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Volume 7, Issue 16, April 22, 2009 |
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| Intelligence | Battle Of The Hotel Titans |
 read the current issue |
| Survey | Which private/fractional jet service do you use? | |
| News | A New SkyTeam Member | American’s New 737s | Cuban And Antarctica Policies | Hotels Green Forecast | Global Traveler Opportunities | |
| eTested | Boé Restaurant | |
| Dollars & Sense | Free Weekends | Fly Your Family For Less | Shop & Relax | Girlfriends’ Getaway | Two Days Left |
Two of the largest domestic hotel corporations, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Hotels Corporation, are about to go head to head in a legal battle, amidst allegations of stolen information.
Starwood has filed a lawsuit against Hilton and two senior executives, Ross Klein and Amar Lalvani, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Klein and Lalvani, both former Starwood executives, are alleged to have stolen more than 100,000 electronic files from the company. Starwood further alleges the two were aided and abetted by the Hilton Corporation and the information was used to hasten Hilton’s entry into the lifestyle market, reposition its luxury brands and reduce risks and costs.
The suit charges Klein and Lalvani were recruited to Hilton in 2008 and, before and after joining Hilton, they, along with other recruited Starwood employees, stole truckloads of important documentation — including confidential information about the W hotel brand, which Hilton allegedly used to develop Denizen, its lifestyle brand — breaching their contractual and fiduciary obligations.
According to information released by Starwood, in November 2008 Starwood initiated arbitration with Klein over the non-solicitation provisions in his employment contract and separation agreement and put Hilton on notice to preserve relevant information. Three months later Starwood received from Hilton eight large boxes of hard copy documents, as well as computer hard drives, zip drives, and thumb drives containing more than 100,000 electronic files downloaded from Starwood computers, much of it highly proprietary.
Specifically, the information includes development plans, financial information, negotiation strategies, step-by-step details on property conversion (including training materials, marketing information and more) and third-party marketing and demographic studies.
Starwood is requesting a court order requiring Hilton return all information and prove the destruction of the information. The court order would stop Hilton from promotion or roll-out of its new Denizen brand. Starwood is seeking compensatory and punitive damages from the three defendants, as well as a detailed analysis of all revenue and expense savings resulting from the stolen information.
Contacted by Global Traveler, Ellen Gonda, senior vice president of global communications and public relations, Hilton Hotels Corporation, issued the following statement: “Hilton Hotels Corporation believes this lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend itself.” 
SkyTeam signed a preliminary agreement with Vietnam Airlines last week. This is the first step towards Vietnam Airlines membership in the alliance. A signing ceremony took place in Hanoi, with several representatives from Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines and SkyTeam. Vietnam Airlines is expected to join the alliance in 2010, once all of the SkyTeam membership requirements are fulfilled. The addition will greatly increase SkyTeam’s presence in Southeast Asia. Click here to read more about Hanoi.
American Airlines introduced two new Boeing 737-800 aircraft into its fleet last week. These are the first of 36 new 737s that will arrive through 2011. The aircraft burn 35 percent less fuel than the MD-80s currently in service on select American Airlines’ routes. The new aircraft, which can carry 160 passengers, feature more comfortable, spacious first- and economy-class seats, larger overhead storage bins, improved in-flight entertainment systems, drop-down LCD monitors and 110V AC power ports.
The Obama administration introduced limited changes to the Cuban travel ban. President Obama will allow unlimited travel and money transfers between Cuban Americans and their family in Cuba. The administration has eliminated the ban limiting visitations to a single two-week trip every three years. The change applies only to Cuban-Americans.
Additionally, the administration is seeking limits on and strict enforcement of travel and tourism to Antarctica. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has requested a formalization of policies for members of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operations.
Worldhotels, a European global group for independent hotels, introduced 23 new environmental standards to its annual quality checks. The move will encourage affiliated properties to welcome more green initiatives. The new standards include energy-efficient light bulbs, organic amenities, towel and linen re-use programs, organic cleaning products, recycling bins in public places and organic, local food products.
Now is your chance to get published in Global Traveler. We are opening up our Journal page to reader submissions. Winning photographs will be published and the photographer will receive a copy of Graphic Arts Publishing Portrait of a Place series photography books. Click here to upload your submission.
There is less than a month left to bid in our online charity auction, benefiting Pencils for Kids, Inc. Hotel stays, airline tickets and more are still on the block at prices well below market rates. Bid today.
Attention United 1K members! Global Traveler and United are once again searching for the “1K Global Traveler of the Year.” This year’s question: How has being a frequent traveler shaped and defined you? Stay tuned for more details; the contest kicks off May 1.
Crescent Hotel
403 North Crescent Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
tel 310 247 0505
During a stay in Los Angeles, I enjoyed lunch at Boé at the Crescent Hotel. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating and, as it was an unseasonably warm January afternoon, I opted to dine outside. The outdoor patio has a series of tables on the right side, with lounge benches and a fireplace on the left. Inside, the bar is on the right, with more tables and living room style seating on the left.
Boé serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The restaurant also offers a lounge and cocktail menu. Executive Chef Chanda Clark creates American cuisine with a twist. There is not an overwhelming selection on each menu, but there is certainly something for everyone.
The Dodd-Mitchell-designed restaurant is simplistic. The tables were clean and basic with white linens and a green apple, the signature design element. The restaurant is affordable, with meals in the $20-30 range. It is definitely a hip locale.
For lunch, I chose the sesame chicken salad. I was coming off a breakfast meeting, so I was looking for something light and refreshing. The salad — napa cabbage, mixed greens, red pepper, chicken, carrots, basil, cilantro, caramelized sesame walnuts and a sweet chili dressing — hit the spot. Without a doubt, the walnuts were my favorite. The sesame seeds gave them a unique flavor and the crunch was a nice addition to the salad. It was a decent portion, without being too large. While I did not try anything else, I understand the mini curry-burgers and the tableside roast-your-own-marshmallows are popular options.
The restaurant’s name comes from Bacchus, Orpheus, Epicurus — Greek figures dedicated to the good life — which perfectly sums up the atmosphere at Boé.
Score: ••••• Kimberly Krol
Starwood Preferred Guests have an exciting opportunity to earn free weekend stays. Between May 1 and July 31, new and existing members can earn one free weekend night (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) for every two stays at any Starwood property. There are no limits to the number of stays; SPG members can combine free stays and book without blackout dates through September. Visit the Web site to register for the promotion. Read more on the Starwood Preferred Guest program here.
AeroMexico’s Family Plan has redefined affordable family travel. Through Dec. 15, families purchasing three or four tickets will receive one free ticket. The complimentary ticket is good for the same flight and class of service for any passenger regardless of relationship. Select routes apply. Visit the Web site. Bid on two round-trip tickets on AeroMexico in Global Traveler’s online auction — another great option for affordable travel to Mexico.
Trump International Hotel Las Vegas teamed up with Nordstrom to offer the Shop & Spa Experience. The package includes a one-night stay in a suite, one 40-minute massage or facial, a spa gift, a $100 Nordstrom gift card, a professional wardrobe consultation and the services of a personal stylist. Call 866 939 8786, email, or visit the Web site for reservations. Mention Shop & Spa.
The Young Island Resort, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is offering a Girlfriend Getaway package, available for $900 per person. Through Dec. 19, the packages includes round-trip airport transfers, five-nights’ accommodations in a superior cottage, a complimentary bottle of wine, three meals per day, a three-course dinner voucher at French Verandah restaurant, a 60-minute massage, scuba dive courses for two, non-motorized water sports, day or night tennis and basic laundry. Call 800 223 1108 or visit the Web site.
British Airways launched a last-minute sale on flights to London. Through April 24, round-trip airfares between New York (JFK/EWR) and London (LHR) are available for as low as $312. Passengers purchasing round-trip tickets will receive a free three-day London Pass, available for use at a number of top London attractions. The sale ends at midnight on the 24th, and sale fares are available from all of BA’s U.S. gateways. The offer is valid for travel from April 28 through May 24. Visit the Web site.
