E-signatures accepted at Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11

Source: Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11 website.

Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11 has launched electronic signature capability with a paperless check-in system designed to eliminate the need to print check-in receipts or registration cards and speed up the check-in process. According to the Aloft Bangkok, it is the first property in the Starwood stable worldwide to offer the service. 

The new technology has simplified the traditional check-in process by enabling all information related to room reservations to be displayed on a tablet computer. Guests simply sign on the tablet with a stylus and receive their bills electronically at a preferred email address. 

The hotel added paperless techniques to the reservation system a month ago. The new system will save an estimated 120,000 pieces of paper. "We strive to provide guests comfort while protecting and caring for the environment," said Justin Malcolm, General Manager of Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11.

Starwood opens first Element hotel in Asia Pacific

Source: Element Suzhou website.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has debuted its eco-conscious Element brand in Asia Pacific with the opening of the Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town in Suzhou, China. Owned by Suzhou Science and Technology Town Kexin Cultural Tourism Development Company, the new Element hotel is set to offer healthy, active travellers a sustainable stay.

Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town is located in the Science and Technology Town, an eco-city in the heart of Suzhou National New & Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone (SND). Known as the Venice of the East and f or its UNESCO World Heritage-listed classical gardens, Suzhou is a major city in the southeast of Jiangsu Province, half an hour by speed train from Shanghai. The hotel is 30 minutes' drive from Sunan Shuofang International Airport (WUX).

"As Starwood's eco-innovation lab, the Element brand has changed the face of extended stay with its light-filled atmosphere, eco-minded design and commitment to innovation," said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. "On track to triple its global portfolio by the end of 2017, Element is experiencing tremendous growth momentum and the brand's debut in Asia Pacific is set to pave the way for more growth opportunities in the region."

Element signed 19 deals in 2014 and is on track to triple its portfolio by 2017, with key China openings such as Element Chongli in Zhangjiakou, Element Sanya Haitang Bay in Sanya and Element Tianjin Beicheng in Tianjin in the pipeline. 

Said Stephen Ho, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific: "Recent studies have shown that consumers are becoming increasingly interested in environmentally-friendly practices and products, as well as sustainable living. We are confident that the stylish and sustainable Element brand ethos that modern design flows from nature will resonate with travellers and meet that demand."

Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town has 188 rooms and suites. Guests can work, play, or relax in the spacious, smart and modern guestrooms, all of which offer natural lighting. Each room comes with an energy-efficient kitchen; the signature Heavenly Beds, spa-inspired baths, separate rain showers and natural bath amenities. 

Each room also features a work space installed with office and entertainment equipment. There is complimentary Internet access and a one-stop connectivity solution that allows guests to hook up portable electronics to their in-room TV. SPG Keyless Check-In – a mobile, keyless entry system that allows guests to use their smartphone as a key – is available at Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town. The hotel also offers 1,200 sq m of flexible meeting space with modular fast and free Wi-Fi throughout.

Guests can eat at Salon, an all-day dining restaurant, or enjoy a variety of traditional local, Huaiyang and authentic Cantonese cuisines in private rooms. A daily Relax evening reception offers food and beverage pairings. 

Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town has an opening package starting from RMB 558 net for a one-night stay in a standard room, including breakfast for one person. SPG members will receive double Starpoints as part of the package. In addition, SPG members will enjoy a 20% discount on all food and beverage consumption at Salon.

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Sheraton Bandung to observe Earth Hour 2015, offers Earth Hour restaurant promos

Source: Sheraton Bandung website. The Feast restaurant.

The Sheraton Bandung Hotel & Towers (SBHT) has announced that it will observe Earth Hour on 28 March 2015 at 8.30 pm, the seventh year it has done so.

Sheraton Bandung will turn off some non-essential lights around the hotel entrance, lobby, restaurant and other public areas for the hour, and also encourage the hotel guests to participate by requesting them to turn off the lights in their rooms and gather at the Feast Restaurant. To commemorate the event, Feast Restaurant will offer a traditional music performance (kecapi suling).

Sheraton Bandung will also offer 25% discount for the dinner buffet at Feast Restaurant on 28 March while the Toastina Pastry and Coffee House will also offer 25% discount for beverages for guests who bring their own tumblers. The Toastina offer is valid to 31 March 2015.

Earth Hour is a worldwide grassroots movement uniting people to protect the planet, and is organised by the WWF. This year will mark Starwood’s seventh annual participation in Earth Hour, making it one of the largest global companies to make a pronounced global statement with a voluntary hour of darkness. Earth Hour is just one of the many ways Starwood acts in support of its 30/20 by 20 goals, which is the company’s commitment to reduce energy consumption by 30% and water consumption by 20% by 2020 across its entire portfolio. 

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific receives China HR Staff Award for leadership development

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific has received the “Best Practice in Leadership Development” accolade for Starwood Careers at the prestigious 17th China HR Staff Awards 2014 held in Suzhou, China.

Inaugurated in 1998, the China Staff Awards by CCH, a Wolters Kluwer company, is known as one of the most reputable human resources (HR) awards in Greater China. They are also known as the 'Oscars' of the HR community. The Best Practice in Leadership Development award is bestowed on the organisation that has displayed clear and well-executed strategies in talent selection, motivation and development at all associate levels. The award also recognises outstanding programmes such as formal coaching and mentoring programmes that help develop and nurture potential successors to ensure business continuity.

Dylan Choong, Director, Human Resources, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific said, “The award is truly an encouragement and a testament that our talent management and development programme, Starwood Careers, is nurturing the future leaders of the hospitality industry. This award also goes out to our dedicated mentors and associates who have worked hard over the years to implement and execute the initiatives within the programme.”

Starwood Careers was conceptualised specifically in the Asia Pacific to fit the region’s unique needs. It seeks to proactively build Starwood’s talent bench strength through strategic integrated approaches for talent management and development. Since 2003, Starwood Careers has nurtured more than 10,000 Associates; and in 2014 alone, more than 3,000 Associates across Asia Pacific are expected to benefit from Starwood Careers.

Participating for the first time, Starwood Asia Pacific is one of 13 organisations honored in the annual awards that confer recognition on organisations with the best practices in key areas of human capital management and development. Starwood was also a finalist for the “Best Practice in Engagement and Retention” award for Starwood Cares, Starwood’s commitment towards creating a more caring and supportive workplace. This award seeks to recognise companies that successfully and meaningfully keep their most valued employees engaged.

Starwood continues to be one of the fastest growing hotel companies in Asia Pacific. It currently has over 280 hotels in operation and over 220 hotels in the pipeline; and since January 2014, Starwood has opened more than 18 hotels across its nine lifestyle brands in Asia Pacific. To date, the company has received over 20 awards and accolades in the areas of employee engagement, talent development, training and employer of choice.