The Hospitality Blog

At VERTU Hospitality,
we love to share various experiences, topics, news with our readers.

Gerald Lampaert Gerald Lampaert

The Pros and Cons of Rebranding a Hotel Group.

As I went through several rebranding initiatives in the past with other hotel groups, reading the announcement of the very successful Jumeirah rebranding a couple of days ago, made me brainstorming about the pros and cons of such an initiative in our industry, the purpose of doing so and the actions to take or to avoid in order to do it right…

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The People in Hospitality Gerald Lampaert The People in Hospitality Gerald Lampaert

Why Black and White ?

I very often get asked the question why the VERTU Hotels and Resorts and VERTU Hospitality logos are mostly Black and White.

As much as I love many other colors, I have to says that choosing the Black and the white was an obvious and easy decision to make. Choosing black and white as the standard and basic colors for VERTU Hotels and Resorts is a powerful and sophisticated design choice. These colors convey a sense of luxury, elegance, strength, and neutrality, among other positive aspects and benefits. I also always remember a quote from Coco Chanel stating : “I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony“. She was so right and the succès of her brand demonstrated it very quickly.

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Hospitality Sustainability Gerald Lampaert Hospitality Sustainability Gerald Lampaert

Embracing Sustainability, a Prerequisite at VERTU Hotels and Resorts

At VERTU Hotels and Resorts, we believe in curating experiences that not only transcend expectations but also contribute to a sustainable and responsible future. Our commitment to authenticity extends beyond impeccable service and luxurious accommodations; it encompasses a dedication to the local communities we serve and the planet we call home. This translates in a few impactful topics …

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Gerald Lampaert Gerald Lampaert

Leveraging External Hospitality Experts for Operational Excellence.

VERTU Hospitality is on the cusp of completing a substantial multi-property mountain resort audit and project management endeavor. This significant undertaking underscores our commitment to delivering results and maximizing the potential of hospitality ventures in diverse settings.

Our imminent success in managing this extensive project further exemplifies the depth of our expertise and the practical application of our vision. We believe that this hands-on experience positions us uniquely to share our knowledge with other hotels and resorts seeking transformation and growth. By sharing our vision and expertise described below, we aim to facilitate a ripple effect of positive change within the hospitality industry.

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Gerald Lampaert Gerald Lampaert

Staff party - a true social benefit ?

Recently, I was kindly invited to one of the hotel’s staff party. I have to admit that it was so delightful to see the whole staff of the hotel getting together and having lots of fun dancing and singing . I believe that such events are so efficient and helpful, and unifying team members is always a good idea.

Organising staff parties in the hospitality industry brings a multitude of social and human benefits to the organisation , fostering a vibrant and positive workplace culture….

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Customer Experience Gerald Lampaert Customer Experience Gerald Lampaert

The Exquisite Advantage of a Michelin-Star Rated Executive Chef in a Hotel Restaurant

When it comes to culinary excellence, few accolades hold as much prestige and recognition as the Michelin star. For discerning food enthusiasts, the mere mention of a Michelin-starred restaurant conjures visions of gastronomic delights and unparalleled dining experiences. Now imagine having a Michelin-star rated executive chef at the helm of a restaurant in a hotel. This combination offers a unique and compelling advantage, elevating the entire hotel experience to extraordinary heights. Let's delve into the benefits of having such a renowned chef gracing the kitchen of a hotel restaurant.

A Michelin-star rated executive chef is a maestro in the culinary world, having proven their exceptional skills, innovation, and creativity. Their dishes are often an exquisite blend of flavors, textures, and presentation, leaving diners with an unforgettable taste sensation. With such a chef leading the kitchen, the hotel restaurant can offer a menu that tantalizes taste buds, pushes culinary boundaries, and keeps guests coming back for more.

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Customer Experience Gerald Lampaert Customer Experience Gerald Lampaert

The evolution of hospitality: from hotel rooms to immersive experiences.

Last week, we were on a romantic trip to Dubai to celebrate our soon to come 15th anniversary. I had booked a very nice mid-day swimming experience at Aura SkyPool & Lounge at the top (50th floor) of the Saint Regis Dubai the Palm. It was a unique moment of celebration with bubbles and fresh fruits with a stunning view on the city and The Palm Jumeirah, and it made me brainstorm about the evolution of hotels and destinations nowadays.

In the ever-changing landscape of the hospitality industry, a paradigm shift has occurred, transforming it from a simple transactional model of selling hotel rooms to a captivating realm of destinations where customer experience takes center stage. Much like the entertainment industry, hospitality has undergone a metamorphosis, now revolving around the concept of immersive experiences that surprise, relax, and create good vibes for guests. In today's world, couples and families seek uniqueness and memorable encounters they can enjoy and share with friends, leading to an explosion of creativity and crazy concepts that aim to surpass guest expectations.

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Customer Experience Gerald Lampaert Customer Experience Gerald Lampaert

The Common Denominator between Luxury Hospitality and High Jewellery

This morning I was listening to a podcast where Estelle Lagarde, the famous jewellery designer and gouache painter, was speaking about her career path. Part of the content of her talk made me think about hospitality and what we are trying to achieve every day at VERTU Hotels and Resorts. In fact, in the realm of refined indulgence and exquisite craftsmanship, the two distinct worlds converge in a shared pursuit of creating extraordinary experiences.

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Hotel Operations Gerald Lampaert Hotel Operations Gerald Lampaert

The Crucial Role of a Maintenance & Engineering Department in a Hotel.

A well-maintained hotel is a haven for guests seeking comfort, convenience, and exceptional experiences. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of professionals in the maintenance and engineering department plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation and seamless functioning of the hotel's infrastructure. Let’s explore the importance of the maintenance and engineering department in a hotel, highlighting the most common requests they receive from both management and clients.

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Customer Experience Gerald Lampaert Customer Experience Gerald Lampaert

The Importance of a Delicate and Personalized Olfactive Experience in Hotel Public Areas

When we think of luxury and comfort in hotels, we often focus on visual aesthetics, impeccable service, and lavish amenities. However, there is one crucial aspect that can often be overlooked—the power of scent. Harnessing the art of olfactory design to create a delicate and personalized olfactive experience in hotel public areas can significantly enhance the overall guest experience, leaving a lasting impression and fostering emotional connections.

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Gerald Lampaert Gerald Lampaert

The Enigma Elevator

Gérald Lampaert, a weary businessman, stepped into the sleek hotel elevator with a sigh of relief. His back ached, and his mind buzzed with thoughts of the day's meetings. All he wanted was to reach his room, unwind, and forget about the stresses of his work, get a shower, get dressed and go to the wedding party of some distant relatives. As the elevator doors closed, he pressed the button for the top (so called executive) floor.

However, as the elevator began to go up, it came to an abrupt halt between floors. The lights flickered momentarily, plunging the confined space into darkness…

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