 percent off two connecting rooms
15 percent discount on self-parking
Complimentary grab and go for breakfast, including scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, coffee, tea or juice
Complimentary masks for the family

Check with hotel for availability.

“The hotel’s top priority remains the safety, care and wellbeing of our Novotel Miami Brickell family. Welcoming, safeguarding and taking care of others is at the very heart of what we do and who we are,” said Di Gino, Novotel Miami Brickell. “Today, this means keeping our guests and employees safe by preventing the spread of COVID-19 – partnering with top experts to implement new standards of safety and enhanced operational protocols and procedures which are among the most stringent in the hospitality industry.”



The new operational standards being implemented at Novotel Miami Brickell and at Accor properties across North & Central America were developed and vetted by a team of expert advisors to ensure maximum efficacy in preventing the spread of all viruses and pathogens, including COVID-19, with oversight by Bureau Veritas, a world leader in testing, inspections and certification; Dr. Amesh Adalja, Senior Scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security & fellow with the Infectious Diseases Society of America; and Ruth Petran, Ph.D., CFS, Senior Corporate Scientist, Food Safety and Public Health, for Ecolab, global leaders in cleaning and hygiene, and trusted advisors to the CDC. At each touchpoint along the guest journey through Novotel Miami Brickell, extensive measures are being taken to protect guests and employees, including physical distancing; mandatory screening for all guests and employees, which may include a temperature check; face coverings mandated for all employees and guests in all indoor public spaces; 48 hour “resting period” for soft goods (i.e. pillows & duvets) between guest stays; increased frequency of cleaning & disinfecting, with a focus on high-touch points; and continued use of EPA registered disinfecting chemicals, proven effective in preventing the transmission of COVID-19. Hands-on training for all employees, a dedicated on-property rollout committee and a formal audit program, validated under the global ALLSAFE Cleanliness label, ensure initial and continued compliance.

 

“As we welcome our friends, family and community back to Novotel Miami Brickell, please be assured that we are looking ahead, through and past the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure that our valued guests and employees will always be looked after with the highest degree of safety, care and comfort.”

Safety, comfort and sports travel. In a great Miami neighborhood. Fun talking with Claudia.

Get more info here.

Limpert Tech "SullyCast" on ALT 105.7 - The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

While attending Adobe Summit in Las Vegas last week, Rick has the opportunity to stay at the high tech and centrally located... THE COSMOPOLITAN of LAS VEGAS

See more at: https://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/

From gambling to eating to relaxing and the best rooms in Las Vegas, it's The Cosmopolitan that now sets the standards in so many ways, in Las Vegas.

The resort opened on December 15, 2010, and is located just south of the Bellagio on the west side of Las Vegas Boulevard.

It consists of two highrise towers, the Boulevard Tower and the Chelsea Tower, both of which are 184 meters (603 ft) tall. The $3.9 billion project features 3,027 rooms, a 110,000 sq ft (10,000 m2) casino, 300,000 sq ft (28,000 m2) of retail and restaurant space, a 40,000 sq ft (3,700 m2) spa and fitness facility, a 3,200-seat theater, and 150,000 sq ft (14,000 m2) of meeting and convention space.

In 2013, the hotel was rated "The Best Hotel in the World" by Gogobot. In 2015, the resort was named to the Condé Nast Traveller Gold List as one of the "Top Hotels in the World".

You can explore the one-of-a-kind restaurant collection featuring the Las Vegas debuts of world-class chefs. Let our stylish art and design exhilarate your cultural sensibilities and our vibrant nightlife capture your imagination. The eclectic mix of hand-selected boutiques, an unrivaled Pool District, 100,000 square-foot casino, and serene Sahra Spa & Hammam complete an unforgettable luxury experience.
 

Here's what Rick found when it comes to technology at The Cosmo


1.  Tech upgrades to the rooms

Rooms are outfitted with top-of-the-line technology that millennials will likely find very appealing. An iPad “virtual concierge” will enable guests to make restaurant and spa reservations, buy tickets, order room service, schedule wake-up calls, and control lighting and temperature. This will also be a great tool for meeting professionals to utilize. They’ll be able to communicate with attendees to send updates and alerts about the itinerary.

Additional include 65-inch Samsung TVs to stay entertained with Hulu, YouTube, Pandora, Crackle and NetFlix, and personal Bluetooth connectivity.


2.   Rose - The Cosmopolitan's resident Chatbox

Rose was unveiled in January of 2017. She is a chatbot unlike other chatbots in the hospitality space as she is playful, savvy, quick-witted and inspiring—reflecting the distinct mystique of the resort and its guests. Rose is an expression of The Cosmopolitan’s luxury-with-a-wink take on hospitality. Rose uses her wit, charm and bold personality to help guests have a better time. She is uniquely designed to move guests around the resort and surprise them along the way. Upon check in, guests are given a mysterious card in a room key packet with a phone number on it. Once guests begin texting the number, they will be introduced to Rose, who does more than any one person could do alone. Through interactive technology using real-time text messaging conversations, Rose guides guests through art tours as well as a variety of tours, has the ability to arrange for amenity delivery (towels, pillows, etc.) to guest rooms, suggests the perfect restaurant, recommends indulgent cocktails and even plays games. More complex questions or requests are handled by CoStars behind the scenes.
-  Important to note: Rose will be the first and only chatbot to communicate and serve guests that are players at the casino.

3.  Three types of pools to enjoy

The Pools at the Cosmopolitan features three different types: a relaxing pool, day club pool and nightclub pool.

4. Underground Parking

The Cosmopolitan was the second Las Vegas hotel, after The Palazzo, to feature an underground parking garage underneath the hotel. As a result, the parking garage was built first. In December 2007, work finished on the 70-foot hole for the parking structure, while other foundation work remained in progress.

5.  LED displays in Lobby

There are 408 LED high-definition screens, which play an inspired mix of videos created in partnership with artists from all over the world.

Powered by some 90 computers and 25 miles of cable, this stunning display of art and tech gets a complete refresh every 30 minutes — When you enter the hotel you will be greeted by a whole new presentation of sight.

Limpert Tech "SullyCast" on Radio 105.7 and iHeartRadio - Hotel Technology, The Jefferson

Rick and Sully this week, talk about Rick's fantastic visit to The Jefferson in Richmond, VA and see how they are keeping the traditional feel of the historic hotel and blending it with the technology we all want and use.

Have a listen to Rick and Sully:

Think of all the hotels you've ever stayed in. Some good, some bad, some meh.  The hotel and motel industry has become very competitive. It had to with the advent of AirB&B and the resurgemce of Bed & Breakfasts.

This has forced many old and historic properties to add and introduce new technology and up the ante when it comes to satisfying the current breed of traveler, especially business travelers.

Rick recently had the opportunity to stay at one of the old historic hotels in the country, The Jefferson in Richmond, VA. Also one of the most luxurious and now modern hotels you will find anywhere.
Built in 1895, The Jefferson Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Richmond and is within minutes of the city’s most popular attractions, restaurants and shopping.  It is a member of Preferred Hotels and Resort’s Legend Collection and a charter member of Historic Hotels of America.  Guests of The Jefferson enjoy complimentary downtown transportation, fitness center and indoor pool access, high-speed internet access and evening turndown service.  The Jefferson is also home to Lemaire Restaurant, TJ’s Restaurant, Afternoon Tea at The Jefferson and Richmond’s most famous Sunday Champagne Brunch.  For more information about The Jefferson Hotel, visit www.jeffersonhotel.com.  

Here's what The Jefferson in undergoing and some of their tech
 

1.  The Reconstruction

In March 2013 The Jefferson Hotel began a 3-phase reconstruction project.  The hotel's 262 guest rooms have been quietly rebuilt into 181 spacious new rooms, including 15 suites.  The enlarged floorplans feature entry foyers, dressing areas and luxurious new marbled baths including soaking tubs, walk-in showers and television screens in the vanity mirrors. 
 

2.  Making it New, but Keping the "Old Feel"

Each of the hotel’s magnificent public spaces has received a refresh, including new furnishings in the Rotunda and Palm Court lobbies that convey the residential feel of the guest rooms.  The century-old Rotunda ceiling has been fully restored to preserve it for generations to come.  

“The hotel has long been known for its breathtaking public spaces, exceptional service and beautiful décor.  This project has allowed us to elevate an already  unique travel experience to the next level of luxury,” says Joseph Longo, Managing Director.       

 
3. Ballrooms Get a Tech Upgrade

- Made more suitable for business meetings, events and gatherings
Ballrooms have been redecorated with fresh, new color palates and draperies along with new LED lighting and carpeting. 
* LED light bulbs lasts longer and uses less energy than other types of lighting

4.  Amenities like...

- Nespresso coffee maker and complimentary supplies
- Complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access and local telephone calls

5. Electronic Doorbell with Digital "Do Not Disturb"

- Inside the room there is a digital pad where you can set your "Do Not Disturb" sign instead of those pesky hanging signs.

 
6. Ginter Suites

- Get a Ginter Suite!
The Ginter Suites are each over 1,000-square feet and named in honor of The Jefferson’s founder, Major Lewis Ginter. A welcoming foyer, with a half bath, leads into the spacious living room with comfortable seating, a large flat screen television, a table for dining and a beautiful kitchenette with mini refrigerator, wine racks, sink and coffee maker. The bedroom features a king bed, comfortable seating and a second flat screen television. A dressing area, providing plenty of storage, is located between the bath and the bedroom area. A connecting room or suite is available for some of the Ginter Suites at an additional charge.  

*Bonus - A Little about Maj. Ginter...

In 1873, Ginter joined John F. Allen to form Allen & Ginter, a partnership selling foreign made tobacco. Shortly after, Ginter thought of manufacturing Virginia made cigarettes to compete with foreign products, and Allen & Ginter released their first line of domestic cigarettes as the "Richmond Gems" in 1875. Early production began in a factory with twenty young ladies who hand-rolled the cigarettes. The domestic cigarettes enjoyed phenomenal success, and Ginter began designs for more brands. Allen & Ginter soon released "Perfection," "Napoleon," "Virginia Pets," and "Old Dominion."