by Prof. Dr. Klaus Jamin

Have you ever been disappointed with a hotel you booked? Were the rooms dirty, the service unprofessional, did the staff not know a single word of German or English? If so, you have certainly filed a written complaint with the organizer, often without response.

This is where hotel review portals come into play. They are often organized by private persons, although this cannot be verified. According to experts, there are around 10 review portals for tourism-related services in Germany, with many more in the English-speaking region.

Ralph Alsdorf was appointed General Manager of andel’s Hotel in Berlin on April 1, 2009. The 4-star superior andel’s Berlin design hotel, opened in March, is situated near historic Alexanderplatz square in the heart of the German capital. The interiors, designed by the British duo of architects Jestico + Whiles, make the hotel a must for lovers of architecture and design.

The andel’s Hotel Berlin features a total of 557 rooms, a large conference and events area, and a noble ballroom, and belongs to the Vienna International Hotels and Resorts Group. Float above the city in the fully glass enclosed Sky Café and Sky Bar on the 12th and 14th floor of the andel’s Hotel and see Berlin from a whole new perspective.

The premier hotel in Hurghada, the Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel, welcomed general managers of the various 5-star properties in the region for talks with HE Zoheir Garranah, the Egyptian Minister of Tourism.

The 5-star Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel invited for a General Managers’ Meeting on July 9th 2009, with the support of the Minister of Tourism, the Chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Authority and the Counsellor to the Minister. The 12 General Managers attending the meeting had the opportunity to discuss present issues they now faced in their industry

Germany’s second-largest airline is extending its Business Class offers to Thailand. Air Berlin passengers booking business class flights from Germany, Austria or Switzerland to Bangkok will have at their disposal a free-of-charge limousine transfer into the city until April 30, 2010. The passengers will be received directly at the gate. After immigration and baggage claim, the limousine will be waiting in front of the arrivals hall to bring Air Berlin passengers from the airport to the city, as well as to Pattaya, Cha Am, Hua Hin, Rayong and Ban Paeh, and back.

by editor’s office, ch, tophotel

Premium jobs on the Arabian Gulf: The world’s first Armani Hotel in the 800-meter high Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest tower, is planning to acquire 600 members of staff from all over the world. According to hotel statements, the aim is to establish a cosmopolitan team.

Situated on the bottom eight stories, as well as on levels 38 and 39, the hotel’s 160 rooms and suites were personally designed by Giorgo Armani. The facilities will include a restaurant, meeting rooms, night club, spa, shops and a gallery. It will also feature fully serviced Armani Residences.

Phuket’s Most Spacious All-Suite Family Resort Awaits You! The Bel Air Resort & Spa, Panwa – Phuket announces the start of the vacation season with the launch of its “FAMILY FUN IN THE SUN” promotions.

The special rates are inclusive of complimentary transportation roundtrip transfers from and to Phuket International Airport; Breakfast for 4 persons; free access to multi venue Kids World, free wireless internet access, discount of 50% on all food and beverage, discount of 50% on laundry services and late check-out up to 6:00 p.m. (subject to availability). Rates are net and inclusive of service charge, VAT and subject to availability.