The Hospitality Blog

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

Navigating the Tides: The Economic and Environmental Impact of Cruise Tourism on Vancouver

Since arriving in Vancouver, I couldn't help but notice the steady stream of cruise ships docking at Canada Place, each one bringing thousands of visitors to the city. This constant influx of tourists piqued my curiosity about the broader impact these ships have on Vancouver.

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

Crafting Exquisite Experiences at the Grand Hotel Campione.

This week while we were working on a special project at the property, it was truly an extraordinary experience to meet with Mauro Griguoli, the General Manager at the Grand Hotel Campione, a distinguished member of Vertu Hotels and Resorts. Mauro's passion for his job, his property, and the connections he fosters with his clients is nothing short of inspiring.

From the moment our conversation began, it was evident that Mauro's enthusiasm for his role went beyond the responsibilities of a General Manager. His eyes lit up as he spoke about the intricacies of the Grand Hotel Campione, each detail of the property seemed to be a testament to his dedication. It wasn't merely a place of business for him; it was a canvas on which he painted his passion for hospitality.

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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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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

Turning Mistakes into Opportunities

Last week, we were on a romantic trip to Dubai to celebrate our soon to come 15th anniversary in a few months. 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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Gerald Lampaert Gerald Lampaert

Enhancing Hospitality with AI-Generated Interior Design Renderings

In today's fast-paced world, technology has made its way into various industries, revolutionizing the way we work and create. One such innovation that has significantly impacted the world of interior design is Artificial Intelligence (AI). For developers of hotels and resorts, AI-generated interior design renderings offer a game-changing solution to visualize spaces and optimize design decisions.

AI has the ability to analyze vast amounts of data and process complex design parameters, resulting in stunningly realistic and accurate interior design renderings. This technology can translate developers' visions into virtual reality with incredible detail, bringing to life every aspect of the proposed space. By harnessing AI-generated renderings, developers can make informed decisions about the layout, colors, textures, and overall ambiance, all before a single piece of furniture is purchased or a wall is painted.

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Hôtel Lighting and Effects Gerald Lampaert Hôtel Lighting and Effects Gerald Lampaert

The importance of Customized Lighting in Hotels and Resorts

When it comes to providing a memorable customer experience, every detail matters.

Hotels and resorts, being in the hospitality industry, understand the significance of ensuring their guests have an exceptional stay. One major component that plays a pivotal role in shaping this experience is the design and installation of appropriate internal and external lighting. Customized lighting systems, combined with ultra-professional lighting and special effects companies, can create a unique wow factor that becomes a key differentiator for the guests…

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

The Human Factor in Service Excellence

In an era of technological advancement and automation, the hospitality industry has seen the emergence of self-service check-in kiosks at hotel receptions. While the allure of efficiency and cost-saving measures may be tempting, it is crucial to recognize the irreplaceable importance of experienced staff in maintaining service excellence. The human factor, characterized by personalized attention, empathy, and problem-solving capabilities, remains a cornerstone of the hospitality industry. Let’s see why hotels should prioritize retaining their experienced staff over implementing self-service check-in kiosks (although they can be a good backup plan to decongest lobby’s during peak arrival time).

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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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Hotel Construction & Renovation Gerald Lampaert Hotel Construction & Renovation Gerald Lampaert

The Smart Hotel Room of the Future: a Synergy of Architectural Vision, Guest Expectations, and Operational Efficiency

At VERTU Hospitality Services, we love working on projects for corporate clients as much as we love working on projects for ourselves. We are currently working with a flagship and state of the art independent hotel on defining all the criteria’s and the prerequisite to build the ideal smart hotel room of today as well as for the future. In this article I wanted to outline a few items of the long list of topics and solutions that we are considering essential to build that room.

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Travels Tips Gerald Lampaert Travels Tips Gerald Lampaert

Traveling Comfortably by Plane: Essential Tips of Vertu Travels Services

It is summer time and many are ready to enjoy some well deserved holidays . But are you really ready ?

Traveling by plane offers the convenience of reaching distant destinations quickly. However, long flights can sometimes be exhausting and uncomfortable. By following a few essential tips, you can ensure a comfortable journey while prioritising security, clothing choices, and medical considerations. Additionally, for an enhanced travel experience, VERTU Travels Services ( vertutravels.com ) provide exceptional benefits, especially when organising a complete itinerary to visit luxurious VERTU Hotels and Resorts in Europe or Switzerland.

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Housekeeping Department Gerald Lampaert Housekeeping Department Gerald Lampaert

The Indispensable Role of an Excellent Housekeeping Department.

A well-functioning housekeeping department is the backbone of any hotel, regardless of its star rating. From luxurious five-star resorts to cozy budget accommodations, the importance of maintaining high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and guest satisfaction cannot be overstated. Let’s explore the critical role played by an excellent housekeeping department in ensuring a memorable and comfortable stay for guests, regardless of the hotel's star rating.

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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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Hotel Rooftop Bar Music Gerald Lampaert Hotel Rooftop Bar Music Gerald Lampaert

The Significance of High Sound Quality and DJ Selection in Hotels' Rooftop Bars.

In recent years, rooftop bars have become sought-after destinations for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique blend of breathtaking views, exquisite cocktails, and vibrant ambiance. While aesthetics and libations play a vital role in shaping a rooftop bar's appeal, often overlooked but equally crucial is the role of high sound quality and the selection of a skilled DJ. At VERTU Hospitality we enforce the importance of impeccable sound and the art of DJing to elevate the experience in our own hotels as well as in our clients hotels' rooftop bars.

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Teamwork Gerald Lampaert Teamwork Gerald Lampaert

Relying on your Team of Professionals to Deliver once they get your vision.

Being the CEO is a permanent challenge, but being surrounded by a great people, makes it much easier - I am so fortunate to have a wonderful team.

A CEO's vision sets the stage for an organization's success and growth. However, a vision cannot be realized by the CEO alone. It requires the collective efforts of a team of professionals who not only understand the vision but are also committed to delivering it. Here below, I am trying to explore the significance of a shared vision and the importance of relying on a team of professionals to bring that vision to life…

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