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 …

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the real estate market, with luxury hotel brands such as VERTU Hotels and Resorts venturing into the residential sector. These brands are now offering hotel residences, providing owners and investors with a unique opportunity to experience the epitome of luxury living and be part of a new type of community, combined with world-class hospitality services. Here is a trend and highlights of the benefits for those considering purchasing hotel residences…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

VERTU HOTELS AND RESORTS´ Founder and CEO Gerald Lampaert reminding some of the basics for Service Excellence in the hospitality industry.

Working in the hospitality industry can be both demanding and rewarding, and it is not uncommon for individuals to form close bonds with their colleagues….